bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERACTION OF ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES WITH DERIVATIVES OF 3-OXYPIRIDINES
Authors: Кузнецова Эмма , Kuznetsova Emma , Горохова Виктория , Gorokhova Viktoriya , Пивоваров Юрий , Pivovarov Yury , Дмитриева Людмила , Dmitrieva Lyudmila , Богданова Олеся , Bogdanova Olesya
Published: December 2017

In connection with the increased interest in the use of auto-erythrocytes for directional drug transport, the study of
the ability of erythrocytes to sorb an antioxidant drug is becoming topical. The article considers the method of spectro-
photometry developed for evaluating the ability of erythrocytes to load with a mexidol preparation under conditions
of natural sorption and a method created for determining the drug concentration in erythrocyte biological medias.
Materials and methods. The peripheral blood of 15 clinically healthy males aged 20 to 45 years was used as an object
of the study. A pharmaceutical preparation of oxymethylethylpyridine succinate-mexidol (ZAO «Pharmasoft», Russia)
was used for clinical studies. The drug belongs to the group of 3-hydroxypyridines. The inclusion of mexidol was carried
out by direct incubation of erythrocytes in a medium containing this preparation. The concentrations of the prepara-
tion were 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/ml and the incubation time was 15, 20 and 30 minutes. The supernatant was obtained by
centrifugation for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm on a SF-2000 spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 630 nm. In addition
to the pharmacopoeial method, the oxidation-reduction reaction of the supernatant with methylene blue was used.
Results. When measuring the spectra of the supernatant with different concentration of the preparation and using
methylene blue, a regression relationship between mexidol and optical density was established, and the optimal expo-
sure time of red blood cells and the drug was determined. These data can be used to control the directional transport of
the drug to target organs. A model of the equation for determination of the mexidol content in biomedids is proposed.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SPECTRUM OF FORCES OF URINARY INFECTION OF THE DELIVERIES OF THE IRKUTSK REGION AND THE DYNAMICS OF BACTERIAL RESISTANCE In 2002-2004 and 2014-2016 years.
Authors: Альбот Вадим , Albot Vadim , Келешева Ирина , Kelesheva Irina
Published: December 2017

In the structure of diseases of the urinary system in children, microbial-inflammatory lesions of the kidneys and urinary
tract are 70–80 %. The prevalence of infections of urinary system in children in the Russian Federation is on average
18–22 per 1000 children’s population.
The aim of the study was to analyze the spectrum of infectious agents of urinary infection in children and to determine
the dynamics of bacterial resistance.
We analyzed 330 cases of urinary system infection in children aged from 2 months up to 18 years in two time peri-
ods – 2002–2004 and 2014–2016 (n = 114 and n = 216, respectively). Patients of both periods were divided into three groups: the first one – cystitis, the second one – pyelonephritis and the third group – a combination of pyelonephritis
and cystitis. An obligatory criterion for including the patient in the study was the presence of a pathogmonic combina-
tion of leukocyturia and bacteriuria, 10 5 KOE/ml, for the infection of the urinary system.
The main causative agent of urinary infection in children remains E. coli. An increase is marked in the specific gravity
of E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp., Pr. vulgaris.
The study revealed the growth of E. coli resistance to cephalosporins of II, III, IV generations; decreased resistance of
Enterococcus spp. to ampicillin and gentamicin. In the study of the sensitivity of Klebsiella spp. an increase was detected
in resistance to cephalosporins of the III generation.
We identified the main pathogens of infections of the urinary system and determined bacterial resistance.
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF TERPENE MEDICAMENT EFFECTIVENESS IN A COMPLEX TREATMENT OF CHRONIC GENERALIZED PARODONTITIS
Authors: Дударь Марина , Dudar Marina , Молоков Владислав , Molokov Vladislav , Тирская Оксана , Tirskaya Oksana , Шкавро Татьяна , Shkavro Tatyana , Колесникова Лариса , Kolesnikova Larisa
Published: December 2017

The article presents the comparative analysis of application of terpene-containing medicine Antiran (1:3 solution)
and 0.06% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution in a complex therapy of patients with chronic generalized parodontitis.
According to the curative effect, these drugs are comparable with antibacterial and antiseptic agents, but they act
more gently and, as a rule, do not cause side effects. Currently, as a etiotropic therapy of periodontitis, a wide range of
drugs affecting the parodontal pathogenic microflora, irrational use of antibacterial agents has acquired the status of
a global problem of modern medicine, since it leads to the emergence of resistant strains of microorganisms that are
poorly sensitive or resistant to treatment. The medicaments were used in ultrasonic scaling and for passive ultrasonic
irrigation of periodontal pockets during curettage process. The results were evaluated according to the PMA, SBI, PI
indexes, an extravazation time formation and periodontal pockets depth. The first total time period of clinical observation
established that inflammation process was eliminated earlier when Antiran was used. Thus our study demonstrated
and substantiated the successful experience of Antiran application in periodontal practice.
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AND PERIODONTAL STATUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Игумнов Илья , Igumnov Ilya , Кузьмин Михаил , Kuzmin Mikhail , Сутурина Лариса , Suturina Larisa
Published: December 2017

