bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A APLICABILIDADE DA CLASSIFICAÇÃO CLIMÁTICA DE THORNTHWAITE NO CONTEXTO SEMIÁRIDO DO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO: ESTUDO DE CASO DA SERRA DE BATURITÉ E SEU ENTORNO
Authors: Silva Neto José Augusto , Sales Marta Celina Linhares
Published: October 2020

A presente pesquisa pretende verificar a aplicabilidade do modelo de classificação climática proposto por Thornthwaite para a dinâmica hidroclimática do domínio semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro, usando como recorte espacial o enclave úmido conhecido como Serra de Baturité. Para a realização da classificação climática foram utilizadas as médias mensais de temperatura e pluviometria dos postos pluviométricos de Baturité, Caridade, Mulungu e Guaramiranga, no período de 1989-2018. Os resultados possibilitaram verificar a ocorrência de climas semiáridos (D) para Baturité e Caridade, sub-úmido úmido (C2) para Mulungu e úmido (B3) para Guaramiranga. Dessa forma, as variações climáticas ocasionadas pelas diferentes condições fisiográficas que se processam em função da presença da Serra de Baturité foram comprovadas de forma sistemática. No entanto, mediante a uma análise mais apurada dos resultados obtidos, foi necessária a realização de uma proposta de reorganização dos intervalos destinados à classificação dos climas secos por meio de uma subdivisão do clima semiárido (D) em três níveis de semiaridez e da adição de novos subtipos climáticos destinados a representar as variações de umidade que ocorrem no Outono e na Primavera. Ao aplicar as modificações propostas, as novas classificações proporcionaram uma leitura que melhor sintetizou a realidade climática e evidenciou de forma mais detalhada as especificidades do clima de cada ponto analisado.
ANÁLISE DOS ÍNDICES DE CONFORTO TÉRMICO PMV E PET EM DIFERENTES TIPOS DE COBERTURAS EM AMBIENTE ABERTO NA CIDADE DE CUIABÁ-MT
Authors: Ribeiro Karyn Ferreira Antunes , Justi Ana Clara Alves , Santos Flávia Maria De Moura , Nogueira Marta Cristina De Jesus Albuquerque , De Musis Carlo Ralph
Published: October 2020

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo analisar os índices de conforto térmico PMV e PET em diferentes ambientes abertos. Logo, coletou-se variáveis climáticas por meio de estações micro meteorológicas fixas e para estimar o conforto térmico, aplicou-se questionários com perguntas subjetivas e processamento com o software RayMan. A menor variação de temperatura do arfoi verificada no cenário arborizado, com valores de 27,5 a 35,2 °C no período quente-úmido e de 22,1 a 34,8 °C no período quente-seco. A umidade relativa do ar, também teve a menor variação neste cenário, com valores de 40,0 a 80,0 % no período quente-úmido e de 28,7 a 81,1 % no período quente-seco. Já a velocidade do vento exerceu pouca influência, com intensidade alternando entre calmo a brisa leve. Os melhores valores de PMV e PET foram expressos no cenário arborizado, com valores que variaram de 0,1 a 3,9 e de -4,0 a 3,8 e de 27,5 a 37,4 °C e de 20,3 a 36,3 °C para os períodos quente-úmido e quente seco respectivamente. Conclui-se que os índices PMV E PET demonstraram-se eficientes para estimar o conforto térmico, concordando com o comportamento das variáveis climáticas aferidas e ressaltando a importância da arborização nas cidades.
RISCOS DE DÉFICIT HÍDRICO DURANTE O CICLO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DA CEVADA EM GUARAPUAVA-PR, EM DIFERENTES CONDIÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS
Authors: Bueno Janaina Cosmedamiana Metinoski , Jadoski Sidnei Osmar , Pott Cristiano Andre , Maciel Clever Daniel de Góes
Published: October 2020

