bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The energy balance of maize production – alternative approaches
Authors: Horváth Tibor , Nyéki Anikó , Neményi Miklós
Published: April 2019

Agricultural production is a crucial area, perhaps the most important for humanity. This is the only area which cannot be avoided. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to know how sustainable the system is in the long run as regards energy consumption. We have chosen the maize production sector as the main focus of this study. This crop is especially important all over the world, therefore; it requires significant input also in terms of energy. Currently, the system of maize production (as with the others) operates as an open energy system.

This study aims to examine how much of the agricultural land’s energy demand could be met with the help of the byproducts of 1 hectare of agricultural land - operating as a closed system, using only the remaining maize stalk and cob byproducts for energy - under the conditions of Hungarian maize production.

Energy demand is largely determined by the land’s fertilizer requirement, followed by the input factor of the energy demand of the machinery during earthwork and transport.

The study assumes that the energy from the byproducts of maize production will be used exclusively with biogas technology. This can even be implemented on a county level. The final question is whether the maize production system will be able to sustain itself solely by using its own byproducts.
Establishing biotic stress tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) by measuring hydroxamic acid contents
Authors: Makleit Péter , Frommer Dóra , Veres Szilvia
Published: April 2019

Cyclic hydroxamic acids are the most considerable secondary metabolites in grasses and their main task is to protect these species from pathogens and pests. The cyclic hydroxamic acid content and common smut susceptibility were examined in our experiments. 27 maize hybrids were used for experimental plants in a climate room, where the plants were grown on a nutrient solution. An infiltration method was used for the inoculation of the plants. The total quantity of cyclic hydroxamic acids was determined and the ratio of infected plants and the ratio of inhibition was determined, too. Based on our results, on the basis of all hybrids’ data, the total hydroxamic acid content of the infected plants was higher than in the control. On the level of individual hybrids, only 9 of them had higher cyclic hydroxamic acid content in the case of infection. Increase in cyclic hydroxamic content induced by the fungus in this case is a tool for the fungus to suppress other pathogens and pests. Amongst the hybrids’ cyclic hydroxamic acid contents, significant differences were detected in the control and in the infected treatment, too. The so-called “sweetcorn” hybrids showed high level of cyclic hydroxamic acid content. According to the differences amongst hybrids, homogenous groups were created which groups differed in the case of control and infected treatment, because of the difference in increase of cyclic hydroxamic acid content. The examined hybrids showed different levels of infection and different rate of growth inhibition for the effect of inoculation. According to the infection caused damage hybrids were ranked. Infection caused notable damage for hybrids Prelude, Desszert 73, DKC5276 and DK440.
Comparative study of special honey products and herbhoneys
Authors: Novák Anna , Alexa Loránd , Kovács Béla , Czipa Nikolett
Published: April 2019

Honey has a positive effect on human body due to its high content of biologically active substances (e.g. monosaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, polyphenolic compounds). The properties of honey depend on its botanical origin due to the bioactive plant components, mainly secondary metabolites that are included in honey made by bees from nectar. Herbally infused honeys are delicious products that combine the therapeutic action of herbs and honey. Additionally, herbs can provide nutrient fortified syrup for honey bees and protect them against diseases and other ecological threats.

The aim of this study was to define the physicochemical properties of multifloral honey, herb enriched natural honey and herbhoney samples. We measured the moisture content, pH value, electrical conductivity and proline content. Although great diversity was observed in the basic properties of the examined products. In our study, we found that the electrical conductivity shows the significant differ between the groups. All the samples, including the herbhoneys passes the quality standards of honeys.
Improvement of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) growing under marginal site conditions in Hungary: case studies
Authors: Rédei Károly , Keserű Zsolt , Csiha Imre , Rásó János , Bakti Beatrix , Takács Marianna
Published: April 2019

In Hungary, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is considered as an important exotic stand-forming tree species growing mostly under unfavourable ecological conditions for forest management. Due to climate change effects, its importance is increasing in many other countries, too. As a result of a selection programme, new black locust clones were tested in clone trials. Juvenile growth of 12 micropropagated black locust clones in two plots series established at different dates were evaluated in central Hungary under marginal site conditions. At age of 7 the clone R. p. ‘Bácska’ (‘KH 56A2/5’), at age of 10 the clones R.p. ‘Homoki’ (‘MB17D3/4’) and ‘PV201E2/4’ appeared to be especially promising for mass production. Based on the data obtained from the performed trials, it can also be concluded that tissue culture can be considered as a suitable tool for propagating superior individuals and offers new prospects for the rapid cloning of selected genotypes used for plantation forestry.
Investigation of Salix alba and Populus tremula leaf litter decomposition in the area of Lake Balaton and Kis-Balaton Wetland
Authors: Simon Brigitta , Kucserka Tamás , Anda Angéla
Published: April 2019

