bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activités en pédagogie universitaire adressées aux bibliothécaires-formateurs québécois : un projet de collaboration interprofessionnelle
Authors: Rondeau Eve-Lyne
Published: July 2019

Le développement des compétences informationnelles des étudiants occupe une grande partie de la tâche des bibliothécaires universitaires, que ce soit lors d’ateliers de formation offerts à la bibliothèque ou dans des interventions sporadiques dans les cours et les programmes d’études. N’ayant, pour la plupart, aucune formation en pédagogie, cette tâche peut paraitre fastidieuse pour certains. Dans l’intention de soutenir les bibliothécaires-formateurs québécois dans leur offre de formations, ces derniers ont été invités à suivre quatre modules d’autoformation en pédagogie universitaire en ligne, à assister à des vidéoconférences d’échange et à participer à une journée de travail ayant pour objectif d’amorcer l’élaboration d’un scénario pédagogique transférable dans le cadre des pratiques de formations documentaires. Cet article propose un résumé de ces activités qui se sont tenues à l’hiver et au printemps 2018 et présente les résultats obtenus en mettant en valeur la collaboration interprofessionnelle entre des conseillers pédagogiques et des bibliothécaires.
The Lower Cretaceous Atzompa Formation In South-Central Mexico: Record of Evolution From Extensional Backarc Basin Margin To Carbonate Platform
Authors: Sierra-Rojas María I. , Molina-Garza Roberto S. , Lawton Timothy F.
Published: July 2019

Lower Cretaceous depositional systems of southwestern Oaxaquia, in south-central Mexico, were influenced by initiation of a continental arc on mainland Mexico and subsequent accretion of the Guerrero composite arc terrane to mainland Mexico. The Atzompa Formation, defined herein, which crops out in the Sierra de Tentzo, constitutes a succession of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and limestone with Early Cretaceous fauna and detrital zircon maximum depositional ages that range 126–123 Ma (late Barremian to early Aptian). The lower part of the Atzompa records a transition from alluvial to deep lacustrine depositional environments, suggesting the early stages of an extensional basin; overlying deposits of anabranching axial fluvial systems that flowed to the NE–SE accumulated after a period of rapid subsidence in the Tentzo basin, also formerly undescribed. Fluvial facies grade up-section to tidal deposits overlain in turn by a carbonate ramp succession that contains late Barremian to early Aptian fossils. The ramp deposits of the uppermost Atzompa Formation are overlain on a sharp contact by basinal carbonates of early Albian age.

The Tentzo basin, formed due to crustal extension of the overriding plate in a backarc setting, was characterized by very high rates of sedimentation (3.6 mm/yr) during the early stages of basin formation (rift initiation and rift climax), and slower rates during the development of tidal systems and the carbonate ramp (post-rift stage). Regional and local subsidence took place in the backarc region of the Zicapa magmatic arc, which was established in the western margin of Mexico by Hauterivian time. Abrupt deepening following Atzompa Formation deposition is attributed to flexural subsidence related to collision of the Guerrero composite volcanic terrane with the western margin of Mexico. Following late Aptian accretion of the Guerrero terrane to Oaxaquia, the carbonate basin eventually shallowed to become a carbonate platform that faced the Gulf of Mexico.
Using Google Earth and Google Street View To Rate Rock Slope Hazards
Authors: Swanger William , Admassu Yonathan
Published: July 2019

Rockfall hazard from cut slopes along highways are caused primarily by unfavorable orientations of discontinuities, presence of unconsolidated cobble/boulder deposits, undercutting of strong rocks by weaker rocks, or degradation of weak rock masses. The rockfall hazard rating system (RHRS) was introduced in Oregon to evaluate the hazard and associated risk to an adjacent transportation facility for a cut slope's potential for releasing rockfalls. RHRS is a numerical score–based rating of parameters that characterize rockfalls. The parameters include slope geometry (height, angle, roughness, orientation), geologic information (discontinuity characterization, undercutting susceptibility), driver's line of sight, and climate. Geologic information, such as discontinuity orientation data, is traditionally collected using a transit compass and measuring tape at the site. The method is time consuming and expensive and can be dangerous. This study tests the use of Google Earth and Google Street View tools to remotely collect data for selected parameters that characterize rockfall hazard. The selected parameters are categorized under slope profile, geologic characteristics, and impact factor parameters, which are quantitatively and qualitatively measurable using Google Street View and Google Earth. A section of U.S. 33 with a high density of road cuts and two more sites along Interstate 64, all located in Virginia, were selected for the study. Sites were evaluated by using a combination of measurement tools available in Google Earth and a visual inspection of the rock units in Google Street View. The results of seven of the sites were re-evaluated using field-derived data.
Water-mortar Interaction in a Tunnel Located in Southern Calabria (southern Italy)
Authors: Vespasiano Giovanni , Notaro Pasqualino , Cianflone Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

