bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life for North Korean Female Refugees: The Influence of Physical Health, PTSD, and Social Support
Authors: Lee Ji-yeon , Shin Sang-Soo , Lee So Hee
Published: May 2020

Background of the Study.The purpose of this study was to test a mediation model that describes the pathwaysthrough which female North Korean defectors’ perceived physical health and Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) symptoms may be associated with their quality of life. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether socialsupport would mediate the association between North Korean defectors’ perceived physical health and PTSDsymptoms and their quality of life. Methods. The study sample included 172 female North Korean defectorsliving in South Korea. Participants completed a health condition checklist, the Posttraumatic Stress DisorderChecklist-Civilian Version (PLC-C), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), andthe Korean version of the Short-Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8). Results. The structural equation modelconfirmed the hypothesized mediation model, with the following indices: χ2 (38) = 86.184, CFI = 0.97, NFI =0.95, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08 (90% CI: 0.06 - 0.10). Discussion. Our findings could help counselors understandunique issues that women refugees may experience as well as protective factors in their life (i.e., social support).
Talking about the Trayvon Martin Case in Psychology and Conseling Training and Psychotheraphy
Authors: Dale Sannisha K. , Henderson Daniel Jessica
Published: May 2020

The Trayvon Martin tragedy (the shooting of a Black male adolescent in a Florida gated community) was covered frequently by media outlets for a few months before the level of coverage gradually became only periodic updates on the status of the case and court proceedings. In response to the coverage, the listserv of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues) became a site for sharing information about the case, resources, comments and recommendations. Inspired by one of the comments regarding the importance of taking action in the form of conversations and dialogues in counseling and psychology training settings and psychotherapy, this article (1) reviews guidelines such as the APA Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists, (2) notes applicable literature on the importance of promoting discussions about multicultural issues in training settings and psychotherapy, (3) describes examples of discussions held in training settings following the tragedy, and (4) lists several recommendations for facilitating conversations about the tragedy.
A Personal Memorial Tribute Paul Bodholt Pedersen
Authors: Marsella Anthony
Published: May 2020

A personal memorial tribute to Paul B. Pedersen
Strengthening School-Family-Community Engagement Through Community Dialogues
Authors: Cook Amy L. , Shah Alveena , Brodsky Lauren , Morizio Laura J.
Published: May 2020

Open communication among school community stakeholders strengthens collaboration and facilitates school transformation. Meaningful parent engagement through two-way conversations supports shared decision-making and developing a shared vision for change. We document the implementation and outcomes of community dialogues on race and ethnicity conducted with a group of 11 school and community members, including parents, caretakers, community professionals, and a teacher. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis to explore outcomes of community dialogues. Critical race theory in education guided the community dialogues implementation and qualitative analyses. Findings illuminate participant appreciation for sharing narratives, becoming aware of cultural differences, and raising critical awareness to mobilize community change. Implications of school community dialogues on educational outcomes and counseling practice are also described.
Learning about Energy Consumption Habits of our Peers and Advocating for Installation of Solar Panels in Our School
Authors: Tsukada Tehjae , Sheppard Kate , Yip Ashley
Published: May 2020

Energy consumption has become an extremely prevalent problem in modern society. As the need for energy grows the impacts of that need begin to grow as well. My team surveyed students at Erindale Secondary School to inform ourselves on the usage of energy amongst high school students. The results from the study indicated that high school students use four to five hours of energy outside of school on weekdays, which is worrisome considering that students are at school for six hours a day. We found that over three hours per day are spent on computer by both boys and girls, and that boys spend more than 3 hours per day on game consoles. Considering that it would be harder for us to impact what our peers do at home, we decided to take action in our school. First, we wrote a letter to our school principal to request assessment of our school for installation of solar panels. The principal agreed to the idea. Then, we wrote a letter to Pure Energies asking the company if they would be interested in installing solar panels at our school. We received a reply from the Vice President informing us that his subcontractors have asked if they can help on this project. This was great news for us and we hope that our efforts will contribute to a more energy efficient school.
Exposure to Methoxyflurane: Low-Dose Analgesia and Occupational Exposure
Authors: Allison Serah J , Docherty Paul David , Pons Dirk , Chase J Geoffrey
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Evidence of nephrotoxicity led to abandonment of methoxyflurane anaesthesia. In lower doses via the Penthrox ® inhaler, methoxyflurane is used for analgesia. We aim to review the literature to identify the relevance of methoxyflurane as an effective analgesic agent, identify whether there are any patient safety concerns in modern use, and determine occupational risk to healthcare personnel due to environmental methoxyflurane exposure.

Methods

Articles were located via PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Anaesthesiology and the Cochrane Library.

