bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving English Language Speaking Skills Using “Absyak” On-Line Learning Model for Second Semester in Higher Education
Authors: Syakur Abd. , Sugirin Sugirin , Margana Margana , Junining Esti , Sabat Yulianto
Published: April 2020

This study aims to improve students' speaking skills. The research sample consisted of 30 students (20 female students and 8 male students) all of whom were studying English, the majority of the sample were second semester students, the form of this study was to analyze (1) teaching and learning plans to speak through the task of information gaps that exist in "Absyak" on-line learning media websites, (2) the implementation of teaching speaking through structured tasks and information gaps with "absyak" on-line learning media websites, (3) teaching teaching evaluation systems through the task gap "absyak" information media website-based online learning, (4) improvement of student speaking using the information gap task on "absyak" website-based on-line learning. This is a classroom action research that takes place in 2 cycles. The subjects of the study were the second semester students of Surabaya Pharmacy Academy, Regular Class A consisting of 30 students in the academic year 2019/2020. Data collected by tests, observation notes and documentation. Data were analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The results showed that learning that was designed using the information gap technique with "absyak". Website-based online learning with cycle procedures. Cycle I results are still not optimal, then continue to the second cycle. In cycle II the results are maximum. Student activities increase every cycle II for learning, student activity, performance indicators, learning processes, completeness scores increase, decrease the number of unfinished and success indicators. Based on the results of research 11 which has been conducted 11 with 1 application of information gap techniques and "absyak" on-line learning website in learning Speaking in the second semester students of the Surabaya pharmacy academy that there is a significant increase in speaking skills from the results of learning achievements of cycle I and cycle II. This means that the students' speaking skills from the stages are increasingly increasing and succeeding well.
The Different Types of Words Meaning in Minangkabau Proverbs: A Stylistics Approach
Authors: Bahri Syamsul
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to find out the description of several different types of words meaning in Minangkabau Proverbs based on a stylistic approach. This research uses descriptive qualitative method in which the description and   interpretation on the real fact or object of the research done by using Minangkabau proverbs recorded  from about 8 respondents of Minangkabau Natives. The library study is also done to find several sources focused on stylistic devices based on different types of word meaning in Minangkabau proverbs. This research uses the theory from (Lethsalu, Liiv, & Mut, 1973). There are two types of stylistic devices, the first types of stylistic devices based on the interaction of lexical and contextual meaning consist of metaphor, metonymy, antonomasia, and irony.The second types of stylistic devices based on different types of word meaning consist of epithet, oxymoron, hyperbole, and meiosis. The findings show that there are several types of word meaning in Minangkabau Proverbs, namely Metaphor 68%, Metonymy 6%, Irony 8%, Epithet 2%, Hyperbole 6%, and Zeugma 10%. The dominant types of word meaning in Minangkabau Proverbs is Metaphor. It shows that  people in Minangkabau always use decorated language that uses nature as its object, to show the nature, characteristics or condition of something. Minangkabau people learn about life from nature, the process of something become something better.
Facilitating Novice Writers with Creative Writing Workshop in Poetry Writing Classroom (Indonesian EFL Context)
Authors: Sari Winda Setia , Hasibuan Juli Rachmadani , Putri Citra Anggia
Published: April 2020

The increasing usage of creative writing strategy in a poetry writing classroom can nevertheless answer the question which has been empirically explored throughout the decade; Can second language learner write a poem in their non-native tongue? This study aimed to answer whether the creative writing strategy can facilitate novice writers who are the third year of English Department undergraduate students to be able to write an English poem. The strategies cover written prompts dealing with their personal experience and memory. After conducting two series of creative writing workshop, the result conveys that second language novice writers demonstrate the ability to communicate their personal experience dealing with their significant others. Repetition of words and grammatical error exist, yet most writers can produce longer poems with complexities. Also by providing the novice writers with written prompts, students find themselves more enthusiastic and eager to write.
The Development of Economic Learning Model through CTL (Contextual Teaching and Learning) to Promote Students’ Critical Thinking Skill
Authors: Sudarmiani Sudarmiani
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to describe the economic learning model that has been used in Islamic Senior High School 2 Madiun, the development of economic learning models through the CTL (Contextual Teaching and Learning) approach, and the results of research and development in economic learning model through the CTL (Contextual Teaching and Learning) approach to improve students' critical thinking skills. This study was research and development with the ADDIE approach which consists of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Based on the result of the analysis stage, the economic learning in Islamic Senior High School 2 Madiun was relatively conventional and yet using innovative models in economic learning. So then the innovation in the economic learning model aimed to improve students' critical thinking skills which still relatively low. Based on the results of preliminary studies and development stage, the design of economic learning models through the CTL (Contextual Teaching and Learning) approach is more effective and innovative in implement the economic learning process, especially in improving students' learning outcomes and critical thinking skills in Islamic Senior High School 2 Madiun.
Needs Analysis English For Specific Purposes (ESP) For Vocational Pharmacy Students
Authors: Syakur Abd. , Zainuddin H.M , Hasan M. Afif
Published: April 2020

