bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Target Acquisition: Bridging the Gap from Vision Research to Applied Models
Authors: Doll Theodore J.
Published: July 2017

One of the lessons learned in Desert Storm is that visual and electro-optical (VISEO) systems are highly effective. Most of us recall seeing CNN footage of EO sensors acquiring targets and guiding weapons to destroy the target. The effectiveness of VISEO systems is the good news. The bad news is that the other side is likely to be equipped with similar VISEO systems in the next war. Our personnel and materiel are therefore likely to be highly vulnerable to such systems in future conflicts. There is an urgent need to make our weapons systems, especially ground vehicles, less conspicuous on the battlefield, i.e., to develop more effective camouflage and signature suppression techniques.
Assessment of Graphics and Text Formats for System Status Displays
Authors: Nugent William A. , Broyles James W.
Published: July 2017

This study compared the relative effectiveness of three computer-based formats for displaying Navy system status data. Response speed and accuracy data were collected for each format on four tasks typically performed in a shipboard Combat Information Center (CIC). The three presentation formats were character readout (CRO), text-only, and text-graphics. Results showed the text-only and text-graphics formats produced faster, more accurate performance than the CRO on count and compare tasks; however, no reliable performance differences were found between presentation formats for identify and criterion tasks. Predictions concerning an advantage for the text-graphics format over the text-only format on certain types of tasks were not supported by the study findings. The practical applications and design implications of these findings are discussed.
Response Time as a Measure of Compatibility for Linear Displays with Rotary Controls
Authors: Hoffmann Errol , Mannering Sean , Schoner Simon
Published: July 2017

Forty subjects responded to a set of 64 different combinations of linear displays and rotary controls presented by photographic slides. The subject's task was to rotate a control to increase the numerical value on the display. It was expected that response time for an arrangement having a strong stereotype would be faster than one with a weaker stereotype. Data showed there a strong relationship between these two measures of compatibility for horizontal displays with controls either on the top or bottom of the display; there was no significant relationship for any of the vertical layouts. Comparing horizontal and vertical displays, the average response times were 1.25 and 1.55 seconds and average stereotype strengths were .86 and .73, respectively. Thus on both criteria, horizontal displays were superior to vertical displays. Response time was found to be dependent on the magnitude of the component principle making the greatest contribution to the strength of the overall stereotype. In the case of horizontal displays this was the clockwise-to-right principle; for vertical displays it was Warrick's principle or, if this was not applicable, the scale-side principle.
Vigilance: It's Boring, It's Difficult, and I Can't do Anything about it
Authors: Scerbo Mark W. , Greenwald Catherine Q. , Sawin David A.
Published: July 2017

The present study was designed to examine the role of boredom, perceived mental workload, and perceived control in vigilance. Subjective estimates of boredom and mental workload were measured before and after a 40 minute vigil during which movements of a computer mouse were monitored. In addition, subjects were administered Rotter's (1966) locus of control inventory. Subjects who made progressively more movements over time reported the highest levels of boredom and workload. In addition, the subjects with the highest performance levels were the most cautious in their responding, had an internal locus of control, and tended to experience less frustration. Significant, positive correlations were also observed between the boredom and workload scores suggesting that boredom may be an important contributor to mental workload in sustained attention.
Health Records in Developing Countries
Authors: Lewis Carol A.
Published: July 2017

Health record practitioners in developing countries lack contact with their peers in other countries. Consultants are a mechanism for transmitting information and new ideas from place to place. In this paper, the author describes a framework within which consultants may provide technical assistance in medical records. Discussion includes the dimensions of health record technical cooperation, the qualities expected of a consultant in developing countries, and the role of professional associations.
Patient Access to Medical Records
Authors: Mair Judith L M
Published: July 2017

The issue of, and access to, medical records has been a contentious matter for some years in Australia. The recent High Court decision of Breen v Williams has clarified the law nationwide. The High Court confirmed that the ownership of medical records is vested in the creator of the records. The High Court further held that a patient has no right at law to access his or her medical records in the absence of any statute granting such a right, or other legal process.
A Project Management Strategy for Collection and Reporting of Casemix Profiles and Hospital Clinical Indicators
Authors: Mair Nicole
Published: July 2017

A newly developed strategy and computerised system for collection and reporting of hospital clinical indicators and doctor activity.

