bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Gas-Wall Partitioning of Organic Compounds Using a Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship
Authors: Han Sanghee , Jang Myoseon , Jiang Huanhuan
Published: August 2019

Abstract. This study streamlines modeling of the gas–wall process (GWP) of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) by predicting gas–wall equilibrium partitioning constant (Kw,i) and accommodation coefficient (αw,i) of SVOC(i) using a quantitative structure–activity relationship. PaDEL-Descriptor, software that calculates molecular descriptors, is employed to obtain physicochemical parameters (i.e., hydrogen bond acidity (Hd,i), hydrogen bond basicity (Ha,i), dipolarity/polarizability (Si), and polarizability (αi)) of SVOC(i). For the prediction of Kw,i, activity coefficients (γw,i) of SVOC(i) to the chamber wall are semiempirically predicted using chamber data in the form of a polynomial equation coupled with the physicochemical parameters. γw,i of various SVOCs differ in functionalities and molecular sizes ranging from 100 to 104. We conclude that the estimation of γw,i is essential to improve the prediction of Kw,i. To predict the impact of relative humidity (RH) on GWP, each coefficient in the polynomial equation for ln(Kw,i) was correlated to RH. Increasing RH enhanced GWP significantly for all polar SVOCs. For example, the predicted Kw,i of 1-heptanoic acid increased more than three times (from 0.58 to 1.96) by increasing RH from 0.4 to 0.75 due to the reduction in γw,i. The characteristic time for GWP are estimated using Kw,i and αw,i to evaluate the effect of GWP on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass. It might be significant in the absence of inorganic aerosol, but is insignificant in the presence of electrolytic salts, where aqueous reactions dominate SOA growth.
Air quality in the eastern United States and Eastern Canada for 1990–2015: 25 years of change in response to emission reductions of SO2 and NOx in the region
Authors: Feng Jian , Chan Elton , Vet Robert
Published: August 2019

