bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of No-tillage System and Fertilization on Wheat Production
Authors: GRIGORAS Mircea , POPESCU Agatha , NEGRUTIU Ioan , GIDEA Mihai , HAS Ioan , PAMFIL Doru
Published: March 2018

Conservation agriculture is an alternative to conventional agriculture and one of the most efficient systems for sustainable agricultural development, stimulating soil biological activity, increasing organic matter and humus content. In order to evaluate the impact of the conservation agriculture system compared to the conventional agriculture system on wheat yield, a bi-factorial experiment on wheat crop based on split-plot model was organized in the Transylvania Plain, Romania, where there are a few research results in the field and the area has a high potential for the implementation of conservation agriculture system. First factor (â€˜Aâ€™) was agriculture system, having two levels: â€˜A1â€™ tillage (classic) system and â€˜A2â€™ no-tillage system, and the second, â€˜Bâ€™ factor was fertilization, with three levels: â€˜B1â€™ no fertilization, â€˜B2â€™- N80P40 kg/ha, which is the average level practiced by farmers in the area and â€˜B3â€™- N150P75 kg/ha, which is the recommended level for obtaining a high production performance specific to â€˜Ariesanâ€™ wheat cultivar used in this experiment. The results pointed out that, in comparison with conventional agriculture, the application of no-tillage system determined a lower wheat yield by 353 kg per surface unit. Fertilization assured a significant increase by 610 kg wheat grains per ha. In the case of the conservation agriculture system, the highest production gain was 1,260 kg/ha for â€˜B3A2â€™ level compared to â€˜B1A2â€™ level, where the highest fertilization level was applied. The lowest production gain was 410 kg/ha registered by â€˜B3A1-B1A1â€™ which was the highest fertilizer dose in case of conventional agriculture. In conclusion, the application of no-tillage system increased the efficiency of fertilization in terms of wheat yield compared to the classical agriculture. As a result, it is recommended as farmers dealing with wheat cropping in the area and also in other regions with similar soil and climate conditions to implement conservation agriculture.
Introduction pages
Authors: SESTRAS Radu E.
Published: March 2018

Introduction pages
Fruit Quality of Nine Old Apple Cultivars
Authors: JEMRIĆ Tomislav , BABOJELIĆ Martina Skendrović , FRUK Goran , ŠINDRAK Zoran
Published: March 2018

The quality of the nine old apple cultivars (‘Gelber Bellefleur’, ‘Carević’, ‘Čelenka’, ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’, ‘Paradija’, ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’, ‘Perovnjača’, ‘Winter Banana’ and ‘Zuccalmaggio’) was studied. The cultivars ‘Gelber Bellefleur’, ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’, ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ and ‘Winter banana’ had the highest fruit mass, and ‘Carević’, ‘Čelenka’, ‘Paradija’ and ‘Zuccalmaggio’ the lowest. The cultivar ‘Gelber Bellefleur’ had the highest fruit height and cultivar ‘Čelenka’ the smallest. The cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ had the highest fruit width, and cultivar ‘Zuccalmaggio’ the lowest. The cultivar ‘Paradija’ had the highest shape index and cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ the smallest. Among the red-coloured cultivars, the cultivars ‘Carević’ and ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had significantly higher L and a-values, while the cultivar ‘Čelenka’ had significantly higher Chroma and Hue angles. Hue angle in this cultivar was 72% higher than in ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ and 51% higher than in ‘Carević’, showing intensive red coloration of this cultivar. Among the yellow-coloured cultivars, ‘Winter Banana’ had the highest L-value. There were no significant differences in a-values among the cultivars ‘Gelber Bellefleur’, ‘Paradija’, and ‘Zuccalmagio’, which had the highest values. The cultivar ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ had the highest b- and Chroma values, and there were no significant differences among cultivars in Hue angle. The cultivar ‘Zuccalmaggio’ had the highest firmness and ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ the lowest. The cultivar ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had the highest SSC, and ‘Perovnjača’ the smallest. The cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ had the highest TA, and there was a significant difference compared to ‘Čelenka’. The cultivars ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’, ‘Paradija’, ‘Winter Banana’, ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ and ‘Zuccalmagio’ had the lowest TA and there were no significant differences among them. The cultivar ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had the highest SSC/TA ratio, and ‘Perovnjača’ the lowest. There were no significant differences in seed number per fruit among cultivars. The main disadvantage of these cultivars is the small fruit size, which is an important trait for fresh consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate improving the fruit size in these cultivars by pruning, fertilizing and thinning before their reintroduction into production.
Anatomical and Palynological Studies on Chaerophyllum astrantiae and C. aureum in Turkey
Authors: YILMAZ GÃ¼lden , TEKIN Mehmet
Published: March 2018

