bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NOVA LEI DE LIBERDADE ECONÔMICA E SEUS EFEITOS EM MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Cabido Douglas Augusto Oliveira , Amaral e Silva Frederico
Published: October 2024

A melhoria do ambiente de negócios do Brasil e de Minas Gerais é tema central deste artigo. Há muito tempo a economia brasileira vem perdendo competitividade e amargurando péssimas posições em indicadores que tratam do ambiente de negócios. Neste contexto, em 2019, foi aprovada a inovadora Lei de Liberdade Econômica que visa garantir um ambiente econômico mais fácil, dinâmico e simplificado aos empreendedores. O Governo de Minas Gerais foi pioneiro na aplicação dessa nova legislação no Estado e em seus municípios. Para isso lançou o Programa Estadual de Desburocratização – Minas Livre para Crescer, que foi indicado como referência pela Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE), acerca de boas práticas de aplicação de políticas regulatórias com foco na desburocratização. O objetivo do artigo é apresentar como a experiência de Minas Gerais na aplicação de políticas liberais no desenvolvimento econômico trouxe importantes resultados na melhoria do ambiente de negócios e mais pujança econômica, com destaque para a geração de emprego, atração de novos investimentos e abertura de novas empresas. O presente artigo se caracteriza como descritivo documental, pois se ampara em registro e análise de dados de fontes primárias.
VISÃO BASEADA EM RECURSOS E CAPACIDADES DINÂMICAS
Authors: Rezende Sabrina Reinbold , Marques Patrícia Fernandes
Published: October 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as divergências e as convergências das teorias relacionadas com a Visão Baseada em Recursos (VBR) e as Capacidades Dinâmicas (CD) na tentativa de explicar aspectos fundamentais acerca das fontes de vantagem competitiva das organizações do setor público e sua sustentabilidade, considerando os conceitos aplicáveis ao setor privado. A revisão da literatura estudada buscou traçar a evolução da teorização dos conceitos e visões para evidenciar que essas duas abordagens são importantes contribuições das pesquisas acadêmicas na área de Administração Estratégica, tanto no setor público, quanto no privado. Na busca por relacionar as escolas VBR e CD com o setor público, concluiu-se que a vantagem competitiva nas organizações públicas remete a uma lógica de priorização dos resultados das políticas públicas, por meio das dimensões de desempenho, quais sejam efetividade, eficácia, eficiência e economicidade. Além disso, foi possível constatar que a presença de pessoas com habilidades e competências essenciais – atuando em sinergia com rotinas e processos administrativos bem definidos – favorece o alcance de elevados níveis de sustentação na gestão estratégica no setor público.
FUNDO SOBERANO
Authors: Maia Marcelo Verdini , Rezende Sabrina Reinbold
Published: October 2024

Este artigo aborda o regramento que deve ser aplicado a fundos “soberanos” subnacionais brasileiros, considerando a ausência de legislação geral sobre o tema e as peculiaridades da recepção desse instrumento financeiro no contexto normativo brasileiro. Embora esses fundos sejam tradicionalmente concebidos com o objetivo de promover políticas públicas de interesse nacional, sua utilidade se estende aos entes que, apesar de não serem soberanos, possuem autonomia administrativa. O principal objetivo é estabelecer a natureza jurídica desses fundos, classificando-os como fundos especiais, o que, por sua vez, os submete ao regime jurídico de direito público. Isso resulta na obrigatoriedade de prestação de contas. Os gestores dos fundos soberanos, independentemente de serem o Chefe do Poder Executivo ou outros responsáveis, devem prestar contas aos Tribunais de Contas, seguindo procedimentos específicos de acordo com sua posição. Essas medidas garantem a transparência e a responsabilidade na gestão de recursos públicos e promovem o controle social, o que contribui para o adequado funcionamento dos fundos soberanos subnacionais no Brasil.
COMPLIANCE E BUSCA DE INTEGRIDADE NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA
Authors: Bugarin Paulo Soares
Published: October 2024

A busca da máxima integridade administrativa possível e a luta permanente contra a corrupção e a fraude no setor público se qualificam como elementos fundamentais para a consolidação de um efetivo Estado Democrático de Direito em nosso País, e o mecanismo do compliance público se insere como um dos instrumentos essenciais para o seu alcance, no amplo contexto dos chamados programas de integridade. Nesse amplo, dinâmico e complexo cenário, este singelo ensaio visa trazer a lume uma contribuição para esse fundamental e oportuno debate, no âmbito do nosso País, tendo como foco principal a atuação do órgão constitucional de controle externo da administração pública federal, o TRIBUNAL DE CONTAS DA UNIÃO – TCU.
OS DESAFIOS DAS CONCESSÕES E PARCERIAS PÚBLICO-PRIVADAS NA ÓTICA DO CONTROLE EXTERNO
Authors: Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Poli de
Published: October 2024

