bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of six SNPs of POU1F1-PROP1-PITX1-SIX3 pathway genes with growth traits in two Chinese indigenous goat breeds
Authors: Ma Lin , Qin Qiaomei , Yang Qing , Zhang Meng , Zhao Haiyu , Pan Chuanying , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong , Lan Xianyong 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
In the process of anterior pituitary gland development and maturation, numerous transcription factors were involved in the pituitary organogenesis. To date, the lack of knowledge on POU1F1-PROP1-PITX1-SIX3 pathway genes affecting growth traits was reported in Chinese goat breeds. The objective of this work was to identify genetic variants of the POU1F1, PROP1, PITX1 and SIX3 genes, as well as to evaluate their associations with growth traits in goats. The results showed that one novel and five reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were confirmed in above four genes. The novel SNP (NC_019460.2:g.1100T>A) was located in intron 1 of SIX3 gene. Among these loci, DQ826397.1:g.102T>G (SNP1), DQ826397.1:g.279T>C (SNP2) and NC_019460.2:g.1100T>A (SNP6) were associated with growth traits. In details, the SNP1 locus had significant association with hucklebone width (P<0.05) and hucklebone width index (P<0.05) in the Guanzhong dairy goat. The SNP2 locus was associated with body weight (P<0.05), chest circumference (P<0.01), chest width (P<0.05), hucklebone width (P<0.05), cannon circumference (P<0.01) and trunk index (P<0.01) in the Hainan black goat. The SNP6 locus was significantly associated with hucklebone width index (P<0.05) and chest width (P<0.05) in the Guanzhong dairy goat and Hainan black goat, respectively. These findings indicated that goat POU1F1-PROP1-PITX1-SIX3 pathway genes were important genetic factors, which could affect growth traits. Three SNPs detected in this study may be useful for potential marker-assisted selection programs in goat breeding and production.
A rapid approach to assess cardiac contractility by ballistocardiogram and electrocardiogram
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Zhang Liyan , Wang Kun , Yu Chao , Zhu Tiangang , Tang Jintian 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a rapid assessment on cardiac contractility by using the time interval between the I wave of ballistocardiogram (BCG) and the R wave of electrocardiogram (ECG) which is referred to as the RI interval. The whole work can be divided into two parts. First, the correlation between the RI interval and the ejection fraction (EF), which is a clinical index to assess systolic performance, was computed. For 39 subjects, the correlation coefficient is −0.54 (p<0.001). Moreover, RI intervals of heart failure (HF) patients and healthy subjects were measured, and a significant difference was found among different New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes and the healthy group. Second, the beat-to-beat correlation analysis between the RI interval and the pre-ejection period (PEP), which is a parameter of systolic time interval to evaluate the cardiac contractility, was calculated. For 4578 heart beats across eight healthy subjects, the correlation coefficient is 0.85 (p<0.001). As a conclusion, these results indicate that the RI interval can be used as a noninvasive assessment of cardiac contractility.
The course, stratification and possibility of simulating relative air humidity in winter wheat stand
Authors: Krčmářová Jana , Pokorný Radovan , Středa Tomáš 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was: (i) long-term (2010, 2011 and 2013) evaluation of the relative air humidity in the winter wheat canopy, (ii) finding of relationships between relative air humidity in canopy and computed or measured meteorological values (precipitation totals, evapotranspiration, moisture balance, specific air humidity, volume soil moisture, % of available soil water content, value of soil water potential), (iii) testing of simulation of daily relative air humidity, based on selected meteorological values and potential evapotranspiration (FAO Penman-Monteith method) and actual evapotranspiration, (iv) testing of simulation of relative air humidity hourly values in the wheat canopy, (v) evaluation of dependence between relative air humidity and leaf wetness. The measurement was performed at the experimental field station of Mendel University in Žabčice (South Moravia, the Czech Republic). Data recording for wheat canopy was conducted by means of a meteostation equipped with digital air humidity and air temperature sensors positioned in the ground, effective height of the stand and in 2 m above the ground. The main vegetation period of wheat was divided into three stages to evaluate differences in various growing phases of wheat. The data from nearby standard climatological stations and from agrometeorological station in Žabčice were used for establishment of relationships between relative air humidity in winter wheat canopy and surrounding environment by correlation and regression analysis. Relative air humidity above 90% occurred substantially longer on the ground and at the effective height of the stand in comparison with the height of 2 m. By means of regression analysis we determined that the limit of 90% was reached in the canopy when at the climatological station it was just 60 to 90% for ground level and 70 to 90% for effective height, especially during the night. Slight dependence between measured or computed meteorological variables and relative air humidity in winter wheat canopy was found (r= 0.23 − 0.56 for precipitation totals,r= 0.27 − 0.57 for % of available soil water capacity, etc.). The simulation of hourly values of relative air humidity in wheat canopy is partially possible just when using the data of relative air humidity from the relevant standard climatological station.