Plant litter decomposition in inland waters contributes significantly to nutrient load, particularly in still waters, such as shallow lakes and wetlands. The decomposition rates of Salix alba and Populus tremula leaf litter was examined in Lake Balaton and Kis-Balaton Wetland, using litter bag technique. Leaf litter was incubated in small (ᴓ=3 mm) and large (ᴓ=900 μm) mesh size bags for the assessment of the relative contribution of macroinvertebrates to leaf litter decomposition. Dry mass, exponential decay coefficient and chemical parameters of water (pH, conductivity, NH4 +, NO3 -, SO4 2-, PO4 3-, Cl-) were determined. Leaf mass loss showed negative exponential pattern during the 168 days of the decomposition period. Leaf litter mass loss generally did not differ between the small and large mesh sizes, suggesting that macroinvertebrates generally have a negligible role in leaf decomposition in the winter period.
The effects of different planting methods on sweet potato
Authors: Szarvas Adrienn , Szél Hódi Margit , Monostori Tamás
Published: April 2019

The aim of our research program is to develop the production technology and to examine the possibilities of the utilization of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam.). In 2016 and 2017, production technology experiments were set up with four replications in a randomized block design on an alluvial soil in Deszk, Hungary. In our field experiments, we obtained results of planting material production, planting methods and the optimized fertilization of sweet potato. Experimental plots were set up either with or without ridges. In heavy soils – where usually ridge planting is preferred –, in 2016, the production technology without ridges proved to be more effective. In 2017, however, we got opposite results: based on the result of the harvest, the production technology with ridges proved to be more effective. The transplants originating from cuttings from tubers (primary transplants) or from shoots (secondary transplants) did not show significant differences, however, in both years, yield levels were higher on ridges with secondary transplants.

Sweet potato yield may vary widely among producers due to improper ridging and planting orientation. The aim of this study was to establish the proper ridging and planting orientation, so as to enhance constant reliable yields among sweet potato producing farmers.
Preliminary estimation of the efficacy of Fusarium sporotrichioides Sherb. as biological control agent against common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.)
Authors: Tóth Tamás , Szilágyi Arnold , Kövics György
Published: April 2019

A study of fungi responsible for severe leaf spots of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) in the Hajdúság region (East Hungary), Fusarium sporotrichioides and Alternaria alternata were isolated from infested leaf tissues. F. sporotrichioides was the most virulent fungus in pathogenicity tests conducted on healthy leaves of common milkweed plants. Inoculation of common milkweed (A. syriaca) in different growth stages with F. sporotrichioides yielded similar symptoms as the original ones. Spray mixtures containing 1.0×106 conidia/ml gave effective control when common milkweed plants were sprayed until runoff occurred. Laboratory (wet chamber) and field experiments showed that asexual spores of the fungal pathogen, F. sporotrichioides, exhibited bioherbicidal activity against common milkweed (A. syriaca).

More efficient control efficacy was observable on elder plants (at flowering stage) than younger ones. These results initiate that this fungus may be a biocontrol agent for controlling this invasive weed but should clarify its hosts because it could infect cultivated plants as well.
The effect of sowing date and plant density on the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under different weather conditions
Authors: Tótin Ákos , Pepó Péter
Published: April 2019

Maize has high productivity and produces huge vegetative and generative phytomass, but this crop is very sensitive to agroecological (mainly to climatic, partly to pedological conditions) and agrotechnical circumstances. In Hungary, maize is grown on 1.1–1.2 million hectares, the national average yields vary between 4–7 t ha-1 depending on the year and the intensity of production technology. The longterm experiment was set up in 2015–2016 on chernozem soil in the Hajdúság (eastern Hungary). The maize research was set up on chernozem soil at the Látókép MÉK (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management) research area of the University of Debrecen. We examined the following commonly used hybrids of Hungary: SY ARIOSO (FAO 300), P9074 (FAO 310), P9486 (FAO 360), SY Octavius (FAO 400), GK Kenéz (FAO 410), DKC 4943 (FAO 410). The experiment was set up in three different plant densities. These were 60, 76, 90 thousand plant ha-1. The experiment was set up with three different sowing dates, early, average and late sowing. The yield was measured using a special plot harvester (Sampo Rosenlew 2010), measuring the weight of the harvested plot and also taking a sample from it. As a next step, we calculated the yield (t ha-1) of each plot at 14% of moisture content to compare them to each other. We evaluated the obtained data using Microsoft Excel 2015.
Effect of different weaning time on the growth and survival ofCommon carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) larvae
Authors: Minya Dániel , Kovács László , Homoki Dávid , Fehér Milán , Bársony Péter , Stündl László
Published: April 2019

Within our experiment, we studied the combined effect of live food application and feed training on the production parameters of carp larvae. In addition, we examined whether there is a difference in the growth rate and survival rate of the specimens of Szeged mirror landrace reared in similar stocking density but with different treatments.

Specimens of Szeged mirror landrace from induced propagation were placed into 12 pieces of 40-liter aquaria. For the 4 different treatments, (K, A3, A6, A9), live food (Artemia salina) was fed, as well as feed training was applied.

