Search

This paper presents the results of our experiment, which consisted in measurement of the shielding effectiveness of a camera enclosure that was designed and constructed in order to increase the susceptibility of a camera against external electromagnetic fields. All activities, from defining of requirements to final design and measurements, were performed in the Laboratory of Electromagnetic Compatibility at the Faculty of Applied Informatics of Tomas Bata University in Zlín. The hereby described approach allowed to utilize standardized laboratory equipment that is normally used for device susceptibility test to radiated electric field. The measurement was made inside a semi-anechoic room additionally damped by absorbers placed on its floor. When configuring the experiment, relevant EMC standards EN 55016 and EN 61000-4-3 were considered. Although the uncertainty tolerances, allowed by the relevant standards, were quite high for measurements in such rooms, the results obtained by the experiment matched the theoretical expectations quite satisfactorily.

A 'membrane-denitrification' reactor (MDR) was developed and tested in a semi-technical recirculation aquaculture systemin comparison to a double - without MDR - as reference system. The MDR consisted of a reactor with an ultrafiltration membrane unit for removal of micro-particles (e.g. sludge flocs, bacteria and parasites). Specific carrier material provided surfaces for biofilm growth in a fluidized bed reactor with ethanol as carbon source for denitrification. The continuous motion of these carriers cleaned the membrane surface. With online and laboratory measurements of water parameters and operational data the feasibility of the concept was verified. An advantage is that no chemicals are needed to clean the membranes. Examinations of the fish andwater analyses proved an MDR can positively influence cortisol, as a stress marker, and the microflora of the aquatic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-glucans are immunomodulants that are used in fish nutrition for health improvement. The effect of MacroGard®, a commercially available β-1,3/1,6-glucan, on the bacterial community in the gut of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio) was examined focusing on species diversity. Separate segments of the gut were analysed. We identified cultured bacteria isolates by analysing 16S rRNA gene sequences and additionally used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis ( RT- PCR- DGGE) for examination of bacterial diversity. With both methods, we could detect a significantly higher amount of bacterial operational taxonomic units ( OTUs) in all examined parts of the gut after feeding with MacroGard®. Independent of the feeding regime, mostly motile aeromonads, pseudomonads and Vibrio sp. could be detected in the intestinal community of carp. Shewanella putrefaciens and Vibrio sp. were regular components of the intestinal microflora but were present to a lesser extent in the microbial community of carp fed with MacroGard®. This could have a positive effect for fish health and also in respect of food safety for fish destined for human consumption. Our results suggest that feeding of MacroGard® results in a more diverse intestinal community that could help to prevent the invasion and establishment of pathogenic micro-organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on transmission of Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) by wild fish species. It informs that Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 is supposed to link disease in the common carp which is known as koi herpesvirus disease (KHV-D). It informs that clinical examination revealed CyHV-3-specific DNA sequences in tissues from goldfish, Carassius auratus auratus.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is a virus infecting carp with disease symptoms of gill necrosis, fish discoloration, sunken eyes, and mortality reaching 90%. Several research groups have examined how to potentially abate the consequences of viral activity. Recently we showed that acyclovir inhibits CyHV-3 replication in vitro and in the present study we examined the anti-CyHV-3 activity of the tricyclic derivative of acyclovir 6-(4-MeOPh)-TACV (T-ACV), a fluorescent molecule known for higher lipophilicity than acyclovir, and therefore potentially better candidate for application in vivo.

While only about 5% of the older population are nursing home residents, this nevertheless represents a significant number--about 1.5 million elders. With the oldest-old being the fastest growing segment of the population, these figures are likely to increase. The growth in this population underscores the need for continued research in this area. However, such research presents a variety of challenges--some related to research with elders in general and others due to the institutional setting. Both qualitative and quantitative research design issues including study design, data gathering, and stakeholder considerations will be presented along with recommendations to address each challenge. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, research with a vulnerable population, and cost versus benefit will also be outlined. Despite these challenges, research in this setting can prove to be rewarding when the researcher is able to anticipate and plan early in the research process.

The article presents a study which examines the impact of beta-glucan feeding on the regulation of microRNA expression of claudin genes and the prevention of an intestinal inflammatory response post Aeromonas hydrophila intubation in common carp. The response of the gut epithelium to bacterial challenges following beta-glucan feeding is outlined. The benefits of beta-glucan supplementation in the cultivation of carp are discussed.