bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utiliser les déchets comme outil d’enseignement de l’éducation environnementale et de la chimie
Authors: Miranda Igor de Sousa , Santos Cleidison da Silva , Mendes Manoel Henrique de Souza , Miranda Adriele Mayara Soares
Published: October 2020

L’objectif principal de ce travail est de produire du gypse et de la peinture écologique avec des résidus de coquilles d’œufs. En outre, nous savons que la réutilisation de ces déchets vise à obtenir de nouveaux matériaux, de sorte qu’il devient un outil indispensable pour les étudiants dans la réflexion sur les questions environnementales dans leur propre communauté. Cela éveille chez l’enfant une plus grande capacité d’évaluer l’importance de préserver l’environnement pour la santé de la société à laquelle il est inséré. Chaque développement de l’étude s’articule autour de la conscience de l’environnement et de l’enseignement de la chimie comme outil stimulant. À cette fin, un programme d’activités avec tous les étudiants de 2e année de l’institut a été organisé sur le campus de l’IFPA d’Óbidos-PA. Nous avons élaboré le projet avec la communauté et les collectes ont été réalisées sur une période d’une semaine, étant comparé la quantité d’ordures produites par les résidences et les points commerciaux. Les résidus de coquille d’œuf ont été traités et utilisés comme matière première pour la production de gypse et de peinture écologique. La communauté a eu l’occasion de participer à la semaine environnementale produite par l’IFPA, où les résultats du travail des élèves ont été démontrés. Le résultat final des travaux a été satisfaisant, car l’objectif de production de matériaux industriels par l’utilisation de coquilles d’œufs comme proposition d’enseignement de l’éducation environnementale et chimique a été atteint. Les résultats des évaluations écrites ont montré que le concept de contenu était effectivement corrigé et compris par les élèves, de même que l’apprentissage était plus important puisqu’il a stimulé la créativité parmi les étudiants et la recherche comme outil d’apprentissage de la chimie et de la formation du citoyen avec une conscience environnementale et sociale.
WUJUD KEBUDAYAAN DENGAN KONTEKS LINGKUNGAN HIDUP MASYARAKAT LOMBOK DALAM ARSITEKTUR
Authors: Subiyantoro Heru
Published: October 2020

Mandalika merupakan kawasan dengan potensi wisata yang sangat tinggi, baik dari sisi alam berupa pantai maupun sosial budaya masyarakatnya. Setiap tahunnya jumlah wisatawan selalu meningkat. Potensi wisata ini juga ditunjang dengan lestarinya budaya lokal pada desa-desa setempat. Artikel ini akan membahas bagaimana budaya masyarakat Lombok dilestarikan melalui perwujudan arsitektur vernakuler. Lokasi penelitian bertempat di permukiman Suku Sasak, yaitu di Desa Sade, Lombok. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif yang mendeskripsikan perwujudan budaya masyarakat Suku Sasak Lombok dalam konteks perlakuan masyarakat terhadap lingkungan hidup. Studi literatur dilaksanakan untuk menggali studi terkait kebudayaan Suku Sasak. Kemudian pengambilan data primer dilakukan melalui wawancara terhadap masyarakat setempat untuk mengkonfirmasi data hasil studi literatur. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa perwujudan arsitektur di Desa Sade banyak dipengaruhi oleh budaya dalam perilaku hidup masyarakat Suku Sasak. Budaya perilaku yang muncul merupakan hasil dari kepercayaan masyarakat lokal yang dipengaruhi oleh kondisi alam, masyarakat, serta kepercayaan yang dianut. Sehingga, kepercayaan masyarakat Suku Sasak mempengaruhi terbentuknya tatanan wilayah dan bangunan masyarakat Desa Sade.
KAJIAN TIPOLOGI RUANG DAN SIRKULASI PADA TAMAN DI TEPI SUNGAI KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Avenzoar Azkia , Mutia Fairuz
Published: October 2020

Geographically Surabaya is crossed by the Kalimas River which runs from south to north with several branches to the east. Therefore the utilization of this river bank has an important role to increase the ecological and visual value of the city while securing the city space assets. Utilization of river banks as active and attractive city parks has been carried out by the Surabaya City Government. Some of them are Taman Prestasi, Taman Eksresi, and Taman Buah. These three parks are both on the banks of the river which are river border spaces which are not allowed to be made buildings. This study aims to identify the typology of space formed in city parks located on the banks of rivers. Then the findings of the resulting typology of hope can be useful in the development of urban parks on the banks of the river. This study found that the geometry of the park formed is a linear park with a linear circulation path as well. Access to the linear park can be from the middle or the end of the park. So that space to attract visitor activity at the ends of the park so it does not become a dead space that is empty of visitors. The types of spaces created at the end of the park include playgrounds, foot reflexology paths, historical monuments, mini libraries and food courts.
MODEL PRAGMATISME EKSPERIMENTAL DALAM ARSITEKTUR
Authors: Widiastuti Kurnia , Ikaputra Ikaputra
Published: October 2020

