bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liraglutide Preserves Intracellular Calcium Handling in Isolated Murine Myocytes Exposed to Oxidative Stress
Authors: PALEE S. , CHATTIPAKORN S. C. , CHATTIPAKORN N.
Published: January 2020

In ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injured hearts, severe oxidative stress occurs and is associated with intracellular calcium (Ca2+) overload. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues have been shown to exert cardioprotection in I/R heart. However, there is little information regarding the effects of GLP-1 analogue on the intracellular Ca2+ regulation in the presence of oxidative stress. Therefore, we investigated the effects of GLP-1 analogue, (liraglutide, 10 µM) applied before or after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 50 µM) treatment on intracellular Ca2+ regulation in isolated cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that liraglutide can attenuate intracellular Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes under H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from the hearts of male Wistar rats. Isolated cardiomyocytes were loaded with Fura-2/AM and fluorescence intensity was recorded. Intracellular Ca2+ transient decay rate, intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude and intracellular diastolic Ca2+ levels were recorded before and after treatment with liraglutide. In H2O2 induced severe oxidative stressed cardiomyocytes (which mimic cardiac I/R) injury, liraglutide given prior to or after H2O2 administration effectively increased both intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude and intracellular Ca2+ transient decay rate, without altering the intracellular diastolic Ca2+ level. Liraglutide attenuated intracellular Ca2+ overload in H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte injury and may be responsible for cardioprotection during cardiac I/R injury by preserving physiological levels of calcium handling during the systolic and diastolic phases of myocyte activation.
PEMBIMBINGAN REFLEKSI PEMBELAJARAN DALAM PKP: SUATU ANALISIS EMPIRIS PADA PROGRAM S1 PGSD-UT
Authors: Julaeha Siti
Published: January 2020

This research was conduded through a qualitative approach to find informafion conceming the ability of teachers in doing reflective leaming. Data was gathered through surveys to S1 PGSD students and PKP sypervisors involved in the implementation of the PKP program in Bandung Regional Center Unit. Observasions was also conducted at the location of PKP guidance during tutorial sessions in 2008.1 academic year. Analysis using SWOT method revealed that most teachers already do reflection learning concepts taught in accordance with the guidance of the PKP. The results also revealed that the guidance conducted by the supervisor is still less in providing opportunity for students to share experiences and to practice making scientific work. School facilities, infrastructure and time limited guidance represents a serious challenge for students in archieving the success of leaming reflection. lt is suggested that program S1 PGSD UT to develop altemative models to be used to facilitate supervision of teachers to be able to play a role as active learners, creafive and capable of social adaptation. Through this model teachers are expected to be able to share knowledge and experiences with fellow teachers and supervisors in learning reflection and rn practicing to write a report concerning the results of learning refiection.
DAMPAK PELAKSANAAN MODEL MATEMATIKA REALISTIS PADA PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN DEDUKTIF SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH DI PARUNG KABUPATEN - KABUPATEN BOGOR
Authors: Dr. Yumiati M.Si.  , Tarhadi
Published: January 2020

This study attemps to determine impact of the implementation of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) model on the improvement of deductive reasoning ability, and to describe the perceptions of teachers and students of secondary schools toward the RME model. A quasi-experiment with pretest-postest non-equivalent group as research design was employed into 2 groups of research subject: the experimental group and the control group and each was treated under RME and conventional teaching model. A number of 44 students of SMPN1 Parung and 20 students of SMP Islam Terpadu Jabon Mekar in Parung District were chosen as research subjects. Quantitative data obtained through questionnaires and written tests were analyzed using Student-t test. While qualitative information gathered through responses to personal interview and observations was analyzed using qualitative-naturalistics method. Findings reveals that learning mathematics using the RME model impacts on increasing students deductive learning ability in both schools with amount of increase is 30.7 for SMP Islam Terpadu and 44.8 for SMPN1 Parung. RME model also impacts on developing students positive attitude of students toward mathematics as seen in the number of students who liked mathematics lesson, that is 100% for SMP Islam Terpadu and 97% SMPN 1 Parung. The perceptions of teachers and students in both schools toward the RME Model are positive. Application of learning mathematics using PMR model becomes more enjoyable and students become more active.
KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI DAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH MATEMATIS MAHASISWA PENDIDIKAN GURU SEKOLAH DASAR MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH
Authors: Karlimah
Published: January 2020

This experimental study was conducted to investigate students’ mathematical communication and problem solving abilities by using problem based learning (PBL). The subjects of this study were 67 student teachers from a State University in Bandung. Instruments of this study were a mathematical communication test and a mathematical problem solving test. The data were analyzed by using one and two path anova, Mann Whitney test and chi square test. The study found that: (1) Students’ mathematical communication and problem solving abilities in PBL classroom were higher than those of students of conventional classroom; (2) The advantage of PBL were also supported by the findings that mathematical communication and problem solving abilities of students with  low initial ability were higher in PBL classroom compared to those ofconventional classroom;  (3) There was significant correlation between mathematical communication and problem solving abilities; (4) There were no interaction between teaching approaches and prior mathematics ability on students’ mathematical communication and problem solving abilities.
PENERAPAN QUANTUM TEACHING MELALUI STRATEGI GROUP STUDY BERBANTUAN MODUL
Authors: Aini Indriasih
Published: January 2020

