bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Realidad Aumentada: Tecnología emergente para la sociedad del aprendizaje
Authors: Cabero Almenara Julio , Puentes Puente Angel
Published: July 2020

La adopción de tecnologías emergentes y la creación de modelos físicos mediante las tecnologías de realidad aumentada, constituyen en la actualidad una alternativa para los procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje. En este trabajo se presentan las características distintivas de la Realidad Aumentada (RA), su percepción de uso, así como los diferentes escenarios y niveles educativos en los cuales su uso nos brinda experiencias interesantes. Se expone el Proyecto RAFODIUN, proyecto de investigación de I+D+I financiada en el marco del Plan Estatal de Fomento de la Investigación Científica y Técnica de Excelencia 2013-2016, con referencia EDU2014-57446-P de la Universidad de Sevilla, donde se brindan las diferentes fases y resultados del estudio, así como las posibilidades que, desde el punto de vista de la investigación, se abren con su uso.
THE CALIBRATION OF A WEIGHTED DISC AGAINST PASTURE DRY MATTER YIELD
Authors: Phillips D.S.M. , Clarke S.E.
Published: July 2020

A simple pasture yield meter based on the use of a weighted metal disc is described. The device has been calibrated against pastur,: dry matter yield from mowing machine Luts over all seasons and a range of pasture types.
THE SURVIVAL ON SEED OF RHlZOBIUM MELILOTI FROM COMMERCIAL INOCULANTS
Authors: Parle J.N. , Douglas J.A. , Bailie T.S.
Published: July 2020

A survey of the numbers of viable Rhizobium meliloti recoverable from lucerne seed after inoculation by conventional methods with commercial inoculants has been carried out. Several batches of inoculant from manufacturers in New Zealand and Australia have been examined and, although all packs had high viable counts, in a number of cases very few live rhizobia could be recovered from seed one hour after inoculation. It is suggested that poor survival of rhizobia on the seed surface is a cause of reported failures to establish luceme in both conventional sowings and oversowing trials.
EFFECTS OF AUTUMN-APPLIED NITROGEN AND METHOD AND FREQUENCY OF DEFOLIATION ON A RYEGRASS/WHITE CLOVER SWARD
Authors: Scott R.S.
Published: July 2020

Ammonium nitrate was applied during March or April to an (Ariki) ryegrass/(Huia) white clover sward. The subsequent effects on winter and spring production, clover content and herbage nitrogen content were examined following three frequencies of winter defoliation by cutting and grazing.
FARMING IN SOUTHLAND
Authors: Rankin A.R. , Bruce J.G.
Published: July 2020

To REACH Lake Te Anau 25 years ago, one travelled through miles of bracken fern - grey in colour and harsh in appearance. The surrounding hills seemed inhospitable - and towering above them the erosion-scarred mountains seemed both forbidding in appearance and majestic in size. One experienced a feeling of remoteness, of insignificance, and above all a realization that, when compared with the forces of nature, man was a rather puny creature.
EFFICIENCY OF UTILIZATION OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS BY YORKSHIRE FOG (HOLCUS LANATUS)
Authors: Hardacre R.S.Scott A.
Published: July 2020

Two pot experiments compared the yield response and uptake of N and P by five New Zealand, two exotic ecotypes and one bred cultivar of Yorkshire fog and Ruanui perennial ryegrass under varying levels of applied N and P. One experiment was conducted in a heated glasshouse and the other under controlled climate conditions. Of the Yorkshire fog strains examined, the bred cultivar 'Massey Basyn' and an ecotype from Rotorua provided highest yields of dry matter. Their superiority was attributed in part to their ability to extract greater amounts of N and P from the soil. The former was more efficient under high levels of applied N and the latter under high levels of applied P. Under two distinct climatic environments, 'Massey Basyn' Yorkshire fog gave similar yields and uptake of N and P to Ruanui perennial ryegrass. Under a third climate, with higher temperatures and moisture stress, 'Massey Basyn' outyielded Ruanui. This was associated with a greater ability by 'Massey Basyn' to utilize absorbed P.
SOIL MOISTURE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PASTURE PRODUCTION IN THE WAIKATO
Authors: Baars J.A. , Coulter J.D.
Published: July 2020

The occurrence and distribution of soil moisture deficit days in the Waikato were determined for 43 years (1930-73) by calculating day-to-day changes in soil moisture for four soil types. The calculations were based on actual daily rainfall data and an estimate of mean daily potential evapotranspiration. Seasonal distributions of the number of deficit-days are given. On three soil types with 87, 102 and 117 mm of available soil moisture there were more than 20 such days in at least 15 of the 43 years. January to April inclusive are the "high-risk months". A significant negative correlation was obtained between the number of deficit-days and pasture production from a non-irrigated, "rate-of-growth" trial, such that 20 deficit-days gave a 21% reduction in expected annual pasture production (below that expected with no deficit-days).
HERBAGE RECOVERY OF 'MASSEY BASYN' YORKSHIRE FOG FOLLOWING A SEED HARVEST
Authors: Hill M.J. , Watkin B.R.
Published: July 2020

