bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter Species infection in intensive care unit: The outcome and risk factors of mortality
Authors: Wan Hassan Wan Mohd Nazaruddin , Puzizer Mohd Samsul , Deris Zakuan Zaini , Mohamed Zaini Rhendra Hardy
Published: November 2019

Objective: Acinetobacter spp. infection is a challenging problem in intensive care unit (ICU) because of its multi-drug resistant (MDR) in nature to antibiotic therapy including broadspectrum carbapenem group. The aims of the study were to determine the risk factors of mortality and the outcome of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (CRAs) infection in our ICU.

Materials and Method: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study, done in 2 years from January 2008 to December 2009. The list of the patients was obtained from hospital nosocomial infection surveillance unit and ICU infection record. The data of the patients were subsequently reviewed from their respective medical records after approval from university ethics committee and hospital medical record unit.

Results and Discussion: A total of 92 patients were reviewed and only 54 were included and analyzed. The prevalence of CRAs over 24 months was 7.3%. Mortality was 50% among the reviewed patients and this contributed 13.6 % of the total ICU mortality. Age was significantly different between survival and non-survival groups; 43.07 (21.09) vs. 57.04 ± 14.33 year old (p = 0.006). Age was also the only significant independent risk factor associated with mortality in CRAs (adjusted OR = 1.045, 95% CI: 1.010, 1.081, p = 0.011). There were no other significant risk factors. The length of ICU stay was 17.00 (13.58) days whereas length of hospital stay was 41.37 (27.66) days in survival group.

Conclusion: CRAs caused 13.6% of total ICU mortality and older age group was the independent risk factor for mortality.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(1) 2020 p.98-104
Korelasi antara Minat Baca dengan Kemampuan Menulis Teks Prosedur Kompleks pada Siswa Kelas VII SMP Negeri Sumber Rejo Kabupaten Musi Rawas
Authors: Riyanti Supini , Susetyo Susetyo , Wardhana Dian Eka Chandra
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a positive and significant correlation between interest in reading with the ability to write complex procedure texts in Indonesian subjects in Grade VII students of SMP Negeri Sumber Rejo, Musi Rawas Regency. The research method uses a simple correlation method. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and tests. The population in this study was 81 students, sampling from the entire population divided by the number of students multiplied by the prediction set at 10%, then obtained 45 students. Analysis of the data used is the Pearson Product Moment Test. The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between interest in reading with the ability to write procedural texts in Grade VII students of SMP Negeri Sumber Rejo, Musi Rawas Regency. This is evidenced by the correlation coefficient of 0.01 smaller than 0.05 at a significant level of 5%. This proves that at a significant level ? = 0.05 or at the level of confidence of 95% there is a significant relationship between interest in reading and the ability to write complex procedural texts in SMP Negeri Sumber Rejo, Musi Rawas Regency.
STRATEGI PERWUJUDAN KOTA BANDUNG SEBAGAI KOTA RAMAH PENYANDANG DISABILITAS: SEBUAH PERSPEKTIF AKSESIBILITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK
Authors: Dawud Joni , Mursalim Siti Widharetno , Anomsari Endah Tri , Taufik Nur Imam
Published: November 2019

Dasar penelitian ini diawali dari permasalahan terkait pelayanan bagi penyandang disabilitas yang terjadi khususnya di Kota Bandung. Sebagai warga negara, penyandang disabilitas memiliki hak-hak yang sama untuk hidup secara independen. Hak tersebut hanya bisa dipenuhi apabila fasilitas publik yang mendukung aksesibilitas mereka tersedia dengan baik. Menyadari adanya kebutuhan tersebut, pemerintah Kota Bandung kemudian mencanangkan program untuk membuat Bandung sebagai kota ramah disabilitas. Pendekatan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan melakukan observasi, wawancara mendalam dan studi literatur. Salah satu strategi yang paling signifikan adalah dengan melakukan pembangunan fasilitas publik yang ramah disabilitas. Namun, temuan empiris di lapangan menujukkan bahwa fasilitas publik belum sepenuhnya bisa diakses oleh penyandang disabilitas. Fasilitas yang ditujukan bagi penyandang disabilitas tidak memberikan manfaat optimal karena belum sesuai dengan desain universal yang berlaku secara internasional. Terdapat beberapa tantangan yang harus dihadapi dalam perwujudan Bandung sebagai penyandang disabilitas. Birokrasi dan masyarakat kurang memiliki kesadaran akan disabilitas dan kesamaan hak-hak yang dimiliki para penyandangnya. Koordinasi antarpihak yang terlibat dalam pembangunan fasilitas publik pun belum optimal sehingga ada banyak fasilitas yang direncanakan akan ramah disabilitas pada praktiknya tidak demikian. Pergantian kepala daerah dan dinamika politik juga memungkinkan lambatnya pembentukan regulasi di level daerah terkait dengan pelayanan publik yang peka terhadap kebutuhan penyandang disabilitas. Di tengah tantangan tersebut, mewujudkan Bandung sebagai kota ramah disabilitas masih tetap mungkin dilakukan dengan pilihan strategi yang tepat. Penelitian ini menghasilkan strategi-strategi yang dapat digunakan dalam mewujukan bandung sebagai kota ramah penyandang disabilitas.
The Lords of the West: Cloaking, Freedom and the Divine Narrative in Tolkien's Poetics
Authors: Pezzini Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

