bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Differences in the Dietary Quality of Food Purchases among Participants in the Nationally Representative Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS)
Authors: Vadiveloo Maya , Perraud Elie , Parker Haley W. , Juul Filippa , Parekh Niyati
Published: May 2019

Objective grocery transactions may reflect diet, but it is unclear whether the diet quality of grocery purchases mirrors geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in diet-related diseases. This cross-sectional analysis of 3961 households in the nationally representative Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey evaluated geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in grocery purchase quality. Respondents self-reported demographics and recorded purchases over 7 days; the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 assessed diet quality. Survey-weighted multivariable-adjusted regression determined whether there were geographic and racial/ethnic differences in HEI-15 scores. Respondents were, on average, 50.6 years, non-Hispanic white (NHW) (70.3%), female (70.2%), and had attended some college (57.8%). HEI-15 scores differed across geographic region (p < 0.05), with the highest scores in the West (57.0 ± 0.8) and lowest scores in the South (53.1 ± 0.8), and there was effect modification by race/ethnicity (p-interaction = 0.02). Regionally, there were diet disparities among NHW and non-Hispanic black (NHB) households; NHWs in the South had HEI-15 scores 3.2 points lower than NHWs in the West (p = 0.003). Southern NHB households had HEI-15 scores 8.1 points lower than Western NHB households (p = 0.013). Racial/ethnic disparities in total HEI-15 by region existed in the Midwest and South, where Hispanic households in the Midwest and South had significantly lower diet quality than NHW households. Heterogeneous disparities in the diet quality of grocery purchases by region and race/ethnicity necessitate tailored approaches to reduce diet-related disease.
Combination of Plant Growth Regulators, Maltose, and Partial Desiccation Treatment Enhance Somatic Embryogenesis in Selected Malaysian Rice Cultivar
Authors: Ming NG Ja , Binte Mostafiz Suraiya , Johon Nur Syafiqoh , Abdullah Zulkifli Nur Saliha , Wagiran Alina
Published: May 2019

The development of efficient tissue culture protocol for somatic embryo would facilitate the genetic modification breeding program. The callus induction and regeneration were studied by using different parameters i.e., auxins, cytokinins, and desiccation treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and histological analysis were performed to identify the embryogenic callus for regeneration. The callus percentage results showed that MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal medium supplemented with 3 mg/L 2, 4-D and 30g/L maltose were the optimal callus induction medium for MR220 (80%) and MR220-CL2 (95%). The morphology of the embryogenic callus was confirmed by the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) (presence of extracellular matrix surface network) and later by histological analysis. Finally, MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid), 2 mg/L kin, and 1 mg/L BAP were selected as the optimum regeneration media treatment while callus desiccated for 48 h was proved to produce more plantlets in MR220 (60%) and MR220-CL2 (73.33%) compared to control treatment (without desiccation). The protocol presented here showed the necessity for the inclusion of partial desiccation as an important step in the tissue culture protocol of Malaysian indica rice genotypes in order to enhance their regeneration potential.
Improved Modeling of Gross Primary Productivity of Alpine Grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau Using the Biome-BGC Model
Authors: You Yongfa , Wang Siyuan , Ma Yuanxu , Wang Xiaoyue , Liu Weihua
Published: May 2019

