bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las espadas de la necrópolis de El Castillo (Castejón, Navarra)
Authors: Faro Carballa José Antonio
Published: August 2017

Este artículo tiene por objeto estudiar las espadas halladas en la necrópolis de El Castillo (Castejón, Navarra). Proceden de tumbas fechadas en la Segunda Edad del Hierro, entre la 2ª ó del s. IV y el s. III a. C. Un período marcado por un proceso de generalización del armamento y por la existencia de enterramientos con panoplias complejas, con armas tanto ofensivas como defensivas. La singularidad del yacimiento se ve reflejada en el conjunto analizado, en el que se documentan tres modelos muy diferentes de espadas.
A Software Library for Multi Precision Arithmetic
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan , Abbas Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: August 2017

The most prevalent need for multiple precision arithmetic, often referred to as “bignum” math, is within the implementation of public key cryptography algorithms. Algorithms such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman require integers of significant magnitude to resist known cryptanalytic attacks. As of now, a typical RSA modulus would be at least greater than 10^309. However, modern programming languages such as ISO C and Java only provide intrinsic support for integers that are relatively small and single precision. This chapter describe the modules provided by one such library for the C Programming Language.
Social Media and Copyright in Digital Libraries
Authors: Adigun Ganiyu Ojo , Sobalaje Adewale Joel , Salau Sadiat Adetoro
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines copyright issues surrounding the use of social media platforms for services delivery in digital library environments. The chapter traces the evolutionary development of online participation, where people of common interest communicate, share and contribute content on the social cyberspace. The chapter also discusses social media, digital libraries, copyright and intellectual property right (IPR), digital rights management (DRM) and social media, copyright challenges in digital libraries and some recommendations on how best to overcome the challenges.
Open Access to Knowledge and Challenges in Digital Libraries
Authors: Oyier Cary Francis , Nyambala Joyce
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses open access as an aspect of digital libraries and the effect of copyright laws on free access to information. The authors conclude that the future of scholarly communication rests on open access content. They submit that the bulk of scholarly output will be open access. These, they opine, will become a formidable pillar of digital libraries. In this recognition, different players have come up with successful interventions for dealing with the barriers posed by copyright requirements. The authors recommend that all the players in scholarly communication should fully embrace open access principles at all levels. Similarly, they propose that stakeholders should urgently relook the challenges posed by copyright to the realisation of open access with a view of finding strategies to cope effectively with the same.
Copyright Issues in a Digital Library Environment
Authors: Eiriemiokhale Kennedy Arebamen
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines copyright issues in a digital library environment. The author observes that the advent of digital technology has greatly accelerated the dissemination and distribution of information which greatly accelerated the dissemination and distribution of information with great speed and accuracy never seen before. The challenges in creating digital libraries include copyright management, development of appropriate technologies, issues related to storage, architectural and technical challenges, collection development challenges and the challenges of user engagement. The chapter recommends ways of managing orphan works and the roles of digital libraries in open access to knowledge. The author concludes that current developments point to the dominant role of information and communication technology in libraries for improved access to information.
Open Access to Knowledge and Challenges in Digital Libraries
Authors: Yusuf Felicia , Owolabi Sola Emmanuel
Published: August 2017

Information access has been a major challenge to researchers, especially in Africa and majorly in Nigeria. The exploitation experienced by researchers who do not have free access to papers but have to pay constitutes a major factor for consideration of Open Access Initiative. An exposition on the oppositions confronted by proponents of open access initiative has been done in this work; the change management process and challenges encountered and how to obliterate the challenges are presented in this chapter. Academics across the globe are coming to terms with open access initiative but the Nigeria environment has not fully integrated into this philosophy. This chapter points out the need to embrace open access initiative. It was concluded that open access signals a new dawn for conducting research by granting free access to the deluge of information available across the globe. The open access initiative challenges publishers who place unnecessary restrictions on access of scholarly publications. This makes research endeavours of scholars around the globe easily accessible, thus enabling researchers to extend the frontiers of existing knowledge.
Open Access to Knowledge and Challenges in Digital Libraries
Authors: Oladapo Yemisi Oluremi
Published: August 2017

This chapter highlights the concept of open access to knowledge and its benefits and the challenges of digital libraries through the information technologies in e-print repositories for use in academics and research institutions to enhance and promote open access to knowledge in the digital libraries. The chapter points out the roles and responsibilities of information managers, primarily within academic and research institutions, assisting users for open access to e-resources for the benefit of their own organizations and the global scientific community. Open access to information and knowledge is a key contributor in facilitating universal access to knowledge. Similarly, the chapter provides an overview of continuous evolutions of open access to knowledge and the challenges of digital libraries as a result of internet revolution in Nigeria.
Financial Literacy Education Program Post Financial Housing Crisis
Authors: Lu Shanel
Published: August 2017

