bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Нові підходи до розробки комплексних методів цивільної безпеки
Authors: Azarov Sergiy , Divizinyuk Mykhailo , Loboichenko Valrntina , Mirnenko Volodymyr , Shevchenko Roman
Published: June 2020

В досліджені розглянуто проблема розробки комплексних методів попередження надзвичайних ситуацій з накопичувальним та імпульсним негативним впливом наслідків на стан довкілля, які за своєю природою відносяться до кола задач спільної проблематики наукових напрямків цивільного захисту та екологічної безпеки. З метою вирішення поставленої задачі послідовно розглянуті широке коло пов’язаних між собою завдань, які дозволили в рамках існуючих світових підходів щодо формування методології наукових досліджень в області швидко прогресуючих сфер природно-техногенно-соціального середовища, дослідити процес діалектичної трансформації поля проблематики цивільної безпеки, визначити основні її етапи та характерні умови. Останнє дало змогу  визначити логічні зв’язки, які дозволили суттєво зменшити наявні методологічні розбіжності спеціальних методів окремих наукових напрямків та однозначно узгодити у подальшому вибір групи методів з доказу достовірності отриманих результатів в межах застосування шуканих комплексних методів. Це дозволило: по-перше, розробити загальні підходи з дослідження задач спільного кола проблематики наукових напрямків цивільного захисту та екологічної безпеки та визначити основні логічні функціональні та часові зв’язки комплексних методів попередження надзвичайних ситуацій з накопичувальним та імпульсним впливом на стан довкілля; по-друге, на прикладі аналізу небезпеки технологічного процесу хімічних підприємств малотоннажного виробництва розробити структуру комплексного методу з оцінки та попередження надзвичайних ситуацій з накопичувальним та імпульсним впливом на стан довкілля, який композиційно складається з функціональних елементів спеціальних методів наукових напрямків цивільний захист та екологічна безпека, які поєднані прямими та зворотними функціональними і часовими зв’язками.
Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands - a Maori Incorporation with a large scale farming operation as its original core business
Authors: Vallance R.D.
Published: June 2020

Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands Incor porated (NWTL) is a Maori farming business formed in 1960 with the amalgamation of some 34 parcels of land into 3 large farms as a Maori Incorporation formed under the provisions of the Maori Land Act. The Act is administered by the Maori Land Court. The stated purposes at the time of formation related to protecting land ownership and using the land for productive purposes. This has since led to the properties being developed into a modern, high performing 'agri-business'. The properties (Wharenui Station, Tihiotonga Station and Ngongataha Station) totalled 2970 ha in size and were run in the style of traditional "Maori Affairs" sheep and beef farms until fairly recently. In 1988 a dairy conversion was established on part of Wharenui. A further 265 ha property (Crater Lake) has subsequently been purchased to be run as a specialist deer unit together with an adjacent, largely undeveloped, 500 ha property (Okataina 10) which was leased r ecently. The Incorporation has pastoral farming, forestry, tourism, property rental and real estate development interests.
Litter size, lamb survival, birth and twelve week weight in lambs born to cross-bred ewes
Authors: Thomson B.C. , Muir P.D. , Smith N.B.
Published: June 2020

This study looked at ewe effects on the number of lambs reared (litter size and mortality) and lamb 12 week weight (birth weight and growth rate). Over six years, data was collected on 5571 lambs born to around 3390 Romney (R), Finn cross Romney (F x R), East Friesian cross Romney (EF x R) and Poll Dorset cross Romney (PD x R) ewes. Ewe live weights were recorded pre-lambing and 12 weeks post-lambing. Lambs were weighed at birth and 12 weeks post-lambing. Ewe effects played a significant role in affecting the productivity of the system and many effects were cumulative. Over six years, the lambing percentage (lambs born/ewes lambing) was 165 %. Two tooth ewes had lower lambing percentages than the mixed age ewes (155 vs 170 %). Lambing percentages were 186 % for F x R, 171 % for the EF x R, 155 % for the PD x R and 153 % for the R ewes. Birth weights ranged from 1 kg to 9.8 kg, with a mean of 4.8 kg. Lambs born to F x R ewes (4.28 kg) were significantly lighter at birth than those born to PD x R ewes (5.34 kg). On average, 5 % of lambs were dead at tagging and 11 % of all lambs born were not present at 12 wks of age. The relationship between birth weight and mortality differed to previously published New Zealand reports with high survival rates in the present study over a wide range of birth weights from 3 to 9 kg. It is likely that changes in management practices (improved nutrition, heavier ewes, and selection for easy care lambing) may have contributed to the reduced mortality rates in the heavier lambs in the present study. Ewe genotype modified the effect of birth rank on birth weight and mortality. The average penalty for each additional lamb was smaller for the progeny of the EF x R and F x R ewes (0.85 and 0.88 kg, respectively) than for the progeny of the R and PD x R ewes (1.09 and 1.17 kg, respectively). Triplets born to R ewes had significantly lower survival rates than the other lambs. Heavier birth weights are likely to result in heavier lambs at 12 weeks of age that can be sold earlier. Keywords: birth rank, birth weight, ewe breed, lamb growth, lamb survival
The effectiveness of autumn spray applications of cobalt sulphate, copper chelate and copper sulphate on Southland pastures
Authors: Smith L.C.
Published: June 2020

