bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental sensitivities of shallow-cumulus dilution. Part I: Selected thermodynamic conditions
Authors: Drueke Sonja , Kirshbaum Daniel J. , Kollias Pavlos
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Cumulus entrainment, and its consequent dilution of buoyant cloud cores, strongly regulates the life cycle of shallow cumuli yet remains poorly understood. Herein, new insights into this problem are obtained through large-eddy simulations that systematically investigate the sensitivity of shallow-cumulus dilution to cloud-layer relative humidity (RH), cloud- and subcloud-layer depths, and continentality (i.e., the land-ocean contrast). The simulated cloud-core dilution is found to be strongly sensitive to continentality, with fractional dilution rates twice as large over the ocean as over land. Using a similarity theory based on the turbulent-kinetic-energy (TKE) budget, the reduced cloud-core dilution over land is attributed to larger cloud-base mass flux (mb), driven by stronger surface heating and subcloud turbulence. As mb increasies, the fractional dilution rate must decrease to maintain energetic equilibrium. A positive sensitivity is also found to cloud-layer RH, with the core dilution increasing by 25–50 % for a 10 % enhancement in RH. This sensitivity is interpreted using the buoyancy-sorting hypothesis, in that mixtures of cloud and environmental air are more likely to become negatively buoyant and detrain (rather than diluting the cloud core) in drier cloud layers. By contrast, the sensitivities of (marine) shallow-cumulus dilution to cloud- and subcloud-layer depths are weak, with virtually no sensitivity to the former and only a 15 % reduction in dilution for a tripling of the latter (from 250 m to 750 m). These surprisingly weak sensitivities are readily explained by offsetting effects in the TKE similarity theory. Altogether, these experimental findings provide useful, though still incomplete, guidance for flow-dependent shallow-cumulus entrainment formulations in large-scale models.
A 424-year tree-ring-based Palmer Drought Severity Index reconstruction of Cedrus deodara D. Don from the Hindu Kush range of Pakistan: linkages to ocean oscillations
Authors: Ahmad Sarir , Zhu Liangjun , Yasmeen Sumaira , Zhang Yuandong , Li Zongshan , Ullah Sami , Han Shijie , Wang Xiaochun
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The rate of global warming has led to persistent drought.
It is considered to be the preliminary factor affecting socioeconomic
development under the background of the dynamic forecasting of the water supply and
forest ecosystems in West Asia. However, long-term climate records in the
semiarid Hindu Kush range are seriously lacking. Therefore, we developed a
new tree-ring width chronology of Cedrus deodara spanning the period of 1537–2017. We
reconstructed the March–August Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the
past 424 years, going back to 1593 CE. Our reconstruction featured nine dry periods (1593–1598, 1602–1608, 1631–1645, 1647–1660,
1756–1765, 1785–1800, 1870–1878, 1917–1923, and 1981–1995)
and eight wet periods (1663–1675, 1687–1708, 1771–1773, 1806–1814, 1844–1852, 1932–1935,
1965–1969, and 1990–1999). This reconstruction is consistent
with other dendroclimatic reconstructions in West Asia, thereby confirming
its reliability. The multi-taper method and wavelet analysis revealed
drought variability at periodicities of 2.1–2.4, 3.3, 6.0, 16.8, and
34.0–38.0 years. The drought patterns could be linked to the large-scale
atmospheric–oceanic variability, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation,
Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and solar activity. In terms of current
climate conditions, our findings have important implications for developing
drought-resistant policies in communities on the fringes of the Hindu Kush
mountain range in northern Pakistan.
Bayesian full-waveform inversion of tube waves to estimate fracture aperture and compliance
Authors: Hunziker Jürg , Greenwood Andrew , Minato Shohei , Barbosa Nicolás Daniel , Caspari Eva , Holliger Klaus
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The hydraulic and mechanical characterization of fractures is crucial for a wide range of pertinent applications, such as geothermal energy
production, hydrocarbon exploration, CO2 sequestration, and nuclear waste disposal. Direct hydraulic and mechanical testing of individual fractures along
boreholes does, however, tend to be slow and cumbersome. To alleviate this problem, we propose to estimate the effective hydraulic aperture and the mechanical
compliance of isolated fractures intersecting a borehole through a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) inversion of full-waveform tube-wave data recorded
in a vertical seismic profiling (VSP) setting. The solution of the corresponding forward problem is based on a recently developed semi-analytical solution.
This inversion approach has been tested for and verified on a wide range of synthetic scenarios. Here, we present the results of its application to observed
hydrophone VSP data acquired along a borehole in the underground Grimsel Test Site in the central Swiss Alps. While the results are consistent with the
corresponding evidence from televiewer data and exemplarily illustrate the advantages of using a computationally expensive stochastic, instead of a
deterministic inversion approach, they also reveal the inherent limitation of the underlying semi-analytical forward solver.
On morphology and amplitude of 2D and 3D thermal anomalies induced by buoyancy-driven flow within and around fault zones
Authors: Guillou-Frottier Laurent , Duwiquet Hugo , Launay Gaëtan , Taillefer Audrey , Roche Vincent , Link Gaétan
Published: April 2020