As Americans faced financial devastation resulting from the 2008 housing financial crisis, left them in a critical financial hardship. Many affluent suburban neighborhoods now resembled desolate ghost towns as families abandon homes in the middle of the night to avoid ugly snares and embarrassment (Bradford, 2011). Homeowners that once lived in upper middle-class communities achieving the American dream faced the horrifying reality of facing foreclosure, bankruptcies that will force themselves into financial ruin (Bradford, 2011). As a result of the financial housing crisis, 6.9 million homeowners faced mortgage delinquency causing financial institutions to begin foreclosure proceedings (Bradford, 2011; Crotty, 2009). This research focuses on the background to the problem, the underserved populations that were deeply impacted by the financial housing crisis and financial literacy education program that can assist the community toward financial recovery.
NuuED, Academia, and Community
Authors: Oneal Derrick , Colazzo Carlos
Published: August 2017

Exploring the development of an engaged scholarship and civic responsibility policy and procedure, and project plan with the purpose of providing an avenue for enhancing knowledge retention for the disadvantaged and low-income is the purpose of this chapter. This avenue of knowledge retention is driven through data collection, that was designed and developed into a tool to enable the pulling of data according to the learning and social styles of its users. Academics learn how the tools supports their deliveries of information to be learned. This chapter will enhance its readers' knowledge reach regarding the usage and value of scholarship through learning and social styles learning. Second, the chapter provides a reach into communities to embrace academics, thereby supporting the uplift of the human condition. Next, the chapter adds to the body of knowledge regarding engaged community outreach, learning and social styles, and knowledge retention for individuals of all ages.
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance (TMR®) improves the quality of granulation tissue
Authors: Ferroni Letizia , Gardin Chiara , De Pieri Andrea , Sambataro Maria , Seganfreddo Elena , Goretti Chiara , Iacopi Elisabetta , Zavan Barbara , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: August 2017

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) often result in severely adverse outcomes, such as serious infections, hospitalization, and lower extremity amputations. In last few years, to improve the outcome of DFUs, clinicians and researchers put their attention on the application of low intensity pulsating electro-magnetic fields through Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance (TMR®). In our study, patients with DFUs have been divided into two groups: The Sham Group treated with non-functioning TMR® device, and the Active Group treated with a functioning device. Biopsies were recovered from ulcers before and after a 15-day treatment with both kind of TMR® device. To recognize signs of inflammation or healing process, the harvested biopsies were subjected to histological and molecular analyses. The histological analysis showed a change in cell population after treatment with TMR®: an increase of fibroblasts and endothelial cells with a reduction of inflammatory cells. After TMR® application, the gene expression profile analysis revealed an improvement in extracellular matrix components such as matrix metalloproteinases, collagens and integrins, a reduction in pro-inflammatory interleukins, and an increase in growth factors expression. In conclusion, our research has identified histological and molecular features of reduced inflammation and increased cell proliferation during the wound healing process in response to TMR® application.
Immunofluorescent characterization of non-myelinating Schwann cells and their interactions with immune cells in mouse mesenteric lymph node
Authors: Shi Zhongli , Greene Wayne K. , Nicholls Philip K. , Hu Dailun , Tirnitz-Parker Janina E.E. , Yuan Qionglan , Yin Changfu , Ma Bin
Published: August 2017

The central nervous system (CNS) influences the immune system in a general fashion by regulating the systemic concentration of humoral substances, whereas the autonomic nervous system communicates specifically with the immune system according to local interactions. Data concerning the mechanisms of this bidirectional crosstalk of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system remain limited. To gain a better understanding of local interactions of the PNS and immune system, we have used immunofluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), coupled with confocal microscopy, to investigate the non-myelinating Schwann cell (NMSC)-immune cell interactions in mouse mesenteric lymph nodes. Our results demonstrate i) the presence of extensive NMSC processes and even of cell bodies in each compartment of the mouse mesenteric lymph node; ii) close associations/interactions of NMSC processes with blood vessels (including high endothelial venules) and the lymphatic vessel/sinus; iii) close contacts/associations of NMSC processes with various subsets of dendritic cells (such as CD4+CD11c+, CD8+CD11c+ dendritic cells), macrophages (F4/80+ and CD11b+ macrophages), and lymphocytes. Our novel findings concerning the distribution of NMSCs and NMSC-immune cell interactions inside the mouse lymph node should help to elucidate the mechanisms through which the PNS affects cellular- and humoral-mediated immune responses or vice versa in health and disease.
Skrifbeskouing en Skrifhantering: Marcus Borg en die Hervormde Kerk – ŉ Vergelykende studie
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: August 2017

