bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Augmented Floating Treatment Wetlands for Efficient Treatment of Synthetic Textile Dye Wastewater
Authors: Nawaz Neeha , Ali Shafaqat , Shabir Ghulam , Rizwan Muhammad , Shakoor Muhammad Bilal , Shahid Munazzam Jawad , Afzal Muhammad , Arslan Muhammad , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: May 2020

Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is an innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly option for wastewater treatment. The dyes in textile wastewater degrade water quality and pose harmful effects to living organisms. In this study, FTWs, vegetated with Phragmites australis and augmented with specific bacteria, were used to treat dye-enriched synthetic effluent. Three different types of textile wastewater were synthesized by adding three different dyes in tap water separately. The FTWs were augmented with three pollutants degrading and plant growth promoting bacterial strains (i.e., Acinetobacter junii strain NT-15, Rhodococcus sp. strain NT-39, and Pseudomonas indoloxydans strain NT-38). The water samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), color, bacterial survival and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Pb and Fe). The results indicated that the FTWs removed pollutants and color from the treated water; however, the inoculated bacteria in combination with plants further enhanced the remediation potential of floating wetlands. In FTWs with P. australis and augmented with bacterial inoculum, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, COD, BOD and color of dyes were significantly reduced as compared to only vegetated and non-vegetated floating treatment wetlands without bacterial inoculation. Similarly, the FTWs application successfully removed the heavy metal from the treated dye-enriched wastewater, predominately by FTWs inoculated with bacterial strains. The bacterial augmented vegetated FTWs, in the case of dye 1, reduced the concentration of Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb by 75%, 73.3%, 86.9%, 75%, 70% and 76.7%, respectively. Similarly, the bacterial inoculation to plants in the case of dye 2 achieved 77.5% (Cu), 73.3% (Ni), 83.3% (Zn), 77.5% (Fe), 66.7% (Mn) and 73.3% (Pb) removal rates. Likewise in the case of dye 3, which was treated with plants and inoculated bacteria, the metals removal rates were 77.5%, 73.3%, 89.7%, 81.0%, 70% and 65.5% for Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb, respectively. The inoculated bacteria showed persistence in water, in roots and in shoots of the inoculated plants. The bacteria also reduced the dye-induced toxicity and promoted plant growth for all three dyes. The overall results suggested that FTW could be a promising technology for the treatment of dye-enriched textile effluent. Further research is needed in this regard before making it commercially applicable.
Effect of Pressure, H2/CO Ratio and Reduction Conditions on Co–Mn/CNT Bimetallic Catalyst Performance in Fischer–Tropsch Reaction
Authors: Akbarzadeh Omid , Mohd Zabidi Noor Asmawati , Wang Guangxin , Kordijazi Amir , Sadabadi Hamed , Moosavi Seyedehmaryam , Amani Babadi Arman , Hamizi Nor Aliya , Abdul Wahab Yasmin , Ab Rahman Marlinda , Sagadevan Suresh , Chowdhury Zaira Zaman , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: May 2020

The effects of process conditions on Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) product distributions were studied using a fixed-bed microreactor and a Co–Mn/CNT catalyst. Cobalt and Manganese, supported on Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) catalyst were prepared by a Strong Electrostatic Adsorption (SEA) method. CNT supports were initially acid and thermally treated in order to functionalize support to uptake more Co clusters. Catalyst samples were characterized by Transmitted Electron Microscope (TEM), particle size analyzer, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). TEM images showed catalyst metal particle intake on CNT support with different Co and Mn loading percentage. Performance test of Co–Mn/CNT in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was carried out in a fixed-bed micro-reactor at different pressures (from 1 atm to 25 atm), H2/CO ratio (0.5–2.5), and reduction temperature and duration. The reactor was connected to the online Gas Chromatograph (GC) for product analysis. It was found that the reaction conditions have the dominant effect on product selectivity. Cobalt catalyst supported on acid and thermal pre-treated CNT at optimum reaction condition resulted in CO conversion of 58.7% and C5+ selectivity of 59.1%.
Multi-Classifier Approaches for Supporting Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Groccia Maria Carmela , Guido Rosita , Conforti Domenico
Published: May 2020

Diagnosis is one of the most important processes in the medical field. Since the knowledge domains of clinical specialties are expanding rapidly in terms of complexity and volume of data, clinicians have, in many cases, difficulties to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, intelligent and quantitative support for diagnostic tasks can be effectively exploited for improving the effectiveness of the process and reduce misdiagnosis. In this respect, Multi-Classifier Systems represent one of the most promising approaches within Machine Learning methodologies. This paper proposes a Multi-Classifier Systems framework for supporting diagnostic activities with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy. The framework uses and combines several classification algorithms by dynamically selecting the most competent classifier according to the test sample and its location in the feature space. Here, we extend our previous research. The new experimental results, compared with several multi classifier techniques, based on dynamic classifier selection, on classification datasets, show that the performance of the proposed framework exceeds the state-of-the-art dynamic classifier selection techniques.
Study of Cooperative Strategy Based on Space–Time Labeling Diversity in Indoor Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Bao Jing-Jing , Mai Qiang , Tu Jih-Fu
Published: May 2020