The ability of process-based biogeochemical models in estimating the gross primary productivity (GPP) of alpine vegetation is largely hampered by the poor representation of phenology and insufficient calibration of model parameters. The development of remote sensing technology and the eddy covariance (EC) technique has made it possible to overcome this dilemma. In this study, we have incorporated remotely sensed phenology into the Biome-BGC model and calibrated its parameters to improve the modeling of GPP of alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Specifically, we first used the remotely sensed phenology to modify the original meteorological-based phenology module in the Biome-BGC to better prescribe the phenological states within the model. Then, based on the GPP derived from EC measurements, we combined the global sensitivity analysis method and the simulated annealing optimization algorithm to effectively calibrate the ecophysiological parameters of the Biome-BGC model. Finally, we simulated the GPP of alpine grasslands on the TP from 1982 to 2015 based on the Biome-BGC model after a phenology module modification and parameter calibration. The results indicate that the improved Biome-BGC model effectively overcomes the limitations of the original Biome-BGC model and is able to reproduce the seasonal dynamics and magnitude of GPP in alpine grasslands. Meanwhile, the simulated results also reveal that the GPP of alpine grasslands on the TP has increased significantly from 1982 to 2015 and shows a large spatial heterogeneity, with a mean of 289.8 gC/m2/yr or 305.8 TgC/yr. Our study demonstrates that the incorporation of remotely sensed phenology into the Biome-BGC model and the use of EC measurements to calibrate model parameters can effectively overcome the limitations of its application in alpine grassland ecosystems, which is important for detecting trends in vegetation productivity. This approach could also be upscaled to regional and global scales.
Comparing Remotely-Sensed Surface Energy Balance Evapotranspiration Estimates in Heterogeneous and Data-Limited Regions: A Case Study of Tanzania’s Kilombero Valley
Authors: Senkondo William , Munishi Subira E. , Tumbo Madaka , Nobert Joel , Lyon Steve W.
Published: May 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in integrated water resources planning, development and management, especially in tropical and arid regions. Determining ET is not straightforward due to the heterogeneity and complexity found in real-world hydrological basins. This situation is often compounded in regions with limited hydro-meteorological data that are facing rapid development of irrigated agriculture. Remote sensing (RS) techniques have proven useful in this regard. In this study, we compared the daily actual ET estimates derived from 3 remotely-sensed surface energy balance (SEB) models, namely, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) model, the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model, and the Simplified Surface Balance Index (S-SEBI) model. These products were generated using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery for a total of 44 satellite overpasses in 2005, 2010, and 2015 in the heterogeneous, highly-utilized, rapidly-developing and data-limited Kilombero Valley (KV) river basin in Tanzania, eastern Africa. Our results revealed that the SEBAL model had a relatively high ET compared to other models and the SSEBop model had relatively low ET compared to the other models. In addition, we found that the S-SEBI model had a statistically similar ET as the ensemble mean of all models. Further comparison of SEB models’ ET estimates across different land cover classes and different spatial scales revealed that almost all models’ ET estimates were statistically comparable (based on the Wilcoxon’s test and the Levene’s test at a 95% confidence level), which implies fidelity between and reliability of the ET estimates. Moreover, all SEB models managed to capture the two spatially-distinct ET regimes in KV: the stable/permanent ET regime on the mountainous parts of the KV and the seasonally varied ET over the floodplain which contains a Ramsar site (Kilombero Valley Floodplain). Our results have the potential to be used in hydrological modelling to explore and develop integrated water resources management in the valley. We believe that our approach can be applied elsewhere in the world especially where observed meteorological variables are limited.
A Robust Wi-Fi Fingerprint Positioning Algorithm Using Stacked Denoising Autoencoder and Multi-Layer Perceptron
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Li Zhaohui , Luo Haiyong , Zhao Fang , Shao Wenhua , Wang Qu
Published: May 2019

With the increasing demand for location-based services, Wi-Fi-based indoor positioning technology has attracted much attention in recent years because of its ubiquitous deployment and low cost. Considering that Wi-Fi signals fluctuate greatly with time, extracting robust features of Wi-Fi signals is the key point to maintaining good positioning accuracy. To handle the dynamic fluctuation with time and sparsity of Wi-Fi signals, we propose an SDAE (Stacked Denoising Autoencoder)-based feature extraction method, which can obtain a robust and time-independent Wi-Fi fingerprint by learning the reconstruction distribution from a raw Wi-Fi signal and an artificial-noise-added Wi-Fi signal. We also leverage the strong representation ability of MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron) to build a regression model, which maps the extracted features to the corresponding location. To fully evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm, three datasets are applied, which represent three different scenarios, namely, spacious area with time interval, no time interval, and complex area with large time interval. The experimental results confirm the validity of our proposed SDAE-based feature extraction method, which can accurately reflect Wi-Fi signals in corresponding locations. Compared with other regression models, our proposed regression model can better map the extracted features to the target position. The average positioning error of our proposed algorithm is 4.24 m when there is a 52-day interval between training dataset and testing dataset. That confirms that the proposed algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art positioning algorithms when there is a large time interval between training dataset and testing dataset.
High Spatial Resolution Modeling of Climate Change Impacts on Permafrost Thermal Conditions for the Beiluhe Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Jing , Yin Guoan , Niu Fujun , Lin Zhanju , Liu Minghao
Published: May 2019

Permafrost is degrading on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) due to climate change. Permafrost degradation can result in ecosystem changes and damage to infrastructure. However, we lack baseline data related to permafrost thermal dynamics at a local scale. Here, we model climate change impacts on permafrost from 1986 to 2075 at a high resolution using a numerical model for the Beiluhe basin, which includes representative permafrost environments of the QTP. Ground surface temperatures are derived from air temperature using an n-factor vs Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) relationship. Soil properties are defined by field measurements and ecosystem types. The climate projections are based on long-term observations. The modelled ground temperature (MAGT) and active-layer thickness (ALT) are close to in situ observations. The results show a discontinuous permafrost distribution (61.4%) in the Beiluhe basin at present. For the past 30 years, the permafrost area has decreased rapidly, by a total of 26%. The mean ALT has increased by 0.46 m. For the next 60 years, 8.5–35% of the permafrost area is likely to degrade under different trends of climate warming. The ALT will probably increase by 0.38–0.86 m. The results of this study are useful for developing a deeper understanding of ecosystem change, permafrost development, and infrastructure development on the QTP.
Magnetoimpedance Effect in the Ribbon-Based Patterned Soft Ferromagnetic Meander-Shaped Elements for Sensor Application
Authors: Yang Zhen , Chlenova Anna A. , Golubeva Elizaveta V. , Volchkov Stanislav O. , Guo Pengfei , Shcherbinin Sergei V. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: May 2019

Amorphous and nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials have attracted much attention in the area of sensor applications. In this work, the magnetoimpedance (MI) effect of patterned soft ferromagnetic meander-shaped sensor elements has been investigated. They were fabricated starting from the cobalt-based amorphous ribbon using the lithography technique and chemical etching. Three-turn (S1: spacing s = 50 μm, width w = 300 μm, length l = 5 mm; S2: spacing s = 50 μm, width w = 400 μm, length l = 5 mm) and six-turn (S3: s = 40 μm, w = 250 μm, length l = 5 mm; S4: s = 40 μm, w = 250 μm and l = 8 mm) meanders were designed. The ‘n’ shaped meander part was denominated as “one turn”. The S4 meander possesses a maximum MI ratio calculated for the total impedance ΔZ/Z ≈ 250% with a sensitivity of about 36%/Oe (for the frequency of about 45 MHz), and an MI ratio calculated for the real part of the total impedance ΔR/R ≈ 250% with the sensitivity of about 32%/Oe (for the frequency of 50 MHz). Chemical etching and the length of the samples had a strong impact on the surface magnetic properties and the magnetoimpedance. A comparative analysis of the surface magnetic properties obtained by the magneto-optical Kerr technique and MI data shows that the designed ferromagnetic meander-shaped sensor elements can be recommended for high frequency sensor applications focused on the large drop analysis. Here we understand a single large drop as the water-based sample to analyze, placed onto the surface of the MI sensor element either by microsyringe (volue range 0.5–500 μL) or automatic dispenser (volume range 0.1–50 mL).
Design and Evaluation of Sensor Housing for Boundary Layer Profiling Using Multirotors
Authors: Islam Ashraful , Houston Adam L. , Shankar Ajay , Detweiler Carrick
Published: May 2019

Traditional configurations for mounting Temperature–Humidity (TH) sensors on multirotor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) often suffer from insufficient radiation shielding, exposure to mixed and turbulent air from propellers, and inconsistent aspiration while situated in the wake of the UAS. Descent profiles using traditional methods are unreliable (when compared to an ascent profile) due to the turbulent mixing of air by the UAS while descending into that flow field. Consequently, atmospheric boundary layer profiles that rely on such configurations are bias-prone and unreliable in certain flight patterns (such as descent). This article describes and evaluates a novel sensor housing designed to shield airborne sensors from artificial heat sources and artificial wet-bulbing while pulling air from outside the rotor wash influence. The housing is mounted above the propellers to exploit the rotor-induced pressure deficits that passively induce a high-speed laminar airflow to aspirate the sensor consistently. Our design is modular, accommodates a variety of other sensors, and would be compatible with a wide range of commercially available multirotors. Extensive flight tests conducted at altitudes up to 500 m Above Ground Level (AGL) show that the housing facilitates reliable measurements of the boundary layer phenomena and is invariant in orientation to the ambient wind, even at high vertical/horizontal speeds (up to 5 m/s) for the UAS. A low standard deviation of errors shows a good agreement between the ascent and descent profiles and proves our unique design is reliable for various UAS missions.
Analysis of Spanish Radiometric Networks with the Novel Bias-Based Quality Control (BQC) Method
Authors: Urraca Ruben , Antonanzas Javier , Sanz-Garcia Andres , Martinez-de-Pison Francisco Javier
Published: May 2019

Different types of measuring errors can increase the uncertainty of solar radiation measurements, but most common quality control (QC) methods do not detect frequent defects such as shading or calibration errors due to their low magnitude. We recently presented a new procedure, the Bias-based Quality Control (BQC), that detects low-magnitude defects by analyzing the stability of the deviations between several independent radiation databases and measurements. In this study, we extend the validation of the BQC by analyzing the quality of all publicly available Spanish radiometric networks measuring global horizontal irradiance (9 networks, 732 stations). Similarly to our previous validation, the BQC found many defects such as shading, soiling, or calibration issues not detected by classical QC methods. The results questioned the quality of SIAR, Euskalmet, MeteoGalica, and SOS Rioja, as all of them presented defects in more than 40% of their stations. Those studies based on these networks should be interpreted cautiously. In contrast, the number of defects was below a 5% in BSRN, AEMET, MeteoNavarra, Meteocat, and SIAR Rioja, though the presence of defects in networks such as AEMET highlights the importance of QC even when using a priori reliable stations.
Configurations and Meanings of Environmental Knowledge: Transitions from the Subjective Experience of Students towards the Intersubjective Experience of Us
Authors: Condeza-Marmentini Antonia , Flores-González Luis
Published: May 2019

Environmental-related education has inherited the concepts of complexity and uncertainty from environmental science. However, these concepts still refer to the environment as an “object” that is separate from the knowing “subject,” and not as a phenomenon always inserted into a specific context. With the aim of contributing to generating contextualized environmental knowledge, this article explores the knowledge configuration itinerary regarding environmental issues that was developed by vulnerable students in public secondary schools located in peripheral municipalities of Santiago, Chile. The theoretical framework of complex thinking provides an epistemological opportunity to “read” and understand environmental knowledge within a web of co-determined spheres of social and community knowledge via the transition from “subjective understanding” to “intersubjective knowledge.” The knowledge configuration itinerary regarding the environment describes a transition from the sphere of the “self” towards an emplaced “us.” It was discussed that the incorporation of place in education is not only a pedagogical means, but also functions as an axis of meaning that highlights the multisemic nature of the environment in its different configurations. It was concluded that an educational project relevant to a global community must be founded upon those differences, as they provide opportunities for configuring knowledge as action and meaning.
The Role of Cultural Factors in Sustainable Food Consumption—An Investigation of the Consumption Habits among International Students in Hungary
Authors: Nemeth Nikolett , Rudnak Ildiko , Ymeri Prespa , Fogarassy Csaba
Published: May 2019

Food consumption plays a pivotal role in the economy and the health of individuals. Foods and meals, in addition to sustaining life, also have many functions in society, such as human bonding. The purpose of our study is to present a qualitative research method to show the role of food consumption in the culture of several ethnic groups, and to introduce the ways in which cultural factors influence eating habits and local food supply conditions. In the first part of the research, the sample was a mix of multiple nationalities. During our investigations, the main questions were: What do you think about the culture and value food consumption? What kind of food do you consume the most? What differences do you find in the habits of different ethnic groups, especially regarding their eating habits? In the second part, we asked the main actors of the local supply system (restaurants, buffets, shops) about the ways they track the demand of foreign students. Our results have been implemented into two different SWOT matrixes. We can conclude that such research on food consumption attitudes and community behavior is essential. Most of the interviewed students are interested in comparing their diet and cultural traditions to those of other nations’, and prefer local foods. The study proved that eating habits in Hungary have an impact on the eating habits of international students, and they changed them from several perspectives. The study found that dietary choices are complex decisions that have a significant environmental and social impact, but we need to add that thanks to the strong cultural background, the students can keep their sustainable eating and community values abroad, which can also strongly influence the development of the local food supply practices.
Coming to Action: Operationalizing City Resilience
Authors: Iturriza Marta , Hernantes Josune , Labaka Leire
Published: May 2019

There is an urgent need to build city resilience in order to face upcoming foreseen and unforeseen disasters more holistically, economically and collaboratively. Population trends mean that people are moving to urban areas and the traditional approach to crisis management is becoming obsolete as it is no longer able to deal with the new challenges that are emerging such as social dynamics or climate change. In this context, there are numerous studies and strategies that define how to build city resilience and consequently sustainable cities. However, decision-makers have trouble putting the knowledge in the studies and strategies into practice, as they find this information to be too abstract or far from their daily activities. More practical tools are needed to facilitate the operationalization of city resilience and familiarize decision makers with the concept. To that end, this paper presents both a qualitative and quantitative toolkit that enables decision makers to study, understand and train themselves to operationalize city resilience properly. This toolkit is composed of two complementary tools, namely the Resilience Maturity Model (RMM) and a serious game called City Resilience Dynamics (CRD). The paper also discusses the key points that led to a useful, trustworthy and flexible toolkit that decision-makers can use in building city resilience.
Senses by Seasons: Tourists’ Perceptions Depending on Seasonality in Popular Nature Destinations in Iceland
Authors: Sæþórsdóttir Anna Dóra , Hall C. Michael , Stefánsson Þorkell
Published: May 2019

Seasonality in visitor arrivals is one of the greatest challenges faced by tourist destinations. Seasonality is a major issue for sustainable tourism as it affects the optimal use of investment and infrastructure, puts pressure on resources and can create negative experience of crowding at destinations. Peripheral areas commonly experience more pronounced fluctuations in visitor arrivals. Iceland is one of those destinations. Although the number of tourists visiting the country has multiplied in recent years, seasonality is still a major challenge, especially in the more rural peripheral areas of the country. Iceland’s high season for tourism occurs during its brief summer (June to August), but in recent years more people visit the country on shorter winter trips, creating new management challenges. This research is based on an on-site questionnaire survey conducted in seven popular nature destinations in Iceland which compares the experience of summer and winter visitors. The results show that winter visitors are more satisfied with the natural environment while their satisfaction with facilities and service is in many cases lower. The areas are generally perceived as being more beautiful and quieter in winter than in summer. However, most destinations are considered less accessible and less safe in the winter. Tourists are much less likely to experience physical crowding during winter, although winter visitors are more sensitive to crowds, most likely because of expectations of fewer tourists. Finally, this research shows that tourists are less likely to encounter negative effects of tourism on the environment in the winter, (e.g., erosion or damage to rocks and vegetation), than in summer. The results highlight the importance of understanding visitor perceptions in a seasonal and temporal context.
What Attitudes Toward Refugees Do Future European Teachers Have? A Comparative Analysis between France and Spain
Authors: Soriano Encarnación , Cala Verónica C.
Published: May 2019

