bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Body Computed Tomography for trauma patients in shock: a single centre, propensity score matched retrospective cohort study in a Swiss tertiary trauma centre
Authors: Hanzalova Ivana , Bourgeat Mylène , Demartines Nicolas , Ageron François-Xavier , Zingg Tobias
Published: September 2023

Background:Trauma is one of the leading causes of death or long-term disability. The ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) approach is generally accepted as the standard of care for the initial management of severely injured patients. While WBCT (Whole Body Computed Tomography) is still considered as contraindicated in haemodynamically unstable trauma patients, there is a growing amount of data indicating the absence of harm from cross sectional imaging in this patient group. Our study aimed to compare the mortality of unstable trauma patients undergoing a WBCT during the initial workup with those who did not.Methods:Single-centre retrospective observational study based on the local trauma registry from January 2008 to June 2020. We compared the 24-hour mortality of injured patients in circulatory shock undergoing WBCT with a control group undergoing standard workup only. Shock was defined as the simultaneous presence of a systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, Lactate>2.2 mmol/l and Base Excess <-2 mmol/l at admission. To control for confounding, a propensity score matched analysis with conditional logistic regression for adjustment of residual confounders and a sensitivity analysis using inverse probability weighting (IPW) with and without adjustment were performed.Results:Of the 161 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 132 underwent WBCT and 29 standard work-up only. In crude and matched analyses, no difference in early (24 hours) mortality was observed (WBCT, 23 (17.4%) and no-WBCT, 8 (27.6%); p=0.21). After matching and adjustment for main confounders, the odds ratio for the event of death at 24 hours in the WBCT group was 0.36 (95% CI 0.07-1.73); p=0.20.Conclusions:In the present study,WBCT did not increase the risk of death at 24 hours among injured patients in shock.This adds to the growing data indicating that WBCT may be offered to trauma patients in circulatory shock without jeopardizing early survival.
Classification of minimal blocking sets in PG(2, 9)
Authors: Botteldoorn Arne , Coolsaet Kris , Fack Veerle
Published: September 2023

A full classification (up to equivalence) of all minimal blocking sets in PG(2, 9) was obtained by computer. The resulting numbers of minimal blocking sets are tabulated according to size of the set and order of the automorphism group. For the minimal blocking sets with the larger automorphism groups explicit (geometric) descriptions are given. Some of these results can also be generalised to Desarguesian projective planes of higher order. We also give a complete list of all blocking semiovals in PG(2, 9) (up to equivalence).
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020). 51E21, 51-04.
Dynamical relationship between Indian summer monsoon rainfall and South Asian High in seasonal coupled models
Authors: Sripa G , Ramu Dandi A. , Saikrishna T.S. , Osuri Krishna Kishore , Rao A.S.
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to understand the dynamical linkage between Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and South Asian High (SAH) in four seasonal models (CANCM4, NEMO, CANSIP, and CFSv2) initialized with May conditions for 1982–2016. Observational analyses indicate that the northwest-southeast (INW−SE) index of SAH is strongly correlated (~ 0.62) with ISMR whereas the east-west (IEW) index is negatively correlated (~-0.57). All the models reasonably capture the relation between ISMR and the INW−SE/IEW indices with a slightly varying correlation. The positively regressed rainfall anomalies are (90%) significant during INW−SE years and attributed to the strong cold sea surface temperature anomalies over the equatorial eastern Pacific (i.e., La Niña) and positive vorticity associated with the strong cyclonic circulation over monsoon region. Similarly, significant negative rainfall anomalies are identified during IEW years, strongly associated with El Niño patterns in the eastern Pacific and negative vorticity anomalies over monsoon region. The CANCM4, NEMO, and CANSIP models show strong positive (negative) regressed rainfall anomalies over India in INW−SE (IEW) years, unlike the CFSv2 and observations and mainly due to strong linkage with El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole in the models. Overall, the high resolution CFSv2 performs better than the other models for mean rainfall and teleconnections between ISMR and SAH. Of the three models, the CANCM4 performs better in capturing dynamic circulations such as vorticity, velocity potential, stream function etc. The study highlights the seasonal model’s ability to capture the linkage of ISMR and SAH indices and helps understand rainfall variability.
The composition and phenology of butterflies is determined by their functional trait in Indian tropical dry forests
Authors: MAHATA ANIRBAN , NAIK AYUSMITA , PALITA SHARAT KUMAR
Published: September 2023

