bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metode Rapid Application Development dalam Sistem Informasi Geografis Rute Angkutan Umum Kota Depok (SIGEPOK) Berbasis Web
Authors: Pohan Achmad Baroqah , Setianingrum Herlin Widasiwi
Published: December 2019

Abstract

 

Depok city, West Java, Indonesia is located in the south of Jakarta, between Jakarta and Bogor. This city has 2.1 million people in 2016 with a high mobility society characteristic. Therefore, they need adequate transportation mode for supporting their activities. The availability of information for public transportation route is a mandatory requirement for Depok city. The use of Internet technology for the implementation of geographic information system is expected to contribute to the success factor of public transportation service. In this study, the proposed system utilized Google Maps in processing and visualizing the public transport route map. The system is designed using Rapid Application Development software development that suitable for faster system development. With this information system, the community is expected to be easier to get information about public transport in Depok city. In addition, the purposed system could give the benefits, i.e. increasing the use of public transport, decreasing the use of private vehicle in people daily activities, and reducing the traffic jams in the city. The proposed system this study was a web-based GIS application that provides information about public transport service in the city of Depok.

 

Keywords: Rapid Application Development, Geographic Information System, Public Transportation, Web

 

Abstrak

 

Kota Depok adalah sebuah kota di provinsi Jawa barat yang terletak tepat di selatan jakarta, yakni diantara Jakarta dan bogor. Populasi kota Depok pada tahun 2016 mencapai 2,1 juta penduduk dengan mobilitas masyarakatnya yang tinggi. Hal tersebut menjadikan masyarakat kota Depok sangat membutuhkan moda transportasi yang memadai untuk menjalankan segala aktifitasnya. Kemudahan informasi mengenai rute rute transportasi umum juga menjadi sebuah kebutuhan wajib bagi masyarakat kota Depok. Pemanfaatan teknologi internet untuk membangun sebuah sistem informasi geografis diharapkan dapat berkontribusi memberikan kemudahan bagi masyarakat dalam mendapatkan rute angkutan umum. Sistem ini memanfaatkan Google Maps dalam mengolah dan memvisualisasikan peta rute angkutan umum. Sistem dirancang dengan menggunakan metode pengembangan perangkat lunak Rapid Application Development, dengan harapan sistem lebih cepat diimplementasikan. Dengan adanya sistem informasi ini, diharapkan masyarakat lebih mudah mendapatkan informasi mengenai rute angkutan umum di kota Depok. Selain itu tujuan penelitian ini dapat berdampak peningkatan penggunaan transportasi umum oleh masyarakat dibandingkan penggunaan kendaraan pribadi saat melakukan aktifitas harian yang secara tidak langsung dapat mengurangi angka kemacetan di kota Depok. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah sebuah aplikasi GIS berbasis web yang memberikan informasi rute rute angkutan umum di kota Depok.

 

Kata kunci: Rapid Application Development, Sistem Informasi Geografis, Transportasi Umum, Web
Leaflets and appeals of the central committee of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Belarus to the Soviet citizens in German-occupied Belarus
Authors: Mironowicz Eugeniusz
Published: December 2019

The analysis of the content of the appeal leaflets was to show what the Soviet leadership set for the people responsible for propaganda. The image of the enemy presented to the Belarusian society convinced them to uncompromising fight. The propaganda also left no doubt that any work strengthening the occupants’ potential was a betrayal of the Soviet homeland. It reminded that the loyalty of the inhabitants of occupied Belarus should be shown only to the Soviet authorities. The one more goal of the research was to show the effects of propaganda work. They were clearly visible. This was manifested by a powerful guerrilla movement on the territory of the republic and a small, compared to neighboring republics Lithuania and Ukraine, implementation of imposed standards for the supply of labor to Germany and food contingents.
Activities of the Сuratorship of Empress Maria Alexandrovna about the blind in the Belarusian provinces of the Russian Empire (late 19th – early 20th centuries)
Authors: Korsakov Dmitry G.
Published: December 2019

The Curatorship of Empress Maria Alexandrovna about the blind made a great contribution to the development of charity in the Russian Empire which at that time included the Belarusian lands. In the Belarusian provinces, the Office became the first institution to focus on giving aid to blind people. The purpose of the article is to review the activities of the Belarusian branches of the Curatorship of Empress Maria Alexandrovna about the blind and to show their contribution to the development of social assistance and the struggle with blindness in our country. This topic hasn’t been thoroughly studied in native historiography yet and thus it remains relevant for a research. Besides this, in modern Republic of Belarus the traditions of private charity which had been interrupted in the Soviet period began to revive, this obviously increasing the interest to the experience of charity institutions of the past. The article regards the formation and development of the branches of the Curatorship in the Belarusian provinces of the Russian Empire. The main forms and methods of their activity as well as the sources of financing are identified. The main achievements and results of their work are analyzed. The assembled material gives an idea of the condition of the charity system of the blind in the Belarusian lands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The research is based on the materials obtained in national and Russian libraries, a number of sources being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time.
Successful women in the Polish People’s Republic in the light of publications of the magazine «Zwierciadło: Pismo Ligi Kobiet Polskich»
Authors: Dajnowicz Malgorzata
Published: December 2019