A project was developed to analyse, plan and implement a data management strategy for Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) clinical indicators. This project incorporated objectives for review of all available clinical indicators, analysis of appropriate medical and surgical clinical indicators, review and redesign of data collection methods, and feed-back processes suitable for hospital staff and visiting medical specialists. In conjunction with a software vendor, the hospital developed a computerised system for collection and reporting of clinical indicators. In addition to this, the system extracts data from the hospital's main database, to provide doctors with information regarding their own patient cases (doctor profiles), overview of activities of their specialty (specialty profiles) and casemix analysis.
Health Information Management in Singapore
Authors: Magennis Tina
Published: July 2017

This paper provides an overview of health information management practices in Singapore, based on personal observation and interviews with health information managers in five Singaporean hospitals. In Singapore borrowing a medical record often requires a formal request and a permanent tracer is maintained for each record. Medical officers generally have more responsibility than in Australia for coding, which is completed within three days of discharge. A Singapore-wide centralised patient database has been developed which is an important source of information about patient drug allergies. Record design and assembly, release of information and centralised registries are also described.
Know Your Customer: A Study of Commencing Health Information Management Students
Authors: Magennis Tina , Lewis Melinda
Published: July 2017

First year students commencing the health information management course at the University of Sydney between 1995 and 1997 were surveyed to determine how and why they chose to study health information management and also to collect information about their educational background. Results show that most students first became aware of the course by reading the University Admission Centre guide. The most frequently cited reasons for choosing to study health information management were career opportunities, the desire to work in the health arena and the diversity of subjects studied. Students reported an interest in management and research careers. The implications of the results for marketing and education approaches are discussed.
Continuing Professional Education: Needs and Expectations of HIMs in NSW
Authors: Lewis Melinda , Rava Helen
Published: July 2017

Results of a recent survey to evaluate NSW health information manager (HIM) needs and expectations with respect to Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
Friction and Wear Behaviour of Laser-Textured Surfaces under the Lubrication of Polyurea Grease Containing Various Additives
Authors: Wang ZeYun , Xia YanQiu , Liu ZhiLu , Hu TianChang
Published: July 2017

The friction and wear behaviour of the laser-textured surfaces sliding against a pin under the lubrication of the polyurea grease containing various additives were investigated using an UMT-2MT reciprocating friction tester. Results show that the dimple patterns have lower friction coefficients than that of the un-textured at lower sliding speed (0.015 m/s); however, the groove patterns have higher friction coefficients than that of the un-textured at all sliding speeds investigated in this article. Also, the anti-wear properties of the base polyurea grease and the base grease containing several additives on the textured and un-textured surfaces are discussed. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were adopted to reveal the lubricating mechanism of different additives on the laser-textured surfaces.
Tribological Behaviour of Plasma-Spray TiO2 Coating against Metallic Bearing Materials Under Oil Lubrication
Authors: Jiang S Y , Xie H J
Published: July 2017

In this work, a block-on-ring test rig has been used to investigate the tribological behaviour of plasma-spray TiO2 coating pairing with conventional metallic bearing materials; and the effect of triphenyl thiophosphate (T451) and tricresyl phosphate (T306 or TCP) on tribological behaviour of TiO2 coating/AISI 1045 steel was also studied. Test results indicated that the copper—lead alloy paired with TiO2 coating under the base oil exhibited the optimum tribological performance, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of worn surface of the steel block indicated that the wear mechanism was dominated by abrasion and corrosion. Either T451 or T306 alone can improve the tribological behaviour of TiO2 coating/AISI 1045, and T451 with the same percentage was more efficacious than T306 in reducing the friction coefficient and wear rate. Basically, as the ratio of T451 to T306 is greater than 1:1, the better synergistic effect in friction-reduction property can be obtained. Within the limit of the experimental data acquired, base oil containing 2 wt%T451+1 wt%T306 led to the significant synergistic effect of friction reduction and antiwear property for the TiO2/AISI 1045. SEM images showed that wear mechanism of the worn surfaces of the steel blocks were the slight plowed grooves and corrosion pits. Meanwhile, the atom concentrations of the elements S and P on the steel specimens worn surfaces were too low to be referred for analysing the tribo-chemical reaction mechanism.
An Experimental Approach towards an Equation for the Prediction of Piercing Mandrels Wear
Authors: Carr G E , Conde R H , Chapetti M D
Published: July 2017

Analysis of the relationship between variables involved in the wear of mandrels used for seamless tube making was carried out. Laboratory-scale mandrels were pierced in sequences with different process parameters. Process data were acquired during piercing events and digital photographs of the mandrels’ silhouette were taken to study their profile evolution.

Direct variables were registered and others were created. Data were first analysed in ranges of furnace temperature and cooling water flow. A self-organizing map (a kind of artificial neural network) was trained with experimental data for further multi-variable analysis.

Results were analysed from the data clusters found and conclusions were extracted.

Furnace temperature and cooling water flow were important for their influence on wear but a definite relationship could not be established. Results showed that the mandrel shape and wear condition could be inferred through the study of the axial force curve.

