bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential to Use Variations in Tree-Ring Geometric Center to Estimate Past Wind Speed Change
Authors: Fang Keyan , He Maosheng , Bai Maowei , Dong Zhipeng , Linderholm Hans W. , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Guo Zhengtang
Published: October 2021

Tree radial growth is characterized by not only the annual ring-width increment but also shifts in the tree-ring geometric center (TRGC) if subjected to asymmetric external forcing, such as prevailing winds. Previous dendrochronological studies have used the asymmetric growth derived from tree-ring widths to reconstruct wind speed changes. Here we propose a novel method use quantitative TRGC measurements to estimate wind speed. We investigated TRGC shifts in northeast China, where the prevailing westerly winds are strong and persistent. We found that the TRGC showed significant correlations (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) with wind speed in May-September. The higher tree geometry sensitivity to wind speed obtained with the new method compared to previous ones, suggests the possibility of reconstructing historical wind change and variability in prevailing winds using TRGC. In addition, by correcting tree-ring radius according to their TRGC shifts, the basal area increment (BAI) was calculated. Our new BAI estimation provided stronger correlations with climate than both the standard tree-ring width chronology and a traditional BAI estimation. We suggest that future dendrochronological studies should consider TRGC shifts to increase the accuracy in climate reconstructions.
Case management intervention of High Users of the Emergency Department of a Portuguese hospital: a before-after design analysis
Authors: Gonçalves Simão , Von Hafe Francisco , Martins Flávio , Menino Carla , Guimarães Maria José , Mesquita Andreia , Sampaio Susana , Londral Ana Rita
Published: October 2021

Background: Emergency department (ED) High users (HU), defined as having more than ten visits to the ED per year, are a small group of patients that use a significant proportion of ED resources. The High Users Resolution Group(GRHU) identifies and provides care toHUto improve their health situation and reduce their visit frequency to the ED by delivering patient-centered, case management integrated care. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to measure the impact in terms of hospital visits of the GRHU intervention. Additionally, we aim to compare the program costs against its potential savings or additional costs. Finally, we intend to study the impact of the intervention across different groups of patients. Methods: We studied The changes triggered by the GRHU program in a retrospective non-controlled before-after analysis of patients’ hospital utilization data on six and 12-month windows from the first appointment. The GRHU team provided the patients’ and cost data. Results: A total of 238 EDHUwere intervened. A sample of 88 patients was analyzed on the 12-month window as they fulfilled all inclusion criteria. This intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction of 51% in ED use and hospitalizations, and a non-statistically significant increase in the total number of outpatient appointments. Overall costs reduced 43.56%. We estimated the intervention costs to be€162,847.82. The net cost saving was€104,305.25. The program’s Return on Investment (ROI) was estimated to be€2.3. Conclusions: Patient-centered case management for EDHUseems to effectively reduce ED visits and hospitalizations, leading to the more appropriate use of resources.
Left Ventricular Systolic Function Affects Right Atrial Pressure as Prognosticator in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Saito Chihiro , Jujo Kentaro , Abe Takuro , Kametani Motoko , Arai Kotaro , Minami Yuichiro , Ashihara Kyomi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND
The effect of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the prognostic impact of the right atrial pressure (RAP) in patients with heart failure (HF) requires clarification. We aimed to investigate whether LVEF affects the prognostic impact of RAP estimated from inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements in patients hospitalized with HF.
METHODS
Initially, this observational study included 1,349 consecutive patients urgently hospitalized with HF. After patient exclusions, 506 and 484 patients with reduced (<40%) and with non-reduced (≥40%) LVEF, respectively, were assigned according to maximum IVC diameter and its collapsibility, to the Normal-RAP (diameter ≤2.1cm; collapsibility ≥50%), High-RAP (diameter >2.1cm; collapsibility <50%), and Intermediate-RAP (others) groups. The endpoint comprised cardiovascular death after discharge and hospitalization for HF recurrence.
RESULTS
During the observation period, 247 (49%) patients with LVEF <40% and 178 (37%) patients with LVEF ≥40% experienced the endpoint. The patient subgroups with LVEF <40% had comparable event rates (ptrend=0.10). The High-RAP subgroup with LVEF ≥40% had a higher event rate than the other subgroups (p<0.001). The RAP independently predicted the endpoint in patients with LVEF ≥40% (hazard ratio: 1.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.59). The interaction between the RAP groups and LVEF regarding the primary endpoint was significant (pinteraction=0.007).
CONCLUSION
Stratifying patients with HF according to IVC measurements may predict the post-discharge cardiovascular prognoses of patients with non-reduced LVEF, but not that of patients with reduced LVEF.
Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among the educated community in Sudan
Authors: Babiker Ismat , Elnaeim Awab K. , Elnaeim Mohamed K.
Published: October 2021

