bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Landscape Transformations within Landscape Parks in Poland in the 21st century
Authors: Krajewski Piotr
Published: April 2019

One of the most problematic forms of nature protection in Poland relates to landscape parks. On the one hand, they include the most valuable landscapes; on the other hand, the areas within the landscape park still have economic uses. Therefore, the monitoring of landscape changes within landscape parks is necessary in order to properly manage these forms of protection. The main objective of the study was to monitor the scale and nature of landscape transformations within the boundaries of landscape parks in Poland during the period 2000–2018 and to assess the possibility of using the landscape change index (LCI) to monitor the intensity of landscape transformations within this type of protected area. Filling a gap in the research on landscape changes, I developed and verified the possibility of using LCI for monitoring the intensity of landscape changes using the example of 12 landscape parks in the Lower Silesia region. Preliminary analyses of the transformations within all landscape parks in Poland showed an upward trend, both in terms of the number of types of identified landscape changes as well as their area. In spite of the large diversity and degree of transformation in landscape parks, several dominant processes can be observed. The largest number and area of changes during each of the analyzed periods were found in transformations within forest landscapes (temporary and permanent deforestation and forest maturation), which constitute the dominant type of land cover within most of the landscape parks. In open landscapes, changes mainly relate to afforestation and natural succession in meadows, pastures and arable land, as well as the transformation of arable land into mining areas. Twelve case studies, covering all landscape parks of the Lower Silesia, have shown that the LCI is an excellent tool for monitoring the intensity of landscape changes, but it is dependent on the accuracy of the source data. The analyses confirmed that, during the study periods, the changes in all 12 Lower Silesian landscape parks were at a low level, but their particular intensification took place in the years 2012–2018. The highest LCI was found in the area where a natural disaster had occurred (air tornado), which destroyed huge areas of forest in landscape parks. After changes in the forest landscape, the most frequently identified type of change in 2006–2012 is the transformation of non-forest landscapes into forest landscapes. The main reason for such changes was the expansion of forest into abandoned arable land, meadows and pastures. The use of the Corine Land Cover database to calculate LCI and monitor the intensity of landscape change revealed a low usability of the database for the year 2000 and a high usability for data from 2006–2018.
Evolutionary Physical Constants in Einstein’s Field Equations and the Redshift
Authors: Gupta Rajendra P.
Published: April 2019

We have shown that the use of evolutionary gravitational constants G, the speed of light c, and cosmological constant Λ in the Einstein’s field equations leads to a very simple model that fits the supernovae Ia data with a single parameter as well as the standard ΛCDM model with two parameters, and has the predictive capability superior to the latter. We have shown that at the current time G and c both increase as dG/dt = 5.4GH0 and dc/dt = 1.8cH0 with H0 as the Hubble constant, and Λ decreases as dΛ/dt = −1.2ΛH0.  Negative finding on the variation of G with time derived from the analysis of lunar laser ranging data in several studies has been attributed to the fact that these studies did not consider the variation of c simultaneously with G.
Astrometric Solar-System Anomalies and Evolutionary Physical Constants
Authors: Gupta Rajendra P.
Published: April 2019

We have shown that three astrometric solar-system anomalies can be explained satisfactorily by using evolutionary gravitational constant G and speed of light c in the Einstein’s field equation. These are: a) the Pioneer acceleration anomaly; b) the anomalous secular increase of Moon-orbit eccentricity; and c) the anomalous secular change in the astronomical unit AU. The gravitational constant G and the speed of light c both increase as dG/dt = 5.4GH0 and dc/dt = 1.8cH0 with H0 as the Hubble constant. We also show that the Planck’s constant ħ increases as dħ/dt = 1.8ħH0.  Additionally, the new approach fits the supernovae Ia redshift vs distance modulus data as well as the standard ΛCDM model with just one adjustable parameter H0.
The PTEN-PI3K Axis in Cancer
Authors: Papa Antonella , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: April 2019

The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal transduction pathway regulates a variety of biological processes including cell growth, cell cycle progression and proliferation, cellular metabolism and cytoskeleton reorganization. Fine-tuning of the PI3K pathway signaling output is essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and uncontrolled activation of this cascade leads to a number of human pathologies including cancer. Inactivation of the tumour suppressor phosphatase PTEN and/or activating mutations in the proto-typical lipid kinase PI3K have emerged as some of the most frequent events associated with human cancer and as a result the PI3K pathway has become a highly sought-after target for cancer therapies. In this review we summarize the essential role of the PTEN-PI3K axis in controlling cellular behaviors by modulating activation of key proto-oncogenic molecular nodes and functional targets. Further, we highlight important functional redundancies and peculiarities of these two critical enzymes that over the last few decades have become a central part of the cancer research field and have instructed hundreds of pre-clinical and clinical trials to better cancer treatments.
Factors Affecting Electroplated Semiconductor Material Properties: The Case Study of Deposition Temperature on Cadmium Telluride
Authors: Ojo Ayotunde A. , Dharmadasa I.M.
Published: April 2019

