bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Modeling Direction Wheelchairs Using Neurosky Mindset Mobile (EEG) Device
Authors: Siswoyo Agus , Arief Zainal , Sulistijono Indra Adji
Published: July 2017

The implementation of Artificial Neural Network in prediction the direction of electric wheelchair from brain signal input for physical mobility impairment.. The control of the wheelchair as an effort in improving disabled person life quality. The interaction from disabled person is helping in relation to social life with others. Because of the mobility impairment, the wheelchair with brain signal input is made. This wheel chair is purposed to help the disabled person and elderly for their daily activity. ANN helps to develop the mapping from input to target. ANN is developed in 3 level: input level, one hidden level, and output level (6-2-1). There are 6 signal from Neurosky Mindset sensor output, Alpha1, Alpha2, Raw signal, Total time signal, Attention Signal, and Meditation signal. The purpose of this research is to find out the output value from ANN: value in turning right, turning left, and forward. From those outputs, we can prove the relevance to the target. One of the main problem that interfering with success is the problem of proper neural network training. Arduino uno is chosen to implement the learning program algorithm because it is a popular microcontroller that is economic and efficient. The training of artificial neural network in this research uses 21 data package from raw data, Alpha1, Aplha2, Meditation data, Attention data, total time data. At the time of the test there is a value of Mean square Error(MSE) at the end of training amounted to 0.92495 at epoch 9958, value a correlation coefficient of 0.92804 shows that accuracy the results of the training process good.Â Â Keywords: Navigation, Neural network, Real-time training, ArduinoÂ
Reduction of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) on Multilevel Inverter with Modified PWM using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Raharja Lucky Pradigta Setiya , Q. Ony Asrarul , Arief Zainal , Windarko Novie Ayub
Published: July 2017

In this research, modified PWM has been applied to the multilevel inverter (MLI) single-phase three-level diode clamp full bridge. Modified PWM is performed to produce minimum Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) the voltage because the quality of the good voltage is indicated by small THD. The THD indicates the quality of AC voltage source. The THD standard by the IEEE STD 519-1992 Harmonic Voltage Limits is 5% and the Pacific Corp standard is 8%, if the THD value is greater than the THD standard it can cause the electronic load to be damaged due to the damaged waveform. Modified PWM is applied by adding a 50 Hz sinusoidal reference signal with a sinusoidal signal which has a certain amplitude, frequency and phase shift angle. The frequency of the adder signal is the frequency at which the value of the individual harmonic voltage appears (n harmonic). To get maximum result, optimization using Genetic Algorithm (GA) method to determinate amplitude & phase shift angle done. The result of implementation hardware with modified PWM shows smaller THD voltage compared to the THD voltage with Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) switching up to 0.19 or decrease 65,51 % for modified PWM of harmonic injection n = 7 with GA optimization ma= 0.8 (A=0.0936 and Ã¸ = 0 rad) and up to 0.08 or decrease 12,30 % for modified PWM of harmonic injection n = 22 with GA optimization ma = 0.4 (A=0.1221 and Ã¸ = 0 rad).
Javanese Character Feature Extraction Based on Shape Energy
Authors: Wibowo Galih Hendra , Sigit Riyanto , Barakbah Aliridho
Published: July 2017

Javanese character is one of Indonesia's noble culture, especially in Java. However, the number of Javanese people who are able to read the letter has decreased so that there need to be conservation efforts in the form of a system that is able to recognize the characters. One solution to these problem lies in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) studies, where one of its heaviest points lies in feature extraction which is to distinguish each character. Shape Energy is one of feature extraction method with the basic idea of how the character can be distinguished simply through its skeleton. Based on the basic idea, then the development of feature extraction is done based on its components to produce an angular histogram with various variations of multiples angle. Furthermore, the performance test of this method and its basic method is performed in Javanese character dataset, which has been obtained from various images, is 240 data with 19 labels by using K-Nearest Neighbors as its classification method. Performance values were obtained based on the accuracy which is generated through the Cross-Validation process of 80.83% in the angular histogram with an angle of 20 degrees, 23% better than Shape Energy. In addition, other test results show that this method is able to recognize rotated character with the lowest performance value of 86% at 180-degree rotation and the highest performance value of 96.97% at 90-degree rotation. It can be concluded that this method is able to improve the performance of Shape Energy in the form of recognition of Javanese characters as well as robust to the rotation.
Semantic Madurese Batik Search with Cultural Computing of Symbolic Impression Extraction and Analytical Aggregation of Color,Shape and Area Features
Authors: Umam Khotibul , Barakbah Ali Ridho , Basuki Achmad
Published: July 2017