Uptake of cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) by ryegrass/ white clover based dairy pasture from autumn spray applications of cobalt sulphate (CoSO4) copper sulphate (CuSO4) and Cu chelate was measured at a site near Woodlands in Southland. The rates of application were 0, 12.6, 25.2, 50.5 g Co/ha (0, 60, 120 and 240 g CoSO4/ ha), and 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 kg Cu/ha. The concentration of Co in herbage was significantly increased initially by the two highest application rates (P
Animal production, economic results and lessons from nitrogen fertiliser use on dry hill country
Authors: Gillingham A.G. , Gray M.H. , Morton J.D.
Published: June 2020

Over a 7 year period, two trials were conducted on dry, steep hill country near Waipawa, central Hawkes Bay to examine the effects of combinations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers on sheep and cattle production. Four farmlets were established and balanced so that each contained similar proportions of predominantly north and south facing aspects, and easy (0-200) and steep (>200) slopes. For Trial 1 from 1995 to 1999, the 'Low P' farmlets had a soil Olsen P test of 9 ìg/ml, and the 'High P' farmlets had a test of 28 ìg/ml (paddock averages). One each of the Low P and of the High P farmlets received N overall in early to mid winter at 30 kg/ha applied in urea fertiliser. The trial was stocked with an initial ratio of about 65:35 sheep (5 year old Romneys) to cattle (18 month old Friesian/Angus). The stocking rate for each farmlet was individually set to fully utilise the expected pasture growth on each farmlet during winter. Standard costs and returns were used for the economic analysis in all years. High soil P status and use of N fertiliser were not economically worthwhile unless ewe numbers were maximised and spring pasture was fully utilised. This was achieved by having farmlets fully stocked with ewes during winter with cattle introduced in early spring to control additional pasture growth. This strategy was particularly successful in a drought year (1998) when N fertiliser allowed a significantly higher ewe stocking rate during winter. The farmlets receiving N fertiliser averaged $148/ha economic net margin compared with $117/ha from those without N fertiliser. In Trial 2, differential application of P (to easy slopes only) and N fertilisers (to steep slopes only) occurred in two of the farmlets. This provided higher economic returns than in Trial 1. The plus-N farmlets averaged $234/ha compared with $184/ha for those without N fertiliser. A major advantage of the differential fertiliser application approach is that the appropriate N or P fertiliser is applied only to areas that will provide the best responses from that type of fertiliser The success of intensified fertiliser use and stocking of dry hill country is dependent on maximising pasture use while reliable soil moisture and pasture growth conditions prevail i.e. early winter- early spring. Outside this period management options must be flexible enough to cope with drying conditions at any time. Keywords: animal production, economic net margin, hill pastures, nitrogen, phosphorus
Application of nitrogen and sulphur to sunny and shady aspects on South Island dry hill country
Authors: Smith L.C. , Morton J.D. , Trainor K.D. , Catto W.D.
Published: June 2020

There are large differences in pasture growth and composition between aspects in dry hill country (annual rainfall 300-600 mm) in South Island dry hill country that could result in different fertiliser nutrient requirements for the grasses and legumes present. To determine these requirements, small plot mowing trials were carried out on sunny and shady aspects on Glenfoyle Station near Tarras and on Omarama Station over 3 years. At the Glenfoyle sites, nitrogen (N) was applied as urea at an average rate of 0, 15, 30 and 60 kg/ ha/yr and sulphur (S) was applied as gypsum at 0, 10, 20 and 40 kg /ha/yr. At the Omarama sites, N and S were applied at 0, 18, 36 and 71 kg/ha/yr. Soil total N (0.18- 0.33%), sulphate-S (3-5 ìg/g) and organic-S (1.5-3.5 ìg/g) levels were low at all sites. Pasture species on the sunny north-west aspect at Glenfoyle were mainly ryegrass (35% of total pasture content), flatweeds (20%) and subterranean clover (10%) with a predominance of browntop (31%) and white clover (20%) on the shady south-east aspect. There was a total pasture production response from 15-60 kg N/ha/yr (12-20 kg DM/kg N) associated with an increase in ryegrass content in Year 2 on the sunny aspect. On the shady aspect there was a total pasture production response from 30-60 kg N/ha/yr (16-21 kg DM/kg N) associated with an increase in browntop content. Increasing rate of N reduced subterranean clover on the sunny and white clover content on the shady aspect. On the sunny aspect, total pasture production and ryegrass content was increased from the application of 40 kg S/ ha/yr. Pasture composition at Omarama consisted mainly of Danthonia species (41%) and Bromus tectorum (30%) on the sunny north aspect and cocksfoot (39%) and browntop (11%) on the shady south aspect with less than 3% legume content on either aspect. On both aspects, there was a response in pasture production from rates of 18-71 kg N/ha (19-36 kg DM/ kg N) but this was not associated with a consistent response from individual pasture species. There was no response in total pasture production to S. The overall results indicate that high responses to N can be achieved from a range of grass species on both sunny and shady aspects and that soil sulphate-S levels of 3 ìg/g and greater are required for optimal growth of higher fertility responsive pasture species. Keywords: aspect, differential application, dry hill country, grasses, legumes, nitrogen, sulphur
Winter grazing of forages - soil moisture and tillage methods impact nitrous oxide emissions and dry matter production
Authors: Thomas S.M. , Francis G.S. , Barlow H.E. , Beare M.H. , Trimmer L.A. , Gillespie R.N. , Tabley F.J.
Published: June 2020

