bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Saudi Students to Blended Learning Environments at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Anas Ammar
Published: August 2020

In this study, a survey is conducted to examine learners’ perceptions and satisfaction towards blended learning environments designed around the transactional and transformational approaches of learning theories in a blended course in the College of Arts & Sciences, Al-Namas, the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The study aims to evaluate students’ perceptions and preferences towards the three components of a blended learning environment: multimedia learning materials, assessment, and interactive activities. A mixed-method of research design is used to collect the data. Quantitative data is collected in the form of 12 Likert items in which 22 Saudi students are asked to evaluate their learning experiences in three categories of the blended learning environment. These categories are multimedia learning materials, assessment, and interactive activities in a blended course on Blackboard, a virtual learning platform used by the University of Bisha to support on-line learning. The researcher’s observation is used to decode, and explain the responses of the participants qualitatively. The result reveals that learners prefer illustrated text materials to video, plain text and audio materials, flexible assessments to non-flexible assessment, and embedded communication tools like WhatsApp, blogging, wikis, collaborative activities, and discussion forum.
Learning Arabic Media Related Vocabulary through Twitter at the University of Alabama
Authors: Bushaala Saad , Elnaili Safa , Ali Maysoun
Published: August 2020

This research paper aims to investigate the effect of utilizing Twitter in a foreign language classroom and how it would affect students’ attitudes towards learning Arabic media related vocabulary. The researchers used qualitative and quantitative methods as a methodological approach to the study. The subjects of the study are American undergraduate students studying Arabic for their third semester, 11 participated in the study. The participants were asked to open Twitter accounts in order to practice reading up-to-date tweets from global news agencies. Participants took pre and post-tests, then were asked to take a questionnaire; a structured interview was also carried out along with reflections to have a better understanding of the students’ attitude towards the use of Twitter in the classroom. The data were gathered throughout the semester and analyzed qualitatively and the participants’ responses were coded for certain themes and then analyzed. The findings indicated that the students had a positive attitude towards the use of Twitter in learning vocabulary for specific topics -in this study media/political-related vocabulary- in the foreign language classroom. In addition, the quantitative data used as confirmation and showed vocabulary gains after the Twitter treatment. The study’s findings can be applied to any foreign language and can have important implications and recommendations for language teachers and educators in the field. The findings will add valuable recommendations on how to integrate social media platforms in a foreign language classroom.
Spray nozzle performance on wheat
Authors: Mur Matilde , Gadea Santiago , Ponce Mariano Julio , Merani Víctor Hugo , Guilino Facundo Daniel , Balbuena Roberto Hernán
Published: August 2020

Fungal diseases in wheat crops (Triticum aestivum) cause significant yield and quality grain losses worldwide. The increase in the crop production area under no-tillage and environmental changes has favored residue-borne fungal survival and, therefore, disease development. Field trials were carried out at the beginning of anthesis on wheat crops (state z61), in order to evaluate different spray nozzle performance. The test was arranged in a 4x2 factorial design with ten repetitions. Factors consisted in four nozzles: flat-fan (XR11002), air induction asymmetrical dual flat-fan (AI3070-02), air induction symmetrical dual flat-fan (GAT11002), hollow cone (TXA8002), and two artificial targets, one vertical and another horizontal related to head and flag leaf location, respectively. Water-sensitive cards and CIR 1.5® software were used to determine droplet density (DD), coverage, and deposition. The latter was contrasted using Brilliant Blue tracer. Data were subjected to anova and means were compared by Tukey test (p≤0,05). The use of fine droplets and multiple directions such as TXA8002 increases coverage and deposition in the vertical and horizontal target, under optimum environmental conditions. The methodologies used to evaluate spraying performance are complementary to completely characterize the application parameters.
EMAG - National model for evaluating environmental impacts of cattle production systems in Uruguay
Authors: Becoña Gonzalo , Ledgard Stewart , Astigarraga Laura , Lizarralde Carolina , Dieguez Francisco , Hermes Morales
Published: August 2020

Cattle and sheep systems in Uruguay and worldwide are challenged to reduce their environmental footprint while increasing efficiency and production. To achieve this challenge, user-friendly tools are needed that can translate research findings into practical information that could improve decision making by farmers and advise different stakeholders. Despite this, there are a limited number of applied environmental models in other countries and they are typically based on productive, high-quality pasture/crop-feed systems with relatively high inputs. In contrast, cattle and sheep production in Uruguay is largely associated with extensive grazing systems on unique natural grassland systems of relatively poor feed quality and often with no nutrient inputs in fertilizers. Thus, there is a need for a model that can take account for these types of systems and bring together relevant country-specific data to provide information of relevance for Uruguay. The EMAG (Evaluación Medio Ambiental Ganadera) model accounts for multiple environmental and resource use indicators of nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) balances and losses, greenhouse gas emissions and use of fossil energy. Results are provided on a per-hectare and per-kg product basis. This decision support tool for cattle and sheep farmers systems is based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology from “cradle-to-farm gate” for all resources use indicators. It uses national parameters and in case of lack of information is supplied from international research in pastoral systems. The model use for environmental methodology tier 2 animal energy model to account for key animal productivity and management practices. EMAG is a user-friendly model that requires basic information for a farm system divided into land use (forage types used uniquely for natural grassland in Uruguay), animal management (beef cattle and sheep), farm inputs (fertilizers, supplementary feeds, seeds and agrochemicals) and fossil energy (fuel and electricity) used in the system. EMAG can help to identify hot-spots of emissions and resource use, as well as to evaluate changes over time. In addition, it can be used to test cattle or sheep management practices or evaluate mitigation options within the system. By providing multiple indicators, EMAG can be used to provide information to avoid “trade-offs” between environmental impacts when assessing future options. As an example of usability, the paper reports a case study which showed potential benefits of improving environmental efficiency and note interesting result around negative P balance when increase productivity in a system. In summary, EMAG is a decision-support tool developed with the objective of evaluating the environmental performance of cattle and sheep systems, that would help farmers in decision making and different stakeholders according to their interest.
Threads, Woven Together: Negotiating the Complex Intersectionality of Writing Centres
Authors: Natarajan Srividya , Morley Patrick
Published: August 2020

