bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlorella sp Microalgae Suspensions—Rheological Behaviour Analyzes at Different Culture Times
Authors: Guimarães Daniela , Silva Messias , Loures Carla
Published: August 2016

Taking into account the growing interest in microalgae to be used as raw material for biodiesel production, this research is aimed at analyzing the rheological behaviour of microalgae suspensions (Chlorella sp) at different culture times under eight different conditions (temperature, salinity and CO2, NO3 and PO4 levels) in order to estimate the energy demands of each step, with the purpose of optimizing a continuous feed tubular bioreactor construction. For each condition, it was calculated the biomass and oil yields, so as to correlate these results with rheological parameters. The suspension results indicated that the microalgae Chlorella sp is a non-Newtonian material with dilatant characteristics; the processing time hardly exerted an influence on the rheograms of the suspension of the microalgae Chlorella sp, except for the simultaneous conditions of low salinity and low CO2 content; NO3 and PO4 contents and the amount of supplements influenced the rheological parameters of the suspension of the microalgae Chlorella sp, when in low concentration of CO2 and low salinity levels.
Multiple Layers of Silicon-Silica (Si-SiO2) Pair onto Silicon Substrate towards Highly Efficient, Wideband Silicon Photonic Grating Coupler
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Bakaul Masuduzzaman , Skafidas Stan , Khandokar Md Rezwanul Haque
Published: August 2016

A single mode waveguide grating coupler based on multiple Si-SiO2 pairs onto Si substrate has been designed. Numerical analysis has been carried out to calculate optimum thickness of the layers of Si-SiO2 that ensures the constructive interference between reflected waves and actual guided wave for high coupling efficiency. Based on the results, an optimal design is developed and modeled by using a 2-D finite difference time domain (2-D FDTD) simulator that dictates a coupling efficiency of as much as 78% (-1.07 dB) at the wavelength of 1550 nm, and a 1-dB bandwidth of 77 nm. The numerical method will be useful to calculate the optimum thicknesses of the layers for any reflector based grating coupler of different materials.
Responses of Reclamation Plants to High Root Zone pH: Effects of Phosphorus and Calcium Availability
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Zwiazek Janusz J.
Published: August 2016

Low phosphorus (P) availability and high pH inhibit plant growth in calcareous soils and some oil sands reclamation sites in northeastern Alberta, Canada. In this study, we used a split‐root hydroponic setup to test the effects of supplemental P with different calcium (Ca) concentrations and root‐zone pH conditions on the growth and physiological response of trees commonly found in the region: paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), green alder [Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC.], and black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.] seedlings. Plant roots were divided and treated with different combinations of P (0.5 and 15 mmol L−1), Ca (2 and 50 mmol L−1), and pH (5.0 and 9.0) for 6 wk. After that time, we measured seedling height, net photosynthesis and transpiration rates, and the concentration of chlorophyll and different elements in the leaves. Plant responses varied between species; black spruce was most resistant to high pH and high Ca concentrations. We did not find any strong beneficial effects of adding P to plants subjected to high root zone pH and high Ca concentration. However, exposure of part of the root system to low pH alleviated the effects of high pH, likely through the improved supply of micronutrients. Because pH conditions are often not uniform in disturbed sites and reclamation soils, our findings may help improve potential reclamation and phytoremediation strategies for the oil sands, bauxite, and coal‐combustion residue utilization industries.

Core Ideas

Black spruce was relatively resistant to high pH and high Ca concentrations.

Increased P supply did not improve growth of plants exposed to high pH.

Partial exposure of roots to low pH alleviated effects of high pH and high Ca concentrations.

Revegetation of alkaline sites can be improved if only some roots can reach low pH soil.
Profenofos, an Acetylcholinesterase‐Inhibiting Organophosphorus Pesticide: A Short Review of Its Usage, Toxicity, and Biodegradation
Authors: Kushwaha Madhulika , Verma Shalini , Chatterjee Subhankar
Published: August 2016

Pesticides play an important role in the protection of different crops. Among the diverse sets of pesticides used all over the world, the organophosphates are the most widely used group. Profenofos [O‐(4‐bromo‐2‐chlorophenyl) O‐ethyl S‐propyl phosphorothioate] is one of the most largely used organophosphate insecticides on field crops, vegetables, and fruit crops. The World Health Organization classifies this compound as moderately hazardous (Toxicity Class II), and its residues have been found in vegetables like okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], gooseberries (Ribes sp.), green chilies [Capsicum frutescens (L.)], curry leaves [Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng], mint leaves [Mentha piperita (L.)], and coriander leaves [Coriandrum sativum (L.)]. Dietary intake of profenofos (PFF) is the major exposure pathway for humans. When applied to agricultural fields, PFF residues spread into every part of the environment: ambient air, surface water, and soil. In this review, we discuss the worldwide usage of PFF pesticide, its toxic effects on humans and other living organisms in the environment, and biodegradation of this chemical by various microbial strains. To date, no complete biodegradation pathway has been established for PFF pesticide, calling for a study of this nature.