In this work, we analyzed the results of a geochemical analysis aimed to define the origin of pH anomalies (pH > 11) in water samples collected inside a tunnel located in southern Calabria (southern Italy). We also analyzed the precipitates found close to the main drainage pipes. The hydrogeochemical study allowed us to identify a main NaOH water facies for the many samples collected close to the tunnel. In addition, the correlation diagrams highlighted high concentrations of Na, K, and Al, unrelated to simple water-rock interaction. Further evaluation excluded the possibility that interaction between the water and the outcropping lithologies was the only cause of the ongoing processes. This consideration is supported by the high Na and K concentrations, which cannot be accounted for by interaction between water and calcareous marl. Excluding a natural origin and some anthropogenic factors, one possible explanation is an interaction between the groundwater and the mortars used for consolidation during the excavation phase of the tunnel. Mortar and concrete degradation in aqueous environments produces a great increase in pH, initially deriving from interstitial fluids containing strong alkali (NaOH and KOH) and non-negligible K and Na concentrations, such as we observed in the collected samples.
Lidar Scanning of an Air-filled Cavern Accessed Through a Borehole
Authors: Maerz Norbert H. , Boyko Kenneth J. , Pendergrass Gary J. , Brown Justin W.
Published: July 2019

A development in a karstic area of southwest Missouri initiated a geophysical survey as part of an initial site investigation. After conducting an extensive geophysical survey over the proposed site, a significant anomaly was discovered. Subsequently drilling of a 0.15 m (6 in.) borehole into the anomaly intersected a void between 16.2 m (53 ft) and 28.7 m (94 ft) of depth. The property is at the top of the watershed, so both the borehole and the void were dry.

In order to model the stability of the cavern in response to the proposed development, it was necessary to determine both the size and the shape of the void.
Lateritic Soil Treated with Waste Wood Ash As Liner in Landfill Construction
Authors: Oluremi Johnson R. , Eberemu Adrian O. , Ijimdiya Stephen T. , Osinubi Kolawole J.
Published: July 2019

Inherent variability in engineering properties of lateritic soil in relation to its plasticity, permeability, strength, workability, and natural moisture content, has made it an unpredictable material for use in civil engineering works, resulting in the need for its treatment by stabilization. A lateritic soil classified as A-6(6) and CL, according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and Unified Soil Classification System of ASTM (2011), was treated with up to 10 percent waste wood ash (WWA). Compaction was carried out using four energies, namely, reduced British Standard light, British Standard light (BSL), West African Standard, and British Standard heavy, on samples, which were then examined for hydraulic conductivity, volumetric shrinkage, and unconfined compressive strength as major criteria for use as liner and for the development of acceptable zones. Specimens with 4 percent WWA content compacted with a minimum BSL energy satisfied the maximum hydraulic conductivity (k) value of 1 × 10−9 m/s, maximum volumetric shrinkage strain of 4 percent, and minimum unconfined compressive strength value of 200 kN/m2 required for use as liner in engineered landfills. The overall acceptable zone was enlarged for up to 4 percent WWA content, thereby accommodating higher moulding water content, but the minimum compactive effort required to achieve it became reduced. The beneficial treatment of lateritic soil with up to 4 percent WWA will perform satisfactorily as liner and covers in waste containment application and will minimize the pollution and environmental impact of wood waste disposal.
Hydrological and Geophysical Investigation of Streamflow Losses and Restoration Strategies in an Abandoned Mine Lands Setting
Authors: Cravotta Charles A. , Sherrod Laura , Galeone Daniel G. , Lehman Wayne G. , Ackman Terry E. , Kramer Alexa
Published: July 2019

Longitudinal discharge and water-quality campaigns (seepage runs) were combined with surface geophysical surveys, hyporheic zone temperature profiling, and watershed-scale hydrological monitoring to evaluate the locations, magnitude, and impact of stream-water losses from the West Creek sub-basin of the West West Branch Schuylkill River into the underground Oak Hill Mine complex that extends beneath the watershed divide. Abandoned mine drainage, containing iron and other contaminants, from the Oak Hill Boreholes to the West Branch Schuylkill River was sustained during low-flow conditions and correlated to streamflow lost through the West Creek streambed. During high-flow conditions, streamflow was transmitted throughout West Creek; however, during low-flow conditions, all streamflow from the perennial headwaters was lost within the 300 to 600 m “upper reach,” where an 1889 mine map indicated steeply dipping coalbeds underlie the channel. During low-flow conditions, the channel within the “intermediate reach,” 700 to 1,650 m downstream, gained groundwater seepage with higher pH and specific conductance than upstream; however, all streamflow 1,650 to 2,050 m downstream was lost to underlying mines. Electrical resistivity and electromagnetic conductivity surveys indicated conductive zones beneath the upper reach, where flow loss occurred, and through the intermediate reach, where gains and losses occurred. Temperature probes at 0.06 to 0.10 m depth within the hyporheic zone of the intermediate reach indicated potential downward fluxes as high as 2.1 × 10−5 m/s. Cumulative streamflow lost from West Creek during seepage runs averaged 53.4 L/s, which equates to 19.3 percent of the daily average discharge of abandoned mine drainage from the Oak Hill Boreholes and a downward flux of 1.70×10−5 m/s across the 2.1 km by 1.5 m West Creek stream-channel area.
Seepage Investigation For Remedial Grouting, Crafton Hills Reservoir, California
Authors: Nichols Holly J.
Published: July 2019

