bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and testing of a double‐action cassava grater with an automated contact plate
Authors: Umani Kingsley C. , Ituen Etim U. U. , Fakayode Olugbenga A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCassava grating is a size reduction process that converts peeled cassava tubers into cassava mash. Grating cassava tubers using the conventional graters makes the process tedious and labor‐intensive. Thus, a double‐action cassava grating machine with an automated contact plate was developed, and the machine performance was evaluated. A 3 × 5 central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of response surface methodology (
RSM) was adopted for the performance test experiments. The machine parameters are grating speeds,
g
s (765, 865, and 965 rpm), conveying time,
c
t (7.37, 5.84, 4.40, 3.00, and 1.69 s); (6.67, 5.00, 3.55, 2.40, and 1.19 s); and (5.97, 4.38, 3.19, 2.00, and 0.97 s) at 765, 865, and 965 rpm respectively; and the contact plate control timing,
cpct (5.85, 11.91, 17.16, 26.69, and 30.44 s) were selected. The throughput (
TP) and grating efficiency (
GE) were determined. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regressions at
α = 0.05. Maximum
TP of 26.64 kg/hr was obtained at
g
s (965 rpm),
c
t (3.19 s), and
t
scp (5.85 s), while maximum
GE of 74.25% was obtained at
g
s (765 rpm),
c
t (4.40 s), and
t
scp (17.16 s).
TP increased with an increase in
g
s, but decreased with an increase in
c
pct and
c
t. Hence, the developed cassava grating machine is a viable option to large scale cassava processors due to the ease of operation, less processing time, and less man‐power demand as a result of machine automation.Practical ApplicationsDespite a considerable improvement in the advancement of machines for grating cassava tubers, there is still some tedious activities experienced during the process of cassava grating. To this end, there is a need for innovation of technological application in cassava grating. Thus, a double‐action cassava grater with automated contact plate capable of integrating several operations involved in cassava grating and finishing in one pass was developed, and the performance was evaluated. CCRD of RSM was employed to design the experiment to evaluate the effects of the machine operating parameters on the performance of the cassava grating system based on the machine throughput and grating efficiency. The developed cassava grating system will be a useful option for large‐scale cassava processing due to the continuous grating operation achieve in the machine, which is suitable for cassava processing industry where the large scale of cassava tubers is being processed.
Numerical modeling of granular flow in star valve type cryogenic precooler
Authors: Ghodki Bhupendra M , Chhetri Krishna Bahadur , Goswami Tridib Kumar 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCryogenic precooler/precooler is the essential component of a cryogenic grinding system that removes the desired amount of heat from a sample with the aid of a cryogen such that brittle type of failure occurs during grinding. Nevertheless, the understanding of particle dynamics, heat transfer phenomena, and optimal cryo‐grinding condition are obligatory to lower the operational cost and scaling up the findings. Therefore, the present study aims to model three‐dimensional dynamic flow behavior of black pepper seeds in star valve type precooler using discrete element method (DEM). The Hertz‐Mindlin contact model was utilized to simulate the granular flow profile of the seeds. The DEM simulation results of flow pattern and volumetric fill level of bulk granules in different sections (feed, mid, and discharge) of precooler were in line with the results of the experimental approach. Overall, DEM modeling provided a better insight into particle‐scale flow dynamics in precooler.Practical applicationsCryogenic grinding technique is widely preferred to obtain high‐quality spices powder owing to maximal retention of thermo‐sensitive flavoring components compared to conventional counterpart. The inefficient utilization of cryogen and granular flow issues results in higher operational cost of cryo‐ground spices powder. Thus, the finding of granular flow characteristics of black pepper in cryogenic precooler may aid in improving the design of precooler as well as efficient utilization of the costly cryogen. Overall, these would help in producing high‐quality of spices powder at an affordable cost.
