bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conséquences digestives de l’ingestion de fibres et d’amidon chez le lapin en croissance : vers une meilleure définition des besoins
Authors: GIDENNE T.
Published: July 2020

Le lapin peut utiliser efficacement des aliments peu fibreux, à teneur élevée en énergie digestible. Mais la réduction de la teneur en fibres des régimes, associée le plus souvent à une élévation de la teneur en amidon, conduit à une augmentation de la fréquence des troubles digestifs (souvent mortels). Il faut donc maîtriser les apports alimentaires de fibres et d’amidon, aux plans quantitatif et qualitatif, pour permettre une croissance et une sécurité alimentaire optimales. Un apport de lignocellulose (ADF), faiblement dégradable, entraîne une réduction de la digestibilité du régime et stimule le transit digestif, mais modifie peu les fermentations caecales. Un apport de fibres relativement digestible (hémicelluloses + pectines), affecte modérément la digestion de l’aliment, n’entraîne pas de ralentissement du transit digestif et favorise l’activité microbienne caecale. Au plan de la santé de l’animal, un apport d’ADF paraît efficace pour réduire la fréquence des troubles digestifs et la mortalité pendant la période d’engraissement.
L’activité microbienne caecale peut aussi être influencée par la quantité d’amidon entrant dans le caecum, elle-même dépendante de la nature de l’amidon et de l’âge de l’animal. L’augmentation de la teneur en amidon d’un régime peut favoriser l’apparition de troubles digestifs, même lors d’un apport d’ADF conforme aux recommandations actuelles. Ainsi, recommander un apport minimum d’ADF n’est pas suffisant pour assurer la sécurité d’un aliment, il faut y associer une norme d’apport maximum d’amidon. Le remplacement d’amidon par des constituants pariétaux à digestibilité élevée, dans un régime contenant un apport minimum de lignocellulose, pourrait être une solution à l’antagonisme entre efficacité et sécurité alimentaire chez le lapin en croissance.
Digestion des protéines végétales et hypersensibilité digestive chez le veau préruminant
Authors: LALLES J.P. , TOULLEC R.
Published: July 2020

Cet article présente les principaux résultats obtenus récemment sur la digestion des protéines végétales par le veau préruminant, et sur les réactions d’hypersensibilité digestive à médiation immunitaire que leur consommation peut occasionner. Les dosages immunochimiques des activités antigéniques des dérivés du soja doivent être réalisés avec des sérums hyperimmuns plutôt qu’avec des anticorps monoclonaux, et les résultats exprimés quantitativement (mg d’antigènes / g de matières azotées) plutôt que semi-quantitativement (titres). Des équations basées sur des critères analytiques, en particulier le taux de beta-conglycinine et l’activité antitrypsique, permettent de prédire avec précision la digestibilité apparente fécale de l’azote du soja. Lorsque du soja antigénique est consommé, des globulines immunoréactives échappent à la digestion dans l’intestin grêle, parmi lesquelles des polypeptides basiques intacts de la glycinine et des molécules intactes d’alpha-conglycinine.
La plupart des protéines du soja, en particulier la glycinine et la beta-conglycinine, interviennent comme allergènes dans des réactions immunitaires mettant en jeu des anticorps ou des cellules. Les troubles d’hypersécrétion et de motricité intestinales associés sont principalement liés à une libération d’histamine. L’accroissement de la densité des lymphocytes T auxiliaires (CD4+) dans la lamina propria intestinale et des lymphocytes T suppresseurs-cytotoxiques (CD8+) dans l’épithélium pourrait jouer un rôle important dans les altérations tissulaires de l’intestin, observées lors de la consommation prolongée de soja antigénique.
Parmi les autres protéines végétales, celles de blé et de lupin sont bien digérées et apparemment bien tolérées par le veau.
Fonctions nutritionnelles et métaboliques de l’arginine
Authors: GUILHERMET R.G.
Published: July 2020

L’arginine est un acide aminé qualifié d’ éventuellement indispensable, parce que la synthèse endogène rénale qui existe est insuffisante pour permettre une croissance normale au jeune mammifère. Les régimes distribués aux animaux en croissance intensive, avec des niveaux d’ingestion élevés, fournissent suffisamment d’arginine. Cependant en cas d’alimentation modérée, des suppléments d’arginine sont susceptibles d’accroître la rétention azotée. En outre, l’amélioration de l’état nutritionnel permise par l’arginine supplémentaire en phase post-traumatique montre une augmentation importante du besoin dans cette situation de stress, ainsi qu’une implication de cette molécule dans les processus d’accrétion tissulaire. Les différentes voies du métabolisme de l’arginine conduisent à des composés tels que l’ornithine, la proline, le glutamate, les polyamines et le NO, dont le potentiel d’action au niveau cellulaire est considérable. Ils sont susceptibles de produire de nombreux effets biologiques et d’expliquer en partie les multiples activités physiologiques autres que nutritionnelles de l’arginine.
Les exploitations d’élevage bovin allaitant en zones défavorisées : évolution, questions. Analyse à partir d’un échantillon d’exploitations charolaises de grande dimension
Authors: LIENARD G. , LHERM M. , BEBIN D.
Published: July 2020

