bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO SAZONAL E TEMPORAL DA QUALIDADE DO LEITE CRU GOIANO TENDO COMO PARÂMETROS A CCS E A CBT
Authors: Soares Neves Rodrigo Balduino , De Mesquita Albenones José , Dos Santos Marcos Veiga , Nicolau Edmar Soares , Bueno Cláudia Peixoto , Coelho Karyne Oliveira
Published: April 2019

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade do leite cru goiano nos períodos chuvoso e seco dos anos de 2012 a 2014, no estado de Goiás, Brasil, por meio de indicadores higiênicos-sanitário, CBT e CCS, e do contraste com os limites legais. Foram avaliados 1.600 rebanhos leiteiros do estado de Goiás que compuseram o banco de dados do Laboratório de Qualidade do Leite. Dados mensais relativos à CBT e CCS foram analisados. As variáveis explicativas foram associadas ao tempo (2012 a 2014) e chuvoso e seco). Empregou-se, para análise estatística, o teste de Scott Knott ao nível de 5% de significância (p<0,05). Foi observada diferença estatística (p<0,05) quando se comparou os períodos de chuva e seca ao longo dos anos 2012 e 2013 para CBT e CCS. As médias geométricas de CBT e CCS no período de 2012, 2013 e 2014 atenderam o limite máximo de 300.000 UFC/mL e 500.000 Cels/mL, mas parcelas de 23% e 21% dos rebanhos, respectivamente, estão acima desse limite legal. A qualidade do leite foi influenciada pelas variações sazonais, evidenciando a necessidade de um controle ainda mais efetivo no período de chuva.
Zero Product of Three Two Level Toeplitz Operators
Authors: Kim Matthew , Shon Brian , Cho Albert , Cho Eric , Jung Tedd , Mujawar Omer
Published: April 2019

In this paper we investigate conditions for T_f1 T_f2 T_f3 - T_f1f2f3 = 0 where T_f1 , T_f2 , and T_f3 are bi-level Toeplitz operators on the Hardy space of bidisk and f_1; f_2; f_3 are bounded and measurable complex valued functions on bidisk. We also provide that T_f1 T_f2 T_f3 identical to zero matrix if and only if at least one of f_i is identically zero for 1 ≤i ≤3.
Analysis of residual stress in 1.4539 austenitic steel joints welded with TIG method
Authors: Nasiłowska Barbara , Bogdanowicz Zdzisław , Mońka Grzegorz , Tomaszewski Rafał , Zdunek Joanna
Published: April 2019

The article compares the results of tests of residual stress determined based on Knoop microhardness measurements and obtained experimentally with the use of an x-ray diffractometer. Distribution of residual stress in the weld after strengthening of the surface layer, resulting from shot peening, was specified. A method of residual stress determination proposed by Oppel, based on Knoop microhardness distribution, was applied. An analysis of residual stress of 1.4539 austenitic steel welded joints, made with the use of TIG method and additionally strengthened with shot peening of the surface, showed good agreement of the results obtained both with the sin2y method and based on the microhardness measurement. The highest compression stress has occurred in a so-called Belayev point, approximately of 35 ÷ 40 μm from the surface.
Keywords: residual stress, welded joints, TIG, Knoop microhardness, shot peening.
Properties analysis of filtration materials with nanofibers addition
Authors: Dziubak Tadeusz , Yendzheiovskyi Yurii
Published: April 2019

Nanofiber properties, methods of their production, and areas of their application have been presented. Parameters describing filtration materials with nanofibers addition were presented, and analyzed. Methodology for testing aerodynamic characteristics as well as characteristics of: efficiency, accuracy, and filter cartridges resistance with nanofibers addition, depending on the dust mass loading km were developed. Characteristic filtration parameters of the materials with nanofibers addition are presented. Five filtration inserts, differing in the filtration material with nanofibers addition, and without this layer were made. Test conditions were developed as well as a test stand was prepared. Aerodynamic characteristics tests of filter cartridges as well as filtration efficiency, accuracy, and flow resistance of standard (cellulose) cartridge, and the ones with nanofibers addition were performed. The positive effect of nanofiber layer on efficiency, and accuracy increase in the inlet engine air filtration was confirmed. Granulometric composition of air dust was assessed on a standard filter cartridge, and on a cartridge with nanofibers addition.
Keywords: engine, air filter, nanofibers, filtration efficiency and accuracy, flow resistance, dust mass loading, grain size.
Fractionation of biological micro-particles in the field of gravity and the field of centrifugal forces
Authors: Górka Andrzej
Published: April 2019

