bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sebaceous carcinoma of the male breast
Authors: Rath Satyajeet
Published: April 2021

Sebaceous carcinoma of the male breast is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Literature is inadequate about the prognosis and treatment of such malignancies. We report histo-pathological and immuno-histochemical (IHC) findings in a case of sebaceous carcinoma of breast of a 60-year-old male. An initial biopsy suggested sebaceous carcinoma. Total mastectomy was performed, followed by local radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The receptor status was triple negative. Pan cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen were positive, whereas S-100 was focally positive and HMB-45 and Melan A were negative. IHC is central to diagnosis and differentiation of these rare kind of tumours from the common invasive ductal carcinomas. The exact line of treatment following excision of the tumour is unclear. Local radiotherapy is generally indicated, whereas the role of adjuvant chemotherapy is uncertain. Wider reporting of such cases will help in widening the horizon of prognosis and management of these tumours.
Визначення міокардіальної роботи – нова концепція неінвазивної оцінки систолічної функції лівого шлуночка
Authors: Kolesnyk M.Yu.
Published: April 2021

Assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a mandatory component of cardiovascular diseases diagnostics. In clinical practice, the main parameters are the ejection fraction and LV global longitudinal strain. Both parameters have a number of limitations, including dependence on afterload. This review describes a new technique for non-invasive assessment of global and segmental myocardial contractility based on the calculation of myocardial work by analyzing pressure-strain curves. The main advantage of the technique is the ability to take into account the afterload conditions by the traditional measurement of blood pressure on the brachial artery. The characteristics of the key parameters of the methodology (global work index, global constructive work, global effective and wasted work) as well as their normative values are presented. The stages of the analysis and the limitations of the method are described separately. The results of the main pilot studies of myocardial work parameters in various cardiovascular diseases are presented. Possibilities of the technique for characterizing LV segmental function in left bundle branch block, selection of patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy with subsequent response assessment are presented. The diagnostic and prognostic value of the parameters of myocardial work in arterial hypertension, acute and chronic forms of ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic heart failure are analyzed. The possibilities of the technique in assessing the effectiveness of therapy in patients with heart failure are described. Potential advantages of the parameters of myocardial work over other markers of LV systolic function, such as ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain, have been determined. The review is illustrated with clinical examples of the use of the technique for various cardiovascular diseases from our own practice.
Нові можливості оцінювання ризику розвитку госпітальних ускладнень у хворих з гострим інфарктом міокарда з елевацією сегмента ST за даними вивчення клітинного складу крові
Authors: Parkhomenko O. M. , Shumakov O. V. , Talayeva T. V. , Tretyak I. V. , Dovhan O. V.
Published: April 2021

The aim – to create a new method of assessing the development of hospital complications in STEMI patients by studying blood cell composition and its adaptation to practical application in general clinical practice.Materials and methods. The study was involved 317 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who was admitted from January 2014 to June 2020 to the intensive care unit. Some patients were evaluated retrospectively and were in group 1 (n=214). Group 2 – 103 patients, who were studied prospectively. The group of patients did not differ in clinical and anamnestic characteristics and treatment. An index of hospital complications was created for assessing the criteria of the severity of the clinical course.Results and discussion. A number of correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between white blood components, platelet heterogeneity and systemic inflammation, and the hospital complication index. On the basis of these data we have built a complex index – leukocyte-platelet index (LTI): LTI (conditional unit) = ((GRA – MON) / LYM) · 10 + PDWc + P-LCR, where: GRA is the number of granulocytes in the blood test, MON is the number of monocytes, LYM is the number of lymphocytes, PDWc is the percentage of platelet distribution by size, and P-LCR is the percentage of large (> 12fL) platelets. When assessing in group 1 correlations with the index of nosocomial complications and combined indicators: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the LTI index created by us showed the highest degree of correlation with the index of hospital complications (p<0.001 and p<0.0005, respectively). When the value of LTI > 137 conventional units can be judged on the increased risk of nosocomial complications of AMI (sensitivity 64 %, specificity 78 %, area under the curve 0.72). Thus, in a prospective approbation study, the LTI on the first day of AMI was significantly (p<0.05) better than other indicators, in particular, better than the widely used leukocyte marker NLR in determining the susceptibility to the undesirable course of the hospital period of the disease.Conclusions. The created computer algorithm for calculating the risk index of complications in patients with AMI on the first day can be widely implemented in modern health care facilities in Ukraine.
5+1 Newspaper Organizer: A Classroom Strategy for Developing Students’ Reading Skill
Authors: Nurlina Nurlina , Supiani Supiani , Perdana Iwan
Published: April 2021

