bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth response, nutrient digestibility and physical body measurements of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) fed whole cassava (Manihot esculenta) root meal fortified with selected fermented protein sources
Authors: Eniolorunda OO , Awojobi HA , Aluko AF , Olufemi BS
Published: August 2018

Grasscutter serves as a major tool for improved household income generation, nutrition and bio-diversity in Nigeria. It provides a quick turnover, foreign exchange earner and reduce unemployment rate of the country.In order to assess the feeding values of concentrates used as supplement, studies were conducted in captivity to evaluate the performance of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) using 20 growing Grasscutters comprising 16 females and 4 males who were balanced for weight and grouped into four treatments. Inclusion of whole cassava meal that was incorporated at 80% of the total bulk acted as the control(T0) while 10% of whole cassava root meal was replaced by fermented soybean meal in (T1), fermented locust bean meal in (T2) and fermented melon seed meal in (T3) respectively were considered as experimental using a complete randomized design. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was used as the basal diet and water were given ad libitum. There were significant difference in the final body weight gains (P<0.05) between treatments. The mean final body weights were 1175.0 ±302.01, 1266.7±302.01, 1215±302.01 and 1143.0±302.01g for animals on T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The corresponding mean for final body weight gains were found to be 481±209.55, 536.7±209.55, 507±209.55 and 407±209.55g for T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the trunk length in T1 over T2, T0 and T3 and were recorded at the level of4.78±0.19, 4.56 ±0.18, 4.55 ± 0.18 and 4.12 ± 0.16 respectively. The nutrient digestibility of CP, EE, NFE, ADF and ADL were significantly different (P<0.05). The whole cassava root that was combined with fermented soybean meal supported a highest growth rate than those of other treatments. It was therefore concluded that fermented soybean meal may be used as an ideal diet for sustainable Grasscutter production when whole cassava root is combined with this ingredient.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 254-259, August 2018
Growth performance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in cage stocked at different densities
Authors: Jui Rumana Akhtar , Haque Mohammad Mahfujul , Rahmatullah SM
Published: August 2018

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in cage stocking at different densities. It was expected that silver carp could grow feeding on plankton without external feeding. In this experiment, silver carps in nine cages were stocked in three different stocking densities such as 20, 30 and 40 fishes/m3 designated as treatments T1, T2 and T3, which were located in the south west corner of the L-shaped pond in Field Laboratory Complex, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh consisting of three treatments with three replications of each for a period of 90 days from 18th August to 17th November, 2015. Each cage size was 1m x 1m x1m (length x width x height) and silver carp was cultured in the cage with natural feed which filtered phytoplankton mainly. Twenty five genera of phytoplankton were identified in pond and the average phytoplankton production was around 8.44x105cells/liter. Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and transparency were recorded fortnightly. At the completion of the experiment, weight showed significant difference (p>0.05) among three treatments although length didn’t vary significantly. The highest length gain (18.61+0.369 cm) and the highest weight gain (62.52+2.249 g) were found in T1. The highest SGR% for silver carp was found in T1 and the highest total production was obtained in T3 (5.00+ 0.015 kg/m3). Individual growth performance of silver carp was satisfactory. Further studies are needed with different stocking densities and duration to verify the result.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 322-327, August 2018
Impacts of co-management on fish biodiversity and livelihoods of fishers of Baikka beel, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Kabeer Fozlul , Hossain Md Jamal , Paul Subrato , Islam Taufiqul
Published: August 2018

Co-management plays a significant role in fisheries and natural resources management. In the case of fisheries, it has most often been taken to mean a sharing of responsibility for sustainable resource management between government and fishing communities. Baikka Beel, situated in Moulvibazar, Bangladesh has been identified and established as a wetland sanctuary by local community members in conjunction with the Management of Aquatic Ecosystem through Community Husbandry (MACH) project. In this study, the role of co-management institutions, including federations of resource user groups (FRUGs) and resource management organizations (RMOs) were investigated on sustainable wetland resource management and fish production and biodiversity in Baikka Beel. Study results shown that the knowledge and attitudes of MACH fishers towards sustainable resource management were positive and optimistic than non-MACH fishers; MACH fishers were involved with AIGAs. The results from independent samples t-test showed that the income of MACH group from fishing was significantly lower than the income of non-MACH group while income from AIGAs of MACH group was significantly higher than the income of non-MACH group. Fishing rights of both MACH and non-MACH fishers are not well established due to current leasing system. Both production and biodiversity of fish has been improved due to community-based sustainable management of Baikka Beel.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 328-336, August 2018
Relationship between FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and serum lead level of the traffic policemen in Dhaka city.
Authors: Ahmed Shahriar , Akter Qazi Shamima , Ahmed Rumana , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia , Kabir Farhana , Azim Sabrina Fahmida
Published: August 2018

