bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DİLSEL YETERLİLİK ÖLÇÜTÜNE GÖRE ALMANCA YAZMADA HATA ANALİZİ
Authors: DEREGÖZÜ Aysel , ÜSTÜN Bilal
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Almanca öğretmeni adaylarının Almanca yazma konusunda yaptıkları hataların incelenmesi ve bunların hangi hata konuları altında yer aldıklarının belirlenmesidir. Bu amaç kapsamında, Türkiye’de bir devlet üniversitesinde okuyan ve Almanca öğretmenliği eğitimi alan 20 Almanca öğretmeni adayına üç tane yazma görevi verilmiş ve üretilen yazılı metinler incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, yazma görevlerine verilen yazılı yanıtlar içerik analizi yöntemi ile önceden belirlenmiş olan hata kategorilerine göre incelenmiştir. Bu kategoriler, Almanca Yazılı Anlatım Değerlendirme Ölçeğinde yer alan dilsel yeterlilik ölçütü göstergeleri esas alınarak oluşturulmuştur. Hatalar, söz dizimi, biçim bilim, yazım hataları, noktalama hataları ve söz dağarcığı başlıkları altında incelenmiş ve tablolar halinde sunulmuştur. Elde edilen bulgular göstermektedir ki, yapılan hataların %43,8 oranında biçim bilim, %22,1 oranında söz dizimi ve %15,4 oranında yazım hataları kategorileri altında yapılmaktadır. Biçim bilim alanında en çok fiiller ile ilgili hatalar yapılmakta, söz dizimi kategorisinde ise basit cümlede sıralama hatalarına daha sık rastlanılmaktadır. Elde edilen bu bulgular ışığında, Almanca öğretmeni adaylarına cümle kuruluşu ve fiiller ile ilgili konularda destekleyici eğitimin verilmesi önerilmektedir. Bilinen diller arasında yapılan yanlış aktarımların önüne geçmek için ise, karşılaştırmalı olarak Almanca, Türkçe ve birinci yabancı dil olan İngilizce arasındaki söz dizimi ve cümle kuruluşu arasındaki benzerlik ve farklılıklara değinilmesi önerilmektedir.
Web Servislerde Meydana Gelen Plansız Kesintilerin Tespiti
Authors: MERAL Erkan , ACAR Sami
Published: December 2021

Kamu kurumları görevlerini ifa ederken diğer kamu kurumlarının verilerine ihtiyaç duymaktadır. İhtiyaç duyulan bu veriler, kamu kurumlarının birçok iş sürecini web uygulamaları aracılığıyla gerçekleştirmeleriyle birlikte günümüzde web servisler kullanılarak anlık olarak temin edilmektedir. Web servislerle alınan veriler, kamu kurumlarının kritik iş süreçlerinde de kullanılabilmektedir. Kritik iş süreçlerini gerçekleştiren bilgisayar uygulamaları için kesinti tolerasyon süresi çok kısa olabilmektedir. Bu tip uygulamalar için donanım arızası veya ağda gerçekleşen bağlantı kopmaları gibi aksaklıklar nedeniyle web servislerde meydana gelen kesintilerin tespit edilme süresi önemli bir konudur. Bu çalışma ile kamu kurumları arasında veri paylaşımında kullanılan web servisler için kesintilerin yönetimine yönelik bir yönetim modeli sunulmaktadır. Söz konusu yönetim modeli ile kamu kurumları web servislerini birbirleri ile doğrudan paylaşmayacak, Merkezi Web Servis Yönetim Sistemi adı verilen merkezileştirilmiş bir yazılım aracılığıyla paylaşacaklardır. Bu yazılıma entegre edilen tüm web servisler için Windows servisler geliştirilecek ve bu Windows servisler kullanılarak belirli periyotlarda otomatik olarak ilgili web servislerden sorgular gerçekleştirilecek ve bu sorgular sayesinde kesintiler tespit edilecektir. Windows servis sorgularının çalışma zaman aralıklarına göre, web servislerde meydana gelen kesintilerin ortalama olarak ne kadar sürede tespit edileceği çalışma sonunda verilmiştir.
Сardiac troponin I for assessment of myocardial damage and prediction of complications in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Sheshurina T. A. , Dorofeykov V. V. , Vavilova T. V.
Published: December 2021

The study analysed the level of troponin I (Tn) in the blood in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass grafting in comparison with patients after aortic valve replacement surgery. The dynamics of troponin in the early postoperative period was studied, a parallelism was established between the occurrence of complications after surgery and the degree of myocardial damage. A new method has been developed for assessing the degree of intraoperative myocardial damage and the risk of complications using the «index of myocardial damage», the Tn level is determined twice after the operation, in the period up to 6 hours – Tn early and 12–24 hours later – Tn late, the index is calculated as the ratio of Tn late one to Tn early one. A correlation analysis of the «index» with other laboratory parameters was carried out, as a result of which no significant correlations were found, which indicates the absence of duplication and the significance of the developed indicator for assessing myocardial damage after cardiac surgery.
Results of endovascular treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock
Authors: Arablinsky A. V. , Tsurkan V. A. , Zharikov S. B. , Fomin V. N. , Zharikova E. S. , Arablinsky N. A. , Komarova A. G. , Bedin V. V.
Published: December 2021

