bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The consequence of matrix dysfunction on lung immunity and the microbiome in COPD
Authors: Hussell Tracy , Lui Sylvia , Jagger Christopher , Morgan David , Brand Oliver
Published: June 2018

The pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins which primarily defines tissue architecture and regulates various biochemical and biophysical processes. It is a dynamic system comprising two main structures (the interstitial matrix and the basement membrane) which undergo continuous, yet highly regulated, remodelling. This remodelling process is essential for tissue homeostasis and uncontrolled regulation can lead to pathological states including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Altered expression of ECM proteins, as observed in COPD, can contribute to the degradation of alveolar walls and thickening of the small airways which can cause limitations in airflow. Modifications in ECM composition can also impact immune cell migration and retention in the lung with migrating cells becoming entrapped in the diseased airspaces. Furthermore, ECM changes affect the lung microbiome, aggravating and advancing disease progression. A dysbiosis in bacterial diversity can lead to infection, inducing epithelial injury and pro-inflammatory reactions. Here we review the changes noted in the different ECM components in COPD and discuss how an imbalance in microbial commensalism can impact disease development.
Predictors of Renal Function and Calcifications in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Ejlsmark-Svensson Henriette , Bislev Lise Sofie , Rolighed Lars , Sikjaer Tanja , Rejnmark Lars
Published: June 2018

Context

Some patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) develop renal calcifications. Investigation of urinary and nonurinary risk factors are essential.

Objective

We aimed to study the prevalence and potential biochemical predictors of renal calcifications.

Design

Nested case-control study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

We identified 792 patients with PHPT from 2005 to 2015. We used biochemical data to validate the diagnosis of PHPT.

Main Outcome Measures

The prevalence of renal calcifications defined as nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis assessed by a routine CT scan at the time of diagnosis.

Results

A total of 792 patients with PHPT were identified among whom 617 patients (78%) had a CT scan preformed. We found a prevalence of renal calcifications of 23%, equally frequent between sexes. A total of 76 patients (12%) had nephrolithiasis and 75 patients (12%) had nephrocalcinosis where 7 patients (1%) had both nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Compared with patients without renal calcifications, patients with renal calcifications had significantly higher levels of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 24-hour calcium excretion (Pall < 0.01). Patients with nephrocalcinosis had higher plasma levels of phosphate and a higher calcium-phosphate product compared with patients with nephrolithiasis (Pall < 0.05). Impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min) was observed in 12% of patients. However, no differences in renal function were observed between those with and without renal calcifications.

Conclusion

Renal calcifications are frequent in patients with PHPT and are associated with the severity of the disease. Impaired renal function is also common in PHPT, but renal function was not associated with renal calcifications.
Active acoustic interference elicits echolocation changes in heterospecific bats
Authors: Jones Te K. , Wohlgemuth Melville J. , Conner William E.
Published: June 2018

Echolocating bats often forage in the presence of both conspecific and heterospecific individuals who have the potential to produce acoustic interference. Recent studies have shown that at least one bat species, the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), produces specialized social signals that disrupt the sonar of conspecific competitors. We herein discuss the differences between passive and active jamming signals and test whether heterospecific jamming occurs in species overlapping spatiotemporally as well as whether such interference elicits a jamming avoidance response (JAR). We compare the capture rates of tethered moths and the echolocation parameters of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) challenged with the playback of the jamming signal normally produced by Brazilian free-tailed bats and playback of deconstructed versions of this signal. There were no differences in the capture rates of targets with and without the jamming signal although significant changes in both spectral and temporal features of the bats’ echolocation were observed. These changes are consistent with improvements of the signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of acoustic interference. Accordingly, we propose to expand the traditional definition of the JAR, stating that echolocation changes in response to interference should decrease similarity between the two signals, to include any change that increases the ability to separate returning echoes from active jamming stimuli originating from conspecific and heterospecific organisms. Flexibility in echolocation is an important characteristic for overcoming various forms of acoustic interference and may serve a purpose in interspecific interactions as well as intraspecific ones.
Changes in hemolymph total CO2 content during the water-to-air respiratory transition of amphibiotic dragonflies
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Gutbrod Martin , Ferreras Fernando M. , Matthews Philip G. D.
Published: June 2018

Dragonflies (Odonata, Anisoptera) are amphibiotic; the nymph is aquatic and breathes water using a rectal gill before transitioning to the winged adult that breathes air through spiracles. While the evolutionary and developmental transition from water- to air-breathing is known to be associated with a dramatic rise in internal CO2 levels, the changes in blood-gas composition experienced by amphibiotic insects, which represent an ancestral air-to-water transition, are unknown. This study measured total CO2 (TCO2) in hemolymph collected from aquatic nymphs and air-breathing adults of Anax junius, Aeshna multicolor (Aeshnidae), Libellula quadrimaculata, and L. forensis (Libellulidae). Hemolymph PCO2 was also measured in vivo in both Aeshnid nymphs and marbled crayfish (Procambarus fallax. f. virginalis) using a novel fiber-optic CO2 sensor. The hemolymph TCO2 of the pre- and early-final instar nymphs was found to be significantly lower than that of the air-breathing adults. However, the TCO2 of the late-final instar Aeshnid nymphs was not significantly different from the air-breathing adult, despite the late-final nymph still breathing water. TCO2 and PCO2 were also significantly higher in the hemolymph of early-final Aeshnid nymphs compared to the water-breathing crayfish. Thus, while dragonfly nymphs show an increase in internal CO2 as they transition from water to air, from an evolutionary standpoint, the nymph's ability to breathe water is associated with a comparatively minor decrease in hemolymph TCO2 relative to the air-breathing adult.
Effective Artificial Co-enzyme Based on Single-Electron Reduced Form of 2,2′-Bipyridinium Salt Derivatives for Formate Dehydrogenase in the Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Ikeyama Shusaku , Abe Ryutaro , Shiotani Sachina , Amao Yutaka
Published: June 2018

