bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade protectionism and the manufacturing sector: a review of border closure policy in Nigeria
Authors: Ajoje Olufunke Iyabo , Adegboyo Olufemi Samuel
Published: December 2022

This study empirically investigates to ascertain the impact of trade protection vis-à-vis border closure policy on manufacturing sector in Nigeria between January 2018 and June 2021 using monthly secondary data. The study employs traditional theory of protectionism as its theoretical framework. The chow breakpoint result revealed that there is a significant change in the parameters of the model in July 2019 which coincides with the time the policy implementation started. It employs dummy variable to investigate the impact of the policy on manufacturing sector output as against use of two regression model. The regression analysis revealed that in the short run, the impact of the border closure on manufacturing sector was positive but later became adverse in the long run. Also, the interaction of the border closure with the inflation rate revealed that the inflation rate became high during the period but the government generated income from tariff increased. This revealed that there are leakages through the land borders that needs to be curbed through legislation. Sequel to these findings, the study makes the following recommendations: government should not consider closing the borders again as it closures constitute a drag to the manufacturing sector growth; rather than closed border, government should formulate policies to enforce trade protection; lastly, should it become exigent for the government to close the border, they should allow moderate inflation rate that the economy can tolerate in order to spur manufacturing output.
Exploring the CO2 emissions drivers in the Nigerian manufacturing sector through decomposition analysis and the potential of carbon tax (CAT) policy on CO2 mitigation
Authors: Inah Oliver I. , Abam Fidelis I. , Nwankwojike Bethrand N.
Published: December 2022

The CO2 emissions trend and their reduction potential in the Nigerian manufacturing sector from 2010 to 2020 were studied. The Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index was applied to decompose the change in CO2 emissions into pre-set factors: carbon intensity effects, firm energy intensity effects, cost structure effects, asset-turnover effect, asset-to-equity effect, equity-funded production effect and productive capacity utilization. The results show that the change in emissions increased by $$1668\times {10}^{12}$$

1668
×

10

12

GJ between 2010 and 2020. Energy intensity and equity-funded production were the leading drivers of increased emissions, while productive capacity utilization reduced emissions. The CO2 emissions increased throughout the study, except for a few periods. Without a carbon tax policy, the results show that firm-level drivers increased CO2 emissions in the business-as-usual scenario. However, under the 5% carbon tax (CAT) policy scenario on energy consumption, there was a reduction in CO2 emissions between 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, a CAT policy of 5% on energy consumption reduced CO2 emissions by 22%. A further implication of CAT policy, given its interaction with firm-level drivers, resulted in lowering CO2 emissions in the interactional scenario. The findings indicate productive capacity utilization, equity-funded production, and CAT impacted CO2 emissions variation.
A topography-dependent eikonal solver for accurate and efficient computation of traveltimes and their derivatives in 3D heterogeneous media
Authors: Zhou Xiaole , Lan Haiqiang , Chen Ling , Guo Gaoshan , Bin Waheed Umair , Badal José
Published: December 2022

Accurate and efficient computation of traveltimes and their spatial derivatives for 3D heterogeneous media is essential in many areas of seismology, such as traveltime/slope tomography and quantitative migration. A popular method of obtaining this information is to solve the eikonal equation using a finite-difference (FD) scheme. However, the complex surface of the earth causes numerical complications when applying FD methods based on rectangular grids. To overcome the challenge of taking into account topographic effects, we make use of the 3D topography-dependent eikonal equation (TDEE) which is a 3D surface-flattening scheme that uses curvilinear grids to transform irregular surfaces in the physical domain into regular surfaces in the computational domain. Unfortunately, solving the TDEE in three dimensions starting from the initial point-source condition needs to get around the point-source singularity. Therefore, we formulate the 3D factored TDEE (FTDEE) according to a factorization principle. Furthermore, to numerically solve the 3D original TDEE, as well as the FTDEE, we apply a lock sweeping method, which avoids the problem of repetitive computation when using the fast sweeping method. Several numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the new lock scheme in terms of computation time and accuracy of the 3D FTDEE solver for the calculation of traveltimes and their derivatives. This scheme provides a good choice for the calculation of traveltimes and their spatial derivatives using models with irregular surfaces, which means greater potential for seismic data processing under conditions of complex topography.
Requirement for STAT3 and its target, TFCP2L1, in self-renewal of naïve pluripotent stem cells in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Kraunsoe Sophie , Azami Takuya , Pei Yihan , Martello Graziano , Jones Kenneth , Boroviak Thorsten , Nichols Jennifer
Published: December 2022