Marcus Borg, one of the most prominent New Testament scholars in the past four decades, is considered by many in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa as a liberal scholar. His understanding of the origin of the Bible, the way he interprets the Bible, and what he sees as the status and function of the Bible, should therefore be dismissed. A comparison of Borg’s point of view on these topics with that of the points of view of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa, however, indicates that Borg’s understanding of these matters differs not even marginally from that of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa. In a certain sense, Borg could therefore be described as a theologian who fits the mould of what is understood in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa as a responsible approach to and interpretation of the Bible.
Those who require ‘[…] the burning of incense in synagogues are the Rabbinic Jews’: Burning incense in synagogues in commemoration of the temple
Authors: Shemesh Abraham O.
Published: August 2017

This article focuses on the burning of incense in synagogues subsequent to the destruction of the temple, in commemoration of the incense formerly used in the temple rites. We hear about the implementation of this custom in Samaritan and Rabbinic synagogues only several centuries after the destruction of the Samaritan and Jewish Temples. The Samaritans still burn incense in their synagogues at certain times, but among Rabbinic Jews the custom came to an end, probably in the Middle Ages. Burning incense in the synagogue was a point of controversy between the Karaites and the Rabbinic Jews. The Karaites argued that acts involving burning incense and lighting candles are only appropriate for the Temple and their status is like that of sacrifices or offerings that are limited to this complex. It may have been that the rabbinic custom discontinued as a result of the strict Karaite objections to this custom for concern of idolatry. In fact, burning incense in commemoration of the Temple indeed ceased, but this practice remained in evidence until the 19th century for purposes of conveying respect or on festive occasions.
Characteristics and Outcomes of an Innovative Train-in-Place Residency Program
Authors: Green-McKenzie Judith , Emmett Edward A.
Published: August 2017

Background 

Physicians who make a midcareer specialty change may find their options for formal training are limited. Here, we describe a train-in-place program, with measureable outcomes, created to train midcareer physicians who desire formal training in occupational medicine.

Objective 

We evaluated educational outcomes from a novel residency program for midcareer physicians seeking formal training and board certification in occupational medicine.

Methods 

Physicians train in place at selected clinical training sites where they practice, and participate in 18 visits to the primary training site over a 2-year period. Program components include competency-based training structured around rotations, mentored projects, and periodic auditing visits to train-in-site locations by program faculty. Main outcome measures are achievement of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Occupational Medicine Milestones, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine competencies, performance on the American College of Preventive Medicine examinations, diversity in selection, placement of graduates, and the number of graduates who remain in the field.

Results 

Since inception of this program in 1997, there have been 109 graduates who comprise 7.2% of new American Board of Preventive Medicine diplomates over the past decade. Graduates scored competitively on the certifying examination, achieved all milestones, expressed satisfaction with training, and are geographically dispersed, representing every US region. Most practice outside the 25 largest standard metropolitan statistical areas. More than 95% have remained in the field.

Conclusions 

Training in place is an effective approach to provide midcareer physicians seeking comprehensive skills and board certification in occupational medicine formal training, and may be adaptable to other specialties.
Acute toxicity from a prototype equipment of water separation through solar distillation on Daphnia magna Straus, 1820
Authors: Gebara Renan Castelhano , Melão Maria da Graça Gama , Naves Salysa Araújo , Lima Leonardo Gonçalves , Souza Letícia Santos , Moura Luiz Fernando , Machado Ana Marta Ribeiro , Printes Liane Biehl
Published: August 2017

The use of sustainable forms of energy should be encouraged, considering the damages that usual sources of energy can cause to our planet, which are often irreversible for decades or centuries. Despite the sun being the main source of energy on Earth, in tropical countries like Brazil, this kind of energy could be better exploited. The present work aims to evaluate the toxicity of purified water and a solution of CuSO4, after decontamination in a prototype equipment of solar distillation of wastewater (due to separation of condensed water from non-volatile substances), in order to test the efficiency of the equipment. Thus, acute toxicity tests were performed with Daphnia magna. The EC50 – 48 h values (the median concentration of a substance that causes effect to fifty percent of organisms) for deionized water and solution of 1 mg L-1 of CuSO4, both after distillation, were 19.61% and 17.08%, respectively. Results indicates that the final samples from the equipment were toxic to D. magna, and therefore, with a potential risk for the freshwater biota. Based on that, it is recommended improvements in the equipment structure, to reduce toxicity, since it occurred probably by contamination of the structures of the equipment itself.
Fluxes of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) in the High Arctic during atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs)
Authors: Kamp Jesper , Skov Henrik , Jensen Bjarne , Sørensen Lise Lotte
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) fluxes over snow surfaces using a relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system are carried out at the High Arctic site Villum Research Station, Station Nord in North Greenland. Simultaneously, CO2 fluxes are determined using the eddy covariance (EC) technique. The REA system with a dual-inlets and dual-analyzers are used to measure fluxes directly over the snow. The measurements were carried out from April 23 to May 12 during spring 2016, where atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs) took place. The measurements showed a net emission of 8.9 ng m−2 min−1, with only a few depositional fluxes, a maximum deposition of 8.0 ng m−2 min−1 and a maximum emission of 190 ng m−2 min−1. The data support the theory that gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) is deposited during AMDEs followed by formation of GEM on surface snow and is reemitted as GEM shortly after the AMDEs. The measurements also indicate GEM emission is increasing with increasing temperature, supporting that surface heating controls GOM reduction in the surface layer of the snow.
Inference of analytical flow duration curves in Swiss alpine environments
Authors: Santos Ana Clara , Portela Maria Manuela , Rinaldo Andrea , Schaefli Bettina
Published: August 2017

