bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of Drainage Practices for Improving Water Quality in Lithuania
Authors: Povilaitis Arvydas , Rudzianskaite Aurelija , Miseviciene Stefanija , Gasiunas Valerijus , Miseckaite Otilija , Živatkauskiene Ina
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Artificial drainage is a common agricultural practice in Lithuania. In this country, the total drained land area occupies 47% of the total land area and 87% of the agricultural land area. Therefore, this article presents recent research findings on agricultural drainage in Lithuania related to the practices designed to reduce nutrient, i.e., nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), losses from the soil via tile drainage and transport in open drains. Temporal changes in tile drainage flow over the last four decades are also discussed in this article. The results from experiments with controlled drainage practices in Lithuania showed promise. Compared to conventional drainage, controlled drainage reduced inorganic N by 42% to 77% and reduced total P by 34% to 72%. The reduced loads were the result of reduced drainage outflow. Moreover, research on the effects of additives in drainage trench backfills showed that woodchips, chopped straw, and lime additives mixed in the drainage trench backfill led to reductions in NO3-N concentrations of 78%, 69%, and 52%, respectively, in the drainage water. The addition of lime to drainage trench backfill reduced PO4-P concentrations in the drainage water by 39%, while woodchips and chopped straw increased the concentrations by 11% and 22%, respectively. It was determined that NO3-N in the drainage water was removed most effectively by woodchips and that PO4-P was removed most effectively by the addition of lime. The experiments with reactive filter materials used as in-ditch measures to remove phosphorus showed that the filter materials can be ranked as follows based on their P removal efficiencies: Polonite > slag > Filtralite-P > dolomite chips. Polonite had an advantage over the other tested materials due to its higher porosity, low sensitivity to clogging, and greater permeability. Laboratory-scale experiments using denitrification bioreactors filled with three types of woodchips (deciduous, coniferous, and mixed) showed no significant differences in NO3-N removal efficiency among the three materials. However, the tests showed that woodchip media are capable of achieving higher NO3-N removal rates due to higher flow rates. Therefore, better optimization and proper evaluation of the effects of hydraulic retention time are needed to improve the design of denitrifying woodchip bioreactors. Keywords: Agricultural drainage, Controlled drainage, Denitrifying bioreactors, Drainage trench backfills, In-ditch filters.
Status Assessment of Agricultural Drainage Ditches
Authors: Avilés Daniel , Wesström Ingrid , Joel Abraham
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

Poor maintenance, environmental concerns, land use changes, and adaptation to climate change are creating a growing need for better agricultural drainage. The objectives of this study were to identify ditch properties that can be evaluated visually on-site and related soil erosion processes, and to define parameters requiring more intensive study and estimate these using simplified methods. The study included surveys of ditches in various soils using MADRAS (Minnesota Agricultural Ditch Research Assessment for Stability) to classify ditch status. To explain why some ditch segments were in poor condition, additional field and laboratory studies were carried out. Soil samples were taken for analysis of particle size distribution, unsaturated direct shear strength, and critical stress for erosion. The HEC-RAS data model was used for simulation of hydraulic forces acting at different flow rates. Digital maps of land use in the catchment area in different years were used to estimate changes in runoff conditions over time. MADRAS proved to be a suitable tool for rapid assessment of stability problems in ditches. The HEC-RAS simulations were a good complement to MADRAS in assessing how changes in land use affected the hydraulic load and in highlighting bottlenecks in the system. However, the hydraulic load did not adequately explain the degree of degradation in some ditch segments. Measurements of soil shear strength were a good aid to understanding existing degradation. Thus, assessment of soil erodibility and bank stability is essential in anticipating the risk of future erosion processes in ditches. Keywords: Cohesive strength meter, HEC-RAS, MADRAS, Unsaturated direct shear strength.
An Investigation into the Fertilizer Potential of Slaughterhouse Cattle Paunch
Authors: Antille Diogenes L. , McCabe Bernadette K. , Van Der Spek Wilmer , Baillie Craig P.
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

In Australia, recycling of paunch waste to farmland has been suggested as a cost-effective and practicable environmental option, but little is known about its agronomic value. Experimental work was undertaken to assess potential risks due to weed seed contamination, determine the agronomic response of ryegrass ( L.) to soil incorporation of paunch, and investigate short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Five types of paunch with compost ages between 2 and 16 weeks were compared with urea (46% N) and applied at field equivalent rates of 0 (control), 150, and 300 kg ha-1 N. The risk of weed contamination from paunch applied to soil appeared to be negligible; however, techniques that enable seed viability to be determined may be required to fully discard such risk. Average dry matter yield with paunch was ~30% higher than untreated grass, but ~35% lower than with urea. Dry matter yield in paunch-treated grass was between 2500 and 3250 kg ha-1 over five cuts conducted at 25-day intervals. Paunch N responses were between 1.12 and 3.25 kg DM kg-1 N depending on compost age, but lower than with urea N (~6.5 kg DM kg-1 N). Nitrogen use efficiency of paunch ranged between 3% and 20%, compared to about 35% with urea. Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of paunch was highest in the 6-week-old compost (~60%) and ranged between 20% and 55% across all other organic materials. Short-term N2O emissions were similar (p > 0.05) with both mineral and organic amendments; however, CH4 emissions were higher (p < 0.05) from paunch compared with urea-treated soil. Overall, there appears to be potential for paunch-derived products to be used as a source of C and nutrients in crop production. Industry quality specifications for compost are available, but they need to be expanded to incorporate guidelines relevant to paunch. There is a requirement for the value proposition to industry to be determined, including reduced cost of paunch disposal via gate fees. Keywords: Byproducts, Composting, Fertilizer replacement value, Nutrient recovery, Nutrient use efficiency, Recycling of abattoir-derived waste.
Design and Testing of a Kiwifruit Harvester End-Effector
Authors: Graham Sean S. , Zong Wangyuan , Feng Jun , Tang Shengping
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