Electrodeposition of cadmium telluride (CdTe) on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) using two electrode configuration was successfully achieved with the main focus on the growth temperature. The electroplating temperatures explored ranges between (55 and 85)℃ for aqueous electrolytes containing 1.5 M cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate (Cd(NO3)2 •4H2O) and 0.002 M tellurium oxide (TeO2). The ensuing CdTe thin-films were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell measurements. The electroplated CdTe thin-films exhibit a dominant (111) CdTe cubic structure, while the crystallite size increases with the increase in the electroplating temperature. The internal strain, dislocation density and the number of crystallites per unit area decrease with increasing growth temperature. The optical characterization depicts that the CdTe samples show comparable absorbance and a resulting bandgap of 1.51±0.03 eV for as-deposited CdTe layers. A marginal increase in the bandgap and reduction in the absorption edge slope towards lower deposition temperatures were also revealed. The annealed CdTe thin-films showed improvement in energy bandgap as it tends towards 1.45 eV while retaining the aforementioned absorption edge slope trend. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the underlying FTO layers are well covered with increasing grain size observable relative to the increase in the deposition temperature. The energy dispersive X-ray analyses show an alteration in the Te/Cd relative to the deposition temperature. Higher Te ratio with respect to Cd was revealed at deposition temperature lower than 85℃. The photoelectrochemical cell study shows that both p- and n-type CdTe can be electroplated and that deposition temperatures below 85℃ at 1400 mV results in p-type CdTe layers.
Maternal Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain and Their Association with Pregnancy Complications and Perinatal Conditions
Authors: Simko Martin , Totka Adrian , Vondrova Diana , Samohyl Martin , Jurkovicova Jana , Trnka Michal , Cibulkova Anna , Stofko Juraj , Argalasova Lubica
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected pregnancy pathologies statistically depending on overweight/obesity and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy on women who gave birth in the years 2013–2015 at the Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospital in Bratislava, Slovakia. In a retrospective study, we analyzed data gathered from the sample, which consisted of 7,122 women. Our results indicate a positive statistical dependency of the groups of women with overweight and obesity and gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=15.3; 95% CI 9.0−25.8 for obesity), preeclampsia (AOR=3.4; 95% CI 1.9−6.0 for overweight and AOR=13.2; 95% CI 7.7−22.5 for obesity), and gestational diabetes mellitus (AOR=1.9; 95% CI 1.2−2.9 for overweight and AOR=2.4; 95% CI 1.4−4.0 for obesity). A higher incidence of pregnancies terminated by cesarean section was observed in the group of obese women. Gestational weight gain above the IOM (the Institute of Medicine) recommendations was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy terminated by C-section (AOR=1.2; 95% CI 1.0−1.3), gestational hypertension (AOR=1.7; 95% CI 1.0−2.7), and infant macrosomia (AOR=1.7; 95% CI 1.3−2.1). Overweight and obesity during pregnancy significantly contribute to the development of pregnancy pathologies and increased incidence of cesarean section. Systematic efforts to reduce weight before pregnancy through pre-pregnancy dietary counseling, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle should be the primary goal.
Cyber Risk Management for the Internet of Things
Authors: Radanliev Petar , Charles De Roure David , R.C. Nurse Jason , Burnap Pete , Anthi Eirini , Uchenna Ani , Maddox La’Treall , Santos Omar , Mantilla Montalvo Rafael
Published: April 2019

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) enables enterprises to obtain profits from data but triggers data protection questions and new types of cyber risk. Cyber risk regulations for the IoT however do not exist. The IoT risk is not included in the cyber security assessment standards, hence, often not visible to cyber security experts. This is concerning, because companies integrating IoT devices and services need to perform a self-assessment of its IoT cyber security posture. The outcome of such self-assessment need to define a current and target state, prior to creating a transformation roadmap outlining tasks to achieve the stated target state. In this article, a comparative empirical analysis is performed of multiple cyber risk assessment approaches, to define a high-level potential target state for company integrating IoT devices and/or services. Defining a high-level potential target state represent is followed by a high-level transformation roadmap, describing how company can achieve their target state, based on their current state. The transformation roadmap is used to adapt IoT risk impact assessment with a Goal-Oriented Approach and the Internet of Things Micro Mart model. The main contributions from this paper represent a transformation roadmap for standardisation of IoT risk impact assessment; and transformation design imperatives describing how IoT companies can achieve their target state based on their current state with a Goal-Oriented approach. Verified by epistemological analysis defining a unified cyber risk assessment approach. These can be used for calculating the economic impact of cyber risk; for international cyber risk assessment approach; for quantifying cyber risk; and for planning for impact of cyber-attacks, e.g. cyber insurance. The new methods presented in this paper for applying the roadmap include: IoT Risk Analysis through Functional Dependency; Network-based Linear Dependency Modelling; IoT risk impact assessment with a Goal-Oriented Approach; and a correlation between the Goal-Oriented Approach and the IoTMM model.
The Significance of Biophilic Architecture in Perceived Restorativeness: Cases of Colonial Churches of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Rai Shreya , Asim Farhan , Shree Venu
Published: April 2019