Results

Single low-dose exposure to methoxyflurane may elevate blood fluoride levels below the toxic range, and appears relatively safe for patients. There is limited literature of occupational methoxyflurane exposure within modern parameters. Risks could include nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions

The safety of occupational methoxyflurane exposure is yet to be proved. Further independent studies quantifying occupational exposure and monitoring the health of personnel exposed to methoxyflurane need to be undertaken to ensure safety.
Attachment-based, relational, psychoanalytic music therapy: the significance of musical moments of attunement with adoptees after trauma, and how this may influence broader reparation with attachments
Authors: Gravestock Joy
Published: May 2020

This article summarises the author's clinical experiences over recent years of evolving a modality for music therapy with adoptive families. It frames the multi-agency context that adoption happens within as it is helpful for therapists to be aware of context, process and procedure when working within the adoption community. The author's model developed as process and procedure changed and were incorporated into legislation initially during 2015, and as the author witnessed ensuing practice developments during 2016 to 2018. The article explores significant relational and musical moments as they occurred in music therapy with children and young people who had experienced significant trauma prior to being adopted. It forms part of the author's current research which highlights the importance of both client and therapist in the intersubjective relationship, where attunement and attachment are central. It emphasises the long-term nature of such work and why this is deemed essential for relational music therapy with complex attachment issues. The author did not set out with the intent of researching her work formally, but it was apparent that experiences in the therapy room were "speaking" stories that needed sharing. Families were valuing music therapy as a modality for relational change and wanted to share their experiences so that others may benefit. The article is envisaged as providing a guide to the world of contemporary adoption for all psychotherapists unfamiliar with this territory and incorporates current theory alongside case examples from practice to highlight the relevance of music therapy within contemporary adoption. It offers an introduction to how music therapy as a sensorial and affect-laden medium might be a helpful choice of intervention with families who may struggle to describe the impact of traumatic early life experiences on children. All clients have been made into composites and there has been consent to this process.
Mejora y actualización de repositorios institucionales: el caso del Consorcio BUCLE
Authors: Román Sonia Santiago
Published: May 2020

El texto presenta el proyecto conjunto de los repositorios del consorcio BUCLE (Bibliotecas Universitarias de  Castilla y Léon) para mejorar dichos repositorios deteniéndose sobre todo en los cambios y actualizaciones realizados en el proceso de autoarchivo de los documentos y en la implementación de servicios de valor añadido. Se explica cómo se ha intentado agilizar el autoarchivo haciéndolo más rápido y sencillo mediante el uso de identificadores que permiten el autocompletado de datos, la incorporación de desplegables y de ayudas en pantalla. Los servicios de valor añadido se centran en el aumento de la visibilidad y el impacto de las publicaciones depositadas en los repositorios tales como métricas, redes sociales, gestores de referencias…
Positive Allosteric Modulator of mGluR4 PHCCC Exhibits Proconvulsant Action in Three Models of Epileptic Seizures in Immature Rats
Authors: SZCZUROWSKA E. , MAREŠ P.
Published: May 2020

The activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 4 (mGluR4) potentiates models of absence seizures in adult rats. These seizures are age-dependent, but data concerning the role of mGluR4 in immature brain is insufficient. N-phenyl-7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1acarboxamide (PHCCC), which is a positive allosteric modulator of these receptors, was used in three different models of seizures in immature rats: 1) convulsions induced by high doses of pentetrazol (PTZ; a model of generalised tonic-clonic seizures); 2) rhythmic electro-encephalographic (EEG) activity induced by low doses of PTZ (a model of absence seizures); and 3) electrically elicited cortical afterdischarges (ADs, a model of myoclonic seizures). We administered four doses of PHCCC (1, 3, 10 and 20 mg/kg) in PTZ-induced convulsions and two doses (3 and 10 mg/kg) in the two electrophysiological models of freely moving rats with implanted electrodes. Every dose and age group consisted from 8 to 10 rats. PTZ-elicited convulsions were not significantly influenced by PHCCC. In contrast, PHCCC potentiated the effect of a subconvulsant dose (60 mg/kg) of PTZ. The 10-mg/kg dose of PHCCC significantly prolonged the duration of PTZ-induced rhythmic activity episodes and shortened the intervals between individual episodes in 25-day-old rats (P25). In contrast, this potentiation was not seen in P18 rats. Cortical ADs were significantly prolonged with repeated stimulations by both doses of PHCCC in P12 and P18 animals. P25 rats exhibited only slightly longer AD durations. In conclusion, we did not find any anticonvulsant effect of PHCCC. On the contrary, proconvulsant action was demonstrated in all three models in immature rats.
Expression of the Skeletal Calsequestrin Isoform in Normal and Regenerated Skeletal Muscles and in the Hearts of Rats With Altered Thyroid Status
Authors: SOUKUP T. , SULIMENKO V. , MARKOVÁ V. , KOPECKÁ K. , ZACHAŘOVÁ G. , PALEČEK J.
Published: May 2020