Lack of information media about Madurese batik Causes low awareness of younger generation to maintain the production of Madurese batik. Actually, Madurese Batik also has a high philosophy, which the motif and colour reflect the character of the Madurese. Madurese Batik has useful motif as a mean of traditional communication in the form of certain cultural symbols. We collected images of Madurese Batik by identifying the impression of Madurese Batik motif taken from several literature books of Madurese Batik and also the results of observation of experts or craftsmen who understand about Madurese Batik. This research proposed a new approach to create on application which can identify Madurese Batik impression by using 3D-CVQ feature extraction methods to extract color features, and used Hu Moment Invariant for feature feature extraction. Application searching of Madurese Batik image has two ways of searching, those are based on the image input Madurese Batik and based on the input of impression Madurese batik. We use 202 madurese batik motifs and use search techniques based on colors, shapes and aggregations (color and shape combinations). Â Performance results using based on image queries used: (1) based on color, the average precision 90%, (2) based on shape, the average precision 85%, (3) based on aggregation, the average precision 80%, the conclusion is the color as the best feature in image query. While the performance results using based on the impression query are: Â (1) based on color, the average value of true 6.7, total score 40.3, (2) based on shape, the average value of true 4.1, total score 24.1, and (3) based on the aggregation, the average value of true 2.5, the total score is 13.8, the conclusion is the color as the best feature in impression query.
A Time-Series Phrase Correlation Computing System With Acoustic Signal Processing For Music Media Creation
Authors: Tsuneyama Keiichi , Kiyoki Yasushi
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a system that analyzes the time-series impression change in the acoustic signal by a unit of music phrase. The aim is to support the music creation using a computer (computer music) by bringing out composers' potentially existing knowledge and skills. Our goal is to realize the cross-genre/cross-cultural music creation. Our system realizes the automatic extraction of musical features from acoustic signals by dividing and decomposing them into â€œphrasesâ€ and â€œthree musical elementsâ€ (rhythm, melody, and harmony), which are meaningful for human recognition. By calculating the correlation between the target â€œtarget music pieceâ€ and the â€œtypical phraseâ€ in each musical genre, composers are able to grasp the time-series impression change of music media by the unit of music phrase. The system leads to a new creative and efficient environment for cross-genre/cross-cultural music creation based on the potentially existing knowledge on the music phrase and structure.
How the central bank makes decision on interest rates? A comparative analysis of forecast importance
Authors: Szyszko Magdalena
Published: July 2017

Research background: Most of the modern central banks (CBs) acknowledge the role of economic agents? expectations in monetary policy. To shape these expectations and to over-come the lags occurrence, CBs produce and reveal macroeconomic forecast and declare that it is the input into their deliberations and monetary policy adjustments. This is how central banks implement inflation forecast targeting. The formal assessments of actual forecast importance in central banks? decisions is not presented in the literature ? to the best author?s knowledge.Purpose of the article: The paper is of methodological nature. It presents the index that compares inflation forecast importance in the central banks decisions. The elaboration of such index is the main goal of the paper. The index is tested empirically for Czechia and Sweden.Methods: Comparably to other research presenting the tools that approximate some qualitative variables, the methodological part of the paper offers the description of the factors covered by the index with their justification and point attribution. The index is suitable to assess CBs decision?s accordance with the forecast produced under constant rate assumption as well as under endogenous interest rates. It is designed to cover low quality data as the time series on the central path of the forecast are not always accessible. In this cases only the relation of the forecast to the inflation target is revealed on the fan charts.Findings & Value added: The index elaboration and its calculation for Czechia and Sweden is presented in the paper. It thus contributes to the literature on ex post assessment of the central bank?s actions. This formalized assessment opens the field for making further con-clusions on inflation forecast targeting implementations and possible impact of the forecast on the economic agents' expectations.
Factors contributing to the institutional efficiency of local governments in the administrative area
Authors: Lizińska Wiesława , Marks-Bielska Renata , Babuchowska Karolina , Wojarska Magdalena
Published: July 2017

Research background: The theory of endogenous regional development indicates in par-ticular the role of local authorities in creating the conditions for socio-economic development. Among the factors that shape institutional efficiency of local government, the ones referring to the administrative sphere should be especially analyzed.Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper was the assessment of the activities shaping institutional efficiency in the administrative area with respect to the activities pursued by local governments in Poland, and to assess the effects of such activities. The analysis includes activities aimed at streamlining service provision, implementation of a system of self-control of provided services, and measures related to the adjustment of the organizational structure of an office to the implemented tasks.Methods: For the purpose of performing the study a questionnaire was prepared and sent to local authorities in Poland. The research was conducted between 2015 and 2016 on a sample of 1,220 municipalities from 2,479. Identification of activities implemented by local gov-ernments was made on the basis of an analysis of the task implementation index. The evalu-ation of effects of tasks was made on the basis of the values of effect index of implemented tasks.Findings & Value added: Many local governments do not fully apply the available tools that streamline the provision of administrative services. The value of the task performance index had a low average level in Poland (0.42). Representatives of local authorities were convinced of the relatively high efficiency of undertaken activities. The value of the task implementation index in the area of self-control of the provided services remained at the level of 0.48. The average value of effects of activities amounted to 0.55. The average index of task implementation of activities adjusting the organizational structure to the implemented tasks and provided services amounted to 0.64 in Poland.
Barriers to the development of SMEs in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Ivanová Eva
Published: July 2017