Core Ideas

PFF is a moderately hazardous insecticide, used on field crops, vegetables, and fruit crops.

PFF causes extreme toxicity to many macroinvertebrates and vertebrates.

In humans, PFF exposure shows chromosomal aberrations, apoptosis, and necrosis of blood cells.

Many bacterial strains degrade PFF, producing BCP and EPPA as intermediate compounds.

To date, no complete biodegradation pathway of PFF has been reported.
Confirmation of the Impact of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems on Stream Base‐Flow Nitrogen Concentrations in Urban Watersheds of Metropolitan Atlanta, GA
Authors: Hoghooghi Nahal , Radcliffe David E. , Habteselassie Mussie Y. , Clarke John S.
Published: August 2016

Wastewater and lawn fertilizer potentially contribute to degraded water quality in urban watersheds. Previously we described a study from 2011 to 2012 in which we examined the effect of the density of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) on nitrogen concentrations in 24 small streams in metropolitan Atlanta. Our objective in this study was to confirm that the impact on water quality that we observed was due to OWTS and not lawn fertilizer. We sampled the same 24 streams again in 2013 and 2014, representing watersheds ranging in area from 0.18 to 8.8 km2. We conducted regression analysis of the effect of OWTS and season, used dual‐isotope analysis (nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate) to identify sources and determine the effect of denitrification and mixing, and conducted stream walks to identify areas where animals had access to the streams. Twelve streams were characterized as high‐density (HD, more than 75 systems km−2) OWTS and 12 as low‐density (LD, less than 75 systems km−2) OWTS. Water samples were collected three times a year under base‐flow conditions, from November 2011 to July 2014, and analyzed for nitrate (NO3−–N), ammonium (NH4+–N), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen. Total nitrogen and NO3−–N concentrations increased linearly with increasing OWTS density above a threshold of about 75 OWTS km−2. Dual‐isotope analysis of NO3− showed that stream NO3− originated predominantly from OWTS in HD watersheds and from a combination of animal waste and perhaps organic N in LD watersheds. Stream walks showed that livestock had access to some of the LD streams with high N concentrations. Our results confirm that HD OWTS can significantly degrade water quality at the watershed scale.

Core Ideas

The importance of OWTS density on water quality in small urbanized watersheds.

Nitrate concentrations increased linearly with increasing OWTS density in high‐density watersheds during base flow.

Nitrate was the main component of in‐stream nitrogen concentrations.

The source of nitrate in watersheds with high density of OWTS was mostly from OWTS.

The source of nitrate in watersheds with low density of OWTS was mainly from livestock.
Genotype × Environment Interactions and Heritability of Tocopherol Contents in Canola
Authors: Marwede Volker , Schierholt Antje , Möllers Christian , Becker Heiko C.
Published: August 2016

Tocopherols are natural antioxidants found in all vegetable oils. They are important dietary nutrients and thus breeding for increased tocopherol content is a new and important objective in canola (Brassica napus L.). Tocopherols exist in four forms (α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol) differing in molecular structure and biological effectiveness. In the seed oil of canola, mainly α‐ and γ‐tocopherol are found with an α/γ‐tocopherol ratio of about 0.5. Three canola populations of doubled haploid lines were grown in three to four field environments to analyze genetic variance and genotype × environment interactions as well as heritability of tocopherols and correlations with other seed components. Significant genotypic differences occur, but large genotype × environment interactions are the major source of variation. Heritability of tocopherol was low in all three populations; the estimates ranged from 0.23 to 0.44 for α‐tocopherol and from 0.33 to 0.50 for γ‐tocopherol. Heritability for tocopherol content is considerably lower than heritability of oil content (0.56–0.90), protein content (0.43–0.76), or glucosinolate content (0.91–0.95). No correlation between α‐ and γ‐tocopherol or between tocopherol and oil, protein, and glucosinolate content was detected. Individual tocopherols can be increased independently of each other and without affecting other major quality traits.
Resource Allocation in a Breeding Program for Phosphorus Concentration in Maize Grain
Authors: Wardyn Brandon M. , Russell W. Ken
Published: August 2016

When beef cattle (Bos taurus) are fed grain of maize (Zea mays L.) in which the concentration of phosphorus (P) exceeds the animal's need for this element, the excess P is excreted in the feces. Spreading this manure on cropland increases the potential for P pollution of surface waters by run‐off. Experiments were undertaken to determine the relative magnitudes of genotypic and nongenotypic variances of P concentration in maize grain (P‐Gr) to assess the ability to select maize genotypes in which this trait more closely matches the dietary need of beef cattle. Genetic variability was found in a population developed from a cross of Illinois High Protein (IHP) × Illinois Low Protein (ILP). Because of few low P‐Gr segregates, the IHP × ILP population was not considered a good breeding source for this trait. Nongenetic sources of variance were significant but small compared with genotypic variances. Broad‐sense heritability (H) for P‐Gr among S1 family means in the IHP × ILP population was estimated at 0.82. This high value suggested that this trait would respond to selection. A comparison of mean values of S1 families selected on the basis of performance in 2000 or in 2001 alone to those selected on the basis of 2‐yr data suggested that the loss in efficiency resulting from selecting on 1‐yr data would be only approximately 5%.
Ethylene Production of Two Wheat Cultivars Exposed to Desiccation, Heat, and Paraquat‐Induced Oxidation
Authors: Balota Maria , Cristescu Simona , Payne W. A. , te Lintel Hekkert S. , Laarhoven L. J. J. , Harren F. J. M.
Published: August 2016