The objectives of this study are to investigate the implementation of the 5+1 Newspaper Organizer as a strategy in developing the students’ reading skills and to find out the students’ and teacher’s responses when the 5+1 newspaper organizer strategy is implemented at the teaching and learning activities. The qualitative method is employed in this study in which the data are collected from observation, interview, and documentation at a junior high school in South Kalimantan province, Indonesia. The findings report that the use of 5+1 newspaper organizer contributed positively to students’ reading skill because it helped them find main ideas, the meaning of words, and the explicit and implicit information of the text easily. They worked collaboratively by sharing ideas and learning texts together. They were also engaged with the strategy and felt happy, enthusiastic, and active at the reading class because the teacher gave the students with more opportunity to work in a group without feeling shy or doubt to learn it. Therefore, the 5+1 Newspaper Organizer is an effective strategy for developing students’ reading ability.
Analisis Kepatuhan Syariah pada Bank Syariah: Studi Kasus Bank Pembiayaan Rakyat Syariah
Authors: Maslihatin Aini , Riduwan Riduwan
Published: April 2021

Sharia compliance is the adherence of Islamic banks to Islamic rules or laws in muamalah and is one of the factors that differentiate it from conventional banks. Therefore sharia compliance is a fundamental principle in Islamic banking practices. Muamalah law, especially the economy, has a high degree of difference, so the sharia compliance standards in Indonesia refer to the Fatwa of the National Sharia Council-Indonesian Ulama Council (DSN-MUI). This study aims to analyze the practice of sharia compliance in Islamic Rural Banks (BPRS) in Indonesia. The data analyzed is the assessment of the Sharia Supervisory Board (DPS) on the practice of BPRS for five years. The sample distribution covers all regions of Indonesia with 24 units of analysi with 46 respondenss. The data analysis used quantitative descriptive analysis and compared it with the DSN-MUI fatwa. This study's results indicate that the level of compliance with Islamic rural banks in Indonesia is, on average, excellent. Other findings show that, when viewed from the contract's practice, financing with a musyarakah contract has the highest level of sharia compliance compared to separate agreements. Meanwhile, the lowest sharia compliance is in the murabahah contract. This condition is influenced because Islamic banks often use the murabahah bil wakalah contract. The weakness of this contract lies in the procurement of goods by customers, often not accompanied by proof of purchase.
La construcción política de la frontera. Entre los discursos nacionalistas y la “producción” de trabajadores precarios
Authors: Stefoni Espinoza Carolina , Lube Guizardi Menara , Gonzálvez Torralbo Herminia
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo discute las políticas de control hacia los movimientos migratorios y la producción de población migrante destinada a “suplir” mercados laborales precarizados. Utilizamos como ejemplo analítico el caso de Chile y las medidas implementadas en 2018 por el gobierno nacional hacia la migración venezolana y haitiana. Analizamos de qué modo el proceso de fronterización permite comprender los ejercicios de delimitación cultural e identitaria de la nación, y la construcción de sujetos cuya inserción económica y social queda condicionada a espacios de vulnerabilidad. Para ello, presentaremos un estado del arte respecto del concepto de fronterización y caracterizaremos las principales políticas y medidas adoptadas por el gobierno de Chile hacia los flujos migratorios provenientes de Venezuela y Haití. Finalmente, entregamos las principales conclusiones que se derivan de estos casos, en particular los efectos de las medidas de control y gestión migratoria en la construcción diferenciada y selectiva de estos movimientos.
Política de visado y regulación de las fronteras. Un análisis desde la movilidad de haitianos en Sudamérica
Authors: Trabalón Carina
Published: April 2021

El presente trabajo busca abordar el nexo movilidad, fronteras y seguridad con relación al recorrido histórico reciente de la migración haitiana en Sudamérica, destacando para ello el papel que desempeñan los Estados en los procesos securitización, ilegalización y criminalización de las migraciones internacionales. Los objetivos se dirigen a profundizar el estudio de las condiciones de emergencia, efectos prácticos y fundamentos a través de los cuales se implementa la política de visado en Brasil, Chile y, con especial énfasis, en el marco nacional argentino. En este sentido, se adoptó una metodología cualitativa que incluyó el análisis de documentos tales como informes estadísticos, normativas y notas periodísticas que remiten, de manera situada, a la política de visado dirigida a personas de nacionalidad haitiana en cada uno de los países mencionados. El  artículo revela cómo ciertos grupos nacionales se incorporan a la agenda de seguridad por medio de prácticas estatales  selectivas que, bajo similares argumentos securitarios y humanitarios de control, posicionan al visado como mecanismo fundamental para la regulación de los  movimientos migratorios a través de las fronteras.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI DAN KESEJAHTERAAN TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN
Authors: Isrial Isrial , Sunarya Po Abas , Tarmizi Rasyid , Sany Mutiara Triana
Published: April 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh-pengaruh motivasi dan kesejahteraan terhadap kinerja

karyawan. Populasi sebanyak 388 yang merupakan karyawan tetap (dosen/non-dosen) di Universitas Mercu Buana,

kemudian diambil sampel berdasarkan rumus slovin sebanyak 200 responden. Adapun teknik pengambilan sampel

adalah purposive random sampling. Kemudian dilakukan analisis penelitian menggunakan metode SEM (structural

equation modeling) dengan software LISREL 8.8 untuk menguji validitas dan reliabilitas, serta menguji pengaruh