Antiviral activity of interferon‐stimulated gene 20, as a putative repressor binding to hepatitis B virus enhancer II and core promoter
Authors: Park Yong Kwang , Lee Sun Young , Lee Ah Ram , Kim Kyung‐Chang , Kim Kisoon , Kim Kyun‐Hwan , Choi Byeong‐Sun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimInterferon‐stimulated gene 20 (ISG20) is an interferon‐inducible exonuclease that inhibits the replication of several RNA viruses. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, ISG20 expression is related to the interferon‐α treatment response. However, the molecular mechanism of ISG20‐mediated anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity is unclear.MethodsWe have investigated the effect of ISG20 on antiviral activity to address that. The life cycle of HBV was analyzed by the ectopic expression of ISG20 in HepG2 and HepG2‐NTCP cells. Finally, to provide physiological relevance of our study, the expression of ISG20 from chronic hepatitis B patients was examined.ResultsInterferon‐stimulated gene 20 was mainly induced by interferon‐β and dramatically inhibited HBV replication. In addition, ISG20 decreased HBV gene expression and transcription. Although ISG20 inhibited HBV replication by reducing viral enhancer activity, the expression of transcription factors that bind the HBV enhancer was not affected. Particularly, ISG20 suppressed HBV enhancer activity by binding to the enhancer II and core promoter (EnhII/Cp) region.ConclusionOur findings suggest that ISG20 exerts the anti‐HBV activity by acting as a putative repressor binding to the HBV EnhII/Cp region.
Cultivating Alternatives to Authoritarian Populism in Amazonia
Authors: Rojas David , Olival Alexandre de Azevedo , Olival Andrezza Alves Spexoto 
Published: January 2020

ResumenUm movimento de extrema direita que promete refazer as políticas rurais para beneficiar uma minoria de “produtores” conquistou a presidência do Brasil em 2018 com o apoio da maioria do eleitorado do sul da Amazônia. Lá, por muito tempo as elites políticas argumentaram que os produtores são representantes do interesse nacional. Esse argumento é uma questão multiespécies na medida em que “produtores” só podem argumentar que são “o povo” porque tem capturado as capacidades geradoras de ecologias de monocultura. E se agendas de extrema direita florescem em monoculturas, ecologias diversas podem abrir alternativas ao populismo autoritário. Examinamos um programa de agroecologia em que os camponeses fortalecem os laços de solidariedade entre eles estabelecendo relações mutualistas com sementes, solos e plantas nativas. Alternativas ao populismo autoritário podem ser cultivadas em lutas multiespécies pela terra nas quais forças humanas e não‐humanas convergem num esforço para compor ecologias hospitaleiras e inclusivas. [Populismo, autoritarismo, multiespécie, Amazônia, Brasil]
Trends of children being given advice for dental checkups and having a dental visit in the United States: 2001–2016
Authors: Luo Huabin , I. Garcia Raul , Moss Mark E. , Bell Ronny A. , Wright Wanda , Wu Bei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe objectives of this study were to describe trends of children being given dental checkup advice by primary care providers (PCPs) and having dental visits and to assess factors associated with being given dental checkup advice and having a dental visit.MethodsData were from the annual, cross‐sectional Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2001 to 2016. The sample included 126,773 children ages 2–17 years. We used predictive margins to estimate the probability of being given dental checkup advice and having a dental visit. We examined time trends of the proportion of children being given dental checkup advice from PCPs, as well as trends in the proportion of children having a dental visit from 2001 to 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between being given dental checkup advice and having a dental visit.ResultsOverall, the proportion of children being given dental checkup advice increased from 31.4% in 2001 to 51.8% in 2016 (Trend P < 0.001). No significant increasing trend was found for having a dental visit among those being given dental checkup advice (Trend P > 0.05). Children being given dental checkup advice were more likely to have a dental visit (AOR = 1.54, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough there was an increase in the proportion of children being given advice to have dental checkups by PCPs from 2001 to 2016, there was no significant increase in having a dental visit among children being given the advice. More research is needed to better understand how dental care advice from a PCP can effectively motivate and facilitate dental care for children.