To understand the effects of local landscape factors on functional species composition and phenology of butterflies across multiple spatial scales, a study was carried out in a tropical dry forest of the northern highlands of the Eastern Ghats of India from November 2016 to October 2017. A total of 3343 individuals of butterflies were recorded, including 88 species of butterflies under 62 genera, 18 subfamilies, and 6 families in three different forest types (open, riparian, dense). Butterfly species richness showed no significant deviations, but diversity patterns varied across transects. Beta diversity indicated differences in common species populations, likely due to uneven resource distribution in study site forests. The contribution of β transect to gamma diversity was greater than that of β elevation, except for specialists. Specialists were favoured by landscape attributes over forest type. Butterfly abundance peaks in April for open and dense forests, and May for riparian forests. Results show variation in seasonal patterns across different forest types (F = 15.92, P < 0.001). Generalists and versatilists are more prevalent in April and February, while specialists are more abundant from October to November. Relative humidity, shrub density, and temperature were the major contributors (40.2%) for richness whereas relative humidity and shrub density contributed 26.3% for abundance. The relative humidity was predominant over temperature for species richness and is a major predictor for assemblages of generalist species. Resource utilization based on elevation plays an important role for habitat specialist species and highlights the importance of the spatial levels of elevation zones in conservation planning.
Feeding longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi broodstock at different frequencies influences production of eggs and quality of the offspring
Authors: CASTRO Jorgelia de Jesus Pinto , CARVALHO Cristina Vaz Avelar , PASSINI Gabriel , LEHRBACK Bethânia Dal Col , SILVA Cesar Alexandro , NETO Renato Rodrigues , HORA Maik dos Santos Cividanes , TSUZUKI Mônica Yumi
Published: September 2023

This study determined the optimum feeding frequency for Hippocampus reidi breeders by evaluating their zootechnical and reproductive parameters, the quality of the larvae (resistance to starvation), and the fatty acid profile of oocytes. Twelve breeding couples (aprox. 27g; 18 cm per individual) were fed daily with enriched caridean shrimp Palaemon sp. until apparent satiation during 101 days. Four feeding frequencies were tested in triplicate: one (F1), two (F2), three (F3) and four (F4) feedings per day. Breeders from both sexes fed just once a day had lower weight gain and specific growth rates than the other treatments (P<0.05). Newly born larvae weight and size values (2.06 ± 0.11 mg; 7.9 ± 0.06 mm) from couples in F3 and F4 treatments were higher than in the couples receiving one or two daily feedings (1.62 ± 0.17 mg; 6.7 ± 0.05 mm). Number of larvae per parturition in F3 and F4 (928.5) was almost double the number of larvae in F1 and F2. The longest time of larvae resistance to food deprivation was observed in F3 and F4, where 100% of mortality occurred in 96 hours. A higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was observed in F4 than in the other treatments. It is therefore recommended that when H. reidi breeders are fed enriched shrimp, three to four daily times per day feedings should be offered to obtain the best zootechnical performance of them, and the highest quality and quantity of larvae produced.
Biological and histological changes and DNA damage in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Oxytetracycline: a potential amelioratory role of Ascorbic acid
Authors: Abu-Zahra Nagwa I.S. , Atia Ayman A. , Elseify Mohamed M. , Soliman Shireen
Published: September 2023

Antibiotics are crucial in the control of bacterial infections on fish farms. However, the influence of licensed antibiotics on DNA damage, histological changes, and protein differentiation in some farmed fish species is unidentified. The current study investigated the effect of therapeutic (80 mg/kg body weight/day) and high doses (160 mg/kg body weight /day) of oxytetracycline (OTC) on some biological indices, protein differentiation, histological changes, and DNA damage in Oreochromis niloticus (n = 360; 40 ± 3.5 g) and the potential positive effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA). In the current study, fish were fed diets with or without OTC (80 or 160 mg/kg body weight/day) and AA (100 mg/kg diet/day) for 28 days, followed by a bacterial stress test with two different virulent strains for 14 days. Treatments include CTR (control; without additives), AA, OTC80, OTC160, OTC80 + AA, and OTC160 + AA. The results revealed that the hematological parameters (RBCs, hemoglobin, and hematocrit), immune indices (nitroblue tetrazolium), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) were significantly reduced by OTC160 (p ≤ 0.05). The results also showed that OTC160 notably augmented the activity of liver (ALT, AST, and LDH) and kidney (creatinine and urea) damage markers of O. niloticus ((p ≤ 0.05). OTC160 revealed considerable hepatic and renal tissue damage and significantly higher hepatocyte DNA damage. Pathological changes and DNA damage were directly correlated to the dosage of OTC exposure, where they were more severe in OTC160. OTC80 showed insignificant changes in most parameters. Compared to CTR, including AA in the O. niloticus diet significantly restored the biological indices, histological changes, and DNA damage in OTC-treated groups. These results corroborate the use of AA as a potent antioxidant and immune stimulant and a potential co-adjuvant to OTC in the diet of O. niloticus to reach optimal resistance to disease.
Invasion status of hatchery-origin pink salmon in an unstocked river at the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site in northern Japan
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Nobetsu Takahiro , Urabe Hirokazu , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: September 2023

