bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalization of Galilean Transformation
Authors: Szostek Roman
Published: August 2019

In the article, a generalized Galilean transformation was derived. Obtained transformation is the basis for development of new physical theory, which was called the Special Theory of Ether. The generalized Galilean transformation can be expressed by relative speeds (26)-(27) or by the parameter delta(v) (37)-(38). Based on conclusions of the Michelson-Morley’s and Kennedy-Thorndike’s experiments, the parameter delta(v) was determined. This allows the transformation to take a special form (81)-(82), which is consistent with experiments in which velocity of light is measured. On the basis of obtained transformation, the formulas for summing speed and relative speed were also determined. The entire article includes only original research conducted by its author.
Gravitational Waves in Newton’s Gravitation and Criticism of Gravitational Waves Resulting from the General Theory of Relativity (LIGO)
Authors: Szostek Roman , Góralski Paweł , Szostek Kamil
Published: August 2019

The most important conclusion from this article is that from the General Theory of Relativity (GTR) do not result any gravitational waves, but just ordinary modulation of the gravitational field intensities caused by rotating of bodies. If the LIGO team has measured anything, it is only this modulation, rather than the gravitational wave understood as the carrier of gravity. This discussion shows that using too complicated mathematics in physics leads to erroneous interpretation of results (in this case, perhaps the tensor analysis is guilty). Formally, various things can be calculated, but without knowing what such analysis means, they can be attributed misinterpreted. Since the modulation of gravitational field intensities has been called a gravitational wave in contemporary physics, we have also done so, although it is misleading. In the article it was shown, that from the Newton’s law of gravitation resulted an existence of gravitational waves very similar to these, which result from the General Theory of Relativity. The article shows differences between the course of gravitational waves that result from Newton’s gravitation, and the course of gravitational waves that result from the General Theory of Relativity, which measurement was announced by the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) [1], [2], and [5]. According to both theories, gravitational waves are cyclical changes of the gravitational field intensities. The article proposes a method of testing a laser interferometer for gravitational wave measurement used in the LIGO Observatory. Criticism of results published by the LIGO team was also presented.
Hemodynamic and Pulmonary Permeability Characterization of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome by Transpulmonary Thermodilution
Authors: López René , Pérez Rodrigo , Salazar Álvaro , Ulloa Ana L , Vial Cecilia , Vial Pablo A , Graf Jerónimo
Published: August 2019

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is characterized by capillary leak, pulmonary edema (PE) and shock that leads to death in up to 40% of patients. Treatment is supportive, including mechanical ventilation (MV) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Hemodynamic monitoring is critical to titrate therapy and to decide ECMO support. Transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) provides hemodynamic and PE data that has not been systematically used to understand HCPS pathophysiology. We identified 11 HCPS patients monitored with TPTD; 5 on MV, 3 on ECMO. We analyzed 133 measurements to describe the hemodynamic pattern and its association to PE. The main findings were reduced stroke volume, global ejection fraction (GEF) and preload parameters associated to increased extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability compatible with hypovolemia, myocardial dysfunction and increased permeability PE. Lung water correlated positively with heart rate (HR, r=0.20) and negatively with mean arterial pressure (r=-0.27) and GEF (r=-0.36), suggesting that PE is linked to hemodynamic impairment. Pulmonary vascular permeability correlated positively with HR (r=0.31) and negatively with cardiac index (r=-0.49), end-diastolic volume (r=-0.48) and GEF (r=-0.40), suggesting that capillary leak contributes to hypovolemia and systolic dysfunction. In conclusion, TPTD data suggests that in HCPS patients, increased permeability leads to PE, hypovolemia and circulatory impairment.
An Investigation of CO2-Responsive Preformed Particle Gel for Conformance Control of CO2 Flooding in Reservoirs With Fractures or Fracture-Like Channels
Authors: Wang Ze , Bai Baojun , Long Yifu , Wang Lizhu
Published: August 2019

