bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Transport and Cytotoxicity of the Protein Toxin Ricin
Authors: Sowa-Rogozińska Natalia , Sominka Hanna , Nowakowska-Gołacka Jowita , Sandvig Kirsten , Słomińska-Wojewódzka Monika
Published: June 2019

Ricin can be isolated from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It belongs to the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) family of toxins classified as a bio-threat agent due to its high toxicity, stability and availability. Ricin is a typical A-B toxin consisting of a single enzymatic A subunit (RTA) and a binding B subunit (RTB) joined by a single disulfide bond. RTA possesses an RNA N-glycosidase activity; it cleaves ribosomal RNA leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis. However, the mechanism of ricin-mediated cell death is quite complex, as a growing number of studies demonstrate that the inhibition of protein synthesis is not always correlated with long term ricin toxicity. To exert its cytotoxic effect, ricin A-chain has to be transported to the cytosol of the host cell. This translocation is preceded by endocytic uptake of the toxin and retrograde traffic through the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this article, we describe intracellular trafficking of ricin with particular emphasis on host cell factors that facilitate this transport and contribute to ricin cytotoxicity in mammalian and yeast cells. The current understanding of the mechanisms of ricin-mediated cell death is discussed as well. We also comment on recent reports presenting medical applications for ricin and progress associated with the development of vaccines against this toxin.
An Eye on Staphylococcus aureus Toxins: Roles in Ocular Damage and Inflammation
Authors: Astley Roger , Miller Frederick C. , Mursalin Md Huzzatul , Coburn Phillip S. , Callegan Michelle C.
Published: June 2019

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen of the eye, capable of infecting external tissues such as the tear duct, conjunctiva, and the cornea, as well the inner and more delicate anterior and posterior chambers. S. aureus produces numerous toxins and enzymes capable of causing profound damage to tissues and organs, as well as modulating the immune response to these infections. Unfortunately, in the context of ocular infections, this can mean blindness for the patient. The role of α-toxin in corneal infection (keratitis) and infection of the interior of the eye (endophthalmitis) has been well established by comparing virulence in animal models and α-toxin-deficient isogenic mutants with their wild-type parental strains. The importance of other toxins, such as β-toxin, γ-toxin, and Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL), have been analyzed to a lesser degree and their roles in eye infections are less clear. Other toxins such as the phenol-soluble modulins have yet to be examined in any animal models for their contributions to virulence in eye infections. This review discusses the state of current knowledge of the roles of S. aureus toxins in eye infections and the controversies existing as a result of the use of different infection models. The strengths and limitations of these ocular infection models are discussed, as well as the need for physiological relevance in the study of staphylococcal toxins in these models.
Comparison of the Protective Effects of Bee Venom Extracts with Varying PLA2 Compositions in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kim Kyung , Kim Minhwan , Lee Jaehwan , Jeon Hat , Kim Se , Bae Hyunsu
Published: June 2019

Bee venom contains a number of pharmacologically active components, including enzymes and polypeptides such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and melittin, which have been shown to exhibit therapeutic benefits, mainly via attenuation of inflammation, neurotoxicity, and nociception. The individual components of bee venom may manifest distinct biological actions and therapeutic potential. In this study, the potential mechanisms of action of PLA2 and melittin, among different compounds purified from honey bee venom, were evaluated against Parkinson’s disease (PD). Notably, bee venom PLA2 (bvPLA2), but not melittin, exhibited neuroprotective activity against PD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP-induced behavioral deficits were also abolished after bvPLA2 treatment, depending on the PLA2 content. Further, bvPLA2 administration activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) while inhibiting inflammatory T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells in the MPTP mouse model of PD. These results indicate that bvPLA2, but not melittin, protected against MPTP and alleviated inflammation in PD. Thus, bvPLA2 is a promising and effective therapeutic agent in Parkinson’s disease.
Cosmic Microwave Background from Effective Field Theory
Authors: Choudhury Sayantan
Published: June 2019

