bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability of Teat Condition in Italian Holstein Friesian and Its Relationship with Milk Production and Somatic Cell Score
Authors: Tiezzi Francesco , Maisano Antonio Marco , Chessa Stefania , Luini Mario , Biffani Stefano
Published: December 2020

In spite of the impressive advancements observed on both management and genetic factors, udder health still represents one of most demanding objectives to be attained in the dairy cattle industry. Udder morphology and especially teat condition might represent the first physical barrier to pathogens’ access. The objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic component of teat condition and to elucidate its relationship with both milk yield and somatic cell scores in dairy cattle. Moreover, the effect of selection for both milk yield and somatic cell scores on teat condition was also investigated. A multivariate analysis was conducted on 10,776 teat score records and 30,160 production records from 2469 Italian Holstein cows. Three teat scoring traits were defined and included in the analysis. Heritability estimates for the teat score traits were moderate to low, ranging from 0.084 to 0.238. When teat score was based on a four-classes ordinal scoring, its genetic correlation with milk yields and somatic cell score were 0.862 and 0.439, respectively. The scale used to classify teat-end score has an impact on the magnitude of the estimates. Genetic correlations suggest that selection for milk yield could deteriorate teat health, unless more emphasis is given to somatic cell scores. Considering that both at national and international level, the current selection objectives are giving more emphasis to health traits, a further genetic deterioration in teat condition is not expected.
Visceral Adiposity as a Significant Predictor of Sunitinib-Induced Dose-Limiting Toxicities and Survival in Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Park Jee Soo , Koo Kyo Chul , Chung Doo Yong , Kim Sun Il , Kim Jeongho , Oh Cheol Kyu , Kim Tae Nam , Kang Sung Ku , Park Jae Won , Yoon Young Eun , Park Sung Yul , Rha Koon Ho , Ham Won Sik
Published: December 2020

Sunitinib is a first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Little is known about the predictive factors of sunitinib-induced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in Asian populations. We investigated whether body composition predicts sunitinib-induced DLT. We retrospectively reviewed sunitinib-treated Korean patients with clear cell mRCC from eight institutions. Body composition was measured using computed tomography. DLT was defined as any adverse event leading to dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. Univariate analysis was used to compare body composition indices, and logistic regression analyses were performed for factors predicting early DLT. Overall, 111/311 (32.5%) of patients experienced DLT. Significant differences were observed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI; p = 0.001) and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI; p < 0.001) between patients with and without DLT. Multivariate analyses revealed that VATI (odds ratio: 1.013; p = 0.029) was significantly associated with early DLT. Additionally, 20% of patients who had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 23 kg/m2 and a low VATI experienced DLT, whereas 34.3% of the remaining groups had DLT (p = 0.034). Significant differences were observed for median progression-free survival (13.0 vs. 26.0 months, respectively; p = 0.006) between patients with low and high VATI. Visceral adiposity was a significant predictor of sunitinib-associated DLT and survival. Patients with a low VATI and a BMI greater than 23 kg/m2 experienced lower DLTs.
Elovl2 Is Required for Robust Visual Function in Zebrafish
Authors: Dasyani Manish , Gao Fangyuan , Xu Qianlan , Van Fossan Donald , Zhang Ellis , F. M. Pinto Antonio , Saghatelian Alan , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota , Chao Daniel L.
Published: December 2020

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play critical roles in membrane stability and cell signaling within the retina. ELOVL2 (Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids-Like 2), an elongase involved in the synthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), has recently been implicated in regulating aging in the mammalian retina. In this work, we characterize the expression and function of elovl2 in the retina development in embryonic zebrafish. Whole mount in situ hybridization shows elovl2 is expressed in the Muller glia in embryonic and adult zebrafish. Lipidomics analysis of elovl2 crispants whole embryos at day 2 and eyes at day 7 demonstrated significant changes in lipids composition, especially on the level of lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Histological analysis of zebrafish lacking elovl2 revealed increased retinal thickness compared to controls at day 7 without gross disruptions of the retinal architecture. Finally, elovl2 crispants showed differences in the visual motor reflex light off (VMR-OFF) at day 7 compared to controls. In sum, inactivation of elovl2 in zebrafish embryos caused changes in lipid composition and in visual behavior, further confirming the important role of LC-PUFAs in healthy vision.
Effect of Seasonal Rains and Floods on Seedling Recruitment and Compositional Similarity in Two Lowland Tropical Forests
Authors: Polanía Brayan S. , Aldana Ana M. , Bottin Marius , Cruz Diana M. , Castro-Lima Francisco , Stevenson Pablo R. , Sanchez Adriana
Published: December 2020

