bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CITY THAT NEVER EXISTED: XIAO BAI’S LITERARY REMAKING OF 1931 SHANGHAI
Authors: MAGAGNIN Paolo
Published: June 2017

This article provides an account of the literary recreation of the semi-colonial Shanghai of 1931, carried out by the Chinese contemporary author Xiao Bai in his 2011 novel Zujie. It also includes the features and implications of such an operation. Critically praised as a turning point in contemporary Chinese fiction about old Shanghai, the novel appears to transcend genre categories, and was welcomed as a heterogeneous “third type” crossing the boundaries between genre fiction and pure literature. Inspired by historical facts and supported by painstaking archival research, Zujie originally incorporates a variety of literary models, narrative techniques, sources, genres, themes, and perspectives. The heterogeneity at play in the novel can be essentially scrutinised at three levels. Such levels are: the debate on the genre as it emerges from a number of paratextual sources; the treatment of historical factuality and its relationship with fictional creation; the use of polyphonic devices, with reference to the portrayal of hybrid characters, deliberately disorienting narrative techniques, and a re-elaboration of imported and domestic sources and literary models that plays havoc with the very notions of foreignness and identity. Xiao Bai’s original representation of 1930s Shanghai is analysed and commented upon with respect to such factors. Finally, the significance of this multi-layered literary operation and its implications for the reader are highlighted.
Plausible Compositions of the Seven TRAPPIST-1 Planets Using Long-term Dynamical Simulations
Authors: Quarles B. , Quintana E. V. , Lopez E. , Schlieder J. E. , Barclay T.
Published: June 2017

TRAPPIST-1 is a nearby ultra-cool dwarf that is host to a remarkable planetary system consisting of seven transiting planets. The orbital properties and radii of the planets have been well constrained, and recently, the masses of the inner six planets have been measured with additional ground- and space-based photometric observations. Large uncertainties in these mass measurements have prevented a robust analysis of the planetary compositions. Here, we perform many thousands of N-body dynamical simulations with planet properties perturbed from the observed values and identify those that are stable for millions of years. This allows us to identify self-consistent orbital solutions that can be used in future studies. From our range of dynamical masses, we find that most of the planets are consistent with an Earth-like composition, where TRAPPIST-1f is likely to have a volatile-rich envelope.
L’Accompagnement thérapeutique : occasion de partage ou de confrontation de cultures ?
Authors: Bombaron Edwige , Vitali Marie-Laure
Published: June 2017

Cette contribution se propose de comprendre la pratique d’« accompagnement thérapeutique » au sein d’un Hôpital de Jour – HdJ - d’une institution hospitalière spécialisée dans le traitement de la maladie chronique urinaire - et d’en analyser les effets sur les soignants – 3 infirmières référentes - et sur les soignés – patients et leur famille. Dans une dimension ethnographique, nous avons recueilli du discours de et sur l’accompagnement à l’occasion d’ateliers d’accompagnement thérapeutique ainsi qu’à partir de traces d’activité. Ce matériau discursif a fait l’objet d’une analyse de contenu (Bardin, 2007) couplée avec une analyse de discours (Charaudeau, 1992 ; Kerbrat-Orecchioni, 2006 ; Haillet, 2007). Nous faisons trois hypothèses : l’accompagnement est une culture d’action professionnelle (Barbier, 2011) ; l’entretien d’accompagnement thérapeutique est utilisé comme un instrument de partage de cette culture d’action et donne lieu à une confrontation de cultures. Cette étude a ainsi permis de mettre en exergue des modèles d’accompagnement (Paul, 2009). Cette confrontation de cultures d’action à partir d’une culture « générique affichée » entre l’ensemble des acteurs a ainsi mis en évidence plusieurs formes « en acte » que nous avons analysées.
"Accompagner" des sujets malades en appartement de coordination thérapeutique : regards croisés des professionnels
Authors: Cardoso Martha Isabel Arciniegas
Published: June 2017

Cet article est issu d’une recherche-action collaborative conduite au sein d’une association qui accueille des personnes âgées entre 18 et 60 ans, atteintes d’une ou plusieurs maladies chroniques invalidantes se trouvant dans une situation de précarité. Cette association propose un hébergement et un accompagnement global par le biais d’un dispositif nommé -appartement de coordination thérapeutique- (ACT). Cet accompagnement est mis en œuvre par une équipe pluridisciplinaire. L’objectif de cette contribution est d’une part de rendre compte de ce que recouvre la notion d’accompagnement pour les professionnels qui accompagnent les personnes malades accueillies et d’autre part, d’analyser comment cet accompagnement est vécu, pensé et agi par ces praticiens. Les professionnels font l’expérience ‘d’accompagner’ dans la même institution mais de manière différente. Ces différences trouvent leur genèse dans les significations attribuées à l’acte d’accompagner donnant lieu à plusieurs figures de l’accompagnement et soulèvent la question complexe relative à l’articulation de différentes cultures d’action professionnelle.
Vécus croisés de médecins et de patients. Le cas de l’annonce diagnostique de la maladie rare
Authors: Colinet Séverine , Avenel Céline
Published: June 2017