The reproductive success of wild anadromous salmonid populations can be reduced by genetic interactions with straying hatchery fish. We investigated the straying status of hatchery-origin pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), which have a higher straying rate than other salmonids, in an unstocked river in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, Japan, which is a data-poor region. Hatchery strays accounted for 40.0% and 19.0% of the total samples in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These results indicate that hatchery pink salmon have invaded unstocked rivers and potentially genetically affect wild populations.
Dosimetric Comparison of Proton Therapy and CyberKnife in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Liver Cancers
Authors: Shyllon Samuel , Penfold Scott , Dalfsen Ray , Kirkness Elsebe , Hug Ben , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Devlin Peter , Tang Colin , Le Hien , Gorayski Peter , Grogan Garry , Kearvell Rachel , Ebert Martin A
Published: September 2023

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been increasingly used for the ablation of liver tumours. CyberKnife and proton beam therapy (PBT) are two advanced treatment technologies suitable to deliver SBRT with high dose conformity and steep dose gradients. However, there is very limited data comparing the dosimetric characteristics of CyberKnife to PBT for liver SBRT.
Methods: PBT and CyberKnife plans were retrospectively generated using 4DCT datasets of ten patients who were previously treated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, N = 5) and liver metastasis (N = 5). Dose Volume Histogram data was assessed and compared against selected criteria; given a dose prescription of 54 Gy in 3 fractions for liver metastases and 45 Gy in 3 fractions for HCC, with previously-published consensus-based normal tissue dose constraints.
Results: Comparison of evaluation parameters showed a statistically significant difference for target volume coverage and liver, lungs and spinal cord (p<0.05) dose, while chest wall and skin did not indicate a significant difference between the two modalities. A number of optimal normal tissue constraints was violated by both the CyberKnife and proton plans for the same patients due to proximity of tumour to chest wall.
Conclusions: PBTresulted in greater organ sparing, the extent of which was mainly dependent on tumour location. Tumours located on the liver periphery experienced the largest increase in organ sparing. Organ sparing for CyberKnife was comparable with PBT for small target volumes.
Implementation of JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding on FPGA
Authors: Tian Shuang , He Jialin , Wang Yihan , Du Gang , Zhang Dongxia
Published: September 2023

JPEG XS is the latest international standard for shallow compression fields launched by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The coding standard was officially released in 2019. The JPEG XS standard can be encoded and decoded on different devices, but there is no research on the implementation of JPEG XS entropy codec on FPGAs. This paper briefly introduces JPEG XS encoding, proposes a modular design scheme of encoder and decoder on FPGA for the entropy encoding and decoding part, and parallelizes the algorithm in JPEG XS coding standard according to the characteristics of FPGA parallelization processing, mainly including low-latency optimization design, storage space optimization design. So that the coding speed can reach 4 coefficients/clock and the decoding speed reach 2 coefficients/clock, which reduces the encoding and decoding time by 75%. The maximum clock frequency of the entropy encoder is about 222.6MHz, and the maximum clock frequency of the entropy decoder is about 127MHz. The design and implementation of the FPGA-based JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding algorithm is of great significance and provides ideas for the subsequent implementation and optimization of the entire JPEG XS standard on FPGAs. This work is the first in the world to propose the design and implementation of an algorithm that can implement the JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding process on FPGA. It creates the possibility for the effective application of JPEG XS standard in more media.
Combining ability and hybrid breeding in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) for agronomic traits and resistance to Striga hermonthica
Authors: Rouamba Armel , Shimelis Hussein , Drabo Inoussa , Mrema Emmanuel , Mashilo Jacob , Mwadzingeni Learnmore
Published: September 2023

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br., 2n = 2x = 14) is a nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crop widely cultivated in the dry regions of Africa and Asia. In Burkina Faso, the actual mean yield of the crop is < 1 ton/ha compared with a potential yield of 3 tons/ha. Several constraints, including cultivar susceptibility to the noxious weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Bentham (Sh) and severe and recurrent drought stress limit the potential productivity of the crop. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the combining ability effects and degree of heterosis for agronomic traits and resistance to Sh among complementary pearl millet genotypes to select promising parental lines and hybrids to develop and deploy farmer-preferred varieties. The narrow-and broad-sense heritability were relatively higher for Striga-resistance (≥ 70%) and low (≤ 23%) for grain yield. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) ratios were less than unity for agronomic traits and Striga reaction indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action conditioning the assessed traits. The new experimental hybrids such as IP-11358 × ICMB177111, IP-11358 × IKMB18002, IP-10579 × ICMB177002 and IP-9242 × ICMB177002 are recommended for multi-environment evaluation and production in Sh-infested pearl millet cultivation agro-ecologies in Burkina Faso or similar agro-ecologies.
DNMT3A/TET2/ASXL1 mutations are an age-independent thrombotic risk factor in polycythemia vera patients: an observational study
Authors: Segura-Díaz Adrián , Stuckey Ruth , Florido Yanira , Sobas Marta , Álvarez-Larrán Alberto , Ferrer-Marín Francisca , Pérez-Encinas Manuel , Carreño-Tarragona Gonzalo , Fox María Laura , Vega Barbara Tazón , Cuevas Beatriz , Rodríguez Juan Francisco López , Farías-Sánchez Nuria , González-Martín Jesús M. , Gómez-Casares María Teresa , Bilbao-Sieyro Cristina
Published: September 2023

Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) patients are classified as being of high or low thrombotic risk based on age>60 years and prior history of thrombosis. Despite adherence to treatment recommendations, vascular events remain frequent, even in younger patients, leading us to question whether thrombotic risk stratification could be improved. We previously reported an association between thrombotic events and mutations in DTA genes (DNMT3A, TET2 and ASXL1, frequently mutated in clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, CHIP). The objective of this study was to confirm this observation in a larger series of PV patients.
Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PV and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were recruited from 8 European centers. Medical history was searched for thrombotic event recorded at any time and next-generation sequencing carried out with a myeloid panel to detect somatic mutations. Logistic regression multivariable analysis evaluated the impact of age, myeloid mutations and previous event on thrombotic risk. Kaplan–Meier thrombosis-free survival curves were compared by the Log Rank test. Associations in the total cohort were confirmed in a case-control study to exclude selection bias.
Results:Of the 136 patients recruited, 74 (56.1%) had a thrombotic event during a median follow-up of 9.4 years. The incidence density of vascular events was 2.83 per 100 person-years, with cerebral events the most frequent. In multivariable analysis, age ≥60 years was not a risk factor for thrombotic event but presence of DTA mutation was. Importantly, presence of DTA mutation was predictive of shorter thrombosis-free survival (p=0.007). A gender- and age-matched case (with event, n=47) control (without thrombotic events, n=47) study was carried out, confirming the association between thrombotic event and DTA mutation, even in a subgroup of patients aged≤ 60 years.
Conclusions: Our study confirms that the presence of DTA mutations is an age-independent risk factor for a thrombotic event and predicts for shorter thrombosis-free survival in PV patients. In conclusion, our results support the use of molecular testing at diagnosis tohelp predict which PV patients (including younger patients and those with classical risk factors) are at higher risk of developing thrombosis.
A New Simple Family of Non-periodic Tilings With Square Tiles
Authors: Vereshchagin Nikolay
Published: September 2023

We define a new family of non-periodic tilings with square tiles that is mutually locally derivable with some family of tilings with isosceles right triangles. Both families are defined by simple local rules, and the proof of their non-periodicity is as simple as that of the non-periodicity of Robinson's tilings.
Efficiency Analysis of Decentralized Services Tax in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: an Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Nazir Naila
Published: September 2023

The study offers an innovative empirical study to evaluate the efficiency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revenue agency and the Federal Board of Revenue with reference to the decentralized services sales tax. The paper makes a unique contribution by incorporating the effect of fiscal decentralisation on the efficiency of services tax in current empirical research. The study evaluated both tax departments using a non-parametric technique termed advanced envelopment analysis. Six inputs and four outputs make up the main service operations carried out by the tax offices. Regarding the efficiency score, which is satisfactorily, the empirical outcomes of both technical efficiency output and input DEA approaches are remarkably close. The study, which also concentrated on the post-decentralization situation, revealed a number of potential difficulties that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revenue administration may have encountered in the early years of its existence, clearly demonstrating a lack of preparedness prior to devolution. Finally, the study recommended addressing the concerns mentioned, including the conflict of jurisdiction, the refund issue, and the lack of sales tax experts to empower province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to handle the devolved services tax to the full extent of its potential.
Joint Angle Estimation during Shoulder Abduction Exercise Using Contactless Technology
Authors: Khanghah Ali Barzegar , Fernie Geoff , Fekr Atena Roshan
Published: September 2023

Background
Tele-rehabilitation, also known as tele-rehab, uses communication technologies to provide rehabilitation services from a distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of tele-rehab, where the in-person visits declined and the demand for remote healthcare rises. Tele-rehab offers enhanced accessibility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, care quality, continuity, and communication. However, the current systems are often not able to perform a comprehensive movement analysis. To address this, we propose and validate a novel approach using depth technology and skeleton tracking algorithms.
Methods
Our data involved 14 participants (8 females, 6 males) performing shoulder abduction exercises. We collected depth videos from a LiDAR camera and motion data from a Motion Capture (Mocap) system as our ground truth. The data was collected at distances of 2 m, 2.5 m, and 3.5 m from the LiDAR sensor for both arms. Our innovative approach integrates LiDAR with the Cubemos and Mediapipe skeleton tracking frameworks, enabling the assessment of 3D joint angles. We validated the system by comparing the estimated joint angles versus Mocap outputs. Personalized calibration was applied using various regression models to enhance the accuracy of the joint angle calculations.
Results
The Cubemos skeleton tracking system outperformed Mediapipe in joint angle estimation with higher accuracy and fewer errors. The proposed system showed a strong correlation with Mocap results, although some deviations were present due to noise. Precision decreased as distance from the camera increased. Calibration significantly improved performance. Linear regression models consistently outperformed nonlinear models, especially at shorter distances.
Conclusion
This study showcases the potential of a marker-less system, to proficiently track body joints and upper-limb angles. Signals from the proposed system and the Mocap system exhibited robust correlation, with Mean Absolute Errors (MAEs) consistently below 10°. LiDAR's depth feature enabled accurate computation of in-depth angles beyond the reach of traditional RGB cameras. Altogether, this emphasizes the depth-based system's potential for precise joint tracking and angle calculation in tele-rehab applications.
Optimization of online system for COD measurement in water pollution through bias correction and uncertainty evaluation over an entire range of materials
Authors: Douwen Wang , Zhijing Sun
Published: September 2023

