bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ĐÁNH GIÁ KHẢ NĂNG SINH TRƯỞNG, PHÁT TRIỂN VÀ NĂNG SUẤT CỦA MỘT SỐ GIỐNG SẮN TRIỂN VỌNG TRÊN VÙNG ĐẤT CÁT NỘI ĐỒNG PHONG HIỀN, PHONG ĐIỀN, THỪA THIÊN HUẾ
Authors: KN Khoa , Tuân Nguyễn Viết , Truyền Nguyễn Ngọc , Thi Nguyễn Đình
Published: September 2017

Tóm tắt: Nghiên cứu được tiến hành tại xã Phong Hiền, huyện Phong Điền, tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế trong năm 2015-2016 nhằm tuyển chọn giống sắn triển vọng phục vụ sản xuất cho vùng đất cát nội đồng. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy trừ giống KM419, các giống sắn đều có khả năng sinh trưởng và phát triển, tạo năng suất tốt trong điều kiện nghiên cứu. Hai giống sắn KM444 và KM98-5 có hàm lượng tinh bột, tỉ lệ sắn lát cao hơn hoặc tương đương giống đối chứng (KM94). Hai giống này cũng cho năng suất và các yếu tố cấu thành năng suất cao hơn và đem lại hiệu quả kinh tế lớn hơn so với giống KM94. Tổng hợp các chỉ tiêu theo dõi cho thấy giống sắn KM444 có nhiều ưu điểm hơn hẳn giống KM94, giống KM98-5 tương đương với giống KM94 đang được sản xuất đại trà trên vùng đất cát nội đồng tại Thừa Thiên Huế nói chung và xã Phong Hiền, Phong Điền nói riêng.Từ khóa: đất cát nội đồng, giống sắn triển vọng, hàm lượng tinh bột, năng suất, sinh trưởng, phát triển
NGHIÊN CỨU MỘT SỐ BIỆN PHÁP KỸ THUẬT SẢN XUẤT GẤC LAI ĐEN THƯƠNG PHẨM TẠI NGHỆ AN / STUDY ON APPROPRIATE CULTIVATED TECHNIQUES BLACK HYBRID GAC (Momordica cochinchinensis) AT NGHE AN PROVINCE
Authors: Thi Nguyễn Đình
Published: September 2017

Những năm vừa qua, chúng tôi đã tiến hành nghiên cứu một số biện pháp kỹ thuật nhằm góp phần xây dựng và hoàn thiện quy trình sản xuất gấc lai đen thương phẩm cho năng suất và hiệu quả cao tại vùng trồng gấc nguyên liệu tập trung của công ty Cổ phần Nafoods Group, xã Tân Thắng, huyện Quỳnh Lưu, tỉnh Nghệ An. Đến nay chúng tôi đã xác định được: 1) Trồng gấc vào tháng 11-12 có tỷ lệ sống và năng suất quả năm đầu cao hơn kinh nghiệm trồng vào tháng 2 hoặc các tháng khác; 2) Mật độ trồng 500 cây/ha là phù hợp nhất; 3) Liều lượng bón NPK cho 1 ha trên nền 15 tấn phân chuồng + 400 kg vôi bột là 120 kg N + 80 kg P2O5 + 150 kg K2O; 4) Phun phân bón lá Zanon3&6 hoặc Blago có tác dụng tốt cho gấc; 5) Làm cỏ gốc 1 tháng/1 lần kết hợp tưới nước 1 tháng/2 lần và 6) Cắt tỉa cành 1 tháng/1 lần kết hợp thụ phấn để cây gấc sinh trưởng phát triển tăng năng suất và hiệu quả sản xuất.
NGHIÊN CỨU NĂNG LỰC TRÍ TUỆ CỦA HỌC SINH LỨA TUỔI TIỂU HỌC TẠI TỈNH BÌNH ĐỊNH
Authors: Loan Nguyễn Thị Tường
Published: September 2017

Kết quả nghiên cứu 6.514 học sinh trong đó có 3.298 nam và 3.216 nữ từ 6 - 10 tuổi thuộc ba khu vực sinh thái là thành thị, nông thôn và miền núi tại tỉnh Bình Định cho thấy, chỉ số thông minh IQ và trí nhớ của trẻ tăng dần theo tuổi. Ở các khu vực sinh thái khác nhau, sự phát triển  trí tuệ của trẻ khác nhau. Điều này cho thấy sự ảnh hưởng của môi trường sống đối với sự phát triển tư duy ở trẻ. Mặt khác, ở trẻ tiểu học trí nhớ thị giác tốt hơn trí nhớ thính giác, vì vậy, dạy học ở bậc tiểu học cần phát huy phương pháp trực quan để đạt hiệu quả cao.
ON THE DERIVATION OF THERMODYNAMIC QUANTITIES OF IDEAL FERMI GAS IN HARMONIC TRAP
Authors: Vinh Pham Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we provide comprehensive study of the thermodynamic quantities of the ideal Fermi gas confined in a three-dimensional harmonic trap by using the properties of Fermi – Dirac integral function both analytically and numerically. The dependences of the chemical potential, total energy and heat capacity on the temperature are obtained via the appropriately approximated analytic formulae. Afterwards, the results are compared with the exact numerical ones in order to evaluate the applicability of these formulae.
HUBUNGAN IMPLEMENTASI NILAI-NILAI AKHLAK DENGAN PERILAKU SEKSUAL PRANIKAH PADA REMAJA PUTRI DI DESA RENDENG RW 2-5 KABUPATEN KUDUS
Authors: Rozaq Muhammad Abdur , Pujiyati Endang
Published: September 2017

