bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Remedy For Deviance Among Senior High School Students In Medan (A Sociological Study)
Authors: Siringoringo Netty Rothesia , Ismail Rizabuana , Manurung Ria , Siregar Robert Tua , Sitorus Henry
Published: August 2018

Social deviance conducted by students becomes a problem in education. The act of deviance is committed in the form of violations of the existing rules in the school. This behavior affects the disruption of teaching and learning process activities even also affects other students and teachers as well. There are many cases of misbehavior and indiscipline that these students have done, and in fact the behavior is done repeatedly. This paper examines the causes of deviant behavior and finds out how the process of social remedy conducted in a senior high school with pseudonym ‘Y’ (SMA Negeri Y) as a solution implemented by schools to overcome this problem. The data found shows the reason the students do the deviance is due to the influence of the surrounding environment which is the peer pressure, so they can be seen as trendy or ‘hip’. Other reasons include uninteresting teaching methods which results in ennui on students in learning the courses. The conducted social remedy is expected to be a solution of behavioral deviance that students commit, even for repeated deviant behavior. The stages of social remedy are: (1) the first stage, advices from the teachers are given to the students who conduct the deviance (2) the second stage, write and issue the disciplinary letter for parents (DL) (3) the third stage, the students write a letter of agreement in front of their parents (4) the fourth stage, a letter of agreement with stamp duty is made, witnessed by the parents and signed by the parents and the students (5) the fifth stage, further action is handled by the principal and the principal decides whether the students should be scolded or expelled
Influence of Strategy Implementation on Sustainability of Community Based Tourism in the Coast Region of Kenya
Authors: Rono Geoffrey Kipchirchir , Theuri Dr. Fridah Simba , Ahmed Dr. Anwar Hood , KIsing'u Dr. Titus Muthami
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to establish the influence of strategy implementation on sustainability of community based tourism in the coast region of Kenya. The target population was 193 members of community based tourism units in coastal Kenya as a representative sample. Stratified random sampling method was used to classify the thirteen community groups into a single stratum. The study used structured questionnaires and documented literature as the main tools for both primary and secondary data collection. The findings indicated that strategy implementation had a positive relationship with sustainability of community based tourism. The variables were found to be normally distributed and hence no significant differences at 95% confidence level. The study established a strong linear relationship existed between strategy implementation and sustainability of community based tourism. Information from the study confirms enterprises require strategy implementation for continued sustainability of their enterprises.
Estranhas entranhas: de antropologias, e úteros
Authors: Manica Daniela Tonelli
Published: August 2018

Esse artigo busca explorar as sinergias e fabulações possíveis ao pensar e discutir, de uma perspectiva antropológica, as temáticas que se desdobram a partir da concepção (simbólica e concreta, material-semiótica) dos “úteros”. Ao tomar o útero como foco, emergem questões (histórica e teoricamente problemáticas) como a do feminino, seus deslocamentos e (im)possíveis estabilizações; a dos corpos e seus agenciamentos que implicam classificações, regulações e (des)controles; e conexões esboçáveis entre as expressões estéticas, estruturas e arranjos socioantropológicos e as temáticas de gênero/corpo/sexualidade e reprodução. O texto perpassa por abordagens que levam em conta o “corpo” no pensamento grego e na biomedicina, no pensamento ameríndio e melanesiano, com enfoque privilegiado sobre temáticas do útero, sangue (menstrual) e gênero. Propõe, por fim, o reconhecimento da importância política dessas temáticas na antropologia.
Efecto de extractos alcohólicos de ajo (Allium sativum) y clavo (Syzygium aromaticum) en el desarrollo de Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet
Authors: Adirano-Anaya María De Lourdes , Mejía-Ortiz Josué , Ovando-Medina Isidro , Albores-Flores Víctor , Salvador-Figueroa Miguel
Published: August 2018

La Sigatoka Negra es la enfermedad más destructiva del área foliar de plátanos y bananos. La incrementada resistencia del patógeno, y la contaminación provocada por los fungicidas químicos, han guiado a la búsqueda de alternativas para su control. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la combinación de los extractos de ajo (Allium sativum) y clavo (Syzygium aromaticum) en el desarrollo de Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Después de aislar a M. fijiensis, fue cultivado en medios agar-dextrosa-papa (ADP) adicionados con diferentes concentraciones de los extractos etanólicos de las plantas mencionadas. Los tratamientos utilizados fueron el resultado de establecer un diseño factorial de dos variables a cuatro niveles. Los resultados mostraron que, a mayor concentración de ajo, menor capacidad de inhibir el desarrollo de la colonia de M. fijiensis. Contrariamente el extracto de clavo mostró mayor capacidad de inhibición a mayor concentración. Sin embargo, la mayor inhibición del desarrollo de la colonia del fitopatógeno, 39.6%, fue observada en ADP adicionada con la mezcla de 150 mg de extracto de ajo·ml-1 y 36 mg de extracto de clavo·ml-1. Se discute el posible mecanismo de acción de los extractos.
Microorganismos asociados con la pudrición de corona de alfalfa en el norte centro de México
Authors: Velásquez-Valle Rodolfo , Reveles-Torres Luis Roberto , Talavera-Correa Hugo
Published: August 2018