Investigation on the variation of chemical composition and in vitro nutritive value of spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) for ruminants
Authors: Sommerfeld Vera , Steingaß Herbert , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Rodehutscord Markus 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpelt has gained growing interest in Europe in human and animal nutrition. Data on the chemical composition of spelt and its variations, especially their nutritional value for ruminants, are scarce. Therefore, hulled kernels, dehulled kernels and hulls of six spelt cultivars grown on three different locations were analysed for their chemical composition and nutritive value for ruminants using the Hohenheim Gas Test. Most of the analysed constituents varied considerably and were significantly affected by the cultivars or location, or both. Hulled spelt and spelt kernels of more recent cultivars had higher starch and energy concentrations and lower concentrations of crude protein and fibre fractions than those of traditional cultivars. Significant differences between cultivars were found in the energy values for ruminants for hulled spelt but not for fractionated kernels. Spelt hulls of different cultivars and locations showed a high variation in chemical composition with overall high concentrations of fibre fractions and crude ash. The nutritive values for ruminants of hulled spelt and spelt kernels were similar to those of oats and wheat respectively. Pure spelt hulls cannot be recommended for use in ruminant feeding because of their high concentrations of fibre fractions and crude ash. However, when some part of the kernel (~20%) or small kernels remain with the hull in the dehulling process, the resulting hull fraction has a metabolizable energy value for ruminants that is similar to that of wheat straw.
Co‐administration of multiple intravenous medicines: Intensive care nurses' views and perspectives
Authors: Oduyale Mosopefoluwa S. , Patel Nilesh , Borthwick Mark , Claus Sandrine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundCo‐administration of multiple intravenous (IV) medicines down the same lumen of an IV catheter is often necessary in the intensive care unit (ICU) while ensuring medicine compatibility.Aims and objectivesThis study explores ICU nurses' views on the everyday practice surrounding co‐administration of multiple IV medicines down the same lumen.DesignQualitative study using focus group interviews.MethodsThree focus groups were conducted with 20 ICU nurses across two hospitals in the Thames Valley Critical Care Network, England. Participants' experience of co‐administration down the same lumen and means of assessing compatibility were explored. All focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. Functional Resonance Analysis Method was used to provide a visual representation of the co‐administration process.ResultsTwo key themes were identified as essential during the process of co‐administration, namely, venous access and resources. Most nurses described insufficient venous access and lack of compatibility data for commonly used medicines (eg, analgesics and antibiotics) as particular challenges. Strategies such as obtaining additional venous access, prioritizing infusions, and swapping line of infusion were used to manage IV administration problems where medicines were incompatible, or of unknown or variable compatibility.ConclusionsNurses use several workarounds to manage commonly encountered medication compatibility problems that may lead to delays in therapy. Organizations should review and tailor compatibility resources towards commonly administered medicines using an interdisciplinary approach. Developing a clinical decision‐making pathway to minimise variability while promoting safe co‐administration practice should be prioritised.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study highlights several ways ICU nurses are able to manage challenges associated with co‐administration and the need for the development of a more robust and comprehensive compatibility resource that is relevant to everyday practice through collaboration between nurses and pharmacists.
Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization of Oscillatoria kawamurae (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria) isolated from different geographical regions
Authors: Thu Nanda Kyaw , Tanabe Yuuhiko , Matsuura Hiroshi , Watanabe Makoto M. 
Published: January 2020

SUMMARYOscillatoria kawamurae is an unusual freshwater cyanobacterium because of its large trichome and ambiguous gas vacuole. Because little is known about its phenotypic or genotypic characteristics, this study conducted morphological, biochemical, and genetic characterization of O. kawamurae strains isolated from Japan, Laos, and Myanmar. All strains displayed similar morphological characteristics; however some differences were observed in vegetative cell widths, trichome colors, and the distribution patterns of their gas vacuole‐like structures. The in vivo and phycobiliprotein absorption spectra revealed the two different trichome colors found in the four representative strains of O. kawamurae (Inle1, Lao7, Biwa6, and Inba3). These different trichome colors corresponded to the different ratios of phycoerythrin and phycocyanin, the two types of phycobilin pigments: 0.25 for olive‐green strain (Inle1) and 0.65–0.73 for brown‐green strains (Biwa6, Inba3, and Lao7). Cellular fatty acid compositions of the four strains were C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1c, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:3α and C18:4, whereas two strains (Biwa6 and Inba3) lacked C17:0. Of the fatty acids, palmitic acid (C16:0) was predominant. PCR experiments using primers targeting a gas vesicle gene (gvpA) recovered gvpA fragments from all O. kawamurae strains, suggesting that this species has true gas vacuoles. The 16S rDNA sequences of all of the strains were identical regardless of their different trichome colors and/or geographic origins. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rDNA sequences indicated that O. kawamurae forms a monophyletic clade with O. princeps CCALA 1115 clB1 and O. duplisecta ETS‐06. We discuss the taxonomy of O. kawamurae based on the data obtained in this study.