The article aims (1) to investigate the hidden divine narrative in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, that is the agency of divine characters in and on the story, whose presence appears to other, non-divine characters only in ‘cloaked’ or ‘glimpsed’ form; (2) to discuss the reasons for the concealing of this narrative (and of divine presence in general), which is revealed as a key feature of Tolkien's literary technique and poetics. The article analyses both literary and non-literary sources, arguing that the Creator's love for the freedom of His creatures is the main reason accounting for this ‘cloaking’ and this ‘glimpsing’, both within Tolkien's sub-created, ‘secondary’ world and the ‘primary' reality to which he belongs.
In Defence of C.S. Lewis' Soul-Making Theodicy: A Reply to Wolterstorff
Authors: Wielenberg Erik J.
Published: November 2019

In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis offers a multi-pronged Christian explanation for the suffering in the world. Lewis first develops a free will theodicy, according to which much of the suffering in our world is a by-product of human free will. To account for the remaining suffering (caused by, for instance, disease and natural disasters), Lewis develops a version of the soul-making theodicy, according to which some of the suffering in the world is permitted by God as part of a divine project of improving the moral character of human beings. Nicholas Wolterstorff has recently raised some interesting challenges for Lewis's soul-making theodicy. In this essay I respond to Wolterstorff's critique by drawing not only on Lewis's broader corpus beyond The Problem of Pain but also, to a lesser extent, on the thought of two other contemporary proponents of the soul-making theodicy, John Hick and Trent Dougherty. My main goal is to make the case that Lewis's version of the soul-making theodicy has more depth and resilience than Wolterstorff's critique suggests.
Reflections on the Published and Unpublished Poetry of Mary Lavin
Authors: Ryan James
Published: November 2019

The focus of the overwhelming majority of critical commentary on Mary Lavin's work has been on her short stories. Her poetry, however, can give us insight into Lavin's development as a writer, showing early stages of experiments with themes and ideas, prefiguring their later emergence in her stories. Themes of loss, yearning, and the emotional pathology of choice recur through her lyric work, and examining in particular her unpublished poems, we can trace the biographical tensions as well as her artistic growth.
Faeries, Aliens, and Leviathans: Science and Fantasy in Ian McDonald's King of Morning, Queen of Day
Authors: Howard Richard
Published: November 2019

Irish science fiction is a relatively unexplored area for Irish Studies, a situation partially rectified by the publication of Jack Fennell's Irish Science Fiction in 2014. This article aims to continue the conversation begun by Fennell's intervention by analysing the work of Belfast science fiction author Ian McDonald, in particular King of Morning, Queen of Day (1991), the first novel in what McDonald calls his Irish trilogy. The article explores how McDonald's text interrogates the intersection between science, politics, and religion, as well as the cultural movement that was informing a growing sense of a continuous Irish national identity. It draws from the discipline of Science Studies, in particular the work of Nicholas Whyte, who writes of the ways in which science and colonialism interacted in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Ireland.
A FAST SOLUTION TO THE TWO-POINT PROBLEM IN HORIZONTAL LAYERED MEDIA
Authors: Karsten Vladimir
Published: November 2019

For the problem of reflected travel time computation in horizontal layered media, a modified parameter is suggested, providing regularization of the formula and improving the iteration solution convergence.
THE CASE STUDY OF CONVOLUTION NEURAL NETWORKS APPLICATION FOR THE PROCESSING OF REAL 3D SEISMIC DATA
Authors: Loginov Georgy , Duchkov Anton , Litvichenko Dmitry , Alyamkin Sergey
Published: November 2019

The paper considers the use of a convolution neural network for detecting first arrivals for
a real set of 3D seismic data with more than 4.5 million traces. Detection of the first breaks for each trace is carried out independently. The error between the original and the predicted first breaks is no more than 3 samples for 95% of the data. Quality control is performed by calculating static corrections and seismic stacks, which showed the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
SIMULATION OF ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS FOR REAL CORE SAMPLES
Authors: Reshetova Galina , Anchugov Alexey
Published: November 2019

The paper presents the results of laboratory experiments and numerical modeling for solving the problem of acoustic emission event recovery. The equations of the dynamic theory of elasticity in the polar coordinate system were used as a mathematical model. The simulation results made it possible to evaluate a number of basic characteristics for the configuration of a multichannel data acquisition system, the frequency of the AE signals, to determine the required number of recording channels and the position of the sensors in the core., The 3D modeling is planned in the near future in order to develop a mathematical method for reconstructing the AE events from the records of a real physical experiment.
DEVELOPMENT OF NON-STATIONARY METHOD OF A LINEAR SOURCE FOR THERMOPHYSICAL PARAMETERS DETERMINATION
Authors: Fadeeva Irina , Ayunov Dmitry , Duchkov Anton
Published: November 2019

The development directions of the classical method for measuring the thermophysical parameters of the medium on the basis of a linear source are investigated. The influence of the thermal waveform source on the sensitivity of the probe termogram (temperature change over time) to medium thermal diffusivity is considered. The possibility of determining thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity using a single-needle probe whit known thermal properties is considered. The possibility of determining thermophysical parameters using thermograms of a saw-tooth heat pulse is substantiated.
SOLVING OF THE INVERSION PROBLEM OF THE METHOD MULTICHANNEL ANALYSIS OF SURFACE WAVES BASED ON THE ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Yablokov Alexandr , Loginov Georgy , Serdyukov Aleksander , Duchkov Anton
Published: November 2019

