bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Call For Papers (BroadCom08)
Authors: BroadCom08 Technical Program Committee
Published: September 2017

South Africa in recent years has continued to create significant excitement in R&D. This excitement is being supported by government, the National Research Fund (NRF), Department of Science and Technology (DST), industry and research organisations with strong collaboration and support from the European Union through its framework programs and the AU. This conference therefore is organised to further report and add impetus to the emerging collaborations and provide researchers the avenue for networking.

In 2008 the International conference on wireless broadband and ultra wideband communication) is being hosted by South Africa with stronger and more broad emphasis. The current emphasis reflects the growing interest in new areas of broadband communications. In 2008 the conference is being co-organised by South Africa’s leading research organisations. The core theme of the conference has been expanded to include applications of broadband communications, broadband biomedical applications and biotechnology.

The conference is co-organised by the French South African Technical Institute in Electronics (F’SATIE); Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa; Meraka Institute, South Africa; University of Technology Sydney, Australia, University of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa and South African National Centre for Informatics, Knowledge Management and Knowledge Economy (SANCIKMKE).

All papers submitted to this conference are always peer-reviewed. All accepted papers will be published in the IEEE Xplore digital library and the best papers from the conference will be published as a book of best papers by River Publishers of Denmark (as in 2007). Other short-listed papers will also be published in a special edition of the African Journal of Information and Communication Technology (AJICT).
Investigation on the Impact of Tropospheric Delay on GPS Height Variation near the Equator
Authors: Dodo Joseph D , Yahya Mohd Hafiz , Kamarudin Nor Bin
Published: September 2017

One of the major problems currently facing

satellite-based positioning is the atmospheric refraction of

the GPS signal caused by the troposphere. The

tropospheric effect is much more pronounced at the

equatorial region due to its hot and wet conditions. This

affects the GPS signal due to the variability of the

refractive index, which in turn affects the positional

accuracy, especially in the height components. This paper

presents a study conducted in the Southern Peninsular

Malaysia located at the equatorial region, to investigate

the impact of tropospheric delay on GPS height variation.

Four campaigns were launched with each campaign

lasting for three days. The Malaysian real-time kinematic

GPS network (MyRTKnet) reference stations in Johor

Bahru were used. GPS RINEX data from these stations

were integrated with ground meteorological data observed

concurrently from a GPS station located at the Universiti

Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), at varying antenna heights for

each session of observation. A developed computer

program called TROPO.exe based on the Saastamoinen

tropospheric delay model was used in estimating the

amount of tropospheric delay. The result reveals that,

there is inconsistency in the delay variation, reaching

maximum delay of 18 m in pseudo-range measurement.

The height component shows variations with a maximum

value of 119.100 cm and a minimum value of 37.990 cm.

The result of the simulated data shows 5.00 m of

differences in height gives an effect or improvement of 1.3

mm in signal propagation. This indicates that,

tropospheric delay decreases with increase in antenna

height.
Narrowband Interference Suppression in Wireless OFDM Systems
Authors: Nikolova Zlatka , Iliev Georgi , Ovtcharov Miglen , Poulkov Vladimir
Published: September 2017

Signal distortions in communication systems

occur between the transmitter and the receiver; these

distortions normally cause bit errors at the receiver. In

addition interference by other signals may add to the

deterioration in performance of the communication link. In

order to achieve reliable communication, the effects of the

communication channel distortion and interfering signals

must be reduced using different techniques. The aim of this

paper is to introduce the fundamentals of Orthogonal

Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Orthogonal

Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), to review

and examine the effects of interference in a digital data

communication link and to explore methods for mitigating

or compensating for these effects.
Copyright Transfer Form
Authors: Board Editorial
Published: September 2017

Fill this copyright transfer form and fax or email to the editor of AJICT.
Optimally-balanced Hash Tree Generation in Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Ghorpade Vijay Ram , Joshi Yashwant V. , Manthalkar Ramchandra R.
Published: September 2017

Ideally a hash tree is a perfect binary tree with leaves equal to power of two. Each leaf node in this type of tree can represent a mobile node in an ad hoc network. Each leaf in the tree contains hash value of mobile node’s identification (ID) and public key (PK). Such a tree can be used for authenticating PK in ad hoc networks. Most of the previous works based on hash tree assumed perfect hash tree structures, which can be used efficiently only in networks with a specific number of mobile nodes. Practically the number of mobile nodes may not be always equal to a power of two and the conventional algorithms may result in an inefficient tree structure. In this paper the issue of generating a hash tree is addressed by proposing an algorithm to generate an optimally-balanced structure for a complete hash tree. It is demonstrated through both the mathematical analysis and simulation that such a tree is optimally-balanced and can efficiently be used for public key authentication in ad hoc networks.
Novel Model for the Computation of Linguistic Hedges in Database Queries
Authors: Vanniappan Bala Murugan
Published: September 2017

