bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RenovaBio e o agrohidronegócio canavieiro em Goiás
Authors: Neves Pedro Dias Mangolini , Mendonça Marcelo Rodrigues
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo é referente à expansão do agrohidronegócio canavieiro em Goiás por meio da atuação do Estado mediante políticas governamentais como a Política Nacional de Biocombustíveis – RenovaBio. Para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa foi realizada uma análise da concentração do agrohidronegócio ao longo dos anos e uma análise da legislação do RenovaBio, bem como dos seus efeitos em uma possível nova expansão. Conclui-se que a nova política de Estado voltada ao agronegócio canavieiro, RenovaBio, tem como intuito principal o incentivo à geração de biocombustíveis no Brasil, justificado pelo acordo estabelecido na Conferência de Paris. Ainda, que com a efetivação do RenovaBio, a produção de agrocombustíveis (incluindo o etanol) no Brasil tende a aumentar e, evidentemente, acarretará o aumento da produtividade do agronegócio canavieiro a partir de melhor tecnologia na mecanização e na genética da variedade da cana, como também poderá intensificar a expansão das áreas dos canaviais para a Microrregião Sudoeste do estado de Goiás nas áreas remanescentes de Cerrado.

Abstract

RENOVABIO AND THE SUGARCANE AGRIBUSINESS IN GOIÁS

This article approaches the expansion of sugarcane agribusiness in Goiás through the State’s action according to government policies such as the National Biofuels Policy – RenovaBio. To develop this research, we performed an analysis of the agribusiness concentration over the years and the RenovaBio legislation, as well as its effects on a possible new expansion. We concluded that the new policy for the state of sugarcane agribusiness, the RenovaBio, has the main purpose of encouraging the generation of biofuels in Brazil justified by the agreement established at the Paris Conference. In addition, by implementing the RenovaBio, the [ production of agrofuels (including ethanol) in Brazil tends to increase evidently leading to an enhanced productivity of sugarcane agribusiness through improved technology for the mechanization and genetics of sugarcane variety, which may intensify the expansion of sugarcane areas to the Southwest Micro-region of the state of Goiás in the remaining areas of Cerrado.
Geografia e fenomenologia: o patrimônio em aberto
Authors: Teixeira-da-Silva Rafael Henrique
Published: June 2020

Como apreender o patrimônio em sua essência? Essa foi a pergunta inicial que nos fizemos e que impulsionou as explorações realizadas na cidade de São Cristóvão/SE. Desse modo, caminhamos com a proposta de uma poética geográfica, baseada numa fenomenologia bachelardiana e na experiência enquanto escala epistemológica. Nesse sentido, pelo ato de caminhar através da cidade, nos tornamos disponíveis para que o patrimônio local se revelasse. Ao alternar momentos de movimento e de quietude, mantivemos uma atitude de serenidade oportuna para deixar as coisas aparecerem como elas são. Paramos de buscar conceitos e formas para apenas possibilitar que o patrimônio viesse até nós. Abandonamos o pensamento calculador e técnico pelo pensar criativo e poético. Assim, ao cessar de perguntar pelo seu sentido fomos em busca do patrimônio apresentado pleno de sentido, para então nos tornarmos parte dele. Um patrimônio que só se revela ao se realizar, não ao se negar.

Abstract

GEOGRAPHY AND PHENOMENOLOGY: CULTURAL HERITAGE IN OPENNESS

How to capture heritage in its essence? This was the initial question that we asked ourselves and which stimulated the explorations carried out in the city of São Cristóvão/SE (Brazil). In this way, we follow up with the proposal of a geographical poetics, based on a Bachelardian phenomenology and on the experience as an epistemological scale. In this sense, through the act of walking through the city, we became available for the local heritage to reveal itself. By alternating moments of movement and stillness, we maintained an attitude of providential serenity to let things appear as they are. We stopped looking for concepts and ways to only allow the heritage to come to us. We abandoned calculating and technical thinking for creative and poetic thinking. Thus, we ceased to ask for its meaning and went in search of the uncovered heritage full of meaning, to become part of it. A heritage that is revealed only when it is performed, not when it is withheld.
Estruturação urbana e questão da moradia nas cidades do agronegócio
Authors: Pequeno Renato , Elias Denise
Published: June 2020

Cidades que polarizam regiões produtivas associadas ao agronegócio ganharam destaque na rede urbana do Brasil, nas últimas três décadas. O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal apresentar um quadro de dinâmicas socioespaciais vinculadas à estruturação de algumas dessas cidades, por nós chamadas de cidades do agronegócio, a partir das condições de moradia. Defendemos quatro teses: a de que o agronegócio globalizado acirra as já históricas desigualdades socioespaciais do Brasil; a de que o consumo produtivo do agronegócio e os estabelecimentos agroindustriais são determinantes para a estruturação urbana das cidades do agronegócio; a de que a moradia é uma variável chave para o estudo das desigualdades socioespaciais no espaço urbano; a de que as condições de inserção urbana dos conjuntos do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida (PMCMV) são forte evidência da dissociação entre as políticas públicas urbana e habitacional. Como objeto de análise tivemos um conjunto de cidades do agronegócio distribuídas pelas cinco regiões brasileiras. O artigo se estrutura em torno de três questões norteadoras: quais elementos se destacam na estruturação das cidades estudadas? Como a questão da moradia se manifesta considerando os diferentes agentes da produção do espaço? Como as políticas urbana e habitacional foram conduzidas nas últimas duas décadas? A partir destas questões apresentamos elementos de argumentação para as teses defendidas.