A enorme gama de novos instrumentos normativos traz a todos os agentes públicos envolvidos no controle de contas, sejam membros, sejam servidores, importantes desafios, tanto na verificação da adequação legal das iniciativas dos entes públicos sujeitos a sua atuação e controle, quanto no seu papel de orientação aos jurisdicionados acerca dos cuidados que devem ser tomados na realização das atividades administrativas. Este artigo tem por fim abordar esses desafios levando em consideração a delegação da prestação do serviço público por meio das concessões de serviços públicos e das parcerias público-privadas que estão sendo levadas a efeito pelos mais diversos entes federativos. Importantes leis recentes, como as alterações da Lei de Introdução às Normas de Direito Brasileiro, a Lei da Liberdade Econômica, a Lei das Agências Reguladoras, o Novo Marco Legal do Saneamento Básico e a Nova Lei de Licitações trazem a necessidade de que os Tribunais de Contas, no exercício de sua missão, repensem sua forma de atuação a partir dos novos parâmetros normativos e mostrem aos jurisdicionados o caminho adequado para o cumprimento das regras legais.
ANÁLISE DE DADOS PREVIDENCIÁRIOS
Authors: Carrozzino Gustavo A. , Silva Marcos F.
Published: October 2024

O artigo apresenta as experiências dos Tribunais de Contas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul – TCE-RS e do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – TCE-RJ com a utilização dos dados previdenciários disponibilizados ao público pelo Ministério da Previdência Social – MPS por intermédio da API (Application Programming Interface) do Sistema CadPrev. Evidencia também a importância desses dados para o controle social, chamando a atenção para o potencial dos dados abertos governamentais e da necessidade de os Tribunais de Contas desenvolverem competências analíticas que lhes permitam incorporar a sua utilização nas avaliações de risco e no acompanhamento/monitoramento dos Regimes Próprios de Previdência Social – RPPS.
LICITAÇÕES PÚBLICAS INTERNACIONAIS
Authors: Reis Mohana Rangel dos Santos
Published: October 2024

A Lei nº 14.133/2021 (Nova Lei de Licitações e Contratos – NLLC) unificou regulamentações e jurisprudências e acolheu lições da doutrina aplicadas às Leis nº 8.666/93, nº 10.520/02 e nº 12.462/11. Apesar de ter inovado ao definir o tema Licitações Internacionais no artigo 6º, inciso XXXV, e em alguns outros — como a inserção do planejamento como princípio a ser observado —, conservou muitos conceitos da lei anterior, mantendo, assim, uma profunda carência normativa sobre a contratação de bens e serviços internacionais. Dessa maneira, os vários detalhes que o procedimento exige continuam fora do alcance de muitos agentes públicos, uma vez que estão dispostos em outros instrumentos legais ou são fruto de boas práticas administrativas, geralmente pouco disseminadas. Nesse cenário, o presente artigo abordará questões sobre a regulamentação do tema, bem como a padronização de ações mínimas necessárias à orientação dos agentes públicos que desempenham essa atividade. Desse modo, o trabalho discutirá o desafio que se apresenta com a normatização do assunto diante da legislação brasileira, as diretrizes da política monetária e do comércio exterior, bem como da legislação do comércio internacional. Portanto, os objetivos aqui são demonstrar a complexidade do tema e aproximar o agente público das peculiaridades que permeiam as licitações internacionais e do processo de importação no território nacional, além de promover uma reflexão sobre a importância de sua regulamentação para melhores resultados à sociedade e apoio aos mecanismos de transparência.
Improvements of facial profile and smile aesthetic using temporary anchorage devices and botulinum toxin: a case report
Authors: Viet Hoang , Thao Dang Thi Nhu , My Nguyen Khanh , Phuoc Tran Hong , Tuyen Hoang Minh
Published: October 2024

The severe gummy smile and a skeletal class II profile pose challenges in treatment. This case report outlines an effective alternative for addressing these problems in a patient with skeletal class II division 2, class II molar relationship, retroclination of upper incisors, and lip protrusion. Treatment objectives included normalizing the overjet and overbite, improving the gummy smile, and establishing a satisfactory occlusion. A three-dimensional simulation was performed to consult with the patient, assess possible results, and predict treatment biomechanics. The treatment involved the use of two zygomatic and one inter-radicular temporary anchorage devices, along with botulinum toxin. After the 2-year follow-up, a satisfactory dental occlusion, aesthetic improvement, and adequate function were achieved. This approach offers a viable alternative to orthognathic surgery for adults with skeletal class II malocclusion and a severe gummy smile due to hypermobile lip.
Portraiturer le monde à hauteur d’enfant : la transmission des connaissances dans la collection « Connais-tu mon pays » (Hatier)
Authors: Martens David
Published: October 2024