Most query languages are designed to retrieve information from databases containing precise and certain data using precisely specified commands. Due to the advancements in various kinds of data repositories in the recent years, there is a steep increase in complex queries. Most of the complex Queries are uncertain and vague. The existing Structured Query Language exhibits its inefficiency in handling these complex Queries. This paper proposes a model to handle the complexities by using fuzzy set theory. In this model, the Fuzzy Query with linguistic hedges is converted into Crisp Query, by deploying an application layer over the Structured Query Language.
Potential of polarization/Raman lidar to separate fine dust, coarse dust, maritime, and anthropogenic aerosol profiles
Authors: Mamouri Rodanthi-Elisavet , Ansmann Albert
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We applied the recently introduced polarization lidar–photometer networking (POLIPHON) technique for the first time to triple-wavelength polarization lidar measurements at 355, 532, and 1064 nm. The lidar observations were performed at Barbados during the Saharan Aerosol Long-Range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE) in the summer of 2014. The POLIPHON method comprises the traditional lidar technique to separate mineral dust and non-dust backscatter contributions and the new, extended approach to separate even the fine and coarse dust backscatter fractions. We show that the traditional and the advanced method are compatible and lead to a consistent set of dust and non-dust profiles at simplified, less complex aerosol layering and mixing conditions as is the case over the remote tropical Atlantic. To derive dust mass concentration profiles from the lidar observations, trustworthy extinction-to-volume conversion factors for fine, coarse, and total dust are needed and obtained from an updated, extended Aerosol Robotic Network sun photometer data analysis of the correlation between the fine, coarse and total dust volume concentration and the respective fine, coarse, and total dust extinction coefficient for all three laser wavelengths. Conversion factors (total volume to extinction) for pure marine aerosol conditions and continental anthropogenic aerosol situations are presented in addition. As a new feature of the POLIPHON data analysis, the Raman lidar method for particle extinction profiling is used to identify the aerosol type (marine or anthropogenic) of the non-dust aerosol fraction. The full POLIPHON methodology was successfully applied to a SALTRACE case and the results are discussed. We conclude that the 532 nm polarization lidar technique has many advantages in comparison to 355 and 1064 nm polarization lidar approaches and leads to the most robust and accurate POLIPHON products.
Improved Cloud Phase Determination of Low Level Liquid and
Mixed Phase Clouds by Enhanced Polarimetric Lidar
Authors: Stillwell Robert A. , Neely III Ryan R. , Thayer Jeffrey P. , Shupe Matthew D. , Turner David D.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The unambiguous retrieval of cloud phase from polarimetric lidar observations is dependent on the assumption that only cloud scattering processes affect polarization measurements. A systematic bias of the traditional lidar depolarization ratio can occur due to a lidar system's inability to accurately measure the entire backscattered signal dynamic range, and these biases are not always identifiable in traditional polarimetric lidar systems. This results in a misidentification of liquid water in clouds as ice, which has broad implications on evaluating surface energy budgets. The Clouds Aerosol Polarization and Backscatter Lidar at Summit, Greenland employs multiple planes of linear polarization, and photon counting and analog detection schemes, to self evaluate, correct, and optimize signal combinations to improve cloud classification. Using novel measurements of diattenuation that are sensitive to both horizontally oriented ice crystals and counting system non-linear effects, unambiguous measurements are possible by over constraining polarization measurements. This overdetermined capability for cloud phase determination allows for system errors to be identified and quantified in terms of their impact on cloud properties. It is shown that lidar system dynamic range effects can cause errors in cloud phase fractional occurrence estimates on the order of 30% causing errors in attribution of cloud radiative effects on the order of 10%-30%. This paper presents a method to identify and remove lidar system effects from atmospheric polarization measurements and uses co-located sensors at Summit to validate this method.
Does denitrification occur within porous carbonate sand grains?
Authors: Cook Perran Louis Miall , Kessler Adam John , Eyre Bradley David
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Permeable carbonate sands form a major habitat type on coral reefs and play a major role in organic matter recycling. Nitrogen cycling within these sediments is likely to play a major role in coral reef productivity, yet it remains poorly studied. Here, we used flow-through reactors and stirred reactors to quantify potential rates of denitrification and the dependence of denitrification on oxygen concentrations in permeable carbonate sands at three sites on Heron Island, Australia. Our results showed that potential rates of denitrification fell within the range of 2–28 µmol L−1 sediment h−1 and were very low compared to oxygen consumption rates, consistent with previous studies of silicate sands. Denitrification was observed to commence at porewater oxygen concentrations as high as 50 µM in stirred reactor experiments on the coarse sediment fraction (2–10 mm) and at oxygen concentrations of 10–20 µM in flow-through and stirred reactor experiments at a site with a median sediment grain size of 0.9 mm. No denitrification was detected in sediments under oxic conditions from another site with finer sediment (median grain size: 0.7 mm). We interpret these results as confirmation that denitrification may occur within anoxic microniches present within porous carbonate sand grains. The occurrence of such microniches has the potential to enhance denitrification rates within carbonate sediments; however further work is required to elucidate the extent and ecological significance of this effect.
Analysis of errors introduced by geographic coordinate systems on weather numeric prediction modeling
Authors: Cao Yanni , Cervone Guido , Barkley Zachary , Lauvaux Thomas , Deng Aijun , Taylor Alan
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Most atmospheric models, including the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, use a spherical geographic coordinate system to internally represent input data and perform computations. However, most geographic information system (GIS) input data used by the models are based on a spheroid datum because it better represents the actual geometry of the earth. WRF and other atmospheric models use these GIS input layers as if they were in a spherical coordinate system without accounting for the difference in datum. When GIS layers are not properly reprojected, latitudinal errors of up to 21 km in the midlatitudes are introduced. Recent studies have suggested that for very high-resolution applications, the difference in datum in the GIS input data (e.g., terrain land use, orography) should be taken into account. However, the magnitude of errors introduced by the difference in coordinate systems remains unclear. This research quantifies the effect of using a spherical vs. a spheroid datum for the input GIS layers used by WRF to study greenhouse gas transport and dispersion in northeast Pennsylvania.
Satellite products of incoming solar and longwave
radiations used for snowpack modelling in
mountainous terrain
Authors: Quéno Louis , Karbou Fatima , Vionnet Vincent , Dombrowski-Etchevers Ingrid
Published: September 2017

