bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Cilium Polarity: Morphogenetic Consequences
Authors: Regolini M.
Published: March 2018

In zebrafish inner ear, hair cell orientation in anterior and posterior maculae of the embryonic otic vesicle is different (about 30–40 degrees): this is rather unusual in planar polarity mechanism of action, instead suggests that kinocilia may be rotationally polarized. In mice node, the innermost monociliated cells generate a left-ward fluid flow sensed by the immotile primary cilia of Left peri-nodal cells: the Nodal signaling pathway is then expressed asymmetrically, in the Left lateral plate mesoderm, breaking symmetry in visceral organs (situs solitus); however, Right peri-nodal cells also, if artificially excited by a right-ward flow, break symmetry and activate the Nodal cascade, though inverting visceral organ asymmetry (situs inversus); surprisingly, peri-nodal cells prove to be adept at distinguishing flow directionality. Recently, in the Kupffer vesicle (the zebrafish laterality organ), chiral primary cilia orientation has been described: primary cilia, in the left and right side, are symmetrically oriented, showing a mirror average divergence of about 15–20 degrees from the midline. This finding, taken together with the mirror behavior of mouse perinodal cells and zebrafish hair cells, champions the idea of primary cilia enantiomerism.
Strategi Menyiasati Perubahan Bisnis: Kasus BMT Al-Ittihad
Authors: Nofrizal Nofrizal , Widayat Prama
Published: March 2018

This research aims to formulate and select BMT Al- Ittihad Rumbai strategy to face the changing of business environment both from internal environment such as organization resources, finance, member and external  business such as competitor, economy, politics and others. This research method used Analysis of EFAS, IFAS, IE Matrix, SWOT-8K Matrix, SPACE Matrix and TWOS Matrix. our hope from this research it can assist BMT Al-Ittihad in formulating and selecting strategies for the sustainability of BMT Al-Ittihad in the future. The sample in this research is manager and leader of BMT Al-Ittihad Rumbai Pekanbaru. The result of this research shows that the position of BMT Al-Ittihad using IE Matrix, SWOT-8K Matrix and SPACE Matrix is in growth position, stabilization and aggressive. The choice of strategy after using TWOS Matrix is market penetration, market development, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and stabilization
Risk Assessment for Hydrocarbon Fuel Storage and Handling Facilities at Gaili Area, Khartoum North-Sudan
Authors: M.A. Ahmed Mohieldeen , Ibrahim Muzmmel M.M. , Ghabshawi Omer M.A. Al
Published: March 2018

This study focused on evaluating the concepts of risk assessment associated with unsafe acts according to hazard identification at Gaili Area, Khartoum North, Sudan. Approaches used in this study; Research tools: Interviews, definite questionnaire & computer program for descriptive statistics – statistical package for social science (SSPS/version 22 – 2014). The study of risk assessment is conducted for workers in fuel terminals at Gaili area and analyzed using environmental health and safety concepts for eight jobs. Risk is associated with Job (driver, electrician, pump attendant, etc.), after hazards to be identified (natural, environmental, technological, biochemical, etc.). Fuel truck drivers at Gaili area showed the most highly risk job. The result showed that 60% of the incidents were caused by the hydrocarbon fuel transport drivers at the study area as the most highly risk job, followed by the electricians being the most affected job by electrical shocks during working hours followed by the pump attendants then welders followed by mechanics; including fatalities, restricted work activities, injuries, first aid and property damage. The study recommended to formulate of temporary committees such as autumn committee is not efficient in solving the problem, HSE steering committee should be a permanent committee to direct the emergency planning according to risk based assessment for identified hazards.
Transient Analysis of a Two-Heterogeneous Severs Queue with Impatient Behaviour and Multiple Vacations
Authors: Xu Jia , Liu Liwei , Zhu Taozeng
Published: March 2018

We consider anM/M/2 queueing system with two-heterogeneous servers and multiple vacations. Customers arrive according to a Poisson process. However, customers become impatient when the system is on vacation. We obtain explicit expressions for the time dependent probabilities, mean and variance of the system size at timetby employing probability generating functions, continued fractions and properties of the modified Bessel functions. Finally, two special cases are provided.
Kredit Ketahanan Pangan dan Energi: Implementasi dan Persepsi oleh Petani Padi
Authors: Widhiyanto Iman , Nuryartono Nunung , Harianto NFN , Siregar Hermanto
Published: March 2018

Agricultural sector is the government’s priority through fiscal policies. One of the policies implemented is the interest rate subsidy for Food and Energy Security Credit Program (KKP-E). Some Banks had been appointed and in collaboration with the government to provide KKP-E. KKP-E program had lower interest rate than the market rate and it was expected that the farmers could access it. KKP-E was intended to meet the needs of agricultural equipment and farm inputs purchase. Since the program rolled out from 2008 to 2015, the implementation of KKP-E was below the credit limit. This study aimed to analyze the KKP-E implementation, farmers’ perspectives of KKP-E, and change from KKP-E to KUR (People’s Business Credit) for Agricultural Sector. Results of the study showed that KKP-E disbursement was relatively low. KKP-E distribution channels needed enhancement and the credit could not satisfy all farm business. Farmers did not receive KKP-E from the bank on time. Continuity of subsidized credit was important for farmers. Basic scheme of KKP-E program should be applied to KUR for Agricultural Sector. The government and the Banks need to be more actively in socializing the program, to improve financial education, to utilize more advanced technology, and to simplify bureaucracy.