L’augmentation des effectifs de vaches allaitantes en France a délocalisé en partie le troupeau vers les régions labourables avec productions laitières ou cultures de vente. Néanmoins, en 1995, près de 60 % des vaches allaitantes restent présentes dans les zones défavorisées et de montagne, où leur contribution est essentielle puisqu’elles utilisent 70 % des surfaces fourragères.
Les exploitations de bovins allaitants ont connu de fortes évolutions dans leurs structures et leurs types de production, qui ont été accélérées par la réforme de la PAC en 1993.
L’étude présente les évolutions récentes d’échantillons d’exploitations charolaises du Centre de la France en avance structurelle et technique, en les replaçant dans les trajectoires suivies depuis une quinzaine d’années. De nombreuses questions se posent aujourd’hui aux éleveurs, individuellement et collectivement : meilleure adaptation des types et des caractéristiques des animaux produits et gestion de l’amélioration génétique par rapport aux nouvelles exigences des marchés, que certaines mesures de la réforme peuvent faire oublier, arbitrage difficile entre la nécessité économique d’un développement continu en surface et en cheptel des exploitations en place et l’obligation d’installer suffisamment de jeunes pour assurer l’avenir du développement local de ces régions déjà peu peuplées, poids de la capitalisation nécessaire dans un système productif caractérisé par un rapport capital/revenu particulièrement élevé, ce qui rend très dure la transmission des exploitations. Au-delà, la crise bovine provoquée par l’ESB pose la question des équilibres quantitatifs et qualitatifs entre l’offre de viande et une consommation en régression, qui privilégie jusqu’alors la viande de réforme laitière. Comment soutenir économiquement, tout en le maîtrisant, un troupeau bovin (et ovin) allaitant indispensable à l’entretien des surfaces en herbe, créateur d’aménités, notamment dans les zones défavorisées et de montagne où il est le plus difficile à assurer.
Etablissement et utilisation de la carte génétique porcine
Authors: BIDANEL J.P. , LE ROY P. , OLLIVIER L. , BONNEAU M. , CHARDON P. , ELSEN J.M. , GELLIN J. , MILAN D.
Published: July 2020

Des programmes de cartographie des génomes des principales espèces animales d’intérêt économique se sont développés depuis quelques années. Cet article fait le point sur l’état d’avancement et les perspectives d’utilisation de la carte génétique porcine. Après une présentation des principes généraux de la cartographie génétique, les résultats des principaux programmes de cartographie du génome porcin sont présentés. Différentes perspectives d’utilisation des cartes génétiques sont ensuite évoquées. Les possibilités et les modalités d’utilisation des marqueurs génétiques pour la détection et la localisation de locus à effets quantitatifs (QTL) sont présentées. L’intérêt de la cartographie comparée pour l’identification des QTL est illustré à partir de l’exemple du système majeur d’histocompatibilité. Quelques perspectives d’utilisation de l’information apportée par les marqueurs dans les programmes d’amélioration génétique (introgression d’un gène, sélection assistée par marqueurs) sont ensuite évoquées. Enfin, les principaux programmes de recherche utilisant la carte génétique porcine actuellement en cours à l’INRA (programmes de localisation de gènes RN et MU, programme de recherche des QTL responsables de la variabilité génétique entre les races Meishan et Large White) sont présentés.
Elevage du bison d’Amérique (Bison Bison)
Authors: AGABRIEL J. , MICOL D. , BONY J.
Published: July 2020

L’élevage du bison suscite un intérêt grandissant en Europe, essentiellement pour la production de viande et pour son image touristique. La production mondiale de viande de bison est pour le moment encore très marginale et s’est développée en France essentiellement sur la base d’animaux importés. Le bison s’adapte bien à nos conditions d’élevage de dimensions “modestes”, et ne devient agressif que lorsqu’il se sent contenu. Son régime alimentaire est très proche de celui des bovins placés dans des conditions de milieu identiques. Les femelles ont la capacité de mettre bas toute l’année, mais le bison est plutôt saisonné. Les vêlages se déroulent en majorité en mai et correspondent à des saillies relativement groupées au mois d’août. Les jeunes femelles peuvent se reproduire à partir de 2 ans et, au cours de sa carrière, la bisonne peut mettre bas une fois par an. La durée de gestation est de 270 jours. Le poids à la naissance des femelles est de 25 kg et celui des mâles de 30 kg. La production laitière permet d’assurer une croissance journalière de 600 g environ jusqu’au sevrage qui intervient vers l’âge de 7 mois. Le poids adulte (450-500 kg pour les femelles, 700-800 kg pour les mâles) est atteint tardivement. Le niveau d’ingestion moyen rapporté au poids serait, sur une longue période, comparable à celui de nos races bovines rustiques. Croissance et niveau d’ingestion des jeunes d’élevage varient avec la saison, sans doute avec la durée d’éclairement. Dans nos régions, le principal atout du bison réside dans sa capacité à produire une viande rouge avec des rendements à l’abattage satisfaisants (environ 57 %). Avant l’abattage, les mâles sont engraissés avec des régimes concentrés et leur croissance atteint alors 800 g/j. Pour produire les carcasses de 250 à 300 kg demandées par le marché, il faut les abattre à 2,5-3,0 ans.
Recuperando a justiça de gênero e a África nas Conferências Mundiais da Mulher
Authors: Lenine Enzo , Oncampo Locarine
Published: July 2020

