bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The von Willebrand factor A-1 domain binding aptamer BT200 elevates plasma levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII: a first-in-human trial
Authors: Kovacevic Katarina D. , Grafeneder Jürgen , Schörgenhofer Christian , Gelbenegger Georg , Gager Gloria , Firbas Christa , Quehenberger Peter , Jilma-Stohlawetz Petra , Bileck Andrea , Zhu Shuhao , Gilbert James C. , Beliveau Martin , Jilma Bernd , Derhaschnig Ulla
Published: November 2021

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) circulate in a noncovalent complex in blood and promote primary hemostasis and clotting, respectively. A new VWF A1-domain binding aptamer, BT200, demonstrated good subcutaneous bioavailability and a long half-life in non-human primates. This first-in-human, randomized, placebo-controlled, doubleblind trial tested the hypothesis that BT200 is well tolerated and has favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects in 112 volunteers. Participants received one of the following: a single ascending dose of BT200 (0.18-48 mg) subcutaneously, an intravenous dose, BT200 with concomitant desmopressin or multiple doses. Pharmacokinetics were characterized, and the pharmacodynamic effects were measured by VWF levels, FVIII clotting activity, ristocetin-induced aggregation, platelet function under high shear rates, and thrombin generation. The mean half-lives ranged from 7-12 days and subcutaneous bioavailability increased dose-dependently exceeding 55% for doses of 6-48 mg. By blocking free A1 domains, BT200 dose-dependently decreased ristocetin-induced aggregation, and prolonged collagen-adenosine diphosphate and shear-induced platelet plug formation times. However, BT200 also increased VWF antigen and FVIII levels 4-fold (P<0.001), without increasing VWF propeptide levels, indicating decreased VWF/FVIII clearance. This, in turn, increased thrombin generation and accelerated clotting. Desmopressin-induced VWF/FVIII release had additive effects on a background of BT200. Tolerability and safety were generally good, but exaggerated pharmacology was seen at saturating doses. This trial identified a novel mechanism of action for BT200: BT200 dose-dependently increases VWF/FVIII by prolonging half-life at doses well below those which inhibit VWF-mediated platelet function. This novel property can be exploited therapeutically to enhance hemostasis in congenital bleeding disorders.
DEDE KORKUT’TAKİ KIRK KINUK ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: EYÜBOĞLU Dursun Can
Published: November 2021

Destanlar hem tarihle hem edebiyatla ilişkilidir. Türkler zengin bir destan geleneğine sahiptir. Dede Korkut Destanları; Türk destanları içerisinde önemli bir yere sahiptir; eski Türk yaşamının bir yansımasıdır; Türk tarihi, coğrafyası, dili, edebiyatı, kültürü, sanatı ve daha birçok konu hakkında önemli bilgiler içermektedir. Dede Korkut’ta birçok kişi adı geçmektedir. Bunlardan biri Kırk Kınuk’tur. Kırk Kınuk’un adı Dede Korkut Kitabı’nda bir boyda geçmektedir. Adları sadece Kanlı Koca Oğlu Kan Turalı Boyu’nda geçen Kara Çekür ve Oğlu Kırk Kınuk, Dede Korkut’taki ünlü kahramanlardan Bamsı Beyrek ve Kan Turalı ile birlikte anılmışlardır. Bu durum Kara Çekür ve Kırk Kınuk’un bir zamanlar bilinen kahramanlar olduklarını yansıtmaktadır. Bu makalede, Dede Korkut’taki Kırk Kınuk; adı, ailesi ve Dede Korkut’taki yeri incelenmiştir.
Future changes in aridity in the Upper Indus Basin during the twenty-first century
Authors: Wang X , Lang X , Jiang D
Published: November 2021