Background: Air pollution is increasing day by day in Dhaka city due to automobile exhaust emitted from huge number of vehicles. Automobile pollutants inhalation would increase the blood lead level which may be associated with acute and chronic respiratory disease.Objective: To observe the relationship of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% with serum lead level in traffic policemen in Dhaka city.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College (DMC),Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2015. The study group enrolled 50 apparently healthy traffic policemen aged 25 to 45 years engaged in traffic control at different traffic junctions of Dhaka city and the control group consisted of apparently healthy subjects working in bank and different offices in Dhaka city with similar BMI and age to traffic police subjects. FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% of all the subjects were measured by digital spirometer and serum lead level was estimated by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was done by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Independent sample ‘t’ test.Results: In this study, serum lead level was found significantly higher in the traffic policemen than the control group. FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC showed negative correlation with serum Lead level but it was not statistically significant.Conclusion: From the result of this study, it can be concluded that traffic policemen may be in greater exposure to severe air pollution with higher lead content in Dhaka city and it may affect their lung function.J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2018, June; 13(1): 13-16
Effect of Deep Relaxation Technique on Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: August 2018

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may be associated with autonomic dysfunction. Performance of deep relaxation technique (DRT) may cause upturn of this deranged nerve function.Objective: To evaluate the impact of DRT on cardiac autonomic nerve function by analysis of time domain series of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in T2DM patients.Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 30 female T2DM patients aged 50-55 years with duration of diabetes of 5-10 years enrolled from the Out Patient Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. They performed DRT (20 minutes twice daily) for 3 months. Thirty apparently healthy female with similar age who did not perform DRT or any other form of exercise, were included as control. To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function, time domain measures of HRV of all subjects were recorded by a data acquisition device Power Lab (Australia). HRV data of all subjects were collected at baseline (pre) and also after 3 months(Post). For statistical analysis, paired and independent sample t-test were used.Results: The pre-intervention values of resting HR was significantly higher (p<0.001) and mean R-R interval, SDRR, CVRR, SDSD, RMSSD and pRR50% were significantly lower (p<0.001) in all diabetic patients compared to control. After 3 months of DRT, there was significant decrement in resting mean heart rate (p<0.01) and significant increment in mean R-R interval, SDRR, CVRR, SDSD, RMSSD and pRR50% (p<0.001) compared to their pre-intervention values.Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic nerve dysfunction may occur in T2DM and 3 months regular practice of DRT mayy significantly improv cardiac autonomic nerve function with parasympathetic dominance.J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2018, June; 13(1): 22-28
Obesity and dyslipidemia: risk factors for development of senile cataract
Authors: Azim Sabrina Fahmida , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Akter Taslima , Farid Fouzia
Published: August 2018

Background: Cataract is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide.Obesity and dyslipidemia may act as risk factors for development and progression of senile cataract.Objective: To determine obesity and dyslipidemia as the risk factors for development of senile cataract.Methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2015. For this study, 100 diagnosed senile cataract patients (DSC) of both sexes, aged 41-70 years, were selected by purposive sampling as study group from Department of Ophthalmology, Dhaka Medical College and one hundred noncataract healthy adult subjects (NCG) were recruited as control among the relatives and hospital staff through personal contact.The criteria for inclusions are BMI e” 25.0 kg/m² ,waist circumstances > 88 cm in female and >102 cm in male and waist hip circumference ratio W: H > 0.85 infemale and > in male 0.9.Person with cataract due to trauma, acute or chronic diarrhoea, kidney disease, history of taking calcium channel blockers, lipid lowering agents and steroid were excluded from this study. For assessing lipid profile TC, TAG, HDLC, LDL-C of all subjects were estimated by enzymatic method. For statistical analyses, unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test, and logistic regression were done to evaluate the risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were provided.Results: In this study BMI, WC, W: H, TC, TAG, LDLC levels were significantly higher (P<0.001)and HDL-C level was significantly lower (P<0.001) in diagnosed senile cataract patients(DSC) as compared to non-cataract group(NCG).Conclusion: From the study results, it is concluded that obesity (higher BMI, WC,W: H) and dyslipidemia may act as risk factors for development of senile cataract.J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2018, June; 13(1): 29-34
Plasmon Resonance of Silver Nanoparticles as a Method of Increasing Their Antibacterial Action
Authors: Vasil’kov Alexander Yu. , Dovnar Ruslan I. , Smotryn Siarhei M. , Iaskevich Nikolai N. , Naumkin Alexander V.
Published: August 2018

