bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La planificación estratégica como herramienta de desarrollo de las empresas agropecuarias en el Ecuador
Authors: Edison Ruperto Carrillo Parra Edison Ruperto Carrillo Parra , Rodríguez Solarte Ángel Eduardo , Arellano Díaz Mario Alfonso
Published: October 2020

El presente trabajado es el resultado resumido del Trabajo de titulación denominado “Plan estratégico para mejorar la eficiencia de los procesos administrativos financieros en la empresa de lácteos “CAMPO FINO”, de la ciudad de Salcedo durante el periodo 2018 – 2023” realizado por la Ing. Ing. Ligio Elena Mora Cevallos, como parte del su trabajo de titulación, bajo la tutoría del suscrito, y busca desarrollar herramientas que fortalezcan los procesos administrativos financieras de la empresa de lácteos “CAMPO FINO”, puesto que esta organización empresarial no cuenta con un plan estratégico que permita potencializar sus procesos y por ende mejorar los resultados de su gestión.

La primera fase fue la aplicación de un diagnóstico que nos determine cuál es el estado administrativo y financiero. La segunda fase   es la elaboración de una propuesta orientada a resolver los problemas encontrados en el diagnóstico.

Para el desarrollo de este trabajo se utilizará una metodología participativa cuyos actores fundamentales son los colaboradores del área operativa y administrativa de la empresa, así como también el criterio de sus clientes, con respecto a cuál es la expectativa en lo que se refiere al nivel de servicio, y que es lo que esperan de los productos que la empresa tiene colocados en los mercados.

Finalmente, para la elaboración de la propuesta partiremos de los diferentes conceptos y modelos establecidos, aceptados y aplicados por empresas exitosas, adaptados a la realidad de nuestro medio y a la idiosincrasia de nuestra gente, factores que son fundamentales en el diseño de estrategias eficientes que permitan captar la mayor cantidad de clientes, en el entorno local regional, nacional, esto sin duda apuntalara la imagen corporativa de  la empresa lo que a su vez permitirá  el desarrollo  de  una marca con identidad y posicionada en el mercado.
Relevansi Nilai Ritual Tolak Bala Lanting Bamban pada Pencegahan Dampak Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Vedanti Kunti Vedanti
Published: October 2020

WHO mendeklarasikan COVID-19 sebagai pandemi global dan berdampak bagi masyarakat dunia. Dampak yang ditimbulkan dirasa kompleks, membutuhkan kepedulian dan peran serta semua lapisan masyarakat, tidak terkecuali umat Hindu untuk pencegahan hingga penanganannya. Menggunakan metode desktiptif kualitatif, meneliti Ritual Tolak Bala Lanting Bamban sehingga menghasilkan relevansi nilai terhadap pencegahan dampak pandemi COVID-19, yaitu; 1) nilai pengorbanan tulus ikhlas yang dapat diimplementasikan dengan sikap peduli kepada sesama manusia dan lingkungan sekitar, dan 2) nilai hakikat kehidupan yang didasari filsafat agama Hindu, dapat meningkatkan kesadaran spiritual dan ketenangan umat Hindu dalam menghadapi pandemi ini.
Prediction of socioeconomic condition of Bidikmisi students affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in UPN Veteran Jakarta March 2020
Authors: Nugrohowati Nunuk , Theresa Ria Maria , Kristanti Melly
Published: October 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on the socio-economic conditions of the Indonesian people. Many of 1.2 million Indonesian employees had been laid off, informal workers were unemployed. The current socio-economic impact was an obstacle and burden on the families of Bidikmisi students. This study discuss the socioeconomic problems of UPN Veteran Jakarta’s Bidikmisi students who were affected by the covid-19 pandemic.Data collected by interviewing 114 respondents with a cross-sectional study, data analysis by descriptive qualitative and quantitative. The results showed Bidikmisi students of UPN Veteran Jakarta had a perception about their socio-economic problems (87.7%), of those were private as the main fathers’ occupation while mothers were not working. average total income of the parent less than  Rp. 2.000.000,-/month and as many as 105 (92.1 %) of students had less than  Rp 1.000.000/month in fulfilling their needs. The majority parents do not have chronic disease history (59.6%) while the students still had a large quota fee load problem during distance learning (57.9% in criteria 1). Required policy in assistance activities and counseling in order to maintain the quality of Bidikmisi students of UPN Veteran Jakarta.
Biodiversity, community structure and ecosystem function on kelp and wood falls in the Norwegian deep sea
Authors: Harbour RP , Smith CR , Simon-Nutbrown C , Cecchetto M , Young E , Coral C , Sweetman AK
Published: October 2020