Drought and heat are the major limitations to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. Insufficient water supply, often accompanied by high temperature, reduces plant growth, hastens senescence, and produces considerable yield losses. Ethylene production has been often associated with reduced growth and premature senescence, and may therefore be an indicator of plant susceptibility to stress such as drought and heat. A system of rapid and sensitive measurement of plant ethylene production could have potential to identify cultivar‐dependent response to environmental constraint. There have been no studies regarding genetic differences in ethylene production rate (EPR) in wheat. The purpose of this study was to compare EPR of two wheat cultivars previously characterized for field performance under drought with a new system of ethylene measurement. Seedlings of the winter wheat cultivars Dropia (stress resistant) and Delia (stress susceptible) were exposed to optimum and stress conditions and measured for EPR. Stress conditions included desiccation, high temperature, and paraquat (Pq; 1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium) induced oxidation. Ethylene was measured with a CO2 laser‐driven intracavity photoacoustic (PA) detector which could detect ethylene concentrations as low as 10 pL L−1 and a time response of 40 s. Additional physiological parameters related to stress resistance were measured in eight wheat cultivars including Delia and Dropia. Under desiccation, EPR decreased in both cultivars, and then increased by 2 to 5 fold upon rewatering. Ethylene evolution decreased more in Delia than in Dropia under desiccation. However, Delia produced consistently and significantly more ethylene than Dropia under optimum and all other stress conditions. Enhanced EPR by Delia was consistent with all other physiological measurements, indicating that Delia was more stress‐sensitive than Dropia.
The Effect of Natural Mulches on Crop Performance, Weed Suppression and Biochemical Constituents of Catnip and St. John's Wort
Authors: Duppong L. M. , Delate K. , Liebman M. , Horton R. , Romero F. , Kraus G. , Petrich J. , Chowdbury P. K.
Published: August 2016

Because of expanding markets for high‐value niche crops, opportunities have increased for the production of medicinal herbs in the USA. An experiment was conducted in 2001 and 2002 near Gilbert, IA, to study crop performance, weed suppression, and environmental conditions associated with the use of several organic mulches in the production of two herbs, catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L. ‘Helos’). Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design and included a positive (hand‐weeded) control, a negative (nonweeded) control, oat straw, a flax straw mat, and a nonwoven wool mat. Catnip plant height was significantly greater in the oat straw than the other treatments at 4 wk through 6 wk in 2001; at 4 to 8 wk in 2002, catnip plant height and width was significantly lower in the negative control compared with the other treatments. Catnip yield was significantly higher in the flax straw mat than all other treatments in 2001. In 2002, St. John's wort yields were not statistically different in any treatments. All weed management treatments had significantly fewer weeds than the non‐weeded rows in 2002. Total weed density comparisons in each crop from 2 yr showed fewer weeds present in the flax straw and wool mat treatments compared with positive control plots. There was no significant weed management treatment effect on the concentration of the target compounds, nepetalactone in catnip and pseudohypericin–hypericin in St. John's wort, although there was a trend toward higher concentrations in the flax straw treatment.
Impact of Raindrop Characteristics on the Selective Detachment and Transport of Aggregate Fragments in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Fu Yu , Li Guanglu , Zheng Tenghui , Li Baiqiao , Zhang Teng
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Six raindrop sizes and five distance intervals were tested.

Relations between splash raindrop size and soil aggregate detachment were determined.

Aggregate breakdown and dispersion mainly depended on large raindrops.

Microaggregate dispersion results in surface sealing.

Soil aggregate breakdown and detachment due to raindrop splash cause crusting and interrill erosion. Although raindrop splash can cause the aggregate breakdown, this fundamental processes associated with the size of splashed raindrops and their distance interval remain unresolved. To determine the relations between splash raindrop size/distance and the soil aggregate detachment/transport in the Loess Plateau of China, simulated rainfalls were created by a self‐designed raindrop generation device for six raindrop sizes (raindrop diameter, 2.67–5.45 mm) and five splash distances (range, 0–10 cm to 40–50 cm). The results showed that the relationship between the amount of splash detachment and the raindrop size increased in a positive linear trend (P < 0.05) and that the relationship between the amount of splash detachment and raindrop size was a significantly decreased exponential function (P < 0.05). A model was obtained to predict the amounts of splash detachment (M) for the raindrop sizes (D) and distance of splash detachment (S): M = 0.741D4.846 S−1.820 (P < 0.05; r2 = 0.916). The size of the raindrop in a rainfall event was the direct driving force for the aggregate breakdown and dispersion: the greater the diameter of raindrops, the higher was the degree of aggregate breakdown and dispersion. The splash erosion for the aggregate fragment <0.053 mm was at a maximum with increases in raindrop diameter, which accounted for 33.46 to 72.02% of the total splash amount. The contents of microaggregate fragments of <0.25 mm were highest at each splash distance and accounted for 50.49 to 94.04% of the total splash amount. This showed that microaggregate dispersion and breakdown is important in soil surface sealing and pore clogging.
Conjectura sistêmica: os jogos de poder na federação resiliente
Authors: Jurídico Marcio Pugliesi , López Nuria , Monaco Luciano Del
Published: August 2016