The Barroque Paradise of Santa María Tonantzintla (Part I)
Authors: Glockner Julio 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The baroque church of Santa María Tonantzintla is located in the Valley of Cholula in Central Mexican Plateau and it was built during 16th-19th century. Its interior decoration shows interesting symbolic fusion of Christian elements with Mesoamerican religious aspects of Nahua origin. The scholars of Mexican colonial art interpreted the Catholic iconography of Santa María Tonantzintla church as Assumption of Virgin Mary up to celestial kingdom and her coronation by the holy Trinity. One of those scholars, Francisco de la Maza, proposed the idea that apart from that the ornaments of the church evoke Tlalocan, paradise of ancient deity of rain known as Tlaloc. Following this interpretation this study explore a relation between Virgin Mary and ancient Nahua deity of Earth and fertility called Tonatzin in order to show profound syncretic bonds which exist between Cristian and Mesoamerican traditions.
International Labour Migration. A Present-Day Phenomenon Using the Example of Slovakia
Authors: Kolláriková Petra 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The term migration encompasses a dynamic and complex process affected by numerous components that at the same time creates numerous relationships and factors. Nowadays, migration is understood as a natural phenomenon that occurs in every state and as a source of cultural diversity or cultural contribution. Migration touches upon a great number of issues in the fields of demography, economy, language, religion, national security and politics.
This study describes international labour migration illustrated with the example of Slovakia as well as the theories that explain the beginnings and continuance of this type of migration. Contemporary migration trends shed light on which countries are presently the most attractive for labour migrants. The part devoted to migration policy attempts to generally define this term. The conclusion of the study is dedicated to the impact of labour migration on both the countries of origin and destination.
The Concept of Sustainable Development of Cities. Ethnological Notes
Authors: Darulová Jolana 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The sustainable development concept has been detailed in several strategic documents which, among other things, point out that it is a complex issue and should be explored at the inter-disciplinary level. Examples of the current ethnological research of cities concerning transformations of post-socialist urban spaces in the context of civic initiatives and participative planning and participative budget demonstrate the possibilities of ethnology in applying the sustainable development principles in an urban environment.
A computer application for parametric aircraft
design
Authors: Fraqueiro Filipe R. , Albuquerque Pedro F. , Gamboa Pedro V. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The present work describes the development
and final result of a graphical user interface tailored for
a mission-based parametric aircraft design optimization
code which targets the preliminary design phase of unmanned
aerial vehicles. This development was built from
the XFLR5 open source platform and further benefits from
two-dimensional aerodynamic data obtained from XFOIL.
For a better understanding, the most important graphical
windows are shown. In order to demonstrate the graphical
user interface interaction with the aircraft designer, the
results of a case study which maximizes payload are presented.
Transmuted Erlang-Truncated Exponential Distribution
Authors: Okorie Idika E. , Akpanta Anthony C. , Ohakwe Johnson 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis article introduces a new lifetime distribution called the transmuted Erlang-truncated exponential (TETE) distribution. This new distribution generalizes the two parameter Erlang-truncated exponential (ETE) distribution. Closed form expressions for some of its distributional and reliability properties are provided. The method of maximum likelihood estimation was proposed for estimating the parameters of the TETE distribution. The hazard rate function of the TETE distribution can be constant, increasing or decreasing depending on the value of the transmutation parameter
Approximation by bivariate (p,q)-Baskakov–Kantorovich operators
Authors: Ilarslan Hatice Gul Ince , Acar Tuncer 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The present paper deals with the bivariate

(
p
,
q
)

{(p,q)}

-Baskakov–Kantorovich operators and their approximation properties. First we
construct the operators and obtain some auxiliary results such as
calculations of moments and central moments, etc.
Our main results consist of uniform convergence of the operators via the Korovkin theorem and rate of
convergence in terms of modulus of continuity.
Study of structural changes in the cells of the stimulated seed sprouts
Authors: Kovalyshyn Stepan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe paper emphasises that one of the easiest and effective methods of pre-treatment of seed is by industrial electrical power frequency. In order to select the most effective treatment regime it is necessary to reveal the mechanism of the impact of electromagnetic fields on biological structures, including plants. In this regard, electron microscopy studies at the cellular level of seedlings of perennial ryegrass seed treated with electric field corona discharge were conducted. It was found that in seedlings of treated seeds the intracellular organisation of the plant varies, resulting in changes during cell division. This is apparently due to a reduction in interphase, including S-phase, resulting in disrupted normal DNA synthesis, chromatin formation and, consequently, the collection of chromosomes. As a result, the cell division is faster, which leads to increased sowing quality of seeds of studied plants. While maintaining the characteristics of the studied cell division of seedling seed which was subjected to electrical stimulation, there is the prospect of a significant increase of seed germination of ryegrass in the future generations.