We also sought to find an answer as to how our feeding and rearing conditions can affect the production parameters of common carp fries and what impact these conditions may have on their survival rates. At the end of the 2-week experiment we determined the individual weight gain of the carp fries, their survival rate and the biomass growth. The purpose of the study is to examine the optimum timing of shifting from live food to feed for carp larvae.
First Spectral Analysis of a Solar Plasma Eruption Using ALMA
Authors: Rodger Andrew S. , Labrosse Nicolas , Wedemeyer Sven , Szydlarski Mikolaj , Simões Paulo J. A. , Fletcher Lyndsay
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is to demonstrate how the logarithmic millimeter continuum gradient observed using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) may be used to estimate optical thickness in the solar atmosphere. We discuss how using multiwavelength millimeter measurements can refine plasma analysis through knowledge of the absorption mechanisms. Here we use subband observations from the publicly available science verification (SV) data, while our methodology will also be applicable to regular ALMA data. The spectral resolving capacity of ALMA SV data is tested using the enhancement coincident with an X-ray bright point and from a plasmoid ejection event near active region NOAA12470 observed in Band 3 (84–116 GHz) on 2015 December 17. We compute the interferometric brightness temperature light curve for both features at each of the four constituent subbands to find the logarithmic millimeter spectrum. We compared the observed logarithmic spectral gradient with the derived relationship with optical thickness for an isothermal plasma to estimate the structures’ optical thicknesses. We conclude, within 90% confidence, that the stationary enhancement has an optical thickness between 0.02 ≤ τ ≤ 2.78, and that the moving enhancement has 0.11 ≤ τ ≤ 2.78, thus both lie near to the transition between optically thin and thick plasma at 100 GHz. From these estimates, isothermal plasmas with typical Band 3 background brightness temperatures would be expected to have electron temperatures of ∼7370–15300 K for the stationary enhancement and between ∼7440 and 9560 K for the moving enhancement, thus demonstrating the benefit of subband ALMA spectral analysis.
Mixing via Thermocompositional Convection in Hybrid C/O/Ne White Dwarfs
Authors: Schwab Josiah , Garaud Pascale
Published: April 2019

Convective overshooting in super asymptotic giant branch stars has been suggested to lead to the formation of hybrid white dwarfs with carbon–oxygen cores and oxygen–neon mantles. As the white dwarf cools, this core–mantle configuration becomes convectively unstable and should mix. This mixing has been previously studied using stellar evolution calculations, but these made the approximation that convection did not affect the temperature profile of the mixed region. In this work, we perform direct numerical simulations of an idealized problem representing the core–mantle interface of the hybrid white dwarf. We demonstrate that, while the resulting structure within the convection zone is somewhat different than what is assumed in the stellar evolution calculations, the two approaches yield similar results for the size and growth of the mixed region. These hybrid white dwarfs have been invoked as progenitors of various peculiar thermonuclear supernovae. This lends further support to the idea that if these hybrid white dwarfs form, then they should be fully mixed by the time of explosion. These effects should be included in the progenitor evolution, in order to more accurately characterize the signatures of these events.
PSR J1306-40: An X-Ray Luminous Redback with an Evolved Companion
Authors: Swihart Samuel J. , Strader Jay , Chomiuk Laura , Shishkovsky Laura
Published: April 2019

PSR J1306–40 is a millisecond pulsar (MSP) binary with a non-degenerate companion in an unusually long ∼1.097 day orbit. We present new optical photometry and spectroscopy of this system, and model these data to constrain fundamental properties of the binary such as the component masses and distance. The optical data imply a minimum neutron star mass of 1.75 ± 0.09 M
⊙ (1σ) and a high, nearly edge-on inclination. The light curves suggest a large hot spot on the companion, suggestive of a portion of the pulsar wind being channeled to the stellar surface by the magnetic field of the secondary, mediated via an intrabinary shock. The Hα line profiles switch rapidly from emission to absorption near the companion inferior conjunction, consistent with an eclipse of the compact emission region at these phases. At our optically inferred distance of 4.7 ± 0.5 kpc, the X-ray luminosity is ∼1033 erg s−1, brighter than nearly all known redbacks in the pulsar state. The long-period, subgiant-like secondary, and luminous X-ray emission suggest this system may be part of the expanding class of MSP binaries that are progenitors to typical field pulsar–white dwarf binaries.
Bright Mini-outburst Ends the 12 yr Long Activity of the Black Hole Candidate Swift J1753.5–0127
Authors: Zhang G.-B. , Bernardini F. , Russell D. M. , Gelfand J. D. , Lasota J.-P. , Qasim A. Al , AlMannaei A. , Koljonen K. I. I. , Shaw A. W. , Lewis F. , Tomsick J. A. , Plotkin R. M. , Miller-Jones J. C. A. , Maitra D. , Homan J. , Charles P. A. , Kobel P. , Perez D. , Doran R.
Published: April 2019