La alfalfa es un importante cultivo forrajero en los estados de Aguascalientes, Durango y Zacatecas localizados en el norte centro de México. Información sobre los manchones de plantas muertas atribuidas a la enfermedad conocida como pudrición de la corona y sus microorganismos asociados es muy escasa en esta región, consecuentemente, el objetivo del actual trabajo fue identificar los géneros de microorganismos asociados a la pudrición de la corona en los estados mencionados. Muestras de plantas de alfalfa con síntomas de pudrición de la corona y el suelo alrededor de ellas fueron recolectadas en 30 parcelas de alfalfa. Trece géneros de nematodos fueron identificados en las muestras de suelo: Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides, Criconemoides, Ditylenchus, Dorylaimus, Helicotylenchus, Mononchus, Pratylenchus, Psilenchus, Rhabditis, Trichodorus, Tylenchus y Xiphinema, así como cinco géneros de hongos (Fusarium, Rhizoctonia y Verticillium) y oomicetos (Phytophthora y Pythium) en los tejidos de la corona. Se destaca la alta incidencia de los nematodos Ditylenchus (56.7%) y Pratylenchus (50%) y del hongo Fusarium (100%).
As necessidades da pesquisa experimental em psicolingüística no Brasil
Authors: Scliar-Cabral Leonor
Published: August 2018

This paper takes a historical perspective on the state of the art of experimental psycholinguistics in Brazil and attempts to make a diagnosis of the resources needed, both material and human, for the advancement of the field in this country. It is suggested that a comprehensive database on existing research centers and their scientific production be constructed in order to stimulate peer contact and debate. An recommendation is also made for curricula to be designed in such a way graduates in Psychology get the proper linguistics training and graduates in Linguistics get the proper training in experimental design and statistics.
Memória de trabalho e produção oral da linguagem
Authors: Lima Paula Lenz Costa , Françozo Edson
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we examine the use of silent pauses made by high and low working memory span individuals, during the reading span test (the Brazilian Portuguese version), aiming at verifying possible strategies used by the subjects in order to accommodate the transient computational and storage demands that occur in the task. Our results are congruent with the idea that language production quality is also influenced by the subjects´ working memory capacity: high span subjects produced more sentences without pause, made shorter pauses, and therefore spent less time reading the test sentences than low span subjects.
Atos de referenciação na interação face a face
Authors: Marcuschi Luiz Antônio
Published: August 2018

Starting from the premise that the process of referenciation is neither a simple activity of extensional designation nor of identification or discrimination of beings, individuals, things, facts, situations, states, etc., but a complex interactive decision developed by individuals in specific situations, this paper makes explicit how interlocutors arrive at referential consensus in the public and social use of language. It is based on the idea that reference is much more a situated and interactive action than an explicitation of a language-world relation or an act of affirmation of successful and conventionalized correspondences in the language. In the end, it postulates that our assertions are assertions of beliefs assumed as facts because as Putman says, it is reasonable to take them as facts. Therefore, to refer is essentially a process of explicitation of beliefs, interactively and publicly elaborated and admitted.
Beta Kumaraswamy Burr Type X Distribution and Its Properties
Authors: Madaki Umar Yusuf , Abu Bakar Mohd Rizam , Handique Laba
Published: August 2018

We proposed a so-called Beta Kumaraswamy Burr Type X distribution which gives the extension of the Kumaraswamy-G class of family distribution. Some properties of this proposed model were provided, like: the expansion of densi- ties and quantile function. We considered the Bayes and maximum likelihood methods to estimate the parameters and also simulate the model parameters to validate the methods based on dierent set of true values. Some real data sets were employed to show the usefulness and exibility of the model which serves as generalization to many sub-models in the elds of engineering, medical, survival and reliability analysis.
The Limpet: A ROS-Enabled Multi-Sensing Platform for the ORCA Hub
Authors: Sayed Mohammed E. , Nemitz Markus P. , Aracri Simona , McConnell Alistair C. , McKenzie Ross M. , Stokes Adam A.
Published: August 2018