Abstract. In mountainous terrain, the snowpack is strongly affected by incoming shortwave and longwave radiations. In this study, a thorough evaluation of the incoming solar and longwave radiation products (DSSF and DSLF) derived from the Meteosat Second Generation satellite was undertaken in the French Alps and the Pyrenees. The satellite products were compared with forecast fields from the meteorological model AROME and with analyses fields from the SAFRAN system. A new satellite-derived product (DSLFnew) was developed by combining satellite observations and AROME forecasts. An evaluation against in situ measurements showed lower errors for DSSF than AROME and SAFRAN in terms of solar irradiances. For longwave irradiances, contrasted results falling in the range of uncertainty of sensors did not enable us to select the best product. Spatial comparisons of the different datasets over the Alpine and Pyrenean domains highlighted a better representation of the spatial variability of solar fluxes by DSSF and AROME than SAFRAN. We also showed that the altitudinal gradient of longwave irradiance is too strong for DSLFnew and too weak for SAFRAN. These datasets were then used as radiative forcing together with AROME near-surface forecasts to drive distributed snowpack simulations by the model Crocus in the French Alps and the Pyrenees. An evaluation against in-situ snow depth measurements showed higher biases when using satellite-derived products, despite their quality. This effect is attributed to some error compensations in the atmospheric forcing and the snowpack model. However, satellite-derived radiation products are judged beneficial for snowpack modelling in mountains, when the error compensations are solved.
Spatial variability of meteorological observations and impacts on regional estimates of soybean grain productivity
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo Cornacini , Sibaldelli Rubson Natal Ribeiro , Morais Heverly , Abi Saab Otávio Jorge Grigoli , Farias José Renato Bouças
Published: September 2017

Brazil requires a fully representative weather network station; it is common to use data observed in locations distant from the region of interest. However, few studies have evaluated the efficiency and precision associated with the use of climate data, either estimated or interpolated, from stations far from the agricultural area of interest. Hence, this study aimed to demonstrate the impacts of spatial variability of the main meteorological elements on the regional estimate of soybean productivity. Regression analysis was used to compare data recorded at three weather stations located throughout Londrina, PR, Brazil. The water balance of the soybean crop was calculated at 10-day periods and grain productivity losses estimated using the Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) methodology. Temperatures at the three locations were similar, while the relative air humidity, and particularly, the rainfall data, were less correlated. A high degree of caution is recommended in the use and choice of a single weather station to represent a municipality or region, particularly in countries, such as Brazil, with multiple regions of agricultural and environmental importance. Models and crop season estimates that do not consider such a recommendation are vulnerable to errors in their forecasts. The volumetric and temporal variability in the spatial rainfall distribution resulted in soybean yield discrepancies, estimated at the municipal level. The consistency of the data series, the location of weather stations and their distance to the location of interest determine the ability of crop models to accurately estimate soybean production based on meteorological data, particularly the rainfall data. This study contributes to future regional research using climate data, and highlights the importance of a weather station network throughout Brazil, demonstrating the urgent need to increase the number of weather stations, particularly for recording rainfall data.
Characterization of sewage sludge generated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and perspectives for agricultural recycling
Authors: Abreu Alan Henrique Marques de , Leles Paulo Sérgio Dos Santos , Alonso Jorge Makhlouta , Abel Elton Luis Da Silva , Oliveira Ricardo Rodrigues de
Published: September 2017

