bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DAVRANIŞSAL MUHASEBE ÇERÇEVESİNDE MUHASEBE MESLEK MENSUPLARINDA İŞ STRESİ (ERZURUM İLİNDE BİR ARAŞTIRMA)
Authors: KAYIŞYAPAR İlknur , GÜNEY Selami
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışmada Erzurum illindeki muhasebe meslek mensuplarının iş stresi
düzeylerinin tespiti amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla katılımcılara Haynes iş stresi
anketi uygulanmıştır. Gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda Kruskal Wallis testi
kullanılırken, iki grup arasındaki karşılaştırmalarda Mann Whitney U testi ve
değişkenler arsındaki ilişkiyi incelemek için Spearman Sıra Katsayı Korelasyonu
kullanılmıştır. Bu bağlamda yapılan araştırma sonucunda iş stresi düzeyi
demografik değişkenlere göre incelendiğinde anlamlı bir farklılık
bulunmamıştır. Araştırmaya katılanların iş stresi düzeyi tehlikeli boyuttadır.
Bireyler stres seviyelerini yüksek ve tehlikeli boyutta yaşamaktadırlar.
Kepemimpinan Non-Muslim dalam Wacana Tafsir
Authors: Fatimah  Askan
Published: January 2020

This study uses the method of interpretation mauḍū’i. Through this method, the researcher traces and collects the verses of the Qur'an which refer to non-Muslim leadership, namely verses that contain the word awliyā’, then the verses are discussed and studied in depth to become a basis for answers the main problem being discussed. Historical studies have also been used, considering that this study deals with Jewish and Christian communities. This approach will be seen in the background study of the descent of the verse, the disclosure of the situation of Ahl al-Kitāb when the Qur'an was revealed and their interaction with the Muslims. From the historical side, it will be known the journey of their social interaction, then used as an objective assessment. Finally, in-depth analysis of the results of the search and collection of information from the verses of the Qur'an based on the two methods above, with the angle of analysis focused on non-Muslim leadership in three spheres; family scope, community scope and state scope.
Apocynin Ameliorates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Remodeling by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: LIU J.-J. , LU Y. , PING N.-N. , LI X. , LIN Y.-X. , LI C.-F.
Published: January 2020

Oxidative stress plays an important role in pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether apocynin, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor, attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling in rats. After abdominal aorta constriction, the surviving rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, abdominal aorta constriction group, apocynin group, captopril group. Left ventricular pathological changes were studied using Masson’s trichrome staining. Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels in the left ventricle were analyzed by western blot and gelatin zymography. Oxidative stress and apoptotic index were also examined in cardiomyocytes using dihydroethidium and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. Our results showed that abdominal aorta constriction significantly caused excess collagen deposition and cardiac insult. Treatment with apocynin significantly inhibited deposition of collagen and reduced the level of MMP-2. Furthermore, apocynin also decreased the NADPH oxidase activity, reactive oxygen species production and cardiomyocyte apoptotic index. Interestingly, apocynin only inhibited NADPH oxidase activity without affecting its expression or the level of angiotension II in the left ventricle. In conclusion, apocynin reduced collagen deposition, oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptosis, ultimately ameliorating cardiac remodeling by mechanisms that are independent of the renin-angiotensin system.
Effects of Rapid or Slow Body Weight Reduction on Intramuscular Protein Degradation Pathways During Equivalent Weight Loss on Rats
Authors: NONAKA Y. , URASHIMA S. , INAI M. , NISHIMURA S. , HIGASHIDA K. , TERADA S.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of short-term fasting-induced rapid weight loss with those of slower but equivalent body weight loss induced by daily calorie restriction on muscle protein degradation pathways and muscle protein content. Male Fischer rats were subjected to either 30 % calorie restriction for 2 weeks to slowly decrease body weight (Slow) or 3-day fasting to rapidly decrease body weight by a comparable level of that of the Slow group (Rapid). The final body weights were about 15 % lower in both the Slow and Rapid groups than in the Con group (p<0.001). The total protein content and wet weight of fast-twitch plantaris muscle, but not slow-twitch soleus muscle, were significantly lower in the Rapid group compared with the control rats fed ad libitum. Substantial increases in the expression ratio of autophagosomal membrane proteins (LC3-II/-I ratio) and polyubiquitinated protein concentration, used as biomarkers of autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome activities, respectively, were observed in the plantaris muscle of the Rapid group. Moreover, the LC3-II/-I ratio and polyubiquitinated protein concentration were negatively correlated with the total protein content and wet weight of plantaris muscle. These results suggest that short-term fasting-induced rapid body weight loss activates autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome systems more strongly than calorie restriction-induced slower weight reduction, resulting in muscular atrophy in fast-twitch muscle.
The Galanin and Galanin Receptor Subtypes, its Regulatory Role in the Biological and Pathological Functions
Authors: ŠÍPKOVÁ J. , KRAMÁRIKOVÁ I. , HYNIE S. , KLENEROVÁ V.
Published: January 2020

