bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FATTENING AND MEAT QUALITIES OF INTRA-BREED TYPE OF PIGS OF THE DUROC BREED OF THE UKRAINIAN SELECTION «STEPOVY» AT VARIOUS METHODS OF BREEDING AND WEIGHT CONDITIONS
Authors: Lykhach V. Ya. , Likhach A. V. A. V.
Published: August 2021

Pork production today is based on intensive management of the industry and quality improvement of breeds. In our country, there are changes in the breed structure in the direction of the predominant focus on breeds of meat productivity. In this regard, an important place is given to pigs of the Duroc breed, which have been used in Ukraine for a long time. Numerous studies have shown that under the same conditions of feeding, keeping fattening and meat qualities of pigs of different breeds and interbreed combinations at different weight conditions are not the same. The purpose of the work is to study the fattening and meat qualities of the intra-breed type of Duroc pigs of the Ukrainian selection «Stepovy» (DUSS) with different methods of breeding during fattening to high weight conditions. The study of fattening and meat qualities of pigs of interbreed type «Stepovy», Large White foreign (LW (FS)) and Landrace of French (L (FS)) selection took place in the conditions of SVC «Agrofirm «Mig-Service-Agro» of the Mykolaiv region. A comparative assessment of fattening and meat qualities of young animals of the following combinations: I – DUSS×♂DUSS – control group, II – ♀LW(ZS)×♂DUSS, III – ♀DUSS×♂LW(ZS), IV – ♀L(FS)×♂DUSS, V – ♀DUSS×♂L(FS) – experimental groups, when animals reach a live weight of 100, 120 and 140 kg. The highest fattening rates for three variants of fattening had young animals obtained from a combination of sows of the interbreed type «Stepovy» with boars of the Landrace breed. The expediency of fattening these pigs to high weight conditions was noted, as they maintained a high growth rate during fattening to a live weight of 140 kg. The greatest value of the complex index of fattening and meat qualities had animals of the V experimental group in the range of 211.9-203.6. When the animals reached a live weight of 100-140 kg, the lowest value of this indicator was characterized by animals of the II experimental group. It was found that the relative rate of meat yield at the slaughter of 100-140 kg was different and depended on the genotype of the animals and was in terms of groups – 64.12–53.81 %. After the meat came out of the carcass, purebred animals of the interbreed type of the Duroc breed of the Ukrainian selection «Stepovy» (I control group), local young growth of a combination ♀DUSS×♂L(FS) were better, at them at slaughter in 100–140 kg relative exit m was: 63.90–56.14 % and 64.12–57.53 %, respectively.
SOME ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS ORGANIZATION OF BREEDING CATTLE
Authors: Goncharenko I. V. , Grishko S. I.
Published: August 2021

The article provides an overview of trade fairs for breeding cows at the international and regional levels in a historical context. The purpose of such exhibitions is an exchange of practical experience in breeding cattle of various breeds, promotion of selection achievements of the best farm businesses, identification of champion cows based on comprehensive assessment. An animal exhibition is also a show consisting of various entertainments, contests, including events for children. This is a place for spending time with one’s family, for communication, having meals, buying souvenirs, etc.
The paper offers a description of the summarized experience accumulated and acquired at international cow exhibitions in foreign countries. Using “The Royal” exhibition as an example (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), an insight is provided into certain features of preparing cows for exhibition or subtle details of cow styling.
It has become customary in Ukraine to hold Agroindustrial Exhibition in early June on the premises of the Expocentre of Ukraine, National Complex in Kyiv. One of the major events of this exhibition is the Animal EX display – demonstration and auction of breeding animals. CHAIKA State-Owned Company (Boryspil District, Kyiv Region) is a permanent participant in cow exhibitions. The article provides an analysis of milk productivity of show cows during higher lactation (both in the first 305 days of lactation and in the entire lactation period), including per generation, within a decade (2011-2019). In that period show animals also withdrew from the herd, so their lifetime production and breeding capacity were also assessed.
It is concluded that cattle exhibitions are one of the main tools for selection and pedigree breeding. Such events are necessary for the successful development of dairy cattle breeding, for exchange of experience, development of new methods of selection, animal management and feeding technologies, an extension of the information field in that sphere.
Analisis Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Ketidakadekuatan Kontraksi pada Ibu Inpartu
Authors: Mualia Erlin Evo , Taqiah Yusrah , Sunarti
Published: August 2021