Sanitary sewage collection and treatment is a serious environmental problem in Brazilian cities, as well as the destination of solid waste resulting from this process, i.e. the sewage sludge, a substance rich in organic matter and nutrients, which is normally discarded in landfills. The aim of this study was to characterize the sewage sludge generated in four treatment stations in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil and check if they meet the legal criteria of the National Environment Council (CONAMA), Resolution No. 375/2006. It also focused on analyzing the perspectives for its agricultural recycling based on the potential demand for main agricultural crops grown in Rio de Janeiro State. Samples from eight sewage sludge lots from four treatment stations located in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro were analyzed. These stations receive and treat only domestic sewage by activated sludge system. For chemical and biological characterization of these lots, representative samples were collected and analyzed according to parameters of CONAMA Resolution No. 375/2006. In order to analyze the perspectives of agricultural recycling of sewage sludge in Rio de Janeiro State, 10 crops with the largest cultivated area in the state were surveyed and analyzed which of them are apt to receive sewage sludge as fertilizer and/or soil amendment. To determine the potential demand for sewage sludge in agriculture, the area occupied by these crops were multiplied by each fertilizer recommendation considering the sewage sludge as fertilizer. The analyzed sludge presented a high content of nutrients and organic matter and was included in the parameters of heavy metals, pathogenic agents, and bacteriological indicators stipulated by CONAMA Resolution No. 375/2006. The agricultural panorama of Rio de Janeiro State is favorable for agricultural recycling of sewage sludge since there is a great potential demand for this residue and, among the 10 agricultural crops with the largest cultivated area in the state, sludge can be used as fertilizer or soil amendment in eight of them. The implementation of a State Sewage Sludge Recycling Program could dispose of this material in a more sustainable way, as well as improve the quality of agricultural soils and reduce costs with chemical fertilizers, bringing positive results for sanitation companies and producers.
Fermentation characteristics of different purpose sorghum silage
Authors: Behling Neto Arthur , Reis Rafael Henrique Pereira dos , Cabral Luciano Da Silva , Abreu Joadil Gonçalves de , Sousa Daniel De Paula , Pedreira Bruno Carneiro , Mombach Mirceia Angele , Balbinot Ernando , Carvalho Perivaldo De , Carvalho Ana Paula da Silva
Published: September 2017

Sorghum stands out among other plants recommended for ensiling due to its forage composition, its resistance to drought, and its planting range. New cultivars of grain and sweet sorghum that can be used for silage production are available, but there is little information regarding their ensiling characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics at the ensiling of different purpose sorghum cultivars, at two crop periods. The trial was carried out at the Plant Production Department of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia, Colorado do Oeste campus, Rondônia, Brazil, and chemical analyses were performed at the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experimental design used was a randomized block, in split-plot design, with four replicates. The plot treatments consisted of six sorghum cultivars grown for different purposes (grain sorghum: BRS 308 and BRS 310; forage sorghum: BR 655 and BRS 610; sweet sorghum: BRS 506 and CMSXS 647). Split-plot treatments consisted of two cropping seasons (first crop and second crop). The grain sorghum cultivar BRS 310 was the only one that had suitable dry matter content for ensiling; however, it was also the only one that did not show ideal water soluble carbohydrate content for ensiling. Nevertheless, all treatments presented pH below than 4.2 and ammonia nitrogen lower than 12% of total N, which indicates that the fermentation inside the silo had proceeded well. For sweet sorghum cultivars, higher ethanol and butyric acid content were observed for the first crop than for the second crop. All evaluated sorghum cultivars can be used for silage production, but the use of sweet sorghum is recommended at the second crop.
Dehydrated cassava co-product in starting piglets feeding
Authors: Castro Davi Elias De Sá e , Carvalho Paulo Levi De Oliveira , Oliveira Newton Tavares Escocard de , Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Genova Jansller Luiz , Rocha Vanja De Souza , Santana Ana Lúcia Almeida , Oliveira Aparecida Da Costa , Carvalho Silvana Teixeira
Published: September 2017

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value of a dehydrated cassava co-product (DCC) and its effects on the performance and blood variables of piglets fed with different levels of DCC. In experiment I, a digestibility assay was performed and 30 whole-male crossbred piglets with initial body weight of 18.00 ± 0.673 kg were housed individually in metabolism cages and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 5 treatments, 6 replicates and one animal per experimental unit. A reference diet was formulated to meet the category nutritional requirements and the different levels of DCC replacement (6, 12, 18 and 24%) were used to replace the reference diet and composed the treatments. In experiment II, 120 piglets (60 whole males and 60 females) were used, with initial body weight of 13.05 ± 1.59 kg, distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 6 replicates and 4 animals per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of five feeds with increasing inclusion levels (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) of the DCC. The feed based on corn and soybean meal were formulated to meet the recommended levels in starting piglets feeding. The data were submitted for statistical analysis and, when presenting significant difference, the averages were compared by the Dunnet’s test at 10 % significance. In the digestibility assay, the values of DCC’s digestive energy and metabolizable energy of 3,022 and 2,984 kcal kg -1 in natural matter, respectively, were found. There was no significant effect (p > 0.10) of inclusion levels of DCC on the final weight and daily gain of weight however we observed a quadratic effect (p < 0.10) of the DCC levels on daily feed intake and feed conversion. For the analysis of blood parameters, the results showed that there was no effect (p > 0.10) of DCC levels on glucose and blood urea in the different treatments. The use of the dehydrated cassava co-product can be an energetic alternative to piglets in starting phase and can be used up to 12 %.
Does propagation method affect the field performance of peach trees?
Authors: Souza André Luiz Kulkamp de , Schuch Márcia Wulff , Camargo Samila Silva , Pereira Robson Rodrigues , Souza Edson Luiz de , Pasa Mateus Da Silveira
Published: September 2017