The Canadian college where the authors are employed has an ethos that supports its writing centre’s commitment to promoting equitable access to power, education, and employment. In recent years, one result of this ongoing commitment has been the hiring of tutoring staff with diverse identities and life-situations (in terms of race and ethnicity, dis/ability, and sexuality). The authors of this paper, one of them the director of the centre and the other a consultant at the centre, draw on their personal experiences and observations to discuss one unexpected consequence of the push for inclusivity: tutees sometimes struggle to process the demand for social literacy and cross-cultural competence placed on them during encounters with tutors who have non-mainstream identities or affiliations. Seeking to understand the pedagogic and ethical complexities of encounters specifically between tutees and racialized tutors, we propose that responsibility for effecting positive social change—for building a “brave space”—through patient relationship-building and commitment to critical consciousness be allocated to the writer and the tutor, but above all to the writing centre as a collective.
Unusual Tuberculosis Mimicking Connective Tissue Disease: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Thongmak Tipaporn , Intusoma Utcharee
Published: August 2020

We reported a child with unusual extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) who was misdiagnosed with a connective tissue disease leading to treatment delay. A 13-year-old boy presented with subacute joint pain, headache and diplopia. The examination revealed swelling in the right knee, cervical lymphadenopathy, impaired abduction of right eye and multiple groups of follicular papules at right forearm, cheeks and buttocks. Blood tests showed mild anemia, thrombocytosis and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Serological tests including antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, antidouble stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-human immunodeficiency virus were negative. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) illustrated multiple lobulated dural thickening areas and a small infarction of left cerebellum. Chest film and tuberculin test were normal. Joint fluid analysis suggested reactive arthritis. Cultures for TB and fungus from cervical lymph node and forearm skin lesion were negative. After an extensive investigation, the presumptive diagnosis was non-specific connective tissue disorder. The arthritis and ophthalmoparesis initially responded to prednisolone, but arthritis relapsed at the third week of treatment, and intravenous cyclophosphamide was added. Three months later, left facial palsy had developed and ophthalmoparesis increased. New skin lesions also appeared over his axillae and groins. Axilla skin biopsy showed granulomatous abscesses with caseous necrosis leading to TB diagnosis. After treatment with anti-TB agents, clinical signs and brain MRI were completely resolved at 6- month-follow-up. Our report addressed that TB may mimic connective tissue diseases and temporarily respond to immunosuppressants. Because idiopathic pachymeningitis is rare in children, TB must be excluded in cases with meningeal thickening. Re-evaluation of TB is highly recommended in atypical systemic illnesses.
Inwentarz parafii Racławice z 1923 roku
Authors: Moskal Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Parafia Racławice k. Niska, została erygowana na przełomie XIII/XIV wieku. Źródła historyczne poświadczają w okresie staropolskim obecność co najmniej 3 kościołów. W połowie XVIII wieku właściciel części Racławic i Przędzela, Józef Grabiński, ufundował świątynię, która spłonęła w 1914 roku. Po odzyskaniu niepodległości przez Polskę w 1918 roku przystąpiono do budowy nowego ośrodka kultu. Świątynia została poświęcona 8 maja 1922 roku. Inwentarz parafialny z 1923 roku ukazuje wysiłek, jaki duchowieństwo i wierni podjęli, by wyposażyć kościół w niezbędne paramenty liturgiczne.
Statuty Kapituły Metropolitalnej w Gnieźnie: dekrety reformacyjne i ordynacje arcybiskupów z lat 1613-1810
Authors: Librowski Stanisław
Published: August 2020

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Spis ludności parafii Zbąszyń z 1796 roku
Authors: Kumor Bolesław
Published: August 2020

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Z doświadczeń w zakresie klasyfikacji literatury teologicznej w Bibliotece Uniwersyteckiej Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego
Authors: Klauza Karol
Published: August 2020

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Trzy listy ks. Idziego Radziszewskiego do kardynała Mercier
Authors: Karolewicz Grażyna
Published: August 2020

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Organizacja ładu w zasobie archiwalnym
Authors: Grygier Tadeusz
Published: August 2020

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Hymny w zabytkach liturgiczno-muzycznych Krzyżaków w Polsce
Authors: Piwoński Henryk
Published: August 2020