Abstract. In the first kilometres of the subsurface, temperature anomalies due to heat conduction processes rarely exceed 20–30 °C. When fault zones are sufficiently permeable, fluid flow may lead to thermal anomalies much higher, as evidenced by the emergence of thermal springs or by fault-related geothermal reservoirs. Hydrothermal convection triggered by buoyancy effects creates thermal anomalies whose morphology and amplitude are not well known, especially when depth- and time-dependent permeability are considered. Exploitation of shallow thermal anomalies for heat and power production partly depends on the volume and on the temperature of the hydrothermal reservoir. This study presents a non-exhaustive numerical investigation of fluid flow models within and around simplified fault zones, where realistic fluid and rock properties are accounted for, as well as appropriate boundary conditions. 2D simplified models point out relevant physical mechanisms for geological problems, such as thermal inheritance or splitting plumes showing a pulsating behaviour. When permeability is increased, the classic finger-like upwellings evolve towards a bulb-like geometry, resulting in a large volume of hot fluid at shallow depth. In the simplified 3D models, where fault zone dip angle and fault zone thickness are varied, the anomalously hot reservoir exhibits a kilometre-sized hot air balloon morphology, or, when permeability is depth-dependent, a funnel-shape geometry. For thick faults, the number of thermal anomalies increases but not the amplitude. The largest amplitude (up to 80–90 °C) is obtained for vertical fault zones. At the top of a vertical, 100 m wide, fault zone, temperature anomalies greater than 30 °C may extend laterally over more than 1 km from the fault boundary. These preliminary results should motivate further geothermal investigations of more elaborated models where topography and fault intersections would be accounted for.
Measurements and modeling of snow albedo at Alerce Glacier, Argentina: effects of volcanic ash, snow grain size and cloudiness
Authors: Gelman Constantin Julian , Ruiz Lucas , Villarosa Gustavo , Outes Valeria , Bajano Facundo N. , He Cenlin , Bajano Hector , Dawidowski Laura
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The relevance of light absorbing impurities in snow albedo (and its effects in seasonal snow or glacier mass balance) have been under study for several decades. However, the effect of volcanic ash has been much less studied, and most articles studied only the effect of thick layers after direct deposition. There is also a knowledge gap in field measurements of seasonal snow and glaciers of the southern Andes, that only recently has started to be filled. We present here the first field measurements on Argentinian Andes, combined with albedo and mass balance modeling activities. Measured impurities content (1.1%ndash;30 000 mg/kg) varied abruptly in snow pits and snow/firn cores, due to high surface enrichment during ablation season and possibly local/regional wind driven resuspension and redeposition of dust and volcanic ash. In addition, we observed a high spatial hetereogeneity, due to seasonality, glacier topography and prevailing wind direction. Microscopical characterization showed that the major component was ash from recent Calbuco (2015) and Cordón Caulle (2011) volcanic eruption, with minor presence of mineral dust and Black Carbon. We also found a wide range of measured snow albedo (0.26 to 0.81), which reflected mainly the impurities content and the snow/firn grain size (due to aging). SNICAR model has been updated to model snow albedo taking into account the effect of cloudiness on incident radiation spectra, improving the match of modeled and measured values. We also ran sensitivity studies on the main measured parameters (impurities content and composition, snow grain size, layer thickness, etc) to assess which field measurements precision can improve the uncertainty of albedo modeling. Finally, we studied the impact of these albedo reductions in Alerce glacier using a spatially distributed surface mass-balance model. We found a large impact of albedo changes in glacier mass balance, and we estimated that the effect of observed ash concentrations can be as high as a 1.25 m w.e.decrease in the glacier-wide annual mass balance (due to a 34 % of increase in the melt during the ablation season).
Lidar measurements of yawed wind turbine wakes: characterisation and validation of analytical models
Authors: Brugger Peter , Debnath Mithu , Scholbrock Andrew , Fleming Paul , Moriarty Patrick , Simley Eric , Jager David , Murphy Mark , Zong Haohua , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Wake measurements of a scanning Doppler lidar mounted on the nacelle of a yawed full-scale wind turbine are used for the characterization of the wake flow and the validation of analytical wake models. Inflow scanning Doppler lidars, a meteorological mast and the data of the wind turbine control system complemented the set-up. Results showed an increase of the wake deflection with the yaw angle that agreed with two of the three compared models. For yawed cases, the predicted power of a waked downwind turbine estimated by the two previously successful models had an error of 17 % and 24 % compared to the SCADA data and 12 % and 13 % compared to the power estimated from the Doppler lidar measurements. Shortcomings of the method to compute the power coefficient in an inhomogeneous wind field are likely the reason for disagreement between estimates using the Doppler lidar data versus SCADA data. Further, it was found that some wake steering cases were detrimental to the power output due to errors of the inflow wind direction perceived by the yawed wind turbine and the wake steering design implemented. Lastly, it was observed that the spanwise cross-section of the wake is strongly affected by wind veer, masking the kidney-shaped wake cross-sections observed from wind-tunnel experiments and numerical simulations.
Pseudosperma flavorimosum sp. nov. from Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Sana , Khalid Abdul Nasir
Published: April 2020

