bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of modern anthelmintic agents for strongylatoses sheep digestive canal
Authors: Melnychuk V. V.
Published: November 2019

Currently, the use of anthelmintic agents is considered to be one of the fastest and most practical ways to combat strongylates sheep's digestive tract. Despite the wide assortment of anthelmintic preparations both in the world market and in Ukraine, veterinary specialists are increasingly noticing the low level of efficacy of medicines. Scientists have found that the emergence of resistance in nematodes to the action of anthelmintic agents is due to their excessive and uncontrolled use. In view of the above, regular monitoring of the state of anthelmintic resistance, as part of the program for the control of strongylatoses sheep digestive canal, is a priority area of research. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of drugs of different chemical groups (benzimidazoles, imidotiazole, macrolides, and combination drugs) for strongylatoses sheep digestive canal with regard to their method of administration. Medicines (Brovalsen, Albendazole-250, Albendazole 10%; Brovalevamisole 8%, Levavet 10%; Univerm, Ivermekvet 1%; Kloziveron, Kombitrem) have been shown to have anthelmintic action (EE – 50–100%, IE – 76.20–100%) against the pathogens of gastrointestinal strongylates. It was noted that their effectiveness depended on the method of administration and the chemical group to which they belonged. The most effective (EE and IE reached 100%) were injectable drugs Ivermekvet 1%, Kloziveron and Levavet 10 %, administered by single subcutaneous injection. Less effective was the use of a suspension of Albendazole 10% and Kombitrem emulsion for individual feeding, as well as powders of Brovalevamisole 8% and the Univerm for both individual and group feeding. The indicators of their EE and IE varied between 60–90% and 88.45–92.63% respectively. The Brovalsen drug, which was administered to animals by group feeding, was ineffective, with EE and IE being 50 and 76.20%, respectively. The results of the obtained data will allow to increase the efficiency of conducting therapeutic and preventive measures for strongylatoses digestive canal in sheep farms of different forms of ownership.
Mechanical Properties of Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete Made with Foundry Sand
Authors: Torres Anthony , Aguayo Federico , Allena Srinivas , Ellis Michael
Published: November 2019

The ferrous and non-ferrous foundry industry produces approximately 6 million tons of foundry sand (FS) waste annually in the United States and estimates have shown that only 15% of the waste is being recycled. This study utilized FS waste in the production of Ultra High Strength Concrete (UHSC) as a partial replacement for natural sand. Natural sand was replaced with FS at the replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. UHSC mixtures produced were tested to determine the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results showed an increase in mechanical performance up to 10% FS replacement. The results also indicate an insignificant decrease in mechanical performance at 20% replacement levels. FS had no significant impact on the Poisson's ratio of UHSC.
Assessing the Flexibility of Recycled Asphalt Concrete Pavement
Authors: Sarsam Saad Issa , Saleem Mohammed Chaloob
Published: November 2019

Utilizing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new asphalt mixtures has increased in recent years because of its economic and environmental benefits. The flexibility of the recycled asphalt concrete (with cutback and emulsion) in terms of resilient modulus (Mr), rutting resistance, and permanent microstrain have been investigated in this work. Cylindrical specimens of 102 mm in diameter and 102 mm in height have been prepared from the recycled mixture after the short-term aging process. Specimens were subjected to 1200 repeated compressive stresses at (25) ºC. The vertical permanent microstrain was monitored through video capture. It was concluded that RAP mixture can hold the applied loading with minimal permanent deformation as compared to the recycled mixtures. The resilient modulus is lower by (24 and 39) % for mixes recycled with cutback and emulsion respectively as compared to that of RAP. The rate of strain (slope) increases by 11 % and 4 % when cutback and emulsion were implemented as recycling agent respectively as compared to that for RAP mixture.
FORMAR PESQUISADORES INTERDISCIPLINARES
Authors: Moreira José Mariana , Fazenda Ivani , Dos Santos Carlos
Published: November 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo refletir sobre as questões da Interdisciplinaridade a partir do desafio encontrado nos últimos quarenta anos em formar pesquisadores interdisciplinares. Desde a promulgação da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional, na década de 1970, é visível o esforço que vem se fazendo na tentativa de se efetivar currículos e práticas interdisciplinares, com vistas à superação da fragmentação do conhecimento e a integração dos saberes. No entanto, há que se pensar, também, sobre os aspectos que envolvem a formação do pesquisador interdisciplinar, a partir dos seguintes questionamentos: o que é ser interdisciplinar? O que é atitude interdisciplinar? Como se formam pesquisadores interdisciplinares? Acredita-se que este é um processo que se constrói na ambiguidade da parceria e da solidão. O pesquisador caminha em direção a um saber ser interdisciplinar na medida em que se torna parceiro de seus colegas, também pesquisadores, e, juntos, passam a refletir, a estudar e a planejar coletivamente sobre suas pesquisas na mesma medida em que se recolhem no silêncio de seus espaços e se dedicam a escrever solitariamente sobre tudo o que pensaram, viram e coletaram. Este exercício requer a abertura para a crítica, para a exposição, no sentido de permitirem que seu trabalho seja posto à prova, a fim de que os saberes nele revelados possam ser considerados, de fato, interdisciplinares.
THE WALKING DEAD E OS ZUMBIS CONTEMPORÂNEOS
Authors: Nogueira Camila , Silva André Luis
Published: November 2019