Grazing of winter forage crops can cause extensive compaction of soils that may reduce re-growth of crops and lead to large emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). A field trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of cattle grazing at three soil moisture contents on N2O emissions and dry matter (DM) production of a winter forage crop established by intensive (IT), minimum (MT), or no tillage (NT) practices. A multi-grazing triticale (cv. Doubletake) was sown in the main tillage plots in March 2003. In June, the tillage plots (three replicates) were each divided into six split plots and additional treatments were imposed: simulated treading (+/-); soil moisture at treading (< field capacity (FC); FC; and >FC); and urine (+/-). Tillage practice and soil moisture content at treading affected soil compaction. The greatest increase in surface soil (0-7.5 cm) bulk density occurred in IT plots treaded at >FC. Treading wet soil greatly increased (up to 8 times) the amount of N2O emitted. The highest cumulative N2O emissions were from IT (14.9 kg N/ha) and MT (12.7 kg N/ha) urine-applied plots treaded at >FC. There was no difference in N2O emitted from treaded FC. Treading at FC also caused a significant loss of DM production in the IT plots but not in the MT plots. DM production in the NT plots was unaffected by treading. Establishing winter forage crops by direct drilling may be an important management option to mitigate N2O emissions and maintain high DM production of grazed forages, as will avoiding grazing when soils are wet. Keywords: forage crops, grazing, nitrous oxide, soil compaction, tillage, urine
Twenty-five tonnes of high quality forages annually in Canterbury
Authors: Fraser T.J. , Knight T.L. , Knowles I.M. , Hyslop M.G.
Published: June 2020

Recent developments in cereal breeding for forage production have given the potential to greatly increase annual forage dry matter (DM) production. This paper reports on the findings from two cereal forage production trials on irrigated Canterbury land. Trial 1 studied the potential of a range of single and multi-grazed cereal forages over a 9 month period to produce high yields and quality from both grazing and whole-crop silage forage. Trial 2 studied the suitability of different cereal/ legume combinations for green-chop silage grown over a three month summer period. These two cereal forage systems, when combined in a 12 month period, produced in excess of 25 tonnes of high quality forage per hectare, almost double the DM production achieved using current perennial pasture based systems. Trial 1 showed no significant difference in the total DM produced by either single or multi-graze treatments. In Trial 2 pea/cereal combinations produced over 6 t DM/ha. Due to an earlier final harvest the multi-graze system is more easily combined with the summer crop and more likely to produce a lower cost and more sustainable forage system. Animal performance on forage produced in Trial 1 showed that dairy calves can grow well on cereal forages during winter. Keywords: cereal, feed supplements, forage, forage yield, legume, silage
Methane production from in vitro incubation of kikuyu grass, lucerne and forages containing condensed tannins
Authors: Tavendale M.H. , Meagher L.P. , Park-Ng Z.A. , Waghorn G.C. , Attwood G.T.
Published: June 2020

A series of in vitro incubations with kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), lucerne and six legumes containing condensed tannins (CT) were undertaken to evaluate this technique against in vivo trials in New Zealand, measuring methane emissions. Published trials have demonstrated a reduction in methane emissions associated with CT and in one instance from kikuyu. The incubations used fresh minced forage (equivalent to 0.5 g dry matter (DM)) and were carried out in 50 ml sealed bottles containing buffer and rumen inoculum. Gas was sampled through a septum to monitor volume and composition throughout the 24h incubation. Incubation for 24 h resulted in 2.4-6.6 % conversion of DM to methane, and suggested CT concentrations below about 8% of the DM can reduce methane production without inhibiting fermentation rate. Higher concentrations of CT (> 8%) were associated with a lower rate of digestion. In common with in vivo trials, CT concentration in forage DM was inversely related to methane (adjusted R2 = 0.49; P = 0.01) and volatile fatty acid (adjusted R2=0.86; P
The effect of non-toxic endophytes in tall fescue on two major insect pests
Authors: Popay A.J. , Jensen J.G. , Cooper B.M.
Published: June 2020