Pseudosperma flavorimosum is a new species described from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. It is delimited based on morphological characters combined with a molecular phylogeny inferred from nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analyses. The
ITS-based phylogeny supports the independence of the new species, which is also is morphologically distinct from closely related taxa.
Policy Challenges in Mapping Internet Interdomain Congestion
Authors: claffy kc , Clark David D. , Bauer Steve , Dhamdhere Amogh
Published: April 2020

Interconnection links connecting broadband access providers with their peers, transit providers and major content providers, are a potential point of discriminatory treatment and impairment of user experience. However, adequate data to shed light on this situation is lacking, and different actors can put forward opportunistic interpretations of data to support their points of view. In this article, we introduce a topology-aware model of interconnection to elucidate our own beliefs about how to measure interconnection links of access providers and how policymakers should interpret the results. We use six case studies that show how our conceptual model can guide a critical analysis of what is or should be measured and reported, and how to soundly interpret these measurements.
Characteristics and yield of slaughter of dairy calves receiving cheese whey and colostrum in a liquid diet
Authors: Lima Renata Nayhara de , Moura Andrezza Kyarelle Bezerra de , Assis Ana Paula Pinheiro de , Leite Hélia Maria de Souza , Oliveira Francisca Cedma de Sousa , Morais Fabrício Xavier , Marinho Jéssica Berly Moreira , Assis Liz Carolina da Silva Lagos Cortes , Lima Patrícia de Oliveira
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of suckling with cheese and colostrum, from whole milk, on the characteristics and yields of slaughter of dairy calves at 60 days. Twenty-four uncastrated male Hosltein calves were used. The experimental treatments included: integral milk (MI); 50% integral milk + 50% in natura whey cheese (MW); and 30% colostrum + 70% whey cheese (CW). Dry matter intake of concentrate (IDMC) and hay (IDMH), mean daily gain (MDG), and total weight gain (WGT) were evaluated. In addition, weights and yields of hot and cold carcasses, loss and breaking during cooling, and length and thoracic depth of the carcass, commercial cuts, and non-carcass components were measured. Resultantly, a significant effect (P < 0.05) was observed for IDMC, live weight at slaughter, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and carcass length; here, MW and CS treatment differed from LS. Thus, these substitute diets to whole milk showed no interference with physiological and biometric patterns in the animals.
Performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil
Authors: Santos Guilherme Batista dos , Negri Renata , Maeda Emilyn Midori , Vilela Valter Oshiro , Hill João Ari Gualberto , Macedo Vicente de Paulo
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil. Forty multiparous ewes with an average age of three years were divided into two treatments, with or without protected fat supplementation (in concentrate). Every 15 days and at the time of lambing, weighing and body condition evaluation of sheep were performed, while lambs were evaluated at birth until weaning. Duration of post-weaning anestrus was obtained through the manifestation of estrus, detected by a vasectomized male. Data were submitted to analysis of variance. No difference was observed between supplementations for body weight, body condition score, and average daily gain during the gestation phase. Ewes fed protected fat had a superiority regarding the body score during the lactation phase. Lambs from ewes supplemented with protected fat were weaned faster, and ewes presented an early estrus. No difference was observed between treatments for maternal-offspring behavior. The use of fat during lactation showed improvement in productive (body condition score) and reproductive (shorter anestrus period) parameters. It also reduces the weaning age of lambs and does not alter maternal-offspring behavior.
Frugivorous flies and their parasitoids associated with native fruits in an urban area
Authors: Coelho João Batista , Araújo Edineia da Silva , Silva Luciana Barboza , Strikis Pedro Carlos , Zucchi Roberto Antonio , Lopes Gleidyane Novais
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to know the species of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) and their parasitoids associated with fruits in home orchards. It was conducted in the Gurgueia Valley, municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. Fruit collection was carried out from April to December 2016. A total of 959 fruits (12 kg) belonging to seven fruit species were sampled, such as acerola (Malpighia glabra), carambola (Averrhoa carambola), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), balsam pear (Momordica charantia), cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis), and purple mombin (Spondias purpurea). Only three among these species (acerola, umbu-cajá, and purple mombin) were host, with 2,770 frugivorous flies. Umbu-cajá hosted 316 specimens of Anastrepha obliqua, from which puparia have emerged 84 specimens of Opius bellus and four of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Purple mombin hosted Ceratitis capitata (2,384 specimens), Neosilba pendula (69 specimens), and Anastrepha sp. (one male). Eleven specimens of Tetrastichus giffardianus emerged from the puparia of C. capitata. Acerola hosted only one female of C. capitata and six specimens of N. pendula. Ceratitis capitata and N. pendula were recorded for the first-time infesting fruits of purple mombin in Piauí. Tetrastichus giffardianus parasitizing C. capitata in purple mombin was first recorded in the state of Piauí. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae is a new record in A. obliqua in umbu-cajá in Brazil.
Electrocardiographic and laboratory alterations in anorexic cats
Authors: Junckes Jessica , Cavalcanti Eduarda Aléxia Nunes Louzada Dias , Ignácio Thames Camargo , Carvalho Roberta Oliveira de , Cavalcanti Guilherme Albuquerque de Oliveira , Palhares Maristela Silveira
Published: April 2020