Imperial rule in the Indian sub-continent led to the construction of several European styled churches in the late 19th and early 20th century. St. John in Wilderness, built in 1852 in Mcleod Ganj, and Christ Church built in 1857 in Shimla, are examples of the symposium of extensive natural richness and architectural imperialism carried under the name of ‘The Gothic Revival’. This paper presents a biophilic analysis of these two 19th century churches along with the responses from 238 visitors recorded on the perceived restorativeness scale’s four contributing factors Being Away, Fascination, Extent and Compatibility, to understand the relationship between the human perception of architecture and nature. The study concludes that St. John in Wilderness due to its close connection with nature has greater Perceived Restorativeness in comparison to the Christ Church. The contributing factors of high restorative quality are identified and highlighted so that improved design guidelines for religious buildings can be prepared for future references.
Limping Following Primary Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Pongcharoen Boonchana , Chaichubut Kittisak
Published: April 2019

Background:

Limping following total hip replacement affects clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of limping following the posterior approach, the direct lateral approach, and the modified anterolateral Watson-Jones approach for primary total hip replacement, performed by 1 surgeon.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records for 152 patients who had undergone unilateral primary total hip replacement and assessed the prevalence of limping ≥2 years after surgery as a function of the surgical approach. Patients were divided into 3 groups, according to the surgical approach: (1) 43 patients, posterior approach; (2) 53 patients, direct lateral approach; and (3) 56 patients, modified anterolateral Watson-Jones approach. The mean duration of follow-up was 65.04 months (range, 24 to 117 months). No patients were lost to follow-up.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the limping rates (6.98%, 7.55%, and 3.57% for the posterior approach, direct lateral approach, and modified anterolateral Watson-Jones approach, respectively; p = 0.64). No patient had severe limping. The Harris hip score, the alignment of the acetabular component, and blood loss were not significantly different between the 3 groups. However, operative time was significantly longer for the modified anterolateral Watson-Jones approach (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of limping was similar ≥2 years after primary total hip replacement, irrespective of the surgical approach.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
MODEL ADAPTIF NEURO FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM BERDASARKAN PH, TEMPERATUR DAN TSS UNTUK PREDIKSI NILAI COD
Authors: Harianto Wahyudi
Published: April 2019

Abstrak–- Tingkat pencemaran sungai setiap tahun mengalami peningkatan, hal ini menyebabkan kualitas air sungai semakin menurun yang disebabkan oleh buangan limbah industri dan limbah domestik. Untuk mendapatkan model estimasi Cemical Oxygen Demand (COD) maka perlu dilakukan analisa data di lingkungan sungai. Kemudian dilakukan pembentukan model estimasi untuk memprediksi Cemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan tersebut maka diperlukan suatu algoritma untuk estimasi dan prediksi Cemical Oxygen Demand (COD) untuk mengetahui gambaran umum terhadap tingkat COD. Adaptif Neuro Fuzzy Inference System adalah suatu algoritma untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan tersebut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan menggunakan Adaptif Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) dapat diterapkan untuk membangun model estimasi untuk prediksi nilai Cemical Oxygen Demand (COD. Hasil model estimasi yang dinilai paling baik dengan RMSE training 2,11993, RMSE testing 5,93532, MAE training 1,52225, MAE testing 4,2165 dengan persentase keberhasilan untuk training 94,7695 % dan testing 68,1839 %.
Perancangan Marketplace Investasi Peternakan Online Pada Startup Farmerid
Authors: Susilowati Meme , Wahid Hadi Nur
Published: April 2019

FarmerID merupakan platform dibidang peternakan yang mempertemukan antara peternak dengan investor. Kendala yang dihadapi FarmerID saat ini adalah pencatatan transaksi dilakukan secara manual, serta tidak adanya media pemasaran secara online. Sehingga FarmerID membutuhkan waktu yang lama untuk membuat keputusan apakah investasi diterima atau ditolak karena harus mengecek secara manual jumlah ketersediaan stok ternak, tentunya sistem ini masih kurang efisien. Dalam segi pemasaran FarmerID juga belum maksimal karena tidak ada media yang dapat diketahui dan diakses oleh masyarakat luas untuk mencari tahu tentang FarmerID. Sistem Informasi ini memiliki fungsi sebagai berikut, untuk membantu FarmerID melakukan transaksi secara online agar dapat melakukan transaksi kapanpun, dimanapun, oleh siapa pun, untuk memantau ketersediaan ternak dan kondisi ternak tanpa harus berada di lokasi peternakan, juga untuk memasarkan kepada masyarakat tentang profil dan proses bisnis FarmerID.
Eattoria (Solusi Pemasaran Restoran Dan Kafe) Di Warung Lumayan Sebagai Layanan Online Berbasis Android
Authors: Novrianto Nino Catur , Avangki Ade Trio , Ningsih Qismi Widia , Fathoni Zefid Frenda , Ray Bambang Bane
Published: April 2019