As an emerging technique of wireless communication, visible light communication is experiencing a boom in the global communications field, and the dream of accessing the Internet with light is fast becoming a reality. Multiple input multiple output, which is a key technique in radio frequency communication, can multiply channel capacity. However, it suffers the trouble of too large channel correlation when directly applied to visible light communication. The aims of this paper were to investigate spatial modulation and cooperative communication, then put forward a cooperative strategy based on space–time labeling diversity for indoor visible light communication systems to achieve high reliability. This scheme was conceived in two steps: (1) a cooperative indoor visible light communication system with a source luminaire, a relay luminaire, and a destination receiver was set up by employing the idea of cooperative transmission. Relative to the destination receiver, these two luminaires can be symmetric or asymmetric in geographical distribution. (2) Space–time labeling diversity of the constellations at the source luminaire was re-adjusted at the relay luminaire to enlarge the product of the distance of corresponding points on both constellations and was introduced on the basis of spatial modulation. Furthermore, total bit error ratio of the proposed cooperative indoor visible light communication system was derived. This scheme was implemented through Monte Carlo simulation. Evaluations of performance demonstrated the superiority of the cooperative strategy based on space–time labeling diversity over conventional optical transmission schemes. The presented approach in this paper could be of some value and interest to those who are working on visible light communication devices.
The Theoretical Relationship between the CCR Model and the Two-Stage DEA Model with an Application in the Efficiency Analysis of the Financial Industry
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chi , Cheng Ching-Hsue , Nguyen Van Trung , Tsai Meei-Ing
Published: May 2020

Since Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes introduced data envelopment analysis (DEA) in 1978, later called the DEA-CCR model, many studies applied this technique to different fields. Based on the original CCR model, many modified DEA models were developed by researchers. Since 1999, Seiford and Zhu presented a two-stage DEA model. Later, these models were widely used in many studies. However, the relationship between the efficiency scores that are obtained from the original CCR model and the two-stage DEA model remains unknown. To fill this gap, this study proposed a theoretical relationship between the efficiency scores that are calculated from the two-stage DEA model and those that are obtained from the original CCR model. How the sets of nonsymmetrical weights affected the efficiency scores were also investigated. Theorems regarding the relationship were developed, and then the model was utilized to evaluate the two-stage efficiency scores of the insurance companies (non-life) and bank branches. The results show that using a two-stage DEA model can get more information about operational efficiency than the traditional CCR model does. The findings from this study about the two-stage DEA technique can provide significant reasons for using this model to evaluate performance efficiency.
On the Convergence Rate of Clenshaw–Curtis Quadrature for Jacobi Weight Applied to Functions with Algebraic Endpoint Singularities
Authors: Arama Ahlam , Xiang Shuhuang , Khan Suliman
Published: May 2020

Applying the aliasing asymptotics on the coefficients of the Chebyshev expansions, the convergence rate of Clenshaw–Curtis quadrature for Jacobi weights is presented for functions with algebraic endpoint singularities. Based upon a new constructed symmetric Jacobi weight, the optimal error bound is derived for this kind of function. In particular, in this case, the Clenshaw–Curtis quadrature for a new constructed Jacobi weight is exponentially convergent. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results.
A Comprehensive Review on Theoretical Aspects of Nanofluids: Exact Solutions and Analysis
Authors: Sheikh Nadeem Ahmad , Chuan Ching Dennis Ling , Khan Ilyas
Published: May 2020

In the present era, nanofluids are one of the most important and hot issue for scientists, physicists, and mathematicians. Nanofluids have many important and updated characteristics compared to conventional fluids. The thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and the heat transfer rate of conventional fluids are not up to the mark for industrial and experimental uses. To overcome these deficiencies, nanoparticles have been dispersed into base fluids to make them more efficient. The heat transfer characteristics through symmetry trapezoidal-corrugated channels can be enhanced using nanofluids. In the present article, a literature survey has been presented for different models of nanofluids and their solutions—particularly, exact solutions. The models for hybrid nanofluids were also mentioned in the present study. Furthermore, some important and most used models for the viscosity, density, coefficient of thermal expansion, coefficient of mass expansion, heat capacitance, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity are also presented in tabular form. Moreover, some future suggestions are also provided in this article.
An Interactive Decision-Making Method for Third-Party Logistics Provider Selection under Hybrid Multi-Criteria
Authors: Liu Yumin , Zhou Peng , Li Liyuan , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2020

