bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen fertiliser use on Swiss grassland
Authors: Thomet P. , Pitt J.
Published: July 2020

Nitrogen (N) fertilisation plays an important role in Swiss grasslands, not only as a production factor but also as an ecological criterion determining direct payments for farmers. N fertiliser use reflects this duality and the grassland-based milk production is influenced by the sustainable type of approach. For comparable milk yields per cow, 4-6 times less concentrate feed is used and 7-9 times less artificial N is applied per ha of forage land than in the main milk producing regions of Western Europe. Grassland fertilisation is based primarily on farm-produced slurry, which is carefully stored and spread on grassland. Consequently, the average N balance surplus (= risk for pollution) on intensive Swiss dairy farms is as low as 109 kg N/ha/year compared to over 400 kg in high input areas like The Netherlands. In good grass production regions in the Swiss lowlands, 20 kg DM could be gained per kg additional N. However, the permitted level of N use is low in Switzerland. In addition to the slurry N, only 25-50 kg artificial N/ha/year can be applied to grassland. The Swiss farmers receive high direct payments (about $NZ1000/ha) from the state for applying a strictly environmentally friendly farming system. Keywords: dairy farming, environment, grassland, nitrogen budget, nitrogen fertilisation, sustainable agriculture
Pasture development revisited: A model to analyse the physical and financial risk of developing pastures on sheep and beef cattle farms
Authors: Silva J.A.Martins Da , Parker W.J. , Shadbolt N.M. , Dake C.K.
Published: July 2020

In order to assist pastoral farmers determine whether investment in pasture development is worthwhile, a spreadsheet model was developed to analyse its effect on farm production and profit. The model incorporates a feed budget that accounts for the proportional impact of pasture development on the seasonality, quality and total supply of feed, and this is utilised to support additional livestock. The impact of pasture development on costs and revenue are accounted for in a yearly cash flow template because cash balances over the development period are a measure of feasibility. The effect of climatic conditions on pasture production, and hence livestock performance and sales, and of variation in future product prices were analysed for two case farms: one in New Zealand and the other in southern Brazil. The results, presented in terms of a probability distribution of the net present value (NPV) of the net profit after tax and before interest (NOPAT) for the pasture development programmes, provide a farmer with more insight into the physical and financial consequences of pasture development than an analysis based on current average costs and prices. Keywords: investment analysis, pasture development, profitability, risk, spreadsheet model
Development of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivar Grasslands Challenge (G23)
Authors: Cooper B.M. , Clifford P.T.P. , Williams W.M.
Published: July 2020

Grasslands Challenge (Trifolium repens L.) white clover was developed to incorporate potential growth benefits, and disease resistance, in two double cross hybrids (Mediterranean × New Zealand) identified in evaluations at Kaikohe. Thirty-three elite selections of hybrids and New Zealand material were polycrossed for seed production. Progeny testing resulted in 27 parental lines with improved resistance to leaf disease and stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) relative to Grasslands Pitau. Testing of the maternal lines for seedling characteristics resulted in the deletion of one parent. A bulk line was evaluated in mini plots, and a hill country grazing trial, and showed improved growth to the control. In a grazing trial conducted in the Manawatu, Challenge showed outstanding winter production. The selection has a high stolon density in combination with a medium to large leaf size. This will allow Challenge to recover quicker from drought stress and grazing pressure. The plant type and early results indicate Challenge will be best suited to a rotational grazing management, particularly in regions where significant cool-season growth occurs. Plant Variety Rights were granted in 1997, and commercial seed should be available in 1998. Keywords: Grasslands Challenge, leaf disease, Mediterranean hybrids, stem nematode, Trifolium repens
Applying an understanding of farmers' values and goals to their farming styles
Authors: Parminter T.G. , Perkins A.M.L.
Published: July 2020

A study was undertaken to identify the relationships between farmers' values and their farming goals. Fifty goals were first identified from interviews with 20 farmers in the Waikite Valley. In a further survey of 1100 farmers in Hawke's Bay, King Country and Taranaki, respondents were asked to score the importance of each of the goals. The survey had 680 responses. Cluster analyses of the scores from the survey were used as the basis for developing 10 goal categories. The most important category of goals for 43% of the farmers was that related to maximising farm production and profitability. These goals could be associated with people who put a priority upon values which emphasised individual success. The environmental goal category was prioritised by 7% of farmers, with values emphasising the welfare of others and the management of natural resources. The implications of this study for consultancy strategies are that although most farmers ranked their production goals very highly, they also wanted to realise a whole range of other goals (often including the environment), all of which needed to be addressed. Policy agencies associated with environmental management to implement the Resource Management Act (1991) should develop strategies of working with farmers that account for the multiple goal structure of farming styles. This can be done by providing farmers with management options that can be used to satisfy a number of farming goals. The availability of such management options is likely to encourage greater levels of voluntary change. Keywords: farming styles, goals, planning, values
Reproductive potential of caucasian clover at four locations within New Zealand
Authors: Thomas R.G. , Widdup K.H. , Pankhurst K. , Ryan D.
Published: July 2020