Gel treatment is an important technique to solve early CO2 breakthrough and excess–CO2–production problems, caused by the low viscosity and low density of CO2, as well as the heterogeneity of reservoirs with fractures or fracture–like channels. However, there is no reported work on gel that increases its volume after reacting with CO2 (termed CO2–responsive gel) for the conformance control of CO2 flooding. In this paper, the intrinsic properties of a CO2–responsive preformed particle gel (CR–PPG) were evaluated in a water/supercritical–CO2 (scCO2) environment in high–pressure vessels. Continuous scCO2 injection and CR–PPG treatment were conducted in fractured sandstone cores, to probe their plugging performance to scCO2 flow in a high–permeability–contrast system. The volumetric swelling ratio (VSR) of the CR–PPG increased by approximately two times in the presence of scCO2, compared with a sample under similar conditions in the absence of scCO2. The CR–PPG swelling ratio decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Under the same conditions, the temperature did not have an apparent effect on the swelling ratio after 31 days of swelling. In coreflooding experiments, the placed CR–PPG resisted a considerable pressure up to 617.0 psi before breakthrough. After a shut–in process, CO2–breakthrough pressure was detected at 437.2 psi. It is observed that the shut–in process improved the plugging performance of CR–PPG to CO2 as revealed by the increase in the residual resistance factor. Controlling the shut–in time was found to be effective in augmenting the increase in the residual resistance factor, by increasing the VSR of placed CR–PPG. Resistance of CR–PPG to some real field challenges, including a high pressure gradient and long–term exposure to CO2, was also reported for field–applicability concerns.
Raising the Bar of Productivity Improvement in an Abnormal and Distinctive Pressure and Temperature Environment: Niger Delta.
Authors: Imbazi Oyeintonbra , Ugoh Oluwatobi , Okoloma Emmanuel , Osuagwu Micheal , Enyioko Chigoziem , Ighavini Emmanuel , Uzodinma Chioma
Published: August 2019

Well 01 and Well 02 are part of the phase 1-6 project that involved the development of six wells with the potential to deliver an additional 70% production increase to the LNG export market. The sand face for both wells was drilled with 0.72psi/ft pseudo oil-based mud (POBM). After the initial well clean-up, both wells produced sub-optimally (~20% of estimated potential) with relatively high drawdown (ranging from 500psi – 1000psi). This low production was suspected to be because of downhole (screen and formation) impairment or partial opening of the formation isolation valves (FIV).

A restoration team was set up with a responsibility to proffer a robust well intervention execution plan and select the most potent barite dissolver. Nine stimulation chemicals were tested and based on the team criteria, CHEM-001 and CHEM-002 were selected as main-treatment and pre-flush chemicals, respectively.

The downhole and surface conditions that exist in deep high-pressure wells pose many challenges to the coiled tubing industry as it strives to provide safe and reliable access to the wells. This paper highlights a case history of successfully snubbing coiled tubing (CT) into two deep (about 14,000ft+) live wells (Well 01 and Well 02) with a high surface pressure (7000psi+) and temperature (80 – 100°C) to stimulate both wells. The success criteria post stimulation was targeted at 75% of the potential production value. However, post treatment results show that cumulative gas production increased by 375% (with about 200psi) with a potential to increase up to 400%.

This paper details the entire operations during the CT well intervention, the planning, design, and technical analysis which led to the selection of a CT with 130,000psi yield strength on a 125K CT injector system, force simulations, and laboratory tests on CT with stimulation chemicals which led to a successful stimulation campaign. The paper also covers the initial planned versus actual operations and the lessons learned leading to on-the-spot optimization plans that resulted in a highly successful intervention operation.
Continuum of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence risks among Syrian Refugee Women and Girls in Lebanon
Authors: Roupetz Sophie , Stephanie Garbern , Saja Michael , Harveen Bergquist , Heide Glaesmer , Susan Bartels
Published: August 2019

Background: A myriad of factors including socio-economic hardships impact refugees, with females being additionally exposed to various forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). For instance, sexual exploitation and forced prostitution can become negative coping mechanisms through which some women and girls raise funds to cover their families’ living expenses. The aim of this qualitative analysis was to understand and to provide new insight into the experiences of SGBV among Syrian refugee women and girls in Lebanon.
Methods: The data are gained from a larger mixed-methods study, investigating the experiences of Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon, using an iPad and the data collection tool, SenseMaker®. The SenseMaker survey intentionally did not ask direct questions about experiences of SGBV but instead enabled stories about SGBV to become apparent from a wide range of subjects of the daily lives of Syrian girls. For this analysis, all first-person stories by female respondents were screened and those about experiences of SGBV were included in a thematic analysis. To present men’s perceptions on these experiences, a random selection of stories about Syrian girls in Lebanon from male respondents was analyzed.
Results: In total, 70 of the 327 first person stories from female respondents and 42 of the 159 male stories, included dialogue on SGBV. While experiences of sexual harassment were mainly reported by women and girls, male respondents were much more likely to talk explicitly about sexual exploitation. Due to different forms of SGBV risks in public, unmarried girls were at high risk of child marriage, whereas married girls more often experienced some form of IPV and/or DV. In abusive relationships, some girls and women continued to face violence as they sought divorces and attempted to flee unhealthy situations.
Conclusions: Our findings shed light on the importance of recognizing the impact of SGBV on the family as a whole in addition to each of the individual members and to consider the cycle of SGBV not only across the woman’s lifespan but also across generations. The identified gendered differences in how SGBV was discussed may have implications for the design of future research focused on SGBV.
Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization
Authors: Gabrielli Simona , Sulekova Lucia Fontanelli , Furzi Federica , Biliotti Elisa , Iaiani Giancarlo , Fimiani Caterina , Maiorano Myriam , Mattiucci Simonetta , Taliani Gloria
Published: August 2019