A first equation for mandrel wear prediction is introduced, taking into account the relations found between the most important variables involved in the process. Nevertheless, additional research must be done considering the billet material stress fields and friction contact conditions.
Globalisation and the Limits of Redistributivism
Authors: Patnaik Prabhat
Published: July 2017

This is the text of the Professor S.C. Shukla Memorial Lecture organised by the Department of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia on February 19, 2008. — Editor
Intertwined Destinies, Bristling Borders
Authors: Muralidharan Sukumar
Published: July 2017

Conjoined by history, Pakistan and Afghanistan need new ideas to work themselves out of the geopolitical trap they find themselves in.
The Nehruvian Paradigm and Capitalist Industrialisation in India: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Mazumdar Surajit
Published: July 2017

Highlighting the background to its emergence and the constraints it faced in its operationalisation, this paper assesses the historical significance of the Nehruvian era in India's industrialisation history and the role that the Nehruvian paradigm has played in shaping the achievements and failures of Indian industrialisation. It also briefly looks at the contemporary significance of the Nehruvian industrialisation strategy in the light of the experience of industrial development under liberalisation.
Chronic airflow obstruction after successful treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Byrne Anthony L. , Marais Ben J. , Mitnick Carole D. , Garden Frances L. , Lecca Leonid , Contreras Carmen , Yauri Yaninna , Garcia Fanny , Marks Guy B.
Published: July 2017

Cross-sectional studies reveal an association between tuberculosis (TB) and chronic airflow obstruction, but cannot adequately address confounding. We hypothesised that treated pulmonary TB is an independent risk factor for chronic airflow obstruction.

The Pulmones Post TB cohort study enrolled participants from Lima, Peru, aged 10–70 years with a history of drug-susceptible (DS)- or multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB who had completed treatment and were clinically cured. Unexposed participants without TB were randomly selected from the same districts. We assessed respiratory symptoms, relevant environmental exposures, and spirometric lung function pre- and post-bronchodilator.

In total, 144 participants with DS-TB, 33 with MDR-TB and 161 unexposed participants were fully evaluated. Compared with unexposed participants, MDR-TB patients had lower lung volumes (adjusted mean difference in forced vital capacity −370 mL, 95% CI −644– −97) and post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction (adjusted OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.27–18.78). Participants who had recovered from DS-TB did not have lower lung volumes than unexposed participants, but were more likely to have a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio <0.70 (adjusted OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.01–6.03).

Individuals successfully treated for TB may experience long-lasting sequelae. Interventions facilitating earlier TB treatment and management of chronic respiratory disease should be explored.
The Paris Catacombs
Authors: Legacey Erin-Marie
Published: July 2017

Although the Paris Catacombs have been a popular space in Paris since opening to the public in 1809, this is the first academic study that seeks to situate the public ossuary within a postrevolutionary context. By examining both the early institutional history and popular reception of the Catacombs, this article demonstrates how the Catacombs were instrumental in helping the population process and resolve the dislocation of the Revolution. Specifically, it examines how visitors used the underground space to express anxieties about revolutionary values like equality and to create a sense of historical stability after the Revolution's radical rupture with the past.

Depuis leur ouverture en 1809, les catacombes de Paris sont un espace très populaire. Cet article est la première étude savante qui les situe dans un contexte postrévolutionnaire. En analysant l'histoire institutionnelle et la réception publique des catacombes, cet article explique comment l'ossuaire a aidé les Parisiens à comprendre et à résoudre la désorientation de la Révolution. L'article examine la façon dont les visiteurs ont utilisé cet espace souterrain pour exprimer leurs soucis concernant les valeurs révolutionnaires, comme l'égalité, et pour chercher une « stabilité historique » après la rupture révolutionnaire.
Excited Triplet States of [{Mo6Cl8}Cl6]2−, [{Re6S8}Cl6]4−, and [{W6Cl8}Cl6]2− Clusters
Authors: Kitamura Noboru , Kuwahara Yusuke , Ueda Yuichi , Ito Yuki , Ishizaka Shoji , Sasaki Yoichi , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Akagi Soichiro
Published: July 2017

The temperature (T) dependences of the emission spectra and lifetimes of octahedral hexanuclear molybdenum(II) ([{Mo6Cl8}Cl6]2− = [1]2−), rhenium(III) ([{Re6S8}Cl6]4− = [2]4−), and tungsten(II) clusters ([{W6Cl8}Cl6]2− = [3]2−) in crystalline or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) phases were studied. The emission spectrum of the cluster showed a lower-energy shift upon heating from 3 to 70 K, while that shifted gradually to higher-energy above 70 K. The emission spectral shifts of the cluster upon T-elevation accompanied sharp (<50 K) and gradual decreases (>50 K) in the emission lifetime. Such T-dependent emission characteristics, commonly observed for these three cluster complexes, were analyzed by assuming the contribution of the emissions from the excited triplet state spin-sublevels. The large T dependences of the emission lifetimes and spectra of the hexanuclear Mo(II), Re(III), and W(II) clusters can be understood by a single context of the contributions of the emissions from the excited triplet state spin-sublevels.
The impact on patients of a nurse-led clinical service in gastroenterology
Authors: Tan Maria , Menon Shyam , Black Doreen
Published: July 2017

Higher rates of chronic liver disease have resulted in a significant increase in the number of patients needing regular abdominal paracentesis for ascites. Waiting times for admission at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust had become longer and delays in intervention and treatment became inevitable. In 2014, the Trust developed a nurse-led abdominal paracentesis day-case service. A qualitative evaluation of the service was conducted using in-depth patient interviews and surveys to determine the impact of the service, including how the new nursing role affected the patient experience. The results show that the nurse-led clinical service in gastroenterology positively impacts patients' experiences. Following this innovation, the service was extended to provide intravenous infusions for gastroenterology patients via the day-case unit. With appropriate training and competency assessments, nurses can now perform selected medical procedures safely and effectively, thereby facilitating nursing staff to expand and develop their roles. This development has substantial implications for nursing and is an important contribution to the debate on the future direction of the nursing profession.
Measurement of pH, exudate composition and temperature in wound healing: a systematic review
Authors: Power G. , Moore Z. , O'Connor T.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To assess the potential of measurements of pH, exudate composition and temperature in wounds to predict healing outcomes and to identify the methods that are employed to measure them.