The study is devoted to improving the efficiency of the method of multichannel analysis of surface waves due to the implementation of a new algorithm for the selection of 1D-models of the shear wave velocity by inverse dispersion curves based on machine learning. It is proposed to use a multilayer fully-connected artificial neural network (ANN) for the estimate of horizontally layered models composed of interpolated velocity values on a uniform grid with an arbitrary step. Various types of correlation dependence of the parameters of the velocity model on dispersion curves were investigated. The optimal type of the objective function was determined for ANN learning on the basis of these studies.
The advantages of using a trained ANN for the problem of inversion dispersion curves are: the ability to estimate layered models with sufficient accuracy for their use at subsequent stages of seismic data processing, resistance to noise, no significant requirements for computational resources and the absence of the need for additional adjustment of parameters.
The tests of the trained ANN, with the architecture proposed in this study, show high accuracy in validation (about 96%), which indicates the success of training and the actually perspective of using neural networks for inversion problems.
AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATION OF OBJECTS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SECTION ACCORDING TO GIS DATA
Authors: Levochkin Andrei , Novokreshchina Aleksandra , Ulyanov Vladimir , Kayurov Nikita
Published: November 2019

The development of an algorithm for automated selection of boundaries based on well logging data with help of wavelet transform, its application on different well logging methods, determination of the optimal parameters of the algorithm and the exponency of each method, the comparison of the result of the algorithm with the work of a specialist geologist.
HEAT EXCHANGE IMPACT ON NMR LOGGING WHILE DRILLING
Authors: Shushakov Oleg , Bocharov Oleg , Coman Radu , Thern Holger
Published: November 2019

The effect of temperature on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging while drilling (LWD) has been studied. Heat conduction and permeability effects in the near wellbore invasion zone have been taken into account. Analytical solutions and numerical calculations have been exemplified and verified with the use of NMR LWD field data.
FAST 3D ALGORITHMS OF VIKIZ AND BKZ LOG NUMERICAL SIMULATION TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE UNEQUAL COMPONENT NATURAL STRESS FIELD IN THE BOREHOLE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Surodina Irina , Nesterova Galina
Published: November 2019

The paper deals with fast algorithms for three-dimensional mathematical modeling of the Russian lateral log (BKZ) and data of high-frequency induction isoparametric logging tool (VIKIZ), performed on the basis of the finite difference method. Numerical experiments are presented for formation models taking into account unequal component stress-strein state in the borehole environment.
EVALUATION OF THE BKS LWD TOOL SPATIAL RESOLUTION BASED ON THE NUMERICAL SIMULATION RESULTS
Authors: Danilovskiy Kirill , Glinskikh Vyacheslav , Nechaev Oleg
Published: November 2019

Reservoir microimaging tools are currently one of the most high-tech devices used in wireline logging and logging-while-drilling. Based on a three-dimensional numerical simulation, the spatial resolution of the first Russian lateral scanning logging-while drilling tool was estimated. An algorithm for constructing a geoelectric model with an arbitrary distribution of electrical resistivity in the near-wellbore space is described.
Modality-Speciﬁc Effects of Perceptual Load in Multimedia Processing
Authors: Fisher Jacob T. , Hopp Frederic R. , Weber René
Published: November 2019

Digital media are sensory-rich, multimodal, and often highly interactive. An extensive collection of theories and models within the ﬁeld of media psychology assume the multimodal nature of media stimuli, yet there is current ambiguity as to the independent contributions of visual and auditory content to message complexity and to resource availability in the human processing system. In this manuscript, we argue that explicating the concepts of perceptual and cognitive load can create progress toward a deeper understanding of modality-speciﬁc effects in media processing. In addition, we report ﬁndings from an experiment showing that perceptual load leads to modality-speciﬁc reductions in resource availability, whereas cognitive load leads to a modality-general reduction in resource availability. We conclude with a brief discussion regarding the critical importance of separating modality-speciﬁc forms of load in an increasingly multisensory media environment.
YENİLENEBİLİR ENERJİ KAYNAKLARININ VAN VE ÇEVRESİNDEKİ SERALARIN ISITILMASINDA KULLANIMI
Authors: KABAY Turgay
Published: November 2019