Engineering geologists are often tasked with a dam or levee seepage problem that needs to be repaired, but it is not clear where the seepage pathway is, how fast the seepage is flowing, or how best to repair the problem area. This article discusses a dam seepage area at the Crafton Hills Reservoir in San Bernardino County, CA. Upon refilling the enlarged reservoir, new seepage was observed in unexpected locations. Although the seepage amount appeared to be small, project managers decided to seal off the new seepage pathway utilizing subsurface grouting so the seepage would not become a long-term problem. In order to develop an effective remedial grouting program, additional subsurface information was needed. It was already known that the foundation materials are variable, likely have a variety of hydraulic conductivity values, and may respond differently to grouting depending on the pressures applied. Several methods were employed to determine the primary seepage pathway(s) and the range of pressures to use that would provide the most effective grout penetration. Although the geologic investigation led to some contradictory and unexpected results, the use of multiple testing methods provided a much better understanding of the foundation rock, which led to a more robust remedial grouting plan.
An Overview of the ULU Gold Deposit, High Lake Volcanic Belt, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: FLOOD E. , KLEESPIES P. , TANSEY M. , MUNTANION H. , CARPENTER R.
Published: July 2019

BHP Minerals discovered the Archean lode gold ULU deposit on the western margin of the High Lake Volcanic Belt in 1989. The greenschist to amphibolite facies mafic volcanic and sedimentary rocks on the property are folded into a 5 km-long anticline. There is a close spatial association of Au-As zones to the trace of this F2 ULU anticline. The largest of these auriferous zones, the Flood zone, is localized at the core of the fold. The southeast-trending Flood zone consists of several anastomosing lenses that have been traced for 435 m on surface. Overall, it dips steeply (70° to 80°) to the southwest and has been intersected to depths below 600 m. The hosting high-iron tholeitic basalt displays a lower amphibolite mineral assemblage of ferrohornblende + plagioclase + ilmenite with accessory quartz and epidote. Alteration minerals include biotite, chlorite, hornblende, actinolite-tremolite, and potassium feldspar (microcline) with minor calcite, epidote, tourmaline, and titanite. The highest gold values occur where brecciated basaltic wall-rock clasts are replaced by acicular arsenopyrite + quartz + K-feldspar. BHP Minerals completed 54,783 m of both exploration and resource development drilling before selling the ULU property to Echo Bay Mines in 1995. Development of ULU as a satellite deposit to Echo Bay’s Lupin mine began in 1996. A -15% ramp was extended to the 155-meter level, and 16,011 m of underground drilling were completed before the decline in gold prices forced a suspension of activities at ULU in August 1997. The current owners, Wolfden Resources Inc., drilled 18,569 m in 2004 to increase confidence in the resource blocks. Following this drill program, a revised resource calculated by an independent consultant determined that the ULU deposit contains an inferred/indicated mineral resource of 1,130,000 t grading 11.34 g/t gold (373,748 oz) to the 360-m level. The portal was re-opened in 2005 and a prefeasibility study is underway.
El enfoque morfogenético y cuantitativo aplicado al estudio de las formas urbanas y la diversidad de usos: el caso de Toledo
Authors: Solís Trapero Eloy , Ruiz-Apilánez Borja , García Camacha Gutiérrez Irene , Ureña Francés José María , Mohíno Sanz Inmaculada
Published: July 2019

Tradicionalmente, la forma urbana se ha usado como medio para entender los espacios urbanos. A pesar de ello, este conocimiento se ha efectuado especialmente en cascos antiguos y grandes ciudades, y el alcance de sus enfoques y métodos ha sido muy limitado en planificación y diseño. En base a estas limitaciones el artículo plantea (a) la identificación y caracterización de formas urbanas de los nuevos paisajes urbanos contemporáneos apoyándose en un enfoque morfogenético, y (b) la evaluación de la influencia en la configuración espacial sobre la diversidad de usos apoyándose en el enfoque cuantitativo. Mientras que un enfoque morfogenético revela diferentes formas urbanas con relación a la configuración espacial de las manzanas, parcelas, edificios, calles, plazas y zonas verdes, el enfoque cuantitativo, apoyado en las técnicas spacemate, diagrama n y el modelo de mezcla urbana funcional nos informa de propiedades espaciales de las formas urbanas y, a través del análisis factorial e inferencial, nos ayuda a evaluar la influencia de dichas propiedades en la diversidad de usos. Este artículo contribuye al debate conceptual y combinación de métodos en el estudio del grado de influencia del espacio (forma urbana) en la actividad humana (diversidad de usos) sirviendo además para guiar la planificación y diseño urbanos.
Toxicity of Povidone-Iodine to the Ocular Surface of Rabbits
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Ahn Yong Sun , Lee Yeo Jin , Kim Hyun Seung
Published: July 2019

Background

We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits.