The review considers the problem of connection the polycystic ovarian syndrome and periodontal disorders of the fertile
women. The authors marked that this problem is not virtually touched upon in Russian science. In the foreign literature
this issue is discussed in connection with studying the micro-biome and oxidative stress. The authors refer to some
articles showing that the quantity of pathogenic microorganisms responsible for periodontal disorders and the level of
specific antibodies in blood serum are increased in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, especially in the cases of
gum inflammation. Also the article gives the data where the results show the wider spreading of periodontal disorders
in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in comparison with the healthy ones where controls were matched by age
and BMI. The authors think that studies on oral microbiocenose disorders and tissue quality of periodontium of the
fertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are quite important. The further studying of connection of polycystic
ovarian syndrome and oral mucous membrane inflammation could reveal definite periodontal pathogens, which can
influence systematic inflammation processes in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
CHANGING THE COLOR OF TOOTH ENAMEL IN THE PROCESS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Authors: Спасич Татьяна , Spasich Tatiana , Решетник Любовь , Reshetnik Lyubov' , Соболева Наталья , Soboleva Natalia , Ковтонюк Пётр , Kovtonyuk Petr
Published: December 2017

Teeth discoloration is a rare orthodontic complication during orthodontic treatment. We present 6-year clinical obser-
vation conducted from January 2010 till December 2016. The eighteen orthodontic patients with teeth discoloration
took part in this observation. Four patients were excluded from the observation as their teeth discoloration were under
orthodontic treatment. During clinical observation period, discovered discoloration was evaluated as «improved» in
4 out of 14 teeth (28.5 %), as «maintained» in 10 teeth (71.4 %). Electroodontodiagnosis conducted during the initial
detection period of discoloration showed 14.3 % positivity, which improved to 21.4 % at the final follow-up. The radio-
logical pictures of the teeth showed no abnormalities.
Thus, we can assume that teeth with one wide long root canal are more prone to damage to the pulp blood supply.
Discoloration is also more frequent in the maxillary teeth, possibly due to the overjet relationship, which may increase
susceptibility to trauma in the maxillary teeth.
We should keep dynamical observation in the orthodontic practice as teeth color could reverse to the initial without
additional interference. If discoloration does not improve even after sufficient observation, it is necessary to start or-
thodontic treatment (endodontic, prosthetic) or bleaching. A patient should be informed that discoloration does not
always indicate devitalization or pulp necrosis. Instead of “devitalization” or “pulp necrosis” we recommend to use the
term “discoloration”.
OUR EXPERIENCE OF TREATMENT OF SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS OF SHOULDER JOINT
Authors: Монастырев Василий , Monastyrev Vasiliy , Пусева Марина , Puseva Marina , Пономаренко Николай , Ponomarenko Nikolay , Цалко Александр , Tsalko Aleksandr
Published: December 2017

Incidence rate of primary synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder joint makes 15–28 %. It is a rare benign lesion of
synovial membrane of the joint featured by multiple foci of cartilaginous metaplasia in tissues of the membrane. Dif-
ferential diagnostics should be conducted with the diseases, accompanied by formation of intra-articular loose bodies
(secondary chondromatosis) at osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondral fracture of the humeral head, and tuberculous
rheumatism. But the critical role belongs to histopathology report and molecular genetic analysis. Synovial chondroma-
tosis most frequently afflicts one of the major joints (knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder). The pathology develops mainly in
young men. Published descriptions of the development of this shoulder joint lesion are very sparse. Diagnostics becomes
possible only on the grounds of histological examination of cartilage flaps removed from the joint. Present treatment
of synovial chondromatosis includes removal of intra-articular cartilage bodies, either with open surgery or by arthro-
scopic approach. The authors of the article present the clinical example of diagnostics and surgical treatment of the
patient with primary synovial chondromatosis. The disease, aged more than 4 years, was accompanied with limited
movements in the shoulder joint. Postoperative check-up examination established restored volume of movements and
no pain syndrome in the joint. The patient came back to everyday routine and amateur sport. Therefore, adequate
volume of surgical intervention excludes the recurrence of the disease in early and remote postoperative period. The
patient is able to work and participate in routine physical activity.
Transdisciplinary model of education in the training of family lawyers: modern trends in national and international law
Authors: Татаринцева Елена , Tatarintseva Elena
Published: December 2017