Formate dehydrogenase (FDH) is a useful biocatalyst for CO2 reduction to formic acid in a photoredox system consisting of a photosensitizer and an electron carrier. The electron carrier, single-electron reduced 2,2′-bipyridinium salts (2,2′-BP2+s) act as the co-enzyme for FDH in the reaction of CO2 to formic acid. An advantage of 2,2′-BP2+s is the easy change of structural geometry and the various single-electron reduction potentials. For further improvement of CO2 reduction catalytic activity of FDH, various 2,2′-BP2+s were synthesized as effective artificial co-enzymes for FDH. The effect of the structural geometry and the single-electron reduction potential in the single-electron reduced form of 2,2′-BP2+s on the CO2 reduction catalytic activity of FDH was studied by enzymatic kinetic analysis in detail for the first time. Especially, the catalytic efficiency, kcat/Km value of the single-electron reduced 1,1′-ethylene-2,2′-bipyridinium salt was c.a. 126 times larger than that of native co-enzyme, NADH. These results showed that catalytic activity of FDH can be manipulated with complete control by using 2,2′-BP2+ without changing the structure of FDH and has opened a new avenue for the approach of NAD+/NADH redox free system with FDH using an inexpensive small electron carrier molecule.
ΚΟΛΙΚΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΥ, ΟΦΕΙΛΟΜΕΝΟΙ ΕΙΣ ΑΠΟΦΡΑΞΙΝ ΣΥΓΓΕΝΟΥΣ ΚΟΛΠΩΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΙΛΕΟΥ (ΜΕΚΕΛΕΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΦΥΣΕΟΣ) ΚΑΤΑΛΗΞΑΝΤΟΣ ΕΙΣ ΘΑΝΑΤΟΝ ΣΥΝΕΠΕΙΑ, ΠΕΡΙΤΟΝΙΤΙΑΟΣ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΔΑΝΙΗΛ ΣΩΚΡΑΤΗΣ Κ.
Published: June 2018

No abstract
ΠΡΟΝΥΜΦΙΚΗ ΠΕΝΤΑΣΤΟΜΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΟΒΑΤΟΥ
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΟΔΟΥΛΟΥ Θ. , ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΜΗΔΙΚΗ ΠΟΑ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΝΤΕΡΙΚΗΝ ΑΥΤΟΤΟΞΙΝΩΣΙΝ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΥ
Authors: ΜΑΤΘΑΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΜΜ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Ο ΚΤΗΝΟΤΡΟΦΙΚΟΣ ΣΤΑΘΜΟΣ CARACABΕΥ ΤΗΣ ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑΣ
Authors: ΜΑΚΟΣ ΑΛΕΚΟΣ Γ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΡΑΙΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΒΟΕΙΟΥ ΣΠΕΡΜΑΤΟΣ ΔΙΑ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΣ ΑΓΕΛΑΔΟΣ
Authors: ΒΛΑΧΟΣ Κ.
Published: June 2018

NA ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΝΤΙΒΙΟΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΘΙΟΝΙΝΗΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΕΩΣ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΩΝ
Authors: ΤΖΩΡΤΖΑΚΗΣ Ν.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Early days
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: June 2018

What are the developmental impacts on children of being born prematurely, and how are schools accommodating their needs? Charlotte Goddard reports
Design Features and Bruise Evaluation of an Apple Harvest and In-Field Presorting Machine
Authors: Pothula Anand Kumar , Zhang Zhao , Lu Renfu
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

