bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Subject-Oriented Historical GIS (the Example of Barnaul Infrastructure in the Late 18th – Early 20th Centuries)
Authors: Vladimirov Vladimir , Krupochkin Evgenii Petrovich , Sarafanov Dmitrii Evgen'evich
Published: April 2020

The article studies the infrastructure of Barnaul city in the second half of the 18th - early 20th centuries. The study aims at acquiring new systematic knowledge about the way the infrastructure of West Siberian cities developed, the influence of infrastructural objects on city ecology, the correlation of demographical and ecological factors influencing the city development and urban population reproduction. The study rests on an extensive source database including written, cartographic and photo documents stored mainly in the state archives of Altai Krai and Tomskaya Oblast as well as a number of published sources. The methodological basis of the work is the systemic and interdisciplinary approaches, the general scientific as well as traditional historical research methods. Geoinformation analysis based on the subject-oriented historical geoinformation system created is used as the main way to obtain new information. The article analyzes spatial aspects of the city infrastructure and ecological factors of its development and demonstrates changes in the disposition of infrastructural objects in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The article concludes that the negative impact of ecologically unfriendly city objects was exerted mainly through aggravating sanitary environment and ecosystems.
Flax seeds and finger millet enriched functional rusk
Authors: Lohan Amit , Kaushik Ravinder , Bansal Vikas , Gandhi Kamal
Published: April 2020

Bakery products are generally made up of refined wheat flour that may be deficient in both fibre and essential fatty acids. In this study α-linolenic acid and fibre enriched rusk using flax seeds and finger millet were developed. The proportions of finger millet, flax seed and wheat flours were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). On the basis of fibre and ALA content and baking quality characteristics of rusk 13.13%, 6.0% and 80.6% of finger millet, flax seed and wheat flours, respectively was finalized. The developed rusk contained 4.81% fibre and 1.36% α-linolenic acid. Wet and dry gluten content, SDS sedimentation, falling number, dough raising capacity of yeast and baking time of mixed flour of these components were statistically (p>0.05) similar to that of wheat flour (control). However, higher loaf weight and lower loaf height was observed in mixed flour rusk in comparison to control rusk. α-linolenic acid and fibres enriched rusk were developed with similar quality parameters and improved functional properties.
Estimating the evolutionary rates in mosasauroids and plesiosaurs: discussion of niche occupation in Late Cretaceous seas
Authors: Madzia Daniel , Cau Andrea
Published: April 2020

Observations of temporal overlap of niche occupation among Late Cretaceous marine amniotes suggest that the rise and diversification of mosasauroid squamates might have been influenced by competition with or disappearance of some plesiosaur taxa. We discuss that hypothesis through comparisons of the rates of morphological evolution of mosasauroids throughout their evolutionary history with those inferred for contemporary plesiosaur clades. We used expanded versions of two species-level phylogenetic datasets of both these groups, updated them with stratigraphic information, and analyzed using the Bayesian inference to estimate the rates of divergence for each clade. The oscillations in evolutionary rates of the mosasauroid and plesiosaur lineages that overlapped in time and space were then used as a baseline for discussion and comparisons of traits that can affect the shape of the niche structures of aquatic amniotes, such as tooth morphologies, body size, swimming abilities, metabolism, and reproduction. Only two groups of plesiosaurs are considered to be possible niche competitors of mosasauroids: the brachauchenine pliosaurids and the polycotylid leptocleidians. However, direct evidence for interactions between mosasauroids and plesiosaurs is scarce and limited only to large mosasauroids as the predators/scavengers and polycotylids as their prey. The first mosasauroids differed from contemporary plesiosaurs in certain aspects of all discussed traits and no evidence suggests that early representatives of Mosasauroidea diversified after competitions with plesiosaurs. Nevertheless, some mosasauroids, such as tylosaurines, might have seized the opportunity and occupied the niche previously inhabited by brachauchenines, around or immediately after they became extinct, and by polycotylids that decreased their phylogenetic diversity and disparity around the time the large-sized tylosaurines started to flourish.
Meat: Valuable Animal-Derived Nutritional Food. A Review
Authors: Boateng Evans Frimpong , Nasiru Mustapha Muhammad , Agyemang Mary
Published: April 2020

This article reviews meat as an animal-derived protein food needed in the diet for improved human nutrition. To achieve high-quality biological protein that offer health-promoting effect in the human system, meat accordingly, is a rich source of nutrient matrix in a diet for the human system nourishment. Mechanisms associated in obtaining meat from animal skeletal muscle through the chemical and biochemical process are reviewed whereas, major nutritional constituents offered by meat concerning amino acids, minerals and vitamins and a good origin of energy functionalities it supplies in any healthy and balanced diet that can aid in human life development stages through quality meat intake are addressed.
A Conceptual Model and Medium Term Strategy Templates for Improving Housing Budget Performance in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugochukwu Stanley Chukwudi , Emedosi Arinze , Emoh Francis Chinedu , Chinagorom Judith Chika
Published: April 2020

