bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influência alelopática do extrato aquoso de folíolos frescos de Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. sobre a germinação de Bidens pilosa L.
Authors: Alves Robson José Rodrigues , Silva Monalisa Alves Diniz da , Alves Rafael Mateus , Dvoskin Dominique Marinho , Moura Débora Purcina de , Silva Liliane Maria da
Published: September 2020

Bidens pilosa L. é uma espécie invasora que possui um elevado grau de agressividade em meio as plantas cultivadas, sendo hospedeira de pragas e doenças. A indústria de cosmético a emprega para estimular a renovação celular e o clareamento de manchas por possuir ação anti envelhecimento e pró-colágeno. A jurema preta, espécie presente na Caatinga, é bastante utilizada por seus efeitos terapêuticos, porém é capaz de causar alelopatia em outras espécies. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito alelopático de diferentes concentrações de extrato aquoso de folíolos frescos de jurema preta sobre o desempenho germinativo de sementes de picão preto. Foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos – concentrações do extrato aquoso (testemunha – água destilada; 25; 50; 75; e 100%) e quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros de germinação: porcentagem; tempo médio; índice e coeficiente de velocidade. Constatou-se a influência positiva das diferentes concentrações, principalmente a de 75%, do extrato aquoso dos folíolos de jurema preta sobre as sementes de picão preto, sendo que estas germinaram mais rápido e em maior porcentagem em relação ao uso exclusivo de água destilada. Para o uso alternativo de herbicidas no controle de B. pilosa L. o extrato de M. tenuiflora não é indicado, mas visando atender as indústrias farmacêutica e cosmecêutica por plantas de B. pilosa L., o extrato pode ser utilizado por favorecer a germinação e consequentemente a formação de mudas.
Erosão em voçoroca e impacto nas propriedades químicas do solo e da água
Authors: Marques Mônica Lau da Silva , Vale Luís Sergio Rodrigues , Silva Matheus Victor  Oliveira , Cavalcante Maria Rita Gonçalves , Reis Mayara Brunelle Paula , Silva Paula Gonçalves , Jesus Jéssica Maria Israel de , Valadão Marco Bruno Xavier , Martins Adriana Lau da Silva , Cruz Dennis Ricardo Cabral
Published: September 2020

A degradação ambiental trata-se de diversos processos que influenciam no desequilíbrio de um ecossistema, impossibilitando a sustentação da vida. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se analisar o estado de degradação e as características do solo e da água de uma voçoroca, situada no Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres - GO. O experimento foi conduzido determinando-se, primeiramente o tipo de erosão e indicando as melhores aplicações para conservação do solo. Foram realizadas análises químicas e físicas do solo utilizando a metodologia da Embrapa. As análises de pH e dureza total da água foram feitas conforme o manual prático de análises de água da FUNASA. O estudo contribuiu para o reconhecimento da degradação da área, além do auxílio em outros estudos relacionados à caracterização das propriedades do solo e da água. O fluxo local de água assoreia gradativamente as margens e o fundo da voçoroca acarretando sedimentos para o leito do Rio Verde. A área degradada apresenta bons níveis de nutrientes do solo, destaca-se o cálcio e o potássio, porém esse padrão está associado aos fertilizantes carreados constantemente para a voçoroca.
Bruxismo Infantil e ansiedade associada à tecnologia: Estudo piloto clínico pautado em uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Xavier João Mykael Alves , Xavier Myllena Alves , Oliveira Natan Silva , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Costa Edja Maria Melo Brito , Soares Renata Souza Coelho , Oliveira Nadja Maria da Silva , Ribeiro Ana Isabella Arruda Meira
Published: September 2020

Verificou-se a relação entre Bruxismo Infantil e ansiedade associada ao uso de dispositivos tecnológicos, através de um estudo clínico pautado em uma revisão integrativa. O escopo revisional foi realizado nas bases bibliográficas BVS, MEDLINE, BBO e LILACS, empregaram-se as palavras-chave "bruxismo", "crianças", "ansiedade" e "alfa-amilases", critérios de elegibilidade foram estabelecidos e seguidos para a seleção dos artigos. Na etapa clínica, os participantes entretiveram-se com um jogo digital, coletou-se uma amostra de saliva, antes e após o uso do dispositivo. Posteriormente procedeu-se o exame intraoral, mensuração da alfa-amilase-salivar (AAS) e aplicação de questionários. A média de idade dos participantes foi 8,4 anos (n=10). Dentre os pacientes com bruxismo, observou-se que (57,2%) acordam durante a noite, falam (60%), roncam (80%), relatam pesadelos (80%) e apertamento dentário (75%). O dispositivo mais utilizado foi celular/tablet (90%), com tempo médio semanal de (27h) (DP ± 6,05), não se observou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias dos níveis de AAS antes e após a exposição ao jogo digital (teste T-Student, p-valor 0,653).  Concluiu-se que a ansiedade é um fator que pode estar relacionado ao acometimento do Bruxismo Infantil. A maioria dos bruxômanos usuários de dispositivos tecnológicos possuíam hábito de apertar os dentes e qualidade do sono inferior aos que não tinham bruxismo. Os níveis de AAS mostram-se elevados antes e após a exposição ao jogo digital.
Food-web fluxes support high rates of mesozooplankton respiration and production in the equatorial Pacific
Authors: Landry MR , Stukel MR , Décima M
Published: September 2020

We investigated how the network of food-web flows in open-ocean systems might support high rates of mesozooplankton respiration and production by comparing predicted rates from empirical relationships to independently determined solutions from an inverse model based on tightly constrained field-measured rates for the equatorial Pacific. Model results were consistent with estimates of gross:net primary production (GPP:NPP), bacterial production:NPP, sinking particulate export, and total export for the equatorial Pacific, as well as general literature values for growth efficiencies of bacteria, protozooplankton, and metazooplankton. Mean rate estimates from the model compared favorably with the respiration predictions from Ikeda (1985; Mar Biol 85:1-11) (146 vs. 144 mg C m-2 d-1, respectively) and with production estimates from the growth rate equation of Hirst & Sheader (1997; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 154:155-165) (153 vs. 144 mg C m-2 d-1). Metazooplankton nutritional requirements are met with a mixed diet of protozooplankton (39%), phytoplankton (36%), detritus (15%), and carnivory (10%). Within the food-web network, NPP of 896 mg C m-2 d-1 supports a total heterotrophic carbon demand from bacteria, protozoa, and metazooplankton that is 2.5 times higher. Scaling our results to primary production and zooplankton biomass at Stn ALOHA suggests that zooplankton nutritional requirements for high growth might similarly be met in oligotrophic subtropical waters through a less efficient trophic structure. Metazooplankton production available to higher-level consumers is a significant contributor to the total export needed for an overall biogeochemical balance of the region and to export requirements to meet carbon demand in the mesopelagic depth range.
Sensitivity of a shark nursery habitat to a changing climate
Authors: Crear DP , Latour RJ , Friedrichs MAM , St-Laurent P , Weng KC
Published: September 2020

Nursery area habitats such as estuaries are vital for the success of many fish populations. Climate change is altering conditions in these areas, which can thus impact the availability of suitable nursery habitat. The sandbar sharkCarcharhinus plumbeususes Chesapeake Bay (USA) as a nursery habitat during the summer months from birth up to 10 yr of age. To assess the impacts of climate change on juvenile sandbar sharks, we developed a habitat model using longline data collected from a fishery-independent survey within Chesapeake Bay. With this model, we projected contemporary and future distributions of suitable habitat for juvenile sandbar sharks in Chesapeake Bay under varying environmental regimes. Predicted suitable juvenile sandbar shark habitat was negatively impacted by future increases in temperature, but positively influenced by future decreases in dissolved oxygen. The latter trend was likely related to the habitat partitioning that occurs between different life stages. Changes in salinity had relatively small impacts. By end-of-century the projected amount of suitable bottom habitat decreased; however, when incorporating the entire water column, projected suitable habitat increased. This suggests that juvenile sandbar sharks may need to make a behavioral shift to avoid non-preferred conditions, which could alter their foraging ecology or refuge strategies. As nursery habitats change with climate change, it is crucial to understand how a species may be impacted during this vital life stage when trying to predict overall species success in the future.
Translator Mobile App for Teaching Children of Beginner-Level -French.
Authors: NEPEMBE Alina , KLOPPERS Leena , OSAKWE Jude
Published: September 2020

Living in the digital era and in a society that recognises the importance of technology, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays a major role in almost every point of life and particularly in education. Teachers play a major role in the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Mobile applications open new opportunities for learning how to read and speak different languages. One such mobile application that is used in education to facilitate learning of new language is the mobile translator. Although, there are numerous language translator applications that are freely available online, most of them have different shortcomings. This study focused on filling the gap of different shortcomings presented by different translator applications and specifically cater the mobile application for the FNCC curriculum. The main objective of this study was to design and develop a mobile translator application to facilitate the effective teaching of beginner level French for children at FNCC. Interviews were carried out as a data collection method to identify the requirements for the mobile translator application. The French teachers at the FNCC (Franco Namibia Cultural Centre) served as a sample group. Purposive sampling method was used to identify the participants and two teachers were selected. The application was developed following the incremental process model, an android mobile application was designed and developed, the application was evaluated using the PACMAD usability model, the incremental testing were adopted. The findings of the research show that there are different teaching strategies used in teaching and learning of French. Features were incorporated on the mobile application that are believed to enhance teaching and learning of French at beginner level. The PACMAD usability model determined what other French applications (which were purposively selected) lack and a comparison was carried out between the selected applications. The results of the comparison determined what should be included in the French mobile application for beginner level for children at the FNCC.
Measuring User Perspectives on Website Conference Using System Usability Scale
Authors: Oktaviani Nia , Fatmasari Fatmasari
Published: September 2020

Usability memiliki peranan yang amat begitu penting agar sebuah situs dapat bertahan, dengan usability yang tinggi maka sebuah website akan semakin banyak dikunjungi oleh pengguna internet. Untuk itu pada penelitian ini akan dilakukan pengukuran tingkat usability untuk mengetahui perspektif pengguna terhadap website conference Bina Darma Conference on Computer Science. Dalam melakukan pengukuran usability digunakan teknik pengukuran system usability scale. Penggunaan teknik ini karena pengukuran melibatkan pengguna akhir dari website atau dengan kata lain end user sebagai responden pengukuran. Alasan lain dilakukakannya pengukuran untuk melihat secara nyata tingkat partisipan pengguna =dalam menggunakan website serta terdapat kendala-kendala yang muncul saat menggunakan website conference Bina Darma khususnya Bina Darma Conference on Computer Science. Hasil dari pengukuran menunjukkan bahwa pengguna atau responden memberikan nilai terhadap website conference Bina Darma Conference on Computer Science dapat digunakan dengan mudah yang dibuktikan dengan nilai yang diberkan responden mayoritas lebih dari 80
El hombre fuerte: trabajo y masculinidades en la industria cervecera en la frontera norte de México
Authors: Ayala Mira Mónica , Guerrero Mondaca Julio Ernesto , Franco Martín Hernán
Published: September 2020

The article presents the first findings of a study that seeks to contribute to the understanding of the construction of masculinities and work in the northern border of Mexico, within the specific context of Tecate, Baja California. Its objective is to analyze the articulation between the demographic and economic development of the city of Tecate from the beginning and rise of the brewing industry and its link with the construction of masculinities through a narrative design. The narratives show a homosocial system whose central value is the figure of the strong man as a model of rational male employee facing the changes in the economic system.
Detecting Traffic Incidents Using Persistence Diagrams
Authors: Weber Eric S. , Harding Steven N. , Przybylski Lee
Published: September 2020

We introduce a novel methodology for anomaly detection in time-series data. The method uses persistence diagrams and bottleneck distances to identify anomalies. Specifically, we generate multiple predictors by randomly bagging the data (reference bags), then for each data point replacing the data point for a randomly chosen point in each bag (modified bags). The predictors then are the set of bottleneck distances for the reference/modified bag pairs. We prove the stability of the predictors as the number of bags increases. We apply our methodology to traffic data and measure the performance for identifying known incidents.
Solving the Urban Transit Routing Problem Using a Cat Swarm Optimization-Based Algorithm
Authors: Katsaragakis Iosif V. , Tassopoulos Ioannis X. , Beligiannis Grigorios N.
Published: September 2020

Presented in this research paper is an attempt to apply a cat swarm optimization (CSO)-based algorithm to the urban transit routing problem (UTRP). Using the proposed algorithm, we can attain feasible and efficient (near) optimal route sets for public transportation networks. It is, to our knowledge, the first time that cat swarm optimization (CSO)-based algorithm is applied to cope with this specific problem. The algorithm’s efficiency and excellent performance are demonstrated by conducting experiments with both real-world as well as artificial data. These specific data have also been used as test instances by other researchers in their publications. Computational results reveal that the proposed cat swarm optimization (CSO)-based algorithm exhibits better performance, using the same evaluation criteria, compared to most of the other existing approaches applied to the same test instances. The differences of the proposed algorithm in comparison with other published approaches lie in its main process, which is a modification of the classic cat swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm applied to solve the urban transit routing problem. This modification in addition to a variation of the initialization process, as well as the enrichment of the algorithm with a process of improving the final solution, constitute the innovations of this contribution. The UTRP is studied from both passenger and provider sides of interest, and the algorithm is applied in both cases according to necessary modifications.
The Role of Nationality and Hotel Class on Guests’ Satisfaction. A Fuzzy-TOPSIS Approach Applied in Saint Petersburg
Authors: Martín Juan Carlos , Rudchenko Veronika , Sánchez-Rebull María-Victoria
Published: September 2020

Although hotels usually have clients from different nationalities, the research analyses the multicultural effects on hotel customers’ satisfaction is still scant. This paper aims to contribute to the realm of hotel management by providing interesting managerial insights into how different nationalities perceive hotel attributes differently using two hotels located in Saint Petersburg as a case study. To that end, a fuzzy hybrid method based on the technique of similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) is proposed. The results are based on a sample of 447 guests and show that: (1) nationality influences the hotel guests’ satisfaction; (2) customers are, in general, more elastic in three-star hotels than in four-star hotels; (3) welcome gifts in the room and in the bathroom are key attributes in the clients’ satisfaction; and (4) Italian and Spanish guests are the least and the most satisfied customers, respectively. The study offers a number of important managerial insights to hotel managers and practitioners. The average figures obtained by general hotel satisfaction surveys usually hinder important peculiarities that need to be addressed when managers develop strategic satisfaction enhancement programmes. In particular, our results show that managers need to adapt the programmes to the differences observed by nationalities.
Existence, Uniqueness and Stability of Market Equilibrium in Oligopoly Markets
Authors: Dzhabarova Yulia , Kabaivanov Stanimir , Ruseva Margarita , Zlatanov Boyan
Published: September 2020

In this paper we build a pragmatic model on competition in oligopoly markets. To achieve this goal, we use an approach based on studying the response functions of each market participant, thus making it possible to address both Cournot and Bertrand industrial structures with a unified formal method. In contrast to the restrictive theoretical constructs of duopoly equilibrium, our study is able to account for real-world limitations like minimal sustainable production levels and exclusive access to certain resources. We prove and demonstrate that by using carefully constructed response functions it is possible to build and calibrate a model that reflects different competitive strategies used in extremely concentrated markets. The response functions approach makes it also possible to take into consideration different barriers to entry. By fitting to the response functions rather than the profit maximization of the payoff functions problem we alter the classical optimization problem to a problem of coupled fixed points, which has the benefit that considering corner optimum, corner equilibria and convexity condition of the payoff function can be skipped.
The Impact of Exotic Tamarix Species on Riparian Plant Biodiversity
Authors: Setshedi Kgalalelo Tshimologo Annie , Newete Solomon Wakshom
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the impact of exotic Tamarix species on vascular plant biodiversity in riparian ecosystems in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Vegetation was sampled, using 5 m wide belt transects, along the Leeu, Swart, and Olifants riparian areas, which had varying invasion intensities. Each transect was split into three zones (Zone 1: 0–15 m; Zone 2: 15–35, and Zone 3: >35 m), which were identified at each site based on species composition across each riparian zone. Woody plant species were identified, counted, and their heights measured within the transects that were laid out from the waterpoint (Zone 1) outwards (Zone 2 and 3). Herbaceous aerial cover (HAC) was determined subjectively and objectified using the Walker aerial cover scale. Leeu River had the highest species richness (Dmg = 2.79), diversity (H′ = 2.17; −lnλ = 1.91; N1 = 8.76 and α = 4.13), and evenness (J′= 0.80). The Swart River had the lowest species richness, which declined from Dmg = 1.96 (Zone 1) to Dmg = 1.82 (Zone 3). Exotic Tamarix species ranked in the top three most abundant woody vascular plant species along the Swart and Olifants rivers, where they ranked first and third, respectively. The Jaccard’s and Sorenson’s coefficients of similarity indicated that species differed greatly between the different sites, x¯ < 27% for both indices. The indices also indicated that the Swart River had the lowest level of species distinctness between zones (x¯ > 80%) while the Leeu River had the highest level of species distinctness (x¯ < 50%) between the different zones. These findings suggest a possible displacement of herbaceous and woody tree species by exotic Tamarix invasion, inter alia, a decrease in ecosystem functions and services associated with the loss in biodiversity, as well as significant bearings on the agricultural ecosystem by reducing the faunal diversity such as crop pollinators, inter alia.
Cover Crop for a Sustainable Viticulture: Effects on Soil Properties and Table Grape Production
Authors: Gattullo Concetta Eliana , Mezzapesa Giuseppe Natale , Stellacci Anna Maria , Ferrara Giuseppe , Occhiogrosso Giuliana , Petrelli Giuseppe , Castellini Mirko , Spagnuolo Matteo
Published: September 2020

Cover crops are increasingly adopted in viticulture to enhance soil quality and balance the vegetative and reproductive growth of vines. Nevertheless, this sustainable practice has been only recently used for table grape viticulture, with results often contrasting. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a fescue (Festucaarundinacea Schreb.) cover crop on soil quality, yield, and grape qualitative parameters in a table grape vineyard (cv “Italia”) located in southern Italy, comparing results with the conventional tillage. Soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), microbial biomass C (MBC), β-glucosidase (BGLU) and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (APME) activities were assessed during three growing seasons (2012–2014) and three phenological stages. The trend of soil chemical and microbiological properties was jointly influenced by the soil management system, growing season and phenological stage. Compared to conventional tillage, cover crops increased, on average, soil organic C, total N, MBC, BGLU and APME by 136%, 93%, 112%, 100% and 62%, respectively. Slight or no effects of cover crops were observed on grape quality and yield, except for 2012 (the driest season), when a yield reduction occurred. This study reveals that cover crops strongly enhance soil quality in the short-term, with potential advantages for grape production in the long-term.
Modification of Yield and Fiber Fractions Biosynthesis in Phaseolus vulgaris L. by Treatment with Biostimulants Containing Amino Acids and Seaweed Extract
Authors: Kocira Sławomir , Szparaga Agnieszka , Findura Pavol , Treder Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

The most serious of these is to stimulate the development of sustainable and, at the same time, environmentally friendly systems. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of two biostimulants on the bean yield and fiber fractions in seeds: neutral-detergent fiber, acid-detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The field experiment performed in 2016–2018 in Poland. Over the growing season, plants were treated with biostimulants seaweed extracts (concentrations of 0.7% and 1%) and amino acids (0.3% and 0.5%) based products. Plants were sprayed a single time in the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical industry (BBCH) 13–15 phenological phases and a double spray in the BBCH 13–15 and 61. The study showed a significant increase in bean yield (average 32.08% compare to control) when seaweed extracts was used in the form of a double spray at a higher concentration. In the case of the application of amino acids-based product, the best results (increase of 21.97%) were obtained using a double spray at a lower concentration. It was found that the tested biostimulants changed the fiber fractions of bean seeds. The acid-detergent fiber (ADF) content was the highest (average increase of 2%) after double plant treatment with seaweed extracts based product. While the increased concentration of neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) (over 4%) resulted from double spraying with lower concentration of this biostimulant. The increase in the lignin (ADL) (1.12%), hemicellulose (HCEL) (4.54%), and cellulose (CEL) (0.91%) represented plant response to the double application of this biostimulant in the higher concentration. The results indicated also that the use of amino acids-based product caused an increase in the ADF (0.28%), NDF (10.27%), ADL (0.63%), and HCEL (9.99%) contents in bean seeds as an effect of double plant treatment with this biostimulant at lower concentration.
Polymer-Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN Coated Diammonium Phosphate Enhanced Microbial Survival, Phosphorous Use Efficiency, and Production of Wheat
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Zahir , Yaseen Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Wang Xiukang , Fatima Kaniz , Saeed Qudsia , Mustafa Adnan
Published: September 2020

Low bioavailability of phosphorus (P) in alkaline/calcareous soils leads to low yields due to its precipitation/fixation with calcium (Ca). An effective method to enhance phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and its availability to plants is the application of alginate bioaugmented coated di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). In this study, the pre-isolated P solubilizing Paraburkholderia phytofirmans (PsJN) coated with different concentrations of polymer (alginate) on DAP with and without carbon source was tested in incubation, pot, and field experiments to investigate microbial survival, Olsen P release, and its availability to plants. Results indicated that the maximum recovery of PsJN loaded on alginate at 30 days incubation with and without carbon source was 199 × 1010 and 82 × 106 CFU mL−1 respectively. Application of alginate bioaugmented DAP released 962 mg kg−1 Olsen P after 60 days of incubation compared to 280 and 370 mg kg−1 Olsen P released by uncoated and simple alginate coated DAP, respectively. Results from pot trial revealed that application of 100% alginate bioaugmented DAP increased 26% plant height, 31% photosynthetic rate, 55% grain yield, and 6 × 105 CFU g−1 root bacterial population, compared to uncoated DAP. Field trial results indicated that 22% grain yield, 14% straw yield, and 44% agronomy P efficiency were increased by applying 100% alginate bioaugmented DAP compared to uncoated DAP. This new approach resulted in controlled release of P from coated DAP that not only reduced phosphorus fixation but also enhanced the bioavailability of P to plants.
Physiological and Biochemical Basis of Faba Bean Breeding for Drought Adaptation—A Review
Authors: Muktadir Md Abdul , Adhikari Kedar Nath , Merchant Andrew , Belachew Kiflemariam Y. , Vandenberg Albert , Stoddard Frederick L. , Khazaei Hamid
Published: September 2020

Grain legumes are commonly used for food and feed all over the world and are the main source of protein for over a billion people worldwide, but their production is at risk from climate change. Water deficit and heat stress both significantly reduce the yield of grain legumes, and the faba bean is considered particularly susceptible. The genetic improvement of faba bean for drought adaptation (water deficit tolerance) by conventional methods and molecular breeding is time-consuming and laborious, since it depends mainly on selection and adaptation in multiple sites. The lack of high-throughput screening methodology and low heritability of advantageous traits under environmental stress challenge breeding progress. Alternatively, selection based on secondary characters in a controlled environment followed by field trials is successful in some crops, including faba beans. In general, measured features related to drought adaptation are shoot and root morphology, stomatal characteristics, osmotic adjustment and the efficiency of water use. Here, we focus on the current knowledge of biochemical and physiological markers for legume improvement that can be incorporated into faba bean breeding programs for drought adaptation.
Genome-Wide Diversity Analysis of Valeriana officinalis L. Using DArT-seq Derived SNP Markers
Authors: Boczkowska Maja , Bączek Katarzyna , Kosakowska Olga , Rucińska Anna , Podyma Wiesław , Węglarz Zenon
Published: September 2020

Common valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, with a mild sedative, nervine, antispasmodic and relaxant effect. Despite a substantial number of studies on this species, the genetic diversity and population structure have not yet been analyzed. Here, we use a next-generation sequencing-based Diversity Array Technology sequencing (DArT-seq) technique to analyze Polish gene bank accessions that originated from wild populations and cultivars. The major and, also, the most astounding result of our work is the low level of observed heterozygosity of individual plants from natural populations, despite the fact that the species is widespread in the studied area. Inbreeding in naturally outcrossing species such as valerian decreases reproductive success. The analysis of the population structure showed the potential presence of a metapopulation in the central part of Poland and the formation of a distinct gene pool in the Bieszczady Mountains. The results also indicate the presence of the cultivated gene pool within wild populations in the region where the species is cultivated for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, and this could lead to structural and genetic imbalances in wild populations.
Early Response of Soil Microbial Biomass and Activity to Biofertilizer Application in Degraded Brunic Arenosol and Abruptic Luvisol of Contrasting Textures
Authors: Walkiewicz Anna , Brzezińska Małgorzata , Bieganowski Andrzej , Sas-Paszt Lidia , Frąc Magdalena
Published: September 2020

We tested agriculturally and chemically degraded Brunic Arenosol and Abruptic Luvisol of contrasting textures to establish the early response of soil quality to two different mineral fertilizers (Polifoska and urea) amended with microbes applied in optimal and reduced doses. The soil samples were collected from two fields under maize: one week (Ist sampling time) and six months (IInd sampling time) after fertilization. The laboratory experiment included determination of: catalase activity, dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass, and basal respiration; pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were also measured. The silty Luvisol was characterized by higher biological activity than the sandy Arenosol. Biofertilizer addition to degraded soils increased the biological activity, even in reduced doses of additives used; however the responses of the tested microbiological indicators were different. Soil texture affected the positive biomass response to biofertilizers which was observed in samples from Ist sampling time in silty soil, while from IInd sampling time in sandy soil. Based on our results, we propose that Polifoska with microorganisms (used in full dose) may be optimal for silty soil. Polifoska (in reduced dose) and urea (both in full and reduced dose) may be recommended for sandy soils. Increasing pH was a stronger driver of soil biological activity than DOC. Long-term field testing is suggested for validating our results.
Genetic Characterization of the Local Pirenaica Cattle for Parentage and Traceability Purposes
Authors: Gamarra David , Taniguchi Masaaki , Aldai Noelia , Arakawa Aisaku , Lopez-Oceja Andres , de Pancorbo Marian M.
Published: September 2020

Pirenaica is the most important autochthonous cattle breed within the Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) beef quality label in the Basque region, in northern Spain. The short tandem repeats (STRs) are powerful markers to elucidate forensic cases and traceability across the agri-food sector. The main objective of the present work was to study the phylogenetic relationships of Pirenaica cattle and other breeds typically raised in the region and provide the minimum number of STR markers for parentage and traceability purposes. The 30-STR panel recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics-Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (ISAG-FAO) was compared against other commercial STR panels. The 30-STR panel showed a combined matching probability of 1.89 × 10−25 and a power of exclusion for duos of 0.99998. However, commercial STR panels showed a limited efficiency for a reliable parentage analysis in Pirenaica, and at least a 21-STR panel is needed to reach a power of exclusion of 0.9999. Machine-learning analysis also demonstrated a 95% accuracy in assignments selecting the markers with the highest FST in Pirenaica individuals. Overall, the present study shows the genetic characterization of Pirenaica and its phylogeny compared with other breeds typically raised in the Basque region. Finally, a 21-STR panel with the highest FST markers is proposed for a confident parentage analysis and high traceability.
From Land to Water: Taking Fish Welfare Seriously
Authors: Sánchez-Suárez Walter , Franks Becca , Torgerson-White Lauri
Published: September 2020

This article aims to use contemporary (terrestrial) animal welfare science as a lens to evaluate the state of knowledge concerning welfare in fish species, focusing on farmed fishes. We take advantage of the vast expertise—including previous pitfalls and accomplishments—in the investigation of welfare in terrestrial vertebrates, borrowing questions and methodologies from terrestrial animal welfare science in order to (1) better understand the challenges and opportunities in the study of welfare in fish species, and (2) propose strategies for filling knowledge gaps.
A Survey of New South Wales Sheep Producer Practices and Perceptions on Lamb Mortality and Ewe Supplementation
Authors: Kopp Kayla , Hernandez-Jover Marta , Robertson Susan , Abuelo Angel , Friend Michael
Published: September 2020

High lamb mortality rates reduce profitability and reduce the perceived animal welfare standards of the industry. This study aimed to understand producer knowledge of lamb mortality rates and causes of lamb mortality, and to investigate various practices and perceptions of producers that may contribute to lamb deaths. Postal and online surveys gathered data on Australian sheep producer’s knowledge and practices around lambing and management practices. Based on results, approximately 50% of producers estimated less than 10% mortality of lambs between birth and marking, compared to published data estimates of 20–25% mortality. Pre-lambing vaccination of ewes was not undertaken by 10–20% of producers. Ninety-six percent of producers vaccinated lambs; however, 17% of Merino and 23% of crossbred lamb producers only gave a single vaccination instead of the recommended initial vaccine and booster. The lower estimated mortality impacts producer’s perceived benefits of management strategies being undertaken. Research undertaken needs to be more effectively distributed to producers via extension services to ensure producers understand the causes of mortality. Important messages to convey to producers include the limited impact of predation in most cases and the total costs of lamb mortality on-farm.
S. aureus Colonization, Biofilm Production, and Phage Susceptibility in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Racenis Karlis , Kroica Juta , Rezevska Dace , Avotins Lauris , Skuditis Edgars , Popova Anna , Puide Ilze , Kuzema Viktorija , Petersons Aivars
Published: September 2020

Peritonitis caused by Staphylococcusaureus is of major importance in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients due to its great virulence profile and biofilm formation ability. Bacteriophages are a potential tool to treat peritonitis resulting from biofilm-associated infections. We screened S. aureus colonization in 71 PD patients from the nasal cavity, groin, and PD exit-site regions and analyzed clinical outcomes in these patients. We performed biofilm-formation testing of different strains and compared the isolates of one patient to detect phenotypic differences in S. aureus. Phage cocktails were used to detect S. aureus in vitro susceptibility. An adaptation procedure was performed in cases of bacterial resistance. Around 30% of PD patients (n = 21) were found to be S. aureus carriers; from these, a total of 34 S. aureus strains were isolated, of which 61.8% (n = 21) produced a strong biofilm. Phenotypic differences in strain biofilm production were detected in eight patients out of ten. All strains were sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. Broadly positive phage lytic activity (100%) was observed in six cocktails out of seven, and bacterial resistance towards phages was overcome using adaptation. Overall phages showed a promising in vitro effect in biofilm-forming S. aureus strains.
Plant Extracts as Possible Agents for Sequela of Cancer Therapies and Cachexia
Authors: Lee Jinjoo , Jeong Myung In , Kim Hyo-Rim , Park Hyejin , Moon Won-Kyoung , Kim Bonglee
Published: September 2020

Cancer is a leading cause of the death worldwide. Since the National Cancer Act in 1971, various cancer treatments were developed including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and so forth. However, sequela of such cancer therapies and cachexia are problem to the patients. The primary mechanism of cancer sequela and cachexia is closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. As antioxidant properties of numerous plant extracts have been widely reported, plant-derived drugs may have efficacy on managing the sequela and cachexia. In this study, recent seventy-four studies regarding plant extracts showing ability to manage the sequela and cachexia were reviewed. Some plant-derived antioxidants inhibited cancer proliferation and inflammation after surgery and others prevented chemotherapy-induced normal cell apoptosis. Also, there are plant extracts that suppressed radiation-induced oxidative stress and cell damage by elevation of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BcL-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Cachexia was also alleviated by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by plant extracts. This review focuses on the potential of plant extracts as great therapeutic agents by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.
Investigation of Fluid-Structure Interaction Induced Bending for Elastic Flaps in a Cross Flow
Authors: Bano Tayyaba , Hegner Franziska , Heinrich Martin , Schwarze Ruediger
Published: September 2020

With the recent increase in the design of light and flexible structures, numerical investigations of fluid and structure together play a significant role in most engineering applications. Therefore, the current study presents an examination of fluid-structure interaction involving flexible structures. The problem is numerically solved by a commercial software ANSYS-Workbench. Two-way coupled three-dimensional transient simulations are carried out for the flexible flaps of different thicknesses in glycerin for a laminar flow and Reynolds number ranging from 3 < Re < 12. The bending line of the flaps is compared with experimental data for different alignments of the flaps relative to the fluid flow. The study reports the computation of the maximum tip-deflection and deformation of flaps fixed at the bottom and mounted normal to the flow. Additionally, drag coefficients for flexible flaps are computed and flow regimes in the wake of the flaps are presented. As well, the study gives an understanding on how the fluid response changes as the structure deforms and the model is appropriate to predict the behavior of thick and comparatively thinner flaps. The results are sufficiently encouraging to consider the present model for analyzing turbulent flow processes against flexible objects.
Biomarkers and Human Biomonitoring in Occupational Medicine
Authors: Ledda Caterina , Rapisarda Venerando
Published: September 2020

Over the last years, biomarkers have increasingly expanded and become early and specific end points for monitoring cellular responses to various disease states and exposures to drugs and chemical agents. They have enjoyed some success as predictors of health outcomes for a number of clinical diseases, but their application for chemical exposure risk assessments has been more limited. Biomarkers may be classified into markers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility. To be useful in providing linkage to human exposure, biomarkers should be as specific as possible to the exposure agents and highly sensitive, so to detect even low levels of exposure.
Development of a Framework to Understand Tables in Engineering Specification Documents
Authors: Agossou Valentin , Suh Hyo-Won , Lee Heejung , Lee Jae Hyun
Published: September 2020

Several works have been done in the last decades for understanding tables in documents, but most of them were not specifically designed to understand tables in engineering specification documents. Tables in engineering specifications have characteristics such as various table structures with restricted terms. A framework is developed to address the issues in understanding tables in engineering specification documents. The framework consists of three steps: (1) Identifying minimal tables, (2) classifying cells, and (3) extending a domain knowledge map. A modified XY-tree algorithm was developed to find minimal tables, and a neural network algorithm was adopted to classify cells into labels and data. Then, specific domain rules were developed to discover concepts and relationships from terms in the classified cells. It is assumed a domain ontology is given, and it is extended with new concepts and relationships extracted from tables. We illustrated how each step performed with engineering table examples. The proposed framework could be used for searching product specification and for discovering hidden knowledge from tables in engineering specification documents.
Device-Free Localization and Identification Using Sub-GHz Passive Radio Mapping
Authors: Denis Stijn , Kaya Abdil , Berkvens Rafael , Weyn Maarten
Published: September 2020

The research domain of device-free localization (DFL) is centered on the study of localization techniques which do not require targets to wear any kind of device. Passive radio mapping or passive fingerprinting is an example of a training-based DFL technique which uses the impact of a human target on radio frequency (RF) communication between stationary nodes to perform localization. We describe a set of experiments performed in a 42 m2 empty office environment in which we installed a RF network with nodes communicating on the 433 MHz and 868 MHz bands. We attempted to locate a single stationary human target based solely on signal strength measurements and did so for six different participants using two different fingerprinting methods. One method was based on Euclidean distance minimization while the other made use of a naive Bayesian classifier. We investigated the impact of frequency band, number of nodes and target body type on localization accuracy. Results indicated that a root mean square error of 48 cm could be obtained with only four nodes, provided that the data from both frequency bands was combined. Additionally, we investigated the potential of these fingerprinting approaches to distinguish between targets based on body type and perform a rudimentary form of passive identification. Accuracy rates for identification could vary significantly depending on target location, with results ranging from 0.07 to 0.75 in the exact same environment. However, the experiment participant with the lowest height and weight could be distinguished from the other participants in over 90% of cases.
A Modified Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm for the Topology Optimization of Electromagnet Devices
Authors: Yang Wenjia , Ho Siu Lau , Fu Weinong
Published: September 2020

The memetic algorithms which employ population information spreading mechanism have shown great potentials in solving complex three-dimensional black-box problems. In this paper, a newly developed memetic meta-heuristic optimization method, known as shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA), is modified and applied to topology optimization of electromagnetic problems. Compared to the conventional SFLA, the proposed algorithm has an extra local search step, which allows it to escape from the local optimum, and hence avoid the problem of premature convergence to continue its search for more accurate results. To validate the performance of the proposed method, it was applied to solving the topology optimization of an interior permanent magnet motor. Two other EAs, namely the conventional SFLA and local-search genetic algorithm, were applied to study the same problem and their performances were compared with that of the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm has the best trade-off between the results of objective values and optimization time, and hence is more efficient in topology optimization of electromagnetic devices.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Garlic Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Liver Injury via Modulation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Hepatocyte Architecture
Authors: Almatroodi Saleh A. , Anwar Shehwaz , Almatroudi Ahmad , Khan Amjad Ali , Alrumaihi Faris , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Rahmani Arshad Husain
Published: September 2020

The current study aims to explore the hepatoprotective mechanisms of garlic extract through in vivo and in vitro assays. The in vitro investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential showed maximum 67.5% of free radical scavenging and 71.36% albumin denaturation inhibition by 600 μg/mL garlic extract. To explore the hepatoprotective activity by in vivo experiments, the animals were orally intoxicated with 150 μL of CCl4 (1:1 v/v in olive oil) and treated with garlic extract (75 mg/kg b.w.) 3 times/week, for eight successive weeks. The administration of garlic extract significantly ameliorated CCl4 induced increment in amounts of serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Aspartate transaminaseas (106.7, 116.3, 136.4 U/L) as compared to disease control which showed increased level (140.5, 156.2, 187.6 U/L). Besides, significant reduction of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidases (GPx), and Glutathione (GSH) (29.3, 48.4, and 25.9 U/mg protein) was noticed in CCl4 induced animals, respectively. Likewise, garlic extract treatment facilitated a significant increment in all tested antioxidant enzymes levels (41.6, 63.3, and 32.5 U/mg protein), respectively. Additionally, Tumor necrosis factor⍺ (TNF-⍺), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) level (63.79, 580.2, 18.3, 63.74 and 148.4 pg/mL) were increased significantly in CCl4-induced group, while garlic extract treatment decreased these pro inflammatory marker levels (40.24, 460.4, 15.4, 45.14, and 125.3 pg/mL). The animals exposed to CCl4 showed various types of alterations like lymphocytes infiltration, edema and congestion, while the animals treated with garlic extract plus CCl4 showed amelioration of the hepatocytes architectures. Thus, our finding advocates that the consumption of garlic can be a potential therapeutic remedy in the inhibition of liver ailments.