bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Meta-Heuristic Approach for Load Balancing in Cloud Computing
Authors: Mohanty Subhadarshini , Patra Prashanta Kumar , Ray Mitrabinda , Mohapatra Subasish
Published: October 2017

Cloud computing is gaining more popularity due to its advantages over conventional computing. It offers utility based services to subscribers on demand basis. Cloud hosts a variety of web applications and provides services on the pay-per-use basis. As the users are increasing in the cloud system, the load balancing has become a critical issue in cloud computing. Scheduling workloads in the cloud environment among various nodes are essential to achieving a better quality of service. Hence it is a prominent area of research as well as challenging to allocate the resources with changeable capacities and functionality. In this paper, a metaheuristic load balancing algorithm using Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) has been proposed by utilizing the benefits of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Proposed approach aims to minimize the task overhead and maximize the resource utilization. Performance comparisons are made with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and other popular algorithms on different measures like makespan calculation and resource utilization. Different cloud configurations are considered with varying Virtual Machines (VMs) and Cloudlets to analyze the efficiency of proposed algorithm. The proposed approach performs better than existing schemes.
The Influence of Menu Structure and Layout on Usability of Smartwatches
Authors: Mo Fan , Zhou Jia
Published: October 2017

This study aims to investigate the effect of smartwatches' menu structure and layout on user performance and satisfaction. A total of 30 younger and older adults participated in this study. Usability testing was first conducted, and it identified the two most serious usability problems of smartwatches: confusing information structure and interface content. Furthermore, results showed that menu disorientation was predominant. Therefore, prototypes with a different menu structure and menu layout were developed and tested in two subsequent experiments. The menu structure experiment indicated that the tree structure of the menu is better than the linear structure in terms of performance and satisfaction, and the two-branch hierarchical menu contributed to better performance than the three-branch hierarchical menu. The menu layout experiment indicated that menus with high visual density had a slightly better performance but lower satisfaction than low visual density. In the end, design guidelines about smartwatch menus were proposed.
The Diffusion of Social Media Among State Governments in Mexico
Authors: Sandoval-Almazan Rodrigo , Valle-Cruz David , Kavanaugh Andrea L.
Published: October 2017

Most of the research about how state governments use social media focuses on services, comparative perspectives or assessment of e-governments. The authors' focus is on the adoption of social media by state governments in Mexico. Many state governments may be slow to adopt social media due to a lack guidance on where their efforts may lead. The purpose of this research is to provide some insight into the factors affecting adoption of social media by state governments in Mexico. Guided by diffusion of innovation theory, the authors analyzed data from Twitter and Facebook accounts of all 32 Mexican state governments from 2010 to 2015. According to diffusion theory, the results find that only one state government in the sample is classified as an innovator, four state governments are early adopters, eleven are early majority, eleven are late majority, and five are laggards. The use of social media by state governments in Mexico is in its infancy, and there is a significant difference in the use of social media among the different states.
 Diabetes Mellitus na infância e adolescência: repercussões no cotidiano dos familiares / Diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: repercussions in daily life of families
Authors: Targa Thaise , Pimentel Rafael Rodrigo da Silva , Scardoelli Márcia Glaciela da Cruz
Published: October 2017

Pesquisa exploratório-descritiva de abordagem qualitativa que objetivou-se compreender as repercussões cotidianas expressas pela família de criança e adolescentes com diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Participaram desse estudo onze familiares de crianças e adolescentes portadoras de diabetes mellitus, sendo todas cadastradas em uma Associação de Diabéticos de Maringá. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ser familiar de criança/adolescente com diabetes mellitus; ter idade igual ou superior a 18 anos; estar consciente e orientado no tempo e espaço; independente das funções que exerça; do nível social; da escolaridade e que aceitaram livre e espontaneamente a participar da pesquisa. Os dados foram coletados em setembro de 2012, por meio de entrevista utilizando um questionário semiestruturado. Da análise temática dos dados emergiram duas categorias temáticas: Convivendo com a doença do filho e; compreendendo a necessidade de cuidado expressa pela família: o abandono e o descaso. Esse estudo possibilitou a compreensão do enfrentamento dos familiares de crianças e adolescentes diabéticos frente às diversas modificações de vida e sentimentos envolvidas no processo do adoecer, demostrando a necessidade do profissional de saúde, principalmente o enfermeiro, em realizar os cuidados a esses familiares.
Fatigue Evaluation of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Mixtures Modified by Optimum Percent of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Tanzadeh Javad , Tanzadeh Rashid , Nazari Hossein , Kamvar Navid
Published: October 2017