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is an item of water pollutant that must be measured by the State. When undertaking COD measurement tasks, compared with the reference operation (as the Y-method) in the laboratory, the online system (as X-method), a process stream analyzer of automatic monitoring in the domestic field, is much superior. However, we believe that X-method is a non-standard system, and its measurement reliability deserves attention. In this paper under top-down measurement condition, we propose to use the variable error fitting of Deming regression, establish a bias correction function between the two methods, based on the matrix sample size at different levels by our power curve estimate in chronological order, and carry out a more rigorous check on the reliability of X-method. To ensure that the residuals derived from the bias correction function is in an independence and identical distribution (i.i.d) condition, we strongly recommend a more rigorous and robust Anderson Darling (AD) hypothesis test technique for confirmation. If the AD null hypothesis is held, we can believe that the reliability of X-method is validated, and incorporate all cumulative effects, with the minimized complex correlation, brought in the bias correction function fitting process, into the uncertainty estimate over an entire range. The practices we advocate in this paper are very helpful in raising the quality level of the online system.
Echis carinatus snakebite, a rare case of fatal envenomation in a young Pakistani boy: a case report.
Authors: Siddiqui Farina Fatima , Siddiqui Aisha Rehman
Published: September 2023

Snakebite poses a significant public health concern in the Sindh region of Pakistan,. The Echis carinatus,also known as Saw Scaled Viper (SSV), a venomous snake from the Viperidae family, is one of the species found in the area. It is responsible for a substantial number of the approximately 29,000 snakebites reported annually in the country. We reported the case of a young Pakistani boy, who was bitten by an SSV and developed venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC) within 24 hours. Additionally, he experienced necrotizing fasciitis at the bite site, which led to systemic septicemia and acute renal failure. Despite receiving the best treatment available, the patient passed away within five days. This case report underscores the importance of early FFP transfusions and prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in treating VICC, acute renal failure, and wound infections.
An Enhanced Convolutional Neural Network Schema for Structural Class-based Software Fault Prediction
Authors: Nabi Faisal
Published: September 2023

Malicious software detection is the most prominent process required by various industries to avoid server failure. It is required to detect malicious software accurately to avoid time and cost wastage. Various research works have been introduced earlier for the detection of malicious software. In the existing work Support Vector Machine (SVM) is introduced for malicious software detection. However, existing works cannot perform well where there are error modules in the software. It is addressed in this suggested study by developing Coupling and Cohesion Metrics based Fault Detection (CCMFD). In this research work, structural measures are mainly examined which come under the cohesion measures and comprise deficient cohesion in approaches (LCOM), and Conceptual Coupling between Object Classes (CCBO). Failure situ- ations and measures relating to information flow are used in other techniques. A high-quality service has a low coupling and a high cohesiveness. These extracted features will be given as input to the enhanced Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for software mistake forecasting. A complete study analysis is done in a Java simulator, indicating that the suggested approach tends to have superior fault prediction outcomes than the current method.
Electrostatic and Electromagnetic Parametric Analysis of RF MEMS Switches for Reconfigurable Antenna
Authors: Sathuluri Mallikharjuna Rao , G Sasikala
Published: September 2023

This work presents RF MEMS switch design, packaging and incorporation in patch antenna. Electrostatic and Electromagnetic parametric analysis is performed. The RF MEMS switch packaging aspects also highlight. Novel configuration of MEMS switch, and antenna performance was studied in 0.5–40 GHz frequency range. A modified serpentine membrane is designed and simulated, offering a low actuation voltage of 5 V, switching time of 100 µs, and damping duration is 1.6 ms. The switch design is extended up to packaging by extracting contacts. Diamond shape patch is considered for antenna design. Two identical switches are used to design a reconfigurable antenna, where frequency reconfigurability is analyzed under different switching conditions. The proposed antenna is found suitable for X, and K band applications
Assessment of Essential and Non-Essential Metals in Commonly Consumed Grains in Kogi State, North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Onoja Alexander D. , Idakwoji Precious A. , Oniemola Joan M. , Zakari David A. , Enesi Katumi O.
Published: September 2023

