bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of cerebrovascular reserve by multimodal imaging for cerebral arterial occlusion or stenosis patients: protocol of a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study
Authors: Xiao Zhi-peng , Jin ke , Wan Jie-qing , Lin Yong , Pan Yao-hua , Jin Yi-chao , Zhang Xiao-hua
Published: January 2020

Background

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is the change in cerebral blood flow in response to a vaso-active stimulus, and may assist the treatment strategy of ischemic stroke. However, previous studies reported that a therapeutic strategy for stroke mainly depends on the degree of vascular stenosis with steady-state vascular parameters (e.g., cerebral blood flow and CVR). Hence, measurement of CVR by multimodal imaging techniques may improve the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Methods/design

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial that aimed to examine the capability of multimodal imaging techniques for the evaluation of CVR to improve treatment of patients with ischemic stroke. A total of 66 eligible patients will be recruited from Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. The patients will be categorized based on CVR into two subgroups as follows: CVR > 10% group and CVR < 10% group. The patients will be randomly assigned to medical management, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting, and intracranial and extra-cranial bypass groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is all adverse events and ipsilateral stroke recurrence at 6, 12, and 24 months after management. The secondary outcomes include the CVR, the National Institute of Health stroke scale and the Modified Rankin Scale at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Discussion

Measurement of cerebrovascular reserve by multimodal image is recommended by most recent studies to guide the treatment of ischemic stroke, and thus its efficacy and evaluation accuracy need to be established in randomized controlled settings. This prospective, parallel, randomized, controlled registry study, together with other ongoing studies, should present more evidence for optimal individualized accurate treatment of ischemic stroke.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR-IOR-16009635; Registered on 16 October 2016.

All items are from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set and registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-16009635.
Community youth teams facilitating participatory adolescent groups, youth leadership activities and livelihood promotion to improve school attendance, dietary diversity and mental health among adolescent girls in rural eastern India: protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rath Suchitra , Prost Audrey , Samal Subhashree , Pradhan Hemanta , Copas Andrew , Gagrai Sumitra , Rath Shibanand , Gope Raj Kumar , Nair Nirmala , Tripathy Prasanta , Bhatia Komal , Rose-Clarke Kelly
Published: January 2020

Background

Improving the health and development of adolescents aged 10–19 years is a global health priority. One in five adolescents globally live in India. TheRashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram(RKSK), India’s national adolescent health strategy, recommends supporting community-based peer educators to conduct group meetings with boys and girls. Groups aim to give adolescents a space to discuss the social and health issues affecting them and build their capacity to become active community members and leaders. There have been no evaluations of the community component of RKSK to date. In this protocol, we describe the evaluation of the Jharkhand Initiative for Adolescent Health (JIAH), a community intervention aligned with RKSK and designed to improve school attendance, dietary diversity and mental health among adolescent girls aged 10–19 years in rural Jharkhand, eastern India.

Methods

The JIAH intervention is delivered by a community youth team consisting ofyuva saathis(friends of youth), youth leadership facilitators and livelihood promoters. Teams conduct (a) peer-led Participatory Learning and Action meetings with girls and boys, mobilising adolescents, parents, health workers, teachers and the wider community to make changes for adolescent health and development; (b) group-based youth leadership activities to build adolescents’ confidence and resilience; and (c) livelihood promotion with adolescents and their families to provide training and practical skills. We are evaluating the JIAH intervention through a parallel-group, two-arm, superiority, cluster-randomised controlled trial. The unit of randomisation is a geographic cluster of ~1000 people. A total of 38 clusters covering an estimated population of 40,676 have been randomised to control or intervention arms. Nineteen intervention clusters have adolescent groups, youth leadership activities and livelihood promotion. Nineteen control clusters receive livelihood promotion only. Study participants are adolescent girls aged 10–19 years, married or unmarried, in or out of school, living in the study area. Intervention activities are open to all adolescent boys and girls, regardless of their participation in surveys. We will collect data through baseline and endline surveys. Primary trial outcomes are school attendance, dietary diversity and internalising and externalising mental health problems. Secondary outcomes include access to school-related entitlements, emotional or physical violence, self-efficacy and resilience.

Trial registration

ISRCTN17206016. Registered on 27 June 2018.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerance of tetracosactide in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches (ESYBRECHE): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Depaulis Célia , Steer Nadia , Garessus Léa , Chassard Dominique , Aubrun Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Background

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications of neuraxial anaesthesia. It limits patients’ general activity and increases the length of hospital stays and the use of care. It is particularly disabling during the postpartum period, when mothers have to take care of their child. Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment for PDPH. However, it is an invasive procedure that may result in rare but serious complications. Recent evidence has suggested that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective in the management of PDPH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of tetracosactide (Synacthen®), a synthetic analogue of ACTH, for PDPH treatment in patients who receive neuraxial anaesthesia during labour.