Due to the complexity and uncertainty of third-party logistics (3PL) provider selection circumstances, the research on the hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (HMCDM) method with fuzzy hesitation information is becoming more and more important. Based on symmetry principles, both the objectivity of the decision information and the subjectivity of decision makers’ (DMs) preferences should be considered in the HMCDM method. In this paper, a novel interactive decision-making method to deal with the 3PL provider selection problem of hesitant fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets and real numbers is developed. We first investigate the positive and negative ideal solutions of the alternative and the satisfaction degree of the DMs under hybrid multi-criteria circumstances. Then, the interactive HMCDM models based on satisfaction degrees are established, which can use objective decision information to rank alternatives and, symmetrically, the preference information of the DMs is also taken into account. DMs can modify their preference information using the models and thus make the most reasonable selection of 3PL provider. Finally, the case analysis and sensitivity analysis show that the change of parameter and the setting of the satisfaction lower limit will not affect the optimal rank of alternatives, and the feasibility of the proposed method is confirmed.
Ptaquiloside and Pterosin B Levels in Mature Green Fronds and Sprouts of Pteridium arachnoideum
Authors: Ribeiro Debora da Silva Freitas , Keller Kelly Moura , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: May 2020

Pteridium arachnoideum, a fern of the Pteridium aquilinum species complex found in South America, is responsible for several different syndromes of poisoning. Cases of bovine enzootic hematuria and upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma are both frequent occurrences in Brazil, whereas only bovine enzootic hematuria is noted with any frequency around the world. The reason for the high frequency of upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma in Brazil is not currently known. One possible explanation may be the higher levels of ptaquiloside and pterosin B in Brazilian Pteridium than those present in the plant in other countries. However, these levels have not yet been determined in P. arachnoideum. Thus, the present study aimed to measure and compare ptaquiloside and pterosin B levels in mature green fronds and sprouts of P. arachnoideum collected from different locations in Brazil. Samples of P. arachnoideum were collected from the states of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 28 mature leaf samples and 23 sprout samples were used. The mean concentrations of ptaquiloside and pterosin B present in the mature green fronds of P. arachnoideum ranged from 2.49 to 2.75 mg/g and 0.68 to 0.88 mg/g, respectively; in P. arachnoideum sprouts, mean concentrations of ptaquiloside and pterosin B ranged from 12.47 to 18.81 mg/g, and 4.03 to 10.42 mg/g for ptaquiloside and pterosin B, respectively. Thus, ptaquiloside and pterosin B levels in P. arachnoideum samples collected in Brazil were higher in sprouts than in mature green fronds, as observed in other countries. However, there was no variation in ptaquiloside levels among plants collected from different cities in Brazil. The high frequency of upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma in Brazilian cattle may not be attributed to greater levels of ptaquiloside and pterosin B in P. arachnoideum than in other Pteridium species in other countries.
Cnf1 Variants Endowed with the Ability to Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier: A New Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Colarusso Andrea , Maroccia Zaira , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Germinario Elena Angela Pia , Fortuna Andrea , Loizzo Stefano , Ricceri Laura , Tutino Maria Luisa , Fiorentini Carla , Fabbri Alessia
Published: May 2020

Among gliomas, primary tumors originating from glial cells, glioblastoma (GBM) identified as WHO grade IV glioma, is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor. We have previously shown that the Escherichia coli protein toxin cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) is remarkably effective as an anti-neoplastic agent in a mouse model of glioma, reducing the tumor volume, increasing survival, and maintaining the functional properties of peritumoral neurons. However, being unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), CNF1 requires injection directly into the brain, which is a very invasive administration route. Thus, to overcome this pitfall, we designed a CNF1 variant characterized by the presence of an N-terminal BBB-crossing tag. The variant was produced and we verified whether its activity was comparable to that of wild-type CNF1 in GBM cells. We investigated the signaling pathways engaged in the cell response to CNF1 variants to provide preliminary data to the subsequent studies in experimental animals. CNF1 may represent a novel avenue for GBM therapy, particularly because, besides blocking tumor growth, it also preserves the healthy surrounding tissue, maintaining its architecture and functionality. This renders CNF1 the most interesting candidate for the treatment of brain tumors, among other potentially effective bacterial toxins.
The Effect of Climate Change and Urbanization on the Demand for Low Impact Development for Three Canadian Cities
Authors: Kaykhosravi Sarah , Khan Usman T. , Jadidi Mojgan A.
Published: May 2020