Cet article a pour objet l’analyse de l’annonce diagnostique d’une maladie rénale fœtale, cette expérience d’annonce se situant à l’articulation entre l’expérience d’accompagnement des médecins et l’expérience du « travail médical des familles » (Waissman, 1995). Suite à une enquête conduite par entretiens semi-directifs auprès de médecins (32) et de couples (30), nos résultats montrent que les ressources associant actions de soins et actions éducatives permettent de réduire l’effet de menace ressenti par les patients mais aussi par les couples durant le processus d’annonce. À travers l’analyse de dispositifs d’éducation thérapeutique et de rencontres parentales, nous discuterons non seulement de la nécessité de prendre en compte les transformations du rôle social du couple en parent-aidant familial mais également de l’intérêt d’inclure une approche collective dans l’accompagnement à l’annonce.
Perception de la désirabilité et de l’utilité sociales de l’homosexualité et de l’hétérosexualité au collège
Authors: Desombre Caroline , Mignon Astrid , Gehin Anne , Durand-Delvigne Annick
Published: June 2017

Dans cette étude, nous avons comparé les stéréotypes de l’homosexualité et de l’hétérosexualité chez des adolescents à partir de la théorie de la valeur sociale de Beauvois (1995 ; Dubois, 2005). Quarante trois collégiens ont été amenés à décrire, à travers une liste de traits, les homosexuels et les hétérosexuels en donnant leur propre jugement et en indiquant la manière dont ils pensaient que la société les percevait. Nous nous attendions à ce que (1) les homosexuels soient perçus par les adolescents comme étant moins désirables mais tout aussi utiles socialement que les hétérosexuels et (2) les participants pensent que, dans la société, les homosexuels sont considérés comme étant moins désirables et moins utiles socialement que les hétérosexuels. Les hypothèses sont partiellement vérifiées notamment chez les participants de sexe féminin. Les résultats sont discutés au regard des différences sexuées dans la perception de l’homosexualité et des conséquences de ces stéréotypes.
EBV Infection Empowers Human B Cells for Autoimmunity: Role of Autophagy and Relevance to Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Morandi Elena , Jagessar S. Anwar , ‘t Hart Bert A. , Gran Bruno
Published: June 2017

The efficacy of B cell depletion therapy in multiple sclerosis indicates their central pathogenic role in disease pathogenesis. The B lymphotropic EBV is a major risk factor in multiple sclerosis, via as yet unclear mechanisms. We reported in a nonhuman primate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model that an EBV-related lymphocryptovirus enables B cells to protect a proteolysis-sensitive immunodominant myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) epitope (residues 40–48) against destructive processing. This facilitates its cross-presentation to autoaggressive cytotoxic MHC-E–restricted CD8+CD56+ T cells. The present study extends these observations to intact human B cells and identifies a key role of autophagy. EBV infection upregulated APC-related markers on B cells and activated the cross-presentation machinery. Although human MOG protein was degraded less in EBV-infected than in uninfected B cells, induction of cathepsin G activity by EBV led to total degradation of the immunodominant peptides MOG35–55 and MOG1–20. Inhibition of cathepsin G or citrullination of the arginine residue within an LC3-interacting region motif of immunodominant MOG peptides abrogated their degradation. Internalized MOG colocalized with autophagosomes, which can protect from destructive processing. In conclusion, EBV infection switches MOG processing in B cells from destructive to productive and facilitates cross-presentation of disease-relevant epitopes to CD8+ T cells.
An Evaluation of the Online Universal Programme Coping Parent: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Owen Dawn Adele , Hutchings Judy
Published: June 2017

Background

COPING parent (Confident Parent Internet Guide) is an online universal parenting programme designed for parents of children aged 3-8 who are interested in learning positive parenting strategies to address everyday parenting challenges. Most people now have access to the internet and many parents seek online parenting advice, so it is important to ensure that advice is both evidence-based and freely available. The 10-week online COPING parent programme presents information and activities based on core social learning theory principles. The programme provides information and video examples of parenting skills, uses quizzes to test knowledge and suggests home practice activities. This study was undertaken to obtain feedback on the usefulness and acceptability of the programme to inform its further development.

Design and Methods

The programme was created using the LifeGuide software and participants (n=20) were asked to complete one chapter of the programme each week and provide feedback. This feasibility study was undertaken to highlight any technical issues and suggest modifications prior to a more rigorous evaluation.

Results

Both participant feedback and programme usage data are reported. Thirteen feedback forms were returned and programme usage data was downloaded for all participants. Feedback suggested modifications that included adaptations to enable the programme to be accessed by tablet users, an option to look back over previously completed chapters, the inclusion of more video examples of positive parenting and text message prompting to address attrition challenges.
Learning relationships: Church of England curates and training incumbents applying the SIFT approach to the Road to Emmaus
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Smith Greg
Published: June 2017