Background: Knowledge of adolescent reproductive health is still very low evidenced 83.7% of adolescent reproductive health and the lack of understanding of just 3.6% who know the importance of reproductive health. So also with the limited knowledge of adolescents about reproductive health often leads to premarital sex acts. City teenagers are increasingly daring sexual intercourse before marriage. Objective: To determine the relationship of adolescent dating behavior with adolescent premarital sexual incident in the village of the district Rendeng Kudus. Methods: This study was correlational. The approach used in this study was cross sectional. The population in this study were young in the village Rendeng totaling 140 people. Sample of 58 people. Data analysis using chi square.Results of the research Most teens have not suit the application value - the value of religion as many as 35 people (60.3%) and the appropriate application of value - the value of religion as much as 23 people (39.7%). Most teens have a negative sexual behaviors as many as 36 people (62.15) and was positive in 22 (37.9%). There is a relationship Application values of Islam with Genesis Premarital Sexual Teen in Village Rendeng RW 2-5 Kudus Regency (p value = 0.001).
The Effect of Nigella Sativa Linn (Kalajira) Extract on Gentamicin- Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Rats
Authors: Quadir Rukhsana , Khan Md Ismail , Eva Eliza Omar , Rahman Hasanur , Ahasan Faizul , Hasan Md Jiaul
Published: September 2017

The pathogenesis of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity has shown to generate oxygen free radicals. Several free radical scavengers are well recognized to ameliorate the nephrotoxicity. The seeds and oil of nigella sativa were reported to possess strong antioxidant properties and was effective against disease and chemically-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.The experiments were carried out in two parts, Experiment I and Experiment II, on a total of 35 rats of 8-12 weeks old and weighing between 200 and 230g. Nephrotoxicity and amelioration of nephrotoxicity was evaluated by measurement of concentrations of serum creatinine. The rats were induced nephrotoxicity by subcutaneous injection of gentamicin 100mg/kg/day for 9 days and were sacrificed on 10th day. The results indicated that gentamicin treatment caused marked renal tubular damage significant increase (P<0.001) of serum creatinine concentrations when compared to those of control.When n-hexane extract of N.sativa was administered as low and high dose with gentamicin and compared with the gentamicin treated groups, it was found that in these two groups there was significant decrease (P<0.001) of serum creatinine levels. When these two groups were compared with each other, it was observed that more amelioration occurred significantly in high dose treatment group than in the low dose treatment group. This study established that oral administration of n-hexane extract of N. sativa was able to produce considerable improvement from the nephrotoxic action of gentamicin in rats. The best amelioration was obtained in high dose treatment. Low dose treatment brought out the least amelioration of them all. Future works could better be directed towards obtaining the specific ingredient and the specific mechanism responsible for nephroprotection. We are hopeful that complete amelioration might not be impossible if given in proper doses or more effectively if we could extract the actual ingredients responsible for nephroprotection and can use them eventually.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 119-123
Type-1 Fuzzy Sets and Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Atanassov Krassimir
Published: September 2017

A comparison between type-1 fuzzy sets (T1FSs) and intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) is made. The operators defined over IFSs that do not have analogues in T1FSs are shown, and such analogues are introduced whenever possible.
A Possible Indicator of Oxidative Damage in Smokers: (13Z)-Lycopene?
Authors: Graham Daniel , Lorenz Mario , Young Andrew , Lowe Gordon
Published: September 2017

In vitro, the gaseous phase of cigarette smoke is known to induce both isomerization and degradation of dietary carotenoids, such as β-carotene and lycopene. However, the effects of cigarette smoke on the composition of circulating lycopene in vivo are not well understood. In this study, we examined the lycopene profiles of plasma from non-smokers and smokers. No oxidative intermediates of lycopene that have been observed previously in vitro were detected in the plasma, but evidence of isomerization of the carotenoid was seen. Four geometric forms of lycopene were detected in the plasma of both smokers and non-smokers, namely the (5Z), (9Z), (13Z) and (all-E) forms. The relative amounts of these isomers differed between the two cohorts and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between smokers and non-smokers for the ratio of total-Z:all-E lycopene, and in the relative amounts of (13Z) and (all-E)-lycopene. The ratio of (all-E):(13Z)-lycopene was 0.84:1.00 in smokers compared to 1.04:1.00 in non-smokers. In smokers, the (13Z)-isomer was generated in preference to the more thermodynamically stable (5Z) and (9Z)-isomers. This mirrors the scenario seen in vitro, in which the formation of (13Z)-lycopene was the main isomer that accompanied the depletion of (all-E) lycopene, when exposed to cigarette smoke. The results suggest that the relative amount of (13Z)-lycopene could be used as an indicator of oxidative damage to lycopene in vivo.
Remote Ocean Response to the Madden–Julian Oscillation during the DYNAMO Field Campaign: Impact on Somali Current System and the Seychelles–Chagos Thermocline Ridge
Authors: Shinoda Toshiaki , Han Weiqing , Zamudio Luis , Lien Ren-Chieh , Katsumata Masaki
Published: September 2017

