bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Adoption and Utilization of Drip Irrigation Technology among Tapioca Farmers in Thuraiyur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: S Ragunath. , M Nethaji. , V Keerthana. , T Thanga Durai. , G Abirami. , M Cibichakkaravarthy. , G Dhaarnesh. , N Gangashree. , M Iyyappan. , K. G Keerthana. , A Lincy Arockia Mary. , D Reshma. , M Sharma.
Published: November 2024

Aims: The study examines the adoption and utilization of drip irrigation technology among tapioca farmers in Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu.
Study Design:  An ex-post-facto research design is used to collect data from 90 farmers across four villages.
Place and Duration of Study: Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. The study has been conducted for a period of six months (April – September, 2024)
Methodology: Out of the district’s eleven taluks, Thuraiyur had the highest number of tapioca farmers, making it ideal for this study. Four villages—Naganallur, Settikadu, Sobanapuram and Koppampatti—were chosen from Thuraiyur taluk for their significant tapioca cultivation and large farmer populations. A stratified random sampling method is used to select participants. The primary data are collected through structured questionnaires and personal interviews with farmers. Secondary data are obtained from relevant literature, reports and government records. The dependent variables are the adoption level of drip irrigation and the extent to which the farmers use the drip irrigation technology. Descriptive statistics mean, percentage and frequency distribution are used in the study.
Results: Findings reveal that the majority of farmers (82.22%) demonstrated medium to high adoption of drip irrigation technology. Key practices like checking the workability of the foot valve and maintaining pipeline fittings are widely adopted, while more advanced techniques such as fertigation showed lower adoption levels. Drip irrigation was used universally for water management, with 87.80% of farmers acknowledging its role in reducing water usage and 83.30% citing reduced labor needs.
Conclusion: However, only 46.70% of respondents reported increased yields, indicating potential gaps in system optimization. The study suggests the need for greater technical training, financial assistance and improved extension services to enhance the adoption of advanced drip irrigation practices. Policy measures, such as increased awareness of government schemes like PMKSY and accessible training programs, are recommended to maximize the benefits of drip irrigation in improving water efficiency, crop yield and sustainable farming practices.
Effect of Irrigation and Foliar Nutrition on Yield and Economics of Rice Fallow Blackgram
Authors: Ganesh V. Jai , Amarajyothi P. , Rao M.M.V Srinivasa , Naidu G. Mohan
Published: November 2024

The present investigation, entitled “Effect of Irrigation and Foliar Nutrition on Yield and Economics of rice fallow blackgram” was carried out at the Agricultural College Farm, Naira, during the rabi season of 2023-24. The experiment  was laid out in Strip-plot design with 3 main plots viz., M1- No Irrigation; M2-Irrigation at flower initiation and M3-Two irrigations one at flower initiation one at early pod development and 4 Sub Plots viz., S1- water spray; S2- 1%19:19:19(NPK); S3-2% Urea; S4-2% DAP; S5-4 ml Nano urea; S6-3ml Nano DAP with two replications for each treatment. The results showed that irrigation at flower initiation and early pod development stage and foliar spray of 2% DAP at flower initiation and early pod development stage recorded maximum seed yield, haulm yield and economics.
Evaluation of Potential EGFR Inhibitors for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Structure-based Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Krishnasamy Gobalan , Parthasarathy Sudharsan , Rajasekaran Shalini , Raja T. William , Andrea S. Geet , Tharumasivam Siva Vijayakumar
Published: November 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths globally. EGFR is one of the attractive drug targets for non small cell lung cancer. It was first identified receptor tyrosine kinase receptor. It plays a critical role in the variety of biological activity apoptosis, cell cycle progression, differentiation, development, and transcription. Somatic mutation occurs in human EGFR. After that the normal function of EGFR was over expressed can leads to develop lung cancer. In this study we have identified three potential compounds using structure based virtual screening. Then thus compounds were evaluated ADME properties, all the compounds are under acceptable range with predicted ADME properties, then thus protein-ligand complex stability were carried out using Gromacs. The stability of the protein-ligand complex is stable throughout entire simulation, especially MET 769 is significant for stability of the complex. Furthermore, invitro cytotoxicity assay were performed for the best one compounds against non small cell lung cancer cell line.
Climate Smart Agriculture: Innovating Sustainable Practices for a Changing Climate
Authors: Bhanuwanti  , Dar Khursheed Ahmad , Singh Lal , Saad A. A. , Rai Utkarsh , Tanwar Himansha , Khatoon Aroosa
Published: November 2024