Research Highlights: Seasonally flooded and terra firme forests are characteristic ecosystems of the Colombian Orinoco Basin and of great importance in the maintenance of regional biodiversity and ecosystem function. These forests have a unimodal precipitation regime that can cause a temporal effect on the seedling regeneration niche. This could partly explain the high diversity and coexistence of plant species in these forests, as well as the similarity in composition of seedlings and trees. Background and Objectives: Seedlings are a key factor in the assembly of plant communities. We evaluated the effect of flooding and rains on the dissimilarity and compositional affinity between trees and seedlings of seasonally flooded and terra firme forests. Materials and Methods: the tree community of these forests in San Martín (Meta, Colombia) was characterized and compared with their respective seedling communities before (June) and after (December) rain and flooding (during the rainy season). We evaluated plant species diversity and abundance (Shannon diversity and Pielou eveness index), as well as the compositional dissimilarities of each tree community with their corresponding seedling community sampled at the beginning and end of rains and flooding (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity). We also compared sampling site composition using a NMDS analysis. Results: We found that the terra firme forest had higher diversity compared to the flooded forest. Seedling density in the seasonally flooded forest decreased significantly after the flood but not in the terra firme forest at the end of the rainy season. The compositional dissimilarity between trees and seedlings in the seasonally inundated forest also decreased after the flood. However, this pattern was not evident in the terra firme forest. Conclusions: These results indicate that seasonal flooding generates a strong ecological filter that affects the realized niche of plants in these forests. Our results can contribute valuable information for the effective development of assisted restoration and conservation programs.
Interactions between Virtual Spaces and Schools: A Collective Case Study
Authors: Martínez Martínez Juan Miguel , Tudela Sancho Antonio
Published: December 2020

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play an important role in the current educational panorama. Their presence in educational centers has increased in the last decade due to the constant development of educational policies focused on their inclusion in the classroom. However, the integration of ICT in educational spaces and practices has still not reach the levels desired by international organizations such as the OECD and UNESCO. The aim of this study is to understand the nature of the interaction between virtual spaces and school spaces, and how this interaction affects the development of students’ learning processes. To this end, we follow an interpretive research methodology using a collective case study with four students from Spain. The results highlight the scarce integration of ICT into educational centers and teaching practices. However, virtual spaces play an important role in the development of other learning processes, such as informed learning, informal learning, and learning outside of the school context. In this work, we also provide a brief overview of changes in the current educational situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design of Multiple Spatial Context Detection Method Considering Elongated Top-Bounded Spaces Based on GPS Signal-To-Noise Ratio and Fuzzy Inference
Authors: Tabata Kenichi , Nakajima Madoka , Kohtake Naohiko
Published: December 2020

Numerous studies have been conducted on indoor and outdoor seamless positioning and indoor–outdoor detection methods. However, the classification of real space into two types, outdoor space and indoor space, is difficult. One type of space that is difficult to classify is top-bounded space, which can be observed in commercial facilities, logistics facilities, and street-facing sidewalks. In this study, we designed a method for detecting stays in three spatial contexts: Outdoor, top-bounded space, and indoor. This method considers elongated top-bounded spaces covered with a roof and open on one of the sides. Specifically, we selected Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites for stay detection based on the simple extraction of the spatial characteristics of a top-bounded space and designed a decision flow using fuzzy inference based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the selected GPS satellites. Moreover, we conducted an evaluation experiment to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and confirmed that it could correctly detect the stay in three spatial contexts, outdoor, top-bounded space, and indoor, with a high probability of 93.1%.
The Bark Beetle Phloeotribus rhododactylus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Has a Stable Range in Europe
Authors: Fiala Tomáš , Holuša Jaroslav
Published: December 2020

The bark beetle Phloeotribus rhododactylus feeds mainly on the shrub Cytisus scoparius. The range of P. rhododactylus extends from Spain in the south to southern Sweden, Denmark, and Scotland in the north. Its range to the east extends to Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, but single localities are known further east in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. It is clear that the range of the beetle matches that of its main host. C. scoparius is adapted to Mediterranean and coastal climates, and its range is limited by low winter temperatures. P. rhododactylus is, therefore, rare in Central Europe. It infests either individuals of C. scoparius that have been damaged by mammalian herbivores or snow or that are drought-stressed. Although C. scoparius is an invasive plant in agricultural and natural ecosystems, P. rhododactylus has not been found in any of the areas where C. scoparius has invaded.
Effects of Larval Density on Plutella xylostella Resistance to Granulosis Virus
Authors: Kong Hailong , Liu Zhonglin , Yang Pingjun , Yuan Lin , Jing Wanghui , Dong Chuanlei , Zheng Minyuan , Tian Zhen , Hou Qiuli , Zhu Shude
Published: December 2020