Abstract. SO2 and NOx are precursors to form sulfate, nitrate and ammonium particles, which account for more than 50 % of PM2.5 mass in the eastern US and Eastern Canada, and are dominant components of PM2.5 during many smog events. H2SO4 and HNO3, formed from oxidation of SO2 and NOx respectively, are the main sources of acid deposition through wet and dry depositions. NOx is also a precursor to the formation of tropospheric O3, which is an important atmospheric oxidant and is also essential for the formation of other atmospheric oxidants, such as OH and H2O2. In the past 26 years from 1990 to 2015, emissions of SO2 and NOx in US were significantly reduced from 23.1 and 25.2 million tons/year in 1990 to 3.7 and 11.5 million tons/year in 2015 respectively. In Canada, SO2 and NOx were reduced by 63 % and 33 % from 1990 to 2014. In response to the significant reduction of SO2 and NOx emissions, air quality in the eastern US and Eastern Canada improved tremendously during 1990–2015. In this study, we analyzed surface air concentrations of SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, HNO3 and SO2 measured weekly by the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) in the US and measured daily from the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN) in Canada to reveal the temporal and spatial changes of each species during the 25-year period. For the whole the eastern US and Eastern Canada, the annual mean concentrations of SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, HNO3, SO2 and TNO3 (NO3− + HNO3, expressed as the mass of equivalent NO3−) were reduced by 73.3 %, 29.1 %, 67.4 %, 65.8 %, 87.6 % and 52.6 % respectively from 1990 to 2015. In terms of percentage, reduction of all species except NO3− was spatially uniform; reduction of SO2 and HNO3 was similar in warm season (May–October) and cold season (November–April), and reduction of SO42−, NO3− and NH4+ was more significant in warm season than in cold season. Reduction of SO42− and SO2 mainly occurred in 1989–1995 and 2007–2015 during warm season, and in 1989–1995 and 2005–2015 during cold season. Reduction of NO3− mainly occurred in the Midwest after 2000. Other than in the Midwest, NO3− had very little change during cold season for the period. The reduction of NH4+ generally followed the reduction trend of SO42−, especially after 2000 the temporal trend of NH4+ was almost identical to that of SO42−. The ratio of S in SO42− to total S in SO42− and SO2, as well as the ratio of NO3− to TNO3 increased by more than 50 % during the period. This indicates that much more percentage of SO2 was oxidized to SO42−, and much more percentage of HNO3 was neutralized to NH4NO3 in the region near the end of the period.
The Energy Transition between profitability, participation and acceptance – considering the interests of project developers, residents, and environmentalists
Authors: Bosch Stephan , Rathmann Joachim , Schwarz Lucas
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The number of actors in the German Energy Transition as well as the planning complexity increases and new spatial implications emerge in contrast to the conventional energy system. In planning processes for Renewable Energy Technologies mostly economic approaches are chosen, but simultaneously the number of social conflicts related to wind power plants or solar energy plants is on an all-time high. The aim of the study is therefore to identify the essential parameters of a sustainable expansion of renewable energies from the diversity of potential influencing factors and to illustrate them using a regional case study and GIS. The analyses reveal the great regional assertiveness of photovoltaics, whereby wind energy can assert itself due to social parameters also at some locations. Beyond this, it is to be stated that renewable energies find themselves in intense economic and social competition for space, although the most compatible spatial solutions have not always been able to prevail so far. Nevertheless, the presented approach offers a sophisticated method to minimize the social conflicts that arise in the context of the energy system transformation.
Emissions Relationships in Western Forest Fire Plumes: I. Reducing the Effect of Mixing Errors on Emission Factors
Authors: Chatfield Robert B. , Andreae Meinrat O. ,   ARCTAS Science Team,   SEAC4RS ScienceTeam
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Studies of emission factors from biomass burning using aircraft data complement the results of lab studies and extend them to conditions of immense hot conflagrations. We illustrate and discuss emission relationships for 422 individual samples from many forest-fire plumes in the Western US. The samples are from two NASA investigations: ARCTAS (Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites) and SEAC4RS (Studies of Emissions and Atmospher-ic Composition, Clouds, and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys). This work provides sample-by-sample enhancement ratios (EnRs) for 23 gases and particulate properties. Many EnRs provide candidates for emission ratios (ERs, corresponding to the EnR at the source) when the origin and degree of transformation is understood and appropriate. From these, emission factors (EFs) can be estimated when the fuel dry mass consumed is known or can be estimated using the carbon mass budget approach. This analysis requires understanding the interplay of mixing of the plume with surrounding air. Some initial examples emphasize that measured Ctot = CO2 + CO in a fire plume does not necessarily describe the emissions of the total carbon liberated in the flames, Cburn. Rather, it represents Ctot = Cburn + Cbkgd, which includes possibly varying background concentrations for en-trained air. Consequently, we present a simple theoretical description for plume entrainment for multiple tracers from flame to hundreds of kilometers downwind and illustrate some intrinsic linear behaviors. The analysis suggests a Mixed Effects Regression Emission Technique (MERET), which can eliminate occasional strong biases associated with the commonly used normalized excess mix-ing ratio (NEMR) method. MERET splits Ctot to reveal Cburn by exploiting the fact that Cburn and all tracers respond linearly to dilution, while each tracer has consistent EnR behavior (slope of tracer concentration with respect to Cburn). The two effects are separable. Two or three or preferably more emission indicators are required as a minimum; here we used ten. Limited variations in the EnRs for each tracer can be incorporated and the variations and co-variations analyzed. The percentage CO yield (or the modified combustion efficiency) plays some role. Other co-relationships involving ni-trogen and organic classes are more prominent; these have strong relationships to the Cburn to O3 emission relationship. In summary, MERET allows fine spatial resolution (EnRs for individual ob-servations) and comparison of similar plumes distant in time and space. Alkene ratios provide us with an approximate photochemical timescale. This allows discrimination and definition, by fire sit-uation, of ERs, allowing us to estimate emission factors.
The effect of marine aggregate parameterisations on nutrients and oxygen minimum zones in a global biogeochemical model
Authors: Niemeyer Daniela , Kriest Iris , Oschlies Andreas
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Particle aggregation determines the particle flux length
scale and affects the marine oxygen concentration and thus the volume of
oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) that are of special relevance for ocean nutrient
cycles and marine ecosystems and that have been found to expand faster than
can be explained by current state-of-the-art models. To investigate the
impact of particle aggregation on global model performance, we carried out a
sensitivity study with different parameterisations of marine aggregates and
two different model resolutions. Model performance was investigated with
respect to global nutrient and oxygen concentrations, as well as extent and
location of OMZs. Results show that including an aggregation model improves
the representation of OMZs. Moreover, we found that besides a fine spatial
resolution of the model grid, the consideration of porous particles, an
intermediate-to-high particle sinking speed and a moderate-to-high
stickiness improve the model fit to both global distributions of dissolved
inorganic tracers and regional patterns of OMZs, compared to a model without
aggregation. Our model results therefore suggest that improvements not only
in the model physics but also in the description of particle aggregation
processes can play a substantial role in improving the representation of
dissolved inorganic tracers and OMZs on a global scale. However, dissolved
inorganic tracers are apparently not sufficient for a global model
calibration, which could necessitate global model calibration against a
global observational dataset of marine organic particles.
Dimensions of Marine Phytoplankton Diversity
Authors: Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Cermeno Pedro , Jahn Oliver , Follows Michael J. , Hickman Anna E. , Taniguchi Darcy A. A. , Ward Ben A.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Biodiversity of phytoplankton is important for ecosystem stability and marine biogeochemistry. However, the large scale patterns of diversity are not well understood, and are often poorly characterized in terms of statistical relationships with environmental factors (e.g. latitude, temperature, productivity). Here we use ecological theory and a global trait-based ecosystem model to provide mechanistic understanding of patterns of phytoplankton diversity. Our study suggests that phytoplankton diversity across three dimensions of trait space (size, biogeochemical function, and thermal tolerance) is controlled by a disparate combinations of drivers: the supply rate of the limiting resource, the imbalance in different resource supplies relative to competing phytoplanktons’ demands, size-selective grazing, and transport by the moving ocean. Using sensitivity studies we show that each dimension of diversity is controlled by different drivers. Models including only one (or two) of the trait dimensions will have different patterns of diversity than one which incorporates another trait dimension. We use the results of our theory/model exploration to infer the controls on the diversity patterns derived from field observations in meridional transects of the Atlantic and to explain why different taxa and size classes have differing patterns. These results suggest that it is unlikely that any single or even combination of environmental variables will be able to explain patterns of diversity.
Distorted Pacific-North American Teleconnection at the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Hu Yongyun , Xia Yan , Liu Zhengyu , Wang Yuchen , Lu Zhengyao , Wang Tao
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The Pacific-North American (PNA) teleconnection is one of the most important climate modes in the present climate condition, and it enables climate variations in the tropical Pacific to exert significant impacts on North America. Here, we show climate simulations that the PNA teleconnection was largely distorted or broken at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The distorted PNA is caused by a split of the westerly jet stream, which is ultimately forced by the thick and large Laurentide ice sheet at the LGM. Changes in the jet stream greatly alter the extratropical wave guide, distorting wave propagation from the North Pacific to North America. The distorted PNA suggests that climate variability in the tropical Pacific, notably, El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO), would have little direct impact on North American climate at the LGM.
Sea cliff at Kieler Ufer (Pleistocene stripes 11–16) – large-scale architecture and kinematics of the Jasmund Glacitectonic Complex
Authors: Gehrmann Anna , Meschede Martin , Hüneke Heiko , Pedersen Stig A. Schack
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The Kieler Ufer cliff section is a structural key location in the late Weichselian thrust-dominated-to-fold–thrust-dominated glacitectonic complex of Jasmund. Restoration and balancing of geological cross sections from the eastern coast (southern sub-complex) enabled strain quantification and the illustration of stress orientation. The entire horizontal shortening of the Kieler Ufer section is 1280 m (51.6 %) at its minimum. The thrust faults generally inclined towards south indicate a local glacier push from the S/SSW, which fits well into the glacio-dynamic model suggested by Gehrmann and Harding (2018).
The Müritzeum in Waren (Müritz): natural history museum and modern nature discovery centre
Authors: Küster Mathias
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The Müritzeum is a nature discovery centre and a
museum in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District. It is the first
natural history museum in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with natural history
collections that are over 150 years old, and are still growing today. The
collections contain about 290 000 specimens from the fields of botany,
zoology and geology. An extensive library and an archive are also part of the museum.
Collecting, preserving and researching natural history are our main spheres of activity. The
exhibition in the Müritzeum offers the visitor a comprehensive insight
into the development of the nature and landscape of northeastern Germany
and of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Lake Müritz region in particular. The
largest aquarium for indigenous freshwater species in Germany enables
visitors to imagine themselves in the underwater world of the Mecklenburg
Lake District.
Tiefer See – a key site for lake sediment research in NE Germany
Authors: Brauer Achim , Schwab Markus J. , Brademann Brian , Pinkerneil Sylvia , Theuerkauf Martin
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Tiefer See formed in a subglacial gully system at
the end of the last glaciation in the northeast German lowlands. The lake
has been selected as a focus site within the TERENO (Terrestrial
Environmental Observatory) NE German observatory because it forms annual
laminations (calcite varves) providing detailed information of past climate
and environmental changes. Our research integrates palaeolimnology and
limnology by combining high-resolution analyses of the sediment record with
a comprehensive monitoring of the lake and its sedimentation processes since
2012. This allows evaluation of the observed effects of ongoing climate change
in the context of the long-term history of the lake. The lacustrine sediment
profile comprises the last 13 000 years and is dated by a multiple dating
approach. The sedimentation is dominated by biochemical calcite formation
and algal blooms. Detrital material from the catchment forms only a minor
component even during times of increased human impact. Repeated changes
between well-varved, poorly varved and homogeneous sediment intervals
indicate that sedimentation processes in the lake are particularly sensitive
to changes in lake circulation. The research at Tiefer See is embedded
in ICLEA (https://www.iclea.de, last access: 2 August 2019) and BaltRap (https://www.io-warnemuende.de/projekt/167/baltrap.html, last access: 2 August 2019) projects.
Groehnius, a new genus of Eugnomini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: Bukejs Andris , Legalov Andrei A.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. A new weevil, Groehnius electrum Bukejs and Legalov, gen. et sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae), is described from Eocene Baltic amber. This new genus is similar to the genus Archaeoeugnomus Legalov, 2016 from Baltic amber but differs in the femora without ventral teeth, and the scape not reaching the anterior margin of the eye. It is the second record of the tribe Eugnomini in the Eocene.
Multiresolution wavelet analysis applied to GRACE range-rate residuals
Authors: Behzadpour Saniya , Mayer-Gürr Torsten , Flury Jakob , Klinger Beate , Goswami Sujata
Published: August 2019