Research background: SMEs make up an important segment of the economic system, not only in the national economy, but also throughout the EU, and their importance continues to grow. SMEs in Slovakia, according to the latest data of the European Commission, represent 99.9 per cent of all enterprises, constitute 70.7 per cent of jobs, and 61.2 per cent of value added in the economy. However, they are often confronted with market imperfections. SMEs frequently have difficulties in obtaining capital or credit, particularly in the early start-up phase. Their restricted resources may also reduce access to new technologies or innovation. Authors often deal with the impact of SME financing on their development. Madrid-Guijarro et al. (2016), Lee et al. (2015) claim that SMEs have difficulty in funding innovation and the worsening in general credit conditions has been more pronounced for non-innovative firms.Purpose of the article: The main objective of the conducted research was to analyze the conditions for the development of small and medium enterprises (the SMEs sector) in Slovak Republic, whereas the specific objectives were: (1) to determine the terms for gaining external sources of financing for the development of SMEs, (2) to examine the resources for innovation development in the SMEs sector, (3) to find out if SMEs are considered to be a competitive advantage.Methods: The research was conducted in the Slovak Republic in 2016. Participants were 193 Slovak companies that were classified as SMEs by the size class of employment. The research tool used for the study was the own questionnaire consisting of 38 questions and the demographics. The structure of the questionnaire allowed the authors to identify the group of questions concerning the most important conditions for the development of the examined sector referring to the business environment. The results were processed by chi-square method.Findings & Value added: On the basis of the conducted research of the sector of SMEs , it can be concluded that a large group of companies have difficult access to external sources of financing and this refers both to the access to the European Union funds, grants, bank loans and other instruments of the financial market. However, it occurs that: (1) in Slovakia, the smaller the enterprise, i.e. the fewer employees it hires, the easier the access to external sources of financing, (1) innovative projects are realized from company profits or a loan, (1) problems in Slovakia in accessing external funds due to the complexity of the process of approval of applications and documents and strict criteria for the assessment of financial capacity.
Employee epowerment ? terminological and practical perspective in Poland
Authors: Cierniak-Emerych Anna , Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

Research background: The 1980s saw popularization of the management paradigm requir-ing that employee intellectual potential should be noticed and used. The subjective approach to employees is fully reflected in the empowerment process. The definition scope of the analysed notion has not been unambiguously delineated to date. In narrow terms, empowerment means delegating power in the decision-making process and is considered a management method. In broad terms, in turn, the idea is at times called even a management concept.Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to provide answers to the following research questions: (1) Can empowerment be called a separate management concept? (2) What is the awareness of the essence of empowerment among contemporary employees? (3) What are the barriers to implementing empowerment assumptions in enterprises?Methods: The research process was based on literature studies and empirical research that was conducted in Poland under two separate research projects. One, carried out in the period 2006?2015, was oriented towards assessing the level of interest in employee participation and identifying the approach to implementing such participation in enterprises. The research covered over 300 respondents. It used structured interview complemented with free interview and analysis of the provided documents of the respondents? enterprises. The results of the research encouraged a closer look at the category of empowerment. Pilot empirical research on the category of empowerment was conducted in 2016 with questionnaire surveys. The research sample was 63 employees.Findings: It was found that empowerment should be perceived as certain expansion of employee participation rather than a separate management concept. It consisted in sharing not only information but also power with employees. The results of the empirical research permitted the ascertainment that interest in lower participation forms prevailed among the respondents. Barriers related to applying empowerment were sought in this context. The pilot research allowed a conclusion that the barriers should be sought primarily in the failure to prepare (also mentally) employees and employers for using empowerment. Although the presented results of the research are not representative, they encourage further in-depth research within the discussed area.
Georg Bossong y Francisco Báez de Aguilar González (eds.), Identidades lingüísticas en la España autonómica. Vervuert-Iberoamericana, Frankfurt/M.-Madrid, 2000; 189 pp. (Lingüística Iberoamericana, 14).
Authors: Serrano Morales Julio César
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Identidades lingüísticas en la España autonómica.
Rebeca Barriga Villanueva, Estudios sobre habla infantil en los años escolares. El Colegio de México, México, 2002.
Authors: Montes Giraldo José Joaquin
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Estudios sobre habla infantil en los años escolares.
Carlos Alvar y José Manuel Lucía Megías (coords.), Diccionario filológico de literatura medieval española. Textos y transmisión. Castalia, Madrid, 2002; xxx + 1178 pp. (Nueva Biblioteca de Erudición y Crítica, 21).
Authors: Higashi Alejandro
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Diccionario filológico de literatura medieval española. Textos y transmisión.
Tilmann Altenberg, Melancolía en la poesía de José María Heredia. Vervuert- Iberoamericana, Frankfurt/M.-Madrid, 2001 (Historia y crítica de la literatura, 27).
Authors: Lara Astorga Eliff
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Melancolía en la poesía de José María Heredia.
Anthony Stanton, Las primeras voces del poeta Octavio Paz (1931-1938). Ediciones Sin Nombre-CONACULTA, México, 2001; 107 pp.
Authors: Verani Hugo J.
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Las primeras voces del poeta Octavio Paz (1931-1938).
Ilse Logie, La omnipresencia de la mimesis en la obra de Manuel Puig: análisis de cuatro novelas. Rodopi, Amsterdam-New York, 2001; 403 pp.
Authors: Fabry Geneviève
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: La omnipresencia de la mimesis en la obra de Manuel Puig: análisis de cuatro novelas.
Germán de Granda, Estudios de lingüística andina. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, 2001; 359 pp.
Authors: Enguita Utrilla José M.
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Estudios de lingüística andina.
Aurelio González, Serafín González, Alma Mejía, María Teresa Miaja de la Peña y Lilian Von Derwalde Moheno(eds.), Estudios del teatro áureo: texto, espacio y representación. Actas selectas del X Congreso de la Asociación Internacional de Teatro Español y Novohispano de los Siglos de Oro. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-El Colegio de México-AITENSO, México, 2003; 442 pp. (Cultura Universitaria. Serie Ensayo, 75).
Authors: Arteaga Martínez Alejandro
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Estudios del teatro áureo: texto, espacio y representación. Actas selectas del X Congreso de la Asociación Internacional de Teatro Español y Novohispano de los Siglos de Oro.
Rodrigo Cacho Casal, La poesía burlesca de Quevedo y sus modelos italianos. Universidade, Santiago de Compostela, 2003; 410 pp.
Authors: Lombó Mulliert Pablo
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: La poesía burlesca de Quevedo y sus modelos italianos.
A literatura, a liberdade e a humanização do homem
Authors: Abrahão Thiago Henrique de Camargo , Infante Ulisses
Published: July 2017