In this work, we study the key role of generic Effective Field Theory (EFT) framework to quantify the correlation functions in a quasi de Sitter background for an arbitrary initial choice of the quantum vacuum state. We perform the computation in unitary gauge, in which we apply the Stückelberg trick in lowest dimensional EFT operators which are broken under time diffeomorphism. In particular, using this non-linear realization of broken time diffeomorphism and truncating the action by considering the contribution from two derivative terms in the metric, we compute the two-point and three-point correlations from scalar perturbations and two-point correlation from tensor perturbations to quantify the quantum fluctuations observed in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) map. We also use equilateral limit and squeezed limit configurations for the scalar three-point correlations in Fourier space. To give future predictions from EFT setup and to check the consistency of our derived results for correlations, we use the results obtained from all classes of the canonical single-field and general single-field P ( X , ϕ ) model. This analysis helps us to fix the coefficients of the relevant operators in EFT in terms of the slow-roll parameters and effective sound speed. Finally, using CMB observations from Planck we constrain all these coefficients of EFT operators for the single-field slow-roll inflationary paradigm.
Animal Models for Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Corneillie Laura , Banda Dominic , Meuleman Philip
Published: June 2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an underdiagnosed pathogen with approximately 20 million infections each year and currently the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis. HEV was long considered to be confined to developing countries but there is increasing evidence that it is also a medical problem in the Western world. HEV that infects humans belongs to the Orthohepevirus A species of the Hepeviridae family. Novel HEV-like viruses have been observed in a variety of animals and some have been shown to be able to cross the species barrier, causing infection in humans. Several cell culture models for HEV have been established in the past years, but their efficiency is usually relatively low. With the circulation of this virus and related viruses in a variety of species, several different animal models have been developed. In this review, we give an overview of these animal models, indicate their main characteristics, and highlight how they may contribute to our understanding of the basic aspects of the viral life cycle and cross-species infection, the study of pathogenesis, and the evaluation of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Isolation of a Novel Reassortant Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N2) Virus in Egypt
Authors: Hagag Naglaa M. , Erfan Ahmed M. , El-Husseiny Mohamed , Shalaby Azhar G. , Saif Mohamed A. , Tawakol Maram M. , Nour Ahmed A. , Selim Abdullah A. , Arafa Abdel-Satar , Hassan Mohamed K. , Hassan Wafaa M. M. , Fahmy Hanan A. , Ibraheem Essam , Attia Mohamed , Abdelhakim Ali M. M. , Shahein Momtaz A. , Naguib Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2019

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H5N8 have become endemic among domestic poultry in Egypt since 2006 and 2016, respectively. In parallel, the low pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 virus has been endemic since 2010. Despite the continuous circulation of these subtypes for several years, no natural reassortant has been detected so far among the domestic poultry population in Egypt. In this study, the HPAI (H5N2) virus was isolated from a commercial duck farm, giving evidence of the emergence of the first natural reassortment event in domestic poultry in Egypt. The virus was derived as a result of genetic reassortment between avian influenza viruses of H5N8 and H9N2 subtypes circulating in Egypt. The exchange of the neuraminidase segment and high number of acquired mutations might be associated with an alteration in the biological propensities of this virus.
Current and Novel Approaches in Influenza Management
Authors: Kotey Erasmus , Lukosaityte Deimante , Quaye Osbourne , Ampofo William , Awandare Gordon , Iqbal Munir
Published: June 2019

Influenza is a disease that poses a significant health burden worldwide. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza virus infections. However, conventional vaccines are only effective for a short period of time due to the propensity of influenza viruses to undergo antigenic drift and antigenic shift. The efficacy of these vaccines is uncertain from year-to-year due to potential mismatch between the circulating viruses and vaccine strains, and mutations arising due to egg adaptation. Subsequently, the inability to store these vaccines long-term and vaccine shortages are challenges that need to be overcome. Conventional vaccines also have variable efficacies for certain populations, including the young, old, and immunocompromised. This warrants for diverse efficacious vaccine developmental approaches, involving both active and passive immunization. As opposed to active immunization platforms (requiring the use of whole or portions of pathogens as vaccines), the rapidly developing passive immunization involves administration of either pathogen-specific or broadly acting antibodies against a kind or class of pathogens as a treatment to corresponding acute infection. Several antibodies with broadly acting capacities have been discovered that may serve as means to suppress influenza viral infection and allow the process of natural immunity to engage opsonized pathogens whilst boosting immune system by antibody-dependent mechanisms that bridge the innate and adaptive arms. By that; passive immunotherapeutics approach assumes a robust tool that could aid control of influenza viruses. In this review, we comment on some improvements in influenza management and promising vaccine development platforms with an emphasis on the protective capacity of passive immunotherapeutics especially when coupled with the use of antivirals in the management of influenza infection.
Mycotoxin Detection in Maize, Commercial Feed, and Raw Dairy Milk Samples from Assiut City, Egypt
Authors: F. Abdallah Mohamed , Girgin Gözde , Baydar Terken
Published: June 2019

This survey was conducted to investigate the contamination by multiple mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) in 61 samples of maize and 17 commercial animal feed samples, and of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw dairy milk samples (n = 20) collected from Assiut City in Upper Egypt. Multi-mycotoxin immunoaffinity columns were used for samples cleanup and mycotoxin purification. An HPLC–FLD system with an on-line post-column photochemical derivatization was used for the detection of the target toxins. AFB1 was detected in both maize (n = 15) and feed (n = 8), with only one maize sample presenting a concentration above the maximum permissible level set by the Egyptian authorities. AFB2 was observed in six maize samples and in one feed sample, with a maximum value of 0.5 μg/kg. ZEA was detected only in feed samples (n = 4), with a maximum value of 3.5 μg/kg, while OTA, AFG1, and AFG2 were under the limits of detection. For milk, all the analyzed samples (100%) were contaminated with AFM1, and 14 samples (70%) presented concentrations above the maximum permissible level in the European Union (EU) (0.05 μg/kg). The concentrations ranged from 0.02 μg/kg to 0.19 μg/kg, except that of one sample, which was under the limit of quantification. The contamination rates in maize and animal feeds are not alarming. In contrast, the consumption of dairy milk samples in Assiut City may pose public health hazards, as AFM1 levels were found to exceed the international permissible limits. Further surveys are highly recommended in order to establish a database for mycotoxin occurrence in Egypt to minimize the possible health risks in animals and humans.
Simulating Potential Weekly Stream and Pond Water Available for Irrigation in the Big Sunflower River Watershed of Mississippi Delta
Authors: Gao Fei , Feng Gary , Ouyang Ying , Jenkins Johnie , Liu Changming
Published: June 2019