It has been reported that some phase-polyphenic insects from high-density conditions are more resistant to pathogens than those from low-density conditions. This phenomenon is termed “density-dependent prophylaxis” (DDP). However, whether non phase-polyphenic insects exhibit DDP has rarely been elucidated. The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, one of the most destructive insect pests affecting cruciferous crops, is non phase-polyphenic. In this study, the resistance of DBM larvae to P. xylostella granulosis virus (Plxy GV) and their immune response to the virus when reared at densities of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 larvae per Petri dish were investigated under laboratory conditions. Compared with larvae reared at lower densities, larvae reared at moderate density showed a significantly higher survival rate, but the survival rate significantly decreased with further increases in rearing density. Furthermore, the phenoloxidase, lysozyme and antibacterial activity and total hemocyte count in the hemolymph of the larvae, regardless of whether they were challenged with the virus, from different larval densities corresponded to the observed differences in resistance to Plxy GV. These results demonstrated that P. xylostella larvae exhibited DDP within a certain limited density. This study may help to elucidate the biocontrol effect of different density populations of P. xylostella by granulosis virus and guide improvements in future management strategy.
Imaging Conductivity Changes in Monolayer Graphene Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Khambampati Anil Kumar , Rahman Sheik Abdur , Sharma Sunam Kumar , Kim Woo Young , Kim Kyung Youn
Published: December 2020

Recently, graphene has gained a lot of attention in the electronic industry due to its unique properties and has paved the way for realizing novel devices in the field of electronics. For the development of new device applications, it is necessary to grow large wafer-sized monolayer graphene samples. Among the methods to synthesize large graphene films, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the promising and common techniques. However, during the growth and transfer of the CVD graphene monolayer, defects such as wrinkles, cracks, and holes appear on the graphene surface. These defects can influence the electrical properties and it is of interest to know the quality of graphene samples non-destructively. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be applied as an alternate method to determine conductivity distribution non-destructively. The EIT inverse problem of reconstructing conductivity is highly non-linear and is heavily dependent on measurement accuracy and modeling errors related to an accurate knowledge of electrode location, contact resistances, the exact outer boundary of the graphene wafer, etc. In practical situations, it is difficult to eliminate these modeling errors as complete knowledge of the electrode contact impedance and outer domain boundary is not fully available, and this leads to an undesirable solution. In this paper, a difference imaging approach is proposed to estimate the conductivity change of graphene with respect to the reference distribution from the data sets collected before and after the change. The estimated conductivity change can be used to locate the defects on the graphene surface caused due to the CVD transfer process or environment interaction. Numerical and experimental results with graphene sample of size 2.5 × 2.5 cm are performed to determine the change in conductivity distribution and the results show that the proposed difference imaging approach handles the modeling errors and estimates the conductivity distribution with good accuracy.
Review of Domain Wall Dynamics Engineering in Magnetic Microwires
Authors: Zhukova Valentina , Corte-Leon Paula , González-Legarreta Lorena , Talaat Ahmed , Blanco Juan Maria , Ipatov Mihail , Olivera Jesus , Zhukov Arcady
Published: December 2020

The influence of magnetic anisotropy, post-processing conditions, and defects on the domain wall (DW) dynamics of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe-, Ni-, and Co-rich microwires with spontaneous and annealing-induced magnetic bistability has been thoroughly analyzed, with an emphasis placed on the influence of magnetoelastic, induced and magnetocrystalline anisotropies. Minimizing magnetoelastic anisotropy, either by the selection of a chemical composition with a low magnetostriction coefficient or by heat treatment, is an appropriate route for DW dynamics optimization in magnetic microwires. Stress-annealing allows further improvement of DW velocity and hence is a promising method for optimization of DW dynamics in magnetic microwires. The origin of current-driven DW propagation in annealing-induced magnetic bistability is attributed to magnetostatic interaction of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation and inner axially magnetized core. The beneficial influence of the stress-annealing on DW dynamics has been explained considering that it allows increasing of the volume of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation at the expense of decreasing the radius of inner axially magnetized core. Such transverse magnetic anisotropy can similarly affect the DW dynamics as the applied transverse magnetic field and hence is beneficial for DW dynamics optimization. Stress-annealing allows designing the magnetic anisotropy distribution more favorable for the DW dynamics improvement. Results on DW dynamics in various families of nanocrystalline microwires are provided. The role of saturation magnetization on DW mobility improvement is discussed. The DW shape, its correlation with the magnetic anisotropy constant and the microwire diameter, as well as manipulation of the DW shape by induced magnetic anisotropy are discussed. The engineering of DW propagation through local stress-annealing and DW collision is demonstrated.
Association of Milk Consumption and Vitamin D Status in the US Population by Ethnicity: NHANES 2001–2010 Analysis
Authors: Torres-Gonzalez Moises , Cifelli Christopher J. , Agarwal Sanjiv , Fulgoni Victor L
Published: December 2020