In this study, anatomical and palynological properties of Chaerophyllum astrantiae Boiss. & Bal. and C. aureum L. were determined for the first time. Cross sections of roots, stems, stem leaves and fruits of both species were examined. The leaves are amphistomatic and mesophyll is bifacial. The fruit has 2 vittae on commissural face and 4 vittae on lateral and dorsal faces in both species. The palynological studies revealed that, C. astrantiae and C. aureum have tricolporate pollen type and perforate exine ornamentation under light microscope. Ratio of polar axis to equatorial axis is 2.15 in C. astrantiae and 2.05 in C. aureum. Thus, pollen shape is perprolate for both of the species.
In vitro Induction and Proliferation of Callus from Immature Cotyledons and Embryos of Juglans regia cv. 'Xiangling'
Authors: CAI Xiao-Dong , WANG Gui-Yuan , CAO Wen-Juan
Published: March 2018

Callus holds great potential for biotechnology applications in plants. In this study, several experiments were performed to establish a protocol for in vitro induction of good quality callus by using immature cotyledons and embryos of Juglans regia cv. â€˜Xianglingâ€™ as the explants. DKW basal media supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators were applied to determine the induction rate, texture and color of the recovered callus. Results showed that the optimum culture medium for the callus induction from these explants was a DKW basal medium consisting of 1 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L KT 250 mg/L glutamine, 500 mg/L casein hydrolysate, 200 mg/L Vc, 50 g/L sucrose and 2.8 g/L Gelrite (i.e., the T8 medium). The average rate of callus induction on the medium reached 80.7% for the immature cotyledons and 66.7% for the immature embryos, and all the callus was characterized by a friable, creamy or yellow appearance. In vitro proliferation of callus was not very successful as a result of the fact that the friable callus with creamy or yellow color grew very slowly, whereas the fast-growing callus was easy to turn brown and died eventually. Even though further investigation will be required to overcome the problem of browning and assess the regeneration ability of the callus, this approach for the production of friable callus may have valuable applications for walnut and other woody trees.
Response of Four Russula Species under Copper Sulphate and Lead Acetate Treatments
Authors: BUSUIOC Gabriela , ELEKES Carmen Cristina
Published: March 2018

Mushrooms have a species-specific affinity for heavy metals in soil. Therefore, mushrooms may act as an effective bioaccumulator of metals, thus can be used in mycoremediation technologies to remove and recover heavy metals from soil. The response of four Russula species to copper sulfate and lead acetate treatments concerning the absorption, accumulation and translocation of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb was studied. Differences in metal concentrations were recorded between caps and stipes of the fruiting body and varied widely between the tested species. This confirms the species-dependent features of heavy metal absorption in mushrooms. Another factor that showed an influence on the bioavailability of metals in mushrooms was the metal content of soil. Similarities between the absorption and accumulation of copper and zinc were observed for R. vesca and R. atropurpurea. The treatments influenced the bioabsorption of heavy metals by the mushrooms and the metal mobility in the fruiting body. After lead acetate treatment, R. vesca, R. atropurpurea and R. integra had an increased bioaccumulation capacity compared to the control. Hyperaccumulating species, such as R. nigricans for lead soil pollution, would lead to the best results for mycoremediation as they are capable of accumulating higher concentration of heavy metals in comparison to other mushroom species.
Genetic Variability and Association Analysis of SomeQuantitative Characters in Sweet Corn
Authors: ALAN Ozlem , KINACI Gulcan , KINACI Engin , KUTLU Imren , BUDAK BASCİFTCİ Zekiye , SONMEZ Kenan , EVRENOSOGLU Yasemin
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to determine genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, genotypic and phenotypic correlations of yield, yield components and kernel quality traits in seven sweet corn varieties. The present research was conducted during 2009 and 2010 growing season in Eskisehir, midwestern Turkey. The trials were set up in randomised complete block design with four replications. Analysis of variance observed highly significant differences for all the examined traits in both years. Sugar content, soluble solid concentration and number of leaves per plant revealed the highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation values. The high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance for sugar content, soluble solid concentration and starch content. Positive correlations were revealed between yield (husked, dehusked and fresh kernel) and yield components except plant height and 1000 seed weight. Negative correlations were found between kernel quality and yield and yield related traits. It can be concluded that, husked ear weight and dehusked ear weight could be used as the main criteria for yield improvement. It should be unfeasible to develop sweet corn varieties with satisfactory yield potential and improved kernel quality for the different sweet corn markets.
Soil Properties and Plant Community Changes along a Goat Grazing Intensity Gradient in an Open Canopy Oak Forest
Authors: LEMPESI Aimilia , KYRIAZOPOULOS Apostolos P. , ORFANOUDAKIS Michail , KORAKIS Georgios
Published: March 2018

Understanding how the management practices of silvopastoral systems affect the long-term sustainability of oak ecosystems and what their influence is on nutrient cycling and plant community, is of great interest. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of relative grazing intensity on soil properties and on vegetation characteristics in an open canopy oak forest dominated by Quercus frainetto. The research was conducted in the area of Pentalofos, which is located in Evros region, north-eastern Greece and is grazed by goats. The distance from a goat corral was used to represent relative grazing intensity. In June 2011, soil and vegetation samples were collected along transects placed at 50, 150, 300, 600 and 1200 m from the goat corral, running perpendicular to three replicates. Soil measurements included pH, phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations while vegetation measurements included plant cover, species composition and diversity. Plant cover was not significantly different among grazing intensities. Species diversity, especially of the woody vegetation layer, was significantly higher in the light grazing intensity in comparison to both the heavy and the very light grazing. Heavy grazing reduced soil organic matter while it increased total nitrogen. Grazing intensity did not affect available P and soil pH. Light to moderate goat grazing could ameliorate floristic diversity and increase sustainability of oak forests in the Mediterranean region.
Functional Anatomy of Leaf Campanula alliariifolia Willd.
Authors: KROKHMAL Iryna
Published: March 2018