Seedlings of KZ2 caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum) were grown at 4 sites within New Zealand (Kerikeri 36°S, Palmerston North 40°S, Lincoln 43°S and Gore 46°S) where they received natural daylight and temperatures during 1997. Northernmost plants produced more vegetative primary crown shoot buds than southernmost. In the first growing season numbers of flowering shoots formed per plant were: K 17.9, P 10.0, L 10.2 and G 5.7. In spring of the second growing season, mean numbers of primary crown flowering shoots per plant at peak flowering in December 1997 were: K 19, P 30, L 55, G 20. Fewer flowering shoots formed at upturned rhizome tips. Daylength was not the major factor controlling flowering, the results instead supporting the hypothesis that low temperatures provided the main flowering stimulus. Lincoln was the best of the four locations overall for flowering shoot production. Fewer flowering shoots at Gore probably resulted from slower growth in cooler conditions. Poorer flowering at Kerikeri in the second season might have resulted from the warmer northern winter or been linked to the overproduction of vegetative buds in the first season. Stronger flowering at Kerikeri during the first season raises the possibility, though, of growing caucasian clover as an annual crop for seed production in Northland if sown early in spring. Keywords: caucasian clover, daylength, flowering, low temperature, seed production, Trifolium ambiguum
Feed not weeds - doing the basics well
Authors: Brooker Peter
Published: July 2020

Margaret and I own and operate a farm of 260 effective ha in the Maruia Valley. We have a 230-cow dairy unit on 125 ha and use the remaining area to support the dairy operation and run 450 ewes and approximately 60 beef bulls. During the late 1970s and early 1980s we developed a large area of manuka and fern country into pasture. As we were working reasonably large areas of difficult country, some areas were quite rough when sown down and the home block was abandoned in terms of cultivation for a number of years. Since 1985 we have undertaken quite a lot of regrassing of the newer areas and when the decision was made in March 1995 to return to dairying, the home block (now dairy) received some urgent attention and approximately 40 ha of the dairy unit has now been redeveloped. On the dry stock unit we are now growing brassicas to winter the dairy stock. The need to cultivate and regrass or grow a winter crop is determined by three factors: • Pasture production/species of existing pasture. • Contour, infestation of rushes, cutty grass, drain spoil, etc. • Compaction and therefore pugging problems. Over the last 10 years we have sown a variety of species, with the main emphasis on short- to medium-term ryegrasses mixed with clovers and timothy. We have had very good results with these varieties, especially when considering the excellent autumn/early spring production of these species and the importance of fully feeding early in the season to capture milk, beef and lamb growth opportunities. The lack of stem weevil, good fertility and moisture levels ensures many good seasons out of short-rotation species. Low endophyte levels in pasture are also a benefit. When a paddock is earmarked for regrassing, a soil test is done if fertility is questionable. Most of our farm has adequate base phosphorus and pH levels. The dairy unit levels range between 30 and 40 P, and 5.8 pH. The dry stock areas range from 25+ P, and 5.6-5.8 pH. All other major elements are in the optimum range. Annual fertiliser (N/P/K/S) application is: Dairy 114/50/80/87 Dry stock 30/25/25/35
New Zealand's grasslands 1958-1998: retrospective foresight
Authors: Lancashire John
Published: July 2020

The only reason a large part of the New Zealand pastoral sector has remained in business in the last 20 years is because of the high rate of capital gain on farmland. Much of this increase is owing to non-farming factors such as population increases, lifestyle blocks and more lucrative uses for land such as forestry. The lack of profitability is owing to the fact that the industry is still largely in the 'commodity' trap which comprises 80% of exports. A massive change of direction to added value niche products is required if the inevitable decline of the industry to third world status is to be arrested. However, there are some very promising signs within the country that the wine industry model can be developed in the food industry. Regional characteristics and a New Zealand style "terroir" are emerging with a number of very successful small food businesses setting new standards and a new philosophy. International trends in the food industry suggest a superb window of opportunity for New Zealand in the area of high value clean green nutritional foods. This challenge must be accepted if the pastoral sector is to survive as a viable force in the New Zealand economy. Keywords: commodities, food, regions, terroir, nutrition
Survival of endophyte-free perennial ryegrass after autumn spray/ drilling in the Waikato
Authors: Van Vught V.T. , Thom E.R.
Published: July 2020