Parallèlement à celles destinées aux adultes, durant les Trente Glorieuses, de nombreuses collections de portraits phototextuels de pays voient le jour. Ainsi en va-t-il d’une série telle que « Connais-tu mon pays » (Hatier), qui se signale en ce que les textes de chacun des 14 volumes parus dans la collection sont signés par une seule et même autrice, Colette Nast. Ce projet éditorial revêt une dimension pédagogique marquée, le portrait apparaissant comme un moyen d’acquisition de connaissances qui recoupe à certains égards celles du cadre scolaire. Pour ce faire, et comme pour se placer « à hauteur d’enfant », la série met systématiquement en oeuvre un dispositif mettant en scène un jeune enfant local guidant les lecteurs, par une narration, à travers les réalités géographiques, historiques et sociales qu’il s’agit de présenter. Mais, ce faisant, il livre un savoir demeurant, en définitive, dispensé par des figures adultes.
Reasons for Hospital Admission in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Paredes Danelvis , Lackey Elijah , Shah Suma
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Health care utilization is higher in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. However, there are limited data on the reasons for their hospital admissions. Our primary objective is to analyze the reasons for the hospitalization of individuals with MS with the goal of identifying preventable causes.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of adults with a confirmed diagnosis of MS admitted to Duke University Hospital between January 2018 and January 2020. This yielded a cohort of 210 individuals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:

The most common reason for admission was urinary tract infection (UTI; 10.3%). The average length of stay was 6.1 days for the individuals with MS vs 5.5 days for the general population. The 30-day readmission rates were 14.9% and 15.5%, respectively. A significant number of admitted patients were not on any disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and no difference in median age was identified between those with a DMT vs those without.

CONCLUSIONS:

Length of stay and readmission rates were similar to those of the general population in this contemporary cohort. Given the prevalence of bladder dysfunction in MS, it is not surprising that a UTI was the most common reason for admission. Actively addressing management of and techniques for bladder dysfunction may decrease the admission rate for individuals with MS. Though we now have more treatment options for MS, many individuals with the highest health care utilization are not on a DMT. Future research is needed to identify the factors that can be addressed to support these patients and reduce preventable hospitalizations.
Broadband laser driven near-forward scattering light of planar film target
Authors: Long Xin-Yu , Xiong Jun , An Hong-Hai , Xie Zhi-Yong , Wang Pei-Pei , Fang Zhi-Heng , Wang Wei , Sun Jin-Ren , Wang Chen ,   Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Shanghai 201800, China
Published: October 2024

Laser-plasma instability (LPI) is one of the key problems in the ignition process of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and has been extensively studied in theory, simulation, and experiment for many years. Broadband laser, due to its low temporal coherence, can reduce the effective electric field strength when interacting with plasma and disrupt the phase-matching conditions of LPI, thus an effective approach to solving LPI issues is considered. Current extensive simulation studies indicate that broadband laser can suppress the generation of phenomena such as stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), and two-plasmon decay (TPD) to some extent. There are also a few backward scattering experimental studies, but more experimental researches, such as side-scattering, are still needed. Therefore, based on the broadband second harmonic laser facility “Kunwu”, the experiments are designed for studying the lateral scattering of critical density plasma driven by broadband laser and traditional narrowband laser, and the production of hot electrons as well in this work. The experimental results show that the side SBS spectra and side SRS spectra and portions at different angles excited by broadband lasers with a power density of 1×1015 W/cm2 are significantly different from those by narrowband lasers. Further analysis reveals that the overall portion of transverse hot electrons in broadband laser cases is higher than that in narrowband laser case. However, for broadband laser, the portion of SRS at small forward angle and backward angle are significantly lower than that for narrowband laser. Preliminary qualitative analysis suggests that SRS may not be the main mechanism for hot electron generation in this case, and that PDI might play a dominant role in generating hot electrons.
Molecular and Mechanical Signatures Contributing to Epidermal Differentiation and Barrier Formation
Authors: Prado-Mantilla Alexandra , Ning Wenxiu , Lechler Terry
Published: October 2024

Formation of the skin barrier requires rapid proliferation coupled with differentiation and stratification of the embryonic epidermis. Basal progenitors give rise to progeny throughout development – first to intermediate cells, a transient proliferative suprabasal cell population, and later to spinous cells. Neither the function nor the differentiation trajectory of intermediate cells has been documented. We generated transcriptomes of intermediate and spinous cells and identified specific markers that distinguish these two populations. Further, we found that intermediate cells express a subset of genes in common with granular cells of the epidermis – the terminal living cell type that helps establish the barrier. Lineage tracing revealed that most intermediate cells directly transition to granular cells without expressing markers specific to spinous cells, thus revealing a distinct lineage pathway leading to granular fate. In addition to their transcriptional similarities, intermediate and granular cells both had hallmarks of increased actomyosin contractility. We found that rather than simply lying downstream of cell fate pathways, contractility was sufficient to suppress spinous fate and promote granular gene expression. Together, these data establish the molecular and mechanical characteristics of the developing epidermis that allow this tissue to rapidly develop barrier activity.
Cellular and circuit features distinguish dentate gyrus semilunar granule cells and granule cells activated during contextual memory formation
Authors: Dovek Laura , Marrero Krista , Zagha Edward , Santhakumar Vijayalakshmi
Published: October 2024