During the CINDY/DYNAMO field campaign, exceptionally large upper ocean responses to strong westerly wind events associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) were observed in the central equatorial Indian Ocean. Strong eastward equatorial currents in the upper ocean lasted more than one month from late November 2011 to early January 2012. The remote ocean response to these unique MJO events are investigated using a high resolution (1/25°) global ocean general circulation model along with the satellite altimeter data. The local ocean response to the MJO events are realistically simulated by the global model based on the comparison with the data collected during the field campaign. The satellite altimeter data show that anomalous sea surface height (SSH) associated with the strong eastward jets propagated eastward as an equatorial Kelvin wave. The positive SSH anomalies then partly propagate westward as a reflected Rossby wave. The SSH anomalies associated with the reflected Rossby wave in the southern hemisphere propagate all the way to the western boundary. These remote ocean responses are well simulated by the global model. The analysis of the model simulation indicates the significant influence of reflected Rossby waves on sub-seasonal variability of Somali current system near the equator. The analysis further suggests that the reflected Rossby wave causes a substantial change in the structure of the Seychelles–Chagos thermocline ridge, which contributes to significant SST anomalies.
Automated Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction ECG Signals Using Sample Entropy in Flexible Analytic Wavelet Transform Framework
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Pachori Ram , Acharya U.
Published: September 2017

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a silent condition that irreversibly damages the heart muscles. It expands rapidly and, if not treated timely, continues to damage the heart muscles. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is generally used by the clinicians to diagnose the MI patients. Manual identification of the changes introduced by MI is a time-consuming and tedious task, and there is also a possibility of misinterpretation of the changes in the ECG. Therefore, a method for automatic diagnosis of MI using ECG beat with flexible analytic wavelet transform (FAWT) method is proposed in this work. First, the segmentation of ECG signals into beats is performed. Then, FAWT is applied to each ECG beat, which decomposes them into subband signals. Sample entropy (SEnt) is computed from these subband signals and fed to the random forest (RF), J48 decision tree, back propagation neural network (BPNN), and least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) classifiers to choose the highest performing one. We have achieved highest classification accuracy of 99.31% using LS-SVM classifier. We have also incorporated Wilcoxon and Bhattacharya ranking methods and observed no improvement in the performance. The proposed automated method can be installed in the intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals to aid the clinicians in confirming their diagnosis.
Announcement of the 2017 Econometrics Young Researcher Award
Authors:   Econometrics Editorial Office
Published: September 2017

With the goal of encouraging and motivating young researchers in the field of econometrics, last year the journal Econometrics accepted applications and nominations for the 2017 Young Researcher Award.[...]
Sensitivity Analysis of Seismic Velocity and Attenuation Variations for Longmaxi Shale during Hydraulic Fracturing Testing in Laboratory
Authors: Zhai Hongyu , Chang Xu , Wang Yibo , Xue Ziqiu , Lei Xinglin , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2017

During the hydraulic fracturing procedure in shale-gas exploitation, the poroelastic properties of shale formation can be altered significantly. However, it is difficult to evaluate these variations using microseismic field data. In this study, we conduct a hydro-fracturing experiment using Longmaxi shale, which is a major formation for shale-gas production in China, to simulate the water injection and rock fracturing procedure. The variation of the velocity and attenuation for primary/secondary (P/S) ultrasonic waves was investigated throughout the entire experimental procedure. The results show that the attenuation is more sensitive to sample rupture than the velocity. However, P-wave attenuation loses sensitivity to the water injection after the fractures are saturated with water. In that case, it is preferable to use S-wave attenuation to identify the opening/closing of the fractures. Based on the experimental results, we can conclude that the variation of the attenuation must be considered during microseismic data processing and interpretation.
Energy Flexibility Management Based on Predictive Dispatch Model of Domestic Energy Management System
Authors: Gazafroudi Amin , Prieto-Castrillo Francisco , Pinto Tiago , Prieto Javier , Corchado Juan , Bajo Javier
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes a predictive dispatch model to manage energy flexibility in the domestic energy system. Electric Vehicles (EV), batteries and shiftable loads are devices that provide energy flexibility in the proposed system. The proposed energy management problem consists of two stages: day-ahead and real time. A hybrid method is defined for the first time in this paper to model the uncertainty of the PV power generation based on its power prediction. In the day-ahead stage, the uncertainty is modeled by interval bands. On the other hand, the uncertainty of PV power generation is modeled through a stochastic scenario-based method in the real-time stage. The performance of the proposed hybrid Interval-Stochastic (InterStoch) method is compared with the Modified Stochastic Predicted Band (MSPB) method. Moreover, the impacts of energy flexibility and the demand response program on the expected profit and transacted electrical energy of the system are assessed in the case study presented in this paper.
A Grey-Box Dynamic Model of Plate Heat Exchangers Used in an Urban Heating System
Authors: Miao Qingwei , You Shijun , Zheng Wandong , Zheng Xuejing , Zhang Huan , Wang Yaran
Published: September 2017