The persistence of an endophyte-free ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pasture established by autumn spray/drilling was studied over two years at the Dairying Research Corporation, Hamilton. Main plots were sprayed with glyphosate at 1.44 kg a.i./ ha (4 l/ha of Roundup G2) in mid March 1996 (S), or mid March and again in mid April (D). White clover (Trifolium repens L.) was removed from half the area of each main plot using herbicide and the remainder was drilled with white clover. All plots were direct drilled with endophyte-free peren-nial ryegrass in late April. Plots were rotationally grazed by dairy cows. Double spraying killed germinating volunteer ryegrass, Poa species and weeds, almost doubling the ryegrass content of D compared with S plots in the first winter/spring, and maintaining an advantage over the first year from drilling. Plants were larger in D than S over the first winter/spring, contributing to about a 10% improvement in their survival, reducing to about 5% by March 1998. Sown-plant densities were 200-250/m2 by April 1998, similar to those found in high-endophyte pastures. Double spraying reduced the clover content of +Cl plots to similar levels as those in -Cl plots, lowering the potential herbage accumulation for D. Double spraying before drilling had a transitory effect on seasonal herbage accumulation, and no effect on overall herbage accumulation. Keywords: dairy pastures, endophyte, persistence, plant competition, ryegrass, tillering, white clover
Long-term effects of grazing on the fertility of soils
Authors: Carran R.A. , Theobald P.W.
Published: July 2020

The long-term effect of excreta return was studied on a bull-beef system that had been under stable management for 23 years. Excreta return did not greatly affect organic matter properties. Mineralisable nitrogen showed differences with depth where excreta had or had not been returned, but was not different in the 0-75 mm soil depth. Excreta return positively affected Olsen P, sulphate-sulphur and organic-sulphur soil test values. Single-core sampling studies showed that very high Olsen-P values occur in some cores and can weight the paddock mean upward, resulting in the phosphorus status being overestimated for much of the area. Excreta return strongly influenced potassium cycling, by maintaining a large pool of available potassium. A relatively small amount was lost to drainage water, however, as the cycling potassium displaced calcium and magnesium. Magnesium loss from the system was large compared with the quantity cycling, and appears to be one of the major long-term negative effects of grazing on nutrient reserves. Keywords: excreta return, grazing, soil fertility, soil nutrient reserves
Preliminary observations of Osmia coerulescens as a pollinator of herbage seed crops
Authors: Purves R.G. , Clifford P.T.P. , Donovan B.J.
Published: July 2020

The availability of large numbers of pollinators is critical to the efficient seed production of crosspollinated species of herbage legumes. The honey bee is the predominant pollinator of crops in New Zealand. There are risks in being solely dependent on the honey bee for pollination. Honey bee diseases and mites have reduced bee numbers in many parts of the world. The floral morphologies of some species such as tetraploid red clovers and lucerne are unsuited to pollination by honey bees. Other than in some localised areas, alternative pollinators have had little impact on improving pollination of these species in New Zealand. In 1995, Osmia coerulescens L. was introduced into New Zealand to be evaluated as an alternative, managed pollinator for herbage seed crops. Results from the 1997/98 season show that O. coerulescens can be stored at 2-3°C with low mortality until the bees are 9 months old. When stored to 10.5 months of age, reproductive vigour was lost and mortality was high. The potential multiplication rate of this bee is high, especially in the first generation of a season. Managing the bees to emerge during summer rather than spring as occurs naturally had no effect on bee reproduction. The bee also successfully reproduced when retricted to white clover flowers as the only source of pollen and nectar. The wasp parasitoid Melittobia spp. destroyed large numbers of developing bees resulting from the nesting of 2nd-generation bees. Control of Melittobia spp. is discussed. Keywords: management, Melittobia spp., Osmia coerulescens, pollination
Sixteen years of caucasian clover under contrasting managements
Authors: Scott D.
Published: July 2020

Hexaploid caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum) was one of the components of a 25-species pasture mixture overdrilled into hieracium-infested fescue tussock grassland. The mixture was subjected to 60 different annual sulphur and phosphate fertiliser rate, stocking rate, and stocking method treatments for 16 years. Caucasian clover was slow to establish but increased to become the dominant species in the pastures under high fertiliser inputs after a decade, but only a minor species at lower inputs. Keywords: fertiliser, grazing management, high country, Trifolium ambiguum
Beyond the Cataclysm: Cultural Nationalism in McCarthy’s The Road and Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Authors: El Samad Soha
Published: July 2020

Despite the realization that cultures are essentially “hybrid and heterogeneous,” the aftermath of 9/11 saw the bulk of literature re-instating the cultural divide between East and West. This paper compares the futuristic vision in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and Mohsen Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist to reveal humanity’s regression into a ‘survival of the fittest’ state from a dual Western and Eastern view. This reading therefore provides a cultural perspective involving a methodology that includes theorists and researchers in the field in order to illustrate the extent to which one can validate the culture to which one belongs. It also contributes to the debate over the role of religion and culture in acquiring a sense of nationalism..
Privatizing Refugees’ Human Rights in Hamid’s Exit West, Coetzee’s The Childhood of Jesus and The Schooldays of Jesus, and Hosseini’s Sea Prayer
Authors: AlAmmouri Bayan
Published: July 2020