Como se configuram os pilares de justiça de gênero nas Conferências Mundiais da Mulher, nomeadamente em seus planos, plataformas e estratégias de ação? Neste artigo, apontamos como estes documentos ensejam princípios de justiça fundados em três dimensões: redistribuição, reconhecimento e representação. Ademais, analisamos brevemente como eles se aplicam à África no contexto das conferências. Concluímos que há um enfoque prioritário em redistribuição e reconhecimento, e difuso em representação.
The Structure of the Membrane Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Resembles the Sugar Transporter semiSWEET
Authors: Thomas Sunil
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the disease COVID-19 that has decimated the health and economy of our planet. The virus causes the disease not only in people but also in companion and wild animals. People with diabetes are at risk of the disease. As yet we do not know why the virus is highly successful in causing the pandemic within 3 months of its first report. The structural proteins of SARS include, membrane glycoprotein (M), envelope protein (E), nucleocapsid protein (N) and the spike protein (S). The structure and function of the most abundant structural protein of SARS-CoV-2, the membrane (M) glycoprotein is not fully understood. Using in silico analyses we determined the structure and potential function of the M protein. The M protein of SARS-CoV-2 is 98.6% similar to the M protein of bat SARS-CoV, maintains 98.2% homology with pangolin SARS-CoV, and has 90% homology with M protein of SARS-CoV; whereas, the similarity was only 38% with the M protein of MERS-CoV. In silico analyses showed that the M protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a triple helix bundle, form a single 3-transmembrane domain (TM), and are homologous to the prokaryotic sugar transport protein semiSWEET. SemiSWEETs are related to the PQ-loop family that function as cargo receptors in vesicle transport, mediates movement of basic amino acids across lysosomal membranes, and is also involved in phospholipase flippase function. The advantage and role of sugar transporter-like structure in viruses is unknown. Endocytosis is critical for the internalization and maturation of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Sucrose is involved in endosome and lysosome maturation and may also induce autophagy, pathways that help in the entry of the virus. It could be hypothesized that the semiSWEET sugar transporters could be used in multiple pathways that may aid in the rapid proliferation and replication of the virus. Biological experiments would validate the presence and function of the semiSWEET sugar transporter.
Estimating Fractional Snow Cover in Open Terrain from Sentinel-2 Using the Normalized Difference Snow Index
Authors: Gascoin Simon , Barrou Dumont Zacharie , Deschamps-Berger César , Marti Florence , Salgues Germain , López-Moreno Juan Ignacio , Revuelto Jesús , Michon Timothée , Schattan Paul , Hagolle Olivier
Published: July 2020

Sentinel-2 provides the opportunity to map the snow cover at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution at global scale. Here we calibrate and evaluate a simple empirical function to estimate the fractional snow cover (FSC) in open terrain using the normalized difference snow index (NDSI) from 20 m resolution Sentinel-2 images. The NDSI is computed from flat surface reflectances after masking cloud and snow-free areas. The NDSI-FSC function is calibrated using Pléiades very high resolution images and evaluated using independent datasets including SPOT 6/7 satellite images, time lapse camera photographs, terrestrial lidar scans and crowd-sourced in situ measurements. The calibration results show that the FSC can be represented with a sigmoid-shaped function 0.5×tanh(a×NDSI+b)+0.5 where a = 2.65 and b = -1.42 yielding a root mean square error of 25%. Similar RMSE are obtained with different evaluation datasets with a high topographic variability. With this function, we estimate that the confidence interval on the FSC retrievals is 38% at the 95% confidence level.
Regulation of p27Kip1 and p57Kip2 Functions by Natural Polyphenols
Authors: Russo Gian Luigi , Stampone Emanuela , Cervellera Carmen , Borriello Adriana
Published: July 2020