The discourse on experimental pragmatism, as a paradigm in architecture and in other fields, is still very limited. Most references still place this term as jargon. This study aims to establish definition and working model of experimental pragmatism paradigm in architecture using content analysis methods. It was learned that experimental pragmatism can be defined as a design paradigm that prioritizes the strength of goals (discoveries) and their actualization in the process (experimentation) and design outcomes according to their attributes (method-and-parameter (process) and nature-and-parameters (output)). The definition of experimental pragmatism (PE) includes three aspects, namely the aspect of the goal (T) to get a new discovery (discovery), the process aspect (P), and the output aspect (L). This definition can be translated as a working model into formula PE = T x (PMP + LSP), where MP is Method and Parameter and SP is Characteristic and Parameter.
KAJIAN ESTETIKA VISUAL BANDUNG CREATIVE HUB SEBAGAI REPRESENTASI IDENTITAS KOTA
Authors: Putri Alfi Istiqomah Kusuma , Safeyah Muchlisiniyati
Published: October 2020

Observing from the concept of city identity, Bandung has an identity as a creative city. However, there are still many architectural buildings that do not reflect Bandung's identity as a creative city. Bandung Creative Hub is a center of creativity that is used by the people of Bandung City as a means to create, interact, and collaborate. As a center of creative activity for the city residents, Bandung Creative Hub has certain visual aesthetic elements that can reflect the identity of the City of Bandung as a creative city. This study examines the characteristics of the visual aesthetic elements of Bandung Creative Hub as a building that represents the identity of Bandung City as a creative city. Using a qualitative descriptive method that analyzes Bandung Creative Hub based on visual aesthetic variables, including aspects of composition, cohesiveness, balance, symmetry, proportions, scale, rhythm, contrast and harmony. Visual aesthetic aspects of the Bandung Creative Hub building have attractive characteristics as a representation of Bandung's identity as a creative city. Bandung Creative Hub is an iconic building in its area because of its more prominent characteristics compared to the surrounding buildings.
METİN DİL BİLİMİ VE ORTAYA ÇIKIŞI
Authors: İBİŞ Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Metin dil bilimi, yakın geçmişte temelleri atılmış ve henüz olgunlaşma yolunda serüvenini tamamlamamıştır. Bu bilim, dil araştırmacıları tarafından metin, söylem ve hitapta yer alan ifadeleri karşı tarafa en iyi aktaran araç olarak görülmüştür.

Metin dil bilimi, kelamın söylendiği zaman ve zeminde hangi manayı çağrıştırdığını araştırır. O, klasik söylem ve metinleri gereğinden fazla eleştirmeme ve yeni söylemlerin taassubuna girmeme konusunda araştırmacıya yeni yöntemler belirler. Metin dil bilimi, geleneksel dil eğitimi kurallarından farklı, klasik ve modern ilmi metinlere aracılık yapıp bunları tahlil etmeye yarar. Metin dil bilimi, bu güne kadar yapılmış en objektif tahlil yöntemi olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bu bilimin kuralları daha önceki dönemlerde nispeten uygulanıyor olsa da bunun müstakil bir ilim haline dönüşmesi, bu ilme yeni kurallar kazandırmıştır. Bu kurallar sayesinde metnin terkip, delalet ve yapısal yönden ele alınmasına öncülük etmiştir.

Metin dil bilimi çalışmaları, modern dil biliminin temelleri üzerine bina edilmiştir. Yirminci yüzyılda araştırmaya tabi tutulan modern dilin yapısal ve dönüşsel çalışmaları bu ilmin ortaya çıkmasında önemli rol oynamıştır. Bununla beraber metin dil bilimi henüz tam olarak çerçevesi çizilmiş ve metodolojik olarak tamama ermiş değildir.
Jonson, Marston, Shakespeare and the Rhetoric of Topicality
Authors: Bednarz James P.
Published: October 2020

The revival of commercial “private” theater by the Children of Paul's in 1599 and the Children of the Chapel in 1600 transformed the culture of playgoing in London at the end of the sixteenth century. It was during this period that John Marston at Paul's and Ben Jonson at Blackfriars attracted attention at these theaters by ridiculing each other personally and denigrating each other's work. In doing so they converted these playhouses into forums for staging ideologically opposed interpretations of drama. Rather than aligning themselves with each other against the “public” theater, as Alfred Harbage had assumed in his influential chapter on “The Rival Repertories” in Shakespeare and the Rival Traditions, Jonson and Marston's satire of each other's work used Paul's and Blackfriars to debate the question of the legitimacy of the drama they staged and the status of the writers who composed it. Their debate on what drama should and should not be constitutes one of the most significant critical controversies in early modern English theater. It constitutes part of the first significant criticism of contemporary drama in English. The point of this essay is to account for how, when Jonson began writing for the Children of the Chapel at Blackfriars in 1600, Marston at Paul's became one of his principal targets through personal invective framed as a series of generalized strictures excoriating the obscenity and plagiarism of contemporary private theater.
Lamotrigine in treatment of chronic pain syndromes
Authors: Ekusheva E. V.
Published: October 2020