The contemporary novel seems to be complicit with neoliberalized and economized human rights. It is, time and again, a narrative that attempts to structurally adjust humans’ emotions to further the elitism and exclusiveness of human rights to citizens of Western countries. I argue that some modern neoliberal novels are a part of sentimental adjustment programs that strip refugees of their basic human rights, while at the same time celebrate Western societies and their aggressive and negative attitudes towards displaced individuals as equitable. Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West, J. M. Coetzee’s The Childhood of Jesus and The Schooldays of Jesus, and Khaled Hosseini’s Sea Prayer are novels that function as examples of sentimental adjustment programs in which the narrative thread and structure elucidate how refugees struggle to maintain autonomy as they are excluded from human rights discourses as non-citizens. Namely, the aforementioned novels shed light on the failure of human rights ever being established in their storylines because human rights are being obliterated through the introduction of Western compassion as a rectitudinous result..
Quantifying Nasality in Arabic Speakers: Preliminary Data
Authors: Natour Yaser
Published: July 2020

This paper aimed to establish preliminary normative data scores of nasalance value for the Arab Emirati speakers, and to compare them to other Arabic speakers, particularly the Saudi, Jordanian and Egyptian speakers. Design was a cross-sectional study where nasality scores (nasalance percentages) were obtained under oral and vowel passage tasks. Participants were 104 Emirati individuals (54 males, age range 18-27, and 50 females, age range 18-27). Each participant was asked to extend the /a:/ vowel and read a passage in Arabic. A nasometer model II, 6450 (KayPentax, Canada) was utilized for nasalance scores computation. The ANOVA revealed no significant differences between the female and male Emirati speakers’ nasalance scores in both the vowel (males= 26.35, females= 23.3) and the oral passage tasks (males= 15, females= 15.1). The Emirati speakers had higher nasalance scores than the Saudi speakers in both tasks, and in the /a:/vowel task compared to the Egyptian and Jordanian speakers. Language and dialect are two important variables in determining the nasalance normative scores..
Endodontic management of incisors with horizontal root fractures using H-file as endodontic implant – Two Case Reports.
Authors: Kokane Vandana , Sonarkar Snehal , Gunwal Mohit , Kokane Noopur
Published: July 2020

Accidental injury to anterior region with fractured and mobile teeth can be an awful experience to young female patient. Treating such patient requires knowledge judgment and skill of the operator. In the present case report multiple horizontal root fracture in cervical third region with mobile undetached crown was successfully stabilized by a very simple procedure using hedstrome endodontic file as an endodontic implant. In a two year follow-up period the tooth was completely asymptomatic clinically as well as radiographically.

Immobilization of fractured root by endodontic instrument with MTA considered to be a simple ,reliable and cost effective method to save a tooth that would have been difficult to restore with good long term prognosis.

Key-words: Incisors, Horizontal Root Fractures, H File
Pig Farming in Alternative Systems: Strengths and Challenges in Terms of Animal Welfare, Biosecurity, Animal Health and Pork Safety
Authors: Delsart Maxime , Pol Françoise , Dufour Barbara , Rose Nicolas , Fablet Christelle
Published: July 2020

In pig production, the widespread conventional indoor system with a slatted floor currently dominates. However, this production system is becoming less socially acceptable. In addition to general environmental protection issues, animal welfare, the absence of suffering and distress, and the management of pain also constitute societal concerns. In this context, alternative production systems are gaining ground. Although they are popular with consumers and other citizens, these alternative systems have their critical points. Here, we reviewed the international scientific literature to establish the state of the art of current knowledge regarding welfare, biosecurity, animal health and pork safety in this type of farming system. In general, alternative farms give pigs the opportunity to express a broader range of behaviours than conventional farms. However, the management of feeding, watering, temperature and predators is often more complicated in these outdoor systems. In addition, biosecurity measures seem to be applied less strictly in alternative farms than in conventional farms, especially in free-range systems, where they are more difficult to implement. On the other hand, pigs kept in these farming systems seem to be less affected by respiratory diseases, but parasitism and piglet crushing (in farrowing units) both remain a real challenge. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of many zoonotic pathogens in these farms may represent a risk for human health.
Influence of Tillage, Straw-Returning and Mineral Fertilization on the Stability and Associated Organic Content of Soil Aggregates in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Huayan , Niu Ling’an , Hu Kelin , Hao Jinmin , Li Fan , Gao Zhuanqin , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2020

Agricultural management, such as tillage and straw-returning, affect soil fertility and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems. With the increasing food demand and challenges imposed by climate change, these effects on soil fertility need to be closely monitored, so that short-term agricultural intensification should not threaten the long-term productivity of the land. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the long-term effects of different management practices on soil aggregate stability and associated organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) over a 33-year period in the croplands of the North China Plain. Bulk soils from the surface and subsurface layers were fractionated using the wet sieving approach. The results showed that the silt + clay (SC) fractions (<0.053 mm) were predominant, accounting for 32–56% of the mass at the 0–20 cm depth, and accounting for 41–55% of the mass at the 20–40 cm depth. Additionally, long-term (33 years) no-tillage management and straw-returning at different application rates increased the mass of large soil macroaggregates (LMA), the LMA- and macroaggregate-associated OC content, but decreased the SC-associated OC content. Mineral N and P fertilizers had a minor effect on the stabilization of soil aggregates. The treatment with straw significantly increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GWD), compared with the treatment without straw. Our results indicate that carefully regulated management practices would enhance soil aggregate stability, associated OC and N content in the intensive agroecosystem.
Biodiversity in the Rhizosphere of Selected Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars—Genetic and Catabolic Fingerprinting
Authors: Wolińska Agnieszka , Kuźniar Agnieszka , Gałązka Anna
Published: July 2020

