Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of th...Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows.Furthermore,it has recently been suggested that free amino acids(AAs)can also act as microbial modulators.This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs(9,4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val,L-Ile and L-Leu,respectively)and/or L-Arg(22.5 g/d/sow),above the estimated nutritional requirement,could influence the physiological and immunological parameters,microbial profile,colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring.Results At d 41,piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier(P=0.03).The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sows’serum at d 27,tended to increase immunoglobulin A(IgA)and IgM in the colostrum(P=0.06),increased the IgA(P=0.004)in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte%in the sows’blood at d 27(P=0.07).Furthermore,the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices(P<0.10)in the sows’faeces.The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004,Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004,the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponemaberlinense.Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre-(d 7,d 14)and post-weaning(d 41)(P<0.05).Furthermore,Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10(P=0.05),glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27(P=0.025)and their jejunal expression of NFKB2(P=0.035)while it reduced the expression of GPX-2(P=0.024).The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales.The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27(P=0.099),tended to increase the Igs(IgA and IgG,P<0.10)at d 20 in the milk,favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth.Conclusion Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain(ADG),immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism,colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows.The synergistic effect between these AAs,noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets,deserves additional investigation.展开更多
Water quality deterioration took place during infiltration process. Quality of the source water, climate conditions and amounts of added water are the major role players of the differentiation measures. Treated wastew...Water quality deterioration took place during infiltration process. Quality of the source water, climate conditions and amounts of added water are the major role players of the differentiation measures. Treated wastewater, rainwater and fresh groundwater were described within this study. It was found that the rainwater has an aggressive behavior with a high ability to dissolve soil salts. The amounts of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) increase with infiltration process. Electrical conductivity (EC) increased by 600%. Plotting the fresh groundwater to the same conditions and experiment reflects the ability of this water to dissolve soil salts and increases the TDS by increasing the EC by a percentage of around 200%;while applying lower quality of water, the percentage of the EC of the treated wastewater increases to about 230% for the depth of 20 cm, which indicates the accumulation of the salts within this part of the soil, which leads to the deterioration of the soil quality, and decreases to about 160% for a depth of 60 cm. This differentiation could be a result of low permeability soils which tend to accumulate salts as a result of evaporation and then increase the salinity in the topsoil. Dissolution and plant uptake in the infiltrated take of minerals save the soil’s water from evaporation and do not allow salts to concentrate in soils. Moreover, plant uptake of soil water chemicals causes a decrease in some salt concentrations such as NO3, PO4, K, Na, and Cl and may conserve others.展开更多
·AIM: To obtain widening of a potentially occludable angle, in according to Kanski’s indications, through preventive Nd:Yag laser iridotomy. The observational study was performed by using gonioscopy for the sele...·AIM: To obtain widening of a potentially occludable angle, in according to Kanski’s indications, through preventive Nd:Yag laser iridotomy. The observational study was performed by using gonioscopy for the selection and follow-up of 1165 treated eyes and exploiting Shaffer-Etienne gonioscopic classification as a quality/quantity test of the angle recession.·METHODS: Between September 2000 and July 2012,586 patients were selected at the Outpatients’ Ophthalmological Clinic of the Policlinico Umberto I of Rome in order to undergo Nd: Yag laser iridotomy. A Goldmann type contact lens, Q-switched mode, 2-3defocus, and 7-9 m J intensity with 2-3 impulse discharges were used for surgery.·RESULTS: From as early as the first week, a whole360° angle widening were evident in the patients, thus showing the success of Nd:Yag laser iridotomy in solving relative pupil block. The angle remained narrow by 270° in 14 eyes only, despite repetitions of further treatment with laser iridotomy in a different part of the iris, twice in 10 eyes and three times in 4 eyes.·CONCLUSION: Nd:Yag laser iridotomy revealed itself as being a safe and effective treatment in widening those critical Shaffer-Etienne grade 1 and 2 potentially occludable angles.展开更多
We analyze here the keys of the original approach about the twofold cost: the return to the asexuality starting with a mutant female, with the same reproductive capacity than a sexual one, and with double genetic-repr...We analyze here the keys of the original approach about the twofold cost: the return to the asexuality starting with a mutant female, with the same reproductive capacity than a sexual one, and with double genetic-reproductive success. We propose a new approach in which 1) all individuals in a population have regulatory mechanisms of reproductive mode, and when such change occurs, it happens in all its population at the same time;2) after a change of reproductive mode in the population there can be variations in average offspring per female, according to the environmental quality;and 3) the genetic-reproductive success of the males and its unequal paternity success are accounted for. Results: The most advantageous reproductive strategy depends on the demographic situation of the population and the degree of the unequal paternity success of males. For harem values observed in nature and in populations with moderate growth rate, stable or decreasing population, the sexual strategy is advantageous. If the population growth rate is high, the asexual strategy is advantageous. In species subject to high demographic fluctuations the best strategy depends on the ability to predict the time of occurrence of the population bottleneck: if predictable, the best strategy is the alternation of generations, if not, permanent parthenogenesis.展开更多