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a strategy aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate change resilience, raising crop production and incomes significantly. In a variety of agro-ecological zones, the implementation of climate smart agriculture methods has significantly improved the availability of food, adaptability to fluctuations in the climate, and emissions reduction. One of the key benefits of CSA is its ability to improve agricultural productivity and stabilize food security, particularly for small-scale farmers in developing nations who are most vulnerable to climate change. By integrating sustainable techniques such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and agroforestry, CSA helps ensure stable yields, even amid erratic weather patterns. Enhanced soil fertility, enhanced irrigation practices and the use of varieties of crops that are climate resilient all contribute to sustained productivity, mitigating the risks of crop failure and food shortages. CSA also strengthens agricultural systems' resilience to climate impacts by promoting practices like zero tillage, residue management, and efficient irrigation, which improve soil health and water retention, making crops more resistant to droughts and floods. In addition to boosting resilience, CSA contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing agriculture's carbon footprint. Precision farming, organic agriculture, and other low-emission practices help curb greenhouse gas emissions from farming activities. Mobile technology is also emerging as a key driver of CSA by providing real-time information, decision-making support, and access to essential resources, further enhancing the adaptability and sustainability of farming systems. The significance of CSA as a strategic solution to the threats that climate change poses to food security and agricultural sustainability is being more widely acknowledged by governments. As a result, numerous initiatives have been launched at national, regional, and international levels to encourage the widespread adoption of CSA practices. In order to achieve sustainable agricultural development and ensure food security in the face of climate change, CSA must be scaled up around the world.
Evaluation Of New Havun And ALT-70 Predictive Models In Patients With Cellulitis
Authors: Prasad Dr Abhijna , Poojary Dr Harsha S , Shetty Dr Akanksh B
Published: November 2024

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My Clinical Experience Wit Adenovirus In A Tertiary Care Center- A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Seeralar Dr. Arasar , Graduate Dr M. Rahul Post
Published: November 2024

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Intrusion Of Maxillary Anterior Teeth: A Comparative Clinical Study Between Mini-Implants And Utility Arch
Authors: Bhanat Dr. Sheron , Patel Dr. Dolly , Kapadia Dr. Hemisha , Desai Dr. Zeel
Published: November 2024

Background: Deep bite is a common orthodontic malocclusion caused by factors like incisor supra-occlusion, molar infra-occlusion, or incisor angulation. Nonsurgical correction of deep bite involves extrusion of posterior teeth, intrusion of incisors, or both. Extrusion of posterior teeth in growing patients provides stable results due to secondary remodelling. In patients with deep bite and excessive gingival display, intrusion of incisors is typically required which can be accomplished using intrusion arches or mini-implants. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 subjects with an anterior deep bite (overbite >4mm) with excessive incisal display at rest and at smile were taken. Participants were evenly allocated into two groups based on their gingival display. Group I included five participants with less than 4 mm of gingival display, who received treatment using Rickett’s intrusion utility arch. Group II consisted of five subjects with more than 4 mm of gingival display, who were treated with two anterior mini-implants. Lateral cephalograms were utilized to evaluate maxillary anterior intrusion at two specific time points: Pre-treatment (T1) and following a 6-month interval (T2). Results: The amount of bite opening in both groups was comparable, however the amount of incisor intrusion was greater with mini-implants than with the utility arch. The utility arch group showed significantly greater labial tipping (P<0.01) and increased overjet (P<0.05) compared to the mini-implant group. The distance between the maxillary first molar (U6) and palatal plane (PP) significantly increased with the utility arch but decreased with mini-implants. The mandibular plane angle (GoGn-Sn) increased with the utility arch and decreased with mini-implants; however, the difference was statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Deep bite correction with intrusion utility arch occurs through incisor intrusion, incisor flaring, and molar extrusion, whereas with mini-implants, bite opening mainly occurs through incisor intrusion, making it an efficient alternative in cases where dental side effects such as incisor flaring and molar extrusion are undesirable.
The Necessary Qualification Of The Agribusiness Manager As To The Modalities Of Unenforceability And Bidding Waiver
Authors: Duarte André Mota , Miranda José Fernando Bezerra
Published: November 2024

Background: This study investigates the level of knowledge of agribusiness managers about the modalities of unenforceability and exemption from bidding, as established by Law No. 14,133/2021. The survey was carried out with a sample of 50 managers who participated directly or indirectly in bidding processes. Using structured questionnaires, the study evaluates the familiarity of future managers with the constitutional principles and legal procedures related to public procurement. The results indicate a satisfactory knowledge of the managers on the subject, but reveal gaps in practical aspects, such as the correct application of bidding exceptions. Ethics was highlighted as the most important principle to be observed in the bidding waiver. The conclusion highlights the need for more practical teaching to ensure better preparation of public managers.
Risk Management In Project Management At The Leônidas & Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia Institute: Focus On Risk Identification And Analysis
Authors: Leite Cristina De Souza , Lima Orlem Pinheiro De , Maduro Márcia Ribeiro , Araújo Paulo César Diniz De , Filho Wlademir Leite Correia , Cabral Fábio Rocha
Published: November 2024