 

Abstrak

Pemerintah berusaha untuk membangun sektor pertanian melalui berbagai instrumen kebijakan fiskal. Salah satu kebijakan yang telah digulirkan adalah subsidi bunga Kredit Ketahanan Pangan dan Energi (KKP-E). Pemerintah bekerjasama dengan bank pelaksana menyediakan KKP-E. Petani diharapkan dapat mengakses KKP-E karena tingkat bunganya lebih rendah dari pasar. KKP-E digunakan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pembelian peralatan pertanian dan input usaha taninya. Sejak digulirkan pada tahun 2008 sampai dengan 2015, realisasi penyaluran KKP-E masih jauh di bawah plafon kredit, dan realisasi subsidi bunga tidak efisien pada tahun-tahun awal digulirkannya subsidi bunga KKP-E. Penelitian ini bermaksud menganalisis secara diskriptif implementasi KKP-E, perspektif usaha tani terhadap KKP-E, dan perubahan KKP-E menjadi KUR (Kredit Usaha Rakyat) sektor pertanian. Data di lapangan menunjukkan bahwa jangkauan KKP-E masih rendah, saluran distribusi KKP-E perlu ditambah, terjadi fungibility penggunaan KKP-E, pinjaman KKP-E belum dapat memenuhi semua kebutuhan usaha tani, dan pencairan KKP-E masih lama dan tidak tepat waktu. Usaha tani menginginkan agar skim kredit dengan subsidi bunga dapat dilanjutkan di masa yang akan datang. Kemudahan-kemudahan yang ada pada KKP-E hendaknya diterapkan pada KUR sektor pertanian. Pemerintah bersama bank pelaksana perlu lebih masif melakukan sosialisasi dan edukasi keuangan dengan memanfaatkan teknologi yang lebih maju dan menyederhanakan birokrasi. 
Proses dan Dinamika Penyusunan Undang-Undang Nomor 18 Tahun 2012 tentang Pangan
Authors: Suryana Achmad , Khalil Munawar
Published: March 2018

Legal drafting of the Food Law (Number 18/2012) was initiated by DPR RI using its initiative right. This law was issued in 2012 to replace the existing Food Law (Number 7/1996) because it was considered to be incapable to provide guidance for solving problems and challenges of national food development. This condition was due to significant changes in national and international strategic environment. Legal drafting processes of this law accommodated not only views of the parliament members of Working Committee representing their parties and the national government representatives coordinated by Ministry of Agriculture, but also from people’s aspirations through public consultations. From all subjects discussed, several issues were needed more intensive attentions, i.e. (a) meaning of food sovereignty, (b) position of imports to support food availability, (c) national food institution establishment, and (d) halal food issue. This paper aimed to write down processes and dynamics of legal drafting of this food law with those four issues as examples. It is expected that this article will be useful as information and lessons learned about legal drafting process and help stakeholders of food development to have more understanding of real meaning and intention of norms written in this Law.

 

Abstrak

Penyusunan Undang-Undang (UU) Nomor 18 Tahun 2012 tentang Pangan diinisiasi DPR RI dengan menggunakan hak inisiatif. UU Pangan ini diterbitkan tahun 2012 mengganti UU Pangan yang ada waktu itu (No. 7/1996) yang dinilai sudah tidak mampu memberikan acuan untuk menjawab berbagai permasalahan dan tantangan pembangunan pangan nasional. Kondisi ini disebabkan oleh terjadinya perubahan yang signifikan  dari lingkungan strategis nasional dan internasional. Proses penyusunan UU Pangan ini tidak saja mengakomodasi pemikiran para anggota DPR dari Panitia Kerja RUU Pangan yang mewakili fraksinya dan wakil-wakil kementerian/lembaga pemerintah yang dikoordimir oleh Kementerian Pertanian, tetapi juga menampung berbagai aspirasi masyarakat melalui penyelenggaraan konsultasi publik. Dari keseluruhan materi yang dibahas dalam RUU Pangan, beberapa substansi memerlukan pembahasan yang lebih intens dan mendalam, empat isu diantaranya adalah: (a) pengertian kedaulatan pangan; (b) posisi impor dalam penyediaan pangan; (c) pembentukan kelembagaan pangan; dan (d) kehalalan pangan. Penulisan artikel ini bertujuan untuk mendokumentasi proses dan dinamika pembahasan UU Pangan, dengan pendalaman menggunakan empat isu tersebut di atas. Diharapkan tulisan ini bermanfaat sebagai informasi dan pelajaran berharga mengenai dinamika penyusunan UU Pangan, dan dapat membantu pemangku kepentingan pembangunan pangan lebih memahami arti sesungguhnya dan maksud dari norma-norma yang tercantum dalam UU Pangan ini.  
Guest Editorial: Delivering Long-Term Value in E&P
Authors: Albert James
Published: March 2018

Guest editorial

Exploration and production (E&P) has become a margin business, with relentless pressure on unit cost performance and global competition for capital. While the industry response to the downturn has been impressive, past initiatives such as reductions in head-count and supplier rates are unlikely to cut it in the long term. To survive in this new economic reality, companies will have to do more to potentially reduce unit operating costs (UOC) by another 30%.