Increased development of study programs in vocational education programs that are predicted to be a solution to increase human resources in Indonesia. This also underlies the improvement of English language competence in Indonesia as outlined in Minister of Education and Culture Decree No. 096/1967 December 12, 1967. The Ministry of Education and Culture developed the communicative abilities of English vocational education students who needed help listening, reading, writing and speaking. This study discusses the analysis of the needs of English courses (ESP) for educational students who need analysis of targets and learning needs. Data obtained from questionnaires and interviews. The results of data analysis about active communication skills (35%), grammar difficulties (25%), being able to read (25%) difficulty in content (10%) and writing (5%).Introduction to basic pharmacy (20%), prescription pharmacy (20%), Health and drugs (20%), Healthy lifestyle (20%) and microbiology and pharmacy (20%). The English language used in technology is English Media (40%), crosswords (20%, dialogue content (20%) and multiple choice (20%). The results of the study constitute an analysis of needs and targets referred to as part of the English learning process The results of the analysis of learning needs and the achievement of learning English obtained by students both reading, writing, grammar and other needs in order to prepare themselves to meet their needs going forward.
Function of Traditional Music Karo Gendang Lima Sedalanen in Implementation of Erpangir Kulau Ceremony
Authors: Tobing Octaviana
Published: April 2020

Erpangir kulau is a term or name created by the Karo community to express a tradition of religious ceremonies or self-cleansing rituals in the Karo community, which uses Karo traditional music, ensemble Gendang Lima Sedalanen, as a supporting element of its implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the Function of Traditional Music Karo Gendang Lima Sedalanen in Implementation of the Erpangir Kulau Ceremony. The results showed that the five functions according to the Kustap theory were fulfilled by the use of the ensemble Gendang Lima Sedalanen. In its function as an emotional expression, it can be seen from how the ensemble has a strong energy to bring out the emotions of all the actors involved in carrying out the religious ceremonial activities, so that various attitudes of the ceremonial participants appear. Whereas in its function as a communication is realized during the ongoing communication between guru sibaso  who act as a medium between the spirit that is believed to be present, and the people who carry out pangir. Furthermore, the function of Gendang Lima Sedalanen as a social response arises from how the entire Karo community with various temperaments, but can unite to carry out this ceremony. When it functions as a cultural preservation fulfilled through its use in the ritual Erpangir Kulau ritual, it is a form of appreciation and love for their culture. Finally, in its function as a symbol representation is realized through guru sibaso who is a symbol of someone who has his own expertise or prestige.
Investigación a través de la fotografía: imágenes del patrimonio cultural en ReA
Authors: Viñuales Meléndez Olga , Loza Azuaga María Luisa
Published: April 2020

Se centra en la labor de los documentalistas en torno al patrimonio y en el trabajo que desarrollan en la puesta a disposición de la documentación fotográfica en los repositorios y, en particular, en la puesta a disposición de la sociedad y de los investigadores de aquella depositada en ReA, en su mayor parte, fondos producidos por el IAPH a lo largo de su recorrido histórico junto con algunas donaciones que han realizado investigadores, relacionados con el patrimonio.
Effect of Long-Term Simulated Microgravity on Some Sexual Traits of Male Japanese Quail
Authors: ŠKROBÁNEK P. , BARANOVSKÁ M. , ŠÁRNIKOVÁ B. , ZEMAN M. , OKULIAROVÁ M.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term stay of Japanese quail in simulated microgravity on some sexual features of males. As a model for simulating microgravity exposure of birds in laboratory conditions was used hypodynamia. The mean left testis weight in males reared under hypodynamia from day 3 up to 180 days of age was lower than that of control (P<0.05), but the right testis weight differences between both groups were not significant. Also the area, volume and foam production of cloacal gland was not significantly decreased in hypodynamia birds at the end of experiment. By contrast, the plasma testosterone concentration of males living in hypodynamia was reduced about 50 % at 90 and 180 days of age in comparison to control (P<0.05) suggesting some negative effects on sexual development. Our results demonstrated that male quail kept under simulated microgravity conditions were sexually competent although their sexual efficiency was reduced especially in terms of plasma testosterone.
Inhibition of the Acquisition of Conditioned Place Aversion by Dopaminergic Lesions of the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala in Morphine-Treated Rats
Authors: XU W. , LI Y. H. , TAN B. P. , LUO X. J. , XIAO L. , ZHENG X. G. , YANG X. Y. , SUI N.
Published: April 2020