Este artigo explora a identificação e análise dos principais riscos que impactam a gestão de projetos no Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane (ILMD/Fiocruz Amazônia). O objetivo é melhorar a eficiência na execução de projetos de pesquisa, ensino e gestão. A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando bibliografia e estudo de caso, com base em referências como o Referencial de Governança Organizacional do TCU e o Manual de Avaliação da Maturidade do TCU. Os resultados identificam os principais riscos, categorizando-os conforme a sua natureza e impacto potencial. A análise prioriza a análise dos riscos, destacando a importância da gestão de riscos para a eficiência e eficácia na execução dos projetos. O estudo fornece uma matriz de risco e propõe a elaboração de um plano de gerenciamento de riscos para o futuro.
The Importance Of Accounting Transparency In Public Management For The Strengthening Of Social Control
Authors: Santiago Sandileno Alves , Carmo Adriana Patrícia Ferreira Do , Silva Alexandre Souza Da , Souza Shaianne Macedo Fontes Rosa De , Oliveira Tiago Luz
Published: November 2024

Background: Transparency in public accounting is essential to promote trust in institutions, ensure the efficient management of resources, and allow society to participate in social control. In Brazil, regulations such as the Fiscal Responsibility Law (LRF) and the Access to Information Law (LAI) have sought to strengthen accountability in public administration. However, challenges such as cultural resistance and low popular participation still hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives. Materials and Methods: This study is characterized as a bibliographic review, with consultation of academic publications and legal regulations available on the Google Scholar platform. Search terms such as "transparency in public accounting", "governance", "accountability" and "social control" were used. In addition, normative documents were analyzed, such as the Federal Constitution of 1988 (art. 37), the LRF and the LAI, with the objective of understanding how these norms contribute to promoting a more transparent public administration. The content analysis technique was used to organize the data into thematic categories: governance and accountability, transparency and ICTs, and social control. Results: The results indicate that, although transparency in Brazilian public administration has advanced, cultural resistance within public organizations limits the full adoption of accountability practices. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as the Managerial Treasury (TG) and SIAFI, have facilitated access to financial information, but insufficient training of public servants compromises their effectiveness. In addition, factors such as civic education and social engagement were identified as determinants for transparency to translate into effective social control. Conclusion: It is concluded that transparency and accountability are fundamental to strengthen public governance. However, a joint effort is needed involving cultural transformation, continuous training of civil servants and civic education, to encourage the active participation of society and ensure the effective use of digital tools. The integration between regulations, technology, and cultural change is essential to consolidate
Creative Design Approach: Developing Innovative Solutions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lima Luiz Rogério De , Alves Cristiano , Alchieri João Carlos
Published: November 2024

According to Lamanna and Meldolesi (2024), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the reasons for this variation are not yet clearly understood. In this sense, there has been a significant increase in integrating technology to support therapy for children with ASD (Toma et al., 2024). Design processes have been assigned as a significant approach to solve problems by creative thinking. Therefore, since creativity is assigned as the human capacity to solve problems it is intrinsic that design process is an important innovation effort. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Creative Framework to foster innovative ideas for a case study (SisTEA). The framework was performed in a multidisciplinary group. The results point out how the Creative Framework, as a systemic process, is important to generate new and significant ideas, enabling the development of innovative solutions for the treatment of children with ASD. This work highlights the importance of synergy between design and creativity to understand the needs of children with ASD in the search for effective solutions
Identity Construction And Co-Creation In Digital Microcultures: The Mediation Of Consumption And The Challenge To Traditional Marketing Strategies
Authors: Kerley Tonny
Published: November 2024

This study provides an original contribution to knowledge by investigating how digital microcultures on platforms such as TikTok, Discord, and Twitch influence consumption and identity construction. The research highlights the co-creation of meaning between consumers and brands, challenging traditional marketing approaches. The implications are social, showing the importance of virtual interactions in community formation, managerial, requiring new participatory strategies, and academic, expanding the understanding of cultural practices in digital consumption
Quantifying Embolism: Label‐Free Volumetric Mapping of Thrombus Structure and Kinesis in a Microfluidic System with Optical Holography
Authors: He Xuefei , Montague Samantha J. , Tao Xu , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Lee Woei Ming
Published: August 2018

Embolization of thrombotic material may lead to acute events such as ischemia and myocardial infarction. The embolus is the physical detachment from a primary thrombus that has developed under fluid shear rates. The physical characteristics (surface area coverage, volume, mass, and packing density) of a thrombus influence the overall flow dynamics of an occluding blood vessel. Here, the effectiveness of holographic quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) in identifying multiple morphological parameters of a thrombus (volume, surface area, and height) formed over collagen‐coated microfluidic channels by exerting a range of shear rates with anticoagulated platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood is demonstrated. QPM enables the recording of entire thrombus volumes in real‐time using PRP and observed both growth and contraction trends of thrombi, without need for biochemical labeling. The process of emboli detachment in a microfluidic channel under pathophysiological shear rates (7500 and 12 500 s−1) is quantified. Rapid and direct quantification of an embolizing thrombus can enable the study of events during undesirable vessel occlusion and lead to targeting and early diagnosis of acute coronary and venous events.
Ex Vivo Functionality of 3D Bioprinted Corneal Endothelium Engineered with Ribonuclease 5‐Overexpressing Human Corneal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kim Kyoung Woo , Lee Soo Jin , Park Soo Hyun , Kim Jae Chan
Published: August 2018

Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) are scarcely proliferative in vivo. The cultured HCECs engineered to overexpress ribonuclease (RNase) 5 (R5‐HCECs) are prepared after transient transfection with RNase 5 plasmid vector. As candidate targets of R5‐HCECs for enhancement of cellular proliferation and survival of R5‐HCECs, programmed cell death protein 4 is inhibited, and cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 are activated. The cultured R5‐HCECs and control HCECs on lyophilized amniotic membrane (AM) are deposited as a carrier by extrusion‐based 3D bioprinting to prepare transplantable RNase 5 vector‐transfected HCECs–laden AM graft (R5‐Graft) and the control HCECs–laden AM graft (Ct‐Graft), respectively. The ready‐to‐use R5‐Graft shows clearer basolateral expression of Na+‐K+ ATPase pump and higher cell confluency than Ct‐Graft. From 2 weeks after graft transplantation, both R5‐Graft and Ct‐Graft start restoring clarity of the rabbit corneas, and their central corneal edema are much less than those in the control group at 3 and 4 weeks. The ex vivo expression of corneal endothelial phenotypical markers is clear in R5‐Grafs rather than in Ct‐Grafts at 4 weeks. In conclusion, the fabricated corneal endothelium with cultured HCECs easily survives and functions as corneal endothelium in vivo. Furthermore, the use of the cultured HCECs engineered to overexpress RNase 5 (R5‐HCECs) may be an option to obtain higher graft cellularity and to enhance the function of transplanted grafts.
Photosensitizers with Aggregation‐Induced Emission: Materials and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hu Fang , Xu Shidang , Liu Bin
Published: August 2018

Photodynamic therapy is arising as a noninvasive treatment modality for cancer and other diseases. One of the key factors to determine the therapeutic function is the efficiency of photosensitizers (PSs). Opposed to traditional PSs, which show quenched fluorescence and reduced singlet oxygen production in the aggregate state, PSs with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) exhibit enhanced fluorescence and strong photosensitization ability in nanoparticles. Here, the design principles of AIE PSs and their biomedical applications are discussed in detail, starting with a summary of traditional PSs, followed by a comparison between traditional and AIE PSs to highlight the various design strategies and unique features of the latter. Subsequently, the applications of AIE PSs in photodynamic cancer cell ablation, bacteria killing, and image‐guided therapy are discussed using charged AIE PSs, AIE PS molecular probes, and AIE PS nanoparticles as examples. These studies have demonstrated the great potential of AIE PSs as effective theranostic agents to treat tumor or bacterial infection. This review hopefully will spur more research interest in AIE PSs for future translational research.
Reversible Surface Patterning by Dynamic Crosslink Gradients: Controlling Buckling in 2D
Authors: Hou Honghao , Hu Kaiming , Lin Hongbo , Forth Joe , Zhang Wenming , Russell Thomas P. , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: August 2018

Harnessing the self‐organization of soft materials to make complex, well‐ordered surface patterns in a noninvasive manner is challenging. The wrinkling of thin films provides a compelling strategy to achieve this. Despite much attention, however, a simple, single‐step, reversible method that gives rise to controlled, two‐dimensional (2D) ordered, continuous, and discontinuous patterns has proven to be elusive. Here a novel, robust method is described to achieve this using an ultraviolet‐light‐sensitive anthracene‐containing polymer thin film. The origin of the patterns is the local buckling of the thin film, where the control over the topology is given by laterally patterning out‐of‐plane gradients in the crosslink density of the film. The underlying buckling mechanics and formation of the surface features are well‐described by finite element analysis. By illuminating the film with a photomask, local and long‐range patterns that can be both continuous and discontinuous are able to be written. Furthermore, the patterning is fully reversible over multiple cycles. The results demonstrate a simple strategy for erasable storage of information in a surface topography that has applications in memory, anticounterfeiting, and plasmonics.
Enhancement in specific absorption rate by solvent microencapsulation
Authors: Moore Thomas , Mumford Kathryn A. , Stevens Geoffrey W. , Webley Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Microencapsulation of liquid solvents (MECS) has been proposed as a means of increasing the rate of absorption in gas separation processes. Surface renewal theory was used to rigorously quantify the increase in absorption microencapsulation could provide, compared to traditional packed columns. The results indicate that, for chemical solvents, gas flux will be similar in the two cases, while for physical solvents gas flux into MECS may be larger, owing to the reduction in spatial scales. However, previous publications may have overestimated the increase in surface area that microencapsulation can provide by approximately 3‐10 times. Internal fluid flow inside fluidized MECS was also studied, and it was found that gas flux will be similar for stationary and fluidized particles. Overall, microencapsulation can be expected to increase gas absorption rates by approximately an order of magnitude for chemical solvents, and up to 2 orders of magnitude for physical solvents. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4066–4079, 2018
Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Heterocycles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam
Published: August 2018