Abstract

URBAN STRUCTURING AND HOUSING ISSUES IN AGRIBUSINESS CITIES

Cities that polarize productive regions associated with agribusiness have gained prominence in Brazil’s urban network in the past three decades. The main objective of this article is to present some agribusiness cities, relating both its urban structuring and the socio-spatial dynamics, focusing on housing conditions. We defend four theses: first, globalized agribusiness worsens Brazil’s historic socio-spatial inequalities; second, agribusiness productive consumption and agro-industrial facilities are crucial for urban structuring in agribusiness cities; third, housing is a key variable for socio-spatial inequalities studies about urban space; forth, locational conditions of Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (PMCMV) social housing projects are a strong evidence of dissociation between public housing and urban policies. Our analysis object is a group of agribusiness cities spread over five Brazilian regions. The article has three leading questions: which elements stand out from urban structuring in those cities? How does housing take place by considering different space production agents? How have urban and housing policies been led in the past two decades? Then we develop our argumentation to support our theses.
Using Aipotu simulation to promote evolution learning and teaching
Authors: Katsaros Nikolaos A. , Stasinakis Panagiotis K.
Published: June 2020

In this article, we present the simulation software called Aipotu and we propose a way to use it in order to promote Evolution Learning and Teaching. Through activities, included in a worksheet, students gradually gain new knowledge not only on evolution and its genetic base but on the concept of simulation and scientific modeling as well. Aipotu is offered free of charge through a web page, so that it can be used at any time and place.
Fatal autonomic failure due to premanifesting Parkinson's disease only diagnosed at autopsy
Authors: Bodi Istvan , Hagen Ellen Merete , Ingle Gordon Thorpe , Lunn Michael P
Published: June 2020

A 46‐year‐old male had 11‐year history of cryptic autonomic dysfunction. He developed a fatal autonomic failure with diffuse hypoxic brain injury. Histology examination of medulla oblongata and the celiac ganglion revealed many α‐synuclein immunoreactive Lewy bodies confirming the diagnosis of premanifesting Parkinson's disease (PD). PNS involvement in PD is underappreciated.
Effect of Active Site Poisoning on Iron−Nitrogen−Carbon Platinum‐Group‐Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts Operating in Neutral Media: A Rotating Disk Electrode Study
Authors: Ficca Valerio C. A. , Santoro Carlo , D'Epifanio Alessandra , Licoccia Silvia , Serov Alexey , Atanassov Plamen , Mecheri Barbara
Published: June 2020

Platinum‐group‐metal‐free (PGM‐free) catalysts are the most promising materials to substitute expensive platinum catalysts for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), particularly for microbial fuel cells. For these devices, contamination due to wastewater is one of the major issues, owing to the presence of various poisoning anions. The known nitrite contamination effect over PGM‐free catalysts was studied by using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique in neutral media to understand its patterns. The results were then compared to other contaminants commonly found in wastewater such as chloride (Cl−), perchlorate (ClO4−), and nitrate (NO3−) in the concentration range of 0.05–50 mM. Onset potential (Eonset), half‐wave potential (E1/2), limiting disk current density (Jlim) and Tafel slope variations were the parameters exploited to identify specific or nonspecific adsorbed contaminants. Chloride and nitrate had no negative effect on ORR performance, whereas perchlorate slightly reduced the catalyst function with no permanent issues. Durability tests (1000 cycles) were also performed to ensure the stability of the catalyst for the relatively long time.
A well‐balanced positivity‐preserving central‐upwind scheme for one‐dimensional blood flow models
Authors: Hernandez‐Duenas Gerardo , Ramirez‐Santiago Guillermo
Published: June 2020