In numerous instances, the fate of a single cell not only represents its peculiar outcome but also contributes to the overall status of an organism. In turn, cell division cycle and its control strongly influence cell destiny playing a critical role in targeting it towards a specific phenotype. Several factors participate to the control of growth and among them p27 and p57, two proteins modulating various transitions of cell cycle, appear to play key functions. In this review, the major features of p27 and p57 will be described, focusing in particular on their recently identified roles not directly correlated to cell cycle modulation. Then, their possible role as molecular effectors of polyphenols activities are discussed. Polyphenols represent a large family of natural bioactive molecules that have been demonstrated to play promising protective activities against several human diseases. Their use has also been proposed in association with classical therapies for ameliorating their clinical effects and for diminishing their negative side activities. The importance of p27 and p57 in polyphenol cellular effects will be discussed with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of important human diseases, such as cancers, characterized by an altered control of growth.
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Determining Interface Dipoles of Self-Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Taucher Thomas C. , Zojer Egbert
Published: July 2020

In the current manuscript we assess to what extent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a suitable tool for probing the dipoles formed at interfaces between self-assembled monolayers and metal substrates. To that aim, we perform dispersion-corrected, slab-type band-structure calculations on a number of biphenyl-based systems bonded to a Au(111) surface via different docking groups. In addition to changing the docking chemistry (and the associated interface dipoles), also the impacts of polar tail-group substituents and varying dipole densities are investigated. We find that for densely-packed monolayers the shifts of the peak positions of the simulated XP-spectra are a direct measure for the interface dipoles. In the absence of polar tail-group substituents they also directly correlate with adsorption-induced work-function changes. At reduced dipole-densities this correlation deteriorates, as work function measurements probe the difference between the Fermi-level of the substrate and the electrostatic energy far above the interface, while core level shifts are determined by the local electrostatic energy in the region of the atom from which the photoelectron is excited.
Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation Limits the Cellular Proarrhythmic Effects of Chloroquine and Azithromycin
Authors: Sutanto Henry , Heijman Jordi
Published: July 2020

Background: The antimalarial drug chloroquine and antimicrobial drug azithromycin have received significant attention during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Both drugs can alter cardiac electrophysiology and have been associated with drug-induced arrhythmias. Meanwhile, sympathetic activation is commonly observed during systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (e.g., in SARS-CoV-2 infection), and may influence the electrophysiological effects of chloroquine and azithromycin. Here, we investigated the effect of beta-adrenergic stimulation on proarrhythmic properties of chloroquine and azithromycin using a detailed in silico model of ventricular electrophysiology. Methods: Concentration-dependent chloroquine and azithromycin-induced alterations in ion-channel function were incorporated into the Heijman canine ventricular cardiomyocyte model. Single and combined drug effects on action-potential (AP) properties were analyzed using a population of 592 models accommodating inter-individual variability. Sympathetic stimulation was simulated by an increase in pacing rate and experimentally validated isoproterenol-induced changes in ion-channel function. Results: At 1 Hz pacing, therapeutic doses of chloroquine and azithromycin (5 and 20 µM, respectively) individually prolonged AP duration (APD) by 33% and 13%. Their combination produced synergistic APD prolongation (+161%) with incidence of proarrhythmic early afterdepolarizations in 53.5% of models. Increasing the pacing frequency to 2 Hz shortened APD and together with 1 µM isoproterenol corrected the drug-induced APD prolongation. No afterdepolarizations occurred following increased rate and simulated application of 0.1-1 µM isoproterenol. Conclusion: Sympathetic stimulation limits chloroquine- and azithromycin-induced proarrhythmia by reducing their APD-prolonging effect, suggesting the importance of heart rate and autonomic status monitoring in particular conditions (e.g., COVID-19).
Spectral Calibration Algorithm for the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS)
Authors: Kang Mina , Ahn Myoung-Hwan , Liu Xiong , Jeong Ukkyo , Kim Jhoon
Published: July 2020

The Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) onboard the Geostationary Korean Multi-Purpose Satellite 2B was successfully launched in February 2020. GEMS is a hyperspectral spectrometer measuring solar irradiance and Earth radiance in the range of 300 to 500 nm. This paper introduces the spectral calibration algorithm for GEMS, which uses a nonlinear least-squares approach. To assess the performance of the algorithm, sensitivity tests for a series of spectral parameters such as shift, spectral range for fitting, signal-to-noise ratio, spectral response function (SRF), and reference spectrum have been conducted. To improve the assessment, a synthetic GEMS spectrum using the prelaunch GEMS SRF is adopted here. The test results show that the required accuracy (0.002 nm) is achievable for the expected uncertainties of the parameters except for the SRF and the choice of high-resolution reference spectrum, which degrade the algorithm performance by an order magnitude. To mitigate the sensitivity to SRF, retrieval of in-orbit SRF using an analytic function is suggested. Finally, a few candidates for the high-resolution solar reference spectrum are prepared for testing by the instrument during in-orbit tests.
A Forth Law of Thermodynamics: Synergy Increases Free Energy While Decreasing Entropy
Authors: Jaffe Klaus
Published: July 2020