In a choice trial in a glasshouse, infection of tall fescue with the endophyte AR542 significantly reduced feeding by adult Argentine stem weevil (ASW) in the cultivar J esup but not in Advance in comparison with the same cultivars without endophyte. Paddocks of Quantum infected with AR542 that were sampled on two Northland farms consistently had fewer tillers damaged by Argentine stem weevil than equivalent paddocks of endophyte-free (Nil) tall fescue. In comparison to Nil plants, AR542 in Jesup and Advance had significantly fewer plants and tillers damaged by adult black beetle in a glasshouse choice trial. Fewer tillers were also damaged by adult black beetle in Advance tall fescue infected with AR501 and AR502 than in Nil Advance in a small plot field trial at Kerikeri. In a similar trial at Ruakura, the occurrence of adult black beetle and signs of larval damage were high in endophyte-free plots and considerably reduced in endophyte-infected plots. It is concluded that the nontoxic endophytes will lessen damage by black beetle and ASW in a range of tall fescue cultivars and that this is likely to contribute to increases in productivity and persistence of this forage grass. Keywords: Argentine stem weevil, black beetle, AR542 endophyte, Neotyphodium, tall fescue
КОНЦЕПЦІЯ "ЗЕЛЕНОГО БУДІВНИЦТВА" ТА ЇЇ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ПРИ ПРОЕКТУВАННІ ТА РОЗРАХУНКАХ ГЕОТЕХНІЧНИХ КОНСТРУКЦІЙ
Authors: Фаренюк Г.Г. , Калюх Ю.І. , Іщенко Ю.І.
Published: June 2020

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IMPLEMENTASI PEMBANGUNAN KEPARIWISATAAN KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI: Studi Kasus Kawasan Taman Wisata Alam Kawah Ijen
Authors: Ardiansyah Bayu Krisna , Rizari Rizari , Hamid Hendrawati
Published: June 2020

Tourism infrastructure is the most important thing in the development and development of national tourism destinations, the existence of a master plan for tourism development as the direction of the government's strategy for sustainable tourism development. The tourism destination area owned by the Banyuwangi Regency in the form of Ijen Crater Nature Tourism Park is one of the tourist destinations which is the focus of tourism development. The research objective is to determine the implementation of local government policies and policy inhibiting factors and efforts made by related parties, with the existence of a tourism development master plan. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The results of the analysis show that the implementation of local government policy regarding the tourism development master plan in improving tourism infrastructure in the Ijen Crater natural tourism park area in Banyuwangi district is influenced by several factors of communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. an effort to improve tourism infrastructure.
Generation of Powerful Human Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells by Lentiviral-Mediated IL-10 Gene Transfer
Authors: Comi Michela , Amodio Giada , Passeri Laura , Fortunato Marta , Santoni de Sio Francesca Romana , Andolfi Grazia , Kajaste-Rudnitski Anna , Russo Fabio , Cesana Luca , Gregori Silvia
Published: June 2020

The prominent role of dendritic cells (DC) in promoting tolerance and the development of methods to generate clinical grade products allowed the clinical application of tolerogenic DC (tolDC)-based therapies for controlling unwanted immune responses. We established an efficient method to generate tolerogenic human DC, producing supra-physiological levels of IL-10, by genetically engineering monocyte-derived DC with a bidirectional Lentiviral Vector (bdLV) encoding for IL-10 and a marker gene. DCIL−10are mature DC, modulate T cell responses, promote T regulatory cells, and are phenotypically and functionally stable upon stimulation. Adoptive transfer of human DCIL−10in a humanized mouse model dampens allogeneic T cell recall responses, while murine DCIL−10delays acute graft-vs.-host disease in mice. Our report outlines an efficient method to transduce human myeloid cells with large-size LV and shows that stable over-expression of IL-10 generates an effective cell product for future clinical applications in the contest of allogeneic transplantation.
Reconstructing Global Chlorophyll-a Variations Using a Non-linear Statistical Approach
Authors: Martinez Elodie , Gorgues Thomas , Lengaigne Matthieu , Sauzède Raphaëlle , Menkes Christophe , Uitz Julia , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Fablet Ronan
Published: June 2020

Monitoring the spatio-temporal variations of surface chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl, a proxy of phytoplankton biomass) greatly benefited from the availability of continuous and global ocean color satellite measurements from 1997 onward. These two decades of satellite observations are however still too short to provide a comprehensive description of Chl variations at decadal to multi-decadal timescales. This paper investigates the ability of a machine learning approach (a non-linear statistical approach based on Support Vector Regression, hereafter SVR) to reconstruct global spatio-temporal Chl variations from selected surface oceanic and atmospheric physical parameters. With a limited training period (13 years), we first demonstrate that Chl variability from a 32-years global physical-biogeochemical simulation can generally be skillfully reproduced with a SVR using the model surface variables as input parameters. We then apply the SVR to reconstruct satellite Chl observations using the physical predictors from the above numerical model and show that the Chl reconstructed by this SVR more accurately reproduces some aspects of observed Chl variability and trends compared to the model simulation. This SVR is able to reproduce the main modes of interannual Chl variations depicted by satellite observations in most regions, including El Niño signature in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. In stark contrast with the trends simulated by the biogeochemical model, it also accurately captures spatial patterns of Chl trends estimated by satellite data, with a Chl increase in most extratropical regions and a Chl decrease in the center of the subtropical gyres, although the amplitude of these trends are underestimated by half. Results from our SVR reconstruction over the entire period (1979–2010) also suggest that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation drives a significant part of decadal Chl variations in both the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. Overall, this study demonstrates that non-linear statistical reconstructions can be complementary tools to in situ and satellite observations as well as conventional physical-biogeochemical numerical simulations to reconstruct and investigate Chl decadal variability.
Generalized Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Fast and Accurate Uncertainty Quantification in Geomechanical Modelling
Authors: Zoccarato Claudia , Gazzola Laura , Ferronato Massimiliano , Teatini Pietro
Published: June 2020