Fjordic systems in temperate and Arctic regions often feature extensive kelp forests at their shallow coastal margins as well as extensive terrestrial forests. Detrital export from these shallow-water and terrestrial ecosystems is an important source of carbon for deep-sea communities in the form of kelp and wood falls. Benthic landers with experimental substrates (wood blocks and kelp parcels) were deployed for 10 mo at a depth of 530 m in a deep Norwegian fjord to investigate and compare macro- and megabenthic community structure, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning on kelp and wood falls. Results revealed that while wood and kelp falls can support a similar number of species and abundance of fauna, they support significantly different faunal communities. Biomass and secondary production on both wood and kelp substrates were significantly greater than in the control samples. Secondary production estimates were similar or higher than those reported from soft-sediment ecosystems at shallower European marine sites. Biological trait analysis showed that macrofaunal assemblages were distinct between the kelp and wood, providing evidence for differences in ecosystem function between the substrates. This case study from a deep-sea fjord in Norway provides clear evidence that while wood and kelp organic falls can support similar abundances of fauna, the associated benthic biodiversity, community structure and ecosystem functioning can be dramatically different between these substrates. The work presented here aims to provide information that is useful in assessing the extent of anthropogenic impacts on deep fjord ecosystems with respect to informing future conservation and management strategies.
Effects of salinity changes on hatching, hatching-gene expression, and hatching-enzyme expression in anchoveta Engraulis ringens eggs
Authors: Castro L , Morín V , Tiznado O , Miranda A , Soto S , Gonzalez M
Published: October 2020

The Peruvian anchoveta Engraulis ringens is one of the most important commercial fishes along the Humboldt Current. Previous studies have shown that egg quality (volume, protein and lipid content) and hatching rates decrease during the spawning season, from the rainy winter to late spring. In this study, we assessed whether changes in atmospheric condition that led to an intense drought over a decade modified the freshwater river fluxes and seawater salinity at an E. ringens coastal spawning zone off central Chile (36° 30’ S), and determined if changes in salinity affect the hatching-gene expression, hatching-enzyme expression, and hatching success in eggs incubated at a range of salinities (27-35 psu) normally occurring during the reproductive season. Results showed that hatching-enzyme expression increased as the embryo developed. The highest expression of the hatching-enzyme gene and of the enzyme itself, along with hatching success were obtained at the lowest incubating salinity (27 psu). In the field, hatching success decreased from late winter to late spring, the start of the upwelling period at the end of the reproductive season. Thus, variations in salinity of the seawater during the spawning period are coincident with changes in gene expression of the hatching enzyme, the hatching enzyme expression, and hatching success. Spawning late in winter when rainfall is higher and seawater salinity in the coastal area is lower may increase hatching success, a reproductive strategy that might be affected by the observed climate changes and severe drought in central Chile.
Transcriptome Temporal and Functional Analysis of Liver Regeneration Termination
Authors: RYCHTRMOC D. , HUBÁLKOVÁ L. , VÍŠKOVÁ A. , LIBRA A. , BUNČEK M. , ČERVINKOVÁ Z.
Published: October 2020

Decades of liver regeneration studies still left the termination phase least elucidated. However regeneration ending mechanisms are clinicaly relevant. We aimed to analyse the timing and transcriptional control of the latest phase of liver regeneration, both controversial. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy with recovery lasting from 1 to 14 days. Time-series microarray data were assessed by innovative combination of hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis and validated by real-time RT-PCR. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis in agreement distinguished three temporal phases of liver regeneration. We found 359 genes specifically altered during late phase regeneration. Gene enrichment analysis and manual review of microarray data suggested five pathways worth further study: PPAR signalling pathway; lipid metabolism; complement, coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades; ECM remodelling and xenobiotic biotransformation. Microarray findings pertinent for termination phase were substantiated by real-time RT-PCR. In conclusion, transcriptional profiling mapped late phase of liver regeneration beyond 5th day of recovery and revealed 5 pathways specifically acting at this time. Inclusion of longer post-surgery intervals brought improved coverage of regeneration time dynamics and is advisable for further works. Investigation into the workings of suggested pathways might prove helpful in preventing and managing liver tumours.
Rho-Kinase Inhibition Attenuates Acute Hypoxic Fetoplacental Vasoconstriction in the Rat
Authors: KAFKA P. , VAJNEROVÁ O. , HERGET J. , HAMPL V.
Published: October 2020

The vessels on the fetal side of the placenta differ from most other vascular beds except the lungs in that they respond to acute hypoxia by vasoconstriction. An essential role of calcium influx in the mechanism of this hypoxic fetoplacental vasoconstriction (HFPV) has been shown previously. That finding does not, however, exclude the possible involvement of other mechanisms of vascular tone regulation. In this study we tested the hypothesis that Rho-kinase-mediated calcium sensitization is involved in HFPV. We used a model of isolated rat placenta dually perfused (from both the maternal and fetal side) with Krebs salt solution saturated with normoxic and hypoxic gas mixture respectively at constant flow rate. Rho-kinase pathway was inhibited by fasudil (10 μM). We found that fasudil reduced basal normoxic fetoplacental vascular resistance and completely prevented HFPV. This suggests that the activity of Rho-kinase signaling pathway is essential for HFPV.
Early repolarization pattern and syndrome — norm or pathology?
Authors: Bobrov A. L.
Published: October 2020