The aim of the scientific research included in the paper was to show the issue of Polish women and the cultural changes in the Polish People’s Republic in the end of 1980s. These transformations were reflected in women’s magazines, including in «Zwierciadło», being also a platform for disseminating the activities of the only official women’s movement at that time – League of Polish Women among readers. The research studies are new; so far scientific research on the importance of the women’s press on the subject of «Zwierciadło» has been conducted only by the author of this study. The method of press analysis, analysing individual studies of the «Zwierciadło» magazine, and the historical method of analysing source documents and literature on the subject were used in the study. As a result of the study, an image of women achieving professional, social and, thus, personal success, disseminated in «Zwierciadło», was shown. The image also demonstrated some role models for women – what the women’s success which Polish women should strive for can and should look like. «Zwierciadło: Pismo Ligi Kobiet Polskich», a magazine addressed to women, was published in 1982–1990 and promoted the organization and its achievements. The magazine sought to present issues concerning the life of Polish women, their everyday problems, but also successes to be enjoyed by Polish women and women from abroad. The magazine provided examples of women’s careers. Professional work was to be a way to personal success and social advancement. The image of successful women presented in the magazine differed from the possibility to achieve the success by typical magazine’s readers, including League of Polish Women members.
Vasil Pavlovich Tepin and his «History of the Belarusian State University»
Authors: Maliugin Oleg I. , Yanouski Aleh A.
Published: December 2019

The life, scientific and pedagogical activities of Vasil Pavlovich Tepin, one of the organizer of the Belarusian State University, are considered in this article. As a dean of the faculty of pre-university education and later – associate professor at the pedagogical faculty – he published number of scientific and methodical works, made a significant contribution not only to the formation of university education, but also in the development of the Belarusian high school. V. P. Tepin was one of the victims of Stalin repressions of 1930s. After the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, he stayed in Minsk and worked in the School Department of local administration. During the German occupation, he wrote his last work, «History of the Belarusian State University», in which he outlined his assessment of the events that preceded the creation of the university, the history of the first years of the BSU activities, his attitude to a number of teachers and political leaders of Belarus during the interwar period. The memoirs of V. P. Tepin, taken in comparison with the memoirs of other BSU staff and students of those two decades, help to reconstruct in more details the little-studied pages of the history of the first Belarusian university.
Extensions of nonclosable operators and multiplication of distributions
Authors: Antonevich Anatolij B. , Dolicanin Cemal
Published: December 2019

In the paper some new constructions of extensions of nonclosable operators is proposed and several examples of applications are given. One of particular cases of the problem under consideration is the question on multiplication of distributions, a solution to which can be given by introduction of the so-called new generalized functions. It was demonstrated that the main obstacle for multiplication of distributions is nonclosablility of classical multiplication and the construction of new generalized functions is based on the ideas similar to that used under construction of the extension of nonclosable operators.
Influence of corneal biomechanical properties on IOP indices in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Bubnova Irina , Averich Veronica , Belousova Elena
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Evaluation of corneal biomechanical prop¬erties and their influence on IOP indices in patients with keratoconus.
Material and methods. The study included 194 eyes with keratoconus (113 patients aged from 23 to 36 years old). Corneal refraction in central zone varied from 48.25 to 56.75 D, values of corneal thickness ranged from 279 to 558 μm. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to Amsler classification: I stage – 40 eyes; II stage – 78 eyes; III stage – 54 eyes and IV stage – 22 eyes. Standard ophthal¬mological examination was carried out including pneumo¬tonometry. IOP indices and values of biomechanical prop¬erties were evaluated by dynamic bidirectional pneumatic applanation and pneumatic impression.
Results. Study of corneal biomechanical properties in patients with keratoconus showed a decrease of such biomechanical indices as corneal hysteresis (CH) on aver¬age to 8.42±1.12 mm Hg, corneal resistance factor (CRF) – to 7.45±0.96 mm Hg, coefficient of elasticity (CE) – 5.35± 0.87 mm Hg. Values of these indices strongly depended on the stage of keratoconus. In the whole sample, the aver¬age corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) amounted to 15.08± 2.43 mm Hg, Goldman IOP (IOPg) was 11.61±2.37 mm Hg and pneumatic tonometry IOP (IOPp) was 10.13±2.94 mm Hg. IOPcc indices didn’t have any statistically significant differ¬ence in dependence on the stage of keratoconus (р>0.473), while in process of disease progression IOPg and IOPp indi¬ces showed statistically significant decrease of mean values.
Conclusion. Progression of keratoconus led to a de¬crease in corneal biomechanical properties which deter¬mine reduction of such indices as IOPg and IOPp in contrast to IOPcc.
Scleral lenses: considerations on the total diameter
Authors: Fadel Daddi
Published: December 2019