Methods

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial, is performed in two French university hospitals. Eligible patients are those suffering from postpartum PDPH, who are randomised to receive either 1 mg of tetracosactide intravenously over 20 min or to 0.9% saline (placebo). The primary endpoint is the rate of epidural blood patch within a 15-day follow-up period. Headache duration, pain intensity, reduction of general activity, increase in length of hospital stay, adverse events, analgesic use (type and duration) and number of blood patches per patient in each group are recorded.

Discussion

We expect a decrease in the use of epidural blood patch in those receiving tetracosactide, thus indicating a decrease in PDPH symptoms in these patients. This will define the therapeutic success of tetracosactide and the possibility to use this treatment as a non-invasive alternative to blood patch for PDPH treatment.

Trial registration

Primary Registry

ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System

Date of Registration 24 June 2016

Unique Protocol ID 69HCL15_0429

Secondary IDs

EudraCT Number 2015–003357-17

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02813655

ANSM 160214A-31

Protocol version

V4 28/09/2018
Leishmania braziliensis prostaglandin F2α synthase impacts host infection
Authors: Alves-Ferreira Eliza Vanessa Carneiro , Ferreira Tiago Rodrigues , Walrad Pegine , Kaye Paul M. , Cruz Angela Kaysel
Published: January 2020

Background

Prostaglandins (PG) are lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid metabolism. They are involved in cellular processes such as inflammation and tissue homeostasis. PG production is not restricted to multicellular organisms. Trypanosomatids also synthesize several metabolites of arachidonic acid. Nevertheless, their biological role in these early-branching parasites and their role in host-parasite interaction are not well elucidated. Prostaglandin F2αsynthase (PGF2S) has been observed in theLeishmania braziliensissecreted proteome and inL. donovaniextracellular vesicles. Furthermore, we previously reported a positive correlation betweenL. braziliensisPGF2S (LbrPGF2S) expression and pathogenicity in mice.

Methods

LbrPGF2S gene expression and PGF2α synthesis in promastigotes were detected and quantified by western blotting and EIA assay kit, respectively. To investigateLbrPGF2S localization in amastigotes during bone marrow-derived macrophage infection, parasites expressing mCherry-LbrPGF2S were generated and followed by time-lapse imaging for 48 h post-infection. PGF2S homolog sequences fromLeishmaniaand humans were analyzedin silicousing ClustalW on Geneious v6 and EMBOSS Needle.

Results

Leishmania braziliensispromastigotes synthesize prostaglandin F2αin the presence of arachidonic acid, with peak production in the stationary growth phase under heat stress.LbrPGF2S is a cytoplasmic protein enriched in the secretory site of the parasite cell body, the flagellar pocket. It is an enzyme constitutively expressed throughout promastigote development, but overexpression ofLbrPGF2S leads to an increase of infectivityin vitro. The data suggest thatLbrPGF2S may be released from intracellular amastigotes into the cytoplasm of bone marrow-derived macrophages over a 48-hour infection period, using time-lapse microscopy and mCherry-PGF2S (mChPGF2S)-expressing parasites.

Conclusions

LbrPGF2S, a parasite-derived protein, is targeted to the host cell cytoplasm. The putative transfer of this enzyme, involved in pro-inflammatory lipid mediator synthesis, to the host cell suggests a potential role in host-parasite interaction and may partially explain the increased pathogenicity associated with overexpression ofLbrPGF2S inL. braziliensis. Our data provide valuable insights to help understand the importance of parasite-derived lipid mediators in pathogenesis.
A driver’s car-following behavior prediction model based on multi-sensors data
Authors: Wang Hui , Gu Menglu , Wu Shengbo , Wang Chang
Published: January 2020

The prerequisite for the effective operation of vehicle collision warning system is that the necessary operation is not implemented. Therefore, the behavior prediction that the driver should perform when the preceding vehicle braking is the key to improve the effectiveness of the warning system. This study was conducted to acquire characteristics in the car-following behavior when confronted by the braking of the preceding vehicle, including the reaction time and operation behavior, and establish a behavior prediction model. A driving experiment on the expressway was conducted using devices, such as millimeter-wave radars and controller area network (CAN) bus data, to acquire 845 segments of car following when the brake lamps of the car ahead are on. Data analysis demonstrates that the mean of time distance of car following, mean of car-following distance, and time-to-collision (TTC) mean are closely related with whether or not the driver slowed the car down. The operation states of the driver were divided into keeping the unchanged state of the degree of accelerator pedal opening, loosening of accelerator pedal without braking, braking, and other special situations with the input variables of car-following distance, speed of driver’s car, relative speed, time distance, and TTC using the support vector machine (SVM) method to build a prediction model for the operation behavior of the driver. The verification result showed that the model predicts driving behavior with an accuracy rate of 80%. It reflects the actual decision-making process of the driver, especially the normal operation of the driver, to loosen the accelerator pedal without braking. This model can help to optimize the algorithm of the rear-end accident warning system and improve intelligent system acceptance.
Dynamic behaviors for a delay Lasota–Wazewska model with feedback control on time scales
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Shi Chunling , Wang Danhong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a delay Lasota–Wazewska system with feedback control on time scales is proposed. Firstly, by using some differential inequalities on time scales, sufficient conditions which ensure the permanence of the system are obtained. Secondly, by means of the fixed point theory and the exponential dichotomy of linear dynamic equations on time scales, some sufficient conditions for the existence of unique almost periodic solution are obtained. Moreover, exponential stability of the almost periodic positive solution is investigated by applying the Gronwall inequality. Finally, numeric simulations are carried out to show the feasibility of the main results.
Characterization and applications of chimeric mice with humanized livers for preclinical drug development
Authors: Tateno Chise , Kojima Yuha
Published: January 2020