antara variabel. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian terbukti bahwa motivasi berpengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja

karyawan, akan tetapi kesejahteraan berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja karyawan Universitas Mercu Buana. Dari

hasil penelitian ini, peneliti dapat memberikan saran agar penelitian ini dapat bermanfaat sebagai bahan evaluasi

kinerja karyawan, serta untuk agenda penelitian selanjutnya dapat memperluas objek penelitian dan menghubungkan

variabel lain untuk mengetahui pengaruh kesejahteraan terhadap kinerja karyawan.
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN PAJAK, KESADARAN WAJIB PAJAK DAN SANKSI PAJAK TERHADAP KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK KENDARAAN BERMOTOR DI SAMSAT PEKALONGAN
Authors: Anggraini Salamah Feni , Furqon Imahda Khori , Tarmizi Rasyid
Published: April 2021

Tujuan dari studi ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengetahuan pajak, kesadaran wajib pajak dan sanksi pajak terhadap kepatuhan wajib pajak kendaraan bermotor. Riset ini dilakukan di Kantor Bersama SAMSAT Kota Pekalongan. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 100 responden dengan metode pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode accidental sampling. jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian explanatory research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara, kuesioner dan observasi. Teknis analisis data yang dipakai dalam riset ini adalah regresi linear berganda. Berdasarkan hasil analisis maka dapat diketahui bahwa pengetahuan pajak, kesadaran wajib pajak dan sanksi pajak berpengaruh positif pada kepatuhan wajib pajak dalam membayar pajak kendaraan bermotor.
Perfil psicológico de atletas brasileiros de Paradesporto em Nível Escolar
Authors: Resende Mariana Corrêa de , Carvalho-Freitas Maria Nivalda de , Guimarães Andréa Carmen , Oliveira Daniela Carine Ramires de
Published: April 2021

A prática esportiva por pessoas com deficiência vem crescendo cada vez mais, trazendo consigo a necessidade de maiores investimentos em diversos segmentos, como por exemplo, a investigação científica. Buscar compreender os fenômenos que envolvem os paratletas em seu universo esportivo torna-se relevante em função das dimensões psicológicas envolvidas, sabendo que são atletas que se preparam para o alto rendimento. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar os perfis psicológicos predominantes relacionados à motivação e resiliência de atletas brasileiros de paradesporto em nível escolar, além de verificar possíveis associações entre o perfil psicológico e fatores sócio-demográficos e de formação esportiva, assim como, analisar as correlações entre as dimensões exploradas. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa de caráter descritivo. Participaram 114 atletas paralímpicos em nível escolar, de escolas públicas e privadas brasileiras, de ambos os sexos (F= 21,9%; M= 78,1%), com idade média de 15,45 anos (±1,44), com deficiência física e visual, de 21 estados brasileiros, praticantes de variadas modalidades paralímpicas. Os participantes responderam a instrumentos validados de motivação e de resiliência, além de uma anamnese com o intuito de caracterizá-los. Foi possível constatar que a amostra se dividiu em dois grandes grupos de perfis, o primeiro com valores altos de motivação e resiliência, e o segundo com valores moderados destas mesmas variáveis. Ao analisar características sócio-demográficas e de formação esportiva, observou-se que somente a deficiência e a idade tiveram valores significativos de interferência nesta divisão dos sujeitos.
LEARNING EFFICIENCY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH E-LEARNING IN THE ERA OF DISRUPTION
Authors: Navis Muh Jauhar , Kaltsum Honest Ummi
Published: April 2021

This study aims to 1. describe the implementation of learning efficiency of elementary school (SD) students through E-learning, 2. to know the advantages and disadvantages of its implementation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with literature study design. The data collection technique was carried out by means of literature study in the form of academic manuscripts and from relevant previous research and from more than 20 scientific articles. The validity of the data was done by observing diligence. The data analysis technique used content analysis techniques. The results showed 1. The implementation of learning efficiency for elementary school students through e-learning was practical and effective with the support of the ease of technology and internet in teaching and learning activities between teachers and students. 2. The advantages of implementing the learning efficiency of elementary school students through e-learning in the era of disruption, namely between students and teachers with students easily sharing information, and saving costs, energy and time in getting maximum results, as well as students learning actively and independently. The drawback of implementing the learning efficiency of elementary school students through e-learning in the era of disruption is the lack of interaction between teachers and students, tends to ignore social and academic aspects, and not all places are available on the internet. The implication of this research is that teachers and students should be able to use e-learning wisely and the government should address the gap in internet access in Indonesia, especially in remote areas
KARACİĞER NAKLİ OLAN BİREYLERİN ANKSİYETE, DEPRESYON VE PSİKOLOJİK DAYANIKLILIKLARI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ
Authors: YILDIZ Erman , KILINÇ Gülsen
Published: April 2021

