bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASPECTOS BIOMÉTRICOS E MORFOLÓGICOS DE FRUTOS E SEMENTES DE Schinopsis brasiliensis
Authors: Santos Jania Claudia Camilo dos , Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , Costa Renato Nunes , Da Silva Carlos Humberto , Santos Wilton da Silva , Moura Flávia de Barros Prado , Silva José Vieira
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a biometria e morfologia de S. brasiliensis, visando identificar características que auxiliem no uso e propagação dessa espécie da Caatinga em programa de restauração ambiental. Os dados biométricos foram obtidos a partir de 1000 frutos e 1000 sementes. Foram medidos o comprimento, largura, espessura e massa de frutos e sementes. Os dados foram ajustados utilizando a estatística descritiva e teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Para a descrição morfológica dos frutos, foram relatadas observações sobre os aspectos externos e internos do pericarpo, consistência da casca, coloração, brilho, forma e deiscência. Já as descrições morfológicas externa das sementes foram feitas observações sobre consistência, coloração, textura, forma e hilo. A caracterização biométrica de frutos e sementes de S. brasiliensis, possibilitou verificar a variação existente entre as classes biométricas através de histograma de frequência. Os frutos apresentam morfologia completa, em forma de sâmara, indeiscente e monospérmico. As sementes foram caracterizadas em oblongas e reniformes, envolvidas pelo endocarpo, resultando no pirênio, sendo esta a camada que dificulta o processo de embebição de água, a qual antecede a germinação, no entanto, esta camada é capaz de promover maior longevidade as sementes.Palavras-chave: análises biométricas, características morfológicas, sementes florestais, Caatinga. BIOMETRIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FRUITS AND SEEDS OF SCHINOPSIS BRASILIENSIS ABSTRACT:The objective of this work was to evaluate the biometry and morphology of S. brasiliensis, aiming to identify traits that help in the use and propagation of this Caatinga species in an environmental restoration program. Biometric data were obtained from 1000 fruits and 1000 seeds. The length, width, thickness and mass of fruits and seeds were measured. Data were adjusted using descriptive statistics and Shapiro-Wilk test. For the fruits morphological description, observations on the external and internal traits of the pericarp, peel consistency, coloration, brightness, shape and dehiscence were reported. Already the external morphological descriptions of the seeds were made on consistency, color, texture, shape and thread. The biometric characterization of fruits and seeds of S. brasiliensis made it possible to verify the variation between the biometric classes through frequency histogram. The fruits presented complete morphology, in the form of a samara, indiscriminate and monospermic. The seeds were characterized in oblong and reniform, surrounded by the endocarp, resulting in the pyrenium, which is the layer that hinders the process of water imbibition, which precedes the germination, however this layer is able to promote greater longevity of the seeds.Keywords: biometric analyzes, morphological traits, forest seeds, Caatinga.
DESEMPENHO TÉCNICO E ECONÔMICO DE DISTINTOS MODELOS DE FORWARDERS
Authors: Santos Diego Weslly Ferreira do Nascimento , Fernandes Haroldo Carlos , Magalhães Valente Domingos Sárvio , Gomes Bruno Meira , Dadalto Juliana Pinheiro , Leite Elton da Silva
Published: July 2018

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho analisar técnica e economicamente dois modelos de forwarder na extração de toras de eucalipto. O trabalho foi realizado na região Sul do estado da Bahia. A análise técnica compreendeu ao estudo de tempos e movimentos, produtividade, disponibilidade mecânica e eficiência operacional. Já a análise econômica baseou-se na determinação do custo operacional e de extração. Os resultados de tempos e movimentos e produtividades das máquinas foram submetidos a análise estatística. O tempo total e os elementos carregamento, deslocamento com carga e descarregamento do modelo elephant são estaticamente superior ao tempo total e aos mesmos elementos do modelo buffaloking. O forwarder modelo elephant apresentou uma produtividade média de 44,16 m³ he-1, sendo esse valor estaticamente superior aos 39,40 m³ he-1 apresentado pelo modelo buffaloking. O maior custo operacional e de produção foram calculados para o modelo buffaloking. O modelo elephant demonstra-se mais eficiente na extração de madeira.Palavras-chave: colheita florestal, desempenho operacional, extração. TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERRENT FORWARDER MODELS ABSTRACT:The objective of this study is to analyze technically and economically two models of forwarder in Eucalyptus logs extraction. The study was conducted in the southern region of Bahia. Technical analysis includes the study of time and motion, productivity, mechanical availability and operational efficiency. Already the economic analysis was based on the determination of the operating cost and extraction. The results of motion and time and productivity of the machines were subjected to statistical analysis. The total time and the elements: load, displacement load and unload the elephant model are statistically higher than the total time and the same elements of buffaloking model. The forwarder elephant model showed an average yield of 44.16 m³ he-1, and this value statically superior to 39.40 m³ he-1 presented by buffaloking model. The biggest operational cost and production were calculated for the model buffaloking. The elephant model shows to be more efficient in wood extraction.Keywords: forest harvesting, operational performance, extraction.
POTENTIAL USAGE OF THE URBAN PRUNING RESIDUE FOR PRODUCTION OF WOOD BASED PANELS
Authors: Palharini Kelly Maria , Guimarães Junior José Benedito , Faria Douglas Lamounier , Mendes Rafael Farinassi , Protásio Thiago de Paula , Mendes Lourival Marin
Published: July 2018