Method:

A systematic review based on the outcomes of a search strategy of quantitative primary research published in the English language was conducted. Inclusion criteria limited studies to those involving in vivo and human participants with an existing or intentionally provoked wound, defined as ‘a break in the epithelial integrity of the skin’, and excluded in vitro and animal studies. Data synthesis and analysis was performed using structured narrative summaries of each included study arranged by concept, pH, exudate composition and temperature. The Evidence Based Literature (EBL) Critical Appraisal Checklist was implemented to appraise the quality of the included studies.

Results:

A total of 23 studies, three for pH (mean quality score 54.48%), 12 for exudate composition (mean quality score 46.54%) and eight for temperature (mean quality score 36.66%), were assessed as eligible for inclusion in this review. Findings suggest that reduced pH levels in wounds, from alkaline towards acidic, are associated with improvements in wound condition. Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), neutrophil elastase (NE) and albumin, in descending order, were the most frequently measured analytes in wounds. MMP-9 emerged as the analyte which offers the most potential as a biomarker of wound healing, with elevated levels observed in acute or non-healing wounds and decreasing levels in wounds progressing in healing. Combined measures of different exudate components, such as MMP/TIMP ratios, also appeared to offer substantial potential to indicate wound healing. Finally, temperature measurements are highest in non-healing, worsening or acute wounds and decrease as wounds progress towards healing. Methods used to measure pH, exudate composition and temperature varied greatly and, despite noting some similarities, the studies often yielded significantly contrasting results. Furthermore, a limitation to the generalisability of the findings was the overall quality scores of the research studies, which appeared suboptimal.

Conclusion:

Despite some promising findings, there was insufficient evidence to confidently recommend the use of any of these measures as predictors of wound healing. pH measurement appeared as the most practical method for use in clinical practice to indicate wound healing outcomes. Further research is required to increase the strength of evidence and develop a greater understanding of wound healing dynamics.
Patients' and clinicians' experiences of wound care in Canada: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: K.Y. Woo , J. Wong , K. Rice , S. Coelho , E. Haratsidis , L. Teague , V.E. Rac , M. Krahn
Published: July 2017

Objective:

This study sought to explore patients' and clinicians' perceptions and experiences with the provision of standard care by a home care nurse alone or by a multidisciplinary wound care team.

Method:

The interviews were conducted using an in-depth semi structured format; following a funnel idea of starting out broad and narrowing down, ensuring that all the necessary topics were covered by the end of the interview.

Results:

A purposive sample of 16 patients with different wound types were interviewed to ensure that the data would reflect the range and diversity of treatment and care experience. To reflect the diversity of experiences 12 clinicians from various clinical backgrounds were interviewed. Based on the analysis of the interviews, there are four overarching themes: wound care expertise is required across health-care sectors, psychosocial needs of patients with chronic wounds are key barriers to treatment concordance, structured training, and a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team approach.

Conclusion:

Results of this qualitative study identified different barriers and facilitators that affect the experiences of community-based wound care.
Lead poisoning in cattle
Authors: Bates Nicola , Payne Jo
Published: July 2017

Lead is a ubiquitous heavy metal with no biological role. Lead poisoning is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of poisoning in cattle, which in addition to causing animal health and animal welfare issues can have significant economic and food safety implications. Clinical signs of lead poisoning in cattle include gastrointestinal and neurological signs with anorexia, bellowing, dullness, blindness and head pressing. Convulsions, opisthotonus and coma also occur in severe cases. If these severe clinical signs are missed lead poisoning can appear as a sudden death. Longer term, fertility can be impaired. Management involves identifying the source and preventing further exposure by removing it or by moving the cattle away, providing supportive care to exposed cattle with chelation therapy, if practical, and ensuring that issues associated with food safety are addressed. Although animals with less severe clinical signs can recover, tissue lead concentrations can remain elevated for months to years posing a potential issue with lead residues in the food chain.
LDAs in cattle — what method should we use? A report from a BCVA congress workshop
Authors: Wapenaar Wendela , Roberts Judith
Published: July 2017

This article reports the findings from the BCVA congress workshop discussing left displaced abomasum (LDA) treatment methods. The aim of this workshop was to discuss the various described approaches to surgical correction, advantages and disadvantages for the different treatment methods and learn from the participants' knowledge, experience and expertise. Twenty-six cattle veterinary surgeons took part in the workshop with a mix of male/female participants and years of experience. Participants practiced in Europe, Australia and North America; all contributed to the discussion and gave their consent for the workshop to be recorded. This article is a report of the knowledge and opinions shared by the participants after a brief introduction regarding the different surgical approaches.
Severe equine asthma — an overview
Authors: Pirie R. Scott
Published: July 2017