This study advances a conceptual Housing Budget Performance Model (HBPM) and adapts medium term strategy templates to the housing sector of Anambra State for improving her annual housing budget performance and ultimately, housing delivery. This became expedient due to the prevalence of problems facing the budget process of the State. The Anambra State Government is still faced with poor budget performance arising from a myriad of challenges. Lacks of templates to monitor/track performance during housing budget implementation and review implemented budgets have also been attributed as causal factors for poor performance. The basis or platform for constructing the proposed HBPM was anecdotal evidences and in-depth review of salient budgeting models The researchers employed critical thinking in constructing the schematic model and explaining the operationalization of the variables, while the proposed medium term expenditure framework drew largely from the existing medium term framework presently used by the agriculture sector of Anambra State since it played a major role in its revitalization and sustenance. The conceptual HBPM developed is a holistic one; harmonizing the conventional budget process/stages/procedures and the peculiar nature of housing construction tendering, estimating and management, which also makes it unique. The implication of this model is that it will ensure that housing budget activities are focused on objective allocation, rational considerations, efficient preparation procedures, appropriate duration, execution, utilization of funds, monitoring and citizen participation. The medium term housing budget monitoring and review templates incorporates variables for checking housing targets, outputs, user impact, variance analysis of work done and remedial measures, which should be done every 3 or 4 years to give ample time for the housing program to make progress. The study recommends the HBPM and templates for further validation and possible adoption by the Anambra State Government, ministries, departments and agencies of housing, budget and economic planning.
Differential Influence of Growth Regulators during Somatic Embryogenesis of Gynodioecious Papaya Varieties‘CO.7’ and ‘Red Lady
Authors: Rajesh C. K. , Kumar K. K. , Kavitha C. , Karthikeyan G. , Soorianathasundaram K.
Published: April 2020

The study involved two auxins viz., 2,4-D (2,4-Diclorophenoxyacetic acid) and picloram at three different concentrations (1,2, 3 mg/L) in full strength MS media to study their comparative influence on induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of two gynodioecious varieties of papaya ‘CO.7’ and ‘Red Lady’. In papaya cultivar ‘CO.7’, 2,4-D at 2 mg/L gave the highest callus induction frequency of 90.93%, whereas comparatively higher concentration of 3 mg/L 2,4-D was found suitable for ‘Red Lady’ (87.26%). Although there was profuse callus formation, 2 mg/L 2,4-D recorded comparatively higher frequency of embryogenic calli in ‘Red Lady’ (51.67%) when compared to ‘CO.7’ (30.00%). Somatic embryo maturation was achieved upon transfer of embryogenic calli exhibiting globular stage embryos on to maturation medium (MS medium + ABA (Abscisic acid) and BAP (Benzyl amino purine) in different concentrations + glutamine 400 mg/L). In the maturation medium, the combination of 1.5 mg/L ABA and 0.4 mg/L BAP registered better conversion of the globular embryo to cotyledonary embryos than other levels. The frequency of somatic embryo germination was higher in ‘Red Lady’ (50.00%) as compared to ‘CO.7’ (31.67%) on half-strength MS medium devoid of growth regulators.
Input-use Efficiency of Irrigation Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatusin F. M. , Kolawole A. O. , Aturamu O. A. , Abdu-Raheem K. A.
Published: April 2020

This study estimated the technical and water-use efficiency of irrigation farmers in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to interview one hundred and eighty-five irrigation farmers. Descriptive statistics, Data Envelopment Analysis Program (DEAP) and Tobit regression model were used to describe and analyze the determinants of inefficiency among irrigation farmers. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that there were more male farmers (82.2%) with a mean household size of 3.7. The mean area of irrigated land was 1.29ha. with about 84 percent of farmers cultivating on rented land. The average income from irrigation farming was N 38,650.27 per month. The sprinkler irrigation (Centre Pivot) was used by 85.4% of the farmers. The water fee for farmers was N 10,000 and the average cost of diesel for irrigating their farmland was estimated to be N 34,400 per production. The variation in input use and the output produced is considerably large. The DEAP results showed that on average, the farmers achieved only 79% Constant Return to Scale (CRS) technical efficiency, 85% Variable Return to Scale (VRS) technical efficiency and 22% water use efficiency. The Tobit regression results showed that farmers’ characteristics like age (0.008), household size (0.048), area of land irrigated (0.000), income (0.075) and drip irrigation method (0.041) were significant under CRS, whereas gender, education, experience, labour and sprinkler irrigation method were not significant. Under VRS model, significant variables includes age (0.032), gender (0.003), education (0.080), experience (0.059) and area of land irrigated (0.000), while gender (0.004), household size (0.086), education (0.027), experience (0.045), area of land irrigated (0.000) and labour (0.089) were significant for sub-vector VRS. It appears that farmers have little incentives to use water in an efficient way. In this sense, a public-private partnership could trigger better management of irrigation facilities and efficient water use among farmers.
The Role of Local Communities of Southern Ethiopia in Curbing Irregular Migration
Authors: Acha Eyob
Published: April 2020