Geomechanical modelling of the processes associated to the exploitation of subsurface resources, such as land subsidence or triggered/induced seismicity, is a common practice of major interest. The prediction reliability depends on different sources of uncertainty, such as the parameterization of the constitutive model characterizing the deep rock behaviour. In this study, we focus on a Sobol’-based sensitivity analysis and uncertainty reduction via assimilation of land deformations. A synthetic test case application on a deep hydrocarbon reservoir is considered, where land settlements are predicted with the aid of a 3-D Finite Element (FE) model. Data assimilation is performed via the Ensemble Smoother (ES) technique and its variation in the form of Multiple Data Assimilation (ES-MDA). However, the ES convergence is guaranteed with a large number of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, that may be computationally infeasible in large scale and complex systems. For this reason, a surrogate model based on the generalized Polynomial Chaos Expansion (gPCE) is proposed as an approximation of the forward problem. This approach allows to efficiently compute the Sobol’ indices for the sensitivity analysis and greatly reduce the computational cost of the original ES and MDA formulations, also enhancing the accuracy of the overall prediction process.
Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Algorithm with Multiple Fuzzification Coefficients
Authors: Khang Tran Dinh , Vuong Nguyen Duc , Tran Manh-Kien , Fowler Michael
Published: June 2020

Clustering is an unsupervised machine learning technique with many practical applications that has gathered extensive research interest. Aside from deterministic or probabilistic techniques, fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) is also a common clustering technique. Since the advent of the FCM method, many improvements have been made to increase clustering efficiency. These improvements focus on adjusting the membership representation of elements in the clusters, or on fuzzifying and defuzzifying techniques, as well as the distance function between elements. This study proposes a novel fuzzy clustering algorithm using multiple different fuzzification coefficients depending on the characteristics of each data sample. The proposed fuzzy clustering method has similar calculation steps to FCM with some modifications. The formulas are derived to ensure convergence. The main contribution of this approach is the utilization of multiple fuzzification coefficients as opposed to only one coefficient in the original FCM algorithm. The new algorithm is then evaluated with experiments on several common datasets and the results show that the proposed algorithm is more efficient compared to the original FCM as well as other clustering methods.
Stream-Based Lossless Data Compression Applying Adaptive Entropy Coding for Hardware-Based Implementation
Authors: Yamagiwa Shinichi , Hayakawa Eisaku , Marumo Koichi
Published: June 2020

Toward strong demand for very high-speed I/O for processors, physical performance growth of hardware I/O speed was drastically increased in this decade. However, the recent Big Data applications still demand the larger I/O bandwidth and the lower latency for the speed. Because the current I/O performance does not improve so drastically, it is the time to consider another way to increase it. To overcome this challenge, we focus on lossless data compression technology to decrease the amount of data itself in the data communication path. The recent Big Data applications treat data stream that flows continuously and never allow stalling processing due to the high speed. Therefore, an elegant hardware-based data compression technology is demanded. This paper proposes a novel lossless data compression, called ASE coding. It encodes streaming data by applying the entropy coding approach. ASE coding instantly assigns the fewest bits to the corresponding compressed data according to the number of occupied entries in a look-up table. This paper describes the detailed mechanism of ASE coding. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates performance evaluations to promise that ASE coding adaptively shrinks streaming data and also works on a small amount of hardware resources without stalling or buffering any part of data stream.
Accuracy of Broiler Activity Index as Affected by Sampling Time Interval
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhao Yang , Tabler George T.
Published: June 2020

Different time intervals between consecutive images have been used to determine broiler activity index (AI). However, the accuracy of broiler AI as affected by sampling time interval remains to be explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the sampling time interval (0.04, 0.2, 1, 10, 60, and 300 s) on the accuracy of broiler AI at different bird ages (1–7 weeks), locations (feeder, drinker, and open areas) and times of day (06:00–07:00 h, 12:00–13:00 h, and 18:00–19:00 h). A ceiling-mounted camera was used to capture top-view videos for broiler AI calculations. The results show that the sampling time interval of 0.04 s yielded the highest broiler AI because more bird motion details were captured at this short time interval. The broiler AIs at longer time intervals were 1–99% of that determined at the 0.04-s interval. The broiler AI at 0.2-s interval showed an acceptable accuracy with 80% less computational resources. Broiler AI decreased as birds aged but increased after week 4 at the drinker area. Broiler AI was the highest at the open area for weeks 1–4 and at the feeder and drinker areas for weeks 5–7. It is concluded that the accuracy of broiler AI was significantly affected by sampling time intervals. Broiler AI in commercial housing showed both temporal and spatial variations.
Analogues of a Cyclic Antimicrobial Peptide with a Flexible Linker Show Promising Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Thomsen Thomas , Mendel Helen , Al-Mansour Wafaa , Oddo Alberto , Løbner-Olesen Anders , Hansen Paul
Published: June 2020