Background

many challenges and social barriers facing people with epilepsy (PWE), are mainly due to lack of knowledge and negative attitudes of communities toward PWE. Despite advancement in the understanding of epilepsy and the availability of epilepsy treatment, the objective of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy among the educated community in Sudan.
Methods

in this cross-sectional descriptive internet-based survey that was conducted in Sudan during the period from January to April 2018, we developed a structured questionnaire that consists of demographic data and 16 statements to evaluate knowledge and attitude of the participants toward the nature of epilepsy, and social factors related to epilepsy. We used Google forms to collect data from participants who have a university degree or higher education.
Results

four hundred sixty-seven participants were included of whom 279 (60%) were females, the mean age of participants was 28.1 years (S.D. +/- 8.435). The majority of participants obtained their information from non-scientific sources, 69.6% had witnessed a seizure attack, and 38.3% have a relative with epilepsy, 77.9% knew that epilepsy is a problem in brain cells, while only 27.4% were aware that genetic factors may contribute to epilepsy. The participants had good knowledge that epilepsy is an organic disease rather than possession by the devil (8.1%), or punishment from God (0.6%), they were also aware that epilepsy is neither a mental illness (82.9%), nor contagious (96.6%), they think that epilepsy is controllable (92.7%), but not curable (49.5%). Our studied group had positive attitudes regarding marriage and employment in people with epilepsy (PWE), allowing PWE to attend family gatherings (96.4%), permitting children with epilepsy (CWE) to go to school (94%), and their children to play with CWE (93.8%).
Conclusion

the study demonstrated good knowledge and fair attitudes towards epilepsy. The female gender was significantly associated with good knowledge and positive attitudes towards epilepsy.
Delta-1 variant of SARS-COV-2 acquires spike V1264L and drives the pandemic in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia
Authors: Yang Xiang-Jiao
Published: October 2021

Since April 2021, delta variant of SARS-COV-2 has gradually overtaken all other variants and become a dominant pandemic driver around the world. It has evolved and yielded four subvariants: delta1, delta2, delta3 and delta4. While trying to understand how these subvariants drive the pandemic in Southeast Asia, I noticed that many d1 genomes from Indonesia encode an extra spike substitution, V1264L. Coincidentally, this confers an acidic dileucine motif because residues 1157-1262 are acidic and residue 1265 is leucine. Such a motif may affect subcellular trafficking of the resulting spike protein. Alarmingly, this V1264L-encoding delta1 subvariant (referred to as delta1L) has become the dominant pandemic driver in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and East Timor. Moreover, it has acquired additional spike substitutions: L1234L in Singapore and D215Y/N in Malaysia. On the average, the resulting sublineages carry 46-48 mutations per genome, making them some of the most mutated variants identified so far. Moreover, a d1 sublineage from the United Kingdom has acquired V1264L along with spike Y145H and A222V, a signature substitution of a SARS-COV-2 clade that was a major pandemic driver in Europe during the summer of 2020. A222V improves an extensive hydrophobic interaction network at the N-terminal domain of spike protein and may make this sublineage more virulent than delta1 and delta1L. Some delta2 subvariant genomes identified in the United States of America and other countries also encode V1264L. Thus, V1264L is a recurrent spike substitution frequently acquired by d subvariants during convergent evolution. This recurrence also suggests that V1264L is one key mechanism by which d variant adopts to expand its ‘evolutionary cage.’
Sources and ecological risk mapping of trace elements in multi-contaminated soils of gold mine employing GIS methods - Muthe Gold Mine, Iran
Authors: Ghafouri Laleh , Darabi Hasan , Rahmati Saeed
Published: October 2021