The review article is devoted to the diagnosis and clinical significance of early ventricular repolarization phenomenon and syndrome. Just 13 years ago, the phenomenon was recognized as an unambiguous version of the norm. However, the results of a series of multicenter studies have shown that the phenomenon is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The following criteria are recognized as criteria for early repolarization: the presence of a notch or a junction wave on the descending part of the R wave with a concomitant (or absent) elevation of the ST segment (at the Jt point); J wave (point) ≥0.1mV peak elevation (at Jp point) in ≥2 adjacent 12-channel ECG leads, except for V1–3 leads; QRS duration, measured in leads with J wave (point) <120 ms. Early repolarization syndrome is a clinical condition involving a combination of the pattern of early repolarization and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and/or sudden cardiac death in persons without structural heart disease. Treatment is required in patients with a symptom of ventricular tacharrhythmia or family history early repolarization with sudden cardiac death.
TOPOLOGICAL APPROACH TO BLACKHOLES ANOMALY DETECTION IN DIRECTED NETWORKS
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, IVANOV DENIS , SEMENOV ALEXANDER
Published: October 2020

In this paper we consider the problem of finding a blackhole pattern in directed unweighted graphs. The problem statement is the same as in an original paper by scientists from University of New-Jersey published in 2010. The paper contributes to the special graph pattern matching, the work results can be used for anomaly detection in finances, natural disasters, urban analysis. This paper aims to propose a novel algorithm for blackhole mining, which would take into account inner structure of the “blackhole” pattern and utilize this knowledge for more efficient mining. This paper reviews previously published solutions and tests them on larger graphs containing up to 1 million of nodes. In particular, an iBlackhole algorithm and its Divide and Conquer modification iBlackholeDC are considered, their weak spots are highlighted and reviewed upon. Graph condensation is introduced as an efficient preprocessing for the problem. This paper provides theorems and definitions describing inner structure of the blackhole pattern. Based on the new theorems, a new approach to enumeration of candidates is introduced as well as rules and heuristics aiming for faster filtration of candidates: they utilize topological sorting of a graph and definition of a “special” node, which is also introduced in this paper. Special nodes properties are described. We propose a novel TopSortBH algorithm. It consists of the graph condensation, candidates enumeration and heuristics for candidates filtration. The algorithm is provided with modification called FastSkip, which allows for more aggressive filtering strategy in time-sensitive cases. All mentioned algorithms are implemented and tested on the IBM Power8 based system. Experimental results show efficiency of the condensation as graph preprocessing for the problem. Strong advantage in found blackholes count is demonstrated for TopSortBH in comparison to iBlackholeDC on RMAT, SSCA2 and UR graphs containing up to 1 million nodes.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENULIS TEKS EXPOSISI ANALITIS PESERTA DIDIK PELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS MELALUI METODE STAD
Authors: Sustini Euis
Published: October 2020

IMPROVING STUDENTS’ ABILITY  IN WRITING ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION TEXT OF ENGLISH LESSONS THROUGH STAD METHODOne of the writing skill was writing analytical exposition text. The teacher saw that the test results of student ability in writing analytical exposition text were disappointing. The dominant students' scores were low. For this reason, the teacher reviewed the use of the learning model that had been applied so that the activities of students and their learning outcomes increased. The purpose of this study was to determine the learning outcomes of students in English lessons on writing analytical exposition text through the cooperative learning using  Students Team Achievement Division (STAD) type in class XI IPA 4 odd semester 2017-2018 academic year of SMA Negeri 9 Bogor. After conducting the research, the results showed that the STAD type of learning model was proven to improve students learning outcomes and made them more enthusiastic in learning English. Before using this learning model, students only obtained an average value of 6, 81 then an increase occurred after uing the STAD type of learning model. On the first cycle the class average was 81.50 and became 86.28 on the second cycle. From the description above, the researcher concluded that applying the cooperative learning model using Student Team Achievement Division type could change the learning situation of students to be active and excited so that there was an increase in student learning outcomes. Therefore, the researcher suggested that the use of the cooperative learning model using  STAD type had to be applied as a variation of another model in teaching English material in schools.
ENERAPAN MODEL PROJECT BASED LEARNING DALAM MENULIS TEKS NEGOSIASI PADA PERKULIAHAN PENGEMBANGAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS
Authors: Talitha Stella
Published: October 2020