Abstract. For further improvements of gravity field models based on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) observations, it is necessary to identify the error sources within the recovery process. Observation residuals obtained during the gravity field recovery contain most of the measurement and modeling errors and thus can be considered a realization of actual errors. In this work, we investigate the ability of wavelets to help in identifying specific error sources in GRACE range-rate residuals. The multiresolution analysis (MRA) using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is applied to decompose the residual signal into different scales with corresponding frequency bands. Temporal, spatial, and orbit-related features of each scale are then extracted for further investigations. The wavelet analysis has proven to be a practical tool to find the main error contributors. Besides the previously known sources such as K-band ranging (KBR) system noise and systematic attitude variations, this method clearly shows effects which the classic spectral analysis is hardly able or unable to represent. These effects include long-term signatures due to satellite eclipse crossings and dominant ocean tide errors.
The millennium old hydrogeology textbook The Extraction of
Hidden Waters by the Persian mathematician and engineer Abubakr
Mohammad Karaji (c. 953–c. 1029)
Authors: Ataie-Ashtiani Behzad , Simmons Craig T.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. We revisit and shed light on the millennium-old hydrogeology textbook The Extraction of Hidden Waters by the Persian mathematician and engineer Karaji. Despite the incomparable understanding and conceptualization of the world by the people of that time, ground-breaking ideas and descriptions of hydrological and hydrogeological perceptions such as components of the hydrological cycle, groundwater quality and even driving factors of groundwater flow were presented in the book. Although some of the ideas may have been presented elsewhere, this is the first time that a whole book was focused on different aspects of hydrology and hydrogeology. More importantly, we are impressed as the book is composed in a way that covered all aspects that are related to an engineering project including technical and construction issues, guidelines for maintenance, and final delivery of the project when the development and construction are over. We speculate that Karaji's book is the first of its kind to provide a construction and maintenance manual for a modern engineering project.
Unravelling the spatial diversity of Indian precipitation teleconnections via a non-linear multi-scale approach
Authors: Kurths Jürgen , Agarwal Ankit , Shukla Roopam , Marwan Norbert , Rathinasamy Maheswaran , Caesar Levke , Krishnan Raghavan , Merz Bruno
Published: August 2019