We have investigated expression of skeletal calsequestrin (CSQ1) and fiber type composition in normal and regenerated fast and slow skeletal muscles and in the left heart ventricles of euthyroid (EU), hypothyroid (HY) and hyperthyroid (TH) adult inbred Lewis strain rats. The CSQ1 level was determined by SDS-PAGE followed by Western blot analysis. CSQ1 gene expression was assessed using reverse transcription and subsequent real time polymerase chain reaction. Muscle regeneration was achieved by intramuscular grafting of either soleus or extensor digitorum longus (EDL) from 3- to 4-week-old rats to either EDL or soleus muscle of 2-month-old rats. The fiber type composition was assessed by a stereological method applied to stained muscle cross sections. We found that the protein and mRNA levels for CSQ1 were highest in the EDL muscle, the relative CSQ1 protein levels in the soleus muscle were two times lower and the transcript levels more than 5 times lower compared to the EDL. In the left heart ventricle, protein isoform and CSQ1 transcript were also present, although at protein level, CSQ1 was hardly detectable. TH status increased and HY status decreased the expression of CSQ1 in the EDL, but its relative levels in the soleus and in the heart did not change. The regenerated soleus transplanted into EDL, as well as EDL transplanted into soleus exhibited protein and mRNA levels of CSQ1 corresponding to the host muscle and not to the graft source. TH status increased the percentages of the fastest 2X/D and 2B fibers at the expense of slow type 1 and fast 2A fibers in the EDL and that of fast 2A fibers in the soleus at the expense of slow type 1 fibers. HY status led to converse fiber type changes. We suggest that the observed changes in CSQ1 levels in TH and HY compared to EU rats can be related to fiber type changes caused by alteration of the thyroid status rather than to the direct effect of thyroid hormones on CSQ1 gene expression.
Case Study Risk Based Approach for Life Cycle Computerized System in Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Fitrio Yodi
Published: May 2020

Pharmaceutical industry is one of the industries that heavily regulated in most of country in the world. Regulation made by the regulatory is intended to ensure the system or process in the industry produce the product without impacting the safety, efficacy, integrity and quality of the product.

Computerized system are commonly used by pharmaceutical manufacturing activities from planning, warehousing, production, engineering and testing in laboratories. Computerized system that used not only as information system or processing the data the system also used by the company to control their proses such automation system in production area.

Recent report from regulatory showing there is increasing reports from regulatory regarding company failure in maintain their computerized system to comply with cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) from regulator.
Raw Material Usage and Process Order Module Development using SAP: A Case Study from General Packaging Manufacturer
Authors: Richard Richard , Setiawan Julius Raymond , Surya Mahenda Metta
Published: May 2020

ERP systems widely used in manufacturing companies, as manufacturing order and costing become a key component in the core business process. In order to increase the management effectiveness in the company, raw material usage in the manufacturing process becomes essential data to be discovered by the company, as the production cost derived from the usage of the raw material itself. SAP ERP can be customized and tailored to meets the business process needs as the leading software company in providing end-to-end ERP Systems. This research uses the UML diagram in the module design process, and the module application itself built under the SAP environment. With the outcome of ERP system module design from this research, the company could discover manufacturing process efficiencies by utilizing a set of system modules.
Logistic Model Tree and Decision Tree J48 Algorithms for Predicting the Length of Study Period
Authors: Maulana Mohamad Firman , Defriani Meriska
Published: May 2020

One point to be assessed in the accreditation process in an institution is the length of the student's study period. The Informatics department in XYZ college has been accredited by the national accreditation bureau for higher education (BAN-PT), but the accreditation has the potential to be improved. One thing that affects the accreditation value is many students did not graduate on time. Therefore, the current study used available student data, both academic and non-academic, using data mining. Two model classifications were used, i.e. Logistic Model Tree (LMT) and Decision Tree J48. The study was aimed to compare LMT and Decision Tree J48 algorithm in predicting the length of student’s study and to find out the influence factors. The data were Informatics Engineering students who have graduated in February 2018 to February 2019 (135 records). Results showed that the LMT algorithm produced an accuracy rate of 71% better than Decision Tree J48 (62.8% accuracy) in predicting the length of the student’s study. The factors influencing the length of study of students are temporary grade point average (GPA) of the first semester, temporary GPA of the second semester, organizational status, and employment status.
The Simulation of Heat Propagation Rate in Smart Roasting Process Using Finite Difference Method
Authors: Sari Rafika , Lubis Nuraina Fika , Fitriyani Aida , Mayadi Mayadi
Published: May 2020

In the industrial 4.0 era, there have been many developments in daily equipment that have been transformed into more sophisticated tools both in terms of how they are used, the efficiency of their work and the quality of the results obtained due to the digitization process that is easily accessed by many people. Therefore, As the early step, the paper discusses the computational modeling in the automatic cooking methods, namely the smart roaster system. The cooking method in the form of granules by using a roasting process, which generally utilizes heated sand, is interesting to learn since there are two mechanisms of heat propagation from the pan to the food object, namely the mechanism of heat propagation by conduction and radiation, but in this study, the heat propagation due to temporary convection was ignored. The first mechanism is accommodated by Fourier's Law, while the second is by Stefan-Boltzmann's Law. For simplification, the system is discussed in one dimension with the same grain size, but the object can have a different size. The composition of the pan walls, grains of sand, empty space, and food objects can be randomized so that various configurations can be created. Discussed how the process of heat propagation can occur in the roasting process and also radiation to the surrounding space on the top of the sand surface. The numerical analysis method is used with the finite difference method and the Matlab programming language for simulation.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Transport Properties of n-type InSe by Sn doping
Authors: Choo Sung-sil , Hong Seok-won , Kim Hyun-Sik , Kim Sang-il
Published: May 2020