The main goal of the study was to determine the biodiversity of bacteria and their metabolic profile in the rhizosphere of four winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (Hondia, Nordkap, Rotax, Tytanika) cultivated in Haplic Podzol soil in a no-tillage system. Two techniques, i.e., next generation sequencing (NGS, meta-barcoding of 16S rRNA community) and community level physiological profiling (CLPP), were applied to obtain a holistic picture of biodiversity. The basic soil chemical parameters (acidity, redox potential, carbon content, forms of nitrogen, and phosphorus) were also determined. It was found that the rhizospheric microbiome (at the genus level) of cv. Hondia and Rotax were significantly different from that present in the other cultivars studied. The CLPP technique demonstrated that microbial metabolic activity depended on both the type of substrate and wheat cultivars. Carbohydrates and carboxylic acids were the most easily utilized compounds in all rhizospheric soils. The principal component analysis (PCA) evidenced that the rhizospheric soils of Rotax and Nordkap were characterized by a higher functional activity (strong correlation with the Shannon-Wiener index, the Richness index, and utilization of hydrocarbons) than those of Hondia and Tytanika.
CD1d Selectively Down Regulates the Expression of the Oxidized Phospholipid-Specific E06 IgM Natural Antibody in Ldlr−/− Mice
Authors: Biswas Tapan K. , VanderLaan Paul A. , Que Xuchu , Gonen Ayelet , Krishack Paulette , Binder Christoph J. , Witztum Joseph L. , Getz Godfrey S. , Reardon Catherine A.
Published: July 2020

Natural antibodies (NAbs) are important regulators of tissue homeostasis and inflammation and are thought to have diverse protective roles in a variety of pathological states. E06 is a T15 idiotype IgM NAb exclusively produced by B-1 cells, which recognizes the phosphocholine (PC) head group in oxidized phospholipids on the surface of apoptotic cells and in oxidized LDL (OxLDL), and the PC present on the cell wall of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Here we report that titers of the E06 NAb are selectively increased several-fold in Cd1d-deficient mice, whereas total IgM and IgM antibodies recognizing other oxidation specific epitopes such as in malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL) and OxLDL were not increased. The high titers of E06 in Cd1d-deficient mice are not due to a global increase in IgM-secreting B-1 cells, but they are specifically due to an expansion of E06-secreting splenic B-1 cells. Thus, CD1d-mediated regulation appeared to be suppressive in nature and specific for E06 IgM-secreting cells. The CD1d-mediated regulation of the E06 NAb generation is a novel mechanism that regulates the production of this specific oxidation epitope recognizing NAb.
Reactive Species in Huntington Disease: Are They Really the Radicals You Want to Catch?
Authors: Bono-Yagüe José , Gómez-Escribano Ana Pilar , Millán José María , Vázquez-Manrique Rafael Pascual
Published: July 2020

Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative condition and one of the so-called rare or minority diseases, due to its low prevalence (affecting 1–10 of every 100,000 people in western countries). The causative gene, HTT, encodes huntingtin, a protein with a yet unknown function. Mutant huntingtin causes a range of phenotypes, including oxidative stress and the activation of microglia and astrocytes, which leads to chronic inflammation of the brain. Although substantial efforts have been made to find a cure for HD, there is currently no medical intervention able to stop or even delay progression of the disease. Among the many targets of therapeutic intervention, oxidative stress and inflammation have been extensively studied and some clinical trials have been promoted to target them. In the present work, we review the basic research on oxidative stress in HD and the strategies used to fight it. Many of the strategies to reduce the phenotypes associated with oxidative stress have produced positive results, yet no substantial functional recovery has been observed in animal models or patients with the disease. We discuss possible explanations for this and suggest potential ways to overcome it.
Serum Malondialdehyde is Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Related Liver Damage Differentially in Men and Women
Authors: Zelber-Sagi Shira , Ivancovsky-Wajcman Dana , Fliss-Isakov Naomi , Hahn Michal , Webb Muriel , Shibolet Oren , Kariv Revital , Tirosh Oren
Published: July 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, but large studies are lacking. The aim was to test the association of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a marker of oxidative damage of lipids, with NAFLD and liver damage markers, and to test the association between dietary vitamins E and C intake and MDA levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects who underwent blood tests including FibroMax for non-invasive assessment of NASH and fibrosis. MDA was evaluated by reaction with Thiobarbituric acid and HPLC-fluorescence detection method. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. Findings: MDA measurements were available for 394 subjects. In multivariate analysis, the odds for NAFLD were higher with the rise of MDA levels in a dose–response manner, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and lifestyle factors. Only among men, higher serum MDA was associated of higher odds for NAFLD and NASH and/or fibrosis (OR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.33–5.07, P = 0.005; OR = 2.04, 1.02–4.06, P = 0.043, respectively). Higher vitamin E intake was associated with lower odds of high serum MDA level (OR = 0.28 95% CI 0.13–0.62, P = 0.002). In conclusion, serum MDA is associated with NAFLD and markers of NASH or fibrosis among men. Dietary vitamin E may be protective among women.
Disassembly Sequence Planning (DSP) Applied to a Gear Box: Comparison between Two Literature Studies
Authors: Frizziero Leonardo , Liverani Alfredo
Published: July 2020