Mechanisms to aid fruit harvesting are undergoing constant development with increasing available technologies. However, fruits grown on vines, such as kiwifruit, have complex tree architectures and present difficulties in confirming design parameters. The objective of this research was to develop an end-effector for a kiwifruit harvester based on integrating the physical characteristics of the fruit, such as stem length, the space between mature fruits, and the growing environment provided by a trellised system into the design. These properties contribute to developing a mechanism that is lightweight, battery operated, and requires only one translational joint for positioning. Scissor cutting actuated by a linear solenoid is used to provide the required torque of 1.38 Nm to completely sever Hayward variety kiwifruit at the stem using a curved blade with a 20° relief angle. The cutting of the stem is actuated by a force sensor located on the device that enables cutting at less than 10 N, preventing premature detachment of the fruit and damage to the vine. The cutting time was measured to be 0.1 s ±0.03 s per cut. This end-effector design adds to the body of research aimed at developing a fully mechanized kiwifruit harvester. Keywords: Detachment force, End-effector, Fruit harvester, Kiwifruit, Linear solenoid.
Mitigating Ammonia and PM Generation of Cage-Free Henhouse Litter with Solid Additive and Liquid Spray
Authors: Chai Lilong , Xin Hongwei , Zhao Yang , Wang Tong , Soupir Michelle , Liu Kai
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

A number of chain restaurants, retailers, and grocers in the U.S. have pledged to source only cage-free (CF) eggs in the foreseeable future (e.g., by 2025) due to marketing reasons or concerns over animal welfare. However, CF housing has some inherent challenges, and a predominant one is poor air quality, i.e., ammonia gas (NH3) and particulate matter (PM), and increased emissions. Spraying a liquid agent such as electrolyzed water (EW) can effectively suppress PM generation of CF henhouse litter. However, liquid spray can enhance NH3 generation because it increases the litter moisture content (LMC). Application of acidic liquid to the litter would help control NH3 while suppressing PM, but concerns arise about the potential corrosive effect of acidic liquid on housing equipment. To overcome this dilemma, this study evaluated the effect of applying PLT, a commercial poultry litter additive (LA), on NH3 emissions of CF hen litter while spraying it with neutral EW (NEW) at a rate of 25 mL kg-1 dry litter d-1. The PLT application rates were 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 kg m-2, denoted as Low-LA, Med-LA, and High-LA, respectively. CF litter was placed inside dynamic emission chambers and automatically stirred to mimic hen scratching. PLT was topically applied onto the litter on day 1; NEW was sprayed daily for 11 d, followed by a 3 d non-spray period (i.e., 14 d per trial); and each regimen was replicated four times. The ammonia emission rate (ER) of the control (no LA), Low-LA, Med-LA, and High-LA regimens (mean ±SE) was, respectively, 0.76 ±0.05, 0.55 ±0.06, 0.37 ±0.04, and 0.16 ±0.02 g kg-1 dry litter d-1, i.e., 28% to 79% reduction by the treatments. The NH3 reduction efficiency was linearly proportional to the PLT application rate, with higher application rate resulting in lower litter pH (p < 0.05). At the end of each trial (d14), the Med-LA and High-LA regimens still showed relatively low NH3 emissions, suggesting the need for a longer measurement period in future studies. The NEW spray increased LMC by up to 60% after 11 once-a-day sprays, which reduced PM2.5, PM10, and TSP levels from 3.83, 6.39, and 7 mg m-3 to 0.07, 0.14, and 0.15 mg m-3, respectively. After a 3 d spray suspension, the PM levels rebounded to 0.72, 1.02, and 1.12 mg m-3 for PM2.5, PM10, and TSP, respectively, due to decreased LMC. Field verification of the mitigation efficacy and an economic assessment of the method are warranted. Keywords: Air quality, Alternative hen housing, Animal and worker health, Litter treatment.
Frottage as inquiry
Authors: Pindyck Maya
Published: February 2018

This article explores the pedagogical and methodological implications of the arts-based practice of frottage: a process of ‘finding’ images by making, and then erasing, an uneven ground. What could this arts practice mean for both research and classroom teaching? The author offers frottage as a mode of inquiry that resists closure, destabilizes solid understandings and treats matter as dynamic energy. Exploring the educational resonances of this practice, the author rubs against her article’s academic language with both written erasures made from the paper itself and visual erasures created by the author from disparate surfaces, times and spaces.
POKOK-POKOK PIKIRAN DALAM MANIFESTO HUMANISME RELIGIUS (KAJIAN DARI PERSPEKTIF SOSIOLOGI AGAMA)
Authors: Muzairi Muzairi
Published: February 2018