In this work, we consider a hyperbolic one‐dimensional (1D) model for blood flow through compliant axisymmetric tilted vessels. The pressure is a function of the cross‐sectional area and other model parameters. Important features of the model are inherited at the discrete level by the numerical scheme. For instance, the existence of steady states may provide important information about the flow properties at low computational cost. Here, we characterize a large class of smooth equilibrium solutions by means of quantities that remain invariant. At the discrete level, the well‐balanced property in the numerical scheme leads to accurate results when steady states are perturbed. On the other hand, the model is equipped with an entropy function and an entropy inequality that can help us choose the physically relevant weak solutions. A large class of semidiscrete entropy‐satisfying numerical schemes is described. In addition, preservation of positivity for the cross‐sectional area is achieved. Numerical results show the scheme is robust, stable, and accurate. The ultimate goal of this article is the numerical application to cases that are more relevant from the medical viewpoint. In particular, a numerical simulation of cardiac cycles with appropriate parameters shows that increasing the rigidity of the artery walls delays the formation of shock waves. Gravity effects are also measured in tilted vessels, and a simulation using an idealized aorta model was conducted.
Integration of a low‐cost electronic nose and a voltammetric electronic tongue for red wines identification
Authors: Han Fangkai , Zhang Dongjing , Aheto Joshua H. , Feng Fan , Duan Tengfei
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this present study was to develop a rapid and effective approach for identification of red wines that differ in geographical origins, brands, and grape varieties, a multi‐sensor fusion technology based on a novel cost‐effective electronic nose (E‐nose) and a voltammetric electronic tongue (E‐tongue) was proposed. The E‐nose sensors was created using porphyrins or metalloporphyrins, pH indicators and Nile red printed on a C2 reverse phase silica gel plate. The voltammetric E‐Tongue with six metallic working electrodes, namely platinum, gold, palladium, tungsten, titanium, and silver was employed to sense the taste of red wines. Principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized for dimensionality reduction and decorrelation of the raw sensors datasets. The fusion models derived from extreme learning machine (ELM) were built with PCA scores of E‐nose and tongue as the inputs. Results showed superior performance (100% recognition rate) using combination of odor and taste sensors than individual artificial systems. The results suggested that fusion of the novel cost‐effective E‐nose created and voltammetric E‐tongue coupled with ELM has a powerful potential in rapid quality evaluation of red wine.
Numerical investigation of low Prandtl number effect on mixed convection in a horizontal channel by the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Sahraoui Nassim M. , Houat Samir , El‐Ganaoui Mohammed
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this study is to numerically investigate the Prandtl number effect on mixed convection in a horizontal channel heated from below using the thermal lattice Boltzmann method (TLBM). The double‐population model with two different lattices is used, in particular, the D2Q9 for the velocity field and D2Q5 for the thermal field. The developed lattice Boltzmann method code to simulate the fluid flow and heat transfer in the channel was validated with available literature results based on classical numerical methods, especially the finite volume method for Pr = 6.4 and the finite difference method for Pr = 0.667. The results obtained with the TLBM have shown good agreement with the conventional methods cited. The dynamic and thermal characteristics of the fluid flow were examined in the field of low Prandtl number, such that 0.05 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.667, and also compared to Pr = 6.4; for Ra = 2420 and 7400, the Reynolds number was fixed at 1. The results showed that the influence is relatively significant for the dynamic structure of flow convection for Pr ≤ 0.3 and is little influential beyond this value.
Nonlinear rotating viscoelastic liquid convection with temperature modulation
Authors: Gopal Jayalatha , Narasimhamurthy Suma
Published: June 2020

In this study, heat transport in thermal convection of rotating viscoelastic liquids heated from below with temperature modulation is analyzed. The study is performed using Fourier series with a minimal representation. The constitutive relationship of the Oldroyd liquid B model is taken into consideration. The resulting Khayat–Lorenz model in the generalized form is solved using the numerical technique of Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 with the adaptive grid method, and this solution is used to quantify the heat transport. The combined effect of the temperature modulation and Coriolis force on the thermal convection is investigated for various values of the amplitude of modulation and Taylor number. It is shown that the temperature modulation and Coriolis force lead to the enhancement of heat transport. As particular cases, the results of three liquids, namely Maxwell, Newtonian, and Rivlin–Ericksen, are obtained in the current study, which are found to have a good agreement with the available results.
Energy and mass transport of micropolar nanofluid flow over an inclined surface with Keller‐Box simulation
Authors: Rafique Khuram , Anwar Muhammad Imran , Misiran Masnita , Asjad Muhammad Imran
Published: June 2020

In this article, micropolar nanofluid boundary layer flow over a slanted stretching surface with Soret and Dufour effect is studied. The inclined stretching surface in this study is considered permeable and linear. In this problem, the Buongiorno model is considered for thermal efficiencies of fluid flow in the existence of Brownian movement and thermophoresis properties. The nonlinear problem for Micropolar Nanofluid flow over the slanted channel is developed to think about the heat and mass exchange phenomenon by incorporating portent flow factors to strengthened boundary layers. In this study, nonlinear partial differential equations are converted to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by utilizing appropriate similarity transformations then elucidated the numerical outcomes by the Keller‐Box technique. An examination of the set‐up results is performed with accessible outcomes and perceived in a good settlement without involved impacts. Numerical and graphical outcomes are additionally displayed in tables and charts.
Adomian decomposition method for the MHD flow of a viscous fluid with the influence of dissipative heat energy
Authors: Acharya S. , Nayak B. , Mishra S. R. , Jena S.
Published: June 2020