This work aims to analyze the characteristics and importance that design techniques for disassembly assume in the modern design phase of a mechanism. To this end, the study begins by considering a three-dimensional model of a gear motor, taken from the components of which the overall drawings are arranged and from the relief of those not available. Once the mechanism has been digitally reconstructed, the activity focuses on the study of the optimal disassembly sequence by comparing different methodologies, according to two evaluation criteria—minimizing the time taken and minimizing the number of tool changes necessary to complete the sequence. The main results of the work are (1) defining a standard methodology to improve disassembly sequence planning, (2) finding the best disassembly sequence for the specific component among the literature and eventually new methods, and (3) offering to the industrial world a way to optimize maintenance operations in mechanical products. Referring to the limitation of the present works, it can be affirmed that the results are limited to the literature explored and to the case study examined.
Special Issue on “Mapping and Monitoring of Geohazards”
Authors: Novellino Alessandro , Grebby Stephen
Published: July 2020

According to the Emergency Events Database (https://public [...]
Thermal Performance of a Massive Wall in the Mediterranean Climate: Experimental and Analytical Research
Authors: Tribuiani Chiara , Tarabelli Luca , Summa Serena , Di Perna Costanzo
Published: July 2020

In the Mediterranean climate, indoor overheating and, thus, excessive use of cooling systems represents one of the main problems both for the occupants’ health and energy consumption. In order to limit this problem, an appropriate design or energy retrofitting of the building envelope is of utmost importance. The predominance of massive buildings in the Italian territory and the need to comply with Italian regulations often leads technicians to not optimal energy saving solutions. To this purpose, this experimental research was conducted on a mockup building, located in Fabriano and characterized by high thermal mass walls (W0) and two different external insulating systems: Cork based lightweight plaster (W1) and Extruded polystyrene foam panel (XPS) (W2). Furthermore, a virtual model in TRNSYS, a transient simulation software, was used to compare analytical and simulated values. Results show that W2 undergoes a higher level of thermal stress than W1, due to higher peaks in the external surface temperature and larger fluctuations in daily temperature. Therefore, a high value of thermal resistance of the external insulation and low value of external areal heat capacity on a massive building causes external surface overheating problems, thus, not representing the optimal construction solution.
Italian-Style Opera Houses: A Historical Review
Authors: D’Orazio Dario
Published: July 2020

Attending an opera involves a multi-sensory evaluation (acoustical, visual, and more), cultural background and other emotional parameters. The present work aims to investigate the historical development of Italian-style opera houses, from the 16th century until today. Called “Italian” due to their origin, they developed thanks to the mutual influence of the genre and the building characteristics. Furthermore, the acoustics of historical opera houses is now considered as intangible cultural heritage, so it should be known and preserved. The paper addressed the state-of-the-art literature—most of which was proposed in Italian—which can be driven easily by the sharing of historical and contemporary knowledge.
Mosaicplasty versus Matrix-Assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Knee Cartilage Defects: A Long-Term Clinical and Imaging Evaluation
Authors: Zaffagnini Stefano , Boffa Angelo , Andriolo Luca , Reale Davide , Busacca Maurizio , Di Martino Alessandro , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Different surgical procedures have been proposed over the past few years to treat cartilage lesions. The aim of this study was to compare mosaicplasty and matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) at long-term follow-up. Forty-three patients were included: 20 mosaicplasty and 23 MACT. Patients were evaluated before and 12 years after surgery with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores for symptoms and function, and with the Tegner score for activity level. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate repair tissue with the MOCART 2.0 score. Mosaicplasty and MACT showed good clinical and MRI results (IKDC subjective score 75.3 ± 21.8 and 81.8 ± 13.0, both p < 0.0005). Mosaicplasty presented a 10% reoperation rate and a 25% overall failure rate, while no failures were documented in MACT (p = 0.016). While size did not influence the results in the MACT group, mosaicplasty presented lower IKDC objective and Tegner scores in lesions bigger than 2 cm2 (p = 0.031 and p = 0.014, respectively). Mosaicplasty and MACT presented both satisfactory clinical and MRI results at long-term follow-up. However, for larger lesions, MACT presented better subjective and objective outcomes, as well as less failures, which should be considered when choosing the most suitable treatment for patients affected by knee cartilage lesions.
Importance Evaluation Based on Random Forest Algorithms: Insights into the Relationship between Negative Air Ions Variability and Environmental Factors in Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Luo Linghao , Sun Wen , Han Yujie , Zhang Wenwen , Liu Chunjiang , Yin Shan
Published: July 2020