The article considers the necessity of wide application of the transdisciplinary approach and the revival of the traditions of universal legal education in the preparation of students of law schools. The advantages of a transdisciplinary model of education are exemplified by the training of lawyers specializing in matters of family law. It is concluded that the strengthening of theoretical aspects based on the integration of various areas of scientific knowledge will allow graduates of Russian law schools to flexibly reform and successfully compete in the international labor market.
Some problems of ensuring the quality of legal education: bachelor's / master's degree vs specialty
Authors: Зиновьев Игорь , Zinov'ev Igor'
Published: December 2017

The article analyzes some problems of implementing a two-level system of higher legal education in Russia. One of these problems, according to the author, is some inconsistency in the regulatory regulation of the relevant relationship.
The author focuses attention on the need to implement the "Bologna commitments" of Russia, taking into account the traditions and specifics of Russian legal education
On the problems of the quality of legal education assurance.
Authors: Бардин Лев , Bardin Lev
Published: December 2017

More than once it was said that it is objectively impossible to prepare for four years in the university a universal specialist, ready for legal practice immediately after receiving diploma; that is still not found treatment of a disease called "substandard legal education". In 2006, the rector of the Moscow State Law University Oleg Kutafin said: "We hope that the decision on the switchover to the Bologna system for law schools will be canceled "; "In general, I welcome the Bologna process, but it does not mean that we must blindly copy other systems. In our country law schools used to prepare specialists of wide profile, which can then become a judge, a prosecutor, and a lawyer. We believe that breaking this system is dangerous for the legal field of the country ". Unfortunately, so far the hopes of Academician Kutafin do not meet the expectations. Bachelor - Master programs continue to be realized. Rector of Moscow State University. after M.V. Lomonosov Victor Sadovnichy called a mistake the transition to the Bologna system of higher education and proposed to return to the five-year education. There are more cons of implementation of the Bologna system in legal education in Russia is more than pluses. A serious modernization of the specialty programs is required. No less important is the creation of a system of real motivations for teaching staff of law schools, including a decent payment for teaching activities.
To promote the quality of educating of lawyers in our country could the system, similar to existing in Germany. On February 16, 2017 Federal state educational standard of Higher education 40.05.04: judicial and prosecutorial activities (level of specialty) was approved. I would like to hope that in the nearest future relevant standards for all Legal specialties time will be approved. If the legal community of Russia will not unite in such an important issue as the transmission of the legal education on the "modernized specialty", and will not make the state to adopt the appropriate decision, then the worst Oleg Kutafin’s fears regarding legal field of the country may come true.
A Method for Attributing Patient‐Level Metrics to Rotating Providers in an Inpatient Setting
Authors: Herzke Carrie A. , Michtalik Henry J. , Durkin Nowella , Finkelstein Joseph , Deutschendorf Amy , Miller Jason , Leung Curtis , Brotman Daniel J.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Individual provider performance drives group metrics, and increasingly, individual providers are held accountable for these metrics. However, appropriate attribution can be challenging, particularly when multiple providers care for a single patient.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to develop and operationalize individual provider scorecards that fairly attribute patient‐level metrics, such as length of stay and patient satisfaction, to individual hospitalists involved in each patient's care.

DESIGN

Using patients cared for by hospitalists from July 2010 through June 2014, we linked billing data across each hospitalization to assign “ownership” of patient care based on the type, timing, and number of charges associated with each hospitalization (referred to as “provider day weighted”). These metrics were presented to providers via a dashboard that was updated quarterly with their performance (relative to their peers). For the purposes of this article, we compared the method we used to the traditional method of attribution, in which an entire hospitalization is attributed to 1 provider, based on the attending of record as labeled in the administrative data.

RESULTS

Provider performance in the 2 methods was concordant 56% to 75% of the time for top half versus bottom half performance (which would be expected to occur by chance 50% of the time). While provider percentile differences between the 2 methods were modest for most providers, there were some providers for whom the methods yielded dramatically different results for 1 or more metrics.

CONCLUSION

We found potentially meaningful discrepancies in how well providers scored (relative to their peers) based on the method used for attribution. We demonstrate that it is possible to generate meaningful provider‐level metrics from administrative data by using billing data even when multiple providers care for 1 patient over the course of a hospitalization.
Managing Distributed Product Development Projects: Integration Strategies for Time-Zone and Language Barriers
Authors: Anderson Edward G. , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Davis-Blake Alison , Parker Geoffrey G.
Published: December 2017