The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria is becoming a major health concern. New strategies to combat especially Gram-negative pathogens are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in all multicellular organisms act as a first line of defense in immunity. In recent years, AMPs have attracted increasing attention as potential antibiotics. Naturally occurring antimicrobial cyclic lipopeptides include colistin and daptomycin, both of which contain a flexible linker. We previously reported a cyclic AMP BSI-9 cyclo(Lys-Nal-Lys-Lys-Bip-O2Oc-Nal-Lys-Asn) containing a flexible linker, with a broad spectrum of activity against bacterial strains and low hemolytic activity. In this study, improvement of the antimicrobial activity of BSI-9, against the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) strains of S. aureus, E. coli, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa was examined. This led to synthesis of eighteen peptide analogues of BSI-9, produced in four individual stages, with a different focus in each stage; cyclization point, hydrophobicity, cationic side-chain length, and combinations of the last two. Specifically the modified compound 11, exhibited improved activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC of 4 µg/mL and 8 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the original BSI-9, which had an MIC of 16–32 µg/mL.
Vitamin D3 and Dental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Andrukhov Oleh , Blufstein Alice , Behm Christian , Moritz Andreas , Rausch-Fan Xiaohui
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D3 is a hormone involved in the regulation of bone metabolism, mineral homeostasis, and immune response. Almost all dental tissues contain resident mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are largely similar to bone marrow-derived MSCs. In this narrative review, we summarized the current findings concerning the physiological effects of vitamin D3 on dental MSCs. The existing literature suggests that dental MSCs possess the ability to convert vitamin D3 into 25(OH)D3 and subsequently to the biologically active 1,25(OH)2D3. The vitamin D3 metabolites 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulate osteogenic differentiation and diminish the inflammatory response of dental MSCs. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 influences the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs in different dental tissues. Thus, dental MSCs are both producers and targets of 1,25(OH)2D3 and might regulate the local vitamin D3-dependent processes in an autocrine/paracrine manner. The local vitamin D3 metabolism is assumed to play an essential role in the local physiological processes, but the mechanisms of its regulation in dental MSCs are mostly unknown. The alteration of the local vitamin D3 metabolism may unravel novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of periodontitis as well as new strategies for dental tissue regeneration.
A Survey of Planning and Learning in Games
Authors: Duarte Fernando Fradique , Lau Nuno , Pereira Artur , Reis Luis Paulo
Published: June 2020

In general, games pose interesting and complex problems for the implementation of intelligent agents and are a popular domain in the study of artificial intelligence. In fact, games have been at the center of some of the most well-known achievements in artificial intelligence. From classical board games such as chess, checkers, backgammon and Go, to video games such as Dota 2 and StarCraft II, artificial intelligence research has devised computer programs that can play at the level of a human master and even at a human world champion level. Planning and learning, two well-known and successful paradigms of artificial intelligence, have greatly contributed to these achievements. Although representing distinct approaches, planning and learning try to solve similar problems and share some similarities. They can even complement each other. This has led to research on methodologies to combine the strengths of both approaches to derive better solutions. This paper presents a survey of the multiple methodologies that have been proposed to integrate planning and learning in the context of games. In order to provide a richer contextualization, the paper also presents learning and planning techniques commonly used in games, both in terms of their theoretical foundations and applications.
A Systematic Mapping Study in Cloud for Educational Innovation
Authors: Scalera Michele , Gentile Enrica , Plantamura Paola , Dimauro Giovanni
Published: June 2020

For some years now there has been a growing use of cloud computing technologies in education. This paper reports a systematic mapping study (SMS) about the interest in the innovation of methods, techniques, and tools applied to teaching activities based on the use of cloud computing. The SMS presented here was designed using a consolidated, reliable, rigorous methodology and implemented in a replicable and verifiable manner. The process adopted is based on the selection of papers in accredited online digital libraries. This research made it possible to identify and analyze the empirical evidence in relation to the use of cloud computing in education with the aim of identifying both the main topics currently shared by researchers and the less explored areas to be integrated into a research agenda. The results show that only 17% of the 940 works examined report empirical research about the innovation introduced in educational environments of all levels and degrees by the cloud. The results also show that the type of method most widely used was that of feedback. The areas that have attracted the most interest from the research community are those of the new learning environment, collaboration platforms, and virtual laboratories. However, since the same areas are less supported by empirical research than others, we believe that these should be more closely monitored by the scientific community.
Modeling of Conduction and Switching Losses for IGBT and FWD Based on SVPWM in Automobile Electric Drives
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Xiao Mingkang , Su Xiezu , Yang Gang , Lu Ke , Wu Zhihong
Published: June 2020

