bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub clover, cocksfoot and lucerne combine to improve dryland stock production
Authors: Brown H.E. , Moot D.J. , Lucas R.J. , Smith M.
Published: June 2020

The temporal (seasonal) pattern of dryland pasture and stock production from four cocksfoot based pastures (mixed with balansa, Caucasian, subterranean or white clover), a ryegrass/white clover pasture and a pure lucerne crop were compared over 2 years (2004/05 and 2005/ 06). Subterranean clover with cocksfoot provided high legume content pasture giving higher stock production than other pasture mixtures from August to October. This complemented the high yields and stock production provided by lucerne from mid September to January in 2004/05. However, a dry winter followed by spring snow resulted in lucerne production similar to other pastures in 2005/06. Cocksfoot based pastures provided more maintenance feed than perennial ryegrass during a dry summer (2005/06) but ryegrass/white clover provided higher stock production in wet summer conditions (2004/ 05). These results suggest a range of pasture species are necessary to cope with the seasonal climate variability typically experienced in dryland farm systems. Keywords: balansa clover, Caucasian clover, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Medicago sativa, pasture growth rates, ryegrass, sheep production, Trifolium ambiguum, Trifolium michelianum, Trifolium repens, Trifolium subterraneum, white clover
The effect of seed treatment and depth of sowing on forage brassica crop establishment in no-tillage situations
Authors: Salmon R.W. , Dumbleton A.J.
Published: June 2020

Unreliable establishment of brassica forage crops prompted an investigation into the effect of sowing depth and current commercial seed treatments on rates of emergence and total emerged seedling numbers. Three trials using Barkant forage turnip were sown by notillage in conditions managed to minimise invertebrate pressure. Rate of emergence was measured by seedling counts taken at multiple stages over the first 24 days after sowing. Trial A tested the effect of seed treatment (SuperStrike®, UltraStrike™, Gaucho® 600 FS 24 ml/ kg (14.4 g a.i imidacloprid/kg seed), Gaucho® 600FS 12 ml/kg (7.2 g a.i imidacloprid/kg seed) and untreated control) on seed sown at 10 mm depth, with no significant difference in the rate of emergence of any seed treatment and the untreated control (bare seed). Trial B tested the effect of seed treatment (SuperStrike® and untreated control) on seed sown on the soil surface (0 mm), with no difference in rate of emergence being found. Trial C tested the effect of sowing depth (surface (0 mm), 10, 25, 50 mm) on rate of emergence, and found that seed sown at 10 mm depth was initially faster to emerge (7 days after sowing). Subsequent counts established that 10 and 25 mm depths had equivalent rates of emergence and had reached the highest total number of seedlings emerged by 15 days after sowing. In contrast, seed sown on the surface (0 mm) or at 50 mm depth had a lower total emergence count. Trial C also found that subsurface sown seed (10, 25 and 50 mm depths) reached peak number of emerged seedlings faster (15 days after sowing) than seed sown on the soil surface (0 mm). Keywords: brassica, forage crop, seed treatment, sowing depth, emergence, agronomy
Deer farmers' attitudes to fencing waterways
Authors: Payne Tracy , White Toni
Published: June 2020

Researchers in the AgResearch deer programme are using social research to understand the level of environmental awareness amongst farmers. Our aim in this research was to understand the issues surrounding waterway fencing amongst farmers in Otago and Southland. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected as part of this project. Our findings indicate that the level of environmental awareness amongst farmers was influenced by their specific farm context. Many farmers were defensive when explaining their reasons for or against waterway fencing. Those farmers who did fence off waterways did so for practical reasons. Many believed it was impossible to fence off their waterways. Our findings suggest that the imperatives for fencing have to be balanced with the practicalities. These practicalities tended to centre on the number of streams that would be required to be fenced and the nature of the stream. Many farmers believed they were doing the 'best they could' and therefore did not feel they needed to adopt new environmental practices. Keywords: environmental awareness, waterway fencing, deer farming
Using limited irrigation water - crops or pasture?
Authors: Ward G.N. , Jacobs J.L. , Mckenzie F.R.
Published: June 2020

The irrigation of perennial pasture and the growing of dryland summer forage crops are two common methods of increasing the supply of and nutritional value of home grown forage on dairy farms in south west Victoria. In recent years the amount and reliability of supply of irrigation water to dairy farmers in the region has decreased through drought and increased regulation. Over the last 8 years a series of studies have been conducted to investigate the most efficient use of unreliable irrigation water supplies. Perennial pasture was found to be particularly sensitive in terms of reduced productivity and water use efficiency (WUE) to poor irrigation practices. However, under good management and reliable water supply it is still likely to be the easiest and most economically efficient irrigation system. Irrigated summer forage crops were found to have a higher WUE, but responses were variable due to year to year seasonal differences. These crops were found to be more tolerant of poor irrigation management and were able to take advantage of reduced amounts of irrigation water and one off irrigations. Keywords: brassicas, forage crops, irrigated pasture, irrigation, water use efficiency.
The impact of land-use intensification on soil physical quality and plant yield response in the North Otago Rolling Downlands
Authors: Houlbrooke D.J. , Morton J.D. , Paton R.J. , Littlejohn R.P.
Published: June 2020