An investigation is carried out on the effect of dissipative heat energy on the flow of an electrically conducting viscous fluid past a shrinking sheet. Both viscous and Joule dissipation effects are considered along with heat generation/absorption for the enhancement of heat transfer properties. The governing nonlinear coupled partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations by a suitable choice of similarity transformations. However, the complex transformed equations are solved by an approximate analytical method known as the Adomian decomposition method with a suitable initial guess solution assumed from the known initial conditions. Moreover, the behavior of several parameters characterizing the flow phenomena are studied via graphs and the numerical computations for the engineering coefficients are obtained and presented through tables. However, the major outcomes of the results are that a higher suction is required to resist the fluid temperature and sinks as well as the dissipative heat energy favors enhancing the fluid temperature at all points in the flow domain.
Prenatal sonography of extracorporeal ductus venosus in association with large fetal gastroschisis
Authors: Sherer David M. , O'Brien Joselle , Zayat Nawras , Zigalo Aleksandra , Dalloul Mudar
Published: June 2020

Liver herniation commonly associated with omphalocele occurs in only approximately 2.3% to 16% of fetuses with gastroschisis. Liver herniation in such cases is associated with considerably decreased survival rates (43% vs 97% with or without liver herniation, respectively). Rarely, abnormally positioned fetal hepatic vasculature has been reported mainly in association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In these rare cases, intrathoracic depiction of hepatic venous vasculature has assisted in confirming intrathoracic displacement of the fetal liver. We present a case of a large gastroschisis with complete herniation of the fetal liver in which prenatal sonography depicted an extracorporeal ductus venosus.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Flux calculations
Authors: Venterea Rodney T. , Petersen Søren O. , de Klein Cecile A. M. , Pedersen Asger R. , Noble Alasdair D. L. , Rees Robert M. , Gamble Joshua D. , Parkin Timothy B.
Published: June 2020

A critical step in determining soil‐to‐atmosphere nitrous oxide (N2O) exchange using non‐steady‐state chambers is converting collected gas concentration versus time data to flux values using a flux calculation (FC) scheme. It is well documented that different FC schemes can produce different flux estimates for a given set of data. Available schemes differ in their theoretical basis, computational requirements, and performance in terms of both accuracy and precision. Nonlinear schemes tend to increase accuracy compared with linear regression but can also decrease precision. The chamber bias correction method can be used if soil physical data are available, but this introduces additional sources of error. Here, the essential theoretical and practical aspects of the most commonly used FC schemes are described as a basis for their selection and use. A gold standard approach for application and selection of FC schemes is presented, as well as alternative approaches based on availability of soil physical property data and intensity of sample collection during each chamber deployment. Additional criteria for scheme selection are provided in the form of an error analysis tool that quantifies performance with respect to both accuracy and precision based on chamber dimensions and sampling duration, soil properties, and analytical measurement precision. Example error analyses are presented for hypothetical conditions illustrating how such analysis can be used to guide FC scheme selection, estimate bias, and inform design of chambers and sampling regimes.
Long non‐coding RNA SNHG17 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells by regulating the miR‐23b‐3p/ZHX1 axis
Authors: Ge Bei‐Hai , Li Guo‐Cheng
Published: June 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) is a carcinogenic lncRNA in diverse cancers. The expression pattern and mechanisms of SNHG17 in glioma still await verification.

Methods

Paired glioma samples were enrolled. SNHG17, miR‐23b‐3p, and zinc‐fingers and homeoboxes 1 (ZHX1) mRNA expression were examined by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). SNHG17 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and miR‐23b‐3p mimics were transfected into LN229 and U251 cell lines to repress SNHG17 and up‐regulate miR‐23b‐3p expression, respectively. Proliferation, migration and invasion of LN229 and U251 cells were probed by a cell counting kit‐8 assay and a Transwell assay. Bioinformatics prediction, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, qRT‐PCR and western blotting were applied to determine the regulatory relationships among SNHG17, miR‐23b‐3p and ZHX1.

Results

SNHG17 expression was markedly raised in glioma tissues, which was positively correlated with ZHX1 expression and negatively associated with the expression of miR‐23b‐3p. After transfection of SNHG17 shRNAs into glioma cells, the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells was markedly restrained. miR‐23b‐3p mimics the function of SHNG17 knockdown. Furthermore, miR‐23b‐3p was shown to be negatively modulated by SNHG17, and ZHX1 was identified as a target of miR‐23b‐3p.

Conclusions

SNHG17 is a “competing endogenous RNA” with respect to modulating ZHX1 expression by adsorbing miR‐23b‐3p and thereby promoting glioma progression.
Epidemiological features of immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Mori Mitsuru , Kubota Kensuke , Naitoh Itaru , Nakazawa Takahiro , Takikawa Hajime , Unno Michiaki , Kamisawa Terumi , Kawa Shigeyuki , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: June 2020

Background/Purpose

Epidemiological data on immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) are scarce.

Method

We randomly selected healthcare facilities from a list of all facilities in Japan. The selection rate was determined according to a stratification based on the facility characteristics and scale. We sent questionnaires to the selected facilities enquiring about the number and sex of patients with IgG4‐SC in 2018. Among responding facilities, we further inquired about the clinical characteristics of the patients with IgG4‐SC.