Kuliner merupakan suatu hal yang paling sering dicari masyarakat.  Warung Lumayan sebagai mitra kami yang memiliki usaha yang cukup besar. Tetapi terdapat suatu permasalahan dalam bidang promosi dan pelayanan. Untuk itu kami membuat aplikasi berbasis Android yang bisa membantu masalah promosi dan pelayanan. Android adalah Smartphone yang diperkirakan akan menjadi platfrom smartphone terpopuler menurut Indonesia consumer electronics report - Q1 2012.  Dengan aplikasi Eattoria para pengusaha khususnya di bidang kuliner sepeti restoran, kafe, dan warung kecil lainnya dapat mempromosikan tempat usahanya secara luas. Dengan adanya aplikasi Eattoria, Warung Lumayan lebih dikenal dimasyarakat luas. Warung Lumayan bisa mempromosikan menu makanan dan minuman tanpa harus membuat pamflet dan banner. Dengan Eattoria masyarakat/konsumen dapat lebih mudah mencari tempat kuliner yang diinginkan dengan aplikasi Eattoria mulai dari restoran atau kafe mewah hingga warung sederhana.
Cannabidiol as a potential anti-epileptic dietary supplement in dogs with suspected epilepsy: three case reports
Authors: Mogi Chie , Fukuyama Takaaki
Published: April 2019

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs and the almost lifelong administration of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is recognized as the most successful treatment in veterinary medicine. Current pharmacological therapies for epilepsy have shown undesirable side effects. The dietary use of cannabidiol (CBD) in humans has shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of epileptic seizures. We administered CBD for 8 weeks to three dogs with epileptic seizures; decrease in the seizure interval was observed in two dogs, while one dog showed no improvement. Regarding the owners’ impressions, one reported considerable symptom improvement, one that the symptoms improved, and one that the symptoms remained unchanged.
Risk Factors for and Management of Anterior Chamber Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Migration
Authors: Röck Daniel , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Röck Tobias
Published: April 2019

Background
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for the anterior chamber migration of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®).

Methods
A retrospective review of 640 consecutive intravitreal dexamethasone implant injections was conducted from February 2011 through February 2018 at the University Eye Hospital in Tübingen, Germany. Those patients who experienced anterior chamber dexamethasone implant migrations were identified, as well as the reasons for the anterior chamber migration. The surgical histories were obtained and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were conducted for all of the eyes. Cross-tabulations, chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the influences of different factors on the anterior chamber implant migrations.

Results
Overall, 4 eyes of four patients (0.63%) showed anterior chamber implant migrations. All four of the eyes were pseudophakic, and they had undergone prior vitrectomies. Three eyes had sclerally-fixated intraocular lenses, and one eye had a posterior chamber intraocular lens in the capsular bag, with a capsular tension ring due to partial zonular dehiscence. When comparing the vitrectomized eyes with reduced zonular/capsular bag complex integrity to the vitrectomized pseudophakic eyes with intact zonular/capsular bags, the former were significantly associated with an increased risk of anterior chamber implant migration (P = 0.008). The vitrectomized pseudophakic eyes, in contrast to the nonvitrectomized pseudophakic eyes, were significantly associated with an increased risk of anterior chamber implant migration (P = 0.009).

Conclusions
The anterior chamber migration of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a serious complication. To minimize the risk of permanent corneal edema, immediate removal of the implant with a 20-gauge alligator forceps over a 2.75-mm long clear corneal tunnel is important. Those patients with insufficient zonular support, defects, or missing posterior capsular membranes and vitrectomy histories present a high risk of anterior chamber dexamethasone implant migration.
Blackberry Propagation Limitations When Using Floricane Cuttings
Authors: Debner Abigail R. , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene , Takeda Fumiomi
Published: April 2019

Outdoor production of floricane-fruiting (FF) blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) is problematic in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States because cane injury and plant death will occur from exposure to temperatures −15 °C and colder. An annual FF blackberry production system using hardwood floricane cuttings would overcome some of the existing limitations of traditional production methods. Several experiments were performed to induce adventitious root formation from one-node hardwood floricane blackberry cuttings taken in winter for the purpose of subsequent growth of a floral shoot. One-node hardwood cuttings of multiple blackberry cultivars (Apache, Arapaho, Kiowa, Osage, Ouachita, Siskiyou, and Triple Crown) were evaluated for rooting potential with and without auxin treatments. Root formation was virtually nonexistent for ‘Apache’, ‘Kiowa’, and ‘Triple Crown’ regardless of the auxin treatment. In general, lower auxin concentrations and the powder formulation produced more roots and had higher root ratings. However, rooting success of cuttings and plant development was low regardless of the rooting method used. Adventitious root production of one-node dormant hardwood FF blackberry cuttings for use in an annual production system had low success regardless of the cultivar, auxin application, rate, and formulation. The variable propagation success rates using single-node hardwood cuttings from ‘Apache’, ‘Arapaho’, ‘Kiowa’, ‘Osage’, ‘Ouachita’, ‘Siskiyou’, and ‘Triple Crown’ plants grown in containers in North Dakota suggested insufficient rooting success for the recommendation of this practice. Additionally, the results suggested these cultivars are not suitable using this method for an annual production system or as a means for large-scale propagation. Although this approach to developing plants from cuttings is of great interest, without a more effective FF blackberry cutting rooting method that can progress through fruit production, an annual blackberry production system in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States is unlikely.
Uzaktan Algılama Teknikleri ile Yanmış Alanların Tespiti: İzmir Seferihisar Orman Yangını Örneği
Authors: SABUNCU Aslı , ÖZENER Haluk
Published: April 2019