Fatigue, creep and erosion are among the factors which destroy the asphalt mixture and modifying the asphalt binder via additives such as crumb rubber, sulfur, carbon, as well as natural and synthetic polymers has been done in order to improve the strength of asphalt mixture. Knowledge in the field of nanotechnology along with its capability and attractiveness for application as nanoparticles in different industries such as asphalt industry has attracted great attention in recent years. In this study, specific percentages of TiO2 nanoparticles, namely 2, 4, and 6, were added to the asphalt binder as the nanocomponent. Done physical common tests such as penetration degree, softening point, flash point and viscosity of the base asphalt binder and modified asphalt binder, the bending beam samples composed of origin asphalt sample and modified asphalt sample with 4% TiO2 nanoparticle were subjected in different micro strains to fatigue loads. Results of four point bending fatigue test showed that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles to the asphalt binder increased the fatigue strength in the asphalt samples. Modified asphalt binder is stiffer, more viscous than original asphalt binder and due to TiO2 nanoparticles more temperature tolerance and load bearing capacity, modified Asphalt is more resistant under fatigue loads.
Awareness of health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes: A cross-sectional study of never-smoked adult primary care patients in Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Pascal Iloh Gabriel Uche , Collins Peace Ifeoma
Published: October 2017

Background: Cigarette smoking whether actively or passively is a growing public health problem. Despite the wealth of information on the hazards of active cigarette smoking, awareness of the health effects of passive smoking on human population is often neglected in Nigeria. Aim: The study was aimed at describing the awareness of health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes among never-smoked adult primary care patients in Eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study carried out on a cross-section of 500 adult patients in a primary care clinic in Nigeria. Data were collected using pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Exposure to secondhand smoke was defined as exposure to cigarette smoke in a never-smoked adult patient in the previous 1 year. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 for the calculation of percentages for categorical variables. Bivariate analysis involving Chi-square test was used to test for significance of association between categorical variables at P < 0.05. Results: The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 74 years, with a mean age of 36 ± 12.4 years. There were 180 (36.0%) males with 320 (64%) females, with a sex ratio of 1.8. Awareness of general health effects of secondhand smoke on adults, children, and pregnant women was 95.6%, 92.8%, and 65.2%, respectively. The most common specific health effects the respondents were aware for adults, children, and obstetric population were lung cancer (95.6%), precipitation of asthmatic condition (92.8%), and delivery of small babies (65.2%), respectively. The predominant source of awareness of information was radio (93.6%). Awareness of general health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke on adults (P = 0.041), children (P = 0.031), and obstetrics population (P = 0.02) was significantly associated with exposure status. Conclusion: The most common health effects of secondhand smoke the respondents had highest awareness were lung cancer, precipitation of asthmatic attacks, and delivery of small babies in adults, children, and obstetric population, respectively. Awareness of general health effects on adults, children, and obstetrics population was significantly associated with exposure status. The current level of awareness should be improved while effort should be intensified to address identified areas of low level of awareness.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Measurements Procedure for Vehicle Components - Part 27 - Immunity to Radiated Electromagnetic Fields - Mode Stir Reverberation Method
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: October 2017

Vehicle electrical/electronic systems may be affected when immersed in an electromagnetic field generated by sources such as radio and TV broadcast stations, radar and communication sites, mobile transmitters, cellular phones, etc. The reverberation method is used to evaluate the immunity of electronic devices in the frequency range of 500 MHz to 2.0 GHz, with possible extensions to 200 MHz and 10 GHz, depending upon chamber size and construction. Optional pulse modulation testing at HIRF (High Intensity Radiated Fields) test levels, based upon currently known environmental threats, has been added to this revision of the standard. This document addresses the Mode Stir (Continuous Stirring) Reverberation testing method which has been successfully utilized as a design and production stage development tool for many years. The Mode Tuned (Stepped Tuner) Reverberation testing method is covered in the SAE J1113-28 document.
Technical note: The US Dobson station network data record prior to 2015, re-evaluation of NDACC and WOUDC archived records with WinDobson processing software
Authors: Evans Robert D. , Petropavlovskikh Irina , McClure-Begley Audra , McConville Glen , Quincy Dorothy , Miyagawa Koji
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The United States government has operated Dobson ozone spectrophotometers at various sites, starting during the International Geophysical Year (1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958). A network of stations for long-term monitoring of the total column content (thickness of the ozone layer) of the atmosphere was established in the early 1960s and eventually grew to 16 stations, 14 of which are still operational and submit data to the United States of America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Seven of these sites are also part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC), an organization that maintains its own data archive. Due to recent changes in data processing software the entire dataset was re-evaluated for possible changes. To evaluate and minimize potential changes caused by the new processing software, the reprocessed data record was compared to the original data record archived in the World Ozone and UV Data Center (WOUDC) in Toronto, Canada. The history of the observations at the individual stations, the instruments used for the NOAA network monitoring at the station, the method for reducing zenith-sky observations to total ozone, and calibration procedures were re-evaluated using data quality control tools built into the new software. At the completion of the evaluation, the new datasets are to be published as an update to the WOUDC and NDACC archives, and the entire dataset is to be made available to the scientific community. The procedure for reprocessing Dobson data and the results of the reanalysis on the archived record are presented in this paper. A summary of historical changes to 14 station records is also provided.
Local Time Dependence of Polar Mesospheric Clouds: A model study
Authors: Schmidt Francie , Baumgarten Gerd , Berger Uwe , Fiedler Jens , Lübken Franz-Josef
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The Mesospheric Ice Microphysics And tranSport model (MIMAS) is used to study local time (LT) variations of polar mesospheric clouds (PMC) in the northern hemisphere during the period from 1979 to 2013. We investigate the tidal behavior of brightness, altitude and occurrence frequency and find a good agreement between model and lidar observations. Mean ice water content (IWC) values from MIMAS also match those from satellite observations. In the latitudinal band of 67.5°–70.5° N the IWC maximum throughout the day occurs at about 3 LT and the minimum around 18 LT with a ratio of maximum to minimum of 10. At the peak of the PMC layer the ice particle size varies by about 30 % while the median number density varies by a factor of 2 throughout the day. Furthermore, the absolute tidal variation of IWC generally increases towards higher latitudes and the time of maximum IWC changes from about 4 to 0 LT for latitudes from 63° N to 81° N. In the period from 1979 to 2013 we find an increase of the tidal amplitudes. The linear trend terms of diurnal and semidiurnal variations are calculated to be 3.4 and 1.4 g/km2/dec. The persistent features of strong tidal modulations are caused by tidal structures in background parameters. The temperature varies by about 2 K and water vapor by about 3 ppmv at the altitude of ice particle sublimation near 81.5 km.
Identification of the African–European Erymnochelys group (Pleurodira, Podocnemididae) in the Belgian fossil record: first finding of Eocenochelus eremberti outside its type locality
Authors: Pérez-García Adán , Smith Thierry
Published: October 2017