The dentate gyrus is critical for spatial memory formation and shows task related activation of cellular ensembles considered as memory engrams. Semilunar granule cells (SGCs), a sparse dentate projection neuron subtype distinct from granule cells (GCs), were recently reported to be enriched among behaviorally activated neurons. However, the mechanisms governing SGC recruitment during memory formation and their role in engram refinement remains unresolved. By examining neurons labeled during contextual memory formation in TRAP2 mice, we empirically tested competing hypotheses for GC and SGC recruitment into memory ensembles. In support of the proposal that more excitable neurons are preferentially recruited into memory ensembles, SGCs showed greater sustained firing than GCs. Additionally, SGCs labeled during memory formation showed less adapting firing than unlabeled SGCs. Our recordings did not reveal glutamatergic connections between behaviorally labeled SGCs and GCs, providing evidence against SGCs driving local circuit feedforward excitation in ensemble recruitment. Contrary to a leading hypothesis, there was little evidence for individual SGCs or labeled neuronal ensembles supporting lateral inhibition of unlabeled neurons. Instead, pairs of GCs and SGCs within labeled neuronal cohorts received more temporally correlated spontaneous excitatory synaptic inputs than labeled-unlabeled neuronal pairs, validating a role for correlated afferent inputs in neuronal ensemble selection. These findings challenge the proposal that SGCs drive dentate GC ensemble refinement, while supporting a role for intrinsic active properties and correlated inputs in preferential SGC recruitment to contextual memory engrams.
Mapping kinase domain resistance mechanisms for the MET receptor tyrosine kinase via deep mutational scanning
Authors: Estevam Gabriella O , Linossi Edmond M , Rao Jingyou , Macdonald Christian B , Ravikumar Ashraya , Chrispens Karson M , Capra John A , Coyote-Maestas Willow , Pimentel Harold , Collisson Eric A , Jura Natalia , Fraser James S
Published: October 2024

Mutations in the kinase and juxtamembrane domains of the MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase are responsible for oncogenesis in various cancers and can drive resistance to MET-directed treatments. Determining the most effective inhibitor for each mutational profile is a major challenge for MET-driven cancer treatment in precision medicine. Here, we used a deep mutational scan (DMS) of ∼5,764 MET kinase domain variants to profile the growth of each mutation against a panel of 11 inhibitors that are reported to target the MET kinase domain. We identified common resistance sites across type I, type II, and type I ½ inhibitors, unveiled unique resistance and sensitizing mutations for each inhibitor, and validated non-cross-resistant sensitivities for type I and type II inhibitor pairs. We augment a protein language model with biophysical and chemical features to improve the predictive performance for inhibitor-treated datasets. Together, our study demonstrates a pooled experimental pipeline for identifying resistance mutations, provides a reference dictionary for mutations that are sensitized to specific therapies, and offers insights for future drug development.
Mitochondrial calcium modulates odor-mediated behavioral plasticity in C. elegans
Authors: Lee Hee Kyung , Joo Dong-Kyu , Park Kyu-Sang , Yoon Kyoung-hye
Published: October 2024

Despite growing understanding of the various roles mitochondria play in neurons, how they contribute to higher brain functions such as learning and memory remains underexplored. Here, using the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans,
we found that the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) pore forming unit MCU-1 is required for aversive learning to specific odors sensed by a single sensory neuron, AWC
ON
. MCU-1 expression was required in the sensory neuron at the time of odor conditioning for proper behavioral response to 60 min of prolonged odor exposure. Through genetic and pharmacological manipulation, we show evidence that MCU is activated in response to prolonged odor conditioning, causing mtROS production, leading to NLP-1 secretion. Finally, we show that the timing of MCU activation and neuropeptide release correspond with the OFF-neuron properties of the AWC neuron, suggesting that mitochondrial calcium entry and neuropeptide secretion coincide with AWC activation upon odor removal. Overall, our results demonstrate that, by regulating mitochondrial calcium influx, mitochondria can modulate the synaptic response to incoming stimuli in the sensory neuron, resulting in learning and modified behavior.
Growing microglia in the lab
Authors: Levenson Jonathan M , Kam Hio Tong , Chen Dong Feng
Published: October 2024

Transplanting microglia derived from human stem cells into mice reveals new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative eye diseases.
Using normative models pre-trained on cross-sectional data to evaluate longitudinal changes in neuroimaging data
Authors: Rehák Bučková Barbora , Fraza Charlotte , Rehák Rastislav , Kolenič Marián , Beckmann Christian , Španiel Filip , Marquand Andre , Hlinka Jaroslav
Published: October 2024