The article presents the immediate results of treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. Outcomes were analyzed, predictors of unfavorable outcomes in the early hospital period were assessed. The discussion presents the modern criteria of cardiogenic shock in patients with myocardial infarction, prognostic scales, emphasis is placed on the controversial and poorly studied provisions of the recommendations and issues requiring further study.
Factors Associated with Surgery Among South Asian American and Non-Hispanic White Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Lo Lydia , Satagopan Jaya
Published: December 2021

South Asian American (SA) women are diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancer than non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. Understanding the factors associated with the types of surgery received by these women sheds light on disease management in these culturally distinct populations. We used data on age at diagnosis, stage, grade, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and surgery from 4,590 SA and 429,030 NHW breast cancer cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. We used logistic regression with surgery as the binary outcome (subcutaneous, total, or radical mastectomy (STRM) versus partial mastectomy, no, unknown or other (PNUM)) and included additive effects of all the variables and interactions of age, stage, grade, and estrogen and progesterone receptors with race/ethnicity. Type I error of 5% was used to assess statistical significance of the effects. SA were significantly more likely than NHW cases to receive STRM relative to PNUM surgery among women diagnosed at or after age 50 years and having localized stage disease (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.27, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.06 – 1.52). Further, SA were significantly less likely than NHW cases to receive STRM relative to PNUM surgery among those diagnosed before age 50 years and having regional or distant stage disease (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59 – 0.95 for age at diagnosis < 40 years; OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.62 – 0.95 for age at diagnosis 40-49 years). The type of surgery received by SA and NHW women differ according to age at diagnosis and disease stage.
KEYWORDS: Breast Cancer; Surgery; Cancer Health Equity; Disease Characteristics; South Asian American; Non-Hispanic White; Logistic Regression; Interaction
PERUBAHAN LETAK SANGGAH PADA MASYARAKAT TRANSMIGRAN BALI DI DESA KONDOANO, KECAMATAN MOWILA, KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN
Authors: Warsuma Rusi , Jers La Ode Topo , Hasniah Hasniah
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami dan mendeskripsikan  pengetahuan masyarakat di Desa Kondoano, Kecamatan Mowila, Kabupaten Konawe Selatan mengenai letak Sanggah dan alasan mereka mengubah letak Sanggah. Penelitian yang dilakukan pada bulan Januari 2020 ini menggunakan metode entografi. Data yang diperoleh melalui pengamatan terlibat dan wawancara mendalam  dianalisis dengan menggunakan teori Kognitif oleh Goodenough. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif, analisis data dilakukan untuk menyederhanakan data yang diperoleh dalam bentuk yang lebih mudah dibaca dan diinterpretasikan.Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat beberapa pengetahuan yang dimiliki oleh masyarakat mengenai bagaimana letak Sanggah yang baik dan benar, dimana Sanggah merupakan areal yang paling sacral pada satu pekarangan rumah bagi orang Bali. Masyarakat di Desa Kondoano memiliki pengetahuan yang berbeda-beda megenai hal tersebut, yaitu diantaranya: antara mata angin Timur dan Utara, hanya arah Utara saja, tempat yang bersih, tempat yang lebih tinggi dari rumah dan pada bagian depan rumah,. Secara umum Orang Bali memahami arah Timur dan Utara sebagai Hulu dan dijadikan sebagai arah Sembahyang. Sementara itu, alasan masyarkat Bali di Desa Kondoano merubah letak Sanggah mereka dilakukan atas berbagai peetimbangan dan semua yang merubah letak Sanggah adalah mereka yang memiliki rumah di Timur jalan. Adapun beberapa alasannya yaitu : Menganggap semua arah merupakan Hulu, untuk keindahan, mempermudah pembangunan, lokasi tidak boleh dibanguni rumah dan pekarangan rumah lebih rendah di Timur
DARI PETANI KE NELAYAN: PILIHAN RASIONAL ORANG BUNGKU
Authors: Kalsum Kalsum
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini  bertujuan untuk mengetahui penyebab dan sebagai pilihan rasional masyarakat Desa Waru-Waru dalam memilih mata pencaharian dari petani menjadi nelayan. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori James C. Scott tentang moral ekonomi petani dengan metode etnografi James Spradley. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan masyarakat mengambil sikap disebabkan faktor ekonomi yang belum mencukupi. Apalagi jika dari segi mata pencaharian petani, tanaman yang mereka tanami merupakan jenis tanaman jangka panjang dan sebagian dari mereka belum memiliki lahan untuk berkebun. Hal ini membuat masyarakat lebih memilih nelayan sebagai pekerjaan utama. Perubahan musim juga menjadi bagian faktor penghambat dari berkurangnya penghasilan mereka. Masyarakat tetap melakukan aktivitas melaut seperti menangkap ubur-ubur, memancing menggunakan rawe. Aktivitas masyarakat ketika tidak melaut seperti membersihkan alat tangkapan, berkebun, dan sebagian lainnya memilih mencari pekerjaan lain, bahkan ada yang sekedar berkumpul bersama keluarga dan juga menonjolkan peranan istri membantu suami mencari nafkah, misalnya dengan memanfaatkan pasang surut air laut untuk mencari teripang dan kerang-kerangan, membuat kue dan nasi kuning. Hal tersebut bukan dari paksaan suami. Karena desakan tetapi dari pribadi sang istri sendiri untuk membantu menambah perkenomian keluarganya.
POFILEIGHOO (KAWIN LARI) PADA ADAT PERKAWINAN MASYARAKAT MUNA DI DESA LINDO, KECAMATAN WADAGA KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT
Authors: Agfar Yasmi , Hapsah Wa Ode Sitti , Suraya Rahmat Sewa
Published: December 2021