Distributed product development projects encompass product and process development activities that span organizational and country boundaries. The increasing trend toward globalizing projects requires firms to coordinate development efforts made by team members from various functions within the firm, speaking multiple languages, and working in various time zones. We analyze qualitative data from 70 distributed product development projects that span 14 countries and involve cross-functional team members speaking 10 different languages. We find that commonly discussed integration strategies such as modular product designs and colocating team members by themselves are insufficient to coordinate project work. Rather, our field interviews suggest that firms invest in design information systems (DIS) with specific features to facilitate product design and empower their project managers to integrate the development efforts. Specifically, our interviews suggest that firms often modify the organization by “unifying” the engineering and purchasing functions into a single supply chain integrator function to increase the scope of responsibilities for these managers. We then test our hypotheses on the benefits of these strategies on project outcomes by using survey data from 55 distributed product development projects in 20 firms. Results indicate that the use of DIS is associated with higher quality and relationship performance when there are differences between focal and supplier firm personnel languages. Unifying engineering and purchasing functions into a supply chain integrator is associated with improved response time in the presence of time zone differences. We also find that a unifying strategy is associated with lower cost in the presence of language differences, but is also associated with a worsening of response time. These results provide guidance to product designers in organizations that must coordinate complex work across time zone barriers and languages. The results also provide guidance to researchers, by showing that different integration mechanisms may have differential effects across various coordination barriers and across multiple dimensions of project performance. We conclude by linking these results to integration mechanisms previously discussed in the coordination literature.
Qualitative Analysis of Student Perceptions: “Some Advisors Care. Some Don't.”
Authors: Walker Ruth V. , Zelin Alexandra I. , Behrman Carolyn , Strnad Rachel
Published: December 2017

University-based academic advising at a large, Great Lakes state institution was designed to support first-year students' transition to college. We conducted individual interviews and facilitated story circles with 162 students to determine their perceived effectiveness of advising. Analyses revealed four overarching themes: student difficulty making the distinction between roles of high school guidance counselors and postsecondary academic advisors, advisor communication, student desire for a relationship, and advisor accessibility. On the basis of data gathered, we developed a model for understanding the formation and maintenance of student advising perceptions.
Advising International Students in Engineering Programs: Academic Advisors' Perceptions of Intercultural Communication Competence
Authors: Zhang Yi Leaf , Dinh Trang V.
Published: December 2017

In recent years, an increasing number of international students have enrolled in engineering programs in U.S. colleges and universities. These students often encounter challenges, and academic advisors play a significant role in international students' academic success. Using a model of intercultural communication competence, we explored attitudes toward and understanding of cultural differences among academic advisors in a college of engineering at a 4-year research university. We also investigated advisors' knowledge of and skills in conducting intercultural communication with international students. The findings shed light on advising international students in engineering programs, and we provide recommendations for academic advisors on conducting effective communication with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Perceptions of Effectiveness and Job Satisfaction of Pre-law Advisors
Authors: Knotts H. Gibbs , Wofford Claire B.
Published: December 2017

Despite playing an important role, preprofessional advising has received little research attention. For this study, 313 U.S. preprofessional advisors were surveyed in 2015. Drawing on work adjustment and social cognitive career theories, we analyzed the job satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of pre-law advisors. The major findings reveal that advisors having a law degree, the ability to secure more resources, and a commitment to spending significant hours weekly in advising tend to be more satisfied and perceive themselves to be more effective in helping students gain admission to law school and preparing them for academic success than other pre-law advisors. Other factors related to participant self-perceptions on advising future law students are also discussed.
Research roundup
Authors: Costello John
Published: December 2017