The negative affective state of opiate abstinence plays an important role in craving and relapse to compulsive drug use. The dopamine system participates in the reward effects of opiate use and the aversive effect of opiate abstinence. The amygdala is an essential neural substrate for associative learning of emotion. To establish a model of conditioned place aversion (CPA) in morphine-treated rats, we used different visual and tactual cues as conditioned stimuli (CS) within a conditioning apparatus. An injection of naloxone served as the unconditioned stimulus (US). The 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion technique was used to investigate the effects of the dopaminergic system of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) on naloxone-induced CPA. Rats were rendered physically dependent via administration of increasing doses of morphine delivered via intraperitoneal injection. Doses increased by 20 % each day for 14 days, starting from an initial dose of 6 mg/kg. All rats also received a low dose of naloxone (0.1 mg/kg) by injection 4 hours after morphine treatment on days 11 and 13 to induce CPA in a biased two-compartment conditioned place apparatus. Morphine-dependent rats with sham lesions were found to develop significant CPA after naloxone treatment. Bilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the CeA impaired the acquisition of CPA but had no effect on locomotor activity. These results suggest that the dopaminergic system of the CeA plays an important role in the negative affective state of opiate abstinence.
Spectral Peak Frequency in Low-Frequency Band in Cross Spectra of Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Fluctuations in Young Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: HONZÍKOVÁ N. , KRTIČKA A. , ZÁVODNÁ E. , JAVORKA M. , TONHAJZEROVÁ I. , JAVORKA K.
Published: April 2020

In this study we tested whether joint evaluation of the frequency (fcs) at which maxima of power in the cross-spectra between the variability in systolic blood pressure and inter-beat intervals in the range of 0.06-0.12 Hz occur together with the quantification of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) may improve early detection of autonomic dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We measured 14 T1DM patients (age 20.3-24.2 years, DM duration 10.4-14.2 years, without any signs of autonomic neuropathy) and 14 age-matched controls (Co). Finger arterial blood pressure was continuously recorded by Finapres for one hour. BRS and fcs were determined by the spectral method. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) were calculated for fcs, BRS, and a combination of both factors determined as F(z)=1/(1+exp(-z)), z=3.09–0.013*BRS–0.027*fcs. T1DM had significantly lower fcs than Co (T1DM: 88.8±6.7 vs. Co: 93.7±3.8 mHz; p<0.05), and a tendency towards lower BRS compared to Co (T1DM: 10.3±4.4 vs. Co: 14.6±7.1 ms/mm Hg; p=0.06). The ROC for Fz showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (71.4 % and 71.4 %) in comparison with BRS (64.3 % and 71.4 %) or fcs (64.3 % and 64.3 %). The presented method of evaluation of BRS and fcs forming an integrated factor Fz could provide further improvement in the risk stratification of diabetic patients.
Afganistan'da Devlet İnşası ve Dinin Rolü Kuruluştan Abdurrahman Han'ın Yönetiminin Sonuna Kadar Afgan Devleti Yapısı
Authors: ÇOMU Aslı Emine
Published: April 2020

1747 yılında farklı kabile liderlerinin desteğiyle Ahmet Şah Dürrani ilk Afgan devletinin temellerini atmıştır. Yüzyıllar boyunca farklı devletler ve milletler tarafından kontrol edilen günümüz Afganistan topraklarında bu tarihten itibaren zorlu bir devlet inşası süreci başlamıştır. Ülkenin etnik olarak heterojen yapısı,
kabile özerkliği, tarihsel süreç içerisinde yerleşmiş feodal yapı ve şehir ekonomisinin çöküşüyle yükselişe geçen tarım ekonomisi merkezi devlet otoritesinin kurulmasını oldukça zorlaştırmıştır. Bunların yanında dış güçlerin baskısı ve din adamlarının devlet otoritesinden bağımsız hareket etmesi de devlet inşasını olumsuz
yönde etkilemiştir. Bu sıkıntılı durum ilk defa merkezi devlet yönetiminin sağlandığı Abdurrahman Han dönemine kadar devam etmiştir. Bu açıdan Abdurrahman Han’ın yönetimi bu çalışmada önemli yer teşkil etmektedir. Afgan devletinin kuruluşundan Abdurrahman Han’ın yönetiminin sona erdiği 1901 yılına kadar olan dönemde devlet inşası için gösterilen mücadele mercek altına alınacaktır. Bu zorlu görevin gerçekleştiği 150 yıllık dönem içerisinde karşılaşılan engellere karşı Afgan yöneticilerin Ahmet Şah’tan itibaren nasıl yöntemlere başvurduğu ve dinin bu süreç içerisinde ne kadar etkin olduğu incelenecek ana temayı oluşturmaktadır. Ele alınan süre içerisinde Afgan devleti yöneticilerinin söylemleri incelenerek uyguladıkları politikalarda dine ne kadar başvurdukları yansıtılmaya çalışılacaktır. Dinin aynı zamanda dış güçlerle olan mücadelede ne kadar fayda sağladığı ve İslam’ın birleştirici rolünün ne kadar etkili olduğu üzerinde durulacak diğer konulardır.
Imperatives of Social Security Laws to Social Development in Nigeria
Authors: Anifalaje Kehinde
Published: April 2020

