bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the safe water content and activity control points for medicinal and edible lotus seeds from mildew
Authors: Liao Xiaofang , Sun Chaonan , Wei Fang , Zhou Lidong , Kong Weijun
Published: May 2020

Affected by the inner properties and the external environmental conditions, medicinal and edible lotus seeds are susceptible to mildew with fungal infection under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, leading to the production and contamination of various mycotoxins, along with threats to its quality and safety. In this study, the changes of water content (Cw) and water activity (Aw) of lotus seeds stored at 25 °C and different relative humidity conditions, as well as the correlation between them and mildew of this edible and medicinal material were studied, aiming to explore the safe Cw and Aw control points for screening out the suitable storage conditions from mildew. Blank (without fungal conidia) and experimental (artificially added with Aspergillus flavus conidia) groups of lotus seeds were stored at 25 °C and relative humidity of 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% for about 30 days, respectively. The mildew was observed and the changes of Cw, Aw, together with the production of aflatoxins were measured. Results showed that no mildew was found and aflatoxins were not detected in lotus seeds when they were stored for 30 days at 25 °C and relative humidity of 40%, 50% and 60% with Cw < 12% and Aw < 0.6. While, when the relative humidity was up to 70%, the Cw and Aw values rose quickly, and the Cw exceeded the officially-permitted level (14%). Although no mildew was observed, AFB1 was still detected, increasing the potential risk of lotus seeds regarding aflatoxins. For warranting the quality with economic and safe storage, lotus seeds are suggested to be stored at 25 °C and relative humidity lower than 60% with 12% and 0.6 as the safe Cw and Aw control points, respectively, to prevent medicinal and edible products from mildew and the contamination of aflatoxins.
Logistic regression based in-service assessment of mobile web browsing service quality acceptability
Authors: Isak-Zatega Sibila , Lipovac Adriana , Lipovac Vlatko
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we presented a logistic regression model that we applied for assessment of the users’ quality of experience with web browsing service over mobile network. With this regard, we chose the Average-Time-to-Connect-TCP network service quality parameter as an independent predictor, obtained by passive monitoring of live traffic data, captured by a passive probe on the mobile network Gn interface, and related to detailed records of the Transport Control Protocol. In parallel with in-service measuring the selected network parameter, we conducted simultaneous subjective tests of the quality of experience acceptability to users, specifically for web browsing service. Particularly, it was found that the model provided correct acceptability classification in 84.5% of cases, while reducing the chosen independent predictor for 100 ms implied increasing the chance of the service acceptability by factor of 1.65. Based on the obtained results, it comes out that the applied logistic regression model provides satisfactory estimation of the web browsing service quality experience acceptability.
Persistent elevation of intrathecal pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to multiple sclerosis-like cortical demyelination and neurodegeneration
Authors: James Rachel E. , Schalks Renee , Browne Eleanor , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Munoz Carmen Picon , Mazarakis Nicholas D. , Reynolds Richard
Published: May 2020

Analysis of isolated meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of post-mortem MS cases has shown increased gene and protein expression for the pro-inflammatory cytokines: tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-γ (IFNγ). Here we tested the hypothesis that persistent production of these cytokines in the meningeal compartment and diffusion into underlying GM can drive chronic MS-like GM pathology. Lentiviral transfer vectors were injected into the sagittal sulcus of DA rats to deliver continuous expression of TNF + IFNγ transgenes in the meninges and the resulting neuropathology analysed after 1 and 2 months. Injection of TNF + IFNγ viral vectors, with or without prior MOG immunisation, induced extensive immune cell infiltration (CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, CD79a + B-cells and macrophages) in the meninges by 28 dpi, which remained at 2 months. Control GFP viral vector did not induce infiltration. Subpial demyelination was seen underlying these infiltrates, which was partly dependant on prior myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) immunisation. A significant decrease in neuronal numbers was seen at 28 and 56 days in cortical layers II-V that was independent of MOG immunisation. RNA analysis at 28 dpi showed an increase in expression of necroptotic pathway genes, including RIP3, MLKL, cIAP2 and Nox2. PhosphoRIP3+ and phosphoMLKL+ neurons were present in TNF + IFNγ vector injected animals, indicating activation of necroptosis. Our results suggest that persistent expression of TNF in the presence of IFNγ is a potent inducer of meningeal inflammation and can activate TNF signalling pathways in cortical cells leading to neuronal death and subpial demyelination and thus may contribute to clinical progression in MS.
Determination of the dipping direction of a blind reverse fault from InSAR: case study on the 2017 Sefid Sang earthquake, northeastern Iran
Authors: Ghayournajarkar Nematollah , Fukushima Yo
Published: May 2020

