bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations for the verification of volumetric modulated arc therapy-planned dose distributions
Authors: Strauss Lourens , Shaw William
Published: August 2019

Background: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is the standard of care for many clinical indications, but should only be considered with proper technical support and quality assurance (QA) in place. Despite the high accuracy of VMAT systems, errors can be present and adequate verification is required. Dosimetric VMAT verification systems have a broadly similar analysis philosophy. However, many factors influence the analyses and the subsequent QA outcome, based on which the plan will pass or fail.Aim: This study investigated various factors that influence the dosimetric impact and detectability of known linac component deviations on VMAT QA, including geometries, tissue densities, gamma criteria and dose–volume differences.Setting: Universitas Hospital (Annex), Bloemfontein, South Africa.Methods: Deliberate multi-leaf collimator (MLC)-bank offsets were introduced on four different VMAT plans of the prostate, nasopharynx and brain. Measured reference dose sets were compared to measured QA results, using the IBA Dolphin© detector and Compass© software for three dosimetric scenarios. Gamma pass rates over a range of criteria from 1%/2-mm to 4%/4-mm in the total volumes and per structure, as well as dose–volume differences were studied.Results: Gamma tests in the total patient/phantom did not sufficiently detect errors. The calculation media did not influence the QA outcome greatly. However, the detection geometry affected the results. Per structure gamma analyses provided superior error detection, although still missed some clinically relevant differences. The addition of dose–volume analyses highlighted several important errors.Conclusion: Volumetric modulated arc therapy using only total volume gamma analyses can easily overlook clinically relevant errors. The choice of gamma criterion is crucial. Verification with at least a per structure gamma test in combination with dose–volume checks is recommended, especially in small target volume cases.
Stability versions of Erdős–Ko–Rado type theorems via isoperimetry
Authors: Ellis David , Keller Nathan , Lifshitz Noam
Published: August 2019

Erdős–Ko–Rado (EKR) type theorems yield upper bounds on the sizes of families of sets, subject to various intersection requirements on the sets in the family. Stability versions of such theorems assert that if the size of a family is close to the maximum possible size, then the family itself must be close (in some appropriate sense) to a maximum-sized family.

In this paper, we present an approach to obtaining stability versions of EKR-type theorems, via isoperimetric inequalities for subsets of the hypercube. Our approach is rather general, and allows the leveraging of a wide variety of exact EKR-type results into strong stability versions of these results, without going into the proofs of the original results.

We use this approach to obtain tight stability versions of the EKR theorem itself and of the Ahlswede–Khachatrian theorem on

t

-intersecting families of

k

-element subsets of

\{1,\dots,n\}

(for

k < n/(t+1)

), and to show that, somewhat surprisingly, all these results hold when the ‘intersection’ requirement is replaced by a much weaker requirement.

Other examples include stability versions of Frankl’s recent result on the Erdős matching conjecture, the Ellis–Filmus–Friedgut proof of the Simonovits–Sós conjecture, and various EKR-type results on

r

-wise (cross-)

t

-intersecting families.
Conformally covariant boundary correlation functions with a quantum group
Authors: Kytölä Kalle , Peltola Eveliina
Published: August 2019

Particular boundary correlation functions of conformal field theory are needed to answer some questions related to random conformally invariant curves known as Schramm–Loewner evolutions (SLE). In this article, we introduce a correspondence and establish its fundamental properties, which are used in the companion articles [JJK16, KP16] to explicitly solve two such problems. The correspondence associates Coulomb gas type integrals to vectors in a tensor product representation of a quantum group, a

q

-deformation of the Lie algebra

\mathfrak {sl}_2

. We show that the desired properties of the functions are guaranteed by natural representation-theoretical properties of the vectors.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: August 2019

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 3Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilAnil Kumar Matta, KLEF, IndiaBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranBoumahdi Merad Zoubeida, University Blida, AlgeriaChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USAEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaFabrício Oliveira Fernandes, State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho - FCAV, BrazilPramod Kumar Mishra, University of Hyderabad, IndiaServet Aras, Bozok University, TurkeyShaibu Baanni Azumah, University for Development Studies, GhanaShubha Kumari, ICAR-RCER, IndiaSomaia Alkhair, Alzaeim Alazhari University, SudanSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, ChileToncho Gospodinov Penev, Trakia University, BulgariaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, USAZsolt Domozi, Obuda University, Hungary Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
Weaning Age of Lambs Creep-Fed While Grazing on Marandu Pasture
Authors: Heimbach Natália Da Silva , Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Brumatti Ricardo Carneiro , Difante Gelson Dos Santos , Dias Alexandre Menezes , Ferelli Kedma Leonora Silva Monteiro , Arco Thais Fernanda Farias de Souza , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , Frangiotti Cibele Otoni de Oliveira , Silva Pâmila Carolini Gonçalves da
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to examine the weaning age (60 and 90 days) of lambs supplemented while grazing on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture. Production performance, incidence of worm infections, intoxication, and production cost of lambs, beside that body condition and occurrence of single or twin births in the ewes were evaluated, by two consecutive years. There was no effect of year. Lambs weaned at 90 days consumed more supplement (281.0 g/day) than those weaned at 60 days (210.2 g/day) and showed a higher total weight gain (20.76 kg vs. 14.97 kg). Weaning age did not influence the occurrence of worm infections and intoxication by Urochloa spp. in the lambs, dam weight or body condition score (BCS). Ewes with single-born showed a better BCS (1.8 points) than those ewes had twin-born (1.4 points). The costs of supplementing the lambs and the effective operating cost were higher when the lambs were weaned at 90 days of age. There was no difference for intake, lamb performance between the weaning age groups. We recommend to wean lambs at 90 days in a creep feeding system.
Consecuencias culturales y políticas para los movimientos migratorios: estereotipos y prejuicios entre México y Centroamérica
Authors: Rodrigues Lopes Mariana
Published: August 2019