Groundwater storage and level have declined rapidly in the Big Sunflower River Watershed (BSRW) of Mississippi Delta in recent years. Farmers in this region are beginning to save groundwater resources by increasing surface water usage for agricultural irrigation. In this study, we estimated the weekly amount of surface water available in ponds and streams, determined if the weekly surface water resources are sufficient for major crop irrigation demand, and assessed how much surface water can replace groundwater for agriculture irrigation in the BSRW. The SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model was employed to simulate the weekly water resources for 23 sub-basins from the BSRW. Results showed that weekly stream water resources (SWR), stream evaporation (SE) and water loss from the channel via transmission through the side and bottom of the channel (stream transmission, referred as ST) for BSRW during the growing seasons ranged from 20.4 to 29.4 mm, 7.4 to 14.4 mm, 1.6 to 4.5 mm and 1.1 to 1.6 mm, while pond water resources (PWR) and pond evaporation (PE) ranged from 1.9 to 2.1 mm and 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The value of SWR − (ST + SE) and PWR − PE were positive in all sub-basins, indicating that there are net surface water resources available in this region. The percentages of total groundwater usage for irrigation that could be replaced by surface water in each sub-basin every week of each month from May to September ranged from 10% to 87%. Our studies suggested that the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater for agriculture irrigation is a feasible method for groundwater sustainable management in the Mississippi Delta.
Short-Term Multi-Objective Optimal Operation of Reservoirs to Maximize the Benefits of Hydropower and Navigation
Authors: Jia Tianlong , Qin Hui , Yan Dong , Zhang Zhendong , Liu Bin , Li Chaoshun , Wang Jinwen , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: June 2019

Traditional reservoir operation mainly focuses on economic benefits, while ignoring the impacts on navigation. Thus, the economic operation of reservoirs considering navigational demands is of great significance for improving benefits. A navigation capacity evaluation method (NCEM), which evaluates the navigation capacity considering the influence of flow velocity and water level variation on navigation, is proposed to more effectively evaluate the navigation capacity. Based on two-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical simulation, the NCEM accurately calculates the navigation capacity according to detailed flow velocity and water level changes. In addition, a short-term multi-objective optimal operation model considering the upstream and downstream navigation and power generation is established. Then, the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA2) is used to solve the model. To verify the rationality of the method and model, they are applied to the case study of the Xiangjiaba reservoir. The results demonstrate that the method and model can not only provide a series of operation schemes for decision makers of reservoirs, but also direct the ship to pass safely through the approach channel, implying a certain practical value and significance as a reference for the short-term optimal operation of reservoirs in the future.
Grazing Potential—A Functional Plankton Food Web Metric for Ecological Water Quality Assessment in Mediterranean Lakes
Authors: Stamou Georgia , Katsiapi Matina , Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Michaloudi Evangelia
Published: June 2019

Grazing potential (GP, in % day−1) was estimated for the plankton communities of 13 Greek lakes covering the trophic spectrum, in order to examine its sensitiveness in discriminating different classes of ecological water quality. Lakes with high GP values exhibited high zooplankton biomass dominated by large cladocerans or/and calanoids while lakes with low GP values had increased phytoplankton biomass and/or domination of small-bodied zooplankton indicating intensive fish predation. GP successfully distinguished among ecological water quality classes (estimated using the phytoplankton water quality index PhyCoI) indicating its potential use as a metric for ecological water quality assessment. As a next step, PhyCoI index was modified to include GP as a metric in order to enhance the phytoplankton-based ecological status classification of lakes incorporating zooplankton as a supporting factor. The PhyCoIGP successfully assessed the ecological water quality in accordance with PhyCoI classification whereas it was significantly correlated with the eutrophication proxy TSISD based on Secchi Depth. Thus, we propose to use the modified phytoplankton index PhyCoIGP for monitoring the ecological water quality of lakes.
Soil Hydrothermal Characteristics among Three Typical Vegetation Types: An Eco-Hydrological Analysis in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Hu Jian , Lü Da , Sun Feixiang , Lü Yihe , Chen Youjun , Zhou Qingping
Published: June 2019