Water, the most widely‐used solvent in Nature, has received considerable interest as an environmentally benign solvent in organic syntheses. The present account focuses on the use of water as the reaction medium under a variety of reaction conditions, including ambient temperature and pressure, heating/reflux, microwave irradiation and ultrasonication in the presence or absence of homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysts, in implementing the syntheses of a diverse range of heterocyclic scaffolds of biological significance reported during the period 2013–2017.
Efficient Iron‐Catalyzed Reductive N‐Alkylation of Aromatic Amines with Carboxylic Acid and Phenylsilane
Authors: Qiao Chang , Yao Xiang‐Yang , Liu Xiao‐Fang , Li Hong‐Ru , He Liang‐Nian
Published: August 2018

The development of efficient catalysts for the alkylation of amines with carboxylic acids is attracting much attention. Herein, we would like to report an earth‐abundant iron‐catalyzed protocol for the N‐alkylation of anilines using carboxylic acid as alkyl source and phenylsilane as reducing agent. With Fe2(CO)9 as a catalyst, a broad range of primary and secondary anilines are successfully converted to the corresponding tertiary anilines. Furthermore, this N‐alkylation mainly goes through the amide pathway; while the aldehyde pathway can not be ruled out.
Organization of the Thermal Grill Illusion by Spinal Segments
Authors: Fardo Francesca , Finnerup Nanna Brix , Haggard Patrick
Published: August 2018

Objective

A common symptom of neuropathy is the misperception of heat and pain from cold stimuli. Similar cold allodynic sensations can be experimentally induced using the thermal grill illusion (TGI) in humans. It is currently unclear whether this interaction between thermosensory and nociceptive signals depends on spinal or supraspinal integration mechanisms. To address this issue, we developed a noninvasive protocol to assess thermosensory integration across spinal segments.

Methods

We leveraged anatomical knowledge regarding dermatomes and their spinal projections to investigate potential contributions of spinal integration to the TGI. We simultaneously stimulated a pair of skin locations on the arm or lower back using 1 cold (∼20°C) and 1 warm thermode (∼40°C). The 2 thermodes were always separated by a fixed physical distance on the skin, but elicited neural activity across a varying number of spinal segments, depending on which dermatomal boundaries the 2 stimuli spanned.

Results

Participants consistently overestimated the actual cold temperature on the skin during combined cold and warm stimulation, confirming the TGI effect. The TGI was present when cold and warm stimuli were delivered within the same dermatome, or across dermatomes corresponding to adjacent spinal segments. In striking contrast, no TGI effect was found when cold and warm stimuli projected to nonadjacent spinal segments.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate that the strength of the illusion is modulated by the segmental distance between cold and warm afferents. This suggests that both temperature perception and thermal–nociceptive interactions depend upon low‐level convergence mechanisms operating within a single spinal segment and its immediate neighbors. Ann Neurol 2018;84:463–472
Perioperative Care During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Crosley Kristen M.
Published: August 2018

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a life‐changing surgical treatment. More than 150,000 patients worldwide have been treated with DBS, primarily for Parkinson disease and medically refractory tremor and dystonia. However, the use of DBS has recently expanded beyond traditional movement disorders to include the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, epilepsy, and other neurological and psychological diseases. Considering this expanded use of DBS, it is essential to understand the role that each member of the multidisciplinary health care team plays and how to avoid possible complications during this procedure. Proper patient selection, precise anatomical placement of the electrode, and proper programming of the implanted device are key aspects of DBS treatment. It also is valuable to understand how the deep brain stimulator is implanted and functions. Accurate lead placement that results in positive outcomes for patients relies on collaboration from an experienced perioperative team led by the neurosurgeon.
Utility Turns to Program Management Partner to Identify, Fill Technical Gaps
Authors: Payne Jeff
Published: August 2018

Facing a complex, $1.6 billion reservoir project, North Texas Municipal Water District tapped consultants for tailored guidance, allowing staff to focus on existing capital project load.
2018 State of the Water Industry: The Challenge of Building Resilience
Authors: Murphy Maripat
Published: August 2018

If every challenge represents an opportunity, the 2018 SOTWI survey shows an abundance of opportunities for the water industry.
An Anthraquinone/Carbon Fiber Composite as Cathode Material for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Werner Daniel , Apaydin Dogukan H. , Portenkirchner Engelbert
Published: August 2018