APPLICATION OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING MODEL IN WRITING NEGOTIATION TEXT IN DEVELOPMENT OF WRITING SKILLS LECTUREAbstract.  This research is based on the application of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model on negotiating text learning. Through this model, students are asked to work on negotiating video projects and write negotiating texts. This study aims to describe: (1) the development of Project Based Learning (PjBL) models in negotiating text learning, (2) the ability to make negotiating videos, and (3) the ability to write negotiating texts of fourth semester students of the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program, FKIP, Pakuan University, Bogor. The ability of students to make videos is assessed based on the characteristics of the video as a learning medium. The videos collected were eight videos according to the group formed. Characteristics assessed in video media include: (1) message clarity, (2) content representation, (3) visualization with media, 4) uses a high quality resolution, (5) and can be used classically or individually. From the 8 student groups that have been formed, 6 of them chose and made a video negotiation with electronic topics with a percentage of 75% and 2 groups of students choose and make a video negotiation with automotive topics with a percentage of 25%. Students ability to write negotiating text has an average of 84.61 which falls into good category. From 26 students, 9 of them included in the excellent category with a percentage of 34.61%, 12 of them included in the good category with a percentage of 46.15%, and 5 of them included in the plenty category with a percentage of 19.24%. This shows the ability of students to write negotiating texts based on the negotiation videos they have made is good.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS LAYANAN GURU MELALUI PENGEMBANGAN KEPRIBADIAN GURU DAN KEADILAN ORGANISASI
Authors: Setyaningsih Sri , Rubiati Kania
Published: October 2020

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF TEACHER SERVICES THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS PERSONALITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICEThe quality of teacher service is an important element related to achieving national education goals and developing Indonesian people as a whole. The initial survey of the service quality of Civil Servant teachers at Bogor Senior High Schools has not yet achieved maximum results. Therefore, the quality of teacher services is interesting to study. This study aims to find out how the quality of teacher services can be improved by examining the relationship between teacher service quality and teacher personality variables and organizational justice. This research uses correlational statistical methods and analyzes the system method. The unit of analysis for the study was the high school civil servant teachers with a population of 279 and a sample of 103 teachers. The results showed that there was a positive relationship between teacher personality and teacher service quality with the strength of the relationship ry1 = 0.421 and there was a positive relationship between organizational justice and teacher service quality with the strength of the relationship ry2 = 0.297 so that the quality of teacher services could be improved through teacher personality and organizational justice. The results of this correlation are then integrated with the SITOREM method in order to obtain a way to improve the quality of teacher services based on personality development and organizational justice through strengthening indicators. The results of SITOREM show that efforts to improve the quality of teacher services can be done by improving the following indicators in order of priority improvement: (1) stable emotions, (2) openness to experience (3) procedural justice (4) responsiveness (5) attention. The next effort is to maintain 9 indicators that are in good condition, namely: (1) sincerity (2) enthusiasm (3) agreement (4) interpersonal justice (5) informational justice (6) distributive justice (7) physical appearance (8) assurance (9) ) reliability.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE JIGSAW UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PRAKARYA DAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN SISWA PADA MATERI KONSEP DASAR KERAJINAN DI SMK YKTB 2 BOGOR
Authors: Kusnadi Kusnadi
Published: October 2020

THE APPLICATION OF JIGSAW TYPE COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODELS TO IMPROVE RESULTS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT IN BASIC CRAFTS CONCEPT MATERIALS IN SMK YKTB 2 BOGORThe Jigsaw cooperative model is one of the learning models that teachers can apply in Craft and Entrepreneurship learning to provide meaningful learning experiences for students because it can generate teaching and learning activities. Positive student learning activities are a process for students to learn and understand the material. The more often students involve actively in teaching and learning activities, the greater the opportunity for students to develop their abilities both academically to achieve the KKM targets (Minimum Completeness Criteria) and also hopefully in terms of developing attitudes in students. The research method used is classroom action research. This research was conducted on students of Class XI OTKP 1 SMK YKTB 2 Bogor. With 34 students consisting of 17 boys and 17 girls. The correctness of the action hypothesis and to answer research questions need to be supported by accurate data and information obtained through research. The data were obtained through daily tests carried out at the end of the cycle, individual assignments in the form of homework (PR) group assignments, observation sheets and student questionnaires. Based on the analysis of the research data, it can be seen that the application of the jigsaw cooperative model in learning integers can improve student learning outcomes and student activity has increased because all students feel valued and can take part in maintaining the good name of their group even though their score is not 100 which is important in Each cycle test has an increase, so that students give a positive response to the jigsaw cooperative learning model.
Digitalization of government bureaucracy in European countries: corruption risks and anti-corruption effects
Authors:   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”, PAIENTKO Tetiana , FEDOSOV Viktor ,   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”
Published: October 2020

Recently, countries around the world have been using ICT to effectively deliver information and public services to their citizens. This phenomenon is called e-governance or e-government. The article is devoted to the identification of the impact of e-governance on the dynamics of corruption risks. The aim of the article is to examine how the introduction of information technologies affects the dynamics of corruption in post-communist European countries. The methodology is based on using programming in R for conducting empirical research. The research was divided into two stages. The first stage is an analysis of panel data to find the relationship between the level of implementation of e-governance and corruption. The second stage is the creation of country clusters regarding the level of corruption and tools of e-governance used. The study states three hypotheses. H1: The use of e-Government will result in mitigating corruption in European countries. H2: The impact of e-Government on corruption will be lower in post-communist countries than in countries which never experienced communist regimes. H3. The level of corruption depends on types of e-government services implemented in studied countries. The study results showed that all three hypotheses were confirmed. The results of the research showed that digital government transformation helps to reduce corruption risks in post-communist countries. Reducing the risk of corruption is faster where e-government tools target increased accountability and transparency. Anti-corruption effects are higher in countries that did not experience communist regimes. This study contributes to the methodology of studying the relationship between the digital transformation of government and the level of corruption.
A Review on Sonochemistry and Its Environmental Applications
Authors: Savun-Hekimoğlu Başak
Published: October 2020