The New Zealand agricultural industry is currently undergoing a large drive for increased productivity. Fuelling this will primarily require greater 'on-farm' landuse intensification involving increasing farm inputs to gain a large increase in farm product outputs. The North Otago Rolling Downlands (NORD) region of New Zealand has traditionally been drought-prone and limited to extensive sheep farming. The establishment of a large district irrigation scheme in spring 2006 will result in large scale intensification of land-use across the NORD region. A field trial has been established in North Otago on a common NORD Pallic soil type (Timaru silt loam) to determine the effect of land use intensification on soil quality and plant yield response. The treatments compare newly sown pasture vs. winter grazed forage crop, irrigated vs. dryland and sheep vs. cattle grazing. The application of irrigation water in 2004/2005 resulted in 17.5 kg pasture DM/mm of irrigation water and 24 kg pasture DM/mm of irrigation water for the drier 2005/ 2006 growing season. Results from the pasture trial suggest that both cattle grazing and irrigation (particularly in combination) are decreasing soil quality with a macroporosity of 9% v/v from pasture plots following the 2004/2005 season compared to 18% v/v for the dryland sheep treatment. In the 2005/2006 season, cattle irrigated plots had a macroporosity of 11% v/v from pasture plots c.f 19% v/v for the dryland sheep treatment To date, this measured decrease has had no significant effect on pasture or crop yield suggesting that soil quality has not yet fallen below a critical level for production under irrigated farming systems. However, further monitoring is required to assess the long term effects as strong trends are emerging that indicate soil quality decline under the cattle grazed and cropping treatments. Keywords: land-use intensification, soil quality, irrigation, cattle grazing, sheep grazing, forage cropping, compaction, pasture yield
Changes in soil quality following humping/hollowing and flipping of pakihi soils on the West Coast, South Island New Zealand
Authors: Thomas S.M. , Ford M.H.Beare C.D. , Rietveld V.
Published: June 2020

Humping/hollowing and flipping are land development practices widely used on the West Coast to overcome waterlogging constraints to pasture production. However, there is very limited information about how the resulting "new" soils function and how their properties change over time following these extreme modifications. We hypothesised that soil quality will improve in response to organic matter inputs from plants and excreta, which will in turn increase nutrient availability. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the soil organic matter and nutrient content of soils at different stages of development after modification. We observed improvements in soil quality with increasing time following soil modification under both land development practices. Total soil C and N values were very low following flipping, but over 8 years these values had increased nearly five-fold. Other indicators of organic matter quality such as hot water extractable C (HWC) and anaerobically mineralisable N (AMN) showed similar increases. With large capital applications of superphosphate fertiliser to flipped soils in the first year and regular applications of maintenance fertiliser, Olsen P levels also increased from values
Agronomic performance of AR37-infected ryegrass in northern New Zealand
Authors: Hume D.E. , Ryan D.L. , Cooper B.M. , Popay A.J.
Published: June 2020

The agronomic merits of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivar infected with a new endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii), AR37, were compared with the same cultivar infected with currently available endophytes (AR1, Standard) at two sites in northern New Zealand for at least 3 years. AR37-infected ryegrass was the highest yielding treatment at both sites (11 080 kg DM/ ha/yr) producing more dry matter than either AR1 or Standard-infected ryegrass which yielded similar amounts (8870 kg DM/ha/yr). Yield advantages of AR37-infected ryegrass were greater at Kerikeri (36%) than Hamilton (17%), with differences increasing over successive years at both sites. At Hamilton, tiller populations were lowest in AR37-infected ryegrass in Year 2, and lowest in AR1- infected ryegrass 3 and 5 years after sowing. At both sites AR37-infected ryegrass had the lowest infestation scores for root aphid. At Hamilton in Year 4, more damage by African black beetle larvae occurred to AR1-infected plants than to AR37 and Standard-infected plants. These pests are likely to have contributed to the differences in agronomic performance observed. These agronomic results suggest AR37-infected ryegrass cultivars will be a useful choice for farmers in northern New Zealand. Keywords: endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii, perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, dry matter yields, plant persistence, root aphid, Aploneura lentisci, African black beetle, Heteronychus arator
EKSPEDISI MILITER BELANDA DI MANDAR 1905-1907
Authors: Karim Abd
Published: June 2020