The properties of solid mine wastes are essential for understanding their potential health and ecological hazards, as well as chemical composition, although there is limited empirical data, especially in developing countries. This investigation was done to evaluate the possible trace element concentrations, sources and potential ecological risks in gold mine soil by applying Hakanson risk assessment method with ArcGIS technology. In this field study, quantitative contamination indicators like geoaccumulation index, contamination factor and ecological risk index were applied to compare three different sites. A total of 34 topsoil samples were collected from three selected areas, following which the different contamination parameters as well as sources of Arsenic, Copper Nickle, Lead and Zinc were determined. Results showed the concentration of Cu and As in soil samples of the gold mine area exceeded recommended standard values which seems to have a mix of anthropogenic and natural sources. The geochemical accumulation index results indicated clear signs that Cu with Igeo values for the three selected areas was classified as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (0≤Igeo<1). In regard to CF, the Senjedeh mine was classified as having very high contamination with Cu (CF ≥6). These findings indicated that the tailing dam and concentration factory were categorized as having ‘low ecological risk’ (RI≤150); while Senjedeh mine was respected as having ‘very high ecological risk’ (300≤RI<600). These findings emphasize the necessity for appropriate mine wastes characterization to make management decisions point towards reducing trace element pollution of soil and the related potential environmental and human health risks.
Technical considerations on the 3D printing components with DLP 3D printing process with ecological resin
Authors: Vasilescu Mircea Dorin
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this work is to analyse the technological aspects of the realization of components by 3D printing for the production of plan parts for experimental devices or stands. The author of this work envisages the realization of flat elements to which it can be determined how the organic resin material behaves when printing 3D with additive DLP technology. The work is structured in 5 chapters. In the first chapter, an analysis of how to make the plan elements by the additive DLP technology specific to the experimental programme adopted in this paper. The analysis will be carried out both constructively and functionally taking into account possibilities for designing components and making them. Chapter two is allocated to ordering technological parameters for 3D printing generation of parts defining the main technical parameters for generating them with ecological resin. The next chapter is allocated to analysing how to carry out the printer command program and check the structure of the element. In the four chapter, the dimensional measurement and control programme with dimensional and optical is presented. The last chapter is allocated to conclusions and comparisons from a technological point of view compared to other specific technologies for generating the analysed elements.
Smart mobile system for environmental recognition and monitoring
Authors: Constantin Alexandru
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a mobile system for temperature, humidity, dewpoint, thermal comfort index and gas monitoring, as well as environmental recognition, performed remotely. The application is called ReconBot, and from an architecture standpoint, the application is based on the client-server paradigm. Our solution works in a secure and reliable way in terms of storage, transmission and authentication. The results offered by our solution can be used in environmental research scenarios.
Charging floating bases for marine unmanned aerial drone
Authors: Mocanu Vlad
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the authors present new ways of using drones in the marine and offshore environments. The article includes the presentation of the main constructive electrical elements of a marine floating buoy, which play the role of charging base for an unmanned aerial drone. Also, are highlighted the main losses of the system’s components, what should have been taken into account when choosing the size of such an independent energy source, as well as the main steps for energy source design.
Efficacy of fluoride varnish in treating orthodontically-induced white spot lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alrebdi Abdulaziz , Ericson Dan , Qasim Syed Saad B. , Albahoth Ahmad , Al-Sulimani Abdulelah , Baskaradoss Jagan Kumar
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To systematically review the effectiveness of 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV) in the treatment of orthodontically-induced white spot lesions (WSLs).

Methods

A literature search of three independent databases (Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) was performed from inception to November 2020. This systematic review included randomised/quasi-randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that used FV for patients who had at least one WSL as a result of fixed orthodontic treatment. Exclusion criteria were split-mouth study designs or studies that failed to report WSLs as the outcome variable or studies with less than 3 months follow-up. An Inverse-Variance fixed-effect method was performed for continuous variables. Changes in the mean difference (MD) for the DIAGNOdent (DD) scores following FV application were calculated at the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Three of the four included studies showed significant improvement in the remineralisation of WSL after treatment with FV in comparison to control subjects. Three studies were conducted on patients after fixed orthodontic treatment and one study was conducted during treatment. The studies included a total of 284 participants with the majority in the age range of 10 to 25 years. The distribution of the participants was approximately equal in the FV and control group. When compared with the control group, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean DD readings for the FV group at the 3-month (MD = -3.43; 95% CI: -4.72 to -2.15; p < 0.001) and at the 6-month (MD = -4.47; 95% CI: -4.72 to -2.15; p < 0.001) follow-up visit.

Conclusions

Although few studies have shown the effectiveness of FV application in the treatment of orthodontically-induced WSLs, the limited number of robust clinical trials, makes it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion.
Perception of dental midline deviation and smile attractiveness by eye-tracking and aesthetic ratings
Authors: Aşik Sümeyye , Kök Hatice
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate the perception of smile aesthetics and midline deviation considered by orthodontists (ORT), dentists (DT), patient’s-relatives (PR), and laypersons (LP) using an eye-tracking device and survey.

Methods

The study invited the participation of 42 orthodontists, 51 dentists, 50 patient-relatives, and 52 laypersons. A posed smile photograph of a female was chosen as a base image. The dental midline (DML) was digitally moved 1 mm (DML1R, DML1L), 2 mm (DML2R, DML2L), 3 mm (DML3R, DML3L), and 4 mm (DML4R, DML4L) on the base image’s right (DMLR) and left (DMLL) segments. Eight modified images were subsequently obtained. The base, modified, and repeated images were randomly arranged and uploaded into the Tobii Pro Lab software program for assessment by the participants. An eye-tracking dataset included first fixation duration (FFD), total fixation duration (TFD), and visit counts (VC). The participants also evaluated the photographs on the survey forms via a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Likert scale. The intra-group relations and inter-group correlations were evaluated statistically.

Results

The TFD for the DML2R photograph was found to be statistically significant between the assessment groups (p = 0.026). While the longest fixation time (0.93 sec) belonged to the orthodontists, it was observed that the patient relatives had the shortest fixation time (0.51 sec). The VAS score for the DML2R image was found to be highest in laypersons (p < 0.001). In general, the survey scores of the patient relatives and laypersons were higher.