Background
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV- positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis subtypes, to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders and to assess the level of calprotectin in Blastocystis-carriers.
Results
Blastocystis was identified in 39 patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p=0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p= 0.0001) and with flatulence (p=0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis-carriers and free ones.
Conclusions
Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART and homosexual behaviour could represent a risk factor for its transmission. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear, as the only symptom associated with its presence was flatulence. This result is intriguing since flatulence is related to the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemnew Birhan , Gedefaw Getnet , Diress Gedefaw , Demis Asmamaw Bizuneh
Published: August 2019

Background

Intestinal infection is still an important public health problem in low-income countries. Food handlers may be infected by a wide range of enteropathogens and have been implicated in the transmission of many infections to the public in the community and the people living in working environments. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia.

Methods

International databases, including PubMed/ Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, andHinariwere systematically searched. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments were included. Two authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA version 14 statistical software was used to do a meta-analysis. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. A random-effect model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Results

After reviewing of 138 studies, 18 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The findings from the 18 studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in higher public university student’s cafeterias and public food establishments was 28.5% (95%CI: 27.4, 29.7). The dominant intestinal parasites were E.histolytica 6.38 (95%Cl: 5.73, 7.04), followed by A.lumbricodes4.12 (95%Cl: 3.56, 4.67), and G. lamblia 3.12(95%Cl: 2.65, 3.60). Fingernail trimming 3.04 (95% CI:2.19, 4.22), hand washing after defecation 2.71 (95%CI:1.93, 3.82), hand washing after touching any body parts 2.41 (95%CI:1.64, 3.56), medical checkup 2.26, (95%CI:1.57, 3.25), food safety training 1.79 (95%CI: 1.30, 2.45) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusion

In this study, intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working in higher public university student’s cafeterias and public food establishment’s in Ethiopia were significantly high. Fingernail trimming, hand washing after defecation, hand washing after touching any body parts, regular medical checkup, and food safety training were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.
Application value of tissue tuberculosis antigen combined with Xpert MTB/RIF detection in differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease
Authors: Fei Baoying , Zhou Lin , Zhang Yu , Luo Linhe , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: August 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of Xpert MTB/RIF detection and tuberculosis antigen detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in intestinal tissues for differentiating intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) from Crohn’s disease (CD).
Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patients who were clinically diagnosed with CD or ITB between January 2016 and March 2018 were initially enrolled in this study. The patients were monitored and their clinical, endoscopic and histopathological characteristics were followed up until their final diagnosis was clearly made. Several specimens of intestinal tissue from endoscopic biopsy or surgical excision were collected. One piece was used as paraffin specimen, and the other two pieces were used for MTB culture and Xpert MTB/RIF detection, respectively. Four antigens (38KDa protein, ESAT-6 protein, MPT64, Ag85 complex) of MTB in intestinal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: A total of 42 cases of intestinal tuberculosis and 46 cases of CD were included in the experimental analysis. Perianal lesions and longitudinal ulcers were more common in CD patients (p < 0.05), while caseous granuloma and annular ulcers were more common in ITB patients (P < 0.05). The positive rate of M. tuberculosis detected by Xpert MTB/RIF in intestinal tissue samples of ITB patients was 33.33%, which was significantly higher compared to CD patients (p < 0.05) and compared to acid-fast staining smears (9.52%) (p < 0.05). The positive MPT64 expression rate in patients with intestinal tuberculosis was 40.48%, which was significantly higher than that observed in CD patients, which was 19.56% (X2=4.61, p<0.05).
Conclusions: The detection of Xpert MTB/RIF in intestinal tissue was conducive to the quick and early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis. Xpert MTB/RIF and MPT64 antigen in intestinal tissues had certain value in the differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease. The combination of these two methods could improve detection sensitivity.
Manual Therapy Versus Therapeutic Exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Bernal-Utrera Carlos , Gonzalez-Gerez Juan Jose , Saavedra-Hernandez Manuel , Lerida-Ortega Miguel Angel , Rodriguez-Blanco Cleofas
Published: August 2019