Vitamin D has been identified as a nutrient of public health concern, and higher intake of natural or fortified food sources of vitamin D, such as milk, are encouraged by the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We, therefore, examined the association of milk consumption and vitamin D status in the United States (US) population. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2010 and were analyzed by linear and logistic regression after adjusting for anthropometric and demographic variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Approximately 57–80% children and 42–60% adults were milk consumers. Milk intake (especially reduced-fat, low fat and no-fat milk) was positively associated (plinear trend < 0.05) with serum vitamin D status and with a 31–42% higher probability of meeting recommended serum vitamin D (>50 nmol/L) levels among all age groups. Serum vitamin D status was also associated with both type and amount of milk intake depending upon the age and ethnicity. In conclusion, the results indicate that milk consumers consistently have higher serum vitamin D levels and higher probability of meeting recommended levels. Therefore, increasing milk intake may be an effective strategy to improve the vitamin D status of the US population.
Multi-Temporal Analysis and Trends of the Drought Based on MODIS Data in Agricultural Areas, Romania
Authors: Angearu Claudiu-Valeriu , Ontel Irina , Boldeanu George , Mihailescu Denis , Nertan Argentina , Craciunescu Vasile , Catana Simona , Irimescu Anisoara
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of the Drought Severity Index (DSI) in Romania and its validation based on other data sources (meteorological data, soil moisture content (SMC), agricultural production). Also, it is to assess the drought based on a multi-temporal analysis and trends of the DSI obtained from Terra MODIS satellite images. DSI is a standardized product based on evapotranspiration (ET) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), highlighting the differences over a certain period of time compared to the average. The study areas are located in Romania: three important agricultural lands (Oltenia Plain, Baragan Plain and Banat Plain), which have different environmental characteristics. MODIS products have been used over a period of 19 years (2001–2019) during the vegetation season of the agricultural crops (April–September). The results point out that those agricultural areas from the Baragan Plain and Oltenia Plain were more affected by drought than those from Banat Plain, especially in the years 2002, 2007 and 2012. Also, the drought intensity and the agricultural surfaces affected by drought decreased in the first part of the vegetation season (March–May) and increased in the last part (August–September) in all three study areas analyzed. All these results are confirmed by those of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA) indices.
Inventory Share Policy Designs for a Sustainable Omni-Chanel E-Commerce Network
Authors: İzmirli Damla , Ekren Banu Yetkin , Kumar Vikas
Published: December 2020

This paper studies inventory share policies for sustainable omni-channel e-commerce supply network design by seeking for a good integration policy of online and offline retailers so that the overall supply network reduce its cost, environmental negative impacts by the decreased number of shipments from the main depot, and increase its responsiveness. By the recent advancement in information technologies and internet use, e-commerce practice gained popularity also to keep up with the competitive environment. The increased competitive supply chain environment has revealed the business-to-business (B2B) concepts enabling business applications between companies. Strategic alliance is a partnership concept realized between two or more organizations ensuring that stages are managed with consideration of the welfare of the others in the whole network. By considering that there are inventory share policies between stages, we accept the existence of strategic alliance implementation in the network, aiming to increase total network flexibility and profitability as well as sustainability in the network. In the study, we research inventory share policies towards strategic alliance concept to have a network design with a decreased negative effect of demand uncertainty and increased profitability in the network. By inventory share policies, businesses share their current inventories with the others so that transportation cost and CO2 emission caused by traffic intensity is decreased in the network. We propose six inventory share policy combinations and optimize the (s, S) inventory levels under those policies by minimizing total network cost. We utilize the simulation modeling approach for the modeling purpose. We compare the policy results based on the total network cost, the total number of shipments completed from the main warehouse, and total lost sale cost, etc., at the optimal levels and suggest the best policy design.
Internet and People with Intellectual Disability: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mengual-Andrés Santiago , Chiner Esther , Gómez-Puerta Marcos
Published: December 2020

The use of the Internet by people with intellectual disabilities is an area of study that has captured the interest of scientists in recent years. The studies have focused on analyzing specific aspects such as usability, the activities carried out online, and Internet benefits and risks, among others. The reviews published on this matter have been of a narrative or systematic approach. The present study aimed to examine the academic output in the field of Internet and people with intellectual disability from a bibliometric perspective. A sample of 95 documents related to the topic was retrieved from the core collection of Web of Science (WoS) and analyzed using the bibliometrix R-Tool. Findings show a recent increase in publications related to the subject and confirm Price’s and Bradford’s laws. The most relevant sources on the topic are devoted to the research field of intellectual disability and Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden stand out as the most productive countries. Studies tend to be published by co-authorship in journals indexed at the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) achieving a global impact. However, international scientific collaboration is still scarce. Further bibliometric analyses are recommended to build a complete panorama of the research field.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Rooftop PV Systems in Residential Buildings in Hot–Humid Climates
Authors: Dehwah Ammar Hamoud Ahmad , Asif Muhammad , Budaiwi Ismail Mohammad , Alshibani Adel
Published: December 2020

The application of renewable energy has been an integral part of the sustainability drive in the building sector and solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most effective technologies in this respect. The present study aims to investigate the prospects of solar PV in residential buildings in the hot–humid climatic conditions. The study discusses the utilization of building roofs for the application of PV in terms of potential hurdles and utilization factor (UF). Technical performance of PV systems has also been investigated in terms of power output as well as the energy saved as a result of the shading impact of panels for two types of residential units, apartments and villas. Investigation of 70 sample residential buildings reveals the average UF of 0.21 and 0.28 for apartments and villas, respectively. For the case study of apartment and villa residential units, roof UF has been found to be 13% and 15% with a respective PV output of 6079 kWh/year and 6162 kWh/year. Potential PV output at the city level has also been estimated. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to evaluate the impact of various cost and design parameters on the viability of PV systems.
New Challenges for Historic Gardens’ Restoration: A Holistic Approach for the Royal Park of Moncalieri Castle (Turin Metropolitan Area, Italy)
Authors: Gullino Paola , Pomatto Enrico , Gaino Walter , Devecchi Marco , Larcher Federica
Published: December 2020