Karaciğer nakli hastalarında anksiyete, depresyon ve psikolojik dayanıklılık arasındaki ilişki hakkında hiçbir bilgi bulunmadığından bu konu daha fazla netlik kazanmalıdır. Bu nedenle, bu araştırma karaciğer nakli hastalarındaki anksiyete, depresyon ve psikolojik dayanıklılık arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemek amacıyla yapıldı. Bu araştırma, Ekim 2020-Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında karaciğer nakli hastalarıyla (N = 110) ilişkisel tanımlayıcı olarak yürütüldü. Veri toplama araçları "Tanıtıcı Özellikler Formu", "Hastane Anksiyete ve Depresyon Ölçeği" ve "Kısa Psikolojik Sağlamlık Ölçeği" olarak belirlendi. Veriler, tanımlayıcı istatistikler, korelasyon ve lojistik regresyon analizi kullanılarak analiz edildi. Katılımcıların ortalama anksiyete ve depresyon puanları sırasıyla 9.14±4.83 ve 8.94±5.69 idi. Hastaların %37.3'ünün anksiyete, %53.6'sının depresyon riski taşıdığı belirlendi. Hastaların ortalama psikolojik dayanıklılık puanı 16.41 ± 6.66 idi. Hastalardan alınan anksiyete ve depresyon puanları arasında pozitif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki belirlenirken, hem anksiyete hem de depresyon puanları ile psikolojik dayanıklılık puanları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı negatif bir ilişki tespit edildi (p <0.01). Depresyon ve psikolojik dayanıklılık, kaygının %52'sini açıklamaktadır (p= 0.39). Anksiyete ve psikolojik dayanıklılık depresyonun %55'ini açıklamaktadır (p = 0.17). Bu araştırmada, karaciğer nakli hastalarının önemli bir kısmının anksiyete ve depresyon riski altında olduğu ve orta düzeyde psikolojik dayanıklılığa sahip olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Psikolojik dayanıklılıkları arttıkça bireylerin anksiyete ve depresyon yaşama risklerinin de azaldığı tespit edilmiştir.
Can a Constitutional Monarch Influence Democratic Preferences? The Regulation of Public Expression in Japan
Authors: Annaka Susumu , Kato Gento
Published: April 2021

This study examines whether constitutional monarchs, who are non-political symbolic figures, have any influence on ideological attitudes under a democracy. We design a unique survey experiment on the emperor of Japan regarding the regulation of public expression. This issue can be framed both as left-wing (i.e., the regulation of hate speech) and right-wing (i.e., the regulation of publicly funded anti-nationalistic exhibitions). Taking advantage of the dual nature of the issue, we test the effects of the emperor's endorsement on support for regulation under each ideological framework. The results indicate that the (former) emperor's endorsement for freedom of expression does have a cross-cutting effect and decreases support for regulation. This effect is relatively small but statistically significant. Additionally, the findings provide weak evidence for the emperor's own ideological position conditioning his endorsement effect. These results provide new insights into how supposedly non-political popular figures can influence the formation of democratic preferences.
Nonlinear Forced Change and Nonergodicity: The Case of ENSO-Indian Monsoon and Global Precipitation Teleconnections
Authors: Bódai Tamás , Drótos Gábor , Ha Kyung-Ja , Lee June-Yi , Chung Eui-Seok
Published: April 2021

We study the forced response of the teleconnection between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian summer monsoon (IM) in the Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble, a set of Earth system ensemble simulations under historical and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) forcing. The forced response of the teleconnection, or a characteristic of it, is defined as the time dependence of a correlation coefficient evaluated over the ensemble. We consider the temporal variability of spatial averages and that with respect to dominant spatial modes in the sense of Maximal Covariance Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis and Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis across the ensemble. A further representation of the teleconnection that we define here takes the point of view of the predictability of the spatiotemporal variability of the Indian summer monsoon. We find that the strengthening of the ENSO-IM teleconnection is robustly or consistently featured in view of various teleconnection representations, whether sea surface temperature (SST) or sea level pressure (SLP) is used to characterize ENSO, and both in the historical period and under the RCP8.5 forcing scenario. It is found to be associated dominantly with the principal mode of ENSO variability. Concerning representations that involve an autonomous characterisation of the Pacific, in terms of a linear regression model, the main contributor to the strengthening is the regression coefficient, which can outcompete even a declining ENSO variability when it is represented by SLP. We also find that the forced change of the teleconnection is typically nonlinear by 1) formally rejecting the hypothesis that ergodicity holds, i.e., that expected values of temporal correlation coefficients with respect to the ensemble equal the ensemble-wise correlation coefficient itself, and also showing that 2) the trivial contributions of the forced changes in means and standard deviations are insignificant here. We also provide, in terms of the test statistics, global maps of the degree of nonlinearity/nonergodicity of the forced change of the teleconnection between local precipitation and ENSO.
Who Is Part of the “Mindset Context”? The Unique Roles of Perceived Professor and Peer Mindsets in Undergraduate Engineering Students’ Motivation and Belonging
Authors: Muenks Katherine , Yan Veronica X. , Telang Nina K.
Published: April 2021