The functional anatomy of the leaf of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. is examined. The purpose of this research is to identify features of the functional anatomy of the leaf of this species in order to understand the mechanism of its adaptation to new growth conditions. Plant material of research are plants of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. in: a) their natural growth habitat (the Caucasus, city Sochi) and b) the region of introduction (the steppe zone of Ukraine, city Donetsk). The research methods used are the standard techniques of anatomical research. In the region of introduction, the research reveals the formation of columnar mesophyll and stomata on the adaxial side of the leaf of C. alliariifolia; increase in mesophyll thickness, stomata frequency and size, and in the moisture content. The rosellate leaf area and the cauline leaf dry matter accumulation are greater than in the natural growth habitat. The main ways of adaptation are :a) qualitative and quantitative anatomical changes in leaves; b) correlation of changes of the majority of anatomical and morphological parameters; c) identical physiological and anatomical changes in leaves of both formations.
Molecular Characterization and Analysis of the Greek Citrus Germplasm
Authors: TRIPOLITSIOTIS Constantinos , NIKOLOUDAKIS Nikolaos , LINOS Athanasios , HAGIDIMITRIOU Marianna
Published: March 2018

Molecular markers were used to evaluate genetic similarity among 36 citrus accessionsc (C. sinensis, C. reticulata, C. limon and cultivars) of the Greek national clonal germplasm repository located in Poros. In total, nine RAPD and five ISSR primers produced 262 loci, of which 236 were polymorphic. Both techniques were proven to be equally analytical with an average discrimination power above 0.9. The RAPD and ISSR markers were highly correlated and clustering among them had high correspondence. Citrus accessions formed separate clusters according to their species, even though sweet orange and mandarin cultivars revealed high affinity, while lemons were more divergent. C. sinensis genotypes had the highest intragenetic affinity suggesting that cultivated oranges have a narrow genetic base. On the contrary, the C. reticulata group was the most variable. In general, Greek varieties exhibited a distinctive genetic background that could be discriminated from foreign established cultivars using the mentioned molecular techniques. This information could facilitate their use in future Citrus spp. breeding programs.
Forest Monitoring - Assessment, Analysis and Warning System for Forest Ecosystem Status
Authors: BADEA Ovidiu , SILAGHI Diana Maria , NEAGU Stefan , TAUT Ioan , LECA Stefan
Published: March 2018

Forests provide essential benefits and services as an important component of terrestrial ecosystems. Their functionality and health result from multiple and cumulative interactions of biotic and abiotic stress factors such as air pollution, climate change, changes in land use, and poor management practices. A forest monitoring system was established to identify, analyse and assess the degradation of European forests. Two levels of forest monitoring were developed: I) large-scale forest condition surveys, based on an European grid system starting in 1986 and II) an intensive non-systematic survey network placed in representative forest ecosystems starting in 1994. Romania implemented both level I (1990-1991) and level II (1991-1992) forest monitoring surveys with the results showing the effects of increased air temperatures and a drastic decrease of precipitation since the decade of 1971-1980. Thus, the highest values of damaged trees (crown defoliation >25%) percent were recorded in 1993, 1994, 2000 and 2003 both in the national and European networks. Also, in southern and South-Eastern Romania the forests are more frequently damaged as a response to worsening of climatic factors in this region in recent decades, with temperatures rising 0.7-0.8Â°C. In general, in Romania, ozone concentrations remained below the critical threshold (40-50 ppb) for affecting growth or health of trees. The levels of S-SO4 and N-NO3 declined in the atmosphere but the accumulation continued to increase in the soil, leading to soil acidification, mainly at depths of 10-40 cm). In general, during the last decade, Romanian forests were affected at low to medium intensities with damage rate up to 11% of the trees and the status of general forest health improved slightly.
Water Soluble Pleurotus ostreatus Polysaccharide Down-Regulates the Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: COJOCARU Sabina , RADU Mihaela , BODEA Liviu Gabriel , CIMPEANU Mirela Mihaela , GHEORGHITA Gogu , STOIAN Gheorghe , DINISCHIOTU Anca
Published: March 2018