While oil and gas consumption is forecast to grow by 25% between 2015 and 2035, the growth rate has halved, with a further drag from decreasing energy intensity. Significant US unconventional capacity continues to be brought on stream at unit costs far lower than those achieved pre-2014, while new renewable energy capacity is being added at pace, with spectacular improvements in cost efficiency. These are long-term pressures that are likely to carry on squeezing E&P firms, despite recent oil price increases.

As operators consider how to achieve further reductions in UOC, here are five sources of long-term value that every leadership team should be tackling in earnest.

Zero-based asset costs. The pursuit of engineering excellence has driven cost and complexity into processes, activities, and equipment. Meanwhile, as portfolios have shifted through acquisitions and divestments, differences in breakeven UOC have become more visible and, in many cases, these costs are no longer sustainable, especially with the lower oil price of recent years.

There is an opportunity to reduce waste by differentiating processes and standards, tailoring them to the economic needs of individual assets or asset classes. Leading players recognize that they need to go much further than differentiated maintenance strategies, looking in detail at individual activities and standards across the business.

By adopting an approach that starts with a “zero base” and adds back only those activities that truly drive value for an individual asset, operators can significantly reduce costs. One major reviewed in detail the process for assigning resources and costs to individual projects across field development and drilling projects and reduced costs by 25% across assets.

Value-based prioritization. Since the downturn, organizations are having to do “more with less,” with some having reduced headcount by up to 30 to 50%. Gold-plated engineering solutions and low-impact maintenance interventions are no longer feasible in the new economic reality. Yet in many organizations, day-to-day prioritization decisions still rely on traditional engineering-led methods or simplistic “rules of thumb.”
Technology Update: Improving Corrosion Management by Using a Micelle Detection Technology
Authors: Rankin Scott , Osnowski Andrew , Mackay Fiona , Perfect Emma , Achour Mohsen H. , Blumer David J.
Published: March 2018

Technology Update

Corrosion inhibitors are often the first line of defense against internal corrosion, and effective mitigation relies on proactive monitoring and management of these inhibitors to allow for regular feedback and dose adjustment. There have been recent developments in this field, for example in greener chemistries (NACE 2016-7738) and treatment methods (Achour et al. 2008) and a growth in the number of papers published in OnePetro. We found an 18% increase in the number of publications in the last 10 years, compared with the previous 10, when searching the terms “corrosion AND inhibitor”.

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement. Common industry opinion is that current residual monitoring methods, such as colorimetric-complex methods or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry are either not sufficiently reliable for effective inhibitor dosage management or too complex to apply in the field.

Yet there is a significant commercial driver, as dosing corrosion inhibitors is an expensive undertaking and the potential cost improvements from improved management are significant. One North Sea operator reported that it believed it was overdosing inhibitor at an extra cost of pound 400,000 per year. An alternative corrosion inhibitor monitoring approach, first published in 2011 (NACE  11071), exploits the formation of corrosion inhibitor micelles and poses the questions:

Does micelle detection have a place in the inhibitor qualification process?

Can it help inform chemical management in the field?

Micelles—a Recap

The most common class of corrosion inhibitor used in the oilfield is amphiphilic surfactant molecules, which form a barrier on the pipe surface to protect from corrosion. Above a certain concentration, nanoscale aggregates called corrosion inhibitor micelles are formed. This point is called the Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) and is specific to the chemical and unique physical conditions found in each system.

The CMC has been shown to be an important factor in establishing an effective inhibitor dose, with the optimum dose being equivalent to the CMC (e.g. NACE 10326). Below the CMC, there is an opportunity to dose additional inhibitor to further reduce corrosion while above the CMC, surplus inhibitor may be present.

Earlier studies looking at CMC and its relation to optimal inhibitor dose were relatively simplistic laboratory studies. Out of the 43 CMC studies reviewed, only one study used formulated inhibitors, with the majority looking only at single components, e.g. an imidazoline. Importantly, all 43 studies used model systems to test the corrosion inhibitors, rather than complex field fluids. It is therefore pertinent to address the question of whether micelles and the significance of the CMC are still relevant in real field conditions.
Coral Cênico UFVJM: um espaço de arte e formação acadêmica
Authors: Madureira José RAFAEL
Published: March 2018

O presente trabalho é um relato de experiência do projeto de extensão universitária Coral Cênico UFVJM que visa oferecer à comunidade acadêmica um espaço de estudo e prática do canto coral com ênfase na encenação teatral.
Projeto Sabão Ecológico: uma estratégia educacional para a reciclagem do óleo de cozinha no município de Viçosa
Authors: Bernardo da Silva Barbosa Cardoso Yaankha Bharbara Allecxandria , Marcelino Amoglia Sabrina , Louise McClelland Julie , Ferreira Teixeira Amanda , Fernandes Melo Laura
Published: March 2018