Climate change and urbanization are increasing the intensity and frequency of floods in urban areas. Low Impact Development (LID) is a technique which attenuates runoff and manages urban flooding. However, the impact of climate change and urbanization on the demand or need for LID in cities for both current and future conditions is not known. The primary goal of this research was to evaluate the demand for LID under different climate change and urban growth scenarios based on a physical-based geospatial framework called the hydrological-hydraulic index (HHI). To do this, 12 scenarios considering four climate change and three urbanization conditions were developed. The HHI for three cities in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) were estimated, evaluated, and compared for these scenarios. The results show that both urbanization and climate change increase the demand for LID. The contribution of climate change and urbanization on LID demand, measured using HHI, varies for each city: in Toronto and Montreal, high rainfall intensity and low permeability mean that climate change is dominant, whereas, in Vancouver, both climate change and urbanization have a similar impact on LID demand. Toronto and Montreal also have a higher overall demand for LID and the rate of increase in demand is higher over the study period. The results of this study provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the effect of climate and urbanization on the demand for LID, which can be used for flood management, urban planning, and sustainable development of cities.
Greenhouse Crop Residue and Its Derived Biochar: Potential as Adsorbent of Cobalt from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Iáñez-Rodríguez Irene , Calero Mónica , Blázquez Gabriel , Martín-Lara María Ángeles
Published: May 2020

This work is focused on the removal of cobalt from aqueous solutions using the greenhouse crop residue and biochars resulting from its pyrolysis at different temperatures, which have not been previously used for this purpose. This study aims to provide insights into the effect of pyrolysis temperature as a key parameter on the cobalt adsorption capacity of these materials. Firstly, the main physicochemical properties of greenhouse crop residue and its biochars prepared under different pyrolysis temperatures were characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR, among others. Then, the cobalt adsorption capacity of materials was evaluated in batch systems. The best results were obtained for the biochar prepared by pyrolysis at 450 °C (adsorption capacity of 28 mg/g). Generally, the adsorption capacity of the materials increased with pyrolysis temperature. However, when the treatment temperature was increased up to 550 °C, a biochar with worse properties and behavior than cobalt adsorbent was produced. Rather than surface area and other physical properties, functional groups were found to influence cobalt adsorption onto the prepared materials. The adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The obtained equilibrium data were fitted better by the Langmuir model rather than the Freundlich model. Finally, decomposition of loaded-materials was analyzed to assess their possible recycling as fuel materials. The study suggested that greenhouse crop residue can be used as a low-cost alternative adsorbent for cobalt removal from aqueous solutions.
Evaluation of Snowmelt Estimation Techniques for Enhanced Spring Peak Flow Prediction
Authors: Agnihotri Jetal , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: May 2020

Water resources management and planning requires accurate and reliable spring flood forecasts. In cold and snowy countries, particularly in snow-dominated watersheds, enhanced flood prediction requires adequate snowmelt estimation techniques. Whereas the majority of the studies on snow modeling have focused on comparing the performance of empirical techniques and physically based methods, very few studies have investigated empirical models and conceptual models for improving spring peak flow prediction. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of empirical degree-day method (DDM) to effectively and accurately predict peak flows compared to sophisticated and conceptual SNOW-17 model at two watersheds in Canada: the La-Grande River Basin (LGRB) and the Upper Assiniboine river at Shellmouth Reservoir (UASR). Additional insightful contributions include the evaluation of a seasonal model calibration approach, an annual model calibration method, and two hydrological models: McMaster University Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenbalansavdelning (MAC-HBV) and Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting model (SAC-SMA). A total of eight model scenarios were considered for each watershed. Results indicate that DDM was very competitive with SNOW-17 at both the study sites, whereas it showed significant improvement in prediction accuracy at UASR. Moreover, the seasonally calibrated model appears to be an effective alternative to an annual model calibration approach, while the SAC-SMA model outperformed the MAC-HBV model, no matter which snowmelt computation method, calibration approach, or study basin is used. Conclusively, the DDM and seasonal model calibration approach coupled with the SAC-SMA hydrologic model appears to be a robust model combination for spring peak flow estimation.
Assessing the Water-Stress Baselines by Thermal Imaging for Irrigation Management in Almond Plantations under Water Scarcity Conditions
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gordillo Saray , García-Tejero Iván Francisco , Durán Zuazo Víctor Hugo , García Escalera Amelia , Ferrera Gil Fernando , Amores-Agüera José Juan , Cárceles Rodríguez Belén , Hernández-Santana Virginia
Published: May 2020

This work examines the use of thermal imaging to determine the crop water status in young almond trees under sustained deficit irrigation strategies (SDIs). The research was carried out during two seasons (2018–2019) in three cultivars (Prunus dulcis Mill., cvs. Guara, Lauranne, and Marta) subjected to three irrigation treatments: a full irrigation treatment (FI) at 100% of irrigation requirements (IR), and two SDIs that received 75% and 65% of the IR, respectively. Crop water monitoring was done by measurements of canopy temperature, leaf water potential (Ψleaf), and stomatal conductance. Thermal readings were used to define the non-water-stress baselines (NWSB) and water-stress baselines (WSB) for each treatment and cultivar. According to our findings, Ψleaf was the most responsive parameter to reflect differences in almond water status. In addition, NWSB and WSB allowed the determination of the crop water-stress index (CWSI) and the increment of canopy temperature (ITC) for each SDI treatment, obtaining threshold values of CWSI (0.12–0.15) and ITC (~1 °C) that would ensure maximum water savings by minimizing the effects on yield. The findings highlight the importance of determining the different NWSB and WSB for different almond cultivars and its potential use for proper irrigation scheduling.
Medición de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en la Unión Europea a través de indicadores compuestos
Authors: Lorenzo Claudia
Published: May 2020