Kontraksi uterus merupakan salah satu faktor yang paling penting dalam proses persalinan. Kontraksi sangat penting perannya dalam proses persalinan, maka dari itu sangat bahaya jika ibu menjelang persalinan namun mengalami permasalahan kontraksi seperti kontraksi yang tidakadekuat karena dapat beresiko menyebabkan komplikasi dalam persalinan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis faktor yang berhubungan dengan ketidakadekuatan kontraksi pada ibu inpartu di ruang bersalin RSUD Batara Siang Kab. Pangkep Tahun 2020. Desain penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional study. Teknik penentuan sampel dengan menggunakan teknik accidental sampling dengan besar sampel sebanyak 26 ibu. Uji pengaruh dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji Chi Square dengan tingkat kemaknaan α<0,05. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ibu usianya berisiko tinggi cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 64,7% dengan nilai ρ=0,218, ibu yang paritasnya berisiko tinggi lebih cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 86,7% dengan nilai ρ=0,000, ibu yang jarak kelahiran <2 tahun lebih cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 73,7% dengan nilai ρ=0,001, ibu yang memiliki status gizi tidak normal lebih cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 73,3% dengan nilai ρ=0,054, ibu yang stres berat lebih cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 68,8% dengan nilai ρ=0,105, ibu yang memiliki aktivitas fisik sedang lebih cenderung kontraksi uterus tidak adekuat sebanyak 72,7% dengan nilai ρ=0,209. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah ada hubungan paritas dan jarak kelahiran ibu dengan ketidakadekuatan kontraksi pada ibu inpartu di ruang bersalin RSUD Batara Siang Kab. Pangkep dan tidak ada hubungan usia, status gizi, tingkat stres dan aktivitas fisik ibu dengan ketidakadekuatan kontraksi pada ibu inpartu di ruang bersalin RSUD Batara Siang Kab. Pangkep. Untuk itu, maka diharapkan ibu hamil untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang kehamilan dan persalinan khususnya ketidakadekuatan kontraksi pada ibu inpartu dengan berkonsultasi dengan petugas kesehatan demi mengurangi potensi komplikasi selama persalinan.
Evolution of Freight Villages and Dry Ports from the Macro Logistics Perspective Based on European Benchmarking 2020
Authors: Oláh Judit , Nestler Steffen , Nobel Thomas , Popp József
Published: August 2021

Being the initiator of the German and European Freight Village ranking, Deutsche GVZ-Gesellschaft (DGG) has the methodical know how to create the benchmarking studies. In this ranking approximately 100 Freight Village locations were analysed and evaluated. The research was based on the generation of an uniform understanding, which was focused on intermodality and the significant distinctive management structures. This data led to a qualitative and detailed overview. Because of the positive response, we were motivated to start the second ranking in 2015, as well as the update in 2019/2020. The results of the ranking show important basics and facts, which demonstrate the importance of the Freight Villages and strengthened their role as central, intermodal logistics nodes. Moreover, the responsible decision makers in the Freight Villages benefit from the results of the benchmarking. Many management companies use their placement in the ranking for public relations activities. Good placements or improvements are important instruments in marketing strategies.
A STUDY OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN TEACHERS’ TEACHING STYLES AND STUDENTS’ PARTICIPATION MOTIVATION IN THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Yang Cheng-Bo , Dong Min-Kai
Published: August 2021

Based on Self-determination Theory (SDT), this research intends to analyze the effect of different physical education (PE) teachers’ teaching styles on students’ class participation motivation in universities. Students of some universities and colleges in Sichuan Province and Shanghai Municipality, China, are researched. Total 871 valid copies of questionnaire are retrieved for testing the research hypotheses. The results reveal positive correlation between incentive, intelligence inspiration and the intrinsic motivation of student learning as well as between charisma and the extrinsic motivation of student learning in transformational leadership. In transactional leadership, contingent reward and positive involving management show positive relationship with the intrinsic motivation of student learning, and negative involving management also presents positive relationship with the extrinsic motivation of student learning. Finally, it is suggested that PE teachers should build the situation which could satisfy the needs of autonomy, sense of competence and sense of belonging as well as create the physical education environment which could satisfy basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and sense of belonging to reinforce students’ positive motivation on physical education. Sports education is the most important education to develop the students’ physical and mental health.
Keywords: self-determination theory, physical education, teacher’s leadership, participation motivation.
THE EFFECTS OF COMBINING INQUIRY-BASED TEACHING WITH SCIENCE MAGIC ON THE LEARNING OUTCOMES OF A FRICTION UNIT
Authors: Lin Jang-Long , Cheng Meng-Fei , Lin Shih-Yin , Chang Jih-Yuan , Chang Ying-Chi , Li Hsiao-Wen , Lin Deng-Min
Published: August 2021

This research used a quasi-experimental method to explore whether integrating Science Magic (SM) into 5E Learning Cycle (5ELC) in the development of teaching materials for a friction unit would impact students’ learning outcomes and attitudes toward science. A total of 68 eighth-grade students were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught using teaching materials and methods developed using the SM-based 5ELC, while the control group adhered solely to textbook-based materials, which were also based on the 5ELC but did not involve SM activities. Two major findings were obtained in this research. First, learning effects for the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group, especially in relation to characteristics of static friction, factors that affect friction, and relationships between frictional and normal force. Second, the experimental group showed significant improvements in their attitudes toward science when juxtaposed with the control group.
Keywords: attitudes toward science, friction concepts, inquiry-based teaching strategy, science magic.
FOR HUMANIZATION AND HISTORICISM: HOW WELL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS KNOW AND WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT CHEMICAL EPONYMS
Authors: Slabin Uladzimir , Krasitski Vasili
Published: August 2021