Worldwide, peach propagation has been performed mainly by grafting scions of desirable cultivars on rootstocks obtained from seeds. There are, however, other potential propagation methods not widely adopted due to the limited reports on the field performance of the resultant trees. This study addressed this knowledge gap and investigated the field performance of peach trees of the cultivar Maciel that were established in an orchard (5.0 m × 1.4 m spacing) in 2011. The trees were trained in a "Y" system, with seedlings from three propagation techniques: 1) Conventional System (CS) - vegetative bud grafting of the scion on the rootstock of the Okinawa cultivar obtained from seed; 2) Rootstock by Minicutting (RM) - vegetative bud grafting of the scion on the rootstock of the Okinawa cultivar obtained by minicutting in a semi-hydroponic system; 3) Self-Rooting (SR) - self-rooting of the scion in a semi-hydroponic system. The vegetative, productive, and fruit quality parameters were assessed during 2012 and 2013. The Maciel peach trees that were propagated by the SR technique were found to have similar or even superior field performance to those propagated by the CS. The RM propagation method was also found to be an important potential alternative to peach propagation, since this it combines two techniques (cutting and grafting) to reduce tree vigor, especially if the goal is high-density planting.
Multivariate approach to milk production and some physiological traits of crossbred dairy cows
Authors: Façanha Débora Andréa Evangelista , Ferreira Josiel Borges , Soto-Blanco Benito , Guilhermino Magda Maria , Leite Jacinara Hody Gurgel Morais , Nery Kelly Mary , Vasconcelos Angela Maria de , Costa Wirton Peixoto
Published: September 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in physiological responses and serum biochemical panel in crossbred dairy cow populations kept in a hot climate environment. We used a population of 384 dairy cows of genetic groups ½Holstein × ½Guzerá (n = 105) and ¾Holstein × ¼Guzerá (n = 279) derived from the Brazilian semiarid region. The physiological responses analyzed were: respiratory rate (RR, movements/minute), rectal temperature (RT, °C), free thyroxine (T4, µg/mL) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, µUI/mL). The values of RR, RT, T4, TSH and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, urea and creatinine were determined and correlated with milk production for 305 days, correlation lying only with TSH. Significant differences were observed just in milk production, RR and TSH comparing the genetic groups ½Holstein × ½Guzerá and ¾Holstein × ¼Guzerá. In conclusion, ¾Holstein × ¼Guzerá cows showed higher thyroid activity and milk production than ½Holstein × ½Guzerá cows, and may therefore be a better option for dairy production systems in semiarid regions.
Let’s Go Out For A Day Trip? Perspectives of Psychedelics (Ab)Users on the Safety of Acid (LSD) Tripping in Public Places
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a unique phenomenon of the 21st century. These substances are of critical consequences on public health and national economies. Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics and entheogens, represent one category of NPS. Numerous private groups do exist on the online drug fora and the online social platforms including Facebook. Psychedelic tripping or acid trip (using LSD) depicts one of the controversial life experiences; tripping can be indoor or in public.MATERIALS And METHODS: This study is observational and cross-sectional; it was based on an Internet Snapshot taken for a private group on Facebook; the group is dedicated for (ab)users of psychedelic substances. The snapshot was captured for a thread in relation to a critical question which was posted on the safety of day tripping using acid (LSD) in public places. Individual accounts of commenters (n=172) were analyzed in relation to demographics, length and themes of comments, and the attitude towards public tripping. This study is the first of its kind; it aims to conclude with an inference whether outdoor tripping is favourable by psychedelics users or not.RESULTS: A total of 137 psychedelic users’ comments were analyzed out of 172 (79.7%); males contributed more (n=111, 81%); the mean age was 32.14 years; most were Caucasian males from the US. (Ab)users were mainly geo-mapped into the US (85.4%), Canada (5.1%), and UK (3.7%). Those who had a positive attitude in relation to day tripping public places accounted for three-quarters (75.2%). Ethnicities and nationalities had no differential effect on a psychedelic user’s age nor his (her) enthusiasm for day tripping. However, (ab)users from the US were found to be more enthused. Further, there was a significant difference in relation to the attitude in between individuals with; positive attitude and negative attitude (p-value<0.001).CONCLUSION: Psychedelics (ab)users appeared to be in favour of having an acid trip in public; those were mainly geographically mapped into the developed countries, while the contribution of the developing countries was minimal. This study can be copied to populations of interest of different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities in an aim to infer changes in trends and preferences of individual users across time and place.
Production semi-automatisée d’une carte conceptuelle en science et technologie
Authors: Morin Maxim , Blais Jean-Guy
Published: September 2017