Due to long drought periods and over utilizing of range lands in the arid lands of Jordan, the land is degraded and lost most of its natural vegetation. To rehabilitate the natural vegetation cover, there is a need to...Due to long drought periods and over utilizing of range lands in the arid lands of Jordan, the land is degraded and lost most of its natural vegetation. To rehabilitate the natural vegetation cover, there is a need to enhance the fertility of soil to be able to support vegetation under limited amounts of rainfall. One of the available and viable options that might be able to provide a solution for the soil poverty is applying materials with high organic contents such as biosolid. Bio-solids are nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of domestic sewage in a wastewater treatment facility. Bio-solids are a beneficial resource, containing essential plant nutrients and organic matter and are recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. A pilot study is designed based on randomized block design in which five treatments are used to represent the loading rates of bio-solids application. These loads were 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 tons/ha with four replicates for the control and each application load. Samples from Bio-solid, soil and plants are tested for chemicals and microbes. Chemical tests include: As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, while microbial tests include: total fecal Coliform, Salmonella, and Helminthes eggs. Results of total microbial count in bio-solids, soil and plant samples indicated that there were no detectable counts found in all of the experimental plots. Results showed increase in most of the heavy metals concentration in soil treated with bio-solids from that of soil in control plots;some of these elements doubled after applying the bio-solid. For the dry plant matter, analysis for heavy metals showed that most of the heavy metals studied were below the detection limit. Only the Cr, Cu and Zn are changed but not significantly compared with the control plot. Results obtained were showed that the highest dry biomass value was obtained with bio-solids loading rate 40 tons/ha and more. Increasing rate of application after 40 tons/ha did not show significant differences in the biomass yield. Also, the total nitrogen in the plants increased by 40% for all bio-solid application loads compared with the control lot.展开更多
The scientificity of the research should be evaluated according to the methodology used in the study.However,these are usually the research areas or the institutions that are classified as scientific or non-scientific...The scientificity of the research should be evaluated according to the methodology used in the study.However,these are usually the research areas or the institutions that are classified as scientific or non-scientific.Because of various reasons,it may turn out that the scientific institutions are not producing science,while the“non-scientists”are doing real science.In the extreme case,the official science system is entirely corrupt,consisting of fraudsters,while the real scientists have been expelled from academic institutions.Since 2016-2017,there has been much talk about the“post-truth era”and the politicians who are“denying science”.However,simultaneously,many complaints about the corruption of science appeared.The outsider cannot tell who is telling the truth as it may be the case that the science fraudsters are defending themselves and these politicians are aware of the corruption.It is also untrue that the censoring or suppression of science started from 2016-2017.Suppression of science because of political and ideological reasons was present already long ago,and during the last few years,it has been increasing.The picture is highly complicated as there are many pretenders,false accusations,etc.For example,because of political reasons,someone may be set up as a pseudoscientist,the real scientist may be expelled using political accusations,justified criticism may be labelled as political pressure,etc.There is something like an inner information war ongoing in and around science.The classical philosophy of science seems unable to handle it because every formal rule can be misapplied.Science,as a whole,may be unable to persist.展开更多
As part of a collaborative project,we took the window shutter—a widely used traditional facade element—and reinterpreted it for“adaptive”solutions using new,sustainable technologies.The aim was to design a modular...As part of a collaborative project,we took the window shutter—a widely used traditional facade element—and reinterpreted it for“adaptive”solutions using new,sustainable technologies.The aim was to design a modular construction kit that varies radiant energy,light and air flow to weather conditions and occupant requirements in new and existing residential and office buildings.展开更多
In this research, the author considers the evidence provided by a corpus of Late Modem English grammars for our understanding of the development of the modals as politeness markers. It is possible to see how the modal...In this research, the author considers the evidence provided by a corpus of Late Modem English grammars for our understanding of the development of the modals as politeness markers. It is possible to see how the modals and their accompanied senses are explained in an official （and often either prescriptive or proscriptive） perspective. This is another aspect which cannot be ascertained from the usage based on corpora which seem to be popular as sources of evidence in historical pragmatics. In this sense, this research brings some novel perspective to this aspect of academic study. It is possible to notice that the significations involves concept or senses which extend across a semantic--pragmatic domain which includes politeness. We can see that certain softening senses are key elements to mark polite usage. The main data used come from the descriptions of the modal auxiliary verb in a corpus of grammar books from the period. Usage and manner books are also consulted as a secondary resource. The manner book in particular is quite helpful for our understanding of how linguistic politeness was regarded at the time. Such texts also help us to find a certain network of senses which are related to polite expressions.展开更多
In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is t...In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into how energy audits, with a scope on air conditioning (AC) systems, contribute to develop energy efficiency options for a government building in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico. The methodology is based in the energy audit framework proposed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Results show that, in a typical day of maximum consumption, AC represents 64% of the total electrical consumption, while office equipment accounted for 22%, and lighting 14%. Additionally, AC system has a yearly consumption of 54,419.40 kWh with an emission estimate of 24.92 tons of CO2-eq/year. Three approaches for energy efficiency proposals were addressed through AC systems: Improvement of the operation and consumption habits, maintenance and reconditioning of facilities, and replacement of AC units. While Mexico has international commitments through environmental treaties related to contribute to climate change mitigation, this study shows that, at least one government building still produces potential impacts that can be deterred by addressing structural and behavioral changes related to AC operation. Finally, this study may be used as reference for energy efficiency practitioners or decision-making authorities in the public administration field for developing better energy policies for government buildings.展开更多
The study aimed at addressing climate variability impacts on wheat and barley production in Palestine. A combination of literature survey and multiple semi-structured interviews with officials from the Palestinian gov...The study aimed at addressing climate variability impacts on wheat and barley production in Palestine. A combination of literature survey and multiple semi-structured interviews with officials from the Palestinian governmental agriculture related agencies and active non-governmental organizations （NGOs） used for gathering information on wheat and barley production in Palestine. The gathered data along with information and subsequent results prevailed that the West Bank since the 1970s has experienced a significant decrease in winter rainfall. Across 15 sites, growing season rainfall （September to May） decreased by an average of 11% and the sum of rainfall in September and October decreased by 45%. Despite the large decline in rainfall, yields based on the actual weather data did not fall. These results were due to the rainfall changes mainly occurring in September and October, a period when rainfall often is less than crop demand. The study arrived at conclusion based on the study results that climate change variabilities have differential impacts on the yield growth of wheat and barley. However, both rainfed dependent crops are adversely affected by the current climate trends. The yields of barley and wheat are decreasing due to increased temperature and decreased precipitation.展开更多