Abstract. An almost complete plastron, as well as several peripherals and a costal plate of a turtle from the middle Eocene of Saint-Gilles, is presented here. Although this turtle specimen was donated to the Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique (Brussels, Belgium) more than a century ago, it remained undescribed. Its study allows us to recognize the second pleurodiran in the Belgian fossil record, where, until now, the Eocene Neochelys was the only one known. The Belgian material of Neochelys is known in lower Eocene (early Ypresian) levels, but the new pleurodiran specimen comes from the middle Eocene (early Lutetian). It is the first partial articulate shell of a pleurodiran turtle recognized in Belgium, and the only member of this clade recognized in this country at specific level. The new specimen is a representative of the so-called Erymnochelys group, this lineage being known in Africa from the Upper Cretaceous to the present but in Europe only during the Eocene. It represents the first specimen of Eocenochelus eremberti identified outside its type locality, the French region of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines, Île-de-France), where only one specimen was found. The plastron of the Belgian individual corresponds to the most complete for this species. Its analysis allows us not only to broaden the range of paleobiogeographical distribution of Eocenochelus eremberti but also to improve the knowledge about the anatomy and variability of this taxon.
A New Approach for Land Degradation and Desertification Assessment Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Masoudi Masoud , Jokar Parviz , Pradhan Biswajeet
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Land degradation reduces production of biomass and vegetation cover in every land uses. The lack of specific data related to degradation is a severe limitation for its monitoring. Assessment of current state of land degradation or desertification is very difficult because this phenomena includes several complex processes. For that reason, there is no common agreement has been achieved among the scientific community for its assessment. This study was carried out as an attempt to develop a new approach for land degradation assessment based on its current state by modifying of FAO1/UNEP2 index and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) index in Khuzestan province, placed in the southwestern part of Iran. The proposed evaluation method is easy to understand the degree of destruction due to low cost and save time. Results showed that based on percent of hazard classes in current condition of land degradation, the most widespread and minimum area of hazard classes are moderate (38.6 %) and no hazard (0.65 %) classes, respectively. While results in the desert area of study area showed that severe class is much widespread than other hazard classes, showing environmentally bad situation in the study area. Statistical results indicated that degradation is highest in desert and then rangeland compared to dry cultivation and forest. Also statistical test showed average of degradation amount in the arid region is higher than other climates. It is hoped that this attempt using geospatial techniques will be found applicable for other regions of the world and better planning and management of lands, too. 1 Food and Agriculture Organization 2 United Nations Environment Programme
Victor Gruen: the environmental Heart
Authors: Zuccaro Marchi Leonardo
Published: October 2017