Tujuan  dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimanakah proses kawin lari (pofileighoo) pada adat perkawinan masyarakat Muna di Desa Lindo? dan bagaimanakah simbol/tanda yang mengisyaratkan kawin lari (pofileighoo) pada adat perkawinan masyarakat Muna di Desa Lindo? Penelitian ini bertujuan  untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan proses  pofileighoo pada  adat perkawinan masyrakat muna di Desa Lindo dan untuk mengetahui symbol/tanda yang mengisaratkan pofileighoo  pada adat perkawinan masyarakat Muna di Desa Lindo. Teori yang digunakan adalah teori kebudayaan dan simbol Clifford Greertz. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dimana dilakukan bersama dengan proses pengumpulan data melalui pengamatan dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa (1) Proses pofileighoo (kawin lari) ada lima tahapan ; a). hukumu (penerimaan kedua calon mempelai) b). polele (untuk pemberitahuan kepada pihak perempuan) c)dengkoragho adhati (musyawarah adat) d) kafotangkano agama e).kakawi (akad nikah). (2). Adapun symbol atau tanda dalam adat perkawinan pofileighoo di Desa Lindo ada 6 tahapan diantarnya ; a) dogaa doangka foninto bhalano b) dogaa doangka  nekalonga c) dogaa doangka weghabu d) dogaa doangka wekaa e) kafena (penghargaan) f) matano kenta.
MODIFIKASI TRADISI KAMOMOOSE PADA MASYARAKAT BONEOGE KECAMATAN LAKUDO KABUPATEN BUTON TENGAH
Authors: Musyarafatul Musyarafatul , Jers La Ode Topo , Suraya Rahmat Sewa
Published: December 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui proses pelaksanaan tradisi kamomoose, nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi kamomoose serta bentuk-bentuk tradisi kamomoose pada masyarakat Boneoge Kecamatan Lakudo, Kabupaten Buton Tengah. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori Evolusi Sosial (Herbert Spencer). Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan penelitian lapangan. Dengan menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data, yakni: pengamatan (observation) dan wawancara (interview). Untuk menjawab permasalahan dilakukan analisis data, teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Analisis data yang dilakukan sejak pengumpulan data sampai akhir penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa masyarakat Boneoge masih melaksanakan tradisi kamomoose. Proses pelaksanaan tardisi kamomoose ada dua tahap yaitu tahap persiapan dan pelaksanaan, nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi kamomoose berupa nilai spiritual, nilai pendidikan dan nilai estetika dan   modifikasi tradisi kamomoose dari uang logam ke kacang tanah, lampu pelita ke lampu listrik, pakaian adat ke pakaian muslimah dan ucapan yang keluar/nazar (limba’anogau) ke pencarian dana masjid atau ajang silaturahmi.
RIGHTS REDISTRIBUTION AND COVID-19 LOCKDOWN POLICY
Authors: Garzarelli Giampaolo , Keeton Lyndal , Sitoe Aldo A.
Published: December 2021

What is the tenet upon which the public policy of lockdown by fiat experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on? The work approaches this question about the rationale of the mandatory shelter-in-place policy as an interpersonal exchange of rights, but where the exchange occurs coercively instead of voluntarily. It compares, in positive political economy terms, the normative principles of utilitarianism and Rawlsianism, and shows that lockdown by fiat is a policy that is closer to a maximin equity criterion rather than to a utilitarian one. The work moreover shows, also with the aid of a thought experiment in the spirit of Rawls and with factual applications, that the fiat redistribution of rights to liberty in favor of rights to health – from those least affected to those most affected by COVID-19 – is, in the main, a policy choice that is to be expected under certain constraints.
Comparing Pregnancy and Childbirth-related Hospital Visits in Arizona Before and During COVID-19 Using Network Analysis
Authors: Jiang Jinhang , Srinivasan Karthik
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe effect on all facets of human society, including healthcare. One of the primary concerns in healthcare is understanding and mitigating the impact of the pandemic on pregnancy and childbirth. While several studies have looked at challenges such as contract tracing of positive cases, predicting confirmed cases and deaths in individuals and communities, few studies have examined differences in hospitalization and treatment of pregnant mothers and infant care in large populations. In this study, the prevalence and co-occurrence of pregnancy and childbirth-related diagnoses reported in Arizona State hospitals for three sixth-month periods - before COVID-19 (second half of 2019), COVID-19 onset (first half of 2020), and COVID-19 (second half of 2020) are analyzed using network analysis. The results show that there are considerable differences in ego networks of few diagnoses during these time periods warranting further investigation into the causality of such population changes.
The impact of big data on innovation and value generation in pharmaceutical sales and marketing
Authors: Pesqueira Antonio
Published: December 2021