In the current study, we explore the unique roles that perceived professor and peer beliefs play in creating a mindset context for undergraduate engineering students. We found that students (N= 304) perceived their peers, as compared to their professors, to endorse stronger fixed beliefs about intelligence and more negative beliefs about effort and failure, what we refer to as “unproductive mindsets”. Students’ perceptions of their professors’ unproductive mindsets negatively predicted their motivation (utility, attainment, and intrinsic value of engineering) and sense of belonging, even controlling for students’ own mindsets. Further, students’ perceptions of their peers’ unproductive mindsets negatively predicted their motivation (intrinsic value and mastery goals), sense of belonging, and choice of a difficult assignment, even controlling for students’ own mindsets and their perceptions of their professors’ unproductive mindsets. These results suggest that when considering the mindsets that permeate academic contexts, it is important to consider the unique role of perceptions of both teachers (professors) and peers.
A Mini-Review: Pyridyl-Based Coordination Polymers for Energy Efficient Electrochromic Application
Authors: Liu Shiyou , Zhang Ping , Fu Jianjian , Wei Congyuan , Cai Guofa
Published: April 2021

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) have a broad range of application prospects in many important energy efficient optoelectronic fields, such as smart windows, anti-glare rearview mirrors, low-energy displays, and infrared camouflage. However, there are some factors restricting their development, such as low coloration efficiency, slow switching speed, and poor cycling stability. Coordination polymer (CP) is a promising active material for the fabrication of high-performance ECD because of its ultrahigh coloration efficiency, fast switching speed, and excellent cycling stability. In this review, current advances of CP in energy efficient ECDs are comprehensively summarized and evaluated. Specifically, the effects of composition, coordination bonding, and microstructure of the bipyridine- and terpyridine-based CP on EC performances are introduced and discussed in detail. Then, the challenges and prospects of this booming field are proposed. Finally, the broad application prospects of the CPs-based EC materials and the corresponding devices are also demonstrated, which hold numerous revolutionary effects over our daily life. Hopefully, this review would provide useful guidance and further promote progress on the electrochromic and other optoelectronic fields.
Fabrication of Silicon Sensors Based on Low-Gain Avalanche Diodes
Authors: Giacomini Gabriele
Published: April 2021

Low-Gain Avalanche Diodes are a recently-developed class of silicon sensors. Characterized by an internal moderate gain that enhances the signal amplitude and if built on thin silicon substrates of a few tens of microns, they feature fast signals and exhibit excellent timing performance. Thanks to their fast timing they are planned to be exploited in timing detectors in High-Energy Physics experiments, for example for the upgrades of the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) at CERN. However, to achieve a spatially uniform multiplication a large pixel pitch is needed, preventing a fine spatial resolution. To overcome this limitation, the AC-coupled LGAD approach was introduced. In this type of device, metal electrodes are placed over an insulator at a fine pitch, and signals are capacitively induced on these electrodes. The fabrication technology is similar for the two LGAD families, although a fine tuning of a few process parameters needs to be carefully studied. Other R&D efforts towards detectors that can simultaneously provide good time and spatial resolution, based on the LGAD concept, are under way. These efforts aim also to mitigate the loss of performance at high irradiation fluences due to the acceptor removal within the gain layer. In this paper we describe the main points in the fabrication of LGADs and AC-LGADs in a clean-room. We also discuss novel efforts carried on related topics.
Experimental Approaches to Neutrino Nuclear Responses for ββ Decays and Astro-Neutrinos
Authors: Ejiri Hiroyasu
Published: April 2021

Fundamental properties of neutrinos are investigated by studying double beta decays (ββ-decays), while atro-neutrino nucleo-syntheses and astro-neutrino productions are investigated by studying inverse beta decays (inverse β-decays) induced by astro-neutrinos. Neutrino nuclear responses for these ββ and β-decays are crucial for these neutrino studies in nuclei. This reports briefly perspectives on experimental studies of neutrino nuclear responses (square of nuclear matrix element) for ββ-decays and astro-neutrinos by using nuclear and leptonic (muon) charge-exchange reactions
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from the Jujube (Ziziphus lotus) Plant Enhance Wheat Growth, Zn Uptake, and Heavy Metal Tolerance
Authors: Fahsi Nidal , Mahdi Ismail , Mesfioui Abdelhalem , Biskri Latefa , Allaoui Abdelmounaaim
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the low Zn content of wheat has become critical. Consequently, solutions that can improve the Zn nutrition of wheat are highly researched. In the present investigation, we aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria isolated from Ziziphus lotus on wheat seedling growth. Based on the phosphate-solubilizing criteria, four isolated strains, J16, J143, J146, and J158, were identified by 16SrRNA gene sequencing as Pseudomonas moraviensis, Bacillus halotolerans, Enterobacter hormaechei, and Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis, respectively. Studies of the conventional properties of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) showed that E. hormaechei J146 produced up to 550 mg·L−1 of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Siderophores and ammonia were produced by all strains but cellulase was restricted to B. halotolerans J143, whereas proteases were missing in E. hormaechei J146 and P. frederiksbergensis J158. E. hormaechei J146 tolerate up to 1.5 mg·L−1 of copper and cadmium, while B. halotolerans J143 withstood 1.5 mg·L−1 of nickel. Strains B. halotolerant J143, E. hormaechei J146, and P. frederiksbergensis J158 remarkably improved wheat seed germination, plant growth, and Zn absorption. Lastly, nutrient measurement revealed that a wheat plant inoculated with E. hormaechei J146 and P. frederiksbergensis J158 increased its nitrogen and potassium uptake by up to 17%.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Basis of Cold Tolerance in Rice at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Ham Tae-Ho , Kwon Yebin , Lee Yoonjung , Choi Jisu , Lee Joohyun
Published: April 2021