Ethiopia has been an origin, destination and transit country numerous types of migration particularly for irregular migration. This study mainly aimed to assess the impact of integrated regional efforts to deter irregular migration in the selected zones of South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Ethiopia. These zones include Wolaita, Hadiya, Kambata-Tambaro, Gurage and Siltie. The study employed purely qualitative approach through the course of stages of the evaluation process raging from data collection, analysis, discussion and interpretations. The tools used for collecting data were focus group discussions, key informant interviews and life history narratives. Secondary data were obtained through review of institutional documents and facts and figures. Findings of the study showed that different stakeholders are working with regional Labour and Social Affairs Agency to deter irregular migration. The key stakeholders were local community, educational institutions, Bureau of women and children affairs, media and religious organizations. Labour and Social Affairs Agency adopted three measures to control irregular migration: prevention, protection and prosecution. Therefore, attitudes of the community as well as leaders of religious organizations have to be reshaped by continuous public discussion and awareness creation programs.
Diverse Role of Women for Natural Resource Management in India
Authors: Singh Surabhi , Dixit Sunita
Published: April 2020

Natural resources are means to satisfy human wants which exist in natural environment and which are available without any type of human endeavour. The degradation of natural resources such as land, water, forest etc. may have an adverse impact on livelihood of rural people. The present review paper determines diverse roles of women for management of various natural resources in India. Vigorous participation of women in decisions and activities related to conservation and well-organized utilization of renewable and non-renewable natural resources is solution of this world wide issue i.e., natural resource degradation. Over exploitation and botched utilization of natural resources can be protected in India through involvement of women in policies and programs made for natural resource management. They will also serve as a treasure of indigenous information for conserving natural resources.
Parameter Estimation of Bayesian Multiple Regression Model with Informative Inverse Gamma Prior Distribution: Application to Malaria Symptom Dataset
Authors: Mbete Drinold Aluda
Published: April 2020

Objectives: The study aims to develop a Bayesian multiple regression model with informative inverse gamma prior and t the model to malaria symptom dataset.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). The study used 300 malaria related symptom dataset obtained from Health service records of different patients (students) between the time period of 1st January, 2015 to 20th December, 2015.Methodology: Multiple linear regression model with Bayesian parameter estimation is used. The Normal prior distribution for θ parameter and inverse gamma prior distribution for the σ2 parameter is derived. Gibbs sampler and Metropolis Hasting algorithm is used with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to produce an iteration of about 102,491 with Burn-in of 2500 and thinning of 10 that resulting to eective sample size of 90000.Results: The results shows that all the estimated posterior predictive p-values are between 0.05 and 0.95 indicating an adequate t for the individual observation of the data in the model. The results also reveals that the data values and the average distance between the data values and the mean tend to be close to each other and the estimated coeffcient of θ′s approximately 95%draws fall within each of the corresponding highest posterior density intervals.

Conclusion: Though the Least Squares method is sucient for estimating the coeffcients of the regression parameters, the Bayesian estimates recorded comparatively very small standard errors making the Bayesian method more robust in analysing symptom dataset.
Applied the Software of MATLAB to Calculate the Critical Clearing Time in Power System
Authors: Lin Ming-Jong , Ling Jeeng-Min
Published: April 2020

Aims: to avoid improper critical clearing time values due to clerical errors during the artificial calculation process, so that takes advantage of MATLAB application software to compile with those equations such as power angle, swing equation, equal area criterions, etc. to calculate of critical clearing time.

Study Design: This article starts introduction with what the way of the calculation such as power angle, swing equation, equal area criterions, etc in literature, and referred lots of the latest literature to develop.

Place and Duration of Study: The setting of the critical clearing time plays an important role in the power system. The start-up time of any protection relay must be shorter than the critical clearing time; otherwise the fault will expand and cause serious damage when the system fails. Therefore, it is an important question the set time of the protection relay needed to caution in planning design.

Methodology: To use MATLAB application software links with above equations to compile the program the calculation of critical clearing time.

Results: The program has been proved very effective and accurate for calculating the reasonable setting value of proportion relay, the same time it would shortened of assignment time by design planners.

Conclusion: Computerized operating procedures can be used to avoid improper critical clearing time values due to clerical errors during the artificial calculation process.
The Effects of Prolonged Chloramphnicol Administration on Heamatological Parameters and Histophatology of Liver, Kidney and Spleen in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Isa Musa Mabu , Bukar Maisale , Saheed Yunusa , Anka Bello Abubakar
Published: April 2020

Chloramphenicol a broad spectrum antibiotic was tested on broiler birds to evaluate the effect of its prolonged administration on heamatological parameters, identification of histopathological changes on organs (Liver, Spleen and Kidneys) and to determine if prolonged effect has effects on weight gain and mortality rate.