We previously demonstrated gradual loss of epiblast during diapause in embryos lacking components of the LIF/IL6 receptor. Here, we explore the requirement for the downstream signalling transducer andactivator of transcription STAT3 and its target, TFCP2L1, in maintenance of naïve pluripotency. Unlike conventional markers, such as NANOG, which remains high in epiblast until implantation, both STAT3 and TFCP2L1 proteins decline during blastocyst expansion, but intensify in the embryonic region after induction of diapause, as observed visually and confirmed using our image-analysis pipeline, consistent with our previous transcriptional expression data. Embryos lacking STAT3 or TFCP2L1 underwent catastrophic loss of most of the inner cell mass during the first few days of diapause, indicating involvement of signals in addition to LIF/IL6 for sustaining naïve pluripotency in vivo. By blocking MEK/ERK signalling from the morula stage, we could derive embryonic stem cells with high efficiency from STAT3 null embryos, but not those lacking TFCP2L1, suggesting a hitherto unknown additional role for this essential STAT3 target in transition from embryo to embryonic stem cells in vitro.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
An Intensive Continuing Education Course to Enhance Care of the Performing Arts Athlete: The “Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine”
Authors: Ackermann Bronwen J. , McCrary J. Matt , Miller Clay , Dick Randall , Guptill Christine
Published: December 2022

A new continuing education course from Performing Arts Medicine Association and American College of Sports Medicine enables sports medical health professionals to better care for performing artists.

High occupational injury rates have been reported in performing artists, yet the quality of preventive and clinical care remains highly variable. Through the Athletes and the Arts collaboration, The Performing Arts Medicine Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine identified that health care practitioners’ existing expertise should be enhanced to address the complex psychophysical needs of performing artists. In response, a 2-d continuing education course, “The Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine” (EOPAM), was developed and has been delivered at least annually since 2016. This course has been well-received by 149 physicians and 240 allied health professionals to date (average ratings, ≥3.5/5 from 2018 to present), with course quality significantly improved by a transition to online delivery in 2020 (average ratings ≥4.5/5; P < 0.01). Accordingly, EOPAM demonstrates that a brief continuing education course can enhance health professionals’ understanding of the unique needs and demands of performing artists, addressing a key barrier to improved care.
Analysis of the rate of socio-economic changes in rural areas between 2010 and 2020. Polish case
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Wolska Grażyna , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna , Oesterreich Maciej
Published: December 2022

The article presents the results of research on the transformation process in the Polish country-side between 2010 and 2020, taking into account those rural communes where the State-Owned Farms (PGR) were located. The study aimed to identify the spatial diversity of post-PGR communes on the grounds of socio-economic situation and to assess the rate of change in this situation in the surveyed communes over 11 years, as well as to answer the question how the socio-economic situation was influenced by the location of a given commune relative to province capitals. In the analyses, selected methods of descriptive statistics and multidimensional comparative analysis were applied. The results confirmed that in many post-PGR communes, also these days, we can observe financial problems, and that people experience significant difficulties with entering the labour market. The research also showed that in most cases communes located close to these cities were characterized by a better socio-economic situation than the communes located further away.
Typology of rural public places. On examples from Eastern Poland
Authors: Soszyński Dawid , Kamiński Jan
Published: December 2022

The paper proposes a typology of rural public places currently functioning in the social life of villages that indicates how this system is distinct from the public space of cities or even suburban villages. The research was conducted using the method of interviews in 21 villages in eastern Poland. The result of the analyses is a typology that includes eight basic types of rural public places: Multifunctional village squares; Grocery surroundings; Other service facilities surroundings; Sacred sites; Village streets; Neighborhood space; Recreational places; Semi-natural places. Most of them are unintentionally created places. The research shows that multifunctional places – both central and typically recreational – are crucial for rural areas, while semi-natural places are the most characteristic. However, due to the specific character of the rural landscape and rural community, we did not find any basis for distinguishing a separate category including arranged greenery, representative places or club spaces.
Analysis of welfare levels, ecology, and animal management in Seblat Elephant Training Center, Bengkulu−Indonesia
Authors: Imtiyaaz Cassytta Dhiya , Syarifuddin Amir , Triwanto Joko , Al Hakim Rosyid Ridlo
Published: December 2022

The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is a large mammal protected species and categorized as endangered according to the IUCN Red List. Habitat management includes control and regulation forest vegetation, open areas, water sources, salting sites, and resting areas for good animal welfare. The Seblat Elephant Training Center (SETC) is a conservation area to protect the Sumatran Elephant from extinction and is an ecotourism destination. This study aimed to analyze the welfare level and management of the Sumatran elephant in the SETC. This research used structured interview method to determine the indicators of the animal welfare level. Calculation of feed productivity and secondary data collection were used to improve the welfare level of the Sumatran Elephant. The research result stated that the welfare level of Sumatran elephant was classified as excellent (the implementation achievement value is 74.3%). In addition, the development of observations suggests that freedom from environmental discomfort needs to be improved by providing quarantine cages and reproductive cages to support natural behavior. Environmental conditions also support the welfare level of the Sumatran elephant.  In conclusion, this facility is properly conducive to the welfare of Sumatran elephants.
Environmental Quality of Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Temple’s Green Open Space based on Soundscape and Guild of Bird
Authors: Utami Inggita , Yahya Eva Nurulia , Afriandini Wida , Dwipayana Ajeng Silvi , Utami Salsa Aprilia , Meilina Arliani Baiq Dara , Ramadhani Khairunnisrina
Published: December 2022