Severe equine asthma (EA) is the newly adopted term which defines the syndromes most recently known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO; syn chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Heaves) or summer pasture associated recurrent airway obstruction (SPARAO; syn summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease). The adoption of this new nomenclature recognises the clinical phenotypic overlap amongst various non-infectious diseases of the equine lower airways; most notably between severe EA and mild to moderate EA (previously termed inflammatory airway disease). Compared with mild to moderate EA, there is a greater appreciation of the role of genetics in determining susceptibility to severe EA and a better understanding of aetiological triggers and disease pathogenesis. However, despite the relatively well defined clinical phenotype of severe EA, it is increasingly apparent that a significant degree of heterogeneity exists with respect to the susceptibility determinants and underlying immunological mechanisms which ultimately lead to clinical disease.
Social media and autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Barber Christopher
Published: July 2017

For many people with an autism spectrum condition, online networking offers the opportunity to communicate with others in relative comfort. However, says Christopher Barber, nurses working in a support capacity should be aware of the accompanying risks

Social media is a common and everyday method of communication which has both advantages and disadvantages for a wide variety of people—including those with an autism spectrum condition. Indeed, due to issues around social communication, many of those on the autism spectrum often prefer communicating via social media. A range of disadvantages of using social media include the potential for inappropriate use, the potential for those seeking to politically radicalise vulnerable adults and the rise of the ‘troll’. This short article will briefly explore these issues and the role of the nurse in supporting those on the autism spectrum who wish to use social media sites on the internet.
Improving immunisation uptake in babies and toddlers
Authors: Kraszewski Sarah
Published: July 2017

With ‘emotional, cultural, spiritual and political factors’ creating barriers to some parents or carers, ensuring sufficient levels of childhood immunisation to provide ‘herd protection’ calls for an approach that is tailored to the individual, writes Sarah Kraszewski

The childhood immunisation schedule is an established and highly successful public health intervention. The uptake of immunisation varies across society, and in some areas certain vaccinations are not achieving the 95% threshold required to provide herd immunity. The immunisation schedule requires a multi-faceted approach at both national and local levels to encourage confidence in the vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Spindle Diameter Effects for Cotton Pickers
Authors: Baker Kevin D. , Delhom Chris D. , Hughs Sidney Edward
Published: July 2017

Abstract. There is concern that changes to the operating speed and size of spindles on cotton picker harvesters over the years have resulted in a general decrease in cotton fiber quality, especially spindle twists, preparation, and neps. Previous research showed that spindle speeds of 3000 and 4000 rpm had more detrimental effects on cotton fiber quality than a spindle speed of 2000 rpm. Field tests were conducted for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 crop years by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory in Mesilla Park, New Mexico. Three cotton varieties were grown each year under irrigated conditions near Las Cruces, New Mexico, and harvested with cotton pickers equipped with spindles having diameters of 1.27, 1.43, and 1.59 cm (1/2, 9/16, and 5/8 in.), using a ground speed of 0.85 m s-1 (1.9 mi h-1). Spindle speeds were 2000 rpm in each case. Pickers with larger spindle diameters had lower stalk loss and sometimes had lower foreign matter levels in the seed cotton as well as in the ginned lint. These foreign matter levels significantly affected HVI foreign matter content and leaf grade. HVI classing data other than foreign matter content and related leaf grade showed no significant differences among spindle diameter treatments. AFIS nep count, short fiber content, trash count, dust count, and seed coat nep count showed no significant differences due to spindle diameter treatments or interactions. Results from ring spinning mini-tests, including skein breaking strength, skein count, skein count-strength product (CSP), yarn strength, yarn elongation, neps, thick places, and thin places also showed no significant differences due to spindle diameter. Based on these results, the picker unit with 1.59 cm (5/8 in.) spindles was optimal, but differences in performance were not large. Keywords: Fiber quality, Harvesting.
Thermal Weed Control in Photinia x fraseri “Red Robin” Container Nurseries
Authors: Frasconi Christian , Martelloni Luisa , Fontanelli Marco , Raffaelli Michele , Marzialetti Paolo , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A near-zero tolerance policy on weeds by markets for nursery crops calls for weed-free container-grown plants, and forces growers to frequently remove weeds. Thermal weed control could represent a novel method to control weeds in shrubs from container nurseries, thus avoiding the use of herbicides and mulches. The aims of this study were to develop custom-built machinery for thermal weed control in container nurseries and to test the weed control efficiency of flame weeding and steaming in Photinia x fraseri “Red Robin” containers. A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fed flamer and a steamer with a dedicated diffuser were built. Four treatments were applied for a total period of 24 months: steaming once every four months, steaming once every two months, flame weeding once every two months or once a month. Temperature values measured at different depths in the substrate after thermal applications were recorded and analyzed. Photinia x fraseri features (height, diameter, and dry biomass) and aesthetic parameters as affected by thermal treatments were also evaluated. The trend in temperature values of the substrate over time followed a two-phase exponential decay. All the thermal treatments lead to a continuous near-100% weed control level, which is the level required by growers for aesthetic reasons. No damages caused by heat on Photinia x fraseri were observed. Container nursery producers could thus adopt thermal methods as a substitute for chemical solutions for weed control management. Keywords: Container nurseries, ornamental plant production, Thermal weed control, Flame weeding, Steaming, Photinia x fraseri “Red Robin”, Two-phase temperature decay model.
Modeling Streambank Erosion on Composite Streambanks on a Watershed Scale
Authors: Mittelstet Aaron R. , Storm Daniel E. , Fox Garey A. , Allen Peter M.
Published: July 2017