Cet article décrit la conception et la mise à l’essai d’un programme informatique de production semi-automatisée de cartes conceptuelles. Cette technique dérivée de l’extraction d’information a pour but de produire une représentation simple et signifiante du contenu d’un ou de plusieurs textes sous forme d’un schéma de connaissances. Le programme a été mis à l’essai à partir de deux corpus de textes choisis pour couvrir deux thèmes du Programme de formation de l’école québécoise de quatrième secondaire en science et technologie. Les résultats de l’étude sont très encourageants et montrent le potentiel d’une telle approche pour faciliter la construction d’une carte conceptuelle, une tâche qui est généralement réalisée par des humains. Les résultats suscitent également quelques réflexions quant aux modalités courantes d’élaboration et d’évaluation de cartes conceptuelles.
La méthode de notation d’un questionnaire importe-t-elle ?
Authors: Chénier Christophe
Published: September 2017

Bien qu’il existe plusieurs méthodes de notation pour assigner des scores aux répondants d’un questionnaire, peu d’études ont comparé les effets que pourraient avoir les méthodes choisies sur les corrélations entre les scores obtenus et d’autres variables. Cette recherche vise à combler ce manque en comparant les coefficients de corrélation entre les scores générés par sept méthodes de notation à partir de données réelles et, à défaut de données réelles accessibles, huit variables générées aléatoirement. Les résultats montrent que les corrélations sont presque identiques et qu’aucune méthode de notation n’a d’effet systématique sur la force des corrélations obtenues. Ce résultat est conforme aux résultats antérieurs et il est recommandé aux chercheurs de privilégier l’utilisation d’une méthode de notation simple et pouvant être utilisée avec des données manquantes.
Dynamic representation of partially occluded objects in primate prefrontal and visual cortex
Authors: Fyall Amber M , El-Shamayleh Yasmine , Choi Hannah , Shea-Brown Eric , Pasupathy Anitha
Published: September 2017

Successful recognition of partially occluded objects is presumed to involve dynamic interactions between brain areas responsible for vision and cognition, but neurophysiological evidence for the involvement of feedback signals is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that neurons in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) of monkeys performing a shape discrimination task respond more strongly to occluded than unoccluded stimuli. In contrast, neurons in visual area V4 respond more strongly to unoccluded stimuli. Analyses of V4 response dynamics reveal that many neurons exhibit two transient response peaks, the second of which emerges after vlPFC response onset and displays stronger selectivity for occluded shapes. We replicate these findings using a model of V4/vlPFC interactions in which occlusion-sensitive vlPFC neurons feed back to shape-selective V4 neurons, thereby enhancing V4 responses and selectivity to occluded shapes. These results reveal how signals from frontal and visual cortex could interact to facilitate object recognition under occlusion.
Preconditioned cues have no value
Authors: Sharpe Melissa J , Batchelor Hannah M , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: September 2017

Sensory preconditioning has been used to implicate midbrain dopamine in model-based learning, contradicting the view that dopamine transients reflect model-free value. However, it has been suggested that model-free value might accrue directly to the preconditioned cue through mediated learning. Here, building on previous work (Sadacca et al., 2016), we address this question by testing whether a preconditioned cue will support conditioned reinforcement in rats. We found that while both directly conditioned and second-order conditioned cues supported robust conditioned reinforcement, a preconditioned cue did not. These data show that the preconditioned cue in our procedure does not directly accrue model-free value and further suggest that the cue may not necessarily access value even indirectly in a model-based manner. If so, then phasic response of dopamine neurons to cues in this setting cannot be described as signaling errors in predicting value.
Major transcriptional changes observed in the Fulani, an ethnic group less susceptible to malaria
Authors: Quin Jaclyn E , Bujila Ioana , Chérif Mariama , Sanou Guillaume S , Qu Ying , Vafa Homann Manijeh , Rolicka Anna , Sirima Sodiomon B , O'Connell Mary A , Lennartsson Andreas , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Nebie Issa , Östlund Farrants Ann-Kristin
Published: September 2017

The Fulani ethnic group has relatively better protection from Plasmodium falciparum malaria, as reflected by fewer symptomatic cases of malaria, lower infection rates, and lower parasite densities compared to sympatric ethnic groups. However, the basis for this lower susceptibility to malaria by the Fulani is unknown. The incidence of classic malaria resistance genes are lower in the Fulani than in other sympatric ethnic populations, and targeted SNP analyses of other candidate genes involved in the immune response to malaria have not been able to account for the observed difference in the Fulani susceptibility to P.falciparum. Therefore, we have performed a pilot study to examine global transcription and DNA methylation patterns in specific immune cell populations in the Fulani to elucidate the mechanisms that confer the lower susceptibility to P.falciparum malaria. When we compared uninfected and infected Fulani individuals, in contrast to uninfected and infected individuals from the sympatric ethnic group Mossi, we observed a key difference: a strong transcriptional response was only detected in the monocyte fraction of the Fulani, where over 1000 genes were significantly differentially expressed upon P.falciparum infection.
Morning surge in blood pressure and sympathetic activity in Mongolians and Han Chinese: a multimodality investigation of hypertension and dyssomnia
Authors: Huang Guanhua , Yang Xiaoming , Huang Jing
Published: September 2017