Methods

Twenty three white rabbits were divided into four groups; these were a control group and three study groups in which the ocular surface was exposed to PI for different times. In control group, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied once for 10 minutes. In study groups, 5% (w/v) PI was topically applied once for 1 minute, 3 minutes, and 10 minutes, and then the animals were observed for 7 days. The Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival impression cytology were performed on day 0, 3, and 7. After 7 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and conjunctiva and cornea were collected and evaluated by light and electron microscope. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to detect mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC).

Results

The decrease in goblet cell density, reductions in MUC5AC level and histopathological and ultrastructural changes of conjunctiva and cornea were more prominent in the 5% (w/v) PI groups than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, these changes were more prominent when PI was applied for 3 and 10 minutes rather than 1 minute (both p values < 0.05).

Conclusions

5% (w/v) povidone-iodine caused damages to the ocular surface in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we should be aware of that excessive PI exposure during ophthalmic procedures could be a pathogenic factor of dry eye syndrome after surgery.
Title Spironolactone for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy - a pilot study
Authors: Yu Xiaoli , Tang Juanjuan , Song Yu , Cao Xin , Qian Tianwei , Li Xinxin , Yu Suqin
Published: July 2019

AIM

To estimate the efficacy of oral spironolactone in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

METHODS

This was a pilot study consisting of patients who were diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy for at least a 6-month duration. This study included 75 eyes of 74 patients who were treated with spironolactone (20 mg orally, twice daily) for 8 weeks. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF), central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were each measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In our study, 75 eyes of 74 patients (49 men and 25 women) were included. The mean BCVA was 0.39 ± 0.25 at baseline, 0.29 ± 0.19 at 4 weeks and 0.23 ± 0.19 at 8 weeks. The BCVA at 4 weeks and 8 weeks was significantly improved compared to the baseline BCVA (p = 0.000). The mean SRF and the mean CMT decreased significantly at 4 weeks and 8 weeks (p = 0.000). The mean SFCT decreased slightly at 4 weeks and 8 weeks but without significance compared to the baseline (p = 0.654).

CONCLUSION

Spironolactone can competitively bind to mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), reduce glucocorticoid binding or reduce endogenous activation of MR. It is possible to improve the visual acuity and safety of patients with chronic CSC by reducing the high permeability of the choroid membrane and by promoting the absorption of the subretinal fluid.
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease events with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on dialysis—a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Lu Chien-Lin , Lin Lian-Yu , Chen Pau-Chung , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Yeih Dong-Feng
Published: July 2019

Background: Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population and high risk subjects, their protective effect in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients under dialysis was still unknown.
Methods: By using the database from 1995 to 2008 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (Registry for Catastrophic Illnesses), we included 387 ADPKD patients who received dialysis therapy, aged ≥18 year-old, and with no evidence of CVD events in 1997 and 1998. We utilized Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and propensity score matching to evaluate adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality and CVD events in users (n=231) and nonusers (n=156) of an angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitor (ACEI) / angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) during the 12 years of follow-up.
Results: All study subjects were followed up for more than 3 months. Compared with the control group, the ACEI/ARB treatment group did not have favorable outcome including acute coronary syndromes, receiving coronary intervention, cerebral vascular events, peripheral artery disease, heart failure and overall mortality. The results remain similar between groups before and after propensity score matching. Moreover, there was no significant difference in outcomes between ACEI/ARB treatment over 50% of follow-up period and without ACEI/ARB treatment after propensity score matching.
Conclusions: We found ACEI or ARB usage is not associated with a reduction of cardiovascular events and survival benefit in our nationwide cohort study of ADPKD patient on dialysis from Taiwan. Further larger scale, multicenter and randomized control trials are warranted to show the causal association.
Quantitative Response of Healthy Muscle Following the Induction of Capsaicin: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Evans Valerie , Behr Michael , Masani Kei , Kumbhare Dinesh
Published: July 2019