Sleman Regency has the most temple cultural heritage in Yogyakarta, supported by Green Open Space (GOS). The area is a habitat for urban birds and can be used as an indicator of environmental quality. This study aims to analyze the environmental quality based on the soundscape and character of the bird community in the GOS of Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Temple. Sound recordings were taken with a smartphone, and the recording time was set using the Arbimon touch in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The sound recordings are used to calculate acoustic indexes. The sound recordings and spectrograms are processed to identify bird species and calculate the Bird Community Index. The number of bird species was higher in the Ratu Boko area. According to the NDSI value, the sound of biophony at Ratu Boko Temple is more dominant than anthrophony and geophony. The environmental quality in the Prambanan Temple area is in the low category than in the Ratu Boko Temple area, which is classified as a medium category. The area's topography, the arrangement of vegetation, and the noise of vehicles due to the proximity to the highway affect the environment quality in temple areas.
Vinca alkaloids effects on the morphological characters of Canavalia ensiformis
Authors: Putri Diah Asta , Rahyuni Mita , Sarwati Mega
Published: December 2022

Productivity and quality of crops can be increased through polyploidy plants induced by antimitotic compounds such as vinka alkaloids.The use of vinka alkaloids has never been applied to Sword bean (Canavalia ensiformis), a tropical legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. This study aimed to determine the effects of vinka alkaloids treatment on the morphological characters of Sword bean. The treatment consist of four different vinka alkaloids concentrations (0.5%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.0%, and untreated (0.0%) act as control. The plants were arranged in a completely randomized design. Treated plants were characterized based on morphological traits such as plant height, leaf area and dry seed weight. The results obtained revealed significant difference (p≤0.05) in the morphological traits of the treated plants when compared with the control. Overall, 2.0% vinka alkaloids concentration resulted in higher average plant height by 193.8 ± 1.86, leaf area increments by 88.6 ± 5.1 (left leaf), 115.1 ± 4.7 (middle leaf), 86.2 ± 3.8 (right leaf) and the dry seed weight by 1.7 ± 3.6. The improvement of the  traits is concentration dependent and increases with increment in vinka alkaloids concentration. Thus, we suggested that 2.0% concentration should be employed in improving Sword bean growth and yield.
Intelligent Sprayer Spray Rates Optimization to Efficiently Apply Chemicals in Modern Apple Orchards
Authors: Rathnayake Anura P , Sahni Ramesh K , Khot Lav R , Hoheisel Gwen A , Zhu Heping
Published: December 2022

Highlights

Intelligent sprayers require crop canopy-specific base spray rate (SR) adjustments.

SRs can be estimated by Tree Row Volume (TRV) and Unit Canopy Row (UCR) methods.

This study formulated TRV and UCR based SRs for modern apple orchard canopies.

Field trials evaluated spray deposition and coverage variations for these rates.

TRV and UCR based treatments had comparable spray performance to the grower-adapted application rate.

Abstract. The efficiency of air-assisted sprayer-based chemical applications in horticultural crops is dependent on several factors, including that of the application rate as the amount of liquid per ground area (L ha-1 or gal acre-1 [GPA]). In contrast to the conventional GPA-based application rates, recently developed intelligent and precision sprayers use the input spray rate (SR) as the amount of liquid volume (L) required to spray one cubic meter of crop canopy (L m-3 or ounces per cubic foot). This input rate ranges between 0.06 and 0.13 L m-3 depending on the architecture and canopy size. However, the exact value of input SR is decided based on grower experience and manufacturer recommendation and can often be a broad estimation. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore methods that could be used to have a precise estimate of the input SR related to the canopy being sprayed for optimal spray applications. Tree row volume (TRV) and unit canopy row (UCR) methods were used to estimate input SRs and the sprayer field efficiency was evaluated in a vertical fruiting wall-trained commercial apple orchard, typical in the State of Washington, USA. Field spray trials were conducted in the full canopy growth stage, spraying a mix of fluorescent tracer dye of 2 g L-1 concentration at a calibration speed of 1.50 m s-1. Spray deposition and coverage were evaluated in replicated field trials using deposit samplers (mylar cards and screen) and water-sensitive papers, respectively. Test results demonstrated that both TRV (SR: 0.09 L m-3) and UCR (SR: 0.10 L m-3) were effective methods to calculate the spray rates since their spray deposition and coverage were comparable to that of the grower-adapted application rate (935 L ha-1). While the spray rates calculated by both methods provided better application efficiency, an SR of 0.09 L m-3 calculated by the TRV method would be preferable in spray applications of fully foliated fruiting wall-trained apple trees as it sprayed less liquid. Although the TRV method could potentially be applicable for estimating SR with an adjustment factor to compensate for the pruning level, crop-specific further evaluations are suggested for different canopy training systems. Keywords: Intelligent sprayer, Modern orchard systems, Spray rate, Tree row volume, Unit canopy row.
Evaluating Causal Factors That Influence the Spatial and Temporal Variability of Streambank Erosion in Iowa
Authors: Wilson Christopher George , Schilling Keith E. , Papanicolaou Thanos
Published: December 2022

Highlights

Critical shear stress and erodibility were quantified for Iowa streambanks at regional and seasonal scales.