One of the important jobs for the teacher teaching literary text reading is to develop the students’habit of detecting the linguistic clues to interpret the text or to discover linguistic evidence to support their in...One of the important jobs for the teacher teaching literary text reading is to develop the students’habit of detecting the linguistic clues to interpret the text or to discover linguistic evidence to support their interpretations.Systemic functional linguistics(SFL),developed by Halliday,is both a theory of language and an approach to the analysis of texts and their contexts of use.This linguistic framework can be effectively applied to literary text teaching.The writer aims to explore the applicability of this linguistic theory in literary text teaching and the strategies by a tentative analysis of the novella The Old Man and the Sea in the SFL framework.展开更多
The objective of this paper is to institute farmers’ own perceptions of the on-and off-farm benefits of agroforestry systems (AFS). Using use value approach, this paper presents empirical evidence on the use values o...The objective of this paper is to institute farmers’ own perceptions of the on-and off-farm benefits of agroforestry systems (AFS). Using use value approach, this paper presents empirical evidence on the use values of three types of AFS practiced by the refugees and their hosting communities in Eastern Sudan. The total economic value (TEV) was applied as a framework to estimate the ecosystem values of AFS under study. Goods values were estimated using specific market values, while the services values were qualitatively described according to local perceived values of the local communities. Perceived TEV of AFS includes marketable and non-marketable goods and services. The main direct marketable and sustainable high value products include: food, cash crops, firewood, gum, fodder, NTFPs medicine, fodder, and honey. The valuation results reveal that AFS in the project sites have significantly contributed to the livelihoods of the local communities. Overall, the average net direct-use value of marketable products across all sites was estimated at 7,346,000.0 SDG (1,335,636.36 US$) HH/annum. Gum Arabic alone accounted for 38%, followed by sorghum grain and fodder 35%, and cash crops (sesame) 18%. This value would be many time higher if other indirect values (non-marketable) services such as shade, aesthetic and recreation, environmental protection, biodiversity and carbon sequestration are quantified. The goods and services mentioned above provide sustainable income to the farmer directly and viable benefits to the region indirectly. Hence, AFS in the study sites shows the way to reconcile two conflicting goals: short-term food and livelihood needs with long-term environmental conservation and improvement. The study provides evidence that the high local perceived values of AFS in the study sites constitute a central means of livelihood, whereas its contribution to the local economy. The study stresses the need to quantify the monetary values of non-marketed products to consistently account for resource availability and usage to further sound policy decisions. Tenure security, farmer support services and human capital development were major areas identified for policy development.展开更多
The objectives of the present study were: 1) to identify the prioritized marketable natural products (NPs) from agroforestry systems (AFS), and 2) to conduct market value chain analyses of the most important and prior...The objectives of the present study were: 1) to identify the prioritized marketable natural products (NPs) from agroforestry systems (AFS), and 2) to conduct market value chain analyses of the most important and prioritized NPs to identify markets and marketing channels;actors, functions and characteristics;constraints and opportunities to entry and growth;opportunities for value addition, and conduct analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). The study was conducted in the Refugees’ camps and their hosting communities in Eastern Sudan. Using the participatory value chain analysis (PVCA) approach, it was found that communities in the project sites obtained a multiplicity of NPs for sustenance and for increasing their incomes. Eight products were identified and ranked as the most important NPs with greatest opportunities for enterprise development at the community level. These are: gum Arabic, honey, fodder, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and tree seeds. Gum Arabic has been shown to score higher ranks in terms of a) marketability b) ecological suitability (availability), c) social suitability, and d) potential for value addition. The results show that marketing of gum Arabic in the study site is characterized by a large number of producers and relatively few traders and companies work through seven marketing channels. The results demonstrate that in the customary marketing channel there is an upward skewed benefit distribution among the value chain actors. The total relative commercialization margin was 80% indicating that “traders” accrued higher proportion, while “producers”, receive less income (20%) of the end market price. Poor land security, one-sided prices, taxes and levies, lack of finance and appropriate skills are major impediments to gum commodity growth and development. One of the most important opportunities for growth and entry of Gum Arabic are: it is natural organic product and thus well-fit for fair trade, environmentally sustainable and organic market development. Numerous opportunities exist in the site for value addition and distribution synergies and gender-specific development, including that gum Arabic has high synergy with natural resource management and other sectors for enhancing regional and national growth. The study concludes that Gum Arabic production and marketing is financially profitable for producers, traders and companies and has the potential to open new markets and bring new opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, technical, financial, and institutional support could result in an increase in local actors’ income and contribute to sustainability of the supply of the product.展开更多
This paper discusses the idea that the industry can have a differentiator of program quality by encouraging the activities of the Broadcasting Ethics ＆ Program Improvement Organization （BPO） in Japan. The BPO, a wo...This paper discusses the idea that the industry can have a differentiator of program quality by encouraging the activities of the Broadcasting Ethics ＆ Program Improvement Organization （BPO） in Japan. The BPO, a worldwide independent organization, has a mission of a breakwater against state power, and thus can be regarded as a kind of media accountability system, as proposed by Claude-Jean Bertrand. We review some controversial affairs in the TV industry and discuss BPO＇s activities aimed preventing ＂yellow journalism＂ and improving the quality of programming. High-quality content may be a differentiator for viewers faced with a choice of media, and thus, we focus on BPO and its role as a differentiator of the Japanese TV industry among the other, especially, Internet media. We also propose four ideas in response of critiques of BPO. Those are to strengthen transparency of governance of BPO, to improve the conformity of the TV industry to BPO＇s assessments of it, to establish a new committee to examine the whole concept of journalism, and to introduce a new certification institution to guarantee quality.展开更多