Chemical eponyms possess important didactic and axiological potential that can be utilized for implementation of the principles of humanization and historicism manifested in national educational standards. This study focused on students’ knowledge and views of eponyms in the light of history of science. 22 general chemistry students of Belarusian State University, 131 students of general and 119 students of organic chemistry of University of Oregon, all different majors, were surveyed on their knowledge and views of eponyms using a 24-item online questionnaire. Mann-Whitney coefficients were calculated to establish significant differences and Pearson chi-square test was applied to find correlations. It was found that students’ knowledge and views of eponyms are defined mostly by major: students majoring in teaching chemistry showed higher knowledge and expressed more positive views of eponyms than those majoring in non-teaching, non-chemistry and especially non-science. Other factors include students’ learning experience and study intensiveness. While didactic potential of eponyms is utilized anyway, utilization of their axiological potential depends on instructor’s willingness and mastery and should not be exaggerated as vehicles for the principles of humanization and historicism. Keywords: chemical education, chemical eponym, named reaction, humanization, historicism, history of science.
Menilik Niat Masyarakat berpartisipasi dalam Crowdfunding pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19: (Studi Implementasi konsep Planned Behaviour Theory)
Authors: Putra Purnama
Published: August 2021

The Corona Virus Disease (COVID19) which began to spread throughout the world from 2020 mid-2021 has become a pandemic graphically experiencing several large waves that consistently take lives and have a sharp multidimensional impact. Islam teaches to always give alms both in difficult and happy situations which until now have been embedded in people's lives to care for others to the best of their ability. The crowdfunding movement is an embodiment of social care. This study aims to analyze what factors influence people to participate in the crowdfunding movement for solidarity in the pandemic era using the Planned Behavior Theory concept approach. The sample used in this study was 250 people, but only 235 data could be processed further using multiple regression analysis. The result of data processing is that the variables of attitude, subjective norm and perceived control simultaneously have a significant positive effect on public participation in the crowdfunding movement. The hope for further research is to take steps to optimize these factors in increasing public participation in crowdfunding as a form of social awareness and deepening related to crowdfunding management itself.
Pesquisa e intervenção em psicologia sócio-histórica: temas emergentes e práticas contemporâneas
Authors: Alves Alvaro Marcel Palomo , Zaniani Edneia José Martins , Moura Renata Heller de
Published: August 2021

A obra trata da importância da psicologia sócio-histórica no cenário brasileiro. Este referencial teórico é baseado no materialismo histórico e se desenvolveu no final da década de 1970 e 1980, se configurando como uma das vertentes mais pesquisadas no cenário brasileiro. Foram reunidas pesquisas teóricas e de campo, com uma variedade de temas que vão desde a gênese da afetividade e criatividade, até o trabalho com jovens e adolescentes em privação de liberdade, reforma psiquiátrica e Sistema Único de Saúde. O lançamento do livro procura agregar diferentes pesquisadoras(es) de universidades do Paraná e São Paulo, todas(os) ligadas(os) à programas de pós-graduação ou residências profissionais reconhecidos pelo MEC e CAPES. Esperamos que a obra preencha um espaço no mercado editorial brasileiro, ainda em expansão quanto às possibilidades de atuação profissional mediadas pela psicologia sócio-histórica.
Progressing Plastics Circularity: A Review of Mechano-Biocatalytic Approaches for Waste Plastic (Re)valorization
Authors: Nikolaivits Efstratios , Pantelic Brana , Azeem Muhammad , Taxeidis George , Babu Ramesh , Topakas Evangelos , Brennan Fournet Margaret , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina
Published: August 2021

Graphical Abstract
Ecosystem Readiness: Blockchain Adoption is Driven Externally
Authors: Lustenberger Michael , Malešević Saša , Spychiger Florian
Published: August 2021

Blockchain technology has been extensively tested, implemented, used, or even abandoned by organizations. Whether organizations adopt blockchain technology depends on many factors. Previous literature has identified a range of potential factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology, but most studies have focused solely on a subset of specific factors. As a result, these studies can provide only limited explanations for the varying degrees of blockchain adoption. By relying on the well-established Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, we propose an extended Blockchain Adoption Model (BAM). We derive a rich set of factors from the current state of research on blockchain adoption and the business ecosystem literature and extend them by conceptual reasoning. We then develop testable hypotheses for each of the identified factors. The resulting 14 hypotheses are tested by conducting a survey (n= 350) within the DACH-region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). We quantitatively analyze our BAM with a binary logistic regression analysis and identify six constructs impacting the adoption (relative advantage, observability, organizational age, external stakeholder pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and scope of business ecosystem). Based on our findings we introduce the novel idea of “ecosystem readiness” as the most important factor for the adoption of blockchain. Ecosystem readiness is characterized by the following attributes: 1) a large ecosystem scope, 2) stakeholders that are not yet collaborating in a trustful and regulated environment, and 3) a powerful organization leading the ecosystem. This powerful organization further intentionally promotes innovation by 4) making the benefits of this new technology observable for others, by 5) putting pressure on the other ecosystem participants to adopt the new technology, and eventually by 6) striving for regulatory certainty in the application and use of blockchain.
A Hypothesis: Linking Phase Separation to Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and Sex-Body Formation
Authors: Xu Yiding , Qiao Huanyu
Published: August 2021