One hundred and twenty day old chicks from Kamadex Ibadan were used for the experiment. The birds were assign to two (2) treatments and control group each replicated in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD), birds in treatment one (T1) were administered normal dose of Chloramphenicol (250 mg/Kg), while treatment two (T2) were served with triple dose in medicated water served ad-lib for seven weeks, while the control (T3) were served with un-medicated water ad-lib. Samples (blood, liver, kidney and spleen) were collected and analyzed after 8 weeks of the experiment.

Birds showed significant variations in heamatological values across treatments. Lymphocysts count: treatment two (T2) was higher than the treatment one (T1) whereas that of (T3) was found to be less, compared to those of T1 and T2. Heterophils: T3 was higher than the T1 while that of T2 was less as compared to T3 and T1. Basophil: T1 was higher than T3 while that of T2 was less. A lower value was observed in weight gain with birds on T2 as compared to T1 and T3. The liver of birds on T1 and T2 were significantly larger than those on T3. High mortality was recorded in birds on T2 compared to those in T3 and T2.

The histopathological pictures of the liver, kidney and the Spleen depict a varying degree of necrosis and hemorrhagic foci on all the organs, the changes were much severe on T2 as compared to those of T1 and T3.
Symmetric Spaces in Riemannian and Semi-Riemannian Geometry
Authors: Hashempour Ehsan , Seyedvalilo Mir Mohammad
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we will obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for the analysis of the position of local symmetry on an arbitrary Riemannian manifold. These conditions are devoid of the aspects of Lie groups, and thus can be used in calculations of procedures, without interfering with the concepts of Lie groups, and improve intuitive attitudes. Also, we will study and create equivalent conditions for a situation where a two-metric homogeneous Riemannian manifold is located symmetrically. In addition, in this paper it is stated that the symmetric space (M, g) can be seen as a homogeneous space G/K. Also, one-to-one correspondence between the symmetric space and the symmetric pair is shown, and curvature is studied on a symmetric space.
Anti-mutagenic Action of Ruta chalepensis against Rat Sperm Cell Abnormalities-induced by Potassium Bromate
Authors: Elhaddad Nagat S. , Efkerine Eman M. , Khatab Hoda A. , Eldurssi Ibrahim S. , Belkasem Eman M.
Published: April 2020

Aims: The aim of current study was to investigate the genotoxic damage of potassium bromate on sperm cell morphology and the potential defense role of Ruta chalepensis (Rue) against the potassium bromate effects.

Study Design: Fifty rats (Strain: Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into five groups (10 rats/group) as follows: (Control group) received distilled water daily for 4 weeks, (KBrO3 group) treated with KBrO3 (100 mg/kg/b.w) for 4 weeks, (Rue group) received Rue orally in a daily dose (0.5 g/animal) for 4 weeks, (treatment group) were first provided with oral doses of KBrO3 daily for 2 weeks and then treated orally with KBrO3 in association with Rue for an additional 2 weeks Finally (protective group) was administered with Rue orally for 2 weeks and then administered oral doses of Rue in association with KBrO3 for an additional 2 weeks.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology and Department of Botany, University of Omar Almukhtar, between July 2018 and September 2019.

Methodology: Sperm suspensions, filtered and smears were made according to the standard protocol for sperm morphology assay. The smears were fixed, allow to dry and stained with hematoxylin and then washed under slow running water until the excess stain is removed and were putted in eosin dye.

Results: The results were showed that potassium bromate has the ability to cause mutations in the morphology of sperm cells. The highest mutation rates of head, tail and neck reached 16.60, 5.200 and 3.200 respectively in animals. Several types of sperm abnormalities such as hock free, banana type, amorphous, hummer shape after the administration of potassium bromate comparing with the negative control animals that treated only with potassium bromate. On the other hand, the oil extract of Ruta chalepensis significantly inhibited the mutations by declining the abnormality rates of head, tail and neck to 2.600, 1.600 and 0.400 in protective group. Thus, potassium bromate has to be considered as a conceivable line regarding human health.

Conclusion: Potassium bromate clearly caused a wide range of sperm cell abnormalities and Rue oil extracts have a good anti-mutagenic effects against potassium bromate by decreasing the sperm cell abnormalities.
A Comparative Study on the Personal Values of Male Adolescents across Different Group with Respect to Their Family Income
Authors: N. Pavithra , Ahuja Abha , Singh Ritu
Published: April 2020

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess and compare the personal values among male adolescents in the families categorized under three group based on their family income as Low-Level Income Group (LLIG), Medium-Level Income Group (MLIG) and High-Level Income Group (HLIG).

Sample: The total sample consisted of 90 male adolescents in the age group of 17-19 years from the two selected colleges of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (College of Home Science and College of Agriculture), Pantnagar.

Sample Design: From the selected colleges, the students were randomly drawn under three classified groups within the age group irrespective of their degree program.