Negative air ions (NAIs) exert positive effects on human health. Urban green spaces produce NAIs and perform valuable ecological functions; this phenomenon has attracted much attention. However, NAIs in urban green spaces are influenced by many factors, leading to extremely large variability in their concentrations and complicating their measurement. Therefore, we collected observational data on NAI concentrations (NAICs), as well as on other environmental factors for one year in Shanghai City Park. We then used this data to construct an indicator of NAI variability (NAIV); we understand NAIV to be dependent upon NAIC, and study of the derivative can better reflect the driving force and dominant factors of the original function. Based on a preliminary investigation of correlation, and on a multiple linear regression analysis, we used a random forest algorithm to evaluate the influence of various factors that affect the variability of NAIs. The results show that “water factors,” whose main contribution is humidity, exert the most influence, followed by “phenology factors,” whose main contribution is temperature, and “particulate factors,” whose main contribution is PM2.5. High humidity, high temperature, and low PM2.5 concentration enrich NAI generation and extend their lifetimes, thus helping to maintain them within a relatively stable range. In this study, the main driving forces that govern NAI changes were shown to be humidity, temperature and particulate matter. Our results may help to deepen our understanding of NAI characteristics and applications in urban green spaces.
Air Quality Degradation by Mineral Dust over Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai Chinese Megacities
Authors: Lachatre Mathieu , Foret Gilles , Laurent Benoit , Siour Guillaume , Cuesta Juan , Dufour Gaëlle , Meng Fan , Tang Wei , Zhang Qijie , Beekmann Matthias
Published: July 2020

Air pollution in Chinese megacities has reached extremely hazardous levels, and human activities are responsible for the emission or production of large amounts of particulate matter (PM). In addition to PM from anthropogenic sources, natural phenomena, such as dust storms over Asian deserts, may also emit large amounts of PM, which lead episodically to poor air quality over Chinese megacities. In this paper, we quantify the degradation of air quality by dust over Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai megacities using the three dimensions (3D) chemistry transport model CHIMERE, which simulates dust emission and transport online. In the first part of our work, we evaluate dust emissions using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) satellite observations of aerosol optical depth, respectively, in the visible and the thermal infrared over source areas. PM simulations were also evaluated compared to surface monitoring stations. Then, mineral dust emissions and their impacts on particle composition of several Chinese megacities were analyzed. Dust emissions and transport over China were simulated during three years (2011, 2013 and 2015). Annual dust contributions to the PM 10 budget over Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai were evaluated respectively as 6.6%, 9.5% and 9.3%. Dust outbreaks largely contribute to poor air quality events during springtime. Indeed it was found that dust significantly contribute for 22%, 52% and 43% of spring PM 10 events (for Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai respectively).
Ranacyclin-NF, a Novel Bowman–Birk Type Protease Inhibitor from the Skin Secretion of the East Asian Frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus
Authors: Wang Tao , Jiang Yangyang , Chen Xiaoling , Wang Lei , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Zhang Yingqi , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris , Zhou Mei
Published: July 2020

Serine protease inhibitors are found in plants, animals and microorganisms, where they play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Inhibitor scaffolds based on natural proteins and peptides have gradually become the focus of current research as they tend to bind to their targets with greater specificity than small molecules. In this report, a novel Bowman–Birk type inhibitor, named ranacyclin-NF (RNF), is described and was identified in the skin secretion of the East Asian frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus. A synthetic replicate of the peptide was subjected to a series of functional assays. It displayed trypsin inhibitory activity with an inhibitory constant, Ki, of 447 nM and had negligible direct cytotoxicity. No observable direct antimicrobial activity was found but RNF improved the therapeutic potency of Gentamicin against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). RNF shared significant sequence similarity to previously reported and related inhibitors from Odorrana grahami (ORB) and Rana esculenta (ranacyclin-T), both of which were found to be multi-functional. Two analogues of RNF, named ranacyclin-NF1 (RNF1) and ranacyclin-NF3L (RNF3L), were designed based on some features of ORB and ranacyclin-T to study structure–activity relationships. Structure–activity studies demonstrated that residues outside of the trypsin inhibitory loop (TIL) may be related to the efficacy of trypsin inhibitory activity.
Heterometrus spinifer: An Untapped Source of Anti-Tumor Molecules
Authors: Soopramanien Morhanavallee , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Ghimire Ajnish , Sagathevan Kuppusamy , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah
Published: July 2020