Chronic pain syndromes represent a significant socio-economic problem for health care and society as a whole due to the insufficient effect of the treatment, a pronounced decrease in the quality of life and a significant degree of maladjustment of this category of patients. Treatment of chronic pain syndromes with first-line drugs from the group of anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine, valproic acid and topiramate) does not always give the expected effect, and various side and undesirable effects are often observed. This implies the search for opportunities and prospects for the use of other new generation anticonvulsants, one of which is lamotrigine, as a means of pharmacological action. The article discusses a wide range of effective and safe use of Lamitor for various diseases accompanied by chronic pain.
Generalized form and duration of myasthenia gravis as predictors of cognitive impairment
Authors: Nalkin S. A. , Sokolova M. G. , Lobzin S. V. , Kokorenko V. L. , Vasileva N. V. , Frolova E. V. , Aak O. V.
Published: October 2020

We performed a clinical, neurological, neuropsychological and laboratory examination of 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, aged 25 to 69 years (49.0 ± 14.6 years), 11 men and 19 women. Among the examined patients, the generalized form of myasthenia was diagnosed in 20 (66.7%) patients: 4 (20.0%) cases of severe and 16 (80.0%) of moderate forms. The ocular form of myasthenia was found in 10 (33.3%) cases. Neuropsychological testing revealed memory impairment in 15 (50.0%), attention – 11 (36.7%), emotional disturbances – 13 (43.3%) patients with myasthenia gravis. A significant decrease in the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood serum of patients with myasthenia was noted, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). When comparing the data of neuropsychological testing, the level of BDNF and the history of the disease, it was found that patients with a generalized form of myasthenia gravis and a disease duration of more than three years have a lower level BDNF, which has a reliable correlation with lower cognitive function scores.
ANALYSIS of STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF A DIGITAL THEMATIC MAP
Authors: Poshivaylo Yaroslava G.
Published: October 2020

Over the past decades, cartography has undergone significant changes, where a digital form of cartographic information prevails has arisen, which in turn led to a change in the structure of a map. Basic software environment where thematic digital maps are created are analyzed. The structural elements of a digital thematic map created in various software environment are analyzed. Invariance of map elements is regarded.
REDUCING THE DETECTION LIMITS OF SPECTROMETER WITH NITROGEN MICROWAVE PLASMA «GRAND-SVCH»
Authors: Komin Oleg V. , Pelipasov Oleg V.
Published: October 2020

The article presents the results of a study of the effect of the power supplied to the microwave plasma and the nebulizer gas flow rate on the detection limits of the spectrometer with nitrogen microwave plasma «Grand-SVCH». It is shown that a change of the spectral lines intensity of the elements being determined with varying parameters of the spectra excitation source is related to their excitation energy. The maximum intensities of the lines are achieved at a power of 1700 W and a nebulizer gas flow of 0,4 l/min and 0,6 l/min for lines with excitation energies of 4-15 eV and 3,5-4 eV, respectively. Using the obtained values of the parameters of the excitation source of the spectra allows reducing the detection limits of elements by 1,5-4 times.
CONTROL METHODS OF OPTICAL DETAILS WITH FREE-FORM SURFACES AND KINOFORM ELEMENTS
Authors: Nikanorov Nikolai Y. , Bobyleva Elizabeth G.
Published: October 2020

Methods of control of optical parts with free-form surfaces and kinoform elements under production conditions are considered. Two of the considered methods - interferometric (using holographic compensators) and profilometric (using contact profilometers) - are widely known and used in industrial practice. The method of non-contact profilometry, based on chromatic confocal sensors to control the surface shape of optical parts in industrial conditions, was not previously applied.
MASK RECORDING TECHNIQUE OF ON MULTILAYERED COATINGS (part 2)
Authors: Gurin Nikita A. , Korolkov Viktor P. , Batomunkuev Yury T. , Spesivtsev Evgeny V.
Published: October 2020

The experimental determination of the reflection coefficients in the visible region of the spectrum of chromium oxide films unexposed and exposed to laser radiation was performed. The reflection coefficients were measured using a Linza - 150 spectrophotometer (operating spectrum range from 380 to 1700 nm). The obtained characteristic values of the reflection coefficients of samples of chromium oxide films at different wavelengths are presented in the table and in the form of graphs. It was found that the reflectance of the chromium oxide film before exposure to laser radiation monotonically decreases with increasing wavelength from 380 to 450 nm, with a further increase in wavelength to 630 nm, the reflectance increases monotonically. This work is part of the development of a technique for recording masks by focused laser radiation on multilayer absorbing coatings.
ACHROMATIZATION OF THE VOLUME HOLOGRAPHIC OPTICAL ELEMENS
Authors: Batomunkuev Yury Ts.
Published: October 2020