We have succeeded in stable mass production of chimeric PXB-mice, whose liver is repopulated by human hepatocytes at a ratio of more than 70%, and we are providing these mice to academia and pharmaceutical companies to support the development of new drugs or studies of liver function. Furthermore, we isolated human hepatocytes, called PXB-cells, from the chimeric mice, and provide them for clients weekly for in vitro studies. In this review, we summarize the existing characterizations of PXB-mice and PXB-cells and their present and future applications.
Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithms for target- and interval-oriented amplitude versus angle inversions
Authors: Aleardi Mattia , Salusti Alessandro
Published: January 2020

A reliable assessment of the posterior uncertainties is a crucial aspect of any amplitude versus angle (AVA) inversion due to the severe ill-conditioning of this inverse problem. To accomplish this task, numerical Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms are usually used when the forward operator is nonlinear. The downside of these algorithms is the considerable number of samples needed to attain stable posterior estimations especially in high-dimensional spaces. To overcome this issue, we assessed the suitability of Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm for nonlinear target- and interval-oriented AVA inversions for the estimation of elastic properties and associated uncertainties from prestack seismic data. The target-oriented approach inverts the AVA responses of the target reflection by adopting the nonlinear Zoeppritz equations, whereas the interval-oriented method inverts the seismic amplitudes along a time interval using a 1D convolutional forward model still based on the Zoeppritz equations. HMC uses an artificial Hamiltonian system in which a model is viewed as a particle moving along a trajectory in an extended space. In this context, the inclusion of the derivative information of the misfit function makes possible long-distance moves with a high probability of acceptance from the current position toward a new independent model. In our application, we adopt a simple Gaussian a priori distribution that allows for an analytical inclusion of geostatistical constraints into the inversion framework, and we also develop a strategy that replaces the numerical computation of the Jacobian with a matrix operator analytically derived from a linearization of the Zoeppritz equations. Synthetic and field data inversions demonstrate that the HMC is a very promising approach for Bayesian AVA inversion that guarantees an efficient sampling of the model space and retrieves reliable estimations and accurate uncertainty quantifications with an affordable computational cost.
Use of Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Measured by Ultrasound Echo-Tracking in Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Before Noncardiac Surgery in Low-Risk Category: A Research Idea
Authors: Mantha Srinivas , Tripuraneni Sudha Lakshmi , Fleisher Lee A. , Roizen Michael F.
Published: January 2020

Preoperative cardiac risk stratification algorithms typically use a Bayesian approach to identify a low-risk category group for which the outcome is unlikely to be improved by further testing. This report suggests evaluating common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT) as measured by ultrasound to determine whether it strengthens and optimizes perioperative Bayesian risk indices. The idea proposes to use CCIMT Z score and vascular age to quantify atherosclerotic burden. CCIMT may be useful as part of shared decision-making for perioperative care. A website (www.suhitam.com/vascularage) designed by one of the authors (S.M.) is a useful resource.)
How Not to Introduce Blues Prosody:
Authors: Skansgaard Michael
Published: January 2020

This article delivers a two-pronged intervention into blues prosody. First, it argues that scholars have repeatedly misidentified the metrical organization of blues poems by Langston Hughes and Sterling Brown. The dominant approach to these poems has sought to explain their rhythms with models of alternating stress, including both classical foot prosody and the beat prosody of Derek Attridge. The article shows that the systematic organization of blues structures originates in West African call-and-response patterning (not alternating stress), and is better explained by models of syntax and musical phrasing. Second, it argues that these misclassifications — far from being esoteric matters of taxonomy — lie at the heart of African American aesthetics and identity politics in the 1920s and 1930s. Whereas literary blues verse has long been oversimplified with conventional metrics like “free verse,” “accentual verse,” and “iambic pentameter,” the article suggests that its rhythms arise instead from a rich and complex vernacular style that cannot be explained by the constraints of Anglo-American versification.
Reading Manipulation In Runaway Horses by Mishima Yukio
Authors: Garcin Thomas
Published: January 2020