Layered post transition metal chalcogenides such as SnSe, SnSe2, In2Se3, and In4Se3 have attracted attention as promising thermoelectric materials due to their intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivities. Recently, n-type indium selenide (InSe) based materials have also been suggested as good candidates for thermoelectric materials by optimizing their electrical properties, i.e., increasing carrier concentration. Here, we report enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of n-type InSe by Sn substitutional doping at the In site. A series of In1-xSnxSe for x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.15 and 0.2 was examined. The carrier concentration and electrical conductivity increased due to the Sn substitution, since Sn behaves as a shallow electron donor in InSe, while the Seebeck coefficient decreased moderately. In addition, it was found that effective mass was increased by more than 10 times by Sn doping. As a result, the power factor was enhanced from 0.07 mW/mK2 to 0.13 mW/mK2 at 800 K. The total thermal conductivity was unchanged despite Sn doping because the electrical contribution to the total thermal conductivity was very small. Consequently, Sn doping in InSe enhanced the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit zT from 0.04 to 0.14 at 800 K, mainly due to enhanced electrical properties.
Fungicidal Interference during Infection Related Developmental Stages in Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Sonah Humira , Deshmukh Rupesh K. , Kotasthane Anil S.
Published: May 2020

Rice blast, a serious epidemic disease that limits grain yield worldwide is caused by fungal pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. The present investigation was carried out to identify the probable avenues of interference by different fungicides during the critical stages of infection related morphogenesis of M. grisea. Effect of six fungicides at different stages of infection related morphogenesis showed variable results like interference in conidial germination, distortion of surface structure of the spores,  interference in the germ tube elongation, interference in the transfer of the cell contents from spore to appresorrium, deformity in appressorial dome, interference in the melanin deposition. We speculate the critical stages at which these fungicides may interfere. The activity of immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) which is a potential antifungal agent was equated with all the fungicides used. We hypothesize that the exposure of the M. grisea spore to the fungicide may lead to the formation of a cyclophilin CYP1-fungicide complex, which inactivates calcineurin and prevents calcium/ calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase signaling and is therefore one of the target of fungicidal interference. An understanding of how fungal pathogens break the protective barrier that comprise the surface of the host plant as well as precise identification of avenues of fungicidal interference during infection related development in M. grisea will lead to novel approach for controlling plant diseases.
Impact of Carbohydrates and Mineral Contents of Different Indigenous Strains of Oyster Mushroom (Jacq. Fr.) Cultivated on Different Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Khan Nasir A. , Khaliq Nazia , Haq Imran U. , Javed Nazir , Gondal Amjad S.
Published: May 2020

Different strains of Pleurotus ostreatus were cultivated on different agro-cellulosic wastes viz. cotton waste, wheat straw and paddy straw to determine the effect of these agro wastes on biological efficiency, carbohydrate and mineral contents including Na, K, Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe. Maximum biological efficiency was recorded on P. ostreatus (grey strain, 134.4%) and (white strain, 113.7%) on wheat straw. P. sajor-caju showed maximum biological efficiency (195.9%) on wheat straw. Maximum amount of Na was found (0.18g/100g) on P. ostreatus (grey strain) and K was found on P. sajor-caju (4.58g/100g) cultivated on paddy straw followed by wheat straw and cotton waste. P. ostreatus (white strain) cultivated on paddy straw showed maximum amount of Cu (0.0009g/100g) while maximum amount of Zn was found (0.017g/100g) on P. ostreatus (white strain). Maximum amount of Fe was found (0.008g/100g) on P. sajor-caju cultivated on cotton waste. P. sajor-caju cultivated on cotton waste showed significantly highest carbohydrate (0.079g/100g).
An Approach to the Parasitism Genes of the Root Knot Nematode
Authors: Ngangbam Ajit K. , Devi Nongmaithem B.
Published: May 2020