Variations in critical shear stress and erodibility were apparent across landform areas.

Values of critical shear stress in northern Iowa were less than those in southern Iowa.

Seasonal variations in critical shear stress and erodibility are due to soil moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.

Abstract. Streambank erosion exhibits high variability both spatially and temporally, and few studies have attempted to characterize the causal factors of the variability at regional and seasonal scales. This study combines geotechnical field measurements with historical trends of soil moisture and temperature to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of critical shear stress and erodibility in streambanks of the Major Land Resource Areas of Iowa (MLRAs). The data suggest that till-derived soils in north-central and northeast Iowa lack cohesion compared to loess-derived soils in southern Iowa. Thus, critical shear stress values from the northern parts of the state were significantly less than those from western and southern Iowa. A multivariate regression equation was developed using properties of texture and bulk density to quantify critical shear stress values for all stream bank soil series in the state. The cumulative distribution functions of these values visually reflect the separation between the critical shear stress values of the different MLRAs, with the loess-derived soils in western and southern Iowa having similar, overlapping patterns, in contrast to MLRAs in north central and northeast Iowa with the till-derived soils. Temporally, the critical shear stress reaches minimum values during March when soil moisture is high and there are several freeze-thaw events. This is most apparent with bank soils in eastern Iowa. Keywords: Cohesion, Critical shear stress, Erodibility, Sediment, Streambank erosion.
Emotional reflexivity in the time of COVID-19: working-class emotional practices
Authors: Holmes Mary , Thomson Rebecca
Published: December 2022

We share findings from a qualitative study on emotions in Scottish working-class households during lockdown. The results challenge existing research focused on emotional capital, which often suggests that working-class people struggle to provide emotional resources to those close to them. Using the concept of emotional reflexivity we show how these household members cared for each other’s feelings, challenging deficit views of working-class emotionality. This research offers a novel understanding of working-class participants collaboratively making space for each other to feel, many favouring acts of care rather than talking. The COVID-19 lockdown, however, tended to reinforce gendered practices of emotion work, although some participants drew on emotional support beyond the household to try to mitigate this burden. The emotionally reflexive practices seen in these households suggest that sustaining more equality in emotional wellbeing relies on navigating material circumstances, is not always about verbal sharing, is often an interactional achievement, but also means resisting unrealistic expectations of intimate relationships within households as the fountainhead of all emotional succour.
Latin American green criminology
Authors: Goyes David Rodriguez
Published: December 2022

This article traces the trajectory of green criminology in Latin America from the 1960s’ liberation criminology to the current Southern green criminology. The purpose of this genealogical account is twofold: first, it uncovers the evolution of the Latin American criminological engagement with green crime, and second, politically it reclaims the epistemological power of the South by highlighting how critical thinkers on the continent anticipated ideas now in vogue in English-speaking criminology. The memory exercise that is this article builds on the premise that true decolonising projects must recall and build on the histories of endogenous thought of (neo)colonial locations. The article is based on an archaeological exploration of the engagements of Latin American intellectuals with the study of environmental crime and harm, combined with the author’s field observations.
El (no)lugar del extranjero en el discurso institucional: sutilezas de la dicotomía inclusión-exclusión en tiempos de Unión Europea
Authors: Bautista Francisco Jiménez
Published: December 2022

Los desplazamientos humanos en las costas marítimas de la Unión Europea (UE) se han convertido en un problema. La metodología se fundamenta en el análisis de documentos oficiales de las políticas migratorias de retorno y de la concesión de asilo. Estos documentos involucran un discurso que diferencia las personas provenientes principalmente de la guerra de Siria y norte de África, de otros desplazados de sus países de origen por causas económicas. Para Siria, el discurso imperante revela un movimiento de inclusión y acogida dentro del marco jurídico al concederles el estatus de refugiados, para los otros inmigrantes, existe una tendencia de exclusión que plantea la deportación a sus países de origen. Los resultados indican la violación de los derechos humanos dentro del Acuerdo UE-Turquía (2016), una política migratoria que infringe las normativas y principios de justicia, de igualdad y equidad, provocando niveles de exclusión de las personas desplazadas.
On-chip quantum interference between the origins of a multi-photon state
Authors: Feng Lan-Tian , Zhang Ming , Liu Di , Cheng Yu-Jie , Guo Guo-Ping , Dai Dao-Xin , Guo Guang-Can , Krenn Mario , Ren Xi-Feng
Published: December 2022