In-field presorting of apples, in combination with the harvest aid function, would have advantages of cost savings in postharvest handling and storage, reduced postharvest pest and disease problems, and better inventory management, while also enhancing harvest productivity. A new apple harvest and in-field presorting prototype was developed to help apple growers achieve these potential benefits. The prototype sorts and grades fruit based on color and size, using a machine vision-based sorting system with an innovative fruit singulating and rotating design (SRD), and it handles the graded fruit in the bins using newly designed automatic bin fillers. Bruise damage by impact is a critical factor in the development of the apple harvest and in-field presorting prototype. This article reports on the major design features of the prototype and experimental evaluation of the prototype for potential bruise damage. Experiments were conducted on ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apples to evaluate bruise damage potential under both empty and partially filled bin conditions. An impact recording device (IRD) was used to measure the impact magnitude in terms of peak acceleration (G) at all critical points of the machine, including harvest conveyors, main conveyor, flat conveyor, SRD, cup conveyor, bin filler, and bins. It was found that bruise damage mainly occurred during bin filling. The number of impacts recorded for the partially filled bin was reduced by 60%, compared to that for the empty bin, indicating that the impact between apples and the wooden bin’s floor was a major cause of bruising. The maximum G value for the partially filled bin was measured at 34.5, while the measured G values were less than 20 from start to the point just before the bin filler, indicating no bruise damage. Bruise evaluation showed that no more than 9% of the test apples would be downgraded from ‘Extra Fancy’ grade for the partially filled bin condition. Higher G values for the empty bin condition suggested the need for further improvement to the discharge of apples from the bin filler to the bin to further reduce bruise damage. Keywords: Apples, Bruising, Fruit, Grading, Harvesting, Sorting, Machine vision.
Functional Performance Evaluation of a Novel Thermal Environment Sensor Array
Authors: Ramirez Brett C. , Gao Yun , Hoff Steven J. , Harmon Jay D.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The thermal environment (TE) inside livestock and poultry facilities has a substantial impact on animal growth performance and facility energy usage; therefore, the TE must be quantified correctly to maintain the optimal TE that maximizes feed efficiency and consumes minimal resources. To achieve this goal, a TE sensor array (TESA) and accompanying data acquisition system were previously developed to measure dry-bulb temperature (tdb), black globe temperature, airspeed, and relative humidity (RH). While measurement of each parameter is useful individually, it is more informative when they are combined to estimate and assess the total impact that the TE has on an animal. Hence, the objectives of this study were to (1) design, construct, and commission a TE simulation system, named the Animal Thermal Environment Replication and Measurement System (AThERMS), and (2) compare total sensible heat loss estimated by TESA to a reference ideal temperature source (ITS) when subjected to different TE conditions inside AThERMS. AThERMS is a 1.04 × 1.17 × 1.04 m chamber inside a large insulated enclosure in which air supplied by an air handling unit provides unique combinations of tdb, RH, and airspeed while independently controlling chamber surface temperature (ts). Commissioning of AThERMS included qualitative (smoke visualization) and quantitative (three-dimensional traverse) velocity characterizations in the central region of the chamber and verification of similar and stable ts for all six surfaces. Analysis of velocity contours at three nominal flow rates indicated steady patterns, and at three nominal ts values (13°C, 23°C, and 33°C) during 2 h steady-state operation, the maximum average difference between any two of the six surface ts values was 0.26°C. The TESA was then suspended in AThERMS adjacent to the ITS (15.24 cm diameter black copper sphere with a heater immersed in water). The ITS and TESA were subjected to two nominal airspeeds (~0.5 and 2.0 m s-1) at three nominal tdb values (17°C, 25°C, and 33°C) with a mean radiant temperature approximately equal to the nominal tdb. Total heat loss was estimated from heat transfer theory with TESA measurements as inputs and compared to the measured root mean square power required to maintain a constant water temperature in the ITS. Overall, predicted total heat loss underestimated measured power for all six tests. Future work needs to improve the measurement accuracy at low total heat losses. AThERMS can be used to simulate different TEs that an animal may experience and provide steady reference conditions to verify TE measurements. The TESA is a novel and effective tool for understanding the TE distribution and estimating total heat loss. Keywords: Black globe, Data acquisition, Swine, Ventilation.
Application of Acoustic Emission and Machine Learning to Detect Codling Moth Infested Apples
Authors: Li Mengxing , Ekramirad Nader , Rady Ahmed , Adedeji Akinbode
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Incidence of codling moth (CM) ( L.) infestation in apples has been a major concern in North America for decades. CM larvae bore deep into the fruit, making it unmarketable. An effective noninvasive method to detect larvae-infested apples is necessary to ensure that apples are CM-free in post-harvest processing. In this study, a novel approach using an acoustic emission (AE) system and subsequent machine learning methods was applied to classify larvae-infested apples from intact apples. ‘GoldRush’ apples were infested with CM neonates and stored at the same conditions as intact apples. The AE system was used to collect the data emitted by 80 larvae-infested and intact apples in total. Eleven AE features that changed with signaling time were obtained with the AE system. For each feature, the area under the curve along the signaling time was calculated and used as an independent input variable for the machine learning algorithms, which included linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and ensemble method adaptive boosting. With signaling times ranging from 0.5 to 120 s, classification rates for infested versus intact apples ranged from 91% to 100% for the training set and from 83% to 100% for the test set. The quick signal collection and high classification accuracy obtained in this study show the potential of AE for detecting and classifying CM-infested apples. Keywords: Acoustic emission, Apple, Codling moth, Machine learning, Pest infestation.
A Novel Method for Measuring the Color of Edible Oil on the Lovibond Scale Based on Spectral Detection and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Chi , Dang Hao , Zhou Xiaoguang , Zhou Huiling , Jayas Digvir S.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. A fast, high-precision method for measuring the color of edible oil on the Lovibond scale was developed and validated. It involves two components: spectral detection and data processing. The former was used for measuring the edible oil’s transmission spectrum in the visible range. The latter included a logarithmic method and a convolutional neural network (CNN) for calculating the color value from the transmission spectrum. The logarithmic method converted the multiplicative combination of spectra to an additive combination, which greatly improved the performance. A CNN with three convolutional layers was developed using Tensorflow. Validation tests of the method using ten different oil types showed a maximum error of 0.5, average error of 0.32, and error variance of 0.04. Thus, the proposed method can meet the needs of the edible oil industry, and it has great application potential. Keywords: CNN, Color of edible oil, Convolutional neural network, Lovibond scale, Spectral detection.
Site-Specific Management of Cotton Root Rot Using Airborne and High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and Variable-Rate Technology
Authors: Yang Chenghai , Odvody Gary N. , Thomasson J. Alex , Isakeit Thomas , Minzenmayer Richard R. , Drake David R. , Nichols Robert L.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Cotton root rot is a century-old cotton disease that now can be effectively controlled with Topguard Terra fungicide. Because this disease tends to occur in the same general areas within fields in recurring years, site-specific application of the fungicide only to infested areas can be as effective as and considerably more economical than uniform application. The overall objective of this research was to demonstrate how site-specific fungicide application could be implemented based on historical remote sensing imagery and using variable-rate technology. Procedures were developed for creating binary prescription maps from historical airborne and high-resolution satellite imagery. Two different variable-rate liquid control systems were adapted to two existing cotton planters, respectively, for site-specific fungicide application at planting. One system was used for site-specific application on multiple fields in 2015 and 2016 near Edroy, Texas, and the other system was used on multiple fields in both years near San Angelo, Texas. Airborne multispectral imagery taken during the two growing seasons was used to monitor the performance of the site-specific treatments. Results based on prescription maps derived from historical airborne and satellite imagery of two fields in 2015 and one field in 2016 are reported in this article. Two years of field experiments showed that the prescription maps and the variable-rate systems performed well and that site-specific fungicide treatments effectively controlled cotton root rot. Reduction in fungicide use was 41%, 43%, and 63% for the three fields, respectively. The methodologies and results of this research will provide cotton growers, crop consultants, and agricultural dealers with practical guidelines for implementing site-specific fungicide application using historical imagery and variable-rate technology for effective management of cotton root rot. Keywords: Airborne imagery, Cotton root rot, High-resolution satellite imagery, Prescription map, Variable-rate application.
Validating Spray Coverage Rate Using Liquid Mass on a Spray Card
Authors: Sama Michael P. , Weiss Austin M. , Benedict Emma K.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Validation of agricultural sprayers is important for quantifying as-applied coverage rates under field conditions. The complexity of modern sprayer control systems presents a challenge for precise field validation due to the use of nozzle control technologies, such as pulse width modulation, to meter chemical flow rates at individual nozzles. Non-uniform flow over time may result in local variations at high spatial resolutions that are ignored when estimating as-applied coverage rates across a field. The purpose of this study was to test several methods for estimating the mass of water applied to a water-sensitive paper spray card target using steady-state and instantaneous measurement techniques. The steady-state method consisted of a spray patternator table used to quantify the mass flow rate distribution across the nozzle width at varying nozzle pressures. The mass flow rate was then projected onto a two-dimensional area traveling across the spray width to calculate the mass of water that was deposited in the area. Two instantaneous sampling methods were used. The first method directly measured the mass of the spray card and water for 5 min after exposure to model the evaporation rate and solve for the initial mass at the time of exposure. The second method indirectly used the percent coverage of the exposed spray card by droplets. Results showed that the error between the calculated mass of water from the mass flow rate and the estimated initial mass of water from the evaporation rate varied between 2% and 8%. The relationships between the calculated and estimated initial mass of water methods and the spray card percent coverage were highly linear (R2 > 0.98). Both instantaneous methods produced results with higher variability between replications than the steady-state method, but the number of replications resulted in acceptably small differences between average mass measurements. These results show the potential for using evaporation rates for laboratory validation and percent coverage for laboratory or field validation of as-applied coverage rates. Keywords: Evaporation rate, Flow measurement, Precision agriculture, Sprayers, Water-sensitive paper.
Narasin as a Manure Additive to Reduce Methane Production from Swine Manure
Authors: Andersen Daniel S. , Yang Fan , Trabue Steven L. , Kerr Brian J. , Howe Adina
Published: June 2018