Determining the fault parameters of an earthquake is fundamental for studying the earthquake physics, understanding the seismotectonics of the region, and forecasting future earthquake activities in the surrounding area. Dense crustal deformation data such as Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) are useful for fault parameter determination, but determining the dipping direction of a blind fault is often challenging when the size of the earthquake is not large (M < 7) or when the coverage of the deformed area is limited to capture the details of rupture. The 5th April 2017, Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred near the city of Sefid Sang, northeast of Iran, provides an excellent case for exploring the potential of InSAR data for determining the dipping direction of a blind reverse fault. Using Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) and Sentinel-1A interferograms of four different observation directions and a fault slip inversion method that allows thorough exploration of the fault geometry led to two candidates of reverse fault models, dipping either to the northeast or the south. The results show that the fault models of both dipping directions explain the data well, with a slight advantage in the northeast-dipping fault model in terms of the misfit when the atmospheric corrections were applied. The northeast-dipping fault model is, in addition, more consistent with the strike of the mapped active faults in the region and with the aftershock distribution, from which we infer that the 2017 Sefid Sang earthquake occurred on a northeast-dipping dextral-reverse fault. The preferred fault model has a strike angle of 314.8°, dip angle of 47.4° and rake angle of 130.3°, and a slip distribution of maximum 1.35 m at depth of 5 km equivalent to Mw 6.0. This study illuminates the difficulty of determining the dipping direction of blind faults even with InSAR measurements from multiple directions, but also that correcting for the atmospheric noise and comparing with other kinds of data can help infer the fault dipping direction.
Inter-observer variability of 90Y PET/CT dosimetry in hepatocellular carcinoma after glass microspheres transarterial radioembolization
Authors: Meyers Nicolas , Jadoul Alexandre , Bernard Claire , Delwaide Jean , Lamproye Anne , Detry Olivier , Honoré Pierre , Gerard Laurent , Hustinx Roland
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Strong correlation has been demonstrated between tumor dose and response and between healthy liver dose and side effects. Individualized dosimetry is increasingly recommended in the current clinical routine. However, hepatic and tumor segmentations could be complex in some cases. The aim of this study is to assess the reproducibility of the tumoral and non-tumoral liver dosimetry in selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).

Material and methods

Twenty-three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent SIRT with glass microspheres were retrospectively included in the study. Tumor (TV) and total liver volumes (TLV), and mean absorbed doses in tumoral liver (TD) and non-tumoral liver (THLD) were determined on the 90Y PET/CT studies using Simplicit90YTM software, by three independent observers. Dosimetry datasets were obtained by a medical physicist helped by a nuclear medicine (NM) physician with 10 years of experience (A), by a NM physician with 4-year experience (B), and by a resident who first performed 10 dosimetry assessments as a training (C). Inter-observer agreement was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), Bland-Altman plots, and reproducibility coefficient (RDC).

Results

A strong agreement was observed between all three readers for estimating TLV (ICC 0.98) and THLD (ICC 0.97). Agreement was lower for TV delineation (ICC 0.94) and particularly for TD (ICC 0.73), especially for the highest values. Regarding TD, the CV (%) was 26.5, 26.9, and 20.2 between observers A and B, A and C, and B and C, respectively, and the RDC was 1.5. Regarding THLD, it was 8.5, 12.7, and 9.4, and the RDC was 1.3.

Conclusion

Using a standardized methodology, and regardless of the different experiences of the observers, the estimation of THLD is highly reproducible. Although the reproducibility of the assessment of tumor irradiation is overall quite high, large variations may be observed in a limited number of patients.
Changed functional connectivity at rest in functional illiterates after extensive literacy training
Authors: Mohammadi Bahram , Münte Thomas F. , Cole David M. , Sami Amir , Boltzmann Melanie , Rüsseler Jascha
Published: May 2020

Background

About 6.2 million adults in Germany cannot read and write properly despite attending school for several years. They are considered to be functional illiterates (FI). Since the ability to read and write is crucial for being employed and socially accepted, we developed a special literacy training to overcome these deficits.

Methods

In this study, we investigate training-related changes in intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) at rest in a group of 20 FI and 20 adult normal readers using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). We used independent component analysis (ICA) to define different networks.

Results

Before training, the between group analysis showed increased iFC in FI in a left-fronto-parietal network (LFPN; anterior insula, medial frontal cortex, lateral and frontal parietal regions) and in the Basal Ganglia network (BGN: thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, amygdala, supplementary motor cortex and cingulate gyrus). Furthermore, the Visual Network-1 (VN1; temporal occipital fusiform gyrus, lateral occipital cortex, occipital pole, lingual gyrus, thalamus) showed decreased iFC in FI. After training the FI group showed reversal of the “hyperconnectivity” in middle frontal gyrus and in the frontal orbital cortex and between supramarginal gyrus and the BGN. Furthermore, functional connectivity increased in FI VN1 (lateral occipital cortex, insular cortex). These changes in connectivity correlated with gains in reading speed and spelling accuracy.

Conclusions

These findings show that poor reading and writing abilities are associated with abnormalities in iFC in several brain areas subserving cognitive processes important for reading. Intensive literacy training induces changes in the functional connectivity between and within neural networks important for literacy skills.
Understanding the Barriers to Pediatric Oncologist Engagement and Accrual to Clinical Trials in National Cancer Institute–Designated Community Oncology Research Programs
Authors: Dickens David S. , Roth Michael E. , Pollock Brad H. , Langevin Anne-Marie
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE:

Clinical trial participation leads to progress in cancer care. Principal investigators (PIs) and clinical research associates (CRAs) play key roles in the provision and maintenance of clinical trial portfolios at their sites. Previous studies have evaluated the educational and resource needs of adult oncology providers, but nothing to date has focused on providers of pediatric oncology care. We aimed to identify the educational needs and clinical trial participation barriers at National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Children’s Oncology Group (COG) sites to improve the quality of site investigator engagement.