Victor Gruen is the pioneer of the regional shopping centre, he is the “Mall Maker”, which, is also the title of a book by M. Jeffrey Hartwick about this Austrian-born architect. Well known for his first commercial projects, which have been copied and analysed worldwide, mostly negatively influencing the structure of cities and societies, Gruen had focused his attention on the importance of the environmental crisis in his both theoretical writings and projects as early as the 1960s. How can Gruen be personified as both the “Mall Maker” and the “Architect of the Environment’? In the early 1970s Gruen presented Die Charta von Wien, as an attempt to readapt the CIAM`s Charte d`Athenes to the contemporary conditions, with a brand new emphasis on the ecological environment as well. This paper will deal mainly with these contradictions and synergies between “consumeristic” architecture and its role in the city in relation to the environmental issues posed by its inventor. The complexity of the connections between consumerism and ecology and the references to CIAM and Gruen, appear to be important themes for a discussion on public space and our contemporary urban condition.
Objectivity, Diversity, and Uptake: On the Status of Women in Philosophy
Authors: Ciurria Michelle
Published: October 2017

This paper argues that diversity and uptake are required for objectivity. In philosophy, women are underrepresented with respect to teaching, publishing, and citations. This undermines the objectivity of our research output. To improve women’s representation and objectivity in philosophy, we should take steps to increase women’s numbers and institute uptake-conducive conditions. In concrete terms, this means fostering an appreciation for diversity, diversifying evaluators, integrating women’s contributions into mainstream discourse, and reducing implicit bias.
Debt Capital and Financial Performance: A Comparative Analysis of South African and Sri Lankan Listed Companies
Authors: Yapa Abeywardhana Dilriukshi , Magoro Katlego
Published: October 2017

This study compares how the debt capital of the listed companies operating in the wholesale and retail sectors of South Africa and Sri Lanka affect their financial performance. Objective of this study is to examine whether debt capital affects the financial performance of the wholesale and retail sector companies in South Africa and Sri Lanka. To examine the impact of debt financing on financial performance of companies over the 2011-2015 period. Fixed-effects (within) regression model was used.The findings the study confirms that debt financing, in terms of short-term debt and long-term debt, has a negative impact on the financial performance of wholesale and retail sector companies in the context of South Africa. In Sri Lanka, debt financing, in terms of short-term debt has a negative impact on firm performance, while long-term debt has a positive impact. This study gives special focus to identify in which industries do different components of the capital structure have significant impact or weak-to-no impact on firm performances.This suggests for the South African wholesale and retail sector can use equity capital and retained earnings efficiently, thereby minimizing conflicts of agency or agency costs and remaining independent of external financiers. In the case of Sri Lanka, the owners and managers of the retail companies should consider reducing the use of short-term debt and increase long-term debt capital as long-term debt seems to influence their financial performances positively.
District nurses meeting with and providing care to people with mental illness in health centers – An interview study
Authors: Pennbrant Sandra , Hansen Kristin
Published: October 2017

Objective: Primary healthcare is facing increasing numbers of people with mental illness. Although district nurses are expected to promote health and prevent illness, most health centers in Western Sweden have no psychiatric nurses. The aim of this study was to explore how district nurses experience meeting with and providing care to patients with mental illness in health centers.Methods: Eight individual, semi-structured interviews with district nurses working in health centers were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results: The district nurses felt that it is challenging to meet with patients with mental illness and that they need to learn to master such situations better. In particular, interaction challenge when assessing the patient’s mental care needs, the dialogue challenge when attempting to achieve the patient’s trust, and the competence challenge when trying to determine correct and safe care for the patient.Conclusions: District nurses would benefit from having specific guidelines on how to provide person-centered care to patients with mental illness. Such guidelines would help district nurses in their planning and facilitating meetings with patients with mental illness and in their efforts to find solutions adapted to the specific patient, thus increasing both the district nurses’ feelings of adequacy and the patient’s feelings of safety and trust.
Unusual association of Merkel-cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in alcohol and hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis: Casual or causal relation?
Authors: Addario Luigi , Hashim Ahmed , Marino Marsilia G. , Monti Emanuela , Tritto Giovanni
Published: October 2017

Background: Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer. The estimated annual incidence rate of MCC is increasing, and the mortality rate is considerably higher worse than that of cutaneous melanoma. The risk of MCC is higher in immunosuppressed patients and in those with other malignancies.Case representation: The present report is the first description of MCC associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in an immunocompetent patient with alcohol and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis.Conclusions: This case supports the hypothesis of HCV systemic oncogenicity, suggested by previous reports describing an association of this virus with lympho-proliferative disease, gastrointestinal, kidney, and breast malignancies, even though a causal relation or mechanism have not been clearly established. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the impairment of immune system associated with advanced cirrhosis may also play a role, by allowing opportunistic viruses to initiate oncogenic pathways. This paper finally highlights the importance of the screening for skin and systemic disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Quality of ‘Isabel’ grape treated pre-harvest with CaCl2 and citrus biomass-based elicitor
Authors: Santos Leonardo Da Silva , Silva Silvanda De Melo , Dantas Ana Lima , Silva Antônio Fernando da , Rodrigues Antonio Augusto Marques , Silva Gerciane Cabral da , Nascimento Luciana Cordeiro do , Mendonça Rejane Maria Nunes
Published: October 2017