POTENCIAL DE APROVEITAMENTO DO RESÍDUO DA DESRAMA URBANA PARA PRODUÇÃO DE PAINÉIS AGLOMERADOS  O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial de utilização do resíduo da poda urbana das madeiras de Licania tomentosa, Schinus molle e Tibouchina granulosa para produção de painéis aglomerados. Os materiais foram coletados na cidade de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil. Avaliou-se a densidade básica e análise química destes materiais. Posteriormente foram produzidos 3 painéis aglomerados de cada espécie estudada. A densidade nominal destes painéis foi de 0,60g/cm³, dimensões de 25 x 25 x 1,5cm. O adesivo utilizado foi a uréia formaldeído a 8% com base no seu teor de sólidos resinosos. O ciclo de prensagem utilizado foi de pressão nominal de 4,0 MPa, temperatura de 160° C e tempo de 15 minutos. Avaliou-se as propriedades de absorção e inchamento em espessura após 2 e 24 horas de imersão em água, densidade aparente, tração perpendicular e flexão estática. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com utilização do teste de médias de Scott-Knott a 5% de significância. Pode-se concluir que os materiais utilizados para produção dos painéis apresentaram características de densidade básica e análise química adequada para a produção de painéis aglomerados. O resíduo que apresentou maior potencial de ser utilizado para produção de chapas aglomeradas foi a espécie Schinus molle.Keywords: Schinus molle, Licania tomentosa, chapas de madeira. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper was to verify the utilization potential of urban pruning residue from the woods of Licania tomentosa, Schinus molle and Tibouchina granulosa for the production of wood based panels. The materials were collected from the city of Jataí, Goiás, Brazil. The basic density and chemical analyses of these materials were evaluated. Subsequently, 3 wood based panels of each studied species were produced. The nominal density of these panels was of 0.60g/cm³, dimensions of 25 x 25 x 1.5 cm. The adhesive used was urea formaldehyde at 8% based on its content of resinous solids. The pressing cycle used will be of nominal pressure of 4.0 MPa, temperature of 160 °C and time of 15 minutes. The absorption and thickness swelling properties after 2 and 24 hours of immersion in water, apparent density, perpendicular traction and flexural strength were evaluation. The design used was entirely randomized, using the Scott-Knott average test at 5% significance. It may be concluded that the materials used for production of the panels presented basic density and proper chemical analysis characteristics for the production of wood based panels. The residue which presented greatest potential of usage for production of wood based boards was the species Schinus molle.Palavras-chave: Schinus molle, Licania tomentosa, wood boards.
LABIRINTO FEMININO: A CONSTRUÇÃO DO IMAGINÁRIO FEMININO COMO SUJEITO ABSOLUTO OU RELATIVO.
Authors: Loures Ferraz Diná Rocha
Published: July 2018

Desde os primórdios das sociedades humanas, o homem e a mulher lutaram pela sobrevivência e a perpetuação da espécie, entrementes, durante essa caminhada, em grande parte do tempo, o gênero feminino interpretou papéis secundários, foi excluída do universo político e público, esteve restrita aos afazeres domésticos, aos cuidados dos filhos e do lar. Essa realidade perdurou por séculos e, o mais surpreendente é que em pleno século XXI, constatamos realidades em que as mulheres, ainda permanecem a margem, as sombras, sem voz, sem sonhos, etc. Vale ressaltar, contudo, que em alguns momentos da história a mulher atuou como protagonista, foi senhora da razão e detentora de poder, momentos especiais que deixaram profundas marcas e exemplos a serem seguidos.
Invisible labour
Authors: Hayes Sarah
Published: July 2018

The ‘academic orthodoxy’ (Brookfield 1986) of student engagement is questioned by Zepke, who suggests that it supports ‘a neoliberal ideology’ (2014: 698). In reply, Trowler argues that Zepke fails to explain the mechanisms linking neoliberalism to the concepts and practices of student engagement (2015: 336). In this article, I respond to the Zepke-Trowler debate with an analysis of student engagement policies that illuminates the role of discourse as one mechanism linking neoliberal values with practices of student engagement. Through a corpus-based Critical Discourse Analysis, I demonstrate a persistent and alarming omission of human labour from university policy texts. Instead, the engagements of students and staff are attributed to technology, documents and frameworks. Student engagement is discussed as a commodity to be embedded and marketed back to students in a way that yields an ‘exchange value’ (Marx 1867) for universities.
Bir Köpekte Eroziv Ülseratif Stomatitis: Çam Kesesi Böceği Toksikasyonu
Authors: Erdoğan Hasan , Parlatır Yasin
Published: July 2018

Birçok kanatlı ve kelebek türünün yaşayan organizmalarda yangısal reaksiyon meydana getirdiği bilinmektedir. Çam kesesi böceği Lepidoptera familyasının bir üyesidir. Bu familya üyeleri çamlarda yaşamakta ve çam ağaçları, insanlar ve hayvanlara zarar verebilmektedir. Çam ağaçlarının iğne şeklindeki yaprakları ile beslenmesi bitkiler için yaşamı zorlaştırmakta, aynı zamanda bünyelerinde barındırdıkları allerjen özellikleri ile insan ve hayvanlarda sağlık problemlerine neden olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada bir av köpeğinde çam kesesi böceği temasına bağlı olarak gelişen eroziv stomatitis olgusu değerlendirildi.
PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF GAME BIRDS IN DHAKA CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH
Authors: Hasan T. , Mazumder S. , Hossan M. M. , Hossain M. S. , Begum N. , Paul P.
Published: July 2018