This study invited curates and training incumbents attending a 3-day residential programme to function as a hermeneutical community engaging conversation between the Lucan post-resurrection narrative concerning the Road to Emmaus and the learning relationship in which they were engaged. Building on the SIFT approach to biblical hermeneutics the participants were invited to work in type-alike groups, structured first on the basis of the perceiving process (sensing and intuition) and second on the basis of the judging process (thinking and feeling). This approach facilitated rich and varied insights into the Emmaus Road narrative and into the theme of learning relationships.
Evaluation and Comparison among Multiple Forcing Data Sets for Precipitation and Shortwave Radiation over Mainland China
Authors: Yang Fan , Lu Hui , Yang Kun , Wang Wei , Li Chengwei , Han Menglei , Li Yishan
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Precipitation and shortwave radiation play important roles in climatic, hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. Currently, several global and regional forcing data sets, such as Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), China Meteorological Administration of land data assimilation system (CLDAS) and China Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD), can provide estimates of these two variables for China. In this study, precipitation and shortwave radiation from CMFD, CLDAS and GLDAS were inter-compared with one another and against ground station observations during 2008–2014. The results demonstrate that all the three forcing data sets can capture the spatial distribution characteristics of precipitation over mainland China while CMFD is closer to the observed ground data. The temporal variations of precipitation from the three forcing data sets also match in most areas of mainland China with the observation, while CMFD and GLDAS perform better than CLDAS. Compared with the precipitation observation, CMFD has a slight overestimation but its correlation coefficient reaches 0.97. CLDAS precipitation shows a significant underestimation, with a bias of 107 mm yr−1 in annual mean, while GLDAS has the closest annual mean precipitation to the observed data. As for shortwave radiation, CLDAS and GLDAS heavily overestimate shortwave radiation when compared against station data, while CMFD is consistent with observation data. Spatially, the three forcing data sets have some common distribution features. Compared with CMFD, CLDAS and GLDAS have higher radiation values in most areas of mainland China and the temporal variations difference of shortwave radiation from the three forcing data sets mainly exists the south of 34° N. In summary, precipitation estimates of CMFD and GLDAS are more credible and CMFD outperforms CLDAS and GLDAS in shortwave radiation estimation over mainland China. Findings from this study can provide guidance to communities regarding the performance of different forcing data over mainland China.
Multivariate statistical modelling of compound events via pair-copula constructions: analysis of floods in Ravenna (Italy)
Authors: Bevacqua Emanuele , Maraun Douglas , Hobæk Haff Ingrid , Widmann Martin , Vrac Mathieu
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Compound events (CEs) are multivariate extreme events in which the individual contributing variables may not be extreme themselves, but their joint – dependent – occurrence causes an extreme impact. Conventional univariate statistical analysis cannot give accurate information regarding the multivariate nature of these events. We develop a conceptual model, implemented via pair-copula constructions, which allows for the quantification of the risk associated with compound events in present-day and future climate, as well as the uncertainty estimates around such risk. The model includes predictors, which could represent for instance meteorological processes that provide insight into both the involved physical mechanisms and the temporal variability of compound events. Moreover, this model enables multivariate statistical downscaling of compound events. Downscaling is required to extend the compound events' risk assessment to the past or future climate, where climate models either do not simulate realistic values of the local variables driving the events or do not simulate them at all. Based on the developed model, we study compound floods, i.e. joint storm surge and high river runoff, in Ravenna (Italy). To explicitly quantify the risk, we define the impact of compound floods as a function of sea and river levels. We use meteorological predictors to extend the analysis to the past, and get a more robust risk analysis. We quantify the uncertainties of the risk analysis, observing that they are very large due to the shortness of the available data, though this may also be the case in other studies where they have not been estimated. Ignoring the dependence between sea and river levels would result in an underestimation of risk; in particular, the expected return period of the highest compound flood observed increases from about 20 to 32 years when switching from the dependent to the independent case.
Assessment of knowledge among public and private elementary school teachers in dental trauma management
Authors: Bayram Merve , Koruyucu Mine , Seymen Figen
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Traumatic dental injuries, majority of which occur at school and primary care given by teacher, should managed as soon as possible. The knowledge and attitudes of teachers is critical for the best prognosis of traumatized teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes among elementary public and private school teachers in dental trauma management.Materials and Methods: A modified three-part questionnaire comprised of questions regarding demographic data, attitude and knowledge about dental trauma was distributed to 328 teachers (public schools:164/private schools:164). The results of the questionnaire were expressed as frequency distributions. Statistical analysis was performed by version 20.0 of the SPSS statistics software.Results: The average correct knowledge score was 4.96 out of 10. Two individual predictors significantly improved the respondents’ knowledge: being more than 50 years old age (p=0.001) and more than 15 years teaching experience group (p<0.001). While 84.5% of public, 79% of private school teachers found their knowledge poor; and 85% of public, 76% of private school teachers state they're not satisfied with their level of knowledge. Private school teachers had given significantly more correct answers to the questions about dental avulsion management than public school teachers (p=0.01). There was no significant difference between public and private school teachers' knowledge regarding dental trauma management.Conclusion: The level of knowledge in dental trauma management determined in this study was unsatisfying. Programs on increasing the awareness and motivation of teachers on dental trauma management in both types of schools are recommended.
Could recurrent aphthous stomatitis be linked to cancer development?
Authors: Norton Emily
Published: June 2017