The paper presents the basic relationships describing the state of boundary equilibrium of fractions isolated in the process of fractionation of binary biological mixtures formed on the warp of homogeneous base solution in the gravitation field and in the vortex reference system. The state of boundary equilibrium of fractions is described by equations of the mass equilibrium, gravity forces, centrifugal forces and buoyancy forces related to particular fractions and the whole mixture of microparticles. It describes the final stage of fractionation of the microparticles, in which the microparticles in the mixture no longer emigrate. In the analysis we used an example of fractional distribution created in the blood fractionation process and the examples of calculations presented in the article, which refer to this distribution.
The calculations showed that fractionation in the field of centrifugal force forms fractions with increased density of selected groups of cells of similar specific masses.
Keywords: fractionation of mixtures, sedimentation of mixtures, separation of blood components in the gravity field, separation of blood components in the field of centrifugal force, blood centrifugation, medical centrifuges, homogeneous biological mixtures, heterogeneous biological mixtures, centrifugal force field.
Significado de la ética profesional: el caso de estudiantes de ciencias empresariales
Authors: Scalzo Germán , Galbán-Lozano Sara Elvira , Ortega-Barba Claudia Fabiola
Published: April 2019

Resumen: Este trabajo de corte cualitativo tiene como objetivo mostrar los significados y experiencias de estudiantes de las áreas de ciencias económicas y empresariales en torno a la ética profesional, la cual por su misma naturaleza, no tiene como fin el mero conocimiento sino su aplicación práctica, en donde actúan los aprendizajes internalizados, como modelos para la acción. Dentro de los hallazgos más significativos se encontró que los estudiantes valoran la formación ética que les ofrece la universidad como complemento de su formación técnica, sin embargo, consideran necesario el uso de estrategias innovadoras para su enseñanza. Los significados que muestran sobre la ética van desde lo personal hasta lo profesional pasando por lo social, resaltando el carácter relacional de la misma.Abstract: This qualitative research aims to present the significance and experiences that economics and business students report to have acquired in professional ethics classes at the university level. Professional ethics, by nature, is both theoretical and practical, which means that the theory that students learn must be applied to real situations. In this sense, what students learn serves as a paradigm for action. Among the most significant findings herein was that students value the ethical training offered by the university as a complement to their technical training, however, they consider innovative strategies in teaching fundamental to their classroom experience. Students share that the significance they acquire about ethics ranges from the personal to the professional and the social, highlighting the eminently relational nature of this subject.
Evaluating the State of the Employment Relationship: A Balanced Scorecard Approach Built on Mackenzie King’s Model of an Industrial Relations System
Authors: Kaufman Bruce E. , Barry Michael , Gomez Rafael , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: April 2019

The industrial relations (IR) field in Canada and the United States (US) emerged in the late 1910s-early 1920s and is thus on the cusp of its 100th anniversary. The impetus for the creation of the IR field was growing public alarm in both countries over the escalating level of conflict, violence, and class polarization in employer-employee relations. The two countries established federal-level government investigative committees, theRoyal Commission on Industrial Relations(1919) in Canada and theCommission on Industrial Relations(1911-1915) in the US, to travel cross-country, gather evidence, and report their findings and overall evaluation.

To commemorate the IR field’s centenary, this paper conducts the same type of cross-national ER evaluation, but with modern methods. First, this exercise requires a formal evaluation instrument, like a physical exam worksheet. Adopted is a modified version of a balanced scorecard. Second, the scorecard’s framework and questions should be theoretically informed. The framework used is a modified version of the diagrammatic model of an IR system presented by Mackenzie King inIndustry and Humanity(1918). The third step is to fill in the scorecard with data from individual workplaces, which are obtained for the US from a new nationally-representative survey of 2000+ workplaces, theState of Workplace Employment Relations Survey(SWERS). The fourth step is to aggregate all the diagnostic measures to obtain a summary numerical estimate for each of the companies of its state of ER performance and health.

Based on a 1-7 (7 = highest) scale, then converted to F to A grades, we find that the average ER grade given by managers is B+ and by employees C+. The company scores are graphed in a frequency distribution that visually represents, for the first time in the literature, the lowest-to-highest pattern of employment relations performance and health across the US.
Social Movement Unionism as Union-Civil Alliances: A Democratizing Force? The New Zealand Case
Authors: Parker Jane , Alakavuklar Ozan
Published: April 2019

This exploratory study examines union-civil alliances in New Zealand (NZ). It focuses on the involvement of NZ’s peak union body, the Council of Trade Unions, in three civil group coalitions around the Living Wage Campaign, Decent Work Agenda and Environmental Agenda. It assesses how the CTU and its affiliates’ coalition involvement are informed by and seek to progress liberal (representative), participatory and/or more radical democratic principles, and what this means for organizational practice; the relations between the coalition parties; workplaces; and beyond.

Through case discussions, the study finds that civil alliances involving the CTU and its affiliates do not reflect a core trait of union activity in NZ. Among the union-civil alliances that do exist, there is a prevailing sense of their utility to progress shared interests alongside, and on the union side, a more instrumental aim to encourage union revival. However, the alliances under examination reflect an engagement with various liberal and participatory democratic arrangements at different organizational levels. More radical democratic tendencies emerge in relation to ad hoc elements of activity and the aspirational goals of such coalitions as opposed to their usual processes and institutional configurations.