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os riscos de ocorrência de déficit hídrico no solo durante as fases do ENOS e em neutralidade climática, para a cultura da cevada em Guarapuava-PR. O estudo compreende o período entre 01 de janeiro de 1976 a 31 de dezembro de 2018, totalizando uma série climática histórica de 43 anos. Foi analisado o balanço hídrico decendial para o período de cultivo da cevada, entre os meses de junho e novembro. Verificou-se que existem diferenças nos riscos de deficiência hídrica no solo em relação a períodos com La Niña, El Niño e Neutralidade atmosférica. Entretanto, independente do fenômeno estabelecido, a opção pela semeadura no primeiro decêndio do mês de julho, representa a via mais adequada visando reduzir riscos de deficiência hídrica durante períodos críticos da cultura.
ANÁLISE DAS VARIAÇÕES SAZONAIS DA TEMPERATURA NA ÁREA URBANA E ENTORNO RURAL DE SANTA MARIA – RS, BRASIL, A PARTIR DE PONTOS FIXOS DE COLETA DE DADOS E IMAGENS ORBITAIS
Authors: Trindade Patrícia Michele Pererira , Saldanha Dejanira Luderitz , Pereira Filho Waterloo
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as diferenças térmicas entre o espaço urbano e o entorno rural de Santa Maria – RS no período de março/2017 a março/2018 a partir de pontos fixos de coletas de dados e imagens orbitais. A primeira etapa da pesquisa consistiu na distribuição de 10 data loggers em área urbana e rural, registrando a temperatura do ar (Tar) para o período supracitado. A segunda etapa correspondeu à aquisição da temperatura de superfície (TS) a partir imagens termais Landsat 8, compreendendo as quatro estações do ano. O resultado indicou que as áreas urbanas apresentaram Tar superior ao rural principalmente na primavera e verão. O ponto T6, área centro-comercial, apresentou maior aquecimento que os demais durante a noite e madrugada e no ponto T3, maior altitude e densa arborização, verificou-se as menores temperaturas. Os valores de TS também foram superiores em área urbana, no entanto, no meio rural também verificou-se TS elevada em áreas de solo exposto. De modo geral, TS foi superior à Tar, com maior diferença nos pontos urbanos. Destaca-se que a pesquisa possibilitou a análise da variação da temperatura na área de estudo a partir da integração de dados de campo e de sensoriamento remoto.
Belezas e mazelas naturais e humanas nas fotografias do livro Bahia de Mario Cravo Neto
Authors: Castanheira Rafael , Kieling Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Este artigo se debruça sobre o processo de fotodocumentação de Mario Cravo Neto na cidade de Salvador. Para isso, dedica-se a análise do seu livro Bahia, cuja narrativa volta-se para as belezas e as mazelas das paisagens naturais e humanas desta cidade, com foco na classe trabalhadora de baixa renda. Suas fotografias, realizadas entre os anos 1968 e 1980, não apelam para a estetização da pobreza nem para a representação exótica e pitoresca da capital baiana, e algumas delas se distanciam da ideia de fotografia como espelho do real ao explorar sombras e silhuetas, desfoques e borrões provocados, respectivamente, pela contraluz ou iluminação precária e pelo uso de baixas velocidades do obturador da câmera. O esforço é trabalhar a tensão presente no trabalho de Cravo Neto, especialmente no diálogo que faz com a tradição reformista da “Fotografia Social” e com os fotógrafos ligados à reportagem engajada.
Learning Health-Care Worker Networks from Electronic Health Record Utilization
Authors: Chen You
Published: October 2020

The health-care system is a highly collaborative environment where health-care workers collaborate to care for patients. Health-care organizations (HCOs) design and develop various types of staffing plans to promote collaboration among health-care workers. The existing staffing plans describe the cooperation at a coarse-grained level, such as team scheduling. They seldom consider connections among health-care workers and investigate how health-care workers receive and disseminate information, which is essential evidence to inform actionable staffing interventions to improve care quality and patient safety. In this chapter, we introduce how to apply network analysis methods to electronic health record (EHR) utilization data to learn connections among health-care workers and build networks to describe teamwork in a fine-grained level. The chapter includes: (i) a brief description of the EHR utilization data, (ii) approaches to learn connections among health-care workers, (iii) building health-care worker networks, (iv) developing survey instruments to validate health-care worker networks, (v) introducing sociometric measurements to quantify network structures and positions of health-care workers in the networks, (vi) using statistical models to test associations between teamwork structures and patient outcomes, and (vii) listing examples to learn health-care worker networks in an HCO and a specific setting, including neonatal intensive care unit and trauma.
Reproductive Tract Infection Among Women Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis in India: A Clinical-Based, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Naderi Jaleh , Chopra Arvind , Relwani Renu
Published: October 2020

Background: Much research has been done on reproductive tract infections (RTIs), but no study exists about RTIs among rheumatoid arthritis women. Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of RTIs among reproductive-aged women with rheumatoid arthritis in Pune, India. Methods: This clinical-based, cross-sectional study enrolled a sample of 400 consenting Indian women aged 15 -49 years with a history of at least three months’ rheumatoid arthritis referring to a popular community center. Patients were interviewed comprehensively using previously validated relevant questionnaires. Women underwent gynecological examinations and vaginal smears (wet mount) by a microbiologist to diagnose candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Syphilis serological testing was performed for the study population. Results: The prevalence obtained was 39.3%. Infection with bacterial vaginosis was 32.0%, Candidiasis 6.5%, and trichomoniasis 0.8%. Syphilis seroconversion was not observed. Adjusting for confounding factors in logistic regression showed that four factors remained significant, including age under 30 years [AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2 - 4.9], living in a crowded and small one-room house [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2 - 5.1] , improper linen for menstruation bleeding [AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 - 3.3], and oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [AOR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.9 - 7.9]. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a large burden of RTIs in women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Regular screening algorithms for RTIs are urgently required to prevent neglect and improve overall standard care in rheumatology practice. The presence of an oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug as a risk factor shows that more investigation is necessary in this case.
Utilitarismus a lidská práva
Authors: Hapla Martin
Published: October 2020