There has been broad interest in path identity in recent years due to its role as a foundation for numerous novel quantum information applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum coherent superposition of two different origins of a four-photon state, where multi-photon frustrated interference emerges from the quantum indistinguishability by path identity. The quantum state is created in four probabilistic photon-pair sources on one integrated silicon photonic chip, two combinations of which can create photon quadruplets. Coherent elimination and revival of the distributed four photons are fully controlled by tuning phases. The experiment gives rise to peculiar quantum interference of two possible ways to create photon quadruplets rather than interference of different intrinsic properties of photons. Besides many known potential applications, this kind of multi-photon nonlinear interference enables the possibility for various fundamental studies such as nonlocality with multiple spatially separated locations.
High gain, low noise 1550  nm GaAsSb/AlGaAsSb avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Lee S. , Jin X. , Jung H. , Lewis H. , Liu Y. , Guo B. , Kodati S. H. , Schwartz M. , Grein C. , Ronningen T. J. , David J. P. R. , Campbell Joe. C. , Krishna S.
Published: December 2022

High sensitivity avalanche photodiodes (APDs) operating at eye-safe
infrared wavelengths (1400–1650 nm) are essential
components in many communications and sensing systems. We report the
demonstration of a room temperature, ultrahigh gain (

M
=

278

,

λ
=

1550

n
m

,

V
=

69.5

V

,

T
=

296

K

) linear mode APD on an InP substrate
using a

G
a
A
s

0.5

S
b

0.5

/

A
l

0.85

G
a

0.15

A
s

0.56

S
b

0.44

separate absorption, charge, and
multiplication (SACM) heterostructure. This represents

∼

10

×

gain improvement (

M
=

278

) over commercial, state-of-the-art
InGaAs/InP-based APDs (

M
∼

30

) operating at 1550 nm. The
excess noise factor is extremely low (

F
<

3

) at

M
=

70

, which is even lower than Si APDs.
This design gives a quantum efficiency of 5935.3% at maximum gain.
This SACM APD also shows an extremely low temperature breakdown
sensitivity (

C

b
d

) of

∼

11.83

m
V

/

K

, which is

∼

10

×

lower than equivalent InGaAs/InP
commercial APDs. These major improvements in APD performance are
likely to lead to their wide adoption in many photon-starved
applications.
Healthcare professionals’ views on how palliative care should be delivered in Bhutan: A qualitative study
Authors: Laabar Tara Devi , Saunders Christobel , Auret Kirsten , Johnson Claire E.
Published: December 2022

Palliative care aims to relieve serious health-related suffering among patients and families affected by life-limiting illnesses. However, palliative care remains limited or non-existent in most low- and middle- income countries. Bhutan is a tiny kingdom in the Himalayas where palliative care is an emerging concept. This study aimed to explore the views of Bhutanese healthcare professionals on how palliative care should be delivered in Bhutan. It is a component of a bigger research program aimed at developing a contextual based palliative care model for Bhutan. This is a descriptive qualitative study. Eleven focus group discussions and two in-depth interviews were conducted among healthcare professionals, recruited through purposeful sampling, from community health centres, district hospitals, regional and national referral hospitals, and the traditional hospital in Bhutan. The participants in this study emphasized the need for suitable palliative care policies; education, training and awareness on palliative care; adequate access to essential palliative care medicines; adequate manpower and infrastructure; and a multi-disciplinary palliative care team. Participants confirmed a socially, culturally and spiritually appropriate approach is crucial for palliative care services in Bhutan. Despite palliative care being a young concept, the Bhutanese healthcare professionals have embraced its importance, emphasized its urgent need and highlighted their views on how it should be delivered in the country. This study will help inform the development of a public health-focused palliative care model, socially, culturally and spiritually applicable to the Bhutanese people, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
Differential thalamocortical interactions in slow and fast spindle generation: A computational model
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad , Marshall Lisa , Bazhenov Maxim , Mölle Matthias , Martinetz Thomas
Published: December 2022

Cortical slow oscillations (SOs) and thalamocortical sleep spindles are two prominent EEG rhythms of slow wave sleep. These EEG rhythms play an essential role in memory consolidation. In humans, sleep spindles are categorized into slow spindles (8–12 Hz) and fast spindles (12–16 Hz), with different properties. Slow spindles that couple with the up-to-down phase of the SO require more experimental and computational investigation to disclose their origin, functional relevance and most importantly their relation with SOs regarding memory consolidation. To examine slow spindles, we propose a biophysical thalamocortical model with two independent thalamic networks (one for slow and the other for fast spindles). Our modeling results show that fast spindles lead to faster cortical cell firing, and subsequently increase the amplitude of the cortical local field potential (LFP) during the SO down-to-up phase. Slow spindles also facilitate cortical cell firing, but the response is slower, thereby increasing the cortical LFP amplitude later, at the SO up-to-down phase of the SO cycle. Neither the SO rhythm nor the duration of the SO down state is affected by slow spindle activity. Furthermore, at a more hyperpolarized membrane potential level of fast thalamic subnetwork cells, the activity of fast spindles decreases, while the slow spindles activity increases. Together, our model results suggest that slow spindles may facilitate the initiation of the following SO cycle, without however affecting expression of the SO Up and Down states.
Is vigilance a personality trait? Plasticity is key alongside some contextual consistency
Authors: Mettke-Hofmann Claudia
Published: December 2022