The article analyses the relative importance of social security and examines the general social condition in Nigeria from the prism of social security regulations. It focuses special attention on issues of poverty, unemployment, education and the general health status of the citizenry. It argues that the absence of a virile and functional social security law is not unconnected with some of the social problems confronting the nation. The article concludes that the enactment of more broad-based and all-inclusive social security legislation would not only help resolve some of the social turmoil militating against meaningful development in the country, but also provide avenue for the enhancement of social stability and social development of the nation.
Investigation of the iCC Framework Performance for Solving Constrained LSGO Problems
Authors: Vakhnin Alexey , Sopov Evgenii
Published: April 2020

Many modern real-valued optimization tasks use “black-box” (BB) models for evaluating objective functions and they are high-dimensional and constrained. Using common classifications, we can identify them as constrained large-scale global optimization (cLSGO) tasks. Today, the IEEE Congress of Evolutionary Computation provides a special session and several benchmarks for LSGO. At the same time, cLSGO problems are not well studied yet. The majority of modern optimization techniques demonstrate insufficient performance when confronted with cLSGO tasks. The effectiveness of evolution algorithms (EAs) in solving constrained low-dimensional optimization problems has been proven in many scientific papers and studies. Moreover, the cooperative coevolution (CC) framework has been successfully applied for EA used to solve LSGO problems. In this paper, a new approach for solving cLSGO has been proposed. This approach is based on CC and a method that increases the size of groups of variables at the decomposition stage (iCC) when solving cLSGO tasks. A new algorithm has been proposed, which combined the success-history based parameter adaptation for differential evolution (SHADE) optimizer, iCC, and the ε-constrained method (namely ε-iCC-SHADE). We investigated the performance of the ε-iCC-SHADE and compared it with the previously proposed ε-CC-SHADE algorithm on scalable problems from the IEEE CEC 2017 Competition on constrained real-parameter optimization.
Handclap for Acoustic Measurements: Optimal Application and Limitations
Authors: Papadakis Nikolaos M. , Stavroulakis Georgios E.
Published: April 2020

Handclap is a convenient and useful acoustic source. This study aimed to explore its optimal application and limitations for acoustic measurements as well for other possible utilizations. For this purpose, the following steps were performed: investigation of the optimal hand configuration for acoustic measurements and measurements at different microphone source distances and at different spaces and positions. All measurements were performed with a handclap and a dodecahedron speaker for comparison. The results indicate that the optimal hand configuration (among 11) is with the hands cupped and held at an angle due to the superior low frequency spectrum. This configuration produced usable acoustic parameter measurements in the low frequency range in common room background levels unlike other configurations. The reverberation time was measured across different spaces and positions with a deviation less than three and just a noticeable difference of the signal-to-noise ratio within or near the ISO 3382-1 limits for each corresponding octave band. Other acoustic parameters (i.e., early decay time, clarity) were measured with greater deviations for reasons discussed in the text. Finally, practical steps for measurements with a handclap as an acoustic source are suggested.
Pennycress as a Cash Cover-Crop: Improving the Sustainability of Sweet Corn Production Systems
Authors: Moore Sarah A. , Wells M. Scott , Gesch Russ W. , Becker Roger L. , Rosen Carl J. , Wilson Melissa L.
Published: April 2020

Commercial sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) production has a proportionally high potential for nutrient loss to waterways, due to its high nitrogen (N) requirements and low N use efficiency. Cover crops planted after sweet corn can help ameliorate N lost from the field, but farmers are reluctant to utilize cover crops due to a lack of economic incentive. Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is a winter annual that can provide both economic and environmental benefits. Five N-rates (0, 65, 135, 135 split and 200) were applied pre-plant to sweet corn. After the sweet corn harvest, pennycress was planted into the sweet corn residue with two seeding methods and harvested for seed the following spring. Residual inorganic soil N (Nmin), pennycress biomass, biomass N and yield were measured. The nitrogen rate and seeding method had no effect on pennycress yield, biomass, or biomass N content. The nitrogen rate positively affected Nmin at pennycress seeding, wherein 200N plots had 38–80% higher Nmin than 0N plots, but had no effect on Nmin at pennycress harvest. Control treatments without pennycress had an average of 27–42% greater Nmin. In conclusion, pennycress can act as an effective N catch crop, and produce an adequate seed yield after sweet corn without the need for supplemental fertilization.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Oil as a Potential Alternative to Antibiotics in Poultry
Authors: Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Abdel-Moneim Abdel-Moneim E. , Mohammed Noureldeen G. , Khafaga Asmaa F. , Bin-Jumah May , Othman Sarah I. , Allam Ahmed A. , Elnesr Shaaban S.
Published: April 2020

The removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) as feed additives in poultry nutrition from the market in many countries has compelled researchers to find unconventional and safe alternatives to AGPs. Probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, organic acids, herbs, immune-stimulants and essential oils (EO) have been investigated as feed additives in poultry production. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), one of the oldest medicinal plants and widely used around the world, can be used in poultry rations in the form of powder or essential oil. Essential oils produced from aromatic plants have become more interesting owing to their potential effects as hypocholesterolaemic agents, antioxidants, antimicrobials, antifungals and stimulants of digestive enzymes. The potential insecticidal and antimicrobial activities of EO against pathogens that cause spoilage in agriculture crops and human diseases might be attributed mainly to the high content of volatile components (mainly cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and carvacrol) in cinnamon oil. The present review focuses on the effects of cinnamon oil as a feed additive on poultry performance, carcass traits, meat quality, hypocholesterolaemic impact, antioxidant activity, immunity and microbiological aspects.
Selected Antioxidants in Organic vs. Conventionally Grown Apple Fruits
Authors: Średnicka-Tober Dominika , Barański Marcin , Kazimierczak Renata , Ponder Alicja , Kopczyńska Klaudia , Hallmann Ewelina
Published: April 2020

The apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most widely cultivated temperate fruits globally, gaining scientific interest as a rich source of antioxidants with a demonstrated beneficial human health impact. Since a growing number of consumers are increasingly seeking safe and healthy food options, alternative fruit production systems such as organic farming, and their potential to provide safe and nutritious foods, have been gaining increasing attention in the last decades. The aim of the presented study was, therefore, to analyse and to compare the concentrations of selected health-promoting antioxidants, such as phenolic acids, flavonols, and vitamin C, in fruits of three apple cultivars (Champion, Gala, and Idared) grown in conventional and certified organic orchards in Poland. All analyses were performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Organic apples tested within the study, compared to the conventionally grown ones, were characterised by significantly higher concentrations of phenolic acids (av. >31%) and flavonols (av. >66%) with the identified differences being consistent in all three cultivars and two seasons. The greatest production system effect was observed in the case of Idared. Significant cultivar and production season effects on the concentration of the measured fruit phenolics, with strong interactions between the two factors, were also identified. Vitamin C content in the fruits was strongly dependent on the year-to-year differences in the fruit growing conditions. The study suggests that the organic production system has a potential to provide apple fruits rich in selected health-promoting phenolic antioxidants.
Virtual Grounding Point Concept for Detecting Abnormal and Normal Events in Home Care Monitoring Systems
Authors: Htun Swe Nwe Nwe , Zin Thi Thi , Hama Hiromitsu
Published: April 2020

In this paper, an innovative home care video monitoring system for detecting abnormal and normal events is proposed by introducing a virtual grounding point (VGP) concept. To be specific, the proposed system is composed of four main image processing components: (1) visual object detection, (2) feature extraction, (3) abnormal and normal event analysis, and (4) the decision-making process. In the object detection component, background subtraction is first achieved using a specific mixture of Gaussians (MoG) to model the foreground in the form of a low-rank matrix factorization. Then, a theory of graph cut is applied to refine the foreground. In the feature extraction component, the position and posture of the detected person is estimated by using a combination of the virtual grounding point, along with its related centroid, area, and aspect ratios. In analyzing the abnormal and normal events, the moving averages (MA) for the extracted features are calculated. After that, a new curve analysis is computed, specifically using the modified difference (MD). The local maximum (lmax), local minimum (lmin), and half width value (vhw) are determined on the observed curve of the modified difference. In the decision-making component, the support vector machine (SVM) method is applied to detect abnormal and normal events. In addition, a new concept called period detection (PD) is proposed to robustly detect the abnormal events. The experimental results were obtained using the Le2i fall detection dataset to confirm the reliability of the proposed method, and that it achieved a high detection rate.
A Novel Risk Assessment and Analysis Method for Correlation in a Complex System Based on Multi-Dimensional Theory
Authors: Jiang Zeyong , Zhao Tingdi , Wang Shihai , Ren Fuchun
Published: April 2020

With the rapid development of high integrations in large complex systems, such as aircraft, satellite, and railway systems, due to the increasingly complex coupling relationship between components within the system, local disturbances or faults may cause global effects on the system by fault propagation. Therefore, there are new challenges in safety analysis and risk assessment for complex systems. Aiming at analyzing and evaluating the inherent risks of the complex system with coupling correlation characteristics objectively, this paper proposes a novel risk assessment and analysis method for correlation in complex system based on multi-dimensional theory. Firstly, the formal description and coupling degree analysis method of the hierarchical structure of complex systems is established. Moreover, considering the three safety risk factors of fault propagation probability, potential severity, and fault propagation time, a multi-dimensional safety risk theory is proposed, in order to evaluate the risk of each element within the system effecting on the overall system. Furthermore, critical safety elements are identified based on Pareto rules, As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principles, and safety risk entropy to support the preventive measures. Finally, an application of an avionics system is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Microalgal Growth in Paper Industry Effluent: Coupling Biomass Production with Nutrients Removal
Authors: Porto Bruna , Gonçalves Ana L. , Esteves Ana F. , Souza Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson de , Souza Antônio A. Ulson de , Vilar Vítor J. P. , Pires José C. M.
Published: April 2020