The work considers a two-component holographic optical system having a base element in the form of a thick (volume) hologram optical element and intended for use in a given spectral range. The calculation of a two-component holographic system is carried out using formulas obtained from the mirror-lens model of the thick hologram element proposed by the author. It is indicated that according to the mirror model a thick hologram optical element is achromatic in a first approximation. For this the local period of the volume diffraction structure of the hologram element must be many times greater than the working wavelength, and the transverse dimensions of the element must be less than its thickness. Analytical expressions are given for the mutual correction of the chromatic aberration of the position of a thick hologram optical element and a relief kinoform element. The condition for achromatization of this two-component holographic system is formulated.
RECORDING OF DIFFRACTION GRATINGS WITH AN ACTIVE STABILIZATION SCHEME OF INTERFERENCE FIELD
Authors: Nalivaiko Valery I. , Ponomareva Marina A.
Published: October 2020

The paper describes a modernized optoelectronic system for stabilizing the interference pattern during exposure of a holographic grating. The results of applying the extreme control system to stabilize the interference field when recording holographic gratings of high optical quality are presented. Thin chalcogenide layers of the composition As2S3 were used as the recording medium. When using the stabilization system, a monotonic increase in the diffraction efficiency of the gratings from the recording time is observed and a low level of spurious scattering is recorded for the recorded gratings. The scheme was experimentally tested when recording holographic gratings up to 60x60 mm2 in size and exposure time up to 30 minutes. The use of an active stabilization scheme will make it possible to record large-size gratings using low-power lasers without the use of additional complex systems for protecting optical circuits from vibration.
FOUCAULT KNIFE-EDGE METHOD APPLICATION FOR ADAPTATION OF THE MILLIMETRON OBSERVATORY MIRROR SYSTEM
Authors: Zavyalov Peter S. , Kravchenko Maxim S. , Zhimuleva Elena S.
Published: October 2020

In the process of space telescopes development there is an increase in the diameter of their reflector.In this case, composite reflectors are used more often. So the main mirror of the Millimetron observatory consists of 96 elements, each of which can deviate from the calculated position during the transition to the transport position and back to the working position when the telescope is put into orbit. In this paper, we consider the possibility of using Foucault knife-edgemethod to solve the problem of adapting the mirror system of the Millimetron observatory. An optical scheme for solving the adaptation problem is proposed. It was simulated in the Zemax software package. In the process of modeling, the effects arising from the deviation of all the components of the reflector in 6 degrees of freedom were studied. The advantage in the approach to the digital matrix in the telescope is highlighted.
INFLUENCE OF ABERRATIONS OF OPTICS ON DENSITY OF RECORDING OF HOLOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Authors: Shoydin Sergey A.
Published: October 2020

The problems of holographic recording of information are analyzed. Traditionally developed memory systems were aimed at storing “cold data” - digitized arrays of long-term storage with rare accesses to them. When recording analog holograms for these purposes, an essential role is played by optical aberrations. The influence of aberrations is analyzed both in binary information recording and image recording schemes. The obtained estimates of the recording density of information even with a decreasing coefficient determined by aberrations indicate the impossibility of transmitting such holograms over the radio channel. To solve the problem of transmitting holographic information over a radio channel in augmented reality and holographic television devices, it is proposed to use a coding method close to the method of transmitting information on one side band, which is known in the radio range, expressed in the transfer of two arrays equivalent in volume to a conventional TV channel and the synthesis of holograms on the receiving end of a channel.
ASSESSMENT OF POSSIBILITY OF DETERMINATION ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF WASTEWATER USING SMALL-SIZE ATOMIC-ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER WITH CONTINUOUS SPECTRUM SOURCE
Authors: Kolosov Nikita А. , Boldova Svetlana S.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the evaluation of analytical capabilities of a small-size atomic absorption spectrometer, which differs from traditional atomic absorption devices in that it allows to register the whole absorption spectrum of the sample in one cycle of electrothermal atomization, thus significantly increasing the efficiency of the analysis. The evaluation of the analytical capabilities of the developed prototype was based on the example of wastewater analysis, because this type of analysis has the least stringent requirements for detection limits and the number of elements to be determined, but is also a very important task. Based on the results obtained, it has been concluded that a small-size atomic absorption spectrometer is capable of detecting 9 out of 32 elements normalized in wastewater with detection limits substantially below the MPC. Determination of another 3 elements will be possible after increasing the resolution of the spectrometer to 22-24 pm.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR AUTOMATION OF APPEARANCE CONTROL OF FUEL ELEMENTS OF BN-800 REACTORS
Authors: Vykhristyuk Ignat A.
Published: October 2020