Effects of serpentinite fertilizer on the chemical properties and enzyme activity of young spruce soils
Authors: Błońska Ewa , Januszek Kazimierz , Małek Stanisław , Wanic Tomasz 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe experimental plots used in the study were located in the middle forest zone (elevation: 900-950 m a.s.l.) on two nappes of the flysch Carpathians in southern Poland. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of serpentinite in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers on selected chemical properties of the soil and activity of dehydrogenase and urease in the studied soils. All fertilizer treatments significantly enriched the tested soils in magnesium. The use of serpentinite as a fertilizer reduced the molar ratio of exchangeable calcium to magnesium, which facilitated the uptake of magnesium by tree roots due to competition between calcium and magnesium. After one year of fertilization on the Wisła experimental plot, the pH of the Ofh horizon increased, while the pH of the mineral horizons significantly decreased. Enrichment of serpentinite with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers stimulated the dehydrogenase activity in the studied organic horizon. The lack of a negative effect of the serpentinite fertilizer on enzyme activity in the spruce stand soil showed that the concentrations of the heavy metals added to the soil were not high enough to be toxic and indicated the feasibility of using this fertilizer in forestry.
Testing Exogeneity of Multinomial Regressors in Count Data Models: Does Two-stage Residual Inclusion Work?
Authors: Geraci Andrea , Fabbri Daniele , Monfardini Chiara 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe study a simple exogeneity test in count data models with possibly endogenous multinomial treatment. The test is based on Two Stage Residual Inclusion (2SRI), an estimation method which has been proved to be consistent for a general class of nonlinear parametric models. Results from a broad set of simulation experiments provide novel evidence on important features of this approach. We find differences in the finite sample performance of various likelihood-based tests, analyze their robustness to misspecification arising from neglected over-dispersion or from incorrect specification of the first stage model, and uncover that standardizing the variance of the first stage residuals leads to better results. An original application to testing the endogeneity status of insurance in a model of healthcare demand corroborates our Monte Carlo findings.
Biodefense Spending and Waste: Impact on Public Health Initiatives
Authors: Kelly Erin Lynne , Zola Adam , Strzalkowski Monica , Macmillan Benjamin , Macgreggor-Skinner Gavin 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
While the threat of bioterrorism carries with it strong emotions of fear and panic, the likelihood-adjusted fatality rates for a horrific bioterror event pale in comparison to that of an infectious disease like influenza. Based on this assumed risk of occurrence, the likelihood-adjusted fatality rate of a bioweapon attack is 900 deaths per year as compared to 36,000 deaths per year for influenza. The FY2016 budget for biodefense was $1.4 million in comparison to $1.2 million for pandemic influenza and emerging diseases. In addition to poor allocation of funds based on actual risk, the biodefense budget lacks government oversight, has poorly defined objectives and unnecessary redundancy. Streamlining the budget and appropriating funds with more emphasis on actual risk would allow an increase in essential areas of public health.
Mexican university teacher-researchers’ biliteracy beliefs and practices
Authors: Crhová Jitka , Domínguez María del Rocío 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThere has been a growing interest in describing higher education academic literacy. In our study, literacy is conceived as multi-layered phenomena, multiple in its character, denominated “multiliteracies” (Cope & Kalantzis, 2013). Furthermore, within the multiliteracies frame, multilingual literacies (Martin-Jones & Jones, 2000) are distinguished and discussed in the present paper, in particular the development of biliteracy in local academic settings. This paper explores connections between the teachers’ perceptions on literacy, teachers’ own biliteracy development as publishing authors and researchers. The research draws on the data obtained through a questionnaire applied in the first phase of the project to 100 participants from three public universities from northern, central and southern part of Mexico, which was completed by analysis of narratives gathered through interviews from a reduced sample of participants (31). The results seem to indicate that language teachers-researchers perceive their L2 literacy in wider terms, beyond mere reading-writing skills development and decodification of the text, which seems to be apparent in academics with higher academic credentials.
