bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety in Jiu-Jitsu athletes: differences according to age and competitive level
Authors: Freire Gabriel Lucas Morais , Ferraz Júlia Cavalcanti , Lima-Junior Dalton de , Granja Carla Thamires Laranjeira , Oliveira Daniel Vicentini de , Nascimento Junior José Roberto Andrade do
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze pre-competitive anxiety based on the age range and competitive classification of 26 jiu-jitsu athletes aged 25.5 ± 5.24 years. The instrument used was the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). Data analysis was conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk, independent Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation and simple linear regression (p <0.05). The results revealed that older and more competitive athletes presented a lower magnitude of cognitive anxiety (p <0.05). We observed a moderate and inverse association (r = -0.63, p <0.05) between cognitive anxiety and age, accounting for 38% (R2 = 0.38) of the variance of cognitive anxiety in athletes. It was concluded that age and competitive classification can be considered as intervening factors in the pre-competitive anxiety of jiu-jitsu athletes, specifically in cognitive anxiety.
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Digital Transformation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Antunes Samira Nascimento , Okano Marcelo T , Ribeiro Rosinei Batista
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the concept of Digital Transformation related with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and how it can benefit the business. That link vision is a relatively new concept in the field of business research initiative, and much work remains to be done to establish it. The methodology used was the narrative review that identifies what was written about a topic or topic. The complexity aspects that appear in the S&OP are getting 'clean' data from company business systems to feed the process. After a general overview of the evolution of the studies on Digital Transformation and S&OP, the relationship of the object of analysis of this review to the business was verified. Finally, the article provides a brief introduction to Digital Transformation and focuses on the reasons and advantages for S&OP process.
miR-29a is a Potential Protective Factor for Fibrogenesis in Gluteal Muscle Contracture
Authors: ZHOU R , REN S , LI C , ZHANG X , ZHANG W
Published: July 2020

Circulating miRNAs have been proposed as the effective diagnostic biomarkers for muscular fibrosis-associated diseases. However, circulating biomarkers for early diagnosis of contracture muscles are limited in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) patients. Here we sought to explore the abnormally expressed miRNAs in plasma and contraction bands of GMC patients. The results showed miR-29a-3p expression in plasma and contraction bands tissue was significantly reduced in GMC patients compared with normal control. Cell viability and levels of proliferation-associated protein cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent-kinase 2 (CDK2) were powerfully inhibited by miR-29a mimics and enhanced by miR-29a inhibitor compared with negative control. Furthermore, miR-29a mimics effectively impeded, while miR-29a inhibitor enhanced the expression of collagen I and collagen III, followed by the secretion of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β3 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in primary human contraction bands (CB) fibroblasts. The miR-29a-3p negatively regulated the expression of TGF-β1 through binding to the 3′ UTR region of SERPINH1 (encoding heat shock protein HSP47), but had no effect on Smad2 activity. The miR-29a-3p was inversely correlated with HSP47 in contraction bands tissue from GMC patients. Collectively, miR-29a was notably depressed and regulated cell viability and fibrosis by directly targeting HSP47 in GMC, which suggest that circulating miR-29a might be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and provides a novel therapeutic target for GMC.
Pathological Changes in the Central Nervous System Following Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: BÁLENTOVÁ S , ADAMKOV M
Published: July 2020

Experimental studies in animals provide relevant knowledge about pathogenesis of radiation-induced injury to the central nervous system. Radiation-induced injury can alter neuronal, glial cell population, brain vasculature and may lead to molecular, cellular and functional consequences. Regarding to its fundamental role in the formation of new memories, spatial navigation and adult neurogenesis, the majority of studies have focused on the hippocampus. Most recent findings in cranial radiotherapy revealed that hippocampal avoidance prevents radiation-induced cognitive impairment of patients with brain primary tumors and metastases. However, numerous preclinical studies have shown that this problem is more complex. Regarding the fact, that the radiation-induced cognitive impairment reflects hippocampal and non-hippocampal compartments, it is highly important to investigate molecular, cellular and functional changes in different brain regions and their integration at clinically relevant doses and schedules. Here, we provide a literature review in order support the translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice and improve the physical and mental status of patients with brain tumors.
Application of Spike Sorting Algorithm to Neuronal Signals Originated from Boron Doped Diamond Micro-Electrode Arrays
Authors: KLEMPÍŘ O , KRUPIČKA R , KRŮŠEK J , DITTERT I , PETRÁKOVÁ V , PETRÁK V , TAYLOR A
Published: July 2020