Using Big Data in the pharmaceutical industry is a relatively new technology, and the benefits and applications are yet to be understood. There are some cases currently being piloted, but others have already been adopted by some pharmaceutical organizations, proving the unmet need in a field that is still in its infancy.
This paper aims to understand how and if Big Data can contribute to commercial innovation, as well as future trends, investment opportunities.
Participants from 26 pharmaceutical companies participated in different focus groups where topics were grouped by individuals and evaluation areas were discussed to discover any potential connections between Big Data and Innovation in commercial pharmaceutical environments. This study used the collected data to analyze and draw conclusions about how many life sciences leaders and professionals already know about Big Data and are identifying examples and processes where Big data is supporting and generating innovation.
In addition, we were able to understand that the industry is already comfortable with Big Data, and there were some very accurate research results regarding the most pertinent application fields and key considerations moving forward.
Using the network analysis findings and the relationships and connections explained by respondents, we can reveal how Big Data and innovation are interconnected.
Preliminary performance evaluation and verification of digital terrestrial television signal propagation
Authors: Thamae Leboli , Potsanyane Itumeleng , Mokhetsengoane Mpho
Published: December 2021

This article presents the computer simulation and field test measurement results on Channel 29 for the preliminary performance evaluation and verification of the newly-installed Lesotho digital terrestrial television network based on DVB-T2 standard following the guidelines and techniques specified by the ITU-R BT.2035-2. It evaluates, at predetermined outdoor locations for fixed and mobile reception, parameters such as received signal strength, signal quality, bit-error rate (BER) and threshold-of-visibility (ToV) together with TV signal decoding (observation of screen artefacts) for quasi error-free reception. The results indicate that at over 97% of the test sites/points at the university town of Roma, the main Berea Plateau transmitter from the capital city (Maseru) broadcasts digital television service with enough signal level and quality to be properly decoded. The measured signal strength threshold ranges above -50 dBm for good reception, -64 dBm to -50 dBm for acceptable reception and -69 dBm to -64 dBm for poor reception. With the noise floor at about -73 dBm, the minimum required C/N of around 23 dB for good reception and about 4 dB for ToV have been recorded. The relative values of minimum required respective signal strength and signal quality for ToV obtained from the set-top box are 33% and 18% for stationary reception, while they give 37% and 20% for mobile reception.
Comparison of Frozen Embryo Transfer Outcomes Between Uterine Infusion of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and Growth Hormone Application in Patients With Thin Endometrium: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jiang Lei , Xu Xin , Cao Ziyu , Yang Ni , Wang Shaoqing , Wang Luning , Xu Xiuhua , Li Qian , Shi Baojun , Hao Guimin
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of two treatments on the outcome of freeze-thaw embryo transfer for pregnancy assistance in thin endometrium.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 66 patients who failed in the first cycle treated in the reproductive medicine center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2018 to December 2019. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used through cavity infusion in one group (n=25, and growth hormone (GH) was subcutaneously injected in the group (n=41). The clinical data of the two groups were compared, including morphology and thickness of the endometrium, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate in each period of the hormone replacement cycle.

Results

There was no significant difference in age, BMI, AMH, FSH, LH, E2, infertility years, number of transferred embryos, basal endometrium, and thickness of endometrium on the day of P administration before and after treatment (P> 0.05). After treatment, compared to the GH group, the G-CSF group presented higher biochemical pregnancy rate (56% versus 48.8%; P=0.569), clinical pregnancy rate (52% versus 46.3%; P=0.655), implantation rate (34.8% versus 27.5%; P=0.391), and live birth rate (40% versus 31.7%; P=0.493), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). On the 5th day of treatment, the endometrial thickness in the G-CSF group was thinner than that in the GH group (4.83 ± 0.85 versus 5.75 ± 1.27; P< 0.05), but it had no correlation with pregnancy outcome (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two groups on the 7th, 9th day of treatment and the day of P administration (P > 0.05). On the 5th day of treatment, the proportion of endometrial type A morphology in the GH group was significantly higher than that in the G-CSF group (P < 0.05), while the type B morphology in the G-CSF group was significantly higher than that in the GH group (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Although G-CSF and GH may not have a role in increasing endometrium, both of them can improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium in the FET cycle. And the effects of the two treatments were similar.
Comparative Analysis of Cuticular Wax in Various Grape Cultivars During Berry Development and After Storage
Authors: Zhang Mengwei , Zhang Peian , Lu Suwen , Ou-yang Qixia , Zhu-ge Yaxian , Tian Ruiping , Jia Haifeng , Fang Jinggui
Published: December 2021

Cuticular wax covering the surface of fleshy fruit is closely related to fruit glossiness, development, and post-harvest storage quality. However, the information about formation characteristics and molecular mechanisms of cuticular wax in grape berry is limited. In this study, crystal morphology, chemical composition, and gene expression of cuticular wax in grape berry were comprehensively investigated. Morphological analysis revealed high density of irregular lamellar crystal structures, which were correlated with the glaucous appearances of grape berry. Compositional analysis showed that the dominant wax compounds were triterpenoids, while the most diverse were alkanes. The amounts of triterpenoids declined sharply after véraison, while those of other compounds maintained nearly constant throughout the berry development. The amounts of each wax compounds varied among different cultivars and showed no correlation with berry skin colors. Moreover, the expression profiles of related genes were in accordance with the accumulation of wax compounds. Further investigation revealed the contribution of cuticular wax to the water preservation capacity during storage. These findings not only facilitate a better understanding of the characteristics of cuticular wax, but also shed light on the molecular basis of wax biosynthesis in grape.
Seeding Crop Detection Framework Using Prototypical Network Method in UAV Images
Authors: Zhang Di , Pan Feng , Diao Qi , Feng Xiaoxue , Li Weixing , Wang Jiacheng
Published: December 2021