The oil and gas industry faces increasing pressure to remove people from dangerous offshore environments. Robots present a cost-effective and safe method for inspection, repair and maintenance of topside and marine offshore infrastructure. In this work, we introduce a new immobile multi-sensing robot, the Limpet, which is designed to be low-cost and highly manufacturable, and thus can be deployed in huge collectives for monitoring offshore platforms. The Limpet can be considered an instrument, where in abstract terms, an instrument is a device that transforms a physical variable of interest (measurand) into a form that is suitable for recording (measurement). The Limpet is designed to be part of the ORCA (Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets) Hub System, which consists of the offshore assets and all the robots (UAVs, drones, mobile legged robots etc.) interacting with them. The Limpet comprises the sensing aspect of the ORCA Hub System. We integrated the Limpet with Robot Operating System (ROS), which allows it to interact with other robots in the ORCA Hub System. In this work, we demonstrate how the Limpet can be used to achieve real-time condition monitoring for offshore structures, by combining remote sensing with signal processing techniques. We show an example of this approach for monitoring offshore wind turbines. We demonstrate the use of four different communication systems (WiFi, serial, LoRa and optical communication) for the condition monitoring process. By processing the sensor data on-board, we reduce the information density of our transmissions, which allows us to substitute short-range high-bandwidth communication systems with low-bandwidth long-range communication systems. We train our classifier offline and transfer its parameters to the Limpet for online classification, where it makes an autonomous decision based on the condition of the monitored structure.
Regulation of miRNAs during Retinoic Acid-Induced Regeneration of a Molluscan Central Nervous System
Authors: Walker Sarah E. , Spencer Gaynor E. , Necakov Alexsandr , Carlone Robert L.
Published: August 2018

Retinoic acid (RA) is the biologically active metabolite of vitamin A,and has become a well-established factor that induces neurite outgrowth and regeneration in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms that may mediate RA-induced neurite sprouting remain unclear. In the past decade, microRNAs have emerged as important regulators of nervous system development and regeneration, and have been shown to contribute to processes such as neurite sprouting. However, few studies have demonstrated the role of miRNAs in RA-induced neurite sprouting. By R-Seq analysis, we identify 482 miRNAs in the regenerating CNS of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis, 219 of which represent potentially novel miRNAs. Of the remaining conserved miRNAs, 38 show a statistically significant up or downregulation in regenerating CNS as a result of RA treatment. We further characterized the expression of one neuronally-enriched miRNA upregulated by RA, miR-124. We demonstrate for the first time that miR-124 is expressed within the cell bodies and neurites of regenerating motorneurons. Moreover, we identify miR-124 expression within the growth cones of cultured ciliary motorneurons (Pedal A), whereas expression from the growth cones of another class of respiratory motorneurons (RPA) was absent in vitro. These findings support our hypothesis miRNAs are important regulators of retinoic acid induced neuronal outgrowth and regeneration in regeneration-competent species.
Successive Optimization of a Homogeneous Immunoassay for Antibody Detection in Viral Infections
Authors: Franco Lina S. , Mujica Vladimiro , Blattman Joseph N. , García Antonio A.
Published: August 2018

Although there are extensive literature reports on the use of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) based homogeneous assays for detection of biomolecules, very few experimental description and procedures involving their preparation are described. In this study, AuNPs conjugated to Bovine Serum Albumin or Envelope protein from Dengue II were developed as a homogeneous immunoassay for antibody detection. We report here optimization of key parameters to prepare an immunoassay like conjugation protein concentration, centrifugation time, electrolyte addition and assay temperature.  We determined that saturating protein concentrations improved AuNPs surface coverage and uniformity of the assay and addition of sodium chloride improved sensitivity of the antibody detection method and assay stability.  Furthermore, we showed that dynamic light scattering can be used to monitor changes in gold nanoparticles in the preparation and detection steps. Additionally, numerical simulations of the plasmonic optical response of AuNPs were carried out to scan for size-dependent response of the AuNPs. The AuNPs homogeneous immunoassay developed was further used in the detection of antibodies in vitro to detect Dengue virus infection.
Tsukuba Challenge: Open Experiments for Autonomous Navigation of Mobile Robots in the City – Activities and Results of the First and Second Stages –
Authors: Yuta Shin’ichi ,   Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan,   Tsukuba Challenge Steering Committee 1-1-1 Kenkyu Gakuen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8555, Japan
Published: August 2018

The Tsukuba Challenge is an open experiment for autonomous mobile robotics researchers who want to build small mobile robots capable of autonomously moving through real and populated pedestrian environments. The Tsukuba Challenge started in 2007 and has been run every year since then. Each year, the self-contained mobile robots of participated team are tasked with autonomously navigating more than 1 km of a given pedestrian pathway through the city. As of 2017, the final year of the second stage, a total of over 500 teams have taken a part in this challenge, by trying to develop their own robot hardware and software to complete the given task. In this paper, the basic concept and the history of Tsukuba Challenge are first explained, and then what has and has not achieved is discussed.
Detection of Target Persons Using Deep Learning and Training Data Generation for Tsukuba Challenge
Authors: Konishi Yuichi ,   University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan, Shigematsu Kosuke , Tsubouchi Takashi , Ohya Akihisa
Published: August 2018