This paper deals with the establishment of a grey-box model of plate heat exchangers. First, a second-order state space model of plate heat exchangers is developed. Then, the model is solved by the white-box method and grey-box method, respectively. In the white-box method, the linearization of the state space model is carried out by implicit difference scheme and the overall heat transfer coefficient was calculated with empirical correlation of the Nusselt number. In the grey-box method, a newly developed parameter identification method was established. The simulation results of two outlet temperatures by the grey-box and white-box method, respectively, are compared with the test data. It is shown that the grey-box method is more suitable and accurate for the simulations of outlet temperatures than the white-box method. Thus, it can provide practitioners and heating engineers with tools to design controllers for district heating systems.
Forest Structure Estimation from a UAV-Based Photogrammetric Point Cloud in Managed Temperate Coniferous Forests
Authors: Ota Tetsuji , Ogawa Miyuki , Mizoue Nobuya , Fukumoto Keiko , Yoshida Shigejiro
Published: September 2017

Here, we investigated the capabilities of a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetric point cloud for estimating forest biophysical properties in managed temperate coniferous forests in Japan, and the importance of spectral information for the estimation. We estimated four biophysical properties: stand volume (V), Lorey’s mean height (HL), mean height (HA), and max height (HM). We developed three independent variable sets, which included a height variable, a spectral variable, and a combined height and spectral variable. The addition of a dominant tree type to the above data sets was also tested. The model including a height variable and dominant tree type was the best for all biophysical property estimations. The root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) for the best model for V, HL, HA, and HM, were 118.30, 1.13, 1.24, and 1.24, respectively. The model including a height variable alone yielded the second highest accuracy. The respective RMSEs were 131.74, 1.21, 1.31, and 1.32. The model including a spectral variable alone yielded much lower estimation accuracy than that including a height variable. Thus, a lightweight UAV photogrammetric point cloud could accurately estimate forest biophysical properties, and a spectral variable was not necessarily required for the estimation. The dominant tree type improved estimation accuracy.
Assessment of the Combined Sensitivity of Nadir TIR Satellite Observations to Volcanic SO2 and Sulphate Aerosols after a Moderate Stratospheric Eruption
Authors: Guermazi Henda , Sellitto Pasquale , Serbaji Mohamed , Legras Bernard , Rekhiss Farhat
Published: September 2017

Monitoring gaseous and particulate volcanic emissions with remote observations is of particular importance for climate studies, air quality and natural risk assessment. The concurrent impact of the simultaneous presence of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions and the subsequently formed secondary sulphate aerosols (SSA) on the thermal infraRed (TIR) satellite observations is not yet well quantified. In this paper, we present the first assessment of the combined sensitivity of pseudo-observations from three TIR satellite instruments (the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer (MODIS) and the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI)) to these two volcanic effluents, following an idealized moderate stratospheric eruption. Direct radiative transfer calculations have been performed using the 4A (Automatized Atmospheric Absorption Atlas) radiative transfer model during short-term atmospheric sulphur cycle evolution. The results show that the mutual effect of the volcanic SO2 and SSA on the TIR outgoing radiation is obvious after three to five days from the eruption. Therefore, retrieval efforts of SO2 concentration should consider the progressively formed SSA and vice-versa. This result is also confirmed by estimating the information content of the TIR pseudo-observations to the bi-dimensional retrieved vector formed by the total masses of sulphur dioxide and sulphate aerosols. We find that it is important to be careful when attempting to quantify SO2 burdens in aged volcanic plumes using broad-band instruments like SEVIRI and MODIS as these retrievals present high uncertainties. For IASI, the total errors are smaller and the two parameters can be retrieved as independent quantities.
Implementing Low-Cost, Community-Based Exercise Programs for Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: What Are the Benefits for Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk?
Authors: Mendes Romeu , Sousa Nelson , Reis Victor , Themudo-Barata Jose
Published: September 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a long-term, community-based, combined exercise program developed with low-cost exercise strategies on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants (n = 124; 63.25 ± 7.20 years old) engaged in either a 9-month supervised exercise program (n = 39; consisting of combined aerobic, resistance, agility/balance, and flexibility exercise; three sessions per week; 70 min per session) or a control group (n = 85) who maintained their usual care. Glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, anthropometric profile, and the 10-year risk of coronary artery disease were assessed before and after the 9-month intervention. Results: A significant time * group interaction effect (p < 0.001) was identified in the values of the glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and the 10-year risk of coronary artery disease. Conclusions: A long-term, community-based, combined exercise program developed with low-cost exercise strategies was effective in inducing significant benefits on glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, anthropometric profile, and the 10-year risk of coronary artery disease in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical Trial Identification Number: ISRCTN09240628.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Advances in the Quest for Genetic Stability during Reprogramming Process
Authors: Turinetto Valentina , Orlando Luca , Giachino Claudia
Published: September 2017