En este trabajo se analizan los estereotipos y prejuicios presentes en las relaciones políticas y culturales entre México y Centroamérica y su impacto en el contexto de las migraciones centroamericanas hacia los Estados Unidos, a partir de la novela Amarás a Dios sobre todas las cosas (2013), del escritor mexicano Alejandro Hernández. Esta reflexión forma parte de una discusión más amplia que estamos desarrollando en nuestra tesis doctoral sobre las migraciones centroamericanas hacia los Estados Unidos y sus representaciones en la literatura centroamericana contemporánea.  Estas relaciones se remontan al período precolombino, cuando casi toda la región conocido hoy día como Centroamérica y buena de parte del territorio mexicano, conformaban el territorio conocido como Mesoamérica. A partir de ese momento, dichas relaciones han tomado rumbos distintos, y se han convertido en una relación de amor y odio que se refleja, de manera muy acuciante, en el tratamiento a los migrantes centroamericanos en su tránsito por México, sobre todo en los últimos años. La novela reelabora estas relaciones mostrando su impacto en la vida cotidiana de los migrantes centroamericanos en su paso por México. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar que dichas relaciones van más allá del imaginario que tienen los mexicanos respecto a los centroamericanos y viceversa.
Migration, Identities and Human Rights Representation in African Literature: Re –Reading Adichie’s Americanah
Authors: Dick Angela Ngozi
Published: August 2019

Adichie’s Americanah is one of the African novels whose characters and settings traverse cultures. The author herself is a product of trans-cultural education and uses this medium to draw global attention to the difficulty faced by migrants. Most of the African diaspora characters work hard to gain visibility in a culture that obliterates the personality of migrants irrespective of gender and academic achievements. Adichie’s representation of the characters captures much of the realities told by migrants navigating and negotiating life outside their countries of origin. Through personal will to get a better life outside their home countries, the characters engage in some self-effacing work to acquire permanent residency so that they can return home for acclaim. The author uses local colour and synaesthesia to remind the characters of their roots and the rhetorics of scatology to portray the hostility of the receiving country.
An Examination of Student Club Activities from the Perspective of School Principals and Teachers
Authors: Çınar Ikram
Published: August 2019

In this study, the effects of student club activities in high schools in Kars province, Turkey on the development ofstudents’ social skills, democracy and governance skills, recreation education and community service skills wereexamined. The qualitative research technique was used in the study and data were collected with the semi-structuredinterview technique. The data were obtained from 8 school principals and 12 club advisors from different schooltypes determined with the maximum variation sampling method. According to the results, the educators in thesample concluded that the student clubs achieved their objectives in the theme of democracy and governance skillsbut were not effective in the other themes. The reasons for this ineffectiveness emerged as deficiencies in thephysical environment in the schools, lack of time allotted for activities, excessive numbers of students in the clubsand unwillingness of teachers with regard to club activities. It was suggested that if the choice of whether or not toengage in club activities is left to students, the activities in clubs will become more attractive and thus theireffectiveness will increase.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between University Prep Class Students’ Intelligence Types and Their Success of Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Gülünay Yaşar İsmail , Savaş Seyfi
Published: August 2019

In the 21st century, when foreign language learning has become almost compulsory, everyone is trying to fulfill thisobligation. In fact, foreign language has become a very important thing not only for the people who work onlinguistic sciences but also for politicians, academicians, and even sportsmen. In this context, the main purpose is tocompare the English achievement levels of students with physical/kinesthetic intelligence to those with otherintelligence areas. 198 males, 66 females, in total 267 students, who study at Karabuk University, School of ForeignLanguages during the summer term of 2017-2018, have participated in this study. “Personal Information Form”developed by researchers; “Multiple Intelligence Observation Form” from the book “Multiple IntelligenceApplications” (2003) by Selçuk, Kayılı, Okut; Karabük University Preparatory Summer School foreign languagesuccess averages for determining the English achievement levels of the students, have been used as data collectiontools. Kolmogorov Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman Correlation tests have been used toanalyze the data. Consequently, there are no significant differences between the foreign language scores of thestudents according to the variables of doing sports with a license, gender, age, and licensed sports branches. However,there is a significant difference between the foreign language scores of the students according to the variable ofexercising regularly (p=0.04<0.05). There is no statistically significant relationship between students' multipleintelligences and foreign language scores.
Dynamic frictional behaviour of synthetic sandstone under low normal stress and seismic excitation
Authors: Lee Kuo Chen , Orense Rolando P. , Jeng Fu Shu
Published: August 2019