Aftermath recovery of 'Massey Basyn' Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus L.) following seed production and the retention of this species as a dominant within the sward can be aohieved without the need for post seed harvest cultivation or cutting. However, where a late seed crop has been taken, nitrogen should be applied to the area to encourage the rapid recovery of 'Massey Basyn' Yorkshire fog at the expense of other grasses which may be present.
YORKSHIRE FOG SEED PRODUCTION 1. Effects of closing date, nitrogen application and harvest date on seed yield and its components
Authors: Hill M.J. , Clements R.J. , Watkin B.R.
Published: July 2020

Seed production by 'Massey Basyn' Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus L.) was greatest (mean 323 kg/ha) with early closing (June 30), but lodging occurred on these plots and commercial harvesting would be difftcult. With later closing (July 31 and August 31), lodging did not occur and average yields of about 250 kg/ha were obtained. Very late closing (September 30) resulted in a severe yield depression. Application of nitrogen fertilizer either at closing or at inflorescence initiation increased seed yields by an average of 30%. Peak seed yields occurred later at harvest time as closing was delayed. With the optim8um combination of treatments, yields of 400 kg/ha were achieved and it is suggested that yields of at least 200 kg/ha could be obtained commercially.
WHY BROWNTOP IS BENT ON CREEPING
Authors: Harris W.
Published: July 2020

Browntop invasion into hill country sown to ryegrass-white clover showed rapid vegetative spread over 2 years followed by dense tiller development. Initially a distribution mosaic formed, ryegrass and clover being positively associated with each other, but negatively associated with browntop. Subsequently, 'browntop spread into the ryegrass-clover microsites. Browntop ingressed under close, continuous grazing but not under lax, rotational grazing. Competitive interactions of clover and 'Grasslands Ruanui' and 'Grasslands Manawa' ryegrasses ,involved were partitioned. Browntop was markedly suppressed by interspecific shading under infrequent cutting, but survived to spread into spaces provided by nonpersistent ryegrass. Management to modify competition for light to control browntop is considered.
A COMPARISON OF RYEGRASS CULTIVARS IN SOUTH CANTERBURY 2. Annual cultivars
Authors: Mcleod C.C.
Published: July 2020

The results of three annual ryegrass cultivar trials showed that, of seven cultivars, the Dutch tetraploid Western Wolths Tewera Barenza established first and made good autumn growth. Three tetraploid Western Wolths cultivars including Grasslands Tama were observed to give the best early spring growth. In contrast, the two later maturing Dutch tetraploid Italian ryegrasses gave the highest late spring and early summer production, Poor maximum total yields, the tetraploid Western Wolths ryegrass Billion was the most consistent cultivar. In addition, the tetraploids, whether Italian or Western Wolths, tended to be more productive than the New Zealand diploid Grasslands Paroa (Ralian) or Gramlands Manawa (short-rotation) ryegrasses.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS ON INTRODUCTIONS OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS POA L. IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Fergusson J.B.
Published: July 2020

Forty-five lines of 11 species of Poa were introduced and grown as spaced plants in winter and spring plantings at four locations. Visual assessment was made of growth habit, relative vigour and inciidence of disease. Establishment of P. trivialis, P. palustris and P. nemoralis was good, but subsequently all Pea lines were markedly inferior to the controls, being either small or prostrate or very erect and stemmy. Many lines were very suscept,ible to Puccinia poae-nemoralis Otth., a rust which is frequent among local populations of P. pratensis. It was concluded that introduced Poa species arc unlikely to Ibe of agricultural importance in New Zealand although P. pratensis may be valuable in areas of dry summers and cold winters such as the Mackenzie Country. It is suggested that further trials be carried out in this area including local ecotypes of P. pratensis.
Smart Governance Implementation in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan
Authors: Setiawan Irfan , Ilham Muh , Nawawi M.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the implementation of smart governance and the strengthening of city resources in order to support Smart Governance in the city of Balikpapan. This research adopts qualitative descriptive method using interview and observation techniques, and data were then analyzed. Results found that the application of smart governance in the city of Balikpapan was not yet well implemented so it was necessary to strengthen local government resources that include institutions, budgets, and IT (information technology) tools, in the dimensions of local government, and increase community participation and community use for the application in the community dimension.
Objectification of women in carnival Calabar: an emerging paradigm
Authors: Yta Edisua Mbrab
Published: July 2020

A trend that is developing in Carnival Calabar is the objectification of women. Carnival Calabar is a festival that brings families together. Most of the participants are young people. What messages is Carnival Calabar selling to its various publics and what influence do these messages have on the young population? To answer these questions, two descriptive methodologies were employed in this study. The first was content analysis which comprised of pictures, participant observation and on-site participatory interviews. The second was the survey which comprised of focus group discussion. The following findings were made that the Carnival Calabar nude images portray women in her traditional role and sexual appeal to men. Secondly, Carnival Calabar's sexualized images often make girls lose their self-esteem. It is recommended that Carnival Calabar develop its unique brand of Carnival without following the Caribbean and other nations' models which one of its distinctions is parading nude female bodies. Carnival Calabar content should portray women constructively and in a wider variety of positive roles. It is recommended that more women should be involved as scriptwriters, producers, designers and in the position of decision making within the state’s tourism industry to influence the messages of women portrayed in Carnival Calabar.
Biologically Inspired Visual System Architecture for Object Recognition in Autonomous Systems
Authors: Malowany Dan , Guterman Hugo
Published: July 2020