In this article, a series of silver-containing dressings are prepared by metal-vapor synthesis (MVS), and their antibacterial properties are investigated. The antibacterial activity of the dressings containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against some Gram-positive, and Gram-negative microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Moraxella spp.) has been determined. Based on the plasmon resonance frequency of these nanoparticles, the frequency of laser irradiation of the dressing was chosen. The gauze bandage examined showed pronounced antibacterial properties, especially to Staphylococcus aureus strain. When 470 nm laser radiation, with a power of 5 mW, was applied for 5 min, 4 h after inoculating the Petri dish, and placing a bandage containing silver nanoparticles on it, the antibacterial effect of the latter significantly increased—both against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The structure and chemical composition of the silver-containing nanocomposite were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The synthesized AgNPs demonstrate narrow and monomodal particle size distribution with an average size of 1.75 nm. Atoms of metal in Ag/bandage system are mainly in Ag0 state, and the oxidized atoms are in the form of Ag-Ag-O groups.
Evaluation of the Power-Law Wind-Speed Extrapolation Method with Atmospheric Stability Classification Methods for Flows over Different Terrain Types
Authors: Xu Chang , Hao Chenyan , Li Linmin , Han Xingxing , Xue Feifei , Sun Mingwei , Shen Wenzhong
Published: August 2018

The atmospheric stability and ground topography play an important role in shaping wind-speed profiles. However, the commonly used power-law wind-speed extrapolation method is usually applied, ignoring atmospheric stability effects. In the present work, a new power-law wind-speed extrapolation method based on atmospheric stability classification is proposed and evaluated for flows over different types of terrain. The method uses the wind shear exponent estimated in different stability conditions rather than its average value in all stability conditions. Four stability classification methods, namely the Richardson Gradient (RG) method, the Wind Direction Standard Deviation (WDSD) method, the Wind Speed Ratio (WSR) method and the Monin–Obukhov (MO) method are applied in the wind speed extrapolation method for three different types of terrain. Tapplicability is analyzed by comparing the errors between the measured data and the calculated results at the hub height. It is indicated that the WSR classification method is effective for all the terrains investigated while the WDSD method is more suitable in plain areas. Moreover, the RG and MO methods perform better in complex terrains than the other methods, if two-level temperature data are available.
Leachability and Stability of Hexavalent-Chromium-Contaminated Soil Stabilized by Ferrous Sulfate and Calcium Polysulfide
Authors: Zhang Ting-Ting , Xue Qiang , Wei Ming-Li
Published: August 2018

Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and calcium polysulfide (CaS5) stabilization are practical approaches to stabilizing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))-contaminated soil. The leachability and stability of Cr(VI) and Cr are important factors affecting the effectiveness of stabilized Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. This study compared the leachability and stability of Cr(VI) and Cr in Cr(VI)-contaminated soil stabilized by using FeSO4 and CaS5. The contaminated soil was characterized before and after stabilization, and the effectiveness of FeSO4 and CaS5 stabilization was assessed using leaching, bioaccessibility, alkaline digestion, sequential extraction, and X-ray diffraction tests. Results showed that FeSO4 and CaS5 significantly reduced the leachability and Cr(VI) content in the contaminated soil. The acid-buffering capacity and stability (leachability, bioaccessibility, speciation distribution, and mineral composition) of the Cr(VI)/Cr and Cr(VI) content of CaS5 were better than those of FeSO4. This study demonstrated that CaS5 had a better effect than FeSO4 on the stabilization of Cr(VI) in Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. The CaS5 significantly enhanced the stabilization and immobilization of Cr(VI) and reduced its leachability and toxicity.
Effect of Sinusoidal Corrugated Geometries on the Vibrational Response of Viscoelastic Nanoplates
Authors: Malikan Mohammad , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: August 2018

The vibrational behavior of viscoelastic nanoplates with a corrugated geometry is a key topic of practical interest. This problem is addressed here for wrinkled nanoplates with small corrugations related to incorrect manufacturing. To this end, a new One-Variable First-order Shear Deformation plate Theory (OVFSDT) is proposed in a combined form with a non-local strain gradient theory. The Kelvin–Voigt model is employed to describe the viscoelastic behavior of the nanoplate, whereby the frequency equations are solved numerically according to Navier’s approach, for simply-supported nanostructures. A comparative evaluation between the proposed theory and other approaches in the literature is successfully performed. It follows a large parametric study of the vibration response for varying geometry corrugations and non-local parameters.
Effects of Crop Leaf Angle on LAI-Sensitive Narrow-Band Vegetation Indices Derived from Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Zou Xiaochen , Haikarainen Iina , Haikarainen Iikka P. , Mäkelä Pirjo , Mõttus Matti , Pellikka Petri
Published: August 2018