O descarte inadequado de resíduos de óleo de cozinha usado pode causar danos ambientais no local onde é descartado, bem como no entorno, fato que desrespeita um dos direitos do ser humano: o acesso ao ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado. Neste contexto, o Projeto Sabão Ecológico foi criado pela ONG Engenheiros Sem Fronteiras – Núcleo Viçosa, devido à necessidade de conscientizar a população sobre os danos inerentes ao descarte incorreto desse óleo. Por meio de oficinas teórico-práticas, que ensinam a produção de sabão artesanal a partir do óleo usado, o projeto apresenta um destino sustentável para o mesmo, gerando um produto capaz de auxiliar no orçamento doméstico ou mesmo gerar renda para a comunidade, já tendo alcançado avaliação positiva pelos participantes. Dessa forma, o projeto tem impactado diversas esferas, promovendo benefícios ambientais, sociais e financeiros aos envolvidos, por meio da educação ambiental, utilizada como ferramenta de transformação da sociedade.
Abundance, Fishing Season and Management Strategy for Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Pangkajene Kepulauan, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Eko Sri Wiyono  , Ihsan
Published: March 2018

In order to manage blue swimming crabs in Pangkajene Kepulauan, management measures are required. Since the environment which affects the abundance of the blue swimming crab varies seasonally, it is necessary to take into account the seasonal nature with the aim of developing a management strategy. The objectives of this study are to define the abundance of and fishing season of blue swimming crabs in the Pangkajene Kepulauan waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The fishing season was analysed using seasonal index analysis, while fish abundance was analysed by means of Equilibrium-Schaefer. The result of this study demonstrated that fishermen allocate their fishing gear all year, although the fish catch is seasonal. Based on analysis of the result, the fishing season for the blue swimming crabs is short. The peak fishing season starts in May and finishes in June. However, in order to enable their families to earn a living, fishermen operated their fishing gear throughout the year. As a result, both catch landing and effort were close to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In order to reduce fishing pressure, it is necessary to reduce fishing gear and have a seasonal arrangement regarding fishing gear allocation.
The Effects of Microalgae as Live Food for Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifer) in Intensive Culture System
Authors: Abdull Razak Abd Rahman  , Zaidi Che Cob  , Zainoddin Jamari  , Abdul Majid Mohamed  , Tatsuki Toda  , Othman Haji Ross
Published: March 2018

Brachionus plicatilis is used to feed fish and crustacean larvae in the aquaculture industry. It is well established that the type of microalgae may influence rotifer production. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of five different locally available microalgae species at Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kedah, Malaysia on the instantaneous growth rate (?) of rotifer. Nannochloris sp., Tetraselmis sp., Isochrysis sp., Chlorella sp., and Nannochloropsis sp. were used as feed at different algae densities (0.1, 0.3, 0.7 and 1.5 Å~ 106 cells/ml) and culture volumes (20, 70 and 210 ml). At algae densities ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 Å~ 106 cells/ml, an average ? value of more than 0.90 per day were recorded for all algae species. However, at density of 0.1 Å~ 106 cells/ml, only Tetraselmis sp. resulted in the significantly highest ? value compared with others (p < 0.05). In terms of volume, smaller culture volume of Tetraselmis sp. (20 ml) showed significantly higher ? compared with higher volume (70 and 210 ml cultures).
 
Brachionus plicatilis digunakan untuk memberi makan ikan dan larva krustacea dalam industri akuakultur. Telah termaktub bahawa jenis mikroalga boleh mempengaruhi pengeluaran rotifer. Eksperimen ini dijalankan untuk menentukan kesan spesis mikroalga yang terdapat di Institut Penyelidikan Perikanan (FRI), Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kedah, Malaysia pada kadar pertumbuhan segera (?) rotifer. Nannochloris sp., Tetraselmis sp., Isochrysis sp., Chlorella sp. dan Nannochloropsis sp. digunakan sebagai makanan pada kepadatan alga yang berbeza (0.1, 0.3, 0.7 dan 1.5 Å~ 106 sel/ml) dan jumlah kultur (20, 70 dan 210 ml). Pada kepadatan alga antara 0.3 hingga 1.5 × 106 sel/ml, nilai purata ? lebih daripada 0.90 sehari dicatatkan untuk semua spesies alga. Walau bagaimanapun, pada ketumpatan 0.1 Å~ 106 sel/ml, hanya Tetraselmis sp. menghasilkan nilai ? yang paling tinggi berbanding dengan yang lain (p < 0.05). Dari segi isipadu, isipadu kultur Tetraselmis sp. yang lebih kecil (20 ml) menunjukkan ? yang lebih tinggi berbanding dengan isipadu kultur tertinggi (kultur 70 dan 210 ml).
Maize Yield Response to Nitrogen Rate and Plant Density under Film Mulching
Authors: Li Ting , Liu Jianliang , Wang Shaojie , Zhang Yue , Zhan Ai , Li Shiqing
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas

Film mulching significantly improved soil moisture.

Film mulching required a higher N rate and plant density for maximum maize productivity.

Optimum management can improve maize production and water use in semiarid regions.