The possibility of using artificial neural networks (ANN) to automate the appearance control of the fuel elements of BN-800 type reactors was investigated. The architecture of the training set and the defect detection algorithm independent of the ANN configuration and input data format are presented. The main classes and architecture of the ANN used in experimental studies are given. The training process and the calculation of the quality assessment of the ANN are described. The results of experimental studies on fuel element simulators (the probability of detecting defects is more than 97%) allows us to expect that deeper training using a large number of controlled products will allow us to fully automate the control process.
INVESTIGATION OF MEASUREMENT ACCURACY IN DETERMINING THE MASS OF BULK MATERIALS
Authors: Simonova Galina V.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the assessment the error in determining the mass of a sample bulk materials when using the values of their bulk density. Precisely the accuracy of measurement results is necessary in many fields of activity to ensure the efficiency and safety of technological processes, as well as improving product quality. The relevance of this work is associated with the assessment of the inevitable deviations of the bulk density the same material in a given volume as a result of an uncontrolled fractional composition of a sample of bulk material. As a consequence of these deviations, an error arises in determining the mass of a sample of a given volume, even if this volume is an uniquely determined quantity. The paper presents the results of studies of the influence of the fractional composition of bulk materials on the determination of their mass in the indirect measurement method. A significant effect of the fractional composition of bulk materials on the error of the indirect method for determining the mass of the sample was revealed. It is shown, that there is a need for fractional control of the composition of bulk materials in the development of control operations of technological processes, as well as restrictions on the use of bulk density with increased requirements for the accuracy of determining the mass of a sample.
DESIGNING A DEPLOYABLE ENVIRONMENTAL SPIRAL CONICAL LOGARITHMIC GRAPHENE ANTENNA FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Authors: Cherevko Alexander G. , Morgachev Yury V.
Published: October 2020

One of the main directions in the development of information technology is satellite communications (SС). Therefore, the elemental base of the SС is subject to increased requirements for weight and size characteristics and environmental friendliness. Research is needed on the use of new materials and technologies that will provide the required level of the above characteristics in order to achieve these requirements. One such promising technology is the printing of graphene inks on biodegradable substrates. Graphene inks do not corrode and are lighter than metal analogues. The possibility of using this technology allowed us to develop the direction of deployable antennas, which have the preferred weight and size characteristics, are easily transported and installed. The results of the development of an environmental spiral logarithmic graphene antenna for satellite communications, are presented. This antenna can be applied in the L-, S- and C-bands as well as GPS bands. A possible design and folding method is presented. The effect of the substrate's revolutions number on the S parameter is considered. The calculated radiation pattern in two planes is presented.
Gambaran Status Gizi dan Frekuensi Diare pada Balita Usia 0 Sampai 59 Bulan di Puskesmas Donggala Kabupaten Donggala
Authors: Faisal Elvyrah , Candriasih Putu , Pratiwi Ni Putu Ani
Published: October 2020

Nutritional status is an expression of the state of the body that is affected by consumption of food and nutrients. Nutritional status in infants is influenced by both direct and indirect factors. The immediate factor is food intake and disease. This study aims to determine the nutritional status and frequency of diarrhea in toddlers aged 0 to 59 months at the Donggala Health Center in Donggala Regency. This research is a descriptive study that is a study conducted to see a picture of nutritional status in children aged 0 to 59 months at the Donggala Health Center in Donggala Regency. The study population was 78 toddlers suffering from symptoms based diarrhea. The data obtained are secondary data from the Donggala Health Center. The results of this study indicate that toddlers who experience malnutrition and malnutrition as much as 35.9%, over 7.7% nutrition from 78 toddlers. Based on PB / U, toddlers are very short and 35.9% short, toddlers are 7.7% tall. Whereas based on BB / PB, toddlers are very thin and thin 15.4% and there are no toddlers with fat nutritional status. Frequency of diarrhea based on criteria of diarrhea with severe dehydration 16.7%, mild dehydration diarrhea 38.5%, diarrhea without dehydration 37.2% and dysentery 7.7%. The conclusion of this study is that the nutritional status of children under five who suffer from diarrhea based on the indicators BB / U and PB / U mostly 56.4% normal nutritional status. While the results of the BB / PB indicators are mostly toddlers with normal nutritional status (84.6%). The highest frequency of diarrhea based on the criteria of diarrhea with mild to moderate dehydration is 30 people (38.5%).
A Concept of a Compact and Inexpensive Device for Controlling Weeds with Laser Beams
Authors: Rakhmatulin Ildar , Andreasen Christian
Published: October 2020

A prototype of a relatively cheap laser-based weeding device was developed and tested on couch grass (Elytrigia repens (L.) Desv. ex Nevski) mixed with tomatoes. Three types of laser were used (0.3 W, 1 W, and 5 W). A neural network was trained to identify the weed plants, and a laser guidance system estimated the coordinates of the weed. An algorithm was developed to estimate the energy necessary to harm the weed plants. We also developed a decision model for the weed control device. The energy required to damage a plant depended on the diameter of the plant which was related to plant length. The 1 W laser was not sufficient to eliminate all weed plants and required too long exposure time. The 5 W laser was more efficient but also harmed the crop if the laser beam became split into two during the weeding process. There were several challenges with the device, which needs to be improved upon. In particular, the time of exposure needs to be reduced significantly. Still, the research showed that it is possible to develop a concept for laser weeding using relatively cheap equipment, which can work in complicated situations where weeds and crop are mixed.
Benchmarking the Agronomic Performance of Biodegradable Mulches against Polyethylene Mulch Film: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tofanelli Mauro B. D. , Wortman Sam E.
Published: October 2020