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important biophysical variable for understanding the radiation use efficiency of field crops and their potential yield. On a large scale, LAI can be estimated with the help of imaging spectroscopy. However, recent studies have revealed that the leaf angle greatly affects the spectral reflectance of the canopy and hence imaging spectroscopy data. To investigate the effects of the leaf angle on LAI-sensitive narrowband vegetation indices, we used both empirical measurements from field crops and model-simulated data generated by the PROSAIL canopy reflectance model. We found the relationship between vegetation indices and LAI to be notably affected, especially when the leaf mean tilt angle (MTA) exceeded 70 degrees. Of the indices used in the study, the modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) was most strongly affected by leaf angles, while the blue normalized difference vegetation index (BNDVI), the green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), the modified simple ratio using the wavelength of 705 nm (MSR705), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and the soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) were only affected for sparse canopies (LAI < 3) and MTA exceeding 60°. Generally, the effect of MTA on the vegetation indices increased as a function of decreasing LAI. The leaf chlorophyll content did not affect the relationship between BNDVI, MSAVI, NDVI, and LAI, while the green atmospherically resistant index (GARI), GNDVI, and MSR705 were the most strongly affected indices. While the relationship between SR and LAI was somewhat affected by both MTA and the leaf chlorophyll content, the simple ratio (SR) displayed only slight saturation with LAI, regardless of MTA and the chlorophyll content. The best index found in the study for LAI estimation was BNDVI, although it performed robustly only for LAI > 3 and showed considerable nonlinearity. Thus, none of the studied indices were well suited for across-species LAI estimation: information on the leaf angle would be required for remote LAI measurement, especially at low LAI values. Nevertheless, narrowband indices can be used to monitor the LAI of crops with a constant leaf angle distribution.
Evaluation of the Polarimetric-Radar Quantitative Precipitation Estimates of an Extremely Heavy Rainfall Event and Nine Common Rainfall Events in Guangzhou
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Liping , Wen Hao , Wu Chong , Zhang Yonghua
Published: August 2018

The development and application of operational polarimetric radar (PR) in China is still in its infancy. In this study, an operational PR quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) algorithm is suggested based on data for PR hydrometeor classification and local drop size distribution (DSD). Even though this algorithm performs well for conventional rainfall events, in which hourly rainfall accumulations are less than 50 mm, the capability of a PR to estimate extremely heavy rainfall remains unclear. The proposed algorithm is used for nine different types of rainfall events that occurred in Guangzhou, China, in 2016 and for an extremely heavy rainfall event that occurred in Guangzhou on 6 May 2017. It performs well for all data of these nine rainfall events and for light-to-moderate rain (hourly accumulation <50 mm) in this extremely heavy rainfall event. However, it severely underestimated heavy rain (>50 mm) and the extremely heavy rain at stations where total rainfall exceeded 300 mm within 5 h in this extremely heavy rainfall event. To analyze the reasons for underestimation, a rain microphysics retrieval algorithm is presented to retrieve Dm and Nw from the PR measurements. The DSD characteristics and the factors affecting QPE are analyzed based on Dm and Nw. The results indicate that compared with statistical DSD data in Yangjiang (estimators are derived from these data), the average raindrop diameter during this rainfall event occurred on 6 May 2017 was much smaller and the number concentration was higher. The algorithm underestimated the precipitation with small and midsize particles, but overestimated the precipitation with midsize and large particles. Underestimations occurred when Dm and Nw are both very large, and the severe underestimations for heavy rain are mainly due to these particles. It is verified that some of these particles are associated with melting hail. Owing to the big differences in DSD characteristics, R(KDP, ZDR) underestimates most heavy rain. Therefore, R(AH), which is least sensitive to DSD variations, replaces R(KDP, ZDR) to estimate precipitation. This improved algorithm performs well even for extremely heavy rain. These results are important for evaluating S-band Doppler radar polarization updates in China.
Contributions of Thyroid Hormone to Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Mousa Shaker A. , Glinsky Gennadi V. , Lin Hung-Yun , Ashur-Fabian Osnat , Hercbergs Aleck , Keating Kelly A. , Davis Paul J.
Published: August 2018

Acting at a cell surface receptor on the extracellular domain of integrin αvβ3, thyroid hormone analogues regulate downstream the expression of a large panel of genes relevant to cancer cell proliferation, to cancer cell survival pathways, and to tumor-linked angiogenesis. Because αvβ3 is involved in the cancer cell metastatic process, we examine here the possibility that thyroid hormone as l-thyroxine (T4) and the thyroid hormone antagonist, tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac), may respectively promote and inhibit metastasis. Actions of T4 and tetrac that are relevant to cancer metastasis include the multitude of synergistic effects on molecular levels such as expression of matrix metalloproteinase genes, angiogenesis support genes, receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR/ERBB2) genes, specific microRNAs, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process; and on the cellular level are exemplified by effects on macrophages. We conclude that the thyroid hormone-αvβ3 interaction is mechanistically linked to cancer metastasis and that modified tetrac molecules have antimetastatic activity with feasible therapeutic potential.
Cervical Dystonia and Executive Function: A Pilot Magnetoencephalography Study
Authors: Mahajan Abhimanyu , Zillgitt Andrew , Alshammaa Abdullah , Patel Neepa , Sidiropoulos Christos , LeWitt Peter A. , Bowyer Susan
Published: August 2018