Longitudinal neuroimaging studies offer valuable insight into intricate dynamics of brain development, ageing, and disease progression over time. However, prevailing analytical approaches rooted in our understanding of population variation are primarily tailored for cross-sectional studies. To fully harness the potential of longitudinal neuroimaging data, we have to develop and refine methodologies that are adapted to longitudinal designs, considering the complex interplay between population variation and individual dynamics.We build on normative modelling framework, which enables the evaluation of an individual’s position compared to a population standard. We extend this framework to evaluate an individual’s longitudinal
change
compared to the longitudinal change reflected by the (population) standard dynamics. Thus, we exploit the existing normative models pre-trained on over 58,000 individuals and adapt the framework so that they can also be used in the evaluation of longitudinal studies. Specifically, we introduce a quantitative metric termed
“z-diff”
score, which serves as an indicator of a temporal change of an individual compared to a population standard. Notably, our framework offers advantages such as flexibility in dataset size and ease of implementation.To illustrate our approach, we applied it to a longitudinal dataset of 98 patients diagnosed with early-stage schizophrenia who underwent MRI examinations shortly after diagnosis and one year later.Compared to cross-sectional analyses, which showed global thinning of grey matter at the first visit, our method revealed a significant normalisation of grey matter thickness in the frontal lobe over time. Furthermore, this result was not observed when using more traditional methods of longitudinal analysis, making our approach more sensitive to temporal changes.Overall, our framework presents a flexible and effective methodology for analysing longitudinal neuroimaging data, providing insights into the progression of a disease that would otherwise be missed when using more traditional approaches.
Attentional modulation of secondary somatosensory and visual thalamus of mice
Authors: Petty Gordon H , Bruno Randy M
Published: October 2024

Each sensory modality has its own primary and secondary thalamic nuclei. While the primary thalamic nuclei are well understood to relay sensory information from the periphery to the cortex, the role of secondary sensory nuclei is elusive. One hypothesis has been that secondary nuclei may support feature-based attention. If this is true, one would also expect the activity in different nuclei to reflect the degree to which modalities are or are not behaviorally relevant in a task. We trained head-fixed mice to attend to one sensory modality while ignoring a second modality, namely to attend to touch and ignore vision, or vice versa. Arrays were used to record simultaneously from secondary somatosensory thalamus (POm) and secondary visual thalamus (LP). In mice trained to respond to tactile stimuli and ignore visual stimuli, POm was robustly activated by touch and largely unresponsive to visual stimuli. A different pattern was observed when mice were trained to respond to visual stimuli and ignore touch, with POm now more robustly activated during visual trials. This POm activity was not explained by differences in movements (i.e., whisking, licking, pupil dilation) resulting from the two tasks. Post hoc histological reconstruction of array tracks through POm revealed that subregions varied in their degree of plasticity. LP exhibited similar phenomena. We conclude that behavioral training reshapes activity in secondary thalamic nuclei. Secondary nuclei may respond to behaviorally relevant, reward-predicting stimuli regardless of stimulus modality.
Proposed checklist for the implementation of the SMT component assembly process
Authors: Cruz Junior Davi Clementino da , Vieira Junior Milton
Published: October 2024

The manufacture of electronic products has evolved significantly over time: it began with Wire Assembly, passed through THT (Through Hole Technology) with the emergence of Printed Circuit Boards, and reached SMT (Surface Mount Technology), following the trend towards the miniaturization of electronic components. The complete SMT production process generally consists of three distinct stages: the application of solder paste, the positioning of components and solder reflow to electrically connect the components to the board. It is a process of assembling electronic components directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), an automatic process that enables the production of electronic boards at high speed and precision. The manufacture of electronic boards using surface mount technology is the most up-to-date, even more so with the advent of Industry 4.0, which is increasingly raising the level of investment required to purchase the equipment/machines that make up a fully automated assembly line. However, it is common to find inefficient SMT lines, increasing manufacturing costs. In this context, this paper aims to present SMT equipment in the electronic board assembly sector, an efficient implementation system, considering everything from Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to Start Up, including Technical Information on the Board and the Components to be inserted into it, through the Programming of Assembly Equipment.
Evaluating Black Soldier Fly and Bloodworm Larvae Meals as Sustainable Protein Sources for Growth and Survival of Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in the Nursery Phase
Authors: Amatul-Samahah Md. Ali , Yusof Hanan Mohd , Rahim Muhammad Akmal Mohd , Ismail Noor Faizah , Jaapar Muhamad Zudaidy , Othman Ahmad Baihaqi
Published: October 2024

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effects of using insect larvae meals, such as BSF and BW larvae, as alternative feeds to commercial pellets on the growth performance and survival of Oreochromis spp. at the nursery stage.
Study Design: This study followed the randomized control treatment with three different diet.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Fisheries Research Institute Glami Lemi (FRIGL) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, within 35 days from July to August 2023.
Methodology: A total of 360 red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) fingerlings weighing 0.62 ± 0.06 g were randomly distributed into 12 rectangular aquarium tanks (250mm) at a stocking density of 30 fish per tank. They were fed with commercial pellets (CP), Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, and Bloodworm (BW). The feed amount was calculated at 10% of the total body weight per tank, with feeding conducted three times daily. The experimental setup was performed in triplicate. For the analysis of growth performances and fish survival, sampling was conducted weekly.
Results: BSF larvae meal had high lipid and protein content, measuring 35.35 ± 0.21% and 29.67 ± 0.98%, respectively. BW larvae meal also showed high lipid and protein content, with 28.23 ± 1.33% and 27.94 ± 0.52%, respectively. Fish fed with BSF and BW larvae exhibited significantly higher survival rates, 93.3 ± 3.3% and 86.7 ± 14.5%, respectively, compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the group fed with the commercial pellet showed the lowest survival rate, just 74.4 ± 12.6%. Fish fed with the BW larvae recorded the highest weight gain, 1.07 ± 0.16 g, followed by fish fed with BSF larvae, 0.66 ± 0.11 g, and then fish fed with commercial pellets, 0.41 ± 0.09 g.
Conclusion: Both BSF and BW larvae exhibited significant growth response properties to tilapia fingerings compared to commercial pellets. The findings from this study are promising and should be further verified at the farm scale.
Hydroponic Cultivation of Spices and Aromatics: Techniques, Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Shanila  , G. S. Sreekala , Nair Deepa S. , Stephen Roy , Gopinath Pratheesh P.
Published: October 2024