Film mulching has significantly improved crop productivity in semiarid areas. We hypothesized that plants grown under the film‐mulched system (FM) require higher N rates and higher plant densities than the non‐mulched system (NM) to optimize grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE). A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted at the Changwu experimental station to evaluate the effects of N supply and plant density on grain yield, yield components, evapotranspiration, and WUE in spring maize (Zea mays L.) with and without film mulching. Results showed that FM improved topsoil water content. Mulch practice × N rate and mulch practice × plant density interactions existed for yield and WUE in both years. Regression analysis showed that yield and WUE increased with increasing N rate and plant density for FM. The predicted maximum yield (14.3 and 15.1 Mg ha−1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively) and WUE (31.3 and 38.4 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively) for FM were obtained at 280 kg N ha−1 and 80,000 plants ha−1. Lower N amounts and lower plant densities were required for NM to obtain the maximum yield and WUE. However, field experiments showed that the N amount of 225 kg ha−1 in FM increased N use efficiency while yielding >94% of the maximum. In conclusion, film mulching together with optimum N application rates and plant densities can improve maize production and WUE in semiarid regions.
Nutrient Disorders of Burley and Flue‐Cured Tobacco: Part 1—Macronutrient Deficiencies
Authors: Henry Josh B. , Vann Matthew , McCall Ingram , Cockson Paul , Whipker Brian E.
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas

Recognizing macronutrient disorders is important for commercial production.

Foliar nutrient concentrations were identified for burley and flue‐cured tobacco.

Symptoms and critical values were compared with published results.

Nutrient deficiency disorders often manifest unique symptoms and vary in critical nutrient ranges depending on species and type. Understanding and recognizing nutrient disorders for different types of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is important for maintaining quality and yield. Burley and flue‐cured tobacco account for over 90% of all tobacco produced in the United States, and thus, were grown in this study to investigate the effects of macronutrient deficiencies. Tobacco plants were grown in silica sand culture, and control plants received a complete modified Hoagland's all‐nitrate solution, whereas nutrient‐deficient treatments were induced with a complete nutrient formula withholding a single nutrient. Plants were automatically irrigated, and the leached solution was captured for reuse. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph symptoms as they developed. A description of nutrient disorder symptomology and critical tissue concentrations are presented.
Nutrient Disorders of Burley and Flue‐Cured Tobacco: Part 2—Micronutrient Disorders
Authors: Henry Josh B. , Vann Matthew , McCall Ingram , Cockson Paul , Whipker Brian E.
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas

Recognizing micronutrient disorders is important for commercial production.

Unique, previously unobserved nutrient disorder symptoms were observed.

Foliar nutrient concentrations were identified for burley and flue‐cured tobacco.

Symptoms and critical values were compared with published results.

Nutrient disorders often manifest unique symptoms and vary in critical nutrient ranges where visual symptoms appear depending on plant species and type. Understanding and recognizing nutrient disorders for different types of tobacco is important for maintaining yield and quality. Burley and flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) account for over 90% of all tobacco produced in the United States, and thus, were grown in this study to investigate the effects of micronutrient disorders. Tobacco plants were grown in silica sand culture, and control plants received a complete modified Hoagland's all‐nitrate solution, whereas nutrient‐deficient treatments were induced with a complete nutrient formula withholding a single nutrient. Boron toxicity was also induced by increasing the element tenfold higher than the complete nutrient formula. Plants were automatically irrigated, and the leached solution was captured for reuse. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph symptoms as they developed. A description of nutrient disorder symptomology and critical tissue concentrations associated with symptomology are presented.
Spatial Gradients of Ecosystem Health Indicators across a Human‐Impacted Semiarid Savanna
Authors: Vågen Tor‐Gunnar , Winowiecki Leigh Ann , Twine Wayne , Vaughan Karen
Published: March 2018

Drivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics involve a combination of edaphic, human, and climatic factors that influence and determine SOC distribution across the landscape. High‐resolution maps of key indicators of ecosystem health can enable assessments of these drivers and aid in critical management decisions. This study used a systematic field‐based approach coupled with statistical modeling and remote sensing to develop accurate, high‐resolution maps of key indicators of ecosystem health across savanna ecosystems in South Africa. Two 100‐km2 landscapes in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality were surveyed, and 320 composite topsoil samples were collected. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy was used to predict soil properties, with good performance for all models and root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) values of 1.3, 0.2, 5, and 3.6 for SOC, pH, sand, and clay, respectively. Validation results for the mapping of soil erosion prevalence and herbaceous cover using RapidEye imagery at 5‐m spatial resolution showed good model performance with area under the curve values of 0.80 and 0.86, respectively. The overall (out‐of‐bag) random forest model performance for mapping of soil properties, reported using R2, was 0.8, 0.77, and 0.82 for SOC, pH, and sand, respectively. Calibration model performance was good, with RMSEP values of 2.6 g kg−1 for SOC, 0.2 for pH, and 6% for sand content. Strong gradients of increasing SOC and pH corresponded with decreasing sand content between the study sites. Although both sites had low SOC overall, important driving factors of SOC dynamics included soil texture, soil erosion prevalence, and climate. These data will inform strategic land management decisions focused particularly on improving ecosystem conditions.

Core Ideas

Systematic field sampling coupled with remote sensing produces spatially explicit assessments.

Key indicators of ecosystem health include soil erosion prevalence and herbaceous cover.

Soil organic C dynamics are key indicators of ecosystem health.