In her seminal work, Authoritarian Fictions: Ideological Novels as a Literary Genre, Susan Rubin Suleiman emphasizes the co-optational dimension of romans à thèse, which seem addressed to readers who are already converted to the ideological perspective of these works. Political novels therefore tend to divide readers into two categories: proponents on the one hand, denigrators on the other. Based on a close reading of Runaway Horses (1969), Mishima Yukio’s most overtly ideological fictional work, this article is meant to enrich Suleiman’s model by showing that the most elaborate authoritarian fictional works use specific rhetorical tactics to soften or compensate for the excess of their message and to appeal to nonsympathizers. Focusing on chapters 9 and 10 of Runaway Horses, where the novel shifts from a classical and realist tone (chapters 1 to 8) to an ideological and authoritarian one (chapters 9 to 40), the article analyzes three of these rhetorical tactics: (1) the lightning rod, which consists of attracting criticisms about one specific and clearly delineated locus of the text, fulfilling an apotropaic function and serving as a foil for the rest; (2) prolepsis, which anticipates the reader’s likely negative comments and thus becomes in tune with his perspective; and (3) the tactic of enlarging the audience by which the narrator reincorporates a sectarian ideology into a larger and more universal ensemble. The conclusion questions the place of the reader and investigates the reading strategies that he or she may adopt in order to respond to this manipulation.
Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Recurrence and Mortality in Cancer Patients
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Gilmore L. Anne
Published: January 2020

The biological mechanisms through which physical activity reduces metastatic disease recurrence and mortality in cancer patients are not known. This review offers the hypothesis that physical activity reduces the risk of recurrence and mortality in cancer patients through two synergistic processes: 1) indirect (systemic) effects related to the host tumor microenvironment; and 2) direct (physical) effects on cancer cells.
The Bone Metabolic Response to Exercise and Nutrition
Authors: Dolan Eimear , Varley Ian , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Pereira Rosa Maria R. , Elliott-Sale Kirsty Jayne , Sale Craig
Published: January 2020

Bone (re)modeling markers can help determine how the bone responds to different types, intensities, and durations of exercise. They also might help predict those at risk of bone injury. We synthesized evidence on the acute and chronic bone metabolic responses to exercise, along with how nutritional factors can moderate this response. Recommendations to optimize future research efforts are made.
Head and Spinal Injuries in Equestrian Sports: Update on Epidemiology, Clinical Outcomes, and Injury Prevention
Authors: Gates Jennifer K. , Lin Cindy Y.
Published: January 2020

Equestrian sports represent a variety of activities involving a horse and rider. Due to the unpredictable nature of horses, their height, and potential high speeds involved, equestrian athletes are at risk of head and spinal injuries. This review describes the epidemiology, injury mechanisms, and risk factors for equestrian sports-related head and spinal injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are more common than spinal injuries. Both injury types are most commonly related to a rider fall from a horse. Spinal injuries are less common but are associated with potentially significant neurological morbidity when spinal cord injury occurs. An improved understanding of preventable injury mechanisms, increased certified helmet use, improved helmet technologies, and educational outreach may help to address the risk of head and spinal injuries in equestrian sports.
Política e ridicularização: uma sociologia pragmática da “graça” da crítica em cartazes das “Jornadas de Junho”
Authors: Werneck Alexandre
Published: January 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o papel desempenhado pela matriz formal de uma crítica jocosa para sua efetivação em situações de crítica públicas, com ênfase no processo de ridicularização do objeto da crítica e da mobilização da “graça” como competência de efetivação. Para tanto, são observados cartazes levados aos protestos ocorridos ao longo de 2013-2014, no Brasil, que recorreram à jocosidade. A análise, com base em uma abordagem pragmática da crítica, e que consistiu na observação, padronização e tipificação de forma e conteúdo de cerca de 350 cartazes considerados jocosos, permitiu acessar o discurso crítico em momentos nos quais ele se afasta do imperativo de racionalidade do processo de justificação, em uma mecânica na qual o criticado tem sua grandeza atacada por meio de sua redução ao ridículo. São, assim, tipificados cinco regimes de ridicularização usados nas manifestações e cujas competências são formas da graça, quando mobilizadas para ridicularizar: 1) analogias valorativas; 2) niilismo; 3) manifestismo; 4) pautismo; e 5) ataque ao poder. A partir deles, foi possível ainda observar uma competência de observação crítica jocosa do mundo fundada na graça.
A declaração de morte, um revelador de dificuldades interacionais no serviço telefônico de emergência
Authors: Laforest Marty , Rioux-Turcotte Jessica
Published: January 2020

Nas chamadas telefônicas dirigidas ao serviço de emergência, é comum que o estado emocional do chamador esteja alterado, em virtude do caráter perturbador do acontecimento motivador da chamada e da necessidade de se tomarem providências rapidamente. No entanto, apesar da premência característica de tais situações, um olhar atento revela que essas interações costumam desenvolver-se de maneira eficiente e inteligível, e podem ser consideradas harmoniosas.  Há, entretanto, uma situação singular que é marcada pelo surgimento de dificuldades de comunicação entre o chamador e o atendente: quando uma pessoa é declarada morta. Esta contribuição se interessa pelas chamadas de emergência em que é feito um anúncio de morte. Nossa análise, conduzida numa perspectiva interacionista, baseia-se num corpus de chamadas dirigidas ao serviço telefônico de emergência 9-1-1. Descreve a resistência do chamador às solicitações e às instruções do atendente nessa situação. Concluímos que esse desalinhamento interacional está associado ao caráter padronizado do treinamento recebido pelos atendentes.
Apresentação
Authors: Almeida Fernando Afonso De , Wilson Victoria
Published: January 2020