The global shift towards urbanization, with 55% of the population residing in urban areas and an anticipated rise to 68% by 2050, presents challenges to traditional farming. The increasing world population, further intensifies the strain on available agricultural land due to urban expansion. Climate change combines with these issues, make conventional cultivation more challenging. Alternative agricultural practices, such as hydroponics, gain significance in addressing these concerns. Aromatic and spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal and culinary properties. They contain various essential oils, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals responsible for their distinctive flavour and aroma, as well as their health benefits. The rising global demand for natural products from herbs and spices has led to its market growth. Hydroponics, a technology for cultivating plants in nutrient solutions with or without an artificial medium such as sand, gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat moss, coir or sawdust, offers a promising solution. This paper explores the potential of hydroponic cultivation for planting material production, enhancing the yield, nutritional composition, essential oil content and medicinal properties of various spice and aromatic crops, including black pepper, saffron, ginger, garlic, coriander, mint, celery, fenugreek, parsley, thyme, rosemary, green mustard, basil and others. The main challenges in hydroponic production of these crops include high initial investment, precise monitoring and lack of technical knowledge. Hence by reviewing recent literature, this paper aims to provide insights into the classification of hydroponics and its different techniques, benefits and challenges of hydroponic cultivation, various growing media and nutrient solutions used, types of hydroponics utilized and their purposes in the production of diverse herbs and spices. Embracing hydroponic techniques could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in urbanized environments where traditional farming faces constraints.
Attribution of Anthropogenic Influence on Atmospheric Patterns Conducive to Recent Most Severe Haze Over Eastern China
Authors: Li Ke , Liao Hong , Cai Wenju , Yang Yang
Published: February 2018

Severe haze pollution in eastern China has caused substantial health impacts and economic loss. Conducive atmospheric conditions are important to affect occurrence of severe haze events, and circulation changes induced by future global climate warming are projected to increase the frequency of such events. However, a potential contribution of an anthropogenic influence to recent most severe haze (December 2015 and January 2013) over eastern China remains unclear. Here we show that the anthropogenic influence, which is estimated by using large ensemble runs with a climate model forced with and without anthropogenic forcings, has already increased the probability of the atmospheric patterns conducive to severe haze by at least 45% in January 2013 and 27% in December 2015, respectively. We further confirm that simulated atmospheric circulation pattern changes induced by anthropogenic influence are driven mainly by increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our results suggest that more strict reductions in pollutant emissions are needed under future anthropogenic warming.
Contemporary Deformation of the North China Plain From Global Positioning System Data
Authors: Zhang Y. G. , Zheng W. J. , Wang Y. J. , Zhang D. L. , Tian Y. T. , Wang M. , Zhang Z. Q. , Zhang P. Z.
Published: February 2018

The North China Plain (NCP) is a region with high level of seismic hazard. Previous Global Positioning System measurements, however, have shown a near absence of present‐day crustal deformation. Using updated Global Positioning System data covering three blocks of the eastern China, we discover that interseismic deformation in the NCP takes place in an ~1,100 km wide left‐lateral shear zone of roughly east‐west orientation. The 6.0 ± 1.3 mm/yr interseismic left‐lateral shear over the NCP results in contemporary deformation that is eventually accommodated by earthquake ruptures of right‐lateral strike‐slip along the north‐northeast trending faults and anticlockwise block rotates. We suggest that rapid eastward motion of the rigid South China block, with respect to the rigid Amurian block, has created a left‐lateral shear couple to twist the nonrigid NCP to form the contemporary deformation.
Spatial Representativeness Error in the Ground‐Level Observation Networks for Black Carbon Radiation Absorption
Authors: Wang Rong , Andrews Elisabeth , Balkanski Yves , Boucher Olivier , Myhre Gunnar , Samset Bjørn Hallvard , Schulz Michael , Schuster Gregory L. , Valari Myrto , Tao Shu
Published: February 2018