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Dawniejsze reguły urszulańskie
Authors: Ledóchowska Teresa
Published: August 2020

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Sprawozdanie z działalności Ośrodka Archiwów, Bibliotek i Muzeów Kościelnych przy KUL za lata 1976-1985
Authors: Kania Janusz
Published: August 2020

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Wypisy z akt kapituły w Łowiczu do zakrystii, skarbca, biblioteki, archiwum i kancelarii miejscowej kolegiaty i kapituły z lat 1525-1818
Authors: Librowski (oprac.) Stanisław
Published: August 2020

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Otwarcie Konferencji
Authors: Zahajkiewicz Marek
Published: August 2020

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Inwentarz generalnego zasobu archiwalnego Zgromadzenia Córek Bożej Miłości w Wiedniu (1848-1991)
Authors: Rusztyn Zofia
Published: August 2020

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Struktura zasobu archiwów zakonów męskich
Authors: Prejs Roland
Published: August 2020

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Struktura zasobu archiwów żeńskich zgromadzeń apostolskich
Authors: Trela Krystyna
Published: August 2020

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PRACOWNIA : baza danych do obsługi pracowni udostępniania zbiorów
Authors: Dziwoki Julia , Dudała Halina
Published: August 2020

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Die Computerisierung Kirchlicher archive in Polen : (Bericht über die Tagung)
Authors: Dębowska Maria , Urlich (tłum.) Herbert
Published: August 2020

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Trynitarze łuccy w świetle "Wizyty generalnej 1799 r."
Authors: Tylus Stanisław
Published: August 2020

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W sprawie datacji śmierci niektórych biskupów kresowych
Authors: Tylus Stanisław
Published: August 2020

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Opracowanie rzeczowe zbiorów w bibliotekach kościelnych w Polsce w świetle ankiety Ośrodka ABMK
Authors: Gonet Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

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Dobry język informacyjno-wyszukiwawczy, czyli o pożytkach nieulegania stereotypom
Authors: Woźniak Jadwiga
Published: August 2020

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Biblioteka Lwowskiej Akademii Teologicznej
Authors: Petrowycz Michael
Published: August 2020

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"Baptismus Ruthenorum" Stanisława Orzechowskiego z Rusi (1544)
Authors: Kaim Andrzej
Published: August 2020

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Przebieg dyskusji w nauce polskiej przełomu XIX i XX wieku na temat obrządku słowiańskiego w Polsce wczesnośredniowiecznej
Authors: Koczwara Stanisław
Published: August 2020

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[Recenzja]: „Bibliotheca Strahoviensis”, "Královská kanonie Premonstrátů na Strahově", t. 3, 1997
Authors: Karczewski Dariusz
Published: August 2020

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[Recenzja]: "Biblioteki na Ziemiach Wschodnich II Rzeczypospolitej : informator", Poznań 1998
Authors: Zbudniewek Janusz H.
Published: August 2020

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Rękopisy biblioteki sióstr benedyktynek w Przemyślu
Authors: Jabłonowska Jolanta Barbara
Published: August 2020

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Zbiory starych książek w bibliotekach parafialnych i klasztornych
Authors: Kozińska Joanna
Published: August 2020

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Księgozbiór Adama Chodyńskiego na podstawie materiałów zachowanych w Bibliotece Seminarium Duchownego we Włocławku
Authors: Rulka Kazimierz
Published: August 2020

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Carencias en nuestro equipamiento colectivo
Authors: Gorosquieta Javier
Published: August 2020

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Studies of dietary phytoestrogen from momordica charantia Linn. Seeds
Authors: Patil Sharanabasappa
Published: August 2020

Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites produced by plants that are similar in structure of estrogen. Human consumption of these compounds has been associated with many health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential phytoestrogen content of dietary Momordica charantia Linn. (Bitter melon) seeds were collected from the Hyderabad-Karnataka regions of India.
A phenolic dietary phytoestrogen has been isolated from the crude ethanol extract of Bitter melon seeds. After preparative HPLC whitish amorphous compound was yielded. The HPLC purified compound is subjected to spectral analysis using IR, NMR and MS. The spectral data revealed that the phenolphthalein a phytoestrogenic molecule is present in the ethanol extract of dietary Bitter melon seeds.
La relación entre el desempeño y el aprendizaje en las organizaciones.
Authors: Gómez Romo María del Carmen , Proaño Córdova Telmo Diego , López Gómez Andrés Francisco
Published: August 2020