Apresentação do n.39 de 2019.
Development and Optimization of an Automatic System to Determine the Moisture Content in Single-Kernel Rough Rice Using Visible/NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Heman Adcha , Hsieh Ching-Lu
Published: January 2020

The moisture content of rough rice directly affects the rice quality and market value. It is important to automatically measure the moisture content in single rice kernels to determine the product quality during processing and storage. This study developed an automatic measurement system to determine the moisture content in single-kernel rough rice using a spectrometer and optimized the performance of the system using a response surface method (RSM) experiment. The system consisted of a vibrator, a rotating plate, a spectrometer, and a PC. A Box-Behnken design was used for the RSM experiment to determine three performance indices: successful ratio, successful scan, and error ratio. The vibrator was tested at 352, 423, and 495 Hz. The rotation speed of the plate was 4, 8, and 16 s per cycle, and three scan tests were performed using one, two, or three replications per kernel. The five tested moisture contents were 33.3%, 24.4%, 19.5%, 13.5%, and 12.2% wet basis (w.b.). The RSM results showed that of the 15 response surfaces, eleven surfaces were saddles, three were hills, and one was a valley. The corresponding maxima and minima were determined. The parameter set of 495 Hz, 16 s per cycle, and one scan resulted in a capacity of 60 kernels per minute and an error ratio of 0.0001.

Highlights

An automatic system was developed to determine the moisture content in single-kernel rough rice.

The optimal operation condition was found by response surface method.

With the optimal operation condition, the system processed 60 kernels per minute and had an error ratio of 0.0001. Keywords: Automation, Moisture content, NIR spectroscopy, Rough rice, Single kernel.
Development of an Autofollow Row Control System for a Mechanized Harvesting Test Bench for Underground Crops
Authors: Wang Shenying , Hu Zhichao , Wu Huichang , Wu Feng , Peng Baoliang , Gu Fengwei
Published: January 2020

Abstract.

To solve problems such as the low quality and efficiency of mechanized harvesting for underground crops in China, this study developed an autofollow row control system for a mechanized harvesting test bench for underground crops. A closed-loop fixed dual-threshold dead-zone PD (proportional differential) algorithm was developed to control the corrective displacement of the excavating mechanism. The backlash, dead-zone width, proportional gain constant, and differential gain constant of the control system were determined as ±70 mm, 180 mm, 700, and 15, respectively, according to previous statistical analysis of underground crop production data, design calculations, simulations, and debugging. The test bench simulation experiments indicated that the missed excavation rate and breakage rate were significantly lower than those of a conventional harvester without an autofollow row control system. At a plant spacing of 40 cm, off-centerline distance of 6 cm, and forward speed of 0.7 m s-1, the average values of the missed excavation rate and breakage rate for the autofollow row harvester were 2.29% and 3.58%, respectively. This research can provide a technical reference for mechanized autofollow row harvesting of underground crops.

Highlights

An autofollow row control system for a mechanized harvesting test bench for underground crops was developed to improve harvesting quality and efficiency.

A series of test bench experiments was conducted to determine the optimal parameter combination.

A closed-loop fixed dual-threshold dead-zone PD algorithm was developed to control the corrective displacement of the excavating mechanism.

The appropriate parameters (dead-zone threshold, dead-zone width, proportional coefficient, and differential coefficient) were determined.

Harvesting quality improved significantly by using the developed autofollow row control system. Keywords: Autofollow row, Excavating harvest, Fixed dual-threshold dead-zone PD algorithm, Underground crops.
Wear Behavior of Different Materials Applied on Horizontal Mixer Blades Used in the Processing of Total Mixed Rations
Authors: Wang Tao , Wen Baoqin , Kan Za , Li Jingbin
Published: January 2020

Abstract. A horizontal mixer can realize the cutting and mixing of coarse and fine feeds and achieve the purpose of scientific feeding. Studying the wear resistance of the mixer blades can improve the service life of a horizontal mixer. The wear performance of blades made of three different materials (manganese steel, tool steel, and spring steel) was studied under laboratory conditions and working conditions. In laboratory conditions, the wear scar morphology and surface elements were analyzed by means of three-dimensional topography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy spectrum analysis. The results show that the friction coefficient, wear quality, and surface roughness of manganese steel blades had the lowest values of 0.49158, 0.0061 mg, and 4.341 µm in three groups of tests. In working conditions, the wear amount and surface roughness of the manganese steel blades in different zones of the mixer were the lowest. In addition, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) results showed that the grain size of the manganese steel blades was the smallest. Therefore, compared with the tool steel and spring steel blades, the manganese steel blades showed excellent wear resistance.

Highlights

The wear characteristics of horizontal mixer blades with different materials were studied.

The wear characteristics of the blades were studied under laboratory and working conditions.