Artikel ini membahas tentang pemikiran manifestohumanisme, dan humanisme religius dalam perspeektifsosiologi agama. Salah satu bentuk keragaman humanismeapa yang disebut religius humanisme. religius humanismetelah mengeluarkan manifesto humanisme religius I danII. Tulisan ini mencoba memberikan analisis tentangreligius humanisme dalam perspektif sosiologi agama danmanifesto I dan II. Semoga tulisan ini ada manfaatnya.Pikiran-pikiran yang terkandung dalam manifestoHumanisme tidak hanya terdapat di bidang teoritis, akantetapi juga di bidang praktis terutama dalam perspektifsosiologi agama yang berkaitan dengan pseudo-agama(agama semu). Pseudo-agama memperlihatkan segi-segiagama murni, tetapi didalamnya manusia menghubungkandiri tidak dengan sesuatu yang bersifat mutlak melainkankepada realitas yang terbatas. Disinilah kita perlu lebihsadar, bahwa salah satu gejala sosial yang menonjol dewasaini muncullah pluralisme. Pluralisme sebagai “situasidimana tersedia lebih dari satu pandangan hidup yangmasing-masing menawarkan visinya termasuk didalamnyapseudo-agama. Dari lima pseudo-agama, Marxime,biologisme, rasisme, sekularisme dan humanisme masingmasing mempunyai value yang mereka tawarkan danmemperlihatkan reaksi terhadap agama resmi.Kata kunci: Humanisme religius, humanisme
Konstruksi Sosial Komunitas Pesantren mengenai Isu Radikalisme (Studi Kasus Pada Pesantren Salaf & Modern di Kota Malang)
Authors: Alfanani Tsabita Shabrina
Published: February 2018

Radicalism became a phenomenon widely discussed in inter-religious life. In practice, Islam and pesantren is often associated with acts of terrorism and other violence since the action was perceived as an extension of religious radicalism with jihad and amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar as basic commands. The focus of this study is to analyze how komunitas pesantren (pesantren community) perception about radicalism and how the process of those perceptions is formed. This research was conducted in two komunitas pesantren with different characteristic in Malang City : Alhayatul Islamiyah as salaf (traditional) pesantren and Ma’had Al-Qalam as modern pesantren. By using a qualitative approach and case study, this study resulted in three broad conclusions. First, salaf pesantren community’s perception regarding the issue of radicalism tends to moderate and tolerant. Meanwhile, the perception of modern pesantren community on the issue of radicalism tends to vary; Second. The Construction process could be explained by the dialectical process from Berger & Luckman’s social construction theory consisting of three simultaneous processes: externalization, objectivation and internalization. In the process, the researcher found three types of komunitas pesantren in perceiving radicalism which is contextual moderate and tolerant (as the majority group); fundamental (idealist) and pragmatic. At the salaf pesantren, Kyai was an important figure in constructing value, while at modern pesantren the background, social settings and media give more influence in the construction process about radicalism; Third, the pattern similarity at salaf pesantren motivated by cultural hegemony by constructing value on a single base culturally affiliated to the nahdliyin tradition, while varying perceptions of  modern pesantren arise from it’s heterogeneous base. However, both of pesantren does not encourage their santri to act radically.Keywords: Social Construction, Pesantren Community, Radicalism
FENOMENA AGAMA BAHA’I DI YOGYAKARTA : SEBUAH SOROTAN UPAYA MENEMUKAN TITIK TEMU DENGAN AGAMA MULTIRELIJIUS
Authors: Mufiani Iftahuul
Published: February 2018

Di tengah maraknya sikap-sikap intoleransi khususnya di Yogyakarta, agama Baha’i hadir sebagai sebuah agama yang menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai toleransi. Dikatakan demikian karena faktanya agama Baha’i mampu membetengi diri dari masyarakat yang beragam. Agama Baha’i di Yogyakarta merupakan agama yang tergolong minoritas namun dalam kesehariannya mereka mampu menciptakan kehidupan yang damai dan harmonis. Dengan demikian agama Baha’i adalah salah satu contoh agama yang dapat memelihara sikap-sikap toleransi. Kerukunan antara penganut agama Baha’i dengan masyarakat multirelijius nampak paling tidak dalam dua hal: pertama, dari pola relasi antar penganut agama Baha’i. Kedua, realitas kerukunan tercermin dalam lingkungan sosial masyarakat. Masyarakat Baha’i di Yogyakarta secara aktif terlibat dalam berbagai aktivitas sosial maupun aktivitas keagamaan, serta menjunjung tinggi sikap toleransi beragama, kerjasama, dan kebersamaan.Kata kunci: Agama Baha’i ,Titik temu, Agama Multirelijius
Intervenção mediada por pares: Conceito e implicações para a pesquisa e para as práticas pedagógicas de professores de alunos com autismo
Authors: Ramos Fabiane dos Santos , De Bittencourt Daniele Denardin , Camargo Síglia Pimentel Höher , Schmidt Carlo
Published: February 2018