In this work we report on the implementation of methods for data processing signals from microelectrode arrays (MEA) and the application of these methods for signals originated from two types of MEAs to detect putative neurons and sort them into subpopulations. We recorded electrical signals from firing neurons using titanium nitride (TiN) and boron doped diamond (BDD) MEAs. In previous research, we have shown that these methods have the capacity to detect neurons using commercially-available TiN-MEAs. We have managed to cultivate and record hippocampal neurons for the first time using a newly developed custom-made multichannel BDD-MEA with 20 recording sites. We have analysed the signals with the algorithms developed and employed them to inspect firing bursts and enable spike sorting. We did not observe any significant difference between BDD- and TiN-MEAs over the parameters, which estimated spike shape variability per each detected neuron. This result supports the hypothesis that we have detected real neurons, rather than noise, in the BDD-MEA signal. BDD materials with suitable mechanical, electrical and biocompatibility properties have a large potential in novel therapies for treatments of neural pathologies, such as deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.
FSH, Oxytocin and IGF-I Regulate the Expression of Sirtuin 1 in Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: SIROTKIN A , DEKANOVÁ P , HARRATH A
Published: July 2020

The involvement of the mTOR system/enzyme sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) intracellular signaling system in the control of ovarian functions and its role in mediating hormonal action on the ovary has been proposed, but this hypothesis should be supported by a demonstrated influence of hormones on mTOR/SIRT1. Therefore, the aim of our in vitro experiments was to examine the effect of the known hormonal regulators of ovarian functions, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oxytocin (OT) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), on mTOR/SIRT1. The accumulation of SIRT1 in porcine ovarian granulosa cells cultured with and without these hormones (at doses of 1, 10 or 100 ng.ml-1) was evaluated using immunocytochemistry. It was observed that the addition of FSH (at 10 ng.ml-1 but not at 1 or 100 ng/ml) and OT (at all tested doses) increased the expression of SIRT1 in ovarian cells. In addition, 100 ng.ml-1, but not at 1 or 10 ng.ml-1, of IGF-I decreased SIRT1 accumulation. Our observations are the first demonstration that hormones can directly regulate the ovarian mTOR/SIRT1 system and that this system could mediate the action of hormonal regulators on the ovary.
Pharmacological Suppression of Endogenous Glucocorticoid Synthesis Attenuated Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Response to Acute Restraint in Wistar Rats
Authors: BENCZE M , VAVŘÍNOVÁ A , ZICHA J , BEHULIAK M
Published: July 2020

Glucocorticoids (GCS) are known to modulate cardiovascular response during stress conditions. The present study was aimed to test the hypothesis that permissive and/or stimulating effect of GCs is essential for the maintenance of peripheral vascular resistance and for the adequate response of cardiovascular system to stressor exposure. The effects of acute pharmacological adrenalectomy (PhADX) on humoral and cardiovascular parameters were studied in adult Wistar rats under the basal conditions and during the acute restraint stress. Acute PhADX was performed by the administration of metyrapone and aminoglutethimide (100 mg/kg s.c. of each drug) resulting in a suppression of endogenous glucocorticoid synthesis. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and core body temperature were measured using radiotelemetry. BP responses to administration of vasoactive agents were determined in pentobarbital-anesthetized animals. PhADX considerably attenuated stress-induced increase of BP, HR and core body temperature. PhADX did not abolish BP and HR lowering effects of ganglionic blocker pentolinium indicating preserved sympathetic function in PhADX rats. BP response to exogenous norepinephrine administration was attenuated in PhADX rats, suggesting reduced sensitivity of cardiovascular system. Suppression of corticosterone synthesis by PhADX increased basal plasma levels of ACTH, aldosterone and plasma renin activity in unstressed animals but there was no further increase of these hormones following stressor exposure. In conclusion, PhADX attenuated stress-induced rise of blood pressure, heart rate and core body temperature indicating an important permissive and/or stimulating role of glucocorticoids in the maintenance of the adequate response of cardiovascular system and thermoregulation to several stimuli including acute exposure to stressor.
Purinoceptors, Renal Microvascular Function and Hypertension
Authors: GUAN Z , MAKLED M , INSCHO E
Published: July 2020

Proper renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are critical for maintaining normal blood pressure, kidney function and water and electrolyte homeostasis. The renal microvasculature expresses a multitude of receptors mediating vasodilation and vasoconstriction, which can influence glomerular blood flow and capillary pressure. Despite this, RBF and GFR remain quite stable when arterial pressure fluctuates because of the autoregulatory mechanism. ATP and adenosine participate in autoregulatory control of RBF and GFR via activation of two different purinoceptor families (P1 and P2). Purinoceptors are widely expressed in renal microvasculature and tubules. Emerging data show altered purinoceptor signaling in hypertension-associated kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury and polycystic kidney disease. In this brief review, we highlight recent studies and new insights on purinoceptors regulating renal microvascular function and renal hemodynamics. We also address the mechanisms underlying renal microvascular injury and impaired renal autoregulation, focusing on purinoceptor signaling and hypertension-induced renal microvascular dysfunction. Interested readers are directed to several excellent and comprehensive reviews that recently covered the topics of renal autoregulation, and nucleotides in kidney function under physiological and pathophysiological conditions (Inscho 2009, Navar et al. 2008, Carlstrom et al. 2015, Vallon et al. 2020).
Innovation Capability Maturity Model as a Mean for Data Policy Standardisation in Smart Specialisation Cycle
Authors: Maciukaite-Zviniene Saule
Published: July 2020