The effect of grain on the wear performance of the blades was studied by electron backscatter diffraction. Keywords: Blade, Grain, Horizontal mixer, Wear resistance, Wear test.
Removal of Ammonia Nitrogen from Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Dong Yanting , Yuan Haiping , Zhang Ruina , Zhu Nanwen
Published: January 2020

Abstract.

Nitrogen is a dominant nutrient causing eutrophication of water bodies, and the discharge of nitrogen-containing wastewater can bring about undesirable changes to agriculture. Ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) is the major form of nitrogen present in wastewater, and the control of NH4+-N discharge in wastewater has been a major concern around the world. Various methods have been adopted to control NH4+-N pollution in accepted water bodies. The methods employed for the elimination of NH4+-N in wastewater can be categorized as physicochemical methods, chemical methods, and biological methods. The objectives of this review are to present a brief introduction to the main approaches for the removal of NH4+-N in wastewater and provide a theoretical basis for practical application of these methods.

Highlights

Various methods of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal from wastewater are reviewed.

Operating conditions, advantages, and disadvantages of all approaches are discussed.

Cost-effective, economical, and environmentally favorable means of NH4+-N removal are proposed. Keywords: Ammonia nitrogen, Biological treatment, Chemical treatment, Physical treatment, Wastewater.
Genetic diversity of Pongamia pinnata in Bali, Indonesia using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers
Authors: Arpiwi Ni Luh , Wahyuni I Gusti Ayu Sugi , Muksin I Ketut
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Arpiwi NL, Wahyuni IGAS, Muksin IK. 2019. Genetic diversity of Pongamia pinnata in Bali, Indonesia using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers. Biodiversitas 20: 2134-2142. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is a member of family Leguminosae that produces seed oil for biodiesel feedstock. The aim of the present study was to determine genetic diversity of pongamia trees that grow in Bali using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. This study is important to support the breeding program for the improvement of the biodiesel producing species. Leaf samples were taken from 26 pongamia trees grown on northern and southern coastal areas of Bali. Genomic DNA was isolated from fresh leaves sample and was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using 9 ISSR primers. The banding patterns of DNA after PCR were scored and tabulated into a binary matrix. Genetic distance was generated by pairwise distance using composite maximum likelihood. A dendrogram was constructed using Unweighted Pair Group Method Arithmetic (UPGMA) method. The binary matrix was further analyzed for Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) with Primer E V.6 software. DNA concentrations ranged from 98.59-100.55 ng/μL with sufficient quality for PCR. The number of alleles for 9 primers was 43, the number of the polymorphic band was 35, and the number of monomorphic bands was 8. Percentage of polymorphism ranged from 50 to 100%. Cluster analysis of 26 DNA of pongamia trees showed that the trees were grouped into two, namely group I and II. Group I consisted of two trees only, namely Uma Anyar 1 and Penarukan 1. Group II consisted of 24 pongamia trees which were divided into 3 subgroups, namely IIA, IIB, and IIC with close genetic distance. Analysis of NMDS supported cluster analysis that 23 out of 26 pongamia trees had close genetic distance, and possibly they come from a similar source. Genetic diversity of pongamia in Bali needs to be widen possibly by the introduction of new planting materials from across Indonesia or seed procurement from different sources.
Silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace systems in soils of different slopes
Authors: Karyati Karyati , Sarminah Sri , Karmini Karmini , Rujehan Rujehan , Lestari Vebi Fitriana Eko , Panorama Wendy Satria
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Karyati, Sarminah S, Karmini, Rujehan, Lestari VFE, Panorama WS. 2019. Silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace systems in soils of different slopes. Biodiversitas 20: xxxx. Soil and water conservation techniques involving a combination of vegetative and mechanical systems will increase the benefits from both conservation aspect as well as economic aspect. This study was aimed at analyzing the silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace system in soils of different slopes (a steep and a very steep slope gradient). The silvicultural parameters examined in this study were the ground coverage of V. cylindrica growth and survival rate, stem diameter and height of F. moluccana trees. The hydro-orological parameters included erosion rate, erosion hazard index, erosion hazard class, and erosion hazard level. The economic parameters included total cost, total revenue, and profit. The result showed that the survival rate, diameter increment and height increment of F. moluccana, and ground coverage of V. cylindrica in the land with the steep slope (>25-45%) was 90%, 2.02 cm year-1, 1.54 m year-1, and 80-90%, respectively. The erosion rate, erosion hazard index, erosion hazard class, and erosion hazard level in this steep slope was 0.38 ton ha year-1, 0.03 (low), I (very low), and very low, respectively. In the steeper ground (>45%), the survival rate of F. moluccana reached 90%, the V. cylindrica coverage was 70-79% and the diameter and height increment of F. moluccana was 1.63 cm year-1 and 1.19 m year-1, respectively. The erosion rate was 1.81 ton ha-1 year-1, erosion hazard index of 0.13 (low), erosion hazard class was I (very low), and erosion hazard level was low in the very steep slope land. The profit from V. cylindrica was Rp 3,865,000.00 ha-1 cropping season-1 and Rp 665,000.00 ha-1 cropping season-1 in steep slope and very steep slope, respectively. The application of the proposed combination of vegetative and terrace system could reduce surface runoff and erosion rate in the long term, in addition to providing short term economic benefits.