Penguasaan Belanda atas wilayah Sulawesi secara utuh dimulai pada 1906. Otoritas Belanda atas Mandar tampak dari perubahan status Mandar menjadi negara bawahan. Kondisi itu terekam dalam laporan ekspedisi militer pemerintah Hindia Belanda 1905-1906, sebuah aksi bersenjata penentu kejatuhan wilayah terakhir di Sulawesi. Bagaimana dan mengapa ekspedisi militer yang menjadi kunci penguasaan Belanda di seluruh wilayah Sulawesi tersebut dapat berhasil adalah pokok permasalahan dari tulisan ini. Dengan menggunakan metode sejarah yang terdiri atas heuristik, kritik, interpretasi, dan historiografi, permasalahan tersebut akan dibahas dalam tulisan ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekspedisi militer Belanda melahirkan pergulatan elite lokal yang dimanfaatkan Belanda untuk diadu domba. Belanda yang kesulitan menghadapi perlawanan rakyat Mandar akhirnya bersepakat dengan sebagian kelompok bangsawan untuk bekerja sama. Dengan demikian, rakyat Mandar yang dipimpin oleh I Sendjata dan Ammana I Wewang juga harus melawan bangsawan Mandaryang berada di pihak pemerintah Hindia Belanda. Pemerintah Hindia Belanda akhirnya menjadi pemenang dan cita-cita desentralisasi untuk membentuk sistem administrasi yang tunggal terlaksana.
Synthetic Biology Bicistronic Designs Support Gene Expression Equally Well in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Koucky Owen , Wagner Jacob , Aguilera Sofia , Bashaw Benjamin , Chen Queena , Eckdahl Anthony , Snyder Nicole , Heyer Laurie , Poet Jeffrey , Eckdahl Todd , Campbell Malcolm
Published: June 2020

Synthetic biology integrates molecular biology tools and an engineering mindset to address challenges in medicine, agriculture, bioremediation, and biomanufacturing. A persistent problem in synthetic biology has been designing genetic circuits that produce predictable levels of protein. In 2013, Mutalik and colleagues developed bicistronic designs (BCDs) that make protein production more predicable in bacterial cells (in vivo). With the growing interest in producing proteins outside of cells (in vitro), we wanted to know if BCDs would work as predictably in cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) as they do in E. coli cells. We tested 20 BCDs in CFPS and found they performed very similarly in vitro and in vivo. As a step toward developing methods for protein production in artificial cells, we also tested 3 BCDs inside nanoliter-scaled microfluidic droplets. The BCDs worked well in the microfluidic droplets, but their relative protein production levels were not as predictable as expected. These results suggest that the conditions under which gene expression happens in droplets result in a different relationship between genetic control elements such as BCDs and protein production than exists in batch CFPS or in cells.
KEYWORDS: Bicistronic Design; Synthetic Biology; Cell-Free Protein Synthesis; Microfluidics
Atık Termoplastiklerin Geri Dönüşüm Sürecinde Makine Odaklı Risk Değerlendirmesi
Authors: KÜÇÜKALİ Ufuk Fatih , YALMAN Necati
Published: June 2020

Dünyada endüstrinin gelişmesiyle birlikte, genel olarak “plastikler” olarak nitelendirilen ve fosil yakıtlardan üretilen, polimerlerin (termoplastik, termoset, elastomer) kullanım alanları çoğalmıştır. Bu durumu etkileyen en önemli faktör ise diğer hammaddelerden (metal, demir, alüminyum, bakır, çinko, ağaç vb.) yapılan ürünlere kıyasla plastik mamullerin daha kolay erişebilir olmalarıdır. Türkiye’de polimerler; otomotiv, inşaat, tarım, temizlik ve kozmetik, sağlık sektörü gibi geniş bir yelpaze kullanılmaktadır.Türkiye’de plastik geri dönüşüm sektöründe lisanslı işletme sayısının bin civarında olduğu ve bu işletmelerde en az 350 bin kişinin istihdam edildiği bilinmektedir. Yüksek üretim kapasitesine sahip olan bu sektör gerek hurda atık plastik ithalatı gerekse dönüştürdüğü malzemelerin ihracatı ile Türkiye ekonomisinde giderek büyüyen bir öneme sahip stratejik bir sektör konumundadır. Bu çalışmada risk değerlendirmeleri; Ön Tehlike Analizi (PHA) ve Tehlike Derecelendirme Numarası Sistemi (HRNS) risk analizi metotlarıyla karşılaştırmalı olarak yapılmıştır. Ayrıca Makine Odaklı Risk Değerlendirmelerinde (MORD) en önemli sırada olan, Emniyet Standardı TS EN ISO 12100: 2010, ve elektriksel tedbirlerle ilgili TS EN 13849 kapsamında değerlendirmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışma uygulama ile desteklenmiş, risk değerlendirme adımlarının ortaya konması ile özellikle iş sağlığı ve güvenliği (İSG) sektöründe önemli bir eksikliğin giderilmesi ve İSG uzmanlarının da başvuru kaynağı olarak kullanabileceği bir çalışma yapılmaya çalışılmıştır.
Makine ve Tıbbi Cihaz Kullanan Hastane Çalışanlarının İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliğine Yönelik Algılarının İncelenmesi
Authors: BULUT Arzu , ÜNAL Erdinç , ŞENGÜL Halil
Published: June 2020

Hastanelerde çok sayıda tıbbi araç gereç ve makine kullanımı vardır. İSG uygulamalarında bu cihazların risk yönetimi de yer almaktadır. Biz çalışmamızda hastanelerde kullanılan tıbbi cihaz ve makinelerde İSG uygulamalarına ilişkin çalışanların algı ve farkındalıklarını ölçmeyi amaçladık. Tanımlayıcı bir tip olan araştırmamızda veri toplama aracı olarak çalışanların kişisel bilgilerini içeren form ve literatür taraması ile A sınıfı İSG uzmanı 1 kişi ve akademisyen 3 kişi olmak üzere 4 farklı uzman görüşüne dayanarak hastanede İSG uygulamalarını çalışanların algı ve farkındalıklarına dayanarak belirlemeye yönelik araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan anket kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında, katılımcıların makine tıbbi cihaz İSG uygulamalarında %54,7 farkındalık düzeyine sahip oldukları belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, hastanelerde oldukça önemli yer tutan İSG uygulamalarının ve eğitimlerinin etkinliği tekrar sorgulanmalı ve yapılan uygulamalar çalışanlarla paylaşılmalıdır.
Pengajaran Bahasa Melayu dalam Kalangan Pelajar Asing: Analisis Pola Kesalahan Tatabahasa dalam Penulisan
Authors: Melai Zeckqualine , Abang Zainal Abidin Dayang Nurlisa
Published: June 2020

Kajian ini menghuraikan kesalahan tatabahasa dalam kalangan pelajar antarabangsa di Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Objektif utama kajian ini ialah mengenal pasti jenis-jenis kesalahan tatabahasa dalam aspek penulisan. Data kajian diperolehi dari bahagian penulisan dalam kertas jawapan para pelajar untuk kursus Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi Lanjutan pada peperiksaan akhir. Pendekatan analisis kontrastif dan analisis kesalahan diaplikasikan dalam menganalisis penulisan pelajar asing yang terlibat dalam kajian ini. Terdapat 38 orang pelajar yang terlibat dan mereka berasal dari negara Bangladesh, Jepun, Morocco, Tajikistan, Afrika, China, Indonesia dan Brunei. Terdapat 215 kesalahan tatabahasa yang telah dikenal pasti dalam kajian ini. Kesalahan tersebut dikategorikan kepada 2 aspek, aspek pertama ialah morfologi yang merangkumi kesalahan ortografi 76%, dan leksikal 1%. Manakala yang kedua ialah aspek sintaksis yang merangkumi unsur kelewahan 15%, hukum D-M 8%. Peratusan menunjukkan kesalahan ortografi mencatatkan kekerapan yang paling tinggi. Kesalahan ortografi dibahagikan kepada 3 kategori berdasarkan proses yang berlaku iaitu penukaran huruf dengan huruf lain (^), penambahan huruf dalam perkataan (^^) dan pengguguran huruf dalam perkataan (^^^). Kesalahan ini dipengaruhi oleh latar belakang negara dan bahasa ibunda yang berbeza. Kajian ini turut mencadangkan penekanan dan bimbingan yang berbeza perlu diberikan kepada para pelajar yang terdiri daripada pelbagai latar belakang. Justeru teknik pengajaran seperti memberi ganjaran (seperti pujian) serta kepelbagaian strategi pengajaran yang menarik berasaskan teknologi dapat meningkat motivasi dalam mempelajari bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa asing.
Experience Sampling Method
Authors: Rhee Lisa , Bayer Joseph , Hedstrom Alexander
Published: June 2020

The use of experience sampling methodology (ESM), also known as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), is firmly established in the social sciences. The family of ESM methods employs in vivo self-reports, providing opportunities for social scientists to study human behavior with high ecological validity. More recently, researchers across disciplines have begun to conduct studies that directly combine ESM with mobile sensing, thereby blending the benefits of subjective self-reports with more objective traces of human behavior. This combination of ESM and mobile sensing offers new opportunities, such as predetermined digital events that initiate ESM survey notifications based on contextual information. Altogether, ESM is evolving in ways that offer new opportunities and challenges for researchers.
An Algorithm for Fuzzy Negations Based-Intuitionistic Fuzzy Copula Aggregation Operators in Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Giakoumakis Stylianos , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we develop a novel computation model of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Values with the usage of fuzzy negations and Archimedean copulas. This novel computation model’s structure is based on the extension of the existing operations of intuitionistic fuzzy values with some classes of fuzzy negations. Many properties of the proposed operations are investigated and proved. Additionally, in this paper we introduce the concepts of intuitionistic fuzzy Archimedean copula weighted arithmetic and geometric aggregation operators based on fuzzy negations, including a further analysis of their properties. Finally, using a case study from an already published paper we found that our method has many advantages.
Improved Room Acoustics Quality in Meeting Rooms: Investigation on the Optimal Configurations of Sound-Absorptive and Sound-Diffusive Panels
Authors: Labia Laura , Shtrepi Louena , Astolfi Arianna
Published: June 2020