During meiotic prophase I, X and Y chromosomes in mammalian spermatocytes only stably pair at a small homologous region called the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). However, the rest of the sex chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed. The extensive asynapsis triggers transcriptional silencing - meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Along with MSCI, a special nuclear territory, sex body or XY body, forms. In the early steps of MSCI, DNA damage response (DDR) factors, such as BRCA1, ATR, and γH2AX, function as sensors and effectors of the silencing signals. Downstream canonical repressive histone modifications, including methylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation, are responsible for the transcriptional repression of the sex chromosomes. Nevertheless, mechanisms of the sex-body formation remain unclear. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) may drive the formation of several chromatin subcompartments, such as pericentric heterochromatin, nucleoli, inactive X chromosomes. Although several proteins involved in phase separation are found in the sex bodies, when and whether these proteins exert functions in the sex-body formation and MSCI is still unknown. Here, we reviewed recent publications on the mechanisms of MSCI and LLPS, pointed out the potential link between LLPS and the formation of sex bodies, and discussed its implications for future research.
SUMOylation in Phytopathogen Interactions: Balancing Invasion and Resistance
Authors: Sharma Manisha , Fuertes Diana , Perez-Gil Jordi , Lois L. Maria
Published: August 2021

Plants are constantly confronted by a multitude of biotic stresses involving a myriad of pathogens. In crops, pathogen infections result in significant agronomical losses worldwide posing a threat to food security. In order to enter plant tissues and establish a successful infection, phytopathogens have to surpass several physical, and chemical defense barriers. In recent years, post-translational modification (PTM) mechanisms have emerged as key players in plant defense against pathogens. PTMs allow a highly dynamic and rapid response in front of external challenges, increasing the complexity and precision of cellular responses. In this review, we focus on the role of SUMO conjugation (SUMOylation) in plant immunity against fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In plants, SUMO regulates multiple biological processes, ranging from development to responses arising from environmental challenges. During pathogen attack, SUMO not only modulates the activity of plant defense components, but also serves as a target of pathogen effectors, highlighting its broad role in plant immunity. Here, we summarize known pathogenic strategies targeting plant SUMOylation and, the plant SUMO conjugates involved in host-pathogen interactions. We also provide a catalog of candidate SUMO conjugates according to their role in defense responses. Finally, we discuss the complex role of SUMO in plant defense, focusing on key biological and experimental aspects that contribute to some controversial conclusions, and the opportunities for improving agricultural productivity by engineering SUMOylation in crop species.
Allele-Specific Gene Editing Rescues Pathology in a Human Model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2E
Authors: Feliciano Carissa M. , Wu Kenneth , Watry Hannah L. , Marley Chiara B. E. , Ramadoss Gokul N. , Ghanim Hana Y. , Liu Angela Z. , Zholudeva Lyandysha V. , McDevitt Todd C. , Saporta Mario A. , Conklin Bruce R. , Judge Luke M.
Published: August 2021

Many neuromuscular disorders are caused by dominant missense mutations that lead to dominant-negative or gain-of-function pathology. This category of disease is challenging to address via drug treatment or gene augmentation therapy because these strategies may not eliminate the effects of the mutant protein or RNA. Thus, effective treatments are severely lacking for these dominant diseases, which often cause severe disability or death. The targeted inactivation of dominant disease alleles by gene editing is a promising approach with the potential to completely remove the cause of pathology with a single treatment. Here, we demonstrate that allele-specific CRISPR gene editing in a human model of axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease rescues pathology caused by a dominant missense mutation in the neurofilament light chain gene (NEFL, CMT type 2E). We utilized a rapid and efficient method for generating spinal motor neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a patient with CMT2E. Diseased motor neurons recapitulated known pathologic phenotypes at early time points of differentiation, including aberrant accumulation of neurofilament light chain protein in neuronal cell bodies. We selectively inactivated the disease NEFL allele in patient iPSCs using Cas9 enzymes to introduce a frameshift at the pathogenic N98S mutation. Motor neurons carrying this allele-specific frameshift demonstrated an amelioration of the disease phenotype comparable to that seen in an isogenic control with precise correction of the mutation. Our results validate allele-specific gene editing as a therapeutic approach for CMT2E and as a promising strategy to silence dominant mutations in any gene for which heterozygous loss-of-function is well tolerated. This highlights the potential for gene editing as a therapy for currently untreatable dominant neurologic diseases.
Atomic Clusters: Structure, Reactivity, Bonding, and Dynamics
Authors: Pal Ranita , Poddar Arpita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: August 2021