• Background: Underlying mechanisms of non-specific chronic neck pain relapses are not clear, but it could be associated with a deficit and alteration of neck muscles propioception that play a decisive role in cervical joint position, motor control of the head and postural stability. Numerous treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain have been described in the scientific literature. However, few studies analyze its influence on postural stability, since these alterations are not fully described, and various theories emerge about the reasons that cause it. Our mainly aim is analyze the differences in postural stability, pain, cervical disability and the relation between them produced by a treatment based on manual therapy and other based on therapeutic exercise.
• Methods: The short-term and mid-term changes produced by different therapies on subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain will be studied. The sample will be randomly divided into three groups, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and placebo. As dependent variables of the study, we will take: a) overall balance index, measured through a dynamic stabilometric platform; b) pain, based on the visual analog scale and the pressure pain threshold; c) cervical disability, through the cervical disability index. The findings will be analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05)
• Discussion: Our study aims to provide knowledge about postural stability and its relationship with pain in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain. Analyzing the results produced by different types of therapy will allow us to draw conclusions about the mechanisms that may elicit these alterations, structural or central mechanisms.
• Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry, RBR-2vj7sw. Registered on 28 November 2018.
Quality Control Techniques and Related Factors for Hydroponic Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Guo Jinghua , Yan Yan , Dong Lingdi , Jiao Yonggang , Xiong Haizheng , Shi Linqi , Tian Yu , Yang Yubo , Shi Ainong
Published: August 2019

Hydroponics has been an increasingly important field of vegetable production. However, a big issue with hydroponics is that certain crops can quickly accumulate high levels of nitrate-N (NO3 ± -N) from the hydroponic system. The objective of this research was to decrease NO3 accumulation and increase the nutritional value and yield of vegetable crops using lettuce and oilseed rape as a model under hydroponic production. In this study, two technologies were applied to leafy vegetable production: 1) using supplementary lighting (blue-violet diode) by manipulating illumination and 2) removing fertilization before harvest for a short term (3 or 5 days), thus providing a practical experiment for improving yield and edible qualities of hydroponic leaf vegetable production. Illumination was applied 4 hours a day (0500–0700 hr and 1700–1900 hr) during good weather, or 12 hours a day during bad weather with insufficient natural light (<2000 lux) during the autumn and winter seasons. Results showed that the lettuce cultivar Ou-Luo and the oilseed rape cultivar Ao-Guan Pakchoi had increased yield (50.0% and 88.3%, respectively), decreased NO3 content (26.3% and 30.8%, respectively), and increased total soluble solids (24.1% and 30.6%, respectively). The 5-day fertilizer-free treatment before harvest resulted in 19.2%, 6.4%, and 16.5% yield increases; and 26.0%, 24.3%, and 47.8% NO3 decreases in oilseed rape cultivar Ao-Guan Pakchoi and lettuce cultivars Da-Su-Sheng and Ou-Luo, respectively.
Molecular Distinguishment of Trapa natans L. Varieties in Taihu Lake Region of China and Development of a RAPD-SCAR Marker for Authentication of ‘Heshangling’
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Shen Xuelin , Sun Xiaoqin , Liu Jia , Xia Yifeng , Zou Xin , Hang Yueyu
Published: August 2019

Water chestnut (Trapa natans L.) is a group of annual, floating-leaved aquatic plants that serves as food and medical resources in many countries. However, the molecular method for distinguishing different T. natans L. resources is lacking. In this study, we detected genetic diversity of several chloroplast and nuclear genic or intergenic sequences in four varieties of T. natans and one wild type of Trapa incisa Siebold & Zuccarini to evaluate their potential as molecular markers. Our data revealed that the three chloroplast fragments (rbcL, matK, and pbsA-trnH) show no sequence difference among all tested samples. Only one nucleotide substitution is detected for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in the T. natans variety Shuihongling. Four nucleotide substitutions are detected for the nuclear carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO) gene in the variety Hongxiuxie. In contrast, a total of 29 polymorphic sites are detected for a Toll and interleukin-1 receptor-nucleotide binding site–leucine rich repeat (TNL) gene in the five samples, among which six are nucleotide substitutions and the rest are insertions/deletions. The five samples could be fully distinguished from each other based on the TNL gene. To specifically authenticate ‘Heshangling’, 33 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were adopted to amplify genomic sequences from the five samples. A pair of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers were designed based on the results of RAPD markers, which could specifically amplify one target band from all eight individuals of ‘Heshangling’, but none from any individuals of other T. natans varieties or one T. incisa. Taken together, a TNL sequence was provided in this study to distinguish four T. natans varieties and one T. incisa. Furthermore, a RAPD-SCAR marker was developed for efficient authentication of ‘Heshangling’.
GC-MS Analysis of Volatile Components in Partridge Tea (Mallotus obongifolius)
Authors: Qin Shao-chang , Li Juan-ling , Kareem Abdul , Wang Yong
Published: August 2019