With the development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), obtaining high-resolution aerial images has become easier. Identifying and locating specific crops from aerial images is a valuable task. The location and quantity of crops are important for agricultural insurance businesses. In this paper, the problem of locating chili seedling crops in large-field UAV images is processed. Two problems are encountered in the location process: a small number of samples and objects in UAV images are similar on a small scale, which increases the location difficulty. A detection framework based on a prototypical network to detect crops in UAV aerial images is proposed. In particular, a method of subcategory slicing is applied to solve the problem, in which objects in aerial images have similarities at a smaller scale. The detection framework is divided into two parts: training and detection. In the training process, crop images are sliced into subcategories, and then these subcategory patch images and background category images are used to train the prototype network. In the detection process, a simple linear iterative clustering superpixel segmentation method is used to generate candidate regions in the UAV image. The location method uses a prototypical network to recognize nine patch images extracted simultaneously. To train and evaluate the proposed method, we construct an evaluation dataset by collecting the images of chilies in a seedling stage by an UAV. We achieve a location accuracy of 96.46%. This study proposes a seedling crop detection framework based on few-shot learning that does not require the use of labeled boxes. It reduces the workload of manual annotation and meets the location needs of seedling crops.
Development of a Depth Control System Based on Variable-Gain Single-Neuron PID for Rotary Burying of Stubbles
Authors: Zhou Mingkuan , Xia Junfang , Zhang Shuai , Hu Mengjie , Liu Zhengyuan , Liu Guoyang , Luo Chengming
Published: December 2021

Rotary burying by tractor-hitched rotary tillers is a common practice in southern China for treating rice stubbles. Currently, it is difficult to maintain stable tillage depths due to surface unevenness and the residual stubbles in the field, which leads to unstable tillage quality and nonuniform crop growth in later stages. In this study, an RTK-GNSS was used to measure the real-time height and roll angle of the tractor, and a variable-gain single-neuron PID control algorithm was designed to adjust the coefficients (KP, KI, and KD) and gain K in real-time according to the control effects. An on-board computer sent the angles of the upper swing arm u(t) to an STM32 microcontroller through a CAN bus. Compared with the current angle of the upper swing arm, the microcontroller controlled an electronic-control proportional hydraulic system, so that the height of the rotary tiller could be adjusted to follow the field undulations in real-time. Field experiments showed that when the operation speed of the tractor-rotary tiller system was about 0.61 m/s, the variable-gain single-neuron PID algorithm could effectively improve the stability of the working depth and the stubbles’ burying rate. Compared with a conventional PID controller, the stability coefficient and the stubbles’ burying rate were improved by 5.85% and 4.38%, respectively, and compared with a single-neuron PID controller, the stability coefficient and the stubbles’ burying rate were improved by 4.37% and 3.49%, respectively. This work controlled the working depth of the rotary tiller following the changes in the field surface in real-time and improved the stubbles’ burying rate, which is suitable for the unmanned operation of the rotary burying of stubbles in the future.
Effect of Salicylic Acid Foliar Application on Two Wheat Cultivars Grown under Zinc Stress
Authors: Stanislawska-Glubiak Ewa , Korzeniowska Jolanta
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on alleviating Zn stress in young wheat plants. Two rigorous pot experiments were conducted with two spring wheat cultivars growing on soil artificially contaminated with Zn. The experimental design included three levels of soil contamination with Zn: 0, 300 and 700 mg kg−1, and three levels of SA concentration: 0, 0.5 and 1 mM. Foliar spray of SA was applied twice at an interval of two weeks. Wheat biomass was harvested two months after plant emergence. Both cultivars showed similar biomass reduction due to Zn phytotoxicity, but differed in the accumulation and distribution of this metal in the plant. The positive effect of SA foliar application was obtained only for one of the two tested cultivars, where a reduction in the Zn translocation from the roots to the aboveground part was observed. As a consequence, the decrease in biomass caused by the toxicity of Zn was limited. A greater positive effect of SA application on wheat biomass was observed at 700 than at 300 mg kg−1 Zn in soil. The different responses of the cultivars to the SA was probably related to their different defense mechanisms against Zn stress.
Resting Subtropical Grasslands from Grazing in the Wet Season Boosts Biocrust Hotspots to Improve Soil Health
Authors: Williams Wendy J. , Schmidt Susanne , Zaady Eli , Alchin Bruce , Myint Swe Than , Williams Stephen , Dooley Madeline , Penfold Grace , O’Reagain Peter , Bushell John , Cowley Robyn , Driscoll Colin , Robinson Nicole
Published: December 2021