Este artigo parte da perspectiva das relações institucionais como um sistema dinâmico complexo, composto pelas ações de cada um dos sujeitos envolvidos, em que, portanto, os conflitos podem ser compreendidos como jogos de poder (Pugliesi). Muitos dos lances desses jogos consistem em tomadas de decisão institucional acerca do significado pragmático de normas jurídicas, como nos casos brasileiros analisados, da PEC-33 e dos royalties do pré-sal. O impacto dos lances nesse jogo sistêmico de poder é analisado a partir da tese de Bednar, ampliada da perspectiva federativa para a institucional, de forma a compreender a dinâmica sistêmica dentro de um design resiliente.
Self-Control, Social Consequences, and Street Youths’ Attitudes towards Police
Authors: Baron Stephen W.
Published: August 2016

Data from a self-report survey of 400 homeless street youths are used to explore the relationship between self-control and negative orientations towards the police. The study examines whether the relationship is direct and/or mediated through its association with deviant attitudes, criminal peers, police contacts, criminal behaviour, and homelessness – factors found in past research to have been linked to young people’s attitudes towards police. Findings reveal that self-control is directly associated with negative attitudes towards the police. This relationship is mediated by deviant attitudes, criminal peers, police contacts, and criminal participation. The study shows the importance of recognizing both the direct and the indirect relationship of self-control with attitudes towards police in marginal populations as well as specifying the continued importance of various street life factors in understanding the way youth perceive the police.
L’impact des expériences d’impunité sur les risques de récidive pénale
Authors: Charette Yanick
Published: August 2016

Considérant que la probabilité d’être puni varie d’un individu à l’autre, la théorie de la dissuasion doit être adaptée pour tenir compte à la fois des expériences délinquantes punies et impunies. L’omission de ce paramètre du modèle de décision peut amener des biais importants et une surestimation de l’échec au sein d’une carrière délinquante. Les études de prédiction de la récidive se basant uniquement sur les données pénales sont vulnérables à ce biais. Dans le cadre de cette étude, les données de délinquance autorévélée d’un échantillon de 199 détenus, mises en parallèle avec des données pénales, ont permis d’estimer la capacité individuelle d’évitement pénal. Lorsqu’on prend en considération cette disposition, les antécédents pénaux deviennent un indicateur des échecs auxquels les délinquants font face durant leur trajectoire délinquante plutôt que de la poursuite même de cette trajectoire, créant l’illusion de l’efficacité de sa prédiction par les antécédents pénaux. L’intensité des coûts pénaux antérieurs ainsi que les opportunités d’emploi conventionnel sont deux facteurs qui réduisent la probabilité de la poursuite de la carrière criminelle. Les bénéfices soutirés des activités criminelles augmentent cette probabilité.
L’effet de la trousseJe joue avec les sonssur la conscience phonologique : le cas d’élèves innus de maternelle
Authors: Lavoie Constance
Published: August 2016

Cette étude mesure l’effet d’une intervention spécifique sur la conscience phonologique d’élèves innus du Québec. Les interventions éducatives ont été réalisées en utilisant une trousse pédagogique prenant en considération certaines particularités culturelles et linguistiques du milieu dont sont issus ces élèves. La trousse a été utilisée pendant 12 semaines et proposait diverses activités de manipulations syllabiques et phonémiques. Le groupe expérimental (n = 30) et le groupe témoin (n = 14) provenaient de trois classes de maternelle d’une même communauté innue. Les résultats obtenus ont été évalués en considérant à la fois la conscience phonologique et la connaissance des lettres des élèves. Les résultats entre le prétest et le post-test de conscience phonologique et de connaissance des lettres sont statistiquement différents entre les groupes en faveur du groupe expérimental.
Investigation into the kinetic behavior of molten aluminum pressureless infiltration into SiC preforms
Authors: Sharifi Hassan , Nasresfahani Mohamad Reza
Published: August 2016