Abstract. This paper assesses the performance of an analytical modeling framework for streamflow probability distributions for summer streamflow of 26 Swiss catchments characterized by negligible anthropic influence. These catchments show a wide range of hydroclimatic regimes, including snow- and icemelt influenced streamflows. The model parameters are estimated from a gridded daily precipitation data set and observed daily discharge time series. The performance of the linear and nonlinear model version is assessed in terms of reproducing observed flow duration curves and their natural variability. The results show that the model performs well for summer discharges under all analyzed regimes and that there is a clear model performance increase with mean catchment elevation (i.e with transition from rainfall-dominated to snow-influenced regimes). The nonlinear model version outperforms the linear model for all regimes but the performance difference decreases also with mean catchment elevation. Future work will focus on the extension of the modeling framework, addressing snowmelt and snowfall onset.
Performance of bias correction schemes for CMORPH rainfall estimates in the Zambezi River Basin
Authors: Gumindoga Webster , Rientjes Tom H. M. , Haile Alemseged T. , Makurira Hodson , Reggiani Paolo
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Satellite rainfall estimates (SRE) are prone to bias because such estimates are indirectly derived from visible, infrared, and/or microwave based information of cloud properties. We tested the influence of elevation and distance from large scale water bodies on bias for Climate Prediction Center-MORPHing (CMORPH) rainfall estimates. Effectiveness of five linear/non-linear and time-space variant/invariant bias correction schemes is evaluated. Evaluation also covers for different magnitudes of daily rainfall and climatic seasonality. We used daily rain gauge time series (1998–2013) from 60 stations, and counterparts from CMORPH time series for the Zambezi Basin. Taylor diagrams show that station elevation and distance from water bodies do not influence the estimation error of uncorrected CMORPH rainfall. For correction, the Spatio-temporal bias (STB) and Elevation zone bias (EZ) schemes showed best results in removing CMORPH rainfall bias for the Lower, Middle and Upper Zambezi subbasins. STB improved the correlation coefficient by 53 % and reduced the root mean squared difference by 25 %. Assessment of mean estimates by using a Taylor Diagram with mean estimates of correlation coefficient, root mean square difference and standard deviation showed that the EZ, Power transform, Distribution transformation and STB correction schemes best removed errors related to rainfall depth. Corrected CMORPH rainfall revealed an overestimation of very light rainfall ( 20.0 mm/day) for all five correction schemes. Bias is best reduced for rainfall magnitudes of 0.0–2.5 and 5.0–10.0 mm/day. Bias removal proved to be more effective in the wet season than in the dry season.
Accelerated optimizations of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer with artificial neural networks as metamodels
Authors: Wang Shen , Huang Songling , Wang Qing , Peng Lisha , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are noncontact transducers generating ultrasonic waves directly in the conductive sample. Despite the advantages, their transduction efficiencies are relatively low, so it is imperative to build accurate multiphysics models of EMATs and optimize the structural parameters accordingly, using a suitable optimization algorithm. The optimizing process often involves a large number of runs of the computationally expensive numerical models, so metamodels as substitutes for the real numerical models are helpful for the optimizations. In this work the focus is on the artificial neural networks as the metamodels of an omnidirectional EMAT, including the multilayer feedforward networks trained with the basic and improved back propagation algorithms and the radial basis function networks with exact and nonexact interpolations. The developed neural-network programs are tested on an example problem. Then the model of an omnidirectional EMAT generating Lamb waves in a linearized steel plate is introduced, and various approaches to calculate the amplitudes of the displacement component waveforms are discussed. The neural-network metamodels are then built for the EMAT model and compared to the displacement component amplitude (or ratio of amplitudes) surface data on a discrete grid of the design variables as the reference, applying a multifrequency model with FFT (fast Fourier transform)/IFFT (inverse FFT) processing. Finally the two-objective optimization problem is formulated with one objective function minimizing the ratio of the amplitude of the S0-mode Lamb wave to that of the A0 mode, and the other objective function minimizing as the negative amplitude of the A0 mode. Pareto fronts in the criterion space are solved with the neural-network models and the total time consumption is greatly decreased. From the study it could be observed that the radial basis function network with exact interpolation has the best performance considering its accuracy of approximation and the time required to build the metamodel.
About the origin of the Mediterranean Waters warming during the
twentieth century
Authors: García-Martínez María del Carmen , Vargas-Yáñez Manuel , Moya Francina , Zunino Patricia , Bautista Begoña
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea transforms Atlantic Waters inflowing through the Strait of Gibraltar into saltier, cooler and denser Mediterranean Waters that outflow into the Atlantic Ocean. A theoretical steady state functioning of the Mediterranean Sea would be the result of the balance between the net heat and volume transports through the Strait of Gibraltar and the heat loss to the atmosphere through the sea surface and the net evaporation. The salt transport for the inflow and outflow should be balanced. Changes in the heat content, temperature and salinity of the Mediterranean waters reveal that the present Mediterranean functioning is out of this equilibrium state. A new analysis for MEDAR data shows that the temperature and salinity averaged for the Mediterranean Waters in the whole basin increased at rates of 0.0020 ± 0.0018 ºC/yr and 0.0007 ± 0.0003 psu/yr. This temperature trend is equivalent to a 0.43 ± 0.38 W/m2 heat absorption. This warming trend would have increased during the beginning of the twenty first century at the Western Mediterranean, maybe linked to the Western Mediterranean Transition. Results from a simple box model using heat, volume and salt conservation laws indicate that the observed changes cannot be attributed only to an increase of the net evaporation, nor to a salinity increase of the Atlantic Waters flowing through the Strait of Gibraltar as previous hypotheses suggested. An increase of the net evaporation ranging between 5 and 7 % combined with a reduction of the heat losses to the atmosphere ranging between 0.4 and 0.5 W/m2 could explained the observed changes.
A Brief Discussion and Application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in the Field of Health Science and Public Health
Authors: Tang Kai Hong , Dos Santos Luis Miguel
Published: August 2017