Game birds are silent controller of maintaining ecological balance. To study the prevalence of intestinal parasites in game birds, a total of 60 birds (budgerigar, parrot, cockatoo, dove, turkey and teeter) were collected from several places of Dhaka Municipality area, during the period of June 2017 to November, 2017. Alongside the effects of age, sex, season and treatment on the prevalence of parasitic infection in game birds were studied. Coprologic analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 45%, of which 21.67% of Ascaridia galli, 10% for Balantidium coli and 13.33% for Eimeria spp. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 28.7%, t 22.22% and 16.6% in teeter, budgerigar and parrot respectively. Eimeria spp. (16.67%) in budgerigar. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was highest (25%) followed by Eimeria spp (16.67%) in parrot. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli in cockatoo was 16.67%. In dove prevalence of Balantidium coli (44.44%) was highest followed by Ascaridia galli (22.22%). The prevalence of Eimeria spp. and Balantidium coli were highest (25%) followed by Ascaridia galli (12.50%) in turkey. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was highest (28.57%) followed by Eimeria spp (14.23%) in teeter. Age of this game birds had significant (p> 0.05) influence on the infections and odds ratio of Chick (<6 month) vs young (>6 month to 1 year), young vs adult (>1 year) and chick vs adult were 1.28, 1.08 and 1.4 respectively. The sex of the game birds had significant (p>0.05) influence on the infections with intestinal parasites and odds ratio of male vs female was 0.81. Game birds had significant (p>0.05) on the infection in the seasons of the year and odds ratio of summer vs winter was 2.12. Game birds had significant (p>0.05) on the infection in the treatment given and the odds ratio of treated vs non-treated was 0.89. It may be concluded that game birds, irrespective of age, sex, season, treatment, intestinal parasites are the serious threat to game birds in Dhaka Municipality area, Bangladesh.
EFFECT OF GREEN TEA POWDER AS AN ALTERNATIVE OF ANTIBIOTIC ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, MEAT QUALITY AND BLOOD LIPID PROFILE OF BROILER
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Hossain M. S. , Abid M. H. , Nabi M. R. , Hamid M. A.
Published: July 2018

A study was conducted with green tea powder to evaluate the effect on broiler growth, meat quality and the development of internal organ. The broiler growth, meat quality and the blood profile have been improving day by day by using green tea powder with poultry feed. The experiment design should be well planned. Biosecurity of experimental design was maintained properly. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio is efficient in experiment birds. The live weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the group of Green Tea in the feed. The initial body weights of group To, T1, T2, T3 and T4 day of the experiment were 176.8 ±1, 184.2±1.3, 185.1±1, 190.2±084, 180.2±1.22 gm respectively and after 35th day of experiment final body weight were 1972±3.22, 1992±2.77, 1940±3.17, 1778±3.52, 1918±2.81 gm respectively. The net body weight gains were 1795.2±2.22, 1807.8±1.47, 1754.9±2.17, 1727.8±2.68, 1737.8±1.52 gm respectively and economics of production were analyzed and found the net profit per broiler. Green tea powder has significantly impact on feed intake To, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively 3058± 4.23, 2971±4.01, 2995±5.57, 3208±4.3 and 3226±5.25 and increase body weight. Here the total cholesterol is lower in the group of broiler supplied green tea 0.5% and compare to other group of GT and antibiotic group. Triglyceride level showed significant (P<0.01) differences among different groups where highest level was found in T1 and lowest in T3 groups  due to green tea powder concentration of blood plasma of broiler chicken.
IN-VITRO EFFICACY OF VERENDA (Ricinus communis) LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST TICKS IN CATTLE
Authors: Islam S. , Talukder S. , Ferdous J. , Hasan M. M. , Sarker Y. A. , Sachi S. , Alim M. A. , Sikder M. H.
Published: July 2018

Tick infestation is commonly found in every commercial cattle farm and domestically reared cattle. Farm generally used acaricides to treat tick infestation; however finding new, cheap and alternative source of acaricides is a prime concern. Here, we investigated the in-vitro efficacy of verenda (Ricinus communis) leaves extracts to treat tick infestation. We prepared aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extract of verenda leaves to apply on ticks. A total of 90 ticks (both hard ticks and soft ticks) was collected from cattle in local area of Mymensingh region and divided into 3 treatment groups: A (aqueous), B (ethanol), C (methanol) and D (control). All groups were sub-divided into 3 sub-groups on the basis of concentration of 1%, 2% and 3% treatments. Ticks were treated with different concentration of extract and observation of tick was performed 12, 24 and 36 hours interval. The whole experiment was repeated thrice. Our data suggests 3% methanolic extract confer highest efficacy against ticks and verenda leaves extract could be used alternatively as acaricides.
SEROPREVALENCE OF EQUINE BRUCELLOSIS: FIRST REPORT IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Millat M. K. S. A. , Shafy N. M. , Sharmy S. T. , Yeasmin F. , Karim M. F. , Ehsan M. A. , Sarker R. R. , Khtun F. , Wares M. A. , Hasan M. M. , Nishidate I. , Rahman M. S.
Published: July 2018