Partridge tea is one of the famous local herbal teas of Hainan Island, China. In the present study, headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were combined to determine and analyze the volatile components in the red and green leaves of partridge tea. Seventeen volatile components were identified in the red young leaves. The olefins, alkanes, and alcohols accounted for 71.24%, 1.1%, and 0.54%, among which the main components were caryophyllene (22.50%), humulene (18.73%), and α-guaiene (8.78%), respectively. Twenty volatile components were identified from red mature leaves, including 34.74% olefins, 6.14% esters, and 3.11% acids. Eighteen volatile components were identified from green young leaves, among which olefins (70.52%), alkanes (4.32%), and alcohol (0.89%) were the major components. Nineteen volatile components were identified from green mature leaves, among which the olefins, esters, and acids were the major components with the contents of 46.04%, 6.38%, and 1.37%, respectively. Results showed that the major volatile components of partridge tea were olefins, in which caryophyllene was the most abundant. The contents of volatile components between red leaves and green leaves had notable differences, which might be useful for germplasm identification of partridge tea.
Morphological, Pomological, and Specific Molecular Marker Resources for Genetic Diversity Analyses in Fig (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Abdelsalam Nader R. , Awad Rehab M. , Ali Hayssam M. , Salem Mohamed Z.M. , Abdellatif Kamal F. , Elshikh Mohamed S.
Published: August 2019

Fig (Ficus carica L.) considers the original cultivated fruit trees and currently has become extinct. Such genetic resources should be identified, documented, and conserved. Morphology, pomology, and molecular markers are successful tools in assessing genetic diversity and classifying fig accessions. Twenty-one cultivated fig (F. carica L.) accessions were collected from Egypt and Libya. In Egypt, fig accessions are dispersed from Sinai in the east to El-Saloom in the west and from Alexandria in the north to Aswan in the south, whereas Libyan accessions were collected from Tubryq, Bengazi, and AlKufrah. Seventeen morphological, pomological, and fruit traits were used to characterize the fig accessions. Moreover, frozen young leaves were used to extract genomic DNA; 13 expressed sequence tag (EST) common fig primer pairs with 12 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)-anchored primers were used to detect the genetic diversity. Analysis of variance for fig accessions showed highly significant differences concerning morphological traits, i.e., the leaf length (centimeters) and width (centimeters) ranged from 5.4 and 6 cm to 23 and 23.5 cm, for Komesrey-El-Hammam, Abodey-Giza, and Black_Mission accessions, respectively. Also, fig accessions showed different shapes of leaf edge and fruits; they were categorized into four groups: straight, waved, zigzag, and serrated. The number of leaf lobes data ranged from one lobe for the ‘Green-yellow’, ‘Sultani Red Siwa’, and ‘Sultany Red Amria’ accessions to 10 lobes in the Aswany accession. The two-way hierarchical morphological cluster analysis distributed fig accessions into two main groups. The results detected high genetic diversity for the fig accessions that could be useful in the future breeding programs. Concerning molecular data, the EST markers showed highly polymorphism and informative (r = 0.61; 90.0%), with a total number of identified alleles of 78. We proved that a relatively greater number of alleles per locus characterizes the targeted loci among fig accessions, for which only one and two alleles per locus have been revealed, respectively, although ISSR showed a clear pattern and bands of the primers UBC807, UBC811, UBC812, UBC814, UBC815, UBC817, UBC818, and UBC823. In conclusion, a great range of variability was detected within the fig accessions. This diversification could enrich the genetic base of this genus, and more experiments are needed to reach its full potential.
Effects of Seasonal Variation and Gibberellic Acid Treatment on the Growth and Development of Gypsophila paniculata
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Guoxian , Yu Rongpei , Wu Min , Shan Qinli , Wu Lifang , Ruan Jiwei , Yang Chunmei
Published: August 2019

We investigated the effects of different planting seasons and gibberellic acid treatments on the growth and development of Gypsophila paniculata to explore new approaches to controlling the flowering period. Four different cultivars were selected and continually planted in July, September, and November in the low-latitude and high-altitude region of Kunming, China (25° N, 102° E). Results showed that the vegetative growth and flowering time of Gypsophila paniculata were prolonged and postponed when the planting time was delayed. Specifically, ‘My Pink’ showed 20% and 80% rosette rates when grown in autumn and winter, respectively, thus indicating that Gypsophila paniculata is sensitive to planting time. Moreover, GA3 treatment not only can significantly promote vegetative growth but also can stimulate early flowering and suppress the occurrence of rosettes during winter. This is more specific to ‘My Pink’, which showed 40% and 80% reductions in rosette rates with four and eight GA3 treatment applications, respectively. Our study showed that seasonal variations in the growth and development of Gypsophila paniculata and GA3 treatment can effectively stimulate early flowering and suppress rosettes during winter.
Validation of Nursery and Greenhouse Best Management Practices through Scientific Evidence
Authors: Mack Rachel , Owen James S. , Niemiera Alex X. , Sample David J.
Published: August 2019