Conclusion

The fixation time between the participant groups increased when there was a 2 mm deviation. A 2 mm shift in the DML was noticed by all participant groups and was considered unaesthetic.
Multidisciplinary management of an adult skeletal Class III patient with generalized aggressive periodontitis and canine-premolar transposition
Authors: İnce-Bingöl Sinem , Nişancı-Yılmaz Mediha Nur , Kaya Burçak
Published: October 2021

This case report presents orthodontic camouflage treatment and the correction of transposed canine-first premolar teeth in a patient who presented with a skeletal Class III and familial periodontal problem. A 28-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with generalised aggressive periodontitis was treated by scaling and root planing plus the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics and surgical therapy prior to referral to the orthodontic department. After the progression of the disease was controlled, orthodontic treatment was commenced to correct the dental transposition by using a modified Nance-TPA appliance and sectional arch mechanics. A non-extraction orthodontic camouflage treatment was planned to eliminate the anterior crossbite and to establish a proper occlusion by closing the multiple diastemata. Treatment outcomes remained stable in the 2-year follow-up period. Severe orthodontic-periodontal problems can be successfully treated by oral hygiene motivation, an interdisciplinary approach, and the selection of appropriate biomechanics.
Crop Modeling
Authors: Sirotenko Oleg D.
Published: October 2021

A brief history of crop modeling activities in the former USSR is presented, and the author's view on the problems and perspectives of further developments is delineated. The paper is an analytical review of a detailed report on the issue of advances and problems in crop modeling that was recently published by the author. Although both theoretical and applied crop models are subjects of this review, the main emphasis is placed on the explanatory and behavioral features of existing and future crop models.
Soil Quality
Authors: Wander Michelle M. , Walter Gerald L. , Nissen Todd M. , Bollero German A. , Andrews Susan S. , Cavanaugh‐Grant Deborah A.
Published: October 2021

The term soil quality (SQ) encompasses both a soil's productive and environmental capabilities. Strategies or frameworks that help farmers manage SQ are vital as sole emphasis on production can have negative environmental consequences and exclusive focus on environmental considerations could endanger supplies of food or fiber. Recent efforts in the USA have prioritized the development of SQ assessment strategies that would be used by individual farmers. The Illinois Soil Quality Initiative (ISQI) is an example of a participatory research strategy coupled with a SQ index‐screening trial conducted on farm fields. A multivariate approach was used to identify promising indices and document tradeoffs in soil condition that were associated with tillage choices. Participatory aspects of the project confirmed that farmers appreciated the multivariate nature of soil and had great interest in SQ and stewardship. A dialogue component of the project had been structured to identify and then respond to cooperators' SQ information needs and to contribute to the development of indices that were related to soil function. Cooperator feedback suggested that a simple extension of this approach would be incapable of motivating or justifying the adoption of SQ building practices because factors constraining management choices were primarily structural (socioeconomic). Constructive follow‐up efforts might strive to develop techniques to integrate SQ information into frameworks that reflect the outcomes to be achieved within social or economic contexts. Only by devising such strategies (which might combine models, indices, expert knowledge, and/or direct measurement) will we be able to manage the soil resource to achieve desired ends.
Alfalfa Yield and Quality as Influenced by Establishment Method
Authors: Hoy Michael D. , Moore Kenneth J. , George J. Ronald , Brummer E. Charles
Published: October 2021

Weed control during alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment is a primary concern of forage producers. Companion crops and clear‐seeding with an herbicide are commonly used methods for establishing alfalfa. This study evaluated an alternative method in which alfalfa is seeded into a winter‐killed mulch residue from a fall‐seeded winter cover crop of oat (Avena sativa L.) and compared it with seven other establishment methods: (i) drilled with postemergence application of imazethapyr {(±)‐2‐[4,5‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methylethyl)‐5‐oxo‐2‐imidazol‐2‐y1]‐5‐ethyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid}, (ii) drilled with postemergence application of sethoxydim {2‐[1‐(ethoxyimino)butyl] 5‐[2‐(ethylthio)propo]‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one}, (iii) drilled with no oat and no herbicide, (iv) oat companion crop harvested for silage, (v) oat companion crop harvested for grain, (vi) spring‐planted oat drilled with postemergence application of sethoxydim, and (vii) broadcast seeding without weed control. Field studies were conducted at two Iowa locations in 1996 and 1997. The oat companion‐crop treatment harvested for silage yielded the greatest forage dry matter (DM) in the establishment year. However, drilled treatments without an oat companion crop, including the control, resulted in greater alfalfa stand densities. Treatments with sethoxydim had lower grass weed densities in the establishment year while the drilled control and oat residue mulch treatment had the greatest. Treatments containing oat, and clear‐seeded with imazethapyr, had the lowest broadleaf weed densities in the establishment year. During the establishment year, forage quality was greatest where alfalfa density was high and weed density was low. Because no significant yield or quality differences were found among treatments in the year after establishment, method chosen for establishment should be based on forage needs during the establishment year.
Genotype × Environment Interactions and Yield Stability of Food‐Grade Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Rao M. S. S. , Mullinix B. G. , Rangappa M. , Cebert E. , Bhagsari A. S. , Sapra V. T. , Joshi J. M. , Dadson R. B.
Published: October 2021