(1) Background. The increase in international conflicts and humanitarian crises has led to an increase in the movement of people to Europe. The legal and moral commitments of the European Union require the incorporation and integration of such refugees. In this sense, the school and its teaching staff are a key agent in the challenge of integrating newly arrived students. This research analyses attitudes towards inclusive European citizenship, the recognition of rights, and feelings of threat and affective reactions, experienced by future teachers towards refugees in France and Spain. (2) Methods. The investigation was carried out through a cross-sectional survey. There were 851 participants of Spanish and French nationality. (3) Results. The French future teachers showed a lower perception of any threat, and a better predisposition towards the reception of refugees than their Spanish counterparts. Women are those who show a greater recognition of the rights of refugees, and a better predisposition to their integration in Europe. French women feel less of a threat than Spanish women, and are more affective towards refugees. The main predictor of inclusive European citizenship is a low perception of threat related to refugees. (4) Conclusions. Future teachers showed sensitivity towards the accommodation of refugees, but programs that prevent growing xenophobia and discredit towards the European Union are still necessary.
An Efficient Algorithm for Nontrivial Eigenvectors in Max-Plus Algebra
Authors: Umer Mubasher , Hayat Umar , Abbas Fazal
Published: May 2019

The eigenproblem for matrices in max-plus algebra describes the steady state of the system, and therefore it has been intensively studied by many authors. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to compute the eigenvalue and the corresponding eigenvectors of a square matrix in an iterative way. The algorithm is extended to compute the nontrivial eigenvectors for Latin squares in max-plus algebra.
Separation and Purification of Aflatoxins by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography
Authors: Endre Gábor , Hegedüs Zsófia , Turbat Adiyadolgor , Škrbić Biljana , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Szekeres András
Published: May 2019

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that are produced by several species of filamentous fungi. In the European Union, the concentration limits for this group of mycotoxins in food and feed products are very low (on the order of parts per billion). Thus, relatively high amounts of these substances in their pure forms are required as reference standards. Chromatographic techniques based on solid stationary phases are generally used to purify these molecules; however, liquid–liquid chromatographic separations may be a promising alternative. Therefore, this study proposes a liquid–liquid chromatographic method for the separation of four aflatoxins and impurities. To optimise the method, numerous biphasic solvent systems (chloroform-, acetone- and acetic acid-based systems) were tested and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness at partitioning aflatoxins; the toluene/acetic acid/water (30:24:50, v/v/v/%) system was found to be the most efficient for application in centrifugal partition chromatographic instrument. Using liquid–liquid instrumental separation, the four aflatoxins, namely B1 (400 mg), B2 (34 mg), G1 (817 mg) and G2 (100 mg), were successfully isolated with 96.3%–98.2% purity from 4.5 L of Aspergillus parasiticus fermented material in a 250 mL centrifugal partition chromatography column. The identities and purities of the purified components were confirmed, and the performance parameters of each separation step and the whole procedure was determined. The developed method could be effectively used to purify aflatoxins for analytical applications.
Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase Is a Chicken ISG That Restricts ALV-J Infection by Producing 25-hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Xie Tingting , Feng Min , Dai Manman , Mo Guodong , Ruan Zhuohao , Wang Guiyan , Shi Meiqing , Zhang Xiquan
Published: May 2019

The avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) belongs to the chicken retrovirus that causes enormous economic losses in the poultry industry. Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are critical for controlling virus infections. Here, we identified 897 type I ISGs induced by interferon-α (IFN-α) in chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) by RNA-Seq. In addition, we further identified 152 potential anti-ALV-J chicken type I ISGs. Among these potential anti-ALV-J ISGs, chicken cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (chCH25H) was selected for further antiviral mechanism studies in chicken embryo fibroblast cell lines (DF1). The gene chCH25H is located on chromosome 6 and clustered in a distinct group with mammals CH25H in the phylogenetic tree. The core promoter region of chCH25H was located within −75/−1 sequence. We found that chCH25H was induced by chicken IFN-α and ALV-J in DF1 cells. The overexpression of chCH25H significantly inhibited ALV-J replication in DF1 cells at 48 h post infection (hpi). In addition, ALV-J replication was significantly enhanced in the chCH25H- knockout DF1 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that chCH25H restricted ALV-J infection through the production of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), rather than type I and II interferon. Our results identified 152 potential anti-ALV-J chicken type I ISGs and revealed that 25HC, the product of chCH25H, could be used as a natural antiviral agent to control ALV-J infection.
Antibiotic Therapy Does Not Alter the Humoral Response to Vaccination for Porcine Circovirus 2 in Weaned Pigs
Authors: Fogle Jonathan E. , Scott Jenna A. , Almond Glen W.
Published: May 2019