METHODS:

Quality improvement surveys of pediatric clinical research staff at NCORP sites were performed. The first was a web-based inquiry of NCORP COG PIs and lead CRAs to assess their general understanding of NCORP organizational structure and needs. The second survey of COG PIs was conducted by one-on-one telephone interviews aimed at identifying specific barriers to physician engagement and patient enrollment in clinical trial research.

RESULTS:

The majority of NCORP COG PIs and CRAs (63%) reported an incomplete understanding of NCORP structure, with approximately half expressing interest in developing stronger collaborations and engagement. Most NCORP COG PIs reported at least one shared barrier to clinical trial enrollment (78%), with inadequate protected time and research support (39% each) being the most frequently cited barriers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Contributions to pediatric cancer clinical research at COG NCORP sites could be enhanced through improved education, resources, and time allocation.
Does Obesity Cause Thyroid Cancer? A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fussey Jonathan Mark , Beaumont Robin N , Wood Andrew R , Vaidya Bijay , Smith Joel , Tyrrell Jessica
Published: May 2020

Background

The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising, and relatively little is known about modifiable risk factors for the condition. Observational studies have suggested a link between adiposity and thyroid cancer; however, these are subject to confounding and reverse causality. Here, we used data from the UK Biobank and Mendelian randomization approaches to investigate whether adiposity causes benign nodular thyroid disease and differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from 379 708 unrelated participants of European ancestry in the UK Biobank and identified 1812 participants with benign nodular thyroid disease and 425 with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. We tested observational associations with measures of adiposity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. One and 2-sample Mendelian randomization approaches were used to investigate causal relationships.

Results

Observationally, there were positive associations between higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.22), higher waist-hip ratio (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.23), and benign nodular thyroid disease, but not thyroid cancer. Mendelian randomization did not support a causal link for obesity with benign nodular thyroid disease or thyroid cancer, although it did provide some evidence that individuals in the highest quartile for genetic liability of type 2 diabetes had higher odds of thyroid cancer than those in the lowest quartile (OR, 1.45; CI, 1.11-1.90).

Conclusions

Contrary to the findings of observational studies, our results do not confirm a causal role for obesity in benign nodular thyroid disease or thyroid cancer. They do, however, suggest a link between type 2 diabetes and thyroid cancer.
Diabetic Rat Hearts Show More Favorable Metabolic Adaptation to Omegaven Containing High Amounts of n3 Fatty Acids Than Intralipid Containing n6 Fatty Acids
Authors: Lucchinetti Eliana , Lou Phing-How , Hersberger Martin , Clanachan Alexander S. , Zaugg Michael
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND:

While Omegaven, an omega-3 (n3) fatty acid–based lipid emulsion, fosters insulin signaling in healthy hearts, it is unknown whether beneficial metabolic effects occur in insulin-resistant diabetic hearts.

METHODS:

Diabetic hearts from fructose-fed Sprague–Dawley rats were perfused in the working mode for 90 minutes in the presence of 11 mM glucose and 1.2 mM palmitate bound to albumin, the first 30 minutes without insulin followed by 60 minutes with insulin (50 mU/L). Hearts were randomly allocated to Intralipid (25 and 100 µM), Omegaven (25 and 100 µM), or no emulsion (insulin alone) for 60 minutes. Glycolysis, glycogen synthesis, and glucose oxidation were measured with the radioactive tracers [5-3H]glucose and [U-14C]glucose. Central carbon metabolites, acyl-coenzyme A species (acyl-CoAs), ketoacids, purines, phosphocreatine, acylcarnitines, and acyl composition of phospholipids were measured with mass spectrometry.

RESULTS:

Diabetic hearts showed no response to insulin with regard to glycolytic flux, consistent with insulin resistance. Addition of either lipid emulsion did not alter this response but unexpectedly increased glucose oxidation (ratio of treatment/baseline, ie, fold change): no insulin 1.3 (0.3) [mean (standard deviation)], insulin alone 1.4 (0.4), insulin + 25 µM Intralipid 1.8 (0.5), insulin + 100 µM Intralipid 2.2 (0.4), P < .001; no insulin 1.3 (0.3), insulin alone 1.4 (0.4), insulin + 25 µM Omegaven 2.3 (0.5) insulin + 100 µM Omegaven 1.9 (0.4), P < .001. Intralipid treatment led to accumulation of acylcarnitines as a result of the released linoleic acid (C18:2-n6) and enhanced its integration into phospholipids, consistent with incomplete or impaired β-oxidation necessitating a compensatory increase in glucose oxidation. Accumulation of acylcarnitines was also associated with a higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced/oxidized (NADH/NAD+) ratio, which inhibited pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and resulted in excess lactate production. In contrast, Omegaven-treated hearts showed no acylcarnitine accumulation, low malonyl-CoA concentrations consistent with activated β-oxidation, and elevated PDH activity and glucose oxidation, together indicative of a higher metabolic rate possibly by substrate cycling.