El aprendizaje es una herramienta para el desarrollo y sostenibilidad de las organizaciones que propicia un desempeño eficiente, y permite que estas se conviertan en organizaciones inteligentes. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la relación que existe entre el desempeño y el aprendizaje en la Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría en una universidad pública en la zona centro del Ecuador. Las organizaciones enfrentan obstáculos en varias fases de la transferencia del conocimiento, desde lo individual hasta lo colectivo, obstáculos que pueden ser superados a través del aprendizaje. Se investigó los fundamentos teóricos que respaldan el estudio y se aplicó una encuesta estructurada con 23 items (5 de adquisición del conocimiento, 5 de distribución del conocimiento, 4 de memoria organizacional, 4 de desaprendizaje y 5 desempeño) a una muestra aleatoria de 63 docentes de un universo de 75. El cuestionario fue validado con un alfa de Cronbach 0,918. El procesamiento de datos permitió determinar los estadísticos descriptivos de las dimensiones del aprendizaje y del desempeño. Se encontró evidencia estadística significativa de que existe una muy buena correlación positiva entre el aprendizaje y el desempeño, a un nivel de significancia del 5% y que el 76,2% del desempeño fue explicado por las dimensiones del aprendizaje organizacional. Por otro lado, al aplicar una lista de chequeo al plan estratégico de la facultad, no se encontraron elementos del aprendizaje y desempeño.
Accumulation of phytoene and astaxanthin and related genes expression in Haematococcus pluvialis under sodium acetate stress
Authors: Cong X , Zang X , Dong M , Wang Z , He B , Hou L , Wei X , Zhang F , Shang M , Yangzong Z , Li R , Zhang X
Published: August 2020

Phytoene and astaxanthin are 2 important carotenoids in the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Under environmental stress, the synthesis of phytoene in H. pluvialis increases significantly, and phytoene is converted to astaxanthin through enzymatic catalysis. This paper analyzes the relationship between astaxanthin and phytoene accumulation in carotenoid synthesis pathways under different concentrations of sodium acetate (NaAc) by high-performance liquid chromatography. The highest concentrations of phytoene and astaxanthin were observed at the NaAc concentration of 6 g l-1 on the 12th day of induction. The highest astaxanthin concentration achieved was 2.26 ± 0.28%. Therefore, we concluded that 6 g l-1 NaAc and induction for 12 d provided the optimal inducing conditions for astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis. psy, pds, lcyB, β-carotene ketolase crtw, and crtz, which are genes related to phytoene and astaxanthin synthesis, were cloned and studied at the transcriptional level. crtw and crtz were continuously up-regulated since the first day of induction, while psy, pds, and lcyB were continuously up-regulated starting on the 3rd day of induction. These findings are important for enhancing our understanding of the mechanism of accumulation of phytoene and astaxanthin in H. pluvialis and provide a foundation for identifying the induction conditions necessary for optimizing astaxanthin production and increasing astaxanthin yields.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Is a Possible Fibrogenic Factor in Gluteal Muscle Fibrosis
Authors: ZHAO C. G. , QIN J. , HE X. J. , GUAN Y. C. , JIA Y. , LEI W.
Published: August 2020

Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a chronic fibrotic disease of gluteal muscles due to multiple etiologies. The main pathologic process is characterized by proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive accumulation of collagen in the extracellular matrix of the muscle. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid and has been reported to be associated with various fibrotic diseases. However, the role of S1P in GMC remains unknown. Here in this article, High-performance liquid chromatography and immunohistochemistry were applied to evaluate S1P localization and expression in clinical samples from patients with GMC, Quantitative real time PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to explore the link between transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and S1P. The results showed that S1P was enhanced in contraction band (CB) tissues. Studies using the cell proliferation and transformation assay indicated that exogenous S1P stimulated CB fibroblast proliferation in a time-dependent manner and in higher concentration also in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that S1P not only promoted collagen type I production, but also up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. These findings suggest that S1P may regulate increased synthesis of collagen and other fibrogenic factors, and significantly contributes to the process of gluteal muscle scarring in patients with GMC.
Metabolic Disturbances and Defects in Insulin Secretion in Rats With Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetes
Authors: SZKUDELSKI T. , ZYWERT A. , SZKUDELSKA K.
Published: August 2020

Rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) are often used in animal studies concerning various aspects of diabetes. In this experimental model, the severity of diabetes is different depending on doses of STZ and NA. Moreover, diabetic changes in rats with STZ-NA-induced diabetes are not fully characterized. In our present study, metabolic changes and insulin secretion were investigated in rats with diabetes induced by administration of 60 mg of STZ and 90 mg of NA per kg body weight. Four to six weeks after diabetes induction, insulin, glucagon and some metabolic parameters were determined to evaluate the severity of diabetes. Moreover, insulin secretory capacity of pancreatic islets isolated from control and diabetic rats was compared. It was demonstrated that administration of 60 mg of STZ and 90 mg of NA per kg body weight induced relatively mild diabetes, since insulin, glucagon and other analyzed parameters were only slightly affected in diabetic rats compared with control animals. In vitro studies revealed that insulin secretory response was preserved in pancreatic islets of diabetic rats, however, was lower than in islets of control animals. This effect was observed in the presence of different stimuli. Insulin secretion induced by 6.7 and 16.7 mmol/l glucose was moderately reduced in islets of diabetic rats compared with control islets. In the presence of leucine with glutamine, insulin secretion appeared to be also decreased in islets of rats with STZ-NA-induced diabetes. Insulinotropic action of 6.7 mmol/l glucose with forskolin was also deteriorated in diabetic islets. Moreover, it was demonstrated that at a non-stimulatory glucose, pharmacological depolarization of plasma membrane with a concomitant activation of protein kinase C evoked significant rise in insulin release in islets of control and diabetic rats. However, in diabetic islets, this effect was attenuated. These results indicate that impairment in insulin secretion in pancreatic islets of rats with mild diabetes induced by STZ and NA results from both metabolic and nonmetabolic disturbances in these islets.
Diagnostic Significance of a Mild Decrease of Baroreflex Sensitivity With Respect to Heart Rate in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: SVAČINOVÁ J. , HONZÍKOVÁ N. , KRTIČKA A. , TONHAJZEROVÁ I. , JAVORKA K. , JAVORKA M.
Published: August 2020