The high rate of fruit decay and berry drop reduces quality and increases postharvest losses in 'Isabel' grapes, requiring pre-harvest and postharvest management practices available to the small-scale farmer, which maintain quality and extend postharvest life of the clusters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the pre-harvest application of CaCl2 and Citrus Biomass-based elicitor in 'Isabel' grapes, in the maintenance of quality during storage at room conditions under ambient and modified atmospheres. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 8 replicates, in the field located at the municipality of São Vicente Férrer-PE, Brazil. 'Isabel' vines were treated 28 days before harvest with: Citrus Biomass-based elicitor (CB), Citrus Biomass-based elicitor + CaCl2 (CB + C), CaCl2 (C) and Control (T) - without application. Grapes harvested in the commercial maturity were stored in a 4 × 2 × 7 factorial arrangement, with 4 treatments (applied in the field), 2 storage conditions, ambient (AA) and modified (AM) atmospheres, under room conditions (25 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 2% RH) and 7 evaluation periods in four replicates. The application of CaCl2 and CB-based elicitor reduced the berry drop index (55 and 75%, respectively), the decay and weight loss of 'Isabel' grape clusters. These treatments, associated or not, increased MA efficiency in maintaining cluster quality. The 'Isabel' grape berry drop index was directly influenced by the SS/TA ratio, pH and fruit decay index.
Development and production of sugarcane under different levels straw after four years of cultivation
Authors: Aquino Gisele Silva de , Medina Cristiane De Conti , Cunha Ana Carolina Benitez , Kussaba Deise Akemi Omori , Santos Junior Jaime Higino dos , Carvalho Jéssica Barbieri , Moreira Adônis
Published: October 2017

Environmental constraints, labour shortages and the search for greater efficiency have induced the mechanisation of sugarcane harvesting, providing a large amount of straw in the system, which provides benefits to the soil, the crop and the environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the removal of different amounts of straw from the soil surface on the development and productivity of sugarcane in eutrophic Red Latosol. The experiment was conducted in an area belonging to the Usina in Bandeirantes, PR, using a randomised block design with four replications. The effects of six treatments (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of straw and sugarcane) were evaluated after four years of cultivation on the LAI (leaf area index), tillering, diameter, length and fresh mass of the stalks, in five periods: 60, 120, 180, 240 and 370 days after harvest (DAC). The results were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared by Tukey’s test. The straw on the soil surface provided benefits to the development and productivity of sugarcane. The management of sugarcane burning, total removal of the straw (0% of soil cover) or 75% of straw resulted in a lower IAF and stalk diameter and a 37% decrease in final yield under conditions of water deficiency. The maintenance of 50% of straw is sufficient to favour the development and to provide greater productivity of the sugarcane, as it is possible to use the 50% surplus of the field for the production of ethanol of second generation or electric energy, without damage to the productivity of the culture.
Anthelmintic efficacy of Cratylia argentea (Desv.) Kuntze against the gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep
Authors: Silva Manoel Eduardo da , Araújo Jackson Victor de , Silva Jesiane Alves da , Carvalho Lorendane Millena de , Chagas Evangelista Das , Ribeiro Raul Rio
Published: October 2017

