bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maatiaiseläinten suojelusta yritystoimintaa ja yhteiskunnallista hyvinvointia?
Authors: Kurppa Sirpa , Kantanen Juha , Karja Miia , Lilja Taina , Partanen Ulla , Soini Katriina , Turunen Harri , Takamaa Heli , Tuure Veli-Matti
Published: April 2019

Tutkimushankkeen tavoitteena oli kartoittaa ja luoda toimintamalleja alkuperäisten kotieläinrotujeneli maatiaisrotujen säilyttämiseksi. Vastausta etsittiin kysymyksiin: millaisia merkityksiä maatiaisroduillaon ja mitä yhteiskunnallista hyötyä maatiaisrotujen kasvattaminen voi tuottaa?Suomenkarjan ja suomenlampaiden kasvattajiksi on valikoitunut ryhmä aktiiviviljelijöitä,monialayrittäjiä ja harrastajia. Yrittäjien osalta maatiaisrotuun päätyminen ei ole mikään sattuma, vaankasvattajat ovat perillä eläinten hyvistä ja huonoista ominaisuuksia ja tietoisesti valinneet rodunvähintäänkin monipuolistamaan karjaansa. Tärkeimpinä perusteluina maatiaisrotujen säilyttämisenpuolesta ovat julkisessa keskustelussa kotimaisuus, luonnonmukaisuus, jalostusmahdollisuudet japerinteisyys; maaseudun uusiin yrittäjyysmahdollisuuksiin maatiaiseläimiä ei juurikaan yhdistetä.Maatiaiseläinten tuotteet on onnistuttava myymään erikoistuotteina, jotta taloudellisuus nouseejärkevälle tasolle. Maatiaiskarjan kasvattajan taloudellinen ohjaus- ja kannustekeino on maataloudenympäristötuen erityistuki. Sen taso on länsisuomenkarjalla vuoden 2007 mukaan 270 euroa/eläinyksikkö,mikä lähes riittää kompensoimaan maatiaisrodun ja tehotuotantoon jalostetun rodun kannattavuuserontavanomaisessa maidontuotannossa. Sen sijaan itä- ja pohjoissuomenkarjalla vastaava tuki (500euroa/eläinyksikkö) ei riitä korvaamaan tulonmenetyksiä.Visioitaessa tulevaa maatiaislehmät ja -lampaat voidaan sijoittaa maaseudun toiminnallisessarakenteessa kolmeen eri rooliin: tavanomaisiksi maidon ja lihan tuottajiksi ekstensiiviseentuotantomuotoon; monialayrittäjyyden tuotannon erikoisrooleihin, kuten erikoisraaka-aineiden tuottajiksi,maisemanhoitoon, hoivapalveluihin tai matkailutoimintaan ja kolmanneksi harrasteviljelijöiden ja muunharrastustoiminnan piiriin. Eläinten ylläpito kaikissa kolmessa roolissa edellyttää ohjauskeinojenerilaistamista. Ekstensiivisen tuotannon ohjauskeino voitaisiin toteuttaa edelleen maataloudenympäristötukena. Monialayrittäjyydessä maatiaiseläinten säilymiseen liittyvä tuki tulisi kohdistaaerikoistuotteiden markkinoiden ja markkinoinnin kehittämiseen. Harrastetoiminnan yhteydessämaatiaiseläinten säilymistä voitaisiin tukea lisäämällä suomalaisten tietoisuutta maatiaiseläimistä.Tieteellisessä keskustelussa maatiaiseläimet edustavat tuotantojärjestelmässä erikoisroolissa olevaatuotantoeläinryhmää (tuotantoekologinen niche) ja niiden tuotteet markkinoilla erikoistuotteita(nichetuotteet). Erikoistuotemarkkinat edustavat globalisoituvassa elintarviketaloudessa massatuotannonja kulutuskysynnän yksipuolistumisen vastavoimaa, jolla on ainakin teoreettisesti suuri merkityselintarvikehuollon tuoteinnovaatioiden, joustavuuden ja pitkän aikavälin ekologisen, taloudellisen,sosiaalisen ja kulttuurisen kestävyyden turvaamisessa. Alkuperärotujen toiminnallinen hyödyntäminenonkin viime vuosina herättänyt kansainvälistä kiinnostusta.
Vaikuttaako karsinan lattiamateriaali tai vasikoiden siirto niiden veren kortisoli- tai kasvuhormonipitoisuuksiin?
Authors: Hänninen Laura , Løvendahl Peter , De Passillé Anne Marie , Rushen Jeffrey
Published: April 2019

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The reduction of tariffs under the “linear” and “Swiss formula” in the new WTO round: Impacts on the EU sugar regime
Authors: Huan-Niemi Ellen
Published: April 2019

not available
Suorakylvön vaikutus kevätviljojen viljelyn työnmenekkiin
Authors: Lätti Markku
Published: April 2019

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Rehun hiilihydraattikoostumuksen vaikutus porsaiden ruoansulatukseen
Authors: Laurinen Pasi , Nygaard Laerke Helle , Skou Hedemann Mette , Pedersen Carsten , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik , Pohjanvirta Tarja , Pelkonen Sinikka , Hyvönen Paula , Von Wrigh Atte
Published: April 2019