The paper illustrates a holistic approach for restoring historic gardens in urbanized contexts, from the historic analysis, to the knowledge of the present values, to the proposal of guidelines for restoration and future sustainable management. The Royal Park of Moncalieri Castle (Turin metropolitan area, north-west Italy) was used as a case study. The evaluation of the current structure, analysis of the botanical component and the recognition of historical permanences were performed. Following the criteria of specific interest (forestry, botanical and compositional) and historical importance, invasive species and specific critical issue, selected trees were described and mapped. Identifying the historical compositional elements, including a system of preferential paths and botanical species to be safeguarded should be considered the first step for future management planning process. Our results could be of interest both for methodological purposes and for the restoration of historical gardens’ planning and management. During the restoration process, different critical issues exist. In this context, combining historical and compositional values with today’s needs and problems is a scientific challenge that involve all the community. Historic parks and gardens must be considered as patches of the urban green infrastructure, able to provide a wide set of ecosystem services. Promoting the return of historic parks to the public fruition is of primary importance for the citizen well-being.
An Iterative Weighted-Mean Filter for Removal of High-Density Salt-and-Pepper Noise
Authors: Chen Fengyu , Huang Minghui , Ma Zhuxi , Li Yibo , Huang Qianbin
Published: December 2020

Salt-and-pepper noise, which is often introduced by sharp and sudden disturbances in the image signal, greatly reduces the quality of images. Great progress has been made for the salt-and-pepper noise removal; however, the problem of image blur and distortion still exists, and the efficiency of denoising requires improvement. This paper proposes an iterative weighted-mean filter (IWMF) algorithm in detecting and removing high-density salt-and-pepper noise. Three steps are required to implement this algorithm: First, the noise value and distribution characteristics were used to identify the noise pixels, effectively improving the accuracy of noise detection. Second, a weighted-mean filter was applied to the noisy pixels. We adopted an un-fixed shape symmetrical window with better detail preservation ability. Third, this method was performed iteratively, avoiding the streak effect and artifacts in high noise density. The experimental results showed that IWMF outperformed other state-of-the-art filters at various noise densities, both in subjective visualization and objective digital measures. The extremely fast execution speed of this method is quite suitable for real-time processing.
The Crosstalk of Epigenetics and Metabolism in Herpesvirus Infection
Authors: Pei Yonggang , Robertson Erle S.
Published: December 2020

Epigenetics is a versatile player in manipulating viral infection and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of viral-induced diseases. Both epigenetics and metabolism are crucial in establishing a highly specific transcriptional network, which may promote or suppress virus infection. Human herpesvirus infection can induce a broad range of human malignancies and is largely dependent on the status of cellular epigenetics as well as its related metabolism. However, the crosstalk between epigenetics and metabolism during herpesvirus infection has not been fully explored. Here, we describe how epigenetic regulation of cellular metabolism affects herpesvirus infection and induces viral diseases. This further highlights the importance of epigenetics and metabolism during viral infection and provides novel insights into the development of targeted therapies.
Recombinant Live Attenuated Influenza Virus Expressing Conserved G-Protein Domain in a Chimeric Hemagglutinin Molecule Induces G-Specific Antibodies and Confers Protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Jung Yu-Jin , Lee Yu-Na , Kim Ki-Hye , Lee Youri , Jeeva Subbiah , Park Bo Ryoung , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: December 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important pathogens causing significant morbidity and mortality in infants and the elderly. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is a licensed vaccine platform in humans and it is known to induce broader immune responses. RSV G attachment proteins mediate virus binding to the target cells and they contain a conserved central domain with neutralizing epitopes. Here, we generated recombinant LAIV based on the attenuated A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 virus backbone, expressing an RSV conserved G-domain in a chimeric hemagglutinin (HA) fusion molecule (HA-G). The attenuated phenotypes of chimeric HA-G LAIV were evident by restricted replication in the upper respiratory tract and low temperature growth characteristics. The immunization of mice with chimeric HA-G LAIV induced significant increases in G-protein specific IgG2a (T helper type 1) and IgG antibody-secreting cell responses in lung, bronchioalveolar fluid, bone marrow, and spleens after RSV challenge. Vaccine-enhanced disease that is typically caused by inactivated-RSV vaccination was not observed in chimeric HA-G LAIV as analyzed by lung histopathology. These results in this study suggest a new approach of developing an RSV vaccine candidate while using recombinant LAIV, potentially conferring protection against influenza virus and RSV.
The Immunogenic and Immunoprotective Activities of Recombinant Chimeric T. gondii Proteins Containing AMA1 Antigen Fragments
Authors: Gatkowska Justyna , Dzitko Katarzyna , Ferra Bartłomiej Tomasz , Holec-Gąsior Lucyna , Kawka Malwina , Dziadek Bożena
Published: December 2020