Seracılık ülkemiz de ilk olarak güney ve ege sahil şeridinde yapılmaya başlanmıştır. İklim olarak sera da ürün yetiştirmeye müsait olan bu bölgelerde sonbahar ve kış aylarında bile ısıtma yapılmamaktadır. Ancak ülkemizin diğer bölgelerinde ise sera örtüsü olarak nitelendirilen polietilen sera örtüleri ile yüksek ve alçak tünellerin kurulumu kolay ve maliyetinin ucuz olmasıyla yaygınlaşmıştır. Yaygınlaşan sera ve tünellerin ısıtılma maliyeti yüksek olduğundan dolayı sonbahar ve ilkbahar aylarında turfandacılık ve kış aylarında ise sera ve tünellerin dinlendirme ve bakım işleri yapılmaktaydı. Günümüzde Jeotermal su kaynaklarının çoğalması, doğal gaz, güneş ve rüzgar enerjilerin kullanımı yaygınlaşmasıyla birlikte seraların ısıtılmasınada başlanmıştır. Bu enerjilerin serada ısıtma amacıyla kullanılmasıyla karasal iklimin hakim olduğu bölgelerde yılın her ayında istenilen bitkisel üretim yapılmaktadır. Karasal iklimin hakim olduğu Doğu Anadolu da özelliklede Van ve çevresi birçok doğal zenginliklere sahiptir. Van ve çevresinde jeotermal enerjinin fazla olması, yıl boyunca güneşlenme gün sayısının fazla olması ve doğal gazın Van ve çevresinde her ilçeye ulaşması seracılık yapmayı kolaylaştırıyor. Van ve çevresinde sera ve tünellerde çoğunlukla sebze tarımı yapılmaktadır. Bu nedenle kısa vegetasyona sahip olan Van ve çevresinde seraların ısıtılmasıyla hem vegetasyon süresi uzatılmakta hemde kış aylarında bile sıcak iklim sebzesi olan domates, hıyar gibi birçok sebzenin de üretimi yapılmaktadır.
Accelerating Breeding for Heat Tolerance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): An Integrated Approach
Authors: Ayenan Mathieu Anatole Tele , Danquah Agyemang , Hanson Peter , Ampomah-Dwamena Charles , Sodedji Fréjus Ariel Kpêdétin , Asante Isaac K. , Danquah Eric Yirenkyi
Published: November 2019

Heat stress is a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Tomato is highly sensitive to heat stress, which can result in a total yield loss. To adapt to current and future heat stress, there is a dire need to develop heat tolerant cultivars. Here, we review recent attempts to improve screening for heat tolerance and to exploit genetic and genomic resources in tomatoes. We provide key factors related to phenotyping environments and traits (morphological, physiological, and metabolic) to be considered to identify and breed thermo-tolerant genotypes. There is significant variability in tomato germplasm that can be harnessed to breed for thermo-tolerance. Based on our review, we propose that the use of advanced backcross populations and chromosome segments substitution lines is the best means to exploit variability for heat tolerance in non-cultivated tomato species. We applied a meta quantitative trait loci (MQTL) analysis on data from four mapping experiments to co-localize QTL associated with heat tolerance traits (e.g., pollen viability, number of pollen, number of flowers, style protrusion, style length). The analysis revealed 13 MQTL of which 11 were composed of a cluster of QTL. Overall, there was a reduction of about 1.5-fold in the confidence interval (CI) of the MQTL (31.82 cM) compared to the average CI of individual QTL (47.4 cM). This confidence interval is still large and additional mapping resolution approaches such as association mapping and multi-parent linkage mapping are needed. Further investigations are required to decipher the genetic architecture of heat tolerance surrogate traits in tomatoes. Genomic selection and new breeding techniques including genome editing and speed breeding hold promise to fast-track development of improved heat tolerance and other farmer- and consumer-preferred traits in tomatoes.
A Dual-Purpose Model for Spring-Sown Oats in Cold Regions of Northern China
Authors: Yang Jie , Hou Longyu , Bai Wenming , Yan Jingyun , Hao Jianxi , Tao Jin , Luo Yingluo , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Wen-Hao
Published: November 2019

Alpine regions in northern China are the traditional animal husbandry base. The lack of high-quality forage supply resulting from degradation of natural grasslands and low forage production due to short growing seasons greatly restricts development of animal husbandry in these areas. Spring oats have been widely planted in cold regions worldwide harvesting as either grains or forages because of their great adaptative ability to low temperatures and early maturation and high nutritional values. To maximize forage and grain production, we developed a dual-purpose model for spring-sown oats in the cold regions of northeastern China using two oat species, Avena nuda L. (cv. Bayou6) and Avena. sativa L. (cv. Qinghai444). Growth, forage production and quality, grain yield, and re-growth ability of the two oats were investigated in field trials and field demonstration. Maximal dry weight was found to occur at 70 days of emergence for both oats with higher forage production and crude protein (CP) in Bayou6 than Qinghai444 oat species. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of the two oats increased with time during the early vegetative growing stage, while the relative feed value showed a decrease during vegetative growing stage. The re-growth ability following cutting for the two oats reduced with increasing growth times during vegetative stage. Plant height, tiller density, CP and NDF contents of re-growing seedlings harvested at 30–40 days of emergence did not significantly differ from those of un-cutting control. The overall cumulative dry weight of biomass following cutting at 30 days of emergence was significantly higher than that of control without cutting in both oat species. Seed yield from plots cut at 30 days of emergence for both oat species was insignificantly different from that of control plots. Harvesting of spring-sown oats at 30 days of emergence enhanced forage production, but it did not influence seed yield. Results from 2-year field demonstration confirmed these conclusions. These findings highlight that this dual-purpose oat management model can have great applications in the cold regions of China.
Integrated Harvest and Farm-to-Door Distribution Scheduling with Postharvest Quality Deterioration for Vegetable Online Retailing
Authors: Jiang Yiping , Bian Bei , Li Lingling
Published: November 2019