A paradox in cancer research is that the majority of patients enrolled in clinical trials are relatively young and fit while typical patients in daily practice are elderly and have comorbidities and impaired organ fun...A paradox in cancer research is that the majority of patients enrolled in clinical trials are relatively young and fit while typical patients in daily practice are elderly and have comorbidities and impaired organ function. Given these differences, many major studies provide an imperfect guide to optimizing the treatment of the majority of patients. Since cancer incidence is highly correlated with age, and since the world's population is rapidly ageing, this problem can only increase. For this reason, oncologists and geriatricians need to collaborate in developing tools to systematically assess the health status of elderly patients and their fitness to receive cancer therapies of various intensity. Tailoring anti-cancer treatments and supportive care to individual needs should be seen as part of the move towards personalized medicine. Achieving this goal is as much of a challenge to developing and middle-income countries as it is to western nations. The 2015 annual conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology(SIOG) held in Prague, Czech Republic, November 2015 and had a global focus on advancing the science of geriatric oncology and supportive care. Central to this approach is the systematic assessment of life expectancy, independent functioning, and the physical and psychological health of older cancer patients. The assumption behind comprehensive geriatric assessment is that elderly cancer patients have complex needs. The implication is that effective intervention will require a multidisciplinary team. Examples of effective geriatric assessment, multidisciplinary working and supportive care were presented at the SIOG conference.展开更多
Floods have always had and will continue to have significant consequences for society. In May 2014, there was widespread flooding in the Balkans affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. The aim of this ar...Floods have always had and will continue to have significant consequences for society. In May 2014, there was widespread flooding in the Balkans affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. The aim of this article is to show that resilient and proactive health systems that anticipate needs and challenges are more likely to reduce risks and respond effectively during emergencies, saving lives and alleviating human suffering. The method draws on multiple sources of information, including a Balkan case study questionnaire survey with public health professionals involved in response to floods (n = 18) from three affected countries, and focus group discussion results (n = 43) presented at the meeting on “Prevention, preparedness and response to reduce or avoid health effects of flood events”, held in Bonn, Germany, in October 2015. The proposed range of measures to protect population health, organized around flood prevention, preparedness, response and recovery listed issues and considerations largely corresponds to the identified needs by Member State requests, following the Balkan country experiences. The consideration of lessons for early warning, preparedness and response and the integration of research results would lead to improved preparedness measures to better prevent flooding risks. Experiences in the WHO European Region point to a need to shift the emphasis from disaster response to long-term risk management.展开更多
Great experimental results and observations achieved by Astronomy in the last decades revealed new unexplainable phenomena. Astronomers have conclusive new evidence that a recently discovered “dark galaxy” is, in fa...Great experimental results and observations achieved by Astronomy in the last decades revealed new unexplainable phenomena. Astronomers have conclusive new evidence that a recently discovered “dark galaxy” is, in fact, an object the size of a galaxy, made entirely of dark matter. They found that the speed of the Earth’s rotation varies randomly each day. 115 years ago, the Tunguska Event was observed, and astronomers still do not have an explanation of It. Main results of the present article are: 1) Dark galaxies explained by the spinning of their Dark Matter Cores with the surface speed at equator less than the escape velocity. Their Rotational Fission is not happening. Extrasolar systems do not emerge;2) 21-cm Emission explained by the self-annihilation of Dark Matter particles XIONs (5.3 μeV);3) Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction explained by the influence of the Sun’s and the Moon’s magnetic field on the electrical currents of the charged Geomagma (the 660-km layer), and, as a result, the Earth’s daylength varies;4) Tunguska Event explained by a huge atmospheric explosion of the Superbolide, which was a stable Dark Matter Bubble before entering the Earth’s atmosphere.展开更多
The integrated steelmaking cycle based on the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace（BOF）route plays an important role in the production of plain and ultra-low carbon steel,especially for deep drawing operations.BOF ste...The integrated steelmaking cycle based on the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace（BOF）route plays an important role in the production of plain and ultra-low carbon steel,especially for deep drawing operations.BOF steelmaking is based on the conversion of cast iron in steel by impinging oxygen on the metal bath at supersonic speed.In order to avoid the addition of detrimental chemical elements owing to the introduction of uncontrolled scrap and in order to decrease environmental impact caused by the intensive use of coke for the production of cast iron,HBI（hot briquetted iron）can be used as a source of metal and a fraction of cast iron.Forty industrial experimental tests were performed to evaluate the viability of the use of HBI in BOF.The experimental campaign was supported by a thermal prediction model and realized through the estimation of the oxidation enthalpy.Furthermore,the process was thermodynamically analyzed based on oxygen potentials using the off-gas composition and the bath temperature evolution during the conversion as reference data.展开更多
The emergence of adventure tourism is indicative of a process of commodification commensurate with the expansive mechanisms of the hospitality industry.The tension between excitement,thrill,and safety is on-going howe...The emergence of adventure tourism is indicative of a process of commodification commensurate with the expansive mechanisms of the hospitality industry.The tension between excitement,thrill,and safety is on-going however and the emergence of climbing walls in urban areas has provided new ways of becoming a climber:It is in the interests of climbing as business to normalise pay-to-climb conditions.Such overt commercial connections are anathema to real climbers;nevertheless the convenience of climbing walls means they are well populated and used.The present study investigates the attitudes and methods of engagement by a group of older climbers who,for the most part,started climbing in their youth before climbing walls were commonplace.A typology of climbing types is presented as a framework for discussion.The methodology is ethnographic and the findings suggest that,despite subscribing to an organic and outdoor adventure climbing ethos in their youth,this group remains active and adventurously inclined as they consider wall-climbing to be making a positive contribution to their present collective identity.展开更多
Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) is a native North American plant species. It includes five subspecies and is currently invasive in Europe. Since pre-Hispanic times, black cherry has been known and used by America...Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) is a native North American plant species. It includes five subspecies and is currently invasive in Europe. Since pre-Hispanic times, black cherry has been known and used by American inhabitants, and its botanical use was reported in the 19th century. The present study describes the taxonomic richness and taxonomic diversity of the species based on data from 554 taxonomically confirmed collection sites. Additionally, 19 climatic parameters were used to estimate the current and future potential distribution patterns of black cherry applying a climate change model to North America and Europe. Regions of northeast Mexico, northwestern Mexico, the Great American Basin, and the Mississippi River-Great Lakes region in the USA are shown as areas where taxa of P. serotina are present. The potential distribution model of black cherry in North America shows a continuous pattern starting in the Center of Mexico and following both main Mexican mountain ranges (Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental). The pattern extends following two different paths throughout northern Mexico toward the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians in the USA. Based on the NOAA-CCM3 climatic change model, decreased rainfall in wetlands will result in changes in future patterns in America. When applied to Europe, our model shows more extensive regions and more accurately than previous estimations;thus, the current potential distribution of the species includes important areas in the western part of the continent. The potential effect of climate change on P. serotina distribution suggests new and wider areas of possible invasion of this species throughout the continent mainly in France, Germany, and Italy. We suggest take into account the whole American taxa included in this species in the end to study its potential invasion in Europe and establishing suitable control strategies.展开更多
文摘Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows.Furthermore,it has recently been suggested that free amino acids(AAs)can also act as microbial modulators.This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs(9,4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val,L-Ile and L-Leu,respectively)and/or L-Arg(22.5 g/d/sow),above the estimated nutritional requirement,could influence the physiological and immunological parameters,microbial profile,colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring.Results At d 41,piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier(P=0.03).The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sows’serum at d 27,tended to increase immunoglobulin A(IgA)and IgM in the colostrum(P=0.06),increased the IgA(P=0.004)in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte%in the sows’blood at d 27(P=0.07).Furthermore,the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices(P<0.10)in the sows’faeces.The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004,Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004,the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponemaberlinense.Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre-(d 7,d 14)and post-weaning(d 41)(P<0.05).Furthermore,Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10(P=0.05),glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27(P=0.025)and their jejunal expression of NFKB2(P=0.035)while it reduced the expression of GPX-2(P=0.024).The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales.The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27(P=0.099),tended to increase the Igs(IgA and IgG,P<0.10)at d 20 in the milk,favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth.Conclusion Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain(ADG),immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism,colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows.The synergistic effect between these AAs,noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets,deserves additional investigation.
文摘Water quality deterioration took place during infiltration process. Quality of the source water, climate conditions and amounts of added water are the major role players of the differentiation measures. Treated wastewater, rainwater and fresh groundwater were described within this study. It was found that the rainwater has an aggressive behavior with a high ability to dissolve soil salts. The amounts of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) increase with infiltration process. Electrical conductivity (EC) increased by 600%. Plotting the fresh groundwater to the same conditions and experiment reflects the ability of this water to dissolve soil salts and increases the TDS by increasing the EC by a percentage of around 200%;while applying lower quality of water, the percentage of the EC of the treated wastewater increases to about 230% for the depth of 20 cm, which indicates the accumulation of the salts within this part of the soil, which leads to the deterioration of the soil quality, and decreases to about 160% for a depth of 60 cm. This differentiation could be a result of low permeability soils which tend to accumulate salts as a result of evaporation and then increase the salinity in the topsoil. Dissolution and plant uptake in the infiltrated take of minerals save the soil’s water from evaporation and do not allow salts to concentrate in soils. Moreover, plant uptake of soil water chemicals causes a decrease in some salt concentrations such as NO3, PO4, K, Na, and Cl and may conserve others.
文摘·AIM: To obtain widening of a potentially occludable angle, in according to Kanski’s indications, through preventive Nd:Yag laser iridotomy. The observational study was performed by using gonioscopy for the selection and follow-up of 1165 treated eyes and exploiting Shaffer-Etienne gonioscopic classification as a quality/quantity test of the angle recession.·METHODS: Between September 2000 and July 2012,586 patients were selected at the Outpatients’ Ophthalmological Clinic of the Policlinico Umberto I of Rome in order to undergo Nd: Yag laser iridotomy. A Goldmann type contact lens, Q-switched mode, 2-3defocus, and 7-9 m J intensity with 2-3 impulse discharges were used for surgery.·RESULTS: From as early as the first week, a whole360° angle widening were evident in the patients, thus showing the success of Nd:Yag laser iridotomy in solving relative pupil block. The angle remained narrow by 270° in 14 eyes only, despite repetitions of further treatment with laser iridotomy in a different part of the iris, twice in 10 eyes and three times in 4 eyes.·CONCLUSION: Nd:Yag laser iridotomy revealed itself as being a safe and effective treatment in widening those critical Shaffer-Etienne grade 1 and 2 potentially occludable angles.
文摘We analyze here the keys of the original approach about the twofold cost: the return to the asexuality starting with a mutant female, with the same reproductive capacity than a sexual one, and with double genetic-reproductive success. We propose a new approach in which 1) all individuals in a population have regulatory mechanisms of reproductive mode, and when such change occurs, it happens in all its population at the same time;2) after a change of reproductive mode in the population there can be variations in average offspring per female, according to the environmental quality;and 3) the genetic-reproductive success of the males and its unequal paternity success are accounted for. Results: The most advantageous reproductive strategy depends on the demographic situation of the population and the degree of the unequal paternity success of males. For harem values observed in nature and in populations with moderate growth rate, stable or decreasing population, the sexual strategy is advantageous. If the population growth rate is high, the asexual strategy is advantageous. In species subject to high demographic fluctuations the best strategy depends on the ability to predict the time of occurrence of the population bottleneck: if predictable, the best strategy is the alternation of generations, if not, permanent parthenogenesis.