Results

We selected 1180 departments from health centers across Japan. Of them, 532 (45.1%) responded to the questionnaires. The number of reported patients with IgG4‐SC was 1045, and the estimated point prevalence was 2.18 (95% confidence interval, 2.13‐2.23) per 100 000 population. In addition, we enrolled 1096 patients with IgG4‐SC, combining data from previously and newly registered patients. Male patients comprised 79.5% of the population and patients aged 60–80 years had the highest risk for developing the disease. The follow‐up period was 5.1 ± 4.0 years and the 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates were 95.3% and 89.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The point prevalence of IgG4‐SC was 2.18 per 100 000 population. The epidemiological features were similar to those observed in previous studies.
Qualitative characterizations of relationships among South African adolescent girls and young women and male partners: implications for engagement across HIV self‐testing and pre‐exposure prophylaxis prevention cascades
Authors: Holmes Leah E , Kaufman Michelle R , Casella Albert , Mudavanhu Mutsa , Mutunga Lillian , Polzer Tara , Bassett Jean , Van Rie Annelies , Schwartz Sheree
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub‐Saharan Africa have emerged as a priority population in need of HIV prevention interventions. Secondary distribution of home‐based HIV self‐test kits by AGYW to male partners (MP) is a novel prevention strategy that complements pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a female‐controlled prevention intervention. The objective of this analysis was to qualitatively operationalize two HIV prevention cascades through the lens of relationship dynamics for secondary distribution of HIV self‐tests to MP and PrEP for AGYW.

Methods

From April 2018 to December 2018, 2200 HIV‐negative AGYW aged 16‐24 years were enrolled into an HIV prevention intervention which involved secondary distribution of self‐tests to MP and PrEP for AGYW; of these women, 91 participants or MP were sampled for in‐depth interviews based on their degree of completion of the two HIV prevention cascades. A grounded theory approach was used to characterize participants’ relationship profiles, which were mapped to participants’ engagement with the interventions.

Results

In cases where AGYW had a MP with multiple partners, AGYW perceived both interventions as inviting distrust into the relationship and insinuating non‐monogamy. Many chose not to accept either intervention, while others accepted and attempted to deliver the self‐test kit but received a negative reaction from their MP. In the few cases where AGYW held multiple partnerships, both interventions were viewed as mechanisms for protecting one’s health, and these AGYW exhibited confidence in accepting and delivering the self‐test kits and initiating PrEP. Women who indicated intimate partner violence experiences chose not to accept either intervention because they feared it would elicit a violent reaction from their MP. For AGYW in relationships described as committed and emotionally open, self‐test kit delivery was completed with ease, but PrEP was viewed as unnecessary. MP experience with the cascade corroborated AGYW perspectives and demonstrated how men can perceive female‐initiated HIV prevention options as beneficial for AGYW and a threat to MP masculinity.

Conclusions

Screening to identify AGYW relationship dynamics can support tailoring prevention services to relationship‐driven barriers and facilitators. HIV prevention counseling for AGYW should address relationship goals or partner’s influence, and engage with MP around female‐controlled prevention interventions.
Mechanoelectrical feedback in pulmonary vein arrhythmogenesis: Clinical challenges and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Lu Yen‐Yu , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: June 2020

Mechanoelectrical feedback is an important factor in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Ectopic electrical activity originating from pulmonary vein (PV) myocardial sleeves has been found to trigger and maintain paroxysmal AF. Dilated PVs by high stretching force may activate mechanoelectrical feedback, which induces calcium overload and produces afterdepolarization. These results, in turn, increase PV arrhythmogenesis and contribute to initiation of AF. Paracrine factors, effectors of the renin‐angiotensin system, membranous channels, or cytoskeleton of PV myocytes may modulate PV arrhythmogenesis directly through mechanoelectrical feedback or indirectly through endocardial/myocardial cross‐talk. The purpose of this review is to present laboratory and translational relevance of mechanoelectrical feedback in PV arrhythmogenesis. Targeting mechanoelectrical feedback in PV arrhythmogenesis may shed light on potential opportunities and clinical concerns of AF treatment.
Segmenting Western Australian national park visitors by perceived benefits: A factor‐item mixed approach
Authors: Huang Songshan (Sam) , Pearce Joanna , Wen Jun , Dowling Ross K. , Smith Amanda J.
Published: June 2020