Abstract.

Streambanks can be a significant source of sediment and phosphorus to aquatic ecosystems. Although the streambank-erosion routine in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has improved in recent versions, the recently developed routine in SWAT 2012 has undergone limited testing, and the lack of site or watershed specific streambank data increases the uncertainty in the streambank-erosion predictions. There were two primary objectives of this research: (1) modify and test the 2012 SWAT streambank-erosion routine on composite streambanks, and (2) compare SWAT default and field-measured channel parameters and assess their influence on predicted streambank erosion. Three modifications were made to the SWAT 2012 streambank-erosion routine: (1) replacing the empirical effective shear stress equation with a process-based equation, (2) replacing bankfull width and depth measurements with top width and streambank height, and (3) incorporating an area-adjustment factor to account for non-trapezoidal cross-sections. The proposed streambank-erosion routine was tested on gravel-dominated streambanks on the Barren Fork Creek in northeastern Oklahoma. The study used data from 28 cross-sectional surveys, including streambank height and top width, side slope, thickness and texture of streambank layers, and an area-adjustment factor. Gravel d50 and kd-tc relationships were used to estimate the critical shear stress (tc) and the erodibility coefficient (kd), respectively. Incorporating the process-based shear stress equation, area-adjustment factor, or the top width and streambank height increased predicted streambank erosion by 85%, 31%, and -30%, respectively. Incorporating the process-based effective shear stress equation, sinuosity, radius of curvature, and measured bed slope improved the predicted versus observed streambank erosion Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency from -0.33 to 0.49 and the coefficient of determination (R2) from 0.02 to 0.65 at the ten study sites. Although the process-based effective shear stress equation was the most influential modification, incorporating the top width, streambank height, and area-adjustment factor more accurately represented the measured irregular cross-sections. Keywords: Composite streambanks, Fluvial erosion, Streambank erosion, SWAT.
Impact of Macropores and Gravel Outcrops on Phosphorus Leaching at the Plot Scale in Silt Loam Soils
Authors: Heeren Derek M. , Fox Garey A. , Penn Chad J. , Halihan Todd , Storm Daniel E. , Haggard Brian E.
Published: July 2017

Abstract.

In response to increased nutrient loads in surface waters, scientists and engineers need to identify critical nutrient source areas and transport mechanisms within a catchment to protect beneficial uses of aquatic systems in a cost-effective manner. It was hypothesized that hydrologic heterogeneities (e.g., macropores and gravel outcrops) in the vadose zone play an integral role in affecting flow and solute transport between the soil surface and shallow alluvial aquifers. The objective of this research was to characterize phosphorus (P) leaching through silt loam soils to alluvial gravel aquifers in the floodplains of the Ozark ecoregion at the plot scale. Solute injection experiments used plots (1 m × 1 m, 3 m × 3 m, and 10 m × 10 m) that maintained a constant head for up to 52 h. Solutes in the injection water included P (highly sorptive), Rhodamine WT (slightly sorptive), and chloride (conservative). Electrical resistivity imaging identified zones of preferential flow. Fluid samples from observation wells indicated nonuniform subsurface flow and transport. The surface soil type, ranging from silt loam to clean gravel outcrops, had a significant impact on P leaching capacity, with gravel outcrops resulting in high infiltration rates and rapid solute detection in wells (e.g., 4 min). Even in silt loam soils without gravel outcrops, macropore flow resulted in rapid transport of P. Maximum transport velocity for soluble reactive P in one silt loam plot was 810 cm h-1, compared with a mean pore water velocity in the range of 25 to 130 cm h-1. Soluble reactive P concentrations in observation wells reached up to 0.54 mg L-1 in silt loam plots and 1.3 mg L-1 in gravel outcrop plots, demonstrating that a highly sorbing solute can be mobile. Keywords: Gravel outcrop, Leaching, Macropores, Ozark ecoregion, Phosphorus.
Fungal Pretreatment to Improve Digestibility of Corn Stover for Animal Feed
Authors: Huang Haibo , Wang Zhaoqin , Pan Shao-Chi , Shoup Lindsay M. , Felix Tara L. , Perkins John B. , May Oliver , Singh Vijay
Published: July 2017

Abstract.