Animals regularly scan their environment for predators and to monitor conspecifics. However, individuals in a group seem to differ in their vigilance linked to age, sex or state with recent links made to personality. The aims of the study were to investigate whether a) individuals differ consistently in their vigilance, b) vigilance is linked to other personality traits and c) other factors affect vigilance in the colour polymorphic Gouldian finch. Birds were tested in same (red-headed or black-headed) or mixed head colour morph same sex pairs in four contexts (novel environment, familiar environment, two changed environments). Vigilance was measured as horizontal head movements. Vigilance showed contextual consistency but no long-term temporal consistency over a year. Head movements were only weakly linked to other personality traits indicative of a risk-reward trade-off with more explorative individuals being less vigilant. Vigilance was highly plastic across situations and affected by group composition. Mixed head colour morph pairs made more head movements, potentially linked to higher social vigilance. Results indicate that vigilance is a highly plastic trait affected by personality rather than a personality trait on its own, which allows adapting vigilance to different situations.
Análise das modalidades barter, capital próprio e financiamento de insumos no cultivo da soja no Brasil
Authors: Trentin Daniel , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia
Published: December 2022

No panorama agrícola, o mercado do agronegócio é uma importante fonte de renda, e é um mecanismo essencial na geração de emprego para grande parte da população, além de ser uma das principais fontes de riqueza de uma nação. Nesse cenário, a produção de soja (Glycine max L.) tem grande notoriedade no Brasil, e no mundo, devido à sua importância e impacto nos aspectos ambientais, econômicos e sociais. Apesar de sua relevância, a geração de renda proveniente da agricultura pode apresentar-se comprometida devido aos riscos envolvidos. Além dos riscos climáticos e de produção que envolve tal atividade, existem também os riscos de mercado, mais especificamente, o risco sobre a variação preço. O produtor rural está cada vez mais em contato com informações, tecnologias e melhorias e consequentemente, inserido em um mercado mais competitivo e de riscos. A sua receita e sua permanência nesse sistema estão atreladas à gestão destes riscos de maneira eficaz. Neste sentido, a gestão de riscos na agricultura está, cada vez mais, pautada em dois tipos de riscos: preço (mercado) e produção. Os principais modelos de créditos para o produtor agrícola na aquisição de insumos podem ser separados em três: capital próprio, capital de terceiros e operação Barter, sendo que cada um desses recursos é oferecido por sistemas diferentes. O capital próprio tem origem nos resultados de safras anteriores e de novos investimentos; o capital de terceiros pode ter como fonte os recursos provenientes de créditos bancários ou cooperativas de créditos, e a terceira modalidade barter, a compra de insumos onde ocorre com pagamento a prazo por meio da troca dos grãos. Diante deste contexto, o presente estudo de revisão, buscou levantar as ideias de como se dá a análise das modalidades barter, capital próprio e financiamento de insumos no cultivo de soja no Brasil. Essas modalidades de comercialização da soja são praticadas em todo o mundo, com grande participação do Brasil. Portanto, os resultados obtidos no presente estudo indicam possíveis direcionamentos para gestores e empresas do setor do agronegócio.
COMPARTIMENTOS GEOMORFOLÓGICOS E PRODUÇÃO DE MILHO EM AGRICULTURA DE SUBSISTÊNCIA, GUARAPUAVA-PR: AVALIAÇÃO EXPLORATÓRIA
Authors: Thomaz Edivaldo Lopes
Published: December 2022

O presente ensaio teve por objetivo verificar a relação entre os compartimentos geomorfológicos e produção de milho em agricultura de subsistência. Foram coletadas amostras em cultura de milho cultivadas em dois compartimentos geomorfológicos (retilíneo e côncavo). Ocorreu variação na umidade de água ao longo da vertente estudada. Verificaram-se diferenças significativas no cultivo e na produção de milho praticada em cada um dos setores. No setor retilíneo a produção de milho foi de 1340 kg ha, enquanto que no setor côncavo atingiu 4170 kg ha. Concluiu-se que os compartimentos geomorfológicos (relevo) influenciaram o manejo e produção de milho.

Palavras-chaves: compartimentos geomorfológicos; produção de milho; avaliação exploratória, agricultura de subsistência; Guarapuava-PR
CARACTERIZAÇÃO TEMPORAL E ESPACIAL DA PRECIPITAÇÃO NO ENTORNO DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO GONÇALO (RJ) CONSIDERANDO A SÉRIE HISTÓRICA DE 1968 A 2002
Authors: Salgado Carla Maciel , Silva Tatiane da Cruz , Souza Gisele Cristina Augusto de , Freitas Humberto Camelo de
Published: December 2022