Tyrosine phosphorylation is not a relevant mechanism to modulate aquaporin 2 activity in gestational queen endometrium and placenta
Authors: Ferré‐Dolcet Lluis , Rodríguez‐Gil Joan Enric , Yeste Marc , Rigau Teresa , Rivera del Alamo Maria Montserrat 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAquaporins have been shown to be regulated by phosphorylation of serine residues, but the possible role of tyrosine residues phosphorylation has not been evaluated. Changes in the localization of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in the queen endometrium have been related to serum progesterone levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether these AQP2‐localization changes are mediated by variations in its tyrosine phosphorylation levels. Twelve queens were included in the study and divided into (a) non‐macroscopically pregnant with low levels of progesterone; (b) non‐macroscopically pregnant with high levels of progesterone; (c) 30 days of pregnancy; and (d) 60 days of pregnancy. Samples from endometrium and placental transference zone were obtained, immunoprecipitated and analysed by immunoblotting to determine the abundance of AQP2 and its relative levels of tyrosine phosphorylation. No significant differences in the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of immunoprecipated‐AQP2 were observed between groups. We can thus conclude that changes in the localization of AQP2 in the queen endometrium are not modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation.
Assessment of PDGFRβ promoter methylation in canine osteosarcoma using methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Gentilini Fabio , Capitani Ombretta , Tinto Debora , Rigillo Antonella , Sabattini Silvia , Bettini Giuliano , Turba Maria Elena 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPlatelet‐derived growth factor signalling pathways play a fundamental role in inducing and sustaining the proliferative and prosurvival stimuli in canine osteosarcomas (cOSAs). The increased expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) α and β, and their cognate ligands, were almost invariably observed in cOSAs and OSA‐derived cell lines. In particular, overexpression of PDGFRβ‐mediated signalling pathways was found in both the tumour microenvironment, where it drives stromal cell recruitment, and in neoangiogenesis, such as in tumour cells where it triggers aberrant proliferation, migration and local invasion. The majority of the pathological consequences of PDGFRβ signalling are because of aberrant expression. In fact, epigenetic dysregulation of oncogenes throughout demethylation of their promoter has emerged as a pivotal mechanism driving oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the methylation status of the PDGFRβ promoter and to clarify its role in modulating the expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor in canine osteosarcoma. The CpG island of the PDGFRβ promoter was identified using a mixed in silico and experimental approach, and a method based upon the methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting assay for quantitatively and precisely assessing the methylation status of the promoter was then set up. The method herein described was then exploited to assess the methylation status of the promoter in a case series of cOSAa. COSAs consistently but variably expressed PDGFRβ. However, the promoter was almost completely demethylated, and its methylation status did not correlate with the expression levels. This finding supported the hypothesis that post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms may act in cOSAs.