Synergy, emerges from synchronized reciprocal positive feedback loops between a network of diverse actors. For this process to proceed, compatible information from different sources synchronically coordinates the actions of the actors resulting in a nonlinear increase in the useful work or potential energy the system can manage. In contrast noise is produced when incompatible information is mixed. This synergy produced from the coordination of different agents achieves non-linear gains in free energy and in information (negentropy) that are greater than the sum of the parts. The final product of new synergies is an increase in individual autonomy of an organism that achieves increased emancipation from the environment with increases in productivity, efficiency, capacity for flexibility, self-regulation and self-control of behavior through a synchronized division of ever more specialized labor. Examples that provide quantitative data for this phenomenon are presented. Results show that increases in free energy density require decreases in entropy density. This is proposed as a law of thermodynamics.
A Colon-Targeted Prodrug, 4-Phenylbutyric Acid-Glutamic Acid Conjugate, Ameliorates 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Kim Soojin , Lee Seunghyun , Lee Hanju , Joo Sanghyun , Park Sohee , Kwon Doyoung , Yoo Jin-Wook , Yoon In-Soo , Min Do Sik , Jung Young Suk , Jung Yunjin
Published: July 2020

An elevated level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is considered an aggravating factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To develop an ER stress attenuator that is effective against colitis, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress, was conjugated with acidic amino acids to yield a 4-PBA-glutamic acid conjugate (PBA-GA) and a 4-PBA-aspartic acid conjugate (PBA-AA). The PBA derivatives were converted to 4-PBA in the cecal contents, where the conversion was greater with PBA-GA. After oral administration of PBA-GA (oral PBA-GA), millimolar levels of PBA were accumulated in the cecum, whereas 4-PBA was not detected in the blood, indicating the targeting of PBA-GA to the large intestine. At concentrations in the cecum achievable by oral PBA-GA, 4-PBA effectively attenuated ER stress in human colon epithelial cells. In 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats, oral PBA-GA alleviated the damage and inflammation in the colon. Moreover, oral PBA-GA substantially reduced the elevated levels of ER stress marker proteins in the inflamed colon. Moreover, PBA-GA was as effective as the currently used anti-IBD drug, sulfasalazine. In conclusion, PBA-GA is a colon-targeted prodrug of 4-PBA and is effective against rat colitis probably through the attenuation of ER stress in the inflamed colon.
Estimation of Stroke Outcomes Based on Time to Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy
Authors: Allen Michael , Pearn Kerry , Stein Ken , James Martin
Published: July 2020

Background & Motivation: Stroke outcomes following revascularization therapy (intravenous thrombolysis, IVT, and/or mechanical thrombectomy, MT) depend critically on time from stroke onset to treatment. Different service configurations may prioritise time to IVT or time to MT. In order to evaluate alternative acute stroke care configurations, it is necessary to estimate clinical outcomes given differing times to IVT and MT. Method: Model using an algorithm coded in Python. This is available at https://github.com/MichaelAllen1966/stroke_outcome_algorithm. Results: We demonstrate how the code may be used to estimate clinical outcomes given varying times to IVT and MT. Conclusion: Python code has been developed and shared to enable estimation of clinical outcome given times to IVT and MT. Here we share pseudocode and links to full Python code.
Epidemiology and Toxicology of Ciguatera Poisoning in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Navarro Quiroz Roberto , Herrera-Usuga Juan Carlos , Osorio-Ospina Laura Maria , Garcia-Pertuz Katia Margarita , Navarro Quiroz Elkin
Published: July 2020

The ciguatera is a food poisoning caused by the consumption of primarily coral fish; these species exist in large numbers in the seas that bathe the Colombian territory. The underreported diagnosis of this clinical entity has been widely highlighted due to multiple factors, as are among others, ignorance by the primary care practitioner consulted for this condition, clinical similarity with secondary gastroenteric symptoms, to common food poisonings of bacterial, parasitic or viral etiology. Eventually people affected by ciguatotoxin are related to trips to coastal areas hours before the onset of symptoms. Thanks to multiple studies over the years it has been possible to identify the relation of the dinoflagellates in the assembly of said toxin and its introduction into the food chain, starting by fish primarily inhabiting reef ecosystems and culminating in the intake of these by humans. Identifying the epidemiological link, its cardinal symptoms and affected systems such as gastrointestinal, peripheral nervous system and fortunately with a low frequency, the cardiovascular system, leads to a purely clinical diagnostic impression without further complementary studies, performing an adequate treatment primarily symptomatic without underestimating or overlooking any associated complications.
JAMPI: Efficient Matrix Multiplication in Spark Using Barrier Execution Mode
Authors: Foldi Tamas , von Csefalvay Chris , Perez Nicolas A.
Published: July 2020