With the rise of vegetable online retailing in recent years, the fulfillment of vegetable online orders has been receiving more and more attention. This paper addresses an integrated optimization model for harvest and farm-to-door distribution scheduling for vegetable online retailing. Firstly, we capture the perishable property of vegetables, and model it as a quadratic postharvest quality deterioration function. Then, we incorporate the postharvest quality deterioration function into the integrated harvest and farm-to-door distribution scheduling and formulate it as a quadratic vehicle routing programming model with time windows. Next, we propose a genetic algorithm with adaptive operators (GAAO) to solve the model. Finally, we carry out numerical experiments to verify the performance of the proposed model and algorithm, and report the results of numerical experiments and sensitivity analyses.
SNP- and Haplotype-Based GWAS of Flowering-Related Traits in Maize with Network-Assisted Gene Prioritization
Authors: Maldonado Carlos , Mora Freddy , Bertagna Filipe Augusto Bengosi , Kuki Maurício Carlos , Scapim Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most crucial crops for global food security worldwide. For this reason, many efforts have been undertaken to address the efficient utilization of germplasm collections. In this study, 322 inbred lines were used to link genotypic variations (53,403 haplotype blocks (HBs) and 290,973 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) to corresponding differences in flowering-related traits in two locations in Southern Brazil. Additionally, network-assisted gene prioritization (NAGP) was applied in order to better understand the genetic basis of flowering-related traits in tropical maize. According to the results, the linkage disequilibrium (LD) decayed rapidly within 3 kb, with a cut-off value of r2 = 0.11. Total values of 45 and 44 marker-trait associations (SNPs and HBs, respectively) were identified. Another important finding was the identification of HBs, explaining more than 10% of the total variation. NAGP identified 44, 22, and 34 genes that are related to female/male flowering time and anthesis-silking interval, respectively. The co-functional network approach identified four genes directly related to female flowering time (p < 0.0001): GRMZM2G013398, GRMZM2G021614, GRMZM2G152689, and GRMZM2G117057. NAGP provided new insights into the genetic architecture and mechanisms underlying flowering-related traits in tropical maize.
The Use of an Activity Monitoring System for the Early Detection of Health Disorders in Young Bulls
Authors: Belaid Mohammed Anouar , Rodriguez-Prado Maria , Chevaux Eric , Calsamiglia Sergio
Published: November 2019

Bulls (n = 770, average age = 127 days, SD = 53 days of age) were fitted with an activity monitoring device for three months to study if behavior could be used for early detection of diseases. The device measured the number of steps, lying time, lying bouts, and frequency and time of attendance at the feed bunk. All healthy bulls (n = 699) throughout the trial were used to describe the normal behavior. A match-pair test was used to assign healthy bulls for the comparison vs. sick bulls. The model was developed with 70% of the data, and the remaining 30% was used for the validation. Healthy bulls did 2422 ± 128 steps/day, had 28 ± 1 lying bouts/day, spent 889 ± 12 min/day lying, and attended the feed bunk 8 ± 0.2 times/d for a total of 95 ± 8 min/day. From the total of bulls enrolled in the study, 71 (9.2%) were diagnosed sick. Their activities changed at least 10 days before the clinical signs of disease. Bulls at risk of becoming sick were predicted 9 days before clinical signs with a sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 81%, respectively. The validation of the model resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 92%, 42%, and 82 %, respectively, and a 50% false positive and 12.5% false negative rates. Results suggest that activity-monitoring systems may be useful in the early identification of sick bulls. However, the high false positive rate may require further refinement.
Establishing a Model for Evaluating Chicken Coccidiosis Resistance Based on Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Zou Wenbin , Yu Hailiang , Wang Xiaohui , Dai Guojun , Sun Mingming , Zhang Genxi , Zhang Tao , Shi Huiqiang , Xie Kaizhou , Wang Jinyu
Published: November 2019

To establish a coccidiosis resistance evaluation model for chicken selection, the different parameters were compared between infected and control Jinghai yellow chickens. Validation parameters were selected for principal component analysis (PCA), and an optimal comprehensive evaluation model was selected based on the significance of a correlation coefficient between coccidiosis resistance parameters and principal component functions. The following six different parameters were identified: body weight gain 3–5 days post infection and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) and γ-interferon (IFN-γ) concentrations on the eight day post inoculation. Six principal components and one accumulated contribution of up to 80% of the evaluation models were established by PCA. The results showed that the first model was significantly or highly significantly related to nine resistance parameters (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), especially to cecal lesions (p < 0.01). The remaining models were related to only 2–3 parameters (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) and not to cecal lesions (p > 0.05). The values calculated by the optimal model (first model) were significantly negatively correlated with cecal lesion performance; the larger the value, the more resistant to coccidiosis. The model fi1 = −0.636 zxi1 + 0.311 zxi2 + 0.801 zxi3 − 0.046 zxi4 − 0.076 zxi5 + 0.588 zxi6 might be the best comprehensive selection index model for chicken coccidiosis resistance selection.
A Study of Genomic Prediction of 12 Important Traits in the Domesticated Yak (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Fu Donghai , Ma Xiaoming , Jia Congjun , Chu Min , Lei Qinhui , Wen Zhiping , Wu Xiaoyun , Pei Jie , Bao Pengjia , Ding Xuezhi , Guo Xian , Yan Ping , Liang Chunnian
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of applying GP to important economic traits in the domesticated yak, thus providing theoretical support for its molecular breeding. A reference population was constructed consisting of 354 polled yaks, measuring four growth traits and eight hematological traits related to resistance to disease (involved in immune response and phagocytosis). The Illumina bovine HD 770k chip was used to obtain SNP information of all the individuals. With these genotypes and phenotypes, GBLUP, Bayes B and Bayes Cπ methods were used to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and assess prediction capability. The correlation coefficient of the association of GEBV with estimated breeding value (EBV) was used as PA for each trait. The prediction accuracy varied from 0.043 to 0.281 for different traits. Each trait displayed similar PAs when using the three methods. Lymphocyte counts (LYM) exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (0.319) during all GP, while chest girth (CG) provided the lowest predictive accuracy (0.043). Our results showed moderate PA in most traits such as body length (0.212) and hematocrit (0.23). Those traits with lower PA could be improved by using SNP chips designed specifically for yak, a better optimized reference group structure, and more efficient statistical algorithms and tools.
Agonistic Interactions in Pigs–Comparison of Dominance Indices with Parameters Derived from Social Network Analysis in Three Age Groups
Authors: Büttner Kathrin , Czycholl Irena , Mees Katharina , Krieter Joachim
Published: November 2019