Background: Cervical dystonia (CD) patients have impaired working memory, processing speed and visual-motor integration ability. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate changes in cerebral oscillations in CD patients during an executive function test, before and after administration of botulinum toxin. Methods: MEG data were collected from five CD patients while they performed a visual continuous performance task (CPT), before and after they received a botulinum toxin injection. MEG data was also collected on five controls matched for age and gender. Coherence source imaging was performed to quantify network connectivity of subjects. Results: Controls demonstrated two errors with visual CPT; CD patients demonstrated six and three errors pre- and post-botulinum toxin respectively. After botulinum toxin, mean time from cue to correct response was 0.337 s in controls, 0.390 s in patients before botulinum toxin injection, and 0.366 s after the injection. Differences in coherence between controls and patients were found in the following brain regions: Fronto-frontal, fronto-parietal, fronto-striatal, fronto-occipital, parieto-parietal and temporo-parietal. Intrahemispheric and interhemispheric networks were affected. Post injection, there was minimal change in coherence in the above-mentioned networks. Discussion: Neuropsychological testing suggests difference in coherence in frontal circuits between CD cases and controls during the visual CPT, which may reflect subjects’ increased difficulty with the task. Botulinum toxin is associated with minimal improvement with executive function in CD.
Flame-Sprayed Pure and Ce-Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Mikaeili Fateh , Topcu Selda , Jodhani Gagan , Gouma Pelagia-Irene
Published: August 2018

Pure and Ce-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in one step by means of the scalable flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process. Complete structural and chemical characterization of these materials revealed that the majority of the nanoparticles are crystalline and spherical, ranging from 5 to 45 nm in diameter. The band gap of TiO2 was reduced by doping with Ce from 2.43 to 3.06 eV and the Ce–TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit a strong photoelectrical response to visible light illumination. Ce–TiO2 nanoparticles obtained with this scalable method are trivially scalable to industrial level manufacturing, granting and enabling additional approaches for the actual application of ceramic oxide nanomaterials to combat challenges such as environmental cleanup and energy production from the visible part of solar inputs.
Design and Analysis of CCII-Based Oscillator with Amplitude Stabilization Employing Optocouplers for Linear Voltage Control of the Output Frequency
Authors: Sotner Roman , Jerabek Jan , Langhammer Lukas , Dvorak Jan
Published: August 2018

This paper shows the topology design of a simple second-order oscillator based on two three-port current conveyors, two resistors, and two grounded capacitors, as well as its modification to a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). In comparison with many previous works, the following useful conceptual novelties and improvements were made in this study. Both resistors presented in the topology can be employed to tune of the oscillation frequency by the simultaneous driving of two optocouplers with resistive output stage. The current gain of the current conveyor ensures the control of the oscillation condition. The proposed solution offers advantages (in comparison with many standard so-called single-resistance-controllable types) of improved dependence of the frequency of oscillation (FO) on a driving force (extended tuning of the FO), constant ratio of amplitudes of generated waveforms when the FO is tuned, low complexity (taking into account auxiliary circuitry for optocouplers), and comfortable tuning of the FO by a single control voltage. The oscillator produces waveforms with tunable frequency having a constant 45-degree phase shift between them. The relative sensitivities of the proposed solution achieve typical values for these second-order systems (−0.5). Experimental verification confirmed the expected behavior in the operational band between 1 and 10 MHz tuned by a DC voltage from 1.7 to 5 V. This indicates a significant reduction of the driving force ratio (3:1 in our case) in comparison with standard tuning approaches required for a ratio of 10:1 for FO adjustment. Output amplitudes reached 100 and 150 mV in the observed tunability range with distortion ranging between 0.7 and 3.3%.
Research on Discrete Fourier Transform-Based Phasor Measurement Algorithm for Distribution Network under High Frequency Sampling
Authors: Zhou Zhiguo , Lin Ruliang , Wang Lifeng , Wang Yi , Li Hansen
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a phasor measurement algorithm that is suitable for a distribution network. Under the condition of fixed interval and high frequency sampling, the algorithm uses a dynamic calibration factor to correct the traditional Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) algorithm, which solves the shortcomings of the rapid decline in traditional algorithm measurement accuracy under the condition of power system frequency deviation or dynamic measurement. Under the high sampling rate of the international distribution network waveform data, the conventional phasor is used to represent the theoretical phasor, and the value of the conventional phasor is compensated to make the result closer to the theoretical value. Finally, the phasor measurement software simulation platform is built in Matlab/Simulink, based on the principle of the algorithm, providing a simulation environment for researchers to verify the phasor measurement algorithm of the distribution network and the fault location, state estimation, or other advanced applications.
Recovery of Functional Diversity Following Shifting Cultivation in Tropical Monsoon Forests
Authors: Deng Fuying , He Yunling , Zang Runguo
Published: August 2018