A critical look at the portfolio as a tool for teacher cognition at pre-gradual level: perceptions of students
Authors: Straková Zuzana 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Trainees in teacher training programmes experience a variety of courses focusing on helping them to master the basic skills as future language teachers. The most important issue in the entire training is the appropriate balance between the input they receive from the trainer and the hands-on experience in which they learn through experience. One of the best hands-on activities during teacher training is indisputably teaching practice, i.e. real experience of trainees in the school context. Teaching practice offers to trainees first experience with teaching English lessons with holding responsibility for planning, carrying out the lessons as well as learning from this experience, maintaining a good rapport with students and many other aspects. Since trainees work in the external setting without the presence of their Methodology course trainers, it is often a custom to ask trainees to keep a portfolio with lesson plans or material they used during teaching as well as some reflections on the first teaching experience, so that the trainers could create a picture of how their trainees succeeded “out there”. Such a portfolio serves as a useful tool not only for the trainee since the portfolio offers a record of how they managed to carry out specific duty at a specific time; portfolio of this type can provide the trainer with a plastic picture of how trainee managed to apply what they had learned in their Methodology courses. There are many elements which can be included in the teaching practice portfolio such as lesson plans, reflections, various case studies, textbook evaluations, sample teaching aids prepared by the trainee, etc. However, the biggest benefit that portfolio provides the trainee with is the reflection itself – thinking about how successfully something has been mastered and thinking about how things could be done better. EPOSTL (European Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages) where trainees focus on self-evaluation of their own teaching skills is one of the tools that can help to focus the trainee on specific skill the teacher needs to master. This article tries to answer the question whether trainees are aware of the beneficial effects of such reflection, whether they perceive a tool like the EPOSTL as something that can help them to develop or they consider it rather a duty to be carried out as a part of training. Based on the experience with a group of trainees who used EPOSTL during their teaching practice this case study analyses possible strengths and weaknesses of including such a complex material as EPOSTL in pre-service teacher training.
Comparative exploration of learning styles and teaching techniques between Thai and Vietnamese EFL students and instructors
Authors: Supalak Nakhornsri 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLearning styles have been a particular focus of a number of researchers over the past decades. Findings from various studies researching into how students learn highlight significant relationships between learners’ styles of learning and their language learning processes and achievement. This research focuses on a comparative analysis of the preferences of English learning styles and teaching techniques perceived by students from Thailand and Vietnam, and the teaching styles and techniques practiced by their instructors. The purposes were 1) to investigate the learning styles and teaching techniques students from both countries preferred, 2) to investigate the compatibility of the teaching styles and techniques practiced by instructors and those preferred by the students, 3) to specify the learning styles and teaching techniques students with high level of English proficiency preferred, and 4) to investigate the similarities of Thai and Vietnamese students’ preferences for learning styles and teaching techniques. The sample consisted of two main groups: 1) undergraduate students from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand and Thai Nguyen University (TNU), Vietnam and 2) English instructors from both institutions. The instruments employed comprised the Students’ Preferred English Learning Style and Teaching Technique Questionnaire and the Teachers’ Practiced English Teaching Style and Technique Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using arithmetic means and standard deviation. The findings can contribute to the curriculum development and assist teachers to teach outside their comfort level to match the students’ preferred learning styles. In addition, the findings could better promote the courses provided for students. By understanding the learning style make-up of the students enrolled in the courses, faculty can adjust their modes of content delivery to match student preferences and maximize student learning. Finally, this research could establish better understanding between language learning natures of people from Thailand and Vietnam.
TEFL teachers’ and non-TEFL teachers’ perceptions on the relationship between SLA research and language pedagogy
Authors: Zand-Moghadam Amir , Meihami Hussein 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
This study explores TEFL teachers’ and non-TEFL teachers’ perceptions about the relationship between second language acquisition (SLA) research and language pedagogy with regard to familiarity, involvement, accessibility, consultation, relevance, and usefulness of SLA research in L2 pedagogy. To this end, 83 teachers, 40 TEFL teachers and 43 non-TEFL teachers, participated in this study. They filled out a questionnaire addressing their perceptions about SLA research and language pedagogy. The results revealed that the majority of TEFL teachers involved in doing research, at least as their educational term projects, while mostly no contribution was reported by non-TEFL teachers. In addition, TEFL teachers insisted that L2 teachers need to be involved in SLA research to be successful in their teaching career, while non-TEFL teachers were of the opposite opinion. Moreover, it was revealed that TEFL teachers considered the knowledge gained from research studies relevant and useful to their classroom actions, whereas non-TEFL teachers saw their experience more important for managing their classroom actions. Although both groups had contradictory perceptions of the relationship between SLA research and language pedagogy, they showed some common points in this regard. That is, both groups reported on their difficulty in having access to the research materials; they also expressed their willingness to do research.