We present optical, UV, and X-ray monitoring of the short orbital period black hole X-ray binary candidate Swift J1753.5–0127, focusing on the final stages of its 12 yr long outburst that started in 2005. From 2016 September onward, the source started to fade, and within 3 months, the optical flux almost reached the quiescent level. Soon after that, using a new proposed rebrightening classification method, we recorded a mini-outburst and a reflare in the optical light curves, peaking in 2017 February (V ∼ 17.0) and May (V ∼ 17.9), respectively. Remarkably, the mini-outburst has a peak flux consistent with the extrapolation of the slow decay before the fading phase preceding it. The following reflare was fainter and shorter. We found from optical colors that the temperature of the outer disk was ∼11,000 K when the source started to fade rapidly. According to the disk instability model, this is close to the critical temperature when a cooling wave is expected to form in the disk, shutting down the outburst. The optical color could be a useful tool to predict decay rates in some X-ray transients. We notice that all X-ray binaries that show mini-outbursts following a main outburst are short orbital period systems (<7 hr). In analogy with another class of short-period binaries showing similar mini-outbursts, the cataclysmic variables of the RZ LMi type, we suggest that mini-outbursts could occur if there is a hot inner disk at the end of the outburst decay.
CNO Emission of an Unlensed Submillimeter Galaxy at z = 4.3
Authors: Tadaki Ken-ichi , Iono Daisuke , Hatsukade Bunyo , Kohno Kotaro , Lee Minju M. , Matsuda Yuichi , Michiyama Tomonari , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Nagao Tohru , Saito Toshiki , Tamura Yoichi , Ueda Junko , Umehata Hideki
Published: April 2019

We present the results from Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of [N ii] 205 μm, [C ii] 158 μm, and [O iii] 88 μm lines in an unlensed submillimeter galaxy at z = 4.3, COSMOS-AzTEC-1, hosting a compact starburst core with an effective radius of ∼1 kpc. The [C ii] and [N ii] emission are spatially resolved in 0.″3-resolution (1 kpc in radius). The kinematic properties of the [N ii] emission are consistent with those of the CO(4–3) and [C ii] emission, suggesting that the ionized gas feels the same gravitational potential as the associated molecular gas and photodissociation regions (PDRs). On the other hand, the spatial extent is different among the lines and dust continuum: the [C ii] emitting gas is the most extended and the dust is the most compact, leading to a difference of the physical conditions in the interstellar medium. We derive the incident far-ultraviolet flux and the hydrogen gas density through PDR modeling by properly subtracting the contribution of ionized gas to the total [C ii] emission. The observed [C ii] emission is likely produced by dense PDRs with

cm−3 and G
0 = 103.5–3.75 in the central 1 kpc region and

cm−3 and G
0 = 103.25–3.5 in the central 3 kpc region. We have also successfully measured the line ratio of [O iii]/[N ii] in the central 3 kpc region of COSMOS-AzTEC-1 at z = 4.3, which is the highest redshift where both nitrogen and oxygen lines are detected. Under the most likely physical conditions, the measured luminosity ratio of L
[O iii]/L
[N ii] = 6.4 ± 2.2 indicates a near solar metallicity with Z
gas = 0.7–1.0 Z
⊙, suggesting a chemically evolved system at z = 4.3.
Taiwanese university students’ smartphone use and the privacy paradox
Authors: Katherine-Chen Yi-Ning , Ryan-Wen Chia-Ho
Published: April 2019

With the prevalence of smart devices and wireless Internet, privacy has become a pivotal matter in governmental, academic, and technological fields. Our study aims to understand Taiwanese university students’ privacy concerns and protective behaviours in relation to online targeting ads and their habitual smartphone usage. Surveying 810 valid subjects, our results first propose that ad relevance has direct bearing on attention to ads. Second, ad relevance inversely correlates with privacy concerns (i.e. descending personal control and surging corporate power) and protective behaviours (self-filtering and ad evasion). Third and finally, neither privacy concerns nor protective behaviours have a negative bearing on habitual smartphone usage. Opposite to previous research, our study concludes that Taiwanese college students exhibit zero privacy paradox, owing to no signs of privacy concern incited by mobile targeting ads, no evidence of significant protective behaviours, and no decreasing habitual smartphone usage out of privacy concern and protection. Our findings indicate Taiwanese university students’ shaky awareness of potential risks and crises from exposure to vulnerable online privacy management. To deal with this, we suggest educating youths’ understandings of digital jeopardy by experts is urgently needed more so than just technical tutorials of privacy settings.