In essence, what emerges is a labour centre and movement which, on the one hand, is in a survivalist mode primarily concerned with economistic matters, and on the other, in a position of relative political and bargaining weakness, reaching out to other civil groups where it can so as to challenge the neo-liberal hegemony. Based on our findings, we conclude that Laclau and Mouffe’s (2001) view of radical democracy holds promise for subsequent coalitions involving the CTU, particularly in the context of NZ workers’ diverse interests and the plurality of other civil groups and social movements’ interests. This view concerns on-going agency, change, organizing and strategy by coalitions to build inclusive (counter-) hegemony, arguing for a politic from below that challenges existing dominant neo-liberal assumptions in work and other spheres of life.
¿Por qué el cierre de 'Noticias Cuatro' no es bueno para las relaciones públicas?
Authors: Godoy Martín Francisco Javier
Published: April 2019

El cierre de Noticias Cuatro se une a una larga lista de medios o programas informativos que han desaparecido en la última década, como consecuencia de la crisis económica y/o de decisiones empresariales. Aunque pueda parecer lo contrario, la ausencia de un periodismo de calidad no beneficia a las relaciones públicas tal como las entendemos en la actualidad, basadas en la ética y en una relación de confianza con los públicos.
Marketing experiencial: marcas que se viven
Authors: Montaña Blasco Mireia
Published: April 2019

El márketing experiencial está más de moda que nunca. Según datos de la U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, la industria de los eventos tendrá un crecimiento de un 44% del 2010 al 2020, por una razón principal: el 98% de los consumidores dice que es más probable que compre un producto después de vivir una experiencia que esté directamente relacionada a él. Las previsiones parecen afirmar que se debe proporcionar este valor añadido para conseguir un engagement real con el consumidor.
hyppytyynytytyydytys o el léxico de la felicidad
Authors: Creus Amalia
Published: April 2019

Según el último informe mundial sobre la felicidad - World Happiness report 2018 - Finlandia es el país más feliz del mundo. La clave, para los autores del informe, está en su envidiable sistema de bienestar público, aunque otros aseguran que la causa de tanto regocijo está la sauna, en los arándanos silvestres y en la práctica del kalsarikännit. Para algunos expertos, sin embargo, el secreto de la felicidad, sea en el país que sea, reside en nuestra capacidad de expresarla en palabras. O dicho de otro modo, en nuestra habilidad para dar sentido a las emociones a través del lenguaje.
'Desenterrando Sad Hill' con Guillermo de Oliveira
Authors: Martorell Sandra
Published: April 2019

Guillermo de Oliveira era realizador de publicidad y cortometrajes, viajero y cinéfilo amante de las localizaciones más emblemáticas de la historia del cine. En la actualidad ha dirigido su primer largometraje documental, ha contribuido a desenterrar un cementerio y ha sido nominado a los Goya. Esto último, gracias a Desenterrando Sad Hill, un filme que empezó a grabar en 2015 cuando conoció a un grupo de fans de El bueno, el feo y el malo (Sergio Leone, 1966) dispuestos a devolver a la vida el mítico cementerio de la escena final de la película medio siglo después del rodaje.
Montse Lavilla: ''2019 se presenta como un año lleno de innovación y oportunidades para las marcas''
Authors: Lavilla Montse
Published: April 2019

Reconocida con el prestigioso Leadership Award 2018 del Club de Marketing, Montse Lavilla es una apasionada de la publicidad, del ámbito online y de la docencia “por las posibilidades de aprendizaje non stop” que suponen. Es un lujo contar en la UOC con una profesora colaboradora como ella y que nos dedique aquí unos minutos para hablar sobre la profesión, la formación y un futuro que no espera porque hay que adaptarse a cambios continuos.
Effects of Lubrication on the Wear Parameters of Metals Using Pin-on-Disk Test Rig
Authors: Onyeanusi C. F. , Nwigbo S. C. , Anosike N. B. , Nwajude C. A.
Published: April 2019

Friction and wear control of movable parts in machines remain a critical challenge in the industries. Determination of measurement to control this often involves both the material and the lubricant. A wear test experiment using pin-on-disk apparatus to determine the wear pattern on a sample of aluminium and copper materials, lubricated with vegetable oil of palm kernel origin was conducted. Wear parameters, which include frictional coefficient, wear rate, and heat generation (temperature) were evaluated alongside thermal stress-strains on the pin on disk. Results showed that under the same conditions, the coefficient of friction reduces with the application of lubricant up to 84% and 7% for aluminium and copper respectively. The wear pattern for both materials when lubricated were evaluated and compared with dry condition to establish the relationships.
Opportunities and Obstacles to Deploy Internet of Things Services by Telecom Operators in Developing Countries (Case Study Telecom Operators in Yemen)
Authors: Ali Mansoor N. , Alareqi Manal A. , Zahary Ammar T.
Published: April 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) plays a vital role in the modern life. The authors see that offering IoT services by telecom operators better than others, especially in developing countries, where the concern of the community related to security issues is the most prominent obstacles. This paper addressed a future vision of IoT services in developing countries by telecom operators. This paper identified the possible opportunities, and obstacles for telecom operators to offer these services. This paper also presented a case study for telecom operators in Yemen. The case study has been taken from MTN and Yemen Mobile operators. The study's samples includes 73 engineers and SPSS has been used to analyse data. The results showed that (91.35%) from MTN's respondents and (81.14%) from Yemen Mobile's respondents agree that offering IoT services by the operator create new opportunities for profit. Also, results concerning to present services that can be provided are eleven services by MTN and seven services by Yemen Mobile operator.
Physical Activity Level in Relation to the Nutrient Intake of Elite Athletes
Authors: Sewak Aditi , Singla Neerja , Jain Rohini
Published: April 2019

Aim: The present study was conducted to study the relationship between the nutrient intake and physical activity level of 120 (16-25 years) elite athletes.