文摘Due to long drought periods and over utilizing of range lands in the arid lands of Jordan, the land is degraded and lost most of its natural vegetation. To rehabilitate the natural vegetation cover, there is a need to enhance the fertility of soil to be able to support vegetation under limited amounts of rainfall. One of the available and viable options that might be able to provide a solution for the soil poverty is applying materials with high organic contents such as biosolid. Bio-solids are nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of domestic sewage in a wastewater treatment facility. Bio-solids are a beneficial resource, containing essential plant nutrients and organic matter and are recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. A pilot study is designed based on randomized block design in which five treatments are used to represent the loading rates of bio-solids application. These loads were 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 tons/ha with four replicates for the control and each application load. Samples from Bio-solid, soil and plants are tested for chemicals and microbes. Chemical tests include: As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, while microbial tests include: total fecal Coliform, Salmonella, and Helminthes eggs. Results of total microbial count in bio-solids, soil and plant samples indicated that there were no detectable counts found in all of the experimental plots. Results showed increase in most of the heavy metals concentration in soil treated with bio-solids from that of soil in control plots;some of these elements doubled after applying the bio-solid. For the dry plant matter, analysis for heavy metals showed that most of the heavy metals studied were below the detection limit. Only the Cr, Cu and Zn are changed but not significantly compared with the control plot. Results obtained were showed that the highest dry biomass value was obtained with bio-solids loading rate 40 tons/ha and more. Increasing rate of application after 40 tons/ha did not show significant differences in the biomass yield. Also, the total nitrogen in the plants increased by 40% for all bio-solid application loads compared with the control lot.
文摘The scientificity of the research should be evaluated according to the methodology used in the study.However,these are usually the research areas or the institutions that are classified as scientific or non-scientific.Because of various reasons,it may turn out that the scientific institutions are not producing science,while the“non-scientists”are doing real science.In the extreme case,the official science system is entirely corrupt,consisting of fraudsters,while the real scientists have been expelled from academic institutions.Since 2016-2017,there has been much talk about the“post-truth era”and the politicians who are“denying science”.However,simultaneously,many complaints about the corruption of science appeared.The outsider cannot tell who is telling the truth as it may be the case that the science fraudsters are defending themselves and these politicians are aware of the corruption.It is also untrue that the censoring or suppression of science started from 2016-2017.Suppression of science because of political and ideological reasons was present already long ago,and during the last few years,it has been increasing.The picture is highly complicated as there are many pretenders,false accusations,etc.For example,because of political reasons,someone may be set up as a pseudoscientist,the real scientist may be expelled using political accusations,justified criticism may be labelled as political pressure,etc.There is something like an inner information war ongoing in and around science.The classical philosophy of science seems unable to handle it because every formal rule can be misapplied.Science,as a whole,may be unable to persist.
文摘As part of a collaborative project,we took the window shutter—a widely used traditional facade element—and reinterpreted it for“adaptive”solutions using new,sustainable technologies.The aim was to design a modular construction kit that varies radiant energy,light and air flow to weather conditions and occupant requirements in new and existing residential and office buildings.
文摘In this research, the author considers the evidence provided by a corpus of Late Modem English grammars for our understanding of the development of the modals as politeness markers. It is possible to see how the modals and their accompanied senses are explained in an official （and often either prescriptive or proscriptive） perspective. This is another aspect which cannot be ascertained from the usage based on corpora which seem to be popular as sources of evidence in historical pragmatics. In this sense, this research brings some novel perspective to this aspect of academic study. It is possible to notice that the significations involves concept or senses which extend across a semantic--pragmatic domain which includes politeness. We can see that certain softening senses are key elements to mark polite usage. The main data used come from the descriptions of the modal auxiliary verb in a corpus of grammar books from the period. Usage and manner books are also consulted as a secondary resource. The manner book in particular is quite helpful for our understanding of how linguistic politeness was regarded at the time. Such texts also help us to find a certain network of senses which are related to polite expressions.
文摘In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into how energy audits, with a scope on air conditioning (AC) systems, contribute to develop energy efficiency options for a government building in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico. The methodology is based in the energy audit framework proposed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Results show that, in a typical day of maximum consumption, AC represents 64% of the total electrical consumption, while office equipment accounted for 22%, and lighting 14%. Additionally, AC system has a yearly consumption of 54,419.40 kWh with an emission estimate of 24.92 tons of CO2-eq/year. Three approaches for energy efficiency proposals were addressed through AC systems: Improvement of the operation and consumption habits, maintenance and reconditioning of facilities, and replacement of AC units. While Mexico has international commitments through environmental treaties related to contribute to climate change mitigation, this study shows that, at least one government building still produces potential impacts that can be deterred by addressing structural and behavioral changes related to AC operation. Finally, this study may be used as reference for energy efficiency practitioners or decision-making authorities in the public administration field for developing better energy policies for government buildings.
文摘The study aimed at addressing climate variability impacts on wheat and barley production in Palestine. A combination of literature survey and multiple semi-structured interviews with officials from the Palestinian governmental agriculture related agencies and active non-governmental organizations （NGOs） used for gathering information on wheat and barley production in Palestine. The gathered data along with information and subsequent results prevailed that the West Bank since the 1970s has experienced a significant decrease in winter rainfall. Across 15 sites, growing season rainfall （September to May） decreased by an average of 11% and the sum of rainfall in September and October decreased by 45%. Despite the large decline in rainfall, yields based on the actual weather data did not fall. These results were due to the rainfall changes mainly occurring in September and October, a period when rainfall often is less than crop demand. The study arrived at conclusion based on the study results that climate change variabilities have differential impacts on the yield growth of wheat and barley. However, both rainfed dependent crops are adversely affected by the current climate trends. The yields of barley and wheat are decreasing due to increased temperature and decreased precipitation.