For a significantly long time, the field of health science and public health has relied considerably on quantitative and experimental evidence to support knowledge. Researchers in the field of social science and public health promotion advocate that qualitative research methodologies and IPA could be a useful tool to understand the inner world and perception for patients with particular illness and background. Unlike quantitative research studies, qualitative research studies do not seek statistical and experimental answers for client healing and operational activities but how and why illness influences the life of patients. The purpose of qualitative research study with a particular lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) tends to describe a certain phenomenon or social problem by explaining the subject of study. The purpose of this study is to introduce the applications of IPA and summarize the two literature reviews with the application of IPA in the fields of nursing education and public health. The results of this study aim to provide a guideline for potential public health and nursing educators to employ IPA and other related qualitative research methodologies to capture and reform the current teaching curriculum and the rapidly changing society in the health science field.
Does Exposure to Multicultural Experience Enhance All Individuals’ Creative Problem-Solving Ability?
Authors: Falavarjani Mehrdad Fazeli , Irandust Forozan
Published: August 2017

Today’s diverse community often includes culturally rich environments that contain cues pertaining to more than one culture. These cultural cues can shape cognitive processes, such as creativity. This study aims to investigate the interactive effects of Openness to Experience, Extroversion and Multicultural Experience (including the real and desired experiences) on creative problem-solving ability using the quantitative method on a diverse sample of international students (N= 102). The findings indicate that the interactive effect of extensive multicultural experience and Openness to Experience predict the creative solution. It means the multicultural experience is beneficial for individuals to foster creative ability when they are highly open to experience, whereas, among those who are not open, more extensive multicultural experience do not lead to enhancement of creating the correct solution. Furthermore, this interaction term was not pronounced among the extroverted individuals. Implications of these findings for promoting creativity in learning environments are discussed.
How Memoranda of Understanding Have Affected EU Democratic Institutions in Southern EU Countries
Authors: Lekka Anastasia Chr.
Published: August 2017

The recent recession having emerged in 2007 has been the worst economic downturn since the time of Great Depression of 1929 in USA and spread across the European continent. In many European countries this led to severe sovereign debt crisis beginning in 2010 and was followed by implementation of austerity measures with significant impact on public, social and employment sector. Those tough austerity measures resulted in structural reforms of welfare and labor market especially in Southern EU countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Italy representing the most prominent examples. These policies were imposed to a large extend through the so called “Troika” which was an interaction between internal EU and external Organizations, like the European Union, the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund respectively.Citizens realize that their national economic institutions are no longer responsible for the decision making on major social and economic policies, on economic and welfare policies, on privatization and sale of public assets. Consequently, citizens tend to question if this constrained democracy deserves further support. This is enhanced by the fact that National Parliaments no longer develop policies but rather align with policies dictated by the above stated Institutions and are forced to accept such deals without asking the opinion of citizens. Nevertheless the EU intends to promote civil society participation in decision making and program policies applied. This contradiction needs to be analyzed in order to determine if there is a democratic deficit in EU member states.
Super absorbent polymer application in seeds and planting furrow: it will be a new opportunity for rainfed agriculture
Authors: Barros Angélica Fátima de , Pimentel Leonardo Duarte , Araujo Eduardo Fontes , Macedo Leandro Roberto de , Martinez Herminia Emilia Prieto , Batista Vanessa Aparecida Pereira , Paixão Mateus Queiroz da
Published: August 2017