Many polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes isolated from mushrooms have immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Our aim was to study the regulatory mechanisms of Caco-2 cell response to water soluble P. ostreatus polysaccharide extract up to 72 hours. Specific enzymatic activities were assessed by kinetic measurements. The reduced glutathione content and the lipid peroxidation level were also analyzed. Protein expression of several heat shock proteins, Bcl-2 and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were revealed by Western blot. Gelatin zymography assay was used to evaluate the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. Until the third day of exposure the total SOD activity decreased continuously by 30%, whereas GST and GR ones diminished by 17% respectively 30.5% compared to control. No significant changes were observed in CAT and G6PDH specific activities as well as in GSH and MDA concentration. After the third day of exposure a significant up-regulation of Hsp60 and Hsp90 expression and a down-regulation of Hsp70 one were registered. Bcl-2 protein levels were down-regulated by 50% in the first day of treatment but increased after 3 days. MMP-2 and 9 secretion in the culture medium was significantly reduced suggesting a diminished ability of invasion of colon cancer cells. Our data revealed that in vitro treatment with P. ostreatus aqueous polysaccharide extract does not induce apoptosis in Caco-2 cell line but it could inhibit the invasion of colon cancer cells through the basement membrane.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Some European Plum Cultivars (Prunus domestica L.)
Authors: IONICA Mira Elena , NOUR Violeta , TRANDAFIR Ion , COSMULESCU Sina , BOTU Mihai
Published: March 2018

Fruits from twelve plum cultivars (Prunus domestica L.), were analyzed in terms of physical and chemical characteristics. The fruits trees were grown in a trial at University of Craiova - Fruit Growing Research Station (SCDP) Valcea, which is located in Bujoreni, an important Romanian plum production area. Fruits were picked at harvest maturity. Several analyzes were performed, such as fruit linear dimensions, size index, fruit weight, dry matter, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total anthocyanins, malic, tartaric and citric acids content. The best features in terms of physical and chemical properties proved to be found in â€˜Alinaâ€™, â€˜Alutusâ€™, â€˜Tuleu Timpuriuâ€™, â€˜Oltenalâ€™ and â€˜Renclod Althanâ€™.
INITIAL GROWTH OF Dipteryx alata PLANTS UNDER WATER DEFICIT
Authors: Matos Fabio Santos , Freitas Igor Alberto Silvestre , Santos Lidiane Villas Boas Dos , Venâncio Daniel Guimarães , Silveira Patrícia Souza da
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of water deficit stress on the growth of Dipteryx alata plants. The experiment was carried out on a bench in full sun at the Goiás State University experimental unit, in Ipameri town, Goiás. Dipteryx alata seeds were collected from native plants in that municipality and sown in four-liter pots containing a mixture of soil, sand and cattle manure at ratio 3:1:0.5, respectively. The experiment was set up following the completely randomized design with five treatments (plants irrigated for 25 days with water volumes corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of daily evapotranspiration) and six replicates. Treatments were applied when the plants were 60 days old, and at 85 days the plants were assessed for the following parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, foliar chlorophyll concentration (a+b ), total carotenoids, relative water content, transpiration, leaf, stem and root mass ratios, and total biomass. During early development, the Dipteryx alata plants were highly sensitive to water deficit, significantly slowing down vegetative growth. Accordingly, in order to remain alive, the plants drastically reduced transpiration as a result of high stomatal sensitivity.
Phenological Sensitivity of Two Maize Cultivars to Trinexapac-Ethyl
Authors: MENDES FAGHERAZZI M. , SOUZA C.A. , STEFEN D.L.V. , ZANESCO P.R. , JUNKES G.V. , COELHO C.M.M. , SANGOI L.
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT: In Brazilian agriculture there are few reports on trinexapac-ethyl (TE) effects on maize plant lodging management. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential application of TE sprayed on different plant growth stages of maize using the simple hybrid P30F53HR and the variety SCS 154 Fortuna. Experiments were carried out in a greenhouse in the 2013 and 2014 harvests. Plants were grown singly in 5L pots filled with 75% soil and 25% substrate. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The following treatments were performed: (T1) control (no application of growth retardant); (T2) application at V2 (100 g a.i. ha-1); (T3) sequential application of 100 g a.i. ha-1 at V2 plus V3; (T4) sequential application of 100 g a.i. ha-1 at V2+V3+V4; (T5) single application of 300 g a.i. ha-1 at V4; (T6) sequential application of 100 g a.i. ha-1 at V2+V3+V4+V5; (T7) sequential application of 100 g a.i. ha-1 at V2+V3+V4+V5+V6 and (T8) sequential application of 100 g a.i. ha-1 at V2+V3+V4+V5+V6+V7. The some morphological characteristics of the two maize genotypes changed in response to TE treatment. From stage V4 onwards, maize plant height showed signs of sensitivity to the growth retardant. Plants in T8 (TE applied over V2 to V7) were more sensitive to TE with over 45% reduction in plant height compared with application T7 (applied from V2 to V6). This response was similar in both maize genotypes, thus indicating that plants are highly sensitive to TE after the V6 stage.
Activities and Novel Applications of Secondary Metabolite Coumarins
Authors: HUSSAIN M.I. , QAMAR ABBAS S. , REIGOSA M.J.
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT: This review covers biological activity of secondary metabolites, coumarin and their derivatives on different organisms (pests, pathogens, weeds), as well as their applications in agriculture as eco-friendly pesticides and weed control agents. Naturally occurring coumarins have shown biological and allelopathic potential on a broad range of organisms. Coumarin inhibits seed germination, root growth, morphology, histology, water uptake, respiration, photosynthesis, cell elongation, cell división and differentiation. Coumarin demonstrate excellent insecticidal potential against eggs, larvae and adult insects. Coumarin showed antifeedent responses in a wide range of memebers from invertebrates to vertebrates. The information provided in this review also shed light on further research and development of coumarin and its derivatives as potential plant protection lead compounds to control weeds and harmful pests.
Remoção da cor no tratamento combinado de lixiviado de aterro sanitário e esgoto doméstico via processo PACT®
Authors: Bou Ángel Santiago Fernández , Pereira Bárbara Costa , Silva Leonardo Duarte Batista da , Ferreira João Alberto , Campos Juacyara Carbonelli , Nascentes Alexandre Lioi
Published: March 2018