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common multifactorial oral mucosal disorder. Genetic and local factors causing RAS may contribute to the development of cancer. This study aims to explore this connection by examining a family with a history of RAS and ovarian cancer.  Case Description: The family described in the case exhibits a history of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The severity of this condition increases with each generation. One member of the family has no history of RAS but was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Genetic testing for BRCA mutations was negative indicating a different genetic cause of the cancer. All affected members of the family indicate high levels of stress or difficulty responding to stressful situations. No treatment for RAS was performed due to its self-limiting nature.  Practical Implications: Further research is needed before dentists begin to tell their patients with RAS they may be at higher risk of developing cancer. Diligent oral cancer screening and stress management counseling can decrease the risk to the patient.
Genotype by Environment Interactions on Cotton Fiber Traits and Their Implications on Variety Recommendation
Authors: Greveniotis Vasileios , Sioki Evangelia
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate cotton fiber quality traits across diverse environments. This could lead to the selection of the best environment for cotton cultivations and the best adapted commercial cultivars. For this reason four main cotton regions were chosen as different environments: Thessaly, Thrace, Macedonia and Sterea Ellas. Five of the most commercial upland cotton cultivars (DP332, DP377, ST402, CELIA and ELSA) were used for evaluation of their fiber quality traits. Each cultivar was sown in 10 different fields (in order to exploit and evaluate different soil types) in each of the above mentioned regions and (in total) 200 fields were used in total. Four samples from each field were collected in order to analyze fiber quality traits: micronaire, maturity index (%), fiber length as the upper half mean length (mm), fiber strength (gram/tex), uniformity index (%), fiber elongation, short fiber index, yellowness (+b), reflectance index (Rd).Cultivation regions must also be selected in a way that they could promote fiber traits, in order to ensure the highest fiber quality. Cotton fiber quality traits were affected differently from environmental fluctuations, showing that the ranking of cultivars according to environmental fluctuations is important, if proper breeding methods should be applied. Each trait is affected differently by environmental fluctuations and requires precise knowledge of the degree of inheritance i.e., as to how much qualitative or quantitative is the trait, in order to choose and apply the proper breeding method.
Ideal Cities - Marred Individuals: J. M. Coetzee's The Childhood of Jesus and José Saramago's A Caverna
Authors: Nashef Hania A. M.
Published: June 2017

In the final pages of J. M. Coetzee's The Childhood of Jesus and José Saramago's A Caverna, the main protagonists flee to an unknown destination from their respective “utopias.” Both allegorical novels expose the ills of two guarded and structured communities. A Caverna, a parable of Plato's cave, depicts the story of the lives of 64-year-old Algor, a third-generation earthenware potter, and his family. When Algor is no longer able to sell his earthenware products, the family is forced to reside at the Center. Coetzee's novel begins with the arrival of Simón and the child David at the Spanish-speaking city of Novilla. Simón assumes guardianship of the boy. Although the concept of “utopia” is presented differently in these two novels, the place operates in the same way; both places function through a faceless controlling bureaucratic authority, claiming that the welfare of the inhabitants is its driving force. A rebirth of the human is required for surviving in the new surroundings. In this article, I would like to compare how both authorities function under the pretext of creating the ideal world, which ultimately results in safeguarding their own interests, and consequently perpetuating the sterile and anesthetized existence of their citizens.
The Acquisition of English Lexical Stress by Chinese-speaking Learners: An OT Account
Authors: Yuan Man , Cheng Wei
Published: June 2017

Lexical stress is an important contributor to foreign accent as well as intelligibility of second language (L2) speech. The present study intends to find out to what extent Chinese-speaking learners whose native language has less evident stress can acquire English lexical stress. A production test was administered to nine advanced Chinese learners of English and nine native English controls, who read aloud 12 types of nonce English nouns. The results showed that the Chinese participants were able to place stress correctly in two-syllable words and three-syllable words with a heavy penultimate syllable. However, irregularity was observed in three-syllable words with a light penultimate syllable, particularly H(eavy)L(ow)L(ow). The results are further interpreted in Optimality Theory. It is argued that the learners’ interlanguage grammar is both negatively and positively influenced by their native language. The constraint only active in Chinese causes the interlanguage to be non-nativelike. By contrast, the shared active constraints facilitate learning. Moreover, the emergence of the constraints in the interlanguage grammar which are inactive in Chinese but active in English provides evidence for the learners’ ability to restructure their interlanguage phonology.
Effect of Egg Size on Hatchability and Subsequent Growth Performance of Fayoumi Chicken
Authors: Senbeta Ewonetu Kebede
Published: June 2017

The study was conducted to determine effect of egg-weight on hatchability and subsequent growth performance of Fayoumi breeds. A total of 576 eggs were purposively selected and arranged into three groups of small, medium and large sizes each with 192 eggs. Each egg group was randomly sub-divided into three replicates of 64 eggs in a CRD. Eggs were incubated for 21 days and chicks hatched on the same day were counted and individually weighed. Chicks were intensively raised on deep litter system for eight weeks on same diet, but kept separately according to their initial treatment of eggs. Data was analyzed by GLM of SAS and separated for means by Duncan’s multiple-range test. The study result revealed that egg size had effect on hatchability and strongly influenced all parameters measured during the brooding periods. It has significant effect on day-old weight, body weight, final weight gain, final feed conversion and mortality. Chicken producers may opt for medium-sized eggs principally for the purpose of better hatchability and feed conversion ratio whereas large sized eggs for better hatchling weight, weight gain and survivability. It is also recommended that future work may also address the effect of egg size on the same parameters at grower or pullet stage performance and specific diseases which cause paramount chick mortality should be identified.
Bioactivity of Indigenous Medicinal Plants against the Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Hammad E. Abou-Fakhr , Akkary M. , Saliba N. , Farran M. , Talhouk S.
Published: June 2017