Em virtude da diminuição paulatina do senso histórico dos homens — consciências por isso passíveis, diante da realidade social, a viverem em meio a valores fragmentados que não permitem uma compreensão mais completa e profunda de sua situação no mundo —, haveria, segundo Jean-Paul Sartre, uma função para a literatura, a saber, ser um meio para estimular a percepção da liberdade e da responsabilidade do homem, evidenciando, com isso, o papel humanizador da arte literária, fundada sobre o alicerce de um pensamento filosófico (o existencialismo) que se quer um humanismo. A partir do pensamento sartriano, veremos que as ideias do crítico literário brasileiro Antonio Candido sobre o papel da literatura convergem para os mesmos propósitos, de modo que, de nossa parte, sublinharemos a importância das afirmações teóricas dos dois estudiosos para debatermos a atualidade.
Historia de una impropiedad: el "Dicionário de bolso", de Oswald de Andrade
Authors: Cabezas Laura
Published: July 2017

El Diccionario de bolsillo, conjunto de entradas escritas por Oswald de Andrade entre los años treinta y cuarenta, despliega una relectura epifánica de la historia que subvierte las jerarquías y los ordenamientos vigentes, desde la opción por una creencia vital y militante que hace posible el acercamiento entre comunismo y cristianismo.
Escritas das asperezas: uma leitura de "Memórias do cárcere", de Graciliano Ramos
Authors: Walty Ivete Lara Camargos
Published: July 2017

Partindo de três verbos utilizados no último parágrafo do primeiro capítulo de Memórias do cárcere, de Graciliano Ramos — esgueirar-se, fugir, esconder-se —, reveladores de um jogo montado pelo eu textual, interessa-me investigar, na construção do texto, a posição do narrador. Considerando o discurso como lugar de interação entre o social e o individual, onde eus diversos circulam entre a lei da sintaxe e a sintaxe da lei, importa examinar o trânsito desse eu, ora possuidor, ora possuído no jogo do gato e rato, nesse teatro/prisão tatuado no texto, um jogo a (des) velar suas regras. Tomando a cadeia e seu espaço como metonímia de espaços outros, investigo como o corpo mutilado e o edifício social carunchado fazem-se escritas das asperezas. Não apenas das asperezas da sociedade, mas também das asperezas do eu, metaforizadas pela boca seca, pela palavra áspera, pela escrita morosa, difícil, metaforizado pelo abscesso que se desenvolvia debaixo da unha do indicador, concretização do abscesso social e existencial.
Dar a ver: o olhar poético na obra de João Cabral de Melo Neto
Authors: Cardeal Rafaela
Published: July 2017

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a questão da visualidade desenvolvida na obra de João Cabral de Melo Neto, a partir do conceito de “dar a ver”, um de seus principais objetivos poéticos. Com uma leitura abrangente que acompanhará o percurso desde Pedra do sono (1942) até A educação pela pedra (1966) — o livro de estreia e o exemplar que marca o ápice da trajetória do autor, respectivamente — analisaremos algumas imagens e propriedades resultantes da percepção visual. Veremos de que maneira a escrita cabralina, apesar de procurar uma perspectiva objetiva, denuncia a mirada do poeta.
Marcelino Freire: ação política pela palavra
Authors: Cury Maria Zilda Ferreira , Alis Gleidston
Published: July 2017

Marcelino Freire, contista notável da geração contemporânea da literatura brasileira, constrói um universo ficcional muito particular, no qual seus personagens — oriundos predominantemente das camadas marginalizadas da sociedade brasileira — colocam suas vozes em cena para escancarar nossas mazelas sociais. Isso se manifesta de forma muito especial no tocante à hipocrisia dos discursos acerca da universalidade dos direitos prescritos em lei, numa sociedade tão marcadamente desigual como a nossa. A ironia é estratégia discursiva importante para o autor nessa empreitada, e a violência parece ser um dos poucos recursos acessíveis para que as vozes evocadas por Marcelino invadam o espaço público, para o qual jamais seriam convidadas. Essas são as questões fundamentais debatidas neste artigo, nesses tempos em que o espaço público se retrai, o interesse comum é suplantado pelo interesse privado e até mesmo os direitos ainda sequer efetivamente garantidos são revogados em favor de privilégios.
Colonialismo e anticolonialismo em contos angolanos de João Melo
Authors: Mitidieri André Luis , Gehlen Rejane Seitenfuss
Published: July 2017