The modeling of conduction and switching losses for insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and free-wheeling diodes (FWDs) in automobile applications is becoming increasingly important, especially for the improvement of the system efficiency and the reliability prediction. The traditional modeling of conduction and switching losses based on the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is not applicable in practice due to the complex curve-fitting and the computation demands. In this paper, a simple and practical losses model for IGBTs and FWDs is proposed based on the SVPWM algorithm. Firstly, the traditional power losses model is introduced briefly. Then, the piecewise linear switching losses model and the conduction losses model based on the equivalent three-order harmonic model of the duty cycle are proposed. The comparison of experimental results between the traditional model and the proposed model is presented in the experiment validation. Furthermore, the power analyzer is adopted to measure the inverter losses, and the chips losses are further validated when other extra losses are considered. The proposed model shows good modeling accuracy with the large benefit of smaller measurement and lower computation requirements.
Effects of Laser Doping on the Formation of the Selective Emitter of a c-Si Solar Cell
Authors: Park Jeong Eun , Choi Won Seok , Jang Jae Joon , Bae Eun Ji , Lim Donggun
Published: June 2020

Laser doping, though able to improve cell characteristics, enables the formation of a selective emitter without the need for additional processing. Its parameters should be investigated to minimize laser defects, such as the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and to obtain a low contact resistance. Herein, the laser fluence and speed were changed to optimize process conditions. Under a laser fluence of 1.77 J/cm2 or more, the surface deteriorated due to the formation of the HAZ during the formation of the laser doping selective emitter (LDSE). The HAZ prevented the formation of the LDSE and impaired cell characteristics. Therefore, the laser speeds were changed from 10 to 70 mm/s. The lowest contact resistivity of 1.8 mΩ·cm2 was obtained under a laser fluence and speed of 1.29 J/cm2 and 10 mm/s, respectively. However, the surface had an irregular structure due to the melting phenomenon, and many by-products were formed. This may have degraded the efficiency due to the increased contact reflectivity. Thus, we obtained the lowest contact resistivity of 3.42 mΩ·cm2, and the damage was minimized under the laser fluence and speed of 1.29 J/cm2 and 40 mm/s, respectively.
Design and Simulation Analysis of a New Type of Assembled UHPC Collision Avoidance
Authors: Zhou Lingyu , Li Huayong , Wei Jun , Pu Xingxu , Mahunon Akim D. , Jiang Liqiang
Published: June 2020

Ship-bridge collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and bridge anti-ship collision devices are of great importance for bridge protection. First, a new type of assembled ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) collision avoidance is proposed in this paper. The main components of the device are double-deck, two-way, densely reinforced ultra-high performance concrete floating boxes that are connected by high-strength bolts to form the whole structure and are equipped with steel supporting elements to form a collision energy dissipation device. The device is self-floating in water, is strongly energy absorbing due to plastic deformation, has a high degree of toughness, is corrosion resistant, and so on. This device also benefits from modular manufacturing, efficient installation, and easy replacement of damaged parts. Then, in this paper, the main parameters of the new collision avoidance, such as the material of the internal supporting elements, the wall thickness of the floating box, and the reinforcement ratio of the floating box, are optimized. Finally, a performance analysis and evaluation of the UHPC collision avoidance for the Honghe Bridge in Zhuhai City are carried out by using LS-DYNA program. The numerical results show that the new collision avoidance has significant advantages in reducing the ship–bridge collision force, prolonging the ship–bridge collision time, and protecting the ship. The results show that the assembled UHPC collision avoidance system is very effective for protecting ships and bridges in the event of a ship–bridge collision.
Concepts and New Implements for Modified Physiologically Equivalent Temperature
Authors: Chen Yung-Chang , Chen Wei-Nai , Chou Charles , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: June 2020

Different kinds of thermal indices have been applied in several decades as essential tools to investigate thermal perception, environmentally thermal conditions, occupant thermal risk, public health, tourist attractiveness, and urban climate. Physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) has been proved as a relatively wide applicable thermal indicator above other thermal indices. However, the current practical PET performs a slight variation influenced by changing the humidity and clothing insulation. The improvement of the PET has potentiality for further multi-application as a general and consistent standard to estimate thermal perception and tolerance for different studies. To achieve the above purpose, modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET) is proposed as an appropriate indicator according to the new structure and requirements of the thermally environmental ergonomics. The modifications to formulate the mPET are considerably interpreted in the principle of the heat transfer inside body, thermo-physiological model, clothing model, and human-environmental interaction in this study. Specifically, the mPET-model has adopted a semi-steady-state approach to calculate an equivalent temperature refer to an indoor condition as the mPET. Finally, the sensitivity test of the biometeorological variables and clothing impact proves that the mPET has better performance on the humidity and clothing insulation than the original PET.
Assessing the Impact of Road Traffic Reorganization on Air Quality: A Street Canyon Case Study
Authors: Bogacki Marek , Oleniacz Robert , Rzeszutek Mateusz , Bździuch Paulina , Szulecka Adriana , Gorzelnik Tomasz
Published: June 2020