Plant parasitic nematodes which are highly successful parasites evolved a very specialized feeding relationship with the host plant to cause the destructive root-knot disease. They initiate their parasitic relationship with the host by releasing their secretions into root cells which in turn stimulate the root cells of the host to become specialized feeding cells which are considered as the single source of nutrients essential for the nematode's survival. The parasitism genes expressed in nematode's esophageal gland cells encode secretory proteins that are released through its stylet to direct the interactions of the nematode with its host plants.
Role of Epidemiological and Biochemical Factors against Early Blight of Potato
Authors: Mehboob Saira , Khan Muhammad Aslam , Rehman Abdul , Idrees Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Epidemiological and biochemical factors play a significant role in early blight disease development in potatoes. For this 29 test cultivars/ lines, were screened, 15 lines including Cardinal and Desiree were found to be very highly susceptible. Eight lines including Diament FSD-White, and TPS-9813 showed highly susceptible response. Two lines i.e. 9802 and 396266-33 were susceptible. Only one variety /advanced line FD-1-8 was found to be resistant. None of the 29 advanced lines was found to be highly resistant while two lines such as FD-3-9 and FD-48-41 were shown moderately resistant response. At varietal level, among 29 test varieties/ advanced lines, all the varieties showed highly significant correlation with minimum temperature and negative correlation with maximum temperature. 18 varieties/advanced lines have significant correlation with pan evaporation. Whereas all the 29 varieties/ advanced lines did not show any correlation with relative humidity and wind speed. Five varieties/ advanced lines namely Cardinal, 396240-181, 9803, FD-1-9 and 9801 were selected to study the relationship of environmental conditions with disease severity. Maximum disease severity was recorded at 17-200C maximum temperature, 6-9oC of minimum air temperature and 1.9-2.4 mm pan evaporation. Relative humidity and wind speed almost had no significant effect on disease severity. On varietal level early blight disease severity had significant correlation with phenolic production both in leaves and tubers. Among 29 varieties, 20 varieties had significant correlation with phenolic production while 9 had no correlation in case of leaves while in case of tubers 19 varieties/ lines showed significant correlation & 10 lines did not show any correlation with phenolics production.
Developing Control Strategies of Potato Wart Disease (Synchytrium endobioticum) in Turkey
Authors: Gunacti Hale , Erkılıç Ali
Published: May 2020

The ultimate purpose of this study was to control Potato Wart Disease. Thus, during 2010 – 2011, in order to control the Potato Wart Disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum the efficacy of seed fungicides and soil fumigants, the influence of 15 different plants used as alternative cropping to potato and the extracts derived from carrot, onion, garlic and radish were examined on the sporangium viability. The results revealed that the roots of turnip tuber were the most effective treatment among four different plant extracts used. Sunflower and Rye were found to be promising alternative crops to potato for the region with 74% and 73% of sporangium mortality, respectively. The most effective fumigant application on the viability of Synchytrium endobioticum sporangia in the soil was Formaldehyde with a 93.8 – 97.5 % efficacy rate. The fungicide efficacy on the diseases occurrence changed from 25.2 % to 62.5 % comparing to control plots. Although significant differences were obtained numerically between efficacy ratios, no statistically significant differences were found in all applications. The most effective application on Potato Wart Disease occurrence was the dosages of 60 and 80 g /m2 of Metham Sodium among the four different concentrations of Formaldehyde, Metham Sodium, Dazomet and Urea as plant fertilizer.
Serological Identity of Potato Virus X (PVX) and PCR Characterization of Its Coat Protein (CP) Gene
Authors: Nosheen Qudsia , Hameed Shahid , Mughal Sardar M. , Abbas Muhammad F.
Published: May 2020

Potato virus X (PVX) is among top ten most economically damaging plant viruses in the world and its increasing incidence is getting an alarming situation in potato crop of Pakistan. During two consecutive years (2010-11 and 2011-12), the incidence of PVX was recorded in potato fields at Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Sahiwal. The samples were collected and subjected to Double Antibody Sandwiched (DAS) Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) and average incidence of PVX was determined about 16.86% (OD405nm 1.38) during 2010-11 and 27.10% (OD405nm 0.479) in 2011-12. The infectivity of the virus was assayed through mechanical inoculation on Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun, N. rustica, Datura stramonium, Chenopodium sp. Gomphrena and Capsicum annuum producing local lesion, mosaic and mottling symptoms. Coat protein (CP) gene specific sense and antisense primer successfully amplified a 750bp fragments through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay.
Efficacy of Reduced Rates of Soil-Applied Dimethenamid-P and Pendimethalin Mixture Followed by Postemergence Herbicides in Maize
Authors: Idziak Robert , Woznica Zenon
Published: May 2020