Toxoplasmosis, one of the most common parasitoses worldwide, is potentially dangerous for individuals with a weakened immune system, but specific immunoprophylaxis intended for humans is still lacking. Thus, efforts have been made to create an efficient universal vaccine for both animals and humans to overcome the shortcomings of currently used treatment methods and protect all hosts against toxoplasmosis. The current work represents a relatively new approach to vaccine development based on recombinant chimeric Toxoplasma gondii antigens. In the present research, three tetravalent chimeric proteins containing different portions of the parasite’s AMA1 antigen—AMA1domainI-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (ANSGR), AMA1domainsII,III-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (ACSGR) and AMA1fullprotein-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (AFSGR)—were tested for their immunogenic and immunoprotective capacities. All tested proteins were immunogenic, as evidenced by the triggering of specific humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated C3H/HeOuJ mice, defined by the production of specific IgG (IgG1/IgG2a) antibodies in vivo and synthesis of key Th1/Th2 cytokines by Toxoplasma lysate antigen-stimulated splenocytes in vitro. Although all tested preparations provided partial protection against chronic toxoplasmosis in immunized and T. gondii-challenged mice, the intensity of the generated immunoprotection depended on the fragment of the AMA1 antigen incorporated into the chimeric antigen’s structure.
Water Privatization and Inequality: Gini Coefficient for Water Resources in Chile
Authors: Correa-Parra Juan , Vergara-Perucich José Francisco , Aguirre-Nuñez Carlos
Published: December 2020

This document makes a comprehensive analysis of the inequality of the water market in Chile, measured by the Gini coefficient method. The situation of water rights in Chile is of particular interest because it is a wholly privatized system, where rights are traded in the market and therefore water is presented as a commodity. This privatization of water in Chile occurred as part of the process of neo-liberalization since the 1981 Water Code. The results of this study indicate that both concentration and inequality in the distribution of water rights are very high, which undermines a just social development process and facilitates the economic exploitation of the environment. It proposes a profound revision of the application of a mercantile logic to a scarce essential resource for life such as water and explores the importance of its role as a national good for public use.
Historical and Projected Changes to the Stages and Other Characteristics of Severe Canadian Prairie Droughts
Authors: Bonsal Barrie , Liu Zhuo , Wheaton Elaine , Stewart Ronald
Published: December 2020

Large-area, long-duration droughts are among Canada’s costliest natural disasters. A particularly vulnerable region includes the Canadian Prairies where droughts have, and are projected to continue to have, major impacts. However, individual droughts often differ in their stages such as onset, growth, persistence, retreat, and duration. Using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, this study assesses historical and projected future changes to the stages and other characteristics of severe drought occurrence across the agricultural region of the Canadian Prairies. Ten severe droughts occurred during the 1900–2014 period with each having unique temporal and spatial characteristics. Projected changes from 29 global climate models (GCMs) with three representative concentration pathways reveal an increase in severe drought occurrence, particularly toward the end of this century with a high emissions scenario. For the most part, the overall duration and intensity of future severe drought conditions is projected to increase mainly due to longer persistence stages, while growth and retreat stages are generally shorter. Considerable variability exists among individual GCM projections, including their ability to simulate observed severe drought characteristics. This study has increased understanding in potential future changes to a little studied aspect of droughts, namely, their stages and associated characteristics. This knowledge can aid in developing future adaptation strategies.
ENLACES TEÓRICOS E PRÁTICOS ENTRE LETRAMENTOS MÚLTIPLOS E A INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE: A ATUAÇÃO DE EGRESSAS DO CURSO DE LICENCIATURA EM EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO DA UNB EM UM ASSENTAMENTO DE REFORMA AGRÁRIA
Authors: Pereira Marcelo Fabiano Rodrigues , Molina Mônica Castagna
Published: December 2020

O texto objetiva discutir enlaces teóricos e práticos entre a concepção de Letramentos Múltiplos e a de interdisciplinaridade que orientam a formação de educadores da Licenciatura em Educação do Campo da Universidade de Brasília. O texto retoma uma experiência concreta da atuação de egressas da referida Licenciatura e seus trabalhos na materialização da práxis pedagógica transformadora no contexto da Escola Estadual Ernesto Che Guevara, situada no Assentamento Antônio Conselheiro, em Tangará da Serra – MT. Discute-se a maneira como concepção de Letramentos Múltiplos, em sua dimensão ideológica, dialoga com a perspectiva de interdisciplinaridade, que estudantes da LEdoC vivenciam em sua formação inicial e como tal abordagem na formação inicial contribuiu para o fortalecimento da organização social nas comunidades de origem desses sujeitos, principalmente, por meio de gêneros discursivos, expressos em diferentes linguagens, no sentido de fortalecer as lutas e articulações coletivas em direção à justiça social e emancipação humana.
ПРО ПРОЕКТИВНІСТЬ ХУДОЖНЬОГО ТВОРУ (НА МАТЕРІАЛІ НОТАТОК І.Ю. РЕПІНА ТА О.М. ГОРЬКОГО ПРО Л.М. ТОЛСТОГО)
Authors: Мирошниченко Мария Павловна
Published: December 2020