In the teaching and learning process there is a strong interrelationship of teachers, students, curiculum, equipment and infrastructure. The teacher is to select models and media which are appropriate to the learning material and hopefully this will stimulate students interest in learning. This study of modular quantum teaching is an experimental research as an alternative to overcome teachersproblems in achieveing the learning objectives, especially in the learning of social science in elementary schools. Study was done in the Elementary Schools 06 of Cendono Kudus in 2010. The samples were taken through a cluster sampling technique and assigned into an experimental group and a control group. The data of activeness and process skills were taken through observation and achievement test. The obtained data were descriptively presented and analyzed through variant analysis. The study showed that the learning activeness of modular quantum teaching group was categorized as learning active. Meanwhile the process skills and learning activeness of expository group were categorized as skilful. Based on the test of influence, process skills, motivation and students activeness of modular quantum teaching group had 4.9% of influence and other factors had 95.1% of influence. The t-test showed different learning achievement of the two groups. The mean score of experimental group was higher than that of control group.
EFEKTIFITAS PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN REALISTIC MATEMATIC EDUCATION (RME ) TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA SISWA SD
Authors: Achmad Achmad  , Irmansyah
Published: January 2020

The research purpose was to describe the successfulness of Realistic Mathematic Education Model which was based on the completion aspect of students learning result, students activity level, teachers ability to manage learning, and students response toward the model applied in this research. This research was conducted toward the third year students of SD Islam Terpadu which consist of 25 students. In gathering data, pen and paper test technique was used to measure students achievement. Observation was done to know students activities and teachers ability in manage learning.Questioner was also given to know the students perceptions toward the model applied. Statistic and descriptive analysis were used to analyze the data. The research finding showed that the students activities were not effective, while the teachers ability in managing learning was effective. In the end, standard for students achievement were not reached. On the other hand, students responses toward the model applied were positive.
PENGARUH MEDIA OVERHEAD PROJECTOR DAN PEMBERIAN LEMBAR KERJA SISWA TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR PENDIDIKAN PANCASILA DAN KEWARGANEGARAAN DAN BAHASA INDONESIA
Authors: La Maskone
Published: January 2020

Improving educational quality is a continous procceses done by teachers. One of the strategy to improve the quality is to improve substance or content delivery. This study attempt to elaborate the effect of using overhead projector (OHP) media in lecturing method for Civic and Bahasa Indonesia for high school students. Experiment approach was used to answer research questions. Factorial design was selected to reveal the research outcomes. The result showed that there was significant impact of using OHP to support learning process on Civic and Bahasa Indonesia.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI DAN KETERAMPILAN BERKOMUNIKASI TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR MAHASISWA PADA TUTORIAL ONLINE BERBASIS PENDEKATAN KONTEKSTUAL PADA MATAKULIAH STATISTIKA PENDIDIKAN
Authors: Mery Noviyanti
Published: January 2020

Student achievement for Statistics for education course at Universitas Terbuka (UT) is relatively low. Students need learning process that can increase learning motivation. Contextual approach is a learning process where students can understand the concept through its application in daily life which supposedly will increase learning motivation. Online tutorial is one of learning support services provided by the UT via the internet. By utilizing the discussion forums, initiation material, assignments and exercises, students can improve their communication skills so as to facilitate their learning. This article is based on the research which aimed to find out how motivation and communication skills influenced the learning achievement in online tutorials with contextual approach on Statistics for education course. Field trials were carried out in 36 undergraduate students who followed the online tutorials. The independent variable is motivation and communication skills, while the dependent variable is the learning achievement. Data were taken through questionnaires and observation and processed by means of regression test. The results showed that: a) motivation affect learning achievement by 88.7%, b) communication skills has a positive effect on learning achievement by 74.7%, and c) the influence of motivation and communication skills to the learning achievement was 89.7%.
PERSEPSI SISWA TERHADAP PEMANFAATAN LABORATORIUM VIRTUAL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA TOPIK GERAK LURUS (SURVEY TERHADAP SISWA KELAS X SMAN 87 JAKARTA SELATAN
Authors: Heni Safitri  , Herawati
Published: January 2020