A scleral contact lens (SCL) can be defined as a lens that only rests on the sclera. Raised from the cornea and limbus, the total diameter must be greater than the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) and the extension of the limbus. Currently, the most commonly used lenses are scleral lenses with a diameter between 15.0 and 17.0 mm, the so-called mini-scleral lenses. The existing nomenclature of scleral lenses is based only on HVID and total diameter. It is therefore important to further differentiate smaller mini-sclera lenses from lager ones.
Contact lenses for vision correction in children and adolescents (literature review)
Authors: Myagkov Alexander , Poskrebysheva Zhanna
Published: December 2019

The use of contact lenses (CLs) in children and adoles¬cents is a topical subject that attracted even more atten¬tion during recent years due to the improvement of ma¬terials and types of CLs. According to research, more than 2 million children and adolescents use soft CLs in the USA alone. This results from both broad medical indications for the prescription of CLs and social reasons. The age at which contact lenses can be recommended for children is also an important subject that is being under debate. While some ophthalmologists believe that children can be introduced to soft contact lenses from the age of 12 years old, others think that the minimum age should be 14 years old. Some doctors, however, are against using contact lenses in children. Optometrists, not having the right to conduct cycloplegia, prefer to prescribe contact lenses to adolescents over 14 years old. On the other hand, the selection of CLs for children and adolescents does not depend on age, but on the indications for their application.
Technology of contact lenses coloring
Authors: Listratov Sergey
Published: December 2019

The technology of contact lenses coloring is viewed as a way of giving soft contact lenses the tone that is differ-ent from the usual one. Various methods for coloring soft lenses are reviewed; their advantages and disadvantages are outlined. Application features depending on the desired result are described. Differences between tinted, colored and decorative lenses are given.
The evolution of visual acuity test methods
Authors: Aliev Abdul-Gamid , Nurudinov Musa , Alieva M.
Published: December 2019

This review presents a historical analysis of the develop¬ment of visual acuity research methods, examines in detail the principles of construction of optotypes and charts for visual acuity examination as well as describes the advantag¬es and disadvantages of modern eye charts. Such attention to this topic is justified by the fact that visual acuity is the main parameter characterizing the state of the eye. There¬fore, the study of visual acuity remains one of the most im¬portant methods of assessing visual functions. The generally accepted systems for visual acuity examination, despite the simplicity of their operation, do not have a sufficiently high sensitivity, and the optotypes that are used do not make it possible to adequately assess the functional state of the eye.
A study on market intelligence: the professional, the applicability of information technologies to innovate and gain competitive advantage
Authors: Silva Enzo , Lopes Patrícia
Published: December 2019

With the evolving market of various industries, business management specialists are creating a demand for information technology to gain competitive advantage. Within this context, technology management specialists seek to innovate by creating systems that offer results with differentials. In this paper, we seek to present the connection between the study of Business Administration and Information Systems, addressing a brief history of Market Intelligence, its evolution and the importance it has for most business sectors. We have strengthened the argument why information technology is an essential investment for the success and survival of any organization today. We intend to contribute with theoretical material for future research on the subject.
B-box Proteins in Arachis duranensis: Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiles Analysis
Authors: Jin Hanqi , Xing Mengge , Cai Chunmei , Li Shuai
Published: December 2019

B-box (BBX) proteins are important factors involved in plant growth and developmental regulation, and they have been identified in many species. However, information on the characteristics and transcription patterns of BBX genes in wild peanut are limited. In this study, we identified and characterized 24 BBX genes from a wild peanut, Arachis duranensis. Many characteristics were analyzed, including chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships, and gene structures. Arachis duranensis B-box (AdBBX) proteins were grouped into five classes based on the diversity of their conserved domains: I (3 genes), II (4 genes), III (4 genes), IV (9 genes), and V (4 genes). Fifteen distinct motifs were found in the 24 AdBBX proteins. Duplication analysis revealed the presence of two interchromosomal duplicated gene pairs, from group II and IV. In addition, 95 kinds of cis-acting elements were found in the genes’ promoter regions, 53 of which received putative functional predictions. The numbers and types of cis-acting elements varied among different AdBBX promoters, and, as a result, AdBBX genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in different tissues. Transcriptional profiling combined with synteny analysis suggests that AdBBX8 may be a key factor involved in flowering time regulation. Our study will provide essential information for further functional investigation of AdBBX genes.
Dynamics of Sows’ Activity Housed in Farrowing Pens with Possibility of Temporary Crating might Indicate the Time When Sows Should be Confined in a Crate before the Onset of Farrowing
Authors: Oczak Maciej , Maschat Kristina , Baumgartner Johannes
Published: December 2019