Both New Zealand and Taiwan are located in the Pacific ring of fire, the most active seismic zone in the world, and therefore slope failures triggered by seismic excitation are frequent and they sometimes could cost severe damage to life and property. Earthquake induced slope failure, especially rock-block sliding failure, is usually analysed using friction coefficient measured at the sliding-interface. A tilt test is a convenient test for measuring the required values under static condition, but the applicability of measured results to analyse block sliding under dynamic condition requires further investigation. In this paper, a series of static tilt test and dynamic shaking table test were performed to simulate block sliding with base excitation. The results were compared in terms of measured sliding thresholds, and the causes of the differences were discussed. Tests on synthetic sandstone showed that friction coefficients measured by tilt tests were always larger than the ones derived by shaking table tests. Furthermore, sliding thresholds increased with increasing shaking frequency, suggesting that the sliding threshold is non-constant under excitation. In addition, the sliding threshold is lower at higher contact stresses on the sliding surface, showing that the sliding threshold varies with normal stress. This study identified the limitations of the tilt test when applied to dynamic problems, and recommended that realistic sliding threshold can only be obtained using dynamic tests, such as shaking table tests.
Behaviour of the bottom and top flange plates in the Sliding Hinge Joint
Authors: Khoo Hsen-Han , Seal Chris , Clifton Charles , Butterworth John , MacRae Gregory A.
Published: August 2019

The Sliding Hinge Joint is a low damage beam-column connection used in steel moment resisting frames. It dissipates energy through sliding in Asymmetric Friction Connections (AFCs) in the bottom web and bottom flange bolt groups. The AFC confines earthquake induced damage to bolts that can be retightened or replaced following a major earthquake. The other joint components sustain negligible damage and would be kept in service and may thus be subjected to further earthquake shaking during the lifetime of the building. The bottom and top flange plates are also subject to inelastic action about their minor axis under joint rotation. This study evaluates the behaviour of the bottom and top flange plates to determine the weld and plate susceptibility to low-cycle fatigue failure. The basic flange plate deformation was approximated by an arc, with the effects of shear slip considered to obtain estimates of likely strain demands. It was shown that even in the most critical case the fatigue life is more than six times the demand expected in a design level earthquake. As a result, it is concluded that properly designed, detailed and connected flange plates are not prone to low-cycle fatigue failure.
Understanding the impact of a major earthquake on Wellington lifelines
Authors: Mowll R.L. , Brunsdon D.R. , Wilde F. , Leslie P.D.
Published: August 2019

Understanding seismic hazard and the potential impacts of an earthquake on a population allows better planning of response and recovery. It also allows a better understanding of how to mitigate against the effects of earthquakes.

The Wellington Lifelines Group (WeLG) and the various Wellington lifeline utility organisations over the past five years have synthesised information on the consequences of a major earthquake, drawing upon hazard information (including from the GNS Science-led ‘It’s Our Fault’ studies), learning from civil defence emergency management exercises and from overseas earthquakes, and specialist studies commissioned by individual utilities. During 2012, WeLG facilitated specific discussions in order to summarise the time taken to restore water, transport, power (electricity) and telecommunications services following a rupture of the Wellington Fault, and therefore the effects on the population.

The outcome of this work was an indication of substantial post-earthquake restoration times, agreed across and within key utility sectors. The time-scales for restoration of lifelines in a major earthquake are in the tens of days for power and water, and some key roads would not be recovered for up to 120 days. Telecommunications systems, particularly cell phone sites, would be recovered earlier, but are critically dependent upon access and fuel supplies for the refuelling of emergency generators.

Given the significance of these likely restoration times for the community, it was decided to publically release the information, with buy-in from all of the lifeline utility organisations involved. The resulting report was released, with appropriate messaging, via the Wellington CDEM Group to the media in mid-November 2012.