Experiment is the core of physics subject. Most of physics phenomena taught in school, are not based on observation. They are taught verbally and in few cases they are correlated with phenomena found in daily life. The presence of virtual laboratory could solve the problems as well as provide alternative solution for lack of equipments of physics laboratory in most schools. This research explained the perception of students about utilization of virtual laboratory in physics to learn the topic of linear motion. The research carried out on student class X in SMAN 87 Jakarta Selatan in 2009/2010. Data is collected from quesioner and then analyzed descriptively. The result indicates that using virtual laboratory, students better understand the concept of linear motion and give them experience of more save and more compartable practicum.
PERBANDINGAN PENGGUNAAN MULTIMEDIA SECARA TUTORIAL DAN PRESENTASI TERHADAP PENGUASAAN KONSEP DAN KETERAMPILAN PROSES SAINS PADA KONSEP SISTEM PERTAHANAN TUBUH
Authors: Nuraeni Eni , Machmudin Dadang , Hermansyah Tenten
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of multimedia in the presentation and tutorial of mastery of the concept and process skills in science concerning the immune system. The experimental study was designed with Quasy pre-test post-test, multiple nonequivalent group design. Two treatments for each tutorials and presentations class were employed. Instruments consist of basic concept mastery test, the concept and process skills, questionnaires, and interviews. The result showed that there were differences among the two classes. However, there was no significant difference students process skill in science. Communication skills measured showed no significant difference, while the predictive ability measured showed a significant difference.

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah membandingkan penggunaan multimedia secara presentasi terhadap penguasaan konsep dan KPS pada konsep sistem pertahanan tubuh melalui penggunaan multimedia secara tutorial dan presentasi. Penelitian ini merupakan Quasy eksperiment dengan desain pre-test post-test, nonequivalent multiple group design. Digunakan dua kelas perlakuan masing-masing untuk kelas tutorial dan presentasi. Instrumen yang digunakan meliputi pokok uji penguasaan konsep, pokok uji KPS, angket dan wawancara. Hasi menunjukan adanya perbedaan penguasaan konsep pada kedua kelas perlakuan. Akan tetapi perlakuan yang diberikan tidak menunjukan adanya perbedaan terhadap KPS siswa. Kemampuan komunikasi yang diukur menunjukan tidak adanya, sedangkan kemampuan prediksi yang diukur menunjukan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan.
PENJADWALAN TUTORIAL TATAP MUKA MENGGUNAKAN SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN
Authors: Sylvi Pismia
Published: January 2020

Effective face-to-face tutorial will be affected by some factors such as number of participants, the scattered locations, the lack of competent tutors, and the poor management system. Specifically, this problem was caused by (i) tutors who teach too many subjects, (ii) the mismanaged scheduling system that a tutor teaches in different classes at the same time. Through decision support system, scheduling is expected to become more effective and efficient. Constraint programming was used as a method to solve problems through mathematical calculation based on prerequisites and limitation. However, the lack of competent tutors remain a major obstacle in running face-to-face tutorial.

Efektivitas pelaksanan tutorial tatap muka menjadi berkurang, antara lain akibat besarnya jumlah peserta , tersebarnya lokasi tutorial tatap muka, tidak kompetennya tutor, dan lemahnya sistem pembuatan jadwal tutorial. Masalah ketidakefektifan ini disebabkan oleh (i) adanya tutor yang yang mengajar untuk beberapa matakuliah, (ii) sistem penjadwalan yang tidak baik sehingga terdapat tutor yang mengajar pada beberapa kelas pada waktu yang sama. Dengan demikian penjadwalan tutorial menjadi masalah yang penting dalam pelaksanaan tutorial tatap muka. Melalui Sistem Pendukung Keputusan, penjadwalan tutorial diharapkan dapat menjadi lebih efektif dan efisien. Untuk mencari solusi terhadap persoalan ini, digunakan Constraint programming. Cara ini didasarkan pada perhitungan matematika dengan memperhitungkan batasan-batasan yang ada. Namun demikian, kualitas tutor tetap merupakan kunci permasalahan. Kurangnya tutor yang berkompeten akan mempengaruhi efektivitas tutorial tatap muka.
PENGEMBANGAN BUKU ELEKTRONIK UNTUK SAINS DI SMP SBI DAN RSBI
Authors: Rochintaniawati Diana , Widodo Ari , Widhiyanti Tuszie
Published: January 2020

Research and development (R & D) of electronic books (e-book) for science in International Secondary Schools (RSBI and SBI) were conducted with the objective of providing science e-books as a source of learning for teachers and students of RSBI and SBI. With the development of this e-book, it was expected to develop an integrated understanding of science in students, develop students' language skills, and to develop skills in using information technology. The study was conducted by the method of R & D that begins with an analysis of national science curriculum and Cambridge curriculum. The e-book was presented in the form of integrated themes that combined concepts of physics, chemistry and biology written in English. From the results of feasibility study conducted on the use of the e-books it was found that the e-books were sufficiently met the criteria in terms of image presentation, animation, font used, English, exercises and student activities. In general, it was concluded that the e-book developed was creatively made and appropriate for learning source in secondary schools, particularly in RSBI and SBI.