Iris aneurysm in feline hypertensive oculopathy
Authors: Linek Jens 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and document the prevalence and cause of iris aneurysm in feline hypertensive oculopathy.Animals studiedPrivately owned cats with systemic hypertension presented for sudden visual deficits and/or hyphema.ProceduresA retrospective search of medical records of cats with systemic hypertension was performed in a specialized eye practice from October 2001 to August 2016. Inclusion criteria used for further evaluation were (1) systolic blood pressure exceeding 170 mm Hg measured by Doppler ultrasound, (2) typical fundus changes consistent with systemic hypertension (retinal folds, retinal edema, intraretinal bullous fluid accumulation, retinal detachment—partial or total, intra‐/preretinal bleeding) in at least one eye, and (3) at least one follow‐up visit with documented response to therapy with amlodipine. Cats with bilateral hyphema were excluded.ResultsA total of 206 cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐eight cats (14%) showed an aneurysm of the iridal vessels, 21 75% with some amount of hyphema. In total, hyphema was present in 62 cats (30%). Pearson correlation of fundus changes, hyphema, and aneurysm was performed. A high correlation between fundus changes without posterior segment hemorrhage and hyphema was found. The histopathology of one eye showed iridial vascular changes compatible with an aneurysm. In 75 cats, additional blood analysis was performed. Presumed chronic kidney disease (80%) was the most common cause of systemic hypertension with eye disease, followed by hyperthyroidism (20%).ConclusionVascular changes of the iris compatible with aneurysms were seen in 14% of cats with systemic hypertension and may result in vascular rupture and acute hyphema.
Retrospective assessment of perioperative antimicrobial use for elective arthroscopy in horses
Authors: Muntwyler Noah , Dubois Marie‐Soleil , Weese J. Scott 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe perioperative antimicrobial use in horses undergoing elective arthroscopy.Study design.Retrospective study.Sample population.Horses that underwent elective arthroscopy at one institution between July 2016 and May 2018, excluding those with a suspected infectious orthopedic disease or with a comorbidity that may have impacted prophylactic antimicrobial use decisions.MethodsMedical records were reviewed to evaluate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative antimicrobial drug selection, dose, and timing. Associations between body weight and underdosing were evaluated by using analysis of variance, χ2test was used for categorical comparisons, and least squares fit was used to evaluate factors associated with duration of postoperative antimicrobials.ResultsAmong 150 horses, 149 (99.3%) received systemic preoperative antimicrobials. Only 53 (40.2%) horses were administered doses within 60 minutes of surgical incision. First incision was performed more than two half‐lives after administration of sodium penicillin in 46 of 131 (35.1%) horses but in only 1 of 106 (0.8%) horses that received trimethoprim‐sulfadoxine. Body weight was associated with underdosing for penicillin (P = .0075) and trimethoprim‐sulfadoxine (P = .002) but not gentamicin (P = .92). Twenty‐six (17%) horses received one postoperative antimicrobial dose, while antimicrobials were continued in hospital for a mean of 22.3 ± 4.4 hours after surgery in the other 123 horses. Among the 149 discharged horses, 115 (77.2%) were prescribed antimicrobials after discharge (range, 3‐10 days; median, 3 days, interquartile range, 0 days).ConclusionDeviations from common recommendations were apparent and provide evidence for the requirement to develop interventions to optimize perioperative prophylaxis.Clinical significancePerioperative antimicrobial use practices should be regularly assessed to provide a benchmark and identify areas for intervention.
Thermo-Solutal Buoyancy Effect on Heat and Mass Transfer in a Backward-Facing Step Channel Under the Influence of Different Shapes of Nanoparticles
Authors: Nath Ratnadeep , Krishnan Murugesan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Double-diffusive mixed convection in a backward-facing step (BFS) channel for different shapes of nanoparticles is analyzed using velocity–vorticity equations. The effect of four shapes of alumina nanoparticles at volume fractions χ of 1–5% on heat and mass transfer are studied for buoyancy ratios, N from −3 to 3 at Re = 200, Ri = 0.1, and Pr = 6.2. As χ increases, the Nuav decreases for all shapes at N = −3; however, it increases with an increase in N from 1 to 3. At N = 3, the Nu increases by 29% for blades shape, whereas a 28% decrease was noticed for platelets shape. An increase in χ of nanoparticles results in a decrease of Shav for N = 1–3, with a maximum decrease of 57% being observed at N = −3 for cylinders shape. The τav at the bottom wall continues to increase up to a maximum of 400% for platelets shape for N = 3.