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is an important issue in ecology. Plant functional traits and their diversity are key determinants of ecosystem function in changing environments. Understanding the successional dynamics of functional features in forest ecosystems is a first step to their sustainable management. In this study, we tested the changes in functional community composition with succession in tropical monsoon forests in Xishuangbanna, China. We sampled 33 plots at three successional stages—~40-year-old secondary forests, ~60-year-old secondary forests, and old growth forests—following the abandonment of the shifting cultivation land. Community-level functional traits were calculated based on measurements of nine functional traits for 135 woody plant species. The results show that the community structures and species composition of the old-growth forests were significantly different to those of the secondary stands. The species diversity, including species richness (S), the Shannon–Weaver index (H), and Pielou’s evenness (J), significantly increased during the recovery process after shifting cultivation. The seven studied leaf functional traits (deciduousness, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf nitrogen content, leaf phosphorus content, leaf potassium content and leaf carbon content) changed from conservative to acquisitive syndromes during the recovery process, whereas wood density showed the opposite pattern, and seed mass showed no significant change, suggesting that leaf traits are more sensitive to environmental changes than wood or seed traits. The functional richness increased during the recovery process, whereas the functional evenness and divergence had the highest values in the 60-year-old secondary communities. Soil nutrients significantly influenced functional traits, but their effects on functional diversity were less obvious during the secondary succession after shifting cultivation. Our study indicates that the recovery of tropical monsoon forests is rather slow; secondary stands recover far less than the old growth stands in terms of community structure and species and functional diversity, even after about half a century of recovery, highlighting the importance of the conservation of old growth tropical monsoon forest ecosystems.
Administration of Probiotics in the Water in Finfish Aquaculture Systems: A Review
Authors: Jahangiri Ladan , Esteban María Ángeles
Published: August 2018

Over the last few decades, the contribution of aquaculture to animal protein production has increased enormously, and the sector now provides almost half of the fish and shellfish consumed worldwide, making it a major food producer. Nevertheless, many factors, including infections, pollution, and stress, may result in significant economic losses. The aquaculture industry will not be totally successful without the therapeutic and preventive means to control all these factors. Antibiotics (long used in aquaculture practice) have tended to aggravate the problem by increasing antibiotic resistance. Concomitantly, probiotics have widely been suggested as eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics. However, the way in which probiotics are applied in aquaculture is a key factor in their favorable performance. The aim of this review was to examine the current state of probiotics administration through the water in finfish aquaculture. The review also attempts to cover the research gaps existing in our knowledge of this administration mode, and to suggest the issues that need to be investigated in greater depth.
Labor Off-Farm Employment and Cropland Abandonment in Rural China: Spatial Distribution and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Deng Xin , Xu Dingde , Qi Yanbin , Zeng Miao
Published: August 2018

Alleviating cropland misallocation is helpful for the sustainable development of agriculture. Does off-farm employment inevitably result in cropland misallocation (e.g., cropland abandonment) and threaten the sustainable development of agriculture? This study differs from prior studies in its view that off-farm employment does not necessarily result in cropland abandonment. Specifically, the study employs survey data from 8031 peasant households from 27 provinces in rural China and spatial statistics to analyze the distribution of off-farm employment and cropland abandonment. Empirical models (i.e., IV-Probit and IV-Tobit) are used to examine the quantitative relation between off-farm employment and cropland abandonment. The results are as follows. (1) The spatial distribution of off-farm employment or cropland abandonment differs among regions. Regions with a higher rate of off-farm employment show more cropland abandonment but a lower average area of cropland abandonment. (2) Off-farm employment has a significant and positive correlation with cropland abandonment. However, its square has a significant and negative correlation with cropland abandonment; i.e., there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between off-farm employment and cropland abandonment, with the turning point occurring at 46.00% off-farm employment. (3) Off-farm employment has a significant and positive correlation with the area of cropland abandonment. However, its square has a significant and negative correlation with the area; i.e., there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between off-farm employment and area, with the turning point occurring at 44.50% off-farm employment. This study reveals the relationship between off-farm employment and cropland abandonment and provides policymakers with references for use in developing sustainable agriculture.
Shift Work and Occupational Accident Absence in Belgium: Findings from the Sixth European Working Condition Survey
Authors: Alali Hanan , Braeckman Lutgart , Van Hecke Tanja , Abdel Wahab Magd
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: Irregular and non-standard work arrangements have become a serious determinant to the health and safety of workers. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between shift work and occupational accident absence. A representative Belgian sample considering several sociodemographic and work characteristics is used. (2) Methods: This study is based on the data of the sixth European Working Condition Survey (EWCS). The sample is restricted to 2169 respondents from Belgium. By using multivariate logistic regression modeling techniques and adjusting several confounders, the associations between shift work and occupational accident absence are studied. (3) Results: It is found that about 11.1% of the workers undergo an occupational accident absence. A multivariate regression model demonstrates an increased occupational accident absence risk for workers who have shift work (odds ratio, or OR, 1.92, 95% CI 1.06–3.46). Also, gender and biomechanical exposure were significantly associated with occupational accident absence ((OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.16–3.69) and (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.14–3.63), respectively). No significant interaction effects are found with gender and age variables. 4) Conclusion: This study confirms that doing shift work is significantly associated with occupational accidents. In order to reduce the significance of occupational accidents, shift work should be limited through national-level policies.
Objectively Measured Neighborhood Walkability and Change in Physical Activity in Older Japanese Adults: A Five-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Nakaya Tomoki , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Fukushima Noritoshi , Amagasa Shiho , Oka Koichiro , Sallis James F. , Inoue Shigeru
Published: August 2018