The transition from rare to natural abundant materials in rechargeable batteries is becoming a grand challenge in developing a resource sustainable power supply. Since decades, scientists attempt to circumvent the lithium's resource problem by innovating alternative active metal ions. A cost‐effective alternative to lithium is to use sodium (Na) as the carrier ion in rechargeable batteries. We present an electrode composite material comprising anthraquinone (AQ) and nanostructured carbon fibers, as a cathode material for Na‐ion batteries. These electrodes are characterized by a large surface area, ordered porous network, large pore volume and good electrical conductivity. The material is further compared to the water soluble, mono‐substituted anthraquinone derivative, sulfonated 9,10‐anthraquinone (SAQ). While the SAQ/carbon fiber composite demonstrates a moderate initial discharge capacity of ∼95 mAh g−1 accompanied by substantial, initial capacity fading, the AQ/carbon fiber composite shows a remarkably high discharge capacity of ∼307 mAh g−1 and exhibit reasonable cycling stability over 115 charge/discharge cycles in a Na containing electrolyte. This may be best explained by the well‐structured intermolecular π‐π stacking of the thermally evaporated AQ layers and with the subjacent carbon fibers. Since AQ and SAQ are widely‐used industrial pigments, they may offer a cost‐effective, abundant and environmentally benign cathode material for secondary Na‐ion and Na‐flow batteries.
Clinical benefit of treatment with eribulin mesylate for metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer: Long‐term outcomes of patients treated in the US community oncology setting
Authors: Mougalian Sarah S. , Copher Ronda , Kish Jonathan K. , McAllister Lindsay , Wang Zhixiao , Broscious Mary , Garofalo David , Radtchenko Janna , Feinberg Bruce A.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Real‐world data are critical to demonstrate the consistency of evidence and external generalizability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study examined characteristics and outcomes of metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients treated with eribulin mesylate at community oncology practices in the United States.

Methods

Physicians identified mTNBC patients initiating eribulin between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2014 and abstracted data into an electronic case report form (eCRF). Eribulin treatment in the metastatic setting was categorized as early use (EU, first‐/second‐line) and late use (LU, third‐line or later). Patient characteristics, overall survival (OS), disease response (per treating physician), and adverse events (AEs) rates in each group, respectively, are reported.

Results

Overall 252 eCRFs were completed: 125 (49.6%) EU and 127 (50.4%) LU. The median age at metastatic diagnosis was 53 years and 42.1% were stage IV at their initial diagnosis. The median duration of follow‐up from the initiation of first‐line treatment was 24 months. Rates of disease response (complete or partial per treating physician) were 69.9% in the EU group and 48.8% in the LU group. The five most commonly reported adverse events during eribulin were as follows: fatigue (65.1%), weakness (40.1%), decreased appetite (32.5%), neutropenia (31.0%), and leukopenia (27.4%). Discontinuation of eribulin due to AE was observed in 4.0% of patients. Median OS from initiation of eribulin was 23.0 months (95% CI: 18.7‐27.3) among EU and 14.7 (95% CI: 12.6‐16.9) among LU.

Conclusion

In the real‐world eribulin‐treated mTNBC, patients have more sites of metastatic disease and exposure to greater numbers of prior therapies compared to RCTs. The median OS of 14.7 months among LU patients is consistent with, and slightly longer than the 13.1 months and 14.4 months reported in the EMBRACE and Study 301 clinical trials, respectively.
Piperazine and methyldiethanolamine interrelationships in CO2 absorption by aqueous amine mixtures. Part I: Saturation rates of single‐reagent solutions
Authors: Costa Camilla , Demartini Marco , Di felice Renzo , Oliva Maddalena , Pagliai Paolo
Published: August 2018

Formulation of efficient absorbing solutions for carbon dioxide capture is essential to reduce the operation costs of industrial gas treatment plants.

Recently, mixed amine systems, typically composed of a tertiary and a primary or secondary amine, have been a growing interest in academic and industrial research. In particular, the so‐called activated methyldiethanolamine (aMDEA), which contains small amounts of piperazine (PZ), has become one of the most promising new candidates.

This work intends to perform a comparison between the performance of single amines on the one hand and their blends on the other hand with the aim of elucidating how PZ and MDEA can interact in the latter situation. In the first part, aqueous solutions made up of a pure reagent (either MDEA or PZ) were studied. Rates of CO2 transfer from a gas phase to unloaded and loaded solutions, up to nearly saturation points, were experimentally investigated for a wide range of operating conditions using a membrane contactor. Observed CO2 transfer rates were reproduced with a simple yet effective model that captured the main physical and chemical aspects.
Risk of Bias and Quality of Evidence for Treatment of ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Authors: Swanson James M.
Published: August 2018

Storebø et al. provide a concise summary of two Cochrane reviews about benefits and harms of treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with methylphenidate: (1) a review of 185 randomized controlled trials that estimated benefits (e.g., moderate‐to‐large reduction in teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms) and (2) a review of 260 nonrandomized trials that estimated harms (e.g., infrequent serious but frequent nonserious adverse events). They also mention (without providing much detail) additional information from the structured Cochrane method about the risk for bias in the trials reviewed (assessed as being high) and quality of evidence of the outcomes considered (rated as being very low). This led to the conclusion that “the jury is still out on benefits and harms.” A similar conclusion of the first review generated an extensive debate in the literature. Some details will be summarized and discussed herein to provide context in case the recent review and the summary by Storebø et al. revive the debate.
Mechanical property characterization of hundreds of single nuclei based on microfluidic constriction channel
Authors: Chang Chun‐Chieh , Wang Ke , Zhang Yi , Chen Deyong , Fan Beiyuan , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Wang Junbo , Wu Min‐Hsien , Chen Jian
Published: August 2018