One way to reduce the negative impact of farrowing crates on sow welfare is to limit confinement of sows from the onset of farrowing until the end of the critical period of piglets’ life a few days after farrowing. In order to provide an indication of the time when sows should be confined in crates, ear tag-based acceleration data was modeled to provide the following two types of alarms: A “first-stage” alarm that indicates the beginning of nest-building behaviour, and a “second-stage” alarm that indicates the ending of the nest-building behaviour. In total, 53 sows were included in the experiment. Each sow had an ear tag with an accelerometer sensor mounted on the ear. Acceleration data were modeled with the Kalman filtering and fixed interval smoothing (KALMSMO) algorithm. It was possible to predict farrowing on the basis of increased activity in the validation dataset with a median of 8 h 51 min before the onset of farrowing. Alarms that indicated the need for confinement of the sow in a crate were generated with a median of 2 h 3 min before the onset of farrowing. These results suggest that the developed model should be sufficient to provide early warning of approaching farrowing and secondary alarm indicating the need to confine a sow in a crate.
Effect of Replacement of Synthetic vs. Natural Curing Agents on Quality Characteristics of Cinta Senese Frankfurter-Type Sausage
Authors: Parrini Silvia , Sirtori Francesco , Acciaioli Anna , Becciolini Valentina , Crovetti Alessandro , Franci Oreste , Romani Annalisa , Scardigli Arianna , Bozzi Riccardo
Published: December 2019

Frankfurter-type sausages (called sausages) were manufactured using Cinta Senese meat. Two different formulations were considered: (i) nitrite and nitrate as curing agents (NIT), (ii) natural mixture (NAT) totally replacing the synthetic curing agents. Microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics during three different storage times (7, 30, 60 days) were investigated, while sensorial traits were evaluated at the end of the period. The main foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, coagulase positive Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., total bacterium at 30 °C) were absent in both sausage groups. Both types of sausage had a high content of fat probably due to the high intramuscular fat of the local breed. The fatty acid composition of NAT sausages would seem slightly less efficient in the lipid oxidation control. Regarding color parameters, NIT sausages showed greater lightness and redness, while NAT ones were more yellow, thanks to the effect of nitrate on color. All texture parameters resulted higher in NIT, except for the springiness. Storage time mainly affected total microbial count, pH, and color. The addition of natural extract changed the perception of some sensorial properties above all in terms of taste and odor. Natural extract represented an alternative to synthetic additives in Cinta Senese sausages even if some attributes could be improved.
Early Parenteral Administration of Ceftiofur has Gender-Specific Short- and Long-Term Effects on the Fecal Microbiota and Growth in Pigs from the Suckling to Growing Phase
Authors: Ruczizka Ursula , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara , Unterweger Christine , Mann Evelyne , Schwarz Lukas , Knecht Christian , Hennig-Pauka Isabel
Published: December 2019

Using ceftiofur during the first days of life is a common preventative strategy against several bacterial diseases in pig production. This study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term effects of early use of ceftiofur on the fecal microbiota development in suckling and growing pigs. Sixty-four piglets from eight litters were assigned to the antibiotic (AB; n = 32) or control group (control; n = 32). Twelve hours postpartum (day 0) AB piglets received an intramuscular injection of ceftiofur (5.0 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo. DNA was extracted from fecal samples collected on days 0, 12, 28, and 97 for deep-sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The AB administration disturbed the maturational changes in the fecal microbiome, whereby effects were sex-specific. Sex-related differences in AB metabolism in females and males may have caused these diverging AB-effects on the fecal microbiota. Especially the loss of bacterial diversity and of certain taxa in female AB pigs may have contributed to the decreased body weight of these females on day 97 of life. Taken together, this study showed that an AB injection with ceftiofur 12 h postpartum markedly affected the successional changes in the fecal microbiota composition in male and female pigs, with long-term consequences for host performance.
Mitogenome Diversity and Maternal Origins of Guangxi Cattle Breeds
Authors: Xia Xiaoting , Huang Guangyun , Wang Zihao , Sun Junli , Wu Zhuyue , Chen Ningbo , Lei Chuzhao , Hanif Quratulain
Published: December 2019

Guangxi Province is located in the southernmost region of China, adjacent to the hotspot that is considered to be the putative migratory corridor or domestication area for Chinese indicine cattle. Here, we investigated the evolutionary status of Guangxi native breeds, Longlin (n = 21), Nandan (n = 18), and Weizhou cattle (n = 17) using mitogenome sequencing. Our results show that Bos indicus sub-haplogroup I1a predominates in Guangxi cattle breeds. Population structure by multidimensional-scaling analysis significantly differentiates Weizhou from the other two breeds (Longlin and Nandan). Moreover, the mtDNA haplotype composition and FST values indicate that the formation of Longlin and Nandan breeds may have been affected by Indian indicine, whereas, Weizhou island might have preserved pure Chinese indicine cattle due to its geographical isolation. We speculate that following the initial entry of zebu into southern China, the subsequent introgression of Indian indicine may have influenced the matrilineal origin of local breeds in southwestern China.
Leptospira Seroprevalence in Bardigiano Horses in Northern Italy
Authors: Vera Elena , Taddei Simone , Cavirani Sandro , Schiavi Jennifer , Angelone Mario , Cabassi Clotilde S. , Schiano Emiliana , Quintavalla Fausto
Published: December 2019