Objectives: This study investigated the longitudinal association between changes in older adults’ physical activity and neighborhood walkability measured by geographic information systems (GISs, (ArcGIS, ESRI Inc., Redlands, CA, USA)). Methods: A mail survey was conducted for Japanese older adults who were randomly selected from three different settlement types. Data on walking, total moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sociodemographic characteristics were collected at baseline (in 2010) and follow-up (in 2015). Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to assess the association between MVPA change and neighborhood walkability, adjusted for potential confounders. Effect sizes for independent variables on MVPA change were estimated. Results: Data from 731 community-dwelling older adults (43.7% women) were analyzed. During the follow-up, older adults’ MVPA was reduced by 94.4 min/week (−14.2%) on average (675.5 and 579.9 min/week in 2010 and 2015, respectively). Overall, older adults living in highly walkable areas showed a smaller reduction than those in low walkable areas (beta: 99.7 min/week, 95% confidence interval: 28.5–171.0). Similar associations were observed among those in the urban and suburban area, but not in the rural area. Walkability had larger effect sizes for explaining MVPA change than demographic characteristics. In addition, the findings for walking were similar to MVPA. Conclusion: Neighborhood walkability mitigated the 5-year reduction of walking and total MVPA among older adults, especially in urban areas.
The Blocking Effect of Clay in Groundwater Systems: A Case Study in an Inland Plain Area
Authors: Xing Liting , Huang Linxian , Yang Yi , Xu Junxiang , Zhang Wenjing , Chi Guangyao , Hou Xinyu
Published: August 2018

In order to increase understanding of the hydrogeochemical effects that influence changes in the quality of salt water, we investigated the distribution of saline and fresh water in an inland plain area and, in particular, the scarcity of fresh water resources. Taking the inland plain in Jiyang County as a specific case study, samples of undisturbed clay and underground saline water from different depths were collected to examine hydrogeological changes. A wide variety of methods was used to analyze the blocking effect of clay on the chemical characteristics of the groundwater. These include real-time monitoring for field water quality, tests for isothermal adsorption, a factor analysis model, physiochemical analysis, and correlation analysis. Our results show that the optimal adsorption isotherm of clay for Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in groundwater conform to the established Henry and Langmuir equations for adsorption isotherms. The influence of clay mineral types and content on the blockage of Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in groundwater samples were evident at different depths, with the clay adsorption capacity increasing in line with increases in the clay mineral content. Clay at different depths was found to have the strongest blocking effect on Na+ in groundwater, being systematically greater than its effect on Ca2+ and Mg2+. It is believed that the blocking effect of clay has an important influence on the hydrochemical zoning of groundwater in inland plains and the formation of saline water in groundwater systems. This study therefore provides concrete evidence in support of this supposed effect.
Temporal and Spatial Analyses of the Landscape Pattern of Wuhan City Based on Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Lv Jianjun , Ma Teng , Dong Zhiwen , Yao Yao , Yuan Zehao
Published: August 2018