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a prevalent chronic pain disorder primarily characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrP). There is limited knowledge on the pathophysiology and mechanisms underlying MTrP and its development. Research has previously demonstrated the identification of MTrPs using ultrasound and vibration sonoelastography, although there is some contradictory evidence regarding if MTrPs present as hyper or hypoechoic regions. Electromyography (EMG) investigations of MTrP have demonstrated that MTrP are usually located proximal to innervation zones where the peak surface EMG signals are obtained from. Central sensitization has been proposed as the primary mechanism underlying MTrP development. Central sensitization is associated with hyperexcitability of neuronal responses to normal or noxious stimuli. There is a need for a study that measures ultrasound image textural changes and motor unit activity responses in the muscle following sensitization. The purpose of this study is to determine whether sensitizing healthy muscle using capsaicin induces a regional change in image texture variables within the specific and surrounding muscles, as well as the motor unit frequency and amplitude changes that accompany them.This is an exploratory trial that aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether central sensitization is a direct cause of taut band and MTrP development.
Methods: The study conforms to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials recommendations. Ethical approval will be sought from the University Health Network (UHN) Research Ethics Board. This proposed study is a single centered, factorial, randomized placebo-controlled trial with two independent variables, depth of capsaicin application and dose of capsaicin, for a total of four treatment arms and two control treatment groups.
Discussion: This will be the first study that assesses the B-mode ultrasound image texture of induced sensitized muscles, and will provide more evidence on muscle motor unit activity and regional changes of central sensitization. Findings from this study may support one of few hypotheses proposed delineating the involvement of central sensitization in the development of trigger points.
Physical activity had significant association with lower body fat percentage among middle-aged adults: China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2015
Authors: Zou Qinpei , Su Chang , Du Wenwen , Ouyang Yifei , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2019

Background

As with the unprecedented economic and social development in China, physical activity (PA) have decreased dramatically and body fat percentage (BF%) have varied. In the lasted large scale field investigation, we described the distribution of PA and BF%, and their association across the entire percentiles.

Methods

Based on data from China Health and Nutrition Surveys (CHNS) in 2015, 5763 participants aged 40-64 years coming from 15 provinces were included. PA was calculated as metabolic equivalent task hours per day (MET·h/d). BF% was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test the difference of PA among gender, age, BMI groups, education, income, region and urbanization. Gender-Body mass index (BMI)-stratified quantile regression (QR) analyses were utilized to describe the association between PA and BF% distribution.

Results

A part of non-overweight/obese participants had high body fat. Older adults, overweight/obese group, higher education, higher income, residents of central China and higher urbanization had lower PA. Participants who engaged in vigorous PA had median BF% 2.0% and 1.5% lower than the slightly PA group (23.4%, 34.8%) for men and women, respectively. For every additional hour of moderate PA (4.5 MET·h/d), the total BF% was reduced by a median of 0.0290%, 0.0539% and 0.0699% in the 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles respectively, and 0.0490%, 0.0854% and 0.0998% in trunk BF% at the correspondingly percentiles respectively. The association between PA and total BF% was the strongest in normal weight obesity participants than others. Females and the non-overweight/obese group had more statistical significant coefficients at multiple percentiles than males and the overweight/obese group, respectively.

Conclusions

In middle-aged adults in China, a part of normal weight obesity persons were in non-overweight/obese group and women prone to gain fat mass with BMI increasing but muscle in men. Individuals with vigorous PA had lower BF% comparing with slightly active ones, and an extra moderate leisure PA per day was recommended, especially for normal weight obesity and abdominal adipose individuals.
Gender differences and occupational factors in the risk of obesity in the Italian working population.
Authors: Tecco Cristina Di , Fontana Luca , Adamo Giovanna , Petyx Marta , Iavicoli Sergio
Published: July 2019

Background
Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major risk factor associated with several non- communicable diseases, as cardiovascular diseases, and with a higher risk of premature death and disability. Sex-specific factors play a key role and must be taken into consideration in studying occupational factors associated to the risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in Body Mass Index in a large cohort representative of Italian workers and, correlating this index with several demographic and occupational variables to verify differences due to the gender and work in the risk of obesity.
Methods
We utilized data from INSuLa, a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of the Italian workers population conducted in 2013 by the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority to investigate the health and safety at work. Analysis were run on a large sample of 8,000 Italian workers, aged from 16 to 64 years, representative of the Italian working population. Logistic regression models were carried out to assess gender differences in the association between occupational characteristics and Body Mass Index. We adjusted for age, education, variables related to health protection at work and chronic conditions and diseases.
Results
Findings showed several differences among males and females in the Body Mass Index due to exposure to several occupational factors, as occupational sector. Among the others, female shift workers were 1.32 times (95% CI = 1.11-1.57) more likely to be overweight or obese compared to normal workers, this association is maintained when controlling for confounders. A significant increase of 1.5-1.6 times in the likelihood of overweight or obesity was observed among women who worked 1-2 night shifts per week.
Conclusions
Gender-specific differences in studying occupational factors associated to the risk of obesity are useful in the view of characterizing the risk of obesity and contributing to the identification of workplace-targeted intervention strategies.
Modelling Local Patterns of Children Mortality. A Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Analysis.
Authors: Lome-Hurtado Alejandro , Mendoza Jacques Lartigue , Trujillo Juan Carlos
Published: July 2019