The new barrier mode in Apache Spark allows embedding distributed deep learning training as a Spark stage to simplify the distributed training workflow. In Spark, a task in a stage doesn’t depend on any other tasks in the same stage, and hence it can be scheduled independently. However, several algorithms require more sophisticated inter-task communications, similar to the MPI paradigm. By combining distributed message passing (using asynchronous network IO), OpenJDK’s new auto-vectorization and Spark’s barrier execution mode, we can add non-map/reduce based algorithms, such as Cannon’s distributed matrix multiplication to Spark. We document an efficient distributed matrix multiplication using Cannon’s algorithm, which improves significantly on the performance of the existing MLlib implementation. Used within a barrier task, the algorithm described herein results in an up to 24% performance increase on a 10,000x10,000 square matrix with a significantly lower memory footprint. Applications of efficient matrix multiplication include, among others, accelerating the training and implementation of deep convolutional neural network based workloads, and thus such efficient algorithms can play a ground-breaking role in faster, more efficient execution of even the most complicated machine learning tasks
Winter is Coming: A Southern Hemisphere Perspective of the Environmental Drivers of SARS-CoV-2 and the Potential Seasonality of COVID-19
Authors: Smit Albertus , Fitchett Jennifer , Engelbrecht Francois , Scholes Robert , Dzhivhuho Godfrey , Sweijd Neville
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 virus infections in humans were first reported in December 2019, the boreal winter. The resulting COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the WHO in March 2020. By July 2020 COVID-19 is present in 213 countries and territories, with over 12 million confirmed cases and over half a million attributed deaths. Knowledge of other viral respiratory diseases suggests that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 could be modulated by seasonally-varying environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Many studies on the environmental sensitivity of COVID-19 are appearing online, and some have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Initially, these studies raised the hypothesis that climatic conditions would subdue the viral transmission rate in places entering the boreal summer and that southern hemisphere countries would experience enhanced disease. For the latter, the COVID-19 peak would coincide with the peak of the influenza season, increasing misdiagnosis and placing an additional burden on health systems. In this review, we assess the evidence that environmental drivers are a significant factor in the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, globally and regionally. We critically assessed 42 peer-reviewed and 80 preprint publications that met qualifying criteria. Since the disease has been prevalent for only half a year in the northern, and a quarter of a year in the southern hemisphere, datasets capturing a full seasonal cycle in one locality are not yet available. Analyses based on space-for-time substitutions, i.e. using data from climatically distinct locations as a surrogate for seasonal progression, have been inconclusive. The reported studies present a strong northern bias. Socio-economic conditions peculiar to the ‘Global South’ have been omitted as confounding variables, thereby weakening evidence of environmental signals. We explore why research to date has failed to show convincing evidence for environmental modulation of COVID-19, and discuss directions for future research. We conclude that the evidence thus far suggests a weak modulation effect, currently overwhelmed by the scale and rate of the spread of COVID-19. Seasonally-modulated transmission, if it exists, will be more evident in 2021 and subsequent years.
Computational Methods for Predicting Functions at The mRNA Isoform Level
Authors: Mishra Sambit Kumar , Muthye Viraj , Kandoi Gaurav
Published: July 2020

Multiple mRNA isoforms of the same gene are produced via alternative splicing, a biological mechanism that regulates protein diversity while maintaining genome size. Alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms of the same gene may sometimes have very similar sequence, but they can have significantly diverse effects on cellular function and regulation. The products of alternative splicing have important and diverse functional roles, such as response to environmental stress, regulation of gene expression, human heritable and plant diseases. The mRNA isoforms of the same gene, such as the apoptosis associated CASP3 gene, can have dramatically different functions. The shorter mRNA isoform product CASP3-S inhibits apoptosis, while the longer CASP3-L mRNA isoform promotes apoptosis. Despite the functional importance of mRNA isoforms, very little has been done to annotate their functions. The recent years have however seen the development of several computational methods aimed at predicting mRNA isoform level biological functions. These methods use a wide array of proteo-genomic data to develop machine learning-based mRNA isoform function prediction tools. In this review, we discuss the computational methods developed for predicting the biological function at the individual mRNA isoform level.
Impactos da estrutura etária sobre o desempenho econômico das regiões do Brasil entre 1991 e 2010
Authors: Zwilling Stampe Marianne , Pozzobon Fernando , Waideman Niquito Thais
Published: July 2020

Este estudo objetiva analisar como a estrutura etária afetou o desempenho econômico das regiões brasileiras nas décadas de 1990 a 2010. Para a investigação proposta, são usadas, principalmente, as informações disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) nas edições de 1991, 2000 e 2010 do Censo Demográfico. A estratégia empírica adotada consiste na estimação de um modelo de autocorrelação espacial pelo método de mínimos quadrados em dois estágios espaciais. Os resultados mostraram que tanto a razão de dependência infantil quanto a de idosos possuem impacto negativo sobre o crescimento econômico, sendo que os efeitos são mais acentuados nas regiões menos desenvolvidas. Ainda, observou-se que, quando significativo, o efeito da razão de dependência de idosos é mais acentuado em relação à infantil.
Evaluating an ESP textbook: a case study of English for banking purposes at EDBI
Authors: Takrousta Mohammad-reza , Behrouzi Parviz , Kolahi Sholeh
Published: July 2020