A inclusão de alunos com autismo tem sido um desafio para os educadores que apontam carências em sua formação, especialmente quanto a alternativas de intervenção no contexto escolar. A literatura internacional destaca evidências de efetividade de uma modalidade de intervenção ainda ausente na literatura nacional, conhecida como Intervenção Mediada por Pares (IMP). Este estudo tem por objetivo revisar a IMP na educação de alunos com autismo e suas implicações para a pesquisa e para a prática pedagógica. Os pressupostos teóricos do desenvolvimento infantil que fundamentam esta intervenção foram examinados para descrevera evolução dos diferentes procedimentos e metodologias historicamente utilizados. As pesquisas evidenciam a efetividade desta intervenção para as habilidades sociais de alunos da Educação Especial, mais recentemente, para a aprendizagem acadêmica de crianças com autismo. A abrangência de implementação em ambientes naturalísticos a controlados, o baixo custo e a complexidade favorecem sua utilização como prática pedagógica por professores de escolas da Educação Infantil no contexto inclusivo. No entanto, identifica-se a necessidade de pesquisas que investiguem a eficácia da IMP no cenário educacional brasileiro.
KONFLIK TENTANG GANTI RUGI NON FISIK PADA PENGADAAN TANAH UNTUK KEPENTINGAN UMUM
Authors: Gangga Santi Dewi I Gusti Ayu
Published: February 2018

Banyak konflik antara pemerintah dan warga terkait proses pengadaan tanah bagi pembangunan untuk kepentingan umum. Permasalahan ditenggarai karena warga tidak menerima atas keputusan pemerintah mengenai bentuk dan besarnya ganti rugi non fisik. Metode penelitian menggunakan paradigma kontruktivisme dengan studi kasus konflik penentuan bentuk dan besarnya ganti rugi non fisik pengadaan tanah. Penelitian perlu untuk membangun kembali kebijakan ganti rugi non fisik pada pengadaan tanah untuk kepentingan umum dengan berbasis nilai keadilan sosial. Konflik ganti rugi non fisik pada pengadaan tanah untuk kepentingan umum dipandang fenomena bahwa kebijakan ganti rugi dalam Undang-Undang No. 2 Tahun 2012 tentang Pengadaan Tanah Bagi Pembangunan Untuk Kepentingan Umum, tidak dijalankan secara benar sehingga melanggar konstitusi UUDN RI 1945.
Autonomy: A Missing Ingredient of a Successful Program?
Authors: Halperin Israel , Wulf Gabriele , Vigotsky Andrew D. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Behm David G.
Published: February 2018

SUPPORTING AN ATHLETE'S NEED FOR AUTONOMY BY ALLOWING HIM/HER TO MAKE CHOICES CONCERNING TRAINING VARIABLES CAN BE AN EFFECTIVE COACHING STRATEGY BY STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING (S&C) PROFESSIONALS. HOWEVER, THIS COACHING STRATEGY HAS RECEIVED LITTLE ATTENTION IN THE S&C FIELD DESPITE BEING EXTENSIVELY STUDIED IN THE FIELDS OF SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTOR LEARNING. AUTONOMY SUPPORT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO IMPROVE MOTOR LEARNING, PERFORMANCE, AND MOTIVATION. IN THIS REVIEW, THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF PROVIDING CHOICES ARE DISCUSSED AS THEY APPLY TO ATHLETES AND S&C PROFESSIONALS. MOREOVER, POSSIBLE MECHANISMS FOR THESE EFFECTS ARE DESCRIBED AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PROVIDED.
A Novel Retrieval-Dependent Memory Process Revealed by the Arrest of ERK1/2 Activation in the Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Merlo Emiliano , Milton Amy L. , Everitt Barry J.
Published: February 2018

Fully consolidated fear memories can be maintained or inhibited by retrieval-dependent mechanisms depending on the degree of re-exposure to fear cues. Short exposures promote memory maintenance through reconsolidation, and long exposures promote inhibition through extinction. Little is known about the neural mechanisms by which increasing cue exposure overrides reconsolidation and instead triggers extinction. Using auditory fear conditioning in male rats, we analyzed the role of a molecular mechanism common to reconsolidation and extinction of fear, ERK1/2 activation within the basolateral amygdala (BLA), after intermediate conditioned stimulus (CS) exposure events. We show that an intermediate re-exposure (four CS presentations) failed to activate ERK1/2 in the BLA, suggesting the absence of reconsolidation or extinction mechanisms. Supporting this hypothesis, pharmacologically inhibiting the BLA ERK1/2-dependent signaling pathway in conjunction with four CS presentations had no effect on fear expression, and the NMDA receptor partial agonistd-cycloserine, which enhanced extinction and ERK1/2 activation in partial extinction protocols (seven CSs), had no behavioral or molecular effect when given in association with four CS presentations. These molecular and behavioral data reveal a novel retrieval-dependent memory phase occurring along the transition between conditioned fear maintenance and inhibition. CS-dependent molecular events in the BLA may arrest reconsolidation intracellular signaling mechanism in an extinction-independent manner. These findings are critical for understanding the molecular underpinnings of fear memory persistence after retrieval both in health and disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTConsolidated fear memories can be altered by retrieval-dependent mechanisms. Whereas a brief conditioned stimulus (CS) exposure promotes fear memory maintenance through reconsolidation, a prolonged exposure engages extinction and fear inhibition. The nature of this transition and whether an intermediate degree of CS exposure engages reconsolidation or extinction is unknown. We show that an intermediate cue exposure session (four CSs) produces the arrest of ERK1/2 activation in the basolateral amygdala, a common mechanism for reconsolidation and extinction. Amnestic or hypermnestic treatments given in association with four CSs had no behavioral or molecular effects, respectively. This evidence reveals a novel retrieval-dependent memory phase. Intermediate degrees of CS exposure fail to trigger reconsolidation or extinction, leaving the original memory in an insensitive state.
Systematic Complex Haploinsufficiency-Based Genetic Analysis ofCandida albicansTranscription Factors: Tools and Applications to Virulence-Associated Phenotypes
Authors: Glazier Virginia E , Murante Thomas , Koselny Kristy , Murante Daniel , Esqueda Marisol , Wall Gina A , Wellington Melanie , Hung Chiung-Yu , Kumar Anuj , Krysan Damian J
Published: February 2018