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bardigiano horses in the Province of Parma, Northern Italy, to assess the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and to investigate risk factors associated with the infection. A representative sample of 134 horses from 43 farms was selected by stratified systematic randomization. Blood sera were examined by MAT for the presence of antibodies against seven Leptospira serovars. Ninety animals (67.2%; 95% Confidence Interval 63.2–71.1) and 41 farms (95.3%; 95% CI 92.2–98.5%) were found positive to at least one of the serovars. The most frequently detected reactions were against serovar Bratislava (41.8%), followed by Canicola (36.6%), Tarassovi (28.4%), Copenhageni (17.9%), Pomona (10.4%) and Hardjo (2.2%). None of the sera reacted against serovar Grippothyphosa. Forty-eight horses (53.3% of the seropositives) were positive for more than one serovar and 21 (15.7% of the seropositives) had serum titres ≥ 1000. Bratislava was the serovar providing the highest antibody titres. Prevalence was significantly higher between adult horses and in farms lacking rodent control (p = 0.006 and p = 0.025, respectively). No significant gender or housing-related difference in seroprevalence was found. The anamnestic data suggest that the infection in Bardigiano horses is subclinical in most of the cases. The high seroprevalence indicates that Bardigiano horses living in the investigated area are at high risk of exposure and infection by Leptospira spp.
Effect of Ewe Diet on Milk and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Suckling Lambs of the Protected Geographical Origin Abbacchio Romano
Authors: Fusaro Isa , Giammarco Melania , Chincarini Matteo , Odintsov Vaintrub Michael , Palmonari Alberto , Mammi Ludovica Maria Eugenia , Formigoni Andrea , Di Giuseppe Lorella , Vignola Giorgio
Published: December 2019

Consumers increasingly pay more attention to the lipid profile of meat products and consume less meat to reduce cholesterol and heart disease. In Italy, sheep producers are increasingly feeding sheep fresh forage. We investigated whether the supplementation of dam diet with extruded linseed would be an alternative strategy to pasture for improving the intramuscular and subcutaneous FA compositions of their suckling lambs. The ewe diets were enriched with either extruded linseed (L), un-supplemented farm diet (F), or pasture (P). Milk saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased in P and L compared with F, while the opposite pattern was observed for polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids after seven days. The FA composition of lamb meat was similar to that of their dam’s milk, showing higher PUFA in P and L compared to F, while SFA was higher in F. Regarding the lamb meat obtained from barn-held ewes, L had lower n-6/n-3 content compared to F, while an intermediate content was found in P. These results indicate a better n-3 FA profile in milk and lamb’s meat from pasture and linseed-enriched diets. No changes in lamb performance were observed.
Examining the Effects of Rabbit-Assisted Interventions in the Classroom Environment
Authors: Molnár Marcell , Iváncsik Réka , DiBlasio Barbara , Nagy István
Published: December 2019

The effect of rabbit-assisted interventions on the anxiety levels of first-grade children at a primary school was analyzed. At the beginning of our research, no rabbit-assisted intervention was applied for 6 weeks in order to establish the level of stress caused by the start of the education period. We then alternated 6-week-long periods with and without rabbit-assisted intervention. The level of anxiety in children was assessed every three weeks both in the assisted and non-assisted periods, using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, STAI-C. One of the examined classes did not apply the integrating policy while the other class contained pupils with special education needs (called the integrating class). Rabbit-assisted interventions proved to be efficient, as anxiety level scores were significantly lower during the animal-assisted periods. The rabbits actively initiated encounters with humans, not only in the framework of animal-assisted interventions, but also at other occasions. In cases of discomfort, the rabbit retreated to the cage and stayed inside for a short time. The children displayed signs of pleasure when the rabbits approached them. The favorable effect of animal assistance was more apparent in the integrating class. It could be concluded that rabbit-assisted interventions were suitable for decreasing the anxiety levels of elementary school children, improving the efficacy of the educational ability of teachers.
Prevalence of Salmonella by Serological and Direct Detection Methods in Piglets from Inconspicuous, Conspicuous, and Vaccinated Sow Herds
Authors: Buch Juhle-Marijke , Visscher Christian , Schulte zu Sundern Anton , Schulte-Wülwer Josef , Deermann Ansgar , Holling Carolin
Published: December 2019

Due to the zoonotic potential of Salmonella, the high prevalence of Salmonella on pig farms deserves particular attention. Because there is limited precise data on piglet-producing farms, this survey evaluated the Salmonella status of 24 different pig farms that had previously been divided into 12 Salmonella-conspicuous (SC) and 12 Salmonella-inconspicuous (SI) farms on the basis of the serological status of their piglets (25 kg). The evaluation was based on 498 environmental samples and 2641 blood samples, as well as on a biosecurity screening. SC farms were subdivided into farms with sow vaccination against Salmonella (n = 3) and those without vaccination (n = 9). In accordance with the previous classification, both the highest Salmonella prevalence in the environment and the highest antibody titers of the examined piglets were determined on SC farms at both defined time points. Piglets from vaccinated sows showed the highest OD% values, before and after vaccination. On SC farms, most Salmonella-positive samples could be obtained in rearing areas (2017: 40.8%, 2019: 26.0%). The results of this study indicate that sow vaccination alone cannot influence Salmonella prevalence at the farm level. Above all, general infection pressure seems to play a major role for Salmonella prevalence in the environment and for high OD% values of related pigs.
Copy Number Variations of Four Y-Linked Genes in Swamp Buffaloes
Authors: Sun Ting , Hanif Quratulain , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao , Dang Ruihua
Published: December 2019