A falta de planejamento urbano e as características ambientais de São Gonçalo (RJ) tornam o município vulnerável Ã  ocorrência de enchentes. Para contribuir com ações que minimizem esse problema, este trabalho objetiva caracterizar a precipitação numa perspectiva espaço-temporal, utilizando dados de chuvas de postos pluviométricos situados no entorno de São Gonçalo. A análise da pluviosidade anual ao longo da série histórica (1968-2002) identificou três períodos distintos em que houve variação da pluviosidade: 1968-1980, 1981-1996 e 1997-2002. Constatou-se a variação espacial da precipitação por meio das variáveis de pluviosidade anual e de freqÃ¼ência de classes de chuva. Considerando a proximidade dos postos pluviométricos analisados em relação às bacias hidrográficas que convergem para São Gonçalo ou que se situam em seu território, verifica-se um considerável aporte de água que concorre para a formação de enchentes neste município.
Optimal Design of Hydraulic Disc Brake for Magnetorheological (MR) Application
Authors: Quamar Danishtah , Sarkar Chiranjit
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to provide a new design considering compressive force application in the MR fluid andimprove its braking torque by optimizing it. According to the current study, compressing the MR region will increase braking torque compared to no compression. The area covered by an existing model of the conventional disc brake is taken into consideration for the unique design of the MR brake to operate in shear and compression mode, and the required compression given by the hydraulic pressure similar to a conventional disc brake. The suggested MR brake’s structural layout is presented. The Herschel-Bulkley shear thinning model’s mathematical expression for the torque equation for the compression and shear modes is provided. An analytical magnetic circuit is done for the proposed design for determining the relationship between applied current and magnetic field strength as a function of the geometrical and material attributes of the MR brake. Simulation is done on COMSOL software with the help of an AC/DC module, considering the non-linear relationship between the magnetic field and magnetic flux. Simulation results of braking torque achieved with the varying current are determined. The graph displays the braking torque for current in the compression plus shear mode as well as shear mode. After that, optimization is done on the proposed model for optimal design parameters. For optimization, we adopt the most popular Genetic Algorithm (GA) method. Optimization aims to increase the braking torque capacity of the MR brake for the given volume.
Comparative characteristics of developing morphofunctional features of schoolchildren from different climatic and geographical regions
Authors: Mukataeva Zhanat , Dinmukhamedova Aigul , Kabieva Saltanat , Baidalinova Bibenur , Khamzina Saltanat , Zekenova Laila , Aizman Roman
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Adaptation processes in body of schoolchildren, along with study load and social factors, are determined by influence of climatic and geographical factors of residence region. This research has been undertaken to study the morphofunctional characteristics of schoolchildren at the age of 7–17 years.

Methods

The research involved 880 schoolchildren of both sexes in age from 7 to 17 years, studying in secondary school №22 in Pavlodar (Kazakhstan) and secondary school №7 in Kyzylorda (Kazakhstan). The Quetelet index of northern schoolchildren was within the norm but higher compared to southern peers.

Results

The Quetelet index was within the normal range for all schoolchildren, but higher among northerners. The indicator of the life index in the boys of the south was higher up to 10 years, then the adaptive possibilities of breathing decreased; in the girls in the north this indicator was higher in all periods, except for 8–9 years. The physical performance index (PWC170/kg) was higher in children from the southern region.

Conclusions

This study revealed significant geographical differences in the morphofunctional development of children. The obtained data served allowed establishing the “Electronic map of schoolchildren’s health” and indicated the need for systematic accounting of schoolchildren’s health indicators for effective development of differentiated prevention programs.
Developing a new pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program
Authors: Cicalese Erin , Meisler Sarah , Kitchin Michael , Zhang Margaret , Verma Sourabh , Dapul Heda , McKinstry Jaclyn , Toy Bridget , Chopra Arun , Fisher Jason C.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We aimed to critically evaluate the effectiveness of a designated ECMO team in our ECMO selection process and patient outcomes in the first 3 years of our low-volume pediatric ECMO program.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received an ECMO consultation between the start of our program in March 2015 and May 2018. We gathered clinical and demographic information on patients who did and did not receive ECMO, and described our selection process. We reflected on the processes used to initiate our program and our outcomes in the first 3 years.

Results

Sixty-nine patients received consultations, and of those, 50 patients were potential candidates. 19 (38%) of the candidates were ultimately placed on ECMO. There were statistically significant differences in oxygen saturation, paO2, oxygenation index, A-aDO2, lactate, and pH between the patients who went on ECMO and who did not. We improved our outcomes from 0% survival to discharge in 2015, to 60% in 2018, with an average of 63% survival to discharge over the first 3 years of our program.