Çevreye
verdiği zararlar nedeni ile orman yangınları dünyada doğal afetler içinde
önemli bir yere sahiptir. Orman yangınları sadece ekosistemleri olumsuz
etkilemekle kalmayıp, aynı zamanda ekonomik ve sosyal yaşamda da ciddi
sorunlara neden olmaktadır. Türkiye’de 1937-2016 yılları arasında meydana gelen
orman yangınları sonucu 1.661.506 hektarlık orman alanı yanarak tahrip
olmuştur. Orman yangınları sonrası araziden veri toplamak zaman zaman zor ve imkânsız
olabilmektedir. Ayrıca yaşanan afet sonrası arazi çalışmaları uzun süreceği ve
maliyetinin fazla olacağı göz önüne alınarak yanan alanların belirlenmesinde
günümüzde uzaktan algılama teknolojilerine ve bu alanda kullanılan algoritmalarına
sıklıkla başvurulmaktadır. Çeşitli özelliklere sahip farklı uydu görüntüleri
(Landsat, MODIS, SPOT, vb.), yangın şiddetini, yangın hasarlarını ve yanmış
bölgeleri haritalamak için son yıllarda sıklıkla kullanılan uzaktan algılama
teknolojisinin önemli veri setleridir. Bu çalışmada 9 Ağustos 2009 tarihinde
İzmir ili Seferihisar ilçesinde meydana gelen ve 4 gün süren orman yangını,
Landsat 5 uydu görüntüleri kullanılarak uzaktan algılama teknikleri ile analiz
edilmiştir. Çalışma bölgesine ait orman yangını öncesi Temmuz 2009 ve orman
yangını sonrası Ağustos 2009 tarihli görüntüler alınarak Normalize Edilmiş
Yanma Şiddeti (Normalized Burned Ratio-NBR) ve Normalize Edilmiş Vejetasyon
İndeksi (Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index - NDVI) indeksleri ile bu
indekslerin farkları kullanılarak elde edilen Fark Normalize Edilmiş Yanma
Şiddeti (Difference Normalized Burned Ratio-Dnbr) ve Fark Normalize Edilmiş
Vejetasyon İndeksleri kullanılarak yanarak tahrip olmuş alanlar tespit
edilmiştir. Veri setine ayrıca piksel tabanlı kontrollü sınıflandırmanın
maksimum benzerlik algoritması uygulanmıştır. Orman yangını sonrası yanarak
tahrip olan alan dNDVI ile 711 ha, dNBR ile 695 ha, piksel tabanlı kontrollü sınıflandırma
yönteminin maksimum benzerlik algoritması ile de 665 ha olarak hesaplanmıştır.
Üç farklı yöntemin sonuçları Orman Genel Müdürlüğü sonuçları ile uyumlu ve
tutarlı olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
Increased Bias in Evapotranspiration Modeling Due to Weather and Vegetation Indices Data Sources
Authors: Dhungel Ramesh , Aiken Robert , Colaizzi Paul D. , Lin Xiaomao , Baumhardt R. Louis , Evett Steven R. , Brauer David K. , Marek Gary W. , O’Brien Dan
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Increased bias in ET due to various data sources where generally utilized standard weather data poses similar biases.

Increased understanding of the complex relationship among the various weather input and vegetation indices.

Results showed local weather station data closely represented site condition indicating the difficulties and challenges in ET modeling using other commonly available and widely adopted data sources.

Complex interactions among meteorological data and vegetation indices are incompletely understood in relation to evapotranspiration (ET) calculations for larger spatial domains with higher spatial and temporal resolution. Objectives of this study were to evaluate contributions of inputs to uncertainty in ET calculations and to enhance understanding of interactions among weather data, vegetative indices, and resistances utilized in biophysical ET model. We evaluated individual and combined effects of weather variables and vegetation indices using BAITSSS (Backward‐Averaged Iterative Two‐Source Surface temperature and energy balance Solution). Local weather station (LWS) data at a lysimeter site were obtained for irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) during the growing season (May to September, 2016) at Bushland, Texas. Gridded meteorological data were obtained from North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) (∼ 12.5 km) and remotely‐sensed vegetation indices (Landsat 30 m). Standard weather station (SWS) data were obtained from a grass reference near lysimeter site. The r2 and RMSE of ET simulated using LWS data and measured vegetation indices were 0.90 and 0.85 mm for daily ET, and 0.90 and 0.10 mm, for hourly ET, compared to lysimeter ET (less than 4% cumulative error). However, r2 and RMSE were 0.74 and 1.64 mm for daily ET, and 0.81 and 0.14 mm for hourly ET using gridded data, with positive bias (∼ 25% from NLDAS data). Simulated ET from SWS data exhibited similar behavior to gridded data with increased ET up to 21%. Results quantify difficulties in ET modeling using commonly available and widely adopted data sources.
Cadmium Concentrations in New Zealand Wheat: Effect of Cultivar Type, Soil Properties, and Crop Management
Authors: Gray Colin W. , Yi Zicheng , Munir Kiran , Lehto Niklas J. , Robinson Brett H. , Cavanagh Jo‐Anne E.
Published: April 2019