Penelitian Pengembangan Buku Elektronik untuk Sains di SMP SBI dan RSBI dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menyediakan buku sains yang dapat dijadikan sebagai salah satu sumber belajar bagi guru dan siswa SMP di RSBI/SBI. Dengan dikembangkannya buku ini, diharapkan pembelajaran sains dapat mengembangkan pemahaman sains siswa yang terintegrasi, mengembangkan kemampuan berbahasa siswa, serta mengembangkan kemampuan dalam menggunakan teknologi informasi. Penelitian dilakukan melalui metode Reseach and Development (R&D) yang diawali dengan analisis kurikulum sains SMP berdasarkan KTSP dan kurikulum Cambridge. Penyajian buku berupa tema-tema yang mengintegrasikan konsep-konsep dalam fisika, kimia dan biologi dengan menggunakan Bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa pengantar. Dari hasil uji kelayakan penggunaan buku yang dilakukan terhadap siswa SMP diperoleh bahwa e-book yang disusun memenuhi kriteria penggunaan e-book dalam aspek penyajian gambar, animasi, penggunaan huruf, penggunaan Bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa pengantar, latihan serta kegiatan siswa. Secara umum, e-book yang dikembangkan dinilai memiliki kreativitas yang baik dan layak digunakan sebagai buku sumber dalam pembelajaran sains di SMP, khususnya di RSBI/SBI.
PERANAN DONGENG DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Soetantyo Sylvia Primulawati
Published: January 2020

The purpose of education is to internalized value emphasized on ethics-spiritual reflected in the day-to-day attitude. Internet has become a lifestyle for most students. Since the information flow is uncontroll, morale of young people is at stake. To counter the impact of internet on elementary school children, teachercan practice storytelling to create a real teaching situation in promoting good character. Through storytelling children can learn various characters from folktales and make characters in the story / fairy tale as a role model.

 

Salah satu tujuan pendidikan adalah untuk menginternalisasikan nilai-nilai yang ditekankan pada etika-spiritual yang tercermin dalam sikap sehari-hari. Internet telah menjadi gaya hidup bagi sebagian besar siswa. Karena arus informasi pada internet hampir tidak bisa dikendalikan, maka moral kaum mudalah yang menjadi taruhannya. Untuk mengatasi dampak internet terhadap anak-anak sekolah dasar, guru dapat berlatih mendongeng untuk menciptakan situasi mengajar nyata dalam mempromosikan karakter yang baik. Melalui kegiatan mendongeng, anak dapat mempelajari berbagai karakter dari cerita rakyat dan menciptakan karakter dalam cerita / dongeng sebagai model peran.
Fittonia verschaffeltii Response to Artificial Light Treatments: BIOMASS, Nutrient Concentrations and Physiological Changes
Authors: García-Caparros Pedro , Almansa Eva María , Barbero Francisco Javier , Chica Rosa María , Lao María Teresa
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different light treatments on biomass, nutrient concentrations and physiological parameters of Fittonia verschaffeltii (Lem) Van Houtte. The aim was to establish a methodology to evaluate the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) emitted by lamps on biomass. The light treatments used were tube luminescent Dunn (TL-D), tube luminescent Dunn + light emitting diodes (LEDs) and Tube luminescent 5 (TL-5). At the end of the experimental period, biomass, nutritional, biochemical, and physiological parameters were assessed. A clear reduction in total plant dry weight under TL-D + LEDs at the end of the experiment was recorded. With respect to nutrient concentration in the different organs assessed, there was no clear response under the different light treatments. The growth under TL-D lamps resulted in the highest concentration of total soluble sugars and starch in leaves, whereas the highest value of indole 3-acetic acid concentration was under TL-5 lamps. Plants grown under TL-D + LEDs showed the lowest values of chlorophyll a, b and a + b. The relationship proposed between integrated use of spectral energy (IUSE) and total dry weight (TDW) showed a good correlation with an R2 value of 0.86, therefore we recommend this methodology to discern the effects of the different spectral qualities on plant biomass.
Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizers Affects Soil Prokaryotic Communities Compositions
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Li Chuanzong , Zhu Shuhao , Xu Yan , Li Houyu , Zheng Xiangqun , Shi Rongguang
Published: January 2020

As a fundamental part of the soil ecosystem, prokaryotes are involved in the preservation of soil functions. However, little is known of how the combined application of long-term organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer affects the prokaryotic communities’ dynamics at a paddy field. A long-term positioning experiment initiated in 2013 with four treatments (NO: no N fertilizer, CN: 100% urea N with no organic fertilizer, PM: 80% urea N plus 20% N with pig manure, CM: 80% urea N plus 20% N with compost) were applied to detect the differential responses of soil physicochemical properties, and prokaryotic community structure and composition in different fertilization regimes. The results indicated that the long-term combined application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers altered the physicochemical properties to some extent and, simultaneously, established unique prokaryotic communities. In detail, the treatment of PM and CM significantly increased the content of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) compared to NO. Moreover, a total of 31 indicator taxa were screened across the four treatments by LDA Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis following the principle of the greatest differences, which suggests that these indicator taxa were more sensitive to the fertilization. This research suggested that the combined application of long-term organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers not only contributed to the soil’s physicochemical properties but also changed the prokaryotic community composition.
Effects of Low Water Availability on Root Placement and Shoot Development in Landraces and Modern Barley Cultivars
Authors: Boudiar Ridha , Casas Ana M. , Gioia Tania , Fiorani Fabio , Nagel Kerstin A. , Igartua Ernesto
Published: January 2020