Brazil is the fourth largest grain producer in the world. Its agriculture is mainly rainfed, with two cropping seasons per year. While the first crop (i.e., spring/summer) receives greater precipitation, the second crop (i.e., autumn/winter) is associated with greater risk of crop failure mainly due to the low rainfall, suggesting that technologies that could optimize water use during that period are needed. Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are used in the forestry sector to reduce seedling mortality and the frequency of irrigation of eucalyptus and pinus glue owing to their ability to increase water storage capacity in the soil. However, to our knowledge, very little is known about the use of PSA in annual agricultural crops. To this end, the effects of PSA, as a seed coat or applied in the planting grooves, on the initial development of sorghum seedlings under conditions of water deficit were evaluated in two experiments under greenhouse conditions. In experiment 1, sorghum seeds with and without PSA coating were seeded in trays and subjected to three irrigation intervals to induce water deficit. The percentage of emergence and emergence speed index were evaluated and, at 26 days after sowing, seedling height, number of leaves per plant, survival rate, and dry mass of shoot and root were evaluated. In experiment 2, the seeds of sorghum with and without PSA coating were sown in pots, with PSA applied in the planting grooves. At 30 days after sowing, the plant stand, number of leaves per plant, plant height, and dry matter mass of leaves, stem, and root were evaluated. The results showed that PSA applied both as a seed coat and in planting grooves increased seedling growth and dry mass of aerial parts at 26 days and 30 days for experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, seed coating with PSA increased plant survival rate, but reduced the rate of seedling emergence in both experiments. Therefore, the use of PSA as a seed coat or applied in the planting groove has beneficial effects on the vegetative development of sorghum under low water conditions. Further research is needed to address the effect of PSA on seedling emergence.
Economic analysis of corn inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense associated with nitrogen sources and doses
Authors: Galindo Fernando Shintate , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Tarsitano Maria Aparecida Anselmo , Buzetti Salatiér , Santini José Mateus Kondo , Ludkiewicz Mariana Gaioto Ziolkowski , Alves Cleiton José , Arf Orivaldo
Published: August 2017

Azospirillum brasilense is a bacterium known for its biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in corn crops. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research defining how much mineral N should be applied to maximize the efficiency of BNF and attain high, economically sustainable yields. Moreover, it would be interesting to investigate whether adding urea with NBPT urease inhibitor might increase BNF in grasses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense associated with N sources and doses in a Cerrado biome soil by evaluating the grain yield of irrigated corn in economic terms. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria, MS, Brazil under a no-till system on a Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design with four replications in a 2 × 5 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two sources of N (urea and urea with NBPT urease enzyme inhibitor) and five N doses applied as top-dressing (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), with and without the inoculation of seeds with A. brasilense. Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense makes corn growth much more profitable, irrespective of the dose and source of N. Addition of 200 kg ha-1 N in the form of conventional urea coupled with inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense increases grain yield; however, the highest economic return is obtained with N applied at 100 kg ha-1 with conventional urea and inoculation.
Microbial activities, carbon, and nitrogen in an irrigated Quartzarenic Neosol cultivated with cowpea in southwest Piauí
Authors: Diógenes Larissa Castro , Lustosa Filho José Ferreira , Silva Alessandro Franco Torres da , Nóbrega Júlio César Azevedo , Nóbrega Rafaela Simão Abrahão , Irene Filho João , Andrade Júnior Aderson Soares de
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial biomass and total organic carbon and nitrogen of an irrigated Quartzarenic Neosol cultivated with two cowpea cultivars in Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized experimental block design in split plots. The plots consist of two cowpea cultivars (Aracê and Tumucumaque) and the subplots were composed of five different irrigation regimes (L1 = 108.2; L2 = 214.7; L3 = 287.9; L4 = 426.1, and L5 = 527.7 mm). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-0.20 m in order to evaluate basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, microbial quotient, content, and storage of soil carbon and nitrogen. Basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial metabolic quotient, and microbial quotient are influenced by the interaction between cowpea cultivars and irrigation. The cultivar Aracê showed greater stimulus to the microbial community, while the irrigation regimes with 214.7 and 287.9 mm (60 and 90% of ETo, respectively) provided the best moisture conditions for microbial activities.
Energy coefficients of plant foods for broiler chickens at different ages
Authors: Schneiders José Luiz , Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Schöne Rodrigo André , Frank Rafael , Savoldi Thaís Lorana , Tsutsumi Cláudio Yuji , Scherer Carina , Castilha Leandro Dalcin
Published: August 2017