La Agenda 2030 es un plan de acción adoptado por gobiernos y sociedad para converger en un modelo de desarrollo sostenible. Centrándose en la Unión Europea, el objetivo de este trabajo es representar la situación de cada país miembro en materia de sostenibilidad en los años 2010 y 2017 con la elaboración de un indicador sintético. En el marco de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) se analizan 66 variables e indicadores relacionados con su característica multidimensional, con el fin de cuantificar los avances sociales, económicos y ambientales en el área objeto de estudio y evaluar con ello el cum-plimiento de las metas propuestas. Se propone la agregación de 17 indicadores vinculados a cada uno de los ODS, que a su vez se combinan para crear un único indicador de desarrollo sostenible.
Microcytosis as a risk marker of cancer in primary care: a cohort study using electronic patient records
Authors: Hopkins Rhian , Bailey Sarah ER , Hamilton William T , Shephard Elizabeth A
Published: May 2020

Background

Microcytosis (smaller than normal red blood cells) has previously been identified as a possible early risk marker for some cancers. However, the role of microcytosis across all cancers has not been fully investigated.

Aim

To examine cancer incidence in a cohort of patients with microcytosis, with and without accompanying anaemia.

Design and setting

Cohort study of patients aged ≥40 years using UK primary care electronic patient records.

Method

The 1-year cancer incidence was compared between cohorts of patients with a mean red cell volume of <85 femtolitres (fL) (low) or 85–101 fL (normal). Further analyses examined sex, age group, cancer site, and haemoglobin values.

Results

Of 12 289 patients with microcytosis, 497 had a new cancer diagnosis within 1 year (4.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.7 to 4.4), compared with 1465 of 73 150 without microcytosis (2.0%, CI = 1.9 to 2.1). In males, 298 out of 4800 with microcytosis were diagnosed with cancer (6.2%, CI = 5.5 to 6.9), compared with 940 out of 34 653 without (2.7%, CI = 2.5 to 2.9). In females with microcytosis, 199 out of 7489 were diagnosed with cancer (2.7%, CI = 2.3 to 3.1), compared with 525 out of 38 497 without (1.4%, CI = 1.3 to 1.5). In patients with microcytosis but normal haemoglobin, 86 out of 2637 males (3.3%, CI = 2.6 to 4.0) and 101 out of 5055 females (2.0%, CI = 1.6 to 2.4) were diagnosed with cancer.

Conclusion

Microcytosis is a predictor of underlying cancer even if haemoglobin is normal. Although a benign explanation is more likely, clinicians in primary care should consider simple testing for cancer on encountering unexplained microcytosis, particularly in males.
Landscape linkages for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis in Cyprus
Authors: Erotokritou Elena , Vogiatzakis Ioannis N.
Published: May 2020

The effects of habitat fragmentation on species distribution are well documented. Measuring habitat connectivity is an important prerequisite for species conservation and management in fragmented landscapes. The aim of this study was to evaluate landscape connectivity in the region of Troodos massif, Cyprus for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis, for which information on the ecology and distribution are limited. The methodology employs two approaches to evaluate aspects of habitat connectivity in the landscape. We used Least Cost Path Analysis (LPCA) to identify potential species movement routes between core habitat areas, and a graph analytical approach to identify critical nodes and links for the potential expansion and long-term viability of the species in the region using CONEFOR software. We used the results of these methods to evaluate the spatial configuration of the existing Natura 2000 sites in the study area with reference to the species known distribution. We identified 20 habitat core areas, ranging in size from 0.61km2 to 580.08km2, with a combined extent of 966.62km2, covering 34% percent of the Natura 2000 sites in the area. Pathways length varied from 0.68 to 5.04km transversing 29.6km of inhospitable territory for the species. The LCPA identified important movement routes and demonstrated that there is a good degree of connectivity between habitat core areas. CONEFOR analysis evidenced that in particular three land parcels located in the forest complexes of Paphos, Troodos and Adelfoi are the most important for sustaining connectivity among the 17 examined land parcels.
Suivi local d’une communauté de rongeurs dans la région de Lansarine au nord de la Tunisie : activité et distribution spatiale et temporelle des espèces / Local monitoring of a rodent community in the Lansarine region of northern Tunisia : activity, spatial and temporal distribution of species
Authors: Ben Ibrahim Aymen , Ben Salem Imed , Labidi Imen , Chetoui M'Barek , Nouira Saïd
Published: May 2020