Evaluation of the extent and nature of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) genetic instability is important for both basic research and future clinical use. As previously demonstrated regarding embryonic stem cells, such DNA aberrations might affect the differentiation capacity of the cells and increase their tumorigenicity. Here, we first focus on the contribution of multiple DNA damage response pathways during cellular reprogramming. We then discuss the origin and mechanisms responsible for the modification of genetic material in iPSCs (pre-existing variations in somatic cells, mutations induced by reprogramming factors, and mutations induced by culture expansion) and deepen the possible functional consequences of genetic variations in these cells. Lastly, we present some recent improvements of iPSC generation methods aimed at obtaining cells with fewer genetic variations.
Altered Gene Expression of RNF34 and PACAP Possibly Involved in Mechanism of Exercise-Induced Analgesia for Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Yamaoka Shintaro , Oshima Yusuke , Horiuchi Hideki , Morino Tadao , Hino Masayuki , Miura Hiromasa , Ogata Tadanori
Published: September 2017

Despite the availability of several modalities of treatment, including surgery, pharmacological agents, and nerve blocks, neuropathic pain is often unresponsive and sometimes progresses to intractable chronic pain. Although exercise therapy is a candidate for treatment of neuropathic pain, the mechanism underlying its efficacy has not been elucidated. To clarify the molecular mechanism for pain relief induced by exercise, we measured Rnf34 and Pacap mRNA levels in the spinal cord dorsal horn of SNL rats, a model of neuropathic pain. SNL model rats exhibited stable mechanical hyperalgesia for at least 6 weeks. When the rats were forced to exercise on a treadmill, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly ameliorated compared with the non-exercise group. Accordingly, gene expression level of Rnf34 and Pacap were also significantly altered in the time course analysis after surgery. These results suggest that exercise therapy possibly involves pain relief in SNL rats by suppressing Rnf34 and Pacap expression in the spinal cord.
The Effect of Hot Streaks on a High Pressure Turbine Vane Cascade with Showerhead Film Cooling
Authors: Barigozzi Giovanna , Mosconi Silvia , Perdichizzi Antonio , Ravelli Silvia
Published: September 2017

Hot streak migration in a linear vane cascade with showerhead film cooling was experimentally and numerically investigated at isentropic exit Mach number of Ma2is = 0.40, with an inlet turbulence intensity level of Tu1 = 9%. Two tangential positions of the hot streak center were taken into account: 0% of pitch (hot streak is aligned with the vane leading edge) and 45% of pitch. After demonstrating that computations correctly predict hot streak attenuation through the vane passage with no showerhead blowing, the numerical method was used to investigate hot streak interaction with showerhead film cooling, at blowing ratio of BR = 3.0, corresponding to a coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratio of MFR = 1.15%. The effects of mixing and coolant interaction on the hot streak reduction were interpreted under the light of the superposition principle, whose accuracy was within 12% on the leading edge region, in the central section of the vane span.
Effects of Wildflower Strips and an Adjacent Forest on Aphids and Their Natural Enemies in a Pea Field
Authors: Hatt Séverin , Mouchon Pierre , Lopes Thomas , Francis Frédéric
Published: September 2017

Landscape diversification is a key element for the development of sustainable agriculture. This study explores whether the implementation of habitats for pest natural enemies enhances conservation biological control in an adjacent field. In the present study conducted in Gembloux (Belgium) in 2016, the effect of two different habitats (wildflower strips and a forest) and aphid abundance on the density of aphid natural enemies, mummified aphids and parasitism on pea plants was assessed through visual observations. The effect of the habitats on aphids was also evaluated. The habitats but not aphid density significantly affected hoverfly larvae, which were more abundant adjacent to wildflower strips than to the forest. The contrary was observed for ladybeetle adults, which were positively related with aphids but not affected by the adjacent habitats. The abundance of mummies and the parasitism rate were significantly affected by both the habitats and aphid density. They were both significantly enhanced adjacent to wildflower strips compared to the forest, but the total parasitism rate was low (<1%), questioning whether parasitoids could significantly control aphids on the pea crop. As for the aphids, their abundance was not significantly affected by the adjacent habitats. These results are discussed with respect to the potential of these habitats to provide overwintering sites and food resources for natural enemies, and thereby enhance conservation biological control.
Percentage of Body Fat and Fat Mass Index as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome Prediction in Colombian University Students
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Correa-Bautista Jorge , Sanders-Tordecilla Alejandra , Ojeda-Pardo Mónica , Cobo-Mejía Elisa , Castellanos-Vega Rocío , García-Hermoso Antonio , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt-RioValle Jacqueline , González-Ruíz Katherine
Published: September 2017