Genetic interaction analysis is a powerful approach to the study of complex biological processes that are dependent on multiple genes. Because of the largely diploid nature of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, genetic interaction analysis has been limited to a small number of large-scale screens and a handful for gene-by-gene studies. Complex haploinsufficiency, which occurs when a strain containing two heterozygous mutations at distinct loci shows a phenotype that is distinct from either of the corresponding single heterozygous mutants, is an expedient approach to genetic interactions analysis in diploid organisms. Here, we describe the construction of a barcoded-library of 133 heterozygous TF deletion mutants and deletion cassettes for designed to facilitate complex haploinsufficiency-based genetic interaction studies of the TF networks in C. albicans. We have characterized the phenotypes of these heterozygous mutants under a broad range of in vitro conditions using both agar-plate and pooled signature tag-based assays. Consistent with previous studies, haploinsufficiency is relative uncommon. In contrast, a set of 12 TFs enriched in mutants with a role in adhesion were found to have altered competitive fitness at early time points in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Finally, we characterized the genetic interactions of a set of biofilm related TFs in the first two steps of biofilm formation, adherence and filamentation of adherent cells. The genetic interaction networks at each stage of biofilm formation are significantly different indicating that the network is not static but dynamic.
The Central American Court of Justice (1907-1918): Rethinking the Word’s First Court
Authors: Ripley Charles
Published: February 2018

The Central American Court of Justice (CACJ) (1907-1918) was created with the goal of minimizing conflict between the five republics: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The CACJ, however, has attracted scant scholarly attention.  Nonetheless, the Court is academically significant and historically relevant.  The CACJ was not only the world’s first supranational body to which states would suspend their sovereignty and submit all complaints, but also evidence that international organizations could facilitate state cooperation and create peace.  Addressing the gap in the literature through extensive archival research, this study finds the following.  First, the Court played an instrumental role in mediating regional peace and averting war between the republics.  Second, it addressed controversial issues concerning state relations such as non-intervention, the law of the sea, and international treaty obligations.  Third, due to the Court’s profound legal work, it still continues to have the potential to contribute to international law and institutions.  Finally, although Washington played a significant role in the Court’s rise and demise, the Court demonstrates the ability of Latin American countries to address their own regional issues.  As a result, the CACJ is a valuable underexplored subject that merits historical consideration.
Bacterial diversity in soils of different Hungarian karst areas
Authors: Knáb Mónika , Szili-Kovács Tibor , Márialigeti Károly , Móga János , Borsodi Andrea K.
Published: February 2018

Karst areas have great environmental importance as sources of subsurface water and often maintain very sensitive ecosystems. In recent years, increasing number of microbiological studies focused on the bacterial communities of karst soils. In this study, diversity examinations on two distinct Hungarian karst areas, Aggtelek and Tapolca, were performed using parallel cultivation and molecular cloning methods. The phylogenetic affiliation of bacterial strains and molecular clones was determined based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Bacterial isolates were identified as members of the phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Besides the taxa identified by cultivation, members of the phyla Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Gemmatimonadetes were detected by the cloning. The difference in the composition of soil bacterial communities was related to geographic locations and soil types. Both the highest and the lowest bacterial diversities were detected in samples from Aggtelek National Park, characterized by Leptic Luvisol and Rendzic Leptosol soil types. The difference in the composition of bacterial communities between Rendzic Leptosol and Leptic Phaeozem soil types at Tapolca could be the result of human impacts.
Mediation of inflammatory ascites formation induced by macromolecules in mice
Authors: Baintner Károly
Published: February 2018

The first 60-min phase of inflammatory ascites formation was studied by intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered macromolecular inducers: yeast cell wall zymosan binds to specific macrophage receptors, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and concanavalin A (ConA), produces non-covalent cross-links on the surface of various cells, while λ-carrageenan may function as a contact activator. Depletion of peritoneal macrophages was performed by overnight pretreatment with diphtheria toxin in transgenic mice, resulting in a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the induced formation of ascitic fluid. It was shown that induced ascites is mediated partly (PEI, ConA, and carrageenan) or completely (zymosan) by peritoneal macrophages. Inhibition of prostanoid synthesis with indomethacine or of the kallikrein/bradykinin system with aprotinin also produced a significant (p < 0.01) but incomplete inhibition. A slight additivity occurred between the different inhibitory effects. In another series of experiments, the i.p. administration of bradykinin (without a macromolecular inducer) also produced marked ascites, which was not affected by macrophage depletion. The origin of the macrophage-independent part of the induced ascites is best explained by the deformation of the mesothelial cell surface, resulting in signal transfer to the underlying endothelium and the passage of ascitic fluid in the opposite direction. The soluble mediators are represented by prostanoids, bradykinin and other, unidentified agonists.
First report of Acanthamoeba genotype T8 human keratitis
Authors: Orosz Erika , Szentmáry Nóra , Kiss Huba J. , Farkas Ágnes , Kucsera István , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
Published: February 2018