Background: The number of death children at the international scale are still high, but with proper spatially-targeted health public policies this number could be reduced. In Mexico, children mortality is a particular health concern due to its alarming rate all throughout North America. The aims of this study are i) to model the change of children mortality risk at the municipality level, (ii) to identify municipalities with high, medium and low risk over time and (iii) to ascertain potential high-risk municipalities across time, using local trends of each municipality in Greater Mexico City.
Methods: The study uses Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis to control for space-time patterns of data. This allow to model the geographical variation of the municipalities within the time span studied.
Results: The analysis shows that most of the high-risk municipalities are in the north, west, and some in the east; some of such municipalities show an increasing children mortality risk over time. The outcomes highlight some municipalities which show a medium risk currently but are likely to become high risk along the study period. Finally, the odds of children mortality risk illustrate a decreasing tendency over the 7-year framework.
Conclusions: Identification of high-risk municipalities may provide a useful input to policy-makers seeking out to reduce the incidence of children mortality, since it would provide evidence to support geographical targeting for policy interventions.
FunFam protein families improve residue level molecular function prediction
Authors: Scheibenreif Linus Mathias , Littmann Maria , Orengo Christine , Rost Burkhard
Published: July 2019

Background

The CATH database provides a hierarchical classification of protein domain structures including a sub-classification of superfamilies into functional families (FunFams). We analyzed the similarity of binding site annotations in these FunFams and incorporated FunFams into the prediction of protein binding residues.

Results

FunFam members agreed, on average, in 36.9±0.6% of their binding residue annotations. This constituted a 6.7-fold increase over randomly grouped proteins and a 1.2-fold increase (1.1-fold on the same dataset) over proteins with the same enzymatic function (identical Enzyme Commission, EC, number). Mapping de novo binding site prediction methods (BindPredict-CCS, BindPredict-CC) onto FunFam resulted in consensus predictions for those residues that were aligned and predicted alike (binding/non-binding) within a FunFam. This simple consensus increased the F1-score (for binding) 1.5-fold over the original prediction method. Variation of the threshold for how many proteins in the consensus prediction had to agree provided a convenient control of accuracy/precision and coverage/recall, e.g. reaching a precision as high as 60.8±0.4% for a stringent threshold.

Conclusions

The FunFams outperformed even the carefully curated EC numbers in terms of agreement of binding site residues. Additionally, we assume that our proof-of-principle through the prediction of protein binding residues will be relevant for many other solutions profiting from FunFams to infer functional information at the residue level.
Antioxidant Activity of Spirulina platensis and Sea Cucumber Stichopus hermanii in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hema Aprilia Setyo Windari  , Kustiariyah Tarman  , Mega Safithri  , Iriani Setyaningsih
Published: July 2019

Uncontrolled blood glucose level of diabetic people can lead to the production of excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) as the trigger of lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant can defend the human body from overreacting to lipid peroxidation. The study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Spirulina platensis and sea cucumber Stichopus hermanii based on the number of blood serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes’ activity of red blood cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A group of Sprague Dawley rats (n=3) were the normal group (aquadest 2 mL/day, p.o.) and group of DM, Sp (S. platensis 81 mg/kg body weight; p.o.), Tr (S. hermanii 284 mg/kg body weight; p.o.), (Combination S. platensis 81 mg/kg + S. hermanii 284 mg/kg body weight; p.o.) prior to a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). The results showed that S. platensis, sea cucumber (S. hermanii), and the mixture could suppress rats’ body weight by 2–7%. The MDA concentration of liver organ of rats prior to STZ administration increased. However, the STZ administration did not significantly increase MDA concentration of blood serum and decreased activity SOD and CAT of red blood cells in the normal group for 14 days. This study concluded that Spirulina platensis demonstrated antioxidant activity indicated by the reduction of MDA level in the liver of diabetic rats induced by STZ (50 mg/kg body weight; i.p.).
Conservation Systems for Positive Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance in Semiarid Drylands
Authors: Thapa Vesh R. , Ghimire Rajan , Duval Benjamin D. , Marsalis Mark A.
Published: July 2019

Core Ideas

The soil organic C dynamics and net ecosystem C balance of five dryland cropping systems were compared.

Conservation systems stored up to 15% more soil organic C than conventional system.

Net ecosystem C balance was positive with cover cropping.

Cover crops and conservation tillage are crucial for soil C storage in drylands.