Atomic clusters lie somewhere in between isolated atoms and extended solids with distinctly different reactivity patterns. They are known to be useful as catalysts facilitating several reactions of industrial importance. Various machine learning based techniques have been adopted in generating their global minimum energy structures. Bond-stretch isomerism, aromatic stabilization, Rener-Teller effect, improved superhalogen/superalkali properties, and electride characteristics are some of the hallmarks of these clusters. Different all-metal and nonmetal clusters exhibit a variety of aromatic characteristics. Some of these clusters are dynamically stable as exemplified through their fluxional behavior. Several of these cluster cavitands are found to be agents for effective confinement. The confined media cause drastic changes in bonding, reactivity, and other properties, for example, bonding between two noble gas atoms, and remarkable acceleration in the rate of a chemical reaction under confinement. They have potential to be good hydrogen storage materials and also to activate small molecules for various purposes. Many atomic clusters show exceptional opto-electronic, magnetic, and nonlinear optical properties. In this Review article, we intend to highlight all these aspects.
A Facile Fabrication of ZnFe2O4/Sepiolite Composite with Excellent Photocatalytic Performance on the Removal of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Zhang Caihong , Han Xiaoyu , Wang Fei , Wang Lijuan , Liang Jinsheng
Published: August 2021

The excellent photo-response of ZnFe2O4 in the visible light region makes it a promising catalyst, whereas some defects like serious particle agglomeration and easy recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs hinder its application. In this work, the ZnFe2O4/sepiolite (ZF-Sep) composites were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The obtained ZF-Sep composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XPS, BET, VSM and DRS. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the tetracycline hydrochloride removal efficiency under simulated visible light illumination. The results displayed that the ZnFe2O4 with average sizes about 20 nm were highly dispersed on sepiolite nanofibers. All the composites exhibited better photocatalytic performance than pure ZnFe2O4 due to the synergistic effect of the improvement on the agglomeration phenomenon of ZnFe2O4 and the reduction on the recombination rate of photo-generated electrons and holes. The optimum removal efficiency was that of the ZF-Sep-11 composite, which reached 93.6% within 3 h. Besides, the composite exhibited an excellent stability and reusability. Therefore, ZF-Sep composite is a promising catalyst for the treatment of wastewater contained antibiotics.
Novel Mouse Models of Fungal Asthma
Authors: Daines Michael , Pereira Rhea , Cunningham Aubrey , Pryor Barry , Besselsen David G. , Liu Yuchen , Luo Qianwen , Chen Yin
Published: August 2021

Alternaria alternata is a ubiquitous fungus and a major allergen associated with the development of asthma. Inhalation of intact spores is the primary cause of human exposure to fungal allergen. However, allergen-rich cultured fungal filtrates are oftentimes used in the current models of fungal sensitization that do not fully reflect real-life exposures. Thus, establishing novel spore exposure models is imperative. In this study, we established novel fungal exposure models of both adult and neonate to live spores. We examined pathophysiological changes in the spore models as compared to the non-exposure controls and also to the conventional filtrate models. While both Alternaria filtrate- and spore-exposed adult BALB/c mice developed elevated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), filtrates induced a greater IgE mediated response and higher broncholavage eosinophils than spores. In contrast, the mice exposed to Alternaria spores had higher numbers of neutrophils. Both exposures induced comparable levels of lung tissue inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia (MCM). In the neonatal model, exposure to Alternaria spores resulted in a significant increase of AHR in both adult and neonatal mice. Increased levels of IgE in both neonatal and adult mice exposed to spores was associated with increased eosinophilia in the treatment groups. Adult demonstrated increased numbers of lymphocytes that was paralleled by increased IgG1 production. Both adults and neonates demonstrated similarly increased eosinophilia, IgE, tissue inflammation and MCM.
An Improved Integral Inequality for Delay-Dependent Gain-Scheduled LPV Control
Authors: Tasoujian Shahin , Grigoriadis Karolos , Franchek Matthew
Published: August 2021