Acanthamoeba has a worldwide distribution in the environment and it is capable of causing a painful sight-threatening disease of the cornea designated as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Nowadays, the cases of AK have surged all over the world along with its disease burden due to increasing use of contact lenses used not only for optical correction but also for cosmetic purposes. In our present work, epithelial abrasion of a 27-year-old female soft contact lens wearer with keratitis was examined. Genotype identification was carried out with a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. Genotyping allowed the identification of a T8 group isolate. The analysis confirmed the importance of a complete diagnostic protocol, including a PCR assay, for the clinical diagnosis of AK from human samples. Acanthamoeba T8 should be considered as potential causative organism in keratitis in human.
Assessing the microbial communities inhabiting drinking water networks and nitrifying enrichments with special respect on nitrifying microorganisms
Authors: Nagymáté Zsuzsanna , Nemes-Barnás Katalin , Krett Gergely , Márialigeti Károly
Published: February 2018

This study provides a comprehensive microbiological survey of three drinking water networks applying different water treatment processes. Variability of microbial communities was assessed by cultivation-based [nitrifying, denitrifying most probable number (MPN) heterotrophic plate count] and sequence-aided terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. The effect of microbial community composition on nitrifying MPN values was revealed. The non-treated well water samples showed remarkable differences to their corresponding distribution systems regarding low plate count, nitrifying MPN, and the composition of microbial communities, which increased and changed, respectively, in distribution systems. Environmental factors, such as pH, total inorganic nitrogen content (ammonium and nitrite concentration), and chlorine dioxide treatment had effect on microbial community compositions. The revealed heterogeneous nitrifying population achieved remarkable nitrification, which occurred at low ammonium concentration (14–51 μM) and slightly alkaline pH 7.7–7.9 in chlorine dioxide disinfected water networks. No change was observed in nitrification-generated nitrate concentration, although nitrate-reducing (and denitrifying) bacteria were present with low MPN and characterized by sequence-aided T-RFLP. The community structures of water samples partially changed in nitrifying enrichments and had influence on the generated nitrifying, especially nitrite-oxidizing MPN regarding the facilitated growth of nitrate-reducing bacteria and even methanogenic archaea beside ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.
Evaluation and visualisation of Mexican mass housing thermal performance
Authors: Becerra-Santacruz Habid , Patlakas Panagiotis , Altan Hasim
Published: February 2018

Mass industrialised low-income housing is a building typology that is common in Mexico and possesses different characteristics in scale and social impact from other similar developments across the world. The business needs and socioeconomic factors behind these initiatives mean that the environmental performance is typically of low or no importance to developers, who instead are primarily concerned with the speed of erection and profit margins. However, such developments present particular interest to environmental design researchers; therefore, this paper presents some of the results from an extensive post-occupancy evaluation of field surveys conducted over a period of 2 years in Morelia, Mexico. The monitoring phase encompassed 12 dwellings with four different orientations, measuring internal temperature and relative humidity levels at 10 min intervals over the two distinct seasons of the local climate. The results are discussed, and conclusions are drawn to help with future development. In addition, an important aspect of this work is the presentation and communication of the collected data for different stakeholders involved in the design, construction and operation phases. The monitoring results are presented not only in the standard graph formats, but also by way of four-dimensional interactive visualisation approaches, relying on a proprietary research software prototype.
Effects of soil structure on the permeability of saturated Maryland clay
Authors: Yuan S. Y. , Liu X. F. , Buzzi O.
Published: February 2018

This study focuses on the permeability of saturated Maryland clay, a natural expansive soil that can be found close to the University of Newcastle, Australia. Previous studies on this material conducted by the authors have shown that significant microstructural changes occur upon changes of net stress or suction. Consequently, significant variation of permeability can be expected during permeability tests while the soil is in the saturated range. Three series of permeability tests were conducted on statically compacted, dynamically compacted and reconstituted specimens. Two test methods, with different stress paths, were used and the permeability tests were complemented by microstructural investigations. The paper presents a comprehensive multi-scale database of permeability values of a reactive soil possessing different microstructures. Results were expressed as a function of some microstructural descriptors and clear correlations were found between some descriptors and permeability values. However, the results also suggest a strong tortuosity effect, which cannot be directly captured by porosimetry.
Characterization of Coding/Noncoding Variants for SHROOM3 in Patients with CKD
Authors: Prokop Jeremy W. , Yeo Nan Cher , Ottmann Christian , Chhetri Surya B. , Florus Kacie L. , Ross Emily J. , Sosonkina Nadiya , Link Brian A. , Freedman Barry I. , Coppola Candice J. , McDermott-Roe Chris , Leysen Seppe , Milroy Lech-Gustav , Meijer Femke A. , Geurts Aron M. , Rauscher Frank J. , Ramaker Ryne , Flister Michael J. , Jacob Howard J. , Mendenhall Eric M. , Lazar Jozef
Published: February 2018

Background Interpreting genetic variants is one of the greatest challenges impeding analysis of rapidly increasing volumes of genomic data from patients. For example, SHROOM3 is an associated risk gene for CKD, yet causative mechanism(s) of SHROOM3 allele(s) are unknown.