Abstract. High levels of methane production from swine operations have been associated with foam accumulation in deep-pit manure storage systems. This foam poses both a safety concern (i.e., flash fires) and operational challenges in managing stored manure. Mitigating methane production is one approach to controlling foam accumulation. In this study, swine manures obtained from three deep-pit storage barns in central Iowa were dosed with narasin to evaluate its inhibitory effects on methane and biogas production. Dose rates ranged from 0 to 3.0 mg narasin kg-1 manure. Overall, methane rates were reduced by 9% for each mg of narasin added per kg of manure, and this reduction was effective for up to 25 days. However, the inhibitory effect weakened with time such that no statistical difference in cumulative methane production between samples dosed with narasin and undosed controls could be detected after 120 days of incubation. In addition to methane rates, narasin addition reduced the degradation of total and volatile solids in the manure by 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively, for each mg of narasin added per kg of manure. Additional study treatments included sugar (10 g kg-1 manure) with and without narasin (1.5 mg narasin kg-1 manure). Results from this treatment showed that methane production was initially increased by the sugar addition, but the effect lasted less than six days, at which point cumulative methane production was similar to the control. When treated with both narasin and sugar, the inhibitory effect did not impact gas production during the sugar digestion phase but did reduce methane and biogas production thereafter. The addition of sugar and the rate of narasin addition caused changes to the microbial community as compared to the control. Overall, the results indicated that narasin can be an effective additive for reducing methane emission from swine manure, but further study is needed to recommend dosing frequency and to evaluate how continuous addition of manure impacts narasin effectiveness. Keywords: Biogas, Manure management, Manure treatment, Methane, Narasin, Swine manure, Swine production.
Carbon Quality of Four-Year-Old Woodchips in a Denitrification Bed Treating Agricultural Drainage Water
Authors: Ghane Ehsan , Feyereisen Gary W. , Rosen Carl J. , Tschirner Ulrike W.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