Early vigor has been proposed as a favorable trait for cereals grown in drought-prone environments. This research aimed at characterizing early stage shoot and root growth of three Spanish barley landraces compared with three modern cultivars. Genotypes were grown in an automated phenotyping platform, GrowScreen-Rhizo, under well-watered and drought conditions. Seminal and lateral root length, root system width and depth were recorded automatically during the experiment. Drought induced greater growth reduction in shoots (43% dry weight reduction) than in roots (23% dry weight). Genotypic differences were larger under no stress, partly due to a more profuse growth of landraces in this treatment. Accession SBCC146 was the most vigorous for shoot growth, whereas SBCC073 diverted more assimilates to root growth. Among cultivars, Cierzo was the most vigorous one and Scarlett had the least root dry weight of all genotypes, under both conditions. Root growth was redirected to lateral roots when seminal roots could not progress further in dry soil. This study reveals the presence of genetic diversity in dynamics of early growth of barley. The different patterns of growth observed for SBCC073 and SBCC146 should be explored further, to test if they affect field performance of barley in drought-prone environments.
Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Photosynthesis and Growth of Tomato Plants as Affected by Long-Term Oxygen Root Zone Deprivation and Grafting
Authors: Mauro Rosario Paolo , Agnello Michele , Distefano Miriam , Sabatino Leo , San Bautista Primo Alberto , Leonardi Cherubino , Giuffrida Francesco
Published: January 2020

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effects of the O2 root zone level and grafting on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis and growth of cherry tomato grown in a hydroponic system. Two O2 concentrations in the root zone, namely Ox (saturation level) and Ox- (2–3 mg L−1), were applied for 30 days on self-grafted cherry tomato Dreamer or grafted onto the hybrids Arnold, Beaufort, Maxifort and Top Pittam. Root hypoxia increased minimum fluorescence (by 10%) while it decreased variable fluorescence and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (up to 16 and 8%, respectively). Moreover, it reduced leaf photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance (by 12, 17 and 13%, respectively), whereas it increased leaf electrolyte leakage (by 2.1%). The graft combinations showed a different ability in buffering the effects of root hypoxia on plant growth and related components, and these differences were related to their root biomass. The minimum fluorescence was negatively correlated to plant growth, so it may be a useful indicator to select tolerant rootstocks to root hypoxia. Our results suggest the occurrence of both diffusive and metabolic constraints to tomato photosynthesis under root hypoxia, a condition that can be mitigated by selecting rootstocks with a more developed root system.
Using Digestate and Biochar as Fertilizers to Improve Processing Tomato Production Sustainability
Authors: Ronga Domenico , Caradonia Federica , Parisi Mario , Bezzi Guido , Parisi Bruno , Allesina Giulio , Pedrazzi Simone , Francia Enrico
Published: January 2020

The principal goal of the organic farming system (OFS) is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment. Unfortunately, the OFS yields fewer products per land than the non-organic farming system in many agricultural products. The objective of our study was to assess the effects of digestate and biochar fertilizers on yield and fruit quality of processing tomato produced under the OFS. The experiment was carried out in Po Valley, during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Liquid digestate (LD), LD + biochar (LD + BC) and pelleted digestate (PD) were evaluated and compared to biochar (BC) application and unfertilized control. The results showed that plants fertilized with LD + BC recorded the maximum marketable yield (72 t ha−1), followed by BC (67 t ha−1), PD (64 t ha−1) and LD (59 t ha−1); while the lowest production (47 t ha−1) was recorded in unfertilized plants. Over the two cropping seasons, LD + BC, BC, PD, and LD, increased fruit number per plant (+15%), fruit weight (+24%), Brix t ha−1 (+41%) and reduced Bostwick index (−16%), if compared to the untreated control. Considering the overall agronomic performances, digestate and biochar can be useful options for increasing yield and quality of processing tomato production in the OFS. Hence, these fertilizers can be assessed in future research both on other crops and farming systems.
Effects of Dietary Fiber Sources during Gestation on Stress Status, Abnormal Behaviors and Reproductive Performance of Sows
Authors: Huang Shuangbo , Wei Jianfu , Yu Haoyuan , Hao Xiangyu , Zuo Jianjun , Tan Chengquan , Deng Jinping
Published: January 2020