Dominance indices are often calculated using the number of won and lost fights of each animal focusing on dyadic interactions. Social network analysis provides new insights into the establishment of stable group structures going beyond the dyadic approach. Thus, it was investigated whether centrality parameters describing the importance of each animal for the network are able to capture the rank order calculated by dominance indices. Therefore, two dominance indices and five centrality parameters based on two network types (initiator-receiver and winner-loser networks) were calculated regarding agonistic interactions observed in three mixing events (weaned piglets, fattening pigs, gilts). Comparing the two network types, the winner-loser networks demonstrated highly positive correlation coefficients between out-degree and outgoing closeness and the dominance indices. These results were confirmed by partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), i.e., about 60% of the variance of the dominance could be explained by the centrality parameters, whereby the winner-loser networks could better illustrate the dominance hierarchy with path coefficients of about 1.1 for all age groups. Thus, centrality parameters can portray the dominance hierarchy providing more detailed insights into group structure which goes beyond the dyadic approach.
Pet Humanisation and Related Grief: Development and Validation of a Structured Questionnaire Instrument to Evaluate Grief in People Who Have Lost a Companion Dog
Authors: Uccheddu Stefania , De Cataldo Loriana , Albertini Mariangela , Coren Stanley , Da Graça Pereira Goncalo , Haverbeke Anouck , Mills Daniel Simon , Pierantoni Ludovica , Riemer Stefanie , Ronconi Lucia , Testoni Ines , Pirrone Federica
Published: November 2019

People often develop strong emotional connections with their dogs and consider them to be members of the family. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel validated tool, the Mourning Dog Questionnaire, to recognise and evaluate the mourning process in people who have lost a dog. The research model was based on a grid of five different questionnaires: the Pet Bereavement Questionnaire, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, the Animal-Human Continuity Scale, the Positivity Scale, and the Testoni Death Representation Scale. The Italian version of the survey was posted on social networks. A sample of 369 Italian dog owners filled in the questionnaire (mean age ± SD 42.00 ± 10.70 years). Reliability indices were good for all instruments. The total scores of the five questionnaires correlated with each other. The results from the Mourning Dog Questionnaire support the negative view of life after the death of a pet and people’s tendency to humanise their pet, since dog owners perceived animals no differently from humans in terms of emotions, needs and legal rights. Findings arising from the use of the Mourning Dog Questionnaire will help the implementation of rationality-based strategies to improve the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life of people in the world experiencing the loss of a pet.
Bodies of Knowledge, Kinetic Melodies, Rhythms of Relating and Affect Attunement in Vital Spaces for Multi-Species Well-Being: Finding Common Ground in Intimate Human-Canine and Human-Equine Encounters
Authors: Carlyle Donna , Graham Pamela
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we bring together two separate studies and offer a double similitude as it were, in finding “common ground” and “common worlds” between dog–human and horse–human interactions. Appreciation of the process and mechanism of affect (and affect theory) can enable a greater understanding of child–animal interactions in how they benefit and co-constitute one another in enhancing well-being and flourishing. Studies have thus far fallen short of tapping into this significant aspect of human–animal relationships and the features of human flourishing. There has been a tendency to focus more on related biological and cognitive enhancement (lowering of blood pressure, increase in the “feel good” hormone oxytocin) such as a dog’s mere “presence” in the classroom improving tests of executive function and performance. Study A details an affective methodology to explore the finer nuances of child–dog encounters. By undertaking a sensory and walking ethnography in a North East England Primary School with Year 6 (aged 10 and 11 years) and Year 4 (aged 7 and 8 years) children (60 in total), participant observation enabled rich data to emerge. Study B involves two separate groups of young people aged between 16 and 19 years who were excluded from mainstream education and identified as “vulnerable” due to perceived behavioural, social or emotional difficulties. It used mixed methods to gather and examine data from focus groups, interviews and statistics using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Photo elicitation was an additional source of information. This equine intervention facilitated vital spaces for social and emotional well-being. The important significance of touch to children’s and young people’s well-being suggests a need for “spaces” in classrooms, and wider society, which open up this possibility further and challenge a “hands-off” pedagogy and professional practice.
Functional Analysis of Macromolecular Polysaccharides: Whitening, Moisturizing, Anti-Oxidant, and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Kao Chien-Jen , Chou Hsin-Yu , Lin Yu-Chen , Liu Qinghong , David Wang Hui-Min
Published: November 2019