Biomass C inputs often limit agroecosystem C dynamics, nutrient cycling, and soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in semiarid drylands. This study evaluated SOC and net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) of five cropping systems in the drylands of the Southern Great Plains. Cropping systems evaluated included corn (Zea mays)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] rotation with conventional tillage without cover cropping (CTNC), strip tillage with and without cover cropping (STCC and STNC, respectively), and no tillage with and without cover cropping (NTCC and NTNC, respectively). After 4 yr of experimental tillage, we measured CO2 emissions, soil and soil surface air temperatures, soil moisture content, potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), total SOC, total nitrogen (TN), and net primary productivity (NPP). Conservation systems (any treatments including no‐till, strip till, or cover crops) had 5 to 6°C lower soil temperature and 2.8 to 4.9°C lower soil surface air temperature and stored 2.3 to 3.9% more soil moisture content than CTNC. Conservation systems also stored 15.2% more SOC than CTNC. Cropping systems that integrated cover crops in the rotation (STCC and NTCC) had greater NPP and positive NECB. Regardless of tillage management, cover cropping had a greater NECB, including SOC (NECBSOC) than CTNC. Reducing tillage and diversifying cropping systems through cover cropping can benefit semiarid dryland agroecosystems by increasing SOC storage and maintaining positive NECB.
Micrometeorological Methods for Measuring Methane Emission Reduction at Beef Cattle Feedlots: Evaluation of 3‐Nitrooxypropanol Feed Additive
Authors: McGinn S. M. , Flesch T. K. , Beauchemin K. A. , Shreck A. , Kindermann M.
Published: July 2019

It is highly desirable to test agricultural emission mitigation strategies in a whole‐farm environment to ensure that all aspects of management and production operations are included. However, the large spatial scale of commercial operations makes the dual measurements of control and treatment(s) difficult. We evaluated the application of two micrometeorological methods, a novel concentration ratio method and an inverse dispersion method, where both were used to measure methane (CH4) emission reductions in cattle fed the compound 3‐nitrooxypropanol compared with cattle fed just the basal diet. In total, there were 1344 cattle used that were located in six pens (∼222 animals per pen). Three adjacent pens to the east and three to the west were designated as the treatment and control blocks, respectively. Underlying the emission reduction method was the assumption of site symmetry between the treatment and control pen blocks in the feedlot. There was, on average, a large CH4 emission reduction of ∼70% (±18%) due to the additive as found by both micrometeorological methods. Both methods also show a change in the diel distribution (peak emissions after initial morning feeding) and seasonal pattern (a decrease in emission reduction of 7.5 and 26.1% over 90 d). The simplicity of the developed concentration ratio method is expected to have applications for evaluating other mitigation strategies at large commercial scales (e.g., the application of manure additives to pens to reduce odors and ammonia emissions).

Core Ideas

Treatment to control concentration yields methane emission reduction percentage.

Feed additive 3‐nitrooxypropanol reduces enteric methane of cattle by 70%.

Emission reduction in enteric methane decreased with time over 92 d.
A Global Perspective on Integrated Strategies to Manage Soil Phosphorus Status for Eutrophication Control without Limiting Land Productivity
Authors: Withers Paul J. A. , Vadas Peter A. , Uusitalo Risto , Forber Kirsty J. , Hart Murray , Foy Robert H. , Delgado Antonio , Dougherty Warwick , Lilja Harri , Burkitt Lucy L. , Rubæk Gitte H. , Pote Dan , Barlow Kirsten , Rothwell Shane , Owens Phillip R.
Published: July 2019

Unnecessary accumulation of phosphorus (P) in agricultural soils continues to degrade water quality and linked ecosystem services. Managing both soil loss and soil P fertility status is therefore crucial for eutrophication control, but the relative environmental benefits of these two mitigation measures, and the timescales over which they occur, remain unclear. To support policies toward reduced P loadings from agricultural soils, we examined the impact of soil conservation and lowering of soil test P (STP) in different regions with intensive farming (Europe, the United States, and Australia). Relationships between STP and soluble reactive P concentrations in land runoff suggested that eutrophication control targets would be more achievable if STP concentrations were kept at or below the current recommended threshold values for fertilizer response. Simulations using the Annual P Loss Estimator (APLE) model in three contrasting catchments predicted total P losses ranging from 0.52 to 0.88 kg ha−1 depending on soil P buffering and erosion vulnerability. Drawing down STP in all catchment soils to the threshold optimum for productivity reduced catchment P loss by between 18 and 40%, but this would take between 30 and 40+ years. In one catchment, STP drawdown was more effective in reducing P loss than erosion control, but combining both strategies was always the most effective and more rapid than erosion control alone. By accounting for both soil P buffering interactions and erosion vulnerability, the APLE model quickly provided reliable information on the magnitude and time frame of P loss reduction that can be realistically expected from soil and STP management. Greater precision in the sampling, analysis, and interpretation of STP, and more technical innovation to lower agronomic optimum STP concentrations on farms, is needed to foster long‐term sustainable management of soil P fertility in the future.