Sample Selection: The list of male students enrolled in I and II year (of both Agriculture and Home Science within the age group of 17-19 years) made was collected from the office of four colleges and scrutinised under three groups based on their family income. The sample of 30 male adolescent students was randomly selected under each group constituting the total sample of 90 students. The Deans of both the colleges were personally contacted for seeking permission to have rapport and collect the information legally.

Tools: Self-structured general information questionnaire along with the Personal value questionnaire by Sherry and Verma [8] was administered to collect the data.

Results: The results revealed that the family income plays a crucial role in the personal values of adolescents. Except for social and religious values, the students from HLIG are having a significantly high level of personal values when compared to LLIG and MLIG. Hence, the higher the family income, the more focus on personal development and so the improved personal values of the younger generations.

Conclusion: We were able conclude that the family income plays a crucial role in the personal values of adolescents.
Variability in Some Physical Properties of Vertisols of Three Permanent Bench Mark Sites under Rice-wheat Cropping System in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, in India
Authors: Pandey Rohit Kumar , Rai H. K. , Upadhyay A. K. , Dwivedi A. K. , Agrawal K. K. , Singh R. B.
Published: April 2020

The study was carried out for vertical characterization of soils at three permanent benchmark sites (Udna, Khamaria and Magarmuha) of Jabalpur district for their physical properties under the Rice-Wheat cropping system. Variability in the proportion of primary soil particles (texture), bulk density, distribution of different sized soil aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates along the depths were studied as these influence the water and nutrients retention and release behaviour of soil. A total of 45 undisturbed soil samples were collected from selected sites at 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm depths and brought to the laboratory for their characterization and the data thus obtained were analysed in split-plot design taking sites as main plot and depth as sub-plot treatments. Results showed that variability in the sand, silt and clay contents, bulk density, fractions of different size soil aggregate (>5.0, 5.0-2.0, 2.0-1.0, 1.0-0.5,0.5-0.25,0.25-0.1  and <0.10 mm) and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates were significant across the sites and soil depths. However, the interaction effect of sites and soil depth on the above properties was found non-significant except for fraction of < 0.1 mm size aggregate. It has been analysed from the study that sand, silt and clay contents, bulk density, fractions of different size aggregate and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates vary significantly (ρ=0.05)  at spatially and vertically.
Optimization of Juice and Total Soluble Solids Concentration for the Preparation of Wild Jamun Syrup: Effect of Packaging Materials and Temperature Conditions on Nutritional Quality during Storage
Authors: Bhatt Kanchan , Thakur N. S. , . Hamid , Thakur Abhimanyu , Sharma Chetna
Published: April 2020

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) is a wild fruit with major importance due to its antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content and exotic taste besides high medicinal value. This fruit is known for its antidiabetic properties as its seeds contain glucoside “Jamboline”. Due to its perishable nature and neutraceutical importance present studies have been conducted for the preparation of syrup. Various TSS (65 and 70 °B) and juice (25, 30, 35 and 40%) ratios have been attempted to optimize proper syrup combination. The two packaging materials i.e. glass and PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles were used to pack jamun syrup prepared by the best selected combination and stored for 6 months under ambient (18-22°C) and refrigerated temperature conditions (4–7°C). Based on organoleptic and some physico-chemical characteristics, syrup prepared with 35% jamun juice, 65°B TSS and 1.50% acid was considered best among 8 different treatment combinations of juice and TSS. Jamun syrup could be stored safely for a duration of six months under both the ambient and refrigerated conditions without much difference in various quality parameters. Nevertheless, both PET and glass bottles have been considered appropriate as packaging material, with reasonably fewer changes taking place in glass bottles kept in refrigerated conditions.
Production and quality of 'Pérola' pineapple under fertigation
Authors: Bonomo Robson , Zucoloto Moises , Souza Joabe Martins de , Magalhães Augusto Moreira de Paula , De Souza Baldotto Pedro Henrique , Campanharo Alex
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the yield and quality of 'Pérola' pineapple under increasing rates of nitrogen and potassium applied through fertigation. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with four replications, in a factorial scheme (4x4), which represents four nitrogen rates (128, 256, 384 and 512 kg ha-1 of N) and four potassium rates (192, 384, 576 and 768 kg ha-1of K2O) via fertigation. The evaluations consisted of physical and chemical fruit characteristics and yield. Increasing nitrogen rates provided linear growth on fruit production features and the rate of 516 kg ha-1 resulted in fruits with the largest diameters. The highest total yield on 'Pérola' pineapple crop was reached on plants under the supply of 498 kg ha-1 of K2O. Rates between 523 and 583 kg ha-1 of K2O, provided the largest fruit matter and the highest fruit pulp yield. The increasing amount of nitrogen applied by fertigation resulted in linear growth on fruit pulp pH, though it did not influence the soluble solids content. The lower acid content and higher SS/acid ratio on fruits were reached with the N rates of 333 and 375 kg ha-1 respectively.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the yield and quality of 'Pérola' pineapple under increasing rates of nitrogen and potassium applied through fertigation. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with four replications, in a factorial scheme (4x4), which represents four nitrogen rates (128, 256, 384 and 512 kg ha-1 of N) and four potassium rates (192, 384, 576 and 768 kg ha-1of K2O) via fertigation. The evaluations consisted of physical and chemical fruit characteristics and yield. Increasing nitrogen rates provided linear growth on fruit production features and the rate of 516 kg ha-1 resulted in fruits with the largest diameters. The highest total yield on 'Pérola' pineapple crop was reached on plants under the supply of 498 kg ha-1 of K2O. Rates between 523 and 583 kg ha-1 of K2O, provided the largest fruit matter and the highest fruit pulp yield. The increasing amount of nitrogen applied by fertigation resulted in linear growth on fruit pulp pH, though it did not influence the soluble solids content. The lower acid content and higher SS/acid ratio on fruits were reached with the N rates of 333 and 375 kg ha-1 respectively.
Phenotypic flexibility and drought avoidance in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)
Authors: Gouveia Carla S. S. , Ganança José F. T. , Nóbrega Humberto G. M. de , Freitas José G. R. de , Lebot Vincent , De Carvalho Miguel Â. A. Pinheiro
Published: April 2020