This paper provides a summary of the likely restoration times, background to their derivation, and the initial reactions to the release of the information.
Seismic design spectra for different soil classes
Authors: Dhakal Rajesh P. , Lin Sheng-Lin , Loye Alexander K. , Evans Scott J.
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the validity of the soil class dependent spectral shape factors used to calculate seismic design actions in the New Zealand seismic design standard NZS1170.5, which currently specifies seismic design spectra corresponding to five different soil classes. According to the current provisions stipulated in NZS1170.5, for all natural periods, the seismic demand for structures on soft soil is either equal to or greater than that for structures on hard soil. This is opposite to the basic structural dynamics theory which suggests that an increase in stiffness of a system results in an increase in the acceleration response. In this pretext, a numerical parametric study is undertaken using a nonlinear site response analysis tool in order to capture the effect of soil characteristics on structural seismic demand and to scrutinize the validity of the current site specific seismic design spectra. It is identified that the level of input ground motion intensity and shear stiffness of the soil deposit (represented by its shear wave velocity Vs) greatly affect the maximum acceleration and frequency content of the surface motion. The study found some shortfalls in the way the current code defines seismic design demand, in particular the hierarchy of soil stiffness at low structural periods. It was found that stiff soils generally tend to have a higher spectral acceleration response in comparison to soft soils although this trend is less prominent for high intensity bed rock motions. It was also found that for medium to hard soils the spectral acceleration response at short period is grossly underestimated by the current NZS1170.5 provisions. Based on the outcomes of the parametric numerical analyses, a revised strategy to determine structural seismic demand for different soil classes is proposed and its application is demonstrated through an example.
Wellington Central Police Station base isolation maintenance
Authors: Smart C. R.
Published: August 2019

Wellington Central Police Station was built in the late 1980s. Its 10-storey tower block featured robust X-bracing around the perimeter and strong floor diaphragms to distribute earthquake actions amongst the perimeter frames, thus making it extremely stiff. To provide the ductility required by the 1984 Loadings Standard, the tower block was supported on a base isolation system that allowed up to 400 millimetres of movement in any horizontal direction.

This paper describes investigations into the continuing serviceability of the base isolation parts, and the remedial maintenance required.
Applying Sun-Yuan liquefaction detection method in the February 2011 Christchurch (Mw 6.3) earthquake, New Zealand
Authors: Sun Rui , Chen Longwei , Yuan Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

In April 2011, 27 processed seismic acceleration records at 27 seismic stations whose epicental distances were less than 50 km in Feb. 22 Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake (Mw6.3), were collected from GeoNet strong motion data centre. Applying Sun-Yuan liquefaction detection method on the selected records, 9 liquefied sites and 18 non-liquefied sites were blindly identified thereof in May 2011, prior to the real liquefaction reports (papers) been published. Up to present, liquefaction detection results of 11 sites, i.e., 8 liquefied sites CBGS, CCCC, CHHC, CMHS, HPSC, PRPC, REHS and SHLC and 3 non-liquefied sites PPHS, HVSC and LPCC, were confirmed by publications which were consistent with the detections. New approaches and proof (or evidence) need to be pursued to demonstrate the detected results on other sites, i.e., liquefied site LINC and 15 non-liquefied sites.
Development of New Zealand seismic bridge standards
Authors: Hogan L. S. , Wotherspoon L. M. , Ingham J. M.
Published: August 2019

During seismic assessments of bridges where there is a lack of construction documentation, one method of determining likely structural detailing is to use historic design standards. An overview of the New Zealand bridge seismic standards and the agencies that have historically controlled bridge design and construction is presented. Standards are grouped into design era based upon similar design and loading characteristics. Major changes in base shear demand, ductility, foundation design, and linkage systems are discussed for each design era, and loadings and detailing requirements from different eras were compared to current design practices. Bridges constructed using early seismic standards were designed to a significantly lower base shear than is currently used but the majority of these bridges are unlikely to collapse due to their geometry and a preference for monolithic construction. Bridges constructed after the late 1970s are expected to perform well if subjected to ground shaking, but unless bridges were constructed recently their performance when subjected to liquefaction and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading is expected to be poor.
An Evaluation of Common Method Variance-Bias in Psychology
Authors: Karimi Leila , Meyer Denny
Published: August 2019