A presente análise busca relacionar as obras literárias Imitação de Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir e Filhos da pátria, de autoria do escritor angolano João Melo, com o colonialismo e o anticolonialismo, que são diretamente implicados ao pós-colonialismo. A literatura pós‑colonial reflete sobre a condição periférica e sua relação contextual. Como aspecto colonialista a ser considerado, na primeira das coletâneas de contos referidas, tem-se a dominação masculina e, na segunda, a organização da elite angolana pós‑independência. Como aspecto anticolonialista, tem-se, no primeiro livro, o pensamento de Simone de Beauvoir acerca da condição feminina, através da busca pela emancipação das personagens femininas e, no segundo, as questões da identidade nacional e individual.. O engajamento sartriano, redimensionado sob a perspectiva pós-colonialista, apresenta-se como estratégia antineocolonialista, fazendo frente ao neocolonialismo, representado pela antiutopia contemporânea e pelo formalismo pós-moderno, subvertido pela metalinguagem, pela paródia e pela reversão de suas expectativas de leitura, na contística de Melo.
Bone marrow cell composition and morphology in healthy juvenile female New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Riedel Rebekah M. , de Matos Ricardo , Schaefer Deanna M. W.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To provide contemporary preliminary guidelines for the morphological evaluation of bone marrow in conjunction with CBC results for healthy juvenile (3- to 6-month-old) female New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

ANIMALS 22 female New Zealand White rabbits.

PROCEDURES Each rabbit was sedated, and a blood sample (3 mL) was collected from an ear artery for a CBC, after which the rabbit was euthanized. Within 5 minutes after euthanasia, bone marrow samples were obtained from the femur for cytologic and histologic evaluation. Bone marrow specimens for cytologic evaluation were stained with modified Wright stain, and those for histologic evaluation were stained with either H&E or Prussian blue stain.

RESULTS The CBC results were within published reference ranges for all rabbits except 4, each of which had mild leukopenia. Cytologic assessment of bone marrow revealed a median myeloid-to-erythroid ratio of 0.7 and 2.8 megakaryocytes/low-power field (magnification, 100X), and the median percentages of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages were 11.5%, 0.1%, and 0%, respectively. The myeloid-to-erythroid ratio was not significantly correlated with any CBC variable. On histologic evaluation of bone marrow, the cellularity ranged from 30% to 50%, there were 2.1 to 7.7 megakaryocytes/hpf (magnification, 400X), and no iron stores were visible in H&E or Prussian blue–stained specimens.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study provided contemporary preliminary guidelines for the evaluation of bone marrow in healthy laboratory rabbits.
Associations between gastric dilatation-volvulus in Great Danes and specific alleles of the canine immune-system genes DLA88, DRB1, and TLR5
Authors: Harkey Michael A. , Villagran Alexandra M. , Venkataraman Gopalakrishnan M. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Hullar Meredith A. J. , Torok-Storb Beverly J.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine whether specific alleles of candidate genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and innate immune system were associated with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in Great Danes.

ANIMALS 42 healthy Great Danes (control group) and 39 Great Danes with ≥ 1 GDV episode.

PROCEDURES Variable regions of the 2 most polymorphic MHC genes (DLA88 and DRB1) were amplified and sequenced from the dogs in each group. Similarly, regions of 3 genes associated with the innate immune system (TLR5, NOD2, and ATG16L1), which have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, were amplified and sequenced. Alleles were evaluated for associations with GDV, controlling for age and dog family.

RESULTS Specific alleles of genes DLA88, DRB1, and TLR5 were significantly associated with GDV. One allele of each gene had an OR > 2 in the unadjusted univariate analyses and retained a hazard ratio > 2 after controlling for temperament, age, and familial association in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The 3 GDV-associated alleles identified in this study may serve as diagnostic markers for identification of Great Danes at risk for GDV. Additional research is needed to determine whether other dog breeds have the same genetic associations. These findings also provided a new target for research into the etiology of, and potential treatments for, GDV in dogs.
Evaluation of protein kinase CK2 as a therapeutic target for squamous cell carcinoma of cats
Authors: Cannon Claire M. , Trembley Janeen H. , Kren Betsy T. , Unger Gretchen M. , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Cornax Ingrid , Modiano Jaime F. , Ahmed Khalil
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To investigate protein kinase CK2 (CK2) expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of cats and to examine effects of CK2 downregulation on in vitro apoptosis and viability in SCC.

SAMPLE Biopsy specimens of oral mucosa and testis and blood samples from clinically normal cats, biopsy specimens of oral SCC from cats, and feline SCC (SCCF1) and mammary gland carcinoma (K12) cell lines.

PROCEDURES Immunohistochemical labeling for CK2α was performed on biopsy specimens. Sequences of the CK2α subunit gene and CK2α’ subunit gene in feline blood and feline cancer cell lines were determined by use of PCR and reverse-transcription PCR assays followed by direct Sanger sequencing. Specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were developed for feline CK2α and CK2α'. The SCCF1 cells were treated with siRNA and assessed 72 hours later for CK2α and CK2α’ expression and markers of apoptosis (via western blot analysis) and for viability (via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5-[3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium assays).

RESULTS CK2α was expressed in all feline oral mucosa samples and 7 of 8 oral SCC samples. Expression of CK2α and CK2α’ was successfully downregulated in SCCF1 cells by use of siRNAs, which resulted in decreased viability and induction of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, CK2 appeared to be a promising therapeutic target for SCCs of cats. A possible treatment strategy for SCCs of cats would be RNA interference that targets CK2.
Effects of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine on the distribution and clearance of alfaxalone during coadministration by constant rate infusion in dogs
Authors: Bennett Rachel C. , Salla Kati M. , Raekallio Marja R. , Scheinin Mika , Vainio Outi M.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To assess the possible impact of medetomidine on concentrations of alfaxalone in plasma, when coadministered as a constant rate infusion (CRI) to dogs, and to determine the possible impact of medetomidine on the cardiopulmonary effects of alfaxalone during CRI.