Comparing six different species distribution models with several subsets of environmental variables: Predicting the potential current distribution of Guettarda speciosa in Indonesia
Authors: Yudaputra Angga , Astuti Inggit Puji , Cropper Wendell P.
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Yudaputra A, Pujiastuti I, Cropper Jr. WP. 2019. Comparing six different species distribution models with several subsets of environmental variables: predicting the potential current distribution of zebra Guettarda speciosa in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2321-2328. There are many algorithms of species distribution modeling that widely used to predict the potential distribution pattern of diverse organisms. Finding the best model in terms of predicting the potential distribution of many species remains a challenge. The objective of this study is to compare six different algorithms for predicting the potential current distribution pattern of Guettarda speciosa (zebra wood). The occurrence records of G. speciosa are derived from herbarium database, Bogor Botanic Gardens’s plant inventory database and direct field surveys through NKRI expedition.  Seven climatic variables and elevation data are extracted from global data. R open-source software is used to run those algorithms and QGIS is used to prepare the spatial data.  The result shows that MAXENT outperforms other predictive models with the highest AUC score 0.89, followed by SVM (0.87), RF (0.86), and GLM (0.82), DOMAIN (0.73), and BIOCLIM (0.62). Based on the AUC score, the four predictive models (MAXENT, SVM, RF, GLM) are categorized into good predictive models, indicating those are quite better to predict the potential current distribution pattern of G. speciosa. Whereas, DOMAIN is fair predictive model and BIOCLIM is poor predictive model. The predictive map derived from four models (MAXENT, SVM, RF, and GLM) shows almost similar appearance in predicting of potential current distribution of G. speciosa. The predictive map of current distribution would be useful to provide information regarding the potential habitat of G. speciosa across the landscape of Indonesia.
Food habits of three species of mudskippers in the Musi River Estuary, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Ridho Moh Rasyid , Patriono Enggar , Solikha Mar'atus
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Ridho MR, Patriono E, Sholikah M. 2019. Food habits of three species of mudskippers in the Musi River Estuary, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2368-2374. This study provided understanding of morphometric variation and diet composition of three species of mudskippers, i.e. Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmodon schlosseri, and Periophthalmus chrysospilos. The data obtained can be used for fish cultivation in the future. The relation of weight and length of species B. boddarti, P. schlosseri and P. chrysospilos had a correlation of 72.2%, 98.2%, and 94.5%, respectively with the value of b = 1.474, 3.189, and 2.271, respectively. This suggests that the growth patterns of B. boddarti and P. chrysospilos are allometrically negative, while P. schlosseri is allometrically positive. B. boddarti is classified as a herbivore, the main food of phytoplankton from Bacillariophyceae class with percentage 100%; 80% of Chlorophyceae; 95.6% of Cyanophyceae; 13.33% of Desmidiaceae; 13.33% of Euglenophyceae and 37.78% of Xanthophyceae. P. schlosseri is classified as carnivores, the main food is Uca sp. with IRI of 17.131.45% and complimentary food of Lycosa sp. with IRI of 80.79%. P. chrysospilos is also classified as carnivores with the main food is fish eggs with IRI of 8057.07% and complementary foods of Uca sp. with IRI of 1935.3%.
Evidence of pollen features and peroxidase isozymes in their morphological complexity of ten local cultivars of sweet potato from Indonesia
Authors: Suranto Suranto , DWI WAHYUNI  , EDY PURWANTO
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Suranto, Wahyuni D, Edy Purwanto E. 2019. Evidence of pollen features and peroxidase isozymes in their morphological complexity of ten local cultivars of sweet potato from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2511-2518. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) has been recorded to have many cultivars and variations in the morphological characters not only for the leaves but also for the tubers. Sweet potatoes had economically significant role, especially as an additional food due to its high content of carbohydrate and other nutrient values. In order to test whether the morphological variation in this species was also expressed at the micro character; such as pollen morphology and enzyme activity, ten sweet potato cultivars were used in this study. The morphological characters such as shape and structure of the pollen features were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Accordingly, Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to look-at the banding pattern of peroxidase isozymes. Morphological characters of leaves, flowers, and tuber were observed qualitatively both for the typical shape and colors. More detail of flower shapes was drown manually especially their petal edges. The results showed that there was variation among the ten sweet potato cultivars confirmed not only on their morphological characters but also the isozyme banding patterns of ten cultivars tested. At least, two cultivar Antin 3 and Papua Solossa had uniques characters especially the purple stem and yellow tuber and dark skin on the tuber, respectively. In addition, the structural analysis of pollen showed that Beta 1 cultivar has very large pollen; 116,50 μm (axis polar) and the contour surface of exine pollen was concave with the aperture shape and ornamentation were prolate spheroidal and echinate respectively. This unique character was also shown by its peroxidase isozyme bands. Eleven bands of leaf and 13 bands of stem samples were detected respectively. The typical Rf values of 0.31, 0.48 and 0.41 were detected for the leaf, while for stem samples were 0.14, 0.20 and 0.26. The Beta 1 cultivar showed very thick bands in between Rf values of 0.13 and 0.26. Meanwhile, the unique band pattern of Papua Salosa was the absence of band at 0.38.
A representação do vestuário da elite feminina carioca (1854-1864) em Diva, de José de Alencar
Authors: Conceição Fernanda De Oliveira , Pinho Adeítalo Manoel
Published: January 2020