Despite the endemicity of brucellosis, there is no report on the equine brucellosis in Bangladesh. The Rose Bengal Test (RBT) was used to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies amongst 112 horses from different areas of Bangladesh. The overall seroprevalence of equine brucellosis was 1.79%.The prevalence recorded in Ghatail area was 3.45% and there was no positive reactor in Shakipur and Savar areas. Sex wise prevalence showed that the prevalence was 3.08%in female and 0.00% in male horse. Only the adult (>3 years of old) horses showed the positive RBT reaction (2.35%), whereas young (<3 years of old) horses did not showed positive RBT reaction. The present study reports the first serological prevalence of Brucella infection in horses in Bangladesh. There is need for the inclusion of horses in brucellosis surveillance and control strategies in Bangladesh to safeguard people from high risk.
Cold Injury and Flash Flood Damage in Boro Rice Cultivation in Bangladesh: A Review
Authors: Rashid MM , Yasmeen R
Published: July 2018

Increasing population with decreasing resources and increasing climate vulnerability appeared as the great challenges to sustain food security of Bangladesh. Cold stress adversely affects growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Systematic studies have been carried out to improve understanding on rice cold tolerance. Two adverse conditions, such as low temperature stress at reproductive stages and flash flood at maturity affect the Boro rice in the haor areas of Bangladesh. Any deviation of these two phenomena is enough to cause disaster in haor areas. Here, we summarized different types of cold injury, rice cold injury scenario and cold tolerant rice varieties/genotypes available in different countries. Moreover, we discussed on rice cold tolerant barrier and flash flood risk in Boro rice cultivation at haor areas of Bangladesh. Based on the authors’ own research and available data, the concept of overcoming cold and flash flood damage was proposed. According to this concept there were distinguished possible ways how to improve cold tolerance and flash flood problem in Boro rice cultivation in BangladeshBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 13-25
DNA Fingerprinting and Genetic Diversity in Aus Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique MA , Khalequzzaman M , Fatema K , Islam MZ , Baktiar MHK , Islam MM
Published: July 2018

The allelic diversity and relationships among 48 Aus rice landraces were determined through DNA fingerprinting using microsatellite (SSR) markers. A total of 14 SSR markers for different chromosomes were used to characterize and differentiate the studied rice genotypes. The number of alleles per locus varied from three alleles (RM118) to 18 alleles (RM44) with an average of 9.88. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied widely among the loci and ranged from 0.3725 (RM107) to 0.9146 (RM519) with an average of 0.7248. The genetic distance-based results found in the UPGMA clustering system revealed six genetic groups with a similarity coefficient of 0.35. Chakila and Shitki saitta had closest distance in the SSR based genetic distance might have same genetic background. Based on genetic coefficient, the diverse landraces Kasalot, Balam, Pankhiraj, Dular, Hashikalmi, Galong, Panbira, Marichbati, Pidi and Surjomoni could be selected as potential parents for varietal improvement programme. The findings of this study should be useful for varietal identification and could be useful for plant breeders in selecting suitable genetically diverse parents for the crossing programmeBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 59-65
Sensitivity of Annual Weeds against Sulfentrazone 48 SC herbicide in Rice Cultivation
Authors: Bhuiyan MKA , Mahbub MM , Baki ZI , Nahar L
Published: July 2018

Herbicides are used successfully for weed control in rice fields for rapid effect, easier to application and low cost involvement in comparison to the traditional methods of hand weeding. Sulfentrazoneis a new pre-planting herbicide in Bangladesh. Field trials were conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur during Aman 2014 and Boro 2014-15 to evaluate the efficacy of sulfentrazone 48 SC on weed suppression and performance of transplanted rice. Treatments were Sulfentrazone 48 SC @ 150, 200 and 250 ml ha-1, pretilachlor 500 EC @ 1000 ml ha-1, weed free and unweeded control. Visual assessment indicated that this herbicide possesses high selectivity and not toxic to rice plants. The results revealed that the major weed flora associated with the transplanted rice was mainly comprised of two grasses, two sedges and four broadleaves in Aman 2014 and two grasses, two sedge and two broadleaves in Boro 2014-15. The most dominant weeds were Cyperus difformis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Scirpus maritimus and Monochoria vaginalis in both the growing seasons. Application of Sulfentrazone 48 SC @ 200 ml ha-1 was most effective to suppress weed density and dry masses in both the seasons resulting increased grain yield more than 50% as compared to unweeded control. Therefore, Sulfentrazone 48 SC @ 200 ml ha-1 should apply two or three days before plantingfor effectively control weeds in riceBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 67-76
Enhancing Rice Productivity through integration of Stress Tolerant Rice Varieties and Improved Nutrient Management Practices in Saline Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan MKA , Mridha AJ , Singh S , Srivastava AK , Singh US , Bari MA , Ali MA
Published: July 2018