ANIMALS 8 healthy adult Beagles.

PROCEDURES 3 treatments were administered in a randomized crossover design as follows: 1 = saline (0.9% NaCl) solution injection, followed in 10 minutes by induction of anesthesia with alfaxalone (loading dose, 2.4 mg/kg; CRI, 3.6 mg/kg/h, for 60 minutes); 2 = medetomidine premedication (loading dose, 4.0 μg/kg; CRI, 4.0 μg/kg/h), followed by alfaxalone (as in treatment 1); and, 3 = medetomidine (as in treatment 2) and MK-467 (loading dose, 150 μg/kg; CRI, 120 μg/kg/h), followed by alfaxalone (as in treatment 1). The peripherally acting α2-adrenoceptor antagonist MK-467 was used to distinguish between the peripheral and central effects of medetomidine. Drugs were administered IV via cephalic catheters, and there was a minimum of 14 days between treatments. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured for 70 minutes, and jugular venous blood samples were collected until 130 minutes after premedication. Drug concentrations in plasma were analyzed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS The characteristic cardiovascular effects of medetomidine, such as bradycardia, hypertension, and reduction in cardiac index, were obtunded by MK-467. The concentrations of alfaxalone in plasma were significantly increased in the presence of medetomidine, indicative of impaired drug distribution and clearance. This was counteracted by MK-467.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The alteration in alfaxalone clearance when coadministered with medetomidine may be attributed to the systemic vasoconstrictive and bradycardic effects of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist. This could be clinically important because the use of α2-adrenoceptor agonists may increase the risk of adverse effects if standard doses of alfaxalone are used.
Effect of lidocaine on inflammation in equine jejunum subjected to manipulation only and remote to intestinal segments subjected to ischemia
Authors: Bauck Anje G. , Grosche Astrid , Morton Alison J. , Graham A. Sarah , Vickroy Thomas W. , Freeman David E.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To examine effects of continuous rate infusion of lidocaine on transmural neutrophil infiltration in equine intestine subjected to manipulation only and remote to ischemic intestine.

ANIMALS 14 healthy horses.

PROCEDURES Ventral midline celiotomy was performed (time 0). Mild ischemia was induced in segments of jejunum and large colon. A 1-m segment of jejunum was manipulated by massaging the jejunal wall 10 times. Horses received lidocaine (n = 7) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (7) throughout anesthesia. Biopsy specimens were collected and used to assess tissue injury, neutrophil influx, cyclooxygenase expression, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression at 0, 1, and 4 hours after manipulation and ischemia. Transepithelial resistance (TER) and mannitol flux were measured by use of Ussing chambers.

RESULTS Lidocaine did not consistently decrease neutrophil infiltration in ischemic, manipulated, or control tissues at 4 hours. Lidocaine significantly reduced circular muscle and overall scores for cyclooxygenase-2 expression in manipulated tissues. Manipulated tissues had significantly less HIF-1α expression at 4 hours than did control tissues. Mucosa from manipulated and control segments obtained at 4 hours had lower TER and greater mannitol flux than did control tissues at 0 hours. Lidocaine did not significantly decrease calprotectin expression. Severity of neutrophil infiltration was similar in control, ischemic, and manipulated tissues at 4 hours.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Manipulated jejunum did not have a significantly greater increase in neutrophil infiltration, compared with 4-hour control (nonmanipulated) jejunum remote to sites of manipulation, ischemia, and reperfusion. Lidocaine did not consistently reduce neutrophil infiltration in jejunum.
Effects of storage conditions on results for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of proteins in canine urine
Authors: Théron Marie-Laure , Piane Laetitia , Lucarelli Laetitia , Henrion Rémi , Layssol-Lamour Catherine , Palanché Florence , Concordet Didier , Braun Jean-Pierre D. , Trumel Catherine , Lavoué Rachel
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of storage conditions on the canine urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) and on SDS–agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) of urinary proteins.

SAMPLE Urine specimens from 20 proteinuric (UPC > 0.5) and 20 nonproteinuric (UPC ≤ 0.2) dogs.

PROCEDURES UPC and SDS-AGE were performed on urine specimens stored at room temperature (20°C) and 4°C for up to 5 days and at −20° and −80°C for up to 360 days; some specimens were subjected to 3 freeze-thaw cycles. Results were compared with those obtained for fresh urine specimens.