Les rongeurs constituent un groupe complexe et hétérogène ; ils ont une grande capacité de prolifération et d’adaptation. En Tunisie, nous avons identifié 24 espèces, dont 18 appartiennent à la famille des Muridae, qui est la plus diverse et la plus représentée. Nous avons capturé six espèces de rongeurs dans la région de Lansarine au nord du pays. Les différents sites sélectionnés dans cette région ont permis d’identifier le nombre d’espèces colonisant cette zone, celle-ci étant caractérisée par l’hétérogénéité des conditions physiques et climatiques qui déterminent la répartition et la structure des populations de rongeurs. Cette étude s’appuie sur des observations de terrain et des indices de diversité et d’association afin de décrire la communauté de rongeurs. Elle montre que le nombre de spécimens capturés dans cette région varie d’une saison à l’autre. Les espèces sont réparties suivant un gradient d’altitude, de manière à réduire la compétition. Pendant la nuit, la lumière naturelle de la lune peut être un facteur permettant ou limitant le mouvement des individus. Nous avons également remarqué que la distribution temporelle de ces espèces est influencée par les phases de la lune. Indépendamment de la description numérique de la communauté de rongeurs dans la région de Lansarine, cette étude révèle que les facteurs du milieu (altitude et luminosité) et la composition de la communauté (l’invasion de l’espèce urbaine Rattus norvegicus) ont un impact sur la répartition et l’activité des différentes espèces. Une meilleure compréhension des stratégies d’adaptation des espèces à l’évolution de ces facteurs permettra d’anticiper l’évolution de la communauté face à d’autres changements dans ce milieu.
Diversité floristique du Mont Guerouaou (Sehary Guebli, Région de Djelfa, Algérie) en fonction des paramètres stationnels / Floristic diversity of Guerouaou Mountain (Sehary Guebli, Djelfa region, Algeria) according to the environmental factors
Authors: Guit Brahim , Nedjimi Bouzid
Published: May 2020

The present work was conducted to examine the effect of environmental factors on the floristic diversity of Guerouaou Mount located in Bastama forest (Sehary Guebli massif) at Djelfa province (Algeria). Thirty-six floristic surveys (totaling 1600m2) were taken across an altitudinal gradient established on south and north exposures. The results revealed the presence of 77 species belonging to 23 botanical families of which Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae were the dominant families. In this area the therophytes are the principal biological type. The north exposition (predominance of trees) is characterized by high specific richness compared to the south exposition where shrubs are dominant. The multivariate analyses (HCA and CA) showed the presence of 4 groups of vegetation related to xeric and altitudinal gradients. Conservation and restoration strategies of these ecosystems are recommended.
Seed weight and container capacity effects on emergence and early growth of the Mediterranean oak (Quercus suber L.) seedlings in nursery
Authors: Benamirouche Samir , Chouial Mebarek , Guechi Wiam
Published: May 2020

The goal of this study was to assess the effects of seed weight and container capacity on cork oak seedling growth and attributes during nursery cultivation. Seedlings were grown from seeds of known weights sown in three WM type containers of 400cm3, 800cm3 and 1,200cm3 filled with a compost of Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. Seedling quality was evaluated through some growth parameters including seedling emergence time and percentage, seedling height and collar diameter, shoot and root dry weight measured on thirty seedlings per container type randomly selected after seedling emergence was completed. The results showed that seedling emergence and growth were rather influenced by container size than seed weight. The 1,200cm3 container had the highest values for all growth parameters throughout the nursery period while the 400cm3 had the smallest values ; the 800cm3 being intermediate. However, increasing container volume improved much more growth than quality in cork oak seedling. In fact, seedlings grown in large WM type container showed the highest growth values throughout the nursery period but, unluckily, not the best quality attributes. Thus, breeding of cork oak seedlings in containers up to 400cm3 in capacity will be justified only if planting stock produced in such a way will result in high quality seedlings with high outplanting success.
Germination characteristics of old seeds help explain coexistence of selected dry grassland species
Authors: Sipek Mirjana , Šajna Nina
Published: May 2020

Coexistence of congeneric dry grassland species presents an interesting opportunity to evaluate traits of closely related co-occurring species. Coexisting congeneric species, exhibiting common traits, are expected to experience strong niche-overlap, which can intensify competition. Mechanisms that enable coexistence should also reduce competition. We assume that plant characteristics differing among coexisting species would diminishing interspecific competition and therefore enable coexistence. We were interested in the species characteristics of three congeneric pairs found in the same sub-Mediterranean montane grassland (the Karst region in Slovenia) : Anthyllis montana var. jacquinii, Anthyllis vulneraria, Gentiana clusii, Gentiana verna ssp. tergestina, Plantago holosteum and Plantago media and an additional four accompanying common species. We compared their morphological and reproduction traits as recorded in the literature. We performed germination studies with seven-year-old seeds and compared germination rate under various conditions. Old seeds of A. montana var. jacquinii, A. vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Coronilla vaginalis, P. holosteum and Centaurea rupestris were able to germinate. Clustering analysis (k-means clustering) on traits and germination data resulted in two clusters, which produced ecologically interpretable patterns. Congeners were always found in separate clusters. Analysis showed the most prominent difference between clusters was germination rate at low temperatures. Results showed that, because of the high germination rate of old seeds in Anthyllis congeners, they have the potential to form longterm persistent seed banks, whereby the germination rate in the rarer congener was lower. Between Plantago congeners, the rare species exhibited the potential to be persistent in soil seed banks, however, only in the presence of unfavorable germination conditions. Seeds from both Gentiana congeners were shortlived rather than dormant. Studying coexisting species that occupy similar niches is becoming increasingly important, since the possibility for competitive, ecologically similar species to meet increases along with the range changes caused by global climate change.
Práticas de ensino da leitura e formação de professores: contribuições do PNAIC
Authors: Souza Nathália Cristina Amorim Tamaio de
Published: May 2020