Methods We used our analytic pipeline that integrates genetic, computational, biochemical, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, molecular, and physiologic data to characterize coding and noncoding variants to study the human SHROOM3 risk locus for CKD.

Results We identified a novel SHROOM3 transcriptional start site, which results in a shorter isoform lacking the PDZ domain and is regulated by a common noncoding sequence variant associated with CKD (rs17319721, allele frequency: 0.35). This variant disrupted allele binding to the transcription factor TCF7L2 in podocyte cell nuclear extracts and altered transcription levels of SHROOM3 in cultured cells, potentially through the loss of repressive looping between rs17319721 and the novel start site. Although common variant mechanisms are of high utility, sequencing is beginning to identify rare variants involved in disease; therefore, we used our biophysical tools to analyze an average of 112,849 individual human genome sequences for rare SHROOM3 missense variants, revealing 35 high-effect variants. The high-effect alleles include a coding variant (P1244L) previously associated with CKD (P=0.01, odds ratio=7.95; 95% CI, 1.53 to 41.46) that we find to be present in East Asian individuals at an allele frequency of 0.0027. We determined that P1244L attenuates the interaction of SHROOM3 with 14–3-3, suggesting alterations to the Hippo pathway, a known mediator of CKD.

Conclusions These data demonstrate multiple new SHROOM3-dependent genetic/molecular mechanisms that likely affect CKD.
Locus Studii: Spatial Concepts In The First Iberian Universities (XIII-XIV cc.)
Authors: Rusanov Aleksandr Vitalievich
Published: February 2018

In this article I study medieval concepts of locus studii: how they were constructed, proclaimed and discussed by social actors before producing any real university space in the first Iberian higher schools. I mark out three general types of university spatial concepts in early juridical documents from the universities of Palencia, Salamanca, Lisbon-Coimbra and Lleida. The first group is connected to the universal locale of the studium: “light of science” and scholars’ privileges should extend over the whole Christian world. In political rhetoric “universal” locus studii (that was based on the authorities of the Pope or the Emperor) was imitated by temporal sovereigns. The second type of loci studii is a city. Such conceptions (including civitas regia) considered urban space as integrated and homogeneous place of university activity leaving municipal law out of account. The third group described locus limitadus, a special university quarter. In the last part of my article I observe the use of spatial concepts in social and legal practices of Iberian medieval university corporations. En mi articulo estudio conceptos medievales de locus studii, como se construyeron, se proclamaron y se discutieron por los actores sociales antes de ser producido algún espacio universitario real en las primeras escuelas superiores Ibéricas. Destaco tres tipos generales de los conceptos espaciales en primeros documentos jurídicos de las Universidades de Palencia, Salamanca, Coimbra y Lleida. El primer tipo se vincula con el sitio ‘universal’ del studium: “la luz de ciencia” y los privilegios de escolares tenían que extenderse por todo el mundo cristiano. En la retórica política el locus universal (que se basó en las autoridades del Papa y del Emperador) fue imitado por soberanos temporales. El segundo  tipo del locus studii es una ciudad. Tales concepciones (incluyendo civitas regia) estimaron espacio urbano como un lugar integrado y homogéneo para actividad universitaria sin tener en cuenta fuero municipal. El tercer grupo describió locus limitadus, un barrio académico especial. En la última parte de mi articulo analizo el uso de los conceptos espaciales en las prácticas sociales y legales de las corporaciones universitarias Ibéricas.
The McMillan Sisters, The Roots of the Open-Nursery, and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Authors: Liebovich Betty
Published: February 2018

This article explores the impetus and motivation for the McMillan sisters, Christian Socialists committed to creating change for the working class in England, to create an innovative and enduring ideal of nursery education through the open-air nursery. Influenced by their membership in the Fabian Society and the Independent Labour Party, they created health and dental clinics for people living in deprivation in Yorkshire and East and South East London, England, campaigned for the 1906 Provision of School Meals Act, and created night camps for deprived children in Deptford in 1908.The night camps were the inspiration for educating young children and in March 1914, the open-air nursery opened for the youngest children living in the tenements of Deptford.Using archival methods, the conclusion is reached that the McMillan sisters, and Margaret specifically, worked tirelessly to create social change through the open-air nursery serving the deprived surrounding community. By modelling good practice, both educationally and hygienically, they hoped to make a difference in the lives of families stuck in a cycle of poverty. The enduring work and ideas formulated in this nursery has informed many initiatives focused upon reducing social disadvantage, to include the UK framework ‘Every Child Matters’.
A one year case control study on oxytocin use in labor and its effect on maternal: fetal outcomes
Authors: Kushwah Devendra Singh , Kushwah Beenu
Published: February 2018