Forty two methanol extracts and 12 aqueous extracts of 29 indigenous medicinal plant species were tested for their acaricidal bioactivity against the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae adults at the laboratory. Fourteen methanol plant extracts caused significant mortality in mites. This is the first report for the potential effect on survival of mites for 27 tested endemic plant species. Methanol whole plant extracts (WPEs) of Lotus carmeli, Alchemilla diademata, Eryngium deserlorum and aqueous fruit extracts (FrEs) of Melia azedarach caused toxic effects against the adult mites in the range of 41-46% mortality. The methanol WPE of L. carmeli and the aqueous FrE of M. azedarach (1:5) caused the highest mite mortality of 43.55% and 45.55%, respectively and each was used as reference sample for potential acaricidal activity in the methanol and aqueous treatment groups. The latter extract was not significantly different in its effect from aqueous extracts of M. azedarach leaf extract (LE) and Achillea damascena WPE. Methanol extracts of Salvia rubifolia flowers and Calendula palestina FrE were found to be more active against the adult mite than their extracts of other plant parts as leaves and flowers, respectively. The former two extracts, flower extracts of Anthemis scariosa, Echinops gaillardoti, Nepeta curviflora, and Ranunculus cuneatus, leaves and stems extract of An. scariosa and WPEs of Melissa inodora, Ranunuculus myosuroides, Origanum libanoticum and Ac. damascena were found to be comparable in their acaricidal activity to that of the whole plant extract of L. carmeli. Thus, these bioactive extracts of some local plant species can cause toxicity to adult T. urticae mites and consequently could be an alternative control for mite pests.
Effect of Organic Manures on Nutrient Uptake and Seed Quality of Sesame
Authors: Anguria Paul , Chemining’wa George N. , Onwonga Richard N. , Ugen Michael A.
Published: June 2017

The influence of organic manures in nutrient uptake and seed quality of sesame is not fully known. In this context, a study was conducted in northeastern Uganda in 2013 and 2014 short rains, and 2014 long rains to investigate the effect of organic manures on nutrient uptake and seed quality of sesame. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised: control, 4 crop residues, 2 animal manures and combinations of 2 animal manures and 4 crop residues all applied at two rates of 3 and 6 t/ha. Poultry manure plus finger millet husks (6 t/ha) produced significantly the highest seed protein content (48.23%) and uptake of N (4.84%), P (0.66%) and K (1.86%) by sesame at 4 weeks after emergence. Poultry manure plus cowpea husks (6 t/ha) and poultry manure plus groundnut shells (3 t/ha) produced the highest total ash (8.71%) and sesame seed oil content (67.95%), respectively. The crop residue effect on seed crude protein content, seed total ash and seed oil content occurred in the order of finger millet > cowpea > groundnut > sorghum, finger millet > cowpea > sorghum > groundnut and groundnut > sorghum > cowpea > finger millet, respectively. This study has demonstrated that finger millet husks and groundnut shells effectively enhance protein and oil content of sesame than other crop residues, respectively. Poultry manure plus finger millet husks (3 t/ha) enhances sesame seed protein content than other treatments.
Animal Performance with and without Supplements in Mombaça Guinea Grass Pastures during Dry Season
Authors: Araújo Itânia Maria Medeiros de , Difante Gelson Dos Santos , Euclides Valéria Pacheco Batista , Montagner Denise Baptaglin , Gomes Rodrigo Da Costa
Published: June 2017

The objectives were to: 1) evaluate the potential of the animal performance on Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça (mombaça guinea grass) pasture during dry season, and 2) determine the effects of protein or protein-energy supplementation on liveweight gain of steers grazing guinea grass pasture. A complete randomized block design was employed with three treatments and three replicates. Treatments included non-supplemented animals (NS) and animals supplemented with protein (PS) or protein-energy (PES), provided at 0.15% or 0.6% of body weight for 115 days, during dry period. We used 36 weaned calves from initial bodyweigh (LW) of 192 kg (±5 kg) on nine plots of mombaça guinea grass (1.25 ha each). Each month, animals were weighed and pastures sampled to estimate forage characteristics. The average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P = 0.0001) for cattle fed supplement than for cattle fed no supplement (250 g steer-1), and greater for protein-energy supplement (770 g steer-1) than for protein supplement (460 g steer-1). Mombaça guinea grass pastures with 45 cm height at the end of the wet season have enough forage mass for maintenance throughout the dry season about 1.4 AU ha-1 (AU = 450 kg BW), and reasonable nutritive value (average of 8,1% of crude protein and 55,3% of in vitro organic matter digestibility) to provide small gains. Considering the nutritive value of Mombaça guinea grass during the dry period, protein and energy supplementation is required for weaned calves to optimize their performance.
Viability and Dormancy of Rice Seeds after Storage and Pre-Treatment with Dry Heat and Chemical Agents
Authors: Mutinda Yvonne A. , Muthomi James W. , Kimani John M. , Cheminigw’wa George N. , Olubayo Florence M.
Published: June 2017