Copy number variation (CNV), a significant source of genetic diversity in the mammalian Y chromosome, is associated with the development of many complex phenotypes, such as spermatogenesis and male fertility. The contribution of Y-linked CNVs has been studied in various species, however, water buffalo has not been explored in this area and the genetic information still remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the CNVs of four Y-linked genes, including, sex determining Region of Y-Chromosome (SRY), ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat gene protein on the chromosome Y (UTY), DEAD-box helicase 3 Y-linked (DDX3Y, also known as DBY), and oral-facial-digital syndrome 1 Y-linked (OFD1Y) in 254 swamp buffaloes from 15 populations distributed across China, Vietnam, and Laos using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Our results revealed the prevalence of a single-copy UTY gene in buffaloes. The DBY and OFD1Y represented CNVs among and within different buffalo breeds. The SRY showed CNVs only in Vietnamese and Laotian buffaloes. In conclusion, this study indicated that DBY, OFD1Y, and SRY showed CNVs, while the UTY was a single-copy gene in swamp buffaloes.
Design and Implementation of Position-Based Repetitive Control Torque Observer for Cogging Torque Compensation in PMSM
Authors: Wu Chun-Ju , Tsai Mi-Ching , Cheng Lon-Jay
Published: December 2019

In permanent magnet machines, the cogging torque caused by reluctance variations in the air gap may degrade the speed control performance in low speed and will undoubtedly limit its operational range. In order to reduce the cogging torque, this paper proposes a position-based repetitive control observer aiming at cogging torque estimation and further rejection. This new scheme of observer design possesses the capability of repeatedly learning the observed clogging torque in each rotation to achieve higher estimation accuracy. An online/offline feedforward compensation strategy that employs the forgetting factor principle and position-based average generates the cogging torque compensation lookup table learned from the position-based repetitive control observer. To verify the overall control performance of the proposed observed design technique, a hardware in the loop control device is employed, and then an experimental setup with a permanent magnet synchronous motor and its power drive was adopted.
Assessment of Catalyst Selectivity in Carbon-Nanotube Silylesterification
Authors: Detriche Simon , Bhakta Arvind K. , N’Twali Patrick , Delhalle Joseph , Mekhalif Zineb
Published: December 2019

The functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) plays a key role in their solubilization and compatibility for many applications. Among the many possible ways to functionalize CNTs, the creation of an Si–O–C bond is crucial for the formation of silicone composites. Catalyst-mediated silylesterification is useful in creating Si–O–C bonds because it is cost-effective and uses a hydrosilane precursor of lower reactivity than that of chlorosilane. However, it was previously demonstrated that two important silylesterification catalysts (zinc chloride and Karstedt’s catalyst) exhibit different selectivity for oxidized functional groups that are present on the surface of CNTs after oxidative acid treatment. This report details the selective modification of CNTs with various oxygenated functional groups (aromatic and nonaromatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, ethers, and ketones) using diazonium chemistry. Modified CNTs were used to assess the specifity of zinc chloride and Karstedt’s catalyst for oxygenated functional groups during a silylesterification reaction. Karstedt’s catalyst appeared to be widely applicable, allowing for the silylesterification of all of the aforementioned oxygenated functional groups. However, it showed lower efficacy for ethers and ketones. By contrast, zinc chloride was found to be very specific for nonaromatic carboxylic acids. This study also examined the Hansen solubility parameters of modified CNTs.
An Improved Dynamic Model of the Vanadium Extraction Process in Steelmaking Converters
Authors: Chen Shike , Cai Zhijie
Published: December 2019

The production process from iron ore to steel can be divided into several stages, among which the processes of vanadium extraction and steelmaking are two key technological sections. The products of vanadium extraction are important strategic resources for modern industrial countries, and the remaining molten iron after vanadium extraction provides the material used in the subsequent steelmaking processes. In some mechanism models of vanadium extraction and the steelmaking process, the contact area of the reactions is considered to be constant in the empirical formula; furthermore, even the masses of the molten steel and slag are taken to be constants. This paper presents an important improvement to the existing models, in which the contact areas of the slag–metal interface and the emulsion system are considered to be non-constant. The improved model is simple and easy to analyze theoretically. Theoretical analysis of the model equations can be used to explain the competitive oxidation between each element, as well as the oxygen conservation of the system. The numerical simulations are consistent with existing production data, showing that the mass fraction of vanadium can be reduced to the specified threshold after about 3.5 min of blowing, which provides an important reference for production control. Furthermore, it is shown that the model captures the “trapezoid” structure of the decarburization rate. This paper also considers the relationship between FeO and O, the numerical simulation partly reflecting the dependence between the concentrations of FeO and O. The improved model can be used to describe and predict the change of the molten steel and slag composition in the process of vanadium extraction, which provides a mathematical foundation for the automatic control of the vanadium extraction process.
Spreading-Based Voice Encryption by Means of OVSF Codes
Authors: Renza Diego , Ballesteros Dora M. , Martinez Estibaliz
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a new methodology to encrypt voice signals, in such a way that they simulate being a noise signal. The objective is to obtain a signal that does not generate suspicions about its content, while protecting the message. The process is based on the spread and scrambling of the signal through the use of OVSF (orthogonal variable spreading factor) codes. The security of the method is based mainly on the input value used for the randomization phase. From a computational cost point of view, the use of fixed-length codes allows for a shorter retrieval time compared to a similar method based on variable-length codes. Regarding the encrypted signal, its main characteristic is its high entropy (very close to the ideal value). Finally, in the recovery process, a signal identical to the original is obtained.
Analysis of the Behavior of Mass Concrete with the Addition of Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) When Exposed to Fire
Authors: Serrano Somolinos Rubén , Prieto Barrio María Isabel , González García María de las Nieves , Hosokawa Menéndez Kenzo Jorge
Published: December 2019