John Costello provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting the key points to keep you up to date. A full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail.
Design and Testing of Novel Hydraulic Pump/Motors to Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Equipment
Authors: Breidi Farid , Garrity Jordan , Lumkes John
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Hydraulic systems are prevalent in agricultural machinery and equipment and can be found transmitting power for vehicle drive wheels, powering attachments, and controlling motion (booms, steering, load height, etc.). Agricultural applications of fluid power have advanced in terms of capability and efficiency, but opportunities remain for significant improvements in efficiency, noise reduction, and reliability. The average system-level hydraulic efficiency of current mobile agricultural machines is only 21.1%. Because nearly all hydraulic systems use pumps to convert engine power to fluid power, improving the efficiency of the pumps (and motors when used as actuators) significantly impacts the system efficiency. This work examines the impact of using more efficient digital pump/motors to improve the overall efficiency of agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, planters, fertilizers, sprayers, and attachments. Maintaining higher pump/motor efficiency throughout the operating range is the central principal for the energy savings. Currently used variable-displacement pumps have low efficiencies at low displacement levels due to constant losses that do not scale with the power produced. Digital pump/motors minimize these inefficiencies because energy losses scale more closely with the power produced. Experimental results indicate an average efficiency of 85% when operating at 20% to 100% displacement. This efficiency is 15% to 20% higher on average than with current variable-displacement axial piston pumps. This study demonstrates that achieving this improvement in the efficiency of the pump/motors used in tractors and harvesters alone would conservatively save $61.7 million worth of energy annually for end users in the U.S. agricultural sector. Keywords: Agricultural equipment, Digital hydraulics, Efficiency improvement, Hydraulic pump/motor.
Vehicle Impact Analysis Using Vehicle Tracking Systems on Military Lands
Authors: Svendsen Niels  G. , Koch Daniel    J. , Gertner George   Z. , Howard Heidi   R. , Ayers Paul   D.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Although the impacts of military vehicles on the landscape have been studied extensively, research has not looked at full-scale multi-vehicle events to estimate land disturbance. Currently, the military extensively uses live and simulated training to prepare troops for combat, and these systems can provide data for accurate determination of the land disturbance patterns resulting from training activities. This article examines a full-scale multi-vehicle event and determines the total moving-vehicle disturbance (event-based impact). It provides a methodology for using in-field simulation and training systems to generate information on vehicle mobility impacts. This article illustrates how such information can be used to determine changes in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) C factor for areas of disturbed land. For land managers, the major benefit of this approach is rapid identification of locations that are intensely used and therefore subject to land degradation. Additionally, this approach provides a means to readily quantify those impacts as related to vegetation removal and erosion potential. To illustrate this approach, 84 military vehicles were monitored at Orchard Training Area, Idaho, in August 2008, and 592,132 data points were collected to measure distance traveled, average velocity, and turning radius at 1 s intervals. The data were then processed and mapped to ascertain the impacts on vegetation and potential changes in the C factor. Results indicated that vehicles spent 15.9% of the time and 5.9% of the distance traveled off-road. The vegetation removal rate ranged from 0% to 48%, and the cumulative area of vegetation removed was 156,424.9 m2. Future work in this area should focus on developing vehicle impact models for forecasting land disturbance regimes. Keywords: Environmental impact, Impact, Modeling, Off-road vehicles, Soil erosion modeling, Vehicle, Vehicle tracking.
Setback Distance Requirements for Removal of Swine Slurry Constituents in Runoff