CONCLUSIONS:

Omegaven is the preferred lipid emulsion for insulin-resistant diabetic hearts.
Notes toward a History of Tragedy and the “Tragic”
Authors: Hays Michael
Published: May 2020

This essay addresses the rather complex questions of the history and function of the word tragedy: Is there a historically and logically consistent use of the word that can serve as a constant in discussions of both drama and dramatic theory? I will try to address some of the reasons why questioning the historical uses and transformations of the word tragedy and the notion of the “tragic” may be important today. Such an effort matters not just for theater critics or historians but also for anyone who wishes to discover the active links between these normative generic concepts and their lived context, including their use value in the social and ideological framing of “life” in society or across societies. In times of cultural or intercultural conflict, including our own, the process of defining a theatrical genre can even become a tool, a weapon almost, in defining interpersonal value and human meaning as such.
The Importance of Interactions Between Content Characteristics and Creator Characteristics for Studying Virality in Social Media
Authors: Han Yue , Lappas Theodoros , Sabnis Gaurav
Published: May 2020

Why does a social media post go viral? Two approaches to understand this mystery are content-based research and creator-based research. Both content characteristics and creator characteristics have been examined for their influence on virality. But the relationships between them are rarely discussed. We propose an extension to our existing conceptual framework to study the interactions between content and creator variables. And we demonstrate the significance of the interactions using data from 800,000 tweets. We find that by adding content-–creator interactions, the predictive power of the model improves significantly, which underlines the importance of the interactions for studying virality in social media. We also provide insights for managers on shaping their social media presence and strategy to use social media popularity for marketing and brand building.
What Motivates Innovative Entrepreneurs? Evidence from a Global Field Experiment
Authors: Guzman Jorge , Oh Jean Joohyun , Sen Ananya
Published: May 2020

Entrepreneurial motivation is important to the process of economic growth. However, evidence on the motivations of innovative entrepreneurs, and how those motivations differ across fundamental characteristics, remains scant. We conduct three interrelated field experiments with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Inclusive Innovation Challenge to study how innovative entrepreneurs respond to messages of money and social impact and how this varies across gender and culture. We find consistent evidence that women and individuals located in more altruistic cultures are more motivated by social-impact messages than money, whereas men and those in less altruistic cultures are more motivated by money than social impact. The estimates are not driven by differences in the type of company, its size, or other observable characteristics, but, instead, appear to come from differences in the underlying motivations of innovative entrepreneurs themselves.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Developing a competency framework for designated prescribing practitioners
Authors: Mott Adele
Published: May 2020

In 2019, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society published a Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners to support the implementation of regulatory changes and underpin quality in training of non-medical prescribers during the period of learning in practice. This article takes a look at the need for, development, scope and content of the framework, and considers its implementation in practice. The framework has been developed to support quality in training during the period of learning in practice. It is designed for use by a broad range of user groups across different professions and settings, as such, some contextualisation of the content is needed and there will be local variation in how it is used in practice.
Evaluation of Mixing Uniformity for Inline Mixers by Image Processing
Authors: Dai Xiang , Xu Youlin , Chen Junyang , Zheng Jiaqiang
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Four inline mixers with different structures are designed and tested for DNIS applications.

A new method for evaluating inline mixing uniformity by image processing is presented.

While higher carrier flow rates cause better uniformity, changes due to higher mixing ratios are complicated.

The multi-injection jet mixer has simplified structure and relatively satisfactory mixing efficacy.