Effective grazing management in Australia’s semi-arid rangelands requires monitoring landscape conditions and identifying sustainable and productive practice through understanding the interactions of environmental factors and management of soil health. Challenges include extreme rainfall variability, intensifying drought, and inherently nutrient-poor soils. We investigated the impacts of grazing strategies on landscape function—specifically soil health—as the foundation for productive pastures, integrating the heterogenous nature of grass tussocks and the interspaces that naturally exist in between them. At Wambiana—a long-term research site in north-eastern Australia—we studied two soil types, two stocking rates (high, moderate), and resting land from grazing during wet seasons (rotational spelling). Rotational spelling had the highest biocrust (living soil cover), in interspaces and under grass tussocks. Biocrusts were dominated by cyanobacteria that binds soil particles, reduces erosion, sequesters carbon, fixes nitrogen, and improves soil fertility. Rotational spelling with a moderate stocking rate emerged as best practice at these sites, with adjustment of stocking rates in line with rainfall and soil type recommended. In drought-prone environments, monitoring the presence and integrity of biocrusts connects landscape function and soil health. Biocrusts that protect and enrich the soil will support long-term ecosystem integrity and economic profitability of cattle production in rangelands.
Degradable Slow-Release Fertilizer Composite Prepared by Ex Situ Mixing of Inverse Vulcanized Copolymer with Urea
Authors: Ghumman Ali Shaan Manzoor , Shamsuddin Rashid , Nasef Mohamed Mahmoud , Maucieri Carmelo , Rehman Obaid Ur , Rosman Arief Aizat , Haziq Mohamed Izzat , Abbasi Amin
Published: December 2021

To improve the crop yield and nitrogen uptake efficacy, a novel slow-release urea composite fertilizer (SUCF) was developed using inverse vulcanized copolymer with better biodegradation and nutrient release longevity. Copolymers were synthesized via inverse vulcanization of jatropha oil, and their properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powdered-X-ray diffractometry (p-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SUCFs were developed by ex situ mixing of inverse vulcanized copolymer with urea powder using mechanical mixer, and their properties were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra of developed fertilizer possesses the urea characteristics peaks along with the undisturbed peaks representing copolymer, confirming the mechanical mixing and that no reaction took place. SEM images of the SUCFs compared with images of copolymer revealed the appearance of new isolated particles with different morphology; EDX mapping showed that these particles represent the urea added to the copolymer. Nitrogen release longevity of developed fertilizers was evaluated in both soil and distilled water. The leaching test revealed that only 70% of the total nitrogen of SUCF prepared from 50 wt% sulfur copolymer was released after 16 days of incubation in distilled water, whereas it released only 35% nitrogen after 20 days in soil. The biodegradability of all copolymers developed was investigated by burying in soil and it revealed their biodegradable nature as weight loss was observed, which increased with the increase of incubation period.
The Detection of Impurity Content in Machine-Picked Seed Cotton Based on Image Processing and Improved YOLO V4
Authors: Zhang Chengliang , Li Tianhui , Zhang Wenbin
Published: December 2021

The detection of cotton impurity rates can reflect the cleaning effect of cotton impurity removal equipment, which plays a vital role in improving cotton quality and economic benefits. Therefore, several studies are being carried out to improve detection accuracy. Image processing technology is increasingly used in cotton impurity detection, in which deep learning technology based on convolution neural networks has shown excellent results in image classification, segmentation, target detection, etc. However, most of these applications focus on detecting foreign fibers in lint, which is of little significance to the parameter adjustment of cotton impurity removal equipment. For this reason, our goal was to develop an impurity detection system for seed cotton. In image segmentation, we propose a multi-channel fusion segmentation algorithm to segment the machine-picked seed cotton image. We collected 1017 images of machine-picked seed cotton as a dataset to train the detection model and tested and recognized 100 groups of samples, with an average recognition rate of 94.1%. Finally, the image segmented by the multi-channel fusion algorithm is input into the improved YOLOv4 network model for classification and recognition, and the established V–W model calculates the content of all kinds of impurities. The experimental results show that the impurity content in machine-picked cotton can be obtained effectively, and the detection accuracy of the impurity rate can increase by 5.6%.
Myostatin Mutation in Japanese Quail Increased Egg Size but Reduced Eggshell Thickness and Strength
Authors: Lee Joonbum , McCurdy Cameron , Chae Christopher , Hwang Jinwoo , Karolak Madeline C. , Kim Dong-Hwan , Baird Cassandra L. , Bohrer Benjamin M. , Lee Kichoon
Published: December 2021

Recently developed myostatin (MSTN) mutant quail and chickens demonstrated similar effects of MSTN on muscle and fat developments between avian and mammalian species. However, the effect of MSTN mutation on the quality of eggshells, an important avian specific characteristic, has not yet been investigated although egg production traits of mutant quail have been studied. In this study, several parameters for eggshell quality, including eggshell size, eggshell weight, eggshell breaking strength (EBS), and eggshell thickness, were all compared between MSTN mutant and wild-type (WT) eggs. MSTN mutant eggs had greater height and width along with heavier eggshell weight compared to WT eggs, which shows proportional improvement in egg size as affected by the MSTN mutation. However, EBS and eggshell thickness were decreased in mutant eggs compared to WT eggs. In addition, the palisade layer, the thickest and most important layer for the strength of an eggshell, was also decreased without a change in the number of vesicular holes. These data indicated that decreases in the thickness of the eggshell and the palisade layer would be a main factor contributing to a lower EBS in mutant eggs. MSTN mutant quail provide a useful model to better understand the function of MSTN on avian uterine cell development and eggshell biomineralization.
TMT Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Effects of Transport Stress on Iron Metabolism in the Liver of Chicken
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Dunhua , Wu Xun , Pan Cuili , Wang Shuzhe , Ma Lu
Published: December 2021