Growers are interested in biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based polyethylene mulch film (PEM). However, many growers cite limited knowledge about biodegradable mulch films (BDMs) as a significant barrier to adoption. Agronomic field tests of BDMs are often limited temporally or spatially, and the variability of performance results relative to PEM may be contributing to this perceived knowledge gap. Our objective was to use data available in the scientific literature to provide the first quantitative performance benchmark of BDMs against PEM. We extracted data from 66 articles for meta-analysis. Response ratios were calculated for comparison of BDMs relative to black PEM, and differences among categorical groups were determined using 95% bootstrap confidence intervals. Overall, BDMs reduced soil temperature by 4.5% ± 0.8% (±one standard error) compared to PEM, and temperatures were coolest beneath paper-based BDM. Starch-polyester BDM was less effective than PEM for weed control, but paper-based BDM reduced weed density and biomass by 85.7% ± 9.2%. Paper-based BDMs were particularly useful for controlling Cyperus spp. weeds. Despite differences in soil temperature and weed suppression, crop yields were not different between BDMs and PEM. Future research should focus on reducing costs, adding functional value, and increasing the biodegradability of BDMs.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Phage Therapy: A Biological Approach to Treatment of Bacterial Infections”
Authors: Kiljunen Saija
Published: October 2020

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a major challenge in terms of increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs [...]
Polyphenols in Farm Animals: Source of Reproductive Gain or Waste?
Authors: Hashem Nesrein M. , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: October 2020

Reproduction is a complex process that is substantially affected by environmental cues, specifically feed/diet and its components. Farm animals as herbivorous animals are exposed to a large amount of polyphenols present in their natural feeding system, in alternative feed resources (shrubs, trees, and agro-industrial byproducts), and in polyphenol-enriched additives. Such exposure has increased because of the well-known antioxidant properties of polyphenols. However, to date, the argumentation around the impacts of polyphenols on reproductive events is debatable. Accordingly, the intensive inclusion of polyphenols in the diets of breeding animals and in media for assisted reproductive techniques needs further investigation, avoiding any source of reproductive waste and achieving maximum benefits. This review illustrates recent findings connecting dietary polyphenols consumption from different sources (conventional and unconventional feeds) with the reproductive performance of farm animals, underpinned by the findings of in vitro studies in this field. This update will help in formulating proper diets, optimizing the introduction of new plant species, and feed additives for improving reproductive function, avoiding possible reproductive wastes and maximizing possible benefits.
AR Book-Finding Behavior of Users in Library Venue
Authors: Lee Chun-I , Xiao Fu-Ren , Hsu Yi-Wen
Published: October 2020

ARKit and ARCore, key technologies in recent augmented reality (AR) development, have allowed AR to become more integrated in our lives. However, how effective AR is in an auxiliary role in venue guidance and how to collect the actual behaviors of users in physical venues are worth exploring. This study used navAR, a spatial behavior analysis system app that our research team developed, to collect the actual behaviors of participants in physical space via a smartphone, such as time, distance travelled, and trajectory, and compared their book-finding behaviors in a library venue in a text scenario and an AR scenario without any additional sensors or cameras. The experiment results revealed that (1) AR targets made a significant difference in book search time, and the participants found some of the books significantly faster; (2) the participants presented no significant differences in distance travelled; (3) with an AR target, the book-finding trajectories of the participants were significantly more regular; (4) the AR guidance system had good usability. The results of this study can facilitate planning with AR in indoor venue routes, improve venue and exhibition tour experiences, and enable AR to be used for crowd flow diversion. Furthermore, this study provides a methodology for future analyses on user behavior in physical spaces.
Improving a Cable Robot Recovery Strategy by Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Boschetti Giovanni , Minto Riccardo , Trevisani Alberto
Published: October 2020

Cable-driven parallel robots offer several benefits in terms of workspace size and design cost with respect to rigid-link manipulators. However, implementing an emergency procedure for these manipulators is not trivial, since stopping the actuators abruptly does not imply that the end-effector rests at a stable position. This paper improves a previous recovery strategy by introducing the physics of the actuators, i.e., torque limits, inertia, and friction. Such features deeply affect the reachable acceleration during the recovery trajectory. The strategy has been applied to a simulated point-mass suspended cable robot with three translational degrees of freedom to prove its effectiveness and feasibility. The acceleration limits during the recovery phase were compared with the ones obtained with the previous method, thus confirming the necessity of contemplating the properties of the actuators. The proposed strategy can be implemented in a real-time environment, which makes it suitable for immediate application to an industrial environment.
Geophysical Characterization of Aquifers in Southeast Spain Using ERT, TDEM, and Vertical Seismic Reflection
Authors: Rey Javier , Martínez Julián , Mendoza Rosendo , Sandoval Senén , Tarasov Vladimir , Kaminsky Alex , Hidalgo M. Carmen , Morales Kevin
Published: October 2020