Abstract. Effective and specialized mixing devices that can achieve pesticide injection and inline mixing simultaneously are required to achieve better mixing efficacy in direct nozzle injection systems (DNISs), especially when high-viscosity pesticides are used. To evaluate the inline mixing efficacies of four inline mixers with different structures under various application conditions and to propose optimized structures for those inline mixers, a new method for evaluating uniformity based on image processing is presented. The results of experiments show that the proposed method is adequate for determining mixing uniformity. The mixing uniformity of each mixer increased with carrier flow rates (Q) ranging from 800 to 2,000 mL min-1, but the variations were less significant than those achieved by varying the mixing ratio (P) from 1:100 to 10:100. The mixing uniformity in the jet mixer (mixer A) clearly decreased with an increase in P at different values of Q because the pesticide gradually concentrated on one side of the detection tube. The layered mixer (mixer B) performed better than mixer A, especially at high P. The extension tube installed downstream of mixer B to improve uniformity was shorter than that of mixer A. Mixer C, whose structure was a combination of mixers A and B, had optimal mixing efficacy and the most complicated structure. The uniformity of the multi-injection jet mixer (mixer D) (Haverage = 12.46) obtained by simplifying mixer C was superior to that of mixers A (Haverage = 15.35) and B (Haverage = 14.65) but inferior to that of mixer C (Haverage = 4.08). With a relatively simple structure, mixer D may generally meet the uniformity requirements, thus resulting in advantages for practical use in DNISs, although further structural optimization of mixer D seems necessary. Keywords: Direct nozzle injection system, Image processing, Inline mixers, Mixing uniformity, Principal component analysis, Various application conditions.
Assessment of Seed Yield and Quality of Winter Oilseed Rape Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Pods
Authors: Xu Haixia , Cen Haiyan , Ma Zhihong , Wan Liang , Zhou Weijun , He Yong
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Oilseed rape is one of the leading sources of vegetable oil in the world. Maximizing the seed yield and quality is crucial to improve the profit for farmers and meet the increasing consumer demand for healthy vegetable oil. However, the current evaluation process of seed yield and quality is tedious and inefficient due to its dependence on wet chemistry methods and/or manual measurements of small sample sizes. Because the photosynthesis of pods plays an important role in the accumulation of grain filling, this research aimed to evaluate the seed yield and quality of oilseed rape by using chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters. The OJIP kinetics of rape pods were acquired in two independent experiments with different levels of nitrogen (N) application and different crop varieties, respectively. The JIP-test showed that the level of N fertilizer can influence the plant photosynthetic capacity and crop productivity, and the photosynthetic response also varied in the different varieties. The maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm) was a sensitive indicator for evaluating the performance of photosystem II (PSII) activity with the different N applications and varieties. Increased quantum yield and efficiency with more active reaction centers (RCs) were observed under increased N application as well as with variety GY605, leading to higher energy utilization efficiencies. However, superior photosynthetic apparatus in pods is not recommended in high-quality seed breeding because it would increase the contents of glucosinolates and erucic acid. In addition, the random forest (RF) algorithm was proven to be effective in feature selection, and the selected fluorescence parameters mostly showed high correlations with seed yield and quality. These results demonstrate the potential of the ChlF method for assessing the seed yield and quality of oilseed rape at the early podding stage, which could also be useful for advancing crop breeding and improving agronomic management. Keywords: Agronomic management, Chlorophyll fluorescence, Crop varieties, JIP-test, Oilseed rape, Seed quality, Seed yield.
Energy Consumption of Sugarcane Basecutting Using Contra- Rotating Basecutters
Authors: Wang Fenglei , Ma Shaochun , Ke Wenli , Xing Haonan , Bai Jing
Published: May 2020

Highlights

The objective of this study was to investigate the parameters of a new type of contra-rotating basecutter on the energy consumption during support cutting.

Rotational speed of basecutting discs and feeding rate of sugarcane stalks had significant influence on the cutting energy consumption, while tilt angle of discs and blade number on each disc had no significant influence on it.

The influencing order of the factors used in this research was disc rotational speed > feeding rate > disc tilt angle > blade number, and the basecutting energy was minimum when the above four factors were 150 rpm, 1.0 m·s-1, 20°, and 4.

Abstract. Previous studies on a new type of contra-rotating basecutter that was designed based on the support-cutting theory mainly focused on the relationship between the cutting quality of sugarcane stalks and the basecutter parameters. However, the relationship between these factors and the energy consumption during basecutting was not studied. Therefore, a contra-rotating basecutting platform was developed to investigate how the rotational speed (RS) and tilt angle (TA) of the cutting disc, cutting blade number (BN), and sugarcane stalk feeding rate (FR) affected basecutting energy consumption through a series of bench tests, which included four single-factor experiments and a four-factor four-level orthogonal experiment. Results of the single-factor experiments showed that the basecutting energy consumption increased with increasing RS and BN, while the energy consumption decreased with increasing TA and FR. In addition, t-test results among the four levels of each factor indicated that the differences were not significant (p > 0.05) for level 3 vs. 4 of TA, for level 2 vs. 3 and level 2 vs. 4 of BN, and for level 2 vs. 3 of FR. However, there were significant differences between the other two levels of each factor. ANOVA of the orthogonal experiment results showed that RS and FR had significant influence on basecutting energy consumption, while TA and BN had no significant influence. The influencing order of the four factors on energy consumption was RS > FR > TA > BN (F-values of 19.64 > 10.04 > 4.95 > 2.45). Finally, the optimal combination was determined as 150 rpm for RS, 20° for TA, 4 for BN, and 1.0 m.s-1 for FR. This study provides references for the optimal design of contra-rotating basecutters, which could greatly reduce energy consumption during sugarcane harvest. Keywords: Contra-rotating basecutter, Energy consumption, Orthogonal experiment, Single-factor experiment, Support-cutting theory.
Multi-Variable Sensitivity Analysis, Calibration, and Validation of a Field-Scale SWAT Model: Building Stakeholder Trust in Hydrologic and Water Quality Modeling
Authors: Karki Ritesh , Srivastava Puneet , Bosch David D. , Kalin Latif , Lamba Jasmeet , Strickland Timothy C.
Published: May 2020

Highlights

SWAT can adequately simulate runoff, soil moisture, cotton and peanut yields, and nitrate at field scale.

Muskingum routing and adjusting DIS_STREAM are important to simulate fields as watersheds rather than HRUs.