У статті досліджуються елементи проективності художнього твору на матеріалі нотаток І.Ю. Рєпіна та О.М. Горького про Л.М. Толстого. Слідом за М.М. Правдіним проективність твору визначається як подібність ефекту від зображуваного та зображення у свідомості реціпієнта на рівні конкретного образу. Перехід реціпієнта від тексту до дійсності, який відбувається на рівні деякого усвідомлення, розуміння, характерний для текстів концептуального типу. Ці ж принципи відображення дійсності у текстах (у широкому розумінні) можуть бути виділені і при сприйнятті вербальних текстів, однак у цьому випадку проективність та концептуальність постають як результат вторинного розмежування цих двох принципів, яке проводиться на фоні концептуального відображення дійсності вербальним текстом. Автором виділяються такі одиниці тексту, що зумовлюють його проективність, як здатність займати певне місце в просторі і часі, структура та характерний зовнішній вигляд, а також експресивність, експліцитність Я автора, документализм, невеликий розмір тексту, короткі речення, ритм, особливості інтонації та повтори. Робиться висновок про значно більшу проективність нотаток І.Ю. Рєпіна про Л.Н. Толстого в порівнянні з нотатками О.М. Горького, що підтверджує гіпотезу про те, що проективність відноситься до властивостей мислення та світосприйняття художника і проявляється у різних сторонах його діяльності.
МЕТОДИЧНА РОБОТА В ЗАКЛАДАХ ДОШКІЛЬНОЇ ОСВІТИ ЯК ФОРМА ПІДВИЩЕННЯ КВАЛІФІКАЦІЇ ДОШКІЛЬНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ
Authors: Чаговець А. І.
Published: December 2020

У статті проаналізовано особливості організації методичної роботи в закладах дошкільної освіти як форми підвищення кваліфікації кадрів дошкільного профілю. З’ясовано, що вивченням окремих питань організації методичної роботи в різних закладах освіти займалися Ю. Калугіна, М. Костенко, О. Кучерявий, І. Наумченко, Л. Рувінський, Т. Степанова, Т. Тихонова, П. Харченко та ін.

Мета статті полягає в характеристиці методичної роботи в закладах дошкільної освіти як однієї із дієвих форм підвищення кваліфікації дошкільних працівників. На основі аналізу науково-педагогічних джерел установлено, що під методичною роботою в закладах дошкільної освіти фахівці розуміють цілісну систему, засновану на досягненнях сучасної науки та передового педагогічного досвіду, спрямовану на підвищення кваліфікації й професійної майстерності кожного вихователя. Основним центром організації методичної роботи в ЗДО виступають методичні кабінети.

До основних принципів реалізації методичної роботи як форми підвищення кваліфікації дошкільних кадрів можна віднести: принцип демократизму та гуманізму; системного підходу до діяльності закладів дошкільної освіти; рівність умов для кожного працівника стосовно реалізації його творчого й інтелектуального потенціалу; принцип безперервності професійного зростання; принцип науковості та гнучкості організації методичної роботи з дошкільними працівниками; принцип зв’язку з життям, практикою ЗДО; принцип єдності та взаємозв’язку всіх складових та напрямів підвищення кваліфікації дошкільних працівників; принцип створення сприятливих умов для організації дієвої методичної роботи, проведення творчих пошуків вихователів.

Установлено, що ефективність методичної роботи в закладі дошкільної освіти як форми підвищення кваліфікації педагогічних працівників залежить від рівня науково-методичного супроводу освітнього процесу, від чіткого управління зазначеною роботою.

Методична робота у ЗДО як форма підвищення кваліфікації педагогів-вихователів спрямована, насамперед, на поглиблення раніше набутих знань, упровадження в освітньо-виховний процес перспективного досвіду, інформування педагогів-вихователів про сучасні педагогічні технології, надання їм практичної допомоги, створення відповідних умов для вдосконалення фахової освіти і кваліфікації персоналу.