Článek se zabývá tím, zda je koncept lidských práv slučitelný s utilitaristickou etikou. Nejprve stručně charakterizuje utilitarismus a upozorňuje na některá zkreslení a dezinterpretace tohoto směru. Následně se věnuje i rozlišení různých způsobů, jak můžeme chápat lidská práva (zejména jejich pojetí coby legálních a morálních práv). V souvislosti s jejich utilitaristickým ospravedlněním si pak klade dvě stěžejní otázky: 1) Podle některých autorů je s tímto etickým směrem slučitelná pouze idea legálních práv. Dává v jeho kontextu vůbec smysl hovořit o lidských právech coby určitém specifickém druhu morálních práv? 2) Jak máme postupovat, když k maximalizaci užitku přispívá porušení nějakého lidského práva? Nenutí nás taková situace zvolit si mezi utilitarismem a lidskými právy? Tento text ukazuje, že pokud chápeme utilitarismus správným, a nikoliv zkresleným způsobem, poskytuje nám na obě otázky uspokojivé odpovědi. Lidská práva coby určitá morální práva lze v jeho kontextu chápat jako součást pozitivní morálky, která by nejvíce přispívala k maximalizaci užitku. Pokud do našich úvah zahrneme všechny relevantní faktory, nemusíme se nakonec ani obávat toho, že by nás utilitaristická etika ve skutečném světě nutila k přijetí problematických závěrů stran dodržování uvedených práv.
Výkon činnosti mediátora z pohledu zapsaných mediátorů
Authors: Kubátová Helena , Malacka Michal
Published: October 2020

Cílem článku je odpovědět na výzkumnou otázku, jak zapsaní mediátoři reflektují obecný a specifický výkon mediace v ČR. Přestože má výkon mediace svá kodifikovaná pravidla daná zákonem o mediaci, náš výzkum se nesoustředil jen na zákonnou úpravu, ale také na zkoumání praxe mediace v rámci úpravy tohoto zákona. Data byla získána empirickým kvalitativním výzkumem pomocí hloubkových rozhovorů se zapsanými mediátory. Článek se kromě úvodu a závěru skládá ze dvou částí. V první části popisujeme metodologii kvalitativního výzkumu. Zaměřujeme se v ní na výzkumnou otázku, cíl výzkumu a použitou metodu, dále seznamujeme s konstrukcí a strukturou vzorku případů a také s metodikou sběru a analýzy kvalitativních dat. Ve druhé části prezentujeme model zakotvené teorie výkonu mediace, který byl vytvořen na základě analýzy a interpretace dat.
Making Our Thoughts Clear
Authors: Alshanetsky Eli ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2020

We often get clear on our thoughts in the process of putting them into words. I investigate the nature of this process by posing the question, “Do you know which thought you are trying to articulate, before successfully articulating it?” and rejecting two answers to the dilemma it yields. The first is that the answer is yes, and that articulation is either the recollection of prior knowledge or the mere acquisition of a skill or ability rather than of propositional knowledge. The second is that the answer is no, and that your thought is unknown in that it is not yet fully realized. Clarity, according to this response, is a metaphysical property of the thought rather than the thinker’s epistemic relation to it. I offer a third solution: you start out with implicit knowledge of your thought but lack explicit knowledge of it. The process of articulation moves you from implicit to explicit knowledge.
Performance Status Restriction in Phase III Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Abi Jaoude Joseph , Kouzy Ramez , Mainwaring Walker , Lin Timothy A. , Miller Austin B. , Jethanandani Amit , Espinoza Andres F. , Pasalic Dario , Verma Vivek , VanderWalde Noam A. , Smith Benjamin D. , Smith Grace L. , Fuller C. David , Das Prajnan , Minsky Bruce D. , Rödel Claus , Fokas Emmanouil , Jagsi Reshma , Thomas Charles R. , Subbiah Ishwaria M. , Taniguchi Cullen M. , Ludmir Ethan B.
Published: October 2020

Background: Patients with good performance status (PS) tend to be favored in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), possibly limiting the generalizability of trial findings. We aimed to characterize trial-related factors associated with the use of PS eligibility criteria and analyze patient accrual breakdown by PS. Methods: Adult, therapeutic, multiarm phase III cancer-specific RCTs were identified through ClinicalTrials.gov. PS data were extracted from articles. Trials with a PS restriction ECOG score ≤1 were identified. Factors associated with PS restriction were determined, and the use of PS restrictions was analyzed over time. Results: In total, 600 trials were included and 238,213 patients had PS data. Of those trials, 527 studies (87.8%) specified a PS restriction cutoff, with 237 (39.5%) having a strict inclusion criterion (ECOG PS ≤1). Enrollment criteria restrictions based on PS (ECOG PS ≤1) were more common among industry-supported trials (P<.001) and lung cancer trials (P<.001). Nearly half of trials that led to FDA approval included strict PS restrictions. Most patients enrolled across all trials had an ECOG PS of 0 to 1 (96.3%). Even among trials that allowed patients with ECOG PS ≥2, only 8.1% of those enrolled had a poor PS. Trials of lung, breast, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers all included <5% of patients with poor PS. Finally, only 4.7% of patients enrolled in trials that led to subsequent FDA approval had poor PS. Conclusions: Use of PS restrictions in oncologic RCTs is pervasive, and exceedingly few patients with poor PS are enrolled. The selective accrual of healthier patients has the potential to severely limit and bias trial results. Future trials should consider a wider cancer population with close toxicity monitoring to ensure the generalizability of results while maintaining patient safety.
A Pilot Study of a Comprehensive Financial Navigation Program in Patients With Cancer and Caregivers
Authors: Watabayashi Kate , Steelquist Jordan , Overstreet Karen A. , Leahy Anthony , Bradshaw Erin , Gallagher Kathleen D. , Balch Alan J. , Lobb Rebecca , Lavell Laura , Linden Hannah , Ramsey Scott D. , Shankaran Veena
Published: October 2020