The Upper Indus Basin (UIB) supplies water resources for the downstream areas of the Indus Basin, and the associated climate changes have attracted considerable attention. Here, we project the aridity changes in the UIB during the 21st century relative to 1995-2014 based on 12 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models under the 3 Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. The aridity index (AI), defined as the ratio of annual precipitation to potential evapotranspiration (PET), is applied to quantify the dry conditions. According to the median of the preferred models, the annual mean temperature is projected to increase continually in the UIB across the 21st century under SSP2-45 and SSP5-85, and it increases before the 2050s and then stabilizes afterwards under SSP1-26. Generally, PET will increase and AI will decrease (a drying trend) in the UIB during the 21st century. The regionally averaged AI over the UIB linearly decreases as global warming intensifies at a slope of 0.1 °C-1 under both SSP2-45 and SSP5-85. Remarkable increases in aridity occur in the northern and northwest parts of the UIB. Seasonally, the largest decrease in AI is seen in December-January-February, and the smallest occurs in June-�July-August. Furthermore, PET plays a key role in AI changes, excluding the southeast part of UIB, and the percent contribution of PET to AI changes tends to increase over time in the 21st century. Overall, AI and PET changes are primarily determined by thermodynamic factors in the UIB.
Acute Cerebellar Stroke in a Military Active-Duty Pilot
Authors: Lytle Mark E. , Martin Bryant R.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Cryptogenic stroke leading to cerebellar infarction is a rare but serious cause of acute nausea and vomiting. This has the potential of devastating consequences if this occurs in aviators during flight. We present a case of cryptogenic stroke causing incapacitating
nausea and vomiting in a U.S. Air Force pilot.CASE REPORT: A 36-yr-old active-duty U.S. Air Force male pilot developed acute onset severe vertigo, nausea, and vomiting during initial descent. Initial computed tomography imaging was normal and his initial assessment yielded a diagnosis
of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. MRI-Brain at 1 mo revealed a small right inferomedial cerebellar infarct. Echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale and bilateral atrial enlargement. He made a full neurological recovery and was eventually returned to active flight status with
Flying Class IIC waiver.DISCUSSION: Cryptogenic stroke caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) is uncommon. However, this is increased in patients younger than 50 yr of age. This can lead to an acute incapacitation with varying degrees of dysfunction. There is controversial discussion
of treatment options for secondary stroke prevention with PFO. However, there is no significant literature on primary prevention in these patients. A small subset of patients benefit from closure of PFO and most patients benefit from antiplatelet therapy after a stroke occurs. There may also
be a significant subset of patients with PFO that may benefit from antiplatelet therapy as a primary prevention of stroke.Lytle ME, Martin BR. Acute cerebellar stroke in a military active-duty pilot. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(11): 919–923.
Sinus Barotraumas in Commercial Aircrew
Authors: Lindfors Oskari H. , Ketola Kimmo S. , Klockars Tuomas K. , Leino Tuomo K. , Sinkkonen Saku T.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Sinus barotraumas are a common condition in aviation medicine, sometimes compromising flight safety and even permanently grounding aircrew. Considering this and the ever-increasing amount of commercial aviation, a thorough examination is required.METHODS:
In this survey study, an anonymous, electronic questionnaire was distributed to commercial aircrew of the three major commercial airlines operating in Finland (N = 3799), covering 93% of the target population (i.e., all commercial aircrew operating in Finland, N = 4083). Primary
outcomes were self-reported prevalence, clinical characteristics, and health and occupational effects of sinus barotraumas in flight. Secondary outcomes were adjusted odds ratios (OR) for frequency of sinus barotraumas with respect to possible risk factors.RESULTS: Response rate
was 47% (N = 1789/3799), with 61% (N = 1088) of the respondents having experienced sinus barotraumas in flight. Of those affected, 59% had used medications, 18% had undergone surgical procedures, and 53% had been on sick leave due to sinus barotraumas (38% during the last year)
in flight. Factors associated with sinus barotraumas were female sex [OR, 2.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35–4.50] and a high number of upper respiratory tract infections (≥3 vs. <3 URTIs/yr: OR, 3.61; 95% CI 2.65–4.93).CONCLUSION: Sinus barotraumas were reported
by 61% of commercial aircrew. They caused an increased need for medications, otorhinolaryngology-related surgical procedures, and sickness absence from flight duty. The possible risk factors were female sex and a high number of URTIs/yr.Lindfors OH, Ketola KS, Klockars TK, Leino TK,
Sinkkonen ST. Sinus barotraumas in commercial aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(11):857–863.
U.S. Navy Aeromedical Missions from 2016–2019 with a Focus on En Route Care Provider Type
Authors: Henry Sadie M , Stanfield Mark M
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: En route care (ERC) is a military aeromedical mission designed to transport a patient to a higher level of care. With the exception of one manual, there are no other formal Navy ERC guidelines, leaving the service to provide such missions ad hoc. Based on the authors’
review of available literature, it seems no prior research has been done on Navy rescue swimmers performing ERC, though many search and rescue (SAR) missions take place without designated medical personnel. This study specifically examines the type of provider involved in Navy ERC missions
and the types of cases involved with the purpose of influencing Navy policy.METHODS: A cross-sectional study examining 829 air evacuations performed by Navy SAR flight crews from 2016 to 2019 was analyzed.RESULTS: Of 829 cases reviewed, patients were more likely to be
active-duty personnel (51%) than civilian (47%), and there were 2.5 times more male than female patients. There were more trauma (54%) than medical (43%) patients, with Basic Life Support (BLS) level care (60%) delivered twice as often as Advanced Life Support (ALS) (28%). Search and Rescue
Medical Technicians (SMTs) and rescue swimmers provided 83% of ERC, with rescue swimmers supporting 33% of all ERC missions alone.DISCUSSION: The results of this study are in contrast to previous ERC studies, in which rescue swimmer-only transports were excluded from the data. The
results raise the question, do rescue swimmers need to be trained to a higher level of care?Henry SM, Stanfield MM. U.S. Navy aeromedical missions from 2016–2019 with a focus on en route care provider type. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(11):873–879.
Permanent Medical Grounding in Royal Canadian Air Force Pilots (2008–2017)
Authors: Haworth Damian , Gray Gary , Zoltenko Richard , Bashirzadeh Alireza J.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective registry study was to review the medical causes of RCAF pilot permanent grounding during the period 2008–2017 and to compare our findings to the previous study of 1978–1987 to determine if disease patterns had changed.METHODS:
Material was obtained from the RCAF 1 Canadian Air Division Surgeon’s medical registry of military pilots. Anonymized data for permanently grounded pilots were classified by medical diagnosis, age, and training status.RESULTS: During the period 2008–2017, there were
a total of 162 pilots permanently grounded, of which 110 were trained and 52 untrained.DISCUSSION: In comparison to the 1991 study, there has been a decrease in permanent groundings due cardiovascular disease, but an increase due to mental health conditions, musculoskeletal issues,
and motion sickness.Haworth D, Gray G, Zoltenko R, Bashirzadeh AJ. Permanent medical grounding in Royal Canadian Air Force pilots (2008–2017). Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(11): 913–918.
FEATURES OF THE LEGAL STATUS OF A CHILD IN LABOR RELATIONS, PROTECTION OF LABOR RIGHTS OF MINORS AND THE LIMITS OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION
Authors:   Institute of state and law of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, LETOVA NATALIA
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the problems of determining the legal status of a child in the field of labor relations. The author came to the conclusion that the specifics of the legal status of children when concluding, changing and terminating an employment contract with an employer is of great theoretical importance and should be taken into account in the content of industry-specific norms. The author of the article proves that the relationship between the physiological characteristics of a child and the type of work he performs is important for protecting the labor rights of minors, identifies the main trends in the development of labor legislation in the field of labor protection for children, identifies the problems of legislative regulation of child labor in modern Russia. When writing the article, the following methods were used: synthesis, analysis, the method of comparative jurisprudence, etc. The practical significance of the work lies in the need to take into account the specifics of the legal status of the child in the field of labor relations, in the analysis of the legal regulation of the labor of this category of persons not only in Russia, but throughout the world, the problems of child labor in individual states are systematized and ways to solve them are proposed. As a result of the study, the author determined that the work of children differs in its regulation, scope of rights, a number of restrictions on their employment, in contrast to adult workers. In the modern period, the sphere of child labor requires special attention from the state and requires the adoption of appropriate decisions at the legislative level.
THE LANGUAGE OF CRIMINALISTIC DOCTRINE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OUTSIDE FORENSIC EXPERTISE
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, ZHDANOV SERGEY ,   Russian Customs Academy, Lyubertsy, Russian Federation,   Russian university of transport, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the language of the criminalistic doctrine on the implementation of special knowledge outside forensic examination (hereinafter - the Doctrine) by which the author understands - the conceptual apparatus that has been established in the process of its formation and development, embodying the ideal content of the Doctrine in scientific terms and concepts, allowing, within the framework of a single logically verified structure, to achieve unambiguity in terms used in various branches of law related to the implementation of special knowledge outside forensic examination. On the basis of the conducted independent scientific research, the author also proposes the following concepts: «special knowledge», «special experiences» and «specialist».
ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Authors:   Institute of Law Bashkir State University, Ufa, Russian Federation, PAPYSHEVA ELENA
Published: November 2021