The multitalented neuropeptide galanin was first discovered 30 years ago but initially no biologic activity was found. Further research studies discovered the presence of galanin in the brain and some peripheral tissues, and galanin was identified as a modulator of neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous system. Over the last decade there were performed very intensive studies of the neuronal actions and also of nonneuronal actions of galanin. Other galanin family peptides have been described, namely galanin, galanin-like peptide, galanin-message associated peptide and alarin. The effect of these peptides is mediated through three galanin receptors subtypes, GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 belonging to G protein coupled receptors, and signaling via multiple transduction pathways, including inhibition of cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (GalR1, GalR3) and stimulation of phospholipase C (GalR2). This also explains why one specific molecule of galanin can be responsible for different roles in different tissues. The present review summarizes the information currently available on the relationship between the galaninergic system and known pathological states. The research of novel galanin receptor specific agonists and antagonists is also very promising for its future role in pharmacological treatment. The galaninergic system is important target for current and future biomedical research.
The Absence of Brain-Specific Link Protein Bral2 in Perineuronal Nets Hampers Auditory Temporal Resolution and Neural Adaptation in Mice
Authors: POPELÁŘ J. , DÍAZ GÓMEZ M. , LINDOVSKÝ J. , RYBALKO N. , BURIANOVÁ J. , OOHASHI T. , SYKA J.
Published: January 2020

Brain-specific link protein Bral2 represents a substantial component of perineuronal nets (PNNs) enwrapping neurons in the central nervous system. To elucidate the role of Bral2 in auditory signal processing, the hearing function in knockout Bral2-/- (KO) mice was investigated using behavioral and electrophysiological methods and compared with wild type Bral2+/+ (WT) mice. The amplitudes of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and the efficiency of the prepulse inhibition of ASR (PPI of ASR), produced by prepulse noise stimulus or gap in continuous noise, was similar in 2-week-old WT and KO mice. Over the 2-month postnatal period the increase of ASR amplitudes was significantly more evident in WT mice than in KO mice. The efficiency of the PPI of ASR significantly increased in the 2-month postnatal period in WT mice, whereas in KO mice the PPI efficiency did not change. Hearing thresholds in 2-month-old WT mice, based on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) recordings, were significantly lower at high frequencies than in KO mice. However, amplitudes and peak latencies of individual waves of click-evoked ABR did not differ significantly between WT and KO mice. Temporal resolution and neural adaptation were significantly better in 2-month-old WT mice than in age-matched KO mice. These results support a hypothesis that the absence of perineuronal net formation at the end of the developmental period in the KO mice results in higher hearing threshold at high frequencies and weaker temporal resolution ability in adult KO animals compared to WT mice.
Different Structural Alterations in Individual Conduit Arteries of SHRs Compared to Wistar Rats From the Prehypertensive Period to Late Adulthood
Authors: KRISTEK F. , DROBNA M. , CACANYIOVA S.
Published: January 2020

Structural changes of thoracic aorta (TA), carotid (CA) and iliac artery (IA) were assessed in Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) aged 3, 17, and 52 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (sBP) was measured by plethysmography weekly. After perfusion fixation the arteries were processed for electron microscopy. The wall thickness (WT), cross-sectional area (CSA), inner diameter (ID), and WT/ID in all arteries and volume densities of endothelial cells (ECs), muscle cells (SMCs), and extracellular matrix (ECM) in TA were measured and their CSAs were calculated. In 3-week-old SHR compared to Wistar rats, sBP did not differ; in the TA, all parameters (WT, CSA, ID, WT/ID, CSA of SMCs, CSA of ECs, and CSA of ECM) were decreased; in CA, WT and CSA did not differ, ID was decreased, and WT/ID was increased; in IA, WT, CSA, and ID were increased. In 17- and 52-week-old SHRs, sBP and all parameters in all arteries were increased, only ID in IE in 52-week-old SHRs and CSA of ECs in the TA in 17-week-old SHRs did not change. Disproportionality between BP increase and structural alterations during ontogeny in SHR could reflect the flexibility of the arterial tree to the different needs of supplied areas.
Emotional Intelligence and Stress Coping Strategies of Medical Residents
Authors: Montvilaitė Gintarė , Antinienė Dalia
Published: January 2020

Background. Everyday medical residents experience stress related to academic, professional, and personal factors (Alosaimi, Alghamdi, Aladwani, Kazim, & Almufleh, 2016; Dave, Parikh, Vankar, & Valipay, 2018), therefore it is important to take care of their psychosocial well-being. Traits of medical residents that are important for well-being are related to control of emotional information, and abilities that provide for effective handling of stressful situations are important as well. The objective of the present study was to assess correlations between emotional intelligence and stress coping strategies of medical residents.   Methods. The study sample consisted of medical residents (n = 108). The following questionnaires were used: TEIQue-SF and Coping Styles Questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent to personal electronic addresses and target groups of social networks. Paper-based questionnaires were presented in the work and gathering places of subjects.Results. Emotional intelligence was higher than average, and the most expressed trait was the overall sense of well-being (in relation to emotionality, self-control and sociability). Sociability and self-control were more expressed in men than in women. Rational coping with stress was the most characteristic for medical residents (in relation to emotional coping, detached and avoidance coping). Women were more than men inclined to use emotional coping while men were more inclined than women to use detached coping.Conclusions. Statistically significant correlation existed between emotional intelligence and stress coping strategies of medical residents. Positive correlation was determined between emotional intelligence and adaptive stress coping strategies, while negative correlation was observed between emotional intelligence and maladaptive stress coping strategies. Keywords: resident doctors, stress, emotional intelligence as a trait, coping with stress.
Self-Report of Emotional Abilities and Subjective Quality of Life Among Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Dumčienė Audronė , Sipavičiūtė Beatričė , Paleckis Sigitas
Published: January 2020