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Suorakylvökoneen vantaan työsyvyyden mittaaminen
Authors: Lötjönen Timo , Suomi Pasi , Mikkola Hannu
Published: April 2019

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Raskasmetallikuormituksia ja –taseita suomalaisilla maatiloilla
Authors: Mäkelä-Kurtto Ritva
Published: April 2019

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Kuorittu ja kuoreton kaura turkiseläinten rehussa
Authors: Nenonen Nita , Valaja Jarmo , Pölönen Ilpo
Published: April 2019

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Kasvi-indigon käyttö tekstiilisuunnittelussa
Authors: Niinimäki Kirsi , Gröhn Aino , Alanen Hanna , Lummi Eija , Anttila Eila , Boström Emma , Vulli Sami , Kinnunen Sirpa
Published: April 2019

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Maitohappobakteeriympin ja kaliumsorbaatin vaikutus esikuivatun säilörehun laatuun ja pötsin käymistyyppiin
Authors: Saarisalo Eeva , Skyttä Eija , Jaakkola Seija
Published: April 2019

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Typpitase huuhtoutumisen indikaattorina
Authors: Salo Tapio , Turtola Eila , Grönroos Juha
Published: April 2019

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Rotujen välisten erojen arviointi ei riitä rotujen suojelullisen arvon määrittämiseen
Authors: Tapio Miika , Grigaliunaite Ilma , Holm Lars-Erik , Jeppsson Sven , Kantanen Juha , Miceikiene Ilona , Olsaker Ingrid , Viinalass Haldja , Eythorsdottir Emma
Published: April 2019

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Sopimustuotannolla edullisempaa siemenperunaa
Authors: Tuomisto Jussi
Published: April 2019

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Seuranta työkaluna porsastuotannon kehittämisessä
Authors: Tuppi Kati , Yliaho Maija
Published: April 2019

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Kondisi Keuangan, Opinion Shopping dan Opini Audit Going Concern pada Perusahaan Pertambangan yang Terdaftar di BEI
Authors: Effendi Bahtiar
Published: April 2019

Going concern audit opinion is the auditor's opinion to ascertain whether the company can maintain the survival of the entity. The importance of disclosing the company's survival will have an impact on steakholder valuation and trust. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of financial conditions, opinion shopping and disclosure on going concern audit opinions on mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the period between 2014-2017.The population in this study are mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the 2014-2017 period. The company becomes a sample based on the purposive sampling method chosen by certain criteria. The type of data used in this study is secondary data. Data analysis using multiple linear regression methods using SPSS 24 as an analysis tool.The results of the study show that Opinion shopping has a negative effect on the going concern audit opinion while disclosure has a positive effect on the going concern audit opinion.
Pengaruh Struktur Modal, Profitabilitas, dan Struktur Aktiva terhadap Harga Saham
Authors: Churcill Sellytyanengsih E. , Ardillah Kenny
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of profitability, capital structure, and asset structure positively to the stock price on manufacture companies which are listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The research samples have been selected by using purposive sampling technique to the 62 manufacture companies have been published the financial statement and active stocks which have been traded at Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2014 – 2016 periods with the amount of 186 data which have yet to be the research sample criteria.The data analysis has been carried out by using multiple linier regressions analysis. The results of the study found out that capital structure has a positive influence on stock price means that the high capital structure influences shareholder decisions in increasing stock price. Profitability has a significant positive influence on stock price means that every increase in the profitability of a food and beverages company, it causes the stock price will increase. And asset structure have a positive influence on stock price means to indicate that every increase in asset structure of manufacture company, it causes that stock price will increase.
Optimal oxygen saturation in extremely premature neonates
Authors: Zoban P.
Published: April 2019

So far, great efforts have been made to understand the demands of extremely premature neonates (EPNs´; born before the 28(th) week of gestation) on postnatal care, including optimal oxygen saturation, that will allow them to survive without disability. A major yet unresolved problem is to find an “optimal range” of their oxygen saturation and to maintain it without drops or increases, i.e., without hypoxia or hyperoxia. The individual sections of this paper deal with the changes of SpO(2)(an estimate of SaO(2) measured by pulse oximetry) that occur before, during, and after premature labor, postnatal factors affecting SpO(2), and especially how to find an acceptable compromise in choosing the most effective and minimally harmful range of SpO(2) for EPNs’ with the careful FiO2 adjustment and continually monitored SpO(2). At present, the two SpO(2) ranges, narrow (90-94%) vs. wider (88-94%), are most discussed. However, the question of how much oxygen is too much or little remains unanswered. There is even a view that there is no uniform optimal SpO(2) range for EPNs, and that each newborn has its own, individually specific range that changes due to its intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors.
The extracellular matrix and Ca(2+)signaling mechanisms
Authors: Filip S. , Mokrý J. , Forostyak O. , Dayanithi G.
Published: April 2019