Crop yield calibration is critical for improving SWAT model robustness in nutrient transport simulations and for building stakeholder trust.

SWAT can quantify the impacts of different management scenarios at the field scale.

Abstract. Multi-variable calibration of a field-scale Soil and Water Assessment (SWAT) model is critical for understanding the true impacts of irrigation and nutrient best management practices (BMPs) on hydrology, water quality, and agricultural productivity and for building stakeholder trust for eventual BMP implementation at the watershed scale. This study evaluated the ability of SWAT to simulate runoff, soil moisture, cotton and peanut yields, and nitrate in conventionally tilled and strip-tilled plots while also evaluating the differences in hydrological and nutrient simulation parameters for the two tillage practices. Modeling results showed that SWAT adequately simulated runoff, soil moisture, cotton and peanut yields, and nitrate at the field scale and that calibrated values for the curve number of operation (CNOP) were different for the conventionally tilled and strip-tilled plots and critical to runoff calibration. It was also important to change the routing method from variable storage to Muskingum and to adjust DIS_STREAM for runoff simulation if the field was to be simulated as a watershed rather than as an HRU. Sequential calibration of surface runoff, soil moisture, crop yield, and nitrate showed that crop yield can be an important consideration for improving SWAT model robustness in nutrient transport simulations. Soil moisture calibration did not have a significant effect on runoff simulations. Evaluation of the impacts of different management scenarios showed that soil moisture sensor-based irrigation, cover crop, and strip tillage had the highest potential for reducing nutrient loss and conserving water while maintaining agricultural productivity in southern Georgia. This study also demonstrated to stakeholders that the SWAT model can successfully quantify the impacts of different management scenarios on their farm fields. Keywords: Agricultural BMPs, Field-scale SWAT, Multi-variable calibration, SWAT, SWAT-CUP.
Effect of Blending Amaranth Grain with Maize Kernels on Maize Weevil Control during Storage
Authors: Bbosa Denis , Brumm Thomas J. , Bern Carl J. , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Raman D. Raj
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Mixing amaranth grain and maize is a promising pesticide-free method for controlling maize weevils in stored maize.

A 1:1 mixture by volume of maize and amaranth reduced the number of live weevils by 66% after 160 d of storage as compared to maize stored without amaranth.

A further reduction in live weevils could be achieved by completely covering all maize kernels with a layer of amaranth.

Insect-infested maize-amaranth mixtures had reduced spoilage due to mold during storage as compared to insect-infested maize stored without amaranth.

Abstract. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is used as a vegetable, food, forage, and sometimes an ornamental. Amaranth grain has higher protein content than other cereals, making it a good choice for human consumption. Maize is among the three most widely grown grains in the world, but it can experience large postharvest losses during storage due to infestation by the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). Due to the small size of amaranth seeds, this study postulated that amaranth grain can be blended with maize during storage to fill the intergranular spaces between maize kernels, reducing the overall void volume to minimize maize weevil movements to access the kernels, and thereby controlling the maize weevil population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on maize weevil control of blending maize with amaranth grain during storage versus storing maize alone. Three 208 L (55 gal) steel barrels were loaded with 160 kg (353 lb) of maize, and three were loaded with a maize-amaranth mixture (1:1 by volume), all with initial weevil populations of 25 live weevils per kg of maize. Blending maize with amaranth for storage reduced the number of live weevils after 160 days by 66% compared to storing maize alone. Additional reduction of live weevils could be accomplished if the maize were completely covered by amaranth grain, further restricting maize weevil access to the maize kernels. Keywords: Broken corn and foreign material, Insects, Insect infestation, Mechanical damage, Moisture content, Postharvest losses, Relative humidity, Temperature, Test weight.
A Review of Grain Kernel Damage: Mechanisms, Modeling, and Testing Procedures
Authors: Chen Zhengpu , Wassgren Carl , Ambrose Kingsly
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Published literature on grain kernel damage during handling is reviewed.

Types and sources of grain kernel damage are discussed.

Factors affecting the level of grain kernel damage are outlined.

Models to predict grain kernel damage and corresponding test devices are summarized.

Abstract. Grain kernel damage during harvest and handling continues to be a challenge in grain postharvest operations. This damage causes physical and physiological changes to grain, which reduces the grain quality and leads to significant yield loss. During harvesting and handling, grain kernels are subject to complex loading conditions consisting of a combination of impact, shear, and compression forces. The main damage mechanisms include impact, which causes external and internal cracks or even fragmentation of the kernel; attrition, which generates fine material; jamming, which deforms and breaks kernels due to high compressive forces; and fatigue, which produces broken kernels and fine material via repeatedly applied loads. Grain kernel damage accumulates as the grain moves through harvesting and handling operations. Harvesting is the major cause of cracks and breakage, while conveying after drying produces fine material. This article provides a comprehensive review of the types of grain kernel damage, sources of grain kernel damage, factors affecting damage, predictive damage models, and the experimental methods used to assess the damage. This review shows that although there is considerable empirical data focused on kernel damage, there is a lack of generalizable mechanics-based predictive models. Mechanics-based models are desirable because they would be useful for providing guidance on designing and operating grain handling processes to minimize kernel damage and thus improve grain quality. In addition, several damage models developed for non-grain particulate materials based on fracture mechanics are reviewed. With some modifications and detailed property analysis, there is potential for adapting the models developed for inorganic materials to predict grain kernel damage. Keywords: Grain kernel damage, Grain harvesting and handling, Breakage susceptibility, Grain damage prediction.
Streambank Stabilization Design, Research, and Monitoring: The Current State and Future Needs
Authors: Bigham Kari A.
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Eleven general streambank stabilization (SBS) techniques have been used worldwide.