The present work examines the delay-dependent gain-scheduling feedback control with guaranteed closed-loop stability and induced L2 norm performance for continuous-time linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems with arbitrary time-varying delay. An extension of Lyapunov stability utilizing Krasovskii functionals is considered to derive stability analysis and synthesis conditions for delay-dependent dynamic output feedback LPV control design. The main challenges associated with this approach are selecting appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) and finding efficient integral inequalities to bound the derivative of the LKF. Accordingly, a novel modified parameter-dependent LKF candidate along with an affine version of Jensen’s inequality bounding technique are employed leading to the derivation of less conservative sufficient conditions expressed in terms of convex linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The proposed methodology is compared with past work in the literature in terms of conservatism reduction and performance improvement through a numerical example. Finally, the application of the proposed output-feedback LPV control design is evaluated on the automated mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) regulation in critical patient resuscitation via vasoactive drug infusion. Closed-loop simulation results are presented to illustrate the potential of the introduced LPV gain-scheduling design to provide MAP set-point tracking in the presence of disturbances and varying input delays.
Optical Properties and Biochemical Indices of Marine Particles in the Open Mediterranean Sea: The R/V Maria S. Merian Cruise, March 2018
Authors: Chaikalis Spyros , Parinos Constantine , Möbius Jürgen , Gogou Alexandra , Velaoras Dimitris , Hainbucher Dagmar , Sofianos Sarantis , Tanhua Toste , Cardin Vanessa , Proestakis Emmanouil , Amiridis Vassilis , Androni Afrodite , Karageorgis Aristomenis
Published: August 2021

A rich data set on particulate matter optical properties and parameters (beam attenuation coefficient, volume concentration, particle size and PSD slope), accompanied by measurements of biochemical indices (particulate organic carbon, particulate nitrogen and their stable isotopic composition) was obtained from the surface to deep waters across the Mediterranean Sea, in March-April 2018. A decrease of beam attenuation coefficients, total particle volume concentrations, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations was noted towards the eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMed) in comparison to the western Mediterranean Sea (WMed). LISST-derived optical properties were significantly correlated with water mass characteristics. Overall, the most turbid water mass identified in the Mediterranean Sea was the Surface Atlantic water (AW), and the most transparent was the Transitional Mediterranean Water (TMW) in the Cretan Sea, whereas a general decrease in particulate matter concentration is observed from the WMed towards the EMed. Relatively depleted δ13C-POC values in the particle pool of the open Mediterranean Sea can be attributed to contribution from terrestrial inputs, mainly via atmospheric deposition. Throughout the entire water column, a significant positive correlation between particle beam attenuation coefficient and particulate organic carbon concentration is observed in the open Mediterranean Sea. Such relationship suggests the predominance of organic particles with biogenic origin. POC concentration and particle median diameter D50 are significantly and negatively correlated both in the WMed and the EMed Sea, confirming that small particles are POC-rich. At depth, a prominent decrease of most measured parameters was observed, with the exception of particle median diameter that increased substantially in the EMed towards the deep sea, suggesting potentially enhanced aggregation processes. The low particle size distribution slope ξ observed in the EMed, corresponding to larger particle populations, supports the above notion. Basin-wide Rayleigh-type isotopic fractionation in vertical profiles of δ15N-PN across the Mediterranean Sea, underlines the differences in the trophic characters of the two sub-basins and highlights the role of circulation changes on biogeochemical parameters and the redistribution of particulate matter as a source of nutrients in the water column.
Does SWPBIS Increase Teachers’ Collective Efficacy? Evidence From a Quasi-experiment
Authors: Deltour Caroline , Dachet Dylan , Monseur Christian , Baye Ariane
Published: August 2021

Teachers’ collective efficacy is predictive of students’ success. School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports implementation requires the whole team to set itself common goals regarding behavior management. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term effects of a SWPBIS intervention on teachers’ collective efficacy. Nine schools and 139 teachers and staff members (nintervention = 74,ncontrol = 65) took part in the study. The study shows that SWPBIS implementation has a positive effect on teachers’ collective efficacy both for primary and secondary schools at post-test 1 (ES = +0.80) and 2 (ES = +0.71). Differences are observed at baseline and at posttests according to the educational level. The link between subscales of a school climate instrument and teachers’ collective efficacy is also investigated. The “structure for learning” subscale explains the greatest variance in collective efficacy.
GH and IGF System: The Regulatory Role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in Cancer
Authors: Catellani Cecilia , Ravegnini Gloria , Sartori Chiara , Angelini Sabrina , Street Maria E.
Published: August 2021

Growth hormone (GH) and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system are involved in many biological processes and have growth-promoting actions regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. A recent chapter in epigenetics is represented by microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which regulate gene expression. Dysregulated miRNAs and lncRNAs have been associated with several diseases including cancer. Herein we report the most recent findings concerning miRNAs and lncRNAs regulating GH and the IGF system in the context of pituitary adenomas, osteosarcoma and colorectal cancer, shedding light on new possible therapeutic targets. Pituitary adenomas are increasingly common intracranial tumors and somatotroph adenomas determine supra-physiological GH secretion and cause acromegaly. Osteosarcoma is the most frequent bone tumor in children and adolescents and was reported in adults who were treated with GH in childhood. Colorectal cancer is the third cancer in the world and has a higher prevalence in acromegalic patients.
Optimum Layout of Multiple Tree-type Boreholes in Low-Permeability Coal Seams to Improve Methane Drainage Performance
Authors: Zhang Liang , Qi Qingjie , Deng Kai , Zuo Shaojie , Liu YingJie
Published: August 2021