An English language textbook for banking purposes had been designed based on the language needs of EDBI staffs. Consequently, an English course for banking purposes was held at EDBI using the designed book. To ensure about the validity and quality of the textbook, it was evaluated by 2 language experts through an interview before the course and 30 bank’s staffs as the learners through a set of questionnaire after the course. Based on the quantitative and qualitative findings of the study, both language experts and EDBI’s staffs had positive attitudes toward the materials, topics, activities and tasks, language skills and physical appearance of the text book and recognized it relevant to their language needs. However, they asked for some modifications such as edition of misspelling and ungrammatical use of some sentences and additions of new materials such as a glossary and business and banking correspondences to the existing ones. The results of the study became a basis to further improvement and correction until the draft would be finalized as a ready use material. Therefore, some modifications and alternations were conducted based on their evaluations to make the product more valid and more practical. The findings of the present research bear significant implications for materials developers and teachers especially in applying appropriate materials in ESP courses and evaluating the textbooks in the related studies.
Educational systems of Eastern European countries as a subject of international comparative research
Authors: Dudka Tetiana , Chumak Mykola , Lytvynenko Nina , Benera Valentuna , Serhiienko Tamara
Published: July 2020

The article analyzes the level of development of educational systems in Eastern European countries by using empirical data from international comparative studies. The tools of comparative analysis are used to group the studied publications, which directly or indirectly consider an educational system at the level of different countries and regions of the world. The newest western approaches to the issue of educational systems are represented. The unsurpassed value of multi-object international comparative research in the study of educational systems of the world enabling the analysis of the phenomenon at the interdisciplinary level is emphasized. The author's definition of “international comparative research” is formulated based on modern scientific studies, which is interpreted as a special type of research, which purpose is to conduct multilevel analysis to compare macro-objects, based on subjective empirical data. Emphasis is done on the lack of a unified terminological apparatus of the studied issue in modern science, which indicates the availability of the following definitive plurality: “comparative studies”, “international issues”, “cross-cultural studies”, and “international comparative studies”. The analysis of the level of development of educational systems of Eastern European countries is based on a comparison of official statistical materials of the World Bank. The processed statistical materials are correlated with the results of descriptive statistics during the testing of statistical hypotheses. Subject analysis of educational systems in Eastern Europe is based on a comparison of empirical data on three criteria – international educational projects, the highest educational results (“S.A.B.E.R”), and the amount of external funding for the educational branch.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris SD/MI di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Rosyida Ulva Fatiya
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Today, English for students of Elementary School is not included in the curriculum. It has been only taught as an additional subject or Mulok. This policy should be revised since Indonesia has been going towards 4.0 Industry Revolution Era. In this era, there is a blended global digital interaction between online and industry. Here, English is really needed for getting and sharing information around the world. Therefore, preparing young students with English is very crucial. Besides, they should have Higher Order Thinking Skills or HOTS to face this era. Having English skill and HOTS, the Indonesian students and people are ready to compete with all competitors around the world.

 
Maxillomandibular Advancement and Upper Airway Stimulation: Extrapharyngeal Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Yu Myeong Sang , Ibrahim Badr , Riley Robert Wayne , Liu Stanley Yung-Chuan
Published: July 2020

There are many ways to categorize surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one of which is to distinguish between intrapharyngeal and extrapharyngeal procedures. While the general otolaryngologist treating OSA is familiar with intrapharyngeal procedures, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tongue base reduction, extrapharyngeal sleep operations such as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and upper airway stimulation (UAS) have evolved rapidly in the recent decade and deserve a dedicated review. MMA and UAS have both shown predictable high success rates with low morbidity. Each approach has unique strengths and limitations, and for the most complex of OSA patients, the two in combination complement each other. Extrapharyngeal airway operations are critical for achieving favorable outcomes for sleep surgeons.
Mechanical Trenching Cultural Resources Survey: Proposed Emergency Bridge Repair at Peek Road Bridge City of Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas
Authors: Jalbert Catherine , Hogan Michael
Published: July 2020

Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) was retained by CivilTech Engineering, Inc. (Client) to conduct a mechanical trenching survey along the embankment slopes of Buffalo Bayou at Peek Road, the location of proposed emergency bridge repair in Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas. Since the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned or controlled by a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and because funding for this project will come, in part, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this project required compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; Title 44, Part 10 CFR) and was subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resources Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). This project was conducted under Antiquities Permit #8904.

The proposed project area comprises an area approximately 200 feet wide, from high bank to high bank, and approximately 2,000 linear feet, consisting of 1,000 feet each upstream and downstream from the Peek Road bridge crossing (approximately nine acres). Terracon archeologists monitored the excavation of eight (8) trenches to the anticipated depth of impact (approximately five feet or one to two meters). One isolated find (a chert flake) was encountered during trenching. This artifact was recorded on site and not collected. Fieldwork was conducted between May 21 and May 23, 2019 by Jenni Hatchett Kimbell (Principal Investigator), Catherine Jalbert (Project Archeologist), and Michael Hogan (Staff Archeologist). The report was authored by Catherine Jalbert and Michael Hogan.