Background. The behaviour of physical education (PE) teachers in managing the lesson is significantly related to their life satisfaction (Bahadir, 2013). PE teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities is positively associated with the educational achievements of their students and increasing teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities improves the quality of physical education (Buns & Thomas, 2016). High self-report of emotional abilities reduces the impact of work-related stress on teachers, increases their creativity in classroom activities and increases students' satisfaction with physical activities (Huang, Liu, Hsieh, & Chang, 2015). The aim of this study was to evaluate physical education teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities and subjective quality of life in comparison with teachers of other subjects, so that in the future more effective measures for improving teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities and subjective quality of life could be developed.Methods. To collect data, Schutte SSRI and SF-36 questionnaire survey was applied.Results. We found that, according to some sub-scales, men and women were significantly (p < .05) different in the estimation of their subjective quality of life. Women scored better (higher scores) than men in their physical performance, emotional state, energy/fatigue, and perceived pain.  In this study, we revealed significant correlations between social skills and appraisal (r = .305, p < .01), emotional well-being and appraisal (r = .214; p < .05), and energy/fatigue and appraisal (r = .209; p < .05). The data obtained in our study revealed that male and female teachers evaluated their ability to understand and analyze emotions and manage emotions differently (p < .05).Conclusions. Teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities differed significantly by appraisal and utilization and by the subject taught, which differed in optimism, appraisal, and utilization. Significant (p < .05) differences in subjective quality of life were found by gender in to physical functioning, emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, and pain. There was no significant difference found in subjective quality of life by the subject taught.Keywords: physical education, teacher, self-report of emotional abilities, subjective quality of life.
IMPLEMENTASI STRATEGI THINK-TALK-WRITE (TTW) PADA PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS DAN PEMAHAMAN MATEMATIS
Authors: Kadarwati Sri , Sulistyaningsih Nining
Published: January 2020

This study examines whether students' ability in mathematical writing and understanding gained from teaching through "think talk write' strategy is better than students' ability gained from conventional one.; This study also examines students' ability in mathematical writing and understanding from gender aspects. Using quantitative design, data was taken through documentary study, questioner sheets and observation. Data was analyzed using two ways ANOVA. Result shows: a) the ability of students in mathematical writing and understanding gained from conventional one; b) the ability of female students is better tan male students; and c) Think Talk Write strategy can improve students' mathematival disposition ability.
EFISIENSI DAN AKURASI COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING PADA SISTEM UJIAN AKHIR SEMESTER UNIVERSITAS TERBUKA
Authors: Agus Santoso
Published: January 2020

Universitas Terbuka (UT) applied online examination system (sistem ujian online SUO) for end of semester examination (ujian akhir semester-UAS), beside the paper and pencil test (P & P test). In order to improve efficiency, adaptive test application should be analyzed, as an alternative to present UAS system. The aim of the research was to compare the efficiency and accuracy level of the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) design and conventional test using both P & P test and SUO. The research was conducted by simulation procedure. The item bank for the simulation used calibrated 404 test items using item response theory model. In the research, CAT and P & P test algorithm was developed. To measure efficiency, the required number of the CAT design was analyzed, while to measure accuracy of the estimation, the bias and standard error of measurement of both design were compared. The simulation result showed that (1) CAT design was more efficient, since it required only half of the number of item which was used in P & P test, to estimate the ability of examinee, (2) CAT design was more accurate in estimating ability of examinee, compared to P & P test design, since it resulted lower bias and standard error of measurement compared to conventional test design. Therefore, CAT design could be applied in UTs UAS system, while considering the balance of content for each modules.
KONTRIBUSI PEMBELAJARAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN TERHADAP PEMBENTUKAN SIKAP KEWIRAUSAHAAN
Authors: Rahmat Mamuasi
Published: January 2020