Abstract. A better understanding of precipitation dynamics in the Indian subcontinent
is required since India's society depends heavily on reliable monsoon
forecasts. We introduce a non-linear, multiscale approach, based on wavelets
and event synchronization, for unravelling teleconnection influences on
precipitation. We consider those climate patterns with the highest relevance for
Indian precipitation. Our results suggest significant influences which are
not well captured by only the wavelet coherence analysis, the
state-of-the-art method in understanding linkages at multiple timescales.
We find substantial variation across India and across timescales. In
particular, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean
Dipole (IOD) mainly influence precipitation in the south-east at interannual
and decadal scales, respectively, whereas the North Atlantic Oscillation
(NAO) has a strong connection to precipitation, particularly in the northern
regions. The effect of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) stretches across the whole country, whereas the Atlantic
Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)
influences precipitation particularly in the central arid and semi-arid
regions. The proposed method provides a powerful approach for capturing the
dynamics of precipitation and, hence, helps improve precipitation
forecasting.
Passive processing of active nodal seismic data: estimation of VP∕VS ratios to characterize structure and hydrology of an alpine valley infill
Authors: Behm Michael , Cheng Feng , Patterson Anna , Soreghan Gerilyn S.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The advent of cable-free nodal arrays for conventional seismic
reflection and refraction experiments is changing the acquisition style for
active-source surveys. Instead of triggering short recording windows for
each shot, the nodes are continuously recording over the entire acquisition
period from the first to the last shot. The main benefit is a significant
increase in geometrical and logistical flexibility. As a by-product, a
significant amount of continuous data might also be collected. These data
can be analyzed with passive seismic methods and therefore offer the
possibility to complement subsurface characterization at marginal additional
cost. We present data and results from a 2.4 km long active-source profile,
which have recently been acquired in western Colorado (US) to characterize
the structure and sedimentary infill of an over-deepened alpine valley. We
show how the “leftover” passive data from the active-source acquisition can
be processed towards a shear wave velocity model with seismic
interferometry. The shear wave velocity model supports the structural
interpretation of the active P-wave data, and the P-to-S-wave velocity ratio
provides new insights into the nature and hydrological properties of the
sedimentary infill. We discuss the benefits and limitations of our workflow
and conclude with recommendations for the acquisition and processing of similar
datasets.
The measurement and impact of light absorbing particles on snow surfaces
Authors: Schmitt Carl G. , Riggs Bria L. , Horodyskyj Ulyana N. , Khan Alia L. , Ewing Holly A. , All John D. , Sanchez Rodriguez Wilmer
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Light absorbing particles (LAPs) can have a significant impact on the albedo of snow. LAPs absorb solar radiation which warms surrounding snow thereby increasing melt or sublimation rates. Historically, LAP concentrations have been reported in terms of a mass mixing ratio, typically in nanograms of black carbon per gram of snow. While this representation is convenient for sampling, it can lead to deceptive results if there is significant surface accumulation of LAPs due to snow loss or dry deposition. Here we demonstrate that LAPs concentrated on the snow surface can substantially affect the albedo and typical sampling strategies and reporting protocols can lead to highly erroneous estimates of albedo. Theoretical calculations and measurements both show that the reduction in albedo by LAPs can be twice as strong when particles are concentrated on the surface as opposed to being mixed within the top thin layer of snow. Current commonly used sampling strategies are not sufficient to determine the necessary information to assess the impact of surface LAPs on snowpack albedo. To facilitate more accurate albedo estimates, we propose a new sampling strategy to better characterize LAP distribution in and on snowpacks. Theoretical calculations and experimental measurements show that snowpack albedo can be much better characterized when using the suggested sampling strategy to determine the distribution of LAPs present.
Understanding Human Behaviour in Information Security Policy Compliance in a Malaysian Local Authority Organization
Authors: Sarmoen Norhayati , Khalid Haliyana , Abd Rasid Siti Zaleha , A L Baskaran Shathees , Basiruddin Rohaida
Published: August 2019