This work deals with the improvement of the room acoustic quality of two medium sized meeting rooms through the investigation of the optimal placement of absorption and diffusive panels on the walls and ceiling. Acoustic measurements have been carried out in the existing untreated rooms with ODEON 13 room acoustics measurement and prediction software, and the Adobe Audition plugins Aurora. Simulations of different combinations of sound absorption and diffusion treatments have been carried out with the updated version of the software, ODEON 15. The panels were positioned in the meeting rooms following the guidelines of the DIN 18041 standard and the scientific literature. The results advise the application of absorptive materials on the ceiling or around the borders, creating a reflective middle area, and on the upper part of one the lateral walls, including the rear wall. Configurations with diffusers do not generally bring significant improvements. The Speech Transmission Index (STI) is a less sensitive parameter for the different acoustic scenarios, compared to Reverberation Time (T) and Clarity (C50). The research also outlined a design workflow, useful to successfully design meeting rooms and rooms for speech in general, which allows to determine the optimal number and location of acoustic panels and to minimize the costs.
Under Pressure: Time Management, Self-Leadership, and the Nurse Manager
Authors: Goldsby Elizabeth , Goldsby Michael , Neck Christopher B. , Neck Christopher P.
Published: June 2020

Decision making by nurses is complicated by the stress, chaos, and challenging demands of the work. One of the major stressors confronting nurses is perceived time pressure. Given the potential negative outcomes on nurses due to perceived time pressures, it seems logical that a nurse manager’s ability to lead nurses in moderating this time pressure and in turn to make better decisions could enhance nurse well-being and performance. Paralleling research in the nursing literature suggests that, in order to improve patients’ judgement of the care they received, nurse managers should embrace ways to lower nurses’ perceived time pressure. In this conceptual paper, we propose a model to help mitigate time pressure on nurse managers and their frontline nurses based on the research regarding time pressure, psychosocial care, time management, and self-leadership. Three metaconjectures and suggested future studies are given for further consideration by organizational and psychological researchers.
Fundamental Elements of an Urban UTM
Authors: McCarthy Tim , Pforte Lars , Burke Rebekah
Published: June 2020

Urban airspace environments present exciting new opportunities for delivering drone services to an increasingly large global market, including: information gathering; package delivery; air-taxi services. A key challenge is how to model airspace environments over densely populated urban spaces, coupled with the design and development of scalable traffic management systems that may need to handle potentially hundreds to thousands of drone movements per hour. This paper explores the background to Urban unmanned traffic management (UTM), examining high-level initiatives, such as the USA’s Unmanned Air Traffic (UTM) systems and Europe’s U-Space services, as well as a number of contemporary research activities in this area. The main body of the paper describes the initial research outputs of the U-Flyte R&D group, based at Maynooth University in Ireland, who have focused on developing an integrated approach to airspace modelling and traffic management platforms for operating large drone fleets over urban environments. This work proposes pragmatic and innovative approaches to expedite the roll-out of these much-needed urban UTM solutions. These approaches include the certification of drones for urban operation, the adoption of a collaborative and democratic approach to designing urban airspace, the development of a scalable traffic management and the replacement of direct human involvement in operating drones and coordinating drone traffic with machines. The key fundamental elements of airspace architecture and traffic management for busy drone operations in urban environments are described together with initial UTM performance results from simulation studies.
Farmers’ Perception of Good Agricultural Practices in Rice Production in Myanmar: A Case Study of Myaungmya District, Ayeyarwady Region
Authors: Oo Soe Paing , Usami Koichi
Published: June 2020

Although the Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MOAI) implemented Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in rice production, farmers’ application of GAPs is decreasing. This study was conducted to examine farmers’ perception of GAPs and the determinants of that perception. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a random selection of 315 farmers. By applying principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, the study found that all component technologies of GAPs have relative advantages and visible benefits. However, these component technologies of GAPs in rice production are perceived as relatively difficult to apply by farmers. According to the result of the binary logit model, determinants of farmers’ perception were gender, education, farmland size, access to credit, income from crop production, contact with extension agents, receiving agricultural information, and receiving training in GAPs in rice production. Some agricultural policies and extension activities are needed to enhance farmers’ perceptions of the compatibility of GAPs in rice production. First, the implementation of GAPs in rice production should focus mainly on low-income farmers who own small amounts of farmland. Second, MOAI should reform the credit plan for farmers who wish to accept GAPs in rice production. Third, extension workers should have regular contact with farmers to enhance farmers’ perception of the compatibility of GAPs in rice production. Finally, more agricultural information should be provided, especially for farmers who have larger farms and higher income, concerning the advantages of using GAPs in rice production.
Response to the Cold Stress Signaling of the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) Elicited by Chitosan Oligosaccharide
Authors: Li Yingying , Zhang Qiuqiu , Ou Lina , Ji Dezhong , Liu Tao , Lan Rongmeng , Li Xiangyang , Jin Linhong
Published: June 2020

Cold stress caused by a low temperature is a significant threat to tea production. The application of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) can alleviate the effect of low temperature stress on tea plants. However, how COS affects the cold stress signaling in tea plants is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the level of physiological indicators in tea leaves treated with COS, and then the molecular response to the cold stress of tea leaves treated with COS was analyzed by transcriptomics with RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). The results show that the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, content of chlorophyll and soluble sugar in tea leaves in COS-treated tea plant were significantly increased and that photosynthesis and carbon metabolism were enriched. Besides, our results suggest that COS may impact to the cold stress signaling via enhancing the photosynthesis and carbon process. Our research provides valuable information for the mechanisms of COS application in tea plants under cold stress.
Solubility and Efficiency of Rock Phosphate Fertilizers Partially Acidulated with Zeolite and Pillared Clay as Additives
Authors: Teles Ana Paula Bettoni , Rodrigues Marcos , Pavinato Paulo Sergio
Published: June 2020