In order to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME), the AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), the apparent coefficients of metabolization (ACM) of gross energy and the ACM corrected for nitrogen balance (ACMn), an experiment was conducted to evaluate five different plant foods (corn, soybean meal, deactivated full-fat soybean, wheat bran and soybean oil) for broilers at different ages (1-8, 11-18, 21-28, 31-38 and 41-48 days). The method of total excreta collection was used, divided into five metabolism assays. The birds were housed in metabolic cages in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and five replicates per treatment, totaling 25 experimental units. The AME and AMEn values increased with the age of the birds for most foods, except soybean meal. The smaller AMC and AMCn of gross energy were obtained for wheat bran. There was adjustment of the equation to the linear response plateau model for the ACM of corn, soybean meal and deactivated full-fat soybean. The wheat bran and soybean oil were adjusted to the linear regression model. The equations show that the digestibility of energy tends to increase with age, except for soybean meal, which had higher metabolization with younger birds. We conclude that the age of the birds influences the determination of the metabolizable energy of feed.
Frequency of concentrate supplementation for grazing beef cattle
Authors: Bonadimann Ricardo , Moraes Eduardo Henrique Bevitori Kling de , Moraes Kamila Andreatta Kling de , Pina Douglas Dos Santos , Oliveira André Soares de , Meneses Daniel Mendonça de , Stinguel Helio , Almeida Chafic Mustafé de
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of frequency of concentrate supplementation on the daytime feeding behavior (grazing, rumination, drinking, and idle times), production performance, and economic viability of grazing cattle in the rainy season. A total of 120 uncastrated Nellore animals with an average body weight (BW) of 382.5 ± 32.2 kg were allocated to palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) paddocks for the experiment. We evaluated supplements provided in the amount of 2.0 kg/animal, supplied three times weekly (3tw) or daily (7X). Animals supplemented 3X (5.46%) spent more time (%) drinking water than those supplemented 7X (3.72%). Grazing time and animal performance were not influenced by the frequency of supplementation. Average daily gain was 1.00 and 1.02 kg/animal for the groups under 3X and 7X, respectively. Expenditures on transportation and labor are lower (43%) when animals are supplemented 3X. Supplementation provided three times per week does not affect the grazing time or the performance of beef cattle in the rainy season, but rather implies an expressive reduction of expenditures on labor and distribution of supplements.
Characterization and typology of sheep and goat production systems in the State of Paraíba, a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Guilherme Ricardo De Figueiredo , Lima Ana Milena César , Alves José Romero Alexandre , Costa Diego Figueiredo da , Pinheiro Raymundo Rizaldo , Alves Francisco Selmo Fernandes , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de , Alves Clebert José
Published: August 2017

Breeding of goats and sheep is an important activity in northeast Brazil, contributing to economic and social development of this region. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize goat and sheep rearing and breeding in the central-western region of the State of Paraíba, northeast Brazil. The study area included Borborema and mesoregions of the backlands of the state, represented by 127 municipalities in an area of 38.293 km2, with density of goats and sheep at 12.9 and 8.27 head/km2, respectively. A total of 62 farms belonging to five municipalities of the Borborema mesoregion and four municipalities of the Sertão mesoregion were surveyed. Epidemiological surveys were conducted in the farms, and questionnaires sought information on the economic, productive, and social aspects of the farm owners and the farms. The results allowed the classification of goat and sheep production systems in the semi-arid Paraíba as a family system and of subsistence, for farmers’ own consumption and for local trade, with low technology use and herds with up to 100 animals. The farmers’ level of education was low, and the investments and technical assistance for the development of breeding activity in the region were insufficient and/or inadequate. Thus, it was essential to conduct an economic study on the farms to assess the actual economic and financial status of breeding activity and the subsequent returns. It is suggested that these aspects be taken into account when planning livestock development policies, especially in terms of finance and technical assistance, as well as in the implementation of strategies to control commonly occurring diseases in the region, aimed at combating agents, environmental control, and protection of susceptible livestock.
Cytolethal Distending Toxin in Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. Isolated from Food Animals and Gastroenteritis Cases in Qatar
Authors: Peters Kenlyn , Chang YuChen , Duhamel Gerald , Sultan Ali A , Doiphode Sanjay , Ibrahim Emad M , Mohammed Hussni O.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter and Salmonella are two of the major foodborne pathogens that contribute to the burden of disease. The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) has been identified as one of the virulence factors that may contribute to pathogenesis and gastroenteritis. The CDT is a trimeric subunit toxin produced by gram-negative bacteria that initiates cell-cycle arrest and causes affected cells to die by apoptosis. This study investigated the occurrence of CDT among Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. isolates recovered from animals along the food supply chain and from gastroenteritis cases in Qatar.METHODS: Samples were screened for the presence of the two pathogens using a combination of bacterial enrichment and molecular detection and positive samples were examined for the presence of CDT using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. RESULTS: C. jejuni and C. coli occurred at similar rates among non-human sources, whereas C. jejuni occurred at a higher rate compared to C. coli in human cases. Both cdtB and cdtC were detected at a higher rate among C. jejuni than C. coli recovered from human cases. Only cdtB was detected in Salmonella spp. isolates from animals and at a much lower rate.CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CDT in isolates recovered from gastroenteritis cases suggests a role in the pathogenesis of the condition. Furthermore, the detection of CDT among food animal isolates along the food supply chain highlights the potential zoonotic risk.
“Reverse Marketization”: Market Failure or Deficiency in Management?
Authors: Hu Yijun
Published: August 2017