RESULTS UPC was not affected by storage at room temperature or by freezing. A decrease in UPC was observed for specimens from nonproteinuric dogs after 5 days at 4°C (10%) and from both groups after 90 days at −20° and −80°C (≤ 20% and ≤ 15%, respectively). The SDS-AGE profiles revealed no visual changes regardless of duration of storage for specimens stored at room temperature, 4°C, and −80°C, except for 1 profile after 360 days at −80°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles did not affect SDS-AGE profiles. Appearance or strengthening of high-molecular-weight bands that could alter interpretation was evident in SDS-AGE profiles after storage at −20°C for ≥ 15 days (31/40 dogs).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Storage of urine at −20° or −80°C for up to 1 year influenced the UPC without affecting clinical interpretation. Storage of urine specimens at −20°C impaired visual analysis of SDS-AGE. When SDS-AGE cannot be performed on fresh or recently refrigerated urine specimens, storage at −80°C is recommended.
Post-Oriental Otherness: Hollywood's Moral Geography of Arab Americans
Authors: Mahdi Waleed F.
Published: July 2017

How do filmmakers in the United States play a role in perpetuating narratives of belonging to the American culture? What is the marking line between Orientalist and post-Orientalist articulations of Arabness? In what ways have the transnational configurations of geopolitics affected the image formations of Arab Americans in Hollywood? This article emerges at the intersection of those inquiries, and provides a historical account of Hollywood’s representation of Arab Americans rooted in the 1970s. This decade, I argue, constitutes a turning point in the industry’s nationalist projections of Arabness from an Orientalist trope for Arabia to a post-Orientalist notion influenced by U.S.-Arab and Arab-Israeli geopolitics. It replaces an earlier moral geography that consumes the Orient while remaining distant from it with a new moral geography that constantly questions Arab Americans’ belonging through narratives of alienness and terrorism. The significance of this work lies in its investigation of the historical trajectory of Hollywood’s engagement with the Arab American cultural identity.
Economic Feasibility of Functional Meat Products for Commercial Production in India
Authors: Kandanuri Varalakshmi
Published: July 2017

This paper analyses the production of functional chicken meat products from economic perspectives. It analyses and compares the economics and investment feasibility on different size groups of processing plants in India. The primary data on input use and output yield were taken from studies of NRCM and data was analysed using economic analysis and investment appraisal techniques like NPV, IRR(%), BC ratio, and Break even analysis. The results indicated that the cost of production of functional products was 5.2 and 5.18 and 4.59 US dollars per kg on small, medium and large scale units respectively. All the processing units are found to be economically feasible with NPV of US$ 12727, 64661 and 153703, IRR of 26%,31% and 42% and B-C ratio was estimated as 1.56, 1.78 and 2.29 for small, medium and large scale units respectively. Economies of scale is evident form all perspectives like production costs, profits, discounting measures and breakeven point. The study found the feasibility of functional meat products in India for commercial production.
Determination of Main Plant Sterols in Turkish Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by GC-MS
Authors: Erdem Halil , Tosun Yener K. , Akkbik Mohammed , Hazer Orhan
Published: July 2017

Plant sterols are belong to triterpenes family of natural products which includes more than 200 different types of plant sterols and more than 4000 other types of triterpenes. The optimization of method, specially the derivatization step as well as the corresponding analytical validation, is the main goal of this study. The optimum temperature, time and reagent volume of derivatization step were obtained at 60Â°C, 60 minutes and 50 ÂµL, respectively. A rapid and sensitive gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of the most common plant sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) in 20 Turkish bread wheat cultivars using GC-MS-SIM. Separation of β-cholestanol (I.S), campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol was achieved on Rxi (5Sil MS) column (60 m×0.25 mm). The limits of detection for β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol were 0.074, 0.054 and 0.064 mg kg-1, respectively with RSD â‰¤ 0.66%. The obtained concentrations of campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol from 20 Turkish bread wheat cultivars ranged from: 15.30 to 76.02, 4.27 to 23.23 and 303.21 to 682.66 mg kg-1, respectively.
Türkiye‘deki Zeytinyağı İşletmelerinin Üretim Süreçleri ve Kapasite Kullanımları Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Murat Hocaoglu Selda , Baştürk İrfan , Gürsoy Haksevenler Betül Hande , Aydöner Cihangir
Published: July 2017

Çalışmada, ülkemizde faaliyet gösteren zeytinyağı üretim tesislerinin mevcut durumunu ortaya koyabilmek için veri toplama ve değerlendirme çalışmaları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ülkemizde çoğunlukla küçük ve orta ölçekli işletmelerden oluşan ticari olarak faaliyet gösteren 1000 civarında zeytinyağı işletmesi bulunmaktadır. Bu tesislerde, sezonda yaklaşık 1 milyon ton yağlık zeytin işlenmekle birlikte, işletmelerin toplam maksimum kapasitesi yaklaşık 5 milyon ton yağlık zeytin olarak tahmin edilmektedir. Sektörün kapasite kullanım oranının ortalaması %20 civarındadır. Zeytinyağı üretim tesislerinin yaklaşık %71‘i üç fazlı, %27‘si iki fazlı ve %2‘si taş baskı olarak faaliyet göstermektedir. Üç fazlı olarak faaliyet gösteren işletmelerde kullanılan dekantörlerin, %78‘i herhangi bir kapasite ve verim kaybı olmadan 2 faza dönüştürülebilirken, %2‘si dönüşemez niteliktedir. Tesislerin yaklaşık %89‘u, oluşan karasularını buharlaştırma lagünlerinde depolamaktadır.
Management Model of Lakes as a tool for planning the remediation of Suat Uğurlu Lake
Authors: Aydın Er Bilge , Ayeri Tolga , Aydın Temel Fulya , Turan Nurdan Gamze , Ardalı Yüksel
Published: July 2017