O ensino da leitura costuma ser tema recorrente no âmbito dos programas de formação continuada de professores. Contudo, os modos de mediação da aprendizagem da leitura continuam sendo alvo de tensões na área, uma vez que as bases desse trabalho nem sempre convergem. Muitas vezes, concebe-se a ideia de leitura como decodificação de palavras, enquanto, em outros casos, a ênfase concentra-se na mobilização de estratégias cognitivas. Pensando nisso, e defendendo a segunda abordagem, este artigo objetiva analisar as contribuições do PNAIC no que se refere às práticas de ensino da leitura, considerando como fontes geradoras de dados os registros de Orientadores de Estudo que acompanharam os Professores Alfabetizadores, em 2015, e os cadernos de formação disponibilizados no mesmo ano. Tais materiais foram apreciados à luz da perspectiva sociocultural e revelaram aspectos positivos quanto à incorporação e à ressignificação dos conhecimentos relacionados à leitura pelos professores participantes do programa.
A leitura pessoal de literatura na escola como possibilidade de formação do leitor: contribuições da leitura subjetiva
Authors: Daibello Cláudia de Oliveira , Ometto Cláudia Beatriz de C. N.
Published: May 2020

O presente texto apresenta o recorte de uma pesquisa mais ampla, que busca compreender práticas de leitura de literatura realizadas no contexto escolar e também apontar possibilidades para um trabalho com literatura na escola com foco na experiência pessoal da criança com o texto literário. Neste texto, temos como objetivo apresentar as contribuições da perspectiva didática proposta por autores franceses, como Rouxel (2012, 2013), e nomeada como Leitura Subjetiva.
Studies in Neotropical Araliaceae. IV. Three New Species of Sciodaphyllum from the Eastern Andes of Central Peru
Authors: Mora M. Marcela , Lowry II Porter P. , Plunkett Gregory M.
Published: May 2020

Sciodaphyllum P. Browne (Araliaceae) has recently been resurrected to accommodate the majority of Neotropical species previously included in Schefflera J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. Recent field and herbarium studies have revealed many distinctive new species of Sciodaphyllum, including three from the eastern slopes of the Andes in central Peru, which are described and illustrated here: S. geniculatum M. M. Mora, Lowry & G. M. Plunkett, S. oxapampense G. M. Plunkett, Lowry & M. M. Mora, and S. rodolfoi Lowry, G. M. Plunkett & M. M. Mora. The conservation status of S. geniculatum is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, whereas both S. oxapampense and S. rodolfoi are assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
The potential effects of dietary flavones on diabetic nephropathy; a review of mechanisms
Authors: Menati Lida , Meisami Amirhosein , Zarebavani Mitra
Published: May 2020

Diabetes as a chronic metabolic disorder affects the worldwide population with high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Different complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, ocular diseases, and cardiovascular disease are common in patients with diabetes that threaten the patient’s lifestyle. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) usually is related to some major structural alterations in the kidney which characterized by generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inhibition of antioxidant systems in kidney tissue. Different natural agents have been introduced to be used as a complementary treatment to prevent diabetic kidney disease. Flavones (apigenin, luteolin, nobiletin and chrysin) as a subgroup of flavonoids are natural occurring substances which have several pharmacological activates, including antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor efficacy. Recent evidence indicated that flavones may be effective for prevention and treatment of diabetes complications in experimental models. The present study was designed to review the relationship between flavones administration and diabetes and diabetic kidney disease by focusing on the possible molecular pathway. The findings indicate that flavones have protective effects against diabetic kidney disease by modulation of different pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in animal models. Therefore, more clinical investigations are suggested to be conducted to find the protective effects of flavones in patients with diabetes.
Relationship between biochemical indices in hemodialysis patients and mortality; survival analysis
Authors: Jahanbani Far Mojde , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Jalali Tahereh , Izadi Amin , Yarmohamadi Maliheh
Published: May 2020