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is a substantial staple food in most of the tropical regions. Prolonged exposure to drought impairs crop production worldwide. Tolerant crops have the best capability to cope and avoid drought, through phenotypic flexibility mechanisms. The water use efficiency (WUE) is well known in taro crops, but very scarce information is available relating to their nutrient efficiency (NER) in drought conditions. Our work provided pertinent information about the physiological variation of seven taro accessions subjected to seven months of drought, by recording the differences for nutrient allocation, chlorophyll canopy, biomass loss, and stress intensity. Significant relationships between control and drought treatments on WUE (+85%), total plant biomass (TPB, -26.8%), chlorophyll content index (CCI, +1.8%), and nutrient harvest index (NHI, +0.2%) were detected. Drought led to a generalized loss of TPB as drought avoidance strategy, although distinct phenotypic flexibility was observed through the root:shoot ratio (R:S) and stress index (SI) from the corm and shoot organs. The nutrient allocation from the corms to shoots, with NER increase registered in drought conditions, can be a valuable tool to complement the TPB and WUE productivity traits, to be used in taro breeding programs.
A novel dynamic robotic moving phantom system for patient‐specific quality assurance in real‐time tumor‐tracking radiotherapy
Authors: Shiinoki Takehiro , Fujii Fumitake , Fujimoto Koya , Yuasa Yuki , Sera Tatsuhiro
Published: April 2020

In this study, we assess a developed novel dynamic moving phantom system that can reproduce patient three‐dimensional (3D) tumor motion and patient anatomy, and perform patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy using SyncTraX. Three patients with lung cancer were enrolled in a study. 3D printing technology was adopted to obtain individualized lung phantoms using CT images. A water‐equivalent phantom (WEP) with the 3D‐printed plate lung phantom was set at the tip of the robotic arm. The log file that recorded the 3D positions of the lung tumor was used as the input to the dynamic robotic moving phantom. The WEP was driven to track 3D respiratory motion. Respiratory‐gated radiotherapy was performed for driving the WEP. The tracking accuracy was calculated as the differences between the actual and measured positions. For the absolute dose and dose distribution, the differences between the planned and measured doses were calculated. The differences between the planned and measured absolute doses were <1.0% at the isocenter and <4.0% for the lung region. The gamma pass ratios of γ3 mm/3% and γ2 mm/2% under the conditions of gating and no‐gating were 99.9 ± 0.1% and 90.1 ± 8.5%, and 97.5 ± 0.9% and 68.6 ± 17.8%, respectively, for all the patients. Furthermore, for all the patients, the mean ± SD of the root mean square values of the positional error were 0.11 ± 0.04 mm, 0.33 ± 0.04 mm, and 0.20 ± 0.04 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively. Finally, we showed that patient‐specific QA of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy using SyncTraX can be performed under realistic conditions using the moving phantom.
A multi‐tone central divided difference frequency tracker with adaptive process noise covariance tuning
Authors: Brumana Alessandro , Piroddi Luigi
Published: April 2020

The problem of real‐time frequency estimation of nonstationary multi‐harmonic signals is important in many applications. In this paper, we propose a novel multi‐frequency tracker based on a state‐space representation of the signal with Cartesian filters and the second‐order central divided difference filter (CDDF), which improves the performance of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) by using Stirling's interpolation method to approximate the mean and covariance of the state vector. A crucial element of the method is the adaptive scaling of the process noise covariance matrix appearing in the filter equations, as a function of the innovation sequence, which tunes the accuracy‐reactivity trade‐off of the filter. The proposed solution is evaluated against two approaches from the literature, namely the factorized adaptive notch filter (FANF) and the extended Kalman filter frequency tracker (EKFFT). Several experiments emphasize the estimation accuracy of the proposed method as well as the improved robustness with respect to initial errors and input signal complexity. The presented method appears to be particularly efficient with rapidly varying frequencies, thanks to the update mechanism that adjusts the filter parameters based on the amplitude of the estimation error.
Prediction of mixed‐gas adsorption equilibria from pure component adsorption isotherms
Authors: Tun Hla , Chen Chau‐Chyun
Published: April 2020