This study demonstrated a novel procedure for assessing the significance of common method bias (CMB) using SEM. It appears that CMB has a marked effect on the reliability of the measurement models. A new procedure using covariate-based reliability was proposed for assessing the effects of CMB on the reliability of a model. Further SEM analysis using marker variable procedure supports the presence of CMB in this study. This seems to be an interesting area to be explored in further research.
Combined Effects of Biological and Chemical Treatment on Rice Seed Physiological and Sanitary Quality
Authors: Pereira Alana Emanoele , Benites Weliton Lucas da Silva , Catelan Luana de Carvalho , Silva Ana Paula , Krohn Nadia Graciele
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of integrated biological and chemical control of pathogens in rice seeds and their effects on seed quality. The experiment was conducted in a 2 × 5 factorial completely randomized design. Fungicide-treated (carboxin/thiram) and untreated rice seeds were inoculated with distilled water (control), Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, or Trichoderma harzianum. Seed vigor and viability, shoot and root length, and seedling dry weight were determined. The blotter test was carried out to assess seed health. Fungicide treatment improved seed vigor and viability and reduced the incidence of fungi. Biological treatment did not enhance the physiological quality of seeds but was able to control fungi. A. brasilense, B. subtilis, P. fluorescens, and T. harzianum controlled Phoma sorghina; B. subtilis, P. fluorescens, and T. harzianum were effective against Aspergillus flavus; P. fluorescens and T. harzianum controlled Pyricularia oryzae; and T. harzianum was effective against Gerlachia oryzae.
Influence of Pulp, Sugar and Maltodextrin Addiction in the Formulation of Kiwi Jellies With Lemon Grass Tea
Authors: Barros Sâmela L. , Santos Newton C. , Almeida Raphael L. J. , Silva Semirames do N. , Nascimento Amanda P. S. , Almeida Renata D. , Ribeiro Victor H. de A. , Silva Wilton P. , Gomes Josivanda P. , Silva Vírgínia M. de A. , Pereira Tamires S. , Santiago Ângela M. , Luiz Márcia R.
Published: August 2019

The jellies constitute an important alternative for the processing of fruits, adding greater economic and nutritional value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of pulp, sugar and maltodextrin on the physical-chemical and textural characteristics of kiwifruit jelly with lemon grass tea. Factorial design 23 was used with 3 replicates at the central point, resulting in 11 experiments with variation of sugar percentages (30, 40 and 50%), pulp (50, 60 and 70%) and maltodextrin (5, 10 and 15%). Water content, moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), ashes, pH, reducing sugars, non-sugars were evaluated for the following physico-chemical parameters: reducers, total sugars, lipids and vitamin C. Regarding the texture profile, the following parameters were evaluated: hardness, cohesiveness, chewing, gummy and adhesiveness. It was found that among the analyzed variables, the ones that were considered as significant and/or predictive according to ANOVA and the F test were: (moisture, total solids, carbohydrates and vitamin C), through the graphs of the surfaces of responses observed that the percentage of pulp and maltodextrin used was proportional to the increase in moisture content, vitamin C, total solids and carbohydrates. The G2 experiment presented the lowest values of moisture and water activity, and higher carbohydrate contents, total solids and cohesiveness, in which it was formulated with the sugar concentration (-1) and pulp and maltodextrin (+1). The development of kiwi jelly with lemon grass tea is an excellent alternative for the use of the raw material, since it is a product with high nutritional value, stability during storage and potential for consumer acceptance.
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Vegetation Cover in a Diversity Hotspot for the Conservation of Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Fonsêca Nathan C. , Moreira Giselle L. , Santos José Nailson B. , Silva Marília Isabelle O. da , Lima Máida Cynthia D. de , Barbosa Ana Jéssica S. , Cunha Jéssica Stéfane A. , Pimentel Diogo José O. , Carmo Flávio Cipriano de A. do , Amorim Felipe S.
Published: August 2019

This work investigates the spatial-temporal dynamics of land use and vegetation covers in a conservation area of Cerrado, in the county of Currais, Piauí, in which the economy depends on large agricultural projects. We used maps of a 32-year time series (1985 to 2017) of land use and cover provided by the Brazilian Annual Land Use and Land Cover Mapping Project (MapBiomas). We assessed six classes of land uses and vegetation covers: forest, savanna, grassland, agriculture/pasture, non-vegetated area, and water bodies. There was a fast increase in pressure on natural ecosystems from 1985 and 2017, primarily from 2000. The land use for agriculture and pasture increased from 0.26% (726.93 ha) in 2000 to 16% (50,772.63 ha) in 2017. During this period, the native vegetation decreased 15.90%, with savannas suffering the largest loss in hectares of vegetation (41,663.73 ha), followed by the forests (9,837.35 ha). The grassland cover, non-vegetated area, and water bodies remained unchanged. These results provide essential information for decision making and can be used to guide public policies for the conservation, monitoring, and sustainable management of remnant vegetation areas.
Research on Advance of Rice False Smut Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takah Worldwide: III. Infection Cycle and Invasion Mechanism of U. virens and Rice Resistance to RFS
Authors: Huang Shiwen , Liu Lianmeng , Wang Ling , Hou Yuxuan
Published: August 2019

In this part, the infection cycle and invasion mechanism of RFS, including the primary and secondary source of RFS infection. The factors affecting the disease occurrence and epidemiology, including the infection time and pathway, different conditions affecting the incidence of RFS, for example, the type of rice varieties and morphological characteristic, meteorological factors, environmental conditions, cultivation management, and amount of U. virens in the field. The mechanism of rice varieties’ resistance to RFS were also discussed, including morphological characteristics, and biochemical mechanism, resistance genes of rice.
Evaluation of the Impacts of Regional Climate Factors and Crop Management on Corn Yields in Different Climate Regimes of China Using the DayCent Model
Authors: Fu Aihong , Xue Yongkang , Hartman Melannie D. , Li Weihong , Qiu Bo , Liu Ye , Chen Y. N. , Wang Y.
Published: August 2019