A denitrification bed is a system that can reduce the nitrate concentration in subsurface drainage water. There is a need to investigate the carbon quality of old woodchips to gain a better understanding of the effect of age on woodchip properties. The objectives of this study were to characterize the carbon quality and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of aged woodchips and to examine the suitability of a denitrification bed for a replicated experiment. To achieve these goals, we excavated four-year-old woodchips along the length of a 106.4 m long denitrification bed near Willmar, Minnesota, and analyzed them for particle size, C/N ratio, and carbon quality. Particle size analysis showed similarities from 12.5 to 106.4 m along the bed. We found a mean C/N ratio ranging from 58.4 ±3.17 to 153.4 ±9.57 (smallest at the inlet). The mean lignocellulose index (LCI, a measure of carbon quality) of the four-year-old woodchips ranged from 0.47 to 0.57 (highest at the inlet). The woodchip particle sizes, C/N ratios, and LCI from 25.9 to 106.4 m along the bed length were similar. In conclusion, the C/N ratio and LCI of the four-year-old woodchips showed effects of decomposition and increased woodchip carbon recalcitrance over time, respectively. Keywords: Denitrifying bioreactor, Tile drainage, Water quality, Woodchip bioreactor.
3D Perception-Based Collision-Free Robotic Leaf Probing for Automated Indoor Plant Phenotyping
Authors: Bao Yin , Shah Dylan S. , Tang Lie
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Various instrumentation devices for plant physiology studies, such as spectrometers, chlorophyll fluorometers, and Raman spectroscopy sensors, require accurate placement of their sensor probes toward the leaf surface to meet specific requirements of probe-to-target distance and orientation. In this work, a Kinect V2 sensor, a high-precision 2D laser profilometer, and a six-axis robotic manipulator were used to automate the leaf probing task. The relatively wide field of view and high resolution of the Kinect V2 allowed rapid capture of the full 3D environment in front of the robot. The location and size of each plant were estimated by k-means clustering where k was the user-defined number of plants. A real-time collision-free motion planning framework based on probabilistic roadmaps was adapted to maneuver the robotic manipulator without colliding with the plants. Each plant was scanned from the top with the short-range profilometer to obtain high-precision 3D point cloud data. Potential leaf clusters were extracted by a 3D region growing segmentation scheme. Each leaf segment was further partitioned into small patches by a voxel cloud connectivity segmentation method. Only the patches with low root mean square errors of plane fitting were used to compute leaf probing poses of the robot. Experiments conducted inside a growth chamber mockup showed that the developed robotic leaf probing system achieved an average motion planning time of 0.4 s with an average end-effector travel distance of 1.0 m. To examine the probing accuracy, a square surface was scanned at different angles, and its centroid was probed perpendicularly. The average absolute probing errors of distance and angle were 1.5 mm and 0.84°, respectively. These results demonstrate the utility of the proposed robotic leaf probing system for automated non-contact deployment of spectroscopic sensor probes for indoor plant phenotyping under controlled environmental conditions. Keywords: 3D perception, Agricultural robotics, Leaf probing, Motion planning, Plant phenotyping.
Characterization of Biological Pesticide Deliveries through Hydraulic Nozzles
Authors: Xiao Liping , Zhu Heping , Wallhead Matthew , Horst Leona , Ling Peter , Krause Charles R.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Increased use of biopesticides has spurred demand for efficient and effective delivery systems. To this goal, laboratory tests were conducted to investigate six different classes of biopesticides discharged from five different types of flat-fan nozzles, each with three flow capacities. The biopesticide classes were horticultural oil insecticide (HOI), bacterial biofungicide (BBF), botanical extract bio-insecticide (BEBI), liquid fungal bio-insecticide (FBI-ES), wettable powder fungal bio-insecticide (FBI-WP), and mineral salt biofungicide (MSBF). Droplet size distribution, spray pattern width, spray deposition, and coverage on plant leaves and water-sensitive paper (WSP) were the spray parameters tested. These parameters varied greatly with biopesticide class, nozzle type, and nozzle flow capacity. The DV0.5 of the biopesticides ranged from 75 to 519 µm for 0.76 L min-1 nozzles, from 86 to 509 µm for 1.51 L min-1 nozzles, and from 99 to 622 µm for 2.25 L min-1 nozzles. The use of different biopesticides with the same nozzle significantly altered the spray pattern width. Compared to a water-only solution, the largest change of spray pattern width was 14.7% for the air-induction nozzle (AI11004) discharging FBI-ES. The amount of spray deposited on plant leaves for all tested biopesticides (except HOI) did not vary significantly with different nozzle types. However, the air-induction nozzles produced the most uneven spray deposition patterns. Therefore, to achieve optimal spray application efficiency and effectiveness for discharging specific classes of biopesticide, the choice of the proper nozzle type and flow capacity is critical. Keywords: Biopesticide, Crop protection, Deposition, Droplet size, Spray coverage.
High-Pressure Treatment Effects on Density Profile, Surface Roughness, Hardness, and Abrasion Resistance of Paulownia Wood Boards
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Jiang Xiuping , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Zhu Songming , Yu Yong
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of high-pressure (HP) treatment on the mechanical performance properties of Paulownia ( spp.) wood boards. The boards were HP treated at selected pressures (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 MPa) for 30 s. A special vacuum-packing technique that sandwiched the test boards between two steel plates was used for the HP treatment to prevent board distortion. Thickness, density, vertical density profile (VDP), cell wall percentage (VC), porosity percentage (VH), surface roughness, hardness, and abrasion resistance were evaluated to assess the performance properties of the treated and untreated boards. HP treatment resulted in 45.7% to 60.0% reduction in thickness of the boards, while it increased the density by 88% to 170%. The VDP of densified boards was distributed uniformly, and core densities were only slightly higher than surface densities. HP treatment made the Paulownia board surfaces much smoother, and three roughness parameters were reduced with increasing treatment pressure level. Hardness values of the boards were improved by 84% to 173%. The mass loss values of HP treated wood samples in abrasion tests were significantly reduced by 40.7% to 75.0%. The results of this study demonstrate that HP treatment is a useful method to improve the end-use properties of low-density wood like Paulownia. Keywords: Abrasion resistance, Hardness, High-pressure densification, Paulownia wood boards, Vertical density profile, Surface roughness.
Ser ou não ser gay-friendly: O Caso da Beauty Factor
Authors: Hoffmann Estela Maria , Barbosa de Souza Maria José , Kieling Ana Paula
Published: June 2018