Introduction: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis pay high costs and suffer from complications like premature death. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the relationship of various blood parameters in hemodialysis with premature death. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 90 hemodialysis patients were enrolled using consensus sampling method. Demographic characteristics were recorded. Additionally, serum level of ferritin and biochemical parameters were assessed. The log-rank test for survival probability and Cox proportional-hazards model were applied to examine the correlation between assessed factors and the risk of premature death. Results: The results of log-rank test showed that only coronary artery disease (CAD) and serum ferritin have a role in predicting survival probability, since the survival rate of the people with and without CAD was about 25 months (with a confidence interval of 37.60 - 12.36) and 46 months (with a confidence interval of 51.63-40.36) (P = 0.041) respectively. Conclusion: It seems that both serum ferritin levels and cardiovascular diseases are effective factors to predict premature death in hemodialysis patients.
Clinicopathologic and ultrastructural findings of hereditary nephritis; a 16-year single center survey in Iran
Authors: Owji Seyed Mohammad , Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , Pajouhi Naser , Owji Seyed Hossein , Dehghani Farshad
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Hereditary nephritis is an umbrella term for a group of congenital childhood diseases including but not limited to Alport syndrome, thin basement membrane disease, and Fabry disease. Objectives: The purpose of this study was a clinicopathologic investigation of Alport syndrome, thin basement membrane disease, and Fabry disease with a focus on the role of electron microscopy and toluidine blue staining in diagnosis. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kidney biopsies with a final diagnosis of either Alport syndrome, thin basement membrane disease or Fabry disease from 2001 to 2016. Electron microscopy and light microscopy were done and the clinical and paraclinical data were extracted from the patients’ medical charts. Electron microscopy role was assessed in terms of necessary, helpful or non-necessary, while correlations between clinical and para-clinical data were determined using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among the 2865 kidney biopsies, there were 22 patients of hereditary nephritis including 15 (0.52%) Alport syndrome, 5 (0.17%) thin basement membrane disease and 2 (0.07%) Fabry disease diagnosed by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy was essential for the diagnosis of 19 (86.4%) cases, helpful for 3(13.6%) and there was no case for which electron microscopy was non-necessary. The patients’ mean age was 16.1 ± 9.0 years. The most common finding in Alport syndrome was proteinuria (86.7%) followed by hematuria (60.0%). Conclusion: Considering the rate of misdiagnosis of hereditary nephritis using light microscopy and clinical findings alone, electron microscopy study and toluidine blue staining has an essential role in the precise diagnosis in these patients. With regard to the progressive nature of these diseases, prompt diagnosis using electron microscopy is pertinent for therapeutic decisions.
Design Complexity for Objective Function Points
Authors: Cymerman Paul , Dyke Joe Van , Brown Ian
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates correlating the basic elements of Unified Modeling Language and Cyclomatic Complexity with Function Point Analysis (FPA) principles to develop an automated software functional sizing tool. This concept has been difficult to achieve due to the logical nature of the FPA sizing methodology versus the physical nature of source lines of code (SLOC). In this approach, we examine software complexity from design and maintainability perspectives in order to understand relationships in physical code. Our hypothesis is that this method will “simulate” FPA principles and produce an objective sizing method. This would provide the foundation for an automated tool that scans physical software code to derive “Objective Function Points”(OFPs) functional size measure.
Defense Responses of Wheat Seedling under Biotic Stress Mimicked by the Linear β-(1,3)-Glucan
Authors: Zahid Abderrakib
Published: May 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production causes damage, and to better deal with the toxic effects of ROS, the seeds have developed detoxification mechanisms, among which the enzymes of the antioxidant system (catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase). Another result supports the link between ROS and redox regulation catalyzed by redoxin family in the seed. Among which, thioredoxins (Trxs) and peroxiredoxins (Prxs), particularly 1-Cys-Prx, expressed during maturation and germination steps.
Environmental Impact of Agrochemical uses on the Island’s Agricultural Production Area in Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Pinto Silva Sérgio Henrique , Gonçalves Mélanie Martins , Ramos Braga Fábio Henrique , Silva Lima Neuriane , Nunes Neto Wallace Ribeiro , Sousa Nunes Márcio Anderson , Lourenço Bastos Diana Karla , Souza Monteiro Andrea de , da Silva Darlan Ferreira , Araujo Firmo Wellyson da Cunha , Frazão de Melo Maycon Henrique , Salgado Rangel Maurício Eduardo , Mendonça de Miranda Rita de Cássia , Chagas Silva Maria Raimunda
Published: May 2020

Agriculture is the foundation of society, has provided humanity with its food needs for over ten thousand years. The use of pesticides in Brazil and the world has grown exponentially in recent decades. The objective of this study was assessment the use of agrochemicals and their environmental impact on agricultural production of the Island of Maranhão. The study area is located in Paço do Lumiar, Maranhão, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from agricultural land during the wet season (between the months of February and May) and dry season (between the months of September and October) seasons of 2018.