Corn is one of most important agricultural products in China. Understanding impacts of regional climate change, as well as agricultural management practices, on corn yields is critical for maintaining stable corn production. Using the DayCent model and observed climatic data in Sichuan province (a humid and hot environment) and Hebei province (a cold and dry environment) in China, corn yields in 1948-2010 were simulated. The spatial variations of simulated corn yields and the relationship between regional climate variability and warming with corn yields in these two environments were analyzed. The results demonstrated that: (1) corn yields in Zhangjiakou of Hebei and most regions of Sichuan decreased significantly after 2000 compared to other regions; (2) relative humidity and precipitation exhibit a significant negative correlation with observed crop yields in the growing season in Hebei province; (3) air temperature from 23.33 °C to 29 °C constitutes the ideal range influencing the increase of corn yields in Sichuan; (4) the planting of the large amount of silage maize in Sichuan compensated the negative impact of the rising air temperature on corn yields; (5) sensitivity tests for different fertilization levels and OMAD suggest that an increasing fertilization level significantly affects corn yields in Hebei province, a cold and dry environment, while a decreasing fertilization level has a significant negative effect in Sichuan province, a hot and humid environment. The overarching goal of these analyses is to provide the theoretical basic for maintaining stable corn production under regional climate warming and different agricultural management practices.
Microbial Activity of a Plinthosol With Application of Thiamethoxam Insecticide and Biochar
Authors: Peres Fernanda Salles Cunha , Petter Fabiano André , Campos Daniela Tiago da Silva , Sousa Heiriane Martins , Lima Larissa Borges de , Freddi Onã da Silva , Júnior Ben Hur Marimon
Published: August 2019

Although thiamethoxam is an insecticide widely used in agriculture, its high mobility and persistence in the soil can result in contamination of groundwater and alteration in biogeochemical cycles. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of biochar, NPK fertilizer and thiamethoxam insecticide on soil microbial properties. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design composed of the doses combination of mineral fertilizer NPK (0 and 300 kg ha-1 of the formulated 05-25-15), and biochar (0, 8, 16 and 32 t ha-1) in the absence and presence of thiamethoxam. Deformed soil samples were collected in all plots in the 0 to 0.10 m layer to determine the activity of the enzymes: acid and alkaline phosphatase, beta glucosidase and urease, beyond the microbial biomass carbon (MBC), basal respiration rate (C-CO2) and metabolic quotient (qCO2). To compare soil microbiology before and after the application of thiamethoxam, multivariate statistical techniques were used. The application of biochar resulted in increased enzymatic activity of urease, acid phosphatase, increase of qCO2 and basal respiration and reduction of MBC. In contrast, the application of the thiamethoxam insecticide suppressed the enzymatic activity of urease, acid phosphatase, resulting, however, in the elevation of alkaline phosphatase and basal respiration of the soil. Biochar application at doses greater than or equal to 16 t ha-1 resulted in elevation of qCO2 and reduction of MBC, regardless of the absence or presence of NPK chemical fertilization. Biochar effect on soil microbiological attributes is less significant than the effect of thiamethoxam application.
Physical Quality Indicators of an Oxisol Under Grass in the Agreste Region of Paraiba, Brazil
Authors: Silva Pedro Luan F. da , Oliveira Flávio P. de , Nóbrega Camila C. da , Martins Adriana F. , Pereira Walter E. , Botelho Igor Gabriel dos S. O. , Tavares Danillo Dutra , Santos Tales Emanuel Duarte
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different grass cultivars on physical attributes of an Oxisol in the Agreste region of Paraíba. The experiment was set up in 2005 in experimental areas of the Center of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, Areia-PB. The experimental design adopted was that of randomized complete blocks (RCB) with 5 treatments and 4 replications, in experimental plots of 50 m2. The treatments were the following: I. Brachiaria decumbens Stapf., II. Brachiaria brizantha, III. Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickvr., IV. Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG5-Vitória and V. Brachiaria ruziziensis. In October 2018 samples of soil with disturbed and undisturbed structure were collected at the center of each experimental plot in the depth of 0.0-0.10 m for the determination of the following variables: soil porosity (total, macro and micro), bulk density, compaction degree, saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water content, soil aeration capacity, clay dispersed in water, flocculation degree and aggregate stability index. The analysis of variance was performed and the means were compared by Tukey’s tests, principal component analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis (p < 0.05). It is concluded that after the 13-year period, Brachiaria brizantha promoted improvements to the field capacity of the Oxisol. The other attributes were not physically altered. Main component analysis showed that the correlation values were more significant for the Brachiaria brizantha component. Pearson’s correlation was significant between field capacity and soil aeration capacity.
Migdolus fryanus Damage Causes Decrease in the Starch Content in Manihot esculenta
Authors: Guerreiro Júlio C. , Azevedo Ana P. , Espessato Renan R. , Pietrowski Vanda , Ringenberg Rudiney , Filho Pedro J. Ferreira , Hora Rerison C. da , Prado Evandro P. , Pascutti Thaise M.
Published: August 2019