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], an important component of the Asian diet, is gaining popularity as a source of vegetable protein and phytochemicals in the USA. However, soybean cultivars with desirable agronomic traits and biochemical components that enhance the quality of soyfoods have not been identified for cultivation in the USA. Twelve soybean genotypes, including three from Japan, were evaluated for their agronomic performance, genotype × environment (GE) interactions, and yield stability at four locations in the USA from 1994 to 1997. At maturity, seed yield, biomass, harvest index (HI), and 100‐seed dry weight were determined using plants harvested from the middle two rows of each plot. Genotypic differences for the traits examined were significant. The mean seed yield across locations and years ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 Mg ha−1. The Japanese cultivars had larger seeds but were outyielded by the American genotypes by ≈10% and up to 35% by ‘Hutcheson’. The genotype effects were significantly larger than the location × year effects for plant height, seed weight, and HI, but not for biomass or seed yield. Biomass and HI were important determinants of seed yield. S90–1056, V81–1603, V71–370, ‘Enrei’, ‘Nakasennari’, ‘Ware’, and ‘York’ were stable for seed weight across years. Hutcheson, S90–1056, York, MD86–5788, Nakasennari, and BARC‐8 showed yield stability across environments and years. S90–1056, York, and Nakasennari were stable for both seed weight and seed yield; therefore, they could be used for commercial production in the USA or for breeding soybean cultivars suitable for tofu preparation.
Planting Date, Cultivar, and Tillage System Effects on Dryland Soybean Production
Authors: Popp Michael P. , Keisling Terry C. , McNew Ronald W. , Oliver Lawrence R. , Dillon Carl R. , Wallace Daniel M.
Published: October 2021

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields from nonirrigated fields in the midsouthern USA have consistently lagged behind those from irrigated fields. Nonetheless, nonirrigated fields still attract a larger share of soybean acreage in this region. This is likely due to various irrigation constraints, which include land‐leasing arrangements, water shortage, lack of management time, and low levels of operating capital. The objective of this study was to identify production system components consisting of tillage, cultivar selection, and planting‐date strategies for a soil series that are most suitable for enhancing economic returns to dryland soybean. Data from field experiments in three Arkansas locations in 1995 and 1996 were used for the study. Leading production systems were identified on the basis of their net returns. Results of the study show that the performance of the production systems in terms of crop yields and net returns is influenced by location and production year. While the evidence on pure planting‐date effects is confounded with physical field location, cultivar yields from early soybean plantings in April and May are generally higher than those from later plantings. Furthermore, conventional and fallow production systems had higher net returns than no‐till systems, largely due to higher herbicide costs associated with no‐till systems. Sensitivity analysis showed that planting date and seedbed preparations are robust to changes in herbicide, fuel, and soybean prices. Further, careful attention to cultivar selection is deemed appropriate because cost differences of cultivar seeds are minor relative to net return differences that are yield driven.
Management Zone Analyst (MZA)
Authors: Fridgen Jon J. , Kitchen Newell R. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Drummond Scott T. , Wiebold William J. , Fraisse Clyde W.
Published: October 2021

Producers using site‐specific crop management (SSCM) have a need for strategies to delineate areas within fields to which management can be tailored. These areas are often referred to as management zones Quick and automated procedures are desirable for creating management zones and for testing the question of the number of zones to create. A software program called Management Zone Analyst (MZA) was developed using a fuzzy c‐means unsupervised clustering algorithm that assigns field information into like classes, or potential management zones. An advantage of MZA over many other software programs is that it provides concurrent output for a range of cluster numbers so that the user can evaluate how many management zones should be used. Management Zone Analyst was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 and operates on any computer with Microsoft Windows (95 or newer). Concepts and theory behind MZA are presented as are the sequential steps of the program. Management Zone Analyst calculates descriptive statistics, performs the unsupervised fuzzy classification procedure for a range of cluster numbers, and provides the user with two performance indices [fuzziness performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE)] to aid in deciding how many clusters are most appropriate for creating management zones. Example MZA output is provided for two Missouri claypan soil fields using soil electrical conductivity, slope, and elevation as clustering variables. Management Zone Analyst performance indices indicated that one field should be divided into either two (using NCE) or four (using FPI) management zones and the other field should be divided into four (using NCE or FPI) management zones.
The Spatial Distribution of Soybean Cyst Nematode in Relation to Soil Texture and Soil Map Unit
Authors: Avendaño Felicitas , Pierce Francis J. , Schabenberger Oliver , Melakeberhan Haddish
Published: October 2021