Soluble phosphates are the most common sources currently used in crop production in tropical soils; however, they present low efficiency and are more expensive than natural rock phosphates. The objective was to develop new phosphate fertilizers with slow solubility through the partial acidification of rock phosphates (RPs), incorporating materials with adsorption characteristics to favor slow dissolution and prevent phosphorus (P) fixation in the soil. Three rock phosphates, Araxá (ARP), Bayovar (BRP) and Morocco (MRP), were evaluated at two acidulation levels (25 and 50% Ac.) and two additives; pillared clays (PILC) and zeolites (Zeo), plus triple superphosphate (TSP) and a control (nil-P). The soil diffusion was evaluated in concentric rings in Petri dishes. Solubility was evaluated in leaching columns and sampled in layers from surface for P forms in the soil profile. The relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) was evaluated in maize. Greater diffusion was provided by TSP, followed by BRP and MRP both with 50% Ac. + Zeo, and MRP with 50% Ac. + PILC. Percolated P was more pronounced under TSP, followed by RPs (BRP and MRP) with 50% Ac. + Zeo. BRP and MRP + 50% Ac. were the most promising sources with RAE above 74% compared to TSP.
Two Novel Energy Crops: Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L.—State of Knowledge
Authors: Cumplido-Marin Laura , Graves Anil R. , Burgess Paul J. , Morhart Christopher , Paris Pierluigi , Jablonowski Nicolai D. , Facciotto Gianni , Bury Marek , Martens Reent , Nahm Michael
Published: June 2020

Current global temperature increases resulting from human activity threaten many ecosystems and societies, and have led to international and national policy commitments that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy crops provide one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and two novel crops that could be used for this purpose are Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. This research examined the existing scientific literature available on both crops through a systematic review. The data were collated according to the agronomy, uses, and environmental benefits of each crop. Possible challenges were associated with high initial planting costs, low yields in low rainfall areas, and for Sida hermaphrodita, vulnerability to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, under appropriate environmental conditions, both crops were found to provide large yields over sustained periods of time with relatively low levels of management and could be used to produce large energy surpluses, either through direct combustion or biogas production. Other potential uses included fodder, fibre, and pharmaceutical uses. Environmental benefits included the potential for phytoremediation, and improvements to soil health, biodiversity, and pollination. The review also demonstrated that environmental benefits, such as pollination, soil health, and water quality benefits could be obtained from the use of Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum relative to existing bioenergy crops such as maize, whilst at the same time reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Future research should examine the long-term implications of using Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum as well as improve knowledge on how to integrate them successfully within existing farming systems and supply chains.
Optimization of Irrigation Scheduling for Maize in an Arid Oasis Based on Simulation–Optimization Model
Authors: Li Jiang , Jiao Xiyun , Jiang Hongzhe , Song Jian , Chen Lina
Published: June 2020

In arid regions, irrigation scheduling optimization is efficient in coping with the shortage of agricultural water resources. This paper developed a simulation–optimization model for irrigation scheduling optimization for the main crop in an arid oasis, aiming to maximize crop yield and minimize crop water consumption. The model integrated the soil water balance simulation model and the optimization model for crop irrigation scheduling. The simulation model was firstly calibrated and validated based on field experiment data for maize in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Then, considering the distribution of soil types and irrigation districts in the study area, the model was used to solve the optimal irrigation schedules for the scenarios of status quo and typical climate years. The results indicated that the model is applicable for reflecting the complexities of simulation–optimization for maize irrigation scheduling. The optimization results showed that the irrigation water-saving potential of the study area was between 97 mm and 240 mm, and the average annual optimal yield of maize was over 7.3 t/ha. The simulation–optimization model of irrigation schedule established in this paper can provide a technical means for the formulation of irrigation schedules to ensure yield optimization and water productivity or water saving.
N-Nonyloxypentyl-l-Deoxynojirimycin Inhibits Growth, Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors Expression of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: De Gregorio Eliana , Esposito Anna , Vollaro Adriana , De Fenza Maria , D’Alonzo Daniele , Migliaccio Antonella , Iula Vita Dora , Zarrilli Raffaele , Guaragna Annalisa
Published: June 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of hospital- and community-associated bacterial infections throughout the world, which are difficult to treat due to the rising number of drug-resistant strains. New molecules displaying potent activity against this bacterium are urgently needed. In this study, d- and l-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and a small library of their N-alkyl derivatives were screened against S. aureus ATCC 29213, with the aim to identify novel candidates with inhibitory potential. Among them, N-nonyloxypentyl-l-DNJ (l-NPDNJ) proved to be the most active compound against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and its clinical isolates, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 128 μg/mL. l-NPDNJ also displayed an additive effect with gentamicin and oxacillin against the gentamicin- and methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolate 00717. Sub-MIC values of l-NPDNJ affected S. aureus biofilm development in a dose-dependent manner, inducing a strong reduction in biofilm biomass. Moreover, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analysis revealed that l-NPDNJ effectively inhibited at sub-MIC values the transcription of the spa, hla, hlb and sea virulence genes, as well as the agrA and saeR response regulator genes.
Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Drinking Water Prior to Slaughter Improves Oxidative Status, Physiological Stress, and Quality of Pork
Authors: Rey Ana I. , Segura José Francisco , Castejón David , Fernández-Valle Encarnación , Cambero Mª Isabel , Calvo Luis
Published: June 2020