National park visitors are a significant tourist market that demonstrates heterogeneous visitation behaviors. Segmentation studies employing relevant criterion variables with reference to visitor behavior variables prove to be an effective way to better understand this tourist market. Employing a factor‐item mixed segmentation approach, this study aims to segment Western Australian national park visitors by perceived benefits with reference to visitors' overall satisfaction, willingness to recommend, and pro‐environmental behavior. Based on a sample of 324 on‐site visitor survey responses, two perceived benefit factors, Nature Appreciation and Relaxation, and Learning, were identified. Subsequent cluster analysis using 12 original perceived benefit items identified two clusters: “moderate nature experiencers” (MNE) and “high nature appreciators and learners” (HNAL). No differences were found between the two clusters in visitor demographics and trip characteristics. However, HNAL members consistently exhibited higher levels of overall satisfaction, willingness to recommend, and pro‐environmental behavior tendencies than members of MNE. Based on the findings, Australian national park managers should advocate both the nature and learning benefits in their future market communication and product development strategies.
Soil available nitrogen and phosphorus affected by functional bacterial community composition and diversity as ecological restoration progressed
Authors: Wang Honglei , Bu Lianyan , Song Fangqin , Tian Jing , Wei Gehong
Published: June 2020

Available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the most common elements limiting the success of ecosystem restoration. Soil microbial communities, harbouring the alkaline metalloprotease (apr) gene and alkaline phosphatase activity gene (phoD), play a crucial role in regulating and maintaining soil available N and P. However, the dynamics ofapr‐ andphoD‐harbouring bacteria and their contributions to regulating soil available N and P balances remain largely unexplored as ecological restoration proceeded. In this study, we investigated the community dynamics ofapr‐ andphoD‐harbouring bacteria during the plant growing season in association with the long‐term passive (40 years) and active (35 years) restoration of degraded ecosystems. The results showed that soil available N steadily increased while available P typically decreased as ecosystem restoration proceeded. The passive and active restoration efforts resulted in a higher available N balance than available P balance. Passive and active restoration significantly enhanced the abundances, diversities of OTUs, and beta diversities ofapr‐ andphoD‐harbouring bacteria. Notably, the alpha diversity ofapr‐harbouring bacteria did not keep pace with that ofphoD‐harbouring bacteria with increased site age. Our results indicated that the distinct beta diversities of theapr‐ andphoD‐harbouring bacteria were the predominant cause of the variation in the available N and P balance. Our findings provide a foundation for a better understanding of the distinct responses ofapr‐ andphoD‐harbouring bacteria to ecological restoration and how they ultimately regulate the available N and P balance in the developing soils of degraded ecosystems.
Inequality in plant diversity knowledge and unrecorded plant extinctions: An example from the grasses of Madagascar
Authors: Vorontsova Maria S. , Lowry Porter P. , Andriambololonera Sylvie R. , Wilmé Lucienne , Rasolohery Andriambolantsoa , Govaerts Rafaël , Ficinski Sarah Z. , Humphreys Aelys M.
Published: June 2020

Societal impact statement

Plants are essential for all life, providing the infrastructure and energy for our ecosystems. A recent report indicates that more than 500 plant species are already presumed extinct and many more could have been lost without anyone being aware, especially in species‐rich areas with high levels of human impact, and where botanical knowledge is poor. Inequality in the availability and accessibility of biodiversity data, professional expertise, and funding interact to produce chronic differences in knowledge between countries. Here, we illustrate this using an example from Madagascar. Understanding these knowledge inequalities will strengthen our ability to improve the situation for people as well as for plants.

In order to understand geographic differences in our knowledge of plant extinction, species occurrence knowledge is compared for the grasses (Poaceae) of Madagascar and the British Isles. Poaceae are a useful model system for exploring extinction because they are globally diverse and present interesting characteristics compared with plants as a whole: grasses have a similar species description curve and percentage assessed as threatened, but they have broader and more continental distribution ranges.

Historical and current factors affecting the documentation of the Malagasy and British floras are reviewed with regard to science funding, human capital, accessibility, and existing records. Knowledge of Poaceae is compared in the light of these constraints. Global patterns of grass diversity are examined and future extinction rates for Malagasy grasses are estimated.

Multiple factors interact to shape a set of constraints on species distribution knowledge. The flora of Madagascar has been described largely by foreigners, science funding is external, and Malagasy botanists face difficult challenges. Spatial data for Madagascar are more limited and less even. We demonstrate that unrecorded extinctions are more likely among Malagasy than British and Irish grasses: they were described later, have smaller ranges, and are more threatened. It is possible that extinction rates of Malagasy grasses will increase tenfold in the next century.

Differences in our knowledge of the Malagasy and British floras are long‐standing, deep, and perpetuated by numerous modern‐day factors. We urge researchers to understand and acknowledge these differences, and we provide recommendations for future work.
A robust least squares based approach to min‐max model predictive control
Authors: Jetto L. , Orsini V.
Published: June 2020