Evidence suggests that variation in soil texture may be key to explain the variability of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycinesIchinohe) population density within infested fields and may be important to the delineation of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management zones. The purpose of this work was to assess the spatial structure of soil texture in two fields of known SCN population density and its relationship to published soil survey maps and to quantify the relationship between soil texture and SCN population density variability across fields and over time. Cysts were extracted by elutriation from single‐core soil samples collected in a geostatistical sampling design. Soil texture analysis was performed using a modified hydrometer method. Classical and geostatistical tools were employed to characterize and map soil texture and correlate sand, silt, and clay with SCN population. Cyst population density was consistently higher in loamy sand than in sandy clay loam. Sand, clay, and silt in the soil were spatially structured and strongly correlated with SCN population density consistently over time. The number of eggs per cyst was not related to soil type or texture. This study demonstrates the value of soil survey maps as indicators of where SCN can be expected in an infested field and how the addition of site‐specific texture data can improve the spatial prediction of SCN. This study provides the basis for future experimentation to define soil texture tolerance limits for SCN and lays out foundations for new and integrated approaches to site‐specific management of SCN.
Soybean Cultivar Differences on Light Interception and Leaf Area Index during Seed Filling
Authors: Board James E.
Published: October 2021

Light interception and leaf area criteria to maintain optimum soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield during the last half of the seed filling period have been developed since this is the period of most frequent infestations by defoliating insects in the southeastern USA. Because these criteria were developed for only one cultivar, Centennial, they would have greater applicability if shown to be applicable across a range of cultivars. The objective of this research was to determine if these previous criteria are applicable across a range of commercial soybean cultivars. The study was conducted at the Ben Hur Research Farm near Baton Rouge, LA (30°N lat), on a Commerce silt loam soil (fine‐silty, mixed, nonacid, thermic, Aeric, Fluvaquent). Planting dates were 3 June 1997 and 30 June 1998. The experimental treatments consisted of a factorial combination of 10 soybean cultivars and three leaf defoliation treatments: a nondefoliated control, partial defoliation at the temporal midpoint of seed filling, and total defoliation at the temporal three‐fourths point of seed filling. Leaf area index (LAI) and canopy light interception (LI) were measured after defoliation treatments. Grain yield was determined at maturity by machine harvest. Partial defoliation at mid–seed filling significantly (P < 0.05) reduced LAI, LI, and yield in 8 out of 10 cultivars in at least 1 yr of the study. Total defoliation at the three‐fourths point of seed filling also reduced yields for almost every cultivar–year treatment combination. Our results tended to support the original criteria related to LI and leaf area criteria for maintenance of optimal yield.
PREDICTION OF LEAF/STEM RATIO USING NEAR‐INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS)
Authors: Smart Alexander J. , Schacht Walter H. , Moser Lowell E. , Volesky Jerry D.
Published: October 2021

Leaf/stem ratio of grass stands is an important factor affecting diet selection, quality, and forage intake. Determination of leaf/stem ratio involves a labor‐intensive process of hand separating leaf and stem fractions. Our objectives in this study were to evaluate leaf/stem ratio prediction using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) in monocultures of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedian (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey], and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.). Samples of each species were hand‐clipped from monocultures at four locations throughout Nebraska in the 1997 and 1998 growing seasons. Ground samples were scanned by a Perstorp model 6500 near‐infrared scanning monochromator. Calibration equations were developed using CENTER and SELECT procedures. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy estimated leaf/stem ratio in monocultures of big bluestem, switchgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, and smooth bromegrass with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.73, 0.96, 0.75, and 0.84, respectively. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy was a rapid means of estimating leaf/stem ratio in these grasses.
Cotton Fiber Quality is Related to Boll Location and Planting Date
Authors: Davidonis Gayle H. , Johnson Ann S. , Landivar Juan A. , Fernandez Carlos J.
Published: October 2021

Early cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) planting in the Texas Coastal Bend has the potential for improved performance through drought avoidance. This 2‐yr field study was conducted to compare the effect of boll position on fiber properties across planting dates and to determine how flowering date, boll position, and environmental factors affect fiber quality. Cotton (‘Deltapine 5409’) was planted early March, late March, and mid‐April each year. In 1997, lint yield for the early planting date (731 kg ha−1) was significantly higher than the middle (622 kg ha−1) and late (533 kg ha−1) planting dates. No significant differences in yield were found in 1999. Boll distribution patterns for middle‐ and late‐planted cotton were similar. In 1997, the drier of the 2 yr, fiber length and micronafis values increased at all boll locations with earliness of planting while in 1999, the longest and most mature fiber was associated with a number of boll locations in the middle planting date. High temperatures before and during boll development accompanied by adequate moisture increased fiber maturity.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Rice Yield Variability in Two California Fields
Authors: Roel Alvaro , Plant Richard E.
Published: October 2021