Conclusions

In a low-volume pediatric ECMO center, having a designated team to assist in the patient selection process and management can help provide safe and efficient care to these patients, and improve patient outcomes. Having a strict management protocol and simulation sessions involving all members of the medical team yields comfort for the providers and optimal care for patients. This study describes our novel structure, processes, and outcomes, which we hope will be helpful to others seeking to develop a new pediatric ECMO program.
Activated carbon paper as ethylene adsorber
Authors: Qanytah  , Syamsu Khaswar , Fahma Farah , Pari Gustan , Ambarsari Indrie
Published: December 2022

The use of activated carbon with KMnO4 activators incorporated on the paper matrix is carried out in this research. Three methods of activated carbon incorporation on paper are carried out to evaluate the paper’s physical parameters and adsorption ability to ethylene. The paper’s physical parameters include grammage, bursting strength, Ring Crush Test (RCT), moisture content, water absorption (Cobb60), and paper microstructures using SEM. Evaluation of the performance of activated carbon paper nanopores as ethylene adsorbent is conducted using GC. The treatment of activated carbon nanopores on non-wood paper causes grammage to increase, but RCT and paper bursting strength decrease. The incorporation of nanopore-activated carbon by the mixing method has produced papers with activated carbon particles spread evenly inside the pulp fibers of the paper. Activated carbon paper with the best adsorption capacity is bamboo+KMnO4&mixing with an adsorption capacity of 1,348 ppm and ethylene amount of 88.58 %. Concentration equilibrium is reached in the 25th minute. The non-linear pseudo-first-order absorbent kinetics model is an appropriate model to describe the equilibrium capacity of ethylene entrant (qe) by nanopore-activated carbon paper with the equation:

qt
=
1.35734

(
1
−

exp

−
0.15312

t

)

\mathrm{qt}=1.35734\hspace{0.1667em}(1-{\exp ^{-0.15312\hspace{0.1667em}\mathrm{t}}})

, with

R

2

=
0.9981

{\mathrm{R}^{2}}=0.9981

.
Study of structure of nonaqueous reverse micelles with o-nitroaniline and methyl orange as molecular probes: comparison with an aqueous reverse micelles
Authors: Kurtanidze Manoni , Mzareulishvili Natia , Rukhadze Marina , Bezarashvili George , Sidamonidze Nelly
Published: December 2022

Instead of water reversed micelles can also be formed with polar organic solvents possessed with high dielectric constant and very low solubility in oil phase. Nonaqueous reverse micelles or microemulsions represent an interesting microreactors for various reactions, especially for reactions, where reagents can react with water. Study of localization places of molecular probes in organic polar pockets of reverse micelles is topical. The solvatochromic behavior of optical probes ortho-nitroaniline (o-NA) and methyl orange (MO) was studied in nonaqueous reverse micelles on the basis of surfactants sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether (C12E4) and polar organic solvents (acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, glacial acetic acid, etc.) insoluble in oil phase hexane. The strength of binding of o-NA and MO to AOT and C12E4 reversed micelles was assesssed via binding constant (K

b
) and association degree (α) respectively. Donor, acceptor, or dipole-dipole interactions ability of the solvent to the head groups of surfactant was taken into account in order to explain results obtained with UV–visible spectroscopic method. The binding constants of o-NA with reverse AOT micelles in the presence of various solvents in the pockets of reversed micelles increase in the following row water < glacial acetic acid < acetonitrile < dimethylformamide < dimethyl sulfoxide, but this sequence is reversed when o-NA binds to C12E4 reverse micelles. The high value of the proton donor or acidity parameter in the water molecule (x

d
 = 0.37) determines the weak binding of o-NA to the head AOT groups (K

b
 = 20.8) in case of aqueous reverse micelles. The high value of the dipole parameter in the dimethylformamide molecule (x

n
 = 0.40) promotes its strong interaction with nonionic polyoxyethylene groups of C12E4, which results in low value of binding constant (K

b
 = 26.5) in case of optical probe o-NA and low value of association degree (α = 0.60) using MO as absorption probe. The results of this article will contribute to the improvement of the concept of interfacial processes, viz.: (i) some issues of supramolecular chemistry, (ii) revealing the contribution of parameters of donor, acceptor or dipole-dipole interaction in a polar organic solvent at the surfactant/nonpolar organic solvent interface, and (iii) features of the dissolution of optical probes in non-aqueous reverse micelles.
How Characters Are Learned Leaves Its Mark on the Neural Substrates of Chinese Reading
Authors: Feng Jieyin , Mak Hoi Yan , Wang Jing , Cai Qing
Published: December 2022

Understanding how the brain functions differently as one learns to read may shed light on the controversial nature of the reading ability of human being. Logographic writing system such as Chinese has been found to rely on specialized neural substrates beyond the reading network of alphabetic languages. The ability to read in Chinese has also been proposed to rely on writing skills. However, it was unclear whether the learning-related alteration of neural responses was language specific or resulted from the more reliance on writing practice during acquisition. This study investigated whether the emergence of typical logographic-specific regions relied on learning by writing. We taught proficient alphabetic language readers Chinese characters and used pre-test and post-test to identify changes in two critical stages of reading, namely, orthographic processing and orthographic-to-phonological mapping. Two typical left hemispheric areas for logographic reading showed increased responses to characters in the brains of proficient alphabetic readers after learning, regardless of whether the learning strategy involved writing practice. Moreover, learning strategy modulated the response magnitude or multivoxel patterns in the left superior parietal lobule, left middle frontal gyrus, and right fusiform gyrus, some of which were task dependent. The findings corroborated a limited role of writing in the emergence of logographic-specific reading network and suggested the heterogeneous nature of different brain regions in this network.