Core Ideas

Sensitive management of soils and soil P fertility is critical for limiting water quality degradation.

Maintaining soil test P (STP) at or below the agronomic optimum reduces the eutrophication threat.

STP drawdown in combination with erosion control reduced catchment P loss by up to 62%.

The APLE model quickly quantified the magnitude and timescale of potential P loss reductions.
Trends in Soybean Trait Improvement over Generations of Selective Breeding
Authors: Bruce Robert W. , Grainger Christopher M. , Ficht Alexandra , Eskandari Mehrzad , Rajcan Istvan
Published: July 2019

Improvement of agronomic and seed quality traits in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] occurs in breeding programs as a result of crossing elite soybean genotypes and selection of superior offspring in each cycle. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in traits over 100 yr of selection in Ontario, Canada, in two soybean breeding programs at the University of Guelph: Guelph Campus (Maturity Group [MG] 0 and I) and Ridgetown Campus (MG II) programs. Fifty‐six Guelph cultivars (released between 1983 and 2016), 46 Ridgetown cultivars (released between 1987 and 2015), and 37 Guelph‐pedigree related historical cultivars (from 1913 to 1985) were grown in field trials over 3 yr (Guelph Campus) and 2 yr (Ridgetown Campus) at two locations per breeding program to measure 13 traits. Yield increased in the Guelph Campus cultivars by 17.1 kg ha−1 yr−1 and by 15.7 kg ha−1 yr−1 in the Ridgetown Campus cultivars, while yield per day of maturity per year of release significantly increased in elite cultivars. Protein in the Ridgetown Campus cultivars increased at 0.76 g kg−1 yr−1, whereas the Guelph Campus cultivars showed no trend. In Ridgetown Campus cultivars 100‐seed weight significantly increased at 0.1 g yr−1. Within the historical cultivars, 100‐seed weight was significantly correlated with both protein (r = 0.50) and oil (r = −0.42). Genotype × trait biplot analyses revealed differential patterns of trait relationships between the elite and historical cultivars. Oil and yield were associated within the Guelph Campus cultivars. The association of 100‐seed weight and protein was only found in the historical cultivars. Yield has increased in both breeding programs while seed traits have been altered over time.
Faktor Anteseden dan Konsekuensi Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Rakhmawati Antin , Rahardjo Kusdi , Kusumawati Andriani
Published: July 2019

Business activites besides having a fuction to improve the economy, its also have a role to influencing the environment, if the business concept doesn't consider the environment, it will causing decrease of environmental quality. therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine about the application of green supply chain management, that is the concepts with consideration of environmental aspects in all supply chains, and to the explain of factors that become antecedents in influencing the implementation of green supply chain management and its impact on performance. this research explains the relationship between variabels, That are antecedents of green supply chain management, namely strategic orientation and government regulation, and the consequence factors of green supply chain management namely environtmental performance. the object in this study is medium size entreprised of food and beverage sectors in Pasuruan Regency. This study using a cluster sampling method involving 114 respondents and using PLS, for data analysis, with SmartPLS 3.0 software analysis tools. the results of this study indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between strategic orientation and government regulation toward green supply chain management, there is a significant positive relationship between strategic orientation and government regulation towards environmental performance through green supply chain management.
Result Based Manajemen Sistem untuk Monitoring dan Evaluasi Kegiatan Bimbingan Dasar Keislaman
Authors: Okfalisa Okfalisa , Simaremare Harris , Abdillah Rahmad , Najwa Nina Fadilah
Published: July 2019

The Islamic values in the integrated curriculum should be reflected in governance, teaching lifestyle, and society dedication. The Islamic basic mentoring activity was the routine activity in UIN SUSKA Riau. That activity had been going on since 2010 and had unoptimization through stakeholder dissatisfaction with performance output. This research has developed a model by Result based for monitoring and evaluating the activity implementation. The results of the modeling mechanism were implemented in the construction of a Result Based Management Information System prototype. This research conducted by 7 constructs with 32 indicators that had been statistically tested by Confirmatory Factor Analysis to know the significance and the relation between indicators and constructs. This model was tested descriptive statistic to measure the activity implementation performance in accordance with the expected output. The results of performance activity at the Faculty of Science Technology were at the middle level. The construction of a prototype using Object Oriented Analysis had been successfully carried out with very good results in testing the UAT and Black Box. The system had 6 actors based on the stakeholder requirements and the system was successfully monitoring and evaluating problem and activity as long as the implementation. Performance information in graphically was to help the leader and top management for making decision and policy fixing. The discussion forum was developed as sharing information platform between the leader, the manager and the lecturer, the fellow lecturer, the lecturer and the participants. Thus, the transformation and transparency in implementation activity were formed.