The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of proteins, glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, that support the dynamic interactions between cells, including intercellular communication, cell attachment, cell differentiation, cell growth and migration. As such, the ECM represents an essential and very sensitive system within the tissue microenvironment that is involved in processes such as tissue regeneration and carcinogenesis. The aim of the present review is to evaluate its diversity through Ca(2+) signaling and its role in muscle cell function. Here, we discuss some methodological approaches dissecting Ca(2+) handling mechanisms in myogenic and non-myogenic cells, e.g. the importance of Ca(2+) and calpains in muscle dystrophy. We also consider the reconstruction of skeletal muscle by colonization of decellularized ECM with muscle-derived cells isolated from skeletal muscle. Therefore, it is necessary to establish new methodological procedures based on Ca(2+) signaling in skeletal muscle cells and their effect on ECM homeostasis, allowing the monitoring of skeletal muscle reconstruction and organ repair.
Perubahan Perilaku Konsumen Dalam Berbelanja Dari Ritel Tradisional Ke Ritel Modern
Authors: Helmi Sulaiman , Syah Lin Yan , Agustian Wiwin
Published: April 2019

The problem in this study are the factors that cause changes in consumer behavior in shopping from Traditional retail to Modern Retail. Research in urban areas Palembang is a descriptive study conducted by survey method. With this method of data collected by the survey respondents in-depth interviews guidance tool of the points question. In addition to using primary data obtained from respondents also data obtained from depth interviews with informants. To develop questions, first performed exploratory study (exploratory) to potential respondents. In this study, a sample of 120 respondents represented 10 respondents from each of the East Village in District II Palembang Ilir. From the results of research obtained housewife who choose traditional retail as much as 51.7%, the dominant factor affecting consumers in the traditional retail shopping as follows: Price, Scheme & Offers, frequency of visits, and Stock Availability of Goods. From the obtained results of research conducted housewife who choose modern retailing as much as 48.3%, dominant factors that influence consumers in a retailshop at Modern as follows: Leisure Location, Convenience in Shopping, Parking Facilities, Payment Method, In the Good Customer Service, comforts for Women Workers, and Conduct, Based on the above data the researchers to conclude that in the district of East Ilir IIis not a change of behavior in the selection of retail shopping from traditional to modern retail.
Food Phosphorus Flows in a Low-Income, Food- and Phosphorus-Deficient Country
Authors: Kamal Thabiti Soudjay , Huang Yunfeng , Huang Chulong , Xu Su , Bing Gao , Cui Shenghui
Published: April 2019

We present a quantitative analysis of phosphorus (P) flows that characterize the food production-consumption system metabolism in a low-income, food, and phosphorus deficient country, using Comoros, a small African island state, as an example from the year 2000 to 2011. The data were interpreted in terms of the connections between crop production, livestock breeding, human consumption, and soil stock, using the substance flow analysis (SFA) model. We found that the total P input into Comoros totaled 132.37 t in 2000 and 270.60 t in 2011, whereas the total P output totaled 567.40 t in 2000 and 702.29 t in 2011. Farmers in Comoros are cropping with little or no P input, resulting in a soil P deficiency; it varied from 435.03 t in 2000 to 431.69 t in 2011. In addition, the Phosphorus Use Efficiencies (PUEs) of plant and animal production in Comoros were 131.80% and 14%, respectively, in 2011. This is the first SFA of a small island state, and the lack of a closed P loop is a major issue for the country in terms of P security and this has not changed between 2000 and 2011. This study proposes crucial solutions for improving the PUE through recycling and reusing animal manure, human excreta, and household solid organic waste.
Effect of Salinity and Water Stress on the Essential Oil Components of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
Authors: Sarmoum Radhia , Haid Soumia , Biche Mohamed , Djazouli Zahreddine , Zebib Bachar , Merah Othmane
Published: April 2019

The effect of salinity and water stresses on the essential oil components of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil was investigated. Rosemary plants were submitted to different water treatments: tap water (TW), salt water (SW) and without irrigation (NIR). GC/MS analysis showed that ten and eleven volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of rosemary plants irrigated with tap water (TW) and salt water (SW), respectively. However, thirteen volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of non-irrigated plants (NIR). Moreover, among these compounds, α-Pinene, Eucalyptol (1,8 Cineol), Camphene, Borneol, D-verbenone, Bornyl acetate were the major components of oil. Also, GC/MS results highlighted that non-irrigated rosemary plants showed the highest essential oil yield (Y). Obtained oil yields followed the order YNIR > YTW > YSW. In conclusion, qualitative and quantitative differences in rosemary essential oil components were highlighted in relation to water stress.
Short-Term Load Forecasting for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Based on Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Zhu Juncheng , Yang Zhile , Guo Yuanjun , Zhang Jiankang , Yang Huikun
Published: April 2019

Short-term load forecasting is a key task to maintain the stable and effective operation of power systems, providing reasonable future load curve feeding to the unit commitment and economic load dispatch. In recent years, the boost of internal combustion engine (ICE) based vehicles leads to the fossil fuel shortage and environmental pollution, bringing significant contributions to the greenhouse gas emissions. One of the effective ways to solve problems is to use electric vehicles (EVs) to replace the ICE based vehicles. However, the mass rollout of EVs may cause severe problems to the power system due to the huge charging power and stochastic charging behaviors of the EVs drivers. The accurate model of EV charging load forecasting is, therefore, an emerging topic. In this paper, four featured deep learning approaches are employed and compared in forecasting the EVs charging load from the charging station perspective. Numerical results show that the gated recurrent units (GRU) model obtains the best performance on the hourly based historical data charging scenarios, and it, therefore, provides a useful tool of higher accuracy in terms of the hourly based short-term EVs load forecasting.
Bonding Evaluation of Asphalt Emulsions used as Tack Coats through Shear Testing
Authors: Galaviz-González José Roberto , Avalos Cueva David , Limón Covarrubias Pedro , Zamora Palacios Miguel
Published: April 2019