Using only a single binary interaction parameter per adsorbate‐adsorbate pair, the adsorption nonrandom two‐liquid theory successfully correlates binary gas adsorption experimental data and predicts multicomponent gas adsorption equilibria. This work estimates the binary adsorbate–adsorbate interaction parameters from pure component isotherms and shows very promising agreement with the binary interaction parameters identified from regression of binary gas adsorption data. The results support the feasibility to predict binary and multicomponent gas adsorption equilibria from pure component isotherms for various adsorbents including silica gel, activated carbon, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks.
High rate of profound clonal and renal responses with daratumumab treatment in heavily pre‐treated patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis and high bone marrow plasma cell infiltrate
Authors: Milani Paolo , Fazio Francesca , Basset Marco , Berno Tamara , Larocca Alessandra , Foli Andrea , Riva Marcello , Benigna Francesca , Oliva Stefania , Nuvolone Mario , Rodigari Lara , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Merlini Giampaolo , Palladini Giovanni
Published: April 2020

Daratumumab demonstrated activity in the treatment of AL amyloidosis in two recently concluded phase II clinical trials in relapsed and refractory patients. Its role in upfront therapy is under evaluation in a phase III study. In this report we evaluated the safety and efficacy of 28‐day cycles of daratumumab (single agent or combined with bortezomib or lenalidomide) in 72 previously treated patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis. Fifty (69%) were refractory to the last line of therapy. After eight infusions of daratumumab, 59 patients (82%) achieved a hematologic response, with 12 (16%) complete responses (CRs) and 30 (42%) very good partial responses (VGPRs). After 16 infusions, the quality of response improved with 22 patients (30%) achieving CR and 21 (29%) attaining VGPR. Cardiac response was observed in 11 of 37 evaluable patients (29%) and renal response in 23 of 38 patients (60%). Daratumumab is highly effective in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis and high bone marrow plasma cell burden. Renal responses, which are usually rare in this setting, were frequently observed.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function, not TAS2R38 gene haplotypes, predict sinus surgery in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dalesio Nicholas M. , Aksit Melis A. , Ahn Kwangmi , Raraigh Karen S. , Collaco Joseph M. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon , Zeitlin Pamela L. , An Steven S. , Cutting Garry R.
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis symptomatology begins in early childhood individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function contributes to sinus development and disease. Genetic variants of the bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 have been suggested to contribute to sinus disease severity in individuals without CF. Our objective was to explore whether functional TAS2R38 haplotypes and CFTR function are associated with sinus disease or the need for sinus surgery in individuals with CF.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using prospectively collected data from the CF Twin‐Sibling Study. The function of CFTR was assessed via chloride conductance. Genotyping of the TAS2R38 gene identified patients who were homozygous for the functional haplotype, heterozygous, or homozygous for nonfunctional haplotypes. Clustered multivariate logistic regression was performed, controlling for sex and family relationship.

Results

A total of 1291 patients were evaluated. Patients with ≤1% CFTR function were 1.56 times more likely to require sinus surgery than those with >1% CFTR function (p = 0.049). CFTR function did not correlate significantly with the presence of sinus disease (p = 0.30). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in diagnosis of sinus disease or need for sinus surgery between patients with functional and nonfunctional TAS2R38 haplotypes.

Conclusion

CFTR function correlates with need for sinus surgery, whereas TAS2R38 function does not appear to contribute to sinus disease or the need for sinus surgery in patients with CF.
Olfactory dysfunction from acute upper respiratory infections: relationship to season of onset
Authors: Potter Mark R. , Chen Jonathan H. , Lobban Nina‐Simone , Doty Richard L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Acute viral upper respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of chronic olfactory dysfunction. In light of the seasonality of numerous viruses, the question arises as to whether the frequency and magnitude of postviral olfactory disorders (PVODs) are similarly seasonal. We sought to determine whether olfactory deficits due to influenza and non–influenza‐related viruses (I‐PVODs and NI‐PVODs) vary in frequency or magnitude across seasons in a North American population and whether they are more prevalent or produce more severe olfactory dysfunction during colder months when host susceptibility may be increased.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 587 patients presenting to an academic smell and taste center with either I‐PVOD–related or NI‐PVOD–related olfactory deficits. Chi‐square and analysis of covariance (age = covariate) compared dysfunction prevalence frequencies and scores on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) across calendar months and between months with the coldest and warmest air temperatures.

Results

For I‐PVOD–related cases, both the prevalence and magnitude of smell dysfunction were highest in the colder months. However, for NI‐PVOD–related cases, prevalence was higher in warmer months but, paradoxically, the magnitude of dysfunction was higher in colder months.