Soil moisture is a central theme in eco-hydrology. Topography, soil characteristics, and vegetation types are significant factors impacting soil moisture dynamics. However, water loss (evapotranspiration and leakage) and its factors of the self-organized vegetation pattern are not clear, which has significant ecologic functions and contributes to different hydrological ecosystem services. From an eco-hydrological point of view, we relied on the observation of rainfall, soil moisture, and soil temperature in the growing season of a drought year to compare soil moisture and temperature dynamics in terms of frequency/probability distribution and water loss among three typical vegetation types in the Qilian Mountains, China. The results indicated that shrubland (the semi-shaded slope) had the highest average soil moisture at the surface soil (0–40 cm) and soil profile during the growing season, while grassland (the south-facing slope) had the lowest daily average soil moisture and highest daily average soil temperature at the surface soil and soil profile. Spruce forest (the shaded slope) had the lowest daily average soil temperature at the surface soil and soil profile (p < 0.001). Water loss among the three vegetation types has a clear positive relationship with soil water content and a negative relationship with soil temperature. The values of water loss between values of water loss at the wilting point and maximum evapotranspiration point tend to occur in wetter soil moisture under the spruce forest and shrubland, whereas that of grassland emerges in drier soil moisture. The spruce forest and shrubland experienced higher water loss than the grassland. Although the spruce forest and shrubland had a better capacity to retain soil water, they also consumed more soil water than the grassland. Soil moisture may be the main factor controlling the difference in water loss among the three vegetation types. These findings may contribute to improving our understanding of the relationship between the soil moisture dynamics and vegetation pattern, and may offer basic insights for ecosystem management for upstream water-controlled mountainous areas.
Establishment the strategy of the food retail companies
Authors: László Hegedűs
Published: June 2019

In this article I have reviewed the SWOT analysis of the two company-group, such as the Hungarian SME and the multinational company. In this frame we have got ready the so called cross-table of the two company-group. These cross-tables have showed, which opportunities they can exploit on the base of their strengths, and which threats will be intensified by their weaknesses. On the base of these results we have found out, that the SME’s realize defensive strategy, while the multinational companies realize outbreaking strategy.
Complex evaluation of agrotechnical factors in rape seed
Authors: Zoltán Kátai
Published: June 2019

A polifactorial field trial with rape was carried out in the crop-years of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 at the Látókép Research Centre of University of Debrecen, 15 km away from Debrecen. The soil type of the research area was a calcaric chernozem, with a levelled and homogeneous surface. Our investigations on the dynamics of lodging proved that rape can easily be lodged under unfavourable weather conditions, which results in a significant crop failure: In crop-year 2009 yields were 1.0-1.5 t ha-1 higher than in 2008, when the weather conditions were more unfavourable. In both crop-years the influence of sowing time on the crop yield of rape was examined in three soil cultivation systems, with ploughing, loosening or disking. Different sowing time influenced the yield of rape in both crop-years significantly. In the crop-year of 2007/2008 – due to mild winter – we got the highest yield in the first sowing time (at the end of August) with loosening (3930 kg ha-1) and disking (3727 kg ha-1), while in case of ploughing we experienced the highest yield (3770 kg ha-1) in the second sowing time. There were no significant differences between the first and second sowing time (the end of August and the beginning of September), and in the third sowing time (end of September) also a moderate crop failure (-6.7%) cold be obtained, due to the favourable weather in winter and the water supply of the crop-year 2007/2008. In 2008/2009 all the three cultivation systems showed the best yield-results in the second sowing time (ploughing: 4886 kg ha-1, loosening: 5186 kg ha-1, disking: 5090 kg ha-1), and the first sowing time hardly differed from this (-4.1%), while the late September sowing time resulted in a significant crop failure of -11.1%.
Effect of the fertilization on some quality parameters of winter wheat
Authors: Éva Szabó  , Péter Pepó
Published: June 2019

We studied the different mineral fertilizer rates effect on the baking quality of five different winter wheat genotypes (GK Öthalom, Lupus, KG Széphalom, GK Békés, Mv Mazurka) on chernozom soil in 2008.The bigger fertilizer doses increased the wet gluten content, gluten elasticity and the protein content. The high doses of fertilization has got a moderate effect on the valorigaph value, water absorption, and falling number. The optimum level of the fertilizer doses were the N90-120+PK.The Pearson’s correlation analysis proved strong relationships between the fertilization and gluten content, the quality of the gluten, a valorigraph value, and the protein content. The analysis verified a strong correlation between genotype and falling number, and the protein content.The variety Mv Mazurka has got the best baking quality parameters.
Microfluidic Generation of Microsprings with Ionic Liquid Encapsulation for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Yu Yunru , Guo Jiahui , Sun Lingyu , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: June 2019

Inspired by helical or spiral veins, which endow plants with excellent flexibility and elasticity to withstand storms, we present novel hollow microsprings with ionic liquid encapsulation for flexible and stretchable electronics. The microsprings were generated by using a coaxial capillary microfluidic device to consecutively spin poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) presolution and an ionic liquid, which formed laminar flows in the coaxial injection microfluidic channels. The fast phase inversion of PVDF helps to form the core-shell structure of a microfiber and guarantees the in situ encapsulation of ionic liquid. The hybrid microfiber can then spiral and be further solidified to maintain the helical structure with increasing flow rates of the injection fluids. Because of the feasible and precise control of the injection fluids during the microfluidic spinning, the resultant microsprings have controlled core-shell structures, helical pitches, and corresponding electromechanical properties. By further embedding them into stretchable films, the simple paradigm of a flexible device shows great conductive performance in tensile tests and even motion cycles, which could be explored as a promising candidate in stretchable sensors, flexible electronics, and electronic skins.
BUILDING HEADWORD LIST AND PLANNING ENTRY IN VIETNAMESE - KHMER, KHMER - VIETNAMESE BILINGUAL DICTIONARIES
Authors: Thach SeHa
Published: June 2019