Nursery and greenhouse growers use a variety of practices known as best management practices (BMPs) to reduce sediment, nutrient, and water losses from production beds and to improve efficiency. Although these BMPs are almost universally recommended in guidance manuals, or required by regulation in limited instances, little information is available that links specific BMPs to the scientific literature that supports their use and quantifies their effectiveness. A previous survey identified the most widely used water management, runoff, and fertilizer-related BMPs by Virginia nursery and greenhouse operators. Applicable literature was reviewed herein and assessed for factors that influence the efficacy of selected BMPs and metrics of BMP effectiveness, such as reduced water use and fertilizers to reduce sediment, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) loads in runoff. BMPs investigated included vegetative zones (VZs), irrigation management strategies, and controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). Use of vegetative buffers decreased average runoff N 41%, P 67%, and total suspended solids 91%. Nitrogen, P, and sediment removal efficacy increased with vegetative buffer width. Changes in production practices increased water application efficiency >20% and decreased leachate or runoff volume >40%, reducing average N and P loss by 28% and 14%, respectively. By linking BMPs to scientific articles and reports, individual BMPs can be validated and are thus legitimized from the perspective of growers and environmental regulators. With current and impending water use and runoff regulations, validating the use and performance of these BMPs could lead to increased adoption, helping growers to receive credit for actions that have been or will be taken, thus minimizing water use, nutrient loss, and potential pollution from nursery and greenhouse production sites.
Hazard Analysis for Phytophthora Species in Container Nurseries: Three Case Studies
Authors: Parke Jennifer L. , Redekar Neelam R. , Eberhart Joyce L. , Funahashi Fumiaki
Published: August 2019

Phytophthora species cause crop losses and reduce the quality of greenhouse and nursery plants. Phytophthora species can also be moved long distances by the plant trade, potentially spreading diseases to new hosts and habitats. Phytosanitary approaches based on quarantines and endpoint inspections have reduced, but not eliminated, the spread of Phytophthora species from nurseries. It is therefore important for plant production facilities to identify potential sources of contamination and to take corrective measures to prevent disease. We applied a systems approach to identify sources of contamination in three container nurseries in Oregon, California, and South Carolina. Surface water sources and recaptured runoff water were contaminated with plant pathogenic species at all three nurseries, but one nursery implemented an effective disinfestation treatment for recycled irrigation water. Other sources of contamination included cull piles and compost that were incorporated into potting media, infested soil and gravel beds, used containers, and plant returns. Management recommendations include preventing contact between containers and contaminated ground, improving drainage, pasteurizing potting media ingredients, steaming used containers, and quarantine and testing of incoming plants for Phytophthora species. These case studies illustrate how recycled irrigation water can contribute to the spread of waterborne pathogens and highlight the need to implement nursery management practices to reduce disease risk.
La question postcoloniale au risque de la déconstruction. Spivak et la condition des femmes
Authors: Poché Fred
Published: August 2019

Depuis Edward W. Said, les recherches sur le rapport entre discours et représentations idéologiques ont permis d’éclairer la situation postcoloniale en ouvrant un champ de recherche propre à revisiter la question de l’altérité. Depuis, dans cette même ligne, des études comme celles de Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak ont prolongé la réflexion en portant leur attention sur la condition des femmes dans les anciens pays colonisés. L’auteur de la présente contribution s’efforce, alors, en premier lieu, de montrer de quelle façon la philosophe indienne utilise la déconstruction derridienne pour penser la question de la condition féminine indienne. Ensuite, il souligne comment sa lecture postcoloniale de la littérature contribue à revisiter l’histoire de l’indépendance et ses prolongements, en interrogeant la place des femmes, notamment les plus défavorisées. Enfin, après avoir rappelé les grandes lignes du texte «Can the subaltern speak?», largement commenté à travers le monde, Fred Poché propose quelques repères utiles pour la prise en compte de la parole des «subalternes».
Taguchi design of optimum process parameters for sorption of copper ions using different sorbents
Authors: Svilović Sandra , Mužek Mario Nikola , Nuić Ivona , Vučenović Petra
Published: August 2019