We assess the effectiveness of complementary geophysical techniques to characterize a Jurassic dolomite confined aquifer at Loma de Ubeda, Spain. This aquifer, which is penetrated by wells in the 100–600-m depth range, is confined by Triassic clays (bottom) and Miocene marls (top). The Jurassic dolomite is characterized by prominent seismic reflectors of high amplitude. Thus, it is readily differentiated from the low-amplitude reflectors of the confining clay-rich Triassic and Miocene materials. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) allowed us to detail the characteristics of the aquifer up to a maximum depth of 220 m. Lateral changes in facies and small faults have been identified using ERT. Time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) is an excellent complement to the two above-mentioned techniques in order to widen the analyzed depth range. We acquire TDEM data with different configurations at multiple study sites while simultaneously varying measurement parameters. In doing so and by comparing the effectiveness of these different configurations, we expand the use of TDEM for aquifer characterization.
Immunodeficient Rabbit Models: History, Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Song Jun , Pallas Brooke , Yang Dongshan , Zhang Jifeng , Agarwal Yash , Chen Y. Eugene , Bility Moses , Xu Jie
Published: October 2020

Production of immunodeficient (ID) models in non-murine animal species had been extremely challenging until the advent of gene-editing tools: first zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), then transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and most recently clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR)/Cas9. We and others used those gene-editing tools to develop ID rabbits carrying a loss of function mutation in essential immune genes, such as forkhead box protein N1 (FOXN1), recombination activating gene 1/2 (RAG1/2), and interleukin 2 receptor subunit gamma (IL2RG). Like their mouse counterparts, ID rabbits have profound defects in their immune system and are prone to bacterial and pneumocystis infections without prophylactic antibiotics. In addition to their use as preclinical models for primary immunodeficient diseases, ID rabbits are expected to contribute significantly to regenerative medicine and cancer research, where they serve as recipients for allo- and xeno-grafts, with notable advantages over mouse models, including a longer lifespan and a much larger body size. Here we provide a concise review of the history and current status of the development of ID rabbits, as well as future perspectives of this new member in the animal model family.
Artificial Intelligence for the Prediction of Exhaust Back Pressure Effect on the Performance of Diesel Engines
Authors: Fernoaga Vlad , Sandu Venetia , Balan Titus
Published: October 2020

The actual trade-off among engine emissions and performance requires detailed investigations into exhaust system configurations. Correlations among engine data acquired by sensors are susceptible to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven performance assessment. The influence of exhaust back pressure (EBP) on engine performance, mainly on effective power, was investigated on a turbocharged diesel engine tested on an instrumented dynamometric test-bench. The EBP was externally applied at steady state operation modes defined by speed and load. A complete dataset was collected to supply the statistical analysis and machine learning phases—the training and testing of all the AI solutions developed in order to predict the effective power. By extending the cloud-/edge-computing model with the cloud AI/edge AI paradigm, comprehensive research was conducted on the algorithms and software frameworks most suited to vehicular smart devices. A selection of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and regressors was implemented and evaluated. Two proof-of concept smart devices were built using state-of-the-art technology—one with hardware acceleration for “complete cycle” AI and the other with a compact code and size (“AI in a nut-shell”) with ANN coefficients embedded in the code and occasionally offline “statistical re-calibration”.
Tide-Surge-Wave Interaction in the Taiwan Strait during Typhoons Soudelor (2015) and Dujuan (2015)
Authors: Zhang Li , Shang Shaoping , Zhang Feng , Xie Yanshuang
Published: October 2020

Typhoons Soudelor (2015) and Dujuan (2015) were two of the strongest storms to affect the Taiwan Strait in 2015. This study investigated the response of the waters on the western bank of the Taiwan Strait to the passage of Soudelor and Dujuan. This included an investigation of the resonant coupling between the tide and storm surge, typhoon wave variation caused by the storm tide, and wave-induced water level rise. Analyses conducted using numerical model simulations and observations from tidal stations and buoys, obtained during the passage of both Soudelor and Dujuan, revealed that resonant coupling between the astronomical tide and storm surge in the Taiwan Strait was prominent, which resulted in tidal period oscillation on the storm surge and reduced tidal range. The tide wave arrived earlier than the predicted astronomical tide because of the existence of the storm surge, which was attributable to acceleration of the tidal wave caused by the water level rise. Wave height observations showed that the storm tide predominantly affected the waves, which resulted in wave heights that oscillated within the tidal period. Numerical experiments indicated that both the current and the water level affected wave height. Waves were affected mainly by the current in the middle of the Taiwan Strait, but mostly by water level when the water level was comparable with water depth. Wave setup simulations revealed that wave setup also oscillated within the tidal period, and that local bathymetry was the most important influencing factor of wave setup distribution.
Atherosclerosis Imaging with 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET
Authors: Høilund-Carlsen Poul F. , Piri Reza , Constantinescu Caius , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Werner Thomas J. , Sturek Michael , Alavi Abass , Gerke Oke
Published: October 2020