Infiltration of molten metal into ceramic performs without using external force is a new fabrication method for metal-matrix composites. In this research, the kinetics of pressureless infiltration in the processing of Al/SiC composites have been investigated. In order to improve the wettability and infiltration properties, Al-6Mg (wt.%) alloy was prepared. Also, the ceramic component was coated for 15 min using electroless copper plating at a temperature of 60 – 70 °C (pH = 12.5) and a rate of 17 – 20 μm s−1. Infiltration of molten aluminum into the coated ceramic perform was successfully carried out in the temperature range of 850 to 950 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. Microstructural investigations indicated a well-bonded metal–ceramic joint. Kinetic studies showed that the melt infiltration into the ceramic foam follows an S-shaped curve. The infiltration rate was specified with respect to variables such as the experiment temperature and the size of the pores of the ceramic component. The results revealed that by increasing the temperature and the size of pores, the infiltration rate increases. For infiltrating molten metal into the 10 and 30 ppi foams, activation energies of 5.902 kJ mol−1 and 7.232 kJ mol−1 are required, respectively.
Centrifugal casting technique baseline knowledge, applications, and processing parameters: overview
Authors: Ebhota Williams S. , Karun Akhil S. , Inambao Freddie L.
Published: August 2016

The increasing need for materials with light weight, high resistance to corrosion and wear, toughness and strength, machinability, high thermal capacity etc. for various applications is unending. This demand has continued to stretch the exploitation and manipulation of various functionally graded materials (FGMs) and their production methods. This study explores one of the FGM production processes called the centrifugal casting technique (CCT). The centrifugal casting process has several potential advantages over traditional casting methods. This study provides information regarding the basic functionally graded production methods and their applications and also discusses categories of CCT, evolution and process parameters.
Soil Test Based Inorganic Fertilizer and Integrated Plant Nutrition System for Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation in Inceptisols of Bangladesh
Authors: Ullah Sarkar M I , Rahman M M , Rahman G K M M , Naher U A , Ahmed M N
Published: August 2016

A field experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur during 2013 to study the potential of different organic materials in integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) and soil test based (STB) inorganic fertilizer on the growth, nutrient uptake and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.): variety BRRI dhan29. Five treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were: (1) soil test based inorganic fertilizer (NPKS @ 138-7-80-3 kg ha-1), (2) cow dung (3 t ha-1), (3) poultry manure (2 t ha-1), (4) mustard oil cake (2 t ha-1) and (5) control. Organic fertilizers were applied on dry weight basis. Inorganic fertilizers were applied along with poultry manure (PM), cow dung (CD) and mustard oil cake (MOC) as IPNS. Soil test based STB fertilizer and PM in IPNS provided maximum grain yield of rice (6.11 t ha-1). Maximum plant height and tiller numbers were found in MOC treatment, while the numbers of filled grains were higher in STB fertilizer and PM treated plots. The application of different organic sources as IPNS significantly influenced the N, P, K and S uptake in rice. However, the highest N, P, K and S uptake were found in the PM treatment. The benefit cost ratio of different treatments followed the order of STB>PM>CD>Control>MOC. Considering yield potential and BCR, STB fertilizer and PM treatments were found economically profitable. However, from environmental point of view and sustainable management of soil health and crop productivity, application of PM and CD in rice-rice cropping system is recommended for rice cultivation.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 33-42
Profitability of Small-Scale Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Production in Some Selected Areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Samshunnahar Mst. , Khanum Romaza , Serajul Islam M
Published: August 2016

A study was conducted to analyze the profitability, contribution of factors in yield and socioeconomic status of small-scale tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) producing farmers in some selected areas in Bangladesh. The study was based on primary data, collected from 60 farmers, selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. The main factors of production like, seeds, human labour, tillage, fertilizer, irrigation and insecticides were considered to estimate the impacts on tomato production. Data were analyzed statistically and economically and results were mostly presented in tabular form. Amongst 3 farm size groups, small tomato farmers earned highest profit, followed by medium farmers. Gross returns per acre of small, medium and large farms were Tk. 104180, 95000 and 82600 and their corresponding net returns were Tk. 46978, 45356 and 5354, respectively. Moreover, the undiscounted benefit cost ratio of was the highest for medium farmers (1.91), followed by small farmers (1.82), while it was the lowest for large farmers (1.74). The coefficient of determinations (R2) was about 0.694, which indicates that about 69 percent of variations of tomato production are explained by the independent variables. The result showed that human labour followed by tillage of the variables was significantly positive, which implies that various independent inputs uses had effective contribution to increase tomato production. It was therefore, observed that a considerable improvement took place to increase household income of the studied farmers and to improve the economic conditions with the introduction of small-scale commercial tomato production. The elasticity of different inputs was 0.744 which exhibited the decreasing returns to scale and farmers allocated their resources in the rational stage of production (stage-II). However, lack of quality seed was one of the major constraints in cultivation of tobacco. Effective policy and efficient extension services have therefore, to be ensured to increase income and employment opportunities of the tomato drowers.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 73-82
Monitoring Intact Viruses Using Aptamers
Authors: Kumar Penmetcha
Published: August 2016