The beetle M. fryanus causes serious damage to cassava in Brazil. However, due to the subterranean behavior of the larvae and the recent appearance of this pest in cassava, little is known about the main behavioral characteristics and damage caused to this crop. The main aim of this study is to demonstrate the variation of starch production in the roots of M. esculenta as a result of the intensity of damage caused by M. fryanus. The study was carried out in a commercial cassava farm in Paraná, Brazil. The proposed scale for damage was: (1) No apparent root damage; (2) roots with scrapings; (3) roots with scraping across the cortex; (4) damaged roots and galleries; (5) roots with galleries and presentation of rot. The parameters evaluated were the damage caused by M. fryanus in roots and starch content, estimated by using a hydrostatic scale, starch extracted by cassava processing, and the starch reduction percentage in damaged roots, assessed by using the hydrostatic scale (SC) and processing methods (SCP). It was observed that there was manifestation of damage in approximately 60% of the roots collected directly from the ground, with levels representing loss of starch produced by the plant. Decreases in the productive parameters, such as starch content, were measured according to the increase of the proposed damage levels in the two cassava cultivation cycles, with a starch reduction rate higher than 20% when the roots suffered the most severe damage.
Methodological Redirections for an Evolutionary Approach of the External Business Environment
Authors: Vlados Charis , Chatzinikolaou Dimos
Published: August 2019

The usual strategic analysis perceives the external business environment fragmentarily and without a coherent and unifying way. The three levels that a typical analysis of the external business environment involves are a) the macroenvironment and PEST analysis, b) mesoenvironment and “Porter’s diamond”, and c) industrial environment and “Porter’s five forces”. Contrary to the fragmentary analysis of the three levels, this article aims to counter-propose a restructured method of a unified and evolutionary analysis of the external business environment. After presenting the usual analytical handling of the external business environment in the three levels, we suggest that these are rather co-evolving than separate and autonomous spheres of analysis. Therefore, after introducing some elements of the evolutionary socioeconomic theory, we propose a systemic web that perceives the external environment of the socioeconomic organisations in dynamically unified and evolutionary terms. The systemic web conceptualises the approach of the external socioeconomic environment as an open and interactive system comprising three co-evolving spheres in the context of global dynamics: the institutional character of each spatially structured socioeconomic formation; the firm’s functions within the system; and the public-state intervention that contributes to the establishment and reproduction of the system. This conceptual redirection of the methodology of the external business environment can be useful for building an integrated strategic analysis that studies all “micro-meso-macro” components of the entire socioeconomic system.
Fostering Sustainable Development: A Corporate Social Responsibility Approach
Authors: Osobajo Oluyomi A. , Ajide Olushola E. , Otitoju Afolabi
Published: August 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the sacrificing of profits in the social interest of the public for sustainable management in an economical, ecological and social manner. It is the use of assets responsibly to create a competitive advantage and promote sustainable development. It is a series of interventions by companies to ameliorate externalized impact or the avoidance of conflicts. This article argues that CSR could be used as a tool for the attainment of sustainable development in the global south. Our aim is that companies should understand the critical role that CSR could play and adopt a corporate strategy that would use CSR to advance and enhance the value of the organization, thereby positively to impact the society.
INVESTIGATION OF NOISE TRANSMISSION OF A MACHINE TOOL ENCLOSURE
Authors: BLEICHER Friedrich , REICHL Christoph , LINHARDT Felix , WIMBERGER Peter , HABERSOHN Christoph , KRALL Stephan
Published: August 2019

Machine tools are highly integrated mechatronic systems consisting of dedicated mechanic design and integrated electrical equipment - in particular drive systems and the CNC-control - to realize the complex relative motion
of tool towards work piece. Beside the process related capabilities, like static and dynamic stiffness as well as accuracy behavior and deviation resistance against thermal influence, safety aspects are of major interest.
The machine tool enclosure must fulfill multiple requirements like retention capabilities against the moving parts of broken tools, lose work pieces or clamping components. In regular use, the noise emission have to be inhibited at the greatest possible extent by the machine tool enclosure. Nevertheless, the loading door and the moving parts of the workspace envelope are interfaces where noise transmission is harder to be avoided and therefore local noise emissions increase. The aim of the objective investigation is to analyse the noise emission of machine tools to determine the local noise transmission of a machine tool enclosure by using arrays of microphones. By the use of this measuring method, outer surfaces at the front, the side and on the top of the enclosure have been scanned. The local transient acoustic pressures have been recorded using a standard noise source placed on the machine table. In addition, an exemplary manufacturing process has been performed to analyse the frequency dependent location resolved sound emissions.
The Validation of Neogen Reveal® Q+ for DON
Authors: Gray R Lucas , Kostin Alex , Anderson Gabrielle , Roman Brooke , Klein Frank , Donofrio Robert , Goto Tetsuhito , Trucksess Mary , Ziemer Wayne
Published: August 2019