Government purchase of services is considered to be a service delivery mechanism that can improve efficiency and economize costs. This mechanism has been popularized all over the world. However, at the same time, “reverse marketization” has been a common occurrence in the past few years. According to some scholars, “reverse marketization” is evidence of market failure, so they object to outsourcing contract in public services. This paper classifies market failure into four types and makes a case analysis of one of the four types. The case of reserve environmental sanitation service contracting testifies that in the model of low defect of supplier and low defect of demander, market failure will not inevitably give rise to “reverse marketization”. The direct cause is deficiency in management of the government. With regard to the actual situation of government management, this paper also puts forward the viewpoint that the government should act as “an open-minded purchaser”.
Le développement moral de l’individu : penser Habermas contre Habermas pour l’éducation éthique au primaire et au secondaire
Authors: Robichaud Arianne
Published: August 2017

Jürgen Habermas est, sans conteste, l’un des plus importants théoriciens de l’éthique au XXe siècle : ses ouvrages jouissent d’une réputation bien établie en morale, en droit ou en bioéthique, et le concept de rationalité développé en 1981 dans sa Théorie de l’agir communicationnel s’avère particulièrement riche pour caractériser les différents types de discussion prenant place entre les acteurs sociaux. Toutefois, la pensée habermassienne est toujours peu mobilisée dans la recherche francophone et québécoise en sciences de l’éducation, notamment au regard de ce qu’elle peut offrir pour une exploration des fondements des cours d’éthique et de culture religieuse obligatoire pour les élèves du primaire et du secondaire au Québec. Dès lors, que nous dévoile-t-elle sur le développement moral et éthique des enfants et quel est l’état actuel de la recherche concernant les principales idées défendues par Habermas dans le cadre de sa théorie développementale? Quelles critiques pouvons-nous formuler à l’endroit de ce modèle et des différentes recherches qui le convoquent en éducation? Telles sont quelques-unes des questions auxquelles tente de répondre ce texte, qui vise une réactualisation de la pensée habermassienne pour l’éducation éthique au primaire et au secondaire.
L’éducation éthique dans les orientations du programme québécois Éthique et culture religieuse : une éducation au vivre-ensemble?
Authors: Bouchard Nancy , Daniel Marie-France , Desruisseaux Jean-Claude
Published: August 2017

Cette étude analyse le programme québécois Éthique et culture religieuse (ECR) dans le cadre de nos travaux sur l’éducation éthique et au vivre-ensemble. Bien que le vivre-ensemble soit une préoccupation majeure en éducation, il demeure un concept au statut incertain. Pour tenter de dépasser cette incertitude, nous nous sommes penchés dans notre étude sur l’analyse de programmes dont est attendue une telle éducation. À cette fin, nous avons construit un modèle d’analyse en sept composantes éthiques : trois composantes simples et quatre composantes maillées. Nous avons utilisé ce modèle comme grille pour étudier les compétences déployées dans le programme ECR. Dans ce texte, nous présentons les résultats de l’analyse. Le portrait qui s’en dégage montre qu’une éducation au vivre-ensemble est présente sous forme de pratique de délibération dans le dialogue et sous forme d’acquisition de connaissances sur les cultures religieuses. Il montre aussi que le vivre-ensemble s’apprend en sollicitant plus particulièrement la dimension cognitive et rationnelle de l’élève en tant que citoyen. Par ailleurs, l’analyse révèle que la réflexion critique sur ses propres modèles de référence ainsi qu’une approche compréhensive de l’autre et la connaissance de ce qui nous structure socialement restent faibles ou absentes.