Background:Few studies have engaged patients and caregivers in interventions to alleviate financial hardship. We collaborated with Consumer Education and Training Services (CENTS), Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), and Family Reach (FR) to assess the feasibility of enrolling patient–caregiver dyads in a program that provides financial counseling, insurance navigation, and assistance with medical and cost of living expenses.Methods:Patients with solid tumors aged ≥18 years and their primary caregiver received a financial education video, monthly contact with a CENTS counselor and PAF case manager for 6 months, and referral to FR for help with unpaid cost of living bills (eg, transportation or housing). Patient financial hardship and caregiver burden were measured using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity–Patient-Reported Outcomes (COST-PRO) and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) measures, respectively, at baseline and follow-up.Results:Thirty patients (median age, 59.5 years; 40% commercially insured) and 18 caregivers (67% spouses) consented (78% dyad participation rate). Many participants faced cancer-related financial hardships prior to enrollment, such as work change or loss (45% of patients; 39% of caregivers) and debt (64% of patients); 39% of caregivers reported high levels of financial burden at enrollment. Subjects received $11,000 in assistance (mean, $772 per household); 66% of subjects with income ≤$50,000 received cost-of-living assistance. COST-PRO and CSI scores did not change significantly.Conclusions:Patient–caregiver dyads were willing to participate in a financial navigation program that addresses various financial issues, particularly cost of living expenses in lower income participants. Future work should address financial concerns at diagnosis and determine whether doing so improves patient and caregiver outcomes.
EVALUATING THE ACCURACY OF TOOTH-SUPPORTED VS MUCOSA-SUPPORTED 3D-PRINTED SURGICAL GUIDE IN DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT (CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY)
Authors: TOUTANGY Emad , BRAD Bassel , ALZEİN Mohammad Alaa , AL-SHURBAJİ AL-MOZİEK Mohammed Yamen
Published: October 2020

Objectives: This study aims to estimate the accuracy of implant insertion using stereolithographic 3D-printed surgical guides; two types were evaluated: tooth-supported and mucosa-supported guides. Materials and methods: 9 patients were enrolled in this study, 5 males and 4 females, mean age: 49.33 years. 12 implants were inserted using tooth-supported guides While 12 implants were inserted using mucosa-supported guides, deviations between the virtual planned implants and the placed implants were calculated after matching the pre- and post-operative CBCT. Matching process was performed using digital software (Blue Sky Plan); angular deviation, deviation at the entry point and apex of the implant were measured. An independent samples t-test was performed to compare the two groups using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean angular deviations were 3.67 ± 1.61 degrees and 5.46 ± 2.41 degrees with the tooth-supported and mucosa-supported surgical guides respectively, and the mean three‐dimensional deviations were 0.70 ± 0.35 mm and 1.38 ± 0.41 mm at the entry point, 0.99 ± 0.52 mm and 1.86 ± 0.51 mm at the apex, with the tooth-supported and mucosa-supported surgical guides respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the accuracy of the tooth-supported guide is superior to the mucosa-supported guide.
Louis Glass and Carl Nielsen: Opposites in Danish Musical Life
Authors: Røllum-Larsen Claus , Zervides Marie-Louise , Fanning David
Published: October 2020

Carl Nielsen and Louis Glass were close contemporaries, and their musical careers began in parallel. But their points of departure were different. Whereas Nielsen took off from Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorˇák and Svendsen, Glass was particularly inspired by César Franck and Bruckner. Around the time of World War One, the differences became pronounced. Nielsen gained great popularity with his folk-like songs, whilst Glass submersed himself in theosophy. Symbolic of the differences are Nielsen’s Fourth Symphony, The Inextinguishable, and Glass’s Fifth, Sinfonia Svastica, each of which foregrounds the concept of ‘Life’, but from a different point of view. Glass clearly perceived that he had become cast in Nielsen’s shadow, and in a short correspondence with him in 1923 he tried to plead his case that they were both working in the same direction but from different points of departure. He felt that they were complementary. Nielsen’s side of the correspondence has not survived, and we therefore do not know his attitude.
”Critical Parents Against Plaster”
Authors: Klitgård Ida
Published: October 2020

In this study, I propose to regard written news satire as a vital vehicle in combatting scientific disinformation. But in order to do so, we must examine the construction of spoof news. How does written news satire convey its social criticism by way of language, discourse and style? And what happens to the content? My case is a spoof article of the 1998 MMR vaccination scandal as rendered in the Danish news satirical website Rokokoposten (2015). The analysis is based on Jakobson’s communication model (1960), Raskin’s semantic model of humour (1985) together with Ermida’s (2012) and Simpson’s (2003) analyses of the discourse of satire. To this will be included a novel approach which regards satire as a kind of intralingual translation. Thus, this paper sheds light on the issue of the news satirist as a knowledge broker.
El coronel Concha en el Cauca o la gestación de un vórtice político, 1821-1824
Authors: Gutiérrez Ardila Daniel
Published: October 2020