Currently, little is known about the spatial and temporal variability of rice (Oryza sativaL.) yield patterns. This information is needed before implementing any site‐specific management strategy. The objective of this research was to characterize the spatial and temporal yield variability of rice grown in commercial fields in California. Rice cultivars M‐202 and Koshihikari were grown and managed by a cooperating farmer, who collected yield monitor data over a 4‐yr period. Alternative methods of data quality analysis were applied to the data. To evaluate temporal variability, yields from different years must be placed on a common grid. The appropriate size for these grids was tested. Large‐scale spatial structure was determined using median polish while small‐scale spatial structure was evaluated by computing variograms of the yield residuals after subtracting the trends. Temporal variability was determined using two approaches: (i) computation of the variance among years of the original, trend, and residual yield values at fixed points in the field and (ii) cluster analysis of the standardized trend yield values. Results from the study showed that the grid density necessary to capture the spatial variability depended on site and year. Trend surface spatial behaviors depended on year, indicating a lack of temporal stability. Variograms showed strong spatial structure of yield residuals. Cluster analysis reduced the considerable complexity in a sequence of yield maps of these fields to a few general patterns of variations among years.
Superflow decay in a toroidal Bose gas: The effect of quantum and thermal fluctuations
Authors: Mehdi Zain , Bradley Ashton , Hope Joseph , Szigeti Stuart
Published: October 2021

We theoretically investigate the stochastic decay of persistent
currents in a toroidal ultracold atomic superfluid caused by a
perturbing barrier. Specifically, we perform detailed three-dimensional
simulations to model the experiment of Kumar et al. in [Phys. Rev. A 95
021602 (2017)], which observed a strong temperature dependence in the
timescale of superflow decay in an ultracold Bose gas. Our ab initio
numerical approach exploits a classical-field framework that includes
thermal fluctuations due to interactions between the superfluid and a
thermal cloud, as well as the intrinsic quantum fluctuations of the Bose
gas. In the low-temperature regime our simulations provide a
quantitative description of the experimental decay timescales, improving
on previous numerical and analytical approaches. At higher temperatures,
our simulations give decay timescales that range over the same orders of
magnitude observed in the experiment, however, there are some
quantitative discrepancies that are not captured by any of the
mechanisms we explore. Our results suggest a need for further
experimental and theoretical studies into superflow stability.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, TRADE OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EMPIRICAL STUDY IN MENA COUNTRIES
Authors: Nafti Sawssen
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we empirically investigate the causal relationship between financial development, environmental degradation (CO2 emissions), trade openness and economic growth (GDP), using Panel data (the theory of cointegration Pedroni (1999,2004)) for 12 MENA countries ( Middle East and North Africa) during the period 1990- 2014.The long-term relationships estimated by the modified least squares technique proposed by Pedroni (1996). Our results indicate that there is evidence for a bidirectionel causality between CO2 emissions and economic growth. Economic growth and trade openness are interdependent, it exist a bidirectionel causality. Also, we confirm a bidirectional causality among trade openness and financial development. The unidirectional causality of financial development on economic growth and openness to CO2 emissions trading is identified. Our empirical results also verified the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis by the causal link between GDP and environmental polution. Finally, panel causality verifies the existance of bidirectional relationship between economic growth(GDP), environmental degradation(CO2 emissions), financial development and trade openness. This empirical knowledge is of particular interest to policy makers as it helps us create sound economic policies to support economic development and improve environmental quality.
Do sustainability reporting conduct and corporate governance attributes relate? Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Pasko Oleh , Zhang Li , Tuzhyk Kateryna , Proskurina Nelia , Gryn Viktoriia
Published: October 2021

Adopting agency and stakeholders theories, this study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance attributes (board size, board independence, female directors, and CEO duality) and sustainability reporting conduct in China. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 10,330 firm-year observations of Chinese listed companies over the period from 2015 to 2018. Data are supplied by WIND and CSMAR databases, whilst regression analysis is applied to test the hypotheses. Results indicate that board size and board independence were found to be positively associated with the sustainability reporting conduct, while female directors and CEO duality both do not have a significant effect on sustainability reporting conduct in the Chinese institutional settings. This paper advances on arguments of the agency and stakeholders theories with these findings. The larger and more independent board facilitates better monitoring of the managers, what leads to decision-making based on a more appreciation of stakeholders’ perspectives. The study is premised on the presence/absence of sustainability reporting, and it does not take into consideration the quality aspect, which can result in erroneous interpretation. The results should not be generalized as the sample was based on China’s companies for 2015–2018. This study has policy implications for managers and policymakers alike concerning designing board composition conducive to sustainability reporting conduct.
Mammalian brain biology in terms of learning and memorizing
Authors: BIELECKA ARLETTA , HIŻEWSKA LIGIA
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to summarize the knowledge about selected biochemical processes involved in the process of learning and memorizing in particular brain structures. The brain of mammals is composed of many structures and each of them is involved in the creation of memory processes to a different degree. The relevant element is the hippocampus, which is responsible for transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Learning and memory are also greatly influenced by compounds called neurosteroids, which work by stimulating or inhibiting synaptic transmission. De novo synthesized neurosteroids in most areas of the brain are endogenous modulators of learning and memory formation in the hippocampus.
PROCESSO DE INICIALIZAÇÃO DO MODELO WRF EM UM CASO DE CICLOGÊNESE EXPLOSIVA
Authors: Feitosa Otavio Medeiros , Ramos Emily Claudia Pereira , Silva Thamires Raquel Marinho , Gonçalves Leonardo José , Harter Fabricio Pereira
Published: October 2021