The use of natural products having therapeutic properties can be considered an alternative approach for the control of helminths in ruminants, reducing the indiscriminate use of chemicals as well as production costs. The anthelmintic effectiveness of Cratylia argentea on sheep endoparasites was evaluated both in vitro by assessing the number of third-stage larvae recovered per gram of feces (LPG) from coprocultures treated with pods/ground seeds, macerated leaves or vermiculite (control), and in vivo using the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) in two groups of lambs (n = 8/group) that received 1 mL kg-1 body weight of C. argentea solution (treated group) or distilled water (control group) orally. When compared to control group, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of LPG in the leaves group (55.88%; p ? 0.05) and pods/ground seeds group (82.48%; p ? 0.01). There was no significant reduction (p > 0.05) in the average count of EPG upon treatment with the aqueous solution of C. argentea. These findings suggest that C. argentea extract mainly obtained from pods/ground seeds has a promising potential for the control of young stages of gastrointestinal nematodes. However, further studies are needed to validate the use of C. argentea as an alternative method for the control of parasitic diseases of ruminants.
Standardized ileal digestible (SID) isoleucine requirement of barrows (15- to 30- kg) fed low crude protein diets
Authors: Lazzeri Doglas Batista , Castilha Leandro Dalcin , Costa Patrícia Barcellos , Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Pozza Magali Soares dos Santos , Pozza Paulo Cesar
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to determine the SID isoleucine (Ile) requirement of starting barrows fed low crude protein. Two experiments were carried out. Experiment 1: Ten crossbred barrows were used in order to determine the SID AA of the basal diet (treatment with the lowest SID Ile level used in the growth performance experiment), averaging 15.00 ± 0.27 kg of initial weight, individually housed in metabolic cages and allotted in a complete randomized design, with two treatments, five replicates and one animal per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of a basal (14.13% CP and 0.450% of SID Ile) and a free protein diet. Experiment 2: A performance experiment was carried out to determine the SID Ile requirement when using low crude protein diets. Forty crossbred barrows were used, averaging 15.00 ± 0.87 kg of initial weight and distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments (0.450, 0.520, 0.590, 0.660 and 0.730% of SID Ile) and two animals per experimental unit. The average daily gain (ADG) (P=0.049) and protein deposition (P=0.01) were affected by the studied SID Ile levels. The daily need of SID Ile was estimated at 5.9 g when considering 0.61% as the optimum level of SID Ile in the diet for an improved ADG and protein deposition.
Productive efficiency of mombasa grass in silvopastoral system under pasture deferment and nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Silveira Júnior Otacilio , Santos Antonio Clementino dos , Rodrigues Marcos Odilon Dias , Rodrigues Márcio Odilon Dias , Alencar Nayara Martins
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Mombasa grass in a silvopastoral system and submitted to different nitrogen fertilization rates and pasture management strategies. Treatments consisted of four nitrogen fertilizer doses (0.0, 125.0, 187.5, and 250.0 kg N ha-1 year-1) and three cutting heights (70, 90, and 105 cm). Plant agronomic and physiologic efficiencies, as well as nitrogen use and accumulation by plants, forage production, and increments of forage production, were verified for the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilization was only efficient for grasses cut at 105 cm, where 75% of the applied nitrogen at a dose of 125 kg ha-1 year-1 was recovered. Yet the grasses cut at 70 and 90 cm presented low results for nitrogen fertilization, showing plants with low physiological and agronomic efficiencies. For Mombasa grass in a silvopastoral system, nitrogen fertilization is more efficient when applied at lower doses and for plants cut at higher heights.
Evaluation of internal markers as determinants of fecal dry matter output and digestibility in feedlot sheep
Authors: Cabral Ícaro Dos Santos , Azevêdo José Augusto Gomes , Pina Douglas Dos Santos , Pereira Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro , Almeida Flávio Moreira de , Souza Lígia Lins , Lima Ronaldo Francisco de
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the fecal recovery of the internal markers indigestible dry matter (iDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) and to compare them as estimators of the fecal dry matter output (FDMO) and digestibility of the dry matter (DM) with values observed in total feces collection in trials with feedlot sheep. For this, 82 sampling units from two experiments were evaluated. Internal markers were quantified in the feed supplied, orts, and feces. The recovery of the markers was determined by the comparison of the amount of marker consumed and excreted. Fecal dry matter output and digestibility were determined based on the amount of marker consumed and on its concentration in the feces through individual collections directly from the rectum of the animals, with values compared with those observed in the total feces collection from orthogonal contrasts. The mean bias, the concordance correlation coefficient, and the mean squared prediction error were also evaluated. For all statistical procedures, the critical level of probability for type-I error was fixed at 0.05. The marker iDM showed complete fecal recovery (100.03%) and was efficient in estimating FDMO (482.9 g day-1) and DM digestibility (542 g kg-1) as compared with the values observed in the total feces collection (454.7 g day-1 and 561 g kg-1 for FDMO and DM digestibility, respectively). The iNDF and iADF markers did not show complete recovery in the feces and were not effective in the estimate of FDMO and DM digestibility.
Nutritional evaluation of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers for slow-growing broilers
Authors: Campos Carla Fonseca Alves , Siqueira Jefferson Costa de , Rodrigues Kênia Ferreira , Vaz Roberta Gomes Marçal Vieira , Mello Susana Queiroz Santos , Parente Iberê Pereira , Silva Mônica Calixto da , Amorim Aline Ferreira , Silva Valquíria Sousa , Araújo Caroliny Costa
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers on the chemical composition, energy values, and nutrient metabolizability coefficients, as well as their use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two trials were performed. In the first experiment, 200 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a control diet and four test diets (sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, sorghum fertilized with millet, sorghum fertilized with humus, and sorghum without fertilization), including sorghum at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were evaluated. In trial 2, 200 1-day-old chicks were used in a CRD with five treatments (T1 – control diet with commercial corn, T2 – sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, T3 – sorghum fertilized with millet, T4 – sorghum fertilized with humus, and T5 – sorghum without fertilization) and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight at 28 days were evaluated. The values of AME and AMEn of sorghums fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus, and sorghum without fertilization were 2894 Kcal kg-1 and 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 and 2675 Kcal kg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 and 2694 Kcal kg-1; and 2994 Kcal kg-1 and 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectively. The metabolizable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were 76.04%, 42.01%, and 75.25% for sorghum fertilized with crotalaria; 77.50%, 50.77%, and 75.95% for sorghum fertilized with millet; 77.62%, 46.39%, and 75.54% for sorghum fertilized with humus; and 75.83%, 39.53%, and 74.71% for sorghum cultivated without fertilization, respectively. The dietary use of sorghum cultivated with different fertilizers did not affect (P > 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight. Green manures with crotalaria, millet, and humus (bovine manure) are alternatives that can be used on sorghum crops because they resulted in grains with adequate nutritional composition, energy values, and metabolizable coefficients for slow-growing broilers from 1 to 28 days of age.
Waterborne Giardia and Cryptosporidium: contamination of human drinking water by sewage and cattle feces
Authors: Toledo Roberta Dos Santos , Martins Felippe Danyel Cardoso , Freire Roberta Lemos
Published: October 2017