Background

Hypertension and dyssomnia are increasing significantly in Mongolians, and the related factors of ethnic differences in hypertension and dyssomnia between Mongolians and Han Chinese are unclear. This study examined the relationship of morning surge in blood pressure (MBP) with ethnicity, sleep situation, and sympathetic activity throughout the day.

Methods

Of 692 hypertensive patients screened, 202 subjects with dyssomnia were selected. They were then divided into Mongolian (n = 87) and Han (n = 115) groups. The differences in dyssomnia, 24-h blood pressure, and urinary catecholamine were analyzed in all subjects; they were then further divided according to the degree of dyssomnia (low, moderate, and severe) to determine the differences in blood pressure and catecholamine.

Results

Mongolians had a lower history of smoking, daytime dysfunction, nocturnal heart rates, and dopamine levels, but their body mass index, triglyceride, fasting glucose, morning surge in systolic blood pressure (MSBP), nocturnal systolic blood pressure (NSBP), nocturnal diastolic blood pressure, daytime systolic blood pressure, daytime heart rates, and dopamine level (D-DA) were higher than those of Han Chinese. With the aggravation of dyssomnia, MSBP, NSBP, D-NE, daytime epinephrine, and D-DA of Mongolians and Han Chinese increased gradually, but the rate of increase was faster in the latter (p < 0.05). D-DA was entered into the MSBP regression model of Mongolians (intercept, 157 mmHg), whereas D-DA and D-NE were entered into the MSBP regression model of Han Chinese (intercept, 142 mmHg).

Conclusion

Worsened dyssomnia induces higher MSBP and augments sympathetic excitability in Mongolians and Han Chinese. Mongolians with hypertension and dyssomnia had higher MSBP baseline and D-DA but lower N-DA. With an increase in D-DA, MSBP in Han and Mongolian patients increased gradually.
Analysis of drug binding pockets and repurposing opportunities for twelve essential enzymes of ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Naz Sadia , Ngo Tony , Farooq Umar , Abagyan Ruben
Published: September 2017

Background

The rapid increase in antibiotic resistance by various bacterial pathogens underlies the significance of developing new therapies and exploring different drug targets. A fraction of bacterial pathogens abbreviated as ESKAPE by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control have been considered a major threat due to the rise in nosocomial infections. Here, we compared putative drug binding pockets of twelve essential and mostly conserved metabolic enzymes in numerous bacterial pathogens including those of the ESKAPE group andMycobacterium tuberculosis. The comparative analysis will provide guidelines for the likelihood of transferability of the inhibitors from one species to another.

Methods

Nine bacterial species including six ESKAPE pathogens,Mycobacterium tuberculosisalong withMycobacterium smegmatisandEschershia coli, two non-pathogenic bacteria, have been selected for drug binding pocket analysis of twelve essential enzymes. The amino acid sequences were obtained from Uniprot, aligned using ICM v3.8-4a and matched against the Pocketome encyclopedia. We used known co-crystal structures of selected target enzyme orthologs to evaluate the location of their active sites and binding pockets and to calculate a matrix of pairwise sequence identities across each target enzyme across the different species. This was used to generate sequence maps.

Results

High sequence identity of enzyme binding pockets, derived from experimentally determined co-crystallized structures, was observed among various species. Comparison at both full sequence level and for drug binding pockets of key metabolic enzymes showed that binding pockets are highly conserved (sequence similarity up to 100%) among various ESKAPE pathogens as well asMycobacterium tuberculosis. Enzymes orthologs having conserved binding sites may have potential to interact with inhibitors in similar way and might be helpful for design of similar class of inhibitors for a particular species. The derived pocket alignments and distance-based maps provide guidelines for drug discovery and repurposing. In addition they also provide recommendations for the relevant model bacteria that may be used for initial drug testing.