Con la prevalencia de dispositivos inteligentes e Internet inalámbrico, la privacidad se ha convertido en un tema esencial en materias gubernamentales, académicas y tecnológicas. Nuestro estudio se dedica específicamente a entender las preocupaciones de los estudiantes universitarios taiwaneses en privacidad y comportamientos protectores en relación con la publicidad online y el uso habitual de teléfonos inteligentes. Con 810 muestras válidas encuestadas, nuestros resultados revelan que: 1) La relevancia de la publicidad tiene un efecto directo en su atención; 2) Está asociada inversamente a las preocupaciones de privacidad (por ejemplo, control personal descendiente y poder corporativo ascendiente) y comportamientos protectores (evasión de anuncios y autocensura); 3) La preocupación por ña privacidad ni los comportamientos protectores tuvieron efecto negativo en el uso habitual de los smartphones. Nuestro estudio concluye que no hay paradojas de la privacidad halladas en estos jóvenes taiwaneses debido a cambios en su preocupación por la privacidad, generada por la publicidad personalizada en su móvil. Ello evidencia un cambio significativo en los comportamientos protectores. En suma, estos universitarios taiwaneses tienen una débil apreciación de los riesgos potenciales y crisis a los que una vulnerable gestión de la privacidad online les podría exponer. Para abordarlo, una educación que cultive la comprensión de los peligros digitales para los jóvenes es muy recomendable y requiere urgentemente tutoriales técnicos sobre privacidad.
Systematic review of the current state of research on Online Social Networks: Taxonomy on experience of use
Authors: Pertegal-Vega Miguel-Ángel , Oliva-Delgado Alfredo , Rodríguez-Meirinhos Ana
Published: April 2019

The widespread use of online social networks (OSN) among young people has been accompanied by an increase of publications about them and their effects on the psychosocial development of users. Previous panoramic reviews on OSN research are now outdated and do not provide a comprehensive view of the complexity of the user experience. The aims of this systematic review were three: to identify quantitative studies on OSN; to build a taxonomy about the user experience; and to classify studied variables in the topics and subtopics. The literature search and review according to PICoS strategy led to 546 identified publications that met the eligibility criteria. The taxonomy included nine major topics: overall use; activities and types of use; perceptions and attitudes OSN; the social network of online contacts; needs and motives for use; profile and privacy management; social processes; identity processes; and cognitive-emotional processes related to use of OSN. The three most studied topics were: overall use; activities and types of use; and social processes related to use of OSN. Classification and quantification of the different variables studied about the users’ experience is detailed. Several theoretical perspectives are discussed, as well as the gaps and challenges in OSN research. The proposed taxonomy could be useful for researchers to better delineate the aims of future studies.

La generalización del uso de redes sociales en jóvenes ha supuesto un incremento notable de las publicaciones sobre ellas y sobre sus efectos en el desarrollo psicosocial de los usuarios. Las tentativas previas de revisión panorámica sobre redes quedaron desfasadas y no aportan una visión comprehensiva de la complejidad de la experiencia de uso. Los objetivos de esta revisión sistemática actualizada fueron: identificar estudios cuantitativos sobre redes; construir una taxonomía sobre la experiencia de uso; y clasificar las variables estudiadas en temas y subtemas. La búsqueda y revisión de literatura siguiendo la estrategia PICoS identificó 546 estudios que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. La taxonomía incluyó nueve grandes temáticas investigadas: descripción y cuantificación del uso; actividades y tipos de uso; percepción y actitudes influyentes en el uso; red social de contactos; necesidades y motivos de uso; gestión del perfil y privacidad; procesos sociales; procesos identitarios; y procesos cognitivos-emocionales. Los tres temas más estudiados fueron: la descripción y cuantificación del uso; las actividades y tipos de uso; y los procesos sociales relacionados con el uso. Se detalla la clasificación, cuantificación e integración de las diversas variables estudiadas sobre la experiencia de uso. Las diferentes tradiciones de estudio, así como las lagunas, problemas y retos de la investigación sobre redes son discutidas. Dicha taxonomía será de utilidad para que investigadores puedan encuadrar mejor los objetivos de futuros estudios.
The Admiral Nurse Competency Framework: Encouraging Engagement and Putting It Into Practice
Authors: Carter Christine , Bray Jennifer , Read Kate
Published: April 2019

Background:

Admiral Nurses undertake complex work with families living with dementia. Dementia UK commissioned The Association for Dementia Studies to refresh the Admiral Nurse Competency Framework and enable Admiral Nurses to articulate and critically reflect on their own practice progression. The Admiral Nurses were involved throughout the process to refresh the framework to ensure it was evidence based.

Method:

To encourage engagement with the framework, The Association for Dementia Studies worked with the Admiral Nurses during a roll-out phase. An exercise was developed to initiate critical reflective discussion. Critiquing a colleague's practice is a skill, provoking defensiveness if not facilitated thoughtfully.

Results:

An exercise combining art cards with case study analysis worked well, promoting critical reflective dialogue between Admiral Nurses as peers. Engagement and feedback were positive, and the neutrality of the exercise provided a safe environment with the flexibility to allow in-depth and meaningful discussions.

Conclusion:

This technique could benefit work-based learning, facilitating creative critical reflection within practice.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2019;50(5):205–210.]
The Clinical Nurse Educator Role: A Snapshot in Time
Authors: Coffey Jean Sheerin , White Briana Lee
Published: April 2019

Background:

The role of the clinical nurse educator (CNE), vital to safe patient care and professional development of clinical nurses, is poorly defined in the literature with respect to the how the CNE spends his or her time.