Field trials were conducted with preemergence dimethanamid-P + pendimethalin (D + P; 850 + 1000 g·ha−1) and reduced rates (637.5 + 750 g·ha−1 and 452 + 500 g·ha−1, 75% and 50% of label rate), followed by strongly reduced rates of postemergence herbicides nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + dicamba (N + R + D; 4 + 15.6 + 93.5 g·ha−1, 50%), tembotrione (T; 33 g·ha−1, 50%), mesotrione + nicosulfuron (M + N; 37.5 + 15 g·ha−1, 50%), foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron (F + J; 7.5 + 0.25 g·ha−1, 20%), and nikosulfuron (N; 15 g·ha−1, 33%) applied with methylated seed oil (MSO; 1.0 L·ha−1) and ammonium nitrate (AMN; 2 kg·ha−1) on 3–5 leaves of maize to assess weed control, grain yield, and economic net return. Reduced rate of soil-applied herbicide followed by reduced rates of any postemergence herbicides applied with adjuvants was the most efficacious weed control program, provided the highest grain yield of maize and similar or higher economic net return, despite 44 to 48% lower herbicide input than the program based on soil-applied herbicide mixture only. It brings not only notable economic benefits but also less negative impact on the environment.
Impact of Pre-Sowing Red Light Treatment of Sweet Corn Seeds on the Quality and Quantity of Yield
Authors: Dziwulska-Hunek Agata , Szymanek Mariusz , Stadnik Joanna
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of red light treatment of sweet corn seeds on the quantity and quality of the subsequent yield (total and marketable), as well as the length of cobs and thousand kernel weight. The respective groups of kernels were exposed to light: 1—once (K1), 2—twice (K2), and 3—thrice (K3); the control seeds were untreated. The light treatment had a positive impact on the analyzed values. Relative to the control, we observed a yield increase of approx. 5% for the Basin cultivar and approx. 25% for the Shaker and Powerhouse cultivars under the K2 mode. We also recorded an increase in the percentage of marketable yield of approx. 20%, 45%, and 48%, respectively for the Shaker, Powerhouse, and Basin cultivars. Positive effects were also observed in terms of cob length and thousand kernel weight for all treatment modes and cultivars analyzed. The obtained results support the inclusion of this method in the scope of recommendable agrotechnical practices aimed at improving the quantity and quality of yields of various crops and vegetables.
Wild Miscanthus Germplasm in a Drought-Affected Area: Physiology and Agronomy Appraisals
Authors: Scordia Danilo , Scalici Giovanni , Clifton-Brown John , Robson Paul , Patanè Cristina , Cosentino Salvatore Luciano
Published: May 2020

Predictions of future climate scenarios indicate that yields from perennial biomass crops (PBCs) growing in the Mediterranean region are likely to decline due to prolonged drought. Among PBCs, Miscanthus grasses with C4 photosynthesis combine high yield potentials and water use efficiencies. However, the standard commercial clone M. x giganteus (Mxg), with minimal stomatal regulation, is too sensitive to drought for reliable yields in the Mediterranean regions. This paper screened a diverse panel of thirteen Miscanthus genotypes (M. sinensis, M. floridulus, M. sacchariflorus and Mxg) to identify which types could maximize yield under summer drought conditions typical in the South Mediterranean climate. In the second growing season, significant differences were observed for plant height (from 63 to 185 cm), stem number (from 12 to 208 stems plant−1), biomass yield (from 0.17 to 6.4 kg DM plant−1) and whole crop water use efficiency (from 0.11 to 7.0 g L−1). Temporal variation in net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and instantaneous water use efficiency identified different strategies adopted by genotypes, and that genotypes selected from M. floridulus and M. sinensis were better adapted to rainfed conditions and could produce six times more biomass than the Mxg. These accessions are being used as parents in experimental breeding aimed at producing future seed-based drought resilient hybrids.
Validation of a Worst-Case Scenario Method Adapted to the Healthcare Environment for Testing the Antibacterial Effect of Brass Surfaces and Implementation on Hospital Antibiotic-Resistant Strains
Authors: Dauvergne Emilie , Lacquemant Corinne , Adjidé Crespin , Mullié Catherine
Published: May 2020

The evaluation of antibacterial activity of metal surfaces can be carried out using various published guidelines which do not always agree with each other on technical conditions and result interpretation. Moreover, these technical conditions are sometimes remote from real-life ones, especially those found in health-care facilities, and do not include a variety of antibiotic-resistant strains. A worst-case scenario protocol adapted from published guidelines was validated on two reference strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048). This protocol was designed to be as close as possible to a healthcare facility environment, including a much shorter exposure-time than the one recommended in guidelines, and evaluated the impact of parameters such as the method used to prepare inocula, seed on the surface, and recover bacteria following exposure. It was applied to a panel of 12 antibiotic-resistant strains (methicillin resistant, vancomycin-resistant, beta-lactamase, and carbapenemase producing strains as well as efflux pump-overexpressing ones) chosen as representative of the main bacteria causing hospital acquired infections. Within a 5-min exposure time, the tested brass surface displayed an antibacterial effect meeting a reduction cut-off of 99% compared to stainless steel, whatever the resistance mechanism harbored by the bacteria.
Digital Twin for Variation Management: A General Framework and Identification of Industrial Challenges Related to the Implementation
Authors: Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard , Schleich Benjamin , Wang Hua
Published: May 2020

Digital twins have gained a lot of interest in recent years. This paper presents a survey among researchers and engineers with expertise in variation management confirming the interest of digital twins in this area. The survey shows, however, a gap between future research interest in academia and industry, identifying a larger need in industry. This indicates that there are some barriers in the industry to overcome before the benefits of a digital twin for variation management and geometry assurance can be fully capitalized on in an industrial context. To identify those barriers and challenges, an extensive interview study with engineers from eight different companies in the manufacturing sectors was accomplished. The analysis identifies industrial challenges in the areas of system-level, simulation working process, management issues, and education. One of the main challenges is to keep the 3D models fully updated, including keeping track of changes during the product development process and also feedback changes during full production to the development engineers. This is a part of what is called the digital thread, which is also addressed in this paper.
Correction: Zhang G. et al. Autonomous Operation Method of Multi-DOF Robotic Arm Based on Binocular Vision. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5294
Authors: Fan Yiyao , Lv Xueying , Lin Jun , Ma Jianhang , Zhang Guanyu , Zhang Liu
Published: May 2020