This study assessed the concentration of essential and non-essential metals in commonly consumed grains in Kogi State, Nigeria. Four (4) grains; rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), millet (Panicum miliaceum) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were collected from major sale points in selected Local Governments Areas (LGAs) across the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State, Nigeria. The concentrations of the metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd and Cr) were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS solar 969 Unican series) and subsequently compared to the FAO/WHO MPLs (Maximum Permissible Limits). Results of the analysis showed that the essential and non-essential metals were detected in the grains (rice, maize, millet and beans) sourced from the three (3) senatorial districts of Kogi State in varying concentrations. All the essential metals were present in the grains at concentrations below their MPLs while some of the non-essential metals were present at concentrations above their MPLs. The major contaminant of rice and millet was Cd. Cd was detected in rice and millet samples in a number of LGAs across the Senatorial Districts at concentrations above their PMLs. Pb was also present in rice and millet samples from some LGAs at concentrations above its MPL. For maize and bean samples, Cd and Pb were the only metals detected in one LGA in Kogi West Senatorial District at concentrations above their MPLs. The other non-essential metal assessed- Cr was not detected in majority of the grains but below its MPL in samples where it was detected. Cd and Pb therefore, are the major contaminants of grains consumed in Kogi State as revealed by this study. Accumulation of these non-essential metal is a major public health concern. We therefore, recommend regular monitoring of grains and other foods sold within Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Artenvielfalt und Monitoring von Flechten im Nationalpark Hunsrück-Hochwald
Authors: Killmann Dorothee , Leh Burkhard
Published: September 2023

Im Zeitraum von Juni bis Oktober 2015 wurde in den drei Naturwaldreservaten Gottlob, Springenkopf und Ruppelstein des Nationalparks Hunsrück-Hochwald eine Kartierung der Flechtenflora und -vegetation durchgeführt. Hierbei konnten insgesamt 89 Arten festgestellt werden, davon 14 Flechtenarten der Roten Liste RP bzw. BRD. Eine Flechtenart, die coniocarpe Chaenotheca brachypoda, ist neu für für das Bundesland Rheinland-Pfalz. Weitere bemerkenswerte Funde sind die epiphytische Blutflechte Mycoblastus sanguinarius, die Blattflechte Parmelia submontana (beide RL RP 1) sowie der hohe Anteil an epixylen, coniocarpen Stecknadelflechten. Der epixyle Pilz Mycocalicium subtile hat im NWR Gottlob seinen zweiten aktuellen Nachweis in Rheinland-Pfalz. In den drei Naturwaldreservaten wurde darüber hinaus ein Monitoring von epiphytischen, epilithischen, epixylen und epigäischen Arten nach der Methode von Bungartz & Ziemmeck (1997) durchgeführt.
Lebenszyklus von Coranus subapterus (De Geer, 1773) (Heteroptera, Reduviidae) im NSG Wahler Berg (Nordrhein-Westfalen, Kreis Neuss)
Authors: Kott Peter
Published: September 2023

Für das Auftreten der Eier, der larvalen und adulten Stadien, der Kopulation, der Eiablage und der Überwinterung bei Coranus subapterus werden genaue Zeitangaben gemacht. Diese Angaben für das NSG Wahler Berg werden mit den in der Literatur vorhandenen Daten abgeglichen.
Gattung Rubus L. (Rosaceae) im Nationalpark Eifel
Authors: Matzke-Hajek Günter
Published: September 2023

Im Juli und August 2013 wurde die Rubus-Flora des Nationalparks Eifel detailliert untersucht. Die Kartierung erbrachte Nachweise von 52 Vertretern der Gattung; davon sind 50 Brombeerarten, die restlichen zwei sind Himbeere (Rubus idaeus) und Kratzbeere (Rubus caesius). Die Verteilung und die Häufigkeit der Nachweise werden in einer Tabelle und in Rasterkarten (Viertelquadranten der TK 25) dargestellt. Zusätzlich werden taxonomische und pflanzengeografische Charakteristika der vorkommenden Arten sowie ihre ökologischen Schwerpunkte und der jeweilige Rote-Liste-Status genannt.
Nährstoff - und Wasserverfügbarkeit von Sukzessionsstadien auf Industriebrachen – Eine Fallstudie im Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Authors: Scholz Tobias , Keil Peter , Schmitt Thomas
Published: September 2023

Auf dem Schachtgelände 4/8 im Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord ist eine hohe Vielfalt unterschiedlicher Sukzessionsstadien – von konkurrenzschwachen Annuellenfl uren, über trockene Hochstauden- und Goldrutenfl uren bis hin zu Magerwiesen und Vorwälder – mosaikartig ausgeprägt, was zu einer hohen Arten- und Lebensraumvielfalt führt. Um die räumliche Ausprägung der Sukzessionsstadien erklären zu können, wurde die Nährstoff - und Wasserverfügbarkeit der Böden untersucht. Dabei zeigte sich, dass sich insbesondere das naturschutzfachlich wertvolle Pionierstadium nur auf äußerst trockenen Böden dauerhaft halten kann, während die Verfügbarkeit von Nährstoff en off ensichtlich nur von untergeordneter Bedeutung ist. Pfl egemaßnahmen zum Erhalt des Pionierstadiums sollten daher den Erhalt der fl achgründigen, locker gelagerten Rohböden fokussieren.
Building Agricultural Knowledge of Soil-biodegradable Plastic Mulch
Authors: Shrestha Srijana , DeVetter Lisa Wasko , Miles Carol , Mejia-Muñoz Jazmine , Krone Pam , Bolda Mark , Ghimire Shuresh
Published: September 2023