O presente artigo resulta de um estudo sobre a série The Walking Dead, seu significado simbólico e a relação deste significado com a sociedade ocidental contemporânea. O problema proposto foi o de saber se haveria neste conteúdo simbolizado e apresentado pela série uma inter-relação com aspectos do indivíduo pós-moderno. A metodologia adotada foi a da pesquisa de procedimento básico, com objetivos exploratórios e qualitativa quanto à forma de abordagem do problema. A coleta de dados foi feita através de pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa realizada em obras literárias sobre os assuntos abordados, banco de dados das Plataformas Scielo, Capes e Google acadêmico, bem como em outras fontes virtuais que comportassem informações sobre os descritores. As abordagens teóricas adotadas foram as contribuições da Teoria Cultural e da Psicanálise. Através da coleta foi possível perceber indícios de relações entre o cenário contemporâneo e a simbologia zumbi presentes no seriado. Utilizado como metáfora de questões sociais desde 1968  pelo diretor George Romero no filme Madrugada dos Mortos- Vivos, a figura do zumbi assume papel híbrido e dentre suas inúmeras possibilidades simbólicas atualmente de forma mais acentuada que outrora tipifica aspectos de massificação, consumismo e relações de dominação no cenário do ocidente contemporâneo.
O “NOVO DESENVOLVIMENTISMO” BRASILEIRO E A POLÍTICA DE ASSISTÊNCIA SOCIAL: A RESTAURAÇÃO CONSERVADORA E O DIREITO EM PROCESSO DE DESTITUIÇÃO
Authors: Cardoso da Silva Ozileia
Published: November 2019

Este trabalho objetiva analisar a política de Assistência Social, procurando apreender as contradições presentes em seu contexto de expansão nos marcos das estratégias de um “novo desenvolvimentismo” no cenário contemporâneo brasileiro. Foi desenvolvido numa abordagem qualitativa por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, e sustenta-se na perspectiva do materialismo histórico-dialético.
Improving Function Through Mosque Administration Reform at the Baiturrahman Banda Aceh Mosque
Authors: Halimah Halimah , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: November 2019

Mosque is the center of the activities of Muslims. From there Muslims should design their future, both in terms of DIN Economics, politics, social and the whole joints of life, As its predecessors enable the mosque to its fullest extent. This is because the mosque has the ideal functions as a center of worship and culture of Muslims and have approximately 1100.000 units spread across Indonesia. However, this potential can’t be well applied. Therefore, strategies are needed that can be used to improve function of mosque, one of the strategies that can be done is through administrative reform. One example of a fairly prominent mosque in improving their business functions through administrative reform is mosque of Baiturrahman Aceh. Since the mosque was inaugurated in 1612 to present (2019), it had been developed and improved. This study is descriptive qualitative research approach; focus on how the administrative reforms carried out and what are factors supporting and inhibiting the implementation of administrative reform at Baiturrahman Mosque Aceh in improving function.
Teachers' Readiness Indicators on ICT Integration into their Teaching
Authors: Champa Rea Aisha , Rochsantiningsih Dewi , Kristiana Diah
Published: November 2019

By the rapid change in innovations of Information and Communication Technology, people are now able to get and exchange information fast. To keep up with these innovations, the integration of ICT in education is urgently demanded of time at present as ICT is being used in almost all other sectors all over the world. Therefore, it demands the teachers to be skillful in operating ICT during their teaching. Nevertheless, the integration of ICT into teaching in Indonesia hasn’t fully been maximized. This paper is intended to investigate the factors of teachers’ readiness to integrate ICT into their teaching. To acquire an in-depth result, this case study focuses on the interview of some teachers in a certain school in Indonesia. The data gained revealed four factors that enact the integration of ICT in class. Most of the teachers need official trainingconcerning the integration of recent ICTs in class to optimize their teaching skills using ICT.
The Development Process of Problem Based Learning Models Developed by Exposition Text Writing Materials on VIII Grade Students of Methodist 12 Medan
Authors: Napitupulu Putri Dewita , Solin Mutsyuhito , Adisaputera Abdurahman
Published: November 2019

This study is aimed to describe the development process of problem based learning models developed by exposition text writing materials on students. One of the models used by teachers in learning of exposition text writing was a problem based learning model. The teacher applies a problem based learning model in text learning but has obstacles when implementing the syntax of the learning model. This research was conducted at Junior high school of Methodist 12 Medan in July to August 2019. The research that has been carried out is a research and development that using the 4-D method which takes four stages of research, namely Define, design, development, and dissemination. The product of this research was in the form of developing the steps of a problem based learning model. The result shows that the aspects of the assessment given by reviewers, the product design of the problem based learning model development has been very good with an average score of overall acquisition of 80% with very good assessment criteria.
Development of Rubric of Attitude Assessment of Writing Explanation Text Based on Information Literacy on 11th Grade Students of Vocational High School Pencawan Medan
Authors: Br. Karo Suriya Emanita , Solin Mutsyuhito , Adisaputera Abdurahman
Published: November 2019