RESUMO Misturas diferentes de lixiviado de aterro sanitário e esgoto doméstico foram aplicadas em 16 reatores em batelada usando o processo PACT® (lodos ativados com adição de carvão ativado em pó - CAP). O objetivo do trabalho foi representar a remoção de cor utilizando dois ajustes matemáticos: o primeiro combinou as variáveis concentração de CAP (0 a 6 g.L-1) e mistura lixiviado/esgoto (0 a 10%, em volume); e o segundo, a concentração de CAP e a cor da mistura (276 a 1.199 uH). A metodologia de superfície de resposta (MSR) foi escolhida para representar a resposta dos ajustes. Os resultados indicaram que, conforme a concentração de lixiviado aumentou até 5%, a adição de CAP resultou em um maior percentual de remoção de cor. No entanto, para a mistura com 10% de lixiviado, os reatores perderam eficácia, com exceção do reator com 6 g.L-1 de CAP, que apresentou os melhores resultados de remoção de cor.
ERRORS MEASUREMENT OF INTERPOLATION METHODS FOR GEOID MODELS: STUDY CASE IN THE BRAZILIAN REGION
Authors: Arana Daniel , Prol Fabricio dos Santos , Camargo Paulo de Oliveira , Guimarães Gabriel do Nascimento
Published: March 2018

Abstract: The geoid is an equipotential surface regarded as the altimetric reference for geodetic surveys and it therefore, has several practical applications for engineers. In recent decades the geodetic community has concentrated efforts on the development of highly accurate geoid models through modern techniques. These models are supplied through regular grids which users need to make interpolations. Yet, little information can be obtained regarding the most appropriate interpolation method to extract information from the regular grid of geoidal models. The use of an interpolator that does not represent the geoid surface appropriately can impair the quality of geoid undulations and consequently the height transformation. This work aims to quantify the magnitude of error that comes from a regular mesh of geoid models. The analysis consisted of performing a comparison between the interpolation of the MAPGEO2015 program and three interpolation methods: bilinear, cubic spline and neural networks Radial Basis Function. As a result of the experiments, it was concluded that 2.5 cm of the 18 cm error of the MAPGEO2015 validation is caused by the use of interpolations in the 5'x5' grid.
CLASSIFICATION OF LIDAR DATA OVER BUILDING ROOFS USING K-MEANS AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Santos Renato César dos , Galo Mauricio , Tachibana Vilma Mayumi
Published: March 2018

Abstract: The classification is an important step in the extraction of geometric primitives from LiDAR data. Normally, it is applied for the identification of points sampled on geometric primitives of interest. In the literature there are several studies that have explored the use of eigenvalues to classify LiDAR points into different classes or structures, such as corner, edge, and plane. However, in some works the classes are defined considering an ideal geometry, which can be affected by the inadequate sampling and/or by the presence of noise when using real data. To overcome this limitation, in this paper is proposed the use of metrics based on eigenvalues and the k-means method to carry out the classification. So, the concept of principal component analysis is used to obtain the eigenvalues and the derived metrics, while the k-means is applied to cluster the roof points in two classes: edge and non-edge. To evaluate the proposed method four test areas with different levels of complexity were selected. From the qualitative and quantitative analyses, it could be concluded that the proposed classification procedure gave satisfactory results, resulting in completeness and correctness above 92% for the non-edge class, and between 61% to 98% for the edge class.
A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF VIEWING ANGLE VARIATION IN SUGARCANE RADIOMETRIC MEASURES
Authors: Moriya Érika Akemi Saito; , Imai Nilton Nobuhiro , Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia
Published: March 2018