O presente caso de ensino objetiva oportunizar aos alunos a vivência de situações pertinentes ao contexto mercadológico, a partir da análise da Beauty Factor, uma empresa de cosméticos que produz e comercializa produtos de beleza. A empresa, que figura entre as líderes de mercado no Brasil, respeita a diversidade e a dignidade humana e busca atingir diferentes segmentos por meio de novos investimentos em publicidade e propaganda. Para tal, a equipe de Marketing, sob supervisão de Maria Fernanda Coutinho, contratou uma consultora empresarial, Cristina Albuquerque, para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de mercado com foco nos consumidores homossexuais. Frente a esse objetivo, a consultora e a empresa se deparam com um dilema: qual a melhor forma de anunciar o produto para o segmento homossexual sem desconsiderar os interesses dos segmentos atendidos pela empresa até o momento? Como instrumento de ensino, o caso foi desenvolvido para uso em cursos de Graduação e Pós-Graduação em Administração de Empresas, Marketing e Publicidade e Propaganda. O debate inclui temas como estratégia de marketing, segmentação de mercado, e publicidade e propaganda, a serem abordados nas disciplinas de Administração Mercadológica, Gestão de Marketing, Estratégias de Comunicação em Marketing e Segmentação de Mercado.
Predictors Associated With Paid Employment Status of Community and Technical College Students With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Qian Xueqin , Johnson David R. , Smith Frank A. , Papay Clare K.
Published: June 2018

The present study sought to identify predictors associated with paid employment outcomes for community and technical college students with intellectual disability (ID). Data used were collected from the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) implemented in two community and technical colleges in the upper Midwest. The participants included 228 students with ID attending college who received supports based on the Check & Connect model. Results using logistic regression showed that students who only took inclusive classes, participated in campus events, had prior paid work experience, and participated in volunteering and/or community service were more likely to earn at or above minimum wage during their most recent year in the TPSID program. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Characteristics and Outcomes of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Participating in a Mental Health Court
Authors: Linhorst Donald M. , Loux Travis M. , Dirks-Linhorst P. Ann , Riley Sarah E.
Published: June 2018

This study compares characteristics and outcomes of 70 defendants with and 1,122 without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) participating in a mental health court. Demographic and clinical characteristics differed, but criminal justice or program characteristics did not. Age, race, marital status, living situation, court location, health insurance status, and likelihood of mental illness or substance abuse diagnosis differed between the two groups. When controlling for other factors, a diagnosis of IDD did not affect the odds of negative termination from the court but did reduce the odds of rearrest within 1 year of leaving the court. Some mental health courts exclude people with IDD; the study concludes inclusion is appropriate.
La autonomía mediática del alumnado de Educación Infantil y Bachillerato: el caso español
Authors: Caldeiro-Pedreira Mari Carmen , Rodriguez-Rosell Maria Mar , Castro-Zubizarreta Ana , Renés-Arellano Paula
Published: June 2018