Extracting coal mine methane (CMM) is important for underground mining safety. The tree-type borehole drainage (TTBD) technique can effectively remove methane from coal seams. Determining a suitable drilling pattern for multiple tree-type boreholes will promote the efficient application of this technique in coal mines. Aimed at solving the problem that the optimum methane extraction layout for multiple tree-type boreholes is unclear, this study first constructed a full-coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model to simulate methane flow in coal. This model and data from a coal mine were used to investigate the effect of multiple tree-type borehole layouts, tree-type borehole spacing, different Langmuir volume and different Langmuir pressure constants, and initial coal permeabilities on CMM drainage. The results show that the different tree-type borehole layouts result in significant differences in drainage and that the use of a rhombic sub-borehole layout can reduce the methane pre-drainage time by up to 44.4%. As the tree-type borehole spacing increases, the total time required for pre-drainage increases as a power function. As the Langmuir pressure constant, the fracture permeability, or the matrix permeability increases, the effective drainage zone expands. The effective drainage zone also expands when the Langmuir volume constant decreases but all these changes are accompanied by a shortening of the drainage completion time. These results can provide a reliable basis for optimizing tree-type borehole drilling layouts.
Evaluation of Magnetic Stirring and Aeration on Electrocoagulation Performance in Actual Industrial Treatment
Authors: Trinh Dang Trung Tri , Binh Quach An , Ty Tran Van , Channei Duangdao , Nakaruk Auppatham , Khanitchaidecha Wilawan
Published: August 2021

Agitation was a significant factor in achieving the high performance of the electrocoagulation (EC) system. Three EC systems with four parellal monopolar Al electrodes were established to clarify the influence of agitation methods on pollutants removal efficiency; magnetic stirring, continuous aeration, and combination of magnetic stirring and aeration. The aim of this work was to maximize industrial wastewater treatment in a short detention time and to understand the mechanisms that occurred in different EC systems. The coolant wastewater from the aluminum product industry was represented as industrial wastewater. The hybrid stirring-aeration EC system obtained a lower COD removal compared to the stirring EC system and the aeration EC system. Although aeration can cause an increase in COD removal due to complete circulation and effective coagulant formation of Fe (OH), however, the combination of aeration and stirring negatively affected the performance of CE. The possible reason was that the excessive agitation led to a rapid mixing of the solution, and then the coagulants and pollutants obtained insufficient time to form flocs to precipitate. The best EC performance was observed in the aeration EC system, followed by the stirring EC system, control system (without agitations), and the stirring aeration EC system, respectively, in the short detention time of 15 min. Furthermore, all EC systems could achieve an excellent COD removal of 91% when the detention time was sufficient (eg, 45 min for the stirring aeration EC system). Furthermore, the decreasing number of electrodes affected the COD removal efficiency, whereas the NaCl additive was insignificantly affected.
Multimodal Aposematic Defenses Through the Predation Sequence
Authors: Winters Anne E. , Lommi Jenna , Kirvesoja Jimi , Nokelainen Ossi , Mappes Johanna
Published: August 2021

Aposematic organisms warn predators of their unprofitability using a combination of defenses, including visual warning signals, startling sounds, noxious odors, or aversive tastes. Using multiple lines of defense can help prey avoid predators by stimulating multiple senses and/or by acting at different stages of predation. We tested the efficacy of three lines of defense (color, smell, taste) during the predation sequence of aposematic wood tiger moths (Arctia plantaginis) using blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) predators. Moths with two hindwing phenotypes (genotypes: WW/Wy = white, yy = yellow) were manipulated to have defense fluid with aversive smell (methoxypyrazines), body tissues with aversive taste (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) or both. In early predation stages, moth color and smell had additive effects on bird approach latency and dropping the prey, with the strongest effect for moths of the white morph with defense fluids. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestration was detrimental in early attack stages, suggesting a trade-off between pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestration and investment in other defenses. In addition, pyrrolizidine alkaloid taste alone did not deter bird predators. Birds could only effectively discriminate toxic moths from non-toxic moths when neck fluids containing methoxypyrazines were present, at which point they abandoned attack at the consumption stage. As a result, moths of the white morph with an aversive methoxypyrazine smell and moths in the treatment with both chemical defenses had the greatest chance of survival. We suggest that methoxypyrazines act as context setting signals for warning colors and as attention alerting or “go-slow” signals for distasteful toxins, thereby mediating the relationship between warning signal and toxicity. Furthermore, we found that moths that were heterozygous for hindwing coloration had more effective defense fluids compared to other genotypes in terms of delaying approach and reducing the latency to drop the moth, suggesting a genetic link between coloration and defense that could help to explain the color polymorphism. Conclusively, these results indicate that color, smell, and taste constitute a multimodal warning signal that impedes predator attack and improves prey survival. This work highlights the importance of understanding the separate roles of color, smell and taste through the predation sequence and also within-species variation in chemical defenses.
Hyper- and Hypo-Osmoregulatory Performance of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Smolts Infected With Pomphorhynchus tereticollis (Acanthocephala)
Authors: Finlay Ross W. , Poole Russell , Rogan Ger , Dillane Eileen , Cotter Deirdre , Reed Thomas E.
Published: August 2021