Viral diagnosis and surveillance are necessary steps in containing the spread of viral diseases, and they help in the deployment of appropriate therapeutic interventions. In the past, the commonly employed viral detection methods were either cell-culture or molecule-level assays. Most of these assays are laborious and expensive, require special facilities, and provide a slow diagnosis. To circumvent these limitations, biosensor-based approaches are becoming attractive, especially after the successful commercialization of glucose and other biosensors. In the present article, I have reviewed the current progress using the biosensor approach for detecting intact viruses. At the time of writing this review, three types of bioreceptor surfaces (antibody-, glycan-, and aptamer-based) have been explored on different sensing platforms for detecting intact viruses. Among these bioreceptors, aptamer-based sensors have been increasingly explored for detecting intact viruses using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and other platforms. Special emphasis is placed on the aptamer-based SPR platform in the present review.
Effect of Cu+/Cu2+ Ratio on the Catalytic Behavior of Anhydrous Nieuwland Catalyst during Dimerization of Acetylene
Authors: Liu Haiyue , Xie Jianwei , Liu Ping , Dai Bin
Published: August 2016

The relative contents of Cu+ and Cu2+ in solutions of anhydrous Nieuwland catalyst and CuCl2-added anhydrous Nieuwland catalyst were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results indicated that Cu+ could be transformed into Cu2+ during the process of acetylene dimerization into monovinylacetylene, leading to deactivation of the catalyst. Moreover, the addition of Cu2+ inhibited the oxidation of Cu+ into Cu2+ and enhanced the performance and lifetime of the catalyst. The optimum molar ratio of Cu+ to Cu2+ was approximately 2:1; at this ratio, up to 40% acetylene conversion may be achieved.
Skin Admittance Measurement for Emotion Recognition: A Study over Frequency Sweep
Authors: Greco Alberto , Lanata Antonio , Citi Luca , Vanello Nicola , Valenza Gaetano , Scilingo Enzo
Published: August 2016

The electrodermal activity (EDA) is a reliable physiological signal for monitoring the sympathetic nervous system. Several studies have demonstrated that EDA can be a source of effective markers for the assessment of emotional states in humans. There are two main methods for measuring EDA: endosomatic (internal electrical source) and exosomatic (external electrical source). Even though the exosomatic approach is the most widely used, differences between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) methods and their implication in the emotional assessment field have not yet been deeply investigated. This paper aims at investigating how the admittance contribution of EDA, studied at different frequency sources, affects the EDA statistical power in inferring on the subject’s arousing level (neutral or aroused). To this extent, 40 healthy subjects underwent visual affective elicitations, including neutral and arousing levels, while EDA was gathered through DC and AC sources from 0 to 1 kHz. Results concern the accuracy of an automatic, EDA feature-based arousal recognition system for each frequency source. We show how the frequency of the external electrical source affects the accuracy of arousal recognition. This suggests a role of skin susceptance in the study of affective stimuli through electrodermal response.
Some Models for Determination of Parameters of the Soil Oscillation Law during Blasting Operations
Authors: Lutovac Suzana , Medenica Dragan , Gluščević Branko , Tokalić Rade , Beljić Čedomir
Published: August 2016

In order to evaluate and control the seismic effect of blasting, as well as its planning, it is required to determine the soil oscillation law, with the strike/mining facilities to be protected. One of the most commonly used equations is that of M.A. Sadovskii, defining the law of alteration in the oscillation velocity of the soil depending on distance, the explosive amount, and conditions of blasting and geologic characteristics of the soil; all of this being determined on the basis of test blasting for the specific work environment. In the Sadovskii equation two parameters, K and n appear and they are conditioned both by rock mass characteristics and blasting conditions. The practical part of this study includes experimental investigations performed in the Veliki Krivelj Open Pit in the Bor District located in Eastern Serbia and investigations carried out during mass mining in the Kovilovača Open Pit near Despotovac, Eastern Serbia. Thus this paper offers several modes for determination of parameters K and n in the Sadovskii equation. To determine the parameters in the Sadovskii formula, in addition to the usual least square method, two more new models were applied. In the models the parameters K and n were determined by applying the quotient of the relative growth of oscillation velocities and reduced distances for Model 2. The link between the parameters K and n is determined by applying the trapezoidal formula for finding the value of definite integral for Model 3. In doing so, it was noted that all three models can be used to calculate the oscillation velocity of the rock mass.
Depressive Symptoms among Patients with Heart Failure in Korea: An Integrative Review
Authors: Hwang Boyoung , Choi Heeseung
Published: August 2016

This integrative review was conducted to examine studies reporting depressive symptoms among patients with heart failure (HF) in Korea. An extensive search with both English and Korean search terms was conducted using six electronic databases. Publications were screened by both authors independently, and 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. All 10 studies were data-based, quantitative, and descriptive in nature. In all studies, depressive symptoms were measured at only one point in time. The prevalence of depression reported in these studies ranged from 24% to 68%. Heterogeneity in the study samples and measures of depression was noted. Depressive symptoms have received limited attention in research with HF patients in Korea. Additional studies, especially longitudinal studies and intervention studies, are needed to assess depressive symptoms and to test the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on depression among patients with HF in Korea. Clinicians need to screen patients with HF for depressive symptoms using validated measures and provide proper treatment for those who are depressed.
Measuring Land Take: Usability of National Topographic Databases as Input for Land Use Change Analysis: A Case Study from Germany
Authors: Schorcht Martin , Krüger Tobias , Meinel Gotthard
Published: August 2016