Abnormal iron metabolism can cause oxidative stress in broilers, and transport stress (TS) may potentially influence iron metabolism. However, the mechanisms by which TS affects iron metabolism are unclear. This study used quantitative proteome analysis based on tandem mass tag (TMT) to investigate the effects of TS on liver iron metabolism in broilers. Broilers (n = 24) reared under the same conditions were selected randomly into the transported group for 4 h (T2) and non-transported group (T1). Results showed that the serum iron level and total iron-binding capacity of broilers in the T2 were significantly higher than those in the T1 (p < 0.05). The liver iron content of broilers in the T2 (0.498 ± 0.058 mg·gprot−1) was significantly higher than that in the T1 (0.357 ± 0.035 mg·gprot−1), and the iron-stained sections showed that TS caused the enrichment of iron in the liver. We identified 1139 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Twelve DEPs associated with iron metabolism were identified, of which eight were up-regulated, and four were down-regulated in T2 compared with T1. Prediction of the protein interaction network for DEPs showed that FTH1, IREB2, and HEPH play vital roles in this network. The results provide new insights into the effects of TS on broilers’ liver iron metabolism.
The Effect of Yeast and Roughage Concentrate Ratio on Ruminal pH and Protozoal Population in Thai Native Beef Cattle
Authors: Phesatcha Kampanat , Phesatcha Burarat , Wanapat Metha , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: December 2021

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) adding and roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) on nutrients utilization, rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, and protozoal population in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai native beef cattle, weighing an average of 120 ± 10 kg live weight, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was the level of roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) at 60:40 and 40:60; factor B was the levels of live yeast (LY) supplementation at 0 and 4 g/hd/d; urea–calcium-hydroxide-treated rice straw were used as a roughage source. Findings revealed that total intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) were increased (p < 0.05) by both factors, being greater for steers fed a R:C ratio of 40:60 supplemented with 4 g LY/hd/d. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and propionate (C3) were increased (p < 0.05) at the R:C ratio of 40:60 with LY supplementation at 4 g/hd/d, whereas rumen acetate (C2) and the C2 to C3 ratio were decreased (p < 0.05). With a high level of concentrate, LY addition increased total bacterial direct counts and fungal zoospores (p < 0.05), but decreased protozoal populations (p < 0.05). High-concentrate diet and LY supplementation increased nitrogen absorption and the efficiency of microbial nitrogen protein production. In conclusion, feeding beef cattle with 4 g/hd/d LY at a R:C ratio of 40:60 increased C3 and nutritional digestibility while lowering protozoal population.
The Impact of Bacteriocenoses on Sperm Vitality, Immunological and Oxidative Characteristics of Ram Ejaculates: Does the Breed Play a Role?
Authors: Tvrdá Eva , Kačániová Miroslava , Baláži Andrej , Vašíček Jaromír , Vozaf Jakub , Jurčík Rastislav , Ďuračka Michal , Žiarovská Jana , Kováč Ján , Chrenek Peter
Published: December 2021

Bacterial contamination of semen is an often overlooked, yet important, factor contributing to decreased sperm vitality. Understanding the impact of bacterial presence on sperm structural integrity and functional activity may assist the development of effective strategies to prevent, or manage, bacteriospermia in the breeding practice. The aim of this study was to describe the bacterial profiles of ram semen (n = 35), and we also focused on the associations between bacteriospermia, sperm structure, and function, as well as oxidative and inflammatory characteristics of semen. For a better insight, the samples were divided into three groups, according to the breeds used in the study: native Wallachian (NW), improved Wallachian (IW), and Slovak dairy (SD) breeds. The results showed a significantly lower motility and membrane integrity in the NW group in comparison to the IW and SD groups, which was accompanied by a significantly higher concentration of leukocytes, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and subsequent oxidative insults to the sperm lipids and proteins. Accordingly, the NW group presented with the highest bacterial load, in which Staphylococcus and Escherichia were the predominant representatives. The Pearson correlation analysis uncovered positive relationships amongst the bacterial load and leukocytospermia (r = 0.613), the extent of lipid peroxidation (r = 0.598), protein oxidation (r = 0.514), and DNA fragmentation (r = 0.638). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between the bacterial load and pro-inflammatory molecules, such as the C-reactive protein (r = 0.592), interleukin 1 (r = 0.709), and interleukin 6 (r = 0.474), indicating a possible involvement of the immune response in the process of bacteriospermia. Overall, our data indicate that ram semen quality may be equally affected by the bacterial load and diversity. Furthermore, we can assume that the presence of bacteria in ejaculates triggers inflammatory processes, causes ROS overproduction, and, thereby, contributes to alterations in the sperm structure, while at the same time compromising the fertilization ability of male gametes.
Drenching Bovine Colostrum, Quercetin or Fructo-Oligosaccharides Has No Effect on Health or Survival of Low Birth Weight Piglets
Authors: Van Tichelen Kevin , Prims Sara , Ayuso Miriam , Van Kerschaver Céline , Vandaele Mario , Degroote Jeroen , Van Cruchten Steven , Michiels Joris , Van Ginneken Chris
Published: December 2021