Entreprenuerial learning in secondary vocational school aims to produce graduates to overcome the problem of unemployment. This study aimed to identify formation of attitudes and awareness of entrepreneurship towards vocational students after obtaining entrepreneurial training. The effect of entrepreneurial training is measured from the activities of teaching in class, mastery of entrepreneurship, atmosphere / climate of learning, the interest of students on entrepreneurship, and attitudes of students postining. Research with quantitative approach was carried out to 95 student of grade 3 SMK 1 Ternate with background in accounting, office administration marketing, tourism businesses and information technology. Data and information actual through questionnaire prepared in accordance with the variables to be measured. Results showed that a significant contribution of teaching entrepreneurship on the formation of entrepreneurial attitude. This means the higher the level of mastery learning and the better the quality of the learning entrepreneurship atmosphere the greather implications for the change of entrepreneurial attitude. It is recommended that managers SMK supports the effort to create entrepreneurial attitudes through increased teacher competence in the area of entrepreneurship, and empowerment of the role of principal as motivator entrepreneurial behavior in school.
KEMAMPUAN GURU SD DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KREATIF PADA PELAJARAN IPA
Authors: Yuli Nurul Fauziah
Published: January 2020

This study aims to analyze the ability of elementary school teacher to develop creative thinking skills in teaching science. The research was conducted at grade 5 of 11 elementary schools in the city of Bandung during the 2010-2011 school year. Research subjects were 5 certified teachers through portfolio program, 5 certified teachers through training program, and 5 uncertified teachers. Data collection include analyzing lesson plans, observing learning processes, recording the process of learning through vidoegraph and conducting  evaluation tests. Data were analyzed based on the characteristics of creative thinking; which were fluency, flexibility, originality and elaborateness. Results revealed that elementary school teacher had drawn up plans to develop creative thinking skills in their lesson plans, but still could not implemented them in learning activities in classroom. It was concluded that the development of creative thinking skills in science teaching had not been executed effectively. It is suggested that teachers should be encouraged to carry out the learning process that is able to develop creative thinking skills.
PENDIDIKAN MULTIKULTURAL: SUATU KONSEP, PENDEKATAN DAN SOLUSI
Authors: Kuswaya Wihardit
Published: January 2020

Indonesia  is a plural nation which consists of  different ethnics, races, languages, customs, religions, and cultures. Indonesian society is also  recognized as multicultural society with diversed background of cultures and religions. Conceptually, multiculturalism   refers to   country profile as a plural  nation and multicultural society. Citizens would appreciate   plurality and  multiculturalism based on the equity principle.Multiculturalism as a concept of diversity and equity should be accomodated in  the national education system. It should be reflected  in the curriculum. Besides, the school has opportunity to develop  its school curriculum   (KTSP)  integrating  multicultural elements.Citizenship Education subject has the  functions to integrate and  develop multiculturalism issues in selected topics such as unity, equity, human rights, democracy, justice, and law. Other subjects  integrate the issues into the teaching and learning process  focusing issues of gender, ethnicity, and religion.  Multicultural education is intended for develoving national character which promote students interactivity of different social cultural background. It develops in students  emphaty through the observation of their attitude, perceptions, and views. In addition, it also develops student appreciation of multicultural differences, values, dan needs.
MENGEMBANGKAN PROFESIONALISME PENDIDIK GURU (Kajian Konseptual Dan Operasional)
Authors: Wardani I G. A. K.
Published: January 2020

The role of teacher educators is becoming more and more important in fulfilling the need of profesional teachers as stated in the Indonesian Republic Law #14/2005 on Teacher and Lecturer. In order to be able to educate profesional teachers and teacher candidates, the teacher educators alone should be profesional, and have willingness to continuously develop profesionalism. Developing profesionalism is a must for teacher educators, due to four reasons: (1) the nature of profesionalism, (2) the rapid development of science, technology and arts, (3) the life-long learning paradigm, and (4) the demand of Law # 14/2005 on Teacher and Lecturer. But the data on teacher educators from several Teacher Education Institutions indicate that not all of teacher educators show willingness to develop profesionalism. Therefore, profesionalism development should be encouraged by all parties related to teachers and teacher educators. There are many activities that can be undergone by teacher educators in order to develop profesionalism, some of which are: taking further study, taking relevant courses, regular self reflection, joining academic activities (seminar, workshop, training,etc.), school familiarization, conducting research, and publishing scientific article.