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 administration in drinking water during lairage time prior to slaughter on physiological stress, oxidative status, and pork quality characteristics. Two experiments were carried out. The first one was performed to examine the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in drinking water, and the second one to check the effect of supplementation dose (500,000 IU/L vs. 700,000 IU/L). Serum calcium concentration was greater in pigs receiving vitamin D3 in water when compared to the control group. In experiment 1, a 40% α-tocopherol increase in meat from the group supplemented with vitamin D3 (500,000 IU/animal) was observed, that resulted in a tendency of decreased meat malondialdehyde (MDA) values at days 5 and 8 after refrigerated storage. In experiment 2, since water intake was higher (800,000 IU and 1,120,000 IU/animal of vitamin D3 consumption) effects on oxidative status were more profound and vitamin D3 supplementation increased serum α-tocopherol and decreased cortisol and serum TBARS. These effects were also observed in meat; TBARS levels were decreased after 3 days of refrigerated storage. In both experiments meat from pigs that received vitamin D3 in drinking water had a lower proportion of total free-polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly n-6) when compared to the unsupplemented pigs, and these were positively correlated with TBARS production at day 5 of refrigerated storage (r = 0.53 and 0.38 for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). Meat from pigs receiving vitamin D3 in water showed reduced cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness values compared to the control group. The magnetic resonance imaging study of muscle confirmed the effects on water retention with lesser transverse relaxation time in pigs supplemented with vitamin D3. No vitamin D3 dose effect was observed, apart from muscle α-tocopherol concentration that was higher in pigs supplemented with 700,000 compared to those supplemented with 500,000 UI/L.
Lindera obtusiloba Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Ovalbumin-Challenged Asthma
Authors: Lee Ba-Wool , Ha Ji-Hye , Shin Han-Gyo , Jeong Seong-Hun , Kim Ju-Hong , Lee Jihye , Park Ji-Young , Kwon Hyung-Jun , Jung Kyungsook , Lee Woo-Song , Ryu Young-Bae , Jeong Jae-Ho , Lee In-Chul
Published: June 2020

Lindera obtusiloba is widespread in northeast Asia and used for treatment of improvement of blood circulation and anti-inflammation. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of the methanolic extract of L. obtusiloba leaves (LOL) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged allergic asthma model and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cell. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA by intraperitoneal injection on days 0 and 14, and airway-challenged with OVA from days 21 to 23. Mice were administered 50 and 100 mg/kg of LOL by oral gavage 1 h before the challenge. LOL treatment effectively decreased airway hyper-responsiveness and inhibited inflammatory cell recruitment, Th2 cytokines, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in OVA-challenged mice, which were accompanied by marked suppression of airway inflammation and mucus production in the lung tissue. LOL pretreatment inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) with suppression of activator protein (AP)-1 and MUC5AC in the lung tissue. LOL also down-regulated expression of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. LOL elevated the translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2) into nucleus concurrent with increase of heme oxyngenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Moreover, LOL treatment exhibited a marked increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activities, whereas effectively suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, as well as lipid peroxidation in lung tissue of OVA-challenged mice and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. These findings suggest that LOL might serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.
Retinex Based Image Enhancement via General Dictionary Convolutional Sparse Coding
Authors: Yoon Jongsu , Choe Yoonsik
Published: June 2020

Retinex theory represents the human visual system by showing the relative reflectance of an object under various illumination conditions. A feature of this human visual system is color constancy, and the Retinex theory is designed in consideration of this feature. The Retinex algorithms have been popularly used to effectively decompose the illumination and reflectance of an object. The main aim of this paper is to study image enhancement using convolution sparse coding and sparse representations of the reflectance component in the Retinex model over a learned dictionary. To realize this, we use the convolutional sparse coding model to represent the reflectance component in detail. In addition, we propose that the reflectance component can be reconstructed using a trained general dictionary by using convolutional sparse coding from a large dataset. We use singular value decomposition in limited memory to construct a best reflectance dictionary. This allows the reflectance component to provide improved visual quality over conventional methods, as shown in the experimental results. Consequently, we can reduce the difference in perception between humans and machines through the proposed Retinex-based image enhancement.
Analysis on Steering Performance of Active Steering Bogie According to Steering Angle Control on Curved Section
Authors: Hur Hyunmoo , Shin Yujeong , Ahn Dahoon
Published: June 2020