As label‐free biomarkers, the mechanical properties of nuclei are widely treated as promising biomechanical markers for cell type classification and cellular status evaluation. However, previously reported mechanical parameters were derived from only around 10 nuclei, lacking statistical significances due to low sample numbers. To address this issue, nuclei were first isolated from SW620 and A549 cells, respectively, using a chemical treatment method. This was followed by aspirating them through two types of microfluidic constriction channels for mechanical property characterization. In this study, hundreds of nuclei were characterized, producing passage times of 0.5 ± 1.2 s for SW620 nuclei in type I constriction channel (n = 153), 0.045 ± 0.047 s for SW620 nuclei in type II constriction channel (n = 215) and 0.50 ± 0.86 s for A549 nuclei in type II constriction channel. In addition, neural network based pattern recognition was used to classify the nuclei isolated from SW620 and A549 cells, producing successful classification rates of 87.2% for diameters of nuclei, 85.5% for passage times of nuclei and 89.3% for both passage times and diameters of nuclei. These results indicate that the characterization of the mechanical properties of nuclei may contribute to the classification of different tumor cells.
An environmental DNA sampling method for aye‐ayes from their feeding traces
Authors: Aylward Megan L. , Sullivan Alexis P. , Perry George H. , Johnson Steig E. , Louis Edward E.
Published: August 2018

Noninvasive sampling is an important development in population genetic monitoring of wild animals. Particularly, the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) which can be collected without needing to encounter the target animal facilitates the genetic analysis of endangered species. One method that has been applied to these sample types is target capture and enrichment which overcomes the issue of high proportions of exogenous (nonhost) DNA from these lower quality samples. We tested whether target capture of mitochondrial DNA from sampled feeding traces of the aye‐aye, an endangered lemur species would yield mitochondrial DNA sequences for population genetic monitoring. We sampled gnawed wood where aye‐ayes excavate wood‐boring insect larvae from trees. We designed RNA probes complementary to the aye‐aye's mitochondrial genome and used these to isolate aye‐aye DNA from other nontarget DNA in these samples. We successfully retrieved six near‐complete mitochondrial genomes from two sites within the aye‐aye's geographic range that had not been sampled previously. Our method demonstrates the application of next‐generation molecular techniques to species of conservation concern. This method can likely be applied to alternative foraged remains to sample endangered species other than aye‐ayes.
Using canopy greenness index to identify leaf ecophysiological traits during the foliar senescence in an oak forest
Authors: Liu Zhunqiao , An Shuqing , Lu Xiaoliang , Hu Haibo , Tang Jianwu
Published: August 2018

Camera‐based observation of forest canopies allows for low‐cost, continuous, high temporal‐spatial resolutions of plant phenology and seasonality of functional traits. In this study, we extracted canopy color index (green chromatic coordinate, Gcc) from the time‐series canopy images provided by a digital camera in a deciduous forest in Massachusetts, USA. We also measured leaf‐level photosynthetic activities and leaf area index (LAI) development in the field during the growing season, and corresponding leaf chlorophyll concentrations in the laboratory. We used the Bayesian change point (BCP) approach to analyze Gcc. Our results showed that (1) the date of starting decline of LAI (DOY 263), defined as the start of senescence, could be mathematically identified from the autumn Gcc pattern by analyzing change points of the Gcc curve, and Gcc is highly correlated with LAI after the first change point when LAI was decreasing (R2 = 0.88, LAI < 2.5 m2/m2); (2) the second change point of Gcc (DOY 289) started a more rapid decline of Gcc when chlorophyll concentration and photosynthesis rates were relatively low (13.4 ± 10.0% and 23.7 ± 13.4% of their maximum values, respectively) and continuously reducing; and (3) the third change point of Gcc (DOY 295) marked the end of growing season, defined by the termination of photosynthetic activities, two weeks earlier than the end of Gcc curve decline. Our results suggested that with the change point analysis, camera‐based phenology observation can effectively quantify the dynamic pattern of the start of senescence (with declining LAI) and the end of senescence (when photosynthetic activities terminated) in the deciduous forest.
Biocrusts and their disturbance mediate the recruitment of native and exotic grasses from a hot desert ecosystem
Authors: Havrilla Caroline A. , Barger Nichole N.
Published: August 2018