The study was conducted in two locations of coastal districts Patuakhali and Satkhira during 2012 and 2013 T. Aman season. Stress tolerant rice varieties along with nitrogen application using prilled urea (PU), leaf color chart (LCC), urea super granule (USG), and rice crop manager (RCM) software based nitrogen (N) dose were examined. The objectives of the study were to identify the response of saline tolerant varieties to N fertilization on grain yield and profitability. Among the tested varieties, grain yield of BRRI dhan40, BRRI dhan41 and BRRI dhan54 were higher compared to BRRI dhan52 and BRRI dhan53 irrespective of location. There were no significant difference among the better performed varieties. Interaction effect of yield was significant in 2013 at Patuakhali but insignificant in both the locations in 2012. During 2013 in Patuakhali, the interaction effect of BRRI dhan40 × USG and BRRI dhan41 × USG produced higher grain yield and total N uptake. In Satkhira BRRI dhan54 and BRRI dhan40 performed better and produced higher grain yield and N uptake. Among the N application treatments USG application was the best compared to either LCC or RCM. The combination of BRRI dhan54×USG and BRRI dhan41×USG had more economic gains in both 2012 and 2013 in Patuakhali. The combination of BRRI dhan52×USG and BRRI dhan41×LCC appeared as themost profitable in Satkhira during 2013. Integration of saline tolerant varieties along with USG application could improve the yield of saline tolerant rice in saline environmentBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 77-89
Effect of Leaf Clipping on Yield Attributes of Modern and Local Rice Varieties
Authors: Das SR , Ali MY , Islam MM
Published: July 2018

Impact of five different types of leaf clipping on the yield attributes of modern (Binadhan-8) and local (Terebaile) rice variety was evaluated on pot experiments following a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Leaves were cut according to the treatment. Data were collected on panicle length (cm), filled grain panicle-1, unfilled grain panicle-1, thousand grain weight (g), grain weight panicle-1 (g). In Binadhan-8, flag leaf alone or flag leaf with 2nd leaf and 2nd and 3rd leaves cutting showed profound reduction in grain number panicle-1 (35.14, 62.62, and 51.83%, respectively) and grain weight panicle-1 (29.18, 58.37 and 48.93%, respectively) while, cutting of 2nd leaf and 3rd leaf alone exert no significant impact compared to control. Number of unfilled grain increased with higher intensity of leaf cutting. In Terebaile, only flag leaf cut showed non-significant impact on grain number panicle-1 and grain weight panicle-1. Profound impact was observed by cutting flag leaf with 2nd leaf (55.47 and 48.98%, respectively) and flag leaf with 2nd and 3rd leaf (58.96 and 63.13%, respectively). Leaf clipping had non-significant effect on thousand grain weight of modern variety Binadhan-8 while, it had significant effect in TerebaileBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 101-104
Solutions to the Sub-Optimality and Stability Issues of Recursive Pole and Zero Distribution Algorithms for the Approximation of Fractional Order Models
Authors: Sabatier Jocelyn
Published: July 2018

This paper analyses algorithms currently found in the literature for the approximation of fractional order models and based on recursive pole and zero distributions. The analysis focuses on the sub-optimality of the approximations obtained and stability issues that may appear after approximation depending on the pole location of the initial fractional order model. Solutions are proposed to reduce this sub-optimality and to avoid stability issues.
Trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Resistance over a Ten-Year Surveillance Period, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2008–2017
Authors: Kularatne Ranmini , Maseko Venessa , Gumede Lindy , Kufa Tendesayi
Published: July 2018

Background: In South Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are managed through a syndromic approach at primary healthcare centres (PHCs). Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the predominant cause of male urethritis syndrome. We describe antimicrobial resistance patterns and trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae during a ten-year surveillance period at a large PHC in Johannesburg. Methods: Neisseria gonorrhoeae was cultured from genital discharge swab specimens obtained from consenting adult patients presenting at the Alexandra Health Centre in Johannesburg between 2008 and 2017. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by Etest™ (cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin) or agar dilution (penicillin, tetracycline, azithromycin). Results: During the period of surveillance, high-level resistance prevalence increased from 30% to 51% for penicillin (p-value for trend < 0.001), 75% to 83% for tetracycline (p-value for trend = 0.008), and 25% to 69% for ciprofloxacin (p-value for trend < 0.001). Analysis did not reveal high-level resistance to spectinomycin or a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) creep for extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and the prevalence of intermediate-resistance to azithromycin was less than 5%. Conclusions: High prevalence resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin in N. gonorrhoeae obviates their use in future national treatment algorithms for genital discharge. It is essential to continue monitoring for emerging resistance to currently recommended antimicrobial therapy in this rapidly evolving pathogen.
The Growing Threat of Gonococcal Blindness
Authors: Dolange Victoria , Churchward Colin , Christodoulides Myron , Snyder Lori
Published: July 2018