Method:

This study set out to quantify the role of the CNE in a large, rural, and tertiary academic medical center using the measure of time. A group of nine Master's-prepared CNEs voluntarily participated in a month-long time analysis hypothesizing, then reporting, the number of hours spent in each practice domain (clinical practice support, central orientation, system-wide initiatives, and professional development).

Results:

At the completion of the month, the data suggested that the majority of the time spent by the nurse educator was in clinical practice support.

Conclusion:

The findings begin to quantify the CNE role and reinforced the need for more role clarity related to how CNEs' time is spent.[J Contin Educ Nurs.2019;50(5):228–232.]
Effect of pollen sources on yield oil extraction and fatty acid profile of the date seed (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivar Medjool from Mexico
Authors: García-González C. , Salomón-Torres R. , Montero-Alpírez G. , Chávez-Velasco D. , Ortiz-Uribe N. , Ruiz-Ortiz N. S. , Coronado-Ortega M. A. , Curiel-Alvarez M. A.
Published: April 2019

The present investigation aimed to assess the effect of pollen sources on the mass, dimension, oil content and fatty acid profile of the seeds from female palms of the Medjool date cultivar. The palms were pollinated with Deglet Noor, Khadrawy, Medjool and Zahidi cultivars. In addition, three palms were pollinated as the treatment control. The fatty acids were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The surface morphology of date seed powder was examined using SEM, before and after n-hexane interaction. The seeds of the Medjool treatment had the greatest mass (1.42 g), but the lowest oil content (5.37% w/w); the control seeds showed smaller mass (1.21 g), but higher oil content (13.57% w/w). The proportion of fatty acids varied significantly among the treatments with respect to the control. The most abundant fatty acids were oleic (C18:1), lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), linoleic (C18:2), and stearic (C18:0). Together these fatty acids presented a composition between 98.3 and 98.67% for treatments, and 99.0% for the control. The results indicate that the pollen sources from Deglet Noor, Khadrawy, Medjool and Zahidi cultivars had a significant effect on mass, dimension, oil content and fatty acid profile of the seeds of the date cultivar Medjool. The date seed oil could be used as edible oil, in food products, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Pragmatics as a Unifying Element for Foreign Language Instruction in French Higher Education
Authors: Brantley Kate
Published: April 2019

Extreme heterogeneity within foreign language instruction in French higher education has led to calls to find common elements to increase coherence. Whereas debates about course content have often emphasized the importance of specificity, the presence of mixed disciplinary groups has complicated the widespread adoption of specialized teaching. We suggest that pragmatics has potential to serve as a common element because it encompasses the study of communicative action both within and outside professional communities and can thus be emphasized in any class, regardless of its degree of specificity. While pragmatic elements are fundamental to contemporary teaching approaches, we argue that these manifestations have not kept up with evolutions in interlanguage pragmatics. In order to show this, we problematize the notion of appropriateness as described in the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR), comparing it with the way that the notion has been treated in contemporary interlanguage pragmatics. Finally, we provide examples of how developments in pragmatics regarding appropriateness have been integrated into both specialized and non-specialized teaching.
Microstructure Formation and Performance of Reactive Sintered Titanium Oxycarbide Base Ceramic-Ceramic Composites
Authors: Juhani Kristjan , Kübarsepp Jakob , Tarraste Marek , Pirso Jüri , Viljus Mart
Published: April 2019

Reactive sintering is a process where synthesis reaction of the ceramic phases is combined with sintering (densification) of the composite. Dense lightweight titanium oxycarbide-aluminium oxide ceramic-ceramic composites were produced from titanium dioxide, carbon black as graphite source and aluminium precursors by high energy attritor milling, followed by reactive sintering. Titanium oxycarbide and aluminium oxide phases were synthesized during reactive sintering in situ. To investigate the microstructure evolution and phase formation, the specimens were sintered at different temperatures (600-1725 °C) in vacuum. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the microstructure and phase formation. Mechanical performance (hardness and fracture toughness) was evaluated.
The Lightweight Porous Fine Aggregate Composite Based on Secondary Raw Materials
Authors: Leonavičius Dainius , Pundienė Ina , Kligys Modestas , Pranckevičienė Jolanta
Published: April 2019