Computer vision is currently one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields of science, which affects numerous industries. Research and development breakthroughs, mainly in the field of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), opened the way to unprecedented sensitivity and precision in object detection and recognition tasks. Nevertheless, the findings in recent years on the sensitivity of neural networks to additive noise, light conditions, and to the wholeness of the training dataset, indicate that this technology still lacks the robustness needed for the autonomous robotic industry. In an attempt to bring computer vision algorithms closer to the capabilities of a human operator, the mechanisms of the human visual system was analyzed in this work. Recent studies show that the mechanisms behind the recognition process in the human brain include continuous generation of predictions based on prior knowledge of the world. These predictions enable rapid generation of contextual hypotheses that bias the outcome of the recognition process. This mechanism is especially advantageous in situations of uncertainty, when visual input is ambiguous. In addition, the human visual system continuously updates its knowledge about the world based on the gaps between its prediction and the visual feedback. CNNs are feed forward in nature and lack such top-down contextual attenuation mechanisms. As a result, although they process massive amounts of visual information during their operation, the information is not transformed into knowledge that can be used to generate contextual predictions and improve their performance. In this work, an architecture was designed that aims to integrate the concepts behind the top-down prediction and learning processes of the human visual system with the state-of-the-art bottom-up object recognition models, e.g., deep CNNs. The work focuses on two mechanisms of the human visual system: anticipation-driven perception and reinforcement-driven learning. Imitating these top-down mechanisms, together with the state-of-the-art bottom-up feed-forward algorithms, resulted in an accurate, robust, and continuously improving target recognition model.
Estimating the Impact of Poverty Alleviation Microcredit on the Income of Poor Households Using the Propensity Score Matching Method: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jie , Han Xiao , Chen Baozhen , Ren Jinzheng
Published: July 2020

The poverty alleviation microcredit policy is an important financial poverty alleviation policy that has been widely implemented in China in recent years. However, whether this policy can effectively increase the income of poor households is controversial. In order to measure the implementation effect of the policy, we analyzed the mechanism of the poverty alleviation microcredit on the income of poor households. Then, the paper used micro-survey data to conduct an empirical test using the propensity score matching method to study its effect on the production income of these poor households. The results show that the poverty alleviation microcredit positively affects the production income of poor households, including those who are poor due to lack of funds and poor households with female heads. Therefore, we should continue to implement the poverty alleviation microcredit policy, and establish relevant supporting measures, such as strengthening agricultural production capital subsidies, increasing agricultural production insurance, further improving the implementation efficiency of the poverty alleviation microcredit policy, and increasing the income of poor households.
Estimation of the Imperative of Rural Area Development on Panel Data in the Process of Managing Agricultural Holdings in Poland
Authors: Brzozowska Anna , Bubel Dagmara
Published: July 2020

In today’s Polish economy, management processes in agri-business should be considered and taken into account in a more comprehensive way. The accession to the European Union created an obligation for Poland to implement solutions arising from the Common Agricultural Policy. Due to factors related to management in agri-business, farmer-entrepreneurs started to pay more attention to issues connected with the management process. An agricultural holding, like every enterprise, in order to be competitive and achieve a constant market presence, needs to adapt its production to current needs, invest in its development (thus, contributing to the development of rural areas), improve the quality of its products, and modernise. Management of agricultural enterprises is specific in character because the decisions that are made often concern not only production or investment, but also creation of actions that rely on management solutions. The aim of the paper is to present an original imperative (the imperative in article is a synonym for the word model) that is estimated by the method of least squares and uses panel data related to the measure ‘Creation and development of micro-enterprises’, including the implementation of funds for modernisation and development of investments in micro-enterprises. The results of the study made it possible to assess the effects of managing agricultural micro-enterprises in 16 provinces in Poland in the context of the decisions they made regarding the use of the funds under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007–2013. These results can be used in the assessment of RDP management in the current financial perspective 2014–2020, which attests to their universality.
Food Insecurity among Small-Scale Farmers in Poland
Authors: Poczta-Wajda Agnieszka , Sapa Agnieszka , Stępień Sebastian , Borychowski Michał
Published: July 2020