Sonochemistry is a significant contributor to green science as it includes: (i) the use of less toxic compounds and environmentally safe solvents, (ii) improvement of reaction conditions and selectivity, (iii) no toxic sludge generation, (iv) reduction in the energy use for chemical transformations, (v) reusability of materials. In water and wastewater treatment, ultrasound is used as an advanced oxidation process to eliminate refractory pollutants. Ultrasound is also used as a very effective sludge pretreatment technology in wastewater treatment plants to facilitate biogas production. Moreover, sonochemical synthesis of nanoparticles has recently attracted great attention as a greener protocol. This paper presents the main applications of ultrasound in environmental remediation and protection. The study also introduces mechanism for the degradation of pollutants from water via sonication in aqueous media and the principle factors affecting the cavitational effect.
Volatilization of Standalone Dicamba and Dicamba Plus Glyphosate as Function of Volatility Reducer and Different Surfaces
Authors: Carbonari Caio A. , Costa Renato N. , Bevilaqua Natalia C. , Pereira Vinicius G. C. , Giovanelli Bruno F. , Lopez Ovejero Ramiro F. , Palhano Matheus , Barbosa Henrique , Velini Edivaldo D.
Published: October 2020

Dicamba is a herbicide with a moderate volatility profile. Such volatility behavior can be significantly diminished with formulation technology and volatilization reducers. The objective of this study was to quantify the volatility potential of dicamba diglycolamine salt (DGA) in a standalone application or in tank mixture with glyphosate (potassium salt) (GK), with and without volatilization reducer (acetic acid—VaporGrip®) from different surfaces. The combination of these products was applied on four different surfaces (glass slides, corn straw, and dry and moist sandy soil) with three replications, and the experiment was duplicated. The application was performed indoors with an automated sprayer. After application, targets were positioned in cartridges containing two filters in series. Cartridges were placed in a vapor collection system that consisted of a chromatographic oven with constant temperature of 40 °C attached to a vacuum pump for 24 h. After this period, liquid samples were obtained from an extraction procedure of filters and surfaces, which corresponded to the volatilized and deposited portions of the herbicides, respectively. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The use of this method provided a rapid and consistent evaluation, in which the treated surface exerts a direct influence on the amount of volatilized dicamba. The mixture of dicamba and glyphosate solutions exhibited different volatility profiles as a function of the treated surfaces. The DGA applied alone had the largest level of volatility when applied on moist soil and the lowest level of volatility in dry soil and straw. The DGA with GK had volatilities similar in dry soil, wet soil and straw. The volatility reducer in the tank mixture was effective in reducing DGA dicamba volatilization, regardless of the sprayed surface and the tank mixture, making the application of dicamba safer from the volatilization standpoint.
The Scarecrow as Part of Polish Rural Cultural Landscapes
Authors: Król Karol
Published: October 2020

Diverse historical, cultural landscapes can be found in many parts of the world, and also in rural areas. They are a challenge for interdisciplinary research. One of the gradually disappearing components of rural cultural landscapes in Poland is the scarecrow. The objective of this paper was to analyse the role of the scarecrow in the Polish rural cultural landscape today. The field research was aimed at determining whether the scarecrow can be seen in Polish rural areas, and if yes, what the circumstances and its forms are. A site visit yielded copious photographic records of rural areas. The investigated area was selected following a literature analysis and analysis of environmental and economic conditions on the regional level in Poland. The visit demonstrated that although scarecrows are part of the cultural landscape of the Polish countryside, they are slightly more modest in their appearance than in the past. Scarecrows are placed in small, family-owned agricultural holdings that have time to uphold local traditions.
Numerical Simulation of Multi-Span Greenhouse Structures
Authors: Fernández-García María S. , Vidal-López Pablo , Rodríguez-Robles Desirée , Villar-García José R. , Agujetas Rafael
Published: October 2020