The main objective of this study was to carry out more detailed research on the effects of the amount of cement paste on the physical and mechanical properties of porous fine aggregate concrete (PFAC). Fine foamed glass aggregate (prepared of local glass breaks) and crushed expanded polystyrene aggregate (prepared of local packing tare of household equipment), ordinary Portland cement (OPC), plasticizing and air entraining admixtures, as well as pozzolanic additive – metakaolin-based waste (local waste in production process of foamed glass aggregate), were used for the preparation of forming mixtures. Fine aggregates were coated by an extremely thin layer of porous cement paste in the samples with the lowest amount of OPC (70 kg/m3), and the aggregates contact with each other mainly at the points (empty spaces between the aggregates are interconnected between each other). There were no empty spaces between the aggregates observed, and porous cement paste seems to be monolithic in the samples with the highest amount of OPC (370 kg/m3). Increased amount of OPC (from 70 to 370 kg/m3) results in denser structure, increased dry density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity coefficient and decreased water absorption of the samples.
Comparative Investigation of the Graphene-on-Silicon Carbide and CVD Graphene as a Basis for Biosensor Application
Authors: Sleptsuk Natalja , Lebedev Alexander A. , Eliseyev Ilya , Korolkov Oleg , Toompuu Jana , Land Raul , Mikli Valdek , Zubov Alexander V. , Rang Toomas
Published: April 2019

Graphene has been employed as electrode materials in various electrochemical biosensors due to its excellent electrical, mechanical, thermal and optical properties. In the present study, Chemical Vapor Deposited (CVD) and epitaxial graphene on SiC were examined as material for electrochemical biosensing application. The surface of both types of graphene were characterized using Raman spectroscopy as well as with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). As the key point for the comparison, the impedance spectroscopy measurements of different graphene films using deionized water and saline 0.9% NaCl solution were performed as well. The method of impedance measurements applied to graphene films expands the range of possibilities for using this material as sensitive biosensors. Based on the comparative tests results, it is possible to draw the first simple conclusions about the advantages of CVD or epitaxial graphene. Based on the results of impedance spectroscopy, it is possible to draw a simple conclusion – single layer graphene has the higher sensitivity.
Contact Stiffness Parameters for Finite Element Modeling of Contact
Authors: Sivitski Alina , Põdra Priit
Published: April 2019

Contact modeling could be widely used for different machine elements normal contact pressure calculations and wear simulations. However, classical contact models as for example Hertz contact models have many assumptions (contact bodies are elastic, the contact between bodies is ellipse-shaped, contact is frictionless and non-conforming). In conditions, when analytical calculations cannot be performed and experimental research is economically inexpedient, numerical methods have been applied for solving such engineering tasks. Contact stiffness parameters appear to be one of the most influential factors during finite element modeling of contact. Contact stiffness factors are usually selected according to finite element analysis software recommendations. More precise analysis of contact stiffness parameters is often required for finite element modeling of contact.
Application of HOHWM for Vibration Analysis of Nanobeams
Authors: Kirs Maarjus , Eerme Martin , Bassir David , Tungel Ernst
Published: April 2019

The higher order Haar wavelet method (HOHWM) introduced recently by workgroup is utilized for vibration analysis of nanobeams. The results obtained are compared with widely used Haar wavelet method. It has been observed that the absolute error has been reduced several magnitudes depending on number of collocation points used and the numerical rate of convergence was improved from two to four. These results are obtained in the case of the simplest higher order approach where expansion parameter k is equal to one. The complexity issues of the HOHWM are discussed.
Preliminary Analysis of Soft Magnetic Material Properties for Additive Manufacturing of Electrical Machines
Authors: Tiismus Hans , Kallaste Ants , Rassõlkin Anton , Vaimann Toomas
Published: April 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has the potential to revolutionize multiple fields of industry Defect formation is a common problem in all AM processes. For the applicability of this technology for manufacturing electrical machines, specific mechanical and electromagnetic properties of printed material are necessary. In this paper we present a literature review on the effects of production parameters on the printed material properties, alongside experimental results of printed electrical steel sample properties with default processing parameters.
Multi-Criteria Assessment of Physical Properties of Nanostructured Decorative Protective Coatings
Authors: Urbaha Margarita , Bogdanova Svetlana , Urbahs Alexanders
Published: April 2019

One of the most efficient methods of improving the durability of a product is applying different coatings to the working surface. The quality of decorative and protective coatings is determined by the quality of workpiece surface (roughness, texture, etc.), preparation of workpiece surface (contamination, presence of oxide films, degree of surface activation by ion etching), and the production methods. The article presents the results of a series of experiments in creating multi-component ion-plasma coatings by vacuum deposition on Ti-Al basis. A series of experiments aimed at obtaining single-layer coatings have been carried out using a certain pattern of sputtering in argon and nitrogen environment. The obtained coatings can have a wide variety of colors. Different properties of the created coatings including spectral characteristics, reflection coefficient at different angles of incidence of light as well as chemical composition have been studied. The energy-dispersive electron microprobe analysis revealed the dependence of coating reflection coefficient and spectral characteristics on the chemical composition.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polyimide Composites for Reducing Weight of Ultrasonic Motors
Authors: Yu Yuan Hao , Zhao Gai , Song Jing Fu , Ding Qing Jun
Published: April 2019