The utilization of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as the Internet and electronic mail (e-mail) has made communication nowadays easier, faster and has tremendously reduced the usage of paper. However, if the usage of internet is not properly managed, the possibility of confidential information leakage from the inside of the organization to other entities outside of the organization may occur. The impacts of this malicious activity are beyond the boundaries and cannot be controlled despite implementing various preventive steps and enforcing various regulations.  Previous studies have outlined different factors in influencing information leakages in various organizations. However, none had really identified the severity of the factors up to this day. This research hopes to fill this gap, by focusing on staff in Majlis Perbandaran Pasir Gudang (MPPG), Johor, Malaysia. This study covers factors related to human behaviour which have led towards the cases of information breach. The factors include the lack of understanding of information policy, the lack of training, poor management support and the insensitivity of the staffs toward safeguarding the information from falling to the wrong hands. Thus, it is suggested that the ICT security protection needs to be robust, secure and reliable so that the use of the internet or social media will not only enhance the communication efficiency, but also to ensure that the information security in an organization is at the most optimum level.
Relocating Households to Unaccustomed Livelihood: The Impacts of Development-Induced Displacement in Urban Vicinity of Dukem Town, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Suyum Bikila Ayele
Published: August 2019

Involuntary displacement of people in the context of development projects often causes damage to livelihood of displaced people. The level of livelihood risks and impoverishments is often far reaching when the displaced people are relocated to unaccustomed livelihood settings. This research examined the impacts of development-induced displacement on the livelihoods of households displaced by Addis-Djibouti railway corridor construction in the vicinity of Dukem town. The study used mixed cross sectional research design. In-depth interview, focus group discussion and survey methods were used as tools of data collection. In addition, relevant secondary data were also collected from different secondary sources. The study used Cernea’s impoverishment risks and reconstruction model as an analytical framework. The study uncovered that majority of the displaced households have experienced deterioration of economic assets such as landlessness, cattlelessness and joblessness; decline in productivity and food insecurity, socioeconomic marginalization, weakening of social networks and deterioration of access to community services after displacement. Deterioration in access to the livelihood assets due to the displacement has resulted in impoverishments of livelihood of majority of the displaced households.
Phosphorus forms and lability of organic matter during anaerobic digestion of swine manure
Authors: Oliveira Filho José de Souza , Viana Thales Vinicius de Araújo , Azevedo Benito Moreira de , Sousa Geocleber Gomes de , Pereira Marcos Gervasio
Published: August 2019