Due to the importance of concrete as a structural material and the pathologies that can be achieved by reinforced concrete structures when they are subjected to the action of fire both at the level of resistance and deformation, in this research we study the mechanical behavior of mass concrete with the addition of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) when exposed to the action of fire, in order to determine the improvements that this type of addition produces in concrete. To achieve this objective, compression break tests have been carried out on cylindrical concrete specimens incorporating CNFs. From the analysis of results, it can be concluded that the residual resistant capacity of concrete with the addition of 1% of CNFs by weight of cement subjected to the direct action of fire, is greater than that of concrete without additions, not obtaining better results, if the addition of CNFs increases to 2%. The addition of 1% of CNFs has not influenced the temperatures reached in the concrete, but produces a more homogeneous cooling and that the paste-aggregate bond is maintained despite thermal aggression, which decreases the spalling effect.
The Influence of Application Protocol of Simplified and Universal Adhesives on the Dentin Bonding Performance
Authors: Zecin-Deren Anna , Lukomska-Szymanska Monika , Szczesio-Wlodarczyk Agata , Piwonski Ireneusz , Sokolowski Jerzy , Lapinska Barbara
Published: December 2019

Contemporary adhesives use etch-and-rinse, self-etch, and multimode adhesive strategies. Simplified and universal adhesives present lower bond strength to dentin than conventional, two-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate bonding performance of simplified and universal adhesives to dentin after modifying their application protocol (multiplying applications and extending application time). Adhesive layer thickness (ALT) and shear bond strength (SBS), as well as the correlation between these parameters was calculated. Two universal (Single Bond Universal and Prime & Bond One Select) and two self-etch adhesives (Adper Easy One and Xeno V) were tested. Significant differences in ALT were detected between the adhesives, as well as within the same adhesive between study groups. Tested adhesives presented the thinnest adhesive layer when applied 2 times in 20 s. Single Bond Universal obtained the highest SBS results of all adhesives. Most adhesives (except for Prime & Bond One Select) obtained the highest SBS, when applied two or three times in 40 or 60 s, respectively. No correlation between the ALT and SBS was found. The study showed that increasing the number of applications and extending the application time of self-etch and universal adhesives can be recommended to improve their performance.
Modification of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 18 Secretion by Monocytes Derived from Patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Galstyan Karine O. , Nedosugova Ludmila V. , Martirosian Narine S. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Elizova Natalia V. , Kolmychkova Kira I. , Sobenin Igor A. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: December 2019

Background: This study involves the investigation of spontaneous and induced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) by monocytes isolated from blood of patients with long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), both with or without foot ulcers. Methods: A total of 121 patients with T2DM (79 without diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and 42 patients with DFS) were included. Cluster of Differentiation 14 (CD14+) monocytes were isolated from patients’ blood and stimulated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) for induction of pro- and anti-inflammatory monocyte activation, respectively. The concentrations of TNF-α and CCL18 in the culture medium were measured using ELISA on day 1 and day 6 after cell stimulation. Results: We found a correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and stimulated secretion levels of TNF-α (r = 0.726, p = 0.027) and CCL18 (r = –0.949, p = 0.051) in patients with DFS. There was an increase of pro- and anti-inflammatory activation of monocytes in all patients with different durations of DFS (p < 0.05). However, no stimulation of anti-inflammatory activation was detected in patients with DFS lasting more than 6 months (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Our study showed an increase in pro-inflammatory secretion and a decrease in anti-inflammatory secretion by monocytes isolated from blood of patients with T2DM depending on HbA1c levels and duration of the inflammatory process. These findings allow us to assume that monocytes isolated from T2DM patients are characterized by a biased ability to respond towards pro-inflammatory stimulation, contributing to the chronic wound process.
An Overview on the Properties of Ximenia Oil Used as Cosmetic in Angola
Authors: Satoto Gabriel , Fernandes Ana Sofia , Saraiva Nuno , Santos Fernando , Neng Nuno , Nogueira José Manuel , Santos de Almeida Tânia , Araujo Maria Eduarda
Published: December 2019