The Tsukuba Challenge is an open experiment competition held annually since 2007, and wherein the autonomous navigation robots developed by the participants must navigate through an urban setting in which pedestrians and cyclists are present. One of the required tasks in the Tsukuba Challenge from 2013 to 2017 was to search for persons wearing designated clothes within the search area. This is a very difficult task since it is necessary to seek out these persons in an environment that includes regular pedestrians, and wherein the lighting changes easily because of weather conditions. Moreover, the recognition system must have a light computational cost because of the limited performance of the computer that is mounted onto the robot. In this study, we focused on a deep learning method of detecting the target persons in captured images. The developed detection system was expected to achieve high detection performance, even when small-sized input images were used for deep learning. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed system achieved better performance than an existing object detection network. However, because a vast amount of training data is necessary for deep learning, a method of generating training data to be used in the detection of target persons is also discussed in this paper.
Creating a 3D Cuboid Map Using Multi-Layer 3D LIDAR with a Swing Mechanism
Authors: Takita Yoshihiro ,   Department of Computer Science, National Defense Academy of Japan 1-10-20 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka-City, Kanagawa 239-8686, Japan
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a method for creating 3D occupancy grid maps using multi-layer 3D LIDAR and a swing mechanism termed Swing-LIDAR. The method using Swing-LIDAR can acquire 10 times more data at a stopping position than a method that does not use Swing-LIDAR. High-definition and accurate terrain information is obtained by a coordinate transformation of the acquired data compensated for by the measured orientation of the system. In this study, we develop a method to create 3D grid maps for autonomous robots using Swing-LIDAR. To validate the method, AR Skipper is run on the created maps that are used to obtain point cloud data without a swing mechanism, and 11 sets of each local map are combined. The experimental results exhibit the differences among the maps.
End-to-End Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation with Model-Based System Support
Authors: Carballo Alexander , Seiya Shunya , Lambert Jacob , Darweesh Hatem , Narksri Patiphon , Morales Luis Yoichi , Akai Naoki , Takeuchi Eijiro , Takeda Kazuya ,   Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan,   Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
Published: August 2018

Autonomous mobile robot navigation in real unmodified outdoor areas frequented by people on their business, children playing, fast running bicycles, and even robots, remains a difficult challenge. For eleven years, the Tsukuba Challenge Real World Robot Challenge (RWRC) has brought together robots, researchers, companies, government, and ordinary citizens, under the same outdoor space to push forward the limits of autonomous mobile robots. For the Tsukuba Challenge 2017 participation, our team proposed to study the problem of sensors-to-actuators navigation (also called End-to-End), this is, having the robot to navigate towards the destination on a complex path, not only moving straight but also turning at intersections. End-to-End (E2E) navigation was implemented using a convolutional neural network (CNN): the robot learns how to go straight, turn left, and turn right, using camera images and trajectory data. E2E network training and evaluation was performed at Nagoya University, on similar outdoor conditions to that of Tsukuba Challenge 2017 (TC2017). Even thought E2E was trained on a different environment and conditions, the robot successfully followed the designated trajectory in the TC2017 course. Learning how to follow the road no matter the environment is of the key attributes of E2E based navigation. Our E2E does not perform obstacle avoidance and can be affected by illumination and seasonal changes. Therefore, to improve safety and add fault tolerance measures, we developed an E2E navigation approach with model-based system as backup. The model-based system is based on our open source autonomous vehicle software adapted to use on a mobile robot. In this work we describe our approach, implementation, experiences and main contributions.
Developing a Remotely Operated Portable Mobile Robot
Authors: Tomizawa Tetsuo , Shibuya Masato , Tanaka Ryodo , Nishida Takeshi ,   National Defense Academy of Japan 1-10-20 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-8686, Japan,   Kyushu Institute of Technology 1-1 Sensuicho, Tobata-ku, Kikakyushu, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan
Published: August 2018