We, the authors, wish to make the following corrections to our paper [...]
A Novel Optimization Algorithm Combing Gbest-Guided Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Variable Gradients
Authors: Ruan Xiaodong , Wang Jiaming , Zhang Xu , Liu Weiting , Fu Xin
Published: May 2020

The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, which has been widely studied for years, is a stochastic algorithm for solving global optimization problems. Taking advantage of the information of a global best solution, the Gbest-guided artificial bee colony (GABC) algorithm goes further by modifying the solution search equation. However, the coefficient in its equation is based only on a numerical test and is not suitable for all problems. Therefore, we propose a novel algorithm named the Gbest-guided ABC algorithm with gradient information (GABCG) to make up for its weakness. Without coefficient factors, a new solution search equation based on variable gradients is established. Besides, the gradients are also applied to differentiate the priority of different variables and enhance the judgment of abandoned solutions. Extensive experiments are conducted on a set of benchmark functions with the GABCG algorithm. The results demonstrate that the GABCG algorithm is more effective than the traditional ABC algorithm and the GABC algorithm, especially in the latter stages of the evolution.
Automatic Pancreas Segmentation Using Coarse-Scaled 2D Model of Deep Learning: Usefulness of Data Augmentation and Deep U-Net
Authors: Nishio Mizuho , Noguchi Shunjiro , Fujimoto Koji
Published: May 2020

Combinations of data augmentation methods and deep learning architectures for automatic pancreas segmentation on CT images are proposed and evaluated. Images from a public CT dataset of pancreas segmentation were used to evaluate the models. Baseline U-net and deep U-net were chosen for the deep learning models of pancreas segmentation. Methods of data augmentation included conventional methods, mixup, and random image cropping and patching (RICAP). Ten combinations of the deep learning models and the data augmentation methods were evaluated. Four-fold cross validation was performed to train and evaluate these models with data augmentation methods. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated between automatic segmentation results and manually annotated labels and these were visually assessed by two radiologists. The performance of the deep U-net was better than that of the baseline U-net with mean DSC of 0.703–0.789 and 0.686–0.748, respectively. In both baseline U-net and deep U-net, the methods with data augmentation performed better than methods with no data augmentation, and mixup and RICAP were more useful than the conventional method. The best mean DSC was obtained using a combination of deep U-net, mixup, and RICAP, and the two radiologists scored the results from this model as good or perfect in 76 and 74 of the 82 cases.
Damage Evaluation of Free-Free Beam Based on Vibration Testing
Authors: Nguyen Duong Huong , Ho Long Viet , Bui-Tien Thanh , De Roeck Guido , Wahab Magd Abdel
Published: May 2020

Damage can be detected by vibration responses of a structure. Damage changes the modal properties such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios. Natural frequency is one of the most frequently used damage indicators. In this paper, the natural frequency is used to monitor damage in a free-free beam. The modal properties of the intact free-free beam are identified based on a setup of 15 accelerometers. A finite element model is used to model the free-free beam. Three models are considered: beam (1D), shell (2D), and solid (3D). The numerical models are updated based on the first five bending natural frequencies. The free-free beam is damaged by a rectangle cut. The experiment is re-setup and the model properties of the damaged beam are re-identified. The cuttings are modeled in the numerical simulations. The first five numerical bending natural frequencies of the damaged beam are compared with the experimental ones. The results showed that the 1D beam element model has the highest errors, while the 2D and 3D models have approximately the same results. Therefore, the 2D representation can be used to model the damaged beam for fast computation.
Seven Properties of Self-Organization in the Human Brain
Authors: Dresp-Langley Birgitta
Published: May 2020

The principle of self-organization has acquired a fundamental significance in the newly emerging field of computational philosophy. Self-organizing systems have been described in various domains in science and philosophy including physics, neuroscience, biology and medicine, ecology, and sociology. While system architecture and their general purpose may depend on domain-specific concepts and definitions, there are (at least) seven key properties of self-organization clearly identified in brain systems: (1) modular connectivity, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) adaptive ability, (4) functional resiliency, (5) functional plasticity, (6) from-local-to-global functional organization, and (7) dynamic system growth. These are defined here in the light of insight from neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience and Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART), and physics to show that self-organization achieves stability and functional plasticity while minimizing structural system complexity. A specific example informed by empirical research is discussed to illustrate how modularity, adaptive learning, and dynamic network growth enable stable yet plastic somatosensory representation for human grip force control. Implications for the design of “strong” artificial intelligence in robotics are brought forward.
Tutorial Review of Bio-Inspired Approaches to Robotic Manipulation for Space Debris Salvage
Authors: Ellery Alex
Published: May 2020