Authors: Gilley John E. , Bartelt-Hunt Shannon L. , Eskridge Kent M. , Li Xu , Schmidt Amy M. , Snow Daniel D.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The use of setback distances for manure application on cropland areas adjacent to surface water bodies could serve a function similar to vegetative filter strips. However, little information currently exists to identify the setback distances necessary to effectively reduce the transport of contaminants in runoff. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of setback distance and runoff rate on concentrations of selected constituents in runoff following land application of swine slurry to a no-till cropland area in southeast Nebraska. The study site had a residue cover of 7.73 Mg ha-1 and a slope gradient of 4.9%. The twenty plots examined during the investigation were 3.7 m across the slope by 4.9, 7.9, 11.0, 17.1, or 23.2 m long. An initial set of rainfall simulation tests were completed to identify background concentrations of selected constituents. Swine slurry was then applied to the upper 4.9 m of each plot, and additional rainfall simulation tests were conducted on the same plots examined previously. A first-order exponential decay function was used to estimate the effects of setback distance on concentrations of selected constituents. A setback distance of 12.2 m reduced runoff concentrations of dissolved phosphorus (DP), NH4-N, total nitrogen (TN), boron, chloride, manganese, potassium, sulfate, zinc, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH to background values similar to those measured for the no-slurry condition. Runoff rate significantly influenced transport of several of the constituents, with concentrations generally decreasing as runoff rate increased. The transport of selected pollutants in runoff was significantly reduced when setback areas were employed. Keywords: Filter strips, Land application, Manure management, Manure runoff, Nitrogen, Nutrients, Phosphorus, Runoff, Swine slurry, Water quality.
Analysis of Parameter Sensitivity and Identifiability of Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) for Dryland Sugarbeet Modeling
Authors: Anar Mohammad J. , Lin Zhulu , Ma Liwang , Bartling Patricia N. S. , Teboh Jasper M. , Ostlie Michael
Published: December 2017

Sugarbeet is being considered as one of the most viable feedstock alternatives to corn for biofuel production since herbicide-resistant energy beets were deregulated by the USDA in 2012. Growing sugarbeets for biofuel production may have significant impacts on soil health and water quality in the north-central regions of the U.S., where 50% of the nation’s total sugarbeets were produced in 2015. Almost all the current sugarbeet models simulate only plant growth and yield but have no capability to simulate the effects of sugarbeet production on soil and water quality. The Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) is a widely used model that simulates crop yield, water flow, and transport of salts and nitrogen in crop fields. RZWQM is currently linked to 23 specific crop models in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) version 4.0, not including a sugarbeet model. In this study, the Crop and Environment REsource Synthesis (CERES) in RZWQM was adapted for sugarbeet simulation to model the soil and water quality impact of sugarbeet for biofuel production. The Beet model was then evaluated against dryland sugarbeet production at the Carrington Research and Extension Station (North Dakota) in 2014 and 2015. The PEST (Parameter ESTimation) tool in RZWQM was used for parameter estimation and sensitivity and identifiability analysis. The model did reasonably well in both 2014 (d-statistic = 0.709 to 0.992; rRMSE = 0.066 to 1.211) and 2015 (d-statistic = 0.733 to 0.990; rRMSE = 0.043 to 0.930) in terms of simulating leaf area index, top weight, root weight, soil water content, and soil nitrates. Under dry conditions, the most sensitive soil parameters were soil bulk densities and saturated hydraulic conductivities in different layers. Identifiability analysis also showed that three to five model parameters may be identifiable by calibration datasets. RZWQM enhanced with a sugarbeet module and its parameter analysis can be used for water use optimization under dryland conditions. Keywords: Biofuels, CERES, DSSAT, RZWQM, Sugarbeet.
Implementing Standardized Reference Evapotranspiration and Dual Crop Coefficient Approach in the DSSAT Cropping System Model
Authors: DeJonge Kendall C. , Thorp Kelly  R.
Published: December 2017