Paper and pulp industries produce effluents with high phosphorus concentrations, which need to be treated before their discharge in watercourses. The use of microalgae for this purpose has attracted the attention of researchers because: (i) microalgae can assimilate phosphorus (one of the main nutrients for their growth); and (ii) growing on effluents can significantly reduce the costs and environmental impact of microalgal biomass production. This study evaluated the growth and ability of Chlorella vulgaris to remove the phosphorus from a secondary-treated effluent of a Portuguese paper company. Batch experiments were performed for 11 days using different dilutions of the effluent to evaluate its inhibitory effect on microalgae. Results showed that the non-diluted effluent inhibited microalgal growth, indicating that this bioremediation process is possible after a previous dilution of the effluent. Regarding phosphorus removal, promising results were achieved, especially in the experiments conducted with the most diluted effluent: removal efficiencies obtained in these conditions were (54 ± 1)%. Another interesting finding of this study was microalgal growth in flakes’ form (mainly due to the compounds present in the effluent and to the pH values achieved), which can be an important economic advantage for biomass recovery after the remediation step.
Impact Force Identification of the Variable Pressure Flexible Impact End-Effector in Space Debris Active Detumbling
Authors: Wei Ziying , Zhang Huibo , Zhao Baoshan , Liu Xiaoang , Ma Rui
Published: April 2020

The security of the space environment is under serious threat due to the increase in space debris in orbit. The active removal of space debris could ensure the sustainable use of the space environment; this removal relies on detumbling technology. According to the characteristics of the mechanical impact-type active detumbling method, this paper discusses a method to accurately identify the impact force using a pressure sensor. In this work, the impact force between a flexible impact end-effector and the space debris was analyzed theoretically and experimentally considering the pressure change during impact. Firstly, a nonlinear impact force model was established for the impact between a flexible end-effector and space debris. Secondly, impact experiments were performed and the friction model was modified. Finally, the effect of detumbling was verified through simulation experiments. The results showed that the identification error of normal impact force was less than 6.7% and the identification error of tangential friction force was less than 6.9%. Therefore, this identification method of impact force met the requirements of space debris detumbling, which has important guiding significance for the active removal technology of space debris.
Joint Torques and Tibiofemoral Joint Reaction Force in the Bodyweight “Wall Squat” Therapeutic Exercise
Authors: Biscarini Andrea , Contemori Samuele , Dieni Cristina V. , Panichi Roberto
Published: April 2020

This study provides a biomechanical analysis of the bodyweight wall-squat exercise considering four exercise variants: knee angle; horizontal hip-ankle distance (d); shift between the rearfoot and forefoot of the centre of pressure (xGR) of the ground reaction force; back supported via the scapular or pelvic zone. The ankle and hip angles corresponding to a given knee angle can be modulated, changing the distance d, to manage limitation in lumbopelvic and ankle mobility. The knee-extensor muscles can be overloaded (250 Nm muscle torque) with knees flexed at 90°, back supported through the pelvic zone, and feet away from the wall (d = 50 cm). Scapular support, xGR at forefoot, and d = 50 cm, yield a higher level of muscle-torque for hip-extension (130 Nm) and knee-flexion (65 Nm), with knees at 90° of flexion or near full extension, respectively. Ankle-dorsiflexion (plantarflexion) muscle torque up to 40 Nm is reached with xGR at the forefoot (rearfoot). This study may aid trainers and therapists to finely modulate the muscle torques (up to the above-mentioned levels) by an appropriate selection of exercise variants for training or rehabilitation purposes. Low levels (60 N) of anterior tibial pull may occur near 25° of knee flexion with x GR at the rearfoot.
What Is the Impact of Heatwaves on European Viticulture? A Modelling Assessment
Authors: Fraga Helder , Molitor Daniel , Leolini Luisa , Santos João A.
Published: April 2020

Extreme heat events or heatwaves can be particularly harmful to grapevines, posing a major challenge to winegrowers in Europe. The present study is focused on the application of the crop model STICS to assess the potential impacts of heatwaves over some of the most renowned winemaking regions in Europe. For this purpose, STICS was applied to grapevines, using high-resolution weather, soil and terrain datasets from 1986 to 2015. To assess the impact of heatwaves, the weather dataset was artificially modified, generating periods with anomalously high temperatures (+5 °C), at specific onset dates and with specific episode durations (from five to nine days). The model was then run with this modified weather dataset, and the results were compared to the original unmodified runs. The results show that heatwaves can have a very strong impact on grapevine yields. However, these impacts strongly depend on the onset dates and duration of the heatwaves. The highest negative impacts may result in a decrease in the yield by up to −35% in some regions. The results show that regions with a peak vulnerability on 1 August will be more negatively impacted than other regions. Furthermore, the geographical representation of yield reduction hints at a latitudinal gradient in the heatwave impact, indicating stronger reductions in the cooler regions of Central Europe than in the warmer regions of Southern Europe. Despite some uncertainties inherent to the current modelling assessment, the present study highlights the negative impacts of heatwaves on viticultural yields in Europe, which is critical information for stakeholders within the winemaking sector for planning suitable adaptation measures.
Are there Metacognitivists in the Fox Hole? A Preliminary Test of Information Seeking in an Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Authors: Eaton Taryn , Billette Patricia , Vonk Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Over the last two decades, evidence has accrued that at least some nonhuman animals possess metacognitive abilities. However, of the carnivores, only domestic dogs have been tested. Although rarely represented in the psychological literature, foxes are good candidates for metacognition given that they cache their food. Two experiments assessed metacognition in one male arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) for the first time. An information-seeking paradigm was used, in which the subject had the opportunity to discover which compartment was baited before making a choice by looking through a transparent window in the apparatus. In the first experiment, choice accuracy during seen trials was equal to choice accuracy on unseen trials. Importantly, there was no significant difference between the subject’s looking behavior on seen versus unseen trials. In the second experiment, with chance probabilities reduced, the subject’s choice accuracy on both seen and unseen trials was below chance. The subject did not exhibit looking behavior in any of the trials. Latencies to choose were not influenced by whether he witnessed baiting. Although we did not obtain evidence of metacognition in our tests of a single subject, we maintain that foxes may be good candidates for further tests using similar methodologies to those introduced here.
Technical Performance Overview of Bio-Based Insulation Materials Compared to Expanded Polystyrene
Authors: Lafond Cassandra , Blanchet Pierre
Published: April 2020

