bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximal Length Projections in Group Algebras with Applications to Linear Rank Tests of Uniformity
Authors: Bargagliotti Anna E. , Orrison Michael
Published: September 2018

Let \(G\) be a finite group, let \(\mathbb{C}G\) be the complex group algebra of \(G\), and let \(p \in \mathbb{C}G\). In this paper, we show how to construct submodules\(S\) of \(\mathbb{C}G\) of a fixed dimension with the property that the orthogonal projection of \(p\) onto \(S\) has maximal length. We then provide an example of how such submodules for the symmetric group \(S_n\) can be used to create new linear rank tests of uniformity in statistics for survey data that arises when respondents are asked to give a complete ranking of \(n\) items.
FATORES INFLUENTES NO PROCESSO DECISÓRIO DE AGRICULTORES DE PRODUTOS ORGÂNICOS
Authors: Rosa Nadir Paula da , Caumo Alessandra Juliana , Machado João Armando Dessimon , Staduto Jefferson Andronio Ramundo
Published: September 2018

A agricultura orgânica vem ganhando melhor visibilidade nos últimos anos, mas na tentativa de acompanhