bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants of Conjoined Twins - Two Case Reports
Authors: Akhtar Nahreen , Karim Sabina , Parveen Tabassum , Sayeeda Syeda , Begum Firoza
Published: June 2012

Conjoined twins are identical twins whose bodies are joined in utero. Parasitic twins occur when a twin embryo begins developing in utero, but the pair does not fully separate, and one embryo maintains dominant development at the expense of the other which becomes vestigial. Vestigial twin appears as parasitic because it is incompletely formed or wholly dependent on the body function of the complete fetus. The independent twin is called the autosite. In conjoined twins both remain healthy. In this study we have presented one parasitic twin and another conjoined twin. In 1st case a 28 yrs old lady delivered a female parasitic twin by caesarean section due to failure of induction of labour. Unfortunately the baby died on 3rd postoperative day. In 2nd case, a 25years old lady diagnosed as a case of conjoined twin by ultrasonography for the first time at her 35wks of pregnancy. Emergency caesarean section was arranged on the day of admission as she started labour pain. A conjoined twin was delivered which were joined at thorax and abdomen and both were alive. Parents were offered surgical separation but they refused it and take the babies home.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11027 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):65-68
Miller Fisher Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report & Clinical Review
Authors: Das Partha Pratim , Biswash Sarmistha , Karim Md. Enamul , Ahmed Nigar Sultana , Islam Badrul , Mandal Shekhar Kumar , Sarkar Abu Hena Md. Raihanuzzaman
Published: June 2012

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is an uncommon variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). It is characterized by external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. The incidence of MFS as a proportion of GBS was reported to be 1 to 5 % in western countries and considerably higher in Eastern Asia i.e. 19% in Taiwan and 25% in Japan. Here we report the clinical features of a patient who initially presented with ataxia then subsequently developed limb weakness, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia. CSF study and NCV study supported our clinical diagnosis. Patient was managed conservatively. No intravenous immunoglobulin was given but the patient gradually improved in symptoms including power, ataxia, ophthalmoparesis. After one month the patient was discharged from hospital with complete recovery.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11028 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):69-71
Castlemans Disease- A Case Report
Authors: Patwary Md. Ismail , Hossain Md. Abed , Rahman Md. Matiur , Chowdhury Md. Ashfaqul Islam , Rahman Md. Khalilur , Kabir Md. Ruhul
Published: June 2012

Castlemans disease(CD) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders of uncertain cause presenting with lymphadenopathy. It is histologically and prognostically distinct from malignant lymph-node hyperplasia. It was first described in a group of patientswith benign localised hyperplastic lymph-nodes in 1956 by Castleman et al. We report a case of a 70 year old gentleman who was clinically suspected to have lymphoma , but later histologically confirmed to have Castlemans disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11031 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):79-80
The Aging Voice
Authors: Tarafder Kamrul Hassan , Datta Pran Gopal , Tariq Ahmed
Published: June 2012

Aging of voice is an unseen issue perceived by sounding old. This involves a widespread change throughout the upper and lower airway mainly affected by the change in anatomy and physiology of vocal fold/cord. Thinning of laryngeal mucosa, atrophy of vocal muscles, reduced movement of cricoarytenoid joint, reduced lung volume and capacities; reduced movement of tongue, jaw as well systemic conditions may all affect the normal voice in older ages. Higher pitch voice in men, lower pitch voice in women, thin voice, vocal fatigue, difficulty in being heard in noisy situations, tremor or shakiness in the voice are common changes found in old people. Various pathological conditions of larynx may cause voice change similar to aging voice. This can be differentiated endoscopically by an experienced Otolaryngologist. Avoidance of smoking, shouting, gastric reflux, resting the throat during a cold attack are simple measures that can delay aging process of our voice. Voice related quality of life index is a quick & easy measurement of voice quality based on changes in last two weeks. Voice therapy and phonosurgery with injectable materials in vocal fold can improve the voice in advanced age.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11033 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):83-86
Comment on "Induced magnetic field with radiating fluid over a porous vertical plate: Analytical study" by Sahin Ahmed [Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 7(2010), 83-94]
Authors: Sharma Bhupendra Kumar
Published: June 2012

In the present comment, we point out some errors found in the above referenced paper.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i1.10579 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) T1-T2
Joule heating effect on magnetohydrodynamic natural convection flow along a vertical wavy surface
Authors: Parveen Nazma , Alim M A
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the effect of Joule heating on magnetohydrodynamic natural convection flow of viscous incompressible fluid along a uniformly heated vertical wavy surface has been investigated. The governing boundary layer equations with associated boundary conditions for this phenomenon are converted to nondimensional form using a suitable transformation. The equations are mapped into the domain of a vertical flat plate and then solved numerically employing the implicit finite difference method, known as the Keller-box scheme. Effects of pertinent parameters, such as the Joule heating parameter (J), Prandtl number (Pr), magnetic parameter (M) and the amplitude of the wavy surface ? on the surface shear stress in terms of the skin friction coefficient (Cfx), the rate of heat transfer in terms of local Nusselt number (Nux), the streamlines and the isotherms are discussed. A comparison with previously published work is performed and the results show excellent agreement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i1.5954 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 11-24
Approximation approach to multiple singularities of flow through a porous pipe with decelerating wall
Authors: Rouf RA , Alam MS , Khan MAH
Published: June 2012

The multiple singularity behaviour of flow through a porous pipe with decelerating wall is numerically studied in the present paper. The behaviour of the Riccati equation is introduced as a model problem. Then the steady axisymmetric flow of a viscous incompressible fluid driven along a pipe by the combined effect of the wall deceleration and suction is investigated. Our approach uses the power series in order to observe the instability of the problems. The series is then summed by using various generalizations of the Pade´-Hermite approximants. Analysis based on approximate method suggests that the convergence of the series of stream-function, skin friction and centerline axial velocity in powers of Reynolds number is limited by a number of singularities. The location and nature of the singularities in the real plane are presented. The bifurcations of skin friction and centerline axial velocity are also depicted graphically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i1.9283 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 35-42
Determination of Morphological Parameters of Supported Gold Nanoparticles: Comparison of AFM Combined with Optical Spectroscopy and Theoretical Modeling versus TEM
Authors: Hubenthal Frank , Blázquez Sánchez David , Träger Frank
Published: July 2012

The morphology of small gold particles prepared by Volmer–Weber growth on sapphire substrates have been investigated by two different characterization techniques. First, by non-extensive atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with optical spectroscopy and modeling of the optical properties using a theoretical model, recently developed in our group. Second, by extensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Comparing the results obtained with both techniques demonstrate that for small gold nanoparticles within the quasistatic limit, the morphological properties can be precisely determined by an appropriate theoretical modeling of the optical properties in combination with simple AFM measurements. The apparent mean axial ratio of the nanoparticles, i.e., the axial ratio that corresponds to the center frequency of the ensemble plasmon resonance, is obtained easily from the extinction spectrum. The mean size is determined by the nanoparticle number density and the amount of deposited material, measured by AFM and a quartz micro balance, respectively. To extract the most probable axial ratio of the nanoparticle ensemble, i.e., the axial ratio that corresponds to the most probable nanoparticle size in the ensemble, we apply the new theoretical model, which allows to extract the functional dependence of the nanoparticle shape on its size. The morphological parameters obtained with this procedure will be afterwards compared to extensive TEM measurements. The results obtained with both techniques yield excellent agreement. For example, the lateral dimensions of the nanoparticles after deposition of 15.2 × 1015 atoms/cm2 of gold has been compared. While a mean lateral diameter of (13 ± 2) nm has been extracted from AFM, optical spectroscopy and modeling, a value of (12 ± 2) nm is derived from TEM. The consistency of the results demonstrate the precision of our new model. Moreover, since our theoretical model allows to extract the functional dependence of the nanoparticle size and shape, a relatively simple analysis is sufficient for a full characterization of small noble metal nanoparticles.
Proteomic Analysis of the Organ of Corti Using Nanoscale Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Peng Hong , Liu Miao , Pecka Jason , Beisel Kirk W. , Ding Shi-Jian
Published: July 2012

The organ of Corti (OC) in the cochlea plays an essential role in auditory signal transduction in the inner ear. For its minute size and trace amount of proteins, the identification of the molecules in pathophysiologic processes in the bone-encapsulated OC requires both delicate separation and a highly sensitive analytical tool. Previously, we reported the development of a high resolution metal-free nanoscale liquid chromatography system for highly sensitive phosphoproteomic analysis. Here this system was coupled with a LTQ-Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer to investigate the OC proteome from normal hearing FVB/N male mice. A total of 628 proteins were identified from six replicates of single LC-MS/MS analysis, with a false discovery rate of 1% using the decoy database approach by the OMSSA search engine. This is currently the largest proteome dataset for the OC. A total of 11 proteins, including cochlin, myosin VI, and myosin IX, were identified that when defective are associated with hearing impairment or loss. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of our nanoLC-MS/MS platform for sensitive identification of hearing loss-associated proteins from minute amount of tissue samples.
Achieving Ecological Objectives
Authors: Josefsson Henrik
Published: July 2012

The legal objective for surface water in the EU is ‘good ecological status’, as established by the Water Framework Directive, with a timeframe of 15, 21 or 27 years. To reach this objective, suitable legal instruments are needed, and quality standards are among the instruments intended to improve the ecological status. However, both the Directive and quality standards are founded on reductionism, risking an over-application of over-simplified concepts, probably reducing biological diversity. A realistic and more appropriate timeframe for river basin rehabilitation would be around 100 years, emphasizing several concerns, such as the importance of encompassing the entire life history of species, the shift in human perceptions, the systemic unity of humans and ecosystems, environmental irreducibility, site-specific reference points, and the divergence of the assessment of water quality and the general ecological status of a river basin. From a legal standpoint, a century emphasizes a temporal agreement and a normative commitment to the generations to come. Ecologically, a century time-scale gives enough time for the processes of evolution, dispersal and recolonization and succession to re-establish stable, more diverse biological communities in physically rehabilitated habitats and river basins, whereas the present timetable for achievement of the ecological objectives does not.
Analysis of the Serviced Apartments Sector and Its Prospects in Southeast Asia
Authors: Henderson Joan C. , Smith Russell Arthur
Published: July 2012

Serviced apartments are a distinct and sometimes neglected form of accommodation which is growing in commercial significance in the Southeast Asian region and beyond, marked by the emergence and expansion of international companies offering a variety of brands. Traditionally located
in cities and targeting business travelers, there may be unrealized potential at alternative sites related to leisure tourists. Beach resorts and vacationers are one such opportunity, but there are constraints on development evidenced by market conditions in the popular thai destinations of
Phuket and Pattaya. The analysis of key attributes and trends concludes with some suggestions about avenues for further research.
La gouvernance de l'Internet. Une internationalisation inachevée
Authors: Massit-Folléa Françoise
Published: June 2012

Résumé Appliqué à l’Internet, le terme “gouvernance” a tout d’abord été réservé à la gestion des adresses IP et des noms de domaine. Le système mis en place par les pratiques des pionniers s’est vu largement récupéré par le gouvernement et les entreprises des États-Unis. Sa démocratisation et son internationalisation ont alors fait l’objet d’intenses débats lors du Sommet Mondial sur la Société de l’Information, conduit sous les auspices de l’ONU. Mais à ce jour, faute d’accord sur les principes et les instruments, la gouvernance de l’Internet est encore un “enjeu orphelin”, qu’aucune institution existante n’est à même de saisir dans sa globalité.
La genèse de l'offre commerciale grand public en France (1995-1996) : entre fourniture d'accès à l'Internet et services en ligne « propriétaires »
Authors: Rebillard Franck
Published: June 2012

Résumé Au milieu des années 1990, l’Internet se déploie en dehors du monde académique et l’offre commerciale se structure. Les groupes industriels de communication investissent ce nouveau marché avec une offre duale, ajoutant des services en ligne dont ils assurent eux-mêmes l’intermédiation à la simple fourniture d’accès à l’Internet. Ce second sentier sociotechnique sera finalement le seul retenu, témoignant d’un possible hiatus entre les cadres sociotechniques des industriels et ceux des internautes de l’époque.
Les médias sociaux : une histoire de participation
Authors: Coutant Alexandre , Stenger Thomas
Published: June 2012

Résumé Les « médias sociaux » constituent un phénomène aussi difficile à appréhender dans ses fonctionnalités et usages que dans son histoire. Cet article propose de les interroger sous l’angle de la valeur heuristique de leur définition, de la cohérence historique du regroupement de plateformes qu’elle propose et de la réalité des possibilités de participation qu’elle postule. Il révèle ainsi les enjeux économiques qu’une focalisation sur la participation des internautes masque et propose une représentation plus complexe des différentes configurations sociotechniques émergeant dans le Web du xxi e  siècle.
R@S : la naissance d'un acteur majeur de l'« Internet militant » français
Authors: Granjon Fabien , Torres Asdrad
Published: June 2012

Résumé Le  Réseau associatif et Syndical (R@S) a été créé au lendemain du large mouvement social de novembre-décembre 1995. Jusqu’en 2009, date de sa dissolution, le R@S a été un acteur discret, mais majeur dans la structuration et le développement d’un sous-champ spécifique de  l’espace des mouvements sociaux , celui travaillant à l’acculturation et à l’appropriation des technologies de la néo-télématique par les mouvements sociaux. Dans le cadre de cet article, nous souhaitons documenter la période de création du R@S en prêtant une attention plus particulière à certaines dimensions sociopolitiques du projet.
Réseaux de communication horizontale, un aperçu à travers le temps
Authors: Perriault Jacques
Published: June 2012

Résumé Cet article revient sur deux questions rencontrées dans mes travaux à propos des réseaux de communication. La première concerne la possibilité de reconstituer un réseau à partir de données éparses : est-il possible d’en élaborer une archéologie en exploitant les documents dont on dispose? La seconde question porte sur le rôle des réseaux, aussi bien actuels que disparus, pour corriger des déséquilibres sociétaux et sous quelles conditions.
L'histoire de l'Internet au prisme des STS
Authors: Abbate Janet
Published: June 2012

Résumé L’émergence de l’Internet en tant que média invite les historiens à reconsidérer leurs hypothèses concernant les frontières entre l’humain et le non-humain, l’infrastructure et la culture, la technologie et la société. Les concepts relevant des Science and Technology Studies (STS) peuvent fournir des modèles pour reconsidérer les catégories traditionnelles des média et mettre en lumière les liens entre technologie et culture. Par une première série d’exemples, cet article montre en quoi les ordinateurs et l’Internet ont brouillé les frontières entre infrastructures et culture : des visions littéraires partagées ont inspiré les systèmes informatiques effectivement mis en œuvre, tandis que les matériels de communication ont été utilisés de façon imprévue pour l’expression personnelle. Ensuite, avec une seconde série d’exemple, il propose d’analyser la manière dont les comportements et buts des acteurs humains et non humains sont devenus inséparables dans de nombreux environnements virtuels. Nous suggérons le terme d’agentivité hybride ( hybrid agency ) pour décrire ce phénomène.
From Metasearching to Discovery
Authors: Freund LeiLani , Poehlmann Christian , Seale Colleen
Published: July 2012

Many academic libraries implemented a metasearch or federated search platform as a way to expand the amount of relevant information available to library users. While the metasearch concept seemed to hold great promise, it failed to live up to expectations and users failed to embrace the technology. Nevertheless, the single search box proved to be popular with search engine users, and metasearch would prove to be a forerunner to more evolved discovery solutions. In this chapter, the authors describe experiences with a metasearch product, usability testing, and how that experience shaped decision-making for the chosen discovery solution platform. The available discovery services are explored, and the process for selection at the University of Florida Libraries is described along with the plans for future evaluation of the implemented service.
Encore Synergy Implementation at a Medium-Sized University Library
Authors: Erb Rachel A.
Published: July 2012

Implementing Web-scale discovery at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Criss Library presented some unexpected challenges. The UNO library selected Encore Synergy from Innovative Interfaces, Vendor homogeneity between Innovative Interfaces’ Integrated Library System (ILS), and the discovery tool did not prevent problems regarding ILS module interoperability. This chapter describes the solutions found. Web-scale discovery via Encore also did not include all of the library’s electronic resources, but only a few aggregator databases. A representative sample of approximately thirty resources, however, was accessible via pass-through search from Encore to Innovative’s federated search tool, Research Pro. An initial examination of database usage indicates a decline in the use of databases not directly searchable in Encore.
A comparative analysis of butterfly richness detection capacity of Pollard transects and general microhabitat surveys
Authors: Létourneau Isabelle , Larrivée Maxim , Morin Antoine
Published: July 2012

Assessing biodiversity is essential in conservation biology but the resources needed are often limited. Citizen science, by which volunteers gather data at low cost, represents a potential solution for the lack of resources if it produces usable data for scientific means. Scientific inventories for butterflies are often performed with a Pollard transect, a standardised surveying technique that generates high-quality data. General microhabitat surveys (GMSs) are potentially more appealing to amateurs participating in citizen science projects because they are less constrained. We compare estimates of butterfly species richness acquired by Pollard transects to those obtained by GMSs. We demonstrate that GMSs allow surveyors to detect more butterfly species and a more complete portrait of local butterfly assemblages for the same number of individuals captured.
ASSESSMENT OF DYNAMIC FEATURES OF MECHANICAL OSCILLATORS FOR A ROOT-BALLING MACHINE WITH A VIBRATING BLADE
Authors: Friso Dario , Bietresato Marco
Published: June 2012

A theoretical analysis of the oscillating motion produced by a mechanical oscillator for the vibrating blade of a root-balling machine was carried out. The result was harmonic motion with a strong phase displacement with respect to the forcing torque of the eccentric masses; however, the amplitude can be approximately calculated by in-air motion analysis. Experiments were also carried out in order to determine the cutting torque of the blade in typical treenursery soil. These results, together with the indications of other literature reports, were used to propose a possible design directive.
AN LCA MODELTO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT OF NEW FARMING SYSTEMS
Authors: Spugnoli Paolo , Baldi Fabio , Parenti Alessandro
Published: June 2012

The environmental impact of new farming practices is compared with that of conventional one. The approach is that of LCA and the assessing procedure is based on two cross-interaction matrices relating system inputs with emissions and impacts. With the aim to allow its application also at farm level by non-expert users, the procedure has been implemented in software that facilitate it use. Furthermore, the definition of standard impact values and a total environmental effects index make it easier to compare different systems and to evaluate the improvement achieved with a new agricultural practice. As an example, the model has been applied to compare the environmental effects generated in the production of sunflower using ecological, integrated and conventional farming techniques. Both Ecological and Integrated technique present lower impact than conventional even if for some specific impact the results are inverted. The application highlights the importance of the functional unit: when environmental effects are referred to the unit of production (ton), the total impact of the integrated technique is higher than the conventional one. Energy and CO2 efficiency are also computed, which are resulted to be good indicators of the overall environmental impact of a cultivation system
ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING THE QUALITY OF WINE FROM MECHANICALLY HARVESTED GRAPES
Authors: Catania Pietro , Vallone Mariangela , Pipitone Felice
Published: June 2012

The present paper consisted in the study of the main factors influencing the quality of wines produced from mechanically harvested grapes. In particular, 8 samples of grape clusters were examined, different for the harvesting technique, grape juice production, time of exposure to the ambient conditions and addition of an antioxidant The results confirm that the control of some parameters such as grape juice production, ambient temperature and time of exposure of the harvested grapes to the ambient conditions is essential in order to obtain wines of quality from mechanically harvested grapes.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTENT OF FATTY ACID METHYL ESTERS (FAME) AND GLYCEROL
Authors: Toscano Giuseppe , Duca Daniele
Published: June 2012

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol produced by transesterification reaction contain atoms that in the reagents belong to methanol and, therefore, are not renewable. A method to evaluate the content of the renewable and non-renewable energetic fraction, released during their combustion, was 52 Fig. 2 - Correlation between EFNR and NCM of FAME. Fig. 3 - Correlation between NCM and NS. Fig. 4 - Correlations between EFNR and NS. 07_Toscano(541)_47 26-01-2010 9:35 Pagina 52 developed using a thermochemical criteria, based on bond dissociation energies and the knowledge of the molecular structure of the reagents and the products. Results show that the fraction of non-renewable energy in the most diffused FAME is lower than 1% depending on the lengths of the carbonaceous methyl esters. Meanwhile, the energetic supply for the GL of this fraction is about 1.6%. The data reported in this document can be used to develop a criteria that corrects the fiscal mechanism aspects of some renewable energy products.
A METHOD TO SET-UP CALIBRATION CURVE FOR INSTRUMENTED SPHERE IS100 TO CONTROL MECHANICAL DAMAGE DURING POST-HARVESTING AND HANDLING OF ORANGES
Authors: Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo , Altieri Giuseppe , Genovese Francesco , D'Antonio Carmen
Published: June 2012

Oranges quality is strictly dependent on their variety, pre-harvest and post-harvest practices. Especially post harvest management is responsible for fruits damages, causing quality deterioration and commercial losses, as underlined by many authors, which studied the influence of individual post harvest operations on the fruit quality. In this article Authors, using an instrumented sphere (IS 100) similar for shape and size to a true orange, showed a method for the control of orange damages along the processing line. Results allow a fundamental knowledge about the critical damage curve, which defines the incidence of the damages during the oranges processing and packaging. Data show that the fruit discharge (bins or boxes discharge) and the packaging step are the most critical operations in order to reduce or eliminate the fruits collisions and the consequent damages
TEST OF AN ANIMAL DRAWN FIELD IMPLEMENT CART
Authors: Spugnoli Paolo , Parenti Alessandro , Masella Piernicola , Melani Esteban
Published: June 2012

The field performance of a horse-drawn hitch cart equipped with a PTO system powered by the two cart ground wheels have been investigated. For this purpose field tests on clay and turf soil, with varying ballast and PTO torque, have been carried out pulling the cart by a tractor. Preliminary tests were aimed at assessing the traction capability of horse breed. These tests showed that the mean draught force given by two of these horses was 173daN, average working speed was about 1m*s-1, resulting a mean draught power developed by each horse of about 0.86kW. The PTO cart system performance has shown that the torque has not exceeded 2.4daN*m, maximum draught or PTO power was 1.15kW, rotation speed just higher than 400min-1, with mean efficiency of about 50%. These values are consistent with horse performance and small haymaking, fertilizing, seeding and chemical application machine requirements.
FRESHNESS GRADING OF SHELL EGGS USING A DIELECTRIC TECHNIQUE AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK METHOD
Authors: Fabbri Angelo , Ragni Luigi , Berardinelli Annachiara , Cevoli Chiara , Giunchi Alessandro , Guarnieri Adriano
Published: June 2012

The increase in size of the air cell is related to the aging process of the eggs. According to the European Commission Regulation, eggs must be classified in A (air cell size higher than 4 mm), and A “extra” (air cell size lower than 4 mm) categories by candling inspection. This technique is unable to non-destructively assess the size of the air cell during egg grading. The present research studies the possibility to nondestructively grading shell eggs from dielectric parameters obtained by means of a sine wave RF oscillator, a parallel inductance and capacitance circuit. In particular, dielectric parameters and egg dimensional characteristics were used to set up multi-layer (MLP) artificial neural networks. Using MLP with two hidden layers, eggs can be correctly graded in A and A “extra” categories (test validation) within a mean performance close to 90%.
MOISTURE HUMIDITY EQUILIBRIUM OF WOOD CHIPS FROM ENERGETIC CROPS
Authors: Barwicki Jan , Golka WiesΠaw
Published: June 2012

Processes occurring during storage of wood chips for energetic or furniture industry purposes were presented. As a result of carried out investigations, dependences of temperature and relative humidity changes of surrounding air were shown. Modified Henderson equation can be utilized for computer simulation of storing and drying processes concerning wood chips for energetic and furniture industry purposes. It reflects also obtained results from experiments carried out with above mentioned material. Using computer simulation program we can examine different wood chips storing conditions to avoid overheating and loss problems.
WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION
Authors: Capra Antonino , Consoli Simona , Scicolone Baldassare
Published: June 2012

Deficit irrigation (DI) is an optimization strategy whereby net returns are maximized by reducing the amount of irrigation water; crops are deliberated allowed to sustain some degree of water deficit and yield reduction. Although the DI strategy dates back to the 1970s, this technique is not usually adopted as a practical alternative to full irrigation by either academics or practitioners. Furthermore, there is a certain amount of confusion regarding its concept. In fact, a review of recent literature dealing with DI has shown that only a few papers use the concept of DI in its complete sense (e.g. both the agronomic and economic aspects). A number of papers only deal with the physiological and agronomical aspects of DI or concern techniques such as Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) and Partial Root Drying (PRD). The paper includes two main parts: i) a review of the principal water management strategies under deficit conditions (e.g. conventional DI, RDI and PRD); and ii) a description of a recent experimental research conducted by the authors in Sicily (Italy) that integrates agronomic, engineering and economic aspects of DI at farm level. Most of the literature reviewed here showed, in general, quite positive effects from DI application, mostly evidenced when the economics of DI is included in the research approach. With regard to the agronomic effects, total fresh mass and total production is generally reduced under DI, whereas the effects on dry matter and product quality are positive, mainly in crops for which excessive soil water availability can cause significant reductions in fruit size, colour or composition (grapes, tomatoes, mangos, etc.). The experimental trial on a lettuce crop in Sicily, during 2005 and 2006, shows that the highest mean marketable yield of lettuce (55.3 t ha-1 in 2005 and 51.9 t ha-1 in 2006) was recorded in plots which received 100% of ET0-PM (reference evapotranspiration by the Penman- Monteith method) applied water. In the land-limiting case, the estimated optimal economic levels were quite similar to the optimal agronomic levels. In the waterlimiting case DI ranges, at least as profitable as full irrigation, were of 17-49% ET0-PM and of 71-90% ET0-PM in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
SAFETY IN WINE CELLARS: THE SITUATION IN FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY
Authors: Gubiani Rino , Vello Michela , Pergher Gianfranco , Cidivino Sirio R.C.
Published: June 2012

The objective of the present work was to set up a method of analysis of the safety levels in the wine industry, using a check list to carry out a survey on 30 wineries located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The checklist, based on previous studies, included more than 500 items, divided into 5 main areas: A) Buildings and workplaces; B) Machinery; C) Logistics; D) Boiler room, electricity plants and fire prevention systems; E) Noise and vibrations. The classification of each of the items was based on risk frequency and seriousness of damage. In order to obtain a value as a whole, different points were assigned to each of them. The results of this work shows that workers are exposed to a variety of hazards and one of the highest scores is connected to machinery. Some of these accidents occur because machines are used for a purpose for which they are unsuitable; others because security systems have not been provided or have been taken off. Other risk areas are the fuel tank or the exhaust oil stocking room. Indoors, the most hazardous areas are the grape unloading and the workshop one. Another result was that the older wine cellars are the most dangerous. The check list can become an important instrument for prevention and a useful tool to test safety levels of the working environment.
COMPARING COMMERCIAL OPTICAL SENSORS FOR CROP MONITORING TASKS IN PRECISION VITICULTURE
Authors: Mazzetto Fabrizio , Calcante Aldo , Mena Aira
Published: June 2012

The emergence of precision agriculture technologies and an increasing demand for higher quality grape products has led to a growing interest in Precision Viticulture. Actually, cultural monitoring is the most important application in PV systems: it requires specific technologies able to investigate the cultural conditions. To this aim, typically remote sensing surveys are adopted. These, anyhow, involve technical, economical and organisational barriers hampering a wide diffusion of their application. In order to overcome these problems, it would be necessary to substitute and/or integrate remote sensing information with alternative ground sensing technologies, to be employed directly inside the vineyard. This paper considers a commercial optical sensor, the GreenSeeker, useful in ground sensing surveys, and it compares its performances in monitoring vine with results obtained by a multispectral digital camera used as a tester. The experimentation was carried out in a greenhouse, on an artificial row including 15 grapevines (Cabernet Sauvignon variety). In front of the row, it was fixed a metallic rail gauge in order to permit a longitudinal movement of the Greenseeker sensor. Each plant was investigated at three different heights with a 5 s data time acquisition. Simultaneously, photos of the same grapevine were took by a multispectral digital camera, in order to obtain NDVI values through image analysis. The multispectral digital camera, normally used for remote sensing survey in agriculture, was considered as a test. Results demonstrate a strength correlation (R2 = 0.97) between the NDVI values measured through the two methods. This shows the same behaviour of the two tools, according to crop vigour and stress conditions induced into the plants. Consequently the GreenSeeker can be considered as a suitable solution for cultural monitoring in viticulture.
TESTING SOME PEDO-TRANSFER FUNCTIONS (PTFS) IN APULIA REGION
Authors: Buccigrossi Floriano , Caliandro Angelo , Rubino Pietro , Mastro Mario Alberto
Published: June 2012

The knowledge of soil water retention vs. soil water matric potential is used to study irrigation and drainage schedules, soil water storage capacity (plant available water), solute movement, plant growth and water stress. The hydraulic soil properties measuring is expensive, laborious and takes too long time, so, frequently, matemathic models, called pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) are utilized to estimate hydraulic soil properties through soil chimical and phisical characteristics. Six pedo-transfer functions have been evaluated (Gupta & Larson, 1979; Rawls et al., 1982; De Jong et al., 1983; Rawls & Brakensiek, 1985; Saxton et al., 1986; Vereecken et al., 1989) by comparing estimated with measured soil moisture values at soil water matric potential of –33 and –1500 kPa of 361 soil samples collected from 185 pedons of Apulia Region (South Italy), having various combinations of particle-size distribution, soil organic matter content and bulk density. Accuracy of the soil moisture predictions have been evaluated by statistic indexes such as Weighted stantard error (WSEE), Mean Deviation (MD), Root Mean Squared Deviation (RMSD) and the determination coefficient (R2) between estimated and measured water retention values. The Rawls PTF model demostrated to have the lowest values of WSEE, MD and RMSD indexes (0.044, -0.007 and 0.059 m3 H2O m-3 soil, respectively) at –33 Kpa soil water matric potential (Field Capacity), while for estimating soil moisture at the Wilting Point (-1500 kPa) Rawls & Brakensiek model is adequate (WSEE, MD and RMSD of 0.034, -0.016 and 0.046 m3 H2O m-3 soil). De Jong, Saxton and Rawls & Brakensiek models, at –33 kPa soil water matric potential and Gupta & Larson and De Jong models at –1500 kPa soil water matric potential, showed the highest statistic errors.
OLIVE RESIDUES TO ENERGY CHAINS IN THE APULIA REGION PART I: BIOMASS POTENTIALS AND COSTS
Authors: Pantaleo Antonio , Carone Maria Teresa , Pellerano Achillle
Published: June 2012

The main objective of the proposed research is to estimate the energy potentials of the olive trees pruning residues and olive husk residues in the Apulia region (Southern Italy) and to compare the possible bioenergy conversion routes for heat and power generation. 46 006_Pantaleo(537)_37 27-07-2009 11:20 Pagina 46 The part I of the research proposes a preliminary review of the olive oil chain residues in the Apulia region and an assessment of technical potentials and biomass supply costs. The investigation is carried out through a review of existing literature, structured interviews with operators, elaboration of available statistical data, assessment of the typology and current use of the by-products, analysis of olive trees pruning techniques and olive milling processes. The results show a high potential of pruning residues (about 177 kt/year at 15% moisture content) and crude olive husk (about 915 kt/year at 50% average moisture content). The supply costs are, in most cases, compatible with the energy conversion routes, and in particular they result in the range of 45-55 €/t (35% moisture content) for rotobales and chips from PR.
MECHANIZED HARVESTING TESTS PERFORMED BY GRAPE HARVESTERS IN SUPER INTENSIVE OLIVE ORCHARD CULTIVATION IN SPAIN
Authors: Giametta Gennaro , Bernardi Bruno
Published: June 2012

Today also those countries boasting a century-old olive growing tradition have to look at the latest, most dynamic, non labour-intensive olive growing systems to abate production (notably, harvesting operations) costs and remain competitive in a globalized market. This is why over the last few years super intensive olive orchard cultivation has been attracting a lot of interest on the part of olive growers all over the world as it accounts for an innovative model whereby olive groves are tailored to the special needs of grape harvesters. This paper reports the first results of experimental mechanical harvesting tests in a super-intensive olive cultivation. The study is intended to explore both productivity and work capacity of two of the most commonly used grape harvesters, Grégoire G120SW and New Holland Braud VX680, in a view to assessing their harvesting performance by a series of tests conducted in Spain. On the basis of the tests it was possible to verify that the machines are able to detach the almost all the drupes (more than 90%), with one only passage, and this independently of both size and location of drupes on the tree crown and of their maturity stage. Using these machines, two people can often carry out the whole harvest process: an operator driving the harvester and another person transferring the fruit from the harvester in the field to the olive oil mill for processing. With this system, the work speed is usually, in the best working conditions, about 1.7 km/hour and the average harvesting time is about 2.5-3 hours/ha. For the time being it is however impossible to draw definitive conclusions in terms of performance of the above cultivation systems and harvesting machines. Additional key observational studies are needed in the years to come to assess the efficiency of the entire model.
ONE YEAR STUDY OF LYING AND STANDING BEHAVIOUR OF DAIRY COWS IN A FRESTALL BARN IN ITALY
Authors: Provolo Giorgio , Riva Elisabetta
Published: June 2012

Dairy farm buildings can have, as it is well known, a big influence on the microclimatic conditions in the cowshed. In order to examine the influence of environmental parameters on the conditions affecting animal welfare, an experimental programme was set up at a farm where anomalous behaviour of cows had been previously noted. The research was carried out in a freestall barn from June 2004 till June 2005. Part of the research involved a detailed monitoring of animal movements and a simultaneous measurement of temperature and humidity within the cowshed. The behaviour of cows has been obtained by the analysis of a recorded video and expressed through indices. A strict relationship between environmental parameters and animal movement has been confirmed by the results obtained. The proportion of animals resting in stalls during the daytime, not affected by milking or feeding, rised from 30% in hot periods to 75% in winter time. The highly significant (P<0.01) correlation obtained between environmental parameters and cow behaviour confirmed the strong influence of THI on total proportion of lying cows. However, the variation in cow behaviour when temperature values were inside the range considered optimal for cows, suggests the influence of other parameters, like direct radiation.
COMPARING PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS BY SEDIMENTATION AND LASER DIFFRACTION METHOD
Authors: Ferro Vito , Mirabile Stefano
Published: June 2012

In this paper a brief review of the laser diffraction method is firstly carried out. Then, for 30 soil samples having a different texture classification sampled in Sicilian basin, a comparison between the two techniques is developed. The analysis demonstrated that the sand content measured by Sieve-Hydrometer method can be assumed equal to the one determinated by laser diffraction technique while an overestimation of the clay fraction measured by Sieve-Hydrometer method respect to laser diffraction technique was obtained. Finally a set of equations useful to refer LD measurements to SH method was proposed.
PARTICULATE MATTER CONCENTRATION AND EMISSION FACTOR IN THREE DIFFERENT LAYING HEN HOUSING SYSTEMS
Authors: Costa Annamaria , Guarino Marcella
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate PM10 concentration in three different laying hens houses (traditional battery cages with aerated open manure storage, aviary system and vertical tiered cages with manure belts with forced air drying) and to evaluate particulate matter emission into atmosphere during one year of observation. Internal and external temperature and relative humidity, ventilation rate, PM10 concentration have been continuously monitored in order to evaluate particulate matter concentration changes during the day and the season and to define PM10 emission factors. PM10 concentration was corrected by gravimetric technique to lower measurements error. In the aviary system house, TSP and fine particulate matter (particles smaller than 2.5 micron) concentration was measured. Average yearly PM10 concentration was remarkably higher in the aviary system house with 0.215 mg m-3 vs 108 mg m-3 for the ventilated belt house and vs 0.094 mg m-3 for the traditional battery cages house. In the Aviary system housing, TSP concentration was 0.444 mg m-3 and PM2.5 was 0.032 mg m-3, highlighting the existence of a severe working environment for men and animals. Recorded values for PM10 emission were 0.433 mg h-1 hen-1 for battery cages housing type, 0.081 mg h-1 hen-1 for ventilated belt cages house, values lower than those available in literature, while the aviary system housing type showed the highest PM10 emission (1.230 mg h-1 hen-1) with appreciable peaks during the morning, together with the increased animal activity and daily farmer operations, as feed administration, cleaning and droppings removal.
SPRAY APPLICATIONS TO TOMATO PLANTS IN GREENHOUSES. PART 2: EFFECT OF SPRAY LANCE TYPE
Authors: Cerruto Emanuele , Emma Giuseppe , Manetto Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

The present paper reports the results of some spray application trials carried out in a greenhouse with full developed tomato plants to assess foliar deposition, ground losses, and dermal operator exposure when using handheld high pressure spray lances and when walking backwards during treatments. Two spray lance types (conventional with one nozzle and Yamaho C-6 with two steel nozzles, each with two orifices) and two working pressures (10 and 20 bar) were taken into consideration. An experimental design with two factors (spray lance and pressure) was adopted, arranged according to a randomised block design with three replicates. Volume application rates ranged from 775 up to 1252 L/ha, but all data were normalised to 1000 L/ha. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the mean foliar deposition between the two spray lances and the two working pressures. However, the higher pressure improved significantly the deposit into the internal layer of the canopy (+57%), whereas the Yamaho C-6 spray lance produced a higher deposit on the external layer at any pressure. The greatest differences between external and internal layer were mainly concentrated in the middle and high parts of the canopy, where there were 55 007_Cerruto(557)_49 18-11-2009 11:59 Pagina 55 the highest values of LAI and number of foliar layers. The fraction of the applied volume rate on the ground was on average 25 percent and it was affected only by the pressure value: it increased from 21.7 to 28.7 percent when the pressure increased from 10 to 20 bar, due mainly to the contribution of the conventional spray lance under the sprayed twin-rows. Finally, neither pressure nor spray lance type affected significantly the dermal operator exposure. Upper limbs accounted for 51 percent of the total exposure, while trunk and lower limbs accounted for 24 percent each. The body parts more exposed were the left arm and the hands, but also relatively high was the deposit on the respirator, so operators should ever wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
DEVELOPMENTAND PERSPECTIVES OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING TOWARDS BIOLOGICAL/BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Authors: Ting K.C.
Published: June 2012

Systems involving agriculture, food, environment, and energy (AFEE) have played, and will continue to play, a highly significant role in a very large scale biobased economic engine. Agricultural and biological engineering (ABE) is a discipline that integrates life and engineering for enhancement of complex living systems. The strategic alignment between the advances of AFEE systems and the development of ABE discipline and profession is of great importance. Agricultural engineering and biological/biosystems engineering are synergetic in their problem domains and inseparable in their core competencies. At the University of Illinois, an automation-culture-environment systems (ACESys) concept and methodology has been applied to guide the identification, assembly, and integration of core competencies during the evolution from traditional agricultural engineering towards the inclusion of biological/biosystems engineering into a more comprehensive ABE program.
AN INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR VINEYARD MANAGEMENT IN SICILY
Authors: Carrara Michele , Catania Pietro , Lo Re Giuseppe , Ortolani Marco , Vallone Mariangela
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to monitor the micro-climate of the grapevine in order to detect the adversities of the spring period (especially April and May), while reducing the operating costs of the vineyard, and increasing the overall quality of grapes. For this purpose a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) was used. Furthermore, a comparison was performed between data measured by the wireless sensors and data provided by the fixed meteorological station of the Regione Siciliana (SIAS).