A poor bond between the layers constituting an asphalt pavement can cause structural problems such as slippage, delamination, and top-down cracking. These are consequences of the pavement being unable to act as a continuous element and to properly transmit the effects of the traffic to underlying layers. The aim of this research was to characterize an asphalt emulsion with low asphalt content using the Mexican standard and to evaluate its performance through the Laboratorio de Caminos de Barcelona (LCB) shear testing. Cationic slow setting (SS) and cationic rapid setting (RS) asphalt emulsions were tested by varying the asphalt contents, dosages, and cure times. The slow set emulsions presented a greater fracture energy than did the rapid set emulsions; a dose of 0.3 L/m2 provided the same level of resistance as a 0.5 L/m2 dose; and a 55% asphalt content provided greater resistance than the 60% asphalt content.
Effects of BIM-Based Construction of Prefabricated Steel Framework from the Perspective of SMEs
Authors: Yoo Mooyoung , Kim Jaejun , Choi Changsik
Published: April 2019

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are part of the building construction industry. Although many effect analyses of applying building information modeling (BIM) to projects have been conducted, analyses from the perspective of SMEs are lacking. We propose a BIM-based construction of prefabricated steel framework from the perspective of SMEs. We derive the essential functions of the system from the viewpoint of SMEs and verify the qualitative effect through a case analysis of prefabricated steel frame construction that is based on BIM. The following system functions and qualitative effects are analyzed according to project stages that are based on interviews of working groups participating in system development and case projects. (1) Preconstruction stage: extraction of fabrication drawing and review of shop drawing, (2) fabrication stage: prefabrication review, steel member removal, and field loading review, and (3) construction phase: integrated management of cost and schedule and quality management. The expected effects of applying the system are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed through expert group interviews and surveys. For the quantitative analysis, an evaluation index is used for the end-user computing satisfaction survey. Further analysis of the finishing and installation work is required. Future research should also analyze the effect of system application on human resource management.
A Novel Overcurrent Suppression Strategy during Reclosing Process of MMC-HVDC
Authors: Jiang Bin , Gong Yanfeng
Published: April 2019

A modular multilevel converter based high-voltage DC (MMC-HVDC) system has been the most promising topology for HVDC. A reclosing scheme is usually configured because temporary faults often occur on transmission lines especially when overhead lines are used, which often brings about an overcurrent problem. In this paper, a new fault current limiter (FCL) based on reclosing current limiting resistance (RCLR) is proposed to solve the overcurrent problem during the reclosing process. Firstly, a mesh current method (MCM) based short-circuit current calculation method is newly proposed to solve the fault current calculation of a loop MMC-HVDC grid. Then the method to calculate the RCLR is proposed based on the arm current to limit the arm currents to a specified value during the reclosing process. Finally, a three-terminal loop MMC-HVDC test grid is constructed in the widely used electromagnetic transient simulation software PSCAD/EMTDC and the simulations prove the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Telomere Length and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events and Cancer in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Polonis Katarzyna , Sompalli Sreeja , Becari Christiane , Xie Jiang , Covassin Naima , Schulte Phillip J , Druliner Brooke R , Johnson Ruth A , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Boardman Lisa A , Singh Prachi , Somers Virend K
Published: April 2019

Telomere length (TL) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also linked to higher risk of CVD and cancer, and to TL. We investigated the association between TL and risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and cancer in OSA patients. We studied 210 individuals undergoing sleep-related studies between 2000 and 2007. Baseline characteristics and follow-up data (available in 164 subjects) were obtained from clinic records. Incidence rates were calculated for the entire group and by OSA status. Hazard ratios were calculated to estimate effects of OSA and TL on risk of MACE and cancer. In total, 32 individuals (20%) developed MACE and/or cancer during 12.7-year follow-up. The OSA group had a higher likelihood of cancer (16.0 vs. 4.9 events per 1000 person-years, P = 0.044) but no clear evidence of an elevated incidence of MACE (10.8 vs. 4.8 events per 1000 person-years, P = 0.293) compared to the non-OSA group. There was no association between TL and MACE- (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.78–1.28), or cancer-risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.96–1.43). Our study warrants further investigation of any modulating effect of OSA on TL and the risk of MACE and cancer.
RAC1 Takes the Lead in Solid Tumors
Authors: De Pradip , Aske Jennifer Carlson , Dey Nandini
Published: April 2019

Three GTPases, RAC, RHO, and Cdc42, play essential roles in coordinating many cellular functions during embryonic development, both in healthy cells and in disease conditions like cancers. We have presented patterns of distribution of the frequency of RAC1-alteration(s) in cancers as obtained from cBioPortal. With this background data, we have interrogated the various functions of RAC1 in tumors, including proliferation, metastasis-associated phenotypes, and drug-resistance with a special emphasis on solid tumors in adults. We have reviewed the activation and regulation of RAC1 functions on the basis of its sub-cellular localization in tumor cells. Our review focuses on the role of RAC1 in cancers and summarizes the regulatory mechanisms, inhibitory efficacy, and the anticancer potential of RAC1-PAK targeting agents.
Effectiveness of Two Different Hydrophobic Topcoats for Increasing of Durability of Exterior Coating Systems on Oak Wood
Authors: Pánek Miloš , Dvořák Ondřej , Oberhofnerová Eliška , Šimůnková Kristýna , Zeidler Aleš
Published: April 2019