Peran pendidik guru menjadi lebih dan lebih penting dalam memenuhi kebutuhan guru profesional sebagaimana tercantum dalam Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia # 14/2005 tentang Guru dan Dosen. Agar dapat mendidik guru profesional dan calon guru, pendidik guru sendiri harus profesional, dan memiliki kemauan untuk terus mengembangkan profesionalisme. Mengembangkan profesionalisme adalah suatu keharusan bagi pendidik guru, karena empat alasan: (1) sifat profesionalisme, (2) perkembangan pesat ilmu pengetahuan, teknologi dan seni, (3) paradigma pembelajaran seumur hidup, dan (4) permintaan Hukum # 14/2005 tentang Guru dan Dosen. Namun data pada pendidik guru dari Lembaga Pendidikan Guru beberapa menunjukkan bahwa tidak semua pendidik guru menunjukkan kesediaan untuk mengembangkan profesionalisme. Oleh karena itu, pengembangan profesionalisme harus didorong oleh semua pihak yang terkait dengan guru dan pendidik guru. Ada banyak kegiatan yang dapat dialami oleh pendidik guru dalam rangka mengembangkan profesionalisme, beberapa diantaranya adalah: mengambil studi lebih lanjut, mengambil kursus yang relevan, refleksi diri secara teratur, bergabung dengan kegiatan akademik (seminar, lokakarya, pelatihan, dll), pengenalan sekolah , melakukan penelitian, dan penerbitan artikel ilmiah.
ISU GENDER DAN SERTIFIKASI GURU VERSUS PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Sukarti Sri
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to identify achievement differences among elementary student connected with teaching professionalism and gender issues. Samples were retrieved randomly from elementary teachers in District KaranglewasBanyumas Regency consisted of 60 certified teachers and 60 non-certified teachers, in which each group consists of 30 male teachers and 30 female teachers. Data were obtained from the test scores. Results showed nonsignificant differences between the learning outcomes of students taught by certified teachers and students taught by non-certified teacher (tvalue0.789< ttable1.980). Significant differences between the learning outcomes of students taught by male teachers and female teachers (t value4.610)>ttable=1.980). Non significant differences in teaching ability between certified teacher and non-certified teachers. On average male teachers performed better than female groups. Suggested to review the certification system/model to improve teaching profesionalism.

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi perbedaan prestasi belajar siswa SD ditinjau dari aspek profesionalitas guru dan isu gender. Sampel ditarik secara acak di Kecamatan Karanglewas Banyumas, terdiri dari 60 guru yang bersertifikat dan 60 guru non-sertifikat, dan masing-masing terdiri dari 30 guru laki-laki dan 30 guru perempuan. Data prestasi belajar siswa diperoleh dari nilai ulangan umum. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil belajar siswa yang diajar oleh guru yang sudah bersertifikasi dengan guru yang belum bersertifikasi dengan nilai t hitung0,789, dan ttabel1,980. Terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil belajar siswa yang diajar guru laki-laki dan guru perempuan (thitung= 4,610)>ttabel=1,980). Tidak terdapat perbedaan kemampuan mengajar yang signifikan antara guru yang sudah bersertifikasi dengan guru non-sertifikasi, guru laki-laki menghasilkan siswa dengan rata-rata nilai ulangan umum lebih baik dibanding guru perempuan. Disarankan peninjauan ulang sistem sertifikasi guru.
Early Mortality of Prostatectomy vs. Radiotherapy as a Primary Treatment for Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Study From the United States and East Germany
Authors: Medenwald Daniel , Vordermark Dirk , Dietzel Christian T.
Published: January 2020

Objective: To assess the extent of early mortality and its temporal course after prostatectomy and radiotherapy in the general population.

Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and East German epidemiologic cancer registries were used for the years 2005–2013. Metastasized cases were excluded. Analyzing overall mortality, year-specific Cox regression models were used after adjusting for age (including age squared), risk stage, and grading. To estimate temporal hazards, we computed year-specific conditional hazards for surgery and radiotherapy after propensity-score matching and applied piecewise proportional hazard models.

Results: In German and US populations, we observed higher initial 3-month mortality odds for prostatectomy (USA: 9.4, 95% CI: 7.8–11.2; Germany: 9.1, 95% CI: 5.1–16.2) approaching the null effect value not before 24-months (estimated annual mean 36-months in US data) after diagnosis. During the observational period, we observed a constant hazard ratio for the 24-month mortality in the US population (2005: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5–1.9; 2013: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6–2.2) comparing surgery and radiotherapy. The same was true in the German cohort (2005: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.9–2.1; 2013: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.2–5.1). Considering low-risk cases, the adverse surgery effect appeared stronger.

Conclusion: There is strong evidence from two independent populations of a considerably higher early to midterm mortality after prostatectomy compared to radiotherapy extending the time of early mortality considered by previous studies up to 36-months.
The Influence of a Hyperglycemic Condition on the Population of Somatostatin Enteric Neurons in the Porcine Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Bulc Michał , Palus Katarzyna , Całka Jarosław
Published: January 2020

Somatostatin (SOM) is the most common agent in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is involved in the regulation of several gastric functions, as well as in gastric disorders. Hyperglycemia, which develops as a consequence of improperly treated diabetes, can cause numerous disturbances in the appropriate functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. High glucose level is toxic to neurons. One of the lines of defense of neurons against this glucotoxicity are changes in their chemical coding. To better understood the role of SOM secreted by enteric neurons in neuronal response on elevated glucose level, pancreatic β cells were destroyed using streptozotocin. Due to the close similarity of the pig to humans, especially the GI tract, the current study used pigs as an animal model. The results revealed that the number of enteric neurons immunoreactive to SOM (SOM-IR) in a physiological state clearly depend on the part of the GI tract studied. In turn, experimentally induced diabetes caused changes in the number of SOM-IR neurons. The least visible changes were observed in the stomach, where an increase in SOM-IR neurons was observed, only in the submucosal plexus in the corpus. However, diabetes led to an increase in the population of myenteric and submucosal neurons immunoreactive to SOM in all segments of the small intestine. The opposite situation occurred in the descending colon, where a decrease in the number of SOM-IR neurons was visible. This study underlines the significant role of SOM expressed in enteric nervous system neurons during diabetes.
Picture Perfect Pups: How Do Attributes of Photographs of Dogs in Online Rescue Profiles Affect Adoption Speed?
Authors: Nakamura Mizuho , Dhand Navneet , Wilson Bethany , Starling Melissa , McGreevy Paul
Published: January 2020