Inappropriate seed packaging and seed dormancy affects seed quality and consequently leads to reduced crop stand, low seedling vigour and reduced yields. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of seed packaging material and seed treatment on viability and dormancy in rice seeds. Effect of packaging material was evaluated by storing freshly harvested seeds of Basmati 370 and BW 196 varieties in polythene, khaki, cheese cloth, polypropylene (Pp) sack and gunny bag sat room temperature and at 6 oC for six months. Effect of seed treatment on dormancy was determined by pre-treatment of seeds with nitric acid at 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.5 M, 1 M and 2 M, gibberellic acid (GA3) at 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm and 5000 ppm, and hydrogen peroxide at 0.5 M, 1 M, 2 M, 3 M, 5 M and dry heat at 50 oC for 48 hours. The seeds were subjected to germination test on moist paper and data on percentage germination, seedling length and seedling dry weight were taken. Packaging material had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on germination and vigour. At room temperature, seed stored in polythene bag had the highest germination 88.2% and 57.8% for BW 196 and Basmati 370, respectively. Basmati 370 in khaki bag stored in the cold room had the highest germination 48.3%, while BW 196 stored in polythene had the highest (86.0%). Pre-treatment of seeds reduced dormancy, with variety BW 196 showing the highest germination of up to 67%, while variety Basmati 370 had the lowest germination of up to 40%. Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 5000 ppm was the most effective in breaking seed dormancy resulting in up to 95.7% germination. The results of the study indicated that packaging rice seed in polythene bags for periods not exceeding six months and pre-treatment with GA3 maintains high seed viability and breaks dormancy, respectively, thus ensuring rapid and uniform germination of vigorous seedlings. This would reduce the period farmers have to wait after harvest before they can plant newly harvested rice seeds.
Farmers’ Perspective on Sociological and Environmental Issues of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: A Case Study from Western and Southern Regions of Sierra Leone
Authors: Nabay Osman , Conteh Abdul R. , Samura Alusaine E. , Hinckley Emmanuel S. , Kamara Mohamed S.
Published: June 2017

The paper examined and brought to the fore the typical characteristic of urban and peri-urban farmers in Freetown and Bo communities which serves as major source of supply of agricultural products into the cities’ markets. The social and environmental aspect and perception of producers involved in urban and peri-urban agriculture was examined. Descriptive statistics and pictograms were used to analyze and present the data. Results indicate that 56.34% never went to formal school and mostly dominated by women, showing that farming became the alternative means of livelihood support for those groups. Crops grown are purely influenced by market orientation—demand and cost, as is evident in Gloucester (lettuce, cabbage and spring onions). Potato leaves were commonly grown in almost all communities, reason being that it serves as common/major sauce/vegetable cooked in every household in Sierra Leone. Maize and rice were featured in Ogoo farm—government supervised land set aside purposely for growing crops to supply the city. Findings also revealed that majority of the farmers are resource poor, judging from calculation about their monthly income earning and available household assets and amenities. About 70.4% of the lands the farmers grow their crops on is leased for production. Except for Gloucester community, when costs of production will be summed, minimal benefit seem to be realized from the farming activities. Even though some of these farmers are engaged in organization, many have limited access to micro financial organization that would probably loan them money to upscale production.
CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS ON MILITARY PISTOLS AND CARTRIDGES
Authors: Zahor Mirosław , Woźniak Ryszard
Published: June 2017

Analysis results of designs for duty pistols and their ammunition are presented in the article. Formulated conclusions can be used at engineering practice to design modern weapon systems for the Polish Army and services responsible for state’s home security.
The Mechanism and Applications of CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Scherz Paul ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: June 2017

The recently developed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is transforming basic biomedical research, but it also may have therapeutic applications. This essay examines how the technology works, its possible applications in somatic and germline cell therapy, and the use of gene drives to control disease vectors like mosquito-borne illnesses. While potentially valuable, all of these applications present ethical problems, including the specific risks of unintentional mutations; pre-existing concerns over the relationship between biomedical technology, power, and procreation; and CRISPR’s unintended consequences for the environment.
The Genetic Engineering of Animals and Plants and the Boundaries of Stewardship
Authors: Prentice David A. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: June 2017

Genetic engineering can change the biology of a plant or animal by altering its genome. Historically, selective breeding, induced mutation, and screening have been used to adapt animals and plants for human uses. The advent of specific, more accurate gene editing systems, coupled with cellular and embryological systems for selecting genetically engineered organisms, provides even greater possibilities for altering animals and plants to meet human needs but necessitates an analysis of when and how such tools should be used. Bioethical questions concerning the reasonableness of a genetic experiment, the well-being of the modified organism, the integrity of a species and the environment, and the potential benefit to humans should be addressed before any genetic manipulations are undertaken. Animals and plants can be genetically engineered ethically, but certain lines should not be crossed if we are to be good stewards.
Nitrato no Aquífero Adamantina: o caso do Município de Monte Azul Paulista, SP
Authors: Montanheiro Filipe , Kiang Chang Hung
Published: June 2017