Despite intensive research, cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise. Consequently, the necessity to develop effective anti-cancer therapy is apparent. We have recently shown that the gut bacteria of animals living in polluted environments, such as crocodiles, are a potential source of novel anti-tumor molecules. To extend this work to other resilient species, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of gut bacteria of Heterometrus spinifer (a scorpion). Bacteria from the feces and gut were isolated, identified and evaluated for their anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media was prepared in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 media, and cytotoxicity and growth inhibitory properties were examined against cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted to establish the identity of the molecules. Eighteen bacteria species from the gut (HSG01-18) and ten bacteria species from feces (HSF01-10) were tested for anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media from scorpion gut and feces exhibited significant growth inhibitory effects against HeLa cells of 66.9% and 83.8%, respectively. Microscopic analysis of cancer cells treated with conditioned media HSG12 and HSG16 revealed apoptosis-like effects. HSG12 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and HSG16 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Both conditioned media exhibited 100% growth inhibitory effects versus a selection of cancer cells, comprising cervical, breast and prostate cancer cells. LC–MS indicated the presence of 72 and 38 compounds, detected from HSG12 and HSG16, respectively. Out of these compounds, 47 were successfully identified while the remainder were unidentified and are possibly novel. This study suggests that the fecal and gut microbiota of scorpions might possess molecules with anti-cancer properties, however, further intensive research is needed to assess these expectations.
Monopolar Spindle 1 Kinase (MPS1/TTK) mRNA Expression is Associated with Earlier Development of Clinical Symptoms, Tumor Aggressiveness and Survival of Glioma Patients
Authors: Kessler Almuth F. , Feldheim Jonas , Schmitt Dominik , Feldheim Julia J. , Monoranu Camelia M. , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Löhr Mario , Hagemann Carsten
Published: July 2020

Inhibition of the protein kinase MPS1, a mitotic spindle-checkpoint regulator, reinforces the effects of multiple therapies against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in experimental settings. We analyzed MPS1 mRNA-expression in gliomas WHO grade II, III and in clinical subgroups of GBM. Data were obtained by qPCR analysis of tumor and healthy brain specimens and correlated with the patients’ clinical data. MPS1 was overexpressed in all gliomas on an mRNA level (ANOVA, p < 0.01) and correlated with tumor aggressiveness. We explain previously published conflicting results on survival: high MPS1 was associated with poorer long term survival when all gliomas were analyzed combined in one group (Cox regression: t < 24 months, p = 0.009, Hazard ratio: 8.0, 95% CI: 1.7–38.4), with poorer survival solely in low-grade gliomas (LogRank: p = 0.02, Cox regression: p = 0.06, Hazard-Ratio: 8.0, 95% CI: 0.9–66.7), but not in GBM (LogRank: p > 0.05). This might be due to their lower tumor volume at the therapy start. GBM patients with high MPS1 mRNA-expression developed clinical symptoms at an earlier stage. This, however, did not benefit their overall survival, most likely due to the more aggressive tumor growth. Since MPS1 mRNA-expression in gliomas was enhanced with increasing tumor aggressiveness, patients with the worst outcome might benefit best from a treatment directed against MPS1.
Science Runs and the Debate Brakes: Somatic Gene-Editing as a New Tool for Gender-Specific Medicine in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tozzo Pamela , Zullo Silvia , Caenazzo Luciana
Published: July 2020

Gender-specific medicine is a discipline that studies the influence of sex and gender on physiology, pathophysiology, and diseases. One example in light of how a genetic-based disease among other diseases, that impact on sex, can be represented by the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The question that comes into focus is whether gene-editing can represent a new line of investigation to be explored in the development of personalized, gender-specific medicine that guarantees gender equity in health policies. This article aims to discuss the relevance of adopting a gender-specific focus on gene-editing research, considered as a way of contributing to the advance of medicine’s understanding, treatment, and prevention of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The development or improvement of cures could take advantage of the knowledge of the gender diversity in order to ascertain and develop differential interventions also at the genetic level between women and men, and this deserves special attention and deep ethical reflection.
Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Evoked and Induced Gamma Oscillations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Casanova Manuel F. , Shaban Mohamed , Ghazal Mohammed , El-Baz Ayman S. , Casanova Emily L. , Opris Ioan , Sokhadze Estate M.
Published: July 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition of unknown pathology. Research suggests that abnormalities of elecltroencephalogram (EEG) gamma oscillations may provide a biomarker of the condition. In this study, envelope analysis of demodulated waveforms for evoked and induced gamma oscillations in response to Kanizsa figures in an oddball task were analyzed and compared in 19 ASD and 19 age/gender-matched neurotypical children. The ASD group was treated with low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), (1.0 Hz, 90% motor threshold, 18 weekly sessions) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In ASD subjects, as compared to neurotypicals, significant differences in evoked and induced gamma oscillations were evident in higher magnitude of gamma oscillations pre-TMS, especially in response to non-target cues. Recordings post-TMS treatment in ASD revealed a significant reduction of gamma responses to task-irrelevant stimuli. Participants committed fewer errors post-TMS. Behavioral questionnaires showed a decrease in irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive behavior scores. The use of a novel metric for gamma oscillations. i.e., envelope analysis using wavelet transformation allowed for characterization of the impedance of the originating neuronal circuit. The results suggest that gamma oscillations may provide a biomarker reflective of the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the cortex and a putative outcome measure for interventions in autism.