To increase the public’s awareness of and exposure to animals needing homes, PetRescue, Australia’s largest online directory of animals in need of adoption, lists all currently available animals from rescue and welfare shelters nationwide. The current study examined the photographs in the PetRescue online profiles of the three most common breeds within these data, namely, Staffordshire bull terriers (n = 3988), Labrador retrievers (n = 2246), and Jack Russell terriers (n = 2088), to identify the inferred preferences of potential adopters. By investigating the attributes of these photographs, we were able to identify visual risk factors associated with protracted lengths of stay (LOS). The longest stays were associated with dogs with erect ears and those photographed in a natural environment, i.e., 18.32 days and 19.57 days, respectively. Dogs photographed in a kennel and with mouths closed had the shortest LOS, i.e., 11.54 d and 14.44 d, respectively. Heightened awareness of the roles of photographic attributes in generating interest among potential adopters may increase the speed of adoption by guiding the creation of online profiles and selection of photos to optimise the promotion of dogs at risk of long stays.
Spatial Concentrations of Wildlife Attacks on Humans in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Ruda Aleš , Kolejka Jaromír , Silwal Thakur
Published: January 2020

The study was conducted within and adjacent to Chitwan National Park in Nepal (CNP), where several wildlife species are involved in conflicts with humans. We assessed the spatial relationships between the number of victims/km2 (=victim density or VD) of attack by wildlife (elephant, rhino, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard or tiger) versus landscape features, including both natural habitat type and land use by humans (e.g., nursery, orchard or cultivated). We identified four levels of VD, ranging from <1 V (victim)/4 km2 to >1 V/2 km2 for each land use zone, then tested for correlations at one or more of those VD between each pair of wildlife species across different land use types. Our results high correlation for sloth bear and leopard (r ≈ 0.8), for all species except elephant and wild boar at VD > 1 V/4 km2 (r > 0.9) and for leopard vs. rhinoceros (r = 0.99) across land use types at 1 V/4 km2) indicate some risk-reduction measures. One of them would be division of each buffer zone into three concentric rings, for instance ranging from high-risk adjacent areas to areas of high use by humans, to low-risk where human use is low. This revision would facilitate giving local people more voice in implementing conservation measures and reducing risks.
Investigation of the Defatted Colostrum 1H-NMR Metabolomics Profile of Gilts and Multiparous Sows and Its Relationship with Litter Performance
Authors: Luise Diana , Picone Gianfranco , Balzani Agnese , Capozzi Francesco , Bertocchi Micol , Salvarani Chiara , Bosi Paolo , Edwards Sandra , Trevisi Paolo
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to characterize the soluble metabolomics profile of defatted colostrum of sows at different parity number (PA) and to correlate the metabolomics profile with the Brix percentage estimate of colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and sow productive traits. A total of 96 Meidam (crossbreed Large White × Meishan) sows of PA from 1–4 (PA1: 28; PA2:26; PA3:12; PA4:26) were included, and their productive traits were recorded at 10 days post-farrowing. Colostrum IgG was quantified using a Brix refractometer, and metabolomics profile was assessed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Sows’ PA slightly influenced the metabolomics profile of colostrum. lactose and glycine were higher in PA1 compared with PA4 (p 0.05) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) tended to be higher in PA2 than PA3 and PA4 (p < 0.10). The Brix percentage of IgG was negatively associated with lactose and positively with creatine, myo-inositol, and O-phosphocholine (p < 0.05). Taurine was positively related to litter weight at birth. GlcNAc and myo-inositol were linked to piglet mortality at day 10 with a negative and positive trend, respectively. In conclusion, colostrum of gilts and multiparous sows had a similar metabolomics profile. Specific metabolites contributed to explanation of the variability in colostrum Brix percentage estimate of IgG concentration and the sows’ productive performance.
Causes of Mortality and Disease in Rabbits and Hares: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Espinosa José , Ferreras M. Carmen , Benavides Julio , Cuesta Nerea , Pérez Claudia , García Iglesias M. José , García Marín J. Francisco , Pérez Valentín
Published: January 2020