Anorexia, the result of inadequate nutrient intake, can lead to death and is a constant problem in the feline clinic. However, we did not find any previous studies that evaluated cardiac measures in felines. Therefore, we evaluated 27 emaciated cats by means of hematological exams, urinalysis, and electrocardiography. In the serum, we noted increased creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate enzyme levels. Further, 62.96% of the cats exhibited electrocardiographic alterations. The most frequent electrocardiographic changes were increased QRS complex duration and QT interval increase. As clinicians become more aware of cardiovascular complications related to malnutrition, they are better able to recognize and assist this animal class.
Chemical elements in the water of the São Pedro river basin, Faxinal - Paraná
Authors: Justus Cláudia Maria , Pasini Amarildo , Raminelli Jaqueline Aparecida , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo , Celligoi André
Published: April 2020

Anthropogenic activities close to water bodies can be sources of contamination, posing a risk to the environment and human health. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of surface and groundwater samples collected from the São Pedro river basin, in the municipality of Faxinal (PR-Brazil). Thirty-eight samples were collected in total: nineteen from rivers, two in dams, eleven at sites with springs, one in a shallow well, and five in deep wells part of the Guarani Aquifer System. Samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons to determine the concentrations of the following elements: Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium, Nickel, Aluminum, Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, which were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with the standards established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health Ordinance n. 2914/2011, which regulates the drinking water standard for human consumption in Brazil. Manganese, Aluminum, and Mercury levels were observed to be above those required by the standards established by the legislation, indicating that further studies are necessary to detect possible sources of pollution in these waters as well as highlighting the potential risks to human health and ultimately contributing to the environmental planning of this basin.
Plot size and number of replications in Sudan grass
Authors: Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Bandeira Cirineu Tolfo , Chaves Gabriela Görgen , Kleinpaul Jéssica Andiara , Pezzini Rafael Vieira , Neu Ismael Mario Márcio , Procedi Andréia , Thomasi Rosana Marzari
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal plot size and the number of replications to evaluate fresh weight in Sudan grass [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.]. Twenty-six uniformity trials were carried out in two cultivars (BRS Estribo and CG Farrapo), in four sowing seasons (20 Dec, 20 Jan, 7 Feb and 24 Feb) and two methods for evaluating fresh weight (cutting and at flowering). The fresh weight was evaluated in 936 basic experimental units (BEU) (26 trials × 36 BEU per trial). One BEU comprised three rows of plants, 1 m in length (1.2 m2). The optimal plot size was determined using the maximum curvature method of the model of the coefficient of variation. For experiments in a completely randomised or randomised block design, in combinations of number of treatments and levels of experimental precision, the number of replications was determined by an iterative process. The optimal plot size to evaluate fresh weight in Sudan grass is 7.95 m2. Eight replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments in a completely randomised or randomised block design, are sufficient to identify as significant at 0.05% probability by Tukey’s test, differences between the mean value of each treatment of 30.2% of the mean value of the experiment.
Histochemical changes induced by Trichoderma spp. and potassium phosphite in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Figueira Eliana Peliçon Pereira , Kuhn Odair José , Martinazzo-Portz Tatiane , Stangarlin José Renato , Pereira Marcos Donizete Peliçon , Lampugnani Camila
Published: April 2020

Induction of resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been considered a promising alternative to control anthracnose. Among the changes generated in the induction of resistance, structural changes have been reported by several authors as an efficient form of resistance to the stress plants undergo. Histochemical analysis techniques have been used to investigate tissue changes triggered by induction of resistance. Thus, this study aims to investigate certain histochemical changes suffered by common bean plants induced with potassium phosphite and Trichoderma spp. in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, aiming to determine the host response pattern in terms of structural changes, associating it to possible disease control. Treatments consisted of isolates T. harzianum (isolate TOD1) and T. virens (isolate TM4), leaf fertilizer potassium phosphite Fertilis®, and distilled water (control). Inducers were applied to common bean alone or associated, consisting of five treatments plus the control treatment. The six treatments were evaluated for the absence and presence of C. lindemuthianum in a factorial scheme (6×2). Treatments allowed evaluating the severity of anthracnose in common bean, location of H2O2, lignin deposition, and hypersensitivity response in common bean hypocotyl by histochemical staining. Potassium phosphite and combinations of T. virens and T. harzianum with potassium phosphite efficiently reduced disease severity under greenhouse conditions, reaching 68, 84, and 71%, respectively. Studies with hypocotyl showed that T. harzianum + potassium phosphite and T. virens + potassium phosphite accelerated the H2O2 accumulation process and lignin deposition at the pathogen penetration site, in addition to the hypersensitivity reaction through the resistance-inducing activity, contributing to the protection of common bean against anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum.
Molecular diagnosis and risk factors of canine ehrlichiosis in the municipality of Itabuna-Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Cordeiro Jeane Martinha dos Anjos , Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão , Munhoz Alexandre Dias , Silva Fabiana Lessa
Published: April 2020