In this research we utilized extracts from two different nature products, Achatina fulica and Heimiella retispora, to enhance skin moisturizing abilities, anti-oxidative properties, and cell proliferations. It was observed that two polysaccharides with anti-oxidative effects by chelating metal ions reduced oxidative stress and further blocked the formation of reactive oxygen species syntheses. To detect whether there was a similar effect within the cellular mechanism, a flow cytometry was applied for sensing the oxidative level and it was found that both materials inhibited the endogenous oxidative stress, which was induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Both polysaccharides also stimulated the production of collagen to maintain skin tightness and a moisturizing effect. In summary, we developed two macromolecular polysaccharides with potential applications in dermal care.
Phase Noise Cancellation in Coherent Communication Systems Using a Radio Frequency Pilot Tone
Authors: Xu Tianhua , Jin Cenqin , Zhang Shuqing , Jacobsen Gunnar , Popov Sergei , Leeson Mark , Liu Tiegen
Published: November 2019

Long-haul optical fiber communication employing digital signal processing (DSP)-based dispersion compensation can be distorted by the phenomenon of equalization-enhanced phase noise (EEPN), due to the reciprocities between the dispersion compensation unit and the local oscillator (LO) laser phase noise (LPN). The impact of EEPN scales increases with the increase of the fiber dispersion, laser linewidths, symbol rates, signal bandwidths, and the order of modulation formats. In this work, the phase noise cancellation (PNC) employing a radio frequency (RF) pilot tone in coherent optical transmission systems has been investigated. A 28-Gsym/s QPSK optical transmission system with a significant EEPN has been implemented, where the carrier phase recovery (CPR) was realized using the one-tap normalized least-mean-square (NLMS) estimation and the differential phase detection (DPD), respectively. It is shown that the RF pilot tone can entirely eliminate the LPN and efficiently suppress the EEPN when it is applied prior to the CPR.
Application of A Novel, Non-Doped, Organic Hole-Transport Layer into Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Grace Tom , Pham Hong Duc , Gibson Christopher T. , Shapter Joseph G. , Sonar Prashant
Published: November 2019

The search for novel solar cell designs as an alternative to standard silicon solar cells is important for the future of renewable energy production. One such alternative design is the carbon nanotube/silicon (CNT/Si) heterojunction solar device. In order to improve the performance of large area CNT/Si heterojunction solar cells, a novel organic material, 4,10-bis(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)naptho[7,8,1,2,3-nopqr]tetraphene-6,12-dione (DPA-ANT-DPA (shortened to DAD)), was added as an interlayer between the CNT film and the silicon surface. The interlayer was examined with SEM and AFM imaging to determine an optimal thickness for solar cell performance. The DAD was shown to improve the device performance with the efficiency of large area devices improving from 2.89% ± 0.40% to 3.34% ± 0.10%.
3D Modelling for Solar Erythemal UV Protection Provided by Human Hair
Authors: Religi Arianna , Moccozet Laurent
Published: November 2019

The head is one of the most sun-exposed anatomical zones and its ultraviolet (UV) exposure is often underestimated. The goal of this research is to quantify the solar erythemal UV protection provided by human hair for different orientations and Solar Zenith Angles (SZA). For this purpose, a three-dimensional (3D) numeric simulation tool called SimUVEx was used to forecast the distribution of UV exposure based on geometric information and solar irradiance. The relative UV dose reduction was expressed in terms of predictive protection factor (PPF). Results showed that the effectiveness of the protection depends strongly on the orientation of the head and on the tilt of the hairs. As the SZA increases, the PPF also increases. PPFs provided by hair with a certain degree of order (parallel alignment) were generally higher by a range of about 10%–30% than the ones provided by random arrangements. A significant exposure to the scalp through the hair, even for an average hair density, was found. It confirms that hair is an important natural sunscreen in reducing transmission of UV radiation and must be considered in the prevention messages of skin cancer on the scalp, particularly in people with alopecia.
Artificial Radiation Frost Chamber for Frost Formation on Tea
Authors: Lu Yong-Zong , Hu Yong-Guang , Tian Jin-Tao , Song Huan , Snyder Richard L.
Published: November 2019