A top hydrophobic layer can increase the durability of exterior coatings applied on wood. Two hydrophobic topcoats - synthetics and waterborne acrylate resin with wax additives, were tested as top layers on twenty-four different coating systems applied on oak wood in this experiment. Artificial accelerated weathering lasted for six weeks. Changes of color, gloss, surface wetting were evaluated, and microscopic analyses of coated surfaces were done during weathering. The results have shown that a top hydrophobic layer increases the durability of tested coating systems in most cases. However, the effectiveness of the two tested hydrophobic topcoats turned out to be different depending on the specific coating systems used.
Study on β-Ga2O3 Films Grown with Various VI/III Ratios by MOCVD
Authors: Li Zeming , Jiao Teng , Hu Daqiang , Lv Yuanjie , Li Wancheng , Dong Xin , Zhang Yuantao , Feng Zhihong , Zhang Baolin
Published: April 2019

β-Ga2O3 films were grown on sapphire (0001) substrates with various O/Ga (VI/III) ratios by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The effects of VI/III ratio on growth rate, structural, morphological, and Raman properties of the films were systematically studied. By varying the VI/III ratio, the crystalline quality obviously changed. By decreasing the VI/III ratio from 66.9 × 103 to 11.2 × 103, the crystalline quality improved gradually, which was attributed to low nuclei density in the initial stage. However, crystalline quality degraded with further decrease of the VI/III ratio, which was attributed to excessive nucleation rate.
Implant Coating Manufactured by Micro-Arc Oxidation and Dip Coating in Resorbable Polylactide for Antimicrobial Applications in Orthopedics
Authors: Cao Xiao-Yan , Tian Na , Dong Xiang , Cheng Cheng-Kung
Published: April 2019

Prophylaxis and the treatment of implant-related infections has become a key focus area for research into improving the outcome of orthopedic implants. Functional resorbable coatings have been developed to provide an antimicrobial surface on the implant and reduce the risk of infection. However, resorbable coatings developed to date still suffer from low adhesive strength and an inadequate release rate of antibiotics. This study presents a novel double-coating of micro-arc oxidation and resorbable polylactide copolymer on a Ti-6Al-4V implant with the aim of reducing the risk of infection post-implantation. The adhesive strength, rate of coating degradation, and antibiotic release rate were investigated. A key finding was that the micro-arc oxidation coating with the addition of antibiotics increased the adhesive strength of the poly-l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (PLC) coatings. The adhesive strength was influenced by the concentration of the PLC solution, the surface structure of the titanium substrate, and the composition of the coatings. The antibiotics blended into the PLC coating had a release cycle of approximately 10 days, which would be long enough to reduce the risk of developing an infection after implantation. The double coatings presented in this study have an excellent potential for reducing the incidence and severity of implants-related early infections.
Application and Evaluation of a Pectin-Based Edible Coating Process for Quality Change Kinetics and Shelf-Life Extension of Lime Fruit (Citrus aurantifolium)
Authors: Maftoonazad Neda , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: April 2019

Uncertain storage conditions lead to considerable quality loss in lime fruits, which affect their consumer acceptability. Studies aimed at quantifying the kinetics of quality changes under different storage conditions are valuable for minimizing the product quality loss and improving their marketability. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of pectin-based coating on the kinetics of quality change in stored limes fruits using a pre-established coating process. Lime fruits were immersed in the coating emulsion and then surface dried, cooled, and evaluated after storage for different times at selected temperatures (10–25 °C). Quality characteristics evaluated include physical (texture and color), chemical (ascorbic acid, pH, titrable acidity, total soluble solids), and physiological (respiration rate) properties. Results revealed that with the passage of time, the fruits showed progressive increase in shriveling or wilting and loss in green color, and higher temperatures accelerated these changes. The respiration rate in control samples reached 79, 35, and 7 mL CO2/(kg·h) after 7 days at 25 °C and 22 days at 15 and 10 °C, respectively, while those of coated samples were limited to 40, 32, and 1.06 mL CO2/(kg·h) after 11, 25, and 32 days at the same storage temperatures. Control fruits suffered 6%, 10%, and 24% weight loss following 8 days of storage at 10, 15, and 20 °C, respectively, while the losses in coated fruits were lower (2%, 4%, and 17%, respectively). A zero-order model was found appropriate for weight loss, along with a color a value and ΔE, while a first-order model was found to be better for firmness, brix to acidity ratio, ascorbic acid, and b and L values (R2 > 0.9). The Arrhenius model was suitable for temperature sensitivity of the rate constants.
Integrated Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Based on Liquid Crystal Evanescent Field Tuning
Authors: Caño-García Manuel , Poudereux David , Gordo Fernando J. , Geday Morten A. , Otón José M. , Quintana Xabier
Published: April 2019