We present a comprehensive tutorial review that explores the application of bio-inspired approaches to robot control systems for grappling and manipulating a wide range of space debris targets. Current robot manipulator control systems exploit limited techniques which can be supplemented by additional bio-inspired methods to provide a robust suite of robot manipulation technologies. In doing so, we review bio-inspired control methods because this will be the key to enabling such capabilities. In particular, force feedback control may be supplemented with predictive forward models and software emulation of viscoelastic preflexive joint behaviour. This models human manipulation capabilities as implemented by the cerebellum and muscles/joints respectively. In effect, we are proposing a three-level control strategy based on biomimetic forward models for predictive estimation, traditional feedback control and biomimetic muscle-like preflexes. We place emphasis on bio-inspired forward modelling suggesting that all roads lead to this solution for robust and adaptive manipulator control. This promises robust and adaptive manipulation for complex tasks in salvaging space debris.
Shape-Selective Mesoscale Nanoarchitectures: Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Hunyadi Murph Simona E. , Heruox Katie
Published: May 2020

We create ordered arrays of shape-selective gold-titania composite nanomaterials at the mesoscale (100 µm to 5 mm) by a combination of both bottom-up and top-down approaches for exquisite control of the size, shape, and arrangement of nanomaterials. Lithographic techniques along with wet chemical synthetic methods were combined to create these composite nanomaterials. The photocatalytic activity of these TiO2, TiO2-Au and SiO2-TiO2-Au nano-composite mesoscale materials was monitored by the photodegradation of a model analyte, methyl orange, under UV and visible (Vis) illumination. Bare TiO2- and SiO2-TiO2-coated pillar arrays showed significant activity toward methyl orange in UV light with degradation rates on the order of 10−4–10−3 min−1. The photocatalytic activity of these arrays was also found to depend on the nanoparticle shape, in which particles with more edges and corners were found to be more reactive than spherical particles (i.e., the photocatalytic activity decreased as follows: diamonds > squares > triangles > spheres). SiO2-TiO2-Au nano-composite pillar arrays were tested in both UV and Vis light and showed increased activity in Vis light but decreased activity in UV light as compared to the bare semiconductor arrays. Additionally, the Au nanorod-functionalized nanoarrays exhibit a strong shape-dependence in their photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange degradation in Vis light.
Recent Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Transition Metal Complexes of Groups 6–12
Authors: Nasiri Sovari Sara , Zobi Fabio
Published: May 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires innovative solutions to counteract new resistance mechanisms emerging and spreading globally in infectious pathogens. Classic organic antibiotics are rapidly exhausting the structural variations available for an effective antimicrobial drug and new compounds emerging from the industrial pharmaceutical pipeline will likely have a short-term and limited impact before the pathogens can adapt. Inorganic and organometallic complexes offer the opportunity to discover and develop new active antimicrobial agents by exploiting their wide range of three-dimensional geometries and virtually infinite design possibilities that can affect their substitution kinetics, charge, lipophilicity, biological targets and modes of action. This review describes recent studies on the antimicrobial activity of transition metal complexes of groups 6–12. It focuses on the effectiveness of the metal complexes in relation to the rich structural chemical variations of the same. The aim is to provide a short vade mecum for the readers interested in the subject that can complement other reviews.
Non-Invasive On-Site Raman Study of Pigments and Glassy Matrix of 17th–18th Century Painted Enamelled Chinese Metal Wares: Comparison with French Enamelling Technology
Authors: Colomban Philippe , Kırmızı Burcu , Zhao Bing , Clais Jean-Baptiste , Yang Yong , Droguet Vincent
Published: May 2020

A selection of 10 Chinese enamelled metal wares dating from the 17th–18th centuries (Qing Dynasty) was analysed on-site by mobile Raman microspectroscopy. These wares display cloisonné and/or painted enamels and belong to the collections of Musée du Louvre in Paris and Musée Chinois at the Fontainebleau Castle in France. Pigments (Naples yellow lead pyrochlore, hematite, manganese oxide etc.), opacifiers (fluorite, lead arsenates) and corresponding lead-based glassy matrices were identified. One artefact was also analysed by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) in order to confirm the Raman data. In some of these metal wares, it is suggested that cassiterite was unpredictably used as an opacifier in some parts of the decor. The results are compared to previous data obtained on Chinese cloisonné and Limoges enamels as well as recent data recorded on painted enamelled porcelains of the Qing Dynasty. Lead arsenate apatite detected in some of the 17th–18th century blue enamelled decors is related to the use of arsenic-rich European cobalt ores, as also characterized in French soft-paste porcelain and glass decors and high-quality Limoges enamels for the same period. However, lead arsenate could then also have been deliberately used for white opacification. The specific Raman signature displaying the shape of the Raman scattering background indicates the presence of colloidal gold (Au° nanoparticles) in red to violet enamelled and cloisonné areas. At least three types of Naples yellow lead pyrochlore pigments identified with Sb-rich, Sn-rich and mixed Sb–Sn–(Zn, Fe?) compositions prove the use of European pigments/recipes.