Ehrlichiosis is an emerging zoonosis worldwide and has had several adverse effects on public health. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, has the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus as the vector. The main clinical signs in affected dogs are fever, apathy, anorexia, weight loss, and neurological signs. The diagnosis is made through the association of clinical signs with parasitological, serological, and molecular tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of E. canis infection in dogs from the city of Itabuna-Bahia, as well as to identify the risk factors related to infection. For this, 405 dogs from the Center for Zoonoses Control (CCZ), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and dogs domiciled and semi-domiciled in the city of Itabuna, southern Bahia, were evaluated. After initial physical evaluation of the dogs, blood samples were collected by venipuncture for subsequent DNA extraction and E. canis testing using the nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested-PCR) technique. In addition, an epidemiological questionnaire that included questions related to the animals was administered to the dog owners to identify the risk factors for exposure to the etiological agent and to the vector. Approximately 17% of the dogs in the municipality of Itabuna-Bahia tested positive for E. canis by nested-PCR, a result higher than that found in other studies conducted in the same municipality. Among the factors associated with E. canis infection, contact with other dogs (p = 0.0226) was an important factor for the dissemination of CME, since dogs are reported to be reservoirs of E. canis. Male dogs (p = 0.0016) presented lower risk for E. canis infection. Other studies, however, describe no association between animal gender and infection by E. canis. Preventive measures to reduce exposure to the vector of ehrlichiosis are necessary.
Use of Duddingtonia flagrans in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of feedlot goats
Authors: Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Braga Fabio Ribeiro , Santos Antonielson dos , Bezerra Roberto Alves , Silva Gabriela Lucena Longo , Athayde Ana Célia Rodrigues , Araújo Jackson Victor
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the use of a sodium alginate matrix-pelletized formulation of Duddingtonia flagrans for biological control of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in feedlot goats in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. We used 20 Saanen female goats (age, 4 months; average weight, 12 kg) that did not receive anthelmintic treatment and had counting of eggs per gram of faeces (EPGs) ? 500. The animals were divided into two groups: in group 1 (D. flagrans group), each animal received 3 g of pellets (0.6 g of D. flagrans mycelium) per 10 kg of body weight, twice a week, over 4 months; and in group 2 (control group), each animal received 3 g of pellets without fungus per 10 kg of body weight, twice a week, over 4 months. Each group was maintained in a separate 15-m2 stall. Larval cultures and measurements of weight, EPG, and packed cell volume (PCV) were performed every 15 days. We observed low EPG levels in the D. flagrans group throughout the experimental period, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) on day 30 and from day 60, having, at the end of the experiment, average OPG values of only 150, reduction of 92.3% when compared to control group. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent helminth in all larval cultures. The D. flagrans group showed a mean weight gain of 8.8 kg at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05), while the control group showed a mean weight gain of 4.8 kg. The best PCV results (p < 0.05) were also observed in the D. flagrans group from day 30. Thus, the use of D. flagrans pellets in a sodium alginate matrix was effective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodiasis of feedlot goats in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.
Body growth description of male and female from three broilers strains in the hot climate
Authors: Nascimento Daphinne Cardoso Nagib do , Dourado Leilane Rocha Barros , Siqueira Jefferson Costa de , Albuquerque Francisca das Chagas Fontenele de , Marques Roberto Melo , Marcato Simara Marcia , Sakomura Nilva Kazue , Farias Leonardo Atta
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the growth of males and females from three broiler strains (Cobb 500, Ross 308, and Hubbard Flex) we used a completely randomized experimental design with a factorial arrangement (3 strains and 2 sexes) and six replicates of 60 birds each, 2160 chicks of both sexes in total followed for 56 days. Once a week, the birds from each pen were weighed to estimate the average weight. The sample birds were fasted for 24 hours, re-weighed, slaughtered, eviscerated, and dissected to obtain the breast, thigh and drumstick cuts. The fitted Gompertz equations were used for each strain, and sex, for the fasted weight, and the weight of breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. To verify the effect of strain on the Gompertz curve parameters we assessed the weight at maturity (Wm), rate of maturing (b), and the time at which maximum growth rate was attained (t*) for both sexes and verified the equivalence of parameters and identity of non-linear models. For the fasted weight the rate of maturing was very similar for all strains and sexes, but the Hubbard strain showed the highest Wm and t*. The Wm parameter was common for most cuts among the strains, and the Hubbard was the dominant strain with the highest b parameter. All three parameters were similar for the male breast weight, and only one equation required adjustment to describe the breast weight growth for the three strains. Individually adjusted equations were necessary to describe the weight of drumsticks because females showed no similarity in any of the parameters for any strain.
Supplementation levels for suckling female calves under grazing: productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile
Authors: Ortega Román Maza , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Detmann Edenio , Rennó Luciana Navajas , Moreno Deilen Sotelo , Marquez David Contreras , Almeida Daniel Mageste de , Martins Leandro Soares , Ramalho Thiago
Published: April 2020

The objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation levels on productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile in suckling female calves under grazing. Forty female calves (averaging 3.5±0.06 months and 127.3±2.68 kg), and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twenty replicates. The treatments were 1) 4 g kg-1 body weight (BW) of supplement or 2) 6 g kg-1 BW of supplement. Forage and organic matter (OM) intake did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement, though crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake were greater (P < 0.05) by increasing supplementation level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) the supplementation levels on OM and CP digestibility. The metabolic profile of the animals was not affected (P > 0.05) by supplementation level. Average daily gain, longissimus dorsi area, fat thickness over rump of the animals did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement. However, there was trend of increasing (P=0.074) in fat thickness over loin by increase the supplementation level. Although the body growth of animals was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments, there was observed a trend of increase (P=0.064) in ratio BW:Height at the withers by increasing supplementation levels. In conclusion, increasing the supplementation level of 4 to 6 g kg-1 of BW, not improve the productive and nutritional performance and metabolic status in female calves under grazing on creep-feeding system.
Chemical composition, aerobic stability, and fermentation pattern of white oat silage wilted with glyphosate
Authors: Bueno Antonio Vinicius Iank , Jacovaci Fernando Alberto , Ribeiro Matheus Gonçalves , Jobim Clóves Cabreira , Daniel João Luiz Pratti , Tres Tamara Tais , Rossi Robson Marcelo
Published: April 2020

White oat has good nutritional quality but is not an easy forage to ensile due to its high buffer capacity and moisture content at ensiling moment. Therefore, wilting is necessary to offset such negative aspects. However, this process demands skilled workforce and adequate machinery. In this way, chemical desiccation is a promising technology to reduce the steps needed for wilting. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of glyphosate as a chemical desiccant on the nutritional quality, fermentation pattern, losses, and aerobic stability of wilted white oat (Avena sativa) silages. White oat sowing occurred in the first fortnight of May 2013. Desiccant application took place when oat reached milky-dough grain stage (96 days after planting). Glyphosate doses evaluated were 0, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mL ha?1. Three days after desiccation, all treatments were ensiled, and the silos were stored for 150 days. A completely randomized design was used, and all statistical procedures were performed by means of Bayesian Inference. No differences were found for lactic acid, but treated-silage pH linearly decreased. The lowest concentration of butyric acid (3.40 mg kg-1) was observed at 900.80 mL ha-1. For ammonia, the highest point (50 g kg-1) occurred at 916.51 mL ha-1. Aerobic stability was not influenced by treatments. Maximum dry matter recovery index (934 g kg-1) was observed at 864.20 mL ha-1 glyphosate. Wilted forage from treatments 500 mL ha-1, 750 mL ha-1, and 1000 mL ha-1 had greater dry matter content compared to control (320.1, 326, 301.3, and 270.7 g kg-1 respectively). Hemicellulose linearly decreased and crude protein linearly increased. The lowest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (642.8 g kg-1) and neutral-detergent insoluble nitrogen (2.30 g kg-1) occurred at doses of 1141.32 mL ha-1 and 829.14 mL ha-1, respectively. In brief, for wilted white oat silage production, harvested at milky-dough grain stage, glyphosate application prior to ensiling up to 1000 mL ha-1 led to better conservation compared to non-treated silage.
Structure of piatã palisadegrass deferred for two periods and fertilised with nitrogen
Authors: Rocha Gabriel de Oliveira , Santos Manoel Eduardo Rozalino , Vilela Hélio Henrique , Carvalho Bruno Humberto Rezende , Sousa Braulio Maia de Lana , Fagundes Jailson Lara , Backes Alfredo Acosta , Fontes Pryanka Thuyra Nascimento
Published: April 2020