Decreased baroreflex sensitivity is an early sign of autonomic dysfunction in patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the repeatability of a mild baroreflex sensitivity decrease in diabetics with respect to their heart rate. Finger blood pressure was continuously recorded in 14 young diabetics without clinical signs of autonomic dysfunction and in 14 age-matched controls for 42 min. The recordings were divided into 3-min segments, and the mean inter-beat interval (IBI), baroreflex sensitivity in ms/mm Hg (BRS) and mHz/mm Hg (BRSf) were determined in each segment. These values fluctuated in each subject within 42 min and therefore coefficients of repeatability were calculated for all subjects. Diabetics compared with controls had a decreased mean BRS (p=0.05), a tendency to a shortened IBI (p=0.08), and a decreased BRSf (p=0.17). IBI correlated with BRS in diabetics (p=0.03); this correlation was at p=0.12 in the controls. BRSf was IBI independent (controls: p=0.81, diabetics: p=0.29). We conclude that BRS is partially dependent on mean IBI. Thus, BRS reflects not only an impairment of the quick baroreflex responses of IBI to blood pressure changes, but also a change of the tonic sympathetic and parasympathetic heart rate control. This is of significance during mild changes of BRS. Therefore, an examination of the BRSf index is highly recommended, because this examination improves the diagnostic value of the measurement, particularly in cases of early signs of autonomic dysfunction.
What Can Appalachian Pediatric Networks Do to Improve Disaster Preparedness and Health Outcomes? Examining Characteristics of Pediatric Networks in the United States to Identify Differences between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Collaborations
Authors: Wallace Lauren , Rucks Andrew C. , Ginter Peter M. , Xie Rongbing , Katholi Charles R. , Bello-Ogunu Faustina
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Living in the Appalachian Region of the United States (US) has been linked with poorer pediatric health outcomes, particularly for children in low income families living in rural areas.

Purpose: We endeavored to describe the characteristics of the Appalachian and non- Appalachian pediatric emergency networks in the US and to determine if pediatric healthcare networks in the Appalachia differ from networks elsewhere in the U.S. according to size, whether they were inter- or intra-state, and intensity of collaboration.

Methods: Data were collected using a two-stage survey process. The first survey was used to identify networks. The second survey assessed disaster preparedness capabilities and achievements of each identified network, degree of fund sharing, and the intensity and formality of information sharing among network partners. Networks were separated into Appalachia or non-Appalachia networks based on state location.

Results: Appalachian networks were more likely to be interstate and operating at the highest stage of network development compared to non-Appalachian networks, but were less likely to share funding among network partners.

Conclusion: Despite consistently insufficient pediatric capacity and repeated calls for collaboration among pediatric care providers, only three out of seventeen identified pediatric networks were operating in Appalachia. Operating in Appalachia was associated with less fund sharing, although Appalachian networks were more likely to have achieved the highest stage of network development. Developing new pediatric networks and increasing the intensity of collaboration (i.e., increased levels of fund sharing) among existing networks may improve disaster preparedness, network operations, collaboration, and health outcomes in Appalachian states.
Knowledge ‘transfer’ as sociocultural and sociomaterial practice
Authors: Shan Hongxia
Published: August 2020

Research on migration and knowledge transfer predominantly focuses on expatriate and return migrants, who are acclaimed for transferring knowledge from the west to the rest of the world. Not only does the literature reinforce the west as the epistemic centre, but it conjures a realist image of knowledge as an objective thing. To interrupt these images, this paper examines the knowledge transfer experiences of 22 immigrant engineers in Canada. Theoretically, it posits knowledge transfer as an effect of immigrants’ enrolment in sociocultural and sociomaterial practices within professions. Empirically, it pinpoints three ways in which immigrants help expand engineering practices, i.e., assembling knowledge, mobilizing the capacity of learning to learn, and negotiating being and becoming. The process of transfer, as accounted by research respondents, is enabled through access to epistemic and boundary objects, reception of peer professionals, and the rise of (niche) needs. The paper draws on a narrative case study.
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bifidobacterium longum against Common Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry
Authors: Igbafe Joy , Kilonzo-Nthenge Agnes , Nahashon Samuel N. , Mafiz Abdullah Ibn , Nzomo Maureen
Published: August 2020