In this study we determined the causes of mortality and disease in a total of 325 lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) in northern Spain between 2000 and 2018. Risk factors such as the species, age, sex, time of year and origin were also considered. Clinical signs, gross and histopathological findings and ancillary test results were the basis for the final diagnoses that were reviewed to classify and identify the different disorders. A total of 26 different conditions were identified. A single cause of death or illness was detected in 267 animals. They were grouped into parasitic conditions (n= 65; 24.34%) represented by encephalitozoonosis, hepatic coccidiosis, hepatoperitoneal cysticercosis, intestinal coccidiosis, parasitic gastritis and cutaneous ectoparasitosis; bacterial diseases (n = 56; 20.97%) including pseudotuberculosis, blue breast, skin abscesses, tularemia, pneumonic pasteurellosis and staphylococcal infections; nutritional and metabolic diseases (n = 48; 17.97%) with epizootic rabbit enteropathy, hepatic steatosis and pregnancy toxemia as prominent diseases; viral infections (n= 31; 11.61%) comprising rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis and miscellaneous causes (n = 31; 11.61%) where rabbit enteritis complex, renal conditions (nephrosis), heat stroke, and arterial bone metaplasia were included; neoplasms (n = 12; 4.49%) represented by uterine adenocarcinoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, cutaneous fibroma, intestinal lymphoma and hepatic cholangiocarcinoma; toxicoses (n = 11; 4.11%); trauma-related injuries (n = 9; 3.37%) and finally congenital diseases (n = 4; 1.49%). In 58 animals of the study, some of these conditions were presented jointly. We discuss the detection frequency, possible causes or associated factors of the different pathologies as well as the importance of the different variables considered.
Finite Element Modeling and Stress Analysis of a Six-Splitting Mid-Phase Jumper
Authors: Ma Pengfei , Li Yongjie , Han Jiceng , He Cheng , Xiao Wenkai
Published: January 2020

In this study, a finite element, fully three-dimensional solid modeling method was used to study the mechanical response of a steel-cored aluminum strand (ACSR) with a mid-phase jumper under wind load. A whole model (simplifying an ACSR into a solid cylinder) and a local model (modeling according to the actual structure of an ACSR) of the mid-phase jumper were established. First, the movement of the mid-phase jumper of the tension tower under wind load was studied based on the whole finite element model, and the equivalent Young’s modulus of the whole model was adjusted based on the local model. The results of the whole model were then imported into the local model and the stress distribution of each strand of the ACSR was analyzed in detail to provide guidance for the treatment measures. Therefore, the whole model and the local model complemented each other, which could reduce the number of model operations and ensure the accuracy of the results. Through the follow-up test to verify the results of the finite element simulation and the comparison of the simulation and fatigue test results, the causes of the broken strand of the ACSR were discussed. Although this modeling method was applied to the stress and deformation analysis of a mid-phase jumper in this study, it can be used to study the bending deformation of rope structures with a complex geometry and the main bending deformation. In addition, the effect of the friction coefficient on the bending of the mid-phase jumper was studied.
A Response-Adaptive Method for Design of Validation Experiments in Computational Mechanics
Authors: Jung Byung C. , Shin Yun-Ho , Lee Sang Hyuk , Huh Young Cheol , Oh Hyunseok
Published: January 2020

For model verification and validation (V & V) in computational mechanics, a hypothesis test for the validity check (HTVC) is useful, in particular, with a limited number of experimental data. However, HTVC does not address how type I and II errors can be reduced when additional resources for sampling become available. For the validation of computational models of safety-related and mission-critical systems, it is challenging to design experiments so that type II error is reduced while maintaining type I error at an acceptable level. To address the challenge, this paper proposes a new method to design validation experiments, response-adaptive experiment design (RAED). The RAED method adaptively selects the next experimental condition from among candidates of various operating conditions (experimental settings). RAED consists of six key steps: (1) define experimental conditions, (2) obtain experimental data, (3) calculate u-values, (4) compute the area metric, (5) select the next experimental condition, and (6) obtain additional experimental datum. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the RAED method, a case study of a numerical example is shown. It is demonstrated that additional experimental data obtained through the RAED method can reduce type II error in hypothesis testing and increase the probability of rejecting an invalid computational model.
Blur Kernel Estimation by Structure Sparse Prior
Authors: Yuan Xiaobin , Zhu Jingping , Li Xiaobin
Published: January 2020

Blind image deblurring tries to recover a sharp version from a blurred image, where blur kernel is usually unknown. Recently, sparse representation has been successfully applied to estimate the blur kernel. However, the sparse representation has not considered the structure relationships among original pixels. In this paper, a blur kernel estimation method is proposed by introducing the locality constraint into sparse representation framework. Both the sparsity regularization and the locality constraint are incorporated to exploit the structure relationships among pixels. The proposed method was evaluated on a real-world benchmark dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieve comparable performance to the state-of-the-art methods.
Liquid Crystal Displays with Variable Viewing Angles Using Electric-Field-Driven Liquid Crystal Lenses as Diffusers
Authors: Lee Seung-Chul , Kim Taehyeon , Park Woo-Sang
Published: January 2020