Objective/Context: The incorporation of the former governorship of Popayán into Colombia was challenging and was only achieved by sacrificing an essential part of the revolutionary program. The cost for the Republic was very high, since a model of society that the other New Granada provinces rejected survived, aggravated, in a region of capital importance. A political vortex came about where party disputes in the country would swirl about until the end of the century. Methodology: To understand this momentous gestation, this article, built from pamphlets of the time and military and judicial sources, follows the footsteps of Colonel José Concha, who was entrusted by the pro-independence authorities with the expansion of the Colombian project in the newly created department of Cauca. Originality: As will be seen, the insurmountable difficulties he faced in recruiting and marshaling resources are a clear indication of the fierce opposition of society as a whole to revolutionary innovations. The approach adopted, by insisting on the intensely passionate and emotional adherence that the royalist and revolutionary cause aroused during the last stage of the War of Independence in the southwest of New Granada, proposes a way to overcome the collapse of that historical reality in the face of the unchecked importance given to ethnic and corporate factors. Conclusions: Despite his activity and his arrests, Concha failed in his mission, and the Republic, in a certain way, gave in as well for this reason, leading to pacification ending up strengthening poisonous aristocratic ambitions.
Rabia y vergüenza en el crimen cometido por María Teresa Landa. México, 1929
Authors: Rodríguez Jiménez Pablo
Published: October 2020

Objective/Context: This article studies the crime committed by María Teresa Landa, the first national beauty queen, against her husband, General Moisés Vidal, on Sunday, August 25, 1929, in Mexico City. It also analyzes the criminal trial that followed, which set the stage for essential debates on the condition of women and frankly highlighted the confrontation between tradition and modernity in post-revolutionary Mexico. Methodology: The text describes the event and analyzes the context and the legal and emotional considerations that led to the acquittal of the accused. Originality: Although the Landa case has been the subject of numerous studies, historiography has not dealt with the emotional aspects of the process, which allow us to delve into details of Landa’s situation and discover new elements that accompanied her acquittal by the authorities. Conclusions: María Teresa Landa was acquitted by a popular jury that defined her action as a crime of passion. However, the trial revealed the reluctance to accept that a woman could avenge her honor. As a great paradox, the Government and the post-revolutionary society, which promoted so many changes, refused to accept any alteration in the political and cultural status of Mexican women.
Increased photosynthesis and grain yields in maize grown with less irrigation water combined with density adjustment in semiarid regions
Authors: Liu Donghua , Jia Qianmin , Li Juan , Zhang Peng , Ren Xiaolong , Jia Zhikuan
Published: October 2020

In order to design a water-saving and high-yield maize planting model suitable for semiarid areas, we conducted trials by combining supplementary irrigation with different planting densities. Three planting densities (L: 52,500, M: 75,000, and H: 97,500 plants ha–1) and four supplementary irrigation modes (NI: no irrigation; IV: 375 m3 ha–1 during the 11-leaf stage; IS: 375 m3 ha–1 in the silking stage; and IVS: 375 m3 ha–1 during both stages) were tested. The irrigation treatments significantly increased the leaf relative water content, but the high planting density significantly decreased the relative water content during the silking and filling stages. After supplementary irrigation during the 11-leaf stage, IV and IVS significantly increased the photosynthetic capacity, but decreased the leaf water use efficiency. IS and IVS significantly increased the photosynthetic capacity after supplementary irrigation in the silking stage over two years. During the filling stage, IV, IS, and IVS increased the two-year average net photosynthetic rate by 17.0%, 27.2%, and 30.3%, respectively. The intercellular CO2 concentration increased as the density increased, whereas the stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, and leaf water use efficiency decreased, and the high planting density significantly reduced the leaf photosynthetic capacity. The highest grain yield was obtained using the IVS treatment under the medium planting density, but it did not differ significantly from that with the IS treatment. Furthermore, the IVS treatment used two times more water than the IS treatment. Thus, the medium planting density combined with supplementary irrigation during the silking stage was identified as a suitable water-saving planting model to improve the photosynthetic capacity and grain yield, and to cope with drought and water shortages in semiarid regions.
Phylogeographic analysis and species distribution modelling of the wood frogBatrachyla leptopus(Batrachylidae) reveal interglacial diversification in south western Patagonia
Authors: Nuñez José J. , Suárez-Villota Elkin Y. , Quercia Camila A. , Olivares Angel P. , Sites Jr Jack W.
Published: October 2020

Background

The evolutionary history of southern South American organisms has been strongly influenced by Pleistocene climate oscillations. Amphibians are good models to evaluate hypotheses about the influence of these climate cycles on population structure and diversification of the biota, because they are sensitive to environmental changes and have restricted dispersal capabilities. We test hypotheses regarding putative forest refugia and expansion events associated with past climatic changes in the wood frogBatrachyla leptopusdistributed along ∼1,000 km of length including glaciated and non-glaciated areas in southwestern Patagonia.

Methods

Using three mitochondrial regions (D-loop,cyt b, andcoI) and two nuclear loci (pomcandcrybA1), we conducted multilocus phylogeographic analyses and species distribution modelling to gain insights of the evolutionary history of this species. Intraspecific genealogy was explored with maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and phylogenetic network approaches. Diversification time was assessed using molecular clock models in a Bayesian framework, and demographic scenarios were evaluated using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) and extended Bayesian skyline plot (EBSP). Species distribution models (SDM) were reconstructed using climatic and geographic data.