Rules-of-thumb and practitioner experience are still heavily applied in SBS design.

Research needs include assessing the spatiotemporal variability of SBS and improving numerical simulation.

Future SBS experiments need to include design details with results that can be easily communicated to designers.

Abstract. Streambank stabilization techniques, designed to maximize localized streambank shear strength and/or minimize the forces acting on a streambank, have been in existence for centuries and are still a popular river management technique used by practitioners worldwide. The purpose of this literature review is to identify common streambank stabilization techniques, compile and summarize the recent peer-reviewed journal articles on these techniques, and determine research needs. Eleven general streambank stabilization practices, consisting of both instream structures and streambank management techniques, are identified in this literature review. Over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles on these techniques have been published over the last 20 years. To improve design and implementation of streambank stabilization techniques, two major research needs were identified: (1) further assess and quantify the spatiotemporal effects that streambank stabilization practices have on bank erosion, hydraulics, sediment transport, and habitat and (2) continue to improve numerical models for streambank stabilization design in order to holistically evaluate and address these effects. In addition, a list of specific research needs for each stabilization technique is provided. To help address these research needs, it is recommended that future streambank stabilization publications should (1) use consistent technique nomenclature, (2) provide characteristic details about the techniques and channels studied, (3) justify the experimental setup, and (4) explain how the research will improve streambank stabilization design. Keywords: Bankfull bench, Barb, Bioengineering, Deflector, Dike, Dyke, Groin, Groyne, Jetty, Large woody debris, LPSTP, Retarder, Revetment, Riprap bank, River training, Shaping, Spur, Stream restoration, Streambank erosion, Streambank stabilization, Toe rock, Toe
Denitrifying Bioreactor Woodchip Recharge: Media Properties after Nine Years
Authors: Feyereisen Gary W. , Hay Christopher , Tschirner Ulrike W. , Kult Keegan , Wickramarathne Niranga M. , Hoover Natasha , Soupir Michelle L.
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Wood media harvested from a nine-year-old denitrifying bioreactor were evaluated.

Media physical changes had multiple causes and effects.

Impacts of the physical changes may have been exacerbated by development of preferential flow.

LCIs > 0.6 showed C quality declined but media still supported N removal.

Abstract. There is a lack of information on denitrifying bioreactors treating subsurface drainage water at the end of their initial design life due to the relative newness of the technology and the relatively long estimated life. A denitrifying bioreactor (15 m L × 7.6 m W × 1.1 m D) installed in August 2008 in Greene County, Iowa, was recharged with new woodchips in November 2017 (age 9.25 years), providing the opportunity to evaluate the properties of the wood media at the end of design life. The objective was to pair a battery of physical, chemical, and nitrate-N removal tests on the wood media harvested from the bioreactor with field observations to assess likely reasons why denitrifying bioreactors treating tile drainage may need to be recharged. The two types of wood media harvested from the bioreactor (termed woodchips and mixed shreds) had median particle sizes (D50) of 12.1 and 7.7 mm, respectively, and saturated hydraulic conductivities of 4.2 ±3.0 and 3.1 ±1.0 cm s-1 (mean ± standard deviation), which were within the range of reported values for woodchips, albeit at the low end. The wood media carbon content and quality had degraded (e.g., lignocellulose indices of 0.63 to 0.74, nearing the range of decomposition stabilization), although batch tests suggested the robustness of wood as a carbon source to support nitrate removal (e.g., 65% nitrate concentration reduction in drainage water). Woodchip degradation along with sedimentation from the drainage system likely reduced conductivities over time. Development of preferential flow paths through the bioreactor was indicated by low bioreactor outflow rates (i.e., reduced permeability) and reduced hydraulic efficiency based on conservative tracer testing. These changes in media properties and linked impacts resulted in the need to recharge this bioreactor after nine years. Keywords: Denitrifying bioreactor, Hydraulic conductivity, Nitrate, Water quality.
Production of Short-Chain Carboxylic Acids by Co-Digestion of Swine Manure and Corn Silage: Effect of Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Cao Qitao , Zhang Wanqin , Zheng Yunhao , Lian Tianjing , Dong Hongmin
Published: May 2020

Highlights

The maximum SCCA concentration was achieved at a C/N ratio of 25 with 18 days of fermentation.

The highest VFAs and LA were produced at C/N ratios of 12.7 and 35, respectively, after 12 days of fermentation.

The unit energy value of SCCAs for drop-in fuel production was 50.5% higher than that of methane.