The use of polyethylene (PE) mulch causes environmental pollution where incomplete removal leaves fragments susceptible to escape to ecosystems, such as the ocean, where they can cause ecological harm. PE mulch is generally nonrecyclable due to contamination with soil and crop debris after use, leaving growers with few end-of-life options for used PE mulch. Research studies have shown that soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) is comparable to PE mulch in terms of performance, soil health, and overall economics and is preferred from an environmental perspective, but the adoption of BDM by producers is still low. Previous research has shown that the primary barriers to BDM adoption are insufficient knowledge about BDM, high purchase cost, and unpredictable breakdown of BDM in the soil. The high purchase cost of BDM compared with PE mulch is offset by the costs for PE mulch removal, transport, and disposal fees. This project was conducted to develop BDM training materials, to educate and assess BDM knowledge gained by extension personnel and other agricultural professionals through trainings and webinars, and to educate producers about BDM through hands-on experience. Thirty-six research and extension publication outputs from two previous US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative BDM projects were reviewed and transcribed into 45 new extension publications that included 11 slide presentations, 5 lecture slides, 10 fact sheets, and 3 videos. All the training materials are posted on a public university website. Professional development trainings were conducted at local, regional, national, and international levels to provide agricultural professionals the current, science-based information on BDM and resources for information. Survey results showed that at a local level, the greatest change of knowledge among participants was observed for “BDM use in organic production” (60%), and the lowest reported change of knowledge was observed for “limitations to PE mulch disposal” (19%). At a regional level, out of 58 participants, 23% to 35% of participants learned “a lot” and 35% to 51% learned “some new information” regarding BDM from the webinar. At the national level, out of 30 participants, 48% responded that they learned “a lot” and another 48% learned “some new information” on BDM from the training. Growers were trained about BDM via field days and on-farm demonstrations where five strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) growers volunteered to participate in BDM trials. The participant growers observed no difference in weed control and fruit yield between the PE mulch and the BDM. Growers expressed concerns about slow biodegradation of BDM after soil incorporation, potential impacts on soil biological activity, food safety concerns with BDM fragments and that BDM is not currently permitted for use in organic production.
Plant This Not That: A Tool for Improving Invasive Species Identification and Expanding the Use of Sustainable Alternatives in Florida, USA, Landscaping
Authors: Parrish S. Brooks , McIntyre Tina , Pinkerton Morgan G. , Wilson Sandra B.
Published: September 2023

The newly released “Plant This Not That: A Guide to Avoiding Invasive Plant Species in Florida” booklet emerges as a crucial tool in cultivating a comprehensive understanding of invasive species, facilitating informed decision-making in plant selection. Its unique focus on illustrating alternatives to invasive plants, coupled with its accessible format, can empower individuals to contribute to the preservation of Florida, USA, ecosystems. The booklet’s impact was displayed through an in-service training for 58 University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension personnel. Following the in-service training, attendees demonstrated statistically significant improvements in their perceived knowledge of four key invasive species concepts. This study highlights the booklet and accompanying training’s potential as a valuable resource for mitigating the impacts of invasive plant species.
Seed Coat Cracking in Soybean Isolines for Pubescence Color and Maturity
Authors: Yang Daijun , Nakamura Takehiro , Ohtsubo Norihiro , Takahashi Koji , Abe Jun , Takahashi Ryoji
Published: September 2023

Seed coats of soybean crack under various stress conditions. Cracking of seed coats degrades the external appearance of soybean seeds and reduces their commercial value. Previous studies revealed that the T gene responsible for pubescence color, and the maturity genes, E1 and E5, had inhibitory effects on low‐temperature induced seed coat cracking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the T gene and five maturity genes (E1 to E5) on the intensity of seed coat cracking induced by pod‐removal treatments. Soybean cv. Harosoy (te1e2E3E4e5) and its near‐isogenic lines for T and E1 to E5 loci were used in the experiment. Cracking was induced by removing the upper 50% of pods on the plant 40 d after anthesis. Frequency and degree of cracking were not different among the isolines in the control group. In contrast, there were significant differences among isolines subjected to the pod‐removal treatment. Frequency and degree of cracking was low in Harosoy, Harosoy‐E1, e3, and e4, and high in Harosoy‐T and E2 The results suggest that genotypes at T and E2 loci were associated with severity of seed coat cracking induced by pod‐removal. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.90**) between individual seed weight and frequency of cracking among isolines in the pod‐removal treatment. Seed coat cracking was probably exacerbated in part by the genes that allow enlargement of individual seeds in response to pod‐removal. The differences among isolines suggest that the mechanism of seed coat cracking induced by pod removal may differ from that induced by low temperature treatment.
Olivine—The Little Green Science Machine
Authors: Welsch Benoît , First Emily C. , Ruprecht Philipp , Jollands Michael C.
Published: September 2023