The sorption of Cu ions on pure fly ash-based geopolymer, fly ash-based geopolymer with Pb ions addition (modified) and zeolite NaX was studied. Taguchi's approach was applied to determine the impact of solute concentration (c), temperature (T), mixing time (t) and sorbent type (S) on the sorption of Cu ions onto different sorbents under batch conditions. Optimum experimental conditions and influence of controllable factors were determined using the larger-the-better approach. The influence in descending order is c > S > t > T, for both removal and loading. Also, the impact of sorbent type and solute concentration on the process equilibrium was examined. The equilibrium amount of Cu retained on the sorbents in equilibrium (qe) was as follows: pure geopolymer – 1.169 mmol g−1, modified geopolymer – 1.186 mmol g−1, and zeolite NaX – 1.695 mmol g−1. The experimental data were modelled using Jovanovic, Khan, Baudu, and Fritz-Schlünder isotherm models and their goodness of fit were compared. The Baudu isotherm model was the most useful in predicting the equilibrium of Cu sorption on pure and modified geopolymer. Goodness of fit of the selected isotherm models for the sorption of Cu ions on zeolite NaX was in the order: Fritz-Schlünder > Khan > Jovanovic > Baudu.
Characteristics of Gun Advertisements on Social Media: Systematic Search and Content Analysis of Twitter and YouTube Posts (Preprint)
Authors: Jordan Lisa , Kalin James , Dabrowski Colleen
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Although gun violence has been identified as a major public health concern, the scope and significance of internet gun advertising is not known.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the characteristics of gun advertising on social media and to compare the reach of posts by manufacturers with those of influencers.

METHODS

Using a systematic search, we created a database of recent and popular Twitter and YouTube posts made public by major firearm manufacturers and influencers. From our sample of social media posts, we reviewed the content of the posts on the basis of 19 different characteristics, such as type of gun, presence of women, and military or police references. Our content analysis summarized statistical differences in the information conveyed in posts to compare advertising approaches across social media platforms.

RESULTS

Sample posts revealed that firearm manufacturers use social media to attract audiences to websites that sell firearms: 14.1% (131/928; ±2.9) of Twitter posts, 53.6% (228/425; ±6.2) of YouTube videos, and 89.5% (214/239; ±5.1) of YouTube influencer videos link to websites that facilitate sales. Advertisements included women in efforts to market handguns and pistols for the purpose of protection: videos with women included protection themes 2.5 times more often than videos without women. Top manufacturers of domestic firearms received 98 million channel views, compared with 6.1 billion channel views received by the top 12 YouTube influencers.

CONCLUSIONS

Firearm companies use social media as an advertising platform to connect viewers to websites that sell guns. Gun manufacturers appropriate YouTube servers, video streaming services, and the work of YouTube influencers to reach large audiences to promote the widespread sale of consumer firearms. YouTube and Twitter subsidize gun advertising by offering server and streaming services at no cost to gun manufacturers, to the commercial benefit of Google and Twitter’s corporate ownership.
Agreement on Therapeutic Goal and Task Predicts Improvement in Patients After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy via Videoconference: Retrospective Secondary Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuki , Yoshida Tokiko , Hamatani Sayo , Sutoh Chihiro , Hirano Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The therapist-patient therapeutic alliance is known as an important factor in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, findings by previous studies for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) have not been consistent on whether this alliance provides symptomatic improvements.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated predictors of symptom improvement in patients receiving CBT via videoconference.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients who performed the previous clinical trial participated in current study. Therapeutic Alliance and clinical background in patients with OCD, PD, and SAD were measured at first session and 8th, which were calculated by multiple regression analysis to estimate the impact on therapeutic response rates.

RESULTS

The multiple regression analysis showed that among the independent variables, only patients’ agreement in therapeutic alliance remained; other variables were a best fit for the excluded model (P = .002). The result show patients’ agreement on therapeutic goal and task explains the prognosis: the normalization factor β was 0.540 (P = .002), the adjusted R-squared was 0.266.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' agreement on therapeutic goal and task predicts improvement after ICBT via videoconference.
Data Integrity and Security using Keccak and Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA)
Authors: Nazal Muhammad Asghar , Pulungan Reza , Riasetiawan Mardhani
Published: August 2019

Data security is a very important compilation using cloud computing; one of the research that is running and using cloud technology as a means of storage is G-Connect. One of the developments made by the G-Connect project is about data security; most of the problems verification of the data sent. In previous studies, Keccak and RSA algorithms have implemented for data verification needs. But after a literature study of other algorithms that can make digital signatures, we found what is meant by an algorithm that is better than RSA in rectangular speeds, namely Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA).DSA is one of the key algorithms used for digital signatures, but because DSA still uses Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA-1) as an algorithm for hashes, DSA rarely used for data security purposes, so Keccak is used instead of the hash algorithm on DSA. Now, Keccak become the standard for the new SHA-3 hash function algorithm. Because of the above problems, the focus of this research is about data verification using Keccak and DSA. The results of the research are proven that Keccak can run on DSA work system, obtained a comparison of execution time process between DSA and RSA where both use Keccak.
incorporación de la educación veterinaria a la Universidad Nacional y sus vínculos con los regímenes revolucionarios (1929-1934)
Authors: Uribe Mendoza Blanca Irais
Published: August 2019