There are several key edaphic drivers of SOC, including soil texture and climate.
Building an Open Science Framework to Model Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Flathers Edward , Gessler Paul E.
Published: March 2018

As funding agencies embrace open science principles that encourage sharing data and computer code developed to produce research outputs, we must respond with new modes of publication. Furthermore, as we address the expanding reproducibility crisis in the sciences, we must work to release research materials in ways that enable reproducibility—publishing data, computer code, and research products in addition to the traditional journal article. Toward addressing these needs, we present an example framework to model and map soil organic carbon (SOC) in the cereal grains production region of the northwestern United States. Primarily associated with soil organic matter, SOC relates to many soil properties that influence resiliency and soil health for agriculture. It is also critical for understanding soil–atmospheric C flux, a significant part of the overall C budget of the Earth. The scorpan technique for modeling soil properties uses seven categories of environmental input data to make predictions: known soil attributes, climatic values, organisms present, relief, parent material, age, and spatial location. We gather data representing these categories from various public sources. The map is produced using a random forest statistical model with scorpan inputs to predict SOC content on a 30‐m spatial grid. All modeling components including input data, metadata, computer code, and output products are made freely available under an explicit open‐source license. In this way, reproducibility is supported, the methods and code released are available to be reused by other researchers, and the research products are open to critical review and improvement.

Core Ideas

We created a spatial model of SOC, which is important for agriculture and climate change.

Open science principles and practices lead to better science and reproducibility.

It is important to make readers aware of the hidden limitations of data and models.
Removal of Pollutants in Different Landfill Leachate Treatment Processes on the Basis of Organic Matter Fractionation
Authors: Zolfaghari Mehdi , Dia Oumar , Klai Nouha , Drogui Patrick , Brar Satinder Kaur , Buelna Gerardo , Dubé Rino
Published: March 2018

A combination of processes was required for the proper treatment of old landfill leachate, as it contained a high concentration of pollutants. Humic substances comprised half of the total organic carbon in the raw leachate. Mobility of di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and metals could depend on the fate of these substances. Characterization of carbon in raw leachate and effluent of the membrane bioreactor, biofiltration, electro‐oxidation, electro‐coagulation, and nanofiltration showed complete removal of suspended solids and colloids. Physical processes could not remove the hydrophilic fraction due to its lower molecular weight. However, high removal of the hydrophilic fraction with a molecular weight <500 Da was expected in the biological process. In comparison with fulvic acid, larger sized humic acid resulted in complete removal by physicochemical processes. Because of DEHP partitioning on dissolved organic matter, especially on humic substances, its removal could be correlated with total organic carbon removal. Metals such as iron, aluminum, magnesium, and lead showed removal efficiency >80% in biological processes. Electro‐deposition on the surface of an electrode and precipitation by hydroxide resulted in removal efficiencies >90 and >50% in electro‐coagulation and electro‐oxidation, respectively. Rejection of metals by nanofiltration was >80% and depended on the size and charge of cation. All in all, a combination of membrane bioreactor and nanofiltration seems to be the optimal process configuration for efficient treatment of old landfill leachate.

Core Ideas

Humic substances comprise half of the organic carbon in landfill leachate.

Given its size & interaction with sludge, fulvic acid is the most concerning type of carbon.

Organic carbon with size 0.5 to 10 kDa is rarely removed by biological treatment.

We study the fate of metal & hydrophobic emerging contaminants bound with humic substances.

Combination of biological treatment & nanofiltration is the most efficient treatment option.
Environmental Indicator Principium with Case References to Agricultural Soil, Water, and Air Quality and Model‐Derived Indicators
Authors: Zhang T. Q. , Zheng Z. M. , Lal R. , Lin Z. Q. , Sharpley A. N. , Shober A. L. , Smith D. , Tan C. S. , Van Cappellen P.
Published: March 2018

Environmental indicators are powerful tools for tracking environmental changes, measuring environmental performance, and informing policymakers. Many diverse environmental indicators, including agricultural environmental indicators, are currently in use or being developed. This special collection of technical papers expands on the peer‐reviewed literature on environmental indicators and their application to important current issues in the following areas: (i) model‐derived indicators to indicate phosphorus losses from arable land to surface runoff and subsurface drainage, (ii) glutathione–ascorbate cycle‐related antioxidants as early‐warning bioindicators of polybrominated diphenyl ether toxicity in mangroves, and (iii) assessing the effectiveness of using organic matrix biobeds to limit herbicide dissipation from agricultural fields, thereby controlling on‐farm point‐source pollution. This introductory review also provides an overview of environmental indicators, mainly for agriculture, with examples related to the quality of the agricultural soil–water–air continuum and the application of model‐derived indicators. Current knowledge gaps and future lines of investigation are also discussed. It appears that environmental indicators, particularly those for agriculture, work efficiently at the field, catchment, and local scales and serve as valuable metrics of system functioning and response; however, these indicators need to be refined or further developed to comprehensively meet community expectations in terms of providing a consistent picture of relevant issues and/or allowing comparisons to be made nationally or internationally.

Core Ideas

Highly diverse environmental indicators are in use or in development.

Agricultural environmental indicators function efficiently at various scales.