The evidence on atherosclerosis imaging with 18F-sodium-fluoride (NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) is hotly debated because of the different patient characteristics, methodology, vascular beds, etc. in reported studies. This review is a continuation of a previous review on this topic, which covered the period 2010–2018. The purpose was to examine whether some of the most important questions that the previous review had left open had been elucidated by the most recent literature. Using principles of a systematic review, we ended analyzing 25 articles dealing with the carotids, coronary arteries, aorta, femoral, intracranial, renal, and penile arteries. The knowledge thus far can be summarized as follows: by targeting active arterial microcalcification, NaF uptake is considered a marker of early stage atherosclerosis, is age-dependent, and consistently associated with cardiovascular risk. Longitudinal studies on NaF uptake, conducted in the abdominal aorta only, showed unchanged uptake in postmenopausal women for nearly four years and varying uptake in prostate cancer patients over 1.5 years, despite constant or increasing calcium volume detected by computed tomography (CT). Thus, uncertainty remains about the transition from active arterial wall calcification marked by increased NaF uptake to less active or consolidated calcification detected by CT. The question of whether early-phase atherosclerosis and calcification can be modified remains also unanswered due to lack of intervention studies.
Improved Diagnostic Accuracy of Bone Metastasis Detection by Water-HAP Associated to Non-Contrast CT
Authors: Ishiwata Yoshinobu , Hieda Yojiro , Kaki Soichiro , Aso Shinjiro , Horie Keiichi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Nakamura Motoki , Yamada Kazuhiko , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Utsunomiya Daisuke
Published: October 2020

We examined whether water-hydroxyapatite (HAP) images improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastasis compared with non-contrast CT alone. We retrospectively evaluated dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images of 83 cancer patients (bone metastasis, 31; without bone metastasis, 52) from May 2018 to June 2019. Initially, two evaluators examined for bone metastasis on conventional CT images. In the second session, both CT and CT images plus water-HAP images on DECT. The confidence of bone metastasis was scored from 1 (benign) to 5 (malignant). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values for both modalities were calculated based on true positive and negative findings. The intra-observer area under curve (AUC) for detecting bone metastasis was compared by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Kappa coefficient calculated the inter-observer agreement. In conventional CT images, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of raters 1 and 2 for the identification of bone metastases were 0.742 and 0.710, 0.981 and 0.981, 0.958 and 0.957, and 0.864 and 0.850, respectively. In water-HAP, they were 1.00 and 1.00, 0.981 and 1.00, 0.969 and 1.00, and 1.00 and 1.00, respectively. In CT, AUCs were 0.861 and 0.845 in each observer. On water-HAP images, AUCs were 0.990 and 1.00. Kappa coefficient was 0.964 for CT and 0.976 for water-HAP images. The combination of CT and water-HAP images significantly increased diagnostic accuracy for detecting bone metastasis. Water-HAP images on DECT may enable accurate initial staging, reduced radiation exposure, and cost.
Feasibility of a Noninvasive Operability Assessment in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension under Real-World Practice
Authors: Rodriguez Chaverri Adriana , Revilla Ostolaza Yolanda , Lopez-Gude Maria Jesus , Velazquez María Teresa , Ponz de Antonio Ines , Alonso Charterina Sergio , Albarran Gonzalez-Trevilla Agustin , Perez Nunez Marta , Perez Vela Jose Luis , Morales Ruiz Rafael , Delgado Jimenez Juan F. , Arribas Ynsaurriaga Fernando , Cortina Jose Maria , Escribano Subias Pilar
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a noninvasive operability assessment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) based on multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MCTA). Up to 176 patients were evaluated from January 2016 to April 2018. Throughout the first phase, the initial surgical decision was made based on MCTA with further analysis of pulmonary angiography (PA) in order to evaluate in which cases the initial decision was not modified by PA. During the second phase, PA was limited to patients judged inoperable based on MCTA or those whose assessment was not possible. Patients deemed operable (50%) based on MCTA along the first phase had been adequately classified, as PA did not modify the initial decision in all but one patient. Comparable results were obtained throughout the implementation phase. Regarding operated patients, the decision of operability was based solely on MCTA in 94% of those with level I disease, in 75% with level II, and 54% with level III. This approach enabled shorter periods of time to complete surgical assessment and the avoidance of PA-related morbidity. Baseline parameters, postoperative measures, and survival rates at 1 year after surgery were comparable in both phases. Noninvasive operability assessment is feasible in a subset of CTEPH patients and optimizes surgical candidacy evaluation.
The Impact of the New York City Marathon on Hotel Demand
Authors: Martin Joshua , Hall Joshua
Published: October 2020

Daily hotel data are employed, along with information on prices, revenue, demand and hotel occupancy, to analyze part of the local economic impact of the annual New York City (NYC) Marathon. As the largest competitive race in the world, the marathon attracts domestic and international competitors and spectators. The cancellation of the 2012 marathon due to Hurricane Sandy was estimated to lead to an increase of 4000 hotel nights as well as a 10% increase in the average daily room rate. Taken together, this is associated with a USD 3 million increase in hotel revenue. The results suggest a significantly lower local economic impact of the race than previously thought.