Understanding the dynamics of the organic matter and nutrients in pig manure submitted to anaerobic digestion is important to assist in decision-making regarding the use of anaerobic biofertilizer in agriculture. Accordingly, this study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the changes in organic matter, quantified as the content of carbon in the humic and oxidizable fractions, and in the content of the organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus in the solid fraction of the manure, as a function of digestion time in anaerobic reactors. Evaluations were carried out after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days of digestion, and the results were compared to the raw manure. Changes in organic matter occurred mostly in the labile fractions (fulvic acid and the F1 fraction), the content of which underwent a reduction, favoring the accumulation of more recalcitrant fractions in the final biofertilizer (humic acid and the F2, F3, and F4 fractions). Total P content did not change throughout the digestion process. However, the size of inorganic fraction of water-extractable P decreased by 16.7% after 49 days of digestion, as it was consumed by the decomposing microbiota to form stabilized organic matter, which accumulated along with the more recalcitrant fractions of P in the final biofertilizer. Therefore, the use of swine manure-derived anaerobic biofertilizer has less risk of environmental contamination with excessive P than the direct application of raw manure to the soil.
Performance of white oat cultivars in response to nitrogen fertilization and trinexapac-ethyl
Authors: Bazzo José Henrique Bizzarri , Riede Carlos Roberto , Arruda Klever Márcio Antunes , Cardoso Carolina Pereira , Franzoni Isabela , Fonseca Inês Cristina de Batista , Zucareli Claudemir
Published: August 2019

The application of N at the appropriate time and dose can increase oat crop efficiency by increasing grain yield through changes in production components. High doses of N, depending on the genotype and the environment, can result in plant lodging, which can be addressed with the use of growth retardants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield components, lodging, and productivity of white oat cultivars cultivated at two planting locations under different N levels with trinexapac-ethyl growth retardant. Two assays (with and without the application of the growth retardant agent) were used in the experiments, which were set up in the region of Londrina and Mauá da Serra, Parana State, Brazil, in a randomized block design with split plots and four replications. The plots consisted of four white oat cultivars (IPR Afrodite, IPR Artemis, URS Corona, and URS Guria) and the subplots of four doses of N (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha-1). Plant height, number of panicles per unit area, number of grains per panicle, thousand grain weight, lodging of plants, and grain yield were evaluated. For the conditions under which the experiments were conducted, the growth regulator decreased plant height and lodging. Furthermore, the growth regulator in combination with N topdressing increased the number of panicles per unit area. Thus, the increase in grain yield with the application of a growth retardant was dependent on the characteristics of the plant growth environment. The response of genotypes to N fertilization was also dependent on the soil and climatic characteristics of the environment.
Nitrogen supply associated with the application of trinexapac-ethyl in upland rice irrigated by sprinkler
Authors: Peron Igor Balbi Guirão , Portugal José Roberto , Arf Orivaldo , Rodrigues Ricardo Antônio Ferreira , Gitti Douglas de Castilho
Published: August 2019