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of cold tolerance in a collection of 127 rice accessions, including 57 Korean landraces at the seedling stage. Cold tolerance of rice seedlings was evaluated in a growth chamber under controlled conditions and scored on a 0–9 scale, based on their low-temperature response and subsequent recovery. GWAS, together with principal component analysis (PCA) and kinship matrix analysis, revealed four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 1, 4, and 5 that explained 16.5% to 18.5% of the variance in cold tolerance. The genomic region underlying the QTL on chromosome four overlapped with a previously reported QTL associated with cold tolerance in rice seedlings. Similarly, one of the QTLs identified on chromosome five overlapped with a previously reported QTL associated with seedling vigor. Subsequent bioinformatic and haplotype analyses revealed three candidate genes affecting cold tolerance within the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block of these QTLs: Os01g0357800, encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) domain-containing protein; Os05g0171300, encoding a plastidial ADP-glucose transporter; and Os05g0400200, encoding a retrotransposon protein, Ty1-copia subclass. The detected QTLs and further evaluation of these candidate genes in the future will provide strategies for developing cold-tolerant rice in breeding programs.
PDLIM5 Affects Chicken Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell Proliferation and Differentiation via the p38-MAPK Pathway
Authors: He Haorong , Yin Huadong , Yu Xueke , Zhang Yao , Ma Menggen , Li Diyan , Zhu Qing
Published: April 2021

Skeletal muscle satellite cell growth and development is a complicated process driven by multiple genes. The PDZ and LIM domain 5 (PDLIM5) gene has been proven to function in C2C12 myoblast differentiation and is involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development. The role of PDLIM5 in chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells, however, is unclear. In this study, in order to determine whether the PDLIM5 gene has a function in chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells, we examined the changes in proliferation and differentiation of chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) after interfering and overexpressing PDLIM5 in cells. In addition, the molecular pathways of the PDLIM5 gene regulating SMSC proliferation and differentiation were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. Our results show that PDLIM5 can promote the proliferation and differentiation of SMSCs; furthermore, through transcriptome sequencing, it can be found that the differential genes are enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway after knocking down PDLIM5. Finally, it was verified that PDLIM5 played an active role in the proliferation and differentiation of chicken SMSCs by activating the p38-MAPK signaling pathway. These results indicate that PDLIM5 may be involved in the growth and development of chicken skeletal muscle.
A Preliminary Study of Chemically Preserved and High-Moisture Whole Maize (Zea mays L.) Usage in Pekin Duck Nutrition: Effect on Growth Performance and Selected Internal Organ Traits
Authors: Kierończyk Bartosz , Rawski Mateusz , Mikołajczak Zuzanna , Wachowiak Roksana , Homska Natalia , Józefiak Damian
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of chemically preserved, high-moisture whole maize grain addition in Pekin duck diets on their growth performance and selected internal organ and gastrointestinal tract measurements and digesta pH values. A total of 300 29-d-old male Pekin ducks were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments using five replicate pens per group and 20 birds per pen. The following treatment groups were applied: CON—basal diet, 5HM—5% of high-moisture, chemically preserved whole maize (HM) inclusion, and 10HM—10% of HM addition. The experiment lasted 21 d. The implementation of 5HM or 10HM did not affect (p > 0.05) the growth performance parameters, selected internal organ weights, and the gastrointestinal tract segment weights and lengths. However, significant changes in terms of the gizzard (p = 0.005), ileum (p = 0.030), and caecal (p < 0.001) digesta pH were observed, especially in the case of the 10HM group, which exhibited the greatest increase in pH in the gizzard and caecal digesta and decrease in the ileal digesta pH. The implementation of whole wet maize may be used in waterfowl diets from 29 d of age. Additionally, chemical preservation can efficiently reduce the cost of maize preparation in duck nutrition.
Animal Personality and Conservation: Basics for Inspiring New Research
Authors: de Azevedo Cristiano Schetini , Young Robert John
Published: April 2021