Greenhouses had to be designed to sustain permanent maintenance and crop loads as well as the site-specific climatic conditions, with wind being the most damaging. However, both the structure and foundation are regularly empirically calculated, which could lead to structural inadequacies or cost ineffectiveness. Thus, in this paper, the structural assessment of a multi-tunnel greenhouse was carried out. Firstly, wind loads were assessed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Then, the buckling failure mode when either the European Standard (EN) or the CFD wind loads were contemplated was assessed by a finite element method (FEM). Conversely to the EN 13031-1, CFD wind loads generated a suction in the 0–55° region of the first tunnel and a 60% reduction of the external pressure coefficients in the third tunnel was not detected. Moreover, the first-order buckling eigenvalues were reduced (32–57%), which resulted in the need for a different calculation method (i.e., elastoplastic analysis), and global buckling modes similar to local buckling shape were detected. Finally, the foundation was studied by the FEM and a matrix method based on the Wrinkler model. The stresses and deformations arising from the proposed matrix method were conservative compared to those obtained by the FEM.
Evaluating the Impact of Alternative Cropping Systems on Groundwater Consumption and Nitrate Leaching in the Piedmont Area of the North China Plain
Authors: Liu Meiying , Min Leilei , Shen Yanjun , Wu Lin
Published: October 2020

The overexploitation of groundwater and the excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer under the intensive double cropping system are responsible for the groundwater level decline and potential contamination in the North China Plain (NCP). Alternative cropping systems have the potential to alleviate current groundwater and N problems in the region, while there are limited studies simultaneously focusing on the impact of a change of cropping systems on crop yields, groundwater consumption, and N leaching. In this study, Field observed experiments of double-cropping system (i.e., winter wheat–summer maize) and mono-cropping system (early sowing maize) were used to calibrate and validate the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2). Then, the validated RZWQM2 model was used to evaluate the long-term crop growth and environmental impact under the local winter wheat–summer maize rotation system with practical irrigation (WW-SM_pi) and auto-irrigation (WW-SM_ai), and three alternative cropping systems (single early maize, SEM; winter wheat–summer maize and single early maize, WW-SM-SEM; winter wheat-summer maize and double single early maize, WW-SM-2SEM). The net consumption of groundwater and N leaching under WW-SM_pi were 226.9 mm yr−1 and 79.7 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Under the local rotation system, auto-irrigation could increase crop yields and N leaching. Compared with the WW-SM_ai, the alternative cropping systems, WW-SM-SEM, WW-SM-2SEM, and SEM, significantly decreased the net consumption of groundwater by 49.3%, 63.0%, and 97.8%, respectively (147.5–292.9 mm), and N leaching by 53.5%, 67.5%, and 89.6%, respectively (50.0–83.7 kg ha−1). However, the yields of the three alternative cropping systems were reduced by less than 30% (12.2%, 20.1%, and 29.7%, respectively). The simulated results indicated that appropriately decreasing the planting frequency of winter wheat is an effective approach to reduce groundwater overexploitation and N contamination with a relatively limited reduction in grain yields. The results could provide a scientific basis for cropping system adjustment in guaranteeing sustainable regional water and grain policy.
Phenotypic Characteristics Associated with Shelter Dog Adoption in the United States
Authors: Cain Cassie J. , Woodruff Kimberly A. , Smith David R.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to identify phenotypic characteristics of dogs predictive of adoption after being received into a shelter. Individual dog records for 2017 were requested from shelters in five states that received municipal funding and utilized electronic record keeping methods. Records from 17 shelters were merged into a dataset of 19,514 potentially adoptable dogs. A simple random sample of 4500 dogs was used for modelling. Variables describing coat length, estimated adult size, and skull type were imputed from breed phenotype. A Cox proportional hazard model with a random effect of shelter was developed for the outcome of adoption using manual forward variable selection. Significance for model inclusion was set at alpha = 0.05. Dogs from shelters in the North were more likely to be adopted than dogs from shelters in the South (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.13, 95% C.I. 1.27–7.67), as were dogs from Western shelters versus those from Southern shelters (HR = 3.81, 95% C.I. 1.43–10.14). The effect of estimated adult size, skull type, and age group on adoption were each modified by time in the shelter (p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that what dogs look like is predictive of their hazard for adoption from shelters, but the effect of some characteristics on hazard for adoption depend on time in the shelter. Further, this study demonstrates that adopters prefer a certain phenotype of shelter dog including those that are puppies, small sized and not brachycephalic, when accounting for time in the sheltering environment.
An Unusual Case of Testicular Disorder in Sex Development of Arabian Mare (64,XX SRY-Negative)
Authors: Peretti Vincenzo , Satué Katiuska , Ciotola Francesca , Cristarella Santo , De Majo Massimo , Biondi Vito , D’Anza Emanuele , Albarella Sara , Quartuccio Marco
Published: October 2020