With the acceleration of the process of building a national-level central city in Wuhan, the landscape pattern of the city has undergone tremendous changes. In this paper, remote images are classified through the neural network classification method, based on texture extraction, and the evolution of landscape patterns was quantitatively analyzed, based on the method of moving windows, landscape metrics and urban density calculation, in order to accurately extract landscape types and perform quantitative analyses. Wuhan City is taken as an example. The surface coverage of Wuhan City from 1989 to 2016 is divided into four types: agricultural landscape clusters, forest landscape clusters, water landscape clusters, and urban landscape clusters. It was concluded that, during the study period, the landscape heterogeneity of the entire area in Wuhan has increased, but the central urban area in Wuhan has decreased. The development of urban areas has compacted inwards but expanded outwards. In addition, the western part of Wuhan City developed better than the eastern part.
Accuracy Assessment of Point Clouds from LiDAR and Dense Image Matching Acquired Using the UAV Platform for DTM Creation
Authors: Salach Adam , Bakuła Krzysztof , Pilarska Magdalena , Ostrowski Wojciech , Górski Konrad , Kurczyński Zdzisław
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the results of an experiment about the vertical accuracy of generated digital terrain models were assessed. The created models were based on two techniques: LiDAR and photogrammetry. The data were acquired using an ultralight laser scanner, which was dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms that provide very dense point clouds (180 points per square meter), and an RGB digital camera that collects data at very high resolution (a ground sampling distance of 2 cm). The vertical error of the digital terrain models (DTMs) was evaluated based on the surveying data measured in the field and compared to airborne laser scanning collected with a manned plane. The data were acquired in summer during a corridor flight mission over levees and their surroundings, where various types of land cover were observed. The experiment results showed unequivocally, that the terrain models obtained using LiDAR technology were more accurate. An attempt to assess the accuracy and possibilities of penetration of the point cloud from the image-based approach, whilst referring to various types of land cover, was conducted based on Real Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS-RTK) measurements and was compared to archival airborne laser scanning data. The vertical accuracy of DTM was evaluated for uncovered and vegetation areas separately, providing information about the influence of the vegetation height on the results of the bare ground extraction and DTM generation. In uncovered and low vegetation areas (0–20 cm), the vertical accuracies of digital terrain models generated from different data sources were quite similar: for the UAV Laser Scanning (ULS) data, the RMSE was 0.11 m, and for the image-based data collected using the UAV platform, it was 0.14 m, whereas for medium vegetation (higher than 60 cm), the RMSE from these two data sources were 0.11 m and 0.36 m, respectively. A decrease in the accuracy of 0.10 m, for every 20 cm of vegetation height, was observed for photogrammetric data; and such a dependency was not noticed in the case of models created from the ULS data.
Evaluating a Fit-For-Purpose Integrated Service-Oriented Land and Climate Change Information System for Mountain Community Adaptation
Authors: Khezri Adish , Bennett Rohan , Zevenbergen Jaap
Published: August 2018

Climate change challenges mountain communities to prepare themselves via Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) plans that reduce vulnerability. This paper outlines the evaluation of a developed web-based information system to support CBA, referred to as a Mountain Community Adaptive System (MCAS). The web-based user interface visualizes collated data from data providers, integrating it with near real-time climate and weather datasets. The interface provides more up-to-date information than was previously available on the environment, particularly on land and climate. MCAS, a cloud-based Land Information System (LIS), was developed using an Agile-inspired approach offering system creation based on bare minimum system requirements and iterative development. The system was tested against Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration (FFP LA) criteria to assess the effectiveness in a case from Nepal. The results illustrate that an MCAS-style system can provide useful information such as land use status, adaptation options, near real-time rainfall and temperature details, amongst others, to enable services that can enhance CBA activities. The information can facilitate improved CBA planning and implementation at the mountain community level. Despite the mentioned benefits of MCAS, ensuring system access was identified as a key limitation: smartphones and mobile technologies still remain prohibitively expensive for members of mountain communities, and underlying information communication technology (ICT) infrastructures remain under-developed in the assessed mountain communities. The results of the evaluation further suggest that the land-related aspects of climate change should be added to CBA initiatives. Similarly, existing LIS could have functionalities extended to include climate-related variables that impact on land use, tenure, and development.
Analyzing Spatial and Temporal User Behavior in Participatory Sensing
Authors: Khoi Ngo Manh , Casteleyn Sven
Published: August 2018

The large number of mobile devices and their increasingly powerful computing and sensing capabilities have enabled the participatory sensing concept. Participatory sensing applications are now able to effectively collect a variety of information types with high accuracy. Success, nevertheless, depends largely on the active participation of the users. In this article, we seek to understand spatial and temporal user behaviors in participatory sensing. To do so, we conduct a large-scale deployment of Citizense, a multi-purpose participatory sensing framework, in which 359 participants of demographically different backgrounds were simultaneously exposed to 44 participatory sensing campaigns of various types and contents. This deployment has successfully gathered various types of urban information and at the same time portrayed the participants’ different spatial, temporal and behavioral patterns. From this deployment, we can conclude that (i) the Citizense framework can effectively help participants to design data collecting processes and collect the required data, (ii) data collectors primarily contribute in their free time during the working week; much fewer submissions are done during the weekend, (iii) the decision to respond and complete a particular participatory sensing campaign seems to be correlated to the campaign’s geographical context and/or the recency of the data collectors’ activities, and (iv) data collectors can be divided into two groups according to their behaviors: a smaller group of active data collectors who frequently perform participatory sensing activities and a larger group of regular data collectors who exhibit more intermittent behaviors. These identified user behaviors open avenues to improve the design and operation of future participatory sensing applications.