The problem of food insecurity is generally associated with developing countries, but at the household level it also occurs in developed countries, especially in socially vulnerable groups, such as small-scale farms. However, the issue of food insecurity in developed countries, especially at the household level, is rather neglected in the scientific literature. This study was conducted to fill this gap and examine the level of food insecurity among small-scale farms in Poland. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 710 small-scale farms in Poland. The incidence and degree of food insecurity was measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The study found that about 43% of the respondents were exposed to food insecurity, including almost 9% to severe food insecurity, which is well above the average for the entire Polish population. By applying cross-tabulation and the zero-inflated Poisson regression model, the study found that the higher age and secondary or higher education of the farm manager, having children in the household and higher land productivity have a statistically significant negative influence on households’ food insecurity (i.e., decreased HFIAS score). On the contrary, family size of five or more and production type “permanent crops” and “dairy cows” have a statistically significant positive influence on households’ food insecurity (i.e., increased HFIAS score).
Boron Biofortification of Portulaca oleracea L. through Soilless Cultivation for a New Tailored Crop
Authors: D’Imperio Massimiliano , Parente Angelo , Montesano Francesco F. , Renna Massimiliano , Logrieco Antonio F. , Serio Francesco
Published: July 2020

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a wild edible plant, traditionally consumed in the Mediterranean area and recently proposed as a new ready-to-eat vegetable; it is also called the “vegetable for long life” because of the high contents of several healthy compounds. Although boron (B) is not considered to be essential for humans, a daily intake of about 2 mg to obtain positive effects on aging in adult men and women has been suggested. In this study, two genotypes of purslane (wild collected and commercial variety) are grown by using a hydroponic system with three boron (B) levels in the nutrient solution (NS) (0.3 mg/L—control, 3 mg/L—low level of biofortification, and 6 mg/L—high level of biofortification) in order to increase the B content in the edible parts of the plant. The crop yield, color traits, and content of glucose, fructose, total phenols, chlorophylls, carotenoids, mineral elements (Al, B, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn), nitrate, and oxalate are analyzed. Independent of the genotype, the B content in edible purslane was successfully increased in comparison with the control, obtaining 1.8- to 10.7-fold higher values of B tissue concentrations by using, respectively, 3 and 6 mg/L of B in the NS without affecting crop performances. From a nutritional point of view, the average daily intake of B could be satisfied by consuming about 75 or 48 g of purslane, grown by using 3 and 6 mg/L B level in the NS, respectively. Apart from B and Fe, the content of mineral elements in edible parts of purslane was not strongly influenced by different B levels in the NS but it was affected by genotypes. A lower sugar content was found in wild purslane grown with the highest B level. A higher content of both chlorophylls and carotenoids was found in the control but only for the commercial genotype. No differences in oxalate content were observed among B levels in the NS, while only in the case of wild genotype, we found a lower nitrate content when a B concentration of 3 mg/L was used in the NS. In conclusion, we demonstrated the possibility of using the floating hydroponic system, combined with specific B concentrations in the NS composition, as a method to calibrate the B uptake in edible parts of purslane.
Effect of Biochar Application and Re-Application on Soil Bulk Density, Porosity, Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Water Content and Soil Water Availability in a Silty Loam Haplic Luvisol
Authors: Toková Lucia , Igaz Dušan , Horák Ján , Aydin Elena
Published: July 2020

Due to climate change the productive agricultural sectors have started to face various challenges, such as soil drought. Biochar is studied as a promising soil amendment. We studied the effect of a former biochar application (in 2014) and re-application (in 2018) on bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil water content and selected soil water constants at the experimental site in Dolná Malanta (Slovakia) in 2019. Biochar was applied and re-applied at the rates of 0, 10 and 20 t ha−1. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied annually at application levels N0, N1 and N2. In 2019, these levels were represented by the doses of 0, 108 and 162 kg N ha−1, respectively. We found that biochar applied at 20 t ha−1 without fertilizer significantly reduced bulk density by 12% and increased porosity by 12%. During the dry period, a relative increase in soil water content was observed at all biochar treatments—the largest after re-application of biochar at a dose of 20 t ha−1 at all fertilization levels. The biochar application also significantly increased plant available water. We suppose that change in the soil structure following a biochar amendment was one of the main reasons of our observations.
Can the Application the Silicon Improve the Productivity and Nutritional Value of Grass–Clover Sward in Conditions of Rainfall Shortage in Organic Management?
Authors: Mastalerczuk Grażyna , Borawska-Jarmułowicz Barbara , Dąbrowski Piotr , Szara Ewa , Perzanowska Aneta , Wróbel Barbara
Published: July 2020

To improve sward efficiency and maintain high feed quality in organic farming—as well as compensate for yield losses under anticipated drought periods—alternative fertilization practices should be considered. In this context, this study aimed to assess the response to summer drought of grass–clover sward in organic cultivation under various conditions of foliar fertilization with silicon (Si) (without Si, Si applied with multicomponent fertilizer Herbagreen, Si applied with growth stimulator Optysil). The research was conducted at the certified organic field in the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of mowing utilization (from 2015 to 2017). The studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of Si application on the yield of the grass–clover sward, especially under multicomponent fertilizer. Both fertilizers increased roots mass, but growth stimulator (containing mainly Si) had a stronger impact, especially with rainfall scarcity. In such conditions the application of Si decreased flavones concentration in plants and increased values of chlorophyll index. This study also indicated the potential for applying Si fertilizers to improve content of nutrients (crude protein, organic matter digestibility, potassium and phosphorus) in the sward. The results of presented studies may be used in fertilization practice of organic crop for enhancing sward productivity and to compensate for yield losses under condition of rainfall deficiency.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of MAPK and MAPKK Gene Family in Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.)
Authors: Ren Yuan , Ge Dapeng , Dong Jianmei , Guo Linhui , Yuan Zhaohe
Published: July 2020