A 3-year-old Arabian mare underwent medical examinations due to the presence of abnormalities of the reproductive apparatus and stallion behavior (nervous temperament, aggressiveness, masculine attitude). During the clinical visit, an anovulvar distance shorter than normal was observed; moreover, vulvar lips were dorsally fused except for the lower neckline, showing a blind ending from which a penis-like structure protruded. The ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a cervix and corpus of a uterus, hypoplastic uterine horns, and small gonads with an echogenicity similar to a testis. Blood testosterone levels ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 ng/mL. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal female karyotype (2n = 64,XX), while PCR amplification of SRY and ZFY genes revealed the absence of a Y chromosome. At necroscopic examination, internal genitalia arising from the genital ridge in the form of masculine type structures were found, while those deriving from the Mullerian ducts were of feminine type. In addition, an infundibular portion of the salpinx at the cranial pole of the gonads was found. This is the first case in equine species of DSD 2n = 64,XX SRY-negative, with the simultaneous presence of male (hypoplastic testicles, epididymal portions, and a penis-like structure) and female (cervix, horn and body of a hypoplastic uterus) genital structures.
Stability and Failure of the Edge-Closed Honeycomb Sandwich Panels with Face/Core Debonding
Authors: Yan Bing , Wang Xinfeng , Pan Song , Tong Mingbo , Yu Jian , Liu Fan
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the mechanical performance of the edge-closed honeycomb sandwich structure with face/core debonding under compressive load by experimental and numerical methods. Uniaxial compression tests of asymmetric sandwich structures with various debonding sizes between the carbon/epoxy face sheets and the honeycomb core were conducted. The experimental results showed that the failure of debonding specimens was mainly caused by the local buckling of face sheets at the debonding area. The failure zone of sandwich structures gradually translated from the edge-closed beveled area to the debonding area with the increase of debonding sizes correspondingly, Meanwhile, the stability and the load carrying capacity of sandwich structures were in a downtrend. Compared with the nondestructive specimens, the residual strength of two kinds of defective specimens decreased by 9.9% and 22.1%, respectively. The simulation of the developed numerical model based on the linear buckling theory and the continuum damage mechanics agreed well with the experimental data. The study has guide to assess on the damage tolerance of edge-closed honeycomb sandwich panels with face/core debonding.
Thirty Years of Research and Professional Work in the Field of Biological Control (Predators, Parasitoids, Entomopathogenic and Parasitic Nematodes) in Slovenia: A Review
Authors: Trdan Stanislav , Laznik Žiga , Bohinc Tanja
Published: October 2020

This paper provides the first detailed presentation of research and professional activities in the field of biological control in Slovenia during the period of 1990–2020. It presents information on the important pioneering role of Prof. Dr. Lea Milevoj in biological control research in Slovenia, especially in regard to the inventorying and laboratory rearing of indigenous beneficial organisms, evaluation of the influence of food type on the feeding behaviour of beneficial organisms, participation in the first introduction of a natural enemy within the context of classical biological control in Slovenia, preparation of rules on the biological control of plant pests and publication of the first Slovenian monograph on biological control. The paper also describes the activities of Slovenian researchers in regard to entomopathogenic nematodes, especially related to the assessment of their presence and efficiency in suppressing harmful insects and the identification of indigenous parasitic nematodes associated with economically harmful slugs. The paper also notes some applicative and basic research projects pertaining to parasitoids, especially in terms of their function as natural enemies of aphids, and in regard to predators of harmful insects and mites, especially predatory mites. The main goal of these activities is to implement the use of as many natural enemies as possible in food and ornamental plant production systems to replace the use of plant protection products.
Spectral Line Reflectance and Fluorescence Imaging Device for Skin Diagnostics
Authors: Spigulis Janis , Rupenheits Zigmars , Rubins Uldis , Mileiko Madars , Oshina Ilze
Published: October 2020

The multi-spectral-line imaging concept, which was recently implemented for the snapshot mapping of three main skin chromophores—melanin, oxy-hemoglobin, and deoxy-hemoglobin, is further explored for the snapshot capturing of four spectral line images at wavelengths of 450, 523, 638, and 850 nm, with the consecutive acquiring of a 405 nm excited fluorescence image. A corresponding laser-based prototype device was designed and assembled. Processing of the mentioned five images enables obtaining distribution maps of four skin chromophores within the malformation and comparing their mean fluorescence intensity with that of the surrounding healthy skin. This set of information is helpful for dermatologists, cosmetologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals to quantify the diagnosis of skin malformations (including cancers) and to follow up the recovery process after therapy. This paper describes the design of the developed proof-of-concept prototype device and initial test results.
Insulin Secretion by β-Cell-Like Cells Derived from Pulp Stem Cells Depends on Augmented Cytosolic Zinc Levels than GABA Levels
Authors: Kim Gyuyoup , Chung Man-Kyo , Pae Eung-Kwon
Published: October 2020