In this paper, prior to the commercialization of a developed active steering bogie, we want to analyze steering performance experimentally according to steering angle level with the aim of obtaining steering performance data to derive practical design specifications for a steering system. In other words, the maximum steering performance can be obtained by controlling the steering angle at the 100% level of the target steering angle, but it is necessary to establish the practical control range in consideration of the steering system cost increase, size increase, and consumer steering performance requirements and commercialize. The steering control test using the active steering bogie was conducted in the section of the steep curve with a radius of curvature of R300, and steering performance such as bogie angle, wheel lateral force, and derailment coefficient were analyzed according to the steering angle level. As the steering angle level increased, the bogie indicated that it was aligned with the radial steering position, and steering performance such as wheel lateral force and derailment coefficient was improved. The steering control at 100% level of the target steering angle can achieve the highest performance of 83.6% reduction in wheel lateral force, but it can be reduced to about one-half of the conventional bogie at 25% level control and about one-third at 50% level. Considering cost rise by adopting the active steering system, this result can be used as a very important design indicator to compromise steering performance and cost rise issues in the design stage of the steering system from a viewpoint of commercialization. Therefore, it is expected that the results of the steering performance experiment according to the steering angle level in this paper will be used as very useful data for commercialization.
Hybrid Framework for Simulating Building Collapse and Ruin Scenarios Using Finite Element Method and Physics Engine
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Tian Yuan , Yang Zhebiao , Lu Xinzheng
Published: June 2020

Reliable and high-fidelity virtual ruin scenarios for collapsed buildings are essential for post-earthquake emergency search and rescue training. However, the existing research on the distribution of ruins caused by building collapse is insufficient for supporting post-earthquake rescue training. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid framework for simulating building collapse and ruin scenarios, using a finite element (FE) model and a physics engine. Based on this framework, the following methods are proposed: (1) geometric model conversion from the FE model to the physics engine; (2) determination of the initial moment of collapse; and (3) data mapping of the FE simulation results. In addition, a corresponding program, Finite Element Method to Rigid Body Dynamics (FEM2RBD), is developed for the hybrid framework. The proposed framework simulates the entire process of building collapse and the distribution of ruins. The accuracy of the framework is validated using a shaking table test of a three-story reinforced concrete frame. The collapse process and ruin scenario of a real-world library building is simulated as a case study. The results show that the proposed framework combines the advantages of the FE model during the small-deformation stage with the advantages of physics engines during the large-deformation stage. The proposed framework can be valuable in simulating building collapse and ruin scenarios for post-earthquake rescue training.
Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction Based on Principal Component Analysis and LSTM
Authors: Geng Dawei , Zhang Haifeng , Wu Hongyu
Published: June 2020

An accurate prediction of wind speed is crucial for the economic and resilient operation of power systems with a high penetration level of wind power. Meteorological information such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind level has a significant influence on wind speed, which makes it difficult to predict wind speed accurately. This paper proposes a wind speed prediction method through an effective combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network. Firstly, PCA is employed to reduce the dimensions of the original multidimensional meteorological data which affect the wind speed. Further, differential evolution (DE) algorithm is presented to optimize the learning rate, number of hidden layer nodes, and batch size of the LSTM network. Finally, the reduced feature data from PCA and the wind speed data are merged together as an input to the LSTM network for wind speed prediction. In order to show the merits of the proposed method, several prevailing prediction methods, such as Gaussian process regression (GPR), support vector regression (SVR), recurrent neural network (RNN), and other forecasting techniques, are introduced for comparative purposes. Numerical results show that the proposed method performs best in prediction accuracy.
DoA Prediction Based Beamforming with Low Training Overhead for Highly-Mobile UAV Communication with Cellular Networks
Authors: Zhao Tianxiao , Luo Chunbo , Zhou Jianming , Guo Dechun , Chen Ning , Casaseca-de-la-Higuera Pablo
Published: June 2020

In supporting communications with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as aerial user equipments (aUEs) in cellular systems, the current beamforming schemes based on channel state estimation are facing severe challenges from the pilot contamination effect, especially in 5G and future networks where the cell size becomes small and the user density is high. Beamforming schemes based on signal direction of arrival (DoA) are regarded as a highly promising alternative to solve this problem. However, to achieve optimal performance for DoA-based beamforming, the error to DoA estimation during pilot signal intervals, caused by the high mobility of UAVs, must be addressed. In the meantime, the training overheads of traditional DoA estimation algorithms must be reduced to save the bandwidth for data communication. This paper investigates uplink beamforming performance enhancement based on signal DoA estimation to support UAV-cellular network communication. We propose a novel DoA estimation algorithm to predict angle variations during the intervals, which achieves high precision even when UAVs are at high mobility. The prediction process requires no pilot signals and enables timely adjustment of the steering vector when calculating the beamforming weight vector. The proposed algorithm contributes to the realisation of a beamforming scheme with real-time steering vector updates, which simultaneously maintains high beamforming gains and low training overheads. Simulation results show that, compared with the conventional DoA-based beamforming scheme, the proposed method yields more accurate DoA estimation output and higher gains. Furthermore, simulation experiments also suggests that applying the proposed scheme can reduce up to 100 pilot signal transmissions per second.