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is now a reality, as well as the consequences of untreatable infections. Gonococcal eye infections result in blindness if not properly treated; they accounted for the vast majority of infections in children in homes for the blind in the pre-antibiotic era. Neisseria gonorrhoeae infects the eyes of infants born to mothers with gonorrhea and can also infect the eyes of adults. Changes in sexual practices may account for the rise in adult gonococcal eye infections, although some cases seem to have occurred with no associated genital infection. As gonorrhea becomes increasingly difficult to treat, the consequences for the treatment of gonococcal blindness must be considered as well. Monocaprin was shown to be effective in rapidly killing N. gonorrhoeae, and is non-irritating in ocular models. Repeated passage in sub-lethal monocaprin induces neither resistance in gonococci nor genomic mutations that are suggestive of resistance. Here, we show that 1 mM monocaprin kills 100% of N. gonorrhoeae in 2 min, and is equally effective against N. meningitidis, a rare cause of ophthalmia neonatorum that is potentially lethal. Monocaprin at 1 mM also completely kills Staphylococcus aureus after 60 min, and 25 mM kills 80% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 360 min. Previously, 1 mM monocaprin was shown to eliminate Chlamydia trachomatis in 5 min. Monocaprin is, therefore, a promising active ingredient in the treatment and prophylaxis of keratitis, especially considering the growing threat of gonococcal blindness due to antimicrobial resistance.
Systematic Review of Intravenous Ascorbate in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Nauman Gina , Gray Javaughn Corey , Parkinson Rose , Levine Mark , Paller Channing J.
Published: July 2018

Background: Ascorbate (vitamin C) has been evaluated as a potential treatment for cancer as an independent agent and in combination with standard chemotherapies. This review assesses the evidence for safety and clinical effectiveness of intravenous (IV) ascorbate in treating various types of cancer. Methods: Single arm and randomized Phase I/II trials were included in this review. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were searched. Results were screened by three of the authors (GN, RP, and CJP) to determine if they met inclusion criteria, and then summarized using a narrative approach. Results: A total of 23 trials involving 385 patients met the inclusion criteria. Only one trial, in ovarian cancer, randomized patients to receive vitamin C or standard of care (chemotherapy). That trial reported an 8.75 month increase in progression-free survival (PFS) and an improved trend in overall survival (OS) in the vitamin C treated arm. Conclusion: Overall, vitamin C has been shown to be safe in nearly all patient populations, alone and in combination with chemotherapies. The promising results support the need for randomized placebo-controlled trials such as the ongoing placebo-controlled trials of vitamin C and chemotherapy in prostate cancer.
Three-Dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection Flow of Nanofluids over a Nonlinearly Permeable Stretching/Shrinking Sheet with Velocity and Thermal Slip
Authors: Jamaludin Anuar , Nazar Roslinda , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection flow of nanofluids over a permeable vertical stretching/shrinking sheet with slip conditions is investigated in a numerical manner. As such, two types of nanofluids, Cu-water and Ag-water, had been considered. A similarity transformation was employed to reduce the governing equations to ordinary differential equations, which were then solved numerically using the MATLAB (Matlab R2015a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA, 1984) programme bvp4c. The numerical solutions derived from the ordinary differential equations subjected to the associated boundary conditions, were obtained to represent the values of the mixed convection parameter. Dual (upper and lower branch) solutions were discovered in the opposing flow region of the mixed convection parameter. A stability analysis was carried out to prove that the upper branch solution was indeed stable, while the lower branch solution was unstable. The significant effects of the governing parameters on the reduced skin friction coefficients, the reduced local Nusselt number, as well as the velocity and temperature profiles, were presented graphically and discussed in detail.
Full Characterization of a Molecular Cooper Minimum Using High-Harmonic Spectroscopy
Authors: Scarborough Timothy D. , Gorman Timothy T. , Mauger François , Sándor Péter , Khatri Sanjay , Gaarde Mette B. , Schafer Kenneth J. , Agostini Pierre , DiMauro Louis F.
Published: July 2018

High-harmonic generation was used to probe the spectral intensity and phase of the recombination-dipole matrix element of methyl chloride (CH3Cl), revealing a Cooper minimum (CM) analogous to the 3p CM previously reported in argon. The CM structure altered the spectral response and group delay (GD) of the emitted harmonics, and was revealed only through careful removal of all additional contributors to the GD. In characterizing the GD dispersion, also known as the “attochirp” we additionally present the most complete validation to date of the commonly used strong-field approximation for calculating the GD, demonstrating the correct intensity scaling and extending its usefulness to simple molecules.
Enhancing Efficiency of Electromagnetic Simulation in Time Domain with Transformation Optics
Authors: Hong Jian-Shiung , Cheng Wei-Ming , Yang Meng-Chang , Shiu Ruei-Cheng , Lan Yung-Chiang , Chen Kuan-Ren
Published: July 2018

With sub-wavelength scaled structures in a large system, the conventional finite-difference time-domain method can consume much computational resources since it includes both the spatial and temporal dimension in the scheme. In order to reduce the computational cost, we combine the novel methodology “transformation optics” in the simulation to map a physical coordinate with designated non-uniform grids to a uniform numerical coordinate. For a demonstration, the transmission spectrum through a sub-wavelength metallic aperture with one-dimensional and two-dimensional coordinate transformation is simulated, and compared with uniform-grid cases. We show that the proposed method is accurate, and the computational cost can be reduced remarkably to at most 5.31%, in comparison with the simulation of the finest uniform grids demonstrated. We are confident that it should be helpful to the simulation study in sub-wavelength optics due to its verified accuracy and efficiency.
Cloud Area Distributions of Shallow Cumuli: A New Method for Ground-Based Images
Authors: Kleiss Jessica M. , Riley Erin A. , Long Charles N. , Riihimaki Laura D. , Berg Larry K. , Morris Victor R. , Kassianov Evgueni
Published: July 2018