Background: Reveal® Q+ for DON is an immunochromatographic test for quantitative determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in grains. Objective: A study was conducted to validate performance of this method for determination of DON in naturally contaminated corn and wheat and in DON-spiked corn/soy blend, soybeans, barley, malted barley, buckwheat, brown rice, sorghum, and distillers dried grain. Methods: In addition to matrix testing, LOD, linearity, selectivity, robustness, and stability/lot-to-lot consistency testing were performed. Results: The LOD was determined to be 0.014 ppm in corn and 0.037 ppm in wheat, and the LOQ 0.042 ppm in corn and 0.11 ppm in wheat. Recovery ranged from 90 to 104% across a range of reference values of 0.5 to 34.5 ppm. Linearity calculation comparing test results with reference values produced R2 values of 0.999 in both matrixes. Internal results with corn and wheat were corroborated in independent laboratory testing. For DON-spiked commodities, mean recovery across a range of DON concentration from 0.5 to 30 ppm ranged from 90 to 109%. Results of selectivity testing showed no cross-reactivity with other mycotoxins and no interference in detection of DON. Reagent lot-to-lot consistency and stability studies showed consistent results across a range of DON levels and established expiration dating for the test of 18 months after manufacture when stored under specified conditions. Conclusions and Highlights: The Reveal Q+ for DON test offers reliable performance as well as the advantages of aqueous sample extraction, procedural simplicity, minimal labor and equipment requirements, and rapid results. Conclusions: The Reveal Q+ for DON test is validated as a Performace Tested Method in Corn, Wheat, and a variety of other grains. Highlights: The test provides rapid results from a simple aqueous extraction and requires minimal labor and equipment.
The Cardijn Canon
Authors: Pennington Bob ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

The author situates the question of praxis in theological methodology and Catholic Social Teaching in relation to teaching ethics courses in Catholic higher education. The author uses a genealogical strategy to show that Cardinal Joseph Cardijn’s See-Judge-Act methodology of theological praxis has become canonical in Catholic Social Teaching. The author shows that advocates of Cardijn’s methodology include Pope Pius XI, Pope Pius XII, Saint Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, and Pope Francis. In addition, the author shows that Cardijn’s methodology is used by the committee that drafts Schema XIII, the Conciliar document that becomes Gaudium et Spes. Besides its use in a Western European Catholic Context the author explains that Cardijn’s methodology of theological praxis is appropriated at the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano in Medellin, Colombia (1968); Puebla, Mexico (1979); and Aparecida, Brazil (2007). The author also explains how Cardijn’s methodology of theological praxis is integrated in ethics courses in order to develop students’ ability to discern whether a current business, healthcare, or environmental practice is a sign of the kingdom of God or the anti-kingdom. For the author, Cardijn’s methodology of theological praxis leads students to new insight about realities they are unaware and introduces them to the countercultural wisdom of the Catholic intellectual tradition, as well as the importance of moving beyond critical theological reflection and into the realm of social action.
Does Service and Volunteering Affect Catholic Identity?
Authors: Herr Andrew , King Jason ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

While many believe that service should be connected to the religious identity of Catholic colleges and universities, little research has been done to see if this is in fact the case. To test this commonly-held belief, we surveyed students at and gathered information about twenty-six different Catholic campuses in the United States. We find no correlation between students’ frequency of service and their perception of Catholic identity. In addition, we find that students perceive their school to be less Catholic the more institutions link service to Catholicism. The only characteristic of service that is positively correlated with Catholic identity is the percentage of service learning courses offered. In other words, students do not see anything intrinsically Catholic about volunteering, but rather that Catholicism means that you should volunteer more. We believe this suggests how Catholic colleges and universities can link service to their Catholic identity.
Reclaiming Grace in Catholic Social Thought
Authors: Mescher Marcus ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

Grace is hardly mentioned in the canon of Catholic social teaching. When grace is invoked, it is typically discussed as a gift for personal sanctification, but not a relationship empowering human and divine cooperation for social and ecological responsibility. This essay examines the limited treatment of grace in Catholic social teaching outside of Familiaris consortio and Amoris laetitia before proposing that the traditional emphasis on grace at work in family life can be a model for more intentionally partnering with grace beyond family life. Reclaiming grace as a relationship for cooperation provides a framework for practicing the principles of Catholic social teaching in order to effect change in family life, in local faith communities, and through Catholic NGOs that forge international connections. Grace thus inspires a template for moral formation from the ground up that emphasizes shared practices for participating in “social grace” (in contrast to “social sin”) for integral flourishing as envisioned in Catholic social teaching.