文摘One of the important jobs for the teacher teaching literary text reading is to develop the students’habit of detecting the linguistic clues to interpret the text or to discover linguistic evidence to support their interpretations.Systemic functional linguistics(SFL),developed by Halliday,is both a theory of language and an approach to the analysis of texts and their contexts of use.This linguistic framework can be effectively applied to literary text teaching.The writer aims to explore the applicability of this linguistic theory in literary text teaching and the strategies by a tentative analysis of the novella The Old Man and the Sea in the SFL framework.
文摘The objective of this paper is to institute farmers’ own perceptions of the on-and off-farm benefits of agroforestry systems (AFS). Using use value approach, this paper presents empirical evidence on the use values of three types of AFS practiced by the refugees and their hosting communities in Eastern Sudan. The total economic value (TEV) was applied as a framework to estimate the ecosystem values of AFS under study. Goods values were estimated using specific market values, while the services values were qualitatively described according to local perceived values of the local communities. Perceived TEV of AFS includes marketable and non-marketable goods and services. The main direct marketable and sustainable high value products include: food, cash crops, firewood, gum, fodder, NTFPs medicine, fodder, and honey. The valuation results reveal that AFS in the project sites have significantly contributed to the livelihoods of the local communities. Overall, the average net direct-use value of marketable products across all sites was estimated at 7,346,000.0 SDG (1,335,636.36 US$) HH/annum. Gum Arabic alone accounted for 38%, followed by sorghum grain and fodder 35%, and cash crops (sesame) 18%. This value would be many time higher if other indirect values (non-marketable) services such as shade, aesthetic and recreation, environmental protection, biodiversity and carbon sequestration are quantified. The goods and services mentioned above provide sustainable income to the farmer directly and viable benefits to the region indirectly. Hence, AFS in the study sites shows the way to reconcile two conflicting goals: short-term food and livelihood needs with long-term environmental conservation and improvement. The study provides evidence that the high local perceived values of AFS in the study sites constitute a central means of livelihood, whereas its contribution to the local economy. The study stresses the need to quantify the monetary values of non-marketed products to consistently account for resource availability and usage to further sound policy decisions. Tenure security, farmer support services and human capital development were major areas identified for policy development.
文摘The objectives of the present study were: 1) to identify the prioritized marketable natural products (NPs) from agroforestry systems (AFS), and 2) to conduct market value chain analyses of the most important and prioritized NPs to identify markets and marketing channels;actors, functions and characteristics;constraints and opportunities to entry and growth;opportunities for value addition, and conduct analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). The study was conducted in the Refugees’ camps and their hosting communities in Eastern Sudan. Using the participatory value chain analysis (PVCA) approach, it was found that communities in the project sites obtained a multiplicity of NPs for sustenance and for increasing their incomes. Eight products were identified and ranked as the most important NPs with greatest opportunities for enterprise development at the community level. These are: gum Arabic, honey, fodder, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and tree seeds. Gum Arabic has been shown to score higher ranks in terms of a) marketability b) ecological suitability (availability), c) social suitability, and d) potential for value addition. The results show that marketing of gum Arabic in the study site is characterized by a large number of producers and relatively few traders and companies work through seven marketing channels. The results demonstrate that in the customary marketing channel there is an upward skewed benefit distribution among the value chain actors. The total relative commercialization margin was 80% indicating that “traders” accrued higher proportion, while “producers”, receive less income (20%) of the end market price. Poor land security, one-sided prices, taxes and levies, lack of finance and appropriate skills are major impediments to gum commodity growth and development. One of the most important opportunities for growth and entry of Gum Arabic are: it is natural organic product and thus well-fit for fair trade, environmentally sustainable and organic market development. Numerous opportunities exist in the site for value addition and distribution synergies and gender-specific development, including that gum Arabic has high synergy with natural resource management and other sectors for enhancing regional and national growth. The study concludes that Gum Arabic production and marketing is financially profitable for producers, traders and companies and has the potential to open new markets and bring new opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, technical, financial, and institutional support could result in an increase in local actors’ income and contribute to sustainability of the supply of the product.
文摘This paper discusses the idea that the industry can have a differentiator of program quality by encouraging the activities of the Broadcasting Ethics ＆ Program Improvement Organization （BPO） in Japan. The BPO, a worldwide independent organization, has a mission of a breakwater against state power, and thus can be regarded as a kind of media accountability system, as proposed by Claude-Jean Bertrand. We review some controversial affairs in the TV industry and discuss BPO＇s activities aimed preventing ＂yellow journalism＂ and improving the quality of programming. High-quality content may be a differentiator for viewers faced with a choice of media, and thus, we focus on BPO and its role as a differentiator of the Japanese TV industry among the other, especially, Internet media. We also propose four ideas in response of critiques of BPO. Those are to strengthen transparency of governance of BPO, to improve the conformity of the TV industry to BPO＇s assessments of it, to establish a new committee to examine the whole concept of journalism, and to introduce a new certification institution to guarantee quality.