In some ways, olivine has driven the evolution of the Solar System and likely beyond. As one of the earliest-crystallizing silicate minerals, olivine controls the initial chemical evolution of planet-wide magma oceans and individual lava flows alike. In solid aggregate form, it controls and records deformation of the mantle and smaller-scale intrusive complexes. The components of its crystal structure are mobile at high temperatures and their migration can be used to explore the timing of magmatic events. During chemical weathering, these olivine crystals capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as secondary minerals are formed. All of these processes take place not only on Earth, but also on other planetary bodies, making olivine ideally suited to shed light on both primordial planet-building processes and current-day volcanism and surface processes.
Twisted-bilayer FeSe and the Fe-based superlattices
Authors: Eugenio Paul Myles , Vafek Oskar
Published: September 2023

We derive BM-like continuum models for the bands of superlattice heterostructures formed out of Fe-chalcogenide monolayers: (I) a single monolayer experiencing an external periodic potential, and (II) twisted bilayers with long-range moire tunneling. A symmetry derivation for the inter-layer moire tunnelling is provided for both the \GammaΓ and MM high-symmetry points. In this paper, we focus on moire bands formed from hole-band maxima centered on \GammaΓ, and show the possibility of moire bands with C=0C=0 or ±1±1 topological quantum numbers without breaking time-reversal symmetry. In the C=0C=0 region for \theta→0θ→0 (and similarly in the limit of large superlattice period for I), the system becomes a square lattice of 2D harmonic oscillators. We fit our model to FeSe and argue that it is a viable platform for the simulation of the square Hubbard model with tunable interaction strength.
Nuevo hallazgo de arte mueble de estilo Paleolítico en el Noreste peninsular: la plaqueta grabada de les Coves del Fem (Ulldemolins, Tarragona)
Authors: Domingo Inés , Palomo Antoni , Terradas Xavier , Berrocal Barberá Anna , Bodganovic Igor , López-Bultó Oriol , Rosillo Turra Rafael , Piqué Raquel
Published: September 2023

This paper reports the discovery of a schist slab with 7 zoomorphic figures (deer, wild goats and/or bulls) and other engraved remains at Coves del Fem site (Ulldemolins, Priorat, Tarragona) in 2020. This find adds to the limited, although unique, repertoire of portable art of Palaeolithic style found so far in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. A detailed analysis of this piece and comparison with the artistic record known so far for the Mediterranean side of Iberia are key to establish the relative chronology of this find. The themes (a combination of animals and non-figurative motifs), the formal (simplified representations of animals with elongated bodies), technical (a schist slab with fine incised engravings filled with striated strokes) and compositional patterns of the motifs, with a complex palimpsest of figurative and non-figurative engravings distributed on both sides creating two non-scenic compositions, recall an art from the end of the Paleolithic artistic cycle. To these common elements, this slab adds certain singularities. First, two animals of different species are involved in a mirror symmetry composition,which is not unique to this site, but it is more common in older periods and with the animals distributed on both sides of a vertical axis, rather than horizontal, as in this case. Such distribution has no parallels in this final phase of the artistic sequence. Second, the microscopic analysis of the art reveals the preservation of red pigment inside the engraved grooves, showing the use of a mixed technique, involving a combination of incision and painting. This practice, used probably to enhance motifs and improve visualization, has been recorded in a limited number of Palaeolithic sites, most likely due to conservation problems. Third, the slab includes the first example of an engraved goat known in the Catalan repertoire. Overall, this find contributes to expand the repertoire of Catalan Paleolithic art, confirms the importance of the Tarragona province, concentrating most of the finds of Paleolithic portable art in Catalonia, and opens new perspectives in the study of Coves del Fem, substantially expanding the chronology of this site until the end of the Upper Paleolithic period. Finally, it brings a new example with its own peculiarities (the type of composition) for characterizing the art of the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in south-western Europe.
Framework for the documentation of nature-based solutions for stormwater management
Authors: Raspati Gema Sakti , Bruaset Stian , Azrague Kamal , Ugarelli Rita Maria , Muthanna Tone Merete , Time Berit , Sivertsen Edvard
Published: September 2023

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are widely implemented for stormwater management; as such they have become important assets that require proper asset management at different stages of their service life. Hence, there is a need for systematic documentation of the applied NBS in accordance with the principles of infrastructure asset management and in combination with a set of requirements in the newly adopted National Standard NS3456:2022 in Norway. A framework for the documentation of NBSs was developed based on a systematic literature study, the experience gained from operating NBS pilots, and the interaction with stakeholders in a research centre, Klima 2050. The framework proposed a set of specific information in the form of a data structure covering a set of categories that presents information gathered during the planning, design, operation, and maintenance phases of the NBS. Both technical and sociotechnical aspects were included in the data structure. The data structure can be tailor-made depending on the type of NBS applied. The data structure was applied in documenting the NBS pilots of the research centre to demonstrate the framework's ability to help ensure a smooth flow of information from the actors involved in the planning, constructing, and operating of the NBS.