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is involved in the regulation of a series of biological processes in organisms, which are composed of MAPKKKs, MAPKKs, and MAPKs. Although genome-wide analyses of it has been well described in some species, little is known about MAPK and MAPKK genes in pomegranates. In this study, we identified 18 PgMAPKs, 9 PgMAPKKs through a genome-wide search. Chromosome localization showed that 27 genes are distributed on 7 chromosomes with different densities. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that PgMAPKs and PgMAPKKs could be divided into 4 subfamilies (groups A, B, C, and D), respectively. In addition, exon-introns structural analysis of each candidate gene has indicated high levels of conservation within and between phylogenetic groups. Cis-acting element analysis predicted that PgMAPKs and PgMAPKKs were widely involved in the growth, development, stress and hormone response of pomegranate. Expression profile analyses of PgMAPKs and PgMAPKKs were performed in different tissues (root, leaf, flower and fruit), and PgMAPK13 was significantly expressed in all tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide analysis of the MAPK and MAPKK gene family in pomegranate. This study provides valuable information for understanding the classification and functions of pomegranate MAPK signal.
Using YOLOv3 Algorithm with Pre- and Post-Processing for Apple Detection in Fruit-Harvesting Robot
Authors: Kuznetsova Anna , Maleva Tatiana , Soloviev Vladimir
Published: July 2020

A machine vision system for detecting apples in orchards was developed. The system was designed to be used in harvesting robots and is based on a YOLOv3 algorithm with special pre- and post-processing. The proposed pre- and post-processing techniques made it possible to adapt the YOLOv3 algorithm to be used in an apple-harvesting robot machine vision system, providing an average apple detection time of 19 ms with a share of objects being mistaken for apples at 7.8% and a share of unrecognized apples at 9.2%. Both the average detection time and error rates are less than in all known similar systems. The system can operate not only in apple-harvesting robots but also in orange-harvesting robots.
Prevalence of Ca Blood Type and Alloantibodies in a Population of Horses from Italy
Authors: Proverbio Daniela , Perego Roberta , Baggiani Luciana , Ferrucci Francesco , Zucca Enrica , Nobile Federico , Spada Eva
Published: July 2020

A knowledge of the blood groups and alloantibodies present is essential for the safe transfusion of blood products in horses. Pre-transfusion screening and blood typing minimizes the risk of incompatible RBC transfusions and prevents immunization of the recipient against incompatible RBC antigens. The frequencies of blood groups can vary among different breeds. Knowledge of a breed’s blood group prevalence can be very useful for identifying the best blood donors during transfusion in clinical practice. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of the Ca blood type in horses from Italy using a monoclonal immunocromatographic method and to estimate the prevalence of anti-Ca alloantibodies in Ca− horses using agglutination on gel technique. Ca blood type was determined on 110 whole blood samples. The prevalence of the Ca+ blood type was 79.1%. This study also provides data about the prevalence of Ca+ blood group in Italian Saddle Horses (77,3%) and Dutch Warmblood (58,3%). No significant association was found between Ca blood type and sex with 79.5% and 78.8% of females and males testing Ca+, respectively. The total number of Ca− samples with detectable anti-Ca alloantibodies was 7/23 (30.4%).
Evaluation of the Occurrence of False Aneurysms During Halal Slaughtering and Consequences on the Animal’s State of Consciousness
Authors: Bozzo Giancarlo , Bonerba Elisabetta , Barrasso Roberta , Roma Rocco , Luposella Francesco , Zizzo Nicola , Tantillo Giuseppina
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the occurrence of false aneurysms and reflexes in bovines, associated with the point along the neck where the cut was performed. The survey was carried out on a total of 1200 male beef cattle, belonging mainly to the Charolais and Limousin breeds, aged between twelve and twenty-four months. In the slaughterhouse, three operators, identified by convention as Operator C4, Operator C2, and Operator C1, performed the Halal slaughtering. Each operator carried out the slaughter of 400 animals and, on the basis of his own professional training, performed the cutting of the vessels at different points along the neck: Operator C4 between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae; Operator C2 at the level of the second cervical vertebra; and Operator C1 at the first cervical vertebra. The occurrence of false aneurysms was assessed on the basis of the different cutting site used by the three operators. Then, the evaluation of consciousness indicators, that is, rhythmic breathing and eye response, closely related to a slow bleeding process and to a delayed loss of brain function, was carried out 90 s post-bleeding. The group of cattle slaughtered by Operator C4 had a prevalence of false aneurysms of 10.25%. Conversely, the other two groups of cattle slaughtered by Operators C2 and C1 showed false aneurysm formation in 7.25% of each case. Further, 37.5% of the animals (18 for Operator C4, 17 for Operator C2, and 16 for Operator C1) with signs of consciousness 90 s after sticking were consequent to the onset of false aneurysms and, more precisely, they were owing to a late second cut of the vessel carried out by the operator, when false aneurysms occurred. The results of the research showed that the cutting point chosen by the operator is a key element in determining the onset of false aneurysms.
Improving Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Access and Accumulation of Antibody Therapeutics—The Tale of HER2
Authors: Leyton Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Therapeutic anti-HER2 antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have undoubtedly benefitted patients. Nonetheless, patients ultimately relapse—some sooner than others. Currently approved anti-HER2 drugs are expensive and their cost-effectiveness is debated. There is increased awareness that internalization and lysosomal processing including subsequent payload intracellular accumulation and retention for ADCs are critical therapeutic attributes. Although HER2 preferential overexpression on the surface of tumor cells is attractive, its poor internalization and trafficking to lysosomes has been linked to poor therapeutic outcomes. To help address such issues, this review will comprehensively detail the most relevant findings on internalization and cellular accumulation for approved and investigational anti-HER2 antibodies and ADCs. The improved clarity of the HER2 system could improve antibody and ADC designs and approaches for next-generation anti-HER2 and other receptor targeting agents.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Porcine Respiratory Bacteria in Spain
Authors: Vilaró Anna , Novell Elena , Enrique-Tarancón Vicens , Balielles Jordi , Vilalta Carles , Martinez Sonia , Fraile Sauce Lorenzo José
Published: July 2020

The monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of pig pathogens is critical to optimize antimicrobial treatments and prevent development of resistance with a one-health approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of swine respiratory pathogens in Spain from 2017 to 2019. Bacterial isolation and identification were carried out following standardized methods from samples coming from sacrificed or recently deceased pigs with acute clinical signs compatible with respiratory tract infections. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using the broth microdilution method containing a total of 10 and 7–8 antimicrobials/concentrations respectively, in accordance with the recommendations presented by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The obtained antimicrobial susceptibility varies between pig respiratory pathogens. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) and Pasteurella multocida (PM) were highly susceptible (≥90%) to ceftiofur, florfenicol and macrolides (tilmicosin, tildipirosin and tulathromycin). However, the antimicrobial susceptibility was intermediate (>60% but <90%) for amoxicillin and enrofloxacin in the case of APP and sulfamethoxazole/trimethropim and tiamulin in the case of PM. Both bacteria showed low (<60%) antimicrobial susceptibility to doxycycline. Finally, Bordetella bronchiseptica was highly susceptible only to tildipirosin and tulathromycin (100%) and its susceptibility for florfenicol was close to 50% and <30% for the rest of the antimicrobial families tested. These results emphasize the need of determining antimicrobial susceptibility in pig respiratory cases in order to optimize the antimicrobial treatment in a case-by-case scenario.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Characterization of Resistance Mechanisms of Corynebacterium urealyticum Clinical Isolates
Authors: Chapartegui-González Itziar , Fernández-Martínez Marta , Rodríguez-Fernández Ana , Rocha Danilo J. P. , Aguiar Eric R. G. R. , Pacheco Luis G. C. , Ramos-Vivas José , Calvo Jorge , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Navas Jesús
Published: July 2020

Corynebacterium urealyticum is a non-diphtherial urease-producing clinically relevant corynebacterial, most frequently involved in urinary tract infections. Most of the C. urealyticum clinical isolates are frequently resistant to several antibiotics. We investigated the susceptibility of 40 C. urealyticum isolated in our institution during the period 2005–2017 to eight compounds representative of the main clinically relevant classes of antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Epsilometer test. Resistance genes were searched by PCR. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin whereas linezolid and rifampicin also showed good activity (MICs90 = 1 and 0.4 mg/L, respectively). Almost all isolates (39/40, 97.5%) were multidrug resistant. The highest resistance rate was observed for ampicillin (100%), followed by erythromycin (95%) and levofloxacin (95%). Ampicillin resistance was associated with the presence of the blaA gene, encoding a class A β-lactamase. The two rifampicin-resistant strains showed point mutations driving amino acid replacements in conserved residues of RNA polymerase subunit β (RpoB). Tetracycline resistance was due to an efflux-mediated mechanism. Thirty-nine PFGE patterns were identified among the 40 C. urealyticum, indicating that they were not clonally related, but producing sporadic infections. These findings raise the need of maintaining surveillance strategies among this multidrug resistant pathogen.
Highlighting the Biological Potential of the Brown Seaweed Fucus spiralis for Skin Applications
Authors: Freitas Rafaela , Martins Alice , Silva Joana , Alves Celso , Pinteus Susete , Alves Joana , Teodoro Fernando , Ribeiro Helena Margarida , Gonçalves Lídia , Petrovski Željko , Branco Luís , Pedrosa Rui
Published: July 2020