La  alfabetización y el desarrollo de la competencia mediática es necesaria desde los niveles  educativos iniciales hasta el bachillerato; conscientes de ello, en el artículo se analizan las dimensiones de la tecnología, ideología y valores que conforman la competencia crítica (Caldeiro y Aguaded, 2015).La herramienta metodológica utilizada ha sido un cuestionario diseñado en base a las dimensiones e indicadores que propone Ferrés (2007 y 2012) para conceptualizar la mencionada competencia. La muestra descrita en la investigación corresponde al alumnado de infantil, 274 sujetos y 623 de bachillerato, de las 10 provincias que conforman el estudio nacional.Los resultados obtenidos son significativos y nos indican un elevado desarrollo de la dimensión tecnológica frente a las dimensiones de los valores e ideología, datos que se confirman tanto en Infantil como en Bachillerato. Las cifras certifican la sensible repercusión positiva de la formación mediática al tiempo que confirman su necesaria continuidad.
Effectiveness of law education given under social studies education undergraduate program
Sosyal bilgiler eğitimi lisans programı kapsamında verilen hukuk eğitiminin etkililiği
Authors: Sabancı Osman , Karaman Kepenekci Yasemin
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to put forward the opinions and the suggestions of undergraduate social studies education department students about the effectiveness of the courses on law that they had taken in the dimensions of "aim", "content", "method" and "evaluation". Descriptive analysis was used in this qualitative study. The data was gathered by the “Opinion Form towards the Effectiveness of Law Related Education”. The working group of the study was consisted of totally 121 undergraduate "Social Studies Education" department students in the last classes of Ankara and Gazi Universities (Ankara, Turkey). In the end of the study it was seen that the law related education given in the undergraduate social studies education program was partially efficient in the dimensions of "aim", "content", "method" and "evaluation", and some revisions should be done in them. The participants do not need to improve themselves about law except the courses they have taken related to law and their tendency to read written sources about this subject is also very limited. They claim that the contents of these courses should be associated with the current events and active methods should be used during the courses. Measurement instruments of the courses which relieve the process along with classic ones should be used together. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.ÖzetÇalışmanın amacı, sosyal bilgiler eğitimi alanında lisans öğrenimi gören öğrencilerin, hukukla ilgili aldıkları derslerin "amaç", "içerik", "yöntem" ve "değerlendirme" boyutlarındaki etkililiğine ilişkin görüşlerini ve önerilerini ortaya koymaktır. Nitel araştırma desenindeki çalışmada verileri çözümlemek için betimsel analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen “Hukuk Eğitiminin Etkililiğine İlişkin Görüşme Formu” ile toplanmıştır.  Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, Ankara ve Gazi Üniversiteleri’nde (Ankara, Türkiye) "Sosyal Bilgiler Eğitimi" lisans programı son sınıfında öğrenim gören toplam 121 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Çalışmanın sonunda sosyal bilgiler eğitimi lisans programında verilen hukuk eğitiminin “amaç”, “içerik”, “yöntem” ve “değerlendirme” boyutlarında genel olarak kısman etkili olduğu; geliştirilmesi ve yeniden düzenlenmesi gereken yönlerinin bulunduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Katılımcıların hukukla ilgili dersler dışında kendilerini geliştirme ihtiyacı hissetmedikleri ve hukukla ilgili kaynak okuma eğilimlerinin oldukça sınırlı olduğu belirlenmiştir. İlgili derslerin içeriklerinin güncel olaylarla ilişkilendirilmesinin gerekliliğini vurguladıkları görülmüştür. Bu derslerin işlenişinde aktif öğrenmeyi içeren yöntemlere başvurulmasının önemini ifade etmişlerdir. Değerlendirme boyutunda ise geleneksel/klasik ölçme araçlarıyla birlikte sürece dayalı ölçme ve değerlendirme yöntemlerinin kullanılmasının öneri olarak sundukları belirlenmiştir.
Steady shear and dynamic strain thickening of halloysite nanotubes and fumed silica shear thickening composite
Authors: Passey Pavni , Singh Mansi , Verma Sanjeev K. , Bhattacharya Debarati , Mehta Rajeev
Published: June 2018

Developing the shear thickening fluids (STF) which can be used for soft body armours requires an in depth study of various parameters related to its constituents so that a high critical viscosity along with high critical shear rate can be obtained. Shape of the constituting particles is one such important parameter. Elongated and nanosize particles provide high critical viscosity to the fluid, whereas spherical particles show high critical shear rates. STF were prepared using halloysite (Hal) nanotubes of different concentrations with fumed silica (spheres) and their rheological properties were studied. A better non-flocculated structure was obtained at 1% Hal in 20% fumed silica composition, exhibiting a critical viscosity of 25 Pas at a critical shear rate 160 s−1 as compared to that of only spherical particle STF (10 Pas and 200 s−1). The oscillatory tests revealed that this composition, with a better consistent reproducible behaviour and better stability than the STF without Hal, would be suitable as a high impact resistant material. Gel formation does not take place, rather the fluid behaves like a dispersed sol, making it a better choice for using with protective fabrics. The rheology was studied at different temperatures ranging from 0°C to 55°C.
A Buddhist monastery revealed by UAV survey and ground-penetrating radar in eastern Mongolia
Authors: Myagmar Erdene , Webber Henry , Parkes Geoffrey , Pecchia Vito , Horton Mark
Published: June 2018

The site of the Dzuun Khuree monastery in the Upper Kherlen Valley of eastern Mongolia was recently investigated by UAV and ground-penetrating radar. The monastery's highly unusual circular form and layout suggest a foundation earlier than previously suspected.
Tools make tools: changes in bone and antler manufacture at Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Polish sites
Authors: Baron Justyna , Diakowski Marcin
Published: June 2018