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain is a contributing source of dietary Cd in New Zealand, but despite this, there is a dearth of information on Cd concentrations in wheat and the factors that affect uptake. We measured Cd concentrations in 12 wheat cultivars grown in field sites across New Zealand and also assessed the soil, plant, and crop factors that have been reported to affect Cd uptake. We found there was a wide range in grain Cd concentrations (0.004 to 0.205 mg kg−1 fresh weight [FW]). The overall mean concentration (0.066 mg kg−1 FW) was below the maximum limit (ML) of 0.1 mg kg−1 FW. Only 7% of grain samples across seven sites exceeded the ML. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences (2.5‐fold) in Cd concentrations in wheat grain between cultivars. No strong significant relationships were found between soil properties and Cd concentrations in grain. Further, management factors affecting grain Cd concentrations were inconsistent. Given the lack of relationships between soils and management practices, the most effective way of limiting Cd uptake in wheat grain at sites where Cd exceeds MLs may be the use of low‐Cd‐accumulating cultivars. Further studies are required to explore specifically the influence of irrigation and effects of type and rate of fertilizer on Cd uptake in wheat, as well as to better understand the mechanisms of Cd uptake in wheat.

Core Ideas

There was a 2.5‐fold range in Cd concentrations in grain among cultivars.

No relationships were found between soil properties and Cd in grain.

Overall Cd concentrations in wheat grain were below maximum limits.

Using low‐Cd‐accumulating cultivars may be a strategy to limit uptake in grain.
Noise‐Assisted Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity along a South‐North Transect across the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Yang Yang , Jia Xiaoxu , Wendroth Ole , Liu Baoyuan , Shi Yangzi , Huang Tingting , Bai Xue
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Ks and eight associated factors were decomposed into different scales using NA‐MEMD.

Small‐scale variations of Ks were dominated by soil properties, especially bulk density.

Large‐scale Ks variations were mainly controlled by topographic and climatic factors.

Summing up MLR estimates of Ks scale components surpassed MLR estimation of Ks before NA‐MEMD.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) usually varies at multiple scales in space, as affected by different soil and environmental processes operating at diverse scales. Identifying spatial process relationships can be challenging due to overlapping of underlying processes at different scales. The objective of this study was to evaluate noise‐assisted multivariate empirical mode decomposition (NA‐MEMD) for characterizing Ks variability and depicting its scale‐dependent relationships with different soil properties and environmental factors. At an interval of 10 km along an 860‐km south‐north transect across the Loess Plateau of China, Ks, bulk density, soil organic carbon content, sand and clay contents at three depths of 0 to 10, 10 to 20 and 20 to 40 cm were investigated as well as four environmental factors of elevation, slope gradient, annual precipitation and temperature. Decomposed into different intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and residues by NA‐MEMD, Ks at all depths were found to vary at the smallest scale of 29 km mainly, corresponding to IMF1s, which manifested 33.0 to 48.1% of the total Ks variance. The small‐scale variations of Ks reflected not only in IMF1s but also in IMF2s and IMF3s were dominated by soil properties especially bulk density, and the large‐scale variations corresponding to IMF4s and IMF5s were controlled by environmental factors in general. For each depth, Ks at the scale of investigation was estimated by adding all the IMFs and residue derived from the factor components at equivalent scales using multiple linear regression (MLR). Such Ks estimations after NA‐MEMD evidently outperformed the MLR before NA‐MEMD by explaining additional 9.4 to 18.7% of the total Ks variance, but underperformed the artificial neural network and state‐space approach also implemented on undecomposed spatial series of Ks and its underlying factors. NA‐MEMD serves as a useful tool for Ks characterization and its incorporation with nonlinear functions or spatial interactions with impact factors is suggested for the estimation of Ks and other soil processes.
Combination of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neutron Computed Tomography for Three‐Dimensional Rhizosphere Imaging
Authors: Haber-Pohlmeier S. , Tötzke C. , Lehmann E. , Kardjilov N. , Pohlmeier A. , Oswald S.E.
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

3D MRI relaxation time maps reflect water mobility in root, rhizosphere, and soil.

3D NCT water content maps of the same plant complement relaxation time maps.

The relaxation time T1 decreases from soil to root, whereas water content increases.

Parameters together indicate modification of rhizosphere pore space by gel phase.

The zone of reduced T1 corresponds to the zone remaining dry after rewetting.

In situ investigations of the rhizosphere require high‐resolution imaging techniques, which allow a look into the optically opaque soil compartment. We present the novel combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neutron computed tomography (NCT) to achieve synergistic information such as water mobility in terms of three‐dimensional (3D) relaxation time maps and total water content maps. Besides a stationary MRI scanner for relaxation time mapping, we used a transportable MRI system on site in the NCT facility to capture rhizosphere properties before desiccation and after subsequent rewetting. First, we addressed two questions using water‐filled test capillaries between 0.1 and 5 mm: which root diameters can still be detected by both methods, and to what extent are defined interfaces blurred by these imaging techniques? Going to real root system architecture, we demonstrated the sensitivity of the transportable MRI device by co‐registration with NCT and additional validation using X‐ray computed tomography. Under saturated conditions, we observed for the rhizosphere in situ a zone with shorter T1 relaxation time across a distance of about 1 mm that was not caused by reduced water content, as proven by successive NCT measurements. We conclude that the effective pore size in the pore network had changed, induced by a gel phase. After rewetting, NCT images showed a dry zone persisting while the MRI intensity inside the root increased considerably, indicating water uptake from the surrounding bulk soil through the still hydrophobic rhizosphere. Overall, combining NCT and MRI allows a more detailed analysis of the rhizosphere's functioning.
Elasticity of single-crystal low water content hydrous pyrope at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions
Authors: Fan Dawei , Xu Jingui , Lu Chang , Tkachev Sergey N. , Li Bo , Ye Zhiling , Huang Shijie , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Zhou Wenge
Published: April 2019