The probiotic potential and antimicrobial activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bifidobacterium longum were investigated against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Selected strains were subjected to different acid levels (pH 2.5–6.0) and bile concentrations (1.0–3.0%). Strains were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activity by agar spot test. The potential probiotic strains tolerated pH 3.5 and above without statistically significant growth reduction. However, at pH 2.5, a significant (p < 0.05) growth reduction occurred after 1 h for L. plantarum (4.32 log CFU/mL) and B. longum (5.71 log CFU/mL). S. cerevisiae maintained steady cell counts for the entire treatment period without a statistically significant (p > 0.05) reduction (0.39 log CFU/mL). The results indicate at 3% bile concertation, 1.86 log CFU/mL reduction was observed for L. plantarum, while S. cerevisiae, and B. longum growth increased by 0.06 and 0.37 log CFU/mL, respectively. L. plantarum and B. longum demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes. However, S. cerevisiae did not display any inhibition to any of the pathogens. The results indicate that L. plantarum and B. longum present probiotic potential for controlling E. coli O157:H7, S. and L. monocytogenes in poultry.
Influence of UV-B Pretreatments on Kinetics of Convective Hot Air Drying and Physical Parameters of Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Forouzanfar Arman , Hojjati Mohammad , Noshad Mohammad , Szumny Antoni Jacek
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) pretreatments on selected physical properties (shrinkage, rehydration, color, texture) and drying kinetics and to model the drying kinetics of hot air dried mushrooms using several mathematical models, such as the Henderson–Pabis, logarithmic, two-term, Verma, Wang and Singh, Midilli, and modified Henderson–Pabis models. Results showed that the use of UV-B pretreatment before mushroom drying reduced shrinkage, color changes, firmness, and drying time and increased rehydration and the effective moisture diffusion coefficient. The amount of activation energy increased from 16.55 ± 1.3 kJ/mol (control sample) to 18.27 ± 2.2 kJ/mol (UV-B treated samples for 30 min), 19.72 ± 1.4 kJ/mol (UV-B treated samples for 60 min), and 21.9 ± 1.9 kJ/mol (UV-B treated samples for 90 min). However, increasing the drying temperature increased the shrinkage and firmness of samples. The modified Henderson–Pabis model with the highest correlation coefficient (R2) and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and chi-square (χ2) showed the best fit for every drying curve, proving to be an excellent tool for the prediction of drying time.
Application of Single Superphosphate with Humic Acid Improves the Growth, Yield and Phosphorus Uptake of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Izhar Shafi Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Wahid Fazli , Khan Ahsan , Yue Zhen , Danish Subhan , Zafar-ul-Hye Muhammad , Brtnicky Martin , Datta Rahul
Published: August 2020

In calcareous soil, the significant portion of applied phosphorus (P) fertilizers is adsorbed on the calcite surface and becomes unavailable to plants. Addition of organic amendments with chemical fertilizers can be helpful in releasing the absorbed nutrients from these surfaces. To check out this problem, a field experiment was conducted for two years to determine the effect of P fertilizers and humic acid (HA) in enhancing P availability in soil and their ultimate effect on growth, yield and P uptake of wheat in calcareous soils. The experiment was comprised of five levels of P (0, 45, 67.5, 90 and 112.5 kg P2O5 ha−1) as a single superphosphate (SSP) and 2 levels of locally produced humic acid (with and without HA) arranged in a two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Wheat plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain, straw and biological yield were significantly improved by the addition of HA with SSP. Very often, the performance of 67.5 kg P2O5 ha−1 with HA were either similar or better than 90 or even 112.5 kg P2O5 ha−1 applied without HA. Post-harvest soil organic matter, AB-DTPA extractable and water-soluble P, plant P concentration and its uptake were also significantly improved by the addition of HA with SSP compared to sole SSP application. It was evident that P efficiency could be increased with HA addition and it has the potential to improve crop yield and plants P uptake in calcareous soils.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Spikelet Fertility at the Booting Stage in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Different Low-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Jeong Jong-Min , Mo Youngjun , Hyun Ung-Jo , Jeung Ji-Ung
Published: August 2020

Cold stress in rice is a critical factor limiting growth and yield in temperate regions. In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring cold tolerance during the booting stage using a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between a cold-susceptible Tongil-type cultivar Milyang23 and a cold-tolerant japonica cultivar Giho. A phenotypic evaluation was performed in a cold-water-irrigated field (17 °C) and a temperature-controlled (17 °C/17 °C air and water) greenhouse at the booting stage. Four QTL, including two on chromosome 1 and one each on chromosomes 6 and 9, were identified in the cold-water-irrigated field, with an R2 range of 6.3%–10.6%. Three QTL, one on each of chromosomes 2, 6 and 9, were identified under the temperature-controlled greenhouse condition, with an R2 range of 5.7%–15.1%. Among these, two QTL pairs on chromosomes 6 (qSFF6 and qSFG6) and 9 (qSFF9 and qSFG9) were detected in the cold treatments of both field and greenhouse screenings. Our results provide a reliable dual-screening strategy for rice cold tolerance at the booting stage.
Effects of Additive Type on Fermentation and Aerobic Stability and Its Interaction with Air Exposure on Silage Nutritive Value
Authors: Auerbach Horst , Nadeau Elisabet
Published: August 2020