Analyses of worked faunal remains from three Bronze to Iron Age (c. 900–400 BC) sites in Poland demonstrate changing trends in Central European prehistoric hard-tissue-processing tools and techniques.
Physiological Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval and Continuous Training in Kayak Athletes
Authors: Papandreou Apostolos , Philippou Anastassios , Zacharogiannis Elias , Maridaki Maria
Published: June 2018

Papandreou, A, Philippou, A, Zacharogiannis, E, and Maridaki, M. Physiological adaptations to high-intensity interval and continuous training in kayak athletes. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2258–2266, 2020—High-intensity interval training (HIIT) seems to be more effective than continuous training (CT) for the improvement of physical condition and sports performance. This study compared physiological adaptations with HIIT and CT in flat water kayak athletes. Twenty-four national-class kayakists were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group), 2 of which participated in an 8-week CT or HIIT program, whereas the third one served as control (C). An incremental maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max), a maximal anaerobic Wingate-type, as well as 1,000-m (T1,000 m) and 200-m (T200 m) time test were performed before and after the training period on a kayak ergometer, to determine changes in V̇o
2max, peak blood lactate ([La+2]peak), paddling speed at V̇o
2max (

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), heart rate at V̇o
2max (HRpeak), paddling economy speed (PEs; speed at 75% of V̇o
2max), paddling speed at anaerobic ventilatory threshold (PSVT2), maximal paddling speed (PSpeak), and reduction of PSpeak (PSR). V̇o
2max, [La+2]peak, HRpeak, and PSR did not change after the 8-week training compared with baseline in either training group (p > 0.05). However, significant changes were found in PSVT2 and T200 m (HIIT),

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, PEs, PSpeak, and T1,000 m (CT and HIIT) (p < 0.05–0.0001) as compared to baseline. Moreover, percent changes were different between the training groups in PEs, and between control and training groups in PSpeak and

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(p < 0.05–0.01). Both training programs improved physiological and performance variables; however, HIIT resulted in significant changes of PSVT2 and T200 m and higher improvement of PEs with 15 times less training time compared with CT. Thus, HIIT seems more time-efficient than CT for improving paddling economy of kayaking performance.
Physical and Training Characteristics of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: Systematic Review
Authors: Andrade Alexandro , Flores Miguel A. , Andreato Leonardo V. , Coimbra Danilo R.
Published: June 2018

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) IS A COMBAT SPORT WITH DIFFERENT AND COMPLEX CHARACTERISTICS. THE PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW IS TO ANALYZE PHYSICAL AND TRAINING CHARACTERISTICS OF MMA ATHLETES THROUGH A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. THE SEARCH WAS PERFORMED IN ELECTRONIC DATABASES WHERE 30 ARTICLES WERE SELECTED. THE MMA ATHLETES MUST HAVE STRENGTH, POWER, FLEXIBILITY, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CONDITIONING. DIET, ABRUPT WEIGHT LOSS, INJURY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS MERIT ADDITIONAL ATTENTION IN FUTURE STUDIES. A VIDEO ABSTRACT DESCRIBING THIS ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND IN SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT 1 (SEE VIDEO, HTTP://LINKS.LWW.COM/SCJ/A244).
Determination of Optimal Aggregate Blending to Prevent Alkali-Silica Reaction Using the Mixture Design Method
Authors: Adiguzel Deniz , Bascetin Atac , Baray Sukru Alp
Published: June 2018

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) can cause serious cracking in concrete. The best method in order to avoid the occurrence of ASR is the non-use of reactive aggregate in concrete production. However, reactive aggregates in quarries must be used for the sustainable usage of resources. Therefore, a more practical approach is to identify the optimal blending of such aggregates, which can be achieved through the use of the Design of Experiment-Mixture Design Method (DOE-MD). In this study, empirical approaches that can be used for ASR estimation are suggested using DOE-MD in a quarry that produces concrete aggregate and has reactive and nonreactive aggregate resources in terms of ASR and by determining aggregate mixing ratios that do not create risk in terms of ASR. The quarry in question has three different regions, which are in terms of the type of aggregate available. As a result, the aggregate from Region 2 should be used at 19 % (Region 3: 81 %) in the mixture with aggregate from Region 3. The aggregate from Region 1 should not be mixed with the aggregate from Region 2 and should be used at most at 14 % (Region 3: 86 %) in the mixture with the aggregate from Region 3.
Associations Between the DSM-5 Section III Trait Model and Impairments in Functioning in Singaporean College Students
Authors: Lim Denise S. H. , Gwee Ai Jia , Hong Ryan Y.
Published: June 2018

The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, recommends the joint consideration of personality disorder severity (i.e., dysfunction) and style (i.e., trait profile) in personality disorder diagnosis. The current study examined the association between maladaptive personality dysfunction and traits using a Singaporean student sample (N = 360). A subsample (n = 151) had informant ratings of personality traits on target participants. Results indicated that dysfunctions and traits were substantially correlated, calling into question their distinctiveness. However, the overlap was less pronounced when informant ratings were used. Consistent with prior research, the validity of the PID-5 trait model appeared to be supported, as observed in the meaningful differential relations with different impairment outcomes. These findings represent a preliminary yet critical test of the generalizability of the AMPD to a non-Western cultural group.