Skin aging is a biological process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The last ones, mainly exposure to UV radiation, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leading to a loss of extracellular matrix, also enhanced by enzymatic degradation of matrix supporting molecules. Thus, and with the growing demand for eco-friendly skin products, natural compounds extracted from brown seaweeds revealed to be good candidates due to their broad range of bioactivities, especially as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to assess the dermo-cosmetic potential of different fractions obtained from the brown seaweed Fucus spiralis. For this purpose, in vitro antioxidant (Total Phenolic Content (TPC), 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC)), anti-enzymatic (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase), antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (NO production) and photoprotective (ROS production) capacities were evaluated. Although nearly all fractions evidenced antioxidant effects, fraction F10 demonstrated the highest antioxidant ability (EC50 of 38.5 µg/mL, DPPH assay), and exhibited a strong effect as an inhibitor of collagenase (0.037 µg/mL) and elastase (3.0 µg/mL). Moreover, this fraction was also the most potent on reducing ROS production promoted by H2O2 (IC50 of 41.3 µg/mL) and by UVB (IC50 of 31.3 µg/mL). These bioactivities can be attributed to its high content of phlorotannins, as evaluated by LC-MS analysis, reinforcing the potential of F. spiralis for further dermatological applications.
Improvement of Health-Promoting Functionality of Rye Bread by Fortification with Free and Microencapsulated Powders from Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt
Authors: Lachowicz Sabina , Świeca Michał , Pejcz Ewa
Published: July 2020

This study established the appropriate amounts of a functional Saskatoon berry fruit powder in fortified rye bread acceptable to consumers and determined the potential relative bioaccesibility of bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant activity, and enzymatic in vitro inhibitory activity against lipoxygenase, cyclooxigenase-1, cyclooxigenase-2, acetylcholinesterase, pancreatic lipase α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, as well as the relative digestibility of nutrients. The content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capability were strongly, positively correlated with the content of the functional additive. The highest phenolics content and antioxidant activity were determined in the products enriched with the powders microencapsulated with maltodextrin (an increase by 91% and 53%, respectively, compared with the control). The highest overall acceptability was shown for the products with 3% addition of the functional additive, regardless of its type. The simulated in vitro digestion released phenols (with the highest bioaccessibility shown for anthocyanins) and enhanced the antioxidant activity of rye bread. In turn, the microencapsulation contributed to the improvement in the relative bioaccesibility of antioxidant compounds. Bread fortification led to an increased inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipoxygenase. Furthermore, the additive microencapsulated with maltodextrin and inulin improved the capacity to inhibit the activities of pancreatic lipase and cyclooxigenase-2. The results presented allowed concluding that the powders from Saskatoon berry fruits, especially microencapsulated ones, may be a promising functional additive dedicated for the enrichment of rye bread.
Simultaneous Determination of Vitamin E and Vitamin K in Food Supplements Using Adsorptive Stripping Square-Wave Voltammetry at Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Kastrati Gylxhane , Jashari Granit , Sýs Milan , Švecová Blanka , Arbneshi Tahir , Metelka Radovan , Bílková Zuzana , Korecká Lucie
Published: July 2020

A new voltammetric method for the simultaneous determination of vitamin E and vitamin K present in different types of commercially available food supplements has been developed. This electroanalytical method is based on the ex situ adsorptive accumulation of these biologically active compounds onto the surface of a solid glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with subsequent electrochemical detection by square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry in 0.01-mol L−1 HNO3 containing 0.1-mol L−1 KCl at pH 2.08. Due to reversible electrochemical reactions of phylloquinone, a subsequent voltammetric detection of both vitamins in anodic mode can be performed. Since individual forms of vitamins E and K usually exhibit nearly identical electrochemical behavior, it is therefore impossible to distinguish individual forms (quinones and tocopherols) and determine their molar concentrations in this way. Thus, the values of vitamin content were expressed as mass equivalent of phylloquinone and α-tocopherol as they are the most biologically active forms. Despite the high sensitivity, relatively short linear ranges were obtained due to the interaction (competition) of both vitamins during adsorption onto the freshly polished surface of the GCE from a 50% aqueous–acetonitrile mixture. The obtained results showed that the voltammetric approach is a very simple and low-cost analytical method that can be used in analyses of food supplements.
Finite Element Analysis of Grain Size Effects on Curvature in Micro-Extrusion
Authors: Preedawiphat Pavaret , Mahayotsanun Numpon , Sucharitpwatskul Sedthawatt , Funazuka Tatsuya , Takatsuji Norio , Bureerat Sujin , Dohda Kuniaki
Published: July 2020