In this work, the performance of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer manufactured in silicon nitride with a liquid crystal cladding is studied. The device consists of two multi-mode interference couplers linked by two rectangular waveguides, the cladding of one of which is a liquid crystal. The structure demonstrates the potential of using liquid crystals as tunable cladding material in simple waveguides as well as in more complex coupling or modulating structures. Liquid crystal cladding permits a local fine-tuning of the effective refractive index of the waveguide, avoiding coarse global temperature control. The study is realized in the visible region (632.8 nm), for its intrinsic interest region in (bio-)sensing or metrology.
Socioeconomic Aspects of the Forests in Portugal: Recent Evolution and Perspectives of Sustainability of the Resource
Authors: Nunes Leonel Jorge Ribeiro , Meireles Catarina Isabel Rodrigues , Pinto Gomes Carlos José , de Almeida Ribeiro Nuno Manuel Cabral
Published: April 2019

Portuguese forests have always played an essential role in the socioeconomic development of national rural areas, but also in several forest-based industrial sectors, such as the cork, pulp and paper, and wood panels industries. In addition to these dominant sectors, there are also several other uses for forest timber, such as being the major raw materials to the production of furniture or devoted to the growing biomass pellets production industry. This review article presents the evolution of the forest industrial sector throughout the recent past, and its impact on the development of the rural environment, from a socioeconomic perspective, namely concerning the jobs and value-added creation, as well as the importance of the forest in national industrial development. It shows the importance of sustainable forest management for the development of the rural environment, as an essential sector for the creation of wealth and for the establishment of populations in the interior regions of the country.
Production and Purification of l-lactic Acid in Lab and Pilot Scales Using Sweet Sorghum Juice
Authors: Olszewska-Widdrat Agata , Alexandri Maria , López-Gómez José Pablo , Schneider Roland , Mandl Michael , Venus Joachim
Published: April 2019

Sweet sorghum juice (SSJ) was evaluated as fermentation substrate for the production of l-lactic acid. A thermophilic Bacillus coagulans isolate was selected for batch fermentations without the use of additional nutrients. The first batch of SSJ (Batch A) resulted on higher lactic acid concentration, yield and productivity with values of 78.75 g∙L−1, 0.78 g∙g−1 and 1.77 g∙L−1 h−1, respectively. Similar results were obtained when the process was transferred into the pilot scale (50 L), with corresponding values of 73 g∙L−1, 0.70 g∙g−1 and 1.47 g∙L−1 h−1. A complete downstream process scheme was developed in order to separate lactic acid from the fermentation components. Coarse and ultra-filtration were employed as preliminary separation steps. Mono- and bipolar electrodialysis, followed by chromatography and vacuum evaporation were subsequently carried out leading to a solution containing 905.8 g∙L−1 lactic acid, with an optical purity of 98.9%. The results of this study highlight the importance of the downstream process with respect to using SSJ for lactic acid production. The proposed downstream process constitutes a more environmentally benign approach to conventional precipitation methods.
Tree-Ring Reconstructions of Streamflow for the Tennessee Valley
Authors: Anderson SallyRose , Ogle Ross , Tootle Glenn , Oubeidillah Abdoul
Published: April 2019

This study reports the preliminary results from a statistical screening of tree-ring width records from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB), to evaluate the strength of the hydrological signal, in dendrochronological records from the Tennessee Valley. We used United States Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow data from 11 gages, within the Tennessee Valley, and regional tree-ring chronologies, to analyze the dendroclimatic potential of the region, and create seasonal flow reconstructions. Prescreening methods included correlation, date, and temporal stability analysis of predictors to ensure practical and reliable reconstructions. Seasonal correlation analysis revealed that large numbers of regional tree-ring chronologies were significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the May–June–July streamflow. Stepwise linear regression was used to create the May–June–July streamflow reconstructions. Ten of the 12 streamflow stations were considered statistically skillful (R2 ≥ 0.40). Skillful reconstructions ranged from 208 to 301 years in length, and were statistically validated using leave-one-out cross validation, the sign test, and a comparison of the distribution of low flow years. The long-term streamflow variability was analyzed for the Nolichucky, Nantahala, Emory, and South Fork (SF) Holston stations. The reconstructions revealed that while most of the Western United States (U.S.). was experiencing some of its highest flow years during the early 1900s, the Tennessee Valley region was experiencing a very low flow. Results revealed the potential benefit of using tree-ring chronologies to reconstruct hydrological variables in the Southeastern U.S., by demonstrating the ability of proxy-based reconstructions to provide useful data beyond the instrumental record.
Review of the Augmented Reality Systems for Shoulder Rehabilitation
Authors: Viglialoro Rosanna Maria , Condino Sara , Turini Giuseppe , Carbone Marina , Ferrari Vincenzo , Gesi Marco
Published: April 2019