Recent reports suggest that antibiotic therapy may either reduce or enhance the immune response to various porcine vaccines. Based upon these findings, we asked if antibiotic therapy alters immune cell populations, as measured by flow cytometry and/or vaccine-specific humoral immunity, as measured by sample to positive (S/P) antibody ratios. Here, we investigated the immuno-modulatory effects of enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, and tulathromycin on the immune response to a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) combination vaccine in weaned pigs. Maternal antibody likely interfered with the induction of immunity to M. hyopneumoniae. Antibiotic administration did not affect immune cell populations, as assessed by flow cytometry and did not affect the induction of humoral immunity to PCV-2.
Risks Analysis and Response of Forecast-Based Operation for Ankang Reservoir Flood Control
Authors: Liu Zhao , Lyu Jiawei , Jia Zhifeng , Wang Lixia , Xu Bin
Published: May 2019

With the improvement of short-term flood forecasting and short-term rainfall forecast accuracy, as well as the advance of hydrological and meteorological information collection and collation methods, the reservoir flood regulation method taking rainfall or inflow forecast into consideration is gaining more and more attention. As the index of Forecast-Based Operation (FBO), the forecasted factor plays an important part in determining success or failure of FBO due to its uncertainty and accuracy. In this study, possible risk sources were analyzed considering the process and the characteristics of reservoir flood regulation firstly, and the uncertainty of the forecast information and the FBO risks were discussed based on hypothesis testing. Then, combined with the case study of applying FBO on Ankang Reservoir, in which the forecasted net rainfall was selected as the index of the FBO rules, the probability distribution of the forecasted net rainfall errors was derived as the basis of risk analysis. Finally, FBO risk analysis was conducted based on Monte Carlo method for several real flood processes, while a simulation was also carried out with the Conventional Operation (CO) for contrast. The results indicate that the maximum risk was reduced more than half when FBO was adopted. Consequently, the possible remedial measures were put forward in the case of invalid forecast happened based on simulation and the analysis of the principle of flood regulation. The conclusions and methods in this research provide ideas for real-time flood regulation and risk management of reservoirs.
Analysing the Near-Field Effects and the Power Production of Near-Shore WEC Array Using a New Wave-to-Wire Model
Authors: Balitsky Philip , Quartier Nicolas , Stratigaki Vasiliki , Verao Fernandez Gael , Vasarmidis Panagiotis , Troch Peter
Published: May 2019

In this study, a series of modules is integrated into a wave-to-wire (W2W) model that links a Boundary Element Method (BEM) solver to a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) motion solver which are in turn coupled to a wave propagation model. The hydrodynamics of the WECs are resolved in the wave structure interaction solver NEMOH, the Power Take-off (PTO) is simulated in the WEC simulation tool WEC-Sim, and the resulting perturbed wave field is coupled to the mild-slope propagation model MILDwave. The W2W model is run for verified for a realistic wave energy project consisting of a WEC farm composed of 10 5-WEC arrays of Oscillating Surging Wave Energy Converters (OSWECs). The investigated WEC farm is modelled for a real wave climate and a sloping bathymetry based on a proposed OSWEC array project off the coast of Bretagne, France. Each WEC array is arranged in a power-maximizing 2-row configuration that also minimizes the inter-array separation distance d x and d y and the arrays are located in a staggered energy maximizing configuration that also decreases the along-shore WEC farm extent. The WEC farm power output and the near and far-field effects are simulated for irregular waves with various significant wave heights wave peak periods and mean wave incidence directions β based on the modelled site wave climatology. The PTO system of each WEC in each farm is modelled as a closed-circuit hydraulic PTO system optimized for each set of incident wave conditions, mimicking the proposed site technology, namely the WaveRoller® OSWEC developed by AW Energy Ltd. The investigation in this study provides a proof of concept of the proposed W2W model in investigating potential commercial WEC projects.
The Implementation of a Hybrid Model for Hilly Sub-Watershed Prioritization Using Morphometric Variables: Case Study in India
Authors: Malik Anurag , Kumar Anil , Kushwaha Daniel Prakash , Kisi Ozgur , Salih Sinan Q. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: May 2019

Among several components of watershed prioritization, morphometric parameters are considered to be essential elements for appropriate water resource planning and management. In the current study, nine hilly sub-watersheds are prioritized using novel hybrid model based on morphometric variables analysis at Bino Watershed (BW) located in the upper Ramganga basin, India. The proposed model is based on the hybridization of principal component analysis (PCA) with weighted-sum approach (WSA), presenting a single-frame methodology (PCWSA) for sub-watershed prioritization. The prioritization process was conducted based on several morphometric parameters including linear, areal, and shape. The PCA was performed to identify the significant correlated factor-loading matrix whereas WSA was established to provide the weights for the morphometric parameters and fix their priority ranking (PR) to be categorized based on compound factor value. The findings showed that 37.81% of total area is under highly susceptible zone sub-watersheds (SW-6 and SW-7). This is verifying the necessity for appropriate soil and water conservation measures for the area. The proposed hybrid methodology demonstrated a reliable approach for water resource planning and management, agriculture, and irrigation activities in the study region.
Agronomic research in Martonvásár, aimed at promoting the efficiency of field crop production
Authors: Tamás Árendás  , Zoltán Berzsenyi  , Péter Bónis
Published: May 2019