Methods: Athletes were selected from 5 universities of Punjab, participating in 4 sports viz. hockey, athletics, badminton and lawn tennis and their nutritional status and sports performance was assessed.

Results: The findings suggested that athletes had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and the energy, protein and iron intake of all the athletes was lower than dietary recommendations (61, 61.3 and 35% respectively). However, percent adequacy of calcium (91%), vitamin A (94.7%) and vitamin C (183%) was adequately high among overall athletes. Majority of athletes (51.7%) had vigorously active lifestyle; 44.2% had moderately active lifestyle.

Conclusion: Intake of nutrients was positively correlated with physical activity.
Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus in Dromedary Camels in the Sahelian Zone of West Africa
Authors: Ouoba Jean Bienvenue , Ouedraogo Anne , Traore Kuan Abdoulaye , Ouoba Bruno L. , Rouamba Hortense , Zerbo Lamouni Habibata , Moctar Sidi , Traore Amadou , Roques Pierre , Barro Nicolas
Published: April 2019

Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the sero-epidemiological information and associated risk factors, of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among dromedaries in Sub-sahelian region.

Study Design: Cross sectional epidemiological survey.

Place and Duration: The study was carried out in three countries of West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger), over a two month period from February to March 2015.

Methodology: A total of 133 serum samples collected from dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) were examined for the detection of anti-DcHEV total antibody by a mammals targeted ELISA kit (ID vet, France), using a multispecies conjugate.

Results: Eleven of the 133 (8.33%; 95%CI [3.6 – 13.0]) dromedaries were positive for anti-DcHEV antibodies. Positive cases had a random geographic distribution (p˃0.05) and all seropositive dromedaries were in close contact with other domestic animals.

Conclusion: This study highlight the circulation of HEV in West African mammals and specifically in dromedaries. This is the first study reporting HEV circulation in dromedaries in West Africa. Further studies is needed to identify the HEV genotype involved in the dromedary camel infection, and evaluation of potential transmission to dromedary’s care keepers.
Predicting Paediatric Malaria Occurrence Using Classification Algorithm in Data Mining
Authors: Olayinka T. C. , Chiemeke S. C.
Published: April 2019

This paper gives the current overview of the application of data mining techniques on the haematological and biochemical dataset to predict the occurrence of malaria in children between age zero (0) and five (5).  Malaria has been eradicated from the developed countries but still affecting a large part of the world negatively. A larger percentage of malaria is estimated to affect young children in sub-Sahara Africa.  In order to reduce mortality from paediatric malaria, there should be an efficient and effective prediction method.  In healthcare, data mining is one of the most vital and motivating areas of research with the objective of finding meaningful information from huge data sets and provides an efficient analytical approach for detecting unknown and valuable information in healthcare data.  In this study, a model was built to predict the occurrence of malaria in children between age zero (0) and five (5) years, using decision tree classification algorithms on WEKA workbench tool.  The classification algorithms used are LMT, REPTree, Hoeffding tree and J48. A J48 algorithm was used for building the decision tree model since it has higher accuracy for performance with least error margin.
Modeling and Biomass Quantification in Eucalyptus saligna Smith Stand at the End Rotation in the South of Brazil
Authors: Momolli Dione Richer , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Ludvichak Aline Aparecida , Araújo Elias Frank
Published: April 2019

The quantification of wood stock and other components of biomass is fundamental for forest planning. Given the difficulty of obtaining these data, the present study aims at the formulation of equations and the estimation of the different components of biomass, volume with and without bark, form factor and height of the trees at the end rotation. The study was carried out in the municipality of São Gabriel state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with Eucalyptus saligna 10-year-old. The experimental design of the inventory and biomass quantification were completely randomized. In the inventory the DBH of all individuals of the 5 plots were measured. After determination of 4 classes of diameter were felled 12 trees and quantified leaves, branches, bark and wood. The selection of the models obtained coefficients of determination higher than 97%. The total biomass was 269 Mg ha-1, of which 89% was wood. The total volume was 546 and 494 m³ ha-1 with and without bark, representing an average annual increase of 54,6 and 49,4 m³ ha-1 year-1. The mean form factor was 0,48. The modeling presented excellent adjustments and certainly serves for future estimates of the stock biomass.
Linear Regression of Incident Precipitation Explains the Throughfall, Stemflow and Interception by the Eucalyptus Canopy under Different Fertilization Management
Authors: Souza Huan Pablo de , Momolli Dione Richer , Ludvichak Aline Aparecida , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Malheiros Angélica Costa
Published: April 2019