The travelling waves ultrasonic motors (TWUM) with nonmagnetic, large torque, high precision and simple structure was driven by frictional force, which had been applied aerospace, intelligent and precise instruments. In order to reduce the total weight of TWUM, the phosphor bronze stator with the biggest density among the all parts of TWUM (8.89 g/cm3) were substituted with light weight polymer or polymer composites. This study designed and prepared one types of low density polyimide (PI) composite (1.41g/cm3) reinforced with carbon fibers (CF) which can reduce the weight of stator over 85%. Importantly, this PI composite can meet the main requirements of TWUM, such as high elastic modulus, wear resistance, and suitable friction coefficient. The output stalling torque of TWUM with CF/PI stator still have 0.22 N·m (18.3% compared with TWUM with phosphor bronze stator). Moreover, this study systematically investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of CF/PI composite. For comparison, the pure PI, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) were also analyzed to reveal the wear mechanisms. The experimental results indicated that CF/PI had better wear resistance and lower friction coefficient than other polymer sliding against Si3N4. This light weight polymer composites would be an ideal candidate to reduce the weight of TWUM, which can broaden the lightweight application in the field of aerospace.
Special P&A with Resin and Microcement Pumped from Interception Well Due to Multi-String Collapse
Authors: Campos Gilson , Piedade Thiago Santos , Ramos Antônio Carlos , Anjos Jorel Lopes , Azevedo Anderson Caetano , Abdu João Paulo Sanseverino , Terra Felipe Souza , Silva Leonardo Pacheco
Published: April 2019

During the production phase of the PW1 well, an unintentional operation depressurized the annulus A below its design limit, resulting in a progressive casing collapse from the surface casing to the tubing. Therefore, it was not possible to abandon the well conventionally. This complex abandonment scenario demanded for a rig to drill an intervention well (IW1) and set up the safety barriers. The IW1 well was successfully drilled, intercepting the production well (PW1) at 3,056-m (TD) through a 1.10-m long slotted window. The whole operation was monitored via PDG from the PW1, making possible to identify the exact moment that the interception occurred and safely displacing the cementing fluids, while avoiding the risk of fracturing exposed formations. Numerical simulations and real time monitoring of the injection pressure demonstrated the success of the operation with excellent adherence between the plan and the execution phases.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the characteristics of the PW1 reservoir, production tubing and its accessories, such as, slotted liner, ESP, NRV and DHSV, it was necessary to evaluate plugging materials that could be displaced through those restrictions without reaching the fracture limit of formation at the IW1 casing shoe. Ultrafine cement, pure resin and combinations of both were selected for their ability to pass through restrictions and resist to contamination by fluids present in the well, while also developing compressive strength to provide zonal isolation. Optimized plugging formulations were evaluated by passing them through artificial porous media, which simulated the PW1 well restrictions.

After 87 operational days, the PW1 well was successfully abandoned. A 79-m long cement plug was set in the annulus A and inside the tubing. The safety barrier was established and verified with pressure tests according to the regulatory criteria imposed by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
The role of decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fatima Nida , Al Rumaihi Ghaya , Shuaib Ashfaq , Saqqur Maher
Published: April 2019

The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of early decompressive craniectomy (DC) versus standard medical management ± late DC in improving clinical outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electronic databases and gray literature (unpublished articles) were searched under different MeSH terms from 1990 to present. Randomized control trials, case–control studies, and prospective cohort studies on DC in moderate and severe TBI. Clinical outcome measures included Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale (GCOS) and extended GCOS, and mortality. Data were extracted to Review Manager software. A total of 45 articles and abstracts that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and analyzed. Ultimately, seven studies were included in our meta-analysis, which revealed that patients who had early DC had no statistically significant likelihood of having a favorable outcome at 6 months than those who had a standard medical care alone or with late DC (OR of favorable clinical outcome at 6 months: 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75–1.34; P = 0.99). The relative risk (RR) of mortality in early DC versus the standard medical care ± late DC at discharge or 6 months is 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40–0.94; P = 0.03. Subgroup analysis based on RR of mortality shows that the rate of mortality is reduced significantly in the early DC group as compared to the late DC. RR of Mortality is 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26–0.71; P = 0.0009. However, good clinical outcome is the same. Early DC saves lives in patients with TBI. However, further clinical trials are required to prove if early DC improve clinical outcome and to define the best early time frame in performing early DC in TBI population.
Resolution of papilledema associated with chiari I malformation with ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Authors: Jivraj Imran , Liu Grant , Sharma Nikhil , Glauser Gregory , Grady Michael , Malhotra Neil
Published: April 2019

Chiari malformation type 1 (CMI) usually presents with cervical pain and suboccipital headache, among other symptoms. Patients with CMI describe symptoms that are clearly correlated with CMI for an average of 3.1 years before diagnosis. We present a case of a patient with bilateral papilledema and CMI but with no long-standing CMI symptoms. She was initially diagnosed with a concussion but developed unremitting intense occipital headaches 4 days later which prompted an evaluation for an alternative diagnosis. Treatment of this case was ventriculoperitoneal shunting, which may serve as an alternative to posterior fossa decompression under certain circumstances.