Results

Population structure and genealogical analyses support the existence of four lineages distributed north to south, with moderate to high phylogenetic support (Bootstrap > 70%; BPP > 0.92). The diversification time ofB. leptopus’ populations began at ∼0.107 mya. The divergence between A and B lineages would have occurred by the late Pleistocene, approximately 0.068 mya, and divergence between C and D lineages was approximately 0.065 mya. The ABC simulations indicate that lineages coalesced at two different time periods, suggesting the presence of at least two glacial refugia and a postglacial colonization route that may have generated two southern lineages (p = 0.93, type I error: <0.094, type II error: 0.134). EBSP, mismatch distribution and neutrality indexes suggest sudden population expansion at ∼0.02 mya for all lineages. SDM infers fragmented distributions ofB. leptopusassociated with Pleistocene glaciations. Although the present populations ofB. leptopusare found in zones affected by the last glacial maximum (∼0.023 mya), our analyses recover an older history of interglacial diversification (0.107–0.019 mya). In addition, we hypothesize two glacial refugia and three interglacial colonization routes, one of which gave rise to two expanding lineages in the south.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Some Yield Component Traits in a 10x10 Diallel Cross of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Vange T. , Ojo G. O. S. , Ladan A. M.
Published: October 2020

A ten – parent diallel experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farms of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to estimate combining ability and heterosis in rice. The design was a 10x10 alpha lattice with three replications and data was collected on plant height (PH), tiller numbers/plant (TN), leaf length (LL) and width (LW), days to flowering (DF), panicle length (PL), panicle exsertion (PE), spikelet numbers/panicle (SN), 100 seed weight (100SW) and days to maturity(DM). A preponderance of both additive and non – additive gene action with both negative and positive GCA, SCA and % heterosis was observed in the control of yield component traits in the studied rice varieties and their hybrids. Non – additive variance was higher, except for DF, SN and DM where additive variance was higher compared to non – additivity. Six parents, namely MGD 101, FARO 44, FARO 52, FARO 57, STRASSA 58 and IR 72 recorded the highest GCA values for most of the traits and the least values in terms of days to flowering and maturity. These parents were the most frequent in crosses with the highest SCA effects and % heterosis for Tiller number, Leaf length, leaf width, panicle length and Spikelet numbers/panicle. Crosses involving these six parents also recorded the least SCA effects and % heterosis for days to flowering and maturity. Based on the results of GCA, SCA and % heterosis, backcross breeding of F1s to their respective parents (the six parents), was recommended for improvement of yield component traits.
Integrated Effect of Chlorusulfuron, Nitrogen Fertilizer and Varieties on Striga Management in Sorghum in Western, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Letemariam , Fitw Ibrahim , Araya Alemu
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was conducted during the cropping seasons of 2017/2018 to evaluate the effect of levels of herbicide and N fertilizer and sorghum varieties on striga management in the Western Tigray. Split-split plot design was used to conduct the experiment using three replicate. The experiment comprised of four levels of N fertilizer in the main plot (control (0 kg/ha, 23, 46 and 69 kgha-1) and herbicide applications in sub-plot (0, 10, 15 and 20 gha-1) and three sorghum varieties (Birhan, Deber and Wediaker) in sub-sub plot under naturally S. hermonthica infested area. Striga counts and striga growth parameters were recorded. Results showed that days to first flowering, striga count per sorghum plant, stand counts of striga at 45 DAP, 65 DAP and 85 DAP per m-2, branch number per plant, plant height and biomass of striga were significantly (P<0.01) affected with the application of N fertilizer, herbicide rates and varieties. Generally, an integrated approach was found to be the best method to control striga.
Concept of Outlier Study: The Management of Outlier Handling with Significance in Inclusive Education Setting
Authors: Mahapatra Abikesh Prasada Kumar , Nanda Anita , Mohapatra Bibhuti Bhusan , Padhy Archana Kumari , Padhy Indira
Published: October 2020

Collection of data and to check its suitability is the first step in any statistical data analysis. In such analyses, the presence of outliers appears as an unavoidable important problem. Outliers are unexpected random values in dataset, and they can alter the statistical conclusion and also affect their assumptions. Thus, in order to manage the data properly, outliers must be defined and treated. So all statisticians have to confront the analysis and forced to take a decision. There is only being one of the two extreme choices left for the researcher or statistician during the analysis of outliers. First, either to reject the outlier with the risk of loss of genuine information and the second one is to include them with the risk of error in drawing conclusion. The study therefore summarize  the various potential causes of extreme scores in a data set (e.g., data recording or entry errors, sampling errors, and legitimate sampling), how to detect them, and whether they should be removed or not. Another objective of this study was to explore how significantly a small proportion of outliers can affect even simple analyses. The study was explored with citing suitable examples including outlier value and also excluding the outlier data. The examples show a strong beneficial effect of repetition of the study based on extreme of scores. One way ANOVA test was performed and the significance of extreme outlier was described.
Modeling User Acceptance of Electronic Voting: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Approach
Authors: Okediran Oladotun O. , Oyediran Mayowa O. , Sijuade Adeyemi A. , Wahab Wajeed B.
Published: October 2020