This article examines the possibilities of using machine-readable law technologies in criminal procedural legislation and criminal proceedings; the analysis of the Concept of development of technologies of machine-readable law is carried out in order to determine the possibility of applying its provisions in the context of criminal procedural law. According to the author, the development of the technology of machine-readable law sets the legislator the task of starting the process of adapting the norms of the criminal procedure law to their subsequent presentation in formal language. Legislative acts should be structured as much as possible, within the acts, norms are more clearly divided into certain categories and groups with the building of logical connections between them. The norms of legislative acts need to be formalized, their content should not have legal and linguistic uncertainties, normative conflicts and broad discretionary powers. The conclusion is made about the need for legal transformations, formalization of the norms of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, based on the principle of legal certainty. If the adaptation of legislation to machine-readable norms is the future in the development of science and the system of legal regulation of the state, then the use of digital technologies in criminal proceedings is a matter of the present. It seems that modern digital technologies are sufficiently developed to start developing an automated information system at the state level that meets the formal requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code, within the framework of which a preliminary investigation will be carried out. Moreover, we are talking not only about the «electronic criminal case» in its generally accepted understanding. The author proposes the creation of a comprehensive universal program that provides for the automated application of the ontology of machine-readable law (descriptions in the formal language of many objects in the field of law and the connections between them) in the investigation of criminal cases using the method of teaching artificial intelligence based on a large array of data (including data, constituting the empirical base of research, which was studied in the development of private methods for investigating certain types of crimes).
IMAGE-FORMING BY MEANS OF AXICON
Authors: Palchikova Irina G. , Zhukova Yuliya V. , Smirnov Evgenii S.
Published: November 2021

A theoretical analysis of the image-forming properties of the conical axicon in the scalar diffraction Kirchhoff-Fresnel approximation within the framework of the theory of linear systems revealed that the classical concept of the point spread function is not applicable to axicon images. In the near diffraction zone, a point light source is imaging by a conical axicon in the form of a segment along a straight line connecting the source and the center of the axicon. Moreover, different annular areas of the axicon form different sections on this segment. When used in tandem with a lens, the axicon can allow to increase the depth of focus. Preliminary experimental data have been obtained, which confirm the theoretical conclusions.
Çelik Fiber İlaveli Betonarme Kirişlerin Çarpma Yükleri Altındaki Davranışının Doğrusal Olmayan Analizi
Authors: Serdar Ahmet Hamdi , Saribiyik Mehmet , Demirtas Gamze , Caglar Naci
Published: November 2021