Conclusion

This study shows that seasonal variations occur in both the prevalence and magnitude of PVOD‐related olfactory deficits in a North American population, and that such variations differ between NI‐PVOD and I‐PVOD cases. The findings suggest multiple viruses are involved in producing PVOD‐related olfactory deficits.
Quantitative amyloid PET in Alzheimer's disease: the AMYPAD prognostic and natural history study
Authors: Lopes Alves Isadora , Collij Lyduine E. , Altomare Daniele , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Saint‐Aubert Laure , Payoux Pierre , Kivipelto Miia , Jessen Frank , Drzezga Alexander , Leeuwis Annebet , Wink Alle Meije , Visser Pieter Jelle , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Scheltens Philip , Gray Katherine R. , Wolz Robin , Stephens Andrew , Gismondi Rossella , Buckely Christopher , Gispert Juan Domingo , Schmidt Mark , Ford Lisa , Ritchie Craig , Farrar Gill , Barkhof Frederik , Molinuevo José Luis ,   the AMYPAD Consortium
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The Amyloid Imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease (AMYPAD) Prognostic and Natural History Study (PNHS) aims at understanding the role of amyloid imaging in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AMYPAD PNHS adds (semi‐)quantitative amyloid PET imaging to several European parent cohorts (PCs) to predict AD‐related progression as well as address methodological challenges in amyloid PET.

Methods

AMYPAD PNHS is an open‐label, prospective, multi‐center, cohort study recruiting from multiple PCs. Around 2000 participants will undergo baseline amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), half of whom will be invited for a follow‐up PET 12 at least 12 months later.

Results

Primary include several amyloid PET measurements (Centiloid, SUVr, BPND, R1), and secondary are their changes from baseline, relationship to other amyloid markers (cerebrospinal fluid and visual assessment), and predictive value of AD‐related decline.

Expected Impact

Determining the role of amyloid PET for the understanding of this complex disease and potentially improving secondary prevention trials.
Associations of urinary 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α levels with all‐cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia incidence: results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Trares Kira , Gào Xīn , Perna Laura , Rujescu Dan , Stocker Hannah , Möllers Tobias , Beyreuther Konrad , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Prospective studies on a potential association of 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α (8‐iso‐PGF2α) levels, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, with dementia are limited.

Methods

Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess potential associations of urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α levels with all‐cause, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD) incidence in 5853 older adults from a German, population‐based cohort.

Results

Over 14 years of follow‐up, 365 all‐cause dementia cases including 127 VD and 109 AD cases were diagnosed. Participants in the top compared to the bottom 8‐iso‐PGF2α tertile had a 45% increased risk of all‐cause dementia incidence (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.45 [1.12 to 1.88]). Interaction with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ԑ4/ԑ4 genotype was detected (P = .02). Furthermore, continuously modeled, logarithmized 8‐iso‐PGF2α levels were statistically significantly associated with all‐cause dementia and AD incidence.

Discussion

Oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of dementia. Individuals with increased 8‐iso‐PGF2α levels and the APOE ԑ4/ԑ4 genotype showed a considerably increased dementia risk.
Premortem Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Diagnoses in Professional Football
Authors: Grashow Rachel , Weisskopf Marc G. , Baggish Aaron , Speizer Frank E. , Whittington Alicia J. , Nadler Lee , Connor Ann , Keske Robyn , Taylor Herman , Zafonte Ross , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro
Published: April 2020

Objective

American‐style football (ASF) has gained attention because of possible links between repetitive head injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Although postmortem pathologic changes consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) have been reported in ASF players, there are currently no established premortem diagnostic criteria for CTE. Nevertheless, presented with symptoms of cognitive impairment, clinicians treating former players may be inclined to suggest CTE without a thorough exploration of comorbid factors that demonstrate similar clinical phenotypes to putative CTE.

Methods

A survey of 3,913 former ASF players aged 24 to 89 was conducted for those who responded by March 2019.

Results

Despite being a postmortem diagnosis, 108 players (2.8%) self‐reported clinician‐diagnosed CTE. The percentage of players under age 60 years reporting a CTE diagnosis was 2.3% versus 3.7% in participants age 60 or older. Comorbidities in participants self‐reporting CTE were significantly more common, including sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, indicators of past or current depression, hypertension, prescription pain medication use, heart conditions, and low testosterone when compared to non‐CTE respondents. Patterns of reporting for obesity, hypertension, heart conditions, or hypercholesterolemia differed between older and younger participants. Cognitive impairment symptoms were significantly higher in participants self‐reporting CTE.

Interpretation

Some former professional football players have been clinically diagnosed with CTE, a postmortem condition. Comorbidities that can affect cognition were associated with CTE diagnoses in both older and younger players. Although underlying neuropathology cannot be ruled out, treatable conditions should be explored in former athletes demonstrating CTE‐linked clinical phenotypes or symptoms as a means of improving cognitive health in these patients. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:106–112