O município de Monte Azul Paulista é abastecido exclusivamente por água subterrânea captada principalmente do Aquífero Adamantina, por meio de uma centena de poços. Nos últimos anos elevadas concentrações de nitrato impossibilitaram a utilização de alguns deles para abastecimento público. No núcleo urbano central construiu-se, estrategicamente, um poço tubular profundo para suprir o déficit de água, o que permitiu testar um modelo hidrogeológico conceitual a partir da interpretação e integração dos resultados hidroquímicos, geofísicos e hidrogeológicos. Esse modelo indicou duas potenciometrias distintas: uma no aquífero raso (da superfície até 40 m) e outra no profundo (80 até 152 m), separadas por uma camada de sedimentos argilosos com 40 m de espessura. As águas subterrâneas estão classificadas em dois tipos predominantes: 62% bicarbonatadas cálcicas (Ca-Na-CO3, Ca-HCO3) e, secundariamente, 38% em cloretadas cálcicas (Cl-Ca-HCO3). A classe do tipo hidroquímico dominante, bicarbonatada cálcica, é compatível com estudos regionais realizados por outros pesquisadores há mais de duas décadas. Por outro lado, as águas classificadas como cloretadas cálcicas relacionam-se àquelas que sofreram intervenção antrópica com presença do contaminante nitrato. Embora o nitrato seja proveniente da superfície, foi possível registrar que ele já se distribui pelo aquífero profundo. Isso também foi comprovado pelo modelamento hidroquímico, que demonstrou a ocorrência de misturas de água poluída e natural em diferentes proporções, com características cloretadas cálcicas. A presença de camadas argilosas interdigitadas diminui a possibilidade de que a contaminação com nitrato esteja fluindo verticalmente para as porções mais profundas. Por outro lado, o excesso de poços e sua má construção podem constituir uma fonte contaminadora potencial.
Composição química da água de chuva em Rio Claro (SP)
Authors: Santos Vinícius dos , Gastmans Didier
Published: June 2017

O presente trabalho avaliou a composição química da água de chuva na cidade de Rio Claro (SP), a partir de amostras compostas semanais. A coleta dessas amostras foi realizada entre os meses de fevereiro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2014 nas dependências do Centro de Estudos Ambientais (CEA) da UNESP/Rio Claro. A avaliação dos dados incluiu a análise estatística das concentrações dos cátions e ânions, por meio da elaboração da matriz de correlação de Pearson, análise de componentes principais e da média ponderada pelo volume da precipitação. O modelo de transporte de partículas na atmosfera HYSPLIT foi aplicado com o objetivo de identificar as principais trajetórias de massas de ar para as chuvas que atingiram a região de Rio Claro no período e a possível interação da superfície dessa área com a atmosfera. Os resultados indicam que a água de chuva pode ser classificada como levemente ácida (pH entre 4,75 e 6,81) e com baixa condutividade elétrica, dentro dos valores esperados para águas de chuvas (entre 4,12 e 29,30 μS cm-1). A sua composição química deve-se à incorporação de elementos provenientes de duas fontes: natural e antropogênica. O HCO3 - presente na água de chuva tem origem no CO2 atmosférico, associado à respiração vegetal e às emissões industriais e veiculares. Os íons Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ e K+ tem sua origem diretamente relacionada às rochas e solos da região, emitidos principalmente devido às atividades do polo cerâmico existente no entorno da cidade de Rio Claro, enquanto os compostos NH4+, NO3- e Pb2+ podem ser associados a emissões industriais e veiculares. Apesar da origem múltipla dos elementos presentes na água da chuva, compostos associados a fontes naturais representam cerca de 40% de sua composição.
Nova ocorrência de megafauna pleistocênica em Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Pansani Thaís Rabito , Oliveira Alessandro Marques de , Pacheco Mírian Liza Alves Forancelli
Published: June 2017

O estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, tem revelado um importante potencial paleontológico dos depósitos quaternários, em especial devido à riqueza de fósseis encontrados nas grutas e rios da região da Serra da Bodoquena. Este trabalho apresenta novos dados taxonômicos de espécimes coletados do rio Miranda (Miranda, MS), uma nova localidade fossilífera da megafauna pleistocênica da região. Dentre os materiais identificados, estão restos fósseis de Megatheriidae, Mylodontidae, Glyptodontinae, Pampatheriidae e Toxodontidae. Ressalta-se a ocorrência, até agora inédita, do pampaterídeo Holmesina, que preenche uma lacuna paleobiogeográfica na América do Sul.
Introduction
Authors: Lund Jacob
Published: June 2017

Welcome to the second issue of the re-designed Nordic Journal of Aesthetics. Although this issue is without an overall theme the five articles it comprises are more or less explicitly connected through their historically informed analyses and reflections on different dynamics of the relationship between aesthetics and politics that are currently in operation.
A NOTE ON SOCIALLY ENGAGED ART CRITICISM
Authors: Rasmussen Mikkel Bolt
Published: June 2017