The Tsukuba Challenge is one of the few technical events where it is permitted to conduct demonstrations of autonomous mobile robots on a public road in a city. Thus, when limited trial runs are available several times per year, domestic and foreign teams must bring robots to the venue and conduct experiments using robots and observation instruments. For a team located far away from the venue, the cost of transporting equipment and staff each time becomes prohibitive. In this research, to reduce the cost of transporting robots and personnel, we design and develop a mobile robot platform that is easy to transport and deploy. Additionally, to allow remote experts to generate maps and routes without visiting the site, we construct a remote operating system that operates over the internet. In this paper, we describe the portable mobile robot platform and the software configuration needed for remote operation. Then, we report the results of our verification test.
Teaching-Playback Navigation Without a Consistent Map
Authors: Akai Naoki , Morales Luis Yoichi , Murase Hiroshi ,   Institute of Innovation for Future Society (MIRAI), Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan,   Graduate School of Information Science, Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a teaching-playback navigation method that does not require a consistent map built using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Many open source projects related to autonomous navigation including SLAM have been made available recently; however, autonomous mobile robot navigation in large-scale environments is still difficult because it is difficult to build a consistent map. The navigation method presented in this paper uses several partial maps to represent an environment map. In other words, the complex mapping process is not necessary to begin autonomous navigation. In addition, the trajectory that the robot travels in the mapping phase can be directly used as a target path. As a result, teaching-playback autonomous navigation can be achieved without any off-line processes. We tested the navigation method using log data taken in the environment of the Tsukuba Challenge and the testing results show its performance. We provide source code for the navigation method, which includes modules required for autonomous navigation (https://github.com/NaokiAkai/AutoNavi).
Four-Fingered Robot Hand with Mechanism to Change the Direction of Movement – Mechanical Design and Basic Experiments –
Authors: Tanaka Junya ,   Corporate Research & Development Center, Toshiba Corporation 1 Komukai-toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-8582, Japan, Sugahara Atsushi , Ogawa Hideki
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the mechanical design for a new, four-fingered robot hand. The hand was developed in the context of a service robot project that aims to produce a robot that can handle tableware of various shapes to set and clear a table. This project required the development of a new hand that has a small number of motors but still a high level of adaptability so that it can handle the various shapes of tableware found in a place setting. We therefore developed a four-fingered robot hand which consists of four finger mechanisms and a mechanism capable of changing its direction of movement. The movement orientation of the four fingers can change, in a synchronized state, from a posture in which they are directly opposed to one in which they are diagonally opposed. This state transformation can be achieved with only one motor. Also, four fingers can perform synchronous opening and closing motions, and these motions can be achieved by only one motor. Only two motors are needed to drive the robot hand, and both are installed in the base of the hand. Consequently, the hand is a simple but very effective mechanism for stably handling tableware. Tests have shown that it can successfully grasp various kinds of tableware, and that the new mechanism operates effectively.
Development of a Micro-Manipulator for Bio-Targets Using Micro Flows
Authors: Pelletier Jean-Charles , Aoyama Hisayuki , Irie Yuuka , Kanamori Chisato , Piat Nadine ,   Department of Mechanics, The University of Electro-Communication 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 183-8585, Japan,   FEMTO-ST Institute 24 rue Alain Savary, 25000 Besançon, France
Published: August 2018

In the field of bio-engineering, there is a need for a specialized manipulator that protect targets from hard physical contact. The solution proposed in this paper is a system that controls micro flows to manipulate a micro-sized bio-target. The manipulation principle and system structure are presented. In addition, a simple model that uses physically observable parameters is constructed to capture the flow-target interactions following a chemically assisted flow visualization. The experimental results of a prototype are presented, and the feasibility is discussed. The purpose of this paper is to prove the feasibility of this manipulation method. Further developments are introduced, highlighting the full potential of the prototype.
Development of the MRI Flow Phantom System Focused on Low Speed Flows in Fluid Machinery
Authors: Hosotani Kazunori , Uehara Shota , Ishihara Toru , Ono Atsushi , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Hashiguchi Yusuke ,   National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1 Numa, Tsuyama-shi, Okayama 708-8509, Japan,   Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama 701-0193, Japan,   National Hospital Organization, Okayama Medical Center 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 701-1192, Japan,   Kousei Hospital 3-8-35 Kousei-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-0985, Japan
Published: August 2018

At present, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is one of the noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques for medical use, has been applied to industrial product inspection. In this study, a hydraulic model test system, called the “flow phantom system,” which can generate steady flow and oscillating flow for time-resolved MRI, was developed to aid optimum design of fluid machinery. Simple flow phantoms are tested under laminar flow or oscillating flow to evaluate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed system. In this article, the test results of double cylindrical pipe flow, elbow pipe flow, cylindrical valve flow, and jet pump flow, which are often seen in fluid machines, are tested using the 2D time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) method, which can track a labeled water mass and visualize it using two-dimensional images. MRI-detected flow patterns were compared with particle image velocimetry (PIV) or numerical simulation.
Refraction-Based Bundle Adjustment for Scale Reconstructible Structure from Motion
Authors: Shibata Akira , Okumura Yukari , Fujii Hiromitsu , Yamashita Atsushi , Asama Hajime ,   The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan,   Ricoh Co., Ltd. 2-7-1 Izumi, Ebina-City, Kanagawa 243-0460, Japan,   Chiba Institute of Technology 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
Published: August 2018

Structure from motion is a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction method that uses one camera. However, the absolute scale of objects cannot be reconstructed by the conventional structure from motion method. In our previous studies, to solve this problem by using refraction, we proposed a scale reconstructible structure from motion method. In our measurement system, a refractive plate is fixed in front of a camera and images are captured through this plate. To overcome the geometrical constraints, we derived an extended essential equation by theoretically considering the effect of refraction. By applying this formula to 3D measurements, the absolute scale of an object could be obtained. However, this method was verified only by a simulation under ideal conditions, for example, by not taking into account real phenomena such as noise or occlusion, which are necessarily caused in actual measurements. In this study, to robustly apply this method to an actual measurement with real images, we introduced a novel bundle adjustment method based on the refraction effect. This optimization technique can reduce the 3D reconstruction errors caused by measurement noise in actual scenes. In particular, we propose a new error function considering the effect of refraction. By minimizing the value of this error function, accurate 3D reconstruction results can be obtained. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, experiments using both simulations and real images were conducted. The results of the simulation show that the proposed method is theoretically accurate. The results of the experiments using real images show that the proposed method is effective for real 3D measurements.
Inaccuracies in the 2020 Census Enumeration Could Create a Misalignment Between States’ Needs
Authors: Strane Douglas , Griffis Heather M.
Published: August 2018

As the most accurate reflection of the United States population, the US decennial census is vital to health policymakers and others at all levels of government. Competing priorities related to cost containment and the introduction of new reforms raise concerns about the resources available to the US Census Bureau to conduct an accurate population enumeration in 2020.