Literature shows an increasing interest for the development of augmented reality (AR) applications in several fields, including rehabilitation. Current studies show the need for new rehabilitation tools for upper extremity, since traditional interventions are less effective than in other body regions. This review aims at: Studying to what extent AR applications are used in shoulder rehabilitation, examining wearable/non-wearable technologies employed, and investigating the evidence supporting AR effectiveness. Nine AR systems were identified and analyzed in terms of: Tracking methods, visualization technologies, integrated feedback, rehabilitation setting, and clinical evaluation. Our findings show that all these systems utilize vision-based registration, mainly with wearable marker-based tracking, and spatial displays. No system uses head-mounted displays, and only one system (11%) integrates a wearable interface (for tactile feedback). Three systems (33%) provide only visual feedback; 66% present visual-audio feedback, and only 33% of these provide visual-audio feedback, 22% visual-audio with biofeedback, and 11% visual-audio with haptic feedback. Moreover, several systems (44%) are designed primarily for home settings. Three systems (33%) have been successfully evaluated in clinical trials with more than 10 patients, showing advantages over traditional rehabilitation methods. Further clinical studies are needed to generalize the obtained findings, supporting the effectiveness of the AR applications.
Microangiopathy in Naifold Videocapillaroscopy and Its Relations to sE- Selectin, Endothelin-1, and hsCRP as Putative Endothelium Dysfunction Markers among Adolescents with Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Authors: Gorski Stanislaw , Bartnicka Marta , Citko Anna , Żelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Jablonski Konrad , Gorska Anna
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the qualitative abnormalities on nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and the concentrations of selected biomarkers (sE-selectin, endothelin-1, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP)) and lipid metabolism parameters in children and adolescents with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Raynaud’s phenomenon, to assess whether nailfold capillary changes may reflect the degree of systemic blood vessel abnormalities. The study group included 66 patients (34 undifferentiated—uRP and 32 secondary—sRP) aged 6–19 years and the control group. In both groups, NVC was performed and the selected biomarkers were measured (sE-selectin, endothelin-1, hsCRP) and lipid profile. Endothelin-1, sE-selectin and hsCRP concentrations in patients from both RP groups were significantly higher; concentration of HDL fraction was significantly lower compared with the control group. The analysis of multiple linear regression demonstrated that megacapillaries most strongly determine the sE-selectin value (p = 0.04) and hsCRP (p = 0.03). Both the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction concentrations were determined by the presence of avascular areas (p = 0.02). In conclusion, specific pathologic NVC changes were associated with higher endothelial damage biomarkers concentration and adverse changes in the lipid profile.
Perspectives on the Use of a Medium-Dose Etoposide, Cyclophosphamide, and Total Body Irradiation Conditioning Regimen in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: The Japanese Experience from 1993 to Present
Authors: Imamura Masahiro , Shigematsu Akio
Published: April 2019

The outcome for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with chemotherapy or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is poor. Therefore, allogeneic HSCT (allo HSCT) for adults aged less than 50 years with ALL is performed with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens. Among the several MAC regimens, a conditioning regimen of 120 mg/kg (60mg/kg for two days) cyclophosphamide (CY) and 12 gray fractionated (12 gray in six fractions for three days) total body irradiation (TBI) is commonly used, resulting in a long term survival rate of approximately 50% when transplanted at the first complete remission. The addition of 30 mg/kg (15 mg/kg for two days) etoposide (ETP) to the CY/TBI regimen revealed an excellent outcome (a long-term survival rate of approximately 80%) in adults with ALL, showing lower relapse and non-relapse mortality rates. It is preferable to perform allo HSCT with a medium-dose ETP/CY/TBI conditioning regimen at the first complete remission in high-risk ALL patients and at the second complete remission (in addition to the first complete remission) in standard-risk ALL patients. The ETP dose and administration schedule are important factors for reducing the relapse and non-relapse mortality rates, preserving a better outcome. The pharmacological study suggests that the prolonged administration of ETP at a reduced dose is a promising treatment.
Galectin 3 and Galectin 3 Binding Protein Improve the Risk Stratification after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gagno Giulia , Padoan Laura , Stenner Elisabetta , Beleù Alessandro , Ziberna Fabiana , Hiche Cristina , Paldino Alessia , Barbati Giulia , Biolo Gianni , Fiotti Nicola , Not Tarcisio , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Sinagra Gianfranco , Aleksova Aneta
Published: April 2019

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors are at risk of major adverse cardiac events and their risk stratification is a prerequisite to tailored therapeutic approaches. Biomarkers could be of great utility in this setting. Methods: We sought to evaluate the utility of the combined assessment of Galectin 3 (Gal-3) and Galectin 3 binding protein (Gal-3bp) for post-AMI risk stratification in a large, consecutive population of AMI patients. The primary outcomes were: Recurrent angina/AMI and all-cause mortality at 12 months after the index event. Results: In total, 469 patients were included. The median Gal-3bp was 9.1 μg/mL (IQR 5.8–13.5 μg/mL), while median Gal-3 was 9.8 ng/mL (IQR 7.8–12.8 ng/mL). During the 12 month follow-up, 34 patients died and 41 had angina pectoris/reinfarction. Gal-3 was associated with all-cause mortality, while Gal-3bp correlated with the risk of angina/myocardial infarction even when corrected for other significant covariates. The final multivariable model for mortality prediction included patients’ age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Gal-3, and renal function. The ROC curve estimated for this model has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95%CI 0.78–0.9), which was similar to the area under the ROC curve obtained using the GRACE score 1-year mortality. Conclusions: The integrated assessment of Gal-3 and Gal-3bp could be helpful in risk stratification after AMI.
Implication of Ventricular Assist Devices in Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation Patients Listed for Heart Transplantation
Authors: Guha Ashrith , Hannawi Bashar , Cruz-Solbes Ana S. , Nguyen Duc T. , Bruckner Brian A. , Trachtenberg Barry , Graviss Edward A. , Bhimaraj Arvind , Park Myung , Hussain Imad , MacGillivray Thomas E. , Suarez Erik E. , Estep Jerry D.
Published: April 2019