Çelik lifli beton, normal betona göre; süneklik, enerji yutma kapasitesi, kırılma tokluğu, yorulma direnci gibi parametreler açısından çok daha iyi performans gösteren kompozit bir yapı malzemesidir. Bu yapı malzemesi üzerine yapılan çalışmalar, malzemenin yaygın olarak kullanılmaması ve darbe testi için kullanılacak test ekipmanlarının teminindeki zorluklar sebebiyle sınırlı düzeyde kalmıştır. Çelik lifli beton kullanımıyla ilgili çalışmalar deneysel olarak gerçekleştirileceği gibi gerçek yapı davranışını simüle etmek için sayısal modeler de kullanılabilir. Bu çalışma ile, darbe yüküne maruz kalan çelik lifli beton kullanılarak üretilen kirişin darbe etkisi karşısındaki davranışını temsil edebilen doğrusal olmayan bir sonlu eleman modeli (FEM) geliştirilmiştir. Davranışın simule edildiği modeller ABAQUS paket programı kullanılarak oluşturulmuştur. Oluşturulan sayısal modeller ile çelik lifli betonarme kiriş davranışında vurma başlığının etkisi de incelenmiştir. Sayısal sonuçlar, modelin literatürden seçilen kirişlerin deneysel sonuçlarını yakalamada oldukça başarılı olduğunu göstermiştir. Doğrulama sonrasında, numunelerinin davranışına orta nokta deplasmanı, darbe yükü değeri, donatı oranı ve darbe hızı etkisinin araştırılması için parametrik bir çalışma yapılmıştır. Parametrik çalışma kapsamında 9 farklı sonlu eleman modeli oluşturulmuştur. Sonuç olarak çelik lifli beton kullanılarak üretilen darbe etkisi altındaki kirişlerin davranışında betondaki lif oranının, kirişin donatı oranının ve çarpma hızının önemli etkilerinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Analysis of Pedestrian-Vehicle Crashes Using Artificial Learning Methods: City of Sakarya Case Study
Authors: Kuyumcu Zeliha Cagla , Ahadi Suhrab , Aslan Hakan
Published: November 2021

The lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short every year as a result of road traffic crashes. Between 20 and 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. The risk of dying in a road traffic crash is more than 3 times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries [1]. In Turkey, 18% of traffic accidents was related to pedestrian-vehicle collisions in urban roads in 2020. In addition, 20% of death toll caused by accidents is pedestrians in 2020 [2]. This study deals with the some of classifiers to forecast the number of injuries as a result of traffic accidents. The classifier’s performance ratios were also examined.
Pengaruh Nilai Perusahaan, Tingkat Utang, Dan Kesulitan Keuangan Terhadap Keputusan Hedging
Authors: Ramdani Edon , Oktaviani Putri
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of firm value, debt level, and financial distress on hedging decisions. The population of this research is the manufacturing company sector various industrial that listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2015-2019. The sample used in this research consist of 12 manufacturing companies in the various industrial sector. The sampling method is non probability sampling with the sampling technique using purposive sampling. The analysis is performed by using regression analysis logistic. The results of the research with the logistic regression test show that in the LR test simultaneously all independent variables, namely Firm Value, Debt Level, and Financial Distress together have a effect on hedging decisions with a significant value less than 0.05, namely 0.004023 < 0,05. In the Z-score Test Statistic (partially), the Firm Value with a significant value of 0,0527 > 0.05, it does not affect the Hedging Decision. The Debt Level with a significant value of 0,0218 < 0.05 has effect on hedging decisions. Financial distress with a significant value of 0,0018 < 0.05, it has a significant effect on hedging decisions. The McFadden R2 test for the three variables obtained 16% while the remaining 84% was explained by other variables not explained in this research.

 

Keywords: Firm Value, Debt Level, Financial Distress, Hedging Decisions.
Winstats en el aprendizaje de estadística en los estudiantes de informática de la Universidad Enrique Guzmán y Valle-Perú
Authors: Caballero-Cifuentes Lolo José , Morales-Romero Guillermo Pastor , Trinidad-Loli Nicéforo Ladislao , Quispe-Andía Adrián
Published: November 2021

En el presente artículo da a conocer el efecto del software Winstats en el aprendizaje de estadística y determinar el nivel de aprendizaje en la Facultad de Ciencias, mediante un análisis teórico y práctico. La metodología de la investigación es de tipo aplicada, enfoque cuantitativo, diseño cuasi experimental y método empírico teórico. Para determinar la muestra se utilizó el método estadístico no probabilístico, siendo la muestra de 25 estudiantes del grupo experimental y 25 de control; a quienes se les aplicó una prueba de conocimientos validada por juicio de expertos y de confiabilidad con la técnica estadística de dos mitades, sub técnica Spearman Brown, obteniendo los coeficientes de 0,85 y 0,86 respectivamente, para cada uno de los cuestionarios aplicados. Para la prueba de hipótesis se utilizó el t Student para muestras independientes, asumiéndose un nivel de confianza 95% y nivel de significancia 5%. Los resultados después del experimento fueron favorables para el grupo experimental en sus dimensiones conceptual y procedimental, obteniéndose promedios con mayor puntaje de 15,60 en comparación al grupo control 12,16. En conclusión, se logró demostrar que si hubo efecto significativo del Software Winstats en el aprendizaje de estadística.
Universidad y Medio Ambiente. Retos y desafíos hacia el desarrollo sostenible. Caso Universidad Metropolitana sede Machala
Authors: Gonzaga Añazco Sandy Jahaira , Molina Sánchez José Nicolás , Espinoza Villacis María Paula
Published: November 2021