Environmental indicators need to be improved to provide consistent performance and allow comparability.
Filter Membrane Effects on Water‐Extractable Phosphorus Concentrations from Soil
Authors: Norby Jessica , Strawn Daniel , Brooks Erin
Published: March 2018

To accurately assess P concentrations in soil extracts, standard laboratory practices for monitoring P concentrations are needed. Water‐extractable P is a common analytical test to determine P availability for leaching from soils, and it is used to determine best management practices. Most P analytical tests require filtration through a filter membrane with 0.45‐μm pore size to distinguish between particulate and dissolved P species. However, filter membrane type is rarely specified in method protocols, and many different types of membranes are available. In this study, three common filter membrane materials (polyether sulfone, nylon, and nitrocellulose), all with 0.45‐μm pore sizes, were tested for analytical differences in total P concentrations and dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations in water extracts from six soils sampled from two regions. Three of the extracts from the six soil samples had different total P concentrations for all three membrane types. The other three soil extracts had significantly different total P results from at least one filter membrane type. Total P concentration differences were as great as 35%. The DRP concentrations in the extracts were dependent on filter type in five of the six soil types. Results from this research show that filter membrane type is an important parameter that affects concentrations of total P and DRP from soil extracts. Thus, membrane type should be specified in soil extraction protocols.

Core Ideas

Filter membrane type is rarely specified in method protocols for P analysis.

Many different types of filter membranes are available.

Results show that filter membrane type affects concentrations of P from soil extracts.

Membrane type should be specified in soil extraction protocols for P analysis.
Evaluación de una Experiencia de Formación B-Learning en el Aprendizaje de Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación
Authors: Monsalve-Gómez Juan Carlos , Botero-Botero Jaime Alonso , Montoya-Suárez Lina María
Published: March 2018

El presente artículo de investigación presenta los resultados de un proceso de evaluación realizado sobre una experiencia de formación b-learning con apoyo de la plataforma Moodle.Para la recolección de la información participaron de forma voluntaria en el estudio 226 estudiantes del curso Competencias Fundamentales en TIC de la Fundación Universitaria Luis Amigó, los cuales diligenciaron el Cuestionario de Satisfacción de Alumnos universitarios hacia la formación online (CUSAUF) propuesto por [1].En cuanto a los hallazgos se puede evidenciar una valoración positiva del curso, con un puntaje total de 3.4 sobre 4.0 los estudiantes tienen una buena percepción del proceso llevado a cabo, sin embargo hay aspectos en los cuales se puede mejorar, como la comunicación a través de plataforma DICOM y los contenidos del curso, específicamente en cuanto al volumen y de información y la presentación de esta.
Modelo para la Interoperabilidad de Contenidos Educativos en Diversas Plataformas
Authors: Reyes-Gamboa Adriana Ximena , Uribe-Velásquez Luis Felipe , Cataño-Orozco Santiago
Published: March 2018

Este artículo presenta los resultados del proyecto de interoperabilidad entre plataformas “diseño de un modelo para la interoperabilidad de contenidos educativos en las diversas plataformas basadas en la nube”, el cual busca el correcto despliegue de contenidos audiovisuales en las diferentes plataformas de los dispositivos, el modelo desarrollado se basó en una caracterización de cada una de las plataformas en busca de funcionalidades comunes entre ellas. Este modelo fue validado mediante un caso práctico donde un grupo de personas utilizo el modelo y evaluó su desempeño y despliegue de los contenidos en cada uno de los dispositivos
La Gestión de Indicadores Empresariales con Lógica Difusa para la Toma de Decisiones
Authors: Arango-Serna Martín Darío , Serna-Durán Conrado Augusto , Pérez-Ortega Giovanni
Published: March 2018

En las organizaciones actuales la toma de decisiones está acompañada de cierto grado de incertidumbre, lo que no permite planificar sobre resultados ciertos. En algunas ocasiones medir estos resultados también implica incertidumbre asociada con la ambigüedad o subjetividad del instrumento utilizado. Como solución para este problema, se propone un sistema de medición y análisis basado en el Balance Scorecard que incorpora técnicas de lógicas difusas para disminuir la incidencia de esta incertidumbre en los procesos de toma y análisis de decisiones.
El Elogio de la Ingeniería en la Sociedad
Authors: Serna-Montoya Edgar
Published: March 2018

Reproducción del texto publicado por el Ingeniero Reggini en el Boletín del Consejo Profesional de Ingeniería Civil de la Argentina. Primera parte en el No. 394, enero-febrero-marzo 2008, pp. 30-31 y la segunda parte en el No. 395, abril-mayo-junio 2008, pp. 38.
Papel de la Sede Universitaria Municipal en la Implementación del Programa de Promoción Agroecológica en las Cooperativas Campesinas, para el Aprovechamiento Racional de los Recursos Naturales, la Seguridad Alimentaria, Restauración del Equilibrio Ecológi
Authors: Faye-González Kenia , Hernández-Medina Carlos Alberto
Published: March 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el papel de la Sede Universitaria Municipal en la implementación del Programa de Promoción Agrícola "Campesino a Campesino", en las Cooperativas Campesinas de Camajuaní. El uso de las tecnologías agroecológicas en las Cooperativas campesinas de Camajuaní marca el inicio del desarrollo sustentable, desde el punto de vista económico y ecológico. Las fincas muestran un uso más intensivo del recurso tierra expresado en el número de especies manejadas, así como en el contenido de materia orgánica. El campesino mejora los resultados de la producción, sus condiciones económicas sociales y gana en calidad de vida. Los patrones dominantes de producción y consumo contribuían al deterioro ambiental, y se debe detener ese deterioro, de manera que se recupere la diversidad biológica y la calidad de los ecosistemas, creando las condiciones para un equilibrio entre el desarrollo comunitario y la protección de la biosfera. La agricultura sustentable se convierte en un paradigma que sirve como vía para garantizar una alimentación sana y estable sin afectar al medio. Pretende compatibilizar la conservación de los recursos naturales y laprotección del ambiente, con la producción de cantidades suficiente de alimentos para garantizar el bienestar de las generaciones presentes y futuras.
Computación y Paradojas Matemáticas
Authors: Tasenm John Sideleat
Published: March 2018