Lignin reduces the digestibility of corn stover as animal feed. Fungal pretreatment has proven an effective way to degrade lignin to improve the bioavailability of corn stover. To understand further the dynamics of the fungal pretreatment process, we investigated the effects of three key parameters (i.e., cultivation time, culture inoculum dosage, and sterilization) on pretreatment of corn stover using a white-rot ). Corn stover was inoculated with different dosages of culture and cultivated for 10, 20, and 30 days. The digestibility of the pretreated corn stover was evaluated by both enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation with rumen fluid. The lignin degradation in corn stover increased from 0.1% to 20.7% between days 10 and 30. Compared to the raw sample, corn stover pretreated with fungi for 30 days had a significantly greater glucose yield (53.8% compared to 23.3%) and xylose yield (37.9% compared to 13.1%) when enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted (p < 0.05). Increasing the culture inoculum dosage from 4 to 16 mL did not affect the digestibility of corn stover (p > 0.05). Fungal-pretreated corn stover had a greater fermentation rate than raw corn stover during the first 8 h. Fungal pretreatment of non-sterile corn stover caused a substantially reduced sugar yield and fermentation rate, indicating that sterilization is an important step before fungal pretreatment. The results of this study provide key information for the future development of fungal pretreatment of corn stover. Keywords: Corn stover, Digestibility, Fungal pretreatment, Enzymatic hydrolysis, In vitro fermentation.
Evaluation of Hermetic Maize Storage in 208 Liter (55 Gal) Steel Barrels for Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Bbosa Denis , Brumm Thomas J. , Bern Carl J. , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Raman D. Raj
Published: July 2017

Abstract.

Maize is an important crop for many smallholder farmers in the world. Maize weevils () cause a significant loss in quality and quantity during maize storage, especially in tropical regions. Hermetic storage of maize has been shown to be effective in controlling maize weevils in laboratory and field settings. The objective of this research was to test the effectiveness of steel barrels that could be used by smallholder farmers for hermetic storage. Six 208 L (55 gal) steel barrels were each loaded with 170 kg (375 lb) of maize at an average moisture of 13.4% w.b., with initial weevil population densities of 25 live weevils kg-1 (11 live weevils lb-1) of maize. All six barrels were stored at 27°C (81°F) under non-hermetic conditions for 120 d, corresponding to approximately three weevil lifecycles. After 120 d, weevil population densities had increased to an average of 99 live weevils kg-1 (45 live weevils lb-1) in all six barrels. Three of the six barrels were subsequently hermetically sealed. After an additional 30 days (150 days since experiment start), the weevil population densities were zero in every hermetically sealed barrel (100% mortality) and averaged 141 live weevils kg-1 (64 live weevils lb-1) in the non-hermetic barrels. All barrels where then exposed to non-hermetic conditions for an additional 40 days (approximately one weevil lifecycle). The barrels previously under hermetic conditions had zero live weevils, while the other barrels averaged 214 live weevils kg-1 (98 live weevils lb-1), demonstrating that all stages of weevils (eggs, larvae, and pupae) were killed. Means of barrel oxygen content, test weight (TW), moisture content (MC), temperature, and humidity were significantly different between the hermetically sealed and control treatments. In contrast, broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) and mechanical damage (MD) were not significantly different. Hermetically sealed steel barrels may be an effective maize storage option for smallholder farmers. Keywords: BCFM, Maize weevil, Mechanical damage, Moisture content, Mortality, Mycotoxins, Test weight.
Being there: Le Vele as characters in Gomorrah – The Series
Authors: Brodesco Alberto , Mattiucci Cristina
Published: July 2017

The setting of the TV series Gomorrah – The Series (2014–present) is the Neapolitan district of Scampia, around and inside a large urban housing project called ‘Le Vele’. This setting is where the narrated events (the Camorra’s wars and drug trafficking) find their real-life existence. This article focuses on the element of space, with the streets, the buildings and their surroundings also acting as protagonists of the series. This produces an immersive identification not with a single point of view but with a film context that mimetically represents a social milieu. The TV series takes the viewer inside the miserable corridors of Le Vele, creating a feeling of empathy that relies on space, on the scary pleasure of ‘being there’, witnessing the Camorristi’s wretched lives. Gomorrah – The Series acts as a kind of horror– melodrama–documentary, where space sustains these three components with its indexicality and its charge of uncanny and grief.
Viaggio in Francia: Pathé Italian-French co-productions in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Palma Paola
Published: July 2017

The article explores some recurring features found in Pathé’s Italian-French co-productions in the 1950s and 1960s, addressing this corpus of films as a representative sample of the larger co-production trends between the two countries in the period under discussion. The analysis is based on the examination of unpublished documents as well as press material from the archives of the Fondation Seydoux-Pathé (Seydoux-Pathé Foundation) and the Cinémathèque française (French Film Library). As the article evidences, co-productions served as a powerful instrument of transnational cultural exchange, modern marketing practices, and the rethinking and revisiting of country-specific genres. They also paved the way for the exportation and popularization of Italian actors, directors and cinematic style across France. Great attention is paid to how the French specialist and popular press received such co-productions, whether the films’ dual nationality affected their reception and to what extent co-productions contributed to the image of Italian cinema in post-war France.
Book Reviews
Authors: Waller Marguerite , Zamparini Luca , Parussa Sergio , Fabbri Lorenzo , Peretti Luca , Bellocchio Maria Letizia , Benci Jacopo , Benini Stefania , Moss David , Mullins Jonathan , Novero Cecilia , Casini Valentina
Published: July 2017