Abstract: Remote Sensing techniques, such as field spectroscopy provide information with a large level of detail about spectral characteristics of plants enabling the monitoring of crops. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of viewing angle in estimating the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) for the case of sugarcane. The study on the variation of the spectral reflectance profile can help the improvement of algorithms for correction of BRDF in remote sensing images. Therefore, spectral measurements acquired on nadir and different off-nadir view angle directions were considered in the experiments. Change both anisotropy factor and anisotropy index was determined in order to evaluate the BRDF variability in the spectral data of sugarcane. BRDF correction was applied using the Walthall model, thus reducing the BRDF effects. From the results obtained in the experiments, the spectral signatures showed a similar spectral pattern varying mainly in intensity. The anisotropy factor which showed a similar pattern in all wavelengths. The visual analysis of the spectral reflectance profile of sugarcane showed variation mainly in intensity at different angles. The use of Walthall model reduced the BRDF effects and brought the spectral reflectance profiles acquired on different viewing geometry close to nadir viewing. Therefore, BRDF effects on remote sensing data of vegetation cover can be minimized by applying this model. This conclusion contributes to developing suitable algorithms to produce radiometrically calibrated mosaics with remote sensing images taken by aerial platforms.
Fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete modified with lightweight and recycled aggregates
Authors: ANGELIN A. F. , LINTZ R. C. CECCHE , BARBOSA L. A. G.
Published: March 2018

Abstract A produção de concretos auto compactáveis de baixa massa específica tornou-se um grande desafio para a engenharia civil, principalmente quanto à dosagem e manutenção das resistências mecânicas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar concretos autoadensáveis (CAA) produzidos com agregados leves e reciclados. Fixou-se as dosagens de sílica ativa, pó de pedra, pedrisco, argila expandida e superplastificante, variando-se a porcentagem do resíduo de borracha em 5% e 10%, em substituição ao agregado miúdo. As amostras foram submetidas aos ensaios de espalhamento, viscosidade, habilidade passante, resistências à compressão e à tração por compressão diametral e, massa específica. Verificou-se que os CAA produzidos apresentaram coesão e trabalhabilidade adequados, bem como atendem as condições normativas para uso em peças pré-moldadas e estruturais.
Attenuation of sound radiation in concrete structure through the reduction of mechanical vibration
Authors: HOLANDA R. V. DE , DUARTE M. A. V. , BADAN M. A. B. C. , PENA J. L. DE O. , ROSA R. C.
Published: March 2018

Abstract The efficiency of sound irradiance in structure has direct relation with its vibratory movement. Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) are a low cost viable option for reducing vibrations in passive structures. Secondary systems attached to the primary system (structure) in order to reduce vibration. In this work it was used an experimental modal analysis procedure (EMA) for vibratory responses through impulsive excitations to determine the natural frequencies and the location of points suitable for attachment of DVAs in a concrete beam. Later it was designed and built DVAs to reduce vibration in a frequency band where the response of the human auditory system is more sensitive. The best project configuration for DVAs was evaluated for sensitivity thereof with respect to the change of the loss factor of the viscoelastic material used. Obtained reduction of more than 36% over the considered frequency band and over 70% in the region of the resonance frequency in which the DVAs were tuned.
Optimization of structural brickwork laying joints in concrete blocks
Authors: CAVALCANTI M. V. S. , FRANCISCO A. M. X. , RODRIGUES D. M. , SILVA D. G.
Published: March 2018

Abstract One of the challenges in the investigation of structural masonry is the correlation between the thickness of the laying joints and the global resistance of the masonry. Many authors developed experimental correlations in the attempt to establish an analytical relation between the joint thickness and the resistance of the masonry. All these projects indicate that there are many parameters and considerations to be analyzed in the understanding this relation and in understanding the collapse of the masonry as a whole. Thus, in an attempt to contribute with this field of study, the present paper investigates the influence of the thickness of the mortar laying joint in the resistance of the masonry structure. With the objective of experimentally establishing a relation between the joint thickness and the resistance of the masonry, rupture trials were held to the axial compression of three block prisms laid with five series of thicknesses: 8mm, 12.5mm, 10mm, 15mm and 20mm. The physical and mechanic description of all the components that made up the masonry were done separately, complying with the regulations. Through a simplified statistical analyses, presented at the end of this study, values of resistance of each series of prisms associated to a specific thickness for the laying joint are shown. Through the comparison of the specific results of the analyzed specimen, we arrived at the suggestion of a better performance joint and it was also possible to establish a behavioral tendency, through the comparison of results, helping in the understanding of how the block-joint set behave monolithically from the determination of the individual characteristics of each element. Which is one of the keys that will permit the constructions of a behavioral model capable of assisting structural analysts in their structural masonry dimensioning techniques.
Learning with Weak Supervision from Physics and Data‐Driven Constraints
Authors: Ren Hongyu , Stewart Russell , Song Jiaming , Kuleshov Volodymyr , Ermon Stefano
Published: March 2018

In many applications of machine learning, labeled data is scarce and obtaining additional labels is expensive. We introduce a new approach to supervising learning algorithms without labels by enforcing a small number of domain‐specific constraints over the algorithms' outputs. The constraints can be provided explicitly based on prior knowledge — for example, we may require that objects detected in videos satisfy the laws of physics — or implicitly extracted from data using a novel framework inspired by adversarial training. We demonstrate the effectiveness of constraint‐based learning on a variety of tasks — including tracking, object detection, and human pose estimation — and we find that algorithms supervised with constraints achieve high accuracies with only a small number of labels, or with no labels at all in some cases.
Research Challenges of Digital Misinformation: Toward a Trustworthy Web
Authors: Ciampaglia Giovanni Luca , Mantzarlis Alexios , Maus Gregory , Menczer Filippo
Published: March 2018