We propose a novel method for appropriately controlling the luminance distribution of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for different usage environments by using electric-field-driven liquid crystal (ELC) lenses. The LCD systems are composed of quasi-collimated backlights (QCBLs), LC panels, and ELC lenses that are used as diffusers. To achieve a wide viewing angle, light is diffused with the ELC lenses by controlling its retardation with the voltage applied to the electrodes. For private use, a narrow viewing angle is achieved by turning the ELC lenses off so that the collimated light from the QCBLs passes directly through the liquid-crystal layer of the ELC lens and travels without diffusion. To validate the proposed method, we simulated the luminance distributions of the wide-view and narrow-view modes by using a finite difference method (FDM) and Taguchi’s design of experiments method. The simulation results show that the light distribution of the wide-view mode was 84.3% similar to the ideal Lambertian distribution and was wider than that of IPS-LCDs with wide viewing angle characteristics. In addition, the light distribution of the narrow-view mode had a full width at half maximum of 7°. The luminance of the exiting light at viewing angles of 20° and above was calculated to be close to 0.
Femtosecond Red and Near-Infrared Lasers Due to Cascaded-Raman-Assisted Four-Wave Mixing in a Nonlinear Yb-Doped Fiber Amplifier
Authors: Xu Hui , Yuan Shuai , Guo Zhengru , Zhang Qingshan , Ma Yanying , Hao Qiang , Huang Kun , Li Min , Nie Yuan , Zeng Heping
Published: January 2020

We demonstrated a straightforward approach to generate red and near-infrared laser emissions by a Raman-assisted four wave mixing (FWM) process in a nonlinear Yb-doped fiber amplifier, delivering 342 fs pulses of 241 nJ at 864 nm, 834 fs pulses of 21 nJ at 751 nm, and 1.9 ps pulses of 3.8 μJ at 1030 nm. A pair of gratings was employed as the pre-compressor to promote the intensity of the fundamental wave in the main amplifier. Multiple wavelengths from 751 to 1273 nm resulted due to cascaded-Raman-assisted FWM. The pre-compression also underlay the achievement of 25.1, 701, and 2000 kW peak power for the red (751 nm), near-infrared (864 nm), and fundamental (1030 nm) components respectively, which restrained the gain narrowing effect during the amplification. It finally led to shorter pulse duration under increased power.
Incorporation of Remote PM2.5 Concentrations into the Downscaler Model for Spatially Fused Air Quality Surfaces
Authors: Gantt Brett , McDonald Kelsey , Henderson Barron , Mannshardt Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a Bayesian spatial data fusion model called the Downscaler (DS) model to generate daily air quality surfaces for PM2.5 across the contiguous U.S. Previous implementations of DS relied on monitoring data from EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) network, which is largely concentrated in urban areas. In this work, we introduce to the DS modeling framework an additional PM2.5 input dataset from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network located mainly in remote sites. In the western U.S. where IMPROVE sites are relatively dense (compared to the eastern U.S.), the inclusion of IMPROVE PM2.5 data to the DS model runs reduces predicted annual averages and 98th percentile concentrations by as much as 1.0 and 4 μg m−3, respectively. Some urban areas in the western U.S., such as Denver, Colorado, had moderate increases in the predicted annual average concentrations, which led to a sharpening of the gradient between urban and remote areas. Comparison of observed and DS-predicted concentrations for the grid cells containing IMPROVE and AQS sites revealed consistent improvement at the IMPROVE sites but some degradation at the AQS sites. Cross-validation results of common site-days withheld in both simulations show a slight reduction in the mean bias but a slight increase in the mean square error when the IMPROVE data is included. These results indicate that the output of the DS model (and presumably other Bayesian data fusion models) is sensitive to the addition of geographically distinct input data, and that the application of such models should consider the prediction domain (national or urban focused) when deciding to include new input data.
Characteristics of Surface Ozone in Five Provincial Capital Cities of China during 2014–2015
Authors: Wang Xin , Shen Zhenxing , Tang Zhuoyue , Li Guohui , Lei Yali , Zhang Qian , Zeng Yaling , Xu Hongmei , Cao Junji , Zhang Renjian
Published: January 2020

Ozone (O3) pollution has become an increasing concern in China since elevated surface O3 concentrations were observed in recent years. In this study, five provincial cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Hefei) located in different regions of China were selected to study the spatiotemporal variations and affecting factors of O3 concentrations during 2014–2015. Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou had suffered more severe O3 pollution, yet Beijing had the highest number of days that exceeded the Chinese MDA8 (maximum daily 8 h average) standard of 160 µg m−3. MDA8 O3 exhibited different seasonal patterns among the five cities. In Beijing and Xi’an, MDA8 O3 showed the highest in summer and lowest in winter. Guangzhou also had the highest O3 concentration in summer, but had similar levels in other three seasons. The O3 levels were similarly high in Shanghai during spring, summer, and autumn, while in Hefei, O3 concentration peaked in autumn. No significant difference between weekend and weekday O3 levels was observed in all the five cities. The diurnal cycle reached a maximum in the afternoon and a minimum in the early morning, which was consistent in the five cities. Correlation analyses showed that the associations between O3 and the other five criteria air pollutants, as well as meteorological parameters, were substantially different among the five cities. Air mass cluster analyses during episodic days revealed that the short-distance transport of O3 and its precursors had a greater impact for high O3 pollution in the five cities. Overall, our results demonstrate that O3 pollution exhibited great divergence among different regions and thus region-oriented control measures are suggested to reduce O3 pollution in China.