The effect of crop production factors on the grain yield was analysed on the basis of three-factorial experiments laid out in a split-split-plot design. In the case of maize the studies were made as part of a long-term experiment set up in 1980 on chernozem soil with forest residues, well supplied with N and very well with PK. The effects of five N levels in the main plots and four sowing dates in the subplots were compared in terms of the performance of four medium early hybrids (FAO 200). In the technological adaptation experiments carried out with durum wheat, the N supplies were moderate (2010) or good (2011), while the P and K supplies were good or very good in both years. Six N top-dressing treatments were applied in the main plots and five plant protection treatments in the subplots to test the responses of three varieties. The results were evaluated using analysis of variance, while correlations between the variables were detected using regression analysis.The effect of the tested factors on the grain yield was significant in the three-factorial maize experiment despite the annual fluctuations, reflected in extremely variable environmental means. During the given period the effect of N fertilisation surpassed that of the sowing date and the genotype. Regression analysis on the N responses for various sowing dates showed that maize sown in the middle 10 days of April gave the highest yield, but the N rates required to achieve maximum values declined as sowing was delayed. In the very wet year, the yield of durum wheat was influenced to the greatest extent by the plant protection treatments, while N supplies and the choice of variety were of approximately the same importance.  In the favourable year the yielding ability was determined by topdressing and the importance of plant protection dropped to half,  while no  significant difference could be detected between the tested varieties. According to the results of regression analysis, the positive effect of plant protection could not be substituted by an increase in the N rate in either year. The achievement of higher yields was only possible by a joint intensification of plant protection and N fertilisation. Nevertheless, the use of more efficient chemicals led to a slightly, though not significantly, higher yield, with a lower N requirement.
Environmental industry and regional policy in Hungary
Authors: Fodor István
Published: May 2019

The paper attemps to define environmental industry. The author has searched the history and background of the rapid development of this process. The study analyses the present and future regional development potential of environmental industry in Hungary.
Application of advanced environmental assessment methods in orchard management
Authors: Attila Nagy  , Tünde Fórián  , János Tamás
Published: May 2019

Our reseaches were carried out in apple and pear orchards at Farm and Regional Research Institute in Pallag of the University of Debrecen and Pear Gene Reservoir in Újfehértó. Aim of this study is to interpret and analyse field studies with the aim of a GIS based database. Furthermore, beside field measurements, airborne and field hyperspectraldatacollection and analysis were also made to facilitate special watermanagement and irrigation related surveys. The integration of unified, geoinformatics systems with high spatial resolution and calibrated airborne hyperspectral data are appropriate tool for decision support systems, which support the continuous update and actualization of the changing cropping data, the analysis of cropping results in a unified complex data system, the acquiring of agro environmental subsidies, the establishment of monitoring system, and the optimization of irrigated fruit production.
Using research findings in precision maize production
Authors: János Nagy  , Adrienn Ványiné Széles
Published: May 2019

The effect of crop production factors on maize yield are examined on chernozem soil in a more than 30 year old long-term experiment on the Látókép Experiment Site of the Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences of the University of Debrecen. The aim of research is to evaluate the effect of fertilisation, cultivation, plant number, genorype and irrigation. The analysis of the data in the database of the examined period makes it possible to evaluate the effect of maize yield, as well as that of the crop production factors and the crop year, while the correlations and interactions between these factors were also examined. During the examination of the cultivation treatments, it was concluded that the highest yield was obtained as a result of autumn ploughing, but its effect largely differs in the irrigated and the nonirrigated treatments. Based on our examinations, strip cultivation should be applied periodically (e.g. strip – strip – ploughing – loosening) in areas with favourable soil conditions free from compacted layers. In years with smaller, average precipitation supply or when the precipitation was higher than average, higher plant numbers were more favourable. Under drier conditions, but especially in several consecutively dry years, a lower plant number can be recommended which is not higher than 60 thousand per hectare. In the case of favourable water supply, 70-80 thousand plants per hectare can be  used. The yield increasing effect of fertilisation was significant in the case of both non-irrigated and irrigated conditions, but it was much more moderate in the non-irrigated treatment. The extent of weed coverage was significantly affected by the previous crop. In the case of a favourable previous crop (wheat), the weed coverage was significantly lower than after an unfavourable previous crop (maize). In the case of the same previous crop (maize), the extent of weed coverage was mostly determined by the crop year and the extent of precipitation supply. Irrigation is not enough in itself, because if it was not accompanied by intensive nutrient management, yields started to decline.The results of researhc, development and innovation contributed to the technological method which makes it possible to apply locally adjusted sowing seed, fertiliser and pesticide in a differentiated way, as well as to change the method of operations within the given plot.
The Dg RES generation, storage, utilization and integration program ’1 village – 1 MW’ of the Bükk-Miskolc Region, Phase 1–3.
Authors: József Nagy  , Marianna Sinyei  , Lajos Vass
Published: May 2019