The deluge of online and offline misinformation is overloading the exchange of ideas upon which democracies depend. Fake news, conspiracy theories, and deceptive social bots proliferate, facilitating the manipulation of public opinion. Countering misinformation while protecting freedom of speech will require collaboration across industry, journalism, and academe. The Workshop on Digital Misinformation — held in May 2017, in conjunction with the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media in Montreal — was intended to foster these efforts. The meeting brought together more than 100 stakeholders from academia, media, and tech companies to discuss the research challenges implicit in building a trustworthy web. In this article, we outline the main findings from the discussion.
Administration of the Tablet Formulation of Olaparib in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: Practical Guidance and Expectations
Authors: Moore Kathleen N. , Birrer Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Olaparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme inhibitor that is approved for use in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OC) and genetic BRCA1/2 mutations who have received three or more prior lines of chemotherapy for maintenance treatment of recurrent OC that is in response to platinum-based chemotherapy regardless of BRCA mutation status and for human epidermal growth receptor factor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutations who have previously been treated with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or metastatic setting. Because olaparib is poorly soluble and requires advanced drug delivery techniques to ensure bioavailability, the originally approved 400 mg dose is taken as eight 50 mg capsules twice daily. An alternative melt-extrusion tablet formulation was developed to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of olaparib and reduce the pill burden for patients. The recommended tablet dose is 300 mg twice daily (two 150 mg tablets). Phase III studies with the tablet formulation are ongoing for multiple tumor types. Two studies conducted with the olaparib tablet formulation have reported results: one in platinum-sensitive, BRCA-mutated recurrent OC (SOLO-2) and one that included patients with germline BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer (OlympiAD). The tablet is the approved formulation based on the SOLO-2 trial results. Because the capsule and tablet formulations have different bioavailability, physicians must strictly adhere to the dosing instructions provided in the prescribing information. The tablet offers greater convenience for most patients, especially when using olaparib for maintenance therapy. This review discusses the differences between the two formulations, dose determination, and guidance for use of olaparib tablets by patients with OC. Prior to implementing any changes in therapy, health care providers should engage their patients in discussion to support an informed transition between the formulations.

Implications for Practice

Olaparib has recently been approved for maintenance treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) that is in response to platinum-based chemotherapy. The originally approved capsule formulation was dosed as 400 mg twice daily (eight 50 mg capsules). The recommended olaparib tablet dose is 300 mg twice daily (two 150 mg tablets). The tablet is the new approved formulation based on the SOLO-2 trial results. Because the capsule and tablet formulations have different bioavailability, physicians must strictly adhere to the dosing instructions provided in the prescribing information. The tablet offers greater convenience for most patients, especially when using olaparib for maintenance therapy. This review discusses the differences between the two formulations, dose determination, and guidance for use of olaparib tablets by patients with OC.
State of the in situ Febex test (GTS, Switzerland) after 18 years: a heterogeneous bentonite barrier
Authors: Villar María Victoria , Iglesias Rubén J , García-Siñeriz José Luis
Published: March 2018

The in situ Full-scale Engineered Barriers Experiment or Febex was a full-scale test reproducing the near field of a nuclear waste repository. It was performed in a gallery excavated in granite at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland, with a heater whose surface temperature was set to 100°C, simulating the waste canister and a bentonite barrier composed of highly compacted blocks. The test was completely dismantled after 18 years of operation. Numerous samples of bentonite were taken for the on-site determination of dry density and water content. The on-site measurements showed that the physical state of the barrier was very much affected by the processes to which it had been subjected, namely, hydration with the granite groundwater and/or thermal gradient. Although the degree of saturation of the bentonite was overall quite high, there were important water content and dry density gradients everywhere in the barrier, but the gradients were steeper around the heater. These gradients did not impair the performance of the barrier, but imply that the barrier can be irreversibly inhomogeneous.
Expected behaviour and actual behaviour – is there a difference?
Authors: Parker Phil
Published: March 2018

Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize winning psychologist, made the following observation. ‘Economists think about what people ought to do. Psychologists watch what they actually do’. This apparently simple and obvious theory could be equally applied to other fields and in particular the behaviour of road users in urban streets. This paper considers when and why road user behaviour may not conform to the designer's expectations and how this affects road safety. Drawing on the experiences of 16 years of undertaking more than 500 road safety audits and nearly 40 years of managing the design and delivery of urban highway design, with recent particular emphasis on alternative design thinking such as ‘shared space’, this paper argues that priority and regulation, and routine application of highway engineering standards may not automatically provide the resulting safe streets that would be expected.
A decision support toolkit to inform road safety investment decisions
Authors: Matthews Joe , Newman Keith , Green Amy , Fawcett Lee , Thorpe Neil , Kremer Karsten
Published: March 2018