Migratory species must cope with different parasite communities in different environments, but little is known about the ecophysiological effects of parasites on migratory performance. Some species/strains of acanthocephalan parasites in the genus Pomphorhynchus use anadromous salmonids as preferred definitive hosts, perforating the intestines, destroying mucosa and inducing inflammation–all of which might affect osmoregulatory function during transition between freshwater and marine environments. We used genetic barcoding to identify acanthocephalans in the intestines of wild Irish Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts as being the recently taxonomically resurrected species Pomphorhynchus tereticollis. We then investigated whether natural infection intensities of this parasite were associated with reduced osmoregulatory performance, as measured by plasma chloride concentrations, or potentially elevated stress, as measured by blood glucose, of hosts in freshwater or saltwater environments (24 or 72 h in ∼26PPT salt water, reflecting salinities of coastal waters through which smolts migrate). Although infection prevalence was high amongst sampled smolts, no associations were found within or across treatment groups between parasite abundance and plasma chloride concentrations or blood glucose levels. We found no intestinal perforations that would indicate P. tereticollis had recently vacated the intestines of smolts in either of the saltwater groups. Exploratory sampling in the 2 years preceding the experiment indicated that parasite prevalence and abundance are consistently high and comparable to the experimental individuals. Collectively, these results indicate that naturally occurring abundances of P. tereticollis do not reduce osmoregulatory function or affect blood glucose content in fresh water or within 72 h of entering coastal waters, although delayed pathologies affecting marine survival may occur. Future consideration of ecophysiological interactions between anadromous fish hosts and their parasites across different osmotic environments should provide general insights into coevolution between migratory hosts and their parasites.
Identification of a Costimulatory Molecule-Related Signature for Predicting Prognostic Risk in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ge Shengdong , Hua Xiaoliang , Chen Juan , Xiao Haibing , Zhang Li , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao , Tai Sheng
Published: August 2021

Costimulatory molecules have been proven to enhance antitumor immune responses, but their roles in prostate cancer (PCa) remain unexplored. In this study, we aimed to explore the gene expression profiles of costimulatory molecule genes in PCa and construct a prognostic signature to improve treatment decision making and clinical outcomes. Five prognosis-related costimulatory molecule genes (RELT, TNFRSF25, EDA2R, TNFSF18, and TNFSF10) were identified, and a prognostic signature was constructed based on these five genes. This signature was an independent prognostic factor according to multivariate Cox regression analysis; it could stratify PCa patients into two subgroups with different prognoses and was highly associated with clinical features. The prognostic significance of the signature was well validated in four different independent external datasets. Moreover, patients identified as high risk based on our prognostic signature exhibited a high mutation frequency, a high level of immune cell infiltration and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, our signature could provide clinicians with prognosis predictions and help guide treatment for PCa patients.
Genetic Polymorphism of Vitamin D Family Genes CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1 Are Associated With a High Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Minxian , Zhang Ru , Wang Min , Zhang Liuxin , Ding Yajie , Tang Zongzhe , Wang Hongliang , Zhang Wei , Chen Yue , Wang Jie
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous studies have highlighted the important role of vitamin D and calcium pathway genes in immune modulation, cell differentiation and proliferation, and inflammation regulation, all closely implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether 11 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D and calcium pathway genes (CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1) are associated with the risk of NAFLD.

Methods

In this case-control study, a total of 3,023 subjects were enrolled, including 1,114 NAFLD cases and 1,909 controls. Eleven genetic variants in CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1 genes were genotyped. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of these variants on NAFLD risk. The functional annotations of positive SNPs were further evaluated by bioinformatics analysis.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender, and metabolic measures, we identified that CYP24A1 rs2296241 variant genotypes (recessive model: OR, 1.316; 95% CI, 1.048–1.653; p = 0.018), rs2248359 variant genotypes (recessive model: OR, 1.315; 95% CI, 1.033–1.674; p = 0.026), and CYP27B1 rs4646536 variant genotypes (additive model: OR, 1.147; 95% CI, 1.005–1.310; p = 0.042) were associated with an elevated risk of NAFLD. In combined effects analysis, we found that NAFLD risk significantly increased among patients carrying more rs2296241-A, rs2248359-T, and rs4646536-T alleles (ptrend = 0.049). Multivariate stepwise analysis indicated that age, visceral obesity, ALT, γ-GT, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, low HDL-C, hyperglycemia, and unfavorable alleles were independent predictors of NAFLD (all p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.789 for all the above factors.

Conclusion

The polymorphisms of vitamin family genes CYP24A1 (rs2296241, CYP24A1, and rs2248359) and CYP27B1 (rs4646536) were associated with NAFLD risk in Chinese Han population, which might provide new insight into NAFLD pathogenesis and tools for screening high-risk population.