This study aims to produce an attitude assessment rubric product in the form of an attitude assessment rubric handbook on writing explanation text material and knowing the process of developing and the feasibility of the product. This research method is a method of research and development Research and Development (R & D). Data is collected through validation of material experts and evaluation experts, the response of Indonesian teachers in Medan Pencawan SMKS and 35 class XI SMK students as research subjects. Data collection in the form of questionnaire assessment. The analysis is done by changing quantitative data into qualitative data using a Likert scale. The product evaluation in the form of a guide book on attitude assessment rubrics by material experts shows that the presentation of the suitability of the task material with KI and KD is 88% in the excellent category, the language and writing rubric attitude assessment is 97% in the excellent category, the learning activities of students have a percentage of 94% with a very good category, and supporting material has a presentation of 88% with a very good category. The overall average is 92% in the excellent category. The attitude rubrics assessment book by attitude evaluation experts with an overall average of 96% falls into excellent category. The attitude assessment handbook rubric assessment by Indonesian language teachers has an average total percentage of 89% with the criteria of "Excellent". In the test results the use of pretest with an average value of 73.17 and posttest with an average value of 80.48.
The Analysis of the Use of Audiovisual Technology in Learning and Its Impact on Early Childhood Cognitive in Early Childhood Education of Percut Sei Tuan Sub-district
Authors: Mulia Ana , Yus Anita , Sitorus Masganti
Published: November 2019

The use of audiovisual technology in learning can help educators deliver maximum learning material and create a pleasant learning atmosphere for children. This study is aimed to analyze the implementation of learning by using technology in early childhood education (PAUD) of Percut Sei Tuan sub-district and analyze the impact of the use of technology on early childhood cognitive in early childhood education of Percut Sei Tuan sub-district. This type of research uses descriptive research. The data analyzed are the results of observation, interviews and documentation. Samples taken in this study were obtained using purposive sampling technique. The data analysis stage is carried out namely data reduction, data classification, data presentation, and verification. The results showed that: Audiovisual technology in PAUD Percut Sei Tuan sub-district was still not fully used, from the overall indicators classified as in the sufficient category (36.3%) with a lack of the use of interactive CDs and projector screens. PAUD Percut Sei Tuan Sub-district uses audiovisual technology such as computers, in focus, laptops and speakers to display learning applications, games, videos, films, Ms. Word, and Power Point which help teachers in delivering learning material and control the class so that they become more orderly and calm. Audiovisual technology has an impact on early childhood cognitive in PAUD Percut Sei Tuan Sub-district. Based on the overall indicators in PAUD, the average is in the good category (67.1%), which includes indicators: reveal 4 objects based on their functions, reveal 4 differences from two objects, reveal the causal effects of 4 events, express 4 characteristics of objects based on color, size or shape, mentions 4 kinds of geometric shapes, and mentions 10 letters and 10 numbers with objects.
Machine Learning Algorithms for automated Image Capture and Identification of Fall Armyworm (FAW) Moths
Authors: Chiwamba Simon Hawatichke , Phiri Jackson , Nkunika Philip O. Y. , Nyirenda Mayumbo , Kabemba Monica M. , Sohati Philemon H.
Published: November 2019

Automated entomology is one of the field that has received a fair attention from the computer scientists and its support disciplines. This can further be confirmed by the recent attention that the Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) has received in Africa particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As the FAW is known for its devastating effects, stakeholders such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), SADC and University of Zambia (UNZA) have agreed to develop robust early monitoring and warning system. To supplement the stakeholdersâ€™ efforts, we choose a branch of artiï¬cial intelligence that employs deep neural network architectures known as Google TensorFlow. It is an advanced state-of-the-art machine learning technique that can be used to identify the FAW moths. In this paper, we use Google TensorFlow, an open source deep learning software library for deï¬ning, training and deploying machine learning models. We use the transfer learning technique to retrain the Inception v3 model in TensorFlow on the insect dataset, which reduces the training time and improve the accuracy of FAW moth identification. Our retrained model achieves a train accuracy of 57 â€“ 60 %, cross entropy of 65 â€“ 70% and validation accuracy of
A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ Occurred in the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Hong Seok Jung , Baeg Moon Seung , Rhee Ji Hye , Cho Hyun Sang
Published: November 2019

Primary malignant lesions in the external auditory canal are rare. While squamous cell carcinoma is the most common of these lesions, there are also basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma and adenocarcinoma, etc. However, squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the external auditory canal is extremely rare since its first report in the English literature in 1953 and has not been reported in Korea. Its clinical manifestations are very similar to chronic ear disease. For treatment, local wide resection of the lesions is preferred. We recently encountered a 54-year-old female, who presented with intermittent irritating sensation in the external auditory canal. Otoscopic examination showed a scaly plaque with the irregular surface on the anteroinferior portion of the left external auditory canal. Excisional biopsy revealed a squamous cell carcinoma in situ. We report this very rare and unique case with a literature review.
Ethos and the historical More in the letter to Brixius
Authors: Beier Benjamin V.
Published: November 2019