The precision and accuracy of the final geometry in micro-parts is crucial, particularly for high-value-added metallic products. Micro-extrusion is one of the most promising processes for delivering high-precision micro-parts. The curving tendency observed in micro-extrusion parts is a major concern, significantly affecting the final part geometry. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the driving mechanism behind the curvature in micro-extrusion at room temperature. A finite element (FE) simulation was carried out to observe the influential primary factors: (1) grain size, (2) grain boundary, (3) grain orientation, and (4) bearing length of a 6063 aluminum alloy. The Extrusion Curvature Index (ECI) was also established to indicate the level of curvature in micro-extruded parts. The results showed that the grain boundary at the high strain and die opening area was the dominant factor for single-grain conditions. The interactive effects of the grain boundary and grain orientation also affected the curvature under single-grain conditions. If the number of grains across the specimen increased up to 2.7 (poly-grains), the curvature effect was dramatically reduced (the pins were straightened). For all conditions, the curvature in micro-extrusion could be eliminated by extending the bearing length up to the exit diameter length.
Hybrid Forecasting Models Based on the Neural Networks for the Volatility of Bitcoin
Authors: Seo Monghwan , Kim Geonwoo
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the volatility forecasts in the Bitcoin market, which has become popular in the global market in recent years. Since the volatility forecasts help trading decisions of traders who want a profit, the volatility forecasting is an important task in the market. For the improvement of the forecasting accuracy of Bitcoin’s volatility, we develop the hybrid forecasting models combining the GARCH family models with the machine learning (ML) approach. Specifically, we adopt Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Higher Order Neural Network (HONN) for the ML approach and construct the hybrid models using the outputs of the GARCH models and several relevant variables as input variables. We carry out many experiments based on the proposed models and compare the forecasting accuracy of the models. In addition, we provide the Model Confidence Set (MCS) test to find statistically the best model. The results show that the hybrid models based on HONN provide more accurate forecasts than the other models.
Techno-Economic Analysis of a Solar Thermal Plant for Large-Scale Water Pasteurization
Authors: Bologna Alberto , Fasano Matteo , Bergamasco Luca , Morciano Matteo , Bersani Francesca , Asinari Pietro , Meucci Lorenza , Chiavazzo Eliodoro
Published: July 2020

Water pasteurization has the potential to overcome some of the drawbacks of more conventional disinfection techniques such as chlorination, ozonation and ultraviolet radiation treatment. However, the high throughput of community water systems requires energy-intensive processes, and renewable energy sources have the potential to improve the sustainability of water pasteurization plants. In case of water pasteurization by solar thermal treatment, the continuity of operation is limited by the intermittent availability of the solar irradiance. Here we show that this problem can be addressed by a proper design of the plant layout, which includes a thermal energy storage system and an auxiliary gas boiler. Based on a target pasteurization protocol validated by experiments, a complete lumped-component model of the plant is developed and used to determine the operating parameters and size of the components for a given delivery flow rate. Finally, we report an economic analysis of the proposed plant layout, which allows its optimization for different scenarios based on two design variables, namely the solar multiple and the duration of the thermal energy storage. Based on the analyzed cases, it is found that the proposed plant layouts may yield a unit cost of water treatment ranging from ≈32 EUR-cents m−3 to ≈25 EUR-cents m−3.
The Effect of Extended Ball-Milling upon Three-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Perovskite Crystals Properties
Authors: Bonomi Sara , Armenise Vincenza , Accorsi Gianluca , Colella Silvia , Rizzo Aurora , Fracassi Francesco , Malavasi Lorenzo , Listorti Andrea
Published: July 2020

The ball-milling of materials is a mechanical grinding method that has different effects on treated materials, and can be used for the direct synthesis of organometal halide perovskite (OHP) crystals. Herein, the effect of such a process, extended over a large temporal window, is related to the properties of referential three-dimensional (3D) MAPbI3 (MA = methylammonium) and two-dimensional (2D) PEA2PbI4 (PEA = phenylethylammonium) perovskite crystals. For both 2D and 3D systems, the ball-milling induces a reduction of the crystallite dimension, accompanied by a worsening of the overall crystallinity, but without any sign of amorphization. For MAPbI3, an intriguing room temperature structural transition, from tetragonal to cubic, is observed. The processing in both cases impacts on the morphology, with a reduction of the crystal shape quality connected to the particles’ agglomeration tendency. All these effects translate to a “blue shift” of the absorption and emission features, suggesting the use of this technique to modulate the 3D and 2D OHPs’ properties.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control Method for Z-Axis Vibrating Gyroscope Using Prescribed Performance Approach
Authors: Lu Cheng , Hua Liang , Zhang Xinsong , Wang Huiming , Guo Yunxiang
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates one kind of high performance control methods for Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) gyroscopes using adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) scheme with prescribed performance. Prescribed performance control (PPC) method is combined with conventional ASMC method to provide quantitative analysis of gyroscope tracking error performances in terms of specified tracking error bound and specified error convergence rate. The new derived adaptive prescribed performance sliding mode control (APPSMC) can maintain a satisfactory control performance which guarantees system tracking error, at any time, to be within a predefined error bound and the error convergences faster than the error bound. Besides, adaptive control (AC) technique is integrated with PPC to online tune controller parameters, which will converge to their true values at last. The stability of the control system is proved in the Lyapunov stability framework and simulation results on a Z-axis MEMS gyroscope is conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.