One of the elements of strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of road transport on air quality is the introduction of its reorganization resulting in decreased pollutant emissions to the air. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal strategy of corrective actions in terms of the air pollutant emissions from road transport. The study presents the assessment results of the emission reduction degree of selected pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, and NOx) as well as the impact evaluation of this reduction on their concentrations in the air for adopted scenarios of the road management changes for one of the street canyons in Krakow (Southern Poland). Three scenarios under consideration of the city authorities were assessed: narrowing the cross-section of the street by eliminating one lane in both directions, limiting the maximum speed from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, and allowing only passenger and light commercial vehicles on the streets that meet the Euro 4 standard or higher. The best effects were obtained for the variant assuming banning of vehicles failing to meet the specified Euro standard. It would result in a decrease of the yearly averaged PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by about 8–9% and for NOx by almost 30%.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Roles of Abscisic Acid and Polyphenols in Adaptation of Onobrychis viciifolia to Extreme Environmental Conditions in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin Hengxia , Zhou Huakun , Wang Wenying , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Zhang Benyin
Published: June 2020

A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of plant stress resistance in the face of ever-changing environmental stimuli will be helpful for promoting the growth and production of crop and forage plants. Investigations of plant responses to various single abiotic or biotic factors, or combined stresses, have been extensively reported. However, the molecular mechanisms of plants in responses to environmental stresses under natural conditions are not clearly understood. In this study, we carried out a transcriptome analysis using RNA-sequencing to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms of Onobrychis viciifolia responding and adapting to the extreme natural environment in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The transcriptome data of plant samples collected from two different altitudes revealed a total of 8212 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 5387 up-regulated and 2825 down-regulated genes. Detailed analysis of the identified DEGs uncovered that up-regulation of genes potentially leading to changes in hormone homeostasis and signaling, particularly abscisic acid-related ones, and enhanced biosynthesis of polyphenols play vital roles in the adaptive processes of O. viciifolia. Interestingly, several DEGs encoding uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases, which putatively regulate phytohormone homeostasis to resist environmental stresses, were also discovered. Furthermore, numerous DEGs encoding transcriptional factors, such as members of the myeloblastosis (MYB), homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP), WRKY, and nam-ataf1,2-cuc2 (NAC) families, might be involved in the adaptive responses of O. viciifolia to the extreme natural environmental conditions. The DEGs identified in this study represent candidate targets for improving environmental stress resistance of O. viciifolia grown in higher altitudes of the QTP, and can provide deep insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of this plant species to the extreme natural environmental conditions of the QTP.
TOP mRNPs: Molecular Mechanisms and Principles of Regulation
Authors: Cockman Eric , Anderson Paul , Ivanov Pavel
Published: June 2020

The cellular response to changes in the surrounding environment and to stress requires the coregulation of gene networks aiming to conserve energy and resources. This is often achieved by downregulating protein synthesis. The 5’ Terminal OligoPyrimidine (5’ TOP) motif-containing mRNAs, which encode proteins that are essential for protein synthesis, are the primary targets of translational control under stress. The TOP motif is a cis-regulatory RNA element that begins directly after the m7G cap structure and contains the hallmark invariant 5’-cytidine followed by an uninterrupted tract of 4–15 pyrimidines. Regulation of translation via the TOP motif coordinates global protein synthesis with simultaneous co-expression of the protein components required for ribosome biogenesis. In this review, we discuss architecture of TOP mRNA-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes, the principles of their assembly, and the modes of regulation of TOP mRNA translation.
Development and Characterization of a Fucoidan-Based Drug Delivery System by Using Hydrophilic Anticancer Polysaccharides to Simultaneously Deliver Hydrophobic Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Lai Yen-Ho , Chiang Chih-Sheng , Hsu Chin-Hao , Cheng Hung-Wei , Chen San-Yuan
Published: June 2020

Fucoidan, a natural sulfated polysaccharide, which can activate the immune response and lessen adverse effects, is expected to be an adjuvant agent in combination with chemotherapy. Using natural hydrophilic anticancer polysaccharides to simultaneously encapsulate hydrophobic anticancer drugs is feasible, and a reduced side effect can be achieved to amplify the therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a novel type of fucoidan-PLGA nanocarrier (FPN-DTX) was developed for the encapsulation of the hydrophobic anticancer drug, docetaxel (DTX), as a drug delivery system. From the comparison between FPN-DTX and the PLGA particles without fucoidan (PLGA-DTX), FPNs–DTX with fucoidan were highly stable with smaller sizes and dispersed well without aggregations in an aqueous environment. The drug loading and release can be further modified by modulating relative ratios of Fucoidan (Fu) to PLGA. The (FPN 3-DTX) nanoparticles with a 10:3 ratio of Fu:PLGA displayed uniform particle size with higher encapsulation efficiency than PLGA NPs and sustained drug release ability. The biocompatible fucoidan-PLGA nanoparticles displayed low cytotoxicity without drug loading after incubation with MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Despite lower cellular uptake than that of PLGA-DTX due to a higher degree of negative zeta potential and hydrophilicity, FPN 3-DTX effectively exerted better anticancer ability, so FPN 3-DTX can serve as a competent drug delivery system.