We examined the state of the Census Bureau’s preparations for the 2020 Census and how inaccuracies in the coming census enumeration could influence public health and health equity in the coming decade. The results of the 2020 Census will be used to allocate trillions of dollars in federal funding to states, including support for programs vital to public health such as Medicaid and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Inaccuracies in the census enumeration could create a misalignment between states’ needs and allocation of federal resources. Also, a census miscount of the population could create challenges for public health surveillance and research activities that inform public health policies and interventions.
Effects of Low‐Grade Weirs on Soil Microbial Communities in Agricultural Drainage Ditches
Authors: Baker Beth H. , Brooks John P. , Deng Dewayne D. , Smith Renotta K. , Kröger Robert , Prince Czarnecki Joby M.
Published: August 2018

Agricultural fertilizer application throughout the Mississippi River basin has been identified as a major source of N pollution to the Gulf of Mexico. Using best management practices, such as low‐grade weirs, has been identified as a potential solution to mitigate nutrient loads in agricultural runoff. This study assessed impacts of weir implementation in four agricultural drainage ditches (three with weirs and one control site) in the Mississippi Delta. Soil samples collected from field locations in spring 2013 were analyzed for denitrifier abundance using genes (16s ribosomal RNA [rRNA] genes,nosZ,nirS, andnirK) via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), microbial community profiles via terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) of 16s rRNA genes, soil parameters (C, N, and moisture), and vegetation presence at sample locations. Gene quantification was successful, except fornirK, which was found below detection limits (5000 gene copies g−1soil). Distance from weirs was negatively correlated with 16S rRNA genes and soil moisture, and soil moisture was positively correlated with 16s rRNA andnirS gene abundance. Results of empirical Bayesian kriging did not exhibit obvious patterns of microbial diversity in relation to weir proximity. Preliminary assessment of seasonal trends showed genes 16s rRNA andnirS, soil N, and mean T‐RF values to be greater in fall than in spring. Results highlight that weirs had no direct impact on microbial diversity or denitrification functional gene abundance. Correlations between microbial measures and environmental parameters suggest that adequate management of N runoff from agricultural landscapes will require ecological engineering beyond weirs to optimize N mitigation.

Core Ideas

Microbial communities were not different between ditches with and without weirs.

Distance from weirs was negatively correlated with 16s rRNA genes and soil moisture.

Soil moisture was positively correlated with 16s rRNA andnirSfunctional genes.

Preliminary data showed seasonal differences in microbial diversity.
Genetic Analysis of Sugarcane mosaic virus Resistance in the Wisconsin Diversity Panel of Maize
Authors: Gustafson Timothy J. , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Tracy William F.
Published: August 2018

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and Maize dwarf mosaic virus can cause yield loss in maize (Zea mays L.). Previous studies identified two key genomic regions controlling host resistance: Scmv1 on chromosome 6 and Scmv2 on chromosome 3. In this study a diverse set of 578 inbreds adapted to a northern US Corn Belt environment, was inoculated at the three‐leaf stage with SCMV and rated for presence of virus symptoms at 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d after inoculation. Scmv1 was present in all resistant inbreds. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism associated with SCMV resistance was found 5 Mb downstream of the putative location of Scmv1, and resistance at this downstream locus was correlated with a group of inbreds containing the presence allele of a 2.7‐Mb presence–absence variation (PAV) in the region encompassing Scmv1. The Scmv2 region was associated with resistance 35 d after inoculation only among the inbreds containing the presence allele, including Scmv1. Several other loci unlinked to Scmv1 and Scmv2 were associated with resistance in this panel, providing evidence for multigenic modification of the efficacy of Scmv1 and Scmv2. Sixty‐nine inbreds representing haplotype variation in the region surrounding Scmv1 on chromosome 6 were inoculated with SCMV at the three‐ and six‐leaf stage. Symptom development was reduced when inoculation was delayed to the six‐leaf stage, but 24 inbreds became fully symptomatic after 35 d regardless of the growth stage at inoculation. Inbreds with the presence allele of the PAV encompassing Scmv1 were more resistant to SCMV when inoculation was delayed to the six‐leaf stage than those that had the absence allele. Inbreds with the absence allele were susceptible regardless of growth stage at inoculation.
Systemic Seed Treatment Uptake during Imbibition by Corn and Soybean
Authors: Yang Daibin , Avelar Suemar A. G. , Taylor Alan G.
Published: August 2018