En los últimos años se ha evidenciado una latente necesidad profesional, dirigida a la inserción de los estudiantes universitarios en la solución de los problemas sociales que afectan a la comunidad. Por lo tanto, es indispensable diseñar actividades y acciones que posibiliten, desde la Universidad, el desarrollo de habilidades y capacidades para la conservación del Medio Ambiente. Es así como en este proceso se inserta la Universidad, en la que se desarrolla un proceso educativo destacando la importancia del conocimiento y cumplimiento de las normas ambientales. La Universidad Metropolitana del Ecuador se encuentra vinculada a la comunidad a través de diferentes proyectos y eventos académicos con enfoque de sostenibilidad, por lo tanto, con esta investigación se pretende conocer la percepción de la comunidad universitaria frente a las acciones ambientales generadas por la Universidad Metropolitana Sede Machala, involucrando en este estudio a los estudiantes, docentes y personal administrativo. La presente investigación es de tipo exploratoria, la metodología utilizada para el levantamiento de información tiene un enfoque cuantitativo, aplicando la técnica de encuestas. El objetivo de la investigación se centra en realizar un diagnóstico de la percepción medioambiental de la comunidad universitaria, para elaborar una línea base para futuras investigaciones encaminadas en plantear propuestas de mejora para el fortalecimiento de la cultura ambiental de la comunidad universitaria. Dentro de los principales hallazgos se encuentra el escaso conocimiento y desinterés del cuidado del medio ambiente, factores primordiales para la generación de cultura ambiental.
Overview of Algorithms for Using Particle Morphology in Pre-Detonation Nuclear Forensics
Authors: Burr Tom , Schwerdt Ian , Sentz Kari , McDonald Luther , Wilkerson Marianne
Published: November 2021

A major goal in pre-detonation nuclear forensics is to infer the processing conditions and/or facility type that produced radiological material. This review paper focuses on analyses of particle size, shape, texture (“morphology”) signatures that could provide information on the provenance of interdicted materials. For example, uranium ore concentrates (UOC or yellowcake) include ammonium diuranate (ADU), ammonium uranyl carbonate (AUC), sodium diuranate (SDU), magnesium diuranate (MDU), and others, each prepared using different salts to precipitate U from solution. Once precipitated, UOCs are often dried and calcined to remove adsorbed water. The products can be allowed to react further, forming uranium oxides UO3, U3O8, or UO2 powders, whose surface morphology can be indicative of precipitation and/or calcination conditions used in their production. This review paper describes statistical issues and approaches in using quantitative analyses of measurements such as particle size and shape to infer production conditions. Statistical topics include multivariate t tests (Hotelling’s T2), design of experiments, and several machine learning (ML) options including decision trees, learning vector quantization neural networks, mixture discriminant analysis, and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). ABC is emphasized as an attractive option to include the effects of model uncertainty in the selected and fitted forward model used for inferring processing conditions.
Dynamic Stability and Flight Control of Biomimetic Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Yousaf , Lee Sang-Gil , Han Jae-Hung
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes an approach to analyze the dynamic stability and develop trajectory-tracking controllers for flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV). A multibody dynamics simulation framework coupled with a modified quasi-steady aerodynamic model was implemented for stability analysis, which was appended with flight control block for accomplishing various flight objectives. A gradient-based trim search algorithm was employed to obtain the trim conditions by solving the fully coupled nonlinear equations of motion at various flight speeds. Eigenmode analysis showed instability that grew with the flight speed in longitudinal dynamics. Using the trim conditions, we linearized dynamic equations of FWMAV to obtain the optimal gain matrices for various flight speeds using the linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) technique. The gain matrices from each of the linearized equations were used for gain scheduling with respect to forward flight speed. The reference tracking augmented LQR control was implemented to achieve transition flight tracking that involves hovering, acceleration, and deceleration phases. The control parameters were updated once in a wingbeat cycle and were changed smoothly to avoid any discontinuities during simulations. Moreover, trajectories tracking control was achieved successfully using a dual loop control approach. Control simulations showed that the proposed controllers worked effectively for this fairly nonlinear multibody system.
Estimation of Dry Matter Production and Yield Prediction in Greenhouse Cucumber without Destructive Measurements
Authors: Maeda Kazuya , Ahn Dong-Hyuk
Published: November 2021