High body fat is related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of this study was to explore thresholds of body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass index (FMI) for the prediction of MetS among Colombian University students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1687 volunteers (63.4% women, mean age = 20.6 years). Weight, waist circumference, serum lipids indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were measured. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and FMI was calculated. MetS was defined as including more than or equal to three of the metabolic abnormalities according to the IDF definition. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off points for BF% and FMI in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity in both sexes. The overall prevalence of MetS was found to be 7.7%, higher in men than women (11.1% vs. 5.3%; p < 0.001). BF% and FMI were positively correlated to MetS components (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that BF% and FMI can be used with moderate accuracy to identify MetS in university-aged students. BF% and FMI thresholds of 25.55% and 6.97 kg/m2 in men, and 38.95% and 11.86 kg/m2 in women, were found to be indicative of high MetS risk. Based on the IDF criteria, both indexes’ thresholds seem to be good tools to identify university students with unfavorable metabolic profiles.
Replacing American Breakfast Foods with Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Cereals Increases Consumption of Key Food Groups and Nutrients among US Children and Adults: Results of an NHANES Modeling Study
Authors: Rehm Colin , Drewnowski Adam
Published: September 2017

Replacing the typical American breakfast with ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) may improve diet quality. Our goal was to assess the impact of RTECs on diet quality measures for different age groups, using substitution modeling. Dietary intakes came from the 2007–2010 National Health and Examination Surveys (NHANES; n = 18,112). All breakfast foods, excluding beverages, were replaced on a per calorie basis, with frequency-weighted and age/race specific RTECs. Model 1 replaced foods with RTECs alone; Model 2 replaced foods with RTECs and milk. Diet quality measures were based on desirable food groups and nutrients, Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 scores, and estimated diet costs. Model 1 diets were significantly higher in whole grains (+84.6%), fiber (+14.3%), vitamin D (+14.0%), iron (+54.5%) and folic acid (+104.6%), as compared to observed diets. Model 2 diets were additionally higher in dairy (+15.8%), calcium (+11.3%) and potassium (+3.95%). In Model 1, added sugar increased (+5.0%), but solid fats declined (−10.9%). Energy from solid fats and added sugars declined (−3.2%) in both models. Model 2 offered higher diet quality (57.1 vs. 54.6, p-value < 0.01) at a lower cost ($6.70 vs. $6.92; p < 0.01), compared to observed diets. Substitution modeling of NHANES data can assess the nutritional and economic impact of dietary guidance.
Infants’ and Children’s Salt Taste Perception and Liking: A Review
Authors: Liem Djin
Published: September 2017

Sodium is an essential nutrient for the human body. It is widely used as sodium chloride (table salt) in (processed) foods and overconsumed by both children and adults, placing them at risk for adverse health effects such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. The current review focusses on the development of salt taste sensitivity and preferences, and its association with food intake. Three -to- four month old infants are able to detect and prefer sodium chloride solutions over plain water, which is thought to be a biological unlearned response. Liking for water with sodium chloride mostly decreases when infants enter early childhood, but liking for sodium chloride in appropriate food contexts such as soup and snack foods remains high. The increased acceptance and preference of sodium chloride rich foods coincides with infants’ exposure to salty foods, and is therefore thought to be mostly a learned response. Children prefer higher salt concentrations than adults, but seem to be equally sensitive to salt taste. The addition of salt to foods increases children’s consumption of those foods. However, children’s liking for salt taste as such does not seem to correlate with children’s consumption of salty foods. Decreasing the exposure to salty tasting foods during early infancy is recommended. Salt plays an important role in children’s liking for a variety of foods. It is, however, questionable if children’s liking for salt per se influences the intake of salty foods.
Prediction Equations Overestimate the Energy Requirements More for Obesity-Susceptible Individuals
Authors: McLay-Cooke Rebecca , Gray Andrew , Jones Lynnette , Taylor Rachael , Skidmore Paula , Brown Rachel
Published: September 2017

Predictive equations to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR) are often used in dietary counseling and by online apps to set energy intake goals for weight loss. It is critical to know whether such equations are appropriate for those susceptible to obesity. We measured RMR by indirect calorimetry after an overnight fast in 26 obesity susceptible (OSI) and 30 obesity resistant (ORI) individuals, identified using a simple 6-item screening tool. Predicted RMR was calculated using the FAO/WHO/UNU (Food and Agricultural Organisation/World Health Organisation/United Nations University), Oxford and Miflin-St Jeor equations. Absolute measured RMR did not differ significantly between OSI versus ORI (6339 vs. 5893 kJ·d−1, p = 0.313). All three prediction equations over-estimated RMR for both OSI and ORI when measured RMR was ≤5000 kJ·d−1. For measured RMR ≤7000 kJ·d−1 there was statistically significant evidence that the equations overestimate RMR to a greater extent for those classified as obesity susceptible with biases ranging between around 10% to nearly 30% depending on the equation. The use of prediction equations may overestimate RMR and energy requirements particularly in those who self-identify as being susceptible to obesity, which has implications for effective weight management.
Behavioral and Neurochemical Consequences of Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Kindling in Young and Middle-Aged Rats
Authors: Hoeller Alexandre , De Carvalho Cristiane , Franco Pedro , Formolo Douglas , Imthon Alexandre , Dos Santos Henrique , Eidt Ingrid , Souza Gabriel , Constantino Leandra , Ferreira Camila , Prediger Rui , Bainy Leal Rodrigo , Walz Roger
Published: September 2017