Discussion

Comparing ligand binding sites through sequence identity calculation could be an effective approach to identify conserved orthologs as drug binding pockets have shown higher level of conservation among various species. By using this approach we could avoid the problems associated with full sequence comparison. We identified essential metabolic enzymes among ESKAPE pathogens that share high sequence identity in their putative drug binding pockets (up to 100%), of which known inhibitors can potentially antagonize these identical pockets in the various species in a similar manner.
Transcription Factor Movement through Plasmodesmata
Authors: Jackson David
Published: September 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

PlantTFs

Evidence for Cell‐to‐Cell Trafficking ofTFs

PlantTFsthat Traffic Cell to Cell

Long‐Distance Signaling byTFs,TF mRNAsandmiRNAs

Mechanisms ofTFMovement

Perspectives

Acknowledgements
RNA‐DirectedDNAMethylation
Authors: Matzke Marjori , Kanno Tatsuo , Huettel Bruno , Jaligot Estelle , Florian Mette M. , Kreil David P. , Daxinger Lucia , Rovina Philipp , Aufsatz Werner , Matzke Antonius J. M.
Published: September 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

RNAi‐Mediated Pathways in the Nucleus

Mechanism ofRNA‐DirectedDNAMethylation:RNAand Protein Requirements

RdDMin other Organisms

How ShortRNAsInteract with a Target Locus:RNA–DNAorRNA–RNA?

Functions ofRNA‐DirectedDNAMethylation: Genome Defense, Development, Others?

Concluding remarks

Acknowledgments
Heterochromatin and the Control of Gene Silencing in Plants
Authors: Reuter G. , Fischer A. , Hofmann I.
Published: September 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Cytological, Molecular and Genetic Characteristics of Heterochromatin in Plants

DNAand Histone Modification in Plant Heterochromatin

Epigenetic Inheritance in Plants and Heterochromatin
Technology for Innovation and Change in Adult Basic Skills Education
Authors: Rosen David J. , Vanek Jenifer B.
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses a range of issues that together paint a picture of the impact, potential, and challenges of using digital technologies in adult education.
Research Updates: Reading, Numeracy, and Language Education
Authors: Greenberg Daphne , Ginsburg Lynda , Wrigley Heide Spruck
Published: September 2017

This chapter provides brief summaries of recent research on literacy, numeracy, and language education for adults.
Copper‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of N‐Allenylazoles: Access to Amino‐Substituted N‐Vinylazoles
Authors: Perego Luca Alessandro , Blieck Rémi , Michel Julie , Ciofini Ilaria , Grimaud Laurence , Taillefer Marc , Monnier Florian
Published: September 2017

Building on mechanistic studies, the innate capability of azoles to act as a directing group has been exploited to design an efficient and simple procedure for the hydroamination of N‐allenylazoles with secondary amines. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions by copper(I) catalysis yielding the corresponding original linear E allylic amines with total regio‐ and stereoselectivity. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations offer a mechanistic explanation of the significantly higher reactivity of N‐allenyl‐(1,2)‐azoles compared to their 1,3‐analogues as a result of the reaction‐enhancing coordination of the pyridine‐like nitrogen to the copper center.

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Intrainstitutional EHR collections for patient‐level information retrieval
Authors: Wu Stephen , Liu Sijia , Wang Yanshan , Timmons Tamara , Uppili Harsha , Bedrick Steven , Hersh William , Liu Hongfang
Published: September 2017

Research in clinical information retrieval has long been stymied by the lack of open resources. However, both clinical information retrieval research innovation and legitimate privacy concerns can be served by the creation of intrainstitutional, fully protected resources. In this article, we provide some principles and tools for information retrieval resource‐building in the unique problem setting of patient‐level information retrieval, following the tradition of the Cranfield paradigm. We further include an analysis of parallel information retrieval resources at Oregon Health & Science University and Mayo Clinic that were built on these principles.
Weekend admission and mortality for gastrointestinal disorders across England and Wales
Authors: Roberts S E , Brown T H , Thorne K , Lyons R A , Akbari A , Napier D J , Brown J L , Williams J G
Published: September 2017

Background

Little has been reported on mortality following admissions at weekends for many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The aim was to establish whether GI disorders are susceptible to increased mortality following unscheduled admission on weekends compared with weekdays.

Methods

Record linkage was undertaken of national administrative inpatient and mortality data for people in England and Wales who were hospitalized as an emergency for one of 19 major GI disorders.

Results

The study included 2 254 701 people in England and 155 464 in Wales. For 11 general surgical and medical GI disorders there were little, or no, significant weekend effects on mortality at 30 days in either country. There were large consistent weekend effects in both countries for severe liver disease (England: 26·2 (95 per cent c.i. 21·1 to 31·6) per cent; Wales: 32·0 (12·4 to 55·1 per cent) and GI cancer (England: 21·8 (19·1 to 24·5) per cent; Wales: 25·0 (15·0 to 35·9) per cent), which were lower in patients managed by surgeons. Admission rates were lower at weekends than on weekdays, most strongly for severe liver disease (by 43·3 per cent in England and 51·4 per cent in Wales) and GI cancer (by 44·6 and 52·8 per cent respectively). Both mortality and the weekend mortality effect for GI cancer were lower for patients managed by surgeons.

Discussion

There is little, or no, evidence of a weekend mortality effect for most major general surgical or medical GI disorders, but large weekend effects for GI cancer and severe liver disease. Lower admission rates at weekends indicate more severe cases. The findings for severe liver disease may suggest a lack of specialist hepatological resources. For cancers, reduced availability of end-of-life care in the community at weekends may be the cause.