The implementation of sustainable land policies is in need of monitoring methods that go beyond a mere description of the proportion values of land use classes. The annual statistical surface area report on actual land utilization (German: “Bodenfläche nach Art der tatsächlichen Nutzung”), published by the statistical offices of the German federal states and the federation, provides information on a set of pre-defined land use classes for municipalities, districts and federal states. Due to its surveying method of summing up usage information from cadastral registers, it is not possible to determine previous and subsequent usages of land parcels. Hence, it is hard to precisely indicate to what extent particular land use classes contribute to the settlement area increase. Nevertheless, this information is crucial to the understanding of land use change processes, which is needed for a subsequent identification of driving forces. To overcome this lack of information, a method for the spatial and quantitative determination of previous and subsequent land usages has been developed, implemented and tested. It is based on pre-processed land use data for different time slices, which are derived from authoritative geo-topographical base data. The developed method allows for the identification of land use changes considering small geometric shifts and changes in the underlying data model, which can be adaptively excluded from the balance.
Challenges in Translating GWAS Results to Clinical Care
Authors: Scheinfeldt Laura , Schmidlen Tara , Gerry Norman , Christman Michael
Published: August 2016

Clinical genetic testing for Mendelian disorders is standard of care in many cases; however, it is less clear to what extent and in which situations clinical genetic testing may improve preventive efforts, diagnosis and/or prognosis of complex disease. One challenge is that much of the reported research relies on tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to act as proxies for assumed underlying functional variants that are not yet known. Here we use coronary artery disease and melanoma as case studies to evaluate how well reported genetic risk variants tag surrounding variants across population samples in the 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3 data. We performed a simulation study where we randomly assigned a “functional” variant and evaluated how often this simulated functional variant was correctly tagged in diverse population samples. Our results indicate a relatively large error rate when generalizing increased genetic risk of complex disease across diverse population samples, even when generalizing within geographic regions. Our results further highlight the importance of including diverse populations in genome-wide association studies. Future work focused on identifying functional variants will eliminate the need for tag SNPs; however, until functional variants are known, caution should be used in the interpretation of genetic risk for complex disease using tag SNPs.
Response Mixture Modeling of Intraindividual Differences in Responses and Response Times to the Hungarian WISC-IV Block Design Test
Authors: Molenaar Dylan , Bolsinova Maria , Rozsa Sandor , De Boeck Paul
Published: August 2016

Response times may constitute an important additional source of information about cognitive ability as it enables to distinguishing between different intraindividual response processes. In this paper, we present a method to disentangle interindividual variation from intraindividual variation in the responses and response times of 978 subjects to the 14 items of the Hungarian WISC-IV Block Design test. It is found that faster and slower responses differ in their measurement properties suggesting that there are intraindivual differences in the response processes adopted by the subjects.
Hydrolytic Metallo-Nanozymes: From Micelles and Vesicles to Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Mancin Fabrizio , Prins Leonard , Pengo Paolo , Pasquato Lucia , Tecilla Paolo , Scrimin Paolo
Published: August 2016

Although the term nanozymes was coined by us in 2004 to highlight the enzyme-like properties of gold nanoparticles passivated with a monolayer of Zn(II)-complexes in the cleavage of phosphate diesters, systems resembling those metallo-nanoparticles, like micelles and vesicles, have been the subject of investigation since the mid-eighties of the last century. This paper reviews what has been done in the field and compares the different nanosystems highlighting the source of catalysis and frequent misconceptions found in the literature.
Frequency Splitting Analysis and Compensation Method for Inductive Wireless Powering of Implantable Biosensors
Authors: Schormans Matthew , Valente Virgilio , Demosthenous Andreas
Published: August 2016

Inductive powering for implanted medical devices, such as implantable biosensors, is a safe and effective technique that allows power to be delivered to implants wirelessly, avoiding the use of transcutaneous wires or implanted batteries. Wireless powering is very sensitive to a number of link parameters, including coil distance, alignment, shape, and load conditions. The optimum drive frequency of an inductive link varies depending on the coil spacing and load. This paper presents an optimum frequency tracking (OFT) method, in which an inductive power link is driven at a frequency that is maintained at an optimum value to ensure that the link is working at resonance, and the output voltage is maximised. The method is shown to provide significant improvements in maintained secondary voltage and system efficiency for a range of loads when the link is overcoupled. The OFT method does not require the use of variable capacitors or inductors. When tested at frequencies around a nominal frequency of 5 MHz, the OFT method provides up to a twofold efficiency improvement compared to a fixed frequency drive. The system can be readily interfaced with passive implants or implantable biosensors, and lends itself to interfacing with designs such as distributed implanted sensor networks, where each implant is operating at a different frequency.
Erratum: Smither, S.; et al. Effectiveness of Four Disinfectants against Ebola Virus on Different Materials. Viruses 2016, 8, 185
Authors:   Office
Published: August 2016