We develop a new approach that resolves cloud area distributions of single-layer shallow cumuli from ground-based observations. Our simple and computationally inexpensive approach uses images obtained from a Total Sky Imager (TSI) and complementary information on cloud base height provided by lidar measurements to estimate cloud equivalent diameter (CED) over a wide range of cloud sizes (about 0.01–3.5 km) with high temporal resolution (30 s). We illustrate the feasibility of our approach by comparing the estimated CEDs with those derived from collocated and coincident high-resolution (0.03 km) Landsat cloud masks with different spatial and temporal patterns of cloud cover collected over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. We demonstrate that (1) good (~7%) agreement between TSI and Landsat characteristic cloud size can be obtained for clouds that fall within the region of the sky observable by the TSI and (2) large clouds that extend beyond this region are responsible for noticeable (~16%) underestimation of the TSI characteristic cloud size. Our approach provides a previously unavailable dataset for process studies in the convective boundary layer and evaluation of shallow cumuli in cloud-resolving models.
Application of Farmyard Manure Rather Than Manure Slurry Mitigates the Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Herbage Production System in Nasu, Japan
Authors: Mori Akinori
Published: July 2018

In Japan, it is important to recycle the nutrients in manure for forage production because most dairy cattle are fed inside, mainly with imported grain and home-grown roughage. To understand the overall effect of manure use on grassland on the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and GHG intensity of herbage production systems, the integrated evaluation of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) is essential. The objective of this study was to compare the net GHG emissions (expressed in CO2-eq ha−1 y−1) and GHG intensity (expressed in CO2-eq Mg–1 dry matter yield) of herbage production based on manure slurry + synthetic fertilizer (slurry system) with that based on farmyard manure + synthetic fertilizer (FYM system). Calculations of net GHG emissions and GHG intensity took into account the net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) in grassland, the CH4 and N2O emissions from grassland, and GHG emissions related to cattle waste management, synthetic fertilizer manufacture, and fuel consumption for grassland management based on literature data from previous studies. The net GHG emissions and GHG intensity were 36% (6.9 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 y−1) and 41% (0.89 Mg CO2-eq Mg−1), respectively, lower in the FYM system.
Probiotic Functional Carbonated Whey Beverages: Development and Quality Evaluation
Authors: Silva e Alves Adriana T. , Spadoti Leila M. , Zacarchenco Patrícia B. , Trento Fabiana K. H. S.
Published: July 2018

Whey proteins have excellent nutritional characteristics due to their levels of essential amino acids with high bioavailability. However, they have a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and a considerable polluting potential, thus, food manufacturers have opted to add whey to food formulations. The demand for beverages, containing vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, minerals, and bioactive compounds (antioxidants) with health benefits, has increased and driven market growth. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a probiotic functional carbonated beverage from cheese whey and evaluate its microbiological and physicochemical characteristics soon after production and during storage. The viability and stability of probiotics, as well as the microbiological characteristics, titratable acidity and sedimentation of the beverage, were monitored during one month of refrigerated storage. The probiotic to be added to the formulation was established in a preliminary step. The production of this beverage proved to be a simple technology, and the product was suitable for the incorporation of the probiotic, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. The probiotic showed good viability and stability during storage. The microbiological quality of the beverage met the Brazilian legal standards. The pH and titratable acidity of the probiotic carbonated beverage remained stable during storage, and slight sedimentation was observed after one week of refrigerated storage.
β-Lactamase Tools for Establishing Cell Internalization and Cytosolic Delivery of Cell Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Stone Shane R. , Heinrich Tatjana , Juraja Suzy M. , Satiaputra Jiulia N. , Hall Clinton M. , Anastasas Mark , Mills Anna D. , Chamberlain Christopher A. , Winslow Scott , Priebatsch Kristin , Cunningham Paula T. , Hoffmann Katrin , Milech Nadia
Published: July 2018

The ability of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) to deliver biologically relevant cargos into cells is becoming more important as targets in the intracellular space continue to be explored. We have developed two assays based on CPP-dependent, intracellular delivery of TEM-1 β-lactamase enzyme, a functional biological molecule comparable in size to many protein therapeutics. The first assay focuses on the delivery of full-length β-lactamase to evaluate the internalization potential of a CPP sequence. The second assay uses a split-protein system where one component of β-lactamase is constitutively expressed in the cytoplasm of a stable cell line and the other component is delivered by a CPP. The delivery of a split β-lactamase component evaluates the cytosolic delivery capacity of a CPP. We demonstrate that these assays are rapid, flexible and have potential for use with any cell type and CPP sequence. Both assays are validated using canonical and novel CPPs, with limits of detection from <500 nM to 1 µM. Together, the β-lactamase assays provide compatible tools for functional characterization of CPP activity and the delivery of biological cargos into cells.
Morin as a Preservative for Delaying Senescence of Banana
Authors: Zhu Hong , Yang Jiali , Jiang Yueming , Zeng Jun , Zhou Xuesong , Hua Yanglin , Yang Bao
Published: July 2018