The elasticity of single-crystal hydrous pyrope with ~900 ppmw H2O has been derived from sound velocity and density measurements using in situ Brillouin light spectroscopy (BLS) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the diamond-anvil cell (DAC) up to 18.6 GPa at room temperature and up to 700 K at ambient pressure. These experimental results are used to evaluate the effect of hydration on the single-crystal elasticity of pyrope at high pressure and high temperature (P-T) conditions to better understand its velocity profiles and anisotropies in the upper mantle. Analysis of the results shows that all of the elastic moduli increase almost linearly with increasing pressure at room temperature, and decrease linearly with increasing temperature at ambient pressure. At ambient conditions, the aggregate adiabatic bulk and shear moduli (KS0, G0) are 168.6(4) and 92.0(3) GPa, respectively. Compared to anhydrous pyrope, the presence of ~900 ppmw H2O in pyrope does not significantly affect its KS0 and G0 within their uncertainties. Using the third-order Eulerian finite-strain equation to model the elasticity data, the pressure derivatives of the bulk [(∂KS/∂P)T] and shear moduli [(∂G/∂P)T] at 300 K are derived as 4.6(1) and 1.3(1), respectively. Compared to previous BLS results of anhydrous pyrope, an addition of ~900 ppmw H2O in pyrope slightly increases the (∂KS/∂P)T, but has a negligible effect on the (∂G/∂P)T within their uncertainties. The temperature derivatives of the bulk and shear moduli at ambient pressure are (∂KS/∂T)P = –0.015(1) GPa/K and (∂G/∂T)P = –0.008(1) GPa/K, which are similar to those of anhydrous pyrope in previous BLS studies within their uncertainties. Meanwhile, our results also indicate that hydrous pyrope remains almost elastically isotropic at relevant high P-T conditions, and may have no significant contribution to seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle. In addition, we evaluated the seismic velocities (νP and νS) and the νP/νS ratio of hydrous pyrope along the upper mantle geotherm and a cold subducted slabs geotherm. It displays that hydrogen also has no significant effect on the seismic velocities and the νP/νS ratio of pyrope at the upper mantle conditions.
Methodical development of a sports holiday "Father's patrol. Be Ready"
Authors: Levcov Anton Nikolaevich , Vasina Irina Valeryevna
Published: April 2019

The article considers the option of holding a sports festival on the basis of a General education institution. The authors offer a detailed description of sports games aimed at the development of physical abilities of students and included in the event
On the possibility of determining the type of the beam fastening by its natural frequencies
Authors: Akhtyamov A.M. , Nikolayenko V.V.
Published: April 2019

We consider the inverse problem of finding the character of fastening for one of the ends of a beam that is inaccessible to direct observation, by the natural frequencies of its bending vibrations. The uniqueness theorem for the solution of this inverse problem is proved. The corresponding counterexamples are given.
Modelling stress state in reaction columns
Authors: Mavlyutov R.R. , Gorchakov L.Н. , Galyaliev Sh.Sh. , Tuykin N.M. , Khakimov A.G. , Tsirelman I.M.
Published: April 2019

The operation of chemical reactors, particularly those for producing benzene, is associated with the generation of a large amount of heat. Inaccurately chosen thermal regimes of performance in the reaction columns at large temperature gradients can be responsible for the occurrence of high thermal stresses that decrease the endurance of equipment elements. Therefore, it is quite topical to reveal, using the mathematical simulation approach, both positive and negative effects in relation to stress deformed state of equipment elements under different regimes of heat removal from the outside surface of the reaction columns.
The use of the self-consistent field method to take into account the anisotropy caused by the orientation and shape of the grains of metals
Authors: Nikonov V.N.
Published: April 2019

In the process of manufacturing parts by plastic deformation, the shape and orientation of the grains of the metallic material changes. The emerging mechanical texture causes anisotropy of the mechanical properties of the material. On the basis of the analysis of the interaction of grains at the microlevel, equations of state are obtained that describe the mechanical properties of the material in a wide temperature-speed range under the action of alternating loads, the superplasticity state, and the Bauschinger effect. The knowledge of the anisotropy introduced by the technology of manufacturing the part is necessary for a numerical analysis of the residual mechanical properties of the parts.
Calculation of large plastic deformations of structural elements during an autotechnical examination
Authors: Nikonov V.N. , Bichevin A.M.
Published: April 2019

Application of numerical methods for calculating large plastic deformations during technical examinations of a car is considered. A new approach is proposed to the methodology for carrying out the examination and its introduction into the practice of the work of automotive experts.
Axisymmetric and plane problems of the interaction between elastic/elastoplastic bodies and the surrounding medium
Authors: Khakimov A.G.
Published: April 2019

The article presents basic equations to describe the movement of elastic and elastoplastic media with different equations of state and taking into account the effect of the gravitational force, rotation and the impact of the reinforcing geosynthetic material. Some practical problems have been solved.
Effect of Chinese Herbal Monomer Hairy Calycosin on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Rats and its Mechanism
Authors: Liu Xiang , Xie Zhi-Hong , Liu Chen-Yuan , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2019

Background:

Chinese herbal monomer hairy Calycosin is a flavonoid extracted from Radix
astragali.