(1) Objectives: Epilepsy disorder is likely to increase with aging, leading to an increased incidence of comorbidities and mortality. In spite of that, there is a lack of information regarding this issue and little knowledge of cognitive and emotional responses in aging subjects following epileptogenesis. We investigated whether and how aging distress epilepsy-related behavioral and biochemical outcomes are associated with cognition and emotion. (2) Methods: Young and middle-aged Wistar rats (3 or 12 months old) were treated with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 35 mg/kg) and injected on alternated days for 20 (young rats) and 32 days (middle-aged rats). Kindling was reached after two consecutive stages 4 plus one stage 5 or 6 in Racine scale. Control and kindled rats were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and object-recognition tests and their hippocampus was collected 24 h later for mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) dosage. (3) Results: Middle-aged rats presented a higher resistance to develop kindling, with a decrease in the seizure severity index observed following the 4th and 9th PTZ injections. Middle-aged rats displayed an increased duration of the first myoclonic seizure and an increased latency to the first generalized seizure when compared to younger rats. The induction of kindling did not impair the animals’ performance (regardless of age) in the object-recognition task and the EPM test as well as it did not alter the hippocampal levels of MAPKs. (4) Significance: Our findings reveal that, despite age-related differences during epileptogenesis, middle-aged rats evaluated after kindling performed similarly during discriminative learning and emotional tasks in comparison to young animals, with no alteration of hippocampal MAPKs. Additional investigation must be carried out to explore the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying these responses, as well as the long-term effects displayed after kindling.
Religiosity and Relationship Quality of Dating Relationships: Examining Relationship Religiosity as a Mediator
Authors: Langlais Michael , Schwanz Siera
Published: September 2017

Individual and romantic partner religiosity are positively associated with marital quality. However, many studies focus on married couples, rather than examining dating relationships, and rely on single-item measures of religiosity. More importantly, few studies have examined the importance of relationship religiosity in the context of dating, despite the theoretical importance of this construct. Relationship religiosity is defined as participating in and discussing religiosity and spirituality with a current romantic partner. The goal of this study is to test relationship religiosity as a mediator between individual and partner religiosity for relationship quality of dating relationships using stringent measures of centrality of religiosity. Data for this study comes from 119 participants who were in dating relationships (74.8% female; mean age: 23.2 years). Participants completed a survey regarding their religiosity, their partners’ religiosity, the religiosity of their relationships, and the quality of their dating relationships. Mediation analyses via linear regression showed that relationship religiosity fully mediated the relationship between individual religiosity and relationship satisfaction and fully mediated the relationship between partner religiosity and relationship satisfaction. However, relationship religiosity was not associated with commitment. Results from the study emphasize the importance of dyadic religious activities for dating couples. Further implications will be discussed.
Spatial Disaggregation of Latent Heat Flux Using Contextual Models over India
Authors: Eswar Rajasekaran , Sekhar Muddu , Bhattacharya Bimal , Bandyopadhyay Soumya
Published: September 2017

Estimation of latent heat flux at the agricultural field scale is required for proper water management. The current generation thermal sensors except Landsat-8 provide data on the order of 1000 m. The aim of this study is to test three approaches based on contextual models using only remote sensing datasets for the disaggregation of latent heat flux over India. The first two approaches are, respectively, based on the estimation of the evaporative fraction (EF) and solar radiation ratio at coarser resolution and disaggregating them to yield the latent heat flux at a finer resolution. The third approach is based on disaggregation of the thermal data and estimating a finer resolution latent heat flux. The three approaches were tested using MODIS datasets and the validation was done using the Bowen Ratio energy balance observations at five sites across India. From the validation, it was observed that the first two approaches performed similarly and better than the third approach at all five sites. The third approach, based on the disaggregation of the thermal data, yielded larger errors. In addition to better performance, the second approach based on the disaggregation of solar radiation ratio was simpler and required lesser data processing than the other approaches. In addition, the first two approaches captured the spatial pattern of latent heat flux without introducing any artefacts in the final output.
Joint Resource Optimization for Cognitive Sensor Networks with SWIPT-Enabled Relay
Authors: Lu Weidang , Lin Yuanrong , Peng Hong , Nan Tian , Liu Xin
Published: September 2017

Energy-constrained wireless networks, such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs), are usually powered by fixed energy supplies (e.g., batteries), which limits the operation time of networks. Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) is a promising technique to prolong the lifetime of energy-constrained wireless networks. This paper investigates the performance of an underlay cognitive sensor network (CSN) with SWIPT-enabled relay node. In the CSN, the amplify-and-forward (AF) relay sensor node harvests energy from the ambient radio-frequency (RF) signals using power splitting-based relaying (PSR) protocol. Then, it helps forward the signal of source sensor node (SSN) to the destination sensor node (DSN) by using the harvested energy. We study the joint resource optimization including the transmit power and power splitting ratio to maximize CSN’s achievable rate with the constraint that the interference caused by the CSN to the primary users (PUs) is within the permissible threshold. Simulation results show that the performance of our proposed joint resource optimization can be significantly improved.
Whispering-Gallery Mode Resonators for Detecting Cancer
Authors: Pongruengkiat Weeratouch , Pechprasarn Suejit
Published: September 2017