The energy efficiency of buildings is well documented. However, to improve standards of energy efficiency, the embodied energy of materials included in the envelope is also increasing. Natural fibers like wood and hemp are used to make low environmental impact insulation products. Technical characterizations of five bio-based materials are described and compared to a common, traditional, synthetic-based insulation material, i.e., expanded polystyrene. The study tests the thermal conductivity and the vapor transmission performance, as well as the combustibility of the material. Achieving densities below 60 kg/m3, wood and hemp batt insulation products show thermal conductivity in the same range as expanded polystyrene (0.036 kW/mK). The vapor permeability depends on the geometry of the internal structure of the material. With long fibers are intertwined with interstices, vapor can diffuse and flow through the natural insulation up to three times more than with cellular synthetic (polymer) -based insulation. Having a short ignition times, natural insulation materials are highly combustible. On the other hand, they release a significantly lower amount of smoke and heat during combustion, making them safer than the expanded polystyrene. The behavior of a bio-based building envelopes needs to be assessed to understand the hygrothermal characteristics of these nontraditional materials which are currently being used in building systems.
Towards a Real Knotaxane
Authors: Duden Torben , Lüning Ulrich
Published: April 2020

Two classes of mechanically interlocked molecules, [3]rotaxanes and knotted [1]rotaxanes, were the subject of this investigation. The necessary building blocks, alkyne-terminated axles containing two ammonium ions and azide-terminated stoppers, and azide-containing substituted macrocycles, have been synthesized and characterized. Different [3]rotaxanes were synthesized by copper-catalyzed “click” reactions between the azide stoppers and [3]pseudorotaxanes formed from the dialkyne axles and crown ethers (DB24C8). Methylation of the triazoles formed by the “click” reaction introduced a second binding site, and switching via deprotonation/protonation was investigated. In preliminary tests for the synthesis of a knotted [1]rotaxane, pseudorotaxanes were formed from azide-containing substituted macrocycles and dialkyne substituted diammonium axles, and copper-catalyzed “click” reactions were carried out. Mass spectral analyses showed successful double “click” reactions between two modified macrocycles and one axle. Whether a knotted [1]rotaxane was formed could not be determined.
Preface: Climate Change Impact on Plant Ecology
Authors: Vitale Marcello , Collalti Alessio
Published: April 2020

Climate change likely represents the major modifying agents of functional and structural processes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems [...]
Symmetry of the Optical Phonons in LuVO4: A Raman Study
Authors: Rafailov Peter , Dimitrov Dimitre , Chen Yen-Fu , Lee Chi-Shen , Juang Jenh-Yih
Published: April 2020

A thorough analysis of the first-order vibrational spectrum of LuVO4 is presented by using polarized micro-Raman spectroscopy with special focus on the phonon modes with the weakest intensity and occasional controversial assignment. Group-theory analysis is carried out to demonstrate the determination of numbers and symmetries of the Raman active modes. Crystal- and correlation-field splitting effects in the vibrational spectrum of LuVO4 are discussed. Under conditions adjusted to minimize the birefringence effects we recorded, in each main scattering configuration, a series of Raman spectra in different sample orientations achieved by rotating the sample around the incident laser beam. The dependence of the Raman intensity on the rotational angle allowed us to identify the correct symmetry of the phonons with exceptionally weak scattering cross-section. A complete assignment of all twelve first-order Raman active phonons of LuVO4 is thus obtained.
Cave Communities: From the Surface Border to the Deep Darkness
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Manenti Raoul
Published: April 2020