A major component of the Smart Specialisation (SS) agenda is the monitoring of progress towards the achievement of the goals and development of tools to support the activities of stakeholders in entrepreneurial discovery. However, there are capacity and management challenges for many countries in measuring the progress of SS. High-quality data is crucial for transforming SS indicators into useful tools for developing national mission-oriented innovation policies as well as facilitating a European level monitoring of SS progress. The paper explores potential interventions to improve the implementation of data policy for SS and indicates that Innovation Capability Maturity Model can not only ensure high-quality data, but also standardise the key processes of public management around SS. The adoption and mainstreaming of ICMM may aid in mission-oriented assessments and articulate pathways towards the maturity of SS data for improving SS cycle.
Effects of Marketing Models and Service Quality on Customer Repurchase Intentions: Evidence from Taiwan’s Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Tang Tseng-Chung , Chi Li-Chiu , Deng Hsu-Tong , Li Yue-Ling
Published: July 2020

In this study, we investigated the effects of marketing models and service quality on customer repurchase intentions by utilizing survey questionnaires and using life insurance as the product being studied. The sample consisted of 400 customers who responded to an anonymous 34-item, five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested and all of them were supported by the data; hence, there are a significant relationship among marketing models, service quality, and customer repurchase intentions. Specifically, although marketing models and service quality are both significantly positively related to repurchase intentions, repurchase intentions correlated more strongly with service quality than with marketing models. Moreover, we found evidence that both marketing models and service quality can significantly predict repurchase intentions. The research results have both theoretical and practical implications.
Brand Image and Service Quality on Purchase Intentions: Evidence from the Chain Cram Schools in Taiwan
Authors: Tang Tseng-Chung , Chi Li-Chiu , Tsai Chih-Han
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of brand image and service quality on consumer purchase intention from the perspective of the Taiwan cram school industry. The research involved a questionnaire survey of parent consumers of primary school pupils attending cram schools. A 37-item, five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect the data. From the total sample size, 430 responses representing 84.15 percent were found useable for analysis. The data were then analyzed using the SPSS software for reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, independent sample t-test, One Way Analysis of Variance, Pearson product-moment correlation, and regression analysis.
The results indicate that both brand image and service quality are significantly positively correlated with purchase intention, and that service quality as compared to the brand image is more positively related to purchase intention. Additionally, this study finds evidence that both brand image and service quality are significantly positively predictive of purchase intention.
Challenges and opportunities of information and communication technologies for dissemination of agricultural information in Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Abebaw A.
Published: July 2020

This review paper analyses the challenge and opportunities of information and communication technologies for dissemination of agricultural information in Ethiopia. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of information and communication technologies enables to solve the problem of information problem to smallholder farmers. The data was collected, assessed and reviewed from recent secondary data sources from Central statistical agency, and scholarly articles published on the issue of information and communication technology in agriculture (ICT 4 Ag).Compared to the other sector like governance, health and education sectors, ICT-adoption in the agricultural sector has started relatively late in Ethiopia. Even though it is in infant stage, there are many agricultural ICT related service and application in Ethiopia. The current radical penetration of ICTs like mobile phone, website, social media and other internet/online services brings an immense prospect to farmers to create, share, store, process, interpret and preserve agricultural information and knowledge. ICT related agricultural extension system is the solely choice for dissemination of agricultural knowledge and information. Ethiopia is the country which has more than 65000 extension personnel for agricultural extension. But this extension system is not sustainable since it is very costly and inefficient. Thus, agricultural extension policy and intervention should focus on ICT based extension system.
Role of ‘one house one farm’ approach to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers of ethnic and non-ethnic communities in Bangladesh
Authors: Farouque Md. Golam , Yasuyuki Kono
Published: July 2020

One House One Farm’ (OHOF) was a poverty alleviation project launched by the Government of Bangladesh in 2009 to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The research sought to investigate the impacts of OHOF project using the livelihood framework. This project was launched in Nalitabari sub-division of Sherpur district in Bangladesh as a pilot one with emphasize on smallholder farmers from ethnic and non-ethnic communities. A total of 148 households (68 from the ethnic community and 80 households from the non-ethic community) were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule administered through a face-to-face interview technique. The findings certitude that livelihood capitals such as human, natural, physical, social and financial of project farmers were found improved as compared to non-project farmers. The status of improved livelihood and overall improved livelihood outcomes for the non-ethnic project farmers were comparatively better than that of ethnic members. Since vulnerability contexts were different in each community, the project has intervened accordingly to reduce the extent of vulnerability. Though OHOF approach has improved the overall livelihood situation of smallholder project farmers and reduce their vulnerability to an extent, the project interventions were not equal for studied communities. Moreover, the project personnel were reported with more inclined to provide opportunities for the non-ethnic project farmers than that of ethnic ones.
Effect of feeding regime on skin/leather characteristics of f1 crossbreed sheep in the highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Ayele
Published: July 2020

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of concentrate supplementation on the skin quality attributes of Awassi X Bonga (AB), Awassi X Washera (AW) & Dorper X Menz (DM) crossbreed sheep. Forty-four lambs were assigned in to three-breed & three-concentrate supplementation groups each based on body weight, randomly. Experimental animals were kept on natural pasture grazing dominated by Andropogon longipes grasses, the legume Trifolium species & were supplemented 300, 600- and 900-gram concentrate. The concentrate feed had 21% crude protein & 14 MJ/kg metabolizable energy on a dry matter basis with a composition of 49.5% wheat bran, 49.0% Noug cake (Guizotia abyssinica), 1% limestone and 0.5% salt. After completion of the 90 days of experimental period, animals were slaughtered & fresh skins were taken to the Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI) for skin quality-related tests. Higher level of concentrate supplementation (900g) significantly (p<0.05) improved skin weight, size, thickness & tear load. However, supplementation level did not show significant difference (p>0.05) on moisture content at raw & wet blue stage, fat content & hide substance percentage. Except thickness, average tear load & moisture content for raw skin, which was higher (p<0.05) for DM than AB & AW, all physico-chemical tests were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the breeds. Nevertheless, for some of the values of quality parameters, skins from DM, 900g supplementation level are by far better. It can be concluded that skins from DM, AB & AW, 300-900g concentrate supplementation levels in the diet improves production of leather that meet the acceptable range set by LIDI. Further studies on skin quality attributes including the high and lowland indigenous sheep breeds along with their different blood levels of cross breed is suggested.
Senam Hamil dalam Upaya Persiapan Fisik dalam Persalinan
Authors: Septiyaningsih Rochany , Yunadi Frisca Dewi , Kusumawati Dhiah Dwi
Published: July 2020

One of the health problems in Indonesia is the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that maternal deaths are deaths that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days postpartum which can be caused either directly or indirectly to pregnancy. Pregnancy is a happiness that can be felt by pregnant women who plan and look forward to it. During pregnancy, changes will occur both physical and psychological changes. Psychological changes also occur in pregnant women especially just before delivery. Pregnant women feel anxious because of hormonal changes and thoughts before delivery. Exercise and relaxation techniques during pregnancy are needed to reduce the anxiety of pregnant women. Pregnant gymnastics is one of the sports activities that mothers can do during pregnancy. The aim of community service is to increase the knowledge of pregnant women about pregnancy exercise and teach pregnancy exercise. The target community service is 10 pregnant women in Tambakreja Village. This service begins with health education about pregnancy exercise and then continues with pregnancy exercise practice. As a result of community service, there was an increase in knowledge by 38% from before counseling to counseling. Pregnant women are also able to practice pregnancy exercises properly.
Hormone-Like Effects of 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide on Follicular Development
Authors: Cao Lian Bao , Liu Hong Bin , Lu Gang , Lv Yue , Leung Chi Kwan , Du Yan Zhi , Wang Wu Ming , Xiong Zhi Qiang , Su Xian Wei , Li Hong Jian , Chen Zi-Jiang , Ma Jin Long , Chan Wai Yee
Published: July 2020

Background

4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) has long been considered a hazardous occupational chemical that promotes ovarian failure. However, VCD is also used as a research compound to chemically induce animal models of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and in related work we unexpectedly found that VCD apparently exhibits both dose- and duration-dependent opposing, hormone-like effects on the maintenance of the primordial follicle pool, follicle development, and ovulation induction.

Results

We conducted experiments with cultured murine ovaries and performed transplantation experiments using postnatal day (PD) 2 and PD12 mice and found that low-dose, short-term exposure to VCD (VCDlow) actually protects the primordial/primary follicle pool and improves the functional ovarian reserve (FOR) by disrupting follicular atresia. VCDlow inhibits follicular apoptosis and regulates the Pten-PI3K-Foxo3a pathway. Short-term VCD exposure in vivo (80 mg/kg, 5 days) significantly increases the number of superovulated metaphase II oocytes, preovulatory follicles, and corpus luteum in middle-aged mice with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). We demonstrate that low-dose but not high-dose VCD promotes aromatase levels in granulosa cells (GCs), thereby enhancing the levels of estradiol secretion.

Conclusion

Our study illustrates a previously unappreciated, hormone-like action for the occupational “ovotoxin” molecule VCD and strongly suggests that VCDlow should be explored for its potential utility for treating human ovarian follicular development disorders, including subfertility in perimenopausal women.
Exploring the Role of Action Consequences in the Handle-Response Compatibility Effect
Authors: Scerrati Elisa , D’Ascenzo Stefania , Lugli Luisa , Iani Cristina , Rubichi Sandro , Nicoletti Roberto
Published: July 2020

Previous research investigating handle-response compatibility effects with graspable objects used different categories of objects as stimuli, regardless of their specific, intrinsic characteristics. The current study explores whether different types of objects’ characteristics may elicit different types of spatial compatibility, that is, handle-response and response-effect compatibility as well as their potential interaction. In Experiment 1, objects having a graspable handle opposite to either a visible functional component (i.e.,handle-function objects: a teapot) or a latent functional component (handle-only objects: a pitcher lacking the spout) were presented separately in different blocks. Both the handle and the goal-directed functional components of these objects were located on the horizontal axis. In Experiment 2, handle-only objects had a handle located on the horizontal axis and a latent functional component located on the vertical axis (e.g., a cup). In both experiments, participants were required to judge the material (plastic and metal) the object was made of. Results showed that the handle-response compatibility effect was sensitive to whether the actions consequences of object manipulation took place on the horizontal rather than on the vertical axis.
The Impact of Soil Water Content on Yield, Composition, Energy, and Water Indicators of the Bioenergy Grass Saccharum spontaneum ssp. aegyptiacum under Three-Growing Seasons
Authors: Scordia Danilo , Calcagno Silvio , Piccitto Alessandra , Patanè Cristina , Cosentino Salvatore Luciano
Published: July 2020

Raising water and energy productivity in agriculture can contribute to reducing the pressure on the limited freshwater availability and non-renewable energy sources. Bioenergy perennial grasses are efficient from a water perspective and can afford a low-energy cultivation system; however, crop selection and cultivation practices for minimizing land use change and maximizing resource use efficiencies remain a challenging task in view of sustainable bioeconomy development. The present work investigated the soil water effect on a long-term plantation of Saccharum (Saccharum spontaneum ssp. aegyptiacum), a bioenergy perennial grass holding great promise for semiarid Mediterranean areas. The plantation was in its 13th year following establishment and was subjected to three levels of irrigation for three successive growing seasons. Regression models between crop water use (CWU) and productivity, biomass composition, energy, and water indicators showed different prediction curves. Raising CWU (from 230 to 920 mm) enhanced the dry biomass yield (from 14.8 to 30.1 Mg ha−1) and the net energy value (from 257.6 to 511 GJ ha−1). On the same CWU range, unirrigated crops improved the energy efficiency (from 99.8 to 58.5 GJ ha−1), the energy productivity (from 5.6 to 3.4 Mg GJ−1) and the water productivity (from 114.5 to 56.1 MJ m−3) by reducing the water footprint (from 8.7 to 17.8 m3 GJ−1). Biomass composition was also superior in unirrigated crops, as the lower heating value, structural polysaccharides, and the acid detergent lignin were higher, while ash and soluble compounds were lower. Present findings demonstrated the good yield levels and persistence of Saccharum, improving our knowledge of plant responses to changing soil water availability to maximize energy and conserve natural resources, paving the way for sustainable bioeconomy development in the Mediterranean area.
Prediction of Soybean Plant Density Using a Machine Learning Model and Vegetation Indices Extracted from RGB Images Taken with a UAV
Authors: Ranđelović Predrag , Đorđević Vuk , Milić Stanko , Balešević-Tubić Svetlana , Petrović Kristina , Miladinović Jegor , Đukić Vojin
Published: July 2020

Soybean plant density is an important factor of successful agricultural production. Due to the high number of plants per unit area, early plant overlapping and eventual plant loss, the estimation of soybean plant density in the later stages of development should enable the determination of the final plant number and reflect the state of the harvest. In order to assess soybean plant density in a digital, nondestructive, and less intense way, analysis was performed on RGB images (containing three channels: RED, GREEN, and BLUE) taken with a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) on 66 experimental plots in 2018, and 200 experimental plots in 2019. Mean values of the R, G, and B channels were extracted for each plot, then vegetation indices (VIs) were calculated and used as predictors for the machine learning model (MLM). The model was calibrated in 2018 and validated in 2019. For validation purposes, the predicted values for the 200 experimental plots were compared with the real number of plants per unit area (m2). Model validation resulted in the correlation coefficient—R = 0.87, mean absolute error (MAE) = 6.24, and root mean square error (RMSE) = 7.47. The results of the research indicate the possibility of using the MLM, based on simple values of VIs, for the prediction of plant density in agriculture without using human labor.
Effects of Replacing Extruded Maize by Dried Citrus Pulp in a Mixed Diet on Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Production, and Microbial Populations in Rusitec Fermenters
Authors: García-Rodríguez Jairo , Saro Cristina , Mateos Iván , González Jesús S. , Carro María Dolores , Ranilla María José
Published: July 2020

Citrus pulp is a highly abundant by-product of the citrus industry. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of replacing extruded maize (EM; 20% of total diet) by dried citrus pulp (DCP; 20%) in a mixed diet on rumen fermentation and microbial populations in Rusitec fermenters. The two diets contained 50% alfalfa hay and 50% concentrate, and the same protein level. Four Rusitec fermenters were used in a cross-over design with two 13-d incubation runs. After 7-d of diet adaptation, diet disappearance, fermentation parameters, microbial growth, and microbial populations were assessed. Fermenters receiving the DCP showed greater pH values and fiber disappearance (p < 0.001) and lower methane production (p = 0.03) than those fed EM. Replacing EM by DCP caused an increase in the proportions of propionate and butyrate (p < 0.001) and a decrease in acetate (p = 0.04). Microbial growth, bacterial diversity, and the quantity of bacteria and protozoa DNA were not affected by the diet, but the relative abundances of fungi and archaea were greater (p < 0.03) in solid and liquid phases of DCP fermenters, respectively. Results indicate that DCP can substitute EM, promoting a more efficient ruminal fermentation.
Social Experience of Captive Livingstone’s Fruit Bats (Pteropus livingstonii)
Authors: Welch Morgan J. , Smith Tessa , Hosie Charlotte , Wormell Dominic , Price Eluned , Stanley Christina R.
Published: July 2020

Social network analysis has been highlighted as a powerful tool to enhance the evidence-based management of captive-housed species through its ability to quantify the social experience of individuals. We apply this technique to explore the social structure and social roles of 50 Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii) housed at Jersey Zoo, Channel Islands, through the observation of associative, affiliative, and aggressive interactions over two data collection periods. We implement binomial mixture modelling and characteristic-based assortment quantification to describe the complexity and organisation of social networks, as well as a multiple regression quadratic assignment procedural (MRQAP) test to analyse the relationship between network types. We examine the effects of individual characteristics (i.e., sex, age, and dominance rank) on social role by fitting models to explain the magnitude of node metrics. Additionally, we utilize a quadratic assignment procedural (QAP) test to assess the temporal stability of social roles over two seasons. Our results indicate that P. livingstonii display a non-random network structure. Observed social networks are positively assorted by age, as well as dominance rank. The frequency of association between individuals correlates with a higher frequency of behavioural interactions, both affiliative and aggressive. Individual social roles remain consistent over ten months. We recommend that, to improve welfare and captive breeding success, relationships between individuals of similar ages and dominance levels should be allowed to persist in this group where possible, and separating individuals that interact frequently in an affiliative context should be avoided.
Bacteriophages and Lysins as Possible Alternatives to Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: de Miguel Trinidad , Rama José Luis R. , Sieiro Carmen , Sánchez Sandra , Villa Tomas G.
Published: July 2020

Urinary tract infections represent a major public health problem as the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains among uropathogens is causing the failure of many current treatments. The use of bacteriophages (phages) and their derivatives to combat infectious diseases is an old approach that has been forgotten by the West for a long time, mostly due to the discovery and great success of antibiotics. In the present so-called “post-antibiotic era”, many researchers are turning their attention to the re-discovered phage therapy, as an effective alternative to antibiotics. Phage therapy includes the use of natural or engineered phages, as well as their purified lytic enzymes to destroy pathogenic strains. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted, and these have proved the great potential for this therapy against uropathogenic bacteria. Nevertheless, to date, the lack of appropriate clinical trials has hindered its widespread clinic application.
Impact of the ‘13th Five-Year Plan’ Policy on Air Quality in Pearl River Delta, China: A Case Study of Haizhu District in Guangzhou City Using WRF-Chem
Authors: Zhan Juanming , Wang Minyi , Liu Yonghong , Feng Chunming , Gan Ting , Li Li , Ou Ruiwen , Ding Hui
Published: July 2020

Due to increasingly stringent control policy, air quality has generally improved in major cities in China during the past decade. However, the standards of national regulation and the World Health Organization are yet to be fulfilled in certain areas (in some urban districts among the cities) and/or certain periods (during pollution episode event). A further control policy, hence, has been issued in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020, hereafter 13th FYP). It will be of interest to evaluate the air quality before the 13th FYP (2015) and to estimate the potential air quality by the end of the 13th FYP (2020) with a focus on the area of an urban district and the periods of severe pollution episodes. Based on observation data of major air pollutants, including SO2 (sulphur dioxide), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10 μm), PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5 µm) and O3 (Ozone), the air quality of Haizhu district [an urban district in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China] in 2015 suggested that typical heavy pollution occurred in winter and the hot season, with NO2 or PM2.5 as the key pollutants in winter and O3 as the key pollutant in the hot season. We also adopted a state-of-the-art chemical transport model, the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), to predict the air quality in Haizhu District 2020 under different scenarios. The simulation results suggested that among the emission control scenarios, comprehensive measures taken in the whole of Guangzhou city would improve air quality more significantly than measures taken just in Haizhu, under all conditions. In the urban district, vehicle emission control would account more than half of the influence of all source emission control on air quality. Based on our simulation, by the end of the 13th FYP, it is noticeable that O3 pollution would increase, which indicates that the control ratio of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) may be unsuitable and therefore should be adjusted. Our study highlights the significance of evaluating the efficacy of current policy in reducing the air pollutants and recommends possible directions for further air pollution control for urban areas during the 13th FYP.
Battery Balancing Algorithm for an Agricultural Drone Using a State-of-Charge-Based Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Kim Sang-Bum , Lee Sang-Hyun
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose an intelligent battery control system that incorporates an active balancing technique and a fuzzy controller to manage and extend the life of an agricultural drone battery efficiently. The control system includes the following key features: A battery pack balancing algorithm based on a bidirectional DC/DC converter; a cell balancing system to prevent overcharge/discharge and ensure equal control of the cell voltages; and a monitoring system and wireless link to track the real-time status of the battery, temperature, and acceleration while the drone is in operation. Each battery pack consists of six lithium polymer batteries, one fuzzy controller per cell, and supports active balancing using the developed balancing technique. The capacity of each of the battery packs in the system is 11,000 mAh, and two can be combined to provide a total capacity of 22,000 mAh.
Iron-Based Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion: Effect of Ball Milling on Oxygen Reduction Activity
Authors: Costa de Oliveira Maida Aysla , Machado Pico Pedro Pablo , da Silva Freitas Williane , D’Epifanio Alessandra , Mecheri Barbara
Published: July 2020

In this work, we synthesized new materials based on Fe(II) phthalocyanine (FePc), urea and carbon black pearls (BP), called Fe-N-C, as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in neutral solution. The electrocatalysts were prepared by combining ball-milling and pyrolysis treatments, which affected the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and electrocatalytic activity toward ORR, and stability was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Ball-milling allowed us to increase the ECSA, and the ORR activity as compared to the Fe-N-C sample obtained without any ball-milling. The effect of a subsequent pyrolysis treatment after ball-milling further improved the electrocatalytic stability of the materials. The set of results indicated that combining ball-milling time and pyrolysis treatments allowed us to obtain Fe-N-C catalysts with high catalytic activity toward ORR and stability which makes them suitable for microbial fuel cell applications.
Cortical Reorganization after Rehabilitation in a Patient with Conduction Aphasia Using High-Density EEG
Authors: Formica Caterina , De Salvo Simona , Micchìa Katia , La Foresta Fabio , Dattola Serena , Mammone Nadia , Corallo Francesco , Ciavola Adriana , Arcadi Francesca Antonia , Marino Silvia , Bramanti Alessia , Bonanno Lilla
Published: July 2020

Conduction aphasia is a language disorder occurred after a left-brain injury. It is characterized by fluent speech production, reading, writing and normal comprehension, while speech repetition is impaired. The aim of this study is to investigate the cortical responses, induced by language activities, in a sub-acute stroke patient affected by conduction aphasia before and after an intensive speech therapy training. The patient was examined by using High-Density Electroencephalogram (HD-EEG) examination, while was performing language tasks. the patient was evaluated at baseline and after two months after rehabilitative treatment. Our results showed that an intensive rehabilitative process, in sub-acute stroke, could be useful for a good outcome of language deficits. HD-EEG results showed that left parieto-temporol-frontal areas were more activated after 2 months of rehabilitation training compared with baseline. Our results provided evidence that an intensive rehabilitation process could contribute to an inter- and intra-hemispheric reorganization.
Development and Application of a New Apparatus for Moisture Measurement in Building Composites
Authors: Frydrych Miroslav , Herclík Miroslav , Klaban Michal , Knížek Roman , Fridrichová Ludmila
Published: July 2020

The presented paper is divided into two levels. On the first level, the research is focused on development of a material that includes a smart fabric membrane (nanofiber) and is waterproof and vapour-permeable. On the second level, it deals with the development of an apparatus which is able to evaluate the resistance of the building composite against water. A new device is presented that can measure how waterproof the building material is, with a thickness between five to 20 centimetres. The tested samples are in the shape of a square or circle, they have a width of 20 centimetres, or a diameter of 20 centimetres. All of the building composite samples were tested using a water column that is one meter high. Experiments simulate floods on this new apparatus. It was found that materials can be evaluated not only according to the amount of water flow per unit of time, but also according to the shape of the flow curves.
Nonlinear TeraHertz Transmission by Liquid Water at 1 THz
Authors: Novelli Fabio , Ma Chun Yu , Adhlakha Nidhi , Adams Ellen M. , Ockelmann Thorsten , Das Mahanta Debasish , Di Pietro Paola , Perucchi Andrea , Havenith Martina
Published: July 2020

The solvation properties of liquid water originate from the transient network of hydrogen-bonded molecules. In order to probe the coupling between the different modes of this network, nonlinear terahertz (THz) spectroscopy techniques are required. Ideally, these techniques should use a minimal volume and capitalize on sensitive field-resolved detection. Here we performed open aperture z-scan transmission experiments on static liquid cells, and detect the THz fields with electro-optical techniques. We show that it is possible to quantify the nonlinear response of liquid water at ~1 THz even when large signals originate from the sample holder windows.
Modulation Code for Reducing Intertrack Interference on Staggered Bit-Patterned Media Recording
Authors: Jeong Seongkwon , Lee Jaejin
Published: July 2020

A bit-patterned media recording (BPMR) system is a type of ultrahigh-capacity magnetic storage system that can extend to an areal density of 1 terabit per square inch or higher. However, because the space between islands in the down- and cross-track directions is reduced to extend the areal density, the effect of two-dimensional interference is increased. However, using a staggered array, which is one of the possible island distributions for BPMR, helps to decrease intertrack interference. A 7/10 modulation code for a staggered BPMR is proposed to avoid the effect of two-dimensional interference and provide distance among nonidentical codewords for improving the correcting capability.
RETRACTED: Bissinger et al. Osteosynthesis Plate Removal: Patient Benefits and Burdens. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 1810
Authors: Bissinger Oliver , Biermann Luisa , Kolk Andreas , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Götz Carolin
Published: July 2020

The published article [...]
Special Issue on “Architectural Structure”
Authors: Bernardo Luís Filipe Almeida
Published: July 2020

This Special Issue on “Architectural Structure” aims to gather general advances in human-made constructions which simultaneously are driven by aesthetic and structural engineering considerations [...]
An Ontological Metro Accident Case Retrieval Using CBR and NLP
Authors: Wu Haitao , Zhong Botao , Medjdoub Benachir , Xing Xuejiao , Jiao Li
Published: July 2020

Metro accidents are apt to cause serious consequences, such as casualties or heavy economic loss. Once accidents occur, quick and accurate decision-making is essential to prevent emergent accidents from getting worse, which remains a challenge due to the lack of efficient knowledge representation and retrieval. In this research, an ontological method that integrates case-based reasoning (CBR) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques was proposed for metro accident case retrieval. An ontological model was developed to formalize the representation of metro accident knowledge, and then, the CBR aimed to retrieve similar past cases for supporting decision-making after the accident cases were annotated by the NLP technique. Rule-based reasoning (RBR), as a complementary of CBR, was used to decide the appropriate measures based on those that are recorded in regulations, such as emergency plans. A total of 120 metro accident cases were extracted from the safety monthly reports during metro operations and then built into the case library. The proposed method was tested in MyCBR and evaluated by expert reviews, which had an average precision of 91%.
Analyse Success Model of Split Time and Cut-Off Point Values of Physical Demands to Keep Category in Semi-Professional Football Players
Authors: Gimenez Jesus Vicente , Jimenez-Linares Luis , Garcia-Unanue Jorge , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier , Gallardo Leonor , Felipe Jose Luis
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to analyse different success models and split time on cut-off point values on physical demands to keep category in semi-professional football players. An ad hoc observational controlled study was carried out with a total of ten (840 match data) outfield main players (25.2 ± 6.3 years, 1.79 ± 0.75 m, 74.9 ± 5.8 kg and 16.5 ± 6 years of football experience) and monitored using 15 Hz GPS devices. During 14 official matches from the Spanish division B in the 2016/2017 season, match data were coded considering the situational variable (score) and classified by match results (winning, losing or drawing). The results show significant differences between high-intensity attributes criteria that considered split time in velocity zones of 0–15 min (p = 0.043, ηp2 = 0.065, medium), 30–45 min (p = 0.010, ηp2 = 0.094, medium) and 60–75 min (p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.086, medium), as well as sprint 60–75 min (p = 0.042, ηp2 = 0.066, medium) and 75–90 min (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.129, medium). Decision tree induction was applied to reduce the disparity range of data according to six 15-min intervals and to determine the cut-off point values for every parameter combination. It was possible to establish multivariate models for the main high-intensity actions criteria, allowing the establishment of all rules with their attributes and enabling the detection and visualisation of relationships and the pattern sets of variables for determining success.
A Quantitative Method to Measure and Speciate Amines in Ambient Aerosol Samples
Authors: Sullivan Amy , Benedict Katherine , Carrico Christian , Dubey Manvendra , Schichtel Bret , Collett Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Ambient reactive nitrogen is a mix of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic compounds. These various compounds are found in both aerosol- and gas-phases with oxidized and reduced forms of nitrogen. Aerosol-phase reduced nitrogen is predominately thought to include ammonium and amines. In ambient samples, the ammonium concentration is routinely determined, but the contribution of amines is not. We developed a method to discretely measure amines from ambient aerosol samples. It employs ion chromatography using a Thermo Scientific IonPac Dionex CS-19 column with conductivity detection and a three-step separation using a methanesulfonic acid eluent. This method allows for the quantification of 18 different amines, including the series of methylamines and the different isomers of butylamine. Almost all amines quantifiable by this technique were measured regularly when applying this method to ambient filter samples collected in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and Greeley, CO. The sum of the amines was ~0.02 µg m−3 at both sites. This increased to 0.04 and 0.09 µg m−3 at RMNP and Greeley, respectively, at the same time they were impacted by smoke. Analysis of separate, fresh biomass burning source samples, however, suggests that smoke is likely a minor emission source of amines in most environments.