The introduction of hyperprolific sows has resulted in more low birth weight (LBW) piglets, accompanied by higher mortality. A possible strategy to enhance the resilience and survival of LBW piglets is oral supplementation (drenching) of bioactive substances. This study evaluated the supplementation of bovine colostrum, short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) or quercetin that were dissolved separately in a milk replacer. The study was divided into two sub-experiments. First, the milk replacer was compared with a sham drenched group. Secondly, each dissolved compound was compared with the milk replacer. The LBW piglets, defined as weighing between (mean litter birth weight −1*SD) and (mean litter birth weight −2.5*SD), were randomly allocated to the different treatments and drenched once a day for seven days. On day 1, 3, 9, 24 and 38, piglets were weighed and scored for skin lesions. Blood samples were collected on day 9 and 38 and analyzed to determine glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, urea, immunoglobulin G, insulin-like growth factor 1, and a standard blood panel test. There was no difference between sham drenched piglets and piglets that were drenched with milk replacer regarding any of the parameters. No effect was observed between the milk replacer group and any of the bioactive compounds either, except a higher mortality within the scFOS group. In conclusion, this study showed that drenching the evaluated bioactive compounds, in the used dosages, did not improve LBW piglets’ resilience or survival and more research is required to determine the effect of scFOS on small piglets.
Comparison of Consumption Data and Phenotypical Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli Isolates of Human Urinary Samples and of Weaning and Fattening Pigs from Surveillance and Monitoring Systems in Germany
Authors: Mesa-Varona Octavio , Boone Ides , Flor Matthias , Eckmanns Tim , Kaspar Heike , Grobbel Mirjam , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois
Published: December 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from humans are mostly collected from clinical isolates, whereas from livestock data also exist from colonizing pathogens. In Germany, livestock data are collected from clinical and nonclinical isolates. We compared resistance levels of clinical and nonclinical isolates of Escherichia coli from weaning and fattening pigs with clinical outpatient isolates of humans from urban and rural areas. We also studied the association of AMR with available antimicrobial use (AMU) data from humans and pigs. Differences between rural and urban isolates were minor and did not affect the comparison between human and pig isolates. We found higher resistance levels to most antimicrobials in human isolates compared to nonclinical isolates of fattening pigs. Resistance to ampicillin, however, was significantly more frequent in clinical isolates of fattening pigs and in clinical and nonclinical isolates of weaning pigs compared to isolates from humans. The opposite was observed for ciprofloxacin. Co-trimoxazole resistance proportions were higher in clinical isolates of weaning and fattening pigs as compared to isolates from humans. Resistance proportions were higher in clinical isolates than in nonclinical isolates from pigs of the same age group and were also higher in weaner than in fattening pigs. Significant associations of AMU and AMR were found for gentamicin resistance and aminoglycoside use in humans (borderline) and for ampicillin resistance in clinical isolates and penicillin use in fattening pigs. In summary, we found significant differences between isolates from all populations, requiring more detailed analyses supported by molecular data and better harmonized data on AMU and AMR.
Treatment of Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Knee with Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Tognolo Lucrezia , Coraci Daniele , Bernini Andrea , Masiero Stefano
Published: December 2021

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are the most frequent ligamentous injuries of the knee. Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) is progressively expanding its field of application to many musculoskeletal pathologies. Although there is evidence surrounding the efficacy of f-ESWT in tendinopathies, no studies have described the usefulness of ultrasound (US)-guided f-ESWT in the treatment of ligament injuries. Herein, we report a case of a MCL injury treated with f-ESWT. Moreover, our case shows the importance of using ultrasonography in determining the effect of treatment. A 60-year-old man with a focal area of lesion in the deep fibers underwent 4 weekly sessions of US-guided f-ESWT to the injured ligament area. His pain decreased to a visual analog scale (VAS) of 3 at the end of the treatment and was completely resolved at the 1-month follow-up visit, with these results being maintained at 4-month follow-up. The US examination showed an initial deposition of “newly formed tissue” at the site of previous injury of the proximal MCL insertion, and a reduction in MCL thickness together with an improvement in echostructure. Based on this result, we speculate that non-surgical ligament injuries could be a new indication for f-ESWT. However, further investigation on the effects of f-ESWT for ligament injuries is needed.
Protective Effect and Potential Antioxidant Role of Kakadu Plum Extracts on Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Akter Reshmi , Kwak Gi-Young , Ahn Jong Chan , Mathiyalagan Ramya , Ramadhania Zelika Mega , Yang Deok Chun , Kang Se Chan
Published: December 2021

Serial alcohol consumption causes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which can lead to fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is an indigenous fruit of Australia, which is utilized as a functional food. It is a commercially important antioxidant as it contains a more eloquent level of ascorbic acid than other oranges. In this study, we analyzed the chemical constituents of vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and daidzin via High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the Kakadu plum from two different regions including the Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA), and compared their biochemical properties. The vitamin C content was much higher (almost 70%) in Kakadu plum (KKD) from the NT than WA. Moreover, ROS generation was inhibited significantly in HepG2 (human hepatoma) cells with the KKD-NT extract treatment when compared to the KKD-WA extract treatment. The cytotoxicity produced by ethanol was significantly suppressed in response to the treatment with both of the samples. In addition, our samples (KKD-NT and KKD-WA) increased the activity of two key enzymes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) that metabolize ethanol. These results show the biochemical confirmation of the mechanism by which KKD exhibits its biological functions including relief from alcohol hangovers as well as protection of the liver cells by the suppression of ROS production and toxic insults.