This article is a discussion of Grant Kester’s notion of socially-engaged art criticism via a retrospective mapping of the four most important 1990s artistic practices: relational art, institutional critique, tactical media and socially-engaged art. While both relational, or participatory, art and institutional critique seem to have run out of steam, and have fused more or less seamlessly with the institution of art, socially-engaged art still seems to hold critical potential by making use of the relative autonomy of art beyond the narrow confines of the art institution. The journal Field, founded and edited by Kester, is an attempt to develop a new art criticism that is able to account for this kind of practice. The turn to ethnography in order to analyse often open-ended community-based projects is relevant – and the
Contributors
Authors: Lund Jacob
Published: June 2017

Marit Grøtta is Associate Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her latest book is Baudelaire’s Media Aesthetics: The Gaze of the Flâneur and 19th-Century Media (Bloomsbury, 2015). Other publications include “Reading/Developing Images: Baudelaire, Benjamin, and the Advent of Photography,” Nineteenth-Century French Studies nr. 1-2 (2012) and “Fotografi og følelser: Om Proust, portrettfotografier og lengselen etter å nå utover seg selv,” Agora: Tidsskrift for filosofisk spekulasjon, nr. 1 (2016), as well as other articles on literature, aesthetics and media culture. Grant Kester is Professor of Art History in the Visual Arts department at the University of California, San Diego and the founding editor of FIELD: A Journal of Socially Engaged Art Criticism. His publications include Art, Activism and Oppositionality: Essays from Afterimage (Duke University Press, 1998), Conversation Pieces: Community and Communication in Modern Art (University of California Press, 2004, second edition in 2013), The One and the Many: Contemporary Collaborative Art in a Global Context (Duke University Press, 2011) and Collective Situations: Dialogues in Contemporary Latin American Art 1995-2010, an anthology of writings by art collectives working in Latin America produced in collaboration with Bill Kelley Jr. (Duke University Press, 2017). He is currently completing work on a new book that develops a more detailed theoretical account of dialogical aesthetics. Nicholas Mirzoeff is Professor of Media, Culture and Communication at New York University. Among his many publications are How To See The World (London, 2015) and the forthcoming open-source e-book The Appearance of Black Lives Matter. For more information and bibliography please visit: http://www.nicholasmirzoeff.com/bio/ Kasper Opstrup is a writer and researcher of radical culture, specialising in concatenations of art/literature, radical politics, and occultism as counter- culture and underground phenomena. Currently he is working on a postdoc project at the University of Copenhagen, supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that examines aesthetic undercurrents of mystical utopianism from surrealism to the
Different TCR-induced T lymphocyte responses are potentiated by stiffness with variable sensitivity
Authors: Saitakis Michael , Dogniaux Stéphanie , Goudot Christel , Bufi Nathalie , Asnacios Sophie , Maurin Mathieu , Randriamampita Clotilde , Asnacios Atef , Hivroz Claire
Published: June 2017

T cells are mechanosensitive but the effect of stiffness on their functions is still debated. We characterize herein how human primary CD4+ T cell functions are affected by stiffness within the physiological Young’s modulus range of 0.5 kPa to 100 kPa. Stiffness modulates T lymphocyte migration and morphological changes induced by TCR/CD3 triggering. Stiffness also increases TCR-induced immune system, metabolism and cell-cycle-related genes. Yet, upon TCR/CD3 stimulation, while cytokine production increases within a wide range of stiffness, from hundreds of Pa to hundreds of kPa, T cell metabolic properties and cell cycle progression are only increased by the highest stiffness tested (100 kPa). Finally, mechanical properties of adherent antigen-presenting cells modulate cytokine production by T cells. Together, these results reveal that T cells discriminate between the wide range of stiffness values found in the body and adapt their responses accordingly.
Cyclophilin A-regulated ubiquitination is critical for RIG-I-mediated antiviral immune responses
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Jing , Zheng Weinan , Shang Yingli , Zhao Zhendong , Wang Shanshan , Bi Yuhai , Zhang Shuang , Xu Chongfeng , Duan Ziyuan , Zhang Lianfeng , Wang Yue L , Jiang Zhengfan , Liu Wenjun , Sun Lei
Published: June 2017

RIG-I is a key cytosolic pattern recognition receptor that interacts with MAVS to induce type I interferons (IFNs) against RNA virus infection. In this study, we found that cyclophilin A (CypA), a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, functioned as a critical positive regulator of RIG-I-mediated antiviral immune responses. Deficiency of CypA impaired RIG-I-mediated type I IFN production and promoted viral replication in human cells and mice. Upon Sendai virus infection, CypA increased the interaction between RIG-I and its E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, leading to enhanced TRIM25-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I that facilitated recruitment of RIG-I to MAVS. In addition, CypA and TRIM25 competitively interacted with MAVS, thereby inhibiting TRIM25-induced K48-linked ubiquitination of MAVS. Taken together, our findings reveal an essential role of CypA in boosting RIG-I-mediated antiviral immune responses by controlling the ubiquitination of RIG-I and MAVS.