In this study, we aimed to estimate dry matter (DM) production and fresh fruit yield in “Fresco-dash” (FD) and “Project X” (PX) cucumber cultivars using an empirical model developed for tomatoes. First, we cultivated the two cucumber cultivars under a hydroponic system for about six months. Also, parameters related to DM production such as light use efficiency (LUE), light extinction coefficient (k), DM distribution of fruits (DMD), and fruit dry matter content (DMC) were measured via destructive measurements. The k, DMD and DMC values were 0.99 and 0.93, 46.0 and 45.2, 3.84 and 3.78 in “Fresco Dash” and “Project X”, respectively. Second, we cultivated cucumbers to estimate DM production and fruit fresh yield using the model without destructive measurement for about eight months and validated the model’s effectiveness. The predicted DM fell within the range of the observed DM ± standard error at 51 and 132 d after transplantation (DAT) in PX as well as 51 (DAT) in FD. The predicted and observed DM at 163 DAT were 2.08 and 1.82 kg m−2, 2.09 and 1.87 kg m−2 in “Fresco Dash” and “Project X”, respectively. The predicted and observed fruit yield at 200 DAT were 30.3 and 31.7, 30.5 and 29.1 in “Fresco Dash” and “Project X”, respectively, which were 4.4% lower than the observed fruit yield in FD and 4.9% higher than that in PX. These results suggest that the model applies to cucumbers in predicting dry matter production and fresh fruit yield.
Fertilization Regulates Accumulation and Allocation of Biomass and Nutrients in Phoebe bournei Seedlings
Authors: Yang Zhi-Jian , Wu Xiao-Hui , Chen Lai-He , Huang Lan-Ming , Chen Yu , Wu Juan , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Grossnickle Steven C. , Feng Jin-Ling
Published: November 2021

To study the effect of N-P-K fertilization on Phoebe bournei seedlings’ organs dry biomass, and nutrients accumulation and allocation, and to further uncover how nutrients regulating dry biomass formation through fertilization, we utilized the “3414” experiment design. The results showed that N, P, and K fertilizer promoted dry biomass accumulation, and root, stem, and total plant N, P, and K content and accumulation in seedlings. The dry biomass accumulations of root, stem, and total plant increased first and then decreased with the increase of N, P, and K application rates, which was basically consistent with the change in dry biomass allocations and N, P, and K contents, accumulations, and allocations. Root N accumulation, root P accumulation, and total plant K accumulation were the key indicators for seedlings growth. N fertilizer had the greatest effect on total dry biomass and root N accumulation, was the most important fertilizer for the growth of Phoebe bournei seedlings, can regulate the growth of root and leaves, is beneficial to root growth at medium-low N fertilizer levels (N: 0.266–0.532 g·plant−1), and leaves growth at high N fertilizer level (N: 0.798 g·plant−1). P fertilizer rate can regulate the seedling stem growth, reaching the maximum at the medium level P application (P2O5: 0.1332 g·plant−1). K fertilizer had the greatest effect on the root P accumulation and total K accumulation, promoting K transport from leaves to root, improved root and stem growth, and inhibited leaves growth. The N, P, and K fertilizer three-factor application can better promote nutrient uptake than double-factor and single-factor fertilization, with highest dry biomass accumulation at the medium level of N, P, K fertilizer (N: 0.532 g·plant−1; P2O5: 0.1232 g·plant−1; K2O: 0.356 g·plant−1). In conclusion, N, P, and K fertilization promoted the N, P, and K absorption, increased root, stem, and leaves N, P, and K content and accumulation, and promoted the seedling dry biomass accumulation, but reversed under excessive application of N, P, and K fertilizer; and N fertilizer was beneficial to root and leaves growth, P fertilizer to stem growth, and K fertilizer to material transfer, which provided a theoretical basis for robust Phoebe bournei seedling cultivation.
Strawberry WRKY Transcription Factor WRKY50 Is Required for Resistance to Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogen Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Ma Chuangju , Xiong Jinsong , Liang Morong , Liu Xiaoyu , Lai Xiaodong , Bai Yibo , Cheng Zongming
Published: November 2021

WRKY protein is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factors that plays critical roles in plant stress responses, but few WRKY transcription factors have been functionally analyzed in strawberry. In this study, a Botrytis cinerea response WRKY gene, FvWRKY50, was isolated from the woodland strawberry. Expression analysis indicated that the transcript of FvWRKY50 was gradually decreased with fruit ripening, but was significantly induced by B. cinerea infection in mature strawberry fruit. Subcellular localization assay revealed that FvWRKY50 was localized in the nucleus. Several cis-elements related to pathogen responses were observed in the promoter region of FvWRKY50. Pathogen infection assay indicated that overexpression of FvWRKY50 in strawberry fruit significantly enhanced their resistance against B. cinerea, while the silencing of FvWRKY50 dramatically compromised their disease-resistant ability. The expression levels of several genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, signaling transduction, and antimicrobial protein biosynthesis were regulated to diverse extents in FvWRKY50 overexpressed and silenced fruit. Collectively, our study inferred that FvWRKY50 is a positive regulator that mediates resistance against B. cinerea through regulating some JA pathway and defense-related genes.
A Review of Industrial Crop Yield Performances on Unfavorable Soil Types
Authors: Reinhardt Jana , Hilgert Pia , Von Cossel Moritz
Published: November 2021