The Viruses Editorial Ofﬁce wishes to notify its readers of corrections in [1].[...]
Localization System Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks (LSO-WSN)
Authors: Singh Surjit , Mohan Sharma Rajeev
Published: August 2016

Localization of nodes in wireless sensor networks is needed to track/know the event origin and node location both, routing, network coverage and querying of sensor clusters. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) have different applications along with different challenges. Here, position information system is one of the challenging aspect that plays an important role in increasing the lifetime and survivability of WSN. And, the computational techniques have been successfully used in recent years to address the localization system of nodes in WSN. However it is very difficult to know about the best computational technique for optimizing localization system of nodes. This work intends to close the gap for selecting suitable computational technique for node localization system optimization. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the current research trends in this field.
Energy Aware Routing Strategies for an Evolving Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Salehian Solmaz , Subraminiam Shamala K. , Salehian Rozita
Published: August 2016

A critical issue in Wireless Sensor Networks is optimization of energy consumption. The development and deployment of various paradigms of algorithms addressing these optimization needs has formed the underlying design factors of solutions. Strong correlation exists between physical discoveries making sensors indeed cross the boundaries. This chapter presents a detail review and analysis of substantial algorithms which have structured the elevation of Wireless Sensor Networks and its realization. This encompasses the graceful migration from conventional WSN, Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network to the inventive WSN-Internet Protocol (WSN-IP). An enhanced taxonomy synthesizing these algorithms is presented to complement the identified trend transition in WSN. Each algorithm is reviewed and detail comparatives are deliberated. This chapter also presents a wide spectrum of open issues in the development of WSN algorithms for changing sensor architecture.
Global Environmental Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Authors: Machalaba Catherine , Romanelli Cristina , Stoett Peter
Published: August 2016

The prediction of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and the avoidance of their tremendous social and economic costs is contingent on the identification of their most likely drivers. It is argued that the drivers of global environmental change (and climate change as both a driver and an impact) are often the drivers of EIDs; and that the two overlap to such a strong degree that targeting these drivers is sound epidemiological policy. Several drivers overlap with the leading causes of biodiversity loss, providing opportunities for health and biodiversity sectors to generate synergies at local and global levels. This chapter provides a primer on EID ecology, reviews underlying drivers and mechanisms that facilitate pathogen spillover and spread, provides suggested policy and practice-based actions toward the prevention of EIDs in the context of environmental change, and identifies knowledge gaps for the purpose of further research.
Climate Change Effects on Human Health with a Particular Focus on Vector-Borne Diseases and Malaria in Africa
Authors: Halliru Salisu Lawal
Published: August 2016

Malaria is currently affecting more people in the world than any other disease. On average, two members of each household suffered from malaria fever monthly, with females and children being most vulnerable to malaria attacks. This chapter assessed communities' perception about malaria epidemic, weather variable and climate change in metropolitan Kano. Information was extracted related to communities' perception about malaria epidemic and climate change. Socio demographic characteristics of respondents in the study areas were extracted and analyzed. 75% of the participants were males, while 25% were females, malaria disease affected 79.66% and 59.66% respondent perceived that heavy rainfall, floods and high temperature are better conditions to the breeding and spread of malaria vectors. Hospital records revealed that Month of March and April (2677 and 2464, respectively) has highest number of malaria cases recorded between December 2010 to June 2011. Further research is recommended for in-depth information from health officials related to raising awareness.
Nanotechnology in Engineered Membranes
Authors: Choi Heechul , Son Moon , Bae Jiyeol , Choi Hyeon-gyu
Published: August 2016

The membrane processes have received extensive attention as comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches for water-energy nexus. Nanotechnology has induced significant attention in improving membrane performances to mitigate global water and energy scarcity because of its unique characteristics and simple application for membrane fabrication. Nano-sized materials could provide highly enhanced characteristics to a membrane material, resulting in excellent performance enhancement, such as permeability, selectivity, and fouling resistance, of membrane. Carbon Nanotube (CNT), a widely utilized or studied nanomaterial in membrane science, is discussed in this chapter with a focus on its state-of-the-art applications and future prospects. Electrospun nanofiber, which is one of the feasible nano-structured membrane materials, is also discussed as a promising material for water-energy nexus. Therefore, this chapter also describes its application cases and its potential as an innovative membrane for water-energy nexus.
Understanding Toxicity of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems
Authors: Wani Irshad Ahmad , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: August 2016

Nanotechnology is a growing applied science having considerable global socioeconomic value. Nanoscale materials are casting their impact on almost all industries and all areas of society. A wide range of engineered nanoscale products has emerged with widespread applications in fields such as energy, medicine, electronics, plastics, energy and aerospace etc. While the market for nanotechnology products will have grown over one trillion US dollars by 2015, the presence of these material is likely to increase leading to increasing likelihood of exposure. The direct use of nanomaterials in humans for medical and cosmetic purposes dictates vigorous safety assessment of toxicity. Therefore this book chapter provides the detailed toxicity assessment of various types of nanomaterials.