There is high uncertainty in the direct radiative forcing of black carbon (BC), an aerosol that strongly absorbs solar radiation. The observation‐constrained estimate, which is several times larger than the bottom‐up estimate, is influenced by the spatial representativeness error due to the mesoscale inhomogeneity of the aerosol fields and the relatively low resolution of global chemistry‐transport models. Here we evaluated the spatial representativeness error for two widely used observational networks (AErosol RObotic NETwork and Global Atmosphere Watch) by downscaling the geospatial grid in a global model of BC aerosol absorption optical depth to 0.1° × 0.1°. Comparing the models at a spatial resolution of 2° × 2° with BC aerosol absorption at AErosol RObotic NETwork sites (which are commonly located near emission hot spots) tends to cause a global spatial representativeness error of 30%, as a positive bias for the current top‐down estimate of global BC direct radiative forcing. By contrast, the global spatial representativeness error will be 7% for the Global Atmosphere Watch network, because the sites are located in such a way that there are almost an equal number of sites with positive or negative representativeness error.
What Controls ENSO‐Amplitude Diversity in Climate Models?
Authors: Wengel C. , Dommenget D. , Latif M. , Bayr T. , Vijayeta A.
Published: February 2018

Climate models depict large diversity in the strength of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (ENSO amplitude). Here we investigate ENSO‐amplitude diversity in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) by means of the linear recharge oscillator model, which reduces ENSO dynamics to a two‐dimensional problem in terms of eastern equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies (T) and equatorial Pacific upper ocean heat content anomalies (h). We find that a large contribution to ENSO‐amplitude diversity originates from stochastic forcing. Further, significant interactions exist between the stochastic forcing and the growth rates of T and h with competing effects on ENSO amplitude. The joint consideration of stochastic forcing and growth rates explains more than 80% of the ENSO‐amplitude variance within CMIP5. Our results can readily explain the lack of correlation between the Bjerknes Stability index, a measure of the growth rate of T, and ENSO amplitude in a multimodel ensemble.
Continuous Gravity and Tilt Reveal Anomalous Pressure and Density Changes Associated With Gas Pistoning Within the Summit Lava Lake of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Poland Michael P. , Carbone Daniele
Published: February 2018

Gas piston events within the summit eruptive vent of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, are characterized by increases in lava level and by decreases in seismic energy release, spattering, and degassing. During 2010–2011, gas piston events were especially well manifested, with lava level rises of tens of meters over the course of several hours, followed by a sudden drop to preevent levels. The changes in lava level were accompanied by directly proportional changes in gravity, but ground deformation determined from tilt was anticorrelative. The small magnitude of the gravity changes, compared to the large changes in volume within the vent during gas pistons, suggests that pistoning involves the accumulation of a very low‐density (100–200 kg/m3) foam at the top of the lava column. Co‐event ground tilt indicates that rise in lava level is paradoxically associated with deflation (the opposite is usually true), which can be modeled as an increase in the gas content of the magma column between the source reservoir and the surface. Gas pistoning behavior is therefore associated with not only accumulation of a shallow magmatic foam but also more bubbles within the feeder conduit, probably due to the overall decrease in gas emissions from the lava lake during piston events.
Resolving Tropical Cyclone Intensity in Models
Authors: Davis C. A.
Published: February 2018

In recent years, global weather forecast models and global climate models have begun to depict intense tropical cyclones, even up to category 5 on the Saffir‐Simpson scale. In light of the limitation of horizontal resolution in such models, the author performs calculations, using the extended Best Track data for Atlantic tropical cyclones, to estimate the ability of models with differing grid spacing to represent Atlantic tropical cyclone intensity statistically. Results indicate that, under optimistic assumptions, models with horizontal grid spacing of one fourth degree or coarser should not produce a realistic number of category 4 and 5 storms unless there are errors in spatial attributes of the wind field. Furthermore, the case of Irma (2017) is used to demonstrate the importance of a realistic depiction of angular momentum and to motivate the use of angular momentum in model evaluation.
The Worldwide Marine Radiocarbon Reservoir Effect: Definitions, Mechanisms, and Prospects
Authors: Alves Eduardo Q. , Macario Kita , Ascough Philippa , Bronk Ramsey Christopher
Published: February 2018

When a carbon reservoir has a lower radiocarbon content than the atmosphere, this is referred to as a reservoir effect. This is expressed as an offset between the radiocarbon ages of samples from the two reservoirs at a single point in time. The marine reservoir effect (MRE) has been a major concern in the radiocarbon community, as it introduces an additional source of error that is often difficult to accurately quantify. For this reason, researchers are often reluctant to date marine material where they have another option. The influence of this phenomenon makes the study of the MRE important for a broad range of applications. The advent of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) has reduced sample size requirements and increased measurement precision, in turn increasing the number of studies seeking to measure marine samples. These studies rely on overcoming the influence of the MRE on marine radiocarbon dates through the worldwide quantification of the local parameter ΔR, that is, the local variation from the global average MRE. Furthermore, the strong dependence on ocean dynamics makes the MRE a useful indicator for changes in oceanic circulation, carbon exchange between reservoirs, and the fate of atmospheric CO2, all of which impact Earth's climate. This article explores data from the Marine Reservoir Database and reviews the place of natural radiocarbon in oceanic records, focusing on key questions (e.g., changes in ocean dynamics) that have been answered by MRE studies and on their application to different subjects.
Nutrient Fluxes From Profundal Sediment of Ultra‐Oligotrophic Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Implications for Water Quality and Management in a Changing Climate
Authors: Beutel Marc W. , Horne Alexander J.
Published: February 2018