While methods for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo or ETr) and subsequent crop ET (ETc) via crop coefficient (Kc) and dual crop coefficient (Kcb, Ke) methods have been standardized since 2005 and 1998, respectively, the current version of the DSSAT cropping system model (CSM) has not been updated to fully implement these methods. In this study, two major enhancements to the model’s ET routines were evaluated: (1) addition of the ASCE Standardized Reference Evapotranspiration Equation so that both grass and alfalfa reference ET were properly calculated using the most recent reference ET standard and (2) addition of the FAO-56 dual crop coefficient approach to determine potential ET, which combined an evaporative coefficient (Ke) for potential evaporation with a dynamic basal crop coefficient (Kcb) for potential transpiration as a function of simulated leaf area index. Previously published data sets for maize in Colorado (five years) and cotton in Arizona (seven years) were used to parameterize the model. Simulations of ETo were compared to outputs from Ref-ET software, and simulated crop coefficients were contrasted among three crop coefficient methods: the current approach (Kcs), a previously published adjustment to the model’s Kc equation (Kcd), and a new dual Kc approach that follows FAO-56 explicitly (Kcb). Results showed that crop coefficient simulations with the new ETo-Kcb method better mimicked theoretical behavior, including spikes in the soil evaporation coefficient (Ke) due to irrigation and rainfall events and basal crop coefficient response as associated with simulated crop growth. Simulated ETc and yield with the new ETo-Kcb method were up to 4% higher and 28% lower for cotton and up to 13% higher and 26% lower for maize, respectively, than that with the current ETo-Kcs method, indicating that the seasonal ETc effects were minimal while yield effects were more substantial. Use of FAO-56 concepts and current ET standards in DSSAT-CSM demonstrated a well-accepted ET benchmark to guide assessment of other ET methods in the model and made the model much more conceptually relevant to irrigation and ET specialists. Keywords: Cotton, DSSAT, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, FAO-56, Maize, Reference crop ET, Standardization, Transpiration.
ARIMA Modeling of Animal Zone Temperature in Weaned Piglet Buildings: Design of the Model
Authors: Besteiro Roberto , Ortega Juan A. , Arango Tamara , Rodriguez Manuel R. , Fernandez Maria D. , Ortega Juan A.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Predictive models provide an efficient tool for improving environmental control in livestock buildings. In this article, a robust and accurate ARIMA model for forecasting temperature inside a building for weaned piglets in the range 6 to 20 kg live weight was built. The candidate models presented in this article predict 10 min values during a complete production cycle, which makes them suitable as predictive models for improving control strategies. The accuracy of the base model, which used outdoor temperature as a predictor variable, can be improved by appropriately replacing the outliers in the time series. Because accuracy increases with the increase in the number of predictor variables, the model that used four variables (temperature at the air outlet, area of the air outlet through the fan, volume of air extracted, and animal live weight) provided the best results, with a maximum absolute error of 0.840°C, a root mean square error of 0.204°C, and random residuals according to the Ljung-Box statistic. This model used only the values of the last 20 min for the forecast, which suggests low thermal inertia in the animal zone. In addition, the model includes predictor variables that are representative of outdoor conditions, operation of the systems, and animal health status. Keywords: ARIMA, Forecast, Model, Piglet, Temperature.
Pay-for-Performance Conservation Using SWAT Highlights Need for Field-Level Agricultural Conservation
Authors: Muenich Rebecca Logsdon , Kalcic Margaret M. , Winsten Jonathan , Fisher Kristin , Day Monica , O’Neil Glenn , Wang Yu-Chen , Scavia Donald
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Pay-for-performance (PFP) is a relatively new approach to agricultural conservation that attaches an incentive payment to quantified reductions in nutrient runoff from a participating farm. Similar to a payment for ecosystem services approach, PFP lends itself to providing incentives for the most beneficial practices at the field level. To date, PFP conservation in the U.S. has only been applied in small pilot programs. Because monitoring conservation performance for each field enrolled in a program would be cost-prohibitive, field-level modeling can provide cost-effective estimates of anticipated improvements in nutrient runoff. We developed a PFP system that uses a unique application of one of the leading agricultural models, the USDA’s Soil and Water Assessment Tool, to evaluate the nutrient load reductions of potential farm practice changes based on field-level agronomic and management data. The initial phase of the project focused on simulating individual fields in the River Raisin watershed in southeastern Michigan. Here we present development of the modeling approach and results from the pilot year, 2015-2016. These results stress that (1) there is variability in practice effectiveness both within and between farms, and thus there is not one “best practice” for all farms, (2) conservation decisions are made most effectively at the scale of the farm field rather than the sub-watershed or watershed level, and (3) detailed, field-level management information is needed to accurately model and manage on-farm nutrient loadings. Keywords: Agricultural conservation, Pay-for-performance, Phosphorus, River Raisin, SWAT, Western basin of Lake Erie.
Choice Between Fluorescent and Poultry-Specific LED Lights by Pullets and Laying Hens
Authors: Liu Kai , Xin Hongwei , Chai Lilong
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Light plays an important role in poultry development, production performance, health, and well-being. Light technology continues to advance, and accordingly new light products are finding applications in poultry operations. However, research concerning responses of young and adult laying hens to light sources is relatively lacking. This study assessed the choice between a Dim-to-Red poultry-specific light-emitting diode (LED) light (PS-LED, correlated color temperature or CCT = 2000K) and a warm-white fluorescent light (FL, CCT = 2700K) by pullets and laying hens (W-36 breed) via preference test. Birds with different prior lighting experiences were evaluated for their light choice, including (1) pullets (14 to 16 weeks of age or WOA) reared under incandescent light (designated as PINC), (2) layers (44 to 50 WOA) under PS-LED (LLED) throughout the pullet and laying phases, and (3) layers under FL (LFL) throughout the pullet and laying phases. Each bird category consisted of 12 replicates, three birds per replicate. Each replicate involved a 6-day preference test, during which the birds could move freely between two interconnected compartments that contained PS-LED and FL, respectively. Time spent and feed intake by the birds under each light were measured and then analyzed with generalized linear mixed models. Results showed that regardless of prior lighting experience, birds in all cases showed stronger choice for FL (p = 0.001 to 0.030), as evidenced by higher proportions of time spent under it. Specifically, the proportion of time spent (mean ±SEM) under FL versus PS-LED was 58.0% ±2.9% vs. 42.0% ±2.9% for PINC, 53.7% ±1.6% vs. 46.3% ±1.6% for LLED, and 54.2% ±1.2% vs. 45.8% ±1.2% for LFL. However, the proportions of daily feed intake occurring under FL and PS-LED were comparable in all cases (p = 0.419 to 0.749). The study thus reveals that prior lighting experience of the pullets or layers did not affect their choice of FL versus PS-LED. While the birds exhibited a somewhat stronger choice for FL, this tendency did not translate into differences in the proportion of feed use under each light type. Keywords: Behavior and welfare, Computer vision, Poultry Lighting, Preference assessment.
Bio-Crude Production via Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Enteromorpha prolifera: Operating Condition Optimization and High-Resolution FT-ICR Mass Spectral Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jixiang , Qian Cheng , Jiang Baohui
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