This article deals with the model predictive control (MPC) of linear, time‐invariant discrete‐time polytopic (LTIDP) systems. The 2‐fold aim is to simplify the treatment of complex issues like stability and feasibility analysis of MPC in the presence of parametric uncertainty as well as to reduce the complexity of the relative optimization procedure. The new approach is based on a two degrees of freedom (2DOF) control scheme, where the output r(k) of the feedforward input estimator (IE) is used as input forcing the closed‐loop system ∑f. ∑f is the feedback connection of an LTIDP plant ∑p with an LTI feedback controller ∑g. Both cases of plants with measurable and unmeasurable state are considered. The task of ∑g is to guarantee the quadratic stability of ∑f, as well as the fulfillment of hard constraints on some physical variables for any input r(k) satisfying an “a priori” determined admissibility condition. The input r(k) is computed by the feedforward IE through the on‐line minimization of a worst‐case finite‐horizon quadratic cost functional and is applied to ∑f according to the usual receding horizon strategy. The on‐line constrained optimization problem is here simplified, reducing the number of the involved constraints and decision variables. This is obtained modeling r(k) as a B‐spline function, which is known to admit a parsimonious parametric representation. This allows us to reformulate the minimization of the worst‐case cost functional as a box‐constrained robust least squares estimation problem, which can be efficiently solved using second‐order cone programming.
Reducing anthropogenic environmental stresses: A review on cleaner production and industrial ecology
Authors: Jayasooriya V. M.
Published: June 2020

Cleaner production (CP) provides source control measures of minimizing the waste and emissions occurred by the production and processes. CP, which is also known by the term pollution prevention (P2), has been practiced for several years among various countries across the world. Practicing of CP in industries supports in optimization of materials utilization, lowering the energy consumption, and the reduction of emissions to air, water, and soil. CP provides a continuous and preventive environmental improvement for the organizations by focusing on the prevention rather than providing solutions, once the pollution has been occurred. Implementing CP in a business requires support from the employees from top to bottom levels in the hierarchy, to obtain a successful and long‐term outcome. Thus, CP is no longer considered as a standalone process and should be integrated in the entire business development activities, in order to improve the quality of life. CP can also be identified as a subset of industrial ecology, which focuses on designing the industrial processes, products, and services, in order to minimize the environmental concerns of the industrial activities. This article will provide an overview of the background of CP, the CP assessment methodology, and the concepts of industrial ecology.
Homogenization of nonlinear parabolic equations with hysteresis
Authors: Pokam Kakeu Achille Landri , Woukeng Jean Louis
Published: June 2020

This work is concerned with the homogenization of initial boundary value parabolic equations with hysteresis, containing nonlinear monotone operators in the diffusion term. We make use of the sigma‐convergence concept together with the properties of hysteresis operator to derive the homogenized problem. The homogenized operator is obtained in terms of a solution of a nonlinear corrector problem posed and solved in the usual sense of distributions. We also provide an approximation scheme for the homogenized coefficient.
Bergman kernel and oscillation theory of plurisubharmonic functions
Authors: Chen Bo-Yong , Wang Xu
Published: June 2020

Based on Harnack’s inequality and convex analysis we show that each plurisubharmonic function is locally BUO (bounded upper oscillation) with respect to polydiscs of finite type but not for arbitrary polydiscs. We also show that each function in the Lelong class is globally BUO with respect to all polydiscs. A dimension-free BUO estimate is obtained for the logarithm of the modulus of a complex polynomial. As an application we obtain an approximation formula for the Bergman kernel that preserves all directional Lelong numbers. For smooth plurisubharmonic functions we derive a new asymptotic identity for the Bergman kernel from Berndtsson’s complex Brunn–Minkowski theory, which also yields a slightly better version of the sharp Ohsawa–Takegoshi extension theorem in some special cases.
Understanding digitalization and educational change in school by means of activity theory and the levels of learning concept
Authors: Pettersson Fanny
Published: June 2020

As shown in research and practice digitalization processes are many times limited to implementation of digital technologies without pedagogical and organizational change. In this study it is argued for a broader perspective on the concept of digitalization, viewing it as a process involving change and transformation in different stages and several organizational levels. Based on cultural–historical activity theory and the concept of levels of learning, this study will elaborate on the concept of digitalization as well as how schools are dealing with digital and educational change. Two schools known for their large-scale digitalization processes are analyzed. In the analysis, it is indicated that the object of digitalization harbors an idea that influence how digitalization is planned for and enacted within the school organization. How schools conceptualized—what is theoretically and practically meant by digitalization—influence how they plan their budget, professional development, and organizational change. With this backdrop, it is a concluded need for explicit discussions and conceptual clarifications on what digitalization is and what it involves in different school contexts.
Observation of Differential Rotation Within a Sunspot Umbra During an X-Class Flare
Authors: Grimes Richard , Pintér Balázs , Morgan Huw
Published: June 2020

Sunspots and their dynamics dominate the magnetic topology and evolution of both the photosphere and the overlying coronal active regions. Thus a comprehensive understanding of their behaviour is essential to understanding the solar magnetic field. A new technique is presented for applying multiple ellipse fits as a method for rotation tracking of sunspot umbrae. The method is applied to a sunspot in NOAA active region AR 12158 during an X-class flare event and the resulting rotation rate correlates well with other measurements from literature. The method also reveals an apparent difference in rotation rate between the edge and the innermost region of the sunspot umbra of up to 2 degrees per hour. Such differential rotation must lead to the large-scale twisting of sunspot magnetic flux tubes with implications for models of coronal loops and the build-up of instabilities that may lead to eruptions.
Jim Greer’s and Mary Mark’s Reviews of Evaluation Methods for Adaptive Systems: a Brief Comment about New Goals
Authors: du Boulay Benedict
Published: June 2020