The usage of renewable energy sources (RES) and the increase of energy efficiency could be the solution for the difficulties of the rural impoverished inhabitants. A rural development company with the support of the communities designs the development resources from the EU and the Hungarian State for RES generation and organizes the ’1 village – 1 MW’ RES generation, storage, distribution and usage integration.
Innovation activity of the agricultural enterprises in the North great Plain region
Authors: Szabolcs Németh
Published: May 2019

Economic changes have significantly accelarated in the 21th century. In this turbulent market environment enterprises are forced to adapt continously as they must be flexible in order to meet changing market needs. To achieve flexibility companies require innovation. The economic relevance of innovations is significant in every market sector and agriculture is no exception. Re-dynamizing agricultural  nnovations is a possibility for the outburst of the Hungarian agriculture. Agricultural enterprises have to face competitors as well and they should give priority to efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness in order to preserve their position in BOTH global and domestic markets. This study examines the innovation potential of the agricultural enterprises in the North Great Plain region based on public databases and case studies.
Utilization and examination of red, elemental selenium nano spheres, produced by fermentation technology, in animal tests
Authors: József Prokisch  , Beáta Babka  , Péter Eszenyi  , Attila Sztrik  , Tímea Takács
Published: May 2019

In our experiments we tested the toxicity of Nano-Se and LactoMicroSel® compared with other organic and inorganic selenium forms, in case of a subakut animal test. We produced the Nano-Se and LactoMicroSel® by probiotic lactic acid bacteria in our laboratory. (Prokisch et al., 2010; Eszenyi et al., 2011). We mixed the inorganic selenium forms, selenite and selenate, the organic form, Sel-Plex® and our products, Nano-Se and LactoMicroSel® into the standard food of laboratory mice and we fed them for two consecutive weeks. After the extermination we observed mortality, the change of body mass,and measured the blood antioxidant capacity with FRAP method.
Mechanical Alloying: A Novel Technique to Synthesize Advanced Materials
Authors: Suryanarayana Challapalli
Published: May 2019

Mechanical alloying is a solid-state powder processing technique that involves repeated cold welding, fracturing, and rewelding of powder particles in a high-energy ball mill. Originally developed about 50 years ago to produce oxide-dispersion-strengthened Ni- and Fe-based superalloys for aerospace and high temperature applications, it is now recognized as an important technique to synthesize metastable and advanced materials with a high potential for widespread applications. The metastable materials produced include supersaturated solid solutions, intermediate phases, quasicrystalline phases, amorphous alloys, and high-entropy alloys. Additionally, nanocrystalline phases have been produced in virtually every alloy system. Because of the fineness of the powders, their consolidation to full density without any porosity being present is a challenging problem. Several novel methods have been developed to overcome this issue. Powder contamination during milling and subsequent consolidation constitutes another issue; this can be resolved, though expensive. A number of applications have been developed for these novel materials. This review article presents an overview of the process of mechanical alloying, mechanism of grain refinement to nanometer levels, and preparation of materials such as nanocomposites and metallic glasses. The application of mechanical alloying to synthesize some advanced materials such as pure metals and alloys, hydrogen storage materials, and energy materials is described. The article concludes with an outlook on future prospects of this technique.
The Implementation of Social Media to Develop Studentsâ€™ Writing Skill on Digital Marketing
Authors: Natsir Muhammad , Suswati Rita , Damanik Sisila Fitriany , Pane Isli Iriani Indiah , Lubis Fauziah Khairani
Published: May 2019

Digital marketing has become a new way to exchange things, starting from information to selling things. UniversitasNegeri Medan (UNIMED) as one of the educational university tries to engage to this digital world. Since the currentfacility of multimedia laboratorybased on Computer Assisted Language learning (CALL), the implementation of e-learning has been developed. Through English for Spesific Purposes (ESP), the students learn further on e-world. The aim of this research is to find out the studentsâ€™ ability in writing an advertisement using social media.Â  This research used a development research approach (R & D) that adopts a model developed by Borg & Gall and the questionnares were analyzed by Linkert Scale formula. The research activities wasin the second semester consist of 30 english literature students carried out pre- and post-test, expert validation, and final product. The result shown: 1) social media like Instagram can be developed as the writing material; 2) studentsâ€™ ability in writing using social media can be implemented in e-marketing to design an advertisement. Furthermore, itâ€™s suggested to do more research on digital marketing to offer a wider opportunies to students in deciding the best job in the future.