Banana is a climacteric fruit with desirable palatability and high nutritional value. It ripens rapidly accompanied with metabolite changes during postharvest storage. In this work, morin was applied to treat banana to delay senescence. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the changes of metabolite composition and levels in banana. The results showed that morin significantly delayed the changes of color and firmness. 1D and 2D NMR spectra reflected that the levels and composition of metabolites were changed with the senescence initiation. The principal component analysis revealed that the first principal components responsible for banana senescence were carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids and phenolics. Morin treatment delayed the transformation of starch to glucose, fructose and sucrose, accelerated the accumulations of alanine and γ-Amino-butyrate (GABA), postponed the generations of valine and l-aspartic acid, suppressed the degradation of saponin a. It indicated that morin was effective in delaying banana senescence.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Tungsten Oxide Precipitated onto Natural Inorganic Clay for Humidity-Sensing Applications
Authors: Afify Ahmed , Elsayed Ahmed , Hassan Mohamed , Ataalla Mohamed , Mohamed Amr , Hussain Azhar , Abu-Khadra Ahmad , Tulliani Jean-Marc
Published: July 2018

A wet chemical method was used to obtain tungsten oxide nanoparticles from tungsten tetrachloride and natural microfibrous inorganic clay (sepiolite) as a starting material. Precipitation of tungsten oxide species onto sepiolite under basic conditions and subsequent thermal treatment was investigated, prompted by the abundance of sepiolite in nature and the useful environmental applications that could be attained. Laser granulometry, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques were used to study the particle-size distribution, the morphology, and the composition of the prepared sample. Our findings show the presence of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which are less than 50 nm, on the needles of the modified sepiolite.
Tracking Trends in Emissions of Developmental Toxicants and Potential Associations with Congenital Heart Disease in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ngwezi Deliwe Precious , Hornberger Lisa K. , Cabeza-Gonzalez Jose Luis , Chandra Sujata , Fruitman Deborah , Osornio-Vargas Alvaro
Published: July 2018

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a serious anomaly for which the etiology remains elusive. We explored temporal trend associations between industrial developmental toxicant (DT) air emissions and CHD in Alberta. Patients born between 2004–2011 with a diagnosis of CHD and 18 DTs from the National Pollutant Release Inventory (2003–2010) were identified. We applied principal component analysis (PCA) to DT amounts and toxicity risk scores (RS) and defined yearly crude CHD and septal defects rates for urban and rural regions. Correlations between DT groups and CHD rates were examined with Spearman test and Bonferroni correction was conducted for multiple comparisons. PCA identified three DT groups: Group 1 (volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gases,) Group 2 (other VOCs), and Group 3 (mainly heavy metals). Province-wide, we found associations between Group 1 DTs and CHD and septal defect rates, when using amounts (r = 0.86, CI 0.39, 0.97 and r = 0.89, CI 0.48, 0.98, respectively) and RS (r = 0.88, CI 0.47, 0.98 and r = 0.85, CI 0.36, 0.97, respectively). Rural Group 2 DTs were positively associated with septal defect rates in both amounts released and RS (r = 0.91, CI 0.55, 0.98 and r = 0.91, CI 0.55, 0.98, respectively). In this exploratory study, we found a temporal decrease in emissions and CHD rates in rural regions and a potential positive association between CHD and septal defect rates and mixtures of organic compounds with or without gases.
Combination of Zinc Oxide and Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanocoatings for Glazing Application
Authors: Schumm Benjamin , Abendroth Thomas , Alajlan Saleh A. , Almogbel Ahmed M. , Althues Holger , Härtel Paul , Mäder Gerrit , Kaskel Stefan
Published: July 2018

Multilayered nanocoatings allow outstanding properties with broad potential for glazing applications. Here, we report on the development of a multilayer nanocoating for zinc oxide (ZnO) and antimony doped tin oxide (ATO). The combination of ZnO and ATO thin films with their promising optical properties is a cost-efficient alternative for the production of energy-efficient glazing. It is an effective modification of the building envelope to reduce current high domestic demand of electrical power for air conditioning, especially in hot climates like Saudi Arabia. In this paper, we report the development of a nanocoating based on the combination of ZnO and ATO. Principle material and film investigations were carried out on lab-scale by dip coating with chemical solution deposition (CSD), while with regard to production processes, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes were evaluated in a second stage of the film development. It was found that with both processes, high-quality thin films and multilayer coatings with outstanding optical properties can be prepared. While keeping the optical transmission in the visible range at around 80%, only 10% of the NIR (near infrared) and below 1% of UV (ultraviolet) light passes these coatings. However, in contrast to CSD, the CVD process allows a free combination of the multilayer film sequence, which is of high relevance for production processes. Furthermore, it can be potentially integrated in float glass production lines.
The Effect of Skelp Thickness on Precipitate Size and Morphology for X70 Microalloyed Steel Using Rietveld Refinement (Quantitative X-ray Diffraction)
Authors: Chatelier Corentin , Wiskel J. Barry , Ivey Douglas G. , Henein Hani
Published: July 2018

Precipitates in thin-walled (11 mm) and thick-walled X70 (17 mm) microalloyed X70 pipe steel are characterized using Rietveld refinement (a.k.a. quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD)), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Rietveld refinement is done to quantify the relative abundance, compositions, and size distribution of the precipitates. EDX and ICP analyses are undertaken to confirm Rietveld refinement analysis. The volume fraction of large precipitates (1 to 4 μm—mainly TiN rich precipitates) is determined to be twice as high in the thick-walled X70 steel (0.07%). Nano-sized precipitates (<20 nm) in the thin-walled steel exhibit a higher volume fraction (0.113%) than in the thick-walled steel (0.064%). The compositions of the nano-sized precipitates are similar for both steels.