This essay reconsiders More's letter to Brixius. It uncovers early modern understandings of self-fashioning/ethos and epistolary conventions of the period, and with these contexts, it rereads More's self-presentation or ethos-development in the letter. The essay argues that More's ethos in the letter highlights an authentic facet of himself and, thereby, gives us a glimpse of the historical More who, in the Brixius moment, is angry, but not excessively or habitually, as has sometimes been claimed.
ELECTRICAL ANISOTROPY ACCORDING TO DC METHODS IN THE BYSTROVKA FIELD AREA (SHORE RESERVOIR IN THE NOVOSIBIRSK REGION)
Authors: Shalaginov Aleksandr , Nevedrova Nina , Sanchaa Aidisa , Shaparenko Ilya , Ponomarev Petr
Published: November 2019

The article presents the results of the study of electrical anisotropy by two methods of DC (vertical electrical sounding and electrical tomography) in the area of the Bystrovka field area, on the shore of the Novosibirsk reservoir. Taking into account a priori well data, the parameters of the geoelectric model and the anisotropic characteristics of the section are determined. On the site of the study, according to the data of two methods, electrical anisotropy observed in the reference geoelectric horizon, represented by shale. In addition, the main direction of crack propagation is determined.
POROSITY-AND-PERMEABILITY PROPERTIES AND REGULARITIES IN THEIR CHANGES AS DEPENDING ON THE DEPTH OF OCCURRENCE FOR REGIONAL RESERVOIRS OF JURASSIC DEPOSITS IN SIBERIAN SECTOR OF THE ARCTIC
Authors: Shemin Georgy , Pervukhina Natal'ya
Published: November 2019

The revealed regularity of changes in porosity and permeability of granular reservoirs as depending on the depth of their occurrence is shown. The reason is substantiated why the porosity-and-permeability properties of the reservoirs deteriorate as depending on the depth of their occurrence.
THE HALL EFFECT DETECTION STUDIES IN THE GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT (THE RATIONALE OF REPEATED EXPERIMENTS)
Authors: Gurev Vladimir , Mogilatov Vladimir , Potapov Vladimir
Published: November 2019

This work is devoted to identifying the influence of the Hall effect in the geological environment on the electrical exploration methods data on the example of controlled source transient electromagnetic (TEM) method. It summarizes the results of previous theoretical studies, as well as the results of the summer field work in 2018 and the authors' recommendations for further field studies planned for the summer of 2019. Much attention is paid to the aspects of the field experiment, as well as the conditions of its correctness. The estimation of the Hall conductivity on the basis of already available results is given.
Does it Matter if Parties Keep their Promises? The Impact of Voter Evaluations of Pledge Fulfilment on Vote Choice
Authors: Brandenburg Heinz , McMillan Fraser , Thomson Robert
Published: November 2019

Theories of promissory representation posit that voters reward governing parties that carry out their previous election pledges and punish those that do not. An extensive body of research demonstrates that governing parties tend to enact their promises, while an emerging literature on citizen perceptions shows that voters (in the aggregate) make accurate assessments of the fulfilment of specific promises. However, little is known about what voters do with this information. To test the expectation that pledge fulfilment affects parties’ electoral fortunes, we examine the impact of pledge fulfilment evaluations on vote intentions using British Election Study internet panel data (2010-2015). We find that perceived pledge fulfilment has modest but important effects on voting behaviour. These effects vary depending on previous vote choices and party issue ownership, and manifesting differently for first- and second-order elections. Our findings have important implications for promissory modes of democratic representation and explanations of voting behaviour.
Study of Novel Endophytic Bacteria for Biocontrol of Black Pepper Root-knot Nematodes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thi Phuong Hanh , Wang San-Lang , Nguyen Van Bon , Tran Dinh Minh , Nguyen Dinh Sy , Nguyen Anh Dzung
Published: November 2019

Black pepper is an industrial crop with high economic and export value. However, black pepper production in Vietnam has been seriously affected by the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. The purpose of this study was to select active endophytic bacteria (EB) for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly management of Meloidogyne sp. Thirty-four EB strains were isolated. Of these, five isolates displayed the highest activity, demonstrating 100% mortality of J2 nematodes. These active EB were identified based on sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene; notably, all the potential endophytic bacterial strains belong to the genus of Bacillus. In greenhouse tests, Bacillus megaterium DS9 significantly reduced nematodes in the soil and pepper plant roots with great inhibition values of 81.86% and 73.11%, respectively, with the lowest rate of nematodes built up at 0.23. This active antinematodes strain also showed good effect on promoting pepper plant growth. Some enzymatic activities, including chitinase and protease activity related to the biocontrol of Meiloidogyne sp., were also detected. The results investigated in the current study suggested that these selected EB strains may be good candidates for biocontrol agents of Meloidogyne sp., and plant promoting effects. The results also enhanced the novel active antinematode endophytic bacterial communities.
Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Combined with Supplemental Light Improve Growth and Quality of Plug Seedlings of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and Codonopsis lanceolata Benth. et Hook. f.
Authors: Liu Ya , Ren Xiuxia , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: November 2019

Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and Codonopsis lanceolata Benth. et Hook. f. are two medicinal species used to remedy inflammation, tumor, and obesity in Eastern medicine. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and supplemental lighting are two methods to enhance the growth, yield, and quality of crops. However, few studies have focused on the synergistic effects of CO2 and the supplemental light source on plug seedlings of medicinal species. In this study, uniform seedlings were grown with no supplemental light (the control) or under one of three supplemental light sources [high pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), or mixed light-emitting diodes (LEDs)] combined with one of three levels of CO2 (350, 700, or 1050 μmol·mol−1). The supplemental light (100 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density) and CO2 were provided simultaneously from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am every day. The results showed that the supplemental lighting (LEDs, MH, and HPS) greatly improved the seedling quality with greater dry weights (of the shoot, root, and leaf), stem diameter, leaf area, and Dickson’s quality index (DQI) than those of the control in both species. An enriched CO2 at 1050 μmol·mol−1 accelerated the growth and development of plug seedlings, evidenced by the increased root and leaf dry weights, stem diameter, and DQI compared to the those from the other two CO2 enrichment levels. Moreover, LEDs combined with 1050 μmol·mol−1 CO2 not only increased the contents of soluble sugars but also the starch content. However, an enriched CO2 at 700 μmol·mol−1 was more suitable for the accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids. Furthermore, LEDs combined with 700 or 1050 μmol·mol−1 CO2 increased the chlorophyll, quantum yield, and stomatal conductance at daytime and nighttime for A. membranaceus and C. lanceolata, respectively. In conclusion, the data suggest that LEDs combined with CO2 at 1050 μmol·mol−1 is recommended for enhancing the growth and development of plug seedlings of A. membranaceus and C. lanceolata.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides, Islands, and Animal Welfare Accountancy
Authors: Fisher Penny , Campbell Karl J. , Howald Gregg R. , Warburton Bruce
Published: November 2019

Anticoagulant rodenticides are used to manage rodents in domestic, municipal, agricultural, and conservation settings. In mammals and birds, anticoagulant poisoning causes extensive hemorrhagic disruption, with the primary cause of death being severe internal bleeding occurring over days. The combined severity and duration of these effects represent poor welfare outcomes for poisoned animals. Noting a lack of formal estimates of numbers of rodents and nontarget animals killed by anticoagulant poisoning, the ready availability and worldwide use of anticoagulants suggest that very large numbers of animals are affected globally. Scrutiny of this rodent control method from scientific, public, and regulatory perspectives is being driven largely by mounting evidence of environmental transfer of residual anticoagulants resulting in harmful exposure in wild or domestic animals, but there is also nascent concern for the welfare of targeted rodents. Rodent control incurs a cumulative ledger of animal welfare costs over time as target populations reduced by poisoning eventually recover to an extent requiring another reduction. This ‘rolling toll’ presents a critical contrast to the animal welfare accountancy ledger for eradication scenarios, where rodent populations can be completely removed by methods including anticoagulant use and then kept from coming back (e.g., on islands). Successful eradications remove any future need to control rodents and to incur the associated animal welfare costs.
Sanitary Emergencies at the Wild/Domestic Caprines Interface in Europe
Authors: Rossi Luca , Tizzani Paolo , Rambozzi Luisa , Moroni Barbara , Meneguz Pier Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Population density and distribution of the four native European wild Caprines (Rupicapra rupicapra, Rupicapra pyrenaica, Capra ibex, Capra pyrenaica) have increased in recent decades. The improved conservation status of this valuable wildlife, while a welcome event in general terms, is at the same time a matter of concern since, intuitively, frequent and tighter contacts with sympatric livestock imply a greater risk of cross-transmission of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and offer unexpected opportunities for pathogens to spread, persist and evolve. This article recalls the transmissible diseases that are perceived in Europe to be of major significance from a conservation perspective, namely brucellosis (BRC) by Brucella melitensis, infectious kerato-conjunctivitis (IKC) by Mycoplasma conjunctivae, pestivirosis (PV) by the border disease virus strain 4 and mange by Sarcoptes scabiei. Special emphasis has been put on the epidemiological role played by small domestic ruminants, and on key knowledge needed to implement evidence-based prevention and control strategies. Remarkably, scientific evidence demonstrates that major demographic downturns in affected wild Caprinae populations in recent decades have often been triggered by pathogens cross-transmitted at the livestock/wildlife interface.
Interactions between Invasive Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and Other Bird Species during Nesting Seasons in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Briceño Cristóbal , Sandoval-Rodríguez Alejandra , Yévenes Karina , Larraechea Matilde , Morgado Angello , Chappuzeau Catalina , Muñoz Víctor , Dufflocq Pablo , Olivares Florencia
Published: November 2019