Aims and Scope:

The aim of the research was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Hairy Calycosin
on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Dieases (NAFLD) in rats.

Materials and Methods:

60 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, then NAFLD rat models were
prepared and treated with different doses of Hairy Calycosin (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg) or Kathyle relatively.

Results:

Both 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg Hairy Calycosin treatment could significantly increase the serum
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) content of the model rats and reduce the serum levels of alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Free Fatty Acid (FFA), IL-6, tumor necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-α) and liver homogenate malondialdehyde (MDA), while 2.0 mg/kg Hairy Calycosin
can down-regulate liver tissue cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1). In the electron microscope, compared
with the model control group, the mitochondrial swelling in the hepatocytes of Hairy Calycosin (1.0, 2.0
mg/kg) treatment group was significantly reduced, the ridge on the inner membrane of mitochondria
increased, and the lipid droplets became much smaller.

Conclusion:

Hairy Calycosin can effectively control the lipid peroxidation in liver tissues of rats with
NAFLD, and reduce the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, MDA and FFA, effectively improve the steatosis
and inflammation of liver tissue, and down-regulate the expression of CYP2E1, inhibit apoptosis of
hepatocytes.
Efficacy and Safety of Robot-assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) Compare with Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Lung Lobectomy in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hu Xun , Wang Ming
Published: April 2019

Background:

In the past decade, many researchers focused on Robotic- Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (RATS), which has been introduced as an alternative minimally invasive approach, versus Video- Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for lung lobectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, the advantage of RVATS compared to VATS is still under investigation. The results are unclear.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of Robot-assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) lobectomy versus Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) for lobectomy in patients with Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

A systematic electronic search of online electronic databases: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library updated in June 2017. The meta-analysis was performed including the studies are designed as randomized or non- randomized controlled.

Results:

Twenty retrospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis of mortality showed that RATS lobectomy significantly reduced the mortality rate when compared with VATS lobectomy (RR =0.53, 95% CI 0.37 – 0.76; P = 0.0005). With the pooled result of duration of surgery indicated that RATS has a tendency towards longer surgery time (SMD= 0.52, 95% CI 0.23– 0.81; P < 0.0004=). However, the meta-analysis on the median length of hospital stay (MD =0.00, 95% CI -0.03 – 0.03; P = 0.91), number of dissected lymph nodes station (SMD =0.39, 95% CI -0.60 – 1.38; P = 0.44), the number of removed lymph nodes (SMD =0.98, 95% CI -0.61 – 2.56; P = 0.23), mean duration of drainage (SMD =0.29, 95% CI -0.15 – 0.73; P = 0.20), prolonged air leak (RR =1.01, 95% CI 0.84 – 1.21; P = 0.93), arrhythmia (RR =1.06, 95% CI 0.88 – 1.26; P = 0.54) (P= 0.54), pneumonia (RR =0.89, 95% CI 0.69 – 1.13; P = 0.33), the incidence of conversion (RR =0.82, 95% CI 0.54 – 1.26; P = 0.37) and morbidity (RR =1.05, 95% CI 0.90 – 1.23; P = 0.055) all showed no significant differences between RATS and VATS lobectomy.

Conclusion:

RATS result in better mortality as compared with VATS. However, robotics seems to have longer operative time and higher hospital costs, without superior advantages in morbidity rates and oncologic efficiency. Since the advantages of RATS has been performed in some area, the continuation of a comparative investigation with VATS may be necessary. And some efforts need to be taken into consideration to reduce the operative time and cost.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Chiral 3, 5-Diaryl-5, 6-dihydrothiazolo[ 2, 3-c][1, 2, 4]triazoles
Authors: Tiwari Pawankumar R. , John Marina E. , Karnik Anil V.
Published: April 2019

:

Disclosed herein is a general approach for the synthesis of chiral thiazolo triazoles 5a-e. An
efficient 3-step synthetic strategy has been developed to obtain the fused heterocycles in good yields.
The key step involves formation of a secondary carbocation under acidic condition and intramolecular
attack of the nitrogen of the 1,2,4-triazolo part leads to the formation of fused bicyclic compound in a
regioselective manner. A new chiral center was created during the reaction and Chiral HPLC analyses
confirmed the presence of the same and the racemic nature of the synthesized compounds. Their antimicrobial
activities were evaluated by broth micro-dilution method and expressed as the minimum inhibitory
concentration. The preliminary bioassay results demonstrate that most of the target compounds
exhibit a significantly wide spectrum activity against S. aureus and E. coli comparable to ampicillin.
The efficacies of compounds against C. albicans are either more or similar compared to Griseofulvin.