Systemic seed treatment uptake into soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and corn (Zea mays L.) seeds during imbibition has not been investigated over a broad range of application rates. The objectives of this study were to investigate the uptake capacity of seeds and assess the role of the seed coat on uptake. A fluorescent compound, coumarin 120 (7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin), was applied as a model seed treatment in the range of 0.01 to 20.0 mg g−1 seed to study the dose effects on seed uptake of two corn lines and three soybean cultivars. In general, there was a large increase in seed uptake as dosage increased, followed by a saturated state at higher dosages. The uptake by two lines of corn seeds and three cultivars of soybean seeds showed a dose‐dependent process that was described by an exponential model of Y = y0 − Ae−kx (r2 ≥ 0.93), where y0 is the uptake limit, A and k are constants, and x is the applied dose rate. The value of y0 is an indicator of a seed's uptake capacity, and it differed between the two corn lines and the three soybean cultivars. The calculated dose rate at which the uptake achieved 95% of y0 (x95) also varied widely within the corn lines and soybean cultivars examined. A low value of x95 = 0.87 mg g−1 seed was measured for corn line B73. This result indicates that a seed treatment may reach its uptake limit at a low dosage. The seed‐covering layers of corn lines and the black‐seeded soybean cultivar attenuated the uptake of the seed treatment.
Evaluation of Gridded Meteorological Data for Calculating Water Balance Cover Storage Requirements
Authors: Breitmeyer Ronald J. , Stewart Mary Kate , Huntington Justin L.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Required storage is a critical design parameter for water balance soil covers.

Gridded meteorological data and station data result in consistent required storage.

Gridded data result in higher required storage for sites with significant snowfall.

Modeled cover system performance based on station and gridded data is consistent.

Gridded data tend to result in conservative or higher estimates of required storage.

Water balance cover (WBC) systems are attractive for waste management facilities in arid to semiarid environments because they are a lower cost alternative to conventional geotechnical soil or composite barrier‐style covers. The required storage (Sr) for a WBC is dependent on climatic conditions, with the most influence from the seasonal balance of precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Gridded meteorological datasets provide long‐term, continuous, and accessible sources of P and PET for Sr estimation. Six sites in Nevada were analyzed for the agreement among P, PET, and Sr calculated from station and gridded meteorological data (gridMET). Two sites each at elevations of 0 to 1000 m asl, 1000 to 1500 m asl, and 1500 to 2000 m asl were considered during a 21‐yr period. The gridMET and station‐based P and Sr were generally not significantly different for sites between 0 and 1500 m asl. For sites above 1500 m asl, the differences in P were significant. For the sites analyzed in this study, gridMET typically resulted in equivalent or more conservative estimates of WBC Sr. Percolation rates from hypothetical WBCs were also simulated in the flow model HYDRUS to evaluate WBC performance when using station‐based or gridMET‐based atmospheric model boundary conditions. Simulations indicate that percolation rates are higher when gridMET atmospheric data are used vs. station‐based data for five out of the six sites. This suggests that gridMET‐based model boundary conditions provide a degree of conservatism in calculating WBC Sr. This trend was not ubiquitous for all sites (one out of six did not follow), indicating that further study is required before applying these findings generally.
The Regulatory Function of the Molecular Chaperone Hsp90 in the Cell Wall Integrity of Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Rocha Marina Campos , Santos Camilla Alves , Malavazi Iran
Published: August 2018

Different signaling cascades including the Cell Wall Integrity (CWI), the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) and the Ca2+/calcineurin pathways control the cell wall biosynthesis and remodeling in fungi. Pathogenic fungi, such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, greatly rely on these signaling circuits to cope with different sources of stress, including the cell wall stress evoked by antifungal drugs and the host’s response during infection. Hsp90 has been proposed as an important regulatory protein and an attractive target for antifungal therapy since it stabilizes major effector proteins that act in the CWI, HOG and Ca2+/calcineurin pathways. Data from the human pathogen C. albicans have provided solid evidence that loss-of-function of Hsp90 impairs the evolution of resistance to azoles and echinocandin drugs. In A. fumigatus, Hsp90 is also required for cell wall integrity maintenance, reinforcing a coordinated function of the CWI pathway and this essential molecular chaperone. In this review, we focus on the current information about how Hsp90 impacts the aforementioned signaling pathways and consequently the homeostasis and maintenance of the cell wall, highlighting this cellular event as a key mechanism underlying antifungal therapy based on Hsp90 inhibition.
Tribromoisocyanuric Acid as a Green Cohalogenating Reagent: An Efficient Transformation of Alkynes into α,α-Dibromoketones and Vicinal Dibromoalkenes
Authors: Crespo Lívia T.C. , Senra Mônica R. , Esteves Pierre M. , de Mattos Marcio C.S.
Published: August 2018