Background: Oxytocin is a drug commonly administered drug to a pregnant lady during labor, nowadays even without an indication, in the hope that the progress of labor can be improved and the need for cesarean delivery may be reduced. This study emphasizes the need for using safeguards like use of checklists before starting oxytocin augmentation, therefore ensuring its rational use to minimize maternal and neonatal complications when augmenting labor with oxytocin, including rigorous indications, use of minimal useful dose and careful efficacy evaluation.Methods: This is a retrospective, Case-Control, descriptive and analytical study. Study population included women delivering in labor room of Gandhi Memorial Hospital associated with Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, from July 2015 to June 2016, then after data were compiled and assessed in department of pharmacology G.R. Medical College, Gwalior.Results: Results show that the use of oxytocin in labor stimulation can be detrimental to both the mother and the newborn, since they indicate that the use of oxytocin is associated with increased cesarean section rates both in primiparous and multiparous. Furthermore, it was also observed, a significant association between stimulation with oxytocin and low Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes both, of the newborns.Conclusions: Therefore, it may conclude that stimulation with oxytocin should not be used without any indication, but only in very specific cases, in which its use is particularly necessary. These results provide to health professionals a better understanding of the effects of the use of oxytocin during labor, which can be useful for decision-making in clinical practice.
Evaluation of antiepileptic activity of trachyspermum ammi (ajwain oil) alone and as an adjuvant to diazepam in swiss albino mice
Authors: S. Latha , C. H. Jyothi , Patil Krishnagouda
Published: February 2018

Background: Epilepsy is defined as a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures. Taking into account high prevalence of epilepsy and the adverse effects of the current antiepileptic agents which leads to noncompliance, more attempts should be made to re-explore the natural sources for new drug discoveries.Methods: The antiepileptic activity of Ajwain oil alone and as adjuvant to diazepam in swiss albino mice was evaluated using Maximum Electro Shock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model. A total of forty eight (N=48) swiss albino mice weighing 20-30g of either sex were used in the study. Animals were divided into 2 sets of 24 animals each, which were further divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. In either set, control received - 2% Tween 80 (10mg/kg); standard- Diazepam (2mg/kg); Test drug- Ajwain oil (75mg/kg) and Adjuvant group- Ajwain oil (75mg/kg) + Diazepam (2mg/kg). All the drugs were given intraperitoneally 30min before inducing seizures.Results: One way ANOVA was used to compare the means of all the groups followed by post Hoc Tukey’s test for statistical evaluation. In MES model, test drug showed statistically significant antiepileptic activity compared to control, however the results were comparable to standard. In PTZ, adjuvant therapy showed significant activity compared to standard, with a p value <0.001.Conclusions: Therefore, authors conclude that Ajwain oil has significant anti-epileptic activity.
Differential genotypical expression of a NEDD9 in normal and tumor tissues: a possible pharmacological target
Authors: G. S. Pavan Kumar , V. Krishna , B. T. Prabahkar
Published: February 2018

Background: Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down regulated-9 (NEDD9) is a E, D, D scaffolding metastatic marker protein in multiple cancer types. Generally, the expression occurs during the embryonic development and depletes in adults. Expression of NEDD9 in adults leads to the progression of tumor which is sufficient for the cellular invasion. Elevated behavior of the gene mediates metastatic movement which includes protease dependent neovessel formation, invasion and migration of tumor cells from the site of origin to the distant tissues.Methods: The current study involves the screening and elucidation of differential expression of NEDD9 in normal and tumor subtypes with various tissues of mice by immunohistochemistry.Results: The validating approaches in the study, low expression of NEDD9 was observed in the normal tissues and predominance in the tumor subsets.Conclusions: The experimental analysis proven that NEDD9 expression is merely associated with tumor progression and the molecular mechanism of NEDD9 is restricted in the establishment of metastatic cascade. NEDD9 association in tumor prognosis which helps in the emergence of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Drug utilization review of general anaesthetic agents in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Gomathi G. , Yadav Ghanshyam , Pandey B. L.
Published: February 2018

Background: Drug utilization review plays a key role in helping the healthcare system to understand, interpret and improve the prescribing, administration and use of medications. The principle aim of drug utilization review was to facilitate rational use of drugs, which implies the prescription of a well documented drug in an optimal dose on the right indication.Methods: An observational study of anaesthetic practice was carried out in the department of Anaesthesiology in tertiary care hospital, Varanasi after approval from institutional ethical committee. The data of patients who underwent surgery under general anaesthesia were collected in predesigned patient profile form and were analyzed for drug utilization review.Results: 110 patients were enrolled with mean age 35.30±17.99 years and mean weight 51.32±15.32kg. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (43.63%), otorhinolaryngology surgeries (36.36%), cardiothoracic vascular surgery (4.54%), neurosurgery (4.54%) and other surgeries (10.93%) required general anaesthetic agents were reviewed. Propofol (93.63%) and etomidate (6.36%) were used for induction of anaesthesia. Propofol (45.45%), isoflurane (53.63%), sevoflurane (0.90%) were administered for maintenance of anaesthesia in various surgeries. Adverse outcomes observed were hypotension (7.27%), bradycardia (6.36%), hypertension (3.63%) and post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (2.72%).Conclusions: Propofol is most commonly prescribed drug for induction of anaesthesia. Isoflurane is most commonly prescribed inhalational anaesthetic agent for maintenance of anaesthesia followed by Propofol. Hypotension is most common adverse outcome observed.