Given the absence of known archeological sites within the proposed project area, Terracon recommends no additional cultural studies are warranted at this time. In the event that human remains, historic properties, or buried cultural materials are encountered during construction or disturbance activities, work should cease in the immediate area but can continue where no cultural materials are present. Terracon, the THC’s Archeology Division, or other proper authorities should be contacted.
Alternatives to Nekton Cruise: A Step in the Collective Construction of Knowledge
Authors: López Erika , Martinez Luz , Pinilla Francisco , Carrasco Aldo , Salazar Hernan
Published: July 2020

Exploratory offshore drilling projects are under constant challenge to be competitive, efficient, and to contribute to ecosystem sustainability. At the same time, they attract development and investment, as well as tending to strengthen the communities they relate to. One of the main challenges presented during the preparation of the baseline studies; is incorporating the local knowledge and experience to the traditional methods of socio environmental characterization and evaluation. The project emerges as an alternative aimed at complementing and enriching the baselines of offshore projects, generating new knowledge and procedures by involving local fishing communities, as well as their fishing practices and methods. The traditional methodology for obtaining oceanic hydro biological information consists in using oceanographic research cruises. These cruises are subject to logistic, climatic and oceanographic limitations in the areas to be evaluated. The project consisted of monitoring hydro biological resources, involving independent fishermen and artisanal fishing organizations in the Colombian Caribbean, between the years of 2016 and 2017. This process included three steps: personnel selection; training and coaching sessions, and applying what was learned during the training sessions.

This relationship and involvement with the fishermen responded to the intent of recognizing the parties involved and reciprocal learning in the knowledge of the hydro biological resource. The approach was supported in a view from the meaningful learning and participatory research. Integrating the empirical knowledge of fishermen with new knowledge, achieved collective learning (fishermen-technician). Relevant and high quality data for project was obtained, as well as new skill development for the fishermen on methods and tools for collecting information. This opens a range of opportunities for future employment in the development of their economic activities in a more competitive way. At a quantitative level, the homogeneity in the data collected by technicians and fishermen in simultaneous data collection exercises demonstrates adequate application, valid technical results, and compatibility with any other traditional methodology. The benefit of this methodology consists of obtaining high quality technical information for the projects, based on the integration of empirical knowledge and the local work force of the fishing communities. This allows the substitution of traditional methods, integrating knowledge and local participation and being a replicable applicable model for other projects, sectors and geographies.
Marine Mammal Biodiversity Around Oil and Gas Platforms - Challenges and Successes of Long-Term Monitoring
Authors: Delefosse Matthieu , Jacobsen Magnus W. , Balle Jeppe D. , Hansen Brian K. , Middelboe Anne Lise , Nielsen Einar E , Teilmann Jonas
Published: July 2020

Monitoring, understanding, and communicating the impact of offshore oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) activities on marine mammal (MM) biodiversity can be challenging. Here, we share methods, results, and experiences accumulated during seven years of monitoring MM and underwater sound in a mature E&P activity area in the North-East Atlantic.

We collected data on the distribution and behaviour of MM, their prey and changes associated with impulsive (e.g., seismic) and continuous (e.g., platform) sound generated by E&P operations. A program was created as an incentive for offshore staff to report systematically incidental MM sightings. Underwater acoustic recorders were placed around producing facilities and across a 3D seismic survey area before, during and after acquisition. A 2nd Generation Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) was deployed to collect and analyse environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater to identify MM species and their potential prey. Monitoring data were shared with relevant stakeholders through publications in scientific journals, presentations at conferences and meetings, or through social media.

Our data provided evidence of MM activity in the E&P activity area year-round. A total of eight species were sighted from platforms and vessels; harbour porpoise being the most common MM. Harbour porpoises were recorded as being within 800m of the platform three times more often than at stations further away. Near installations, acoustic data showed porpoises actively searched for prey whilst eDNA confirmed the presence of prey species - validating a strong reef-effect.

Decrease in porpoise echolocation to 8-12 km from an active seismic vessel, is suggestive of a temporary displacement of animals in the corresponding area. There was no large scale or long-term displacement as harbour porpoises were detected again in the area few hours after airgun operations ended. The results indicate that despite elevated sound level in the E&P area, porpoise distribution appears to be linked to higher availability of prey around the artificial reef created by subsea O&G structures.

The monitoring efforts generate valuable scientific knowledge, which form a sound basis to support management and regulation of E&P activities in Denmark. Additionally, several simultaneous tangible benefits resulted from the study such as staff awareness of biodiversity and increased stakeholder interactions. Results and methodologies may be used by HSE practitioners and O&G project managers to assess the potential impact of sound generated by O&G industry on marine mammals. Our success illustrates the value of long-term monitoring and should inspire and support HSE practitioners in their future environmental monitoring initiatives.