The discipline of subterranean biology has provided us incredible information on the diversity, ecology and evolution of species living in different typologies of subterranean habitats. However, a general lack of information on the relationships between cave species still exists, leaving uncertainty regarding the dynamics that hold together cave communities and the roles of specific organisms (from the least to the most adapted species) for the community, as well as the entire ecosystem. This Special Issue aims to stimulate and gather studies which are focusing on cave communities belonging to all different typologies of subterranean habitats, with the overarching goal to corroborate the key role of the subterranean biology in ecological and evolutionary studies.
Loss of Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity in Overexploited Mediterranean Swordfish (Xiphias gladius, 1759) Population
Authors: Righi Tommaso , Splendiani Andrea , Fioravanti Tatiana , Casoni Elia , Gioacchini Giorgia , Carnevali Oliana , Caputo Barucchi Vincenzo
Published: April 2020

Intense and prolonged mortality caused by over-exploitation could drive the decay of genetic diversity which may lead to decrease species’ resilience to environmental changes, thus increasing their extinction risk. Swordfish is a high commercial value species, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is affected by high catch levels. Mediterranean swordfish consist of a population genetically and biologically distinct from Atlantic ones and therefore managed as a separate stock. The last Mediterranean swordfish stock assessment reported that in the last forty years Mediterranean swordfish has been overfished and, to date, it is still subject to overfishing. A comparison between an available mitochondrial sequence dataset and a homologous current sample was carried out to investigate temporal genetic variation in the Mediterranean swordfish population over near twenty years. Our study provides the first direct measure of reduced genetic diversity for Mediterranean swordfish during a short period, as measured both in the direct loss of mitochondrial haplotypes and reduction in haplotype diversity. A reduction of the relative females’ effective population size in the recent sample has been also detected. The possible relationship between fishery activities and the loss of genetic diversity in the Mediterranean swordfish population is discussed.
Robust Change Point Test for General Integer-Valued Time Series Models Based on Density Power Divergence
Authors: Kim Byungsoo , Lee Sangyeol
Published: April 2020

In this study, we consider the problem of testing for a parameter change in general integer-valued time series models whose conditional distribution belongs to the one-parameter exponential family when the data are contaminated by outliers. In particular, we use a robust change point test based on density power divergence (DPD) as the objective function of the minimum density power divergence estimator (MDPDE). The results show that under regularity conditions, the limiting null distribution of the DPD-based test is a function of a Brownian bridge. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed test and show that the test inherits the robust properties of the MDPDE and DPD. Lastly, we demonstrate the proposed test using a real data analysis of the return times of extreme events related to Goldman Sachs Group stock.
Using the Information Provided by Forbidden Ordinal Patterns in Permutation Entropy to Reinforce Time Series Discrimination Capabilities
Authors: Cuesta-Frau David
Published: April 2020

Despite its widely tested and proven usefulness, there is still room for improvement in the basic permutation entropy (PE) algorithm, as several subsequent studies have demonstrated in recent years. Some of these new methods try to address the well-known PE weaknesses, such as its focus only on ordinal and not on amplitude information, and the possible detrimental impact of equal values found in subsequences. Other new methods address less specific weaknesses, such as the PE results’ dependence on input parameter values, a common problem found in many entropy calculation methods. The lack of discriminating power among classes in some cases is also a generic problem when entropy measures are used for data series classification. This last problem is the one specifically addressed in the present study. Toward that purpose, the classification performance of the standard PE method was first assessed by conducting several time series classification tests over a varied and diverse set of data. Then, this performance was reassessed using a new Shannon Entropy normalisation scheme proposed in this paper: divide the relative frequencies in PE by the number of different ordinal patterns actually found in the time series, instead of by the theoretically expected number. According to the classification accuracy obtained, this last approach exhibited a higher class discriminating power. It was capable of finding significant differences in six out of seven experimental datasets—whereas the standard PE method only did in four—and it also had better classification accuracy. It can be concluded that using the additional information provided by the number of forbidden/found patterns, it is possible to achieve a higher discriminating power than using the classical PE normalisation method. The resulting algorithm is also very similar to that of PE and very easy to implement.
Aspects of Chemical Entropy Generation in Flow of Casson Nanofluid between Radiative Stretching Disks
Authors: Khan Nargis , Riaz Iram , Hashmi Muhammad Sadiq , Musmar Saed A. , Khan Sami Ullah , Abdelmalek Zahra , Tlili Iskander
Published: April 2020

The appropriate utilization of entropy generation may provoke dipping losses in the available energy of nanofluid flow. The effects of chemical entropy generation in axisymmetric flow of Casson nanofluid between radiative stretching disks in the presence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, and heat absorption/generation features have been mathematically modeled and simulated via interaction of slip boundary conditions. Shooting method has been employed to numerically solve dimensionless form of the governing equations, including expressions referring to entropy generation. The impacts of the physical parameters on fluid velocity components, temperature and concentration profiles, and entropy generation number are presented. Simulation results revealed that axial component of velocity decreases with variation of Casson fluid parameter. A declining variation in Bejan number was noticed with increment of Casson fluid constant. Moreover, a progressive variation in Bejan number resulted due to the impact of Prandtl number and stretching ratio constant.