Water is an important vehicle for pathogens such as Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis. In fact, these organisms are responsible for almost 58% and 38% of the waterborne outbreaks reported in ~60 years. Characteristics related to the environmental phase of these protozoa and the different types of hosts are important factors related to environmental contamination. In cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, outbreaks caused by waterborne pathogens are identified as major risk factors for contamination of water resources by untreated sewage and the entrainment of cattle feces in rainwater. Further, this review covers taxonomic, biologic, and epidemiologic aspects such as prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characterization of these protozoa observed in humans and cattle in order to elucidate the role of these hosts in environmental pollution, and consequently, as a source of infection for susceptible humans, especially in rural areas. Alternative water resources such as wells and springs are used without water treatment and potability monitoring. Epidemiological data are useful, but insufficient to characterize the source of infection, thereby requiring the use of appropriate molecular methods for subtyping the protozoa detected in environmental and feces samples as well as for assessing public health risk.
Utilização e avaliação de recursos digitais na elaboração conceitual sobre solubilidade de sais
Authors: Vezú Caroline Oleinik , Cirino Marcelo Maia
Published: October 2017

O trabalho investigou a evolução das concepções de estudantes do segundo ano do Ensino Médio sobre “Solubilidade de Sais”, a partir da utilização do software educacional “Sais e Solubilidade” e após o contato formal dos estudantes com esse conteúdo. Partimos da hipótese de que os estudantes não se apropriam corretamente dos significados atribuídos ao conceito de solubilidade na dimensão submicroscópica, uma vez que estabelecem contato, na maioria das vezes, com a dimensão macroscópica (fenômeno) no cotidiano. Dessa forma, uma Situação de Ensino (SE) com o recurso do simulador possibilitou aos estudantes novos níveis de elaboração conceitual, mais próximos da dimensão submicroscópica. Realizamos o acompanhamento antes, durante e após a utilização do software e, com isso, foi possível a reorganização dos níveis explicativos e a análise da elaboração conceitual, pelos estudantes. Os resultados indicam que a utilização desse recurso propiciou melhores possibilidades de conceituação, com relação à dimensão submicroscópica.
English Grammar and Thai University Students: An Insurmountable Linguistic Battle?
Authors: Saengboon Saksit
Published: October 2017

This study aimed at investigating English grammar knowledge of a group of Thai university students. The three main research questions revolved around their knowledge of English grammar, the kinds of difficulties they had encountered in using the grammar as well as their perceptions of the roles of grammar in using English. The participants were administered two types of grammar test: one was the grammar production test (20 items), and the other was the grammar recognition test (40 items). The average scores of the tests were relatively low: 7.30/20 and 21.13/40, respectively. The interview results suggested that the participants viewed grammar as important in learning and using English effectively. They also reported that appropriate teaching of grammar was beneficial as long as the communicative use of the grammar was emphasized. Further, a thorough analysis of sentence structures, which was one of the foci of the lesson learned, helped them to gain a better understanding of English sentences, enabling them to read academic texts more effectively. In short, the participants believed that grammar was essential and was something that was not insurmountable albeit the low scores reported above.
Price Rigidity and Wage Rigidity: Market Failure or Market Efficiency
Authors: Ting Chao Chiung
Published: October 2017