Macrostructure and microstructure are the backbones of a dictionary, by which the processes of compiling headwords and planning a dictionary entry have to be conducted systematically. By adaptingsignificant remarksfrom previous works and modifying some limitations of the existing Khmer - Vietnamese bilingual dictionaries, this article aims at pinpointing some issues related to compiling bilingual entry on the basis of Khmer and Vietnamese linguistic features as well as itspurposes, audiences, space and compiling time bound.
ASSESSING ON THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTION MODELS IN TRA VINH: THE CROP CONVERSION MODEL
Authors: Nguyen Loan Thi Thuy
Published: June 2019

According to the survey of 162 farm households in Tra Vinh province, this article compares and evalutes the economic efficiency of the crop conversion model  (from rice to vegetable). The results show that the incomes of these farm households were 3 times higher than those of rice farm households, approximately 5.7 million VND/0.25 acre /year. In addition, the regression  analysis was applied in this study to identify and quantify the factors influencing the economic efficiency of the conversion model. The results confirm the interaction between vegetable crops, rice – vegetable rotational crops, labor cost, age and the ethnicity of  householders. In particular, the households’ awareness of climate change has a positive impact on the economic efficiency of the model. Finally, the research suggests some solutions to the improvement of the economic efficiency of the crop conversion model which adapts to climate change.
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TRAINING OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS IN THE CURRENT PERIOD (FROM CURRENT SITUATION IN TIEN GIANG PROVINCE)
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Thu
Published: June 2019

The training of administrative officers plays siginificant role since it decides the effectiveness in conducting the civil service management activities in the local government in the current period. This article has generalized the situation of the training of administrative officcers in the period from 2011 - 2015, then provided some solutions to improve the efficiency of civil servants training.
OPTIMIZING THE SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY FOR TRAFFIC WORKS UTILIZING MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING APPROACH
Authors: Tang Minh Tan
Published: June 2019

The article used the methods planning mathematics to give alternatives machines, construction equipment. This problem, based on the specific constraints such as mass excavation, leveling, compaction, transport ... to meet the full workload as planned. Additionally, this task must also satisfy the given objective function is minimal cost machine shift and ensure the execution time is shortest. This approach aims to bring about economic benefits for the construction company and is used for reference when selecting machines, construction equipment  works with the same workload. On the other hand, problem also propose solutions equippedmachinery and equipment for the construction company.
DETERMING TOTAL ASH OF ANIMAL FEED BY TGA-Q500 THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYZER
Authors: Tran Nam The , Mai Lam Thi Thuy
Published: June 2019

By applying equipment TGA – Q500, the analysis of total ash in animal feed is faster and more economical. With the heat program including: temperature to cineration is 600°C, heat rate is 15 0C/min. thermal stability time is 15 minutes,the research has the efficiency about 98,92 (%) when performed on the standardsamples whose value is 13.92 ± 0.7 (%). This method saves time down only 60.37 minutes, thus reducing energy consumption and attaining higher profits than the traditional methods.
FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL IN THE MEKONG DELTA
Authors: Nguyen Ba Thi Be , Nguyen Loan Thi Cam
Published: June 2019

The Mekong Delta is the largest granary in the country, providing food not only for the region, but also for national food security and exports. However,  household food security in the region is not yet guaranteed, a large number of households are unable to afford enough food. In order to provide a practical basis for  ensuring household food security in the Mekong Delta, the questionnaire for data collection on 300 respondents was used. Exploratory factor and  multivariate linear analysis were used for the data analysis. The results revealed that there are seven groups of factors influencing food security by the decreasing order including (1) market, traffic and mechanization, (2) farm land size and manpower of the household, (3) storage, (4) four houses linking, (5) state policies, (6)production planning and customs, and household food distribution, (7) natural conditions.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY OF SUMMER - AUTUMN AND AUTUMN - WINTER RICE CROPS IN SOC TRANG PROVINCE
Authors: Trinh Khoa Anh
Published: June 2019