Los computadores son máquinas poderosas y muy prácticas, al punto que en poco tiempo se tornaron indispensables para el funcionamiento de la sociedad moderna. Pero hasta quienes colaboraron en su invención yprogreso, olvidaron que se inventaron para ayudar a aclarar un asunto filosófico relacionado con los fundamentos matemáticos.
Requerimientos de Energía en los Procesos de Fabricación a Nanoescala
Authors: Ferreira Plácido T.
Published: March 2018

En este artículo se describen las principales tecnologías de fabricación a nanoescala, y se examinan cualitativamente los requerimientos, que tienen con respecto a la demanda de energía, sus procesos fundamentales. Estos requerimientos se relacionan con los procesos aplicados en la fabricación de semiconductores; también se describen las falencias en la comprensión de estos procesos para la producción a nanoescala, cuya comunidad investigadora los identifica como objetivos a corto plazo. Por último, se propone un marco para el análisis sistemático del uso de energía en los procesos de fabricación a nanoescala.
Solución de un Problema de Control en Programación Concurrente
Authors: Serna-Montoya Edgar
Published: March 2018

Trad. E. W. Dijkstra “Solution of a Problem in Concurrent Programming Control”. Es posible diseñar una serie de procesos secuenciales-cíclicos, principalmente independientes, con medios de comunicación limitados entre sí, de tal manera que en cualquier momento uno y sólo uno de ellos esté ocupado en la "sección crítica" de su ciclo
La Saeta del Tiempo: Una Lectura a Gerald Whitrow
Authors: Butler M.
Published: March 2018

En la vida cotidiana, el mundo muestra una marcada diferencia entre el pasado y el futuro, pero —con una pequeña excepción— las leyes de la física son simétricas en el tiempo. Gerald Whitrow fue uno de los primeros en darse cuenta que la resolución de esta paradoja está de acuerdo con la cosmología y las condiciones iniciales en el nacimiento del universo. Pero esta simple conclusión oculta algunas profundas sutilezas que toman un nuevo giro con la aparición de la cosmología cuántica y la hipótesis del universo inflacionario. La cuestión aún no ha sido resuelta por completo, y sigue siendo uno de los grandes
Arquitectura Para la Extracción de Información de Espacios Urbanos
Authors: Forero-Guzmán Alejandro , Parra-Rodríguez Carlos
Published: March 2018

El presente artículo presenta una arquitectura para la extracción de información de espacios urbanos, la extracción de información de espacios urbanos, la cual debe permitir la integración entre los sistemas de visión por computador que procesan imágenes o video con estrategias de bajo nivel, con la interpretación semántica que los humanos hacen de los espacios. En este documento también se presenta la estructura de esta arquitectura y las limitaciones que introducen los sistemas de adquisición con cámaras.
Criterios para la Evaluación de Superficies Multitáctiles y sus Aplicaciones
Authors: Méndez Yenny A. , Collazos César A. , Sánchez J. Alfredo , Merchán-Paredes Luis , Magallanes Yazmín , Molina Ariel
Published: March 2018

Las superficies multitáctiles son tecnologías que empiezan a tener un elevado uso. Se toman como referentes aspectos utilizados para la evaluación de usabilidad de sistemas interactivos, así como las características que los investigadores y desarrolladores sugieren que deberían tener las superficies multitáctiles y las aplicaciones desarrolladas. Se presenta una propuesta inicial de criterios que deberían tenerse en cuenta para incluir aspectos de ergonomía, usabilidad y colaboración en el momento de realizar evaluaciones para estas tecnologías. Se ilustra cómo se pueden aplicar los criterios propuestos a través de un caso de estudio que cuenta con resultados promisorios.
Degradación de Suelos Ante Tensión de Corte Cíclica
Authors: Galindo-Aires Rubén Ángel
Published: March 2018

Un suelo sometido a carga tangencial repetida se comporta de diferente manera al principio de la solicitación que después de un número de ciclos de carga. La respuesta del suelo es cada vez menos rígida, adquiriendo más deformación ante la misma solicitación, esto es debido al fenómeno de degradación de la estructura del suelo producido por la actuación de una carga continua en el tiempo. Ésta, por sí sola, no es capaz de alterar la disposición de las partículas de suelo, pero al repetirse regularmente implica su actuación en cada nuevo ciclo de carga sobre un suelo ya solicitado al mismo esfuerzo, durante un corto espacio de tiempo antes y que, por tanto, o no ha recuperado aún su posicionamiento inicial o ha producido una pequeña alteración en la estructura del suelo que la diferencia de la situación anterior. La generación de presión en el agua intersticial de un suelo saturado al aplicar tensión de corte predispone al suelo a un comportamiento diferente ante nuevas situaciones de carga y constituye así el principal factor causante del fenómeno de degradación de un suelo blando. En este artículo se estudia el fenómeno de degradación y se proponen dependencias con las variables que intervienen en el problema.