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is considered to be one of the most invasive bird species because its unique ability among parrots to build their own communal nests. Currently, they are considered an invasive species in 19 countries and a pest—even in their native distribution—because of economic losses derived from their impacts. During the reproductive seasons of 2017 and 2018, we registered interactions between invasive monk parakeets and resident bird species in Santiago, Chile. We observed agonistic and affiliative interactions, and further, we described monk parakeets’ nest occupancy by nine bird species, two invasive and seven native. For this reason, we consider that the monk parakeet is an allogenic ecosystem engineer with the potential to shape distribution and richness of sympatric species in urban environments. Our results contribute to an assessment of the implications of the monk parakeet’s ecological invasion to other synanthropic species, and raise concern of other potential impacts, such as pathogen transmission derived from these interactions.
Parallel Analysis of Offshore Wind Turbine Structures under Ultimate Loads
Authors: Ju Shen-Haw , Huang Yu-Cheng , Hsu Hsin-Hsiang
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates efficient design of offshore wind turbine (OWT) support structures under ultimate loads and proposes three schemes to overcome excessive computer time due to many required external loads. The first is the assumption of a rigid support structure to find blade wind forces, so that these forces are only dependent on wind profiles, which limits different cases in the structural analyses. Since the blade information is often confidential in turbine companies, this two-stage analysis allows the hub force to be the input data for the support structure design. The second is using a few control loads to perform the steel design between the second and the second-last design cycles. The third is using parallel computational procedures, since all loading cases can be independently executed in different CPU cores and computers. The test cases, with 5044 loading cases, indicate that the proposed method is fully parallel and can complete the design procedures using a few personal computers within several days. Test cases include IEC 61400-3, tropical cyclone, and seismic loads; although there are many loads to be considered, steel design is governed by a limited number of load cases, which are discussed in this paper.
Design of Positioning Mechanism Fit Clearances Based on On-Orbit Re-Orientation Accuracy
Authors: Li Qingya , Yang Libao , Zhao Weiguo , Shi Zhen , Liu Zhenyu
Published: November 2019

The factors affecting the re-orientation accuracy of the on-orbit replaceable optical unit were studied, and the mathematical models of the relationships between fit clearances of positioning mechanisms and the limits of rotation angles were deduced. When the relative position relationship of positioning mechanisms was determined, fit clearances were designed according to the requirement of the rotation angle limits, and the rotation angle limits were determined to ensure that the angles were within the index range. Theodolites were used to measure the re-orientation angles of the optical unit, and the errors between the measurement angles and the real angles were deduced. Then, the numerical simulation proved that the errors were within limits. The microgravity test environment was established, and the weight of the optical unit was unloaded by a suspension method to simulate the state of the optical unit when it was replaced on orbit. The test results confirmed the correctness of the design method.
Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar as Potting Mix Components for Container Tomato and Basil Seedling Production
Authors: Yu Ping , Li Qiansheng , Huang Lan , Niu Genhua , Gu Mengmeng
Published: November 2019

To investigate the potential of biochar as a propagation mix component, three experiments were conducted. A phytotoxicity test was conducted with water extract of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB), SBB mixes (10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% SBB with 30% perlite (P) and the rest being peat moss (PM); by vol.), mixed hardwood biochar (HB) mixes (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% HB with PM; by vol.), PM, P, 70%PM:30%P, and a commercial propagation mix (exp. 1). None of the mixes caused phytotoxicity. The same biochar mixes (except 100% HB) were used for the seedling growth test (exp. 2). Both tomato and basil seedlings grown in all of the biochar mixes (except 50% HB) had significantly lower fresh weight, dry weight and growth index (GI) compared to a commercial propagation mix. Six seedlings from each biochar mix were transplanted into a commercial growing mix and grown for four weeks (exp. 3). Tomato seedlings from all biochar mixes (except 30% SBB) had similar SPAD (Soil-Plant Analyses Development) and GI to the control. Basil seedlings from all HB mixes, 70% and 100% SBB mixes had similar GI to the control. In conclusion, 70% HB could be amended with PM for tomato and basil seedling production without negative effects on plant biomass.
Application of the Passive Sampler Developed for Atmospheric Mercury and Its Limitation
Authors: Jeon Ji-Won , Han Young-Ji , Cha Seung-Hwan , Kim Pyung-Rae , Kim Young-Hee , Kim Hyuk , Seok Gwang-Seol , Noh Seam
Published: November 2019

In this study, a passive sampler for gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was developed and applied to field monitoring. Three Radiello® diffusive bodies with gold-coated beads as Hg adsorbent were installed in an acrylic external shield. Hg uptake mass linearly increased as the deployment time increased until 8 weeks with an average gaseous Hg concentration of 2 ng m−3. The average of the experimental sampling rate (SR) was 0.083 m3 day−1 and showed a good correlation with theoretical SRs, indicating that a major adsorption mechanism was molecular diffusion. Nonetheless, the experimental SR was approximately 33% lower than the modeled SR, which could be associated with inefficient uptake of GEM in the sampler or uncertainty in constraining model parameters. It was shown that the experimental SR was statistically affected by temperature and wind speed but the calibration equation for the SR by meteorological variables should be obtained with a wider range of variables in further investigation. When the uptake rates were compared to the active Hg measurements, the correlation was not significant because the passive sampler was not sufficiently adept at detecting a small difference in the GEM concentration of from 1.8 to 2.0 ng m−3. However, the results for spatial Hg concentrations measured near cement plants in Korea suggest a possible application in field monitoring. Future research is needed to fully employ the developed passive sampler in quantitative assessment of Hg concentrations.
Redesign Me: Virtual Reality Experience of the Line of Life and Its Connection to a Healthier Self
Authors: Georgieva Iva , Georgiev Georgi V.
Published: November 2019