This article aims at presenting the research results on determinants affecting the financial efficiency of Summer-Autumn and Autumn-Winter crops based on the data collected from 167 rice farmers in Soc Trang province. The results showed that three indicators presenting the financial efficiency of Autumn-Winter rice  crop were higher than that of Summer-Autumn rice crop. The factors affecting the financial efficiency of Summer-Autumn rice crop included the cost of fertilizer, the cost of pesticides, the cost of harvesting, the cost of hiring labor, the cost of irrigation, the cost of depreciation of machinery and equipment (negative  correlation), and cultivated land area (positive correlation). For Autumn-Winter the cost of fertilizer, pesticides, harvesting costs and labor costs had a negative impact on financial performance, while the cultivated land area, the educational level and experience of the household’s head had a positive impact on the financial efficiency of this crop.
Kajian Suseptibilitas Magnetik Bergantung Frekuensi terhadap Pasir Besi Kabupaten Takalar
Authors: Tiwow Vistarani Arini , Rampe Meytij Jeanne , Arsyad Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Telah dilakukan penelitian mengenai kajian suseptibilitas magnetik bergantung frekuensi terhadap pasi besi Kabupaten Takalar. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi mineral magnetik yang dominan berdasarkan data suseptibilitas magnetik dan menganalisis sumber mineral magnetik berdasarkan suseptibilitas magnetik bergantung frekuensi. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode magnetik batuan khususnya parameter suseptibilitas magnetik. Pengukuran dilakukan menggunakan alat Bartington MS2 Susceptibility Meter dilengkapi sensor MS2B yang bekerja pada frekuensi rendah (470 Hz) dan frekuensi tinggi (4700 Hz). Hasil penelitian mengindikasikan pasir besi mengandung mineral ferrimagnetik yaitu magnetite. Nilai suseptibilitas magnetik pada frekuensi rendah dan frekuensi tinggi identik serta persentase suseptibilitas magnetik bergantung frekuensi diperoleh kurang dari 2 % yang mengindikasikan pasir besi memiliki bulir magnetik multi domain (MD). Korelasi positif antara suseptibilitas magnetik pada frekuensi rendah dengan bergantung frekuensi mengindikasikan sumber mineral magnetik yang dominan berasal proses pedogenik yaitu pelapukan batuan gunung api.
Molecular attachment to a microscope tip: inelastic tunneling, Kondo screening, and thermopower
Authors: Tuerhong Rouzhaji , Boero Mauro , Bucher Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2019

The vibrational excitation related transport properties of a manganese phthalocyanine molecule suspended between the tip of a scanning tunneling microsope (STM) and a surface are investigated by combining the local manipulation capabilities of the STM with inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. By attachment of the molecule to the probe tip, the intrinsic physical properties similar to those exhibited by a free standing molecule become accessible. This technique allows one to study locally the magnetic properties, as well as other elementary excitations and their mutual interaction. In particular a clear correlation is observed between the Kondo resonance and the vibrations with a strong incidence of the Kondo correlation on the thermopower measured across the single-molecule junction.
Turbulence and Particle Acceleration in Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection: Effects of Temperature Inhomogeneity across Pre-reconnection Current Sheet
Authors: Lu San , Angelopoulos V. , Artemyev A. V. , Pritchett P. L. , Liu J. , Runov A. , Tenerani A. , Shi C. , Velli M.
Published: June 2019

Magnetic reconnection is an important process in various collisionless plasma environments because it reconfigures the magnetic field and releases magnetic energy to accelerate charged particles. Its dynamics depend critically on the properties of the pre-reconnection current sheet. One property in particular, cross-sheet temperature inhomogeneity, which is ubiquitous throughout the heliosphere, has been shown to increase reconnection outflow speed, energy conversion efficiency, and secondary island formation rate using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Here we expand upon these findings, considering two cases with a long, thin current sheet, one with homogeneous temperature and one with inhomogeneous temperature across the current sheet. In the inhomogeneous temperature case, numerous secondary islands form continuously, which increases current sheet turbulence (well-developed cascade power spectra) at large wavenumbers. Current density, energy conversion, dissipation, and acceleration of high-energy particles are also enhanced relative to the homogenous temperature case. Our results suggest that inhomogeneous temperature profiles, which are realistic, need to be incorporated into studies of turbulence and particle acceleration in collisionless magnetic reconnection.
Partitioning of Magnetic Helicity in Reconnected Flux Tubes
Authors: Wright Andrew N.
Published: June 2019

The reconnection of two flux tubes with footpoints anchored to a plane, such as the photosphere, is considered. We focus on properties of the reconnected flux tubes, specifically their twist, which can be quantified using magnetic helicity. If the tubes are of equal flux (Φ) and are initially crossed we find the results are dependent upon the relative positioning of their footpoints: (i) nonequipartition of self-helicity is the typical situation; (ii) the total amount of self-helicity in the reconnected tubes lies between 0 and 2Φ2, corresponding to a total twist of between 0 and 2 turns. If the tubes are initially uncrossed the self-helicity of each reconnected tube depends upon footpoint arrangement. However, care needs to be taken when using these results as bringing the tubes together at the reconnection site can introduce twist or writhe, which will also need to be taken into account. In the case where the tubes are side by side and possess some overlap, reconnection may occur without distorting the tubes. For this situation the reconnected tubes will be crossed: (i) equipartition of self-helicity is never met, but can be approached in the limit of the footpoints being quasi-colinear; (ii) the overlying tube always has a self-helicity whose magnitude >Φ2/2 (it exceeds a half turn); the underling tube’s self-helicity magnitude is always <Φ2/2 (less than a half turn). Our results have a broad application in developing models of reconnecting coronal magnetic fields, as well as in interpreting observations and simulations of these fields.
Effect of Star Rotation Rate on the Characteristics of Energetic Particle Events
Authors: Fu Shuai , Jiang Yong , Airapetian Vladimir , Hu Junxiang , Li Gang , Zank Gary
Published: June 2019