The dominant bacteria changed from Clostridium to Lactobacillus with increasing C/N ratio.

Abstract. Advancing technologies to produce short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) from agricultural waste are expected to be more economical and efficient. This study presented a new attempt to enhance SCCA production from co-digestion of swine manure and corn silage with the carbon-nitrogen (C/N) ratio adjusted from 12.7 to 50.2. Results showed that the maximum SCCA concentration of 26,214 ±2948 mg COD L-1 was achieved at a C/N ratio of 25 with 18 days of digestion, and the concentrations of lactic acid (LA) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were 8700 ±1060 mg COD L-1 and 17,514 ±1888 mg COD L-1, respectively. The LA content first increased and then slightly decreased with increasing C/N ratio, and the maximum LA concentration was 468.5 ±44.3 mg COD g-1 VSadded (VSadded means added fermentation material is calculated as volatile solids) at a C/N ratio of 35 at 12 days of digestion. VFAs showed an opposite trend, with a maximum VFA concentration of 601.1 ±42.4 mg COD g-1 VSadded found at a C/N ratio of 12.7 after 12 days of digestion. Potential energy analysis of the highest SCCA production showed that the unit energy value of SCCAs for drop-in fuel production was 50.5% higher than that of methane. Analysis of the microbial community showed that the dominant bacterial groups changed gradually from butyric acid-producing bacteria (Clostridium) to lactic acid-producing bacteria (Lactobacillus) as the C/N ratio increased from 12.7 to 50.2. Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Corn silage, Lactic acid, Short-chain carboxylic acids, Swine manure.
Teletransporte Quântico, Dinâmica de Campos Térmicos e a Álgebra de Lie su(2)
Authors: Trindade M.A.S , Floquet S. , Vianna J.D.M
Published: May 2020

Neste trabalho investigamos a relação entre a duplicação do formalismo da Dinâmica de Campos Térmicos (DCT) e o procedimento de purificação na teoria da Informação Quântica. Em seguida, analisamos efeitos de temperatura no teletransporte quântico de estados bosônicos, utilizando a DCT, e através da álgebra de Lie su(2) termalizada realizamos o protocolo do teletransporte. Derivamos o operador densidade associado aos estados termalizados a fim de calcularmos a fidelidade do teletransporte e o limite de temperatura nula.
Sobre os Sistemas de Referência Celeste
Authors: Martin V.A.F , Poppe P.C.R.
Published: May 2020

Apresentamos neste trabalho algumas discussões sobre os Sistemas de Referência utilizados em Astronomia. Claramente, não é possível esgotar todo este assunto num único texto, mas esperamos, contudo, que o presente material possa ser apreciado nos cursos de Introdução à Astronomia, queestão cada vez mais presentes nas atuais propostas curriculares das graduações de Física. As discussões pertinentes às "Bases de Referência Celeste" (Celestial Reference Frame), serão apresentadas em um outro trabalho.
O Uso do Livro Didático na Visão dos Professores da Escola Secundária: considerações gerais
Authors: Ribeiro Miltão Milton S. , Moraes Simões Maria Tereza , Serra Denise Simões , R. Souza Tânia Cristina
Published: May 2020

Neste trabalho consideramos, a partir do ponto de vista dos professores do segundo grau, a questão do uso dos livros didáticos em sala de aula. Levando em conta as funções do livro, bem como a linguagem subjacente, estabelecemos uma definição para o livro didático e analisamos dez questões, por nós formuladas, tecendo algumas considerações com o objetivo de solucioná-las.
Obstáculos Epistemológicos e o Conceito de Calor
Authors: Correia Jornandes Jesús , Lima Ludiane Silva , Rocha Magalhães Lívia Diana
Published: May 2020

A cultura científica contribuiu para o surgimento de obstáculos epistemológicos devido ao uso de expressões como "Geracão", "Transferência", "Troca", "Perda", "Retirada", "Corrente", "Propagação", "Condução", "Escoamento", "Irradiação" e "Fluxo" de Calor. Com isso, erros conceituais são inseridos na definição de calor, o que compromete a compreensão dessa grandeza física. Os livros didáticos, que são indispensáveis ao aprendizado e a difusão do conhecimento, têm contribuído para disseminar e vulgarizar expressões inadequadas em suas definições, atribuindo características substancialistas ao calor. A cultura científica baseada na aceitação do calórico, e apoiada no prestígio de cientistas como Fahrenheit, Carnot, Galileu, Lavoisier, Laplace, Fourier, Kelvin e Black, foi gradualmente dando lugar a uma nova definição do calor. Foi necessário que outra plêiade de cientistas desmistificasse o calórico e atribuísse um novo signicado ao calor. Entretanto, o uso contínuo de termos remanescentes à época em que a teoria do calórico era aceita, denominações como Calor Latente, Calor Sensível e Condutibilidade Térmica etc., têm se constituído como verdadeiros obstáculos na mudança conceitual do calor. Nessa perspectiva, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o conceito de calor, vericando a existência de obstáculos epistemológicos causados pela imprecisão do seu uso.