O objetivo deste artigo foi entender como José de Alencar (1829-1877) representou o vestuário da elite feminina carioca (1854-1864) na diegese de seu romance urbano Diva (1959 [1864]). É de interesse não apenas à esfera acadêmica, cuja necessidade está em atualizar a obra alencariana, tendo aparo em aportes teóricos que possibilitem elucidar sua complexidade, provocando, com isso, outro olhar do século XIX, que se reflete na contemporaneidade; mas também aos estudos de gênero, permitindo entrever, por meio do vestuário, a atuação social da mulher de elite no período correspondente ao recorte temporal (1854-1864) e refletir sobre como o papel que lhe foi designado permanece hoje – desta vez, seu alcance não se limitando a apenas uma classe social. Como referencial teórico, há contribuições de Genette (2017 [1972]) e Sant’anna (1979 [1973]) à Narratologia e fizemos cotejo entre a pesquisa e outros trabalhos que mantêm relação com o tópico, como os de Hernandes (2015), Lajolo; Zilberman (1996), Souza (1993, 2005), dentre outros. Envolvido nos assuntos de seu tempo, Alencar acertou sobre os temas que escolheu escrever, garantindo às obras uma possível recepção por parte do público-alvo, seja através de leitoras fictícias que elaborou para garantir tal aceitação, seja na representação da vida privada do homem comum. Palavras-chave: Diva. José de Alencar. Diegese. Vestuário.
Photon-assisted entanglement and squeezing generation and decoherence suppression via a quadratic optomechanical coupling
Authors: Zhang Zhucheng , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2020

Entanglement and quantum squeezing have wide applications in quantum technologies due to their non-classical characteristics. Here we study entanglement and quantum squeezing in an open spin-optomechanical system, in which a Rabi model (a spin coupled to the mechanical oscillator) is coupled to an ancillary cavity field via a quadratic optomechanical coupling. We find that their performances can be significantly modulated via the photon of the ancillary cavity, which comes from photon-dependent spin-oscillator coupling and detuning. Specifically, a fully switchable spin-oscillator entanglement can be achieved, meanwhile a strong mechanical squeezing is also realized. Moreover, we study the environment-induced decoherence and dissipation, and find that they can be mitigated by increasing the number of photons. This work provides an effective way to manipulate entanglement and quantum squeezing and to suppress decoherence in the cavity quantum electrodynamics with a quadratic optomechanics.
Deep learning and hierarchical graph-assisted crosstalk-aware fragmentation avoidance strategy in space division multiplexing elastic optical networks
Authors: Xiong Yu , Ye Yulong , Zhang Hua , He Jinyou , Wang Baohua , Yang Kunrong
Published: January 2020

Space division multiplexing elastic optical networks (SDM-EONs) with multi-core fiber (MCF) are the promising candidate for future optical networks due to their high transmission capacity and high flexibility. However, the inherent defects of inter-core crosstalk and spectrum fragmentation may have some negative impact on the performance of SDM-EONs. A deep learning and hierarchical graph-assisted crosstalk-aware fragmentation avoidance (DLHGA) strategy is proposed in this paper. Firstly, we introduce a deep learning (DL) model to predict future requests, so as to achieve reasonable scheduling of resource in advance. Then, considering the inter-core crosstalk of MCF, we abstract the core, spectrum and time resource as a three-dimensional (3D) model with the hierarchical graphs. Therefore, the resource allocation process is simplified to be mitigating the crosstalk and fragmentation from the perspective of inter-core and intra-core, respectively. Finally, based on DL traffic prediction and different characteristics of hierarchical graph, we present an adaptive resource allocation algorithm considering relieving core adjacency and downgrading modulation format to achieve efficient resource scheduling. We evaluate our DLHGA strategy in different topologies, and the results show that our strategy can efficiently improve network performance in terms to inter-core crosstalk and bandwidth blocking probability compared to earlier approaches.
Time-resolved measurements of optical properties in ultrafast laser interaction with polypropylene
Authors: Rahaman Arifur , Kar Aravinda , Yu Xiaoming
Published: January 2020

Time-resolved, single-shot measurements are performed to determine the reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance in ultrafast laser interaction with polypropylene for a wide range of laser pulse energies. An ellipsoidal mirror is used to collect the majority of the reflected light, enabling the detection of plasma emission starting at about 40 ns after the incident pulse. The measured transmittance is explained by a model that takes into account different effective absorption channels, and the non-linear absorption coefficient is estimated, which suggests that the non-linear absorption originates from the two-step or two-photon absorption through overtone. The results are useful for selecting laser parameters in the processing of polymeric materials.