The present work aims to quantify the precipitation partition after interaction with the Eucalyptus urophylla canopy under two fertilization treatments. The experimental design was completely causalized with two fertilization treatments. Each plot had a dimension of 30 m x 60 m, and the spacing of the seedlings was 3 m x 2 m. The study was developed in a arenizaded area located in the municipality of Maçambará, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The duration of the study was one year (from April 2017 to March 2018). Biweekly over twelve months the volume of precipitation was quantified. The experiment consists of two fertilization treatments in a Eucalyptus urophylla stand: T1 with smaller and T2 greater fertilization. In each treatment 3 throughfall collectors were installed at one meter of the soil level and three stemflow collectors. In the open area 3 collectors of the incident precipitation were installed 1.5 meters from the ground level. The percentages of the throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception in relation to the incident precipitation were 95.3; 1.3 and 4.3% for treatment 1 and 91.7; 3.2 and 6.2% for treatment 2. The coefficients of determination for throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception were 0.99; 0.96 and 0.85 for treatment 1 and 0.99; 0.97 and 0.89 for treatment 2. The graphical analysis of the regression residues shows independence of the errors. The fertilization management described for treatment 2 results in a greater interception of rainfall due to the greater amount of biomass of the canopy.
Phosphite-based Products in the In vitro Colletotrichum musae Control
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Luísa Mendes , Mizobutsi Edson Hiydu , Lima Prates Paola Junayra , Leite Duarte Paula Virgínia , Ferreira Ribeiro Regina Cássia , Silva Pinheiro Juceliandy Mendes da , Mizobutsi Gisele Polete , Fernandes Martielle Batista , Silva Luana Sabrine
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of different phosphite formulations and concentrations on the development of Colletotrichum musae. Sample: to evaluate the inhibition of germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Colletotrichum musae.

Study Design:  Treatments were conducted in a completely randomized design, with 4 replicates, each replicate consisting of 1 Petri dish.

Place and Duration of Study:  Laboratory of Post-Harvest Pathology, State University of Montes Claros, between March and October 2017.

Methodology: Three different phosphite formulations were used: FCu1 (4% Cu + 20% P2O5), FCu2 (4% Cu + 22% P2O5) at concentrations of 0.5;1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 mL L-1 and FK (42% P2O5 + 27.7% K2O) at concentrations of 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 mg.L-1. Products were incorporated into the respective culture media. Culture medium alone and culture medium + imazalil were used as controls. Petri dishes were housed in BOD chamber at 25°C under a 12 hours photoperiod.

Results: Results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression, and means were compared by the Tukey test (P <0.05). Control was compared to the other treatments by the Dunnet's test (P <0.05). Among the tested phosphite formulations, copper and potassium phosphites were found to reduce the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae. FCu2 presents a fungicide-like effect from the concentration of 0.5 m.L-1 in the control of conidia production. As for the FCu1, a fungicide-like effect was observed in the control of germination from the concentration of 1.5 mL.L-1.

Conclusion: A significant fungistatic effect was observed between the concentrations of the products in the mycelial growth, sporulation and germination obtaining control of up to 100% of the development of C. musae. Copper phosphites were as effective as fungicide in inhibiting fungal development.
A Time Series Analysis of China’s Foreign Direct Investment on Senegal’s Agriculture
Authors: Ndiaye Galaye , Lian Xu He
Published: April 2019

Since 2000 China has started to strengthen its agricultural co-operation with Africa in trade and other commercial activities. China has increased its agriculture investment in Africa, because of the rapid economic rise of China in many African developing countries. China's investment has developed and opened many opportunities against a backdrop of closer economic ties with many African countries and particularly in Senegal. The purpose of this study was to analyse the times series analysis impact of China's FDI in Senegal's agriculture. The study mainly used secondary data that are collected from the World Bank and IMF for 22 years between 1990 and 2012. The descriptive and econometric model was used to analyse the collected data. Although agricultural growth has increased in Senegal in recent years, food security remains a severe challenge. Despite international and local concerns, China's investment in Senegal in infrastructure and agricultural technology and training could facilitate agricultural growth in Senegal. A time series data is used to get the empirical results for our paper, and the estimation's results show that China's FDI is an important element in Senegal's agriculture will increase employment creation, high productivity, access to the finance and markets for smallholders, technology transfer enforcement of production standards, and farmers can access more to bank credit.
Estimates of vital rates and predictions of population dynamics change along a long‐term monitoring program
Authors: Vincenzi Simone , Jesenšek Dušan , Crivelli Alain J.
Published: April 2019

Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of monitoring, only a few studies have explored how estimates of vital rates and predictions of population dynamics change with additional data collected along the monitoring program. We investigate how estimates of survival and individual growth, along with predictions about future population size, change with additional years of monitoring and data collected, using as a model system freshwater populations of marble (Salmo marmoratus), rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) living in Western Slovenian streams. Fish were sampled twice a year between 2004 and 2015. We found that in 3 out of 4 populations, a few years of data (3 or 4 sampling occasions, between 300 and 500 tagged individuals for survival, 100–200 for growth) provided the same estimates of average survival and growth as those obtained with data from more than 15 sampling occasions, while the estimation of the range of survival (i.e., the difference, over all sampling occasions considered, between maximum and minimum survival estimated in a sampling occasion) required more sampling occasions (up to 22 for marble trout), with little reduction of uncertainty around the point estimates. Predictions of mean density and variation in density over time did not change with more data collected after the first 5 years (i.e., 10 sampling occasions) and overall were within 10% of the observed mean and variation in density over the whole monitoring program.
Blueberry juice protects osteocytes and bone precursor cells against oxidative stress partly through SIRT1
Authors: Domazetovic Vladana , Marcucci Gemma , Pierucci Federica , Bruno Gennaro , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla , Brandi Maria Luisa , Iantomasi Teresa , Meacci Elisabetta , Vincenzini Maria Teresa
Published: April 2019

Oxidative stress and abnormal osteocyte apoptosis are often related to dysregulation of bone turnover and chronic bone loss, and so fruit and vegetables with high antioxidant potential may play an important role in the prevention and/or management of osteoporosis. Osteocytes are the main regulators of bone remodelling. For the first time, we demonstrate here that blueberry juice (BJ), obtained from Vaccinium myrtillus, rich in polyphenols, shows antioxidant and antiosteoclastogenic properties in MLO‐Y4 osteocytes. We report that BJ prevents oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis and reverses the increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and sclerostin expression, crucial factors for osteoclast activation and bone resorption. BJ is also able to prevent oxidative stress‐induced cell cytotoxicity in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are considered to be an important tool for cell therapy in bone disorders. No significant difference in preventing these events was observed between BJ and blueberry dry extract containing equal amounts of total soluble polyphenols. We have also shown that blueberry acts as both an antioxidant and an activator of sirtuin type 1, a class III histone deacetylase involved in cell death regulation and considered a molecular target for blocking bone resorption without affecting osteoclast survival. Overall, these novel data obtained in osteocytes and MSCs may help us clarify the mechanisms by which blueberry counteracts oxidative stress‐induced damage in bone remodelling and osteogenesis at the cellular and molecular level. Our findings are consistent with the reported beneficial effects of blueberry on bone tissue reported in animal studies, which suggest that blueberry may be a useful supplement for the prevention and/or management of osteoporosis and osteogenic process.
Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Changes in Patients With Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis: Eighteen‐Month Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Versus Physical Therapy
Authors: Collins Jamie E. , Losina Elena , Marx Robert G. , Guermazi Ali , Jarraya Mohamed , Jones Morgan H. , Levy Bruce A. , Mandl Lisa A. , Martin Scott D. , Wright Rick W. , Spindler Kurt P. , Katz Jeffrey N. ,   the MeTeOR Investigator Group
Published: April 2019

Objective

The present study was undertaken to evaluate changes in knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings over the course of 18 months in subjects with osteoarthritic change and meniscal tear treated with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) or nonoperatively with physical therapy (PT).

Methods

We used 18‐month follow‐up data from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research Trial. MRI results were read with reference to the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. We focused on 18‐month change in bone marrow lesions (BMLs), cartilage thickness, cartilage surface area, osteophyte size, effusion‐synovitis, and Hoffa‐synovitis. We used multinomial logistic regression to assess associations between MRI‐based changes in each feature and treatment type.

Results

A total of 351 subjects were randomized, and 225 had both baseline and 18‐month MRI results. In both treatment groups, patients experienced substantial changes in several MRI‐based markers. In 60% of the APM group, versus 33% of the PT group, cartilage surface area damage advanced in ≥2 subregions (adjusted odds ratio 4.2 [95% confidence interval 2.0–9.0). Patients who underwent APM also had greater advancement in scores for osteophytes and effusion‐synovitis. We did not find significant associations between treatment type and change in cartilage thickness, BMLs, or Hoffa‐synovitis.

Conclusion

This cohort of patients with meniscal tear and osteoarthritis showed marked advancement in MRI‐based features over 18 months. Patients treated with APM showed more advancement in some features compared to those treated nonoperatively. The clinical relevance of these early findings is unknown and requires further study.
Resituated Research: Achieving Meaningful Impact on the Fault Line Between Academia and Practice
Authors: Harriss Harriet
Published: April 2019

The traditionally institutionalised nature of research can limit its practical relevance and the diversity of individuals involved in it. Practice‐based PhDs are an increasingly popular way of addressing these issues. Harriet Harriss, who leads the Architecture Research Programme at London's Royal College of Art and is a member of the UK Department for Education construction industry panel, outlines their multiple benefits in terms of both student affordability and enhancement of the profession.
Public Planning Reimagined: Building Capacity and Agency
Authors: Weissenborn Frederik
Published: April 2019

Recent decades have seen knowledge‐sharing across local‐authority planning departments greatly diminished, with ever‐dwindling numbers of architects employed in them. Countering these trends, non‐profit social enterprise Public Practice places its associates in public bodies to champion innovation and embed research in the planning workflow. Its Research and Communications Manager Frederik Weissenborn describes how it functions.
Practise What You Preach: The University as a Common Ground Between Research and its Application
Authors: Kinneir Lara
Published: April 2019