The deferred pasture structure determines the consumption and performance of grazing animals and, in addition, can be influenced by the duration of the deferment period and nitrogen (N) fertilisation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha syn. Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã (piatã palisadegrass) deferred for two periods (79 and 127 days) and with four N doses (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experimental design involved complete randomised blocks and a subdivided plot scheme, with three replications. The 127-day period of deferment resulted in a higher forage mass, falling index, stem percentage and density, but a lower number of tillers, percentage and volumetric density of live leaf blade. The N dose increment, in general, worsened the structural characteristics of the piatã palisadegrass deferred for 127 days. However, with the 79-day period, the N fertilisation increased the volumetric density of live leaf blades and reduced the stem percentage in the forage mass. As a preliminary recommendation, piatã palisadegrass can be deferred for 79 days and fertilised with up to 90 kg ha-1 of N in the region of Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Economic evaluation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy compared to open radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Parackal Anna , Tarride Jean-Eric , Xie Feng , Blackhouse Gord , Hoogenes Jennifer , Matsumoto Edward , Hylton Danielle , Hanna Wael , Adili Anthony , Shayegan Bobby
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Recent health technology assessments (HTAs) of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in Ontario and Alberta, Canada, resulted in opposite recommendations, calling into question whether benefits of RARP offset the upfront investment. Therefore, the study objectives were to conduct a cost-utility analysis from a Canadian public payer perspective to determine the cost-effectiveness of RARP.

Methods: Using a 10-year time horizon, a five-state Markov model was developed to compare RARP to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Clinical parameters were derived from Canadian observational studies and a recently published systematic review. Costs, resource utilization, and utility values from recent Canadian sources were used to populate the model. Results were presented in terms of increment costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. A probabilistic analysis was conducted, and uncertainty was represented using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs). One-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Future costs and QALYs were discounted at 1.5%.

Results: Total cost of RARP and ORP were $47 033 and $45 332, respectively. Total estimated QALYs were 7.2047 and 7.1385 for RARP and ORP, respectively. The estimated incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was $25 704 in the base-case analysis. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 and $100 000 per QALY gained, the probability of RARP being cost-effective was 0.65 and 0.85, respectively. The model was most sensitive to the time horizon.

Conclusions: The results of this analysis suggest that RARP is likely to be cost-effective in this Canadian patient population. The results are consistent with Alberta’s HTA recommendation and other economic evaluations, but challenges Ontario’s reimbursement decision.
Dose-Response Effect of Daily Rehabilitation Time on Functional Gain in Stroke Patients
Authors: Ko Hanbit , Kim Howook , Kim Yeongwook , Sohn Min Kyun , Jee Sungju
Published: April 2020

Objective To demonstrate the effect of daily treatment time on recovery of functional outcomes and how each type of rehabilitation treatment influences the improvement of subgroups of functional outcomes in stroke patients.Methods We conducted a retrospective study in 168 patients who were admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine between 2015 and 2016. Patients who experienced their first-ever stroke and unilateral lesions were included. All patients underwent conventional rehabilitation treatment, and each treatment was administered one to two times a day depending on individual and treatment room schedules. Based on the mean daily treatment time, patients were divided into two groups: a high-amount group (n=54) and low-amount group (n=114). Outcomes were measured through the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (MBI), FuglMeyer Assessment of the upper extremity, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores on admission and at discharge.Results The functional change and scores at discharge of MBI, TIS, and BBS were greater in the high-amount group than in the low-amount group. Among various types of rehabilitation treatments, occupational therapy training showed significant correlation with MBI, TIS, and BBS gain from admission to discharge.Conclusion The amount of daily mean treatment in post-stroke patients plays an important role in recovery. Mean daily rehabilitation treatment time seems to correlate with improved balance and basic activities of daily living after stroke.
Comparison of Two Static Stretching Techniques for the Triceps Surae in Healthy Individuals: Wall and Inclined Board Stretchings
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Lim Oh Kyung , Park Ki Deok , Lee Ju Kang
Published: April 2020

Objective To compare the effectiveness of static stretching techniques for correcting the tightness of the triceps surae.Methods In this observational, cross-sectional study, participants (30 healthy volunteers) completed 10 repetitions of each stretching exercise, holding each stretch for 10 seconds, with a 1-minute rest period between repetitionsand a 1-hour rest period between the two stretching techniques, namely, wall and inclined board stretchings. The length of the triceps surae and range of ankle dorsiflexion were measured on lateral view radiographs. The muscle activity during the stretch was measured using quantified surface electromyography of the lateral gastrocnemius. The subjective stretching sensation was evaluated using the visual analog scale.Results Both stretching techniques showed statistical differences in all the parameters. Stretching on an inclined board yielded a greater increase in the triceps surae length than did wall stretching (mean difference, 0.72; p=0.02). The range of ankle dorsiflexion was higher with inclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 2.57; p=0.03). The mean muscle activity was significantly lower withinclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 53.72; p<0.01). The visual analog scale score was higher with inclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 2.07; p<0.01).Conclusion In this study, inclined board stretching was more effective than wall stretching for correcting tightness of the triceps surae. Therefore, inclined board stretching should be encouraged for the triceps surae.
Energy Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction of Gait With Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis and Robot (ReWalk)-Assisted Gait in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kwon Seung Hyun , Lee Bum Suk , Lee Hye Jin , Kim Eun Joo , Lee Jung Ah , Yang Sung Phil , Kim Tae Young , Pak Han Ram , Kim Hyun Ki , Kim Hae Young , Jung Joo Hwan , Oh Sang Wook
Published: April 2020