is one of the main species causing green tide. In this study, hydrothermal liquefaction of E. was carried out, and the operating conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. The results indicated that hydrothermal liquefaction at 295°C with 14% solids content produced the highest bio-oil yield of 18.4%. The higher heating value was 31.9 to 34.2 MJ kg-1 and almost monotonically increased with increasing reaction temperature. The energy recovery, carbon recovery, and nitrogen recovery of bio-crude were mainly dependent on yield rather than elemental composition as the investigated variables changed. The chemical composition of bio-crude was characterized by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The acidic O-containing compounds were mainly O2 class compounds, namely hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. The basic N-containing compounds were mainly nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds with carbon numbers of 20 to 40 and high degrees of unsaturation. Keywords: Bio-crude, FT-ICR MS, Hydrothermal liquefaction, Response surface methodology.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a New Bin Filler for Apple Harvesting and In-Field Sorting Machine
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Pothula Anand Kumar , Lu Renfu
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

The bin filler, which is used for filling the fruit container or bin with apples coming from the sorting system, plays a critical role in the self-propelled apple harvest and in-field sorting (HIS) machine that is being developed in our laboratory. Two major technical challenges in developing the bin filler are limited space in the HIS machine and high throughput. A literature review showed that despite many different types of bin fillers currently available for in-field use, none of them is suitable for the HIS machine because of their large size, use of the bin rotating design concept, and high unit cost. Effort has thus been made on the development of new bin filling technology for use with the HIS machine. The new bin filler mainly consists of a mechanical system with a pinwheel design and an automatic control system. A key innovation in the mechanical system is the use of two foam rollers to catch freely falling apples, which has greatly simplified the bin filler design and also made the system compact and lower in cost. The control system is mainly composed of an onboard Arduino microcontroller and three sensors (one infrared sensor and two Hall effect sensors) to monitor and measure the status of apples filling the bin as well as the rotational speed of the pinwheel. A program was developed for the Arduino microcontroller to record and process the data from the sensors in real-time to achieve automatic control of the bin filling. Laboratory tests with ‘Gala’ apples demonstrated that 97% of apples that had been handled by the new bin filler were rated Extra Fancy grade, and its performance exceeded the industry’s requirement for bruising damage to apples. Keywords: Apples, Automatic control, Bin filling, Bruising, Harvest, Sensors, Sorting and grading.
Influence of a Young Pinus radiata Canopy on Aerial Spray Drift
Authors: Richardson Brian , Strand Tara M. , Thistle Harold , Hiscox April , Kimberley Mark O. , Schou Wayne C.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

An experiment was undertaken to test the hypothesis that AGDISP, a mechanistic model that simulates the landing position of droplets aerially released for pesticide application, overestimates downwind airborne spray concentrations by not accounting for the turbulence generated within the canopy sublayer. AGDISP is used by pesticide regulators in many parts of the world to quantify exposure from aerial pesticide spraying as part of an assessment of risks to public health and the environment. Using a novel design, airborne spray drift was measured in a 3.2 m high radiata pine plantation, 65 m downwind from the aerial spray flight line, using a small circular sampling array. The spray sampling array consisted of a central 10 m high mast plus a set of 16 secondary masts distributed evenly around a circle with a radius of 5 m from the central mast. All spray applications were made with a Bell Jet Ranger using a spray mix of water plus a fluorescent tracer and a droplet spectrum with a volume median diameter of 101 µm. A single treatment comprised six passes along the flight line, and there were 28 replications. Airborne spray was sampled with both rotorods and artificial foliage placed at four heights on the central mast, ranging from approximately half canopy height to 3 times canopy height. The secondary towers sampled airborne spray using the same collectors placed at just above canopy height and at half canopy height. Other measurements included leaf area distribution, prevailing meteorological conditions, and turbulence using sonic anemometers. Backscatter LiDAR was used in an attempt to quantify the height and density of the spray cloud in the vicinity of the central mast. Rotorod and artificial foliage deposition values were highly correlated, giving confidence in the sampling approach. Neither wind speed nor release height had a significant effect on airborne spray flux in the 0 to 10 m zone, but results were complicated by a spurious negative correlation between wind speed and spray release height. The lack of dependence of deposition on wind speed in this experiment is surprising but is explained both by the variance in the data as well as the physics of small droplet movement in the atmosphere. At the individual sample level, measurements of airborne spray using either rotorods or artificial foliage were poorly correlated with AGDISP predictions. However, when data were averaged across replications, there was a very strong correlation between measurements and AGDISP data, even though in absolute terms, and as hypothesized, AGDISP significantly overpredicted the quantity of airborne spray. As indicated from a comparison with measured deposition, the backscatter LiDAR appeared effective in describing the spray cloud profile, and it suggested a total spray cloud profile that was more complex than the AGDISP model prediction. Keywords: Aerial application, AGDISP, Canopy deposition, Pesticides, Spray drift.
International Watershed Technology: Improving Water Quality and Quantity at the Local, Basin, and Regional Scales
Authors: Tollner Ernest W. , Douglas-Mankin Kyle R.
Published: December 2017

Abstract

. This article introduces the five papers in the “International Watershed Technology” collection. These papers were selected from 60 technical presentations at the fifth biennial ASABE 21st Century Watershed Technology Conference and Workshop: Improving the Quality of Water Resources at Local, Basin, and Regional Scales, held in Quito, Ecuador, on 3-9 December 2016. The conference focused on solving spatial and temporal water quality and quantity problems and addressed topics such as watershed management in developing countries, aquatic ecology and ecohydrology, ecosystem services, climate change mitigation strategies, flood forecasting, remote sensing, and water resource policy and management. While diverse, the presentation topics reflected the continuing evolution of the “data mining” and “big data” themes of past conferences related to geospatial data applications, with increasing emphasis on practical solutions. The papers selected for this collection represent applications of spatial data analyses toward practical ends with a theme of “tools and techniques for sustainability.” The papers address a range of topics, including the matching of crops with water availability, and assessing the environmental impacts of agricultural production. The papers identify some of the latest tools and techniques for improving sustainability in watershed resource management that are relevant to both developing and developed countries. Keywords: Data mining, Modeling, Research, Sustainability, Water quality, Water supply.