Ecological processes that occur in a lake depend on the physico-chemical (abiotic) and biotic factors of the system and the interrelations between them. It can be concluded that the current nutrient loadings from both point and non-point sources are cause to increase eutrophic case over the years. This study indicate that the sustainable utilization of reservoir in combination with proper wastewater treatment plant and controlled use of pesticides has a potential to reduce the current nutrient loadings into Suat Uğurlu Lake. The estimated nutrient reductions that could be achieved from the management scenario would be enough to revert the lake from mesotrophic situation to trophic state. The reduction of nutrient loadings into Suat Uğurlu Lake could be achieved through the practice of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), through good management. However, as long as pertinent issues of urban poverty, watershed management and public awareness and involvement in water related issues are not addressed, trophic in Suat Uğurlu Lake will remain a problem.
Türkiye Kökenli Yulaf Genotiplerinin Bazı Tarımsal Özellikler Bakımından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Dumlupınar Ziya , Tekin Ali , Herek Sevgi , Tanrıkulu Abdulkadir , Dokuyucu Tevrican , Akkaya Aydın
Published: July 2017

Farklı gen bankalarından elde edilen Türkiye kökenli 384 yerel yulaf genotipi 2012-2013 ve 2013-2014 ürün yıllarında iki yıl süreyle bazı tarımsal özellikler bakımından değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmada 384 yerel yulaf genotipi ve 4 standart çeşit (Checota, Sebat, Faikbey ve Seydişehir) kullanılmış olup çalışmanın ekimi Augmented deneme desenine göre yapılmıştır. Yerel yulaf genotipleri Kahramanmaraş koşullarında sap kalınlığı (SK), bitki boyu (BB), salkım uzunluğu (SU), vejetatif periyot (VP), tane dolum periyodu (TDP), ekim olgunlaşma süresi (EOS), arpa sarı cücelik virüsü (ASCV), yatma oranı (Y), salkımdaki tane sayısı (STS), salkımdaki tane ağırlığı (STA), bin tane ağırlığı (BinTA) ve tek sıra verimi (TSV) gibi özellikler bakımından değerlendirilmiştir. İki yıllık ortalama verilere göre; genotipler arasındaki farklılık; SK, BB, SU, VP, EOS, BinTA ve TSV bakımından önemli olurken, genotiplerin SK, SU, VP, TDP, EOS, STS, STA, BinTA ve TSV gibi özellikleri yıllara göre önemli ölçüde değişmiştir. Yıl x genotip interaksiyonu ise SU, VP, EOS, BinTA ve TSV bakımından önemli bulunmuştur. İncelenen birçok özellik bakımından seçilen yerel genotipler standart çeşitlerden daha iyi sonuçlar vermiştir. Tek sıra verimi 4,65 g (TL444) ile 202,1 g (TL614) arasında değişmiştir. Tek sıra verimi yüksek olan diğer genotipler ise TL708, TL714, TL734 ve TL703 genotipleri olup bunların TSV‘leri sırasıyla, 167,85, 160,25, 153,90 ve 149,7 g olarak belirlenmiştir.
Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Phenolic Compounds from Sarcopoterium spinosum Leaves by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sunguc Ceren , Bayraktar Oguz , Erdogan İpek , Uslu Mehmet Emin
Published: July 2017

The shrublands are very common in Urla-Çeşme-Karaburun peninsula located in the western point of Turkey. Prickly shrubby burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum L.) is one of the common weed which has intensive thorns making its consumption for the local domestic animals. However, Sarcopoterium spinosum is a valuable and common medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. Crude extract of S. spinosum leaves exhibited higher antioxidant activity, as 3143.5± 238.5 ÂµM TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity)/g dry weight (DW), when compared to other medicinal plants found in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of extraction parameters on the content and biological activity of the extract by response surface methodology (RSM) as well as to identify its major compounds. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to investigate the phenolic content of S. spinosum extract. The composition of the phenolic contents including hyperoside and isoquercetin, the latter being the major component, in S. spinosum extract has been shown for the first time by HPLC. Antimicrobial activity of S. spinosum extract, identified by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) assay, indicated that the crude extract had antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
Farklı Ana Materyaller Üzerinde Oluşmuş Topraklarda Gidya ve Azot Uygulamalarının Kırmızı Biber (Capsicum annum L.) Bitkisi Gelişimine Etkisi
Authors: Demir Ömer Faruk , Dikici Hüseyin , Yılmaz Kadir
Published: July 2017

Bu çalışmada, Doğu Akdeniz Tarım Havzasında bazalt, serpantin ve kireçtaşı ana materyalleri üzerinde oluşmuş topraklarda gidya (% 0, 1, 2, 4) ve azot (0, 70, 140 ve 210 mg kg-1) uygulamalarının kırmızı biber bitkisi ve farklı toprak çeşitleri üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Araştırmada, vejetatif gelişim bakımından gidya uygulamalarında bitki ağırlıklarındaki artış istatistiksel olarak önemli bulunmuştur. Ancak, gidya uygulamalarının meyve verimi üzerine önemli bir etkisi gözlemlenmemiştir. Diğer yandan, 140 mg kg-1 ve 210 mg kg-1 azot dozlarında bitki ve meyve ağırlıklarında önemli oranda artışlar görülmüştür. Farklı topraklarda yetiştirilen kırmızı biber bitkilerindeki morfolojik değişimler bakımından en yüksek bitki boyu ve en yüksek bitki ağırlığı bazaltik topraklarda, en yüksek meyve ağırlığı serpantinli topraklarda ve en yüksek meyve sayısı kireçli topraklarda yetişen bitkilerde ölçülmüştür.