The recent detection of superflares on solar-type stars by the Kepler mission has raised the possibility that they can be associated with energetic coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and energetic particle events (SEPs). These space weather events can impact the habitability of exoplanets around these stars. Here we use the improved Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere (iPATH) model to model the time-intensity profile and spectrum of SEPs accelerated at CME-driven shocks from stars of different ages traced by their rotation rates. We consider a solar-like (G-type) star with six different rotation rates varying from 0.5Ω☉ to 3.0Ω☉. In all six cases, a fast CME is launched with the same speed of ∼1500 km s−1; the resulting time-intensity profiles at three locations and energy spectra at five locations at 1 au are obtained. The maximum particle energy at the shock front as a function of r is also shown. Our results suggest that within 0.8 au the maximum particle energy at the shock front increases with the rotation rate of the star. However, event-integrated spectra for the five selected locations along the CME path show complicated patterns. This is because the Parker magnetic field for rapidly rotating stars is more tightly winded. Our results can be used in estimating the radiation environments of terrestrial-type exoplanets around solar-type stars.
Improving the efficiency of fixed radionuclides’ removal by chemical decontamination of surfaces in situ
Authors: Koryakovskiy Yuriy S. , Doilnitsyn Valeriy A. , Akatov Andrey A.
Published: June 2019

The article presents the results of work aimed at improving of chemical decontamination methods. A brief description of existing chemical decontamination technologies used to remove radioactive contamination (RC) from walls, floors and external surfaces of equipment without dismantling, i.e., in situ, is given. A vector of research aimed at improving the efficiency of fixed RC’s removal is also determined. The first aim of this work is to improve the decontaminating properties of removable polymer coatings used in practice. The following domestic products were chosen as study objects: compositions presented under trademarks VA, VL; and also special formulation ZPS-1M. Modifications of these compounds performed in SPSIT in some cases made it possible to significantly increase the decontamination factors (DF). The best results were obtained for VL compositions: it was found that due to certain additives it is possible to increase the DF for metal surfaces by a factor of 5–35 over the base product. Along with film-forming decontaminating compositions, an alternative patented technique has been developed in SPSIT. The main feature of this technique is usage of sorbent-based composite covering material previously saturated by decontaminating solution. New technique allows to achieve far higher decontamination factors (150–500) when fixed RC is removed from metal surfaces. In addition, it can be applied to polymer and other non-metal materials. One of the main advantages of given technique is a drastic (11–16 times) reduction of time required for carrying out decontamination operations. The obtained results may be useful for further research in this area. Thus, research performed allows to come up with general conclusion: there are possibilities to efficiently remove fixed RC from surfaces using rather simple chemical means. That, in its turn, could be a rational alternative to high-priced robotic decontaminating systems.
Retourner à la terre pour faire avec la crise : ancrages et circulations entre ville et campagne au Portugal
Authors: Dolci Paula , Cortes Geneviève , Perrin Coline
Published: June 2019

Au cours de la dernière décennie, les migrations des Portugais ont été réactivées. La crise économique de 2008, entraînant des taux de chômage élevés et des politiques d’austérité, a donné lieu à des nouvelles mobilités. Les migrations vers le rural ont été principalement étudiées dans les pays du nord de l’Europe, et généralement envisagées comme des migrations d’agrément. Elles ont peu attiré l’attention dans les pays d’Europe du Sud où elles sont plus récentes et s’inscrivent dans des rapports au rural différents. Au Portugal, nous avons analysé les trajectoires de vie de néo-agriculteurs lors d’une enquête de terrain dans l’Alentejo et la région de Lisbonne. Les résultats montrent que le choix du rural et de l’agriculture est le fruit d’une combinaison entre plusieurs facteurs, relevant de différentes échelles sociales et spatiales. Les migrations vers le rural sont réactivées par la crise économique mais répondent aussi à des aspirations individuelles de rejet du mode de vie urbain. Ce rejet, largement partagé chez les néo-agriculteurs, ne constitue pas une rupture avec la ville. Ces migrations font au contraire émerger des circulations connectant espaces ruraux et urbains, un double ancrage urbain-rural qui peut devenir une ressource en appui aux activités économiques et mécanismes de solidarité.
De la « smart city » au numérique généralisé : la géographie urbaine au défi du tournant numérique
Authors: Peyroux Élisabeth , Ninot Olivier
Published: June 2019

La smart city, en tant que catégorie et modèle, fait débat dans le champ de la géographie. La multiplicité des définitions et sa dimension normative n’en font pas une catégorie opératoire pour la recherche. Les approches en termes de modèles sont par ailleurs limitantes car elles ne rendent pas compte de la diversité des appropriations et pratiques dans les Nords comme dans les Suds. Enfin, les approches se heurtent à des limites disciplinaires et méthodologiques. Nous proposons une approche par le « numérique généralisé », envisagé dans sa double dimension infrastructurelle et informationnelle, car il apparaît que c’est le numérique, à travers son imbrication dans la fabrique urbaine, l’ampleur et la diversité de ses usages (dans la gestion urbaine, les processus de prise de décision, les manières de penser, de vivre, de socialiser....) qui porte les changements et soulève les défis d’interprétation et d’analyse auxquels la recherche urbaine est confrontée. Nous proposons des pistes de recherche identifiées dans les débats plus larges des sciences sociales, explorant la manière dont les géographes peuvent y contribuer à partir de questions renouvelées sur la ville, les échelles, les territoires, mais également en nous confrontant aux avancées d’autres disciplines pour repenser nos objets et nos pratiques de recherche.
Un nouveau gestionnaire : le « responsable du bonheur »
Authors: Beau Pauline
Published: June 2019

Afin de prévenir la démotivation, le désengagement ou l’absentéisme de leurs employés, plusieurs entreprises au Québec et ailleurs dans le monde choisissent de nommer un « responsable du bonheur ». Quel est son rôle ? Comment juger de son efficacité ? Quelles sont les qualités requises pour ce poste ?
Turn the card over and… Notes on the imaginal depth of objects
Authors: D’Andrea Fabio
Published: June 2019

Cet essai décrit le côté imaginal de la carte de crédit. On y a mis en évidence une constellation de mythes et symboles qui montre clairement le lien entre le niveau rationnel et instrumental et la narration mythique qui a toujours été à l’œuvre pour enchanter le monde qui nous n’arrêtons pas de construire. Ces mythes, qui vont de la lampe d’Aladin à la cave d’Ali Baba, sont étroitement reliés à l’usage quotidien de cet outil et nous donnent une meilleure compréhension des dynamiques cachées derrière les discours du marketing et de la technologie, comme par exemple les conséquences de ce qui est décrit comme un moyen facile de disposer de son argent ou le goût religieux, presque salvifique, qui vient du « simple » geste d’insérer la carte dans un ATM. Cela devrait suffire à illustrer le potentiel euristique de cette perspective et le fait que l’imaginaire devrait être reconnu comme un composant crucial de la création et compréhension humaine du monde.
Typology and decision-making process of cinema audiences in theaters: Actors and Directors
Authors: Gil Martín Montserrat , Blasco López Francis
Published: June 2019

This article provides additional information about moviegoers. It aims to define, through a correctly applied methodology, the motivational factors (internal, external or experiential) that determine the choice of one film over another. The analysis of these factors has been able to establish those that have a greater or lesser effect on the consumer’s decision-making process. This can be of great significance in terms of the economic impact that this decision has on the final box office revenue of a movie. Likewise, the applied methodology has allowed us to establish, with a discriminant and predictive nature, the different typologies of Spanish moviegoers. It was possible to clearly differentiate two groups, which we have called Actors and Directors, whose decision-making process is significantly different, according to the factors that motivate their process of selection of the movie they decide to watch. Actor consumers make decisions from a simpler perspective, while Director consumers decide from a much more complex perspective, taking into consideration a large number of variables.
Los espacios de la locura en la Toscana del siglo XVIII: Estrategias y negociaciones para enfrentar la enfermedad mental
Authors: Labarca Pinto Mariana
Published: June 2019

Este trabajo estudia los diferentes espacios en que aparece registrada la locura en el Gran Ducado de Toscana durante el siglo XVIII. A partir de la revisión de expedientes de interdicción por incapacidad mental, archivos de justicia criminal, archivos de policía y registros hospitalarios, propone una aproximación a la historia de la locura basada en el análisis comprensivo de las vinculaciones entre las distintas instancias en que se debatió sobre sus características, se evaluaron sus consecuencias y se elaboraron estrategias para hacerle frente. Este enfoque revela que las alternativas existentes para sobrellevar la enfermedad mental funcionaban como respuestas temporales y flexibles que constituían una red de instancias que podían ser recorridas de distintas maneras. Sugiere que el estudio de estos itinerarios, sus actores y lenguajes resulta fundamental para comprender en toda su magnitud la forma en que fueron concebidas y enfrentadas las perturbaciones mentales en el siglo XVIII. En particular, sostiene que su funcionamiento dio pie a un debate social sobre los indicadores y significados de la locura que serviría de insumo para la sistematización del conocimiento psiquiátrico.
Evolución de la medicina legal en Chile: una aproximación a través de las autopsias practicadas por el doctor Eduardo Lira Errázuriz, entre 1893 y 1905
Authors: Fabregat Peredo Mario
Published: June 2019

La medicina legal en Chile estuvo estrechamente relacionada con la Morgue de Santiago, fundada aproximadamente en 1879. En ese lugar se desempeñó el médico de ciudad Eduardo Lira Errázuriz (1854-1911). Por medio de las autopsias que practicó, entre los años 1893 y 1905, es posible observar la profesionalización de la medicina legal que, en parte, respondió a la institucionalización y el reconocimiento del Estado como auxiliar de la aplicación de Justicia en el marco de un proceso de modernización y secularización de la sociedad. El ejercicio profesional del doctor Lira nos permite revisar sus prácticas en el contexto de una cultura católica, donde vida y muerte formaban parte de hechos trascendentes, pero que ahora se abren a categorías científicas, reconociendo en ellas los elementos fundamentales para la organización y el orden social, dentro de un Estado confesional.