Основними напрямами методичної роботи фахівці визначили організаційно-методичний і екпериментально-методичний. Зміст методичної роботи включає як загальнокультурну складову вихователя, так і його дидактичну, психологічну, методичну, виховну, етичну і технічну підготовку.
ІЗРАЇЛЬ ТА ІНДІЯ: КОМПАРАТИВНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ПАРТІЙНО-ПОЛІТИЧНИХ СИСТЕМ
Authors: Чувпило О. О. , Чувпило Л. О.
Published: December 2020

Рецензія на книгу: Sunil K. Choudhary. The Changing Face of Parties and Party Systems. A Study of Israel and India. – Delhi: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018. – XXXII+379 p.
Association of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Ricinus Bone Compound in a Model of Bone Defect
Authors: Alan Jesus  , Adriano Jesus  , Flávia Lima  , Luiz Freitas  , Cássio Meira  , Ricardo Ribeiro-dos-Santos  , Milena Soares
Published: December 2020

Autogenous bone grafting is needed in some bone tissue defects; however, it causes secondary surgical wounds and morbidity. Tissue bioengineering may be an alternative approach for bone regeneration. Here we investigated the osteogenic potential of dental pulp stem cells from deciduous teeth (DPSC) in association with a Ricinus bone compound (RBC) in a model of bone defect. The influence of the biomaterial RBC on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of DPSC was assessed in vitro by MTT metabolism and alizarin red staining, respectively. The morphologic analysis was performed using the optic and scanning electron (SEM) microscopies. For the in vivo study, 54 Wistar rats submitted to calvarial defects were filled with RBC or RBC+DPSC. A control group had the defects filled only with blood clots. Analyses were performed 15, 30 and 60 days after treatment using digital radiography, optical microscopy, SEM and chemical analysis by electron dispersive spectroscopy. The Ricinus bone compound (RBC) did not inhibit the osteogenic differentiation in vitro. No spontaneous regeneration was observed in the control group. The area of the calvarial defect of the RBC+DPSC group showed greater radiopacity on day 15. The RBC presented no reabsorption, was biocompatible and showed osteointegration, working as a mechanical filling. Only sparse ossification areas were found and those were larger and more developed on the RBC+DPSC group when compared to animals treated only with RBC. RBC in association with DPSC is a promising combination for applications in bone regeneration.
Cultural Change that Occurred in the Religion of Tamilakam
Authors: R Suresh
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the religions of Tamilakam should be started from Sangam Age. Though there is no indication of established religion in the Sangam literature, there are plenty of data on established worship patterns. Researchers explain the changes in the social institutions according to the manufacturing relationship. When the social institutions get into changes, the tradition of religious culture too changes accordingly in support of them. As for as Tamil society is concerned, in every age, i.e., from the age of ethnic groups to feudal society, lots of political, economic religious, philosophical and cultural changes have occurred. This paper analyses the interruptions and impacts in the religious cultural tier of Tamils and the specific changes occurred as a result.
The Design and Implementation of an Educational Augmented Reality Application for Logical Circuit Design
Authors: Arıkan Fatih , Özgür Hasan
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of augmented reality applications on the learning of engineering students in their professional courses. The objective of the study is to ensure that augmented reality technologies, which are among the most important technologies of today, are used in educational settings. The other important objective of the study is to ensure that the augmented reality technologies used in professional training in countries such as the USA, Canada and the Netherlands are also used in our country and to provide a world-class education opportunity. Also, contributing to the economy of our country with the successful studies to be carried out in this regard is among the objectives of the study because of the increasing interest in augmented reality software throughout the world and the formation of an important economy related to the development of these kinds of software.In the study, an augmented reality application developed by the researcher was used in the learning process of a subject included in the faculty of engineering education curriculum. The study was performed using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design in which both qualitative and quantitative data were used simultaneously. The result of the study showed that there were no significant difference between the average attitude towards AR applications of the students participating in the study and the gender, class, and father education level; however, it is seen that there was a significant difference between maternal education status. It was also determined that the difference between the students’ average attitude towards AR applications before and after the study was significant.Similarly, it was observed that the difference between the AR attitude averages before and after the study and the AG attitude average 4 weeks after the study was also observed to be significant. It was also found that the students who participated in the study found the AR applications remarkable, entertaining, understandable and useful for the instructor. Moreover, they stated that using AR applications in lessons would contribute to fast and active learning and increase success.
An Investigation of English Usage in Careers of Thai Graduates with a Business Administration Degree
Authors: Low Piyada
Published: December 2020

The research study aims to investigate English usage in careers of graduates with business administration degree in seven fields of study: Finance, Management, Marketing, International Business, Hotel and Tourism Management, Managerial Accounting, and Logistics Management. Google apps, Facebook, and LINE were the main instruments to collect the data. The questionnaire was created in a Google Form, then, was distributed and shared via Facebook, Facebook messenger, and LINE. Data were analyzed in the forms of graph, chart and percentages by using Google Data Studio. SPSS was also employed to interpret the 5 rating scale questions. The number of respondents was 221. 41.6% of the respondents were 22 years old and they were fresh graduates. Level of English usage in the workplace was high (M=3.57) especially reading skill (M=3.63). English speaking was mentioned as the most useful course at work. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses were mentioned in particular careers. Graduates in Managerial Accounting mentioned English for Accountant I and II while graduates in Hotel and Tourism Management mentioned Technical English for Hotel Business, Technical English for Tourism Business, and English for Food and Beverage Service. The most required training topic was English communication, followed by English speaking and English writing. The respondents also perceived that the English language was important for career advancement (M=3.92).