We observe that money wage and price level are not only rigid but also flexible in different business cycles. For example, there are inflationary recessions (e.g., oil crisis in U.S.) versus deflationary recessions (e.g., Great Depression between 1929 and 1933) as well as price rigidity (e.g., Great Depression between 1934 and 1939). Thus, the general price theory, including wage, should explain both price flexibility and price rigidity. When demand curve shifts during business cycle, the best strategy of the firm is to adjust capital and labor (i.e., size of the firm) so as to shift supply curve toward the same direction as demand curve shifts. If both supply curve and demand curve shift toward the same direction proportionally, there is perfect price rigidity. When product price is rigid, the firm is willing to pay previous wage. Thus, price rigidity and wage rigidity are effect (i.e., not only ex-post phenomenon that we observe but also endogenous market efficiency that arises from to the coordination of supply and demand), not exogenous market failure to disturb economy.
Optimum Signal Shaping for MIMO Radar System
Authors: Rahhal Jamal S.
Published: October 2017

signal and hence, spatial diversity gain is obtained. A MIMO radar system, transmit via its diverse antennas multiple probing signals that is used to detect targets. The receiving antennas combined together form independent units. Their signals can be processed to make use from the diversity gain and better identifies the targets. In this paper, optimal probing signals are derived and its performance is simulated. MIMO radar can transmit different orthogonal signals that lead to signal diversity. Results showed good utilization of spatial diversity and better timing detection when using the optimal signals over the conventional phased array radar.
Improved Exchange Rate Farmers through Rice Falied Crop Intensification in Tolitoli, Indonesia
Authors: Bantilan Nursida K. , Wahyuningsih Made Antara , Rauf Rustam Abd
Published: October 2017

Farmer Trade Rate (NTP) is a price comparison received by farmers at the price paid by farmers, which is one indicator measure the welfare of farmers. The analysis of NTP research, has been conducted (Budi, 2015; BPS, 2013; Simatupang, 2007; Mokuwa, 2013; Jhung Ahn, 2016) note that low NTP is affected by production, household consumption, Selling of rice and the use of superior seeds. Despite efforts to improve NTP has not been done, so too In Tolitoli. The result is difficult to know the level of farmers' welfare in terms of the size of NTP obtained by farmers. So to increase the NTP used agricultural intensification by using organic fertilizer, which can increase NTP. The purpose to know the factors that affect (NTP), the magnitude of the increase in NTP improve the welfare of farmers, and comparisons of NTP users of organic and inorganic fertilizers. This study uses primary data obtained from farmers through direct interviews using a prepared list of questions. Farmer of respondents was taken by using slovin method so that determined big sample of rice farmer farmer as many as 117 people apply intensification by using organic fertilizer. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The result of the research showed that the influence of NTP, the Food Consumption Exchange Rate (NTKP) and the Production Factor Exchange Rate (NTFP) contributed 86.7% and significantly to the increase of NTP. Increased NTP of Organic Fertilizer has implication to farmer's prosperity. Organic fertilizer users obtain higher NTP than inorganic fertilizer users. Can be concluded intensification system by using organic fertilizer can increase NTP.
Preface Vol.17(43)
Authors: S Enkhtuul
Published: October 2017

No abstract available
«Mejor me será que calle». Formas de autocensura en los escritos aragoneses sobre la rebelión de 1591
Authors: Gascón Pérez Jesús
Published: October 2017

La rebelión aragonesa de 1591 generó en los años posteriores a su estallido un interesante corpus documental en el que pueden distinguirse dos grupos principales de escritos. Los primeros presentan una imagen degradada del reino, considerado rebelde contra Felipe II, y configuran una visión «antiaragonesa» del episodio. Los segundos, como réplica, hacen apología de la inquebrantable fidelidad aragonesa y ofrecen una visión edulcorada del conflicto. Conocemos el contenido de ambas interpretaciones y las dificultades que hubieron de afrontar los escritos en favor del reino, sometidos a distintas censuras que determinaron su suerte. En esta ocasión se analizará el modo en que los autores de estos textos apologéticos se convirtieron en censores de su propio trabajo y se reflexionará sobre las razones que les llevaron a ejercer la autocensura, así como sobre las consecuencias que dicha práctica tuvo sobre sus escritos.
Simon i Tarrés, Antoni (2016). La Bíblia en el pensament polític català i hispànic de l’època de la raó d’estat
Authors: Fernández Terricabras Ignasi
Published: October 2017

Simon i Tarrés, Antoni (2016)La Bíblia en el pensament polític català i hispànic de l’època de la raó d’estatBarcelona: Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 597 p.ISBN 978-84-9883-819-0
Researching science learning from students’ view – the potential of headcam
Authors: Frøyland Merethe , Remmen Kari Beate , Mork Sonja M. , Ødegaard Marianne , Christiansen Torgeir
Published: October 2017

This article discusses the potential of small head mounted camera (headcam) to collect video data indicating student learning processes in science across time and settings (classroom and field). Empirical examples from two Norwegian research projects; one on integrating science inquiry and literacy in elementary school and the other on learning geoscience through fieldwork in upper secondary school; are used to demonstrate the potential contribution of headcam to science education research. We propose that headcam videos provide opportunities for observing features of science teaching and learning from new angles: following students during movement, connecting students’ verbal interactions and interaction with physical objects, students’ written products in the making, and students’ development of understanding over time. However, we also experienced that headcam videos exposed some unwanted observations. The discussion of implications addresses the advantages and limitations of using headcams, including concerns arising from unwanted observations.