The new allocation criteria classify patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as the highest priority for receiving orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) especially if they are considered not candidates for ventricular assist devices. The outcomes of patients who receive ventricular assist devices (VADs) after being listed for heart transplantation with VA-ECMO is unknown. We analyzed 355 patients listed for OHT with VA-ECMO from the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2006 to 2014. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used to determine the contribution of prognostic variables to the outcome. Thirty-three patients (9.3%) received VADs (15 dischargeable, 7 non-dischargeable VADs). The VAD and non-VAD groups had similar listing characteristics except that the VAD group were more likely to have non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (48.5% vs. 25.2%), and less likely to be obese (6.1% vs. 25.2%) or have a history of prior organ transplant (3% vs. 31.1%). Patients who underwent VAD implantation had more days on the list (median 189 vs. 14 days) compared to the non-VAD group. Amongst the patients who had VADs, (25/33) 75.5% patients were subsequently transplanted with similar post-transplant survival compared to the non-VAD group (72% vs. 60.5%; p = 0.276). Predictors of one-year post-transplant mortality included panel reactive antibodies (PRA) class I ≥ 20%, recipient smoking history, increased serum creatinine and total bilirubin. Therefore, a small proportion of patients listed for transplantation with VA ECMO undergo VAD implantation. Their waitlist survival is better than non-VAD group but with similar post-transplant survival.
Inflammation, Biomarkers and Immuno-Oncology Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lee Belinda , Gibbs Peter
Published: April 2019

It is estimated that pancreatic cancer will be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally by 2030, highlighting the ongoing lack of effective treatment options for this devastating condition. There is a lack of reliable prognostic or predictive markers in pancreatic cancer to guide management decisions, whether for systemic chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapies, or immunotherapies. To date, the results for targeted agents and immunotherapies in unselected populations of chemo-refractory pancreatic cancer have not met expectations. The reasons for this lack of efficacy of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer are not completely understood. The challenges in pancreatic cancer include the physical barrier created by the dense desmoplastic stroma surrounding the tumor, chemokine-mediated exclusion of T cells, relatively poorer antigenicity compared to other solid tumors, paucity of infiltrating T cells within the tumor, ultimately leading to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. A better understanding of the role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer, its tumor microenvironment and individualized patient-related features, be they molecular, clinical or histopathological, would enable a more effective tailored approach to the management of pancreatic cancer. In this review, the role of inflammation, the immune tumor microenvironment and potential immune biomarkers in pancreatic cancer are explored.
The Fate of Glutamine in Human Metabolism. The Interplay with Glucose in Proliferating Cells
Authors: Mazat Jean-Pierre , Ransac Stéphane
Published: April 2019

Genome-scale models of metabolism (GEM) are used to study how metabolism varies in different physiological conditions. However, the great number of reactions involved in GEM makes it difficult to understand these variations. In order to have a more understandable tool, we developed a reduced metabolic model of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, C2M2N with 77 reactions, 54 internal metabolites, and 3 compartments, taking into account the actual stoichiometry of the reactions, including the stoichiometric role of the cofactors and the irreversibility of some reactions. In order to model oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) functioning, the proton gradient through the inner mitochondrial membrane is represented by two pseudometabolites DPH (∆pH) and DPSI (∆ψ). To illustrate the interest of such a reduced and quantitative model of metabolism in mammalian cells, we used flux balance analysis (FBA) to study all the possible fates of glutamine in metabolism. Our analysis shows that glutamine can supply carbon sources for cell energy production and can be used as carbon and nitrogen sources to synthesize essential metabolites. Finally, we studied the interplay between glucose and glutamine for the formation of cell biomass according to ammonia microenvironment. We then propose a quantitative analysis of the Warburg effect.
Low Levels of IgM and IgA Recognizing Acetylated C1-Inhibitor Peptides Are Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Taiwanese Women
Authors: Tsai Kai-Leun , Liao Chen-Chung , Chang Yu-Sheng , Huang Ching-Wen , Huang Yu-Chu , Chen Jin-Hua , Lin Sheng-Hong , Tai Chih-Chun , Lin Yi-Fang , Lin Ching-Yu
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to identify novel acetylation (Ac) modifications of the C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) and explain the association of the levels of autoantibodies against acetylated C1-INH peptides with the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ac modifications of the C1-INH were identified and validated through in-gel digestion, nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting by using serum protein samples obtained from patients with SLE and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). In addition, the levels of serum C1-INH, Ac-protein adducts, and autoantibodies against unmodified and acetylated C1-INH peptides were measured. C1-INH levels in patients with SLE were significantly lower than those in HCs by 1.53-fold (p = 0.0008); however, Ac-protein adduct concentrations in patients with SLE were significantly higher than those in HCs by 1.35-fold (p = 0.0009). Moreover, immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-C1-INH367–385 Ac and IgA anti-C1-INH367–385 Ac levels in patients with SLE were significantly lower than those in HCs. The low levels of IgM anti-C1-INH367–385 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.725, p < 0.001), IgM anti-C1-INH367–385 Ac (OR = 4.089, p = 0.001), and IgA anti-C1-INH367–385 Ac (OR = 5.566, p < 0.001) indicated increased risks for the development of SLE compared with HCs.