The Yangtze River region is the main production area for famous, high-quality tea in China. Radiation frost frequently occurs in this region, especially in the early spring during calm and clear nights, and it causes substantial damage to crops, which leads to huge economic losses for tea growers. The formation of frost is difficult to experimentally control due to the complexity and variability of the agro-micrometeorological environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate an artificial radiation frost chamber based on the temperature difference between leaf and air dew point, which was designed for advanced frost-related research. Micro-meteorological data and the frost formation process were monitored in an experimental tea field during typical radiation frost nights to mimic declining temperatures that are consistent with nature. The radiation frost chamber model and main parameters were determined by theoretical calculations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. A frost-forming experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the frost chamber. The observation results showed that the greatest temperature difference between leaf and air dew point (Tdiffer) was −2.3 °C. The simulation results showed that the desublimation cooling rate of the air vapor was greater than sublimation, and the Tdiffer should be greater than −3.2 °C, which could cause frost to easily form on the leaf. The performance testing results showed that leaf temperature slowly declined after a rapid decrease, which is similar to the natural condition, which results in noticeable frost formation on the leaf.
A Computer-Vision Based Application for Student Behavior Monitoring in Classroom
Authors: Ngoc Anh Bui , Tung Son Ngo , Truong Lam Phan , Phuong Chi Le , Huu Tuan Nguyen , Cong Dat Nguyen , Huu Trung Nguyen , Umar Aftab Muhammad , Van Dinh Tran
Published: November 2019

Automated learning analytics is becoming an essential topic in the educational area, which needs effective systems to monitor the learning process and provides feedback to the teacher. Recent advances in visual sensors and computer vision methods enable automated monitoring of behavior and affective states of learners at different levels, from university to pre-school. The objective of this research was to build an automatic system that allowed the faculties to capture and make a summary of student behaviors in the classroom as a part of data acquisition for the decision making process. The system records the entire session and identifies when the students pay attention in the classroom, and then reports to the facilities. Our design and experiments show that our system is more flexible and more accurate than previously published work.
Temperature Distribution Characteristics of Concrete during Fire Occurrence in a Tunnel
Authors: Kim Seungwon , Shim Jaewon , Rhee Ji Young , Jung Daegyun , Park Cheolwoo
Published: November 2019

Fire in a tunnel or an underground structure is characterized by a rise in temperature above 1000 °C in 5–10 min, which is due to the characteristics of the closed space. The Permanent International Association of Road Congresses has reported that serious damage can occur in an underground structure as a consequence of high temperatures of up to 1400 °C when a fire accident involving a tank lorry occurs in an underground space. In these circumstances, it is difficult to approach the scene and extinguish the fire, and the result is often casualties and damage to facilities. When a concrete structure is exposed to a high temperature, spalling or dehydration occurs. As a result, the cross section of the structure is lost, and the structural stability declines to a great extent. Furthermore, the mechanical and thermal properties of concrete are degraded by the temperature hysteresis that occurs at high temperatures. Consequently, interest in the fire safety of underground structures, including tunnels, has steadily increased. This study conducted a fire simulation to analyze the effects of a fire caused by dangerous-goods vehicles on the tunnel structure. In addition, a fire exposure test of reinforced-concrete members was conducted using the Richtlinien für die Ausstattung und den Betrieb von Straßentunneln (RABT) fire curve, which is used to simulate a tunnel fire.
Preparation of Steel Slag Ceramics with Different MgO/Al2O3 Ratios
Authors: Zhang Xuedong , Zheng Chaozhen , Liu Sanping , Zong Yanbing , Zhou Qifan , Qin Shuchen
Published: November 2019

Steel slag, clay, quartz, feldspar, and talc were mixed to prepare steel slag ceramics. Crystalline phase transitions, microstructures, and the main physical-mechanical properties (water absorption, linear shrinkage, and flexural strength) of steel slag ceramics for various MgO/Al2O3 ratios were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results indicated the significant effect of the MgO/Al2O3 ratio on these properties. A decrease in the MgO/Al2O3 ratio resulted in a major crystalline phase transformation from quartz and pyroxene phases to quartz and anorthite phases. High MgO content facilitated production of pyroxene phases. High Al2O3 content favored production of anorthite phases. The water absorption of all the samples (below 0.5%) met the Chinese national standard requirements. Samples with an MgO/Al2O3 ratio of 0.6 exhibited excellent flexural strength, reaching 62.20 MPa. FactSage software was used to predict batch viscosity, which increased with decreasing MgO/Al2O3 ratios.
Novel Aryl-Imidazolium Ionic Liquids with Dual Brønsted/Lewis Acidity as Both Solvents and Catalysts for Friedel–Crafts Alkylation
Authors: Yang Che-Hsuan , Chang Jui-Cheng , Wu Tzi-Yi , Sun I-Wen , Wu Jun-Hao , Ho Wen-Yueh
Published: November 2019

Unique tunable aryl-imidazolium magnetic ionic liquids with dual functions as a solvent–catalyst and dual Brønsted–Lewis acidity (B-L MILs) are applied for Friedel–Crafts alkylation without additional solvents. The catalytic properties of these B-L MILs in the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of p-xylene with benzyl chloride are investigated. The various reaction parameters, including the catalyst dosage, reaction time, reaction temperature, molar ratio of reactants, and reusability, are discussed. The results show that the B-L MIL 5c has more excellent product selectivity (>99%) and reactant conversion (>99%) under the following optimum conditions (reaction temperature = 80 °C, reaction time = 0.5 h, molar ratio of p-xylene to benzyl chloride = 6:1, and catalyst 5c dosage = 1.0 mole %) than traditional catalysts reported in the previous literature. Specifically, due to the mesomeric effect between the FeCl4 anion and hydrogen atom at cationic moiety, the catalyst B-L MILs with the molar fraction of FeCl3 equal to 0.5 can be easily recovered and provide satisfactory catalytic activity after being re-used six times.