In dryland ecosystems, biocrusts coexist in patchy mosaics with vascular plants and can influence plant performance through modifications of soil stability, hydrology, microclimate, and fertility. Biocrusts often have species‐specific effects on vascular plant recruitment and hypothesized to promote native over exotic plant establishment. While there is considerable interest in potential contributions of biocrusts to the biotic resistance of plant communities, relatively few studies have investigated this relationship. Particularly, we have a limited understanding of how biocrusts may impact exotic plant recruitment in hot desert ecosystems and how these relationships may be affected by biocrust disturbance. In a greenhouse setting, we investigated the effects of two biocrust types (cyanobacteria‐ and lichen‐dominated) from the hot, Chihuahuan Desert and their removal on the emergence, survival, growth, and overall recruitment performance of three perennial bunchgrasses: native species Aristida purpurea (Nutt.) and Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.), and exotic Eragrostis lehmanniana (Nees.). Specifically, we tested two hypotheses: (1) Intact biocrusts offer favorable microhabitats for increased performance of native vascular grass species but decrease performance and recruitment of exotic species E. lehmanniana, and (2) biocrust removal increases the recruitment of E. lehmanniana. Overall, we found cyanobacteria‐dominated biocrusts decreased seedling performance, while lichen‐dominated biocrusts increased performance. While biocrusts promoted E. lehmanniana emergence over that of the two natives, conversely, native species survival and growth responded more positively to biocrusts than the exotic. Biocrust removal increased E. lehmanniana recruitment, but had mixed effects on the two natives. These results indicate the importance of biocrusts and biocrust disturbance in shaping dryland plant community structure and generate interesting questions about possible contributions of biocrusts to the biotic resistance of plant communities.
Assessing spatial discreteness of Hudson Bay polar bear populations using telemetry and genetics
Authors: Viengkone Michelle , Derocher Andrew E. , Richardson Evan S. , Obbard Martyn E. , Dyck Markus G. , Lunn Nicholas J. , Sahanatien Vicki , Robinson Barry G. , Davis Corey S.
Published: August 2018

Identifying biologically meaningful populations is essential to the conservation and management of at‐risk species. Natural populations can be delineated using a variety of methods including tag recoveries, telemetry, stable isotopes, and population genetics, but understanding the processes that lead to and maintain the demographic and genetic distinctiveness of populations is also important. We combined telemetric and genetic data from three adjacent polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations in Hudson Bay, Canada, to compare two methods of defining structure. We compared the population structure inferred from utilization distributions (UDs) of 62 adult female polar bears tracked by satellite telemetry during the mating season by grouping individuals in two ways: (1) by the management population in which individuals were sampled (capture location), and (2) by population genetic assignment of individuals using marker data (genetic assignment). We found that space‐use overlap varied depending on how individuals were grouped. We found 19.1–34.4% UD overlap when capture locations were used to group individuals, but there was no UD overlap for bears across different genetic groupings. Wildlife management objectives should include consideration of genetic diversity and differentiation, and we found that using genetic assignment to augment analyses from telemetric data provided additional insights on population delineation.
Reinforcement learning–based QoS/QoE‐aware service function chaining in software‐driven 5G slices
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Zonghang , Zhang Yupeng , Long Ruiming , Yu Hongfang , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: August 2018

With the ever‐growing diversity of devices and applications that will be connected to 5G networks, flexible and agile service orchestration with acknowledged quality of experience (QoE) that satisfies the end user's functional and quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements is necessary. Software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are considered key enabling technologies for 5G core networks. In this regard, this paper proposes a reinforcement learning–based QoS/QoE‐aware service function chaining (SFC) scheme in SDN/NFV‐enabled 5G slices. First, it implements a lightweight QoS information collector based on the Link Layer Discovery Protocol, which works in a piggyback fashion on the southbound interface of the SDN controller, to enable QoS‐awareness. Then, a deep Q‐network–based orchestration agent is designed to support SFC in the context of NFV. The agent takes into account the QoE and QoS as key aspects to formulate the reward so that it is expected to maximize QoE while respecting QoS constraints. The experiment results show that the proposed framework exhibits good performance in QoE provisioning and QoS requirements maintenance for SFC in dynamic network environments.
A generalized multi‐wavelength propagation model for VLC indoor channels using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ramirez‐Aguilera A.M. , Luna‐Rivera J.M. , Guerra V. , Rabadan J. , Perez‐Jimenez R. , Lopez‐Hernandez F.J.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce the Matrix‐MMC propagation model for indoor wireless optical channels. This proposed method is evolved from the modified Monte Carlo (MMC)–based ray tracing algorithm, but in addition to the properties of MMC, it has the capability of capturing reflection phenomena implying changes on wavelength (eg, fluorescence, phosphorescence, or iridescence) with a simplified analytical expression. The model provides unprecedented information about the mechanism of surface reflection in a visible light communication channel, which influences the propagation of the light waves, that depends on wavelength.
BIM for tunnelling for a company – Approaches and strategies
Authors: Gruber Christian , Weiner Thorsten , Zuchtriegel Ralf
Published: August 2018

The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for tunnelling projects, is not yet very common in Austria or Germany. First attempts to use BIM in tunnelling are being undertaken on specially selected and supported projects, but this can only be considered a first small step. In the following article, the current status and progress of BIM in tunnelling in Austria and Germany will be described and compared. Furthermore, the article focuses on a range of different aspects of BIM in tunnelling. Particular attention is paid to the special requirements of underground mining. This regards the challenges of the state of the art software capacities concerning the complex geometrical structures of underground constructions. Another important aspect is the interaction between ground and excavation method. The physical properties of the ground will never be completely known. Therefore, consolidated basics/rules for the behaviour and treatment of the ground have to be developed. BIM follows the principle of ”first build virtually, then in reality“, for which reason construction companies have to be involved in the early planning phase. It is necessary to develop new contract models and to strive for a cooperative partnership.