The lodging of rice plants significantly increases the losses of this crop. Lodging is caused by the inadequate management of water and fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous fertilizers. The use of growth regulators causes a reduction in plant height and consequently lodging, and may reduce harvest losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate nitrogen (N) doses with and without application of plant growth regulator in upland rice irrigated by a sprinkler system. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four N doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1) combined with the presence or absence of foliar application of a plant growth regulator. The application of 150 g ha-1 of trinexapac-ethyl at the flower differentiation stage reduced plant height and lodging. In addition, this treatment promoted increased 100-grain mass. The use of N doses in topdressing increased plant heights and grain yield. The plant growth regulator did not interfere with the milling yield of upland rice. Nitrogen fertilization in the topdressing did not interfere with the milling yield of upland rice irrigated by a sprinkler system.
Mycoplasma agalactiae and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster in goat herds in the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Luciana Florêncio Vilaça , Silva Elizabete Cristina da , Moraes Anidene Christina Alves de , Silva Elizabete Rodrigues da , Santoro Kleber Régis , Batista Ângela Maria Vieira , Barbosa Severino Benone Paes
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster (Mmcluster) in 373 goat milk samples of different breeds from herds located in Pernambuco and Paraíba states, as well as to evaluate somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition from positive animals. For this, DNA extraction from milk samples was carried out, followed by generic and species-specific amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Milk constituents were determined by medium infrared spectrometry and SCC by flow cytometry. Analyses of variance and tests of comparison of means verified the effects of positivity on the evaluated characteristics. The frequencies for Ma and Mmcluster were 43.21 and 5.70%, respectively. In all genetic groups, Ma was detected in all positive samples, whereas Mmcluster was only observed in samples from Moxotó, Parda Sertaneja, and that without a defined racial pattern. Statistical difference was observed (p < 0.05) between mean values of protein, casein and SCC in positive and negative Ma samples. In terms of Mmcluster there was only a statistically significant difference in the SCC parameter. The detection of Mycoplasma in samples of goat milk suggests an introduction of infected animals into the evaluated herds, as well as possible contact with the etiological agents at fairs and exhibitions.
Can mineral supplementation modify the characteristics of young buffalo ejaculate?
Authors: Viana Rinaldo Batista , Monteiro Bruno Moura , Cardoso Elyzabeth da Cruz , Ribeiro Filho José Dantas , Albuquerque Rodrigo dos Santos , Melo Paulo Marcelo Albuquerque de , Baruselli Pietro Sampaio
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to determine the influence of mineral supplementation on the concentration of macroelements and microelements in the seminal plasma and the semen characteristics of young buffaloes. To this end, 60 animals were kept under rotational grazing and were randomly divided into two groups: G-Bov (conventional mineral supplement recommended for bovine cattle; n = 30) and G-Buf (mineral supplement recommended for buffaloes; n = 30). Mineral supplement consumption was calculated from the difference between the amount of supplement offered and the leftover bunk, calculated every 28 days. Eight ejaculates from each animal were collected. The means of the response variables were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, with a significance level of 5%, and Pearson’s correlation was analyzed between the concentration of minerals in seminal plasma and fresh semen characteristics. Animals in the G-Buf group had lower mineral supplement consumption (G-Bov = 83.18 vs. G-Buf = 77.14 g AU-1 day-1, P < 0.05) and had higher ejaculate volume, sperm motility, sperm vigor, and sperm mass motility than did the animals in the G-Bov group. This research presented the concentration of macroelements and microelements in the seminal plasma of buffaloes receiving different mineral supplements. In addition, the study concluded that the physical and morphological characteristics of the semen of young buffaloes are influenced by the formulation of the mineral supplement, which resulted in better sperm quality in the animals receiving a species-specific supplement. Among the minerals present in buffalo seminal plasma, phosphorus is the element that shows the highest positive correlation with semen characteristics.
Average time of dispersal and germination of Fabaceae seeds retrieved from goat feces
Authors: Silva Tatiana Oliveira da , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Deminicis Bruno Borges , Rocha Norberto Silva , Lima Renata Vianna , Glória Leonardo Siqueira
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the viability of seeds of butterfly pea, stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande, tropical kudzu and archer after passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of goats; and to evaluate these animals as dispersing agents. Fifty grams of seeds of each plant were mixed with the concentrate and given to 20 goats, whose feces were collected up to 102 hours after ingestion for seed retrieval and subsequent germination test. This was a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement: 4 Fabaceae plants x 17 sampling times with five replicates. The percentage of seed retrieval ranged from 16.9 to 70.9%; butterfly pea and archer, respectively. The passage through the GIT positively affected the germination of kudzu seeds; which presented the highest germination average (45%), and negatively the seeds of stylosanthes and butterfly pea, which presented respectively, 15 and 13%. The period of highest seed dispersal was 24 - 42 hours, peaking in 36 hours. Under these conditions, goats may be considered as legitimate seed dispersers.
Morphogenic and structural characteristics of Marandu grass cultivated under grazing management and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Rodrigues Luan Fernandes , Santos Antonio Clementino dos , Silveira Junior Otacílio , Santos José Geraldo Donizetti dos , Faria Ana Flávia Gouveia de , Coelho Bárbara Pércya Lopes
Published: August 2019

The goal of this study was to evaluate the morphogenic and structural characteristics of Marandu grass cultivated under grazing management and nitrogen fertilization. The experimental design was a completely randomized 4 × 2 split-plot design with four blocks. The treatments consisted of combinations of two rest periods (28 days - RPFixed - and height of 40 cm - RPVar) and four nitrogen doses (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha-1 year-1) applied as ammonium sulfate. The following variables were analyzed: leaf appearance rate (LAR), phyllochron, leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), leaf life span (LLS), average length of leaf blade (ALLB), sheath length (SL), number of live and dead leaves (NLL and NDL), and tiller population density (TPD). The variables LAR, LER, SER, ALLB and SL presented positive linear relationships with RPFixed and a quadratic relationship with RPVar, considering the application of the N doses. As for phyllochron and LLS, a negative linear relationship was observed with RPFixed and a quadratic relationship with RPVar. The N doses caused an effect on LSR, following the quadratic model for both rest periods studied. NLL and NDL exhibited linear effects on RPVar. The best indexes for the rest period variable were obtained when nitrogen was applied in the range of 280 to 333 kg ha-1, whereas the dose of 450 kg ha-1 of N provided desired results when using a fixed rest period. The rest period alleviated the process of senescence, especially given the application of higher nitrogen doses.
Nutritional composition of 'Ponta Negra' forage sorghum silage enriched with dried Leucaena leucocephala forage
Authors: Costa Clésio dos Santos , Rodrigues Rosane Cláudia , Araújo Ricardo Alves de , Santos Francisco Naysson de Sousa , Sousa Giovanne Oliveira Costa , Lima Juliana Rodrigues Lacerda , Rodrigues Marcônio Martins , Silva Ivone Rodrigues da , Jesus Ana Paula Ribeiro de , Miranda Bruno Eduardo Caxias
Published: August 2019