A assimilação de dados vem se tornando cada vez mais uma ferramenta fundamental na inicialização de modelos numéricos de previsão do tempo, podendo contribuir de forma significativa para a previsão de sistemas de formação rápida, como é o caso dos ciclones explosivos. Neste trabalho objetivou-se analisar a influência da assimilação de dados e uso de filtro digital na predição de uma ciclogênese explosiva utilizando o modelo WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting Model). A utilização de assimilação de dados apresentou melhora na predição do modelo, principalmente nas primeiras horas de predição, o que pode impactar positivamente na integração de curtíssimo prazo (nowcasting). Por outro lado, não foi observada melhora na performance do modelo com a utilização do filtro digital no experimento sem assimilação, pois neste caso, o próprio método numérico amortizou o ruído.
Bilim ile Sanatın İş Birliği Üzerine Bilimsel İllüstrasyon Leonardo da Vinci İncelemeleri
Authors: Bulduk Türkmen Banu
Published: October 2021

Bilimsel illüstrasyon, bilim ile sanatın iş birliği içerisinde bir konuyu, vakayı, durumu ya da bir nesneyi yakından tanımak ve incelemek için bir arada çalışarak üretim yapılması olarak yorumlanabilir. Bilimsel bilginin görünür halinin resimlenmesi ya da hikayesinin yorum olmaksınız görünür hale getirilmesi olarak tanımlanabilen bu çalışma alanı, bilginin aktarımını nitelikli hale getirirken sanattan faydalanarak bilginin anlaşılırlığını kolaylaştırmaktadır. Bu araştırma makalesinde bilimsel illüstrasyonun önemi, bilim ile ortak çalışma alanı olan bilimsel illüstrasyonun çalışma alanları ve bu süreç içerisinde bilim insanlarının sanat ile ilişkisini yorumlayarak alana katkılarının değerlendirilmesi çalışmanın başlıca sorunsalıdır. Bu bağlamda sanatçı ve mucit kişiliği ile bilimsel çizimlerinden hareketle Leonardo da Vinci uygulamaları ele alınmış, bilim ile sanat iş birliğinin ortak çalışma alanı üzerinde durulmuştur. İllüstrasyonun bir çalışma alanı olan bilimsel illüstrasyonun fotoğraftan ayrılan noktalarına ve ayırt edici özelliklerine değinilmekte, bilime katkısına dikkat çekmek amaçlanmaktadır. Bilimsel illüstrasyonun bilimin sanat ile iş birliği içerisinde etkileşimli bir paydada buluştuğu ve bilime destek sunmasının önemli olduğu sonucuna varılmaktadır.
Multiple-steps scenario optimisation for pumping plants activation in water supply systems
Authors: Napolitano Jacopo , Sechi Giovanni M.
Published: October 2021

Economic aspects concerning the high costs related to energy requirements for managing complex water supply systems need a robust strategy, particularly considering the activation of pumping plants. Considering hydrological uncertainties, the definition of strategic rules can ensure energy savings and the well-timed activation of costly water transfers for shortage risk alleviation. The modelling approach has been developed aiming at defining strategic rules of pumps activation thresholds. It considers the need for seasonal variations of activation and the different costs of energy in diverse time slots, according to the usual cost rules adopted by the authorities. Starting with the traditional scenario analysis approach, a new algorithm has been developed considering a multiple-steps scenario optimisation implemented using GAMS interfaced with CPLEX solvers. The results should allow the water authority to establish a robust strategy for pumping activation to guarantee the fulfilment of water demands and to ensure an energy-saving policy.
Economic Policy and Analysis of the Draft Forcast by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Up to 2024
Authors: Dzarasov R. S. , Zhuravleva G. P. , Aleksandrova E. V.
Published: October 2021

Topicality of the document prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation -the Forecast of the Social and Economic Development of the Russian Federation up to 2024 (hereafter referred to as the MED Forecast) implies both estimation of principle factors, which can affect the development of economy in the country within the set period and at the same time demonstration of the potential effect of steps planned by the government. The article shows that it is the draft of the forecast and of the strategy of the country development. The authors think that the document shall be reviewed as a proposal, where key factors of economy will be budget rule execution, i.e. fixing long-term restrictions on budget policy indicators; investment in the fixed capital attended by certain measures of the government aimed at creating conditions for their growth; monetary and credit policy providing economic development stability; pension reform connected with the supposed improvement on labour market. Methodological foundation of the research was formed by a number of academic methods, such as observation and collection of facts, modeling, analysis and synthesis, system approach, induction and deduction, historic and logical methods. It is a combination of modes that are used for comprehensive characteristic of phenomenon and process development through digital data. Nature of set tasks determined the necessity to apply such method as the archive search and the comparative method.