The co-halogenation reaction of alkynes with tri-bromoisocyanuric acid in acetic acid, followed by aqueous work-up produced α,α-di-bromoketones (44-84%), while the reaction in aqueous acetonitrile in the presence of KBr produced vicinal di-bromoalkenes (66-86%). The usefulness of the methodology was demonstrated employing green metrics for the comparison of TBCA with analogous N-halo reagents in co-halogenation reactions of alkynes.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Effects: In Silico Study of its Osteoimmunological Mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Yuhao , Pang Xiaokun , Nepal Akriti , Jiang Xincan , Xu Xiaoxin , Zhao Dongbin , Murtaza Ghulam , Ma Yanxu
Published: August 2018

Background:

Biological system complexity impedes the drug target identification by
biological experiments. Thus drugs, rather than acting on target site only, can interact with the entire
biological system. Study of this phenomenon, known as network pharmacology, provides
grounds for biological target identification of new drugs or acts as a foundation for the discovery of
new targets of present drugs. No publication is available on the interaction network of CAPE.

Aim:

This study was aimed at the investigation of the candidate targets and possible interactions of
caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) involved in its osteoimmunological effects.

Methods:

This study encompasses the investigation of candidate targets and possible interactions of
CAPE by analyzing through PASS Prediction and constructing a biological network of CAPE.

Results:

In response to input (CAPE), PASS Prediction generated a network of 1723 targets. While
selecting the probability to be active (Pa) value greater than 0.7 brought forth only 27 targets for
CAPE. Most of these targets predicted the therapeutic role of CAPE as an osteoimmunological
agent. Apart from this, this network pharmacology also identified 10 potential anti-cancer targets
for CAPE, out of which 7 targets have been used efficiently in developing potent osteoimmunological
drugs.

Conclusion:

This study provides scientific prediction of the mechanisms involved in osteoimmunological
effects of CAPE, presenting its promising use in the development of a natural therapeutic
agent for the pharmaceutical industry. CAPE targets identified by web-based online databases and
network pharmacology need additional in silico assessment such as docking and MD simulation
studies and experimental verification to authenticate these results.
Cephalosporin Conjugated Sulfonamides: Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Nadeem Rana Asif , Abdul Qadir Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood , Sajid Imran
Published: August 2018

Background:

In the present study, eight new cephalosporin conjugated sulfonamides
were synthesized to investigate the anticancer activity.

Methods:

All the compounds were characterized on the basis of FTIR, 1HNMR, MS and elemental
analysis (CHN). The new compounds were evaluated against the Vero and Hep G2 cancer cell lines
for their anticancer activities. Cytotoxicity of all the compounds was determined against brine
shrimp at 20 μg concentration.

Results and Conclusion:

The results revealed that ceftriaxone conjugated sulfonamide was the
most potent and showed cytotoxicity (86.4 %) comparable to the standard reference drug actinomycin
D (90.0 %). The compounds with lower cLogP value showed more antiproliferative effect due
to their higher cell permeability. Ceftriaxone conjugated with 4-acetamido benzene sulfonyl was the
most active compound against both cell lines with IC50 3.95 μM (Vero) and 5.11 μM (Hep G2) values
whereas its activity was comparable with 5-fluorouracil used as reference drug (IC50 = 2.84 μM).
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Radiological Presentation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Otherwise Non-Immunocompromised Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zafar Mohammad Ishraq , Chen Lu-Lu , Xiaofeng Ye , Gao Feng
Published: August 2018

Background:

Studies on the influence of diabetes mellitus on the radiological presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis performed so far yielded inconsistent results. We aimed to summarize the relevant evidence on this topic systematically.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE (1980–2016) and the references of related articles (English-language reports) for observational studies that compared the radiological presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetes and non-diabetes patients.

Results:

A total of fifteen studies that enrolled 2,020 diabetic patients and 5,280 controls were included in this systematic review. None of the included studies showed any significant difference in the upper lobe involvement and or in bilateral disease between diabetes and non-diabetes patients. However, lower lung field cavitary disease was found to be more frequent (relative risks ranging from 2.76, 95% CI 2.28-3.35 to 4.47, 95% CI 2.62-7.62) in patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1C >9%). Similarly, a significantly higher proportion of cavitary disease in diabetes patients was reported by 7 out of 15 studies, the meta-analysis of cavities of any size/site also showed the significantly higher risk of cavitary disease in diabetes patients (p-value = 0.0008). Three studies stratified the presence of cavities by diabetes control status, finding a higher proportion of cavities in uncontrolled diabetic patients (relative risks ranging from 1.85, 95%CI 1.34-2.55 to 3.59, 95%CI 2.53-5.11). One out of four studies found a significantly higher proportion of nodular infiltrations in diabetes versus non-diabetes patients.

Conclusion:

While there is no difference in localization of lung lesions between patients with diabetes and non-diabetes, our review found that the risk of cavitary disease is relatively higher in diabetes patients. It is essential for researchers to unify the criteria for diabetes diagnosis, patient selection, and radiographic severity and stratify the results by the potentially confounding factors.