Road safety practitioners are tasked with maintaining safety on their network, primarily by identifying collision hotspots to which resources should be allocated and by ensuring that road safety schemes are operating effectively. Both these tasks often require the analysis of road safety count data (e.g. regarding collisions or casualties); however, these data are frequently bedevilled by confounding statistical factors such as regression to the mean (RTM) and trend. Failing to account for these factors can lead to misallocation of resources as well as sites at risk of high counts not receiving treatment. To overcome this, methods are proposed in this paper which clean data for RTM and trend to allow for more accurate scheme evaluation, and a proactive approach for hotspot prediction. Unfortunately, these techniques require the development of complex, statistical algorithms and so can be inaccessible to some practitioners. To overcome this, user-friendly software applications have been developed and are described here, which implement the aforementioned techniques, with an additional application to investigate the potential collision contributory factors at sites.
Sustainable urban drainage systems: a tool to adapt combined sewer systems to climate change
Authors: García-Terán Carlos , Tejero-Monzón Iñaki , Gil-Díaz José Luis
Published: March 2018

Climate change is a big challenge that may affect water and sanitation services. The authors studied a strategy to adapt current infrastructure to adverse effects due to climate change, such as more frequent and heavier rainfall, through sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). A part of the sewer network of Santander, in Spain, is taken as a case study. After building the model under the SWMM-5 code, some scenarios were simulated, including short-duration storm analysis, under the current climate and with climate change estimation, for an extended period simulation. The same analysis was performed adding SUDS. Peak flow, energy consumption reductions and the total storm water volume disconnected were measured. Every action had a positive effect in adapting the existing infrastructure to climate change, but the authors observed that when SUDS worked together, the benefits were greater, as expected. Any future intervention might be focused on encouraging SUDS as a drainage solution, not as isolated pilot projects.
Experimental analysis of bridge falsework Cuplok systems
Authors: André João , Beale Robert , Baptista António M.
Published: March 2018

Bridge falsework systems are frequently used during the construction of cast-in-place concrete bridges. These structures have a significant impact on the cost, construction rate and safety of the supported permanent structures. However, in recent years a high number of accidents involving bridge falsework systems have occurred worldwide. This paper concerns experimental tests on joints of falsework Cuplok systems. In this paper, the results of 192 tests carried out during the experimental programme are presented, consisting of five different experiments on three different types of joints. Relevant new results are obtained concerning the bending behaviour and resistance of spigot joints (used to connect two vertical elements) and forkhead joints (used to connect the falsework system to the formwork system), relating to which no published research has been found to date. Based on the results, joint models are evaluated and improved empirical analytical models are developed. Finally, probabilistic models for the most relevant variables controlling the behaviour and resistance of the Cuplok joints (used to connect horizontal elements to vertical elements) are presented that can be used in the probabilistic analysis of falsework Cuplok systems.
Experimental study on rupture of prestressing steel strand subjected to tensile load
Authors: Tang Baijian , Xu Jinxing , Wang Fei
Published: March 2018

Collision, abrasion and explosion may cause the failure of a post-tensioning tendon or a stay cable on a cable-supported structure. To study the process of rupture of seven-wire steel strands subjected to dynamic axial tensile load, an experimental programme was conducted by using three types of strand specimens. These were strands without damage, strands with a peripheral notch and strands with a V-type notch. In the locally damaged strand specimens, a notch was machined into their outer spiral wires. The load–time curve during the rupture and the rupture time of wire in the undamaged and damaged strands were investigated. The specimens were tested under tension at different loading strain rates in order to determine the influence on the load–time history and the rupture time. Experimental results show that the loading rate has little influence on the rupture time for both undamaged and damaged strands, but has an obvious influence on the ultimate load of undamaged strands. For damaged strands, their ultimate load is affected by the notch to a large extent. The notch effect can be easily found by a tensile test. The results presented provide a basis for analysing the post-breakage dynamic response of a cable-supported structure.
Axial compressive behaviour of special-shaped steel-fibre-reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Lin-zhu , Yang Fang , Yang Kejia
Published: March 2018

Special-shaped columns are extensively used in residential and official buildings as they increase the efficiency of indoor space. However, many studies on normal special-shaped concrete columns have demonstrated their poor ductility and requirement for additional reinforcement. To overcome these shortcomings, a novel cross-shaped column was designed to enhance the ductile deformation. This column integrates high-performance concrete (HPC) with high-strength stirrups (HSS). Ten cross-shaped column specimens were tested under axial compressive loading. The parameters investigated were the spacing of the stirrups, the strength of the HPC and the content of steel fibre. The test results showed that the HSS improved the axial compressive bearing capacity and ductility, and a close tie spacing improved the confinement, resulting in a significant enhancement of post-peak ductility with a moderate increase in column axial bearing capacity. Increasing the strength of the HPC did not effectively enhance the ductility for a large tie spacing. The use of steel fibre was found to enhance the bearing capacity and ductility, and a higher steel fibre content did not significantly delay the decrease in bearing capacity. The analytical results of existing high-strength concrete and fibre-reinforced concrete confinement models were compared with the test data and several parameters were assessed. The results indicate the need to develop confinement models specific to special-shaped columns.