A warming climate is expected to lead to stronger thermal stratification, less frequent deep mixing, and greater potential for bottom water anoxia in deep, temperate oligotrophic lakes. As a result, there is growing interest in understanding nutrient cycling at the profundal sediment‐water interface of these rare ecosystems. This paper assessed nutrient content and nutrient flux rates from profundal sediment at Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA. Sediment is a large reservoir of nutrients, with the upper 5 cm containing reduced nitrogen (∼6,300 metric tons) and redox‐sensitive phosphorus (∼710 metric tons) equivalent to ∼15 times the annual external load. Experimental results indicate that if deep water in Lake Tahoe goes anoxic, profundal sediment will release appreciable amounts of phosphate (0.13–0.29 mg P/m2·d), ammonia (0.49 mg N/m2·d), and iron to overlaying water. Assuming a 10 year duration of bottom water anoxia followed by a deep‐water mixing event, water column phosphate, and ammonia concentrations would increase by an estimated 1.6 µg P/L and 2.9 µg N/L, nearly doubling ambient concentrations. Based on historic nutrient enrichment assays this could lead to a ∼40% increase in algal growth. Iron release could have the dual effect of alleviating nitrate limitation on algal growth while promoting the formation of fine iron oxyhydroxide particles that degrade water clarity. If the depth and frequency of lake mixing decrease in the future as hydrodynamic models suggest, large‐scale in‐lake management strategies that impede internal nutrient loading in Lake Tahoe, such as bottom water oxygen addition or aluminum salt addition, may need to be considered.
Remote Detection of Saline Intrusion in a Coastal Aquifer Using Borehole Measurements of Self‐Potential
Authors: MacAllister DJ. , Jackson M. D. , Butler A. P. , Vinogradov J.
Published: February 2018

Two years of self‐potential (SP) measurements were made in a monitoring borehole in the coastal UK Chalk aquifer. The borehole SP data showed a persistent gradient with depth, and temporal variations with a tidal power spectrum consistent with ocean tides. No gradient with depth was observed at a second coastal monitoring borehole ca. 1 km further inland, and no gradient or tidal power spectrum were observed at an inland site ca. 80 km from the coast. Numerical modeling suggests that the SP gradient recorded in the coastal monitoring borehole is dominated by the exclusion‐diffusion potential, which arises from the concentration gradient across a saline front in close proximity to, but not intersecting, the base of the borehole. No such saline front is present at the two other monitoring sites. Modeling further suggests that the ocean tidal SP response in the borehole, measured prior to breakthrough of saline water, is dominated by the exclusion‐diffusion potential across the saline front, and that the SP fluctuations are due to the tidal movement of the remote front. The electrokinetic potential, caused by changes in hydraulic head across the tide, is one order of magnitude too small to explain the observed SP data. The results suggest that in coastal aquifers, the exclusion‐diffusion potential plays a dominant role in borehole SP when a saline front is nearby. The SP gradient with depth indicates the close proximity of the saline front to the borehole and changes in SP at the borehole reflect changes in the location of the saline front. Thus, SP monitoring can be used to facilitate more proactive management of abstraction and saline intrusion in coastal aquifers.
Hydrological Storage Length Scales Represented by Remote Sensing Estimates of Soil Moisture and Precipitation
Authors: Akbar Ruzbeh , Short Gianotti Daniel , McColl Kaighin A. , Haghighi Erfan , Salvucci Guido D. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: February 2018

The soil water content profile is often well correlated with the soil moisture state near the surface. They share mutual information such that analysis of surface‐only soil moisture is, at times and in conjunction with precipitation information, reflective of deeper soil fluxes and dynamics. This study examines the characteristic length scale, or effective depth Δz, of a simple active hydrological control volume. The volume is described only by precipitation inputs and soil water dynamics evident in surface‐only soil moisture observations. To proceed, first an observation‐based technique is presented to estimate the soil moisture loss function based on analysis of soil moisture dry‐downs and its successive negative increments. Then, the length scale Δz is obtained via an optimization process wherein the root‐mean‐squared (RMS) differences between surface soil moisture observations and its predictions based on water balance are minimized. The process is entirely observation‐driven. The surface soil moisture estimates are obtained from the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission and precipitation from the gauge‐corrected Climate Prediction Center daily global precipitation product. The length scale Δz exhibits a clear east‐west gradient across the contiguous United States (CONUS), such that large Δz depths (>200 mm) are estimated in wetter regions with larger mean precipitation. The median Δz across CONUS is 135 mm. The spatial variance of Δz is predominantly explained and influenced by precipitation characteristics. Soil properties, especially texture in the form of sand fraction, as well as the mean soil moisture state have a lesser influence on the length scale.