Ximenia (Ximenia americana L.) is a shrub, or small tree, native from Africa and spread across different continents. In Angola, the seeds oil is used by local populations, to prevent sunburn, to smooth and hydrate the skin, and to give it a pleasant color and elasticity, to prevent stretch marks, in pregnant woman, and also as hair conditioner. Herein, an oil sold in the region (LPO), and two others extracted in laboratory, from seeds collected in the same region, were investigated in terms of their composition, chemical properties, UV transmission. The three oils are similar although the LPO is more acidic, 0.48 mg KOH/g. GC-MS analysis indicated that the major components are the fatty acids, oleic (31.82%), nervonic (11.09%), ximenic (10.22%), and hexacosa-17,20,23-trienoic acids (14.59%). Long chain fatty acids, n ≥ 20, accounted for 51.1% of the total fatty acids. A thin film of the oil showed a reduction in transmittance from 200 to 300 nm. Viscosity studies of the LPO indicated that at normal temperature of skin, the oil can be spread over the skin as a thin film. At concentrations up to 10 µg/mL, the LPO is not toxic to human keratinocytes, suggesting the safety of this oil.
Advancing the Role of Gamma-Tocotrienol as Proteasomes Inhibitor: A Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ramdas Premdass , Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Abdu Sani Asmahani Azira , Kumari Mangala , Anandha Rao Jeya Seela , Abdul-Rahman Puteri Shafinaz
Published: December 2019

Tocotrienol, an analogue of vitamin E has been known for its numerous health benefits and anti-cancer effects. Of the four isoforms of tocotrienols, gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) has been frequently reported for their superior anti-tumorigenic activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, when compared to its counterparts. In this study, the effect of γT3 treatment in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fraction of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were assessed using the label-free quantitative proteomics analysis. The cytoplasmic proteome results revealed the ability of γT3 to inhibit a group of proteasome proteins such as PSMA, PSMB, PSMD, and PSME. The inhibition of proteasome proteins is known to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. As such, the findings from this study suggest γT3 as a potential proteasome inhibitor that can overcome deficiencies in growth-inhibitory or pro-apoptotic molecules in breast cancer cells. The nuclear proteome results revealed the involvement of important nuclear protein complexes which hardwire the anti-tumorigenesis mechanism in breast cancer following γT3 treatment. In conclusion, this study uncovered the advancing roles of γT3 as potential proteasomes inhibitor that can be used for the treatment of breast cancer.
Thermal Processing for the Release of Phenolic Compounds from Wheat and Oat Bran
Authors: Călinoiu Lavinia , Vodnar Dan
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present paper was to identify the major polyphenolic compounds and investigate the antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities of industrially-derived cereal byproducts—wheat bran (WB) and oat bran (OB)—before (fresh) and after thermal processing (TP) (10 min, 80 °C), coupled with ultrasound-asssited extraction. The results showed that the thermal process improved the total phenolic content of WB by +22.49%, and of OB with +25.84%. After the TP, the phenolic concentration showed a significant relative percentage increase in the case of WB (ferulic acid +39.18%, vanillic acid +95.68%, apigenin–glucoside +71.96%, p-coumaric acid +71.91) and of OB (avenanthramide 2c +52.17%, dihydroxybenzoic acids +38.55%). The best antioxidant capacity was registered by OBTP followed by WBTP. The strongest antimicrobial inhibition was attributed to the WBTP sample. Both thermally processed matrices had strong antimutagenic activity toward S. typhimurium TA100. This thermal processing was tested on bran based on its practical application within the food industry, considering the design of different cereal byproducts derived from functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Repaglinide Silences the FOXO3/Lumican Axis and Represses the Associated Metastatic Potential of Neuronal Cancer Cells
Authors: Salcher Stefan , Spoden Gilles , Huber Julia M. , Golderer Georg , Lindner Herbert , Ausserlechner Michael J. , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Geiger Kathrin , Obexer Petra
Published: December 2019

The transcription factor FOXO3 is associated with poor outcome in high-stage neuroblastoma (NB), as it facilitates chemoprotection and tumor angiogenesis. In other tumor entities, FOXO3 stimulates metastasis formation, one of the biggest challenges in the treatment of aggressive NB. However, the impact of FOXO3 on the metastatic potential of neuronal tumor cells remains largely unknown. In the present study, we uncover the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member lumican (LUM) as a FOXO3-regulated gene that stimulates cellular migration in NB. By a drug-library screen we identified the small molecular weight compound repaglinide (RPG) as a putative FOXO3 inhibitor. Here, we verify that RPG binds to the FOXO3-DNA-binding-domain (DBD) and thereby silences the transcriptional activity of FOXO3. Consistent with the concept that the FOXO3/LUM axis enhances the migratory capacity of aggressive NB cells, we demonstrate that stable knockdown of LUM abrogates the FOXO3-mediated increase in cellular migration. Importantly, FOXO3 inhibition by RPG represses the binding of FOXO3 to the LUM promoter, inhibits FOXO3-mediated LUM RNA and protein expression, and efficiently abrogates FOXO3-triggered cellular “wound healing” as well as spheroid-based 3D-migration. Thus, silencing the FOXO3/LUM axis by the FDA-approved compound RPG represents a promising strategy for novel therapeutic interventions in NB and other FOXO3-dependent tumors.