Mark and Greer’s (International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 4(2/3), 129–153, 1993) review was very influential in setting out effective goals and methods for evaluating adaptive educational systems of all kinds. A later review brought the story up to date (Greer, International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 26(1), 387–392, 2016). The current paper explores a new range of evaluative goals which go beyond the quality of learning outcomes, learning efficiency, transfer, retention, and short-term motivation. While learner satisfaction has been downgraded over the years as a reliable indicator of learning quality, it cannot be wholly ignored in terms of wider issues such as the learner’s developing metacognitive and meta-affective insight, regulatory competence and longer-term motivation. These factors lead on to such evaluable issues as the learner’s appetite for further learning of the kind just experienced as well as for learning in general. The rise in the use of data analytics and the increasing use of AIED and computer-based learning systems in schools and universities has led to the development of orchestration systems to assist the teacher to manage their students using such systems. Orchestration systems raise new kinds of evaluation goal, such as the balance of activity, cooperation and agency between the human teacher and the adaptive systems, as well as between the learner, the systems, the teacher and, indeed, other learners. Further evaluable goals include the degree to which the teacher is alerted to the learning difficulties of the learners, the degree to which the teacher’s scarce and valuable time is being used efficiently, and the degree to which the orchestration system can be used as a reflective device for teachers to examine their own practice.
The MRE11 nuclease promotes homologous recombination not only in DNA double-strand break resection but also in post-resection in human TK6 cells
Authors: Shimizu Naoto , Akagawa Remi , Takeda Shunichi , Sasanuma Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Homologous recombination (HR) repairs double-strand breaks (DSBs) occurring in sister chromatids using the intact sisters as the repair template. HR is initiated by DSB resection, which generates 3′ single-strand DNA (ssDNA). RAD51 recombinase polymerizes on the ssDNA and undergoes strand exchange with intact sister chromatids, generating junction molecules (JMs). The separation of JMs completes HR-dependent DSB repair. Defective resolution of JMs not only leaves DSBs unrepaired but also has the broken sisters remain entangled with the intact sisters, leading to the formation of isochromatid-type breaks, where both sister chromatids are broken at the same sites, in mitotic chromosome spreads. The MRE11 nuclease plays a key role in HR, and it is generally believed that MRE11 does so by initiating DSB resection. We here showed that the loss of MRE11 reduced the efficiency of HR in human TK6 cells without affecting DSB resection, indicating a role for MRE11 in HR also at a post-resection step. MRE11-deficient TK6 cells showed proficient induction of RAD51 foci by ionizing-radiation (IR) and olaparib but significantly delayed their resolution. Although exposure of G2-phase cells to IR cleaves only one of two sister chromatids, the loss of the MRE11-nuclease activity increased the number of isochromosome-type breaks in subsequent M phase. The overexpression of GEN1 resolvase suppressed the formation of IR-induced isochromatid-type breaks in MRE11-nuclease-deficient TK6 cells. These data indicate that MRE11 plays an important role in HR by processing JMs. We propose the dual roles of MRE11 in HR at DSB resection and post-resection steps.
The strategy for controlling COVID-19 in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)/Iraq: Identification, epidemiology, transmission, treatment, and recovery
Authors: Aziz Peshawa Yunis , Hadi Jihad M. , Sha Aram M. , Aziz Shujahadeen Bakr , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Ahmed Hiwa A. , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Amine Ali Shwan M.
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

This study has carried out a mini-review on first wave of COVID-19 infection and its control by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)/Iraq. COVID-19 infection, which was named by the International Committee of Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as SARS-CoV-2, is a newly identified coronavirus. The last century has seen the outbreak of numerous life-threatening human pathogens including Nipah, Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and more recently a novel coronavirus has been observed. COVID-19 infection has so far spread to more than 186 countries around the world and KRG/Iraq has not been free from this virus. In this survey, the control of COVID-19 infection in KRG as a part of Iraq is discussed in detail. The methods of identification as well as the drugs that are currently in common use to reduce the wide distribution of COVID-19 infection and their effects in countries around the world are considered. So far, 714 positive cases have been reported by the ministry of health in Kurdistan Region Government-Iraq (KRG), among which there have been only 8 deaths, and 420 cases have recovered. Those who died had a previous history of a chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and hypercholesteremia. Alternative medicine based on natural green methods has been widely used by Kurdish people in past years for treatment of strong coughs. In the present study, some natural products which are cost free and effective in enhancing the body's resistance against the virus are considered. A surprising finding is that the patients in KRG have not in general had a severe cough, flu, or fever. The possible explanation may relate to the patients' strong immune systems, since none of them had a history of using alcohol and drugs, or of chronic disease. The epidemiology and transmission of the virus are discussed as well.

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