Background: Stem cells harvested from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are pluripotent and can be differentiated into insulin-secreting β-cells, i.e., SHED β-cells. Previously, we showed that zinc upregulates insulin secretion from SHED β-cells, potentially providing an extra source for insulin. Rationale: In this study, we determined the role of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor in zinc-enhanced insulin secretion from SHED β-cells. Autocrine/paracrine activation of GABAA receptors by GABA elevates calcium influx in pancreatic β-cells, in which intracellular chloride is maintained at high levels. Method and Findings: Differentiating SHED into SHED β-cells resulted in an increase in the expression of GABAA receptor subunits and Zrt-/irt-like protein3 (ZIP3), a zinc uptake transporter. Zinc pretreatment elevated the insulin gene transcription, whereas knockdown of ZIP3 reduced levels of intracellular zinc, and concomitantly reduced insulin secretion by SHED β-cells. Zinc-pretreated SHED β-cells exhibited a GABA-induced increase in Ca2+ influx, detected with a ratiometric calcium-sensitive dye, suggesting zinc-mediated regulation of GABAA receptors. Conclusion: Our results indicate that elevated levels of zinc and GABAA receptors are indispensable for efficient insulin secretion by SHED β-cells. These findings suggest an opportunity for using SHED β-cells for treating diabetes.
Mechanism of Lithotripsy by Superpulse Thulium Fiber Laser and Its Clinical Efficiency
Authors: Lekarev Vladimir , Dymov Alim , Vinarov Andrey , Sorokin Nikolay , Minaev Vladimir , Minaev Nikita , Tsypina Svetlana , Yusupov Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 µm is widely used in urology for lithotripsy. This paper studies the mechanism of lithotripsy and evaluates its clinical efficiency using the superpulse thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 µm and a peak power of 500 W. An experimental setup was developed to study the mechanism of lithotripsy. The superpulse thulium fiber laser (TFL) with a wavelength of 1.94 µm with a peak power of 500 W (FiberLase U2 from “IRE-POLUS” Ltd., Fryazino, Moscow Region, Russia) was used for the lithotripsy of stone phantoms (BegoStone). The processes were recorded with a high-speed camera. The acoustic signals registered during lithotripsy were studied with wideband and needle hydrophones. The main mechanism of lithotripsy performed by using superpulse TFL was thermal cavitation in the water-filled pore space and thermal destruction of the phantom. During the clinical application of the superpulse thulium fiber laser, the high efficiency of laser lithotripsy was established. The performed optical and acoustic studies showed that the mechanism of the destruction of stones was based on the synergic effect of the explosive boiling of water in the pore space of the stone, and its thermal destruction is associated with the heating of the stone to several hundred degrees with laser radiation.
RETRACTED: PSHRisk-Tool: A Python-Based Computational Tool for Developing Site Seismic Hazard Analysis and Failure Risk Assessment of Infrastructure
Authors: Nahar Tahmina , Rahman Md , Kim Dookie
Published: October 2020

To quantify the annual probability of earthquake ground motion (GM) exceeding a given threshold, the extensively used method named by probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) can be adopted. The PSHA software made this method more effortless for estimating earthquake hazards for a seismic site. The main motivation of the PSHRisk-tool is to evaluate the PSHA by a user-friendly graphical interface as well as identify the intensities of GM, which will contribute to the most vulnerable condition for the infrastructure. This python-code based tool can demonstrate the source identification, probability distribution plot of magnitude and distance, formulate the hazard curve according to almost all ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). The deaggregation for each intensity measure (IM) and the effect of seismic parameters in each GMPE can also be determined. Alongside this, the combination of the failure frequency and the hazard analysis for identifying risk assessment separates this tool from the other existing PSHA software. Accurate verification with analytical and existing test models and a case study inspires its acceptance rate. However, with the quickest and easiest way users can determine the seismic hazard analysis for any location. Failure risk analysis can be evaluated simply based on the structural failure parameters.
Air Pollution Associates with Cancer Incidences in Poland
Authors: Tuśnio Norbert , Fichna Jakub , Nowakowski Przemysław , Tofiło Piotr
Published: October 2020

In many countries around the world (including the United States, Canada, and Spain), research is being conducted into the impact of air pollution on the formation of various types of cancer. For a long time it was thought that the inhalation of pollutants could lead to lung diseases. Now the effects of air pollutants on tumors in the airways, kidneys, bladder, breast, and colon have been investigated and are better understood. It is now known that particulates in air pollution can cross the blood–brain barrier and also reach the placenta. The aim of this study was to find a possible relationship between the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere and the formation of specific types of tumors in the Polish population. Two databases available on the Internet were used in the analysis: the bank of measurement data on air quality in Poland (the repository of Environmental Protection Inspection) and cancer statistics. The pollution measurement data for the years 2000–2016 were taken from the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection website, a database with results from 264 stations located in Poland for 13 types of gases and atmospheric pollutants. Statistical data on cancer C00–D09 (according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10)) in the Polish population in the years 1999–2015 were retrieved from onkologia.org.pl. A novel code was constructed, allowing the downloading of statistics from the databases, examination of their correlation, and selection of the best model of regression through machine learning. The results of the analyses indicate a high correlation of air pollution with the incidence of selected types of cancer. Particularly noteworthy is the observed effect of NOx on the incidence of small and large intestine cancers in the Masovia and West Pomerania provinces. The other gases and pollutants with the most significant impact on the incidence of gastrointestinal cancer have also been identified. Based on statistical analysis, we found a correlation between air pollution and tumor incidence in individual provinces, as well as an influence of the emission of nitrogen oxides on the cancer incidence rate.