Election voting has emerged as a significant alternative to conventional voting methods with testimonials of its implementation showing various degrees of success in some countries of the western world. Lately, many developing countries are also looking at its prospects as a replacement or supplement for traditional paper balloting which is, the principal voting method in most of these countries. However, the voting populace’ acceptance of this technology is a major factor that needs to be considered before its actual introduction owning to factors that includes, digital divides, low literacy level, norms and beliefs, high poverty level and so on. From another viewpoint, due to the peculiarity of contextual ICT infrastructural challenges of developing countries, there is a need to investigate the factors that will influence adoption decision and eventual usage when planning to introduce electronic voting so that the evolving system will not end up being impractical for the target users. In this study, an empirical investigation of the factors influencing the adoption decision of electronic voting was carried out.  More specifically, this study aimed at examining the possibilities and intents towards mobile voting (which is a type of electronic voting), among a selected sample population of electorates in Nigeria. In the study, an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that integrates Subjective norm, Perceived compatibility, Perceived privacy, Perceived security, Perceived price value and Perceived trust into the original TAM constructs was proposed. A total of 1364 sample data were collected from a selected population of electorates who had at one time or the other participated in at least an electioneering process in Nigeria.  The data was then analyzed statistically using Partial Least Square           Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results obtained show that all variables have significant effect on the electorates’ behavioural intention to use mobile voting except for perceived privacy.
Investment and Crop Diversity: An Empirical Evidence from Rural-Urban Interface of Bengaluru
Authors: Udaykumar M. S. , Umesh K. B.
Published: October 2020

The study was undertaken in North of Bengaluru to analyse the investment pattern, crop diversification and farm household’s income across rural-urban interface. The required data was collected from randomly selected 80 farmers each under rural, transition and urban gradients. Tobit regression was used to determine the drivers of investment and Herfindahl index was used to capture the extent of crop diversification across rural urban interface. The per farm investment was relatively higher on water resource and irrigation structure across all the gradients. Around 56, 51 and 45 percent of farmers have invested on water resource and irrigation structures in transition, urban and rural gradient, respectively followed by animal husbandry (40% in rural gradient) and plantation and horticulture (25% in transition and urban gradients). There has been an investment led crop diversification from food crops to vegetables, flower and fruit crops in rural gradient between 2014 and 2019. Whereas, in transition and urban gradients, diversification was from food and vegetable crops to high value fruit crops during the same period. During 2019, the extent of diversification was more in transition (0.21) and rural (0.25) gradients compared to urban (0.29) gradient. Age of head of family, farm income and borrowed capital were the chief drivers which significantly affected the investment in agriculture. The study concludes that, investment led high value crops cultivation and crop diversification played significant role in augmenting the farm income leading to improvement in farmer’s welfare assuring food and livelihood security.
Bacterial Analysis for Seminal Fluid befor In-vitro Fertilization Procedure
Authors: Noor S. O. , Albalawi A. , Abduljabbar H. , Alosaimi Ebtesam H. , Hassan Sabah M. , Najjar A.
Published: October 2020

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most advanced technique of assisted reproductive where the sperm reach the eggs for fertilization in a laboratory tube. Seminal fluid often contains bacterial contaminants that decrease the quality and quantity of seminal fluids.

Aim: In this study we investigated the presence of bacteria in semen before IVF procedure.

Methodology: All samples were identified according to the morphological, biochemical, molecular, and antimicrobial tests.

Results: Microbial species were detected in 28% of semen samples, while 72% did not show any bacterial growth. The prevalent bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Catellicoccus spp., and Pseudomonas spp.

Conclusion: The use of microbiological analysis to identify resistant bacterial isolates is considered an effective method to reduce infertility in men by changing the contaminated semen.
Gastrodin alleviates bone damage by modulating protein expression and tissue redox state
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Shi Chunling , Muhammed Fenik K. , He Jia , Abdullah Adil O. , Liu Yi
Published: October 2020

Fluorosis is a common disease characterized by disruptions in bone metabolism and enamel development. The production of reactive oxygen species is thought to play an important role in fluorosis. Gastrodin (4‐hydroxybenzylalcohol4‐O‐beta‐D‐glucopyranoside) has been reported to have antioxidative activity, and so here we examined whether gastrodin has protective effects against oxidative stress and bone tissue toxicity in rats with fluorosis. Wistar rats were given different doses of gastrodin 1 month after fluoride administration, and samples of blood, bone and teeth were collected after 2, 3 and 4 months; glutathione peroxidase glu, CAT and SOD levels in the fluorosis group were lower than those in the control group. Gastrodin treatment in rats ameliorated oxidative stress and fluoride accumulation that were induced by fluoride; treatment with 400 mg·kg−1 gastrodin protected trabecular bone structure and reduced femur and alveolar bone injury in rats with fluorosis. Enhanced expression of cysteinyl aspartate‐specific proteinase (caspase) 3, caspase‐9 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl‐2 induced by fluoride were also reversed by gastrodin. In summary, the present data suggest that gastrodin, and in particular a dose of 400 mg·kg−1, can improve the antioxidative capacity of rats, reduce concentration of fluoride in tissues, alleviate bone damage and modulate expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9.
Localization of CDR2L and CDR2 in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
Authors: Herdlevær Ida , Kråkenes Torbjørn , Schubert Manja , Vedeler Christian A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Identify the subcellular location and potential binding partners of two cerebellar degeneration‐related proteins, CDR2L and CDR2, associated with anti‐Yo‐mediated paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.