The number of animal species threatened with extinction are increasing every year, and biologists are conducting animal translocations, as one strategy, to try to mitigate this situation. Furthermore, researchers are evaluating methods to increase translocation success, and one area that shows promise is the study of animal personality. Animal personality can be defined as behavioral and physiological differences between individuals of the same species, which are stable in time and across different contexts. In the present paper, we discuss how animal personality can increase the success of translocation, as well as in the management of animals intended for translocation by evaluating personality characteristics of the individuals. Studies of the influence of birthplace, parental behavior, stress resilience, and risk assessment can be important to select the most appropriate individuals to be released. Finally, we explain the two methods used to gather personality data.
In Vitro Screening of East Asian Plant Extracts for Potential Use in Reducing Ruminal Methane Production
Authors: Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Arokiyaraj Selvaraj , Baik Myunggi , Ibidhi Ridha , Lee Shin Ja , Lee Yookyung , Nam In Sik , Kim Kyoung Hoon
Published: April 2021

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can result in antibiotic residues in animal products; thus, plant compounds may be better alternative sources for mitigating methane (CH4) production. An in vitro screening experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential application of 152 dry methanolic or ethanolic extracts from 137 plant species distributed in East Asian countries as anti-methanogenic additives in ruminant feed. The experimental material consisted of 200 mg total mixed ration, 20 mg plant extract, and 30 mL diluted ruminal fluid-buffer mixture in 60 mL serum bottles that were sealed with rubber stoppers and incubated at 39 °C for 24 h. Among the tested extracts, eight extracts decreased CH4 production by >20%, compared to the corresponding controls: stems of Vitex negundo var. incisa, stems of Amelanchier asiatica, fruit of Reynoutria sachalinensis, seeds of Tribulus terrestris, seeds of Pharbitis nil, leaves of Alnus japonica, stem and bark of Carpinus tschonoskii, and stems of Acer truncatum. A confirmation assay of the eight plant extracts at a dosage of 10 mg with four replications repeated on 3 different days revealed that the extracts decreased CH4 concentration in the total gas (7–15%) and total CH4 production (17–37%), compared to the control. This is the first report to identify the anti-methanogenic activities of eight potential plant extracts. All extracts decreased ammonia (NH3-N) concentrations. Negative effects on total gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production were also noted for all extracts that were rich in hydrolysable tannins and total saponins or fatty acids. The underlying modes of action differed among plants: extracts from P. nil, V. negundo var. incisa, A. asiatica, and R. sachalinensis resulted in a decrease in total methanogen or the protozoan population (p < 0.05) but extracts from other plants did not. Furthermore, extracts from P. nil decreased the population of total protozoa and increased the proportion of propionate among VFAs (p < 0.05). Identifying bioactive compounds in seeds of P. nil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed enrichment of linoleic acid (18:2). Overall, seeds of P. nil could be a possible alternative to ionophores or oil seeds to mitigate ruminal CH4 production.
Heat Stress and Goat Welfare: Adaptation and Production Considerations
Authors: Sejian Veerasamy , Silpa Mullakkalparambil V. , Reshma Nair Mini R. , Devaraj Chinnasamy , Krishnan Govindan , Bagath Madiajagan , Chauhan Surinder S. , Suganthi Rajendran U. , Fonseca Vinicius F. C. , König Sven , Gaughan John B. , Dunshea Frank R. , Bhatta Raghavendra
Published: April 2021

This review attempted to collate and synthesize information on goat welfare and production constraints during heat stress exposure. Among the farm animals, goats arguably are considered the best-suited animals to survive in tropical climates. Heat stress was found to negatively influence growth, milk and meat production and compromised the immune response, thereby significantly reducing goats’ welfare under extensive conditions and transportation. Although considered extremely adapted to tropical climates, their production can be compromised to cope with heat stress. Therefore, information on goat adaptation and production performance during heat exposure could help assess their welfare. Such information would be valuable as the farming communities are often struggling in their efforts to assess animal welfare, especially in tropical regions. Broadly three aspects must be considered to ensure appropriate welfare in goats, and these include (i) housing and environment; (ii) breeding and genetics and (iii) handling and transport. Apart from these, there are a few other negative welfare factors in goat rearing, which differ across the production system being followed. Such negative practices are predominant in extensive systems and include nutritional stress, limited supply of good quality water, climatic extremes, parasitic infestation and lameness, culminating in low production, reproduction and high mortality rates. Broadly two types of methodologies are available to assess welfare in goats in these systems: (i) animal-based measures include behavioral measurements, health and production records and disease symptoms; (ii) resources based and management-based measures include stocking density, manpower, housing conditions and health plans. Goat welfare could be assessed based on several indicators covering behavioral, physical, physiological and productive responses. The important indicators of goat welfare include agonistic behavior, vocalization, skin temperature, body condition score (BCS), hair coat conditions, rectal temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, sweating, reduced growth, reduced milk production and reduced reproductive efficiency. There are also different approaches available by which the welfare of goats could be assessed, such as naturalistic, functional and subjective approaches. Thus, assessing welfare in goats at every production stage is a prerequisite for ensuring appropriate production in this all-important species to guarantee optimum returns to the marginal and subsistence farmers.
Dietary Pomegranate By-Product Alleviated the Oxidative Stress Induced by Dexamethasone in Laying Hens in the Pre-Peak Period
Authors: Eid Yahya , Kirrella Abeer A , Tolba Ahmed , El-Deeb Maged , Sayed Samy , El-Sawy Hanan B. , Shukry Mustafa , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: April 2021