文摘A paradox in cancer research is that the majority of patients enrolled in clinical trials are relatively young and fit while typical patients in daily practice are elderly and have comorbidities and impaired organ function. Given these differences, many major studies provide an imperfect guide to optimizing the treatment of the majority of patients. Since cancer incidence is highly correlated with age, and since the world's population is rapidly ageing, this problem can only increase. For this reason, oncologists and geriatricians need to collaborate in developing tools to systematically assess the health status of elderly patients and their fitness to receive cancer therapies of various intensity. Tailoring anti-cancer treatments and supportive care to individual needs should be seen as part of the move towards personalized medicine. Achieving this goal is as much of a challenge to developing and middle-income countries as it is to western nations. The 2015 annual conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology(SIOG) held in Prague, Czech Republic, November 2015 and had a global focus on advancing the science of geriatric oncology and supportive care. Central to this approach is the systematic assessment of life expectancy, independent functioning, and the physical and psychological health of older cancer patients. The assumption behind comprehensive geriatric assessment is that elderly cancer patients have complex needs. The implication is that effective intervention will require a multidisciplinary team. Examples of effective geriatric assessment, multidisciplinary working and supportive care were presented at the SIOG conference.
文摘Floods have always had and will continue to have significant consequences for society. In May 2014, there was widespread flooding in the Balkans affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. The aim of this article is to show that resilient and proactive health systems that anticipate needs and challenges are more likely to reduce risks and respond effectively during emergencies, saving lives and alleviating human suffering. The method draws on multiple sources of information, including a Balkan case study questionnaire survey with public health professionals involved in response to floods (n = 18) from three affected countries, and focus group discussion results (n = 43) presented at the meeting on “Prevention, preparedness and response to reduce or avoid health effects of flood events”, held in Bonn, Germany, in October 2015. The proposed range of measures to protect population health, organized around flood prevention, preparedness, response and recovery listed issues and considerations largely corresponds to the identified needs by Member State requests, following the Balkan country experiences. The consideration of lessons for early warning, preparedness and response and the integration of research results would lead to improved preparedness measures to better prevent flooding risks. Experiences in the WHO European Region point to a need to shift the emphasis from disaster response to long-term risk management.
文摘Great experimental results and observations achieved by Astronomy in the last decades revealed new unexplainable phenomena. Astronomers have conclusive new evidence that a recently discovered “dark galaxy” is, in fact, an object the size of a galaxy, made entirely of dark matter. They found that the speed of the Earth’s rotation varies randomly each day. 115 years ago, the Tunguska Event was observed, and astronomers still do not have an explanation of It. Main results of the present article are: 1) Dark galaxies explained by the spinning of their Dark Matter Cores with the surface speed at equator less than the escape velocity. Their Rotational Fission is not happening. Extrasolar systems do not emerge;2) 21-cm Emission explained by the self-annihilation of Dark Matter particles XIONs (5.3 μeV);3) Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction explained by the influence of the Sun’s and the Moon’s magnetic field on the electrical currents of the charged Geomagma (the 660-km layer), and, as a result, the Earth’s daylength varies;4) Tunguska Event explained by a huge atmospheric explosion of the Superbolide, which was a stable Dark Matter Bubble before entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
文摘The integrated steelmaking cycle based on the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace（BOF）route plays an important role in the production of plain and ultra-low carbon steel,especially for deep drawing operations.BOF steelmaking is based on the conversion of cast iron in steel by impinging oxygen on the metal bath at supersonic speed.In order to avoid the addition of detrimental chemical elements owing to the introduction of uncontrolled scrap and in order to decrease environmental impact caused by the intensive use of coke for the production of cast iron,HBI（hot briquetted iron）can be used as a source of metal and a fraction of cast iron.Forty industrial experimental tests were performed to evaluate the viability of the use of HBI in BOF.The experimental campaign was supported by a thermal prediction model and realized through the estimation of the oxidation enthalpy.Furthermore,the process was thermodynamically analyzed based on oxygen potentials using the off-gas composition and the bath temperature evolution during the conversion as reference data.
文摘The emergence of adventure tourism is indicative of a process of commodification commensurate with the expansive mechanisms of the hospitality industry.The tension between excitement,thrill,and safety is on-going however and the emergence of climbing walls in urban areas has provided new ways of becoming a climber:It is in the interests of climbing as business to normalise pay-to-climb conditions.Such overt commercial connections are anathema to real climbers;nevertheless the convenience of climbing walls means they are well populated and used.The present study investigates the attitudes and methods of engagement by a group of older climbers who,for the most part,started climbing in their youth before climbing walls were commonplace.A typology of climbing types is presented as a framework for discussion.The methodology is ethnographic and the findings suggest that,despite subscribing to an organic and outdoor adventure climbing ethos in their youth,this group remains active and adventurously inclined as they consider wall-climbing to be making a positive contribution to their present collective identity.
文摘Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) is a native North American plant species. It includes five subspecies and is currently invasive in Europe. Since pre-Hispanic times, black cherry has been known and used by American inhabitants, and its botanical use was reported in the 19th century. The present study describes the taxonomic richness and taxonomic diversity of the species based on data from 554 taxonomically confirmed collection sites. Additionally, 19 climatic parameters were used to estimate the current and future potential distribution patterns of black cherry applying a climate change model to North America and Europe. Regions of northeast Mexico, northwestern Mexico, the Great American Basin, and the Mississippi River-Great Lakes region in the USA are shown as areas where taxa of P. serotina are present. The potential distribution model of black cherry in North America shows a continuous pattern starting in the Center of Mexico and following both main Mexican mountain ranges (Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental). The pattern extends following two different paths throughout northern Mexico toward the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians in the USA. Based on the NOAA-CCM3 climatic change model, decreased rainfall in wetlands will result in changes in future patterns in America. When applied to Europe, our model shows more extensive regions and more accurately than previous estimations;thus, the current potential distribution of the species includes important areas in the western part of the continent. The potential effect of climate change on P. serotina distribution suggests new and wider areas of possible invasion of this species throughout the continent mainly in France, Germany, and Italy. We suggest take into account the whole American taxa included in this species in the end to study its potential invasion in Europe and establishing suitable control strategies.