Virtual Reality is used in various ways for creating a storytelling experience. It gives us the opportunity to imagine one’s life events as a story, and in settings that are intended to aid the self, such as treatment of trauma, anxiety, phobia, etc. This paper discusses the ways that challenging experiences change the way people perceive their life narratives and form their memories. This paper suggests that virtual reality (VR) can be used for the exploration of alternative scenarios in order to see one’s overall line of life in a new and healthier way. Considering the theoretical background of the narrative self, this research proposes a novel view of VR immersion as a medium for constructing a new storyline and attitude to the past. The approach would also influence attitudes regarding the present and future, and thus better shape the narrative of the self, which can lead to healthier life experiences.
A Neuroimaging Study of Personality Traits and Self-Reflection
Authors: Ciorciari Joseph , Gountas John , Johnston Patrick , Crewther David , Hughes Matthew
Published: November 2019

This study examines the blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation of the brain associated with the four distinctive thinking styles associated with the four personality orientations of the Gountas Personality Orientations (GPO) survey: Emotion/Feeling-Action, Material/Pragmatic, Intuitive/Imaginative, and Thinking/Logical. The theoretical postulation is that each of the four personality orientations has a dominant (primary) thinking style and a shadow (secondary) thinking style/trait. The participants (N = 40) were initially surveyed to determine their dominant (primary) and secondary thinking styles. Based on participant responses, equal numbers of each dominant thinking style were selected for neuroimaging using a unique fMRI cognitive activation paradigm. The neuroimaging data support the general theoretical hypothesis of the existence of four different BOLD activation patterns, associated with each of the four thinking styles. The fMRI data analysis suggests that each thinking style may have its own cognitive activation system, involving the frontal ventromedial, posterior medial, parietal, motor, and orbitofrontal cortex. The data also suggest that there is a left hemisphere relationship for the Material/Pragmatic and Thinking/Logical styles and a right activation relationship for Emotional/Feeling and Intuitive/Imaginative styles. Additionally, the unique self-reflection paradigm demonstrated that perception of self or self-image, may be influenced by personality type; a finding of potentially far-reaching implications.
Propene Adsorption-Chemisorption Behaviors on H-SAPO-34 Zeolite Catalysts at Different Temperatures
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Zhu Jiang , Chuiyang Kong , Arslan Muhammad Tahir , Khan Abuzar , Galadima Ahmad , Muraza Oki , Khan Ibrahim , Helal Aasif , Al-Maythalony Bassem A. , Yamani Zain H.
Published: November 2019

Propene is an important synthetic industrial product predominantly formed by a methanol-to-olefins (MTO) catalytic process. Propene is known to form oligomers on zeolite catalysts, and paramters to separate it from mixtures and its diffusion properties are difficult to measure. Herein, we explored the adsorption–chemisorption behavior of propene by choosing SAPO-34 zeolites with three different degrees of acidity at various adsorption temperatures in an ultra-high-vacuum adsorption system. H-SAPO-34 zeolites were prepared by a hydrothermal method, and their structural, morphological, and acidic properties were investigated by XRD, SEM, EDX, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) analysis techniques. The XRD analysis revealed the highly crystalline structure which posses cubic morphology as confirmed by SEM images. The analysis of adsorption of propene on SAPO-34 revealed that a chemical reaction (chemisorption) was observed between zeolite and propene at room temperature (RT) when the concentration of acidic sites was high (0.158 mmol/g). The reaction was negligible when the concentration of the acidic sites was low (0.1 mmol/g) at RT. However, the propene showed no reactivity with the highly acidic SAPO-34 at low temperatures, i.e., −56 °C (using octane + dry ice), −20 °C (using NaCl + ice), and 0 °C (using ice + water). In general, low-temperature conditions were found to be helpful in inhibiting the chemisorption of propene on the highly acidic H-SAPO-34 catalysts, which can facilitate propene separation and allow for reliable monitoring of kinetic parameters.
The Role of Inflammasome-Dependent and Inflammasome-Independent NLRP3 in the Kidney
Authors: Kim Yang Gyun , Kim Su-Mi , Kim Ki-Pyo , Lee Sang-Ho , Moon Ju-Young
Published: November 2019

Cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) forms an inflammasome with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and pro-caspase-1, which is followed by the cleavage of pro-caspase-1 to active caspase-1 and ultimately the activation of IL-1β and IL-18 and induction of pyroptosis in immune cells. NLRP3 activation in kidney diseases aggravates inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, and this effect is abrogated by genetic or pharmacologic deletion of NLRP3. Inflammasome-dependent NLRP3 mediates the progression of kidney diseases by escalating the inflammatory response in immune cells and the cross-talk between immune cells and renal nonimmune cells. However, recent studies have suggested that NLRP3 has several inflammasome-independent functions in the kidney. Inflammasome-independent NLRP3 regulates apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells by interacting with mitochondria and mediating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and mitophagy. This review will summarize the mechanisms by which NLRP3 functions in the kidney in both inflammasome-dependent and inflammasome-independent ways and the role of NLRP3 and NLRP3 inhibitors in kidney diseases.
Extrachromosomal Histone H2B Contributes to the Formation of the Abscission Site for Cell Division
Authors: Monteonofrio Laura , Valente Davide , Rinaldo Cinzia , Soddu Silvia
Published: November 2019