This experiment was conducted to assess the inclusion of the by-products of pomegranate peels to ameliorate the harmful impacts of oxidative stress in the pre-peak period of laying hens. For this, 120 local Egyptian strain hens (Inshas hens) aged 24 weeks old were used in four treatments. Pomegranate peel powder was included at 2% and 4% in the diets of laying hens subjected to oxidative injuries induced by dexamethasone compared with negative and positive control groups for 12 weeks. The addition of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) reduced the adverse effects of oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone on body weight (p = 0.006) and egg production (p = 0.010) comparing to the positive control. Additionally, pomegranate peel powder had a significant positive lowering effect on plasma cholesterol (p < 0.001) and triglyceride contents (p = 0.005) compared to control groups. The lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA) were reduced, but the antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and total antioxidant blood capacity were improved with PPP. Based on the obtained data, the present research recommends using dietary PPP up to 4% to mitigate adverse oxidative stress effects in the pre-peak laying period and as a sustainable and economical approach for agricultural development.
The Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) in Urban Areas of Argentina: Arrival in Mar Del Plata City and Green Area Use in Buenos Aires City
Authors: Leveau Lucas M.
Published: April 2021

Urbanization has a negative impact on raptor species diversity and abundance. However, some species can adapt to urban areas, and the process of city colonization by raptors has been documented scarcely in the Northern Hemisphere. Information about city colonization by raptors in the Southern Hemisphere is null, and studies about habitat use by raptors are scarce. The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe an event of Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) arrival in Mar del Plata city, Argentina, and (2) to analyze its green area use in a recently colonized city, Buenos Aires. Long-term data collected during 2002–2019, along an urbanization gradient of Mar del Plata, was used to describe the city arrival by the Harris Hawk. Surveys of green areas in Buenos Aires were used to model the Harris Hawk occurrence in relation to green area size and isolation to other green spaces. The Harris Hawk arrival was observed during 2019, mainly in periurban areas of Mar del Plata, and at least three pairs were breeding. In Buenos Aires, the occurrence of the Harris Hawk in green areas was related to the proximity to other large green areas. The results obtained suggest the importance of green areas for raptor colonization in cities.
Factors Associated with Mortality in Ontario Standardbred Racing: 2003–2015
Authors: Physick-Sheard Peter , Avison Amanda , Sears William
Published: April 2021

Factors associated with mortality in standardbred racehorses were assessed through a retrospective annualized cohort study of all-cause mortality from 2003–2015 (n = 978) (identified in the Ontario Racehorse Death Registry). Race and qualifying data for official work-events were also gathered (1,778,330 work-events, 125,200 horse years). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed sex, age, and indices of workload and intensity and their interactions to be strongly associated with mortality. Track class, race versus qualifying performance, and work-event outcome (finish position, scratched, or failed to finish) also influenced mortality odds, which increased as performance slowed. Intense competition at higher performance levels and qualifying races at lower levels carried particularly high odds. Though occurring frequently, musculoskeletal injury was less frequent than all other presenting problems combined. Industry structure contributes to mortality through interaction between horse characteristics and the competition environment. This substrate may be amenable to management to minimize liability, but incident-specific triggers may represent chance factors and be relatively difficult to identify or control. Differentiating between substrate and trigger when studying specific clinical problems may provide greater clarity and yield in identifying underlying causes. Mortality may reflect a continuum of circumstances, cumulative impacts of which might be identified before a fatal event occurs.
A Novel Structure Harboring blaCTX-M-27 on IncF Plasmids in Escherichia coli Isolated from Swine in China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Yin-Huan , Wang Jiang-Yang , Chang Man-Xia , Zhao Qiu-Yun , Jiang Hong-Xia
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of blaCTX-M-27-producing Escherichia coli and transmission mechanisms of blaCTX-M-27 from swine farms in China. A total of 333 E. coli isolates were collected from two farms from 2013 to 2016. Thirty-two CTX-M-27-positive E. coli were obtained, and all were multidrug-resistant. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) profiles indicated a wide range of strain types that carried blaCTX-M-27, and the sequence type ST10 predominated. Conjugation, replicon typing, S1-PFGE and hybridization experiments confirmed that 28 out of 32 CTX-M-27 positive isolates carried blaCTX-M-27 genes on plasmids F18:A-:B10 (16) and F24:A-:B1 (12).The blaCTX-M-27 genes for 24 isolates were transmitted by plasmids with sizes ranging from 40 to 155 kb. A comparative analysis with blaCTX-M-27-plasmids indicated that the tra-trb region of F24:A-:B1 plasmids was destroyed by insertion of a complex region (eight isolates) and a novel structure containing blaCTX-M-27 in the F18:A-:B10 plasmids (12 isolates). The novel structure increased the stability of the blaCTX-M-27 gene in E. coli. This study indicated that the predominant vehicle for blaCTX-M-27 transmission has diversified over time and that control strategies to limit blaCTX-M-27 transmission in farm animals are necessary.