Objective To compare the energy efficiency of gait with knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) and robot-assisted gait and to develop a usability questionnaire to evaluate the satisfaction of walking devices in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injuries.Methods Thirteen patients with complete paraplegia participated and 10 completed the evaluation. They were trained to walk with KAFO (KAFO-gait) or a ReWalk robot (ReWalk-gait) for 4 weeks (20 sessions). After a 2-week wash-out period, they switched walking devices and underwent 4 additional weeks of training. Two evaluations were performed (after 2 and 4 weeks) following the training periods for each walking device, using the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and 30-minute walking test (30MWT). The spatiotemporal variables (walking distance, velocity, and cadence) and energy expenditure (heart rate, maximal heart rate, the physiologic cost index, oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalents, and energy efficiency) were evaluated duringthe 6MWT and 30MWT. A usability evaluation questionnaire for walking devices was developed based on the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission guidelines through expert consultation.Results The ReWalk-gait presented significant advantages in energy efficiency compared to KAFO-gait in the 6MWT and 30MWT; however, there were no differences in walking distance or speed in the 30MWT between ReWalk-gait and KAFOgait. The usability test demonstrated that ReWalk-gait was not superior to KAFO-gait in terms of safety, efficacy, efficiency, or patient satisfaction.Conclusion The robot (ReWalk) enabled patients with paraplegia to walk with lower energy consumption compared to KAFO, but the ReWalk-gait was not superior to KAFO-gaitin terms of patient satisfaction.
Multi-Agent System for Post-Stroke Medical Monitoring in Web-Based Platform
Authors: Rios-Ramos Eduardo S. , Melendez-Armenta Roberto A. , Vazquez-Lopez Jose A. , Morales-Rosales Luis A.
Published: April 2020

Stroke is an injury to blood vessels in the brain and affects their cells; this causes the person to lose the functionality of their body and autonomy. The rehabilitation involves a set of activities for the medical specialists, that is, to have a strict control in the care of the patient, which includes the diets, therapies and ingestion of drugs so that the recovery of the patient is carried out in an optimal way and can be reintegrated into their family, social and work environment. This means that achieving communication and coordination among the members of the health area represents a problem; there is no established structured control plan and physicians need to modify them to adjust to the new situation, which is in accordance with the patient clinical needs. Thus, finding a solution to this problem becomes extremely important and, in this work, we propose a multi-agent system for post-stroke monitoring aimed at medical specialists. The main objective of this research is to communicate and coordinate the follow-up of the patient for the reduction of the damages caused by the stroke using the theory of artificial intelligence agents. The results of this research include the multi-agent system in web-based platform, description of the agents and finally, the implementation of the web system oriented to medical specialists.
An Efficient Acceleration of Solving Heat and Mass Transfer Equations with the Second Kind Boundary Conditions in Capillary Porous Radially Composite Cylinder Using Programmable Graphics Hardware
Authors: Narang Hira , Wu Fan , Mohammed Abdul Rafae
Published: April 2020

With the recent developments in computing technology, increased efforts have gone into the simulation of various scientific methods and phenomenon in engineering fields. One such case is the simulation of heat and mass transfer equations which is becoming more and more important in analyzing various scenarios in engineering applications. Analysing the heat and mass transfer phenomenon under various environmental conditions require us to simulate it. However, this process of numerical solution of heat and mass transfer equations is very time consuming. Therefore, this paper aims at utilizing one of the acceleration techniques developed in the graphics community that exploits a graphics processing unit (GPU) which is applied to the numerical solutions of heat and mass transfer equations. The nVidia Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) programming model can be a good method of applying parallel computing to program the graphical processing unit. This paper shows a good improvement in the performance, while solving the heat and mass transfer equations for a capillary porous radially composite cylinder with the second kind of boundary conditions, numerically running on GPU. This heat and mass transfer simulation is implemented using CUDA platform on nVidia Quadro FX 4800 graphics card. Our experimental results depict the drastic performance improvement when GPU is used to perform heat and mass transfer simulation. GPU can significantly accelerate the performance with a maximum observed speedup of more than 8 fold times. Therefore, the GPU is a good approach to accelerate the heat and mass transfer simulation.
The Effect of Trade Liberalization on Regional Employment Adjustment: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang
Published: April 2020

Based on the exogenous event of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, using the data of tariff and employment in 2000 and 2010, this paper divides employment into formal and informal employment and studies the impact of lower tariff of final and intermediate goods on the employment change of China's labor market at the city level. It can be seen from the empirical results that the more the tariff of the main industries in a region falls, the greater the growth of total employment and informal employment in the region. The temporary nature of informal employment makes it more responsive to shocks of liberalization at first, while the formal may lag. The eastern coastal areas of China have more developed economy and its industrial emphasis facing larger tariff cuts, while the western areas are relatively less developed and its industrial emphasis facing smaller tariff cuts. Correspondingly, the employment situation in the eastern areas is relatively prosperous, absorbing a large number of informal employments.