Optical resonators are sensors well known for their high sensitivity and fast response time. These sensors have a wide range of applications, including in the biomedical fields, and cancer detection is one such promising application. Sensor diagnosis currently has many limitations, such as being expensive, highly invasive, and time-consuming. New developments are welcomed to overcome these limitations. Optical resonators have high sensitivity, which enable medical testing to detect disease in the early stage. Herein, we describe the principle of whispering-gallery mode and ring optical resonators. We also add to the knowledge of cancer biomarker diagnosis, where we discuss the application of optical resonators for specific biomarkers. Lastly, we discuss advancements in optical resonators for detecting cancer in terms of their ability to detect small amounts of cancer biomarkers.
Highly Portable, Sensor-Based System for Human Fall Monitoring
Authors: Mao Aihua , Ma Xuedong , He Yinan , Luo Jie
Published: September 2017

Falls are a very dangerous situation especially among elderly people, because they may lead to fractures, concussion, and other injuries. Without timely rescue, falls may even endanger their lives. The existing optical sensor-based fall monitoring systems have some disadvantages, such as limited monitoring range and inconvenience to carry for users. Furthermore, the fall detection system based only on an accelerometer often mistakenly determines some activities of daily living (ADL) as falls, leading to low accuracy in fall detection. We propose a human fall monitoring system consisting of a highly portable sensor unit including a triaxis accelerometer, a triaxis gyroscope, and a triaxis magnetometer, and a mobile phone. With the data from these sensors, we obtain the acceleration and Euler angle (yaw, pitch, and roll), which represents the orientation of the user’s body. Then, a proposed fall detection algorithm was used to detect falls based on the acceleration and Euler angle. With this monitoring system, we design a series of simulated falls and ADL and conduct the experiment by placing the sensors on the shoulder, waist, and foot of the subjects. Through the experiment, we re-identify the threshold of acceleration for accurate fall detection and verify the best body location to place the sensors by comparing the detection performance on different body segments. We also compared this monitoring system with other similar works and found that better fall detection accuracy and portability can be achieved by our system.
A Fatigue Crack Size Evaluation Method Based on Lamb Wave Simulation and Limited Experimental Data
Authors: He Jingjing , Ran Yunmeng , Liu Bin , Yang Jinsong , Guan Xuefei
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a systematic and general method for Lamb wave-based crack size quantification using finite element simulations and Bayesian updating. The method consists of construction of a baseline quantification model using finite element simulation data and Bayesian updating with limited Lamb wave data from target structure. The baseline model correlates two proposed damage sensitive features, namely the normalized amplitude and phase change, with the crack length through a response surface model. The two damage sensitive features are extracted from the first received S0 mode wave package. The model parameters of the baseline model are estimated using finite element simulation data. To account for uncertainties from numerical modeling, geometry, material and manufacturing between the baseline model and the target model, Bayesian method is employed to update the baseline model with a few measurements acquired from the actual target structure. A rigorous validation is made using in-situ fatigue testing and Lamb wave data from coupon specimens and realistic lap-joint components. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated under different loading and damage conditions.
The Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Determining the Driver’s Field of Vision
Authors: Zemánek Tomáš , Cibulka Miloš , Pelikán Petr , Skoupil Jaromír
Published: September 2017

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is currently one of the most progressively developed methods in obtaining information about objects and phenomena. This paper assesses the TLS possibilities in determining the driver’s field of vision in operating agricultural and forest machines with movable and immovable components in comparison to the method of using two light point sources for the creation of shade images according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 5721-1. Using the TLS method represents a minimum time saving of 55% or more, according to the project complexity. The values of shading ascertained by using the shadow cast method by the point light sources are generally overestimated and more distorted for small cabin structural components. The disadvantage of the TLS method is the scanner’s sensitivity to a soiled or scratched cabin windscreen and to the glass transparency impaired by heavy tinting.
Autonomous Sensors Powered by Energy Harvesting from von Karman Vortices in Airflow
Authors: Demori Marco , Ferrari Marco , Bonzanini Arianna , Poesio Pietro , Ferrari Vittorio
Published: September 2017

In this paper an energy harvesting system based on a piezoelectric converter to extract energy from airflow and use it to power battery-less sensors is presented. The converter is embedded as a part of a flexure beam that is put into vibrations by von Karman vortices detached from a bluff body placed upstream. The vortex street has been investigated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, aiming at assessing the vortex shedding frequency as a function of the flow velocity. From the simulation results the preferred positioning of the beam behind the bluff body has been derived. In the experimental characterization the electrical output from the converter has been measured for different flow velocities and beam orientations. Highest conversion effectiveness is obtained by an optimal orientation of the beam, to exploit the maximum forcing, and for flow velocities where the repetition frequency of the vortices allows to excite the beam resonant frequency at its first flexural mode. The possibility to power battery-less sensors and make them autonomous has been shown by developing an energy management and signal conditioning electronic circuit plus two sensors for measuring temperature and flow velocity and transmitting their values over a RF signal. A harvested power of about 650 μW with retransmission intervals below 2 min have been obtained for the optimal flow velocity of 4 m/s.