Methods

Cancer cells, rat Purkinje neuron cultures, and human cerebellar sections were exposed to cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with Yo antibodies and with several antibodies against CDR2L and CDR2. We used mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, super‐resolution microscopy, proximity ligation assay, and co‐immunoprecipitation to verify the antibodies and to identify potential binding partners.

Results

We confirmed the CDR2L specificity of Yo antibodies by mass spectrometry‐based proteomics and found that CDR2L localized to the cytoplasm and CDR2 to the nucleus. CDR2L co‐localized with the 40S ribosomal protein S6, while CDR2 co‐localized with the nuclear speckle proteins SON, eukaryotic initiation factor 4A‐III, and serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 2.

Interpretation

We showed that Yo antibodies specifically bind to CDR2L in Purkinje neurons of PCD patients where they potentially interfere with the function of the ribosomal machinery resulting in disrupted mRNA translation and/or protein synthesis. Our findings demonstrating that CDR2L interacts with ribosomal proteins and CDR2 with nuclear speckle proteins is an important step toward understanding PCD pathogenesis.
Potential Impacts of a Pandemic on the US Farm Labor Market
Authors: Charlton Diane , Castillo Marcelo
Published: October 2020

An outbreak of COVID‐19 among farmworkers could have significant impacts on the workers, agricultural producers, and the consumers. Farmers are implementing new labor management practices to slow the spread of the virus among workers. Since immigration is temporarily restricted, farmers may have difficulty securing a sufficient workforce. We test whether changes in the unemployment rate affected H‐2A guest worker demand before the pandemic and find a statistically significant negative impact. Nevertheless, we expect that H‐2A recruitment will be vital to sustaining agricultural production. We conclude by discussing potential long‐term impacts of the pandemic on farm labor supply and demand.
Demetallization of heavy oil through pyrolysis: A reaction kinetics analysis
Authors: Chen Xue‐Feng , Da Zhi‐Jian , Gong Jian‐Hong , Zhang Hua‐Jie , Zhu Ya‐Kun , Yang Jing‐Yi , Yuan Pei‐Qing , Yuan Wei‐Kang
Published: October 2020

By tracking the transfer of vanadium and nickel in pyrolysis products, a seven‐lump reaction kinetic model for pyrolysis‐based demetallization of heavy oil was established. During pyrolysis, the demetallization of heavy oil is achieved by condensing metal‐rich resins and asphaltenes to coke. The condensation of oil components originally contained in heavy oil differs greatly in reaction behavior, having the activation energy between 167 and 361 kJ/mol. As the pyrolysis progresses, the newly formed heavy components show a condensation behavior close to that of the light components. Limited by high activation energy and low initial fraction, the condensation of asphaltenes to coke and the resulting removal of metals contained in asphaltenes are hindered. Meanwhile, the condensation of light components has a major contribution to coke formation. An increase in reaction temperature accelerates the demetallization, but hardly changes the yield and component distribution of liquid products at the same metal removal rate.
Kinetic analysis of cellular internalization and expulsion of unstructured D‐chirality cell penetrating peptides
Authors: Vaithiyanathan Manibarathi , Hymel Hannah C. , Safa Nora , Sanchez Olivia M. , Pettigrew Jacob H. , Kirkpatrick Cole S. , Gauthier Ted J. , Melvin Adam T.
Published: October 2020

Most cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are unstructured and susceptible to proteolytic degradation. One alternative is to incorporate D‐chirality amino acids into unstructured CPPs to allow for enhanced uptake and intracellular stability. This work investigates CPP internalization using a series of time, concentration, temperature, and energy dependent studies, resulting in a three‐fold increase in uptake and 50‐fold increase in stability of D‐chirality peptides over L‐chirality counterparts. CPP internalization occurred via a combination of direct penetration and endocytosis, with a percentage of internalized CPP expelling from cells in a time‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies identified that cells exported the intact internalized D‐chirality CPPs via an exocytosis independent pathway, analogous to a direct penetration method out of the cells. These findings highlight the potential of a D‐chirality CPP as bio‐vector in therapeutic and biosensing applications, but also identify a new expulsion method suggesting a relationship between uptake kinetics, intracellular stability, and export kinetics.
High recovery, point‐of‐collection plasma separation from blood using electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes
Authors: Gao Jie , Low Kwee Hiang Jackson , Chen Yang , Tai E. Shyong , Chung Tai‐Shung , Drum Chester Lee
Published: October 2020

Microvolume blood collection technologies are of intense interest in healthcare. Whereas dried blood spots collect all the blood components, the majority of clinical tests are performed on the noncellular, plasma component of blood. Thus, there is a critical need for a robust plasma‐collecting device, which can stabilize biomarkers of interest for clinical analysis. A dried plasma spot, which consists of a separation membrane for removing red blood cells (RBC) while avoiding cell lysis and an absorbing layer for collecting and stabilizing plasma biomarkers after separation may provide such a solution. We report a novel use of electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes to achieve a very promising separation of RBCs with near‐zero retention of human albumin protein (MW: 66.5 kDa). Physicochemical qualities of the separation membranes can be further optimized through doping and refinement of electrospinning conditions. The membranes may have future potential in microvolume sample collecting applications.