he aim of this study was to evaluate fermentation and chemical characteristics and the in situ degradability of sorghum silages enriched with dried Leucaena. The experiment was conducted as completely randomized design with four treatments (0 - control silage, silage without leucaena; 10.0, 20.0, or 30.0% inclusion of Leucaena) and five replicates, totaling 20 experimental units. The inclusion levels of leucaena influenced (P 0.05), with all silages having values above 90%. Gas loss decreased (P < 0.05) as the level of leucine increased in sorghum silage. A linear increase was observed for dry matter (P ? 0.0001) and crude protein (P = 0.0008) contents in response to Leucaena inclusion. There was a linear (P < 0.05) linear effect on neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber. As leucaena inclusion levels increased, for each 1% inclusion a reduction of 0.179 was observed; 0.059 and 0.119% for the values of neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber respectively. The inclusion of leucaena influenced (P < 0.05) the increase of silage lignin levels, probably due to the higher lignin content of the legume. The soluble fraction (a) of the silages increased along with the Leucaena inclusion levels, with highest values observed at the inclusion of 20 and 30% of the legume, respectively. Potential degradation (A) increased linearly with the levels of Leucaena added to the silage; the highest value for this variable was observed at 30% inclusion. Effective degradability (ED) increased up to the inclusion level of 20% (46.77%). Degradation rate (c) decreased markedly with the use of 30% Leucaena. The use of the forage part of Leucaena dried for three hours leads to reduced gas production, increased dry matter and crude protein contents, and decreased fiber contents. The degradability of dry matter increases up to the inclusion level of 20%.
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Milestones: Initial Formulation and Future Directions
Authors: Ames S. Elizabeth , Ponce Brent A. , Marsh J. Lawrence , Hamstra Stanley J.
Published: August 2019

Milestones specific to orthopaedic surgical training document individual resident progress through skill development in multiple dimensions. Residents increasingly interact with and are assessed by surgeons in both academic and private practice environments. Milestones describe the skills that support competence. One of the primary goals of milestones is to provide continuous data for educational quality improvement of residency programs. They provide a dialogue between surgeons who supervise residents or fellows and the program's Clinical Competency Committee throughout a resident's education. The orthopaedic milestones were developed jointly by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. The working team was designed with broad representation within the specialty. The milestones were introduced to orthopaedic residencies in 2013. Orthopaedics is a 5-year training program; the first comprehensive longitudinal data set is now available for study. This summary provides historical perspective on the development of the milestones, state of current milestone implementation, attempts to establish validity, challenges with the milestones, and the development of next-generation assessment tools.
Orthopaedic Residents' Transfer of Knee Arthroscopic Abilities from the Simulator to the Operating Room
Authors: Ledermann Gerardo , Rodrigo Andrés , Besa Pablo , Irarrázaval Sebastián
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

The ultimate goal for any surgical simulation program is to prove the capability of transferring the skills learned to real-life surgical scenarios. We designed an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) training program and sought to determine its ability to transfer skills to real patients.

Methods:

Eleven junior orthopaedic residents and three expert knee surgeons were included. A low-fidelity knee simulator was used. Trainees had two baseline assessments of completing APM on a supervised real patient and on the simulator, measured using the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). After baseline, the trainees completed an APM training program and had a final evaluation of proficiency on the simulator and in real patients. Experts were also assessed for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed, assuming nonparametric behavior of variables.

Results:

All trainees improved from a base score of 14 points in real patients and 10 points on the simulator to a final score of 39 points and 36 points, respectively (P < 0.01). The final trainee simulator score did not differ from experts on the simulator and was lower in real patients (36 versus 39 points, respectively, P ≤ 0.01), which resulted in a 92% transfer ratio for the simulator.

Discussion:

Simulated training of APM in orthopaedic residents using a low-fidelity knee simulator proved to not only improve simulated proficiency but also successfully transfer skills to a real clinical scenario with a high model transfer ratio.

Level of Evidence:

Level II (Prospective Cohort Study)
Lack-of-fit Testing for Polynomial Regression Models Without Replications
Authors: Omair Maha A. , Al-Shiha Abdullah A. , Alyafi Ruba A.
Published: August 2019

Parametric and non-parametric approaches are developed to test the adequacy of the polynomial model Y=β°+j=1pβjXj+ε  when there is no replication in the values of the independent variable. The proposed tests avoid partitioning of the sample space of the continuous covariate. This paper suggests three tests based on the following concept: if the model is appropriate for a selected application, then the error component ε1,ε2,…,εn is a random sample with zero mean and constant variance. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the power and size of the proposed tests. An example is used to illustrate the methodologies. These tests are also compared with the classical lack-of-fit test to demonstrate their advantage.