Histones are constitutive components of nucleosomes and key regulators of chromatin structure. We previously observed that an extrachromosomal histone H2B (ecH2B) localizes at the intercellular bridge (ICB) connecting the two daughter cells during cytokinesis independently of DNA and RNA. Here, we show that ecH2B binds and colocalizes with CHMP4B, a key component of the ESCRT-III machinery responsible for abscission, the final step of cell division. Abscission requires the formation of an abscission site at the ICB where the ESCRT-III complex organizes into narrowing cortical helices that drive the physical separation of sibling cells. ecH2B depletion does not prevent membrane cleavage rather results in abscission delay and accumulation of abnormally long and thin ICBs. In the absence of ecH2B, CHMP4B and other components of the fission machinery, such as IST1 and Spastin, are recruited to the ICB and localize at the midbody. However, in the late stage of abscission, these fission factors fail to re-localize at the periphery of the midbody and the abscission site fails to form. These results show that extrachromosomal activity of histone H2B is required in the formation of the abscission site and the proper localization of the fission machinery.
Influence of the Thickness of Multilayer Composite Nano-Structured Coating Ti–TiN–(Ti,Al,Si)N on the Tool Life of Metal-Cutting Tools and the Nature of Wear
Authors: Vereschaka Alexey , Grigoriev Sergey , Sitnikov Nikolay , Aksenenko Anatoliy , Milovich Filipp , Andreev Nikolay , Oganyan Gaik , Bublikov Jury
Published: November 2019

This article discusses the influence of the thickness of a nano-structured wear-resistant layer of the Ti–TiN–(Ti,Al,Si)N multilayer composite coating on its mechanical and performance properties. The study was focused on the coatings with the following thicknesses of its wear-resistant layers: 2, 3.5, 5, 7, 11, and 15 μm. The relation between the thickness of a wear-resistant layer and the time of its deposition was investigated, and the effect of the above thickness on hardness and wear resistance in scratch testing was considered. Cutting tests were conducted in turning steel C45 with carbide inserts with the coatings under study at various cutting speeds (vc = 250, 300 and 350 m/min). The study found the value of thickness of wear-resistant layer providing the longest tool life at various cutting speeds. The differences in the nature of wear for the coatings with various thicknesses of wear-resistant layers were considered.
Learning-Based Task Offloading for Marine Fog-Cloud Computing Networks of USV Cluster
Authors: Cui Kuntao , Lin Bin , Sun Wenli , Sun Wenqiang
Published: November 2019

In recent years, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) have made important advances in civil, maritime, and military applications. With the continuous improvement of autonomy, the increasing complexity of tasks, and the emergence of various types of advanced sensors, higher requirements are imposed on the computing performance of USV clusters, especially for latency sensitive tasks. However, during the execution of marine operations, due to the relative movement of the USV cluster nodes and the network topology of the cluster, the wireless channel states are changing rapidly, and the computing resources of cluster nodes may be available or unavailable at any time. It is difficult to accurately predict in advance. Therefore, we propose an optimized offloading mechanism based on the classic multi-armed bandit (MAB) theory. This mechanism enables USV cluster nodes to dynamically make offloading decisions by learning the potential computing performance of their neighboring team nodes to minimize average computation task offloading delay. It is an optimized algorithm named Adaptive Upper Confidence Boundary (AUCB) algorithm, and corresponding simulations are designed to evaluate the performance. The algorithm enables the USV cluster to effectively adapt to the marine vehicular fog computing networks, balancing the trade-off between exploration and exploitation (EE). The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can quickly converge to the optimal computation task offloading combination strategy under heavy and light input data loads.
A Prototype Photoplethysmography Electronic Device that Distinguishes Congestive Heart Failure from Healthy Individuals by Applying Natural Time Analysis
Authors: Baldoumas George , Peschos Dimitrios , Tatsis Giorgos , Chronopoulos Spyridon K. , Christofilakis Vasilis , Kostarakis Panos , Varotsos Panayiotis , Sarlis Nicholas V. , Skordas Efthimios S. , Bechlioulis Aris , Michalis Lampros K. , Naka Katerina K.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a prototype photoplethysmography (PPG) electronic device is presented for the distinction of individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF) from the healthy (H) by applying the concept of Natural Time Analysis (NTA). Data were collected simultaneously with a conventional three-electrode electrocardiography (ECG) system and our prototype PPG electronic device from H and CHF volunteers at the 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School of Ioannina, Greece. Statistical analysis of the results show a clear separation of CHF from H subjects by means of NTA for both the conventional ECG system and our PPG prototype system, with a clearly better distinction for the second one which additionally inherits the advantages of a low-cost portable device.