Industrial crop cultivation on marginal agricultural land limits indirect land-use change effects that pose a threat to food security. This review compiles results from 91 published crop-specific field trial datasets spanning 12 relevant industrial crops and discusses their suitability for cultivation on unfavorable soil types (USTs). It was shown that the perennial species Miscanthus (Miscanthus Andersson) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) performed well on USTs with both high clay and/or high sand contents. Information on stoniness (particles sizes > 2 mm), where mentioned, was limited. It was found to have only a small impact on biological yield potential, though it was not possible to assess the impact on mechanization as would be used at a commercial scale. For soils with extreme clay or sand contents, half of the crops showed moderate suitability. The large yield variations within and between crops revealed large knowledge gaps in the combined effects of crop type and agronomy on USTs. Therefore, more field trials are needed on diverse USTs in different climates with better equipment and more consistent measurements to improve the accuracy of potential yield predictions spatially and temporally. Additionally, larger trials are needed to optimize cultivation and harvesting.
Chemical and Microbial Characterization of Washed Rice Water Waste to Assess Its Potential as Plant Fertilizer and for Increasing Soil Health
Authors: Nabayi Abba , Sung Christopher Teh Boon , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Paing Tan Ngai , Akhir Nurul Izzati Mat
Published: November 2021

The wastewater from washed rice water (WRW) is often recommended as a source of plant nutrients in most Asian countries, even though most current research on WRW lack scientific rigor, particularly on the effects of rice washing intensity, volumetric water-to-rice ratio (W:R), and condition of the WRW before plant application. This research was thus carried out: (1) to determine how various rice washing intensities, fermentation periods (FP), and W:R would affect the nutrient content in WRW, and (2) to isolate, identify, and characterize the bacterial community from fermented WRW. The WRW was prepared at several rice washing intensities (50, 80, and 100 rpm), FP (0, 3, 6, and 9 days), and W:R (1:1, 3:1, and 6:1). The concentrations of all elements (except P, Mg, and Zn) and available N forms increased with increasing FP and W:R. Beneficial N-fixing and P- and K-solubilizing bacteria were additionally detected in WRW, which helped to increase the concentrations of these elements. Monovalent nutrients NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and K are soluble in water. Thus, they were easily leached out of the rice grains and why their concentrations increased with W:R. The bacteria population in WRW increased until 3 days of fermentation, then declined, possibly because there was an insufficient C content in WRW to be a source of energy for bacteria to support their prolonged growth. While C levels in WRW declined over time, total N levels increased then decreased after 3 days, where the latter was most possibly due to the denitrification and ammonification process, which had led to the increase in NH4+-N and NO3−-N. The optimum FP and W:R for high nutrient concentrations and bacterial population were found to be 3 to 9 days and 3:1 to 6:1, respectively. WRW contained nutrients and beneficial bacterial species to support plant growth.
Elevated Fe and Mn Concentrations in Groundwater in the Songnen Plain, Northeast China, and the Factors and Mechanisms Involved
Authors: Zhai Yuanzheng , Cao Xinyi , Xia Xuelian , Wang Bin , Teng Yanguo , Li Xiao
Published: November 2021

Groundwater is an essential source of drinking and irrigation water. However, elevated Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater have been found in recent decades, which can adversely affect human health and decrease crop quality and yields. The roles of hydrogeochemical changes and groundwater pollution (exogenous reductive material inputs) in this have not been studied adequately. We determined the distribution of Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater in the Songnen Plain, northeast China, which is known for elevated Fe and Mn concentrations, and investigated the factors and mechanisms involved in causing the elevated concentrations. Chemical and statistical analyses indicated that the Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater significantly correlated with climate parameters (precipitation and temperature), surface features (altitude, distance from a river, soil type, soil texture, and land use type) and hydrogeochemical characteristics (chemical oxygen demand and NH4+, NO3−, and P concentrations). In particular, the Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater are higher in areas containing paddy fields and water bodies than other land use type areas. Areas with groundwater containing ultra-high Fe and Mn concentrations have almost all of the favorable factors. The main reasons for the elevated Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater in the study area are the Fe/Mn mineral-rich strata and soil with abundant organic matter acting as sources of Fe and Mn to the groundwater and the reductive environment in the lower terrain and areas containing water bodies favoring Fe and Mn dissolution in the groundwater. Inputs of pollutants from agricultural activities have caused the Fe and Mn concentrations in groundwater to increase. Future studies should be performed to study interactions between pollutants from agricultural activities and Fe and Mn in groundwater and develop environmental management strategies for preventing future increases in Fe and Mn concentrations and promoting sustainable development of agriculture.
Evaluation of Kenya Stem Rust Observation Nursery Wheat Genotypes for Yield and Yield Components under Artificial Rust Conditions
Authors: Madahana Sammy Larry , Owuoche James Otieno , Oyoo Maurice Edwards , Macharia Godwin Kamau , Randhawa Mandeep Singh
Published: November 2021