Inclusion of fiber in gestation diets is a method for enhancing satiety and reducing abnormal behaviors in restricted feeding sows without providing excess energy. The purpose of this study was to use an in vitro-in vivo method to appraise the effects of two available unconventional dietary fiber resources during gestation on sows’ physio-chemical properties of diets, postprandial satiety, performance, abnormal behaviors, stress status and lactation feed intake under three different dietary treatments: control diet (CON diet), 5% resistant starch diet (RS diet), and 5% fermented soybean fiber diet (FSF diet) with a total of 78 (average parity 5) Landrace × Yorkshire sows. Results showed that swelling capacity was higher in the RS diet than in the CON or FSF diet. Meanwhile, the 48 h cumulative gas production and the final asymptotic gas volume after in vitro fermentation of gestation diets showed an increased trend (p = 0.07, p = 0.09, respectively) in the RS diet versus the CON or FSF diets. While the sows’ litter size, body weight, backfat or weaning-to-estrus interval were not affected (p > 0.05) by the three treatments during gestation, the RS group showed a decline in stillbirth number (p < 0.05) and stillbirth rate (p < 0.01) relative to the other two groups. Meanwhile, the proportion of standing was lower while the sow’s serum concentrations of PYY (peptide YY) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) were higher (p < 0.05) on day 70 of gestation in the RS group than in the CON or FSF group. Compared with the CON group, the RS group showed a downward tendency (p = 0.07) in the sows’ plasma cortisol concentration on day 70 of gestation. A comparison of oxidative and antioxidative indicators revealed an increase in the sows’ serum FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) (p < 0.05) and a decrease of protein carbonyl (p < 0.05) on day 109 of gestation in the RS or FSF group versus the CON group. Overall, inclusion of 5% RS with greater swelling capacity in the gestation diet contributed to enhancing the postprandial satiety, alleviating the stress status, reducing the abnormal behaviors and thus lowering the stillbirth rate of sows.
Circadian Rhythm of Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Associations with Cortisol as A Stress Biomarker in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Plangsangmas Tithipong , Brown Janine L. , Thitaram Chatchote , Silva-Fletcher Ayona , Edwards Katie L. , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Towiboon Patcharapa , Somgird Chaleamchat
Published: January 2020

Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) has been proposed as a potential indicator of welfare for various species, including Asian elephants, and may be related to adrenal cortisol responses. This study aimed to distinguish circadian rhythm effects on sIgA in male and female Asian elephants and compare patterns to those of salivary cortisol, information that could potentially have welfare implications. Subjects were captive elephants at an elephant camp in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (n = 5 males, 5 females). Salivette® kits were used to collect saliva from each elephant every 4 h from 06:00 to 22:00 h for 3 consecutive days (n = 15 samples/elephant). Enzyme immunoassays were used to quantify concentrations of IgA and cortisol in unextracted saliva. Circadian rhythm patterns were determined using a generalized least-squares method. Both sIgA and cortisol followed a circadian rhythm, although the patterns differed. sIgA displayed a daily quartic trend, whereas cortisol concentrations demonstrated a decreasing linear trend in concentrations throughout the day. There was no clear relationship between patterns of sIgA and salivary cortisol, implying that mechanisms of control and secretion differ. Results demonstrate for the first time that circadian rhythms affect sIgA, and concentrations follow a daily quartic pattern in Asian elephants, so standardizing time of collection is necessary.
The View of the French Dog Breeders in Relation to Female Reproduction, Maternal Care and Stress during the Peripartum Period
Authors: Santos Natalia R. dos , Beck Alexandra , Fontbonne Alain
Published: January 2020

In France, as in many other western countries, dogs are an important part of the society as pets or working animals. The exact demand for puppies in France is unknown, as is the proportion of dogs coming from different breeding sources. Nevertheless, the origin of puppies is important since young dogs from puppy mills and pet stores appear to be more likely to develop behavioral disorders. Puppies coming from responsible breeders, on the other hand, tend to be better adapted. In well-managed kennels, an explanation for these behavioral differences may be associated with greater contact of litters with the dam and humans. Another factor that might influence a dog’s temperament and character is maternal behavior. Although recent studies have shown that the quality of maternal care in dogs is important, direct effects on the development of behavioral problems such as fearfulness or noise sensitivity are still controversial. To better understand the view of breeders, due to an increased interest in maternal care of dogs, an online questionnaire was developed to assess the dog breeders’ profiles and to explore their perception of normal maternal and stress-related behaviors during the peripartum period. In addition, the management of the female during this critical time was queried. Three-hundred and forty-five French dog breeders, representing 91 breeds, completed the online survey. Considering the demographics of the responders, breeding activity in France is mostly family-based with 76% raising two breeds of dogs that produce, on average, five litters/year. Around 60% of the breeders use progesterone levels to determine breeding date. The whelping date is estimated using multiple criteria and most labors and deliveries happen under human supervision. The majority of behaviors associated to good maternal care are defined by the vast majority as being related to more attention of the bitch towards the puppies with the frequency of nursing and licking being important clues. Globally, the peripartum is perceived as a stressful period and to minimize stress and reassure the bitch the favored method used is increasing human presence. Problems related to maternal behavior were described, notably with primiparous bitches.
Quantification of the Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts: Analysis of Sensitivity and Hierarchization Based on the Method Used
Authors: Chaves Natividad , Santiago Antonio , Alías Juan Carlos
Published: January 2020