Is the mainstream university system really the right place to nurture the architects of tomorrow? It was this question that prompted the foundation in 2015 of the London School of Architecture. Not only does the school link education to the profession through student engagement with London's urban stakeholders and decision‐makers; it also makes architectural education affordable by incorporating time in paid employment into the programme. Lara Kinneir, who leads its compulsory Urban Studies module, explains how it all works.
Low‐Invasive Cell Injection based on Rotational Microrobot
Authors: Lu Haojian , Yang Yuanyuan , Lin Xudong , Shi Peng , Shen Yajing
Published: April 2019

The advancement of cell injections has created a need for accurate, efficient, and low‐invasive injections. However, the conventional approaches to reduce cell damage during penetration, mainly optimization of micropipette tips and vision‐based automatic injections, have almost reached the limit. Here, described are the design and implementation of a robotic‐aided rotatory microinjection system to reduce cell deformation and penetration force during the injection. The homocentric rotation technology integrates an ultraprecise manipulation system with multiple degrees of freedom, which tremendously diminishes the damage to the cell. Through systematic tests on zebrafish embryo microinjection, compared with traditional straightforward cell injection techniques, the rotary cell injection approach is able to reduce the penetration deformation and force of the specimen up to 30%. This work breaks the performance limit of current microinjection techniques, and paves a new way for the development of low‐invasive cell injection systems. It is envisioned that this rotary microrobot system can excavate enormous applications in the field of biomedicine, such as artificial fertilization and gene therapy.
High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Organo‐Metal Halide Perovskite Unipolar Resistive Memory Devices in a Cross‐Bar Array Structure
Authors: Kang Keehoon , Ahn Heebeom , Song Younggul , Lee Woocheol , Kim Junwoo , Kim Youngrok , Yoo Daekyoung , Lee Takhee
Published: April 2019

Resistive random access memories can potentially open a niche area in memory technology applications by combining the advantages of the long endurance of dynamic random‐access memory and the long retention time of flash memories. Recently, resistive memory devices based on organo‐metal halide perovskite materials have demonstrated outstanding memory properties, such as a low‐voltage operation and a high ON/OFF ratio; such properties are essential requirements for low power consumption in developing practical memory devices. In this study, a nonhalide lead source is employed to deposit perovskite films via a simple single‐step spin‐coating method for fabricating unipolar resistive memory devices in a cross‐bar array architecture. These unipolar perovskite memory devices achieve a high ON/OFF ratio up to 108 with a relatively low operation voltage, a large endurance, and long retention times. The high‐yield device fabrication based on the solution‐process demonstrated here will be a step toward achieving low‐cost and high‐density practical perovskite memory devices.
Processing Halide Perovskite Materials with Semiconductor Technology
Authors: Cheng Chuantong , Zhu Cheng , Huang Beiju , Zhang Huan , Zhang Hengjie , Chen Run , Pei Weihua , Chen Qi , Chen Hongda
Published: April 2019

Semiconductor technologies make major contributions to scientific and technological improvements, enabling high‐performance and low‐cost devices, chips, and systems. Photolithography technologies are at the heart of semiconductor technologies and are indispensable in fabricating microstructures and nanostructures. It is obvious that a new emerging material can play a greater role in economic development if it can be processed with photolithography technologies. Halide perovskites have received an enormous amount of attention, as they are useful in photonic and optoelectronic applications due to their strong optical absorption, tunable direct bandgap, and long electron–hole diffusion length. However, photolithography technologies cannot be utilized to fabricate semiconductor devices based on halide perovskite materials because water, a solvent for all halide perovskite materials, is used in the fabrication process. Here, the process compatibility between halide perovskite materials and semiconductor technology is realized with the help of parylene, a kind of polymer. A photodetector based on MAPbI3 and a memristor based on CsPbBr3 fabricated with photolithography technologies are both demonstrated successfully for the first time. This study not only paves the way toward the fabrication of halide perovskite devices with semiconductor technologies but also provides a powerful tool for the in‐depth study of halide perovskite materials.
Digital Inkjet Printing of High‐Efficiency Large‐Area Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Corzo Daniel , Almasabi Khulud , Bihar Eloise , Macphee Sky , Rosas‐Villalva Diego , Gasparini Nicola , Inal Sahika , Baran Derya
Published: April 2019

Novel emerging materials for organic solar cells, such as nonfullerene acceptors, are paving the way for commercialization of organic photovoltaics. Their utilization in unconventional applications, such as conformable and disposable electronics, has turned the focus to inkjet printing as a fabrication method with advantages including low material usage, rapid digital design changes, and high resolution. In this work, the fabrication of efficient nonfullerene acceptor devices through inkjet printing for organic photovoltaic applications is reported for the first time. The engineering of printable poly‐3‐hexylthiophene:rhodanine‐benzothiadiazole‐coupled indacenodithiophene (P3HT:O‐IDTBR) inks is centered on tuning the rheological properties for proper droplet ejection and the selection of solvents, including hydrocarbons, that meet solubility and volatility requirements to avoid common inkjet printing complications like nozzle clogging. The optimization of printing parameters including drop spacing and deposition temperatures results in homogeneous P3HT:O‐IDTBR films with device efficiencies of up to 6.47% for small lab‐scale devices (0.1 cm2), comparable with that of spin‐coating or blade‐coating. A 2 cm2 inkjet‐printed device is also shown to achieve a remarkable efficiency of 6%. To demonstrate their potential usage in customized applications, large‐area devices are fabricated in the shape of a marine turtle with 4.76% efficiency, showcasing the versatility of the inkjet‐printing process for efficient organic photovoltaics.
Condensing Enzymes from Pseudoalteromonadaceae for Prodiginine Synthesis
Authors: Brass Hannah U. C. , Klein Andreas S. , Nyholt Silke , Classen Thomas , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: April 2019