Stars and Masculinities in Contemporary Italian Cinema, Catherine O’Rawe (2014) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 230 pp., ISBN: 978113738146, h/bk, $95.00

A Cinema of Poetry: Aesthetics of the Italian Art Film, Joseph Luzzi (2014) Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 232 pp., ISBN: 9781421411668, p/bk, $29.95

Pasolini: The Sacred Flesh, Stefania Benini (2015) Toronto Buffalo London: University of Toronto Press, 336 pp., ISBN: 9781442648067, h/bk, $65.00

Italian Fascism’s Empire Cinema, Ruth Ben-Ghiat (2015) Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 393 pp., ISBN: 9780253015662, p/bk, $35, h/bk, $85

Landscapes in Between: Environmental Change in Modern Italian Literature and Film, Monica Seger (2015) Toronto, Buffalo and London: Toronto University Press, 196 pp., ISBN: 9781442649194, h/bk, $55

Il cinema di Marco Tullio Giordana: Interventi Critici, Federica Colleoni, Elena Dalla Torre AND Inge Lanslots (eds) (2015) Rome: Vecchiarelli Editore, 317 pp., ISBN: 9788882473693, p/bk, €30.00

Michelangelo Antonioni. Prospettive, Culture, Politiche, Spazi, Alberto Boschi AND Francesco Di Chiara (eds) (2015) Milan: Il Castoro, 320 pp., ISBN: 9788880339557, p/bk, €18.00

Problemi dell’ informazione: Questioni di genere nel giornalismo italiano, Milly Buonanno (ed.) (2015) 3, vol. XL; pp. 244 (433-677); ISBN 978-88-15-25617-1; ISSN 0390-5195; Il Mulino

Visual Anthropology in Sardinia, Silvio Carta (2015) Bern: Peter Lang AG, 209 pp., ISBN: 9783034309981, p/bk, £45

The Maciste Films of Italian Silent Cinema, Jacqueline Reich (2015) Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 414 pp., ISBN: 9780253017451, p/bk, $35

Morte a Venezia: Thomas Mann/Luchino Visconti: Un Confronto, Fancesco Bono, Luigi Cimmino and Giorgio Pangaro (eds) (2014) Soveria Mannelli: Rubbettino Editore, 238 pp., ISBN: 9788849839371, p/bk, €14.00

L’immagine politica: Forme del contropotere tra cinema, video e fotografia nell’Italia degli anni Settanta, Christian Uva (2015) Milano-Udine: Mimesis, 284 pp., ISBN: 9788857518879, p/bk, €24.00
Extrapolated Georeferencing of High-Resolution Satellite Imagery Based on the Strip Constraint
Authors: Cao Jinshan , Yuan Xiuxiao , Gong Jianya , Xu Miaozhong
Published: July 2017

Ground control points (GCPs) are necessary in order to achieve precise georeferencing of high-resolution satellite (HRS) imagery. However, measuring GCPs is costly, laborious, and time consuming. In some
remote areas, we cannot even obtain well-defined GCPs. In this study, a strip constraint model is established. Based on the bias-compensated rational function model and the strip constraint model, a feasible extrapolated georeferencing approach for HRS
imagery is presented. The presented approach remains effective even when the intermediate images in the strip are unavailable. Experimental results of the two ZiYuan-3 (ZY-3) nadir datasets show that the direct georeferencing accuracy of the ZY-3
nadir images reaches only 9 to 12 pixels. With four GCPs in the first image, the georeferencing accuracy of the other images in the strip is improved to better than 2 pixels through extrapolated georeferencing.
A Review of Global Competitiveness Research: Past Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Chabowski Brian R. , Mena Jeannette A.
Published: July 2017

The global competitiveness (GC) literature has proven to be a developing, yet critical element in international marketing research. Broadly, GC studies have become a part of the marketing, international business, and strategic management fields. In light of this far-reaching topic and to gain a unique understanding of the dynamics across the GC domain, this study examines the intellectual structure of GC research at two distinct levels of analysis: overall GC publications and marketing and international business GC articles. This review of the literature uses cocitation data to provide insight to the field and develop a research-based model for future consideration. A total of 48 journals are included, providing 1,819 articles with 115,462 citations for examination. Applying multidimensional scaling to analyze the data, the study introduces a GC-focused model and provides possible topics for research. The proposed organizing framework includes elements of a market-based perspective (offering development, market orientation, and process emphasis), strategy implementation (firm-related advantages, strategic approach, and international focus), and performance to advance the critical nature of the marketing function in the GC literature.