El artículo describe el proceso de incorporación de la educación veterinaria a la Universidad Nacional de México en 1929. Asimismo, da cuenta de la trayectoria que siguió la medicina veterinaria en los meses posteriores a su integración a la Universidad, y los vínculos de colaboración entre la comunidad veterinaria y los regímenes revolucionarios, de 1929 a 1934. Se otorga particular atención a las instituciones desde donde los veterinarios ejecutaron un proceso de extensión científica, educativa y profesional hacia el sector rural en materia de reproducción de ganado y explotación de recursos de este origen. Los lineamientos metodológicos que se siguieron para el trabajo vienen de la historia social de la educación, marco de referencia que permitió demostrar que la educación superior fue una herramienta de los regímenes revolucionarios para echar a andar el desarrollo agropecuario del país.
Aprendizaje autodirigido del saber pedagógico con tecnologías digitales. Generación de un modelo teórico en estudiantes de pedagogía chilenos
Authors: Cerda Cristian , Saiz José L.
Published: August 2019

En esta investigación buscamos generar un modelo teórico que permita comprender cómo se desarrolla el proceso de aprendizaje autodirigido del saber pedagógico (AAD-SP) en estudiantes de pedagogía chilenos cuando usan tecnologías digitales. Utilizamos teoría fundamentada constructivista para analizar datos narrativos de 33 estudiantes entrevistados. Los resultados nos permiten indicar que este proceso ocurre según tres fases sucesivas: necesidad de información, búsqueda autónoma de información digital, y uso académico de tecnologías digitales. La categoría central que sostiene el proceso, compromiso docente, alude a la disposición a estar preparado profesionalmente para una docencia efectiva. Cada fase es influida por elementos del perfil académico de los estudiantes y del contexto de formación inicial docente. El abordaje de la alfabetización computacional y manejo de información y el aprendizaje autodirigido, durante la formación inicial docente, podría aportar recursos a prácticas de desarrollo profesional que apoyen al futuro profesor a lo largo de su vida laboral.
THE FEATURES OF THE RADIOLOGICAL IMAGE OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA AT INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASES
Authors: Zolotnitskaia V. P. , Speranskaia A. A. , Yakovleva N. S.
Published: August 2019

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients with interstitial lung diseases is a terrible complication and has an atypical course. Diagnosis of CAP is difficult, since the clinical symptoms of inflammation are similar to those of ILD. The results of radiation studies are not pathognomonic, they are not always correctly interpreted, which leads to errors in diagnosis, delay in the examination and treatment of the patient.Aims: to evaluate the possibilities of CT in the detection and differential diagnosis of pneumonia in patients with ILD.Material and methods. The results of a complex clinical and radiological studies of 336 patients with IZL, 48 patients showed infiltrative changes in the lungs that were not characteristic of the main process.Results. Nonspecific inflammatory changes in the lung tissue were manifested by the following CT symptoms: alveolar type with local infiltration of the lung tissue corresponding to the segmental structure of the lungs (segment, lobe), the appearance of peribronchial alveolar type lung tissue that is not characteristic of radiation semiotics of the underlying disease.Conclusions: рerforming CT and VRKT reveals the appearance of infiltrative and focal changes that are atypical for IL, characteristic of specific and non-specific inflammatory processes, which affects the treatment tactics of patients.
Clifford recompilation for faster classical simulation of quantum circuits
Authors: Qassim Hammam , Wallman Joel J. , Emerson Joseph
Published: August 2019

Simulating quantum circuits classically is an important area of research in quantum information, with applications in computational complexity and validation of quantum devices. One of the state-of-the-art simulators, that of Bravyi et al, utilizes a randomized sparsification technique to approximate the output state of a quantum circuit by a stabilizer sum with a reduced number of terms. In this paper, we describe an improved Monte Carlo algorithm for performing randomized sparsification. This algorithm reduces the runtime of computing the approximate state by the factorℓ/m, whereℓandmare respectively the total and non-Clifford gate counts. The main technique is a circuit recompilation routine based on manipulating exponentiated Pauli operators. The recompilation routine also facilitates numerical search for Clifford decompositions of products of non-Clifford gates, which can further reduce the runtime in certain cases by reducing the 1-norm of the vector of expansion,‖a‖1. It may additionally lead to a framework for optimizing circuit implementations over a gate-set, reducing the overhead for state-injection in fault-tolerant implementations. We provide a concise exposition of randomized sparsification, and describe how to use it to estimate circuit amplitudes in a way which can be generalized to a broader class of gates and states. This latter method can be used to obtain additive error estimates of circuit probabilities with a faster runtime than the full techniques of Bravyi et al. Such estimates are useful for validating near-term quantum devices provided that the target probability is not exponentially small.