Prodiginines are natural products that are produced by various microorganisms. As the biological activity of prodiginines varies depending on their structure, prodiginine derivatives are of interest. In order to extend the prodiginine structural diversity, new condensing enzyme homologs of PigC were analysed. The condensing enzyme PigC from S. marcescens catalyses the last step in prodiginine biosynthesis and accepts not only its natural substrate, but also synthetically produced monopyrroles. Still, the substrate spectrum of PigC is partially limited. In order to enable the biocatalytic production of new prodiginine derivatives, PigC homologs supplementing the substrate spectra of PigC are of interest. Two condensing enzymes homologs from two tambjamine producing Pseudoalteromonadaceae strains were analysed towards their catalytic ability to produce the structurally related prodiginines. Besides the investigation of their substrate spectrum and enzyme kinetic data, a preparative scale biocatalysis approach for the production of prodiginine derivatives was established, comparing different condensing enzymes.

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High‐Performance Partially Printed Hybrid CMOS Inverters Based on Indium‐Zinc‐Oxide and Chirality Enriched Carbon Nanotube Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Luo Manman , Xie Huafei , Wei Miaomiao , Liang Kun , Shao Shuangshuang , Zhao Jianwen , Gao Tianqi , Mo Lixin , Chen Yuan , Chen Shujhih , Lee Chiayu , Cui Zheng
Published: April 2019

Complementary metal–oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) inverters with low power consumption and high noise immunity are essential for realizing practical applications of printed logic gates and circuits. However, the performance of existing printed CMOS inverters is still unsatisfactory because p‐type and n‐type transistors do not match well. This work demonstrates novel low‐voltage and high‐performance CMOS inverters using partially printed thin‐film transistors (TFTs) on 50 nm HfO2/Si substrates based on n‐type indium zinc oxides (IZOs) and p‐type chirality enriched (9,8) semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The high‐k dielectric materials grown using atomic layer deposition and (9,8) SWCNTs with relatively large band gaps help to match the characteristics of p‐type and n‐type transistors—the IZO and SWCNT TFTs exhibit similar mobility on/off ratio, small hysteresis, and low sub‐threshold swing at low operating voltages. The hybrid CMOS inverters demonstrate excellent performance with the highest voltage gain up to 45, the largest noise margin of 83% at 1/2 Vdd, and the lowest static power consumption of 0.4 µW at Vdd of 2 V among recently reported printed CMOS inverters under relatively low annealing temperatures (300 °C). The strategies demonstrated here can be considered as general approaches to realize a new generation of high‐performance printed logic gates and circuits.
Favorable Mixing Thermodynamics in Ternary Polymer Blends for Realizing High Efficiency Plastic Solar Cells
Authors: Gasparini Nicola , Kahmann Simon , Salvador Michael , Perea Jose Dario , Sperlich Andreas , Baumann Andreas , Li Ning , Rechberger Stefanie , Spiecker Erdmann , Dyakonov Vladimir , Portale Giuseppe , Loi Maria A. , Brabec Christoph J. , Ameri Tayebeh
Published: April 2019

Ternary blends with broad spectral absorption have the potential to increase charge generation in organic solar cells but feature additional complexity due to limited intermixing and electronic mismatch. Here, a model system comprising the polymers poly[5,5‐bis(2‐butyloctyl)‐(2,2‐bithiophene)‐4,4‐dicarboxylate‐alt‐5,5‐2,2‐bithiophene] (PDCBT) and PTB7‐Th and PC70BM as an electron accepting unit is presented. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the ternary system clearly surpasses the performance of either of the binary systems. The photophysics is governed by a fast energy transfer process from PDCBT to PTB7‐Th, followed by electron transfer at the PTB7‐Th:fullerene interface. The morphological motif in the ternary blend is characterized by polymer fibers. Based on a combination of photophysical analysis, GIWAXS measurements and calculation of the intermolecular parameter, the latter indicating a very favorable molecular affinity between PDCBT and PTB7‐Th, it is proposed that an efficient charge generation mechanism is possible because PTB7‐Th predominantly orients around PDCBT filaments, allowing energy to be effectively relayed from PDCBT to PTB7‐Th. Fullerene can be replaced by a nonfullerene acceptor without sacrifices in charge generation, achieving a PCE above 11%. These results support the idea that thermodynamic mixing and energetics of the polymer–polymer interface are critical design parameter for realizing highly efficient ternary solar cells with variable electron acceptors.