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop contributing to global food and nutrition which necessitates the deployment of wheat genotypes that are high yielding and resistant to prevailing diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate Kenya stem rust observation nursery (KSRON) wheat genotypes for grain yield, yield components and stem rust resistance. A 3-season field experiment was set up in a 25 × 7 alpha lattice design at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Njoro (35°56′60′′ E; 0°20′60′′ S). Significant (p ≤ 0.001) differences due to seasons, genotype and genotype × season interaction was observed for all the traits except days to heading (DH) and number of seeds per spike (SS). Seasons, genotype and genotype × season interaction explained 48.2%, 25.23% and 26.67% of the total variability in grain yield (GY), respectively. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation of means between seasons for all the traits were higher in the 2019 main season than the 2019 and 2020 off-seasons except for 1000-kernel weight (TKW). Heritability (H2) estimates ranged from 49.58% for GY to 94.11% for DH. GY had a positive genetic and phenotypic correlation with all the traits except for DH (rg = −0.13, rp = −0.09), stem rust (SR) (rg = −0.53 ***, rp = −0.38 ***) and yellow rust (YR) (rg = −0.28 ***, rp = −0.19 *) severity. SR caused 22%, 14% and 13% reduction in TKW, GY and biomass (BM), respectively. YR caused 2% and 4% reduction in GY and BM. This study identified KSRON 13, KSRON 31, KSRON 40, KSRON 52, KSRON 53, KSRON 78, KSRON 80 and KSRON 144 as the best high GY (8.43–7.79 t ha−1) as well as resistant to SR and YR.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella Serotypes Concurrently Isolated from the Environment, Animals, and Humans in South Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramatla Tsepo , Tawana Mpho , Onyiche ThankGod E. , Lekota Kgaugelo E. , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: November 2021

One of the main global concerns is the usage and spread of antibiotic resistant Salmonella serovars. The animals, humans, and environmental components interact and contribute to the rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, directly or indirectly. Therefore, this study aimed to determine antibiotic resistance (AR) profiles of Salmonella serotypes isolated from the environment, animals, and humans in South Africa by a systematic review and meta-analysis. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to search four databases for studies published from 1980 to 2021, that reported the antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella serotypes isolated in South Africa. The AR was screened from 2930 Salmonella serotypes which were isolated from 6842 samples. The Western Cape province had high pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of Salmonella isolates with AR profiles followed by North West, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape with 94.3%, 75.4%, 59.4%, and 46.2%, respectively. The high PPE and heterogeneity were observed from environmental samples [69.6 (95% CI: 41.7−88.3), Q = 303.643, I2 = 98.353, Q-P = 0.045], animals [41.9 (95% CI: 18.5–69.5), Q = 637.355, I2 = 98.745, Q-P = 0.577], as well as animals/environment [95.9 (95% CI: 5.4−100), Q = 55.253, I2 = 96.380, Q-P = 0.300]. The majority of the salmonella isolates were resistant to sulphonamides (92.0%), enrofloxacin and erythromycin (89.3%), oxytetracycline (77.4%), imipenem (72.6%), tetracycline (67.4%), as well as trimethoprim (52.2%), among the environment, animals, and humans. The level of multidrug-resistance recorded for Salmonella isolates was 28.5% in this review. This study has highlighted the occurrence of AR by Salmonella isolates from animals, humans, and environmental samples in South Africa and this calls for a consolidated “One Health” approach for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological research, as well as the formulation of necessary intervention measures to prevent further spread.
Experiences during Switching from Two-Stage to One-Stage Revision Arthroplasty for Chronic Total Knee Arthroplasty Infection
Authors: Navarro Guillem , Lozano Luis , Sastre Sergi , Bori Rosa , Bosch Jordi , Bori Guillem
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate our preliminary results after changing our surgical strategy from 2-stage revision arthroplasty to 1-stage revision arthroplasty for patients with chronic knee periprosthetic joint infection. We conducted a prospective study of knee arthroplasty patients that had been diagnosed with chronic infection and treated using a 1-stage revision regardless of the traditional criteria applied for indication thereof. We evaluated two main variables: infection control and economic costs. The definitive diagnosis of infection of the revision was determined by using the criteria proposed by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. The costs were calculated as average costs in USD, as described by Srivastava (2019), for 1-stage or 2-stage revisions. Eighteen patients were included in the study, and infection was controlled in 17 patients. The total economic savings for our hospital from these 18 patients amounted to USD 291,152. This clinical success has led to major changes in how our hospital approaches the treatment of chronically infected knee replacements, in addition to substantial economic advantages for the hospital.
Bacteriophages for the Treatment of Graft Infections in Cardiovascular Medicine
Authors: Junghans Simon , Rojas Sebastian V. , Skusa Romy , Püschel Anja , Grambow Eberhard , Kohlen Juliane , Warnke Philipp , Gummert Jan , Gross Justus
Published: November 2021

Bacterial infections of vascular grafts represent a major burden in cardiovascular medicine, which is related to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Different factors that are associated with this medical field such as patient frailty, biofilm formation, or immunosuppression negatively influence antibiotic treatment, inhibiting therapy success. Thus, further treatment strategies are required. Bacteriophage antibacterial properties were discovered 100 years ago, but the focus on antibiotics in Western medicine since the mid-20th century slowed the further development of bacteriophage therapy. Therefore, the experience and knowledge gained until then in bacteriophage mechanisms of action, handling, clinical uses, and limitations were largely lost. However, the parallel emergence of antimicrobial resistance and individualized medicine has provoked a radical reassessment of this approach and cardiovascular surgery is one area in which phages may play an important role to cope with this new scenario. In this context, bacteriophages might be applicable for both prophylactic and therapeutic use, serving as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with antibiotics. From another perspective, standardization of phage application is also required. The ideal surgical bacteriophage application method should be less invasive, enabling highly localized concentrations, and limiting bacteriophage distribution to the infection site during a prolonged time lapse. This review describes the latest reports of phage therapy in cardiovascular surgery and discusses options for their use in implant and vascular graft infections.