As farm profitability and sustainability of animal production are largely affected by overall losses of dry matter and nutritive value of silage from field to trough, the objective of the study was to assess the effects of different additive types on fermentation, aerobic stability (ASTA) and changes in in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) of grass and grass–clover silage exposed to air. Three trials were performed, where grass and grass–clover forages were treated with biological and chemical additives and ensiled in 1.6-L glass jars. Upon silo opening, fermentation characteristics, yeast counts and ASTA were determined as well as changes in IVOMD and ME during subsequent air exposure for up to 336 h. All silages were well preserved. The ASTA was improved by Lactobacillus buchneri-containing additives in all trials and by chemical additives in trial 3. In untreated silage, aeration reduced IVOMD and ME but variable effects of additives were observed. The nutritive value was maintained throughout aeration by all additives in trial 1, whereas in trial 3, only chemical additives were successful. A strong negative linear relationship across trials was detected between the extent of aerobic deterioration and changes in ME during air exposure (r = −0.756, p < 0.001). Silage additives improving aerobic stability have the potential to prevent the loss of nutritive value of grass and grass–clover silage during feed-out.
Challenges to Cocoa Production in the Face of Climate Change and the Spread of Pests and Diseases
Authors: Cilas Christian , Bastide Philippe
Published: August 2020

The evolution of cocoa farming was quickly confronted with the development of pests and diseases. These sanitary constraints have shaped the geographical distribution of production over the centuries. Current climate change adds an additional constraint to the plant health constraints, making the future of cocoa farming more uncertain. Climate change is not only affecting the areas where cocoa is grown for physiological reasons, particularly in relation to changes in water regimes, but also affects the distribution of pests and diseases affecting this crop. These different points are discussed in the light of the trajectories observed in the different cocoa-growing areas. The breeding programs of cocoa trees for sustainable resistance to plant health constraints and climate change are therefore particularly important challenges for cocoa farming, with the other management practices of plantations.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Exhibits High Predicted Binding Affinity to ACE2 from Lagomorphs (Rabbits and Pikas)
Authors: Preziuso Silvia
Published: August 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic COVID-19. The virus infects human cells by binding of the virus spike to the cell receptor ACE2. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 spikes in complex with human ACE2 has recently been solved, and the main amino acid residues involved in the virus–receptor complex have been detected. To investigate the affinity of ACE2 of lagomorphs to the SARS-CoV-2 spike, ACE2 sequences from rabbits and American pikas were compared with human ACE2 and with ACE2 from mammals with different susceptibility to the virus. Models of the complex formed by SARS-CoV-2 spike and ACE2 from lagomorphs and from other mammals were created for comparative studies. ACE2 of lagomorphs showed fewer substitutions than human ACE2 in residues involved in the ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike complex, similar to cats. Analysis of the binding interface of the simulated complexes ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike showed high affinity of the ACE2 of lagomorphs to the viral spike protein. These findings suggest that the spike of SARS-CoV-2 could bind the ACE2 receptor of lagomorphs, and future studies should investigate the role of lagomorphs in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. Furthermore, the risks to humans coming into close contacts with these animals should be evaluated.
Effectiveness of Biocidal Paint Containing Permethrin, Ultramarine and Violet 23 Against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Laboratories and Poultry Houses
Authors: Dzik Sara , Mituniewicz Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Reducing Alphitobius diaperinus in poultry production is a difficult task. However, attempts should be made to control the insect pest, as it poses a serious threat to the life and health of the chickens, as well as the workers on a farm. Our research was conducted in two stages to assess the effectiveness of the biocidal paint against A. diaperinus, containing active substances such as permethrin and a mixture of ultramarine and violet 23. In the first stage, under laboratory conditions, after 22 days, 100% mortality of A. diaperinus larvae and adults was achieved. This allowed us to assume that the biocidal paint may also be effective in poultry houses. In the poultry house where biocidal paint was applied, the number of insects decreased continuously alongside the sampling dates. In both research stages, the biocidal paint proved more effective against A. diaperinus than traditional limewash, and also the time to effective interaction of the paint was noted. Additionally, it was observed that the larvae were more susceptible to the active substances than adults. The research was practical, however, further analyses are necessary to fully control A. diaperinus, especially in poultry houses.
Vitrification of Donkey Sperm: Is It Better Using Permeable Cryoprotectants?
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Diaz-Jimenez Maria , Consuegra César , Pereira Blasa , Dorado Jesús
Published: August 2020

Vitrification by direct exposure of sperm to liquid nitrogen is increasing in popularity as an alternative to conventional freezing. In this study, the effect of permeable cryoprotectant agents for donkey sperm vitrification was compared to an extender containing non-permeable cryoprotectants. First, three different concentrations of sucrose (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 molar, M) and bovine serum albumin, BSA (1, 5, and 10%) were compared. Secondly, the concentration of non-permeable agents producing the most desirable results was compared to an extender containing glycerol as permeable agent. Vitrification was performed by dropping 30 μL of sperm suspension directly into LN2 and warming at 42 °C. Sperm motility (total, TM; and progressive, PM) and plasma membrane integrity, PMI (mean ± SEM) were statistically compared between treatments. Sucrose 0.1 M showed a significantly higher percentage of total sperm motility (21.67 ± 9.22%) than sucrose 0.2 M (14.16 ± 4.50%) and 0.3 M (8.58 ± 6.22%); and no differences were found in comparison to the control (19.71 ± 10.16%). Vitrification with sucrose 0.1 M or BSA 5% obtained similar results for TM (21.67 ± 9.22% vs. 19.93 ± 9.93%), PM (13.42 ± 6.85% vs. 12.54 ± 6.37%) and PMI (40.90 ± 13.51% vs. 37.09 ± 14.28); but both showed higher percentages than glycerol (TM = 9.71 ± 4.19%; PM = 5.47 ± 3.17%; PMI = 28.48 ± 15.55%). In conclusion, donkey sperm vitrification in spheres using non-permeable cryoprotectants exhibited better sperm motility and viability parameters after warming than sperm vitrification using extenders containing permeable cryoprotectants.
The Milk Microbiota of the Spanish Churra Sheep Breed: New Insights into the Complexity of the Milk Microbiome of Dairy Species
Authors: Esteban-Blanco Cristina , Gutiérrez-Gil Beatriz , Marina Héctor , Pelayo Rocío , Suárez-Vega Aroa , Acedo Alberto , Arranz Juan-José
Published: August 2020

Milk from healthy animals has classically been considered a sterile fluid. With the development of massively parallel sequencing and its application to the study of the microbiome of different body fluids, milk microbiota has been documented in several animal species. In this study, the main objective of this work was to access bacterial profiles of healthy milk samples using the next-generation sequencing of amplicons from the 16S rRNA gene to characterise the milk microbiome of the Churra breed. A total of 212 samples were collected from two Churra dairy farms with a different management system. The core milk microbiota in Churra ewes includes lesser genera (only two taxa: Staphylococcus and Escherichia/Shigella) than studies reported in other dairy species or even in a previous study in Assaf sheep milk. We found that diversity values in the two flocks of Churra breed were lower than the diversity of the milk microbiota in Assaf. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination using Bray-Curtis distance separates samples based on their microbiota composition. The information reported here might be used to understand the complex issue of milk microbiota composition.
Chebulic Acid Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in INS-1 Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Yoo Hyun-jung , Hong Chung-Oui , Ha Sang Keun , Lee Kwang-Won
Published: August 2020

To investigate the anti-diabetic properties of chebulic acid (CA) associated with the prevention of methyl glyoxal (MG)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells, INS-1 cells were pre-treated with CA (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μM) for 48 h and then treated with 2 mM MG for 8 h. The effects of CA and MG on INS-1 cells were evaluated using the following: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1) expression via Western blot and enzyme activity assays; Nrf-2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein expression via Western blot assay; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production assay; mRNA expression of mitochondrial dysfunction related components (UCP2, uncoupling protein 2; VDAC1, voltage-dependent anion-selective channel-1; cyt c, cytochrome c via quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR; mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis; glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay. The viability of INS-1 cells was maintained upon pre-treating with CA before exposure to MG. CA upregulated Glo-1 protein expression and enzyme activity in INS-1 cells and prevented MG-induced ROS production. Mitochondrial dysfunction was alleviated by CA pretreatment; this occurred via the downregulation of UCP2, VDAC1, and cyt c mRNA expression and the increase of MMP and ATP synthesis. Further, CA pre-treatment promoted the recovery from MG-induced decrease in GSIS. These results indicated that CA could be employed as a therapeutic agent in diabetes due to its ability to prevent MG-induced development of insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress-induced dysfunction of β-cells.
Characteristics of Duplex Angular Contact Ball Bearing with Combined External Loads and Angular Misalignment
Authors: Xu Tengfei , Yang Lihua , Wang Kai
Published: August 2020

As a kind of common phenomenon in practical engineering, misalignment error considerably changes the working performance of bearing. However, it has rarely attracted attention in the study of duplex angular contact ball bearings (DACBBs). To evaluate the influence of misalignment on DACBB, an analytical model of DACBB considering combined loads and angular misalignment is established for back-to-back, face-to-face, and tandem configurations. According to the geometrical relationship inside the bearing, the deformations caused by external load and angular misalignment are systematically analyzed. On this basis, the effects of external load, axial preload, and angular misalignment on the displacement, maximum contact load, contact load distribution, contact angle, and fatigue life of DACBB are analyzed. The results demonstrate the high dependence of the contact load and contact angle on the above factors. Angular misalignment causes the fluctuation of contact load and contact angle distributions along the azimuth angle of a rolling ball. Nonlinear relationships between fatigue life of DACBB, angular misalignment, and axial preload are obtained. The occurrence of angular misalignment considerably decreases the fatigue life of DACBB. The results suggest the necessity of angular misalignment analysis for DACBB.
A Novel Deep Learning System with Data Augmentation for Machine Fault Diagnosis from Vibration Signals
Authors: Fu Qiang , Wang Huawei
Published: August 2020

In real engineering scenarios, it is difficult to collect adequate cases with faulty conditions to train an intelligent diagnosis system. To alleviate the problem of limited fault data, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method combining a generative adversarial network (GAN) and stacked denoising auto-encoder (SDAE). The GAN approach augments the limited real measured data, especially in faulty conditions. The generated data are then transformed into the SDAE fault diagnosis model. The GAN-SDAE approach improves the accuracy of the fault diagnosis from the vibration signals, especially when the measured samples are few. The usefulness of this method is assessed through two condition-monitoring cases: one is a classic bearing example and the other is a more general gear failure. The results demonstrate that diagnosis accuracy for both cases is above 90% for various working conditions, and the GAN-SDAE system is stable.