Plants have a large number of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. Studies for the determination of the antioxidant activity of different plant species could contribute to revealing the value of these species as a source of new antioxidant compounds. There is a large variety of in vitro methods to quantify antioxidant activity, and it is important to select the proper method to determine which species have the highest antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to verify whether different methods show the same sensitivity and/or capacity to discriminate the antioxidant activity of the extract of different plant species. To that end, we selected 12 species with different content of phenolic compounds. Their extracts were analyzed using the following methods: 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing (FRAP) assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS) assay, and reducing power (RP) assay. The four methods selected could quantify the antioxidant capacity of the 12 study species, although there were differences between them. The antioxidant activity values quantified through DPPH and RP were higher than the ones obtained by ABTS and FRAP, and these values varied among species. Thus, the hierarchization or categorization of these species was different depending on the method used. Another difference established between these methods was the sensitivity obtained with each of them. A cluster revealed that RP established the largest number of groups at the shortest distance from the root. Therefore, as it showed the best discrimination of differences and/or similarities between species, RP is considered in this study as the one with the highest sensitivity among the four studied methods. On the other hand, ABTS showed the lowest sensitivity. These results show the importance of selecting the proper antioxidant activity quantification method for establishing a ranking of species based on this parameter.
Selenium Anticancer Properties and Impact on Cellular Redox Status
Authors: Kuršvietienė Lolita , Mongirdienė Aušra , Bernatonienė Jurga , Šulinskienė Jurgita , Stanevičienė Inga
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: In this review, we provide information published in recent years on the chemical forms, main biological functions and especially on antioxidant and prooxidant activities of selenium. The main focus is put on the impact of selenoproteins on maintaining cellular redox balance and anticancerogenic function. Moreover, we summarize data on chemotherapeutic application of redox active selenium compounds. (2) Methods: In the first section, main aspects of metabolism and redox activity of selenium compounds is reviewed. The second outlines multiple biological functions, asserted when selenium is incorporated into the structure of selenoproteins. The final section focuses on anticancer activity of selenium and chemotherapeutic application of redox active selenium compounds as well. (3) Results: optimal dietary level of selenium ensures its proper antioxidant and anticancer activity. We pay special attention to antioxidant activities of selenium compounds, especially selenoproteins, and their importance in antioxidant defence. It is worth noting, that data on selenium anticancer properties is still contraversive. Moreover, selenium compounds as chemotherapeutic agents usually are used at supranutritional doses. (4) Conclusions: Selenium play a vital role for many organism systems due to its incorporation into selenoproteins structure. Selenium possesses antioxidant activity at optimal doses, while at supranutritional doses, it displays prooxidant activity. Redox active selenium compounds can be used for cancer treatment; recently special attention is put to selenium containing nanoparticles.
The Brewing Industry and the Opportunities for Real-Time Quality Analysis Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Fox Glen
Published: January 2020

Brewing is an ancient process which started in the middle east over 10,000 years ago. The style of beer varies across the globe but modern brewing is very much the same regardless of the style. While there are thousands of compounds in beer, current methods of analysis rely mostly on the content of only several important processing parameters such as gravity, bitterness, or alcohol. Near infrared and mid infrared spectroscopy offer opportunities to predict dozens to hundreds of compounds simultaneously at different stages of the brewing process. Importantly, this is an opportunity to move deeper into quality through measuring wort and beer composition, rather than just content. This includes measuring individual sugars and amino acids prior to fermentation, rather than total °Plato or free amino acids content. Portable devices and in-line probes, coupled with more complex algorithms can provide real time measurements, allowing brewers more control of the process, resulting in more consistent quality, reduced production costs and greater confidence for the future.
Learning Collision Situation to Convolutional Neural Network Using Collision Grid Map Based on Probability Scheme
Authors: Jo Jun Hyeong , Moon Chang-bae
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a Collision Grid Map (CGM) is proposed by using 3d point cloud data to predict the collision between the cattle and the end effector of the manipulator in the barn environment. The Generated Collision Grid Map using x-y plane and depth z data in 3D point cloud data is applied to a Convolutional Neural Network to predict a collision situation. There is an invariant of the permutation problem, which is not efficiently learned in occurring matter of different orders when 3d point cloud data is applied to Convolutional Neural Network. The Collision Grid Map is generated by point cloud data based on the probability method. The Collision Grid Map scheme is composed of a 2-channel. The first channel is constructed by location data in the x-y plane. The second channel is composed of depth data in the z-direction. 3D point cloud is measured in a barn environment and created a Collision Grid Map. Then the generated Collision Grid Map is applied to the Convolutional Neural Network to predict the collision with cattle. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme is reliable and robust in a barn environment.
CFAM: Estimating 3D Hand Poses from a Single RGB Image with Attention
Authors: Wang Xianghan , Jiang Jie , Guo Yanming , Kang Lai , Wei Yingmei , Li Dan
Published: January 2020

Precise 3D hand pose estimation can be used to improve the performance of human–computer interaction (HCI). Specifically, computer-vision-based hand pose estimation can make this process more natural. Most traditional computer-vision-based hand pose estimation methods use depth images as the input, which requires complicated and expensive acquisition equipment. Estimation through a single RGB image is more convenient and less expensive. Previous methods based on RGB images utilize only 2D keypoint score maps to recover 3D hand poses but ignore the hand texture features and the underlying spatial information in the RGB image, which leads to a relatively low accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a channel fusion attention mechanism that combines 2D keypoint features and RGB image features at the channel level. In particular, the proposed method replans weights by using cascading RGB images and 2D keypoint features, which enables rational planning and the utilization of various features. Moreover, our method improves the fusion performance of different types of feature maps. Multiple contrast experiments on public datasets demonstrate that the accuracy of our proposed method is comparable to the state-of-the-art accuracy.
Biotreatment of Winery Wastewater Using a Hybrid System Combining Biological Trickling Filters and Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Akratos Christos S. , Tatoulis Triantafyllos I. , Tekerlekopoulou Athanasia G.
Published: January 2020

The objective of this work was to determine the ability of a pilot-scale hybrid system to treat real (non-synthetic) winery wastewater. The experimental treatment system consisted of two stages: An attached growth pilot-scale bioreactor (biological trickling filter with plastic support material) was initially used to remove a significant amount of dissolved chemical oxygen demand (d-COD) from winery wastewater, and then a pilot-scale, horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (CW) was examined as a post-treatment step for further d-COD removal. Results from the biofilter revealed that the recirculation rate of 1.0 L/min lead to higher d-COD removal rates than that of 0.5 L/min for all feed d-COD concentrations tested (3500, 7500, 9000 and 18,000 mg d-COD/L). Experiments in the CW were performed using feed d-COD concentrations of about 1500 mg/L (equivalent to biofilter effluent when initial filter feed d-COD concentrations are 18,000 mg/L). The wetland polishing stage managed to further remove d-COD and produced effluent concentrations below current legislation limits for safe disposal. Furthermore, the presence of zeolite in CW (one third of the length of CW) enhanced ammonium removal. The experimental results indicate that the combination of a biological trickling filter and a constructed wetland could effectively treat effluents originating from small wineries typical of the Mediterranean region.
An Integrated Approach to Determining the Capacity of Ecosystems to Supply Ecosystem Services into Life Cycle Assessment for a Carbon Capture System
Authors: Morales Mora Miguel A. , Martínez Bravo Rene D. , Farell Baril Carole , Fuentes Hernández Mónica , Martínez Delgadillo Sergio A.
Published: January 2020

In the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, it is not possible to carry out an integrated sustainability analysis because the quantification of the biophysical capacity of the ecosystems to supply ecosystem services is not taken into account. This paper considers a methodological proposal connecting the flow demand of a process or system product from the technosphere and the feasibility of the ecosystem to supply based on the sink capacity. The ecosystem metabolism as an analytical framework and data from a case study of an LCA of combined heat and power (CHP) plant with and without post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) technology in Mexico were applied. Three scenarios, including water and energy depletion and climate change impact, are presented to show the types of results obtained when the process effect of operation is scaled to one year. The impact of the water–energy–carbon nexus over the natural infrastructure or ecological fund in LCA is analyzed. Further, the feasibility of the biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) from this result for Mexico is discussed. On the supply side, in the three different scenarios, the CHP plant requires between 323.4 and 516 ha to supply the required oil as stock flow and 46–134 ha to supply the required freshwater. On the sink side, 52–5,096,511 ha is necessary to sequester the total CO2 emissions. Overall, the CHP plant generates 1.9–28.8 MW/ha of electricity to fulfill its function. The CHP with PCC is the option with fewer ecosystem services required.
Analysis of Segmented Sea level Time Series
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: January 2020

Records of measurements of sea levels from tide gauges are often “segmented”, i.e., obtained by composing segments originating from the same or different instruments, in the same or different locations, or suffering from other biases that prevent the coupling. A technique is proposed, based on data mining, the application of break-point alignment techniques, and similarity with other segmented and non-segmented records for the same water basin, to quality flag the segmented records. This prevents the inference of incorrect trends for the rate of rise and the acceleration of the sea levels for these segmented records. The technique is applied to the four long-term trend tide gauges of the Indian Ocean, Aden, Karachi, Mumbai, and Fremantle, with three of them segmented.