bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOSYAL HİZMET UYGULAMASINDA MESLEKİ UYGUNLUK ÖLÇEĞİ: GEÇERLİLİK VE GÜVENİRLİK
Authors: Kalaycı Kırlıoğlu Huriye İrem , Daşbaş Serap , Karakuş Özlem
Published: July 2020

Mesleki uygunluk kavramı son yıllarda üzerinde oldukça durulan bir kavram olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Literatürde tartışılan bir konu olmasına rağmen ülkemizde sosyal hizmet mesleği için mesleki uygunluğu ölçen bir değerlendirme aracı ve buna bağlı çalışmaya rastlanmamaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Sosyal Hizmet Uygulamasında Mesleki Uygunluk Ölçeği’ni Türkçeye uyarlamaktır. Araştırma, tarama modelinde yapılmıştır. Araştırmada amaçlı ve uygun örneklem yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında Tam ve diğerleri (2013) tarafından yurt dışında geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmaları yapılmış Sosyal Hizmet Uygulamasında Mesleki Uygunluk Ölçeği’nin Türkçe uyarlaması yapılmıştır. Ölçeğin dil, yapı, benzer ölçekler, madde istatistikleri, zamana karşı değişmezlik gibi çeşitli faktörlerden açısından değerlendirildiğinde geçerli ve güvenilir olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında uyarlanan ölçeğin özellikle sosyal hizmet bölümü öğrencileri gibi farklı örneklem gruplarında uygulanması ve belirli alanlarda sosyal hizmet iş başvurularında değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.
Velayet Kararlarında Yürütülen Süreç: Uzmanlar Ne Düşünüyor? Ne yapıyor?
Authors: Aydos Sebahat , Köksal Akyol Aysel
Published: July 2020

Bu çalışmada boşanma nedeniyle parçalanan ailelerde çocukların velayetine karar verme sürecinde aile mahkemelerinde görevli uzmanların velayete ilişkin değerlendirme sürecini anlamlandırma biçimlerini ortaya koymak amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden temel yorumlayıcı desen üzerine kurgulanmıştır. Çalışma grubunu velayete ilişkin değerlendirme raporu hazırlayan ve kartopu örnekleme metodu ile seçilen beş uzman oluşturmuştur. Görüşme tekniğinin kullanıldığı çalışmada, veri toplama aracı olarak ‘Görüşme Formu’ kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda adliye sistemi içerisinde velayet raporlarının hazırlanmasına ilişkin farklılıkların olduğu, uzmanların çalışma şekillerinin, raporu yazan uzman sayısının, değerlendirme sürecinde yardımcı kaynaklardan faydalanma durumlarının ve raporu hazırlama biçimlerinin mahkemeden mahkemeye değiştiği, bu değişikliğe bireysel farklılıkların yanında mahkeme hâkiminin bakış açısının neden olduğu bulguları elde edilen sonuçlar arasındadır. Bunun yanı sıra velayete ilişkin kararda uzmanların yalnızca kanaat bildirdikleri, son sözü söyleme yetkisinin hâkimlerde olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Uzmanlar her ne kadar çocuğun gelişimini ve çocuğun katılım hakkını velayete ilişkin karar verme sürecinde önemsediklerini iddia etseler de çocuğun gelişimsel değerlendirmesine ve çocuğun gelişimsel özelliklerinin kanaati etkileme biçimine yer verilen bir bulguya rastlanmamıştır. Çocuğun katılım hakkı da bu bağlamda yalnızca büyük yaş grubu çocuklarla yapılan görüşmelerde karara etki etmektedir. Aynı zamanda uzmanlar yardımcı kaynak verilerini ve ev ziyaretlerini genel olarak önemsiyor olsalar da sistemin uygun olmaması nedeniyle bu tarz bilgilere ulaşamamaktadır.
EVLAT EDİNME SÜRECİNDE BİYOLOJİK ANNENİN HAK ARAMA MÜCADELESİ: VAKA SUNUMU
Authors: Karataş Zeki
Published: July 2020

Her çocuk sağlıklı fizyolojik ve psikososyal gelişim için aileye ihtiyaç duymaktadır. Ancak bazı çocuklar sosyal risklere maruz kalması nedeniyle öz ana-babasının bakım ve gözetiminde büyüme olanağına sahip değildir. Korunma ihtiyacı olan çocuk olarak nitelendirilen bu dezavantajlı çocuklar, kurum bakım modeline alternatif olarak aile temelli sosyal hizmet modellerinden yararlandırılmaktadırlar. Aile temelli bakım modeli olan evlat edinme bir taraftan çocuğun sağlıklı ve işlevsel bir aile ortamına kavuşmasını sağlarken diğer taraftan da ailenin çocuk sahibi olma özlemini gidermektedir. Evlat edinme işlemi, çocuğun yüksek yararı gözetilerek sosyal hizmet ve hukuk alanının işbirliği ile yerine getirilen bir hizmettir. Evlat edinme süreci ise korunma ihtiyacı olan çocuk, biyolojik ana-baba ve evlat edinmek isteyen aile bileşeninde gerçekleşmektedir. Evlat edinme konusunda yapılan araştırmalarda biyolojik annenin çocuğunu terk etme ya da evlat edinilmesine rıza gösterme kararını nasıl verdiğiyle ilgili sürecin çok fazla ele alınmadığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada evlilik birliği dışında dünyaya gelmesi nedeniyle evlat edindirme hizmetinden yararlandırılan bir çocuğun biyolojik annesi tarafından geri alınmak istenmesi sürecinde yaşanan hukuki hak arama mücadelesinin evlat edinilen çocuk, biyolojik anne, evlat edinen aile boyutuyla değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda yazarın sosyal hizmet uzmanı olarak görev yaptığı dönemde evlat edinme sürecini yürüttüğü bir aile üzerinden örnek olay çalışması tekniği kullanılarak değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Sonuç olarak evlat edinme sürecinde çocuğa ve evlat edinilen aileye yoğunlaşıldığı, biyolojik annenin psikososyal durumuna yönelik herhangi bir müdahalede bulunulmadığı ve hukuki açıdan hatalar yapıldığı anlaşılmıştır. Evlat edinmenin tüm bileşenlerini kapsayacak bütüncül bir müdahale modeli geliştirilmesinin önemi tartışılmıştır.
GÖÇMEN VE SIĞINMACILARLA SOSYAL HİZMET DERSİNİN SOSYAL HİZMET ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN SURİYELİLERE YÖNELİK ALGISINA ETKİSİ
Authors: Kırlıoğlu Mehmet , Gencer Tahir Emre
Published: July 2020

Bu çalışma Suriyeliler örneğinden hareketle sosyal hizmet lisans müfredatında yer alan göçmen ve sığınmacılarla sosyal hizmet dersinin, sosyal hizmet öğrencileri üzerindeki etkisini ölçmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu sayede incinebilir ve hassas gruplar ile çalışma sorumluluğu bulunan sosyal hizmet meslek elemanlarının, lisans eğitimi süreçlerinde aldıkları derslerin beklendik düzeyde bir dönüşüm yaratıp yaratmadığı güncel, dinamik ve önemli bir konu üzerinden ele alınmıştır. Çalışma, ülkemizdeki iki farklı devlet üniversitesinin göçmen ve sığınmacılarla sosyal hizmet dersini alan lisans öğrencileri ile yapılmıştır. Bu süreçte kişisel bilgi formu, “Yabancı Düşmanlığı (Zenofobi) Ölçeği” ve “Yerel Halkın Suriyelilere Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği” kullanılarak nicel araştırma yöntemi ile tek grup ön test-son test modeline göre bir araştırma dizayn edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda “Göçmen ve Sığınmacılarla Sosyal Hizmet” dersinin etkiliğini ölçmek amacıyla ders öncesi ve sonrası uygulanan Yabancı Düşmanlığı Ölçeği'nde ve Yerel Halkın Suriyelilere Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği'nde öğrencilerin aldıkları puanlar karşılaştırılmış ve puanlar arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Her iki üniversitenin sosyal hizmet öğrencilerinin hem Yabancı Düşmanlığı Ölçeği'nden, hem de Yerel Halkın Suriyelilere Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği'nden aldıkları son test puanlar, ön test puanlarından anlamlı bir şekilde yüksek çıkmıştır (p<0,01). Sonuç olarak sosyal hizmet öğrencilerine, göçmen ve sığınmacılara ilişkin verilen lisans dersinin, öğrencilerin Suriyelilere yönelik algısında olumlu yönde bir etki yarattığı saptanmıştır. Ayrıca bu anlamlı etkinin pek çok bileşene bağlı olduğu ve yapılandırılmış eğitim süreçleri ile istendik yönde yaratılan kalıcı davranışların ve kazanımların; göç, sosyal uyum, farklılık ve birlikte yaşam gibi çalışmalarda ve eğitimlerde etkin biçimlerde kullanılabileceği gözlenmiştir.
Tarihsel Süreçte Kadının Aile İçindeki Konumunun Feminist Sosyal Hizmet Yaklaşımı Temelinde Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Doğancı Hatice Kübra , Tuncay Tarık
Published: July 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ataerkil kodların üreticisi ve uygulayıcısı olarak ailenin, feminizm ve feminist sosyal hizmet yaklaşımı açısından eleştirel gözle sorgulanmasıdır. Feminist sosyal hizmet yaklaşımına geçmeden önce feminizmin ortaya çıkmasına zemin hazırlayan tarihsel süreç ve kadın hareketinin kronolojik seyri açıklanarak feminizmin dün ve bugün ne olduğu sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Ardından feminizmin etkisiyle şekillenen feminist sosyal hizmet uygulaması açıklanarak, bu bağlamda kadınlarla sosyal hizmet müdahalesinin nasıl yürütülebileceğinden bahsedilmiştir. Bu çalışma, mevcut literatürden, ikincil veriler kullanılarak derlenmiştir. Söz konusu veriler ışığında genel bir değerlendirme ve çözüm önerileri sunularak noktalanmıştır. Kadının aileden bağımsız düşünülmediği toplumlarda aile kurumunun kadının özgürleşmesine katkı sunması mümkünken, kadınların özgürleşmesi önünde önemli bir engel halini aldığı açıkça görülmektedir. Bu nedenle aileye ilişkin değerlere eleştirel bir bakışla yaklaşarak, kadınların özgürleşmelerine katkı sunacak feminist sosyal hizmet uygulamalarına ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.
GENÇ YETİŞKİNLERİN KULLANDIKLARI DUYGU STİLLERİ İLE AİLE AİDİYETİNİN İLİŞKİSİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Karip Salih , Kesen Nur Feyzal , Daşbaş Serap
Published: July 2020

Bu araştırma, genç yetişkinlerin tercih ettikleri duygu stilleri ile aile aidiyeti arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tanımlayıcı nitelikteki araştırma 2017 yılında, Konya ilinde yer alan farklı üniversitelerde öğrenim gören araştırmaya katılmaya gönüllü 1748 lisans öğrencisi ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler Katılımcı Bilgi Formu, Duygu Stilleri Ölçeği ve Aile Aidiyeti Ölçeği kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Veriler SPSS.21 istatistik programı ile incelenmiş, analiz sürecinde Bağımsız Gruplar T Testi, ANOVA Testi ve Pearson Korelasyon Analizi Yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Katılımcıların %55,3’ünün kadın, yaş ortalamaları 21, ortalama kardeş sayıları 3 ve aylık ortalama gelirleri 735 olarak bulunmuştur. Katılımcıların %64,6’sı il veya büyükşehirlerde yaşamakta, %47’sinin annesinin ve %34’ünün babasının eğitim durumu ilkokuldur. Araştırma sonucunda kadınların aile aidiyetinin erkeklere göre anlamlı bir şekilde yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Aile içi şiddet deneyiminin varlığı kendilik ve aile aidiyetini olumsuz etkilemektedir. Anne-babanın eğitim düzeyi ve genç yetişkine karşı tutumları ile aile aidiyeti arasında anlamlı ilişki vardır. Ailenin içinde bulunduğu durumun aile üyelerinin duygularını rahat ifade edebilmeleri açısından önemli olduğu, bu durumun da bireyin aile aidiyeti ile ilişkili olduğu saptanmıştır. Ebeveynler tarafından aile içi iletişim güçlendirilmesi ve çocukların duygularını ifade etme konusunda desteklenmesi aracılığıyla bireyin aile aidiyetinin artırılabileceği düşünülmektedir.
PENERAPAN PENDIDIKAN CERDAS BERKARAKTER DI MERAUKE (PERSPEKTIF KOMUNIKASI)
Authors: Yuniar Ririt , Puspitasari Rafika
Published: July 2020

Education is the most important factor in order to increase the people's intelligence which is in accordance to the value of Pancasila, the basis of the Indonesian state, since character is the most important aspect in the nation's social life. Unfortunately, some parts (provinces) of Indonesia - especially Merauke for the example - doesn't receive quite education for the character-building and enrichment to happen. This is fatal enough considering good character equals good standards of living. This research aims to persuade all layers of society and the local government in order to initiate a great character-building education in Merauke, meanwhile it is also testing how much the government's intelligent character policy has been applied in Merauke. This research uses a qualitative and descriptive approach, along with the constructivist's paradigm. The results of the research have been concluded that the Merauke is still experiencing a crisis character in terms of education. It's about time that the local government, all layers of society, and all of those who are involved to assist one another to resolve the issue of character-building education - especially in Merauke. The conclusion of the research is that a strategic communication and social interactions in the form of awareness-raising can be the bridge for implementing a great character-building policy in Merauke.
Keywords: education, character, standard of living, Merauke
Climate-change impacts and fisheries management challenges in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bryndum-Buchholz A , Boyce DG , Tittensor DP , Christensen V , Bianchi D , Lotze HK
Published: July 2020

Climate-induced changes in the world’s oceans will have implications for fisheries productivity and management. Using a model ensemble from the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (Fish-MIP), we analyzed future trajectories of climate-change impacts on marine animal biomass and associated environmental drivers across the North Atlantic Ocean and within the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) convention area and evaluated potential consequences for fisheries productivity and management. Our ensemble results showed that the magnitude of projected biomass changes increased over time and from a low (RCP2.6) to high (RCP8.5) emissions scenario. Within individual NAFO divisions, however, projected biomass changes differed in the magnitude and sometimes direction of change between near (the 2030s) and far future (the 2090s) and contrasting emissions scenarios. By the 2090s, most NAFO divisions with historically (1990-1999) high fisheries landings were projected to experience biomass decreases of 5-40%, while Arctic and subarctic divisions with lower historical landings were projected to experience biomass increases between 20 and 70% under RCP8.5. Future trajectories of sea surface temperature and primary production corroborated that the far-future, high-emissions scenario poses the greatest risk to marine ecosystems and the greatest challenges to fisheries management. Our study summarizes future trends of marine animal biomass and underlying uncertainties related to model projections under contrasting climate-change scenarios. Understanding such climate-change impacts on marine ecosystems is imperative for ensuring that marine fisheries remain productive and sustainable in a changing ocean.
Fishing alters resource partitioning between colour morphs in a temperate coastal fish
Authors: Cardona L , Reñones O , Gouragine A , Saporiti F , Aguilar A , Moranta J
Published: July 2020

Resource partitioning in polymorphic fish species is expected to be altered by human exploitation, as individual specialization is density dependent in many vertebrates. We tested this hypothesis using the ballan wrasseLabrus bergyltaas a model species. We compared the isotope niches of the plain and spotted morphs of the species in a marine protected area (MPA) and in adjoining areas open to fishing, both off Galicia (NW Spain). Underwater visual census confirmed a 3-fold increase in the biomass of ballan wrasse off the Cíes Islands compared to areas open to recreational fishing, thus demonstrating that populations outside MPAs are well below carrying capacity. The stable isotope ratio of C revealed differences in the resource use patterns of plain and spotted ballan wrasses both in areas open and closed to fishing, as plain wrasses were always depleted in13C compared to sympatric spotted ones. The stable isotope ratio of N showed that plain ballan wrasses foraged consistently at a higher trophic level than spotted ones in areas of high population density closed to recreational fishing, whereas differences did not exist or were reversed in areas open to fishing. These results demonstrate that the pattern of trophic resource partitioning between 2 morphs of the ballan wrasse is density dependent and that plain and spotted ballan wrasses likely had different ecological niches in pristine ecosystems.
Spatial assemblage structure of shallow-water reef fish in Southwest Australia
Authors: Goldsworthy DS , Saunders BJ , Parker JRC , Harvey ES
Published: July 2020

Bioregional categorisation of the Australian marine environment is essential to conserve and manage entire ecosystems, including the biota and associated habitats. It is important that these regions are optimally positioned to effectively plan for the protection of distinct assemblages. Recent climatic variation and changes to the marine environment in Southwest Australia (SWA) have resulted in shifts in species ranges and changes to the composition of marine assemblages. The goal of this study was to determine if the current bioregionalisation of SWA accurately represents the present distribution of shallow-water reef fishes across 2000 km of its subtropical and temperate coastline. Data was collected in 2015 using diver-operated underwater stereo-video surveys from 7 regions between Port Gregory (north of Geraldton) to the east of Esperance. This study indicated that (1) the shallow-water reef fish of SWA formed 4 distinct assemblages along the coast: one Midwestern, one Central and 2 Southern Assemblages; (2) differences between these fish assemblages were primarily driven by sea surface temperature, Ecklonia radiata cover, non-E. radiata (canopy) cover, understorey algae cover, reef type and reef height; and (3) each of the 4 assemblages were characterised by a high number of short-range Australian and Western Australian endemic species. The findings from this study suggest that 4, rather than the existing 3 bioregions would more effectively capture the shallow-water reef fish assemblage patterns, with boundaries having shifted southwards likely associated with ocean warming.
RETRACTED: Aqueous Room Temperature Mono-Dehydration of Sugar Alcohols Using Functionalized Yttrium Oxide Nanocatalysts
Authors: Yang Juncheng , Jia Yihong , Fan Chao , Cheng Yu , Pan Cheng , Huang Benhua , Meng Xu , Zhang Junjie , Zheng Aqun , Ma Xiaomo , Li Xiaoyong , Luque Rafael , Sun Yang
Published: July 2020

The aqueous room temperature mono-dehydration of sugar alcohols (D-sorbitol and D-mannitol) was conducted using functionalized yttrium oxide nanocatalysts prepared via sol-gel methods. Materials exhibited high selectivity to mono-dehydration products. Solvent and catalyst effects were also investigated and discussed. The introduction of titanium into the yttrium oxide framework would decrease both substrate conversion and mono-dehydration efficiency. In addition, studies of the catalytic mechanism indicate high mono-dehydration efficiency may come from the stability of the formed intermediate during catalysis. This work provides a highly efficient and benign system for catalytic mono-dehydration of sugar alcohols.
Endophytic Fungi Activated Similar Defense Strategies of Achnatherum sibiricum Host to Different Trophic Types of Pathogens
Authors: Shi Xinjian , Qin Tianzi , Liu Hui , Wu Man , Li Juanjuan , Shi Yansong , Gao Yubao , Ren Anzhi
Published: July 2020

It is well documented that Epichloë endophytes can enhance the resistance of grasses to herbivory. However, reports on resistance to pathogenic fungi are limited, and their conclusions are variable. In this study, we chose pathogenic fungi with different trophic types, namely, the biotrophic pathogen Erysiphales species and the necrotrophic pathogen Curvularia lunata, to test the effects of Epichloë on the pathogen resistance of Achnatherum sibiricum. The results showed that, compared to Erysiphales species, C. lunata caused a higher degree of damage and lower photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) in endophyte−free (E−) leaves. Endophytes significantly alleviated the damage caused by these two pathogens. The leaf damaged area and Fv/Fm of endophyte−infected (E+) leaves were similar between the two pathogen treatments, indicating that the beneficial effects of endophytes were more significant when hosts were exposed to C. lunata than when they were exposed to Erysiphales species. We found that A. sibiricum initiated jasmonic acid (JA)−related pathways to resist C. lunata but salicylic acid (SA)–related pathways to resist Erysiphales species. Endophytic fungi had no effect on the content of SA but increased the content of JA and total phenolic compounds, which suggest that endophyte infection might enhance the resistance of A. sibiricum to these two different trophic types of pathogens through similar pathways.
Identification of Immune-Related Prognostic Genes and LncRNAs Biomarkers Associated With Osteosarcoma Microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Tao , Nie Yingli , Xia Haifa , Zhang Yanbin , Cai Kailin , Chen Xiangdong , Li Huili , Wang Jiliang
Published: July 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignancy of the bone that occurs majorly in young people and adolescents. Although the survival of OS patients markedly improved by complete surgical resection and chemotherapy, the outcome is still poor in patients with recurrent and/or metastasized OS. Thus, identifying prognostic biomarkers that reflect the biological heterogeneity of OS could lead to better interventions for OS patients. Increasing studies have indicated the association between immune-related genes (IRGs) and cancer prognosis. In the present study, based on the data concerning OS obtained from TARGET (Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments) database, we constructed a classifier containing 12 immune-related (IR) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 3 IRGs for predicting the prognosis of OS by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operation Cox regression. Besides, based on the risk score calculated by the classifier, the samples were divided into high- and low-risk groups. We further investigated the tumor microenvironment of the OS samples by ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms between the two groups. Finally, we identified three small molecular drugs with potential therapeutic value for OS patients with high-risk score. Our results suggest that the IRGs and IR-lncRNAs–based classifier could be used as a reliable prognostic predictor for OS survival.
Phenotypic Evaluation of a Hybrid Diploid Blueberry Population for Plant Development and Fruit Quality Traits
Authors: Rowland Lisa J. , Ogden Elizabeth L. , Vinyard Bryan T.
Published: July 2020

A diploid blueberry mapping population, used previously to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for chilling requirement and cold hardiness, was evaluated for several plant development and fruit quality traits. Specifically, the population was phenotyped in a greenhouse for timing of various stages of flower bud, leaf bud and fruit development and for fruit quality traits including weight, diameter, color, scar, firmness, flavor and soluble solids. Phenotypic data was analyzed statistically by analysis of variance, correlation tests, to examine associations of traits, and heritability. Results indicated that the traits were segregating and most were distributed normally in the population. Many of the development traits were correlated, and timing of shoot expansion, early bloom and full bloom was also correlated with the previously evaluated trait of chilling requirement. Some correlations were found among the fruit quality traits as well. For example, weight was highly correlated with diameter, and subjectively measured firmness was moderately correlated with one of the objectively measured firmness traits. In addition, most of the traits showed significant variation across genotypes and across years, and most had moderate to high heritability. Therefore, we conclude that the diploid population should be useful for identifying QTL for many of these traits.
Combining Ability of Extra-Early Maize Inbreds Derived from a Cross between Maize and Zea diploperennis and Hybrid Performance under Contrasting Environments
Authors: Amegbor Isaac K. , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Adu Gloria B. , Adjebeng-Danquah Joseph , Toyinbo Johnson
Published: July 2020

Knowledge of the genetic mechanisms conditioning drought tolerance in maize is crucial to the success of hybrid breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding cultivars under drought. The objectives of this study were to determine the combining ability of extra-early inbreds, compute the heritability of measured traits, assess the performance of inbreds in hybrid combinations and investigate the associations among traits under drought and optimal conditions. A total of 252 hybrids generated by crossing 63 inbreds to four testers, along with four commercial hybrid checks, were evaluated for 2 years under drought and rainfed conditions. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for the traits were significant. A total of 57.1% and 53.4% of the genotypic sum of squares were attributable to GCA effects for grain yield under managed drought and rainfed conditions, respectively. Hybrids TZdEEI 91 × TZEEI 21 and TZdEEI 55 × TZEEI 13 out-yielded the best checks under drought and optimal conditions by 49.13% and 39.05%, respectively. The most promising hybrids with consistently high grain yield under drought and rainfed conditions, were TZdEEI 54 × TZEEI 13, TZdEEI 91 × TZEEI 21 and TZdEEI 55 × TZEEI 21 and should be further evaluated for possible commercial production in sub-Saharan Africa.
Combined Cultivation Pattern Reduces Soil Erosion and Nutrient Loss from Sloping Farmland on Red Soil in Southwestern China
Authors: Mao Yan-Ting , Hu Wei , Chau Henry Wai , Lei Bao-Kun , Di Hong-Jie , Chen An-Qiang , Hou Mei-Ting , Whitley Samuel
Published: July 2020

Crops are usually planted on sloping land in mountainous areas due to limited suitable land area. This results in serious soil erosion and loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to land degradation and water eutrophication. It is important to adopt appropriate cultivation practices to change this situation. However, few long-term in situ measurements are available to assess the magnitude of effects of combined cultivation patterns on soil erosion and nutrient loss from sloping farmland with red soil, as well to quantify N and P losses through runoff and sediment transport. A field trial with the cash crop (CC) Nicotiana tabacum was carried out under natural rainfall conditions on sloping farmland with red soil in Yunnan, China during 2014–2017. Four cultivation patterns were applied. They included NVF (No fertilizer application + Vertical ridge + Film covered), OVF (Optimizing fertilizer application + Vertical ridge + Film covered), OHF (Optimizing fertilizer application + Horizontal ridge + Film covered), and OHFR (Optimizing fertilizer application + Horizontal ridge + Film removed). The first two treatments belonged to the vertical ridge (VR) group, and the remaining treatments belonged to the horizontal ridge (HR) group. Results indicated the HR group performed significantly better than the VR group, especially the OHFR treatment, in terms of the HR group producing average runoff (177.12–182.27 mm), sediment loss (2673.33–3309.17 kg·ha−1), and nutrient loss of total nitrogen (TN) (7.58–7.93 kg·ha−1), total phosphorus (TP) (1.00–1.09 kg·ha−1) through runoff, TN (3.53–4.72 kg·ha−1), TP (2.59–2.76 kg·ha−1) through sediment. TN was lost mainly through runoff transport, while TP was lost mainly through sediment transport. On average, the HR group decreased runoff, sediment, total N and P loss by 39% to 73% relative to the OVF treatment, whereas NVF treatment increased 3% to 30% of those (p < 0.05). Under four cultivation patterns, total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was the dominant form, which accounted for 71–77% of TN. The average percentage of NO3−-N/TN was about 45–52%, much higher than NH4+-N/TN of around 8–10% in runoff. Total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) made up about 48–59% of TP in runoff. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that sediment, runoff, and soil pH were the three key factors controlling nutrient loss. In conclusion, OHFR is recommended because it consistently outperformed other patterns in terms of reducing runoff, sediment, and nutrient losses.
Impact of a Topical Anaesthesia Wound Management Formulation on Pain, Inflammation and Reduction of Secondary Infections after Tail Docking in Lambs
Authors: Ferrer Luis Miguel , Lacasta Delia , Ortín Aurora , Ramos Juan José , Tejedor María Teresa , Borobia Marta , Pérez María , Castells Enrique , Ruiz de Arcaute Marta , Ruiz Héctor , Windsor Peter Andrew
Published: July 2020

We examined several procedures for surgical tail docking; with and without general anaesthesia (GA), including the use of a topical wound gel formulation to provide pain relief (PR) and improve healing after surgery, containing local anaesthetics lignocaine and bupivacaine, with cetrimide and adrenalin. Forty-four lambs were recruited into four equal cohorts: Groups A and C, the tail was excised with a scalpel without anaesthesia or stitches; Groups B and D, the tail was surgically excised and stitched under GA; Groups C and D wounds were immediately sprayed with PR. Behavioural observations identified that Groups A and C displayed significantly less pain-related behaviours than Groups B and D shortly after the procedure, especially if treated with PR. Similarly, the mean of days when animals showed no signs of wound infection was longer in the groups not undergoing stitching. Finally, treatment with PR appeared to reduce the cortisol response and avoided the elevation of serum amyloid A in lambs where the tail was excised without general anaesthesia. In conclusion, surgical tail-docking without GA but where wounds are immediately sprayed with PR, appears as an affordable and more welfare-appropriate method for conducting tail docking in lambs.
Urinary Proteome of Newborn Calves—New Potential in Non-Invasive Neonatal Diagnostic
Authors: Dratwa-Chałupnik Alicja , Wojdyła Katarzyna , Ożgo Małgorzata , Lepczyński Adam , Michałek Katarzyna , Herosimczyk Agnieszka , Rogowska-Wrzesińska Adelina
Published: July 2020

Urine is a biological diagnostic material suitable not only for the analysis of kidney and urinary tract functions but also the function of other tissues and organs. The urine proteome of adult mammals differs from the urine proteome of neonatal ones. The establishment of urinary protein maps of healthy newborn calves is important for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of various diseases. The experiment was carried out on a Polish-Friesian var. of Black-and-White male calves in the sixth day of postnatal life. The two proteomics approaches used for separation and identification of urinary proteins were: 2-DE with MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS/MS and 1-DE with LC-MS/MS. This resulted in the identification of 692 urinary proteins. The majority of them were classified as extracellular proteins (40.32%), as well as proteins involved in regulation of major cellular processes (31.07%). We have observed the presence of unique proteins associated with embryonic (ameloblastin, alpha-fetoprotein, Delta-like protein, embryo-specific fibronectin 1 transcript variant, Indian hedgehog homolog) and kidney development (angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, aquaporin-1, calbindin, glypican 3, nidogen 1, pro-cathepsin H). Additionally, proteins involved in the renal regulation of water and electrolyte balance (angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, aquaporin-1, ezrin, uromodulin) were detected. Presented in the current study 1-D and 2-D urinary proteomic maps are the basis for the identification and detection of prognostic biomarkers important for defining a calf’s health status.
Updating the AIHTS Trapping Standards to Improve Animal Welfare and Capture Efficiency and Selectivity
Authors: Proulx Gilbert , Cattet Marc , Serfass Thomas L. , Baker Sandra E.
Published: July 2020

In 1999, after pressure from the European Union, an Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) that would result in the banning of the steel-jawed leghold traps in the European Community, Canada, and Russia was signed. The United States implemented these standards through an Agreed Minute with the European Community. Over the last two decades, scientists have criticized the AIHTS for (1) omitting species that are commonly trapped; (2) threshold levels of trap acceptance that are not representative of state-of-the-art trap technology; (3) excluding popular traps which are commonly used by trappers although they are known to cause prolonged pain and stress to captured animals; (4) inadequate coverage of capture efficiency and species selectivity (i.e., number of captures of target and non-target species) performance. Concerns about the ability of standards and test procedures to ensure animal welfare, and about the implementation of standards, have also been voiced by wildlife biologists, managers, and conservation groups. In this review, we present a synopsis of current trapping standards and test procedures, and we compare the standards to a then contemporary 1985–1993 Canadian trap research and development program. On the basis of the above-noted concerns about AIHTS, and our experience as wildlife professionals involved in the capture of mammals, we formulated the following hypotheses: (1) the list of mammal species included in the AIHTS is incomplete; (2) the AIHTS have relatively low animal welfare performance thresholds of killing trap acceptance and do not reflect state-of-the-art trapping technology; (3) the AIHTS animal welfare indicators and injuries for restraining traps are insufficient; (4) the AIHTS testing procedures are neither thorough nor transparent; (5) the AIHTS protocols for the use of certified traps are inadequate; (6) the AIHTS procedures for the handling and dispatching of animals are nonexistent; (7) the AIHTS criteria to assess trap capture efficiency and species selectivity are inappropriate. We conclude that the AIHTS do not reflect state-of-the-art trapping technology, and assessment protocols need to be updated to include trap components and sets, animal handling and dispatching, and trap visit intervals. The list of traps and species included in the standards should be updated. Finally, the concepts of capture efficiency and trap selectivity should be developed and included in the standards. Based on our review, it is clear that mammal trapping standards need to be revisited to implement state-of-the-art trapping technology and improve capture efficiency and species selectivity. We believe that a committee of international professionals consisting of wildlife biologists and veterinarians with extensive experience in the capture of mammals and animal welfare could produce new standards within 1–2 years. We propose a series of measures to fund trap testing and implement new standards.
A Review of Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry Farming within Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Hedman Hayden D. , Vasco Karla A. , Zhang Lixin
Published: July 2020

The emergence, spread, and persistence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remain a pressing global health issue. Animal husbandry, in particular poultry, makes up a substantial portion of the global antimicrobial use. Despite the growing body of research evaluating the AMR within industrial farming systems, there is a gap in understanding the emergence of bacterial resistance originating from poultry within resource-limited environments. As countries continue to transition from low- to middle income countries (LMICs), there will be an increased demand for quality sources of animal protein. Further promotion of intensive poultry farming could address issues of food security, but it may also increase risks of AMR exposure to poultry, other domestic animals, wildlife, and human populations. Given that intensively raised poultry can function as animal reservoirs for AMR, surveillance is needed to evaluate the impacts on humans, other animals, and the environment. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of poultry production within low-resource settings in order to inform future small-scale poultry farming development. Future research is needed in order to understand the full extent of the epidemiology and ecology of AMR in poultry within low-resource settings.
Factors Affecting Canine Obesity Seem to Be Independent of the Economic Status of the Country—A Survey on Hungarian Companion Dogs
Authors: Orsolya Julianna Torda , Kata Vékony , Vanda Katalin Junó , Péter Pongrácz
Published: July 2020

For a companion dog, the most important environmental factor is the owner, who is responsible for providing everything that is necessary for the health and welfare of the dog. Still, one of the most often compromised measures of an average companion dog is its body condition, with overweight and obese animals representing a growing welfare problem around the world. Using an extensive online survey that was distributed among Hungarian dog owners, we wanted to know whether those obesogenic factors that were identified mostly in high-GDP countries’ pet dog populations would hold their relevance in a much lower average income country as well. We found several associations between the body condition of canine companions and various demographics, environmental and behavioral factors. Older dogs reportedly had an accelerating propensity for being overweight. Joint activity and performing dog sports both reduced the likelihood of being an overweight dog. Main food types also had significant associations with the body condition of dogs—meanwhile, the feeding of commercial dog food (kibble) and/or leftovers of human meals coincided with being overweight, dogs that were fed (fully, or at least partly) with raw food were less likely overweight. In the case of owner-reported behavioral problems, the food-related issues (stealing food, overeating, etc.) were clustered to a dimension together with problem behaviors such as excessive barking and overt aggression. Beyond showing a good agreement with earlier surveys on associated factors with canine obesity, our study revealed some interesting new details that could be used in the prevention of overweight problems in dogs.
Antimicrobial Lipids from Plants and Marine Organisms: An Overview of the Current State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects
Authors: Alves Eliana , Dias Marina , Lopes Diana , Almeida Adelaide , Domingues Maria do Rosário , Rey Felisa
Published: July 2020

In the actual post-antibiotic era, novel ways of rethinking antimicrobial research approaches are more urgent than ever. Natural compounds with antimicrobial activity such as fatty acids and monoacylglycerols have been investigated for decades. Additionally, the interest in other lipid classes as antimicrobial agents is rising. This review provides an overview on the research about plant and marine lipids with potential antimicrobial activity, the methods for obtaining and analyzing these compounds, with emphasis on lipidomics, and future perspectives for bioprospection and applications for antimicrobial lipids. Lipid extracts or lipids isolated from higher plants, algae or marine invertebrates are promising molecules to inactivate a wide spectrum of microorganisms. These lipids include a variety of chemical structures. Present and future challenges in the research of antimicrobial lipids from natural origin are related to the investment and optimization of the analytical workflow based on lipidomics tools, complementary to the bioassay-guided fractionation, to identify the active compound(s). Also, further work is needed regarding the study of their mechanism of action, the structure–activity relationship, the synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics, and the eventual development of resistance to lipids, which, as far as is known, is unlikely.
The Molecular Adaptive Responses of Skeletal Muscle to High-Intensity Exercise/Training and Hypoxia
Authors: Li Jia , Li Yanchun , Atakan Muhammed M. , Kuang Jujiao , Hu Yang , Bishop David J. , Yan Xu
Published: July 2020

High-intensity exercise/training, especially interval exercise/training, has gained popularity in recent years. Hypoxic training was introduced to elite athletes half a century ago and has recently been adopted by the general public. In the current review, we have summarised the molecular adaptive responses of skeletal muscle to high-intensity exercise/training, focusing on mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, and muscle fibre composition. The literature suggests that (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha) PGC-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-α) might be the main mediators of skeletal muscle adaptations to high-intensity exercises in hypoxia. Exercise is known to be anti-inflammatory, while the effects of hypoxia on inflammatory signalling are more complex. The anti-inflammatory effects of a single session of exercise might result from the release of anti-inflammatory myokines and other cytokines, as well as the downregulation of Toll-like receptor signalling, while training-induced anti-inflammatory effects may be due to reductions in abdominal and visceral fat (which are main sources of pro-inflammatory cytokines). Hypoxia can lead to inflammation, and inflammation can result in tissue hypoxia. However, the hypoxic factor HIF1-α is essential for preventing excessive inflammation. Disease-induced hypoxia is related to an upregulation of inflammatory signalling, but the effects of exercise-induced hypoxia on inflammation are less conclusive. The effects of high-intensity exercise under hypoxia on skeletal muscle molecular adaptations and inflammatory signalling have not been fully explored and are worth investigating in future studies. Understanding these effects will lead to a more comprehensive scientific basis for maximising the benefits of high-intensity exercise.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in Cover Plants: Medicago sativa L. as a Model Species
Authors: Fernandes Beatriz , Soares Cristiano , Braga Cláudia , Rebotim Ana , Ferreira Rafael , Ferreira Joana , Fidalgo Fernanda , Pereira Ruth , Cachada Anabela
Published: July 2020

Despite the several innovations that have been incorporated in agriculture, the use of herbicides, especially glyphosate (GLY), is still the major tool for weed control. Although this herbicide has a notable worldwide representation, concerns about its environmental safety were recently raised, with a lot of divergence between studies on its non-target toxicity. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the risks of this herbicide to non-target plants, including cover crop species, which have a crucial role in maintaining agroecosystems functions and in preventing soil erosion. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of a cover plant species (Medicago sativa L.) exposed to increasing concentrations of a GLY-based herbicide (GBH), particularly focusing on the oxidative metabolism. The growth of roots and shoots was affected, being this effect accompanied by a rise of lipid peroxidation, suggesting the occurrence of oxidative stress, and by an activation of the antioxidant (AOX) system. Indeed, the results showed that adverse effects are visible at active ingredient concentrations of 8.0 mg kg−1, with the lowest EC50 being 12 mg kg−1, showing that GBH-contaminated soils may pose a risk to the survival of non-target plants in the most contaminated areas. Overall, these findings proved that GBH greatly impairs the growth of a non-target plant, strengthening the need of additional studies to unravel the real risks associated with the over usage of this pesticide, since there is an evident lack of studies performed with contaminated soils.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Characterize Archaeological Materials and Status of Conservation of the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria Site (Calabria, South Italy)
Authors: Ricca Michela , Urzì Clara Enza , Rovella Natalia , Sardella Alessandro , Bonazza Alessandra , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio , De Leo Filomena , Randazzo Luciana , Arcudi Anna , La Russa Mauro Francesco
Published: July 2020

This multidisciplinary research focuses on diagnostic investigations to characterize the archaeological materials, as well as the alteration and degradation forms detected at the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria (Calabria, South Italy) site. The thermal complex, (dating I–II century B.C.), was built around three main rooms such as the caldarium (hot bath), the tepidarium (warm bath) and the frigidarium (cold bath), all connected to a central room through several entrances. The central hall still preserves a suggestive mosaic floor dating between the II and III century A.D., characterized by geometric motifs and black and white tesserae. Fragments of various archaeological stone materials, such as bricks, mortars, sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks have been studied with different and complementary techniques. Particularly, polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) were performed to characterize the materials employed to construct the site and evaluate their state of preservation. Finally, laboratory microbiological culture analysis was conducted to identify the main microorganisms composing the biological patinas detected on the sampled materials. Results allowed us to evaluate the most suitable restoration procedures to conduct at the archaeological site, considering the different stone materials present in the studied area and their state of conservation.
Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Compact Graphite/6061Al Composite Prepared by Ultra-High Pressure Sintering
Authors: Li Changyun , Wang Yasong , Xu Lei , Liu Yang , Lu Ningning , Mi Guofa
Published: July 2020

Graphite/6061 aluminum (G/6061Al) composites with different content of graphite were ultra-high pressure (UHP)-sintered and hot pressing (HP)-sintered, respectively. The result shows that homogeneous dispersion of graphite flakes in the 6061Al matrix can be achieved using graphite flakes coated by nano-Al particles, both in the UHP-sintered and in the HP-sintered composite. Due to the comprehensive effects of ultra-high pressure, high temperature and formation of Al4C3, the UHP-sintered composites endowed with higher relative density, higher hardness, stronger tensile strength and better wear resistance than the HP-sintered composite. The highest tensile strength of the UHP-sintered with 5 vol.% graphite is 183 MPa. Wear test reveals that the wear rate of the UHP sintered with 10 vol.% G/6061Al decreases drastically when the sintering temperature is 650 °C or higher, which is one to three orders of magnitude lower than that of the HP-sintered. The lowest wear rate of the UHP sintered with 10 vol.% graphite is 0.15 × 10−5 g/mm, while that of the HP-sintered composite is 133 × 10−5 g/mm.
Prediction of Odor Concentration Emitted from Wastewater Treatment Plant Using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Kang Jeong-Hee , Song JiHyeon , Yoo Sung Soo , Lee Bong-Jae , Ji Hyon Wook
Published: July 2020

The odor emitted from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is an important environmental problem. An estimation of odor emission rate is difficult to detect and quantify. To address this, various approaches including the development of emission factors and measurement using a closed chamber have been employed. However, the evaluation of odor emission involves huge manpower, time, and cost. An artificial neural network (ANN) is recognized as an efficient method to find correlations between nonlinear data and prediction of future data based on these correlations. Due to its usefulness, ANN is used to solve complicated problems in various disciplines of sciences and engineering. In this study, a method to predict the odor concentration in a WWTP using ANN was developed. The odor concentration emitted from a WWTP was predicted by the ANN based on water quality data such as biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and pH. The water quality and odor concentration data from the WWTP were measured seasonally in spring, summer, and autumn and these were used as input variations to the ANN model. The odor predicted by the ANN model was compared with the measured data and the prediction accuracy was estimated. Suggestions for improving prediction accuracy are presented.
Commutative Topological Semigroups Embedded into Topological Abelian Groups
Authors: Hernández Arzusa Julio César
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we give conditions under which a commutative topological semigroup can be embedded algebraically and topologically into a compact topological Abelian group. We prove that every feebly compact regular first countable cancellative commutative topological semigroup with open shifts is a topological group, as well as every connected locally compact Hausdorff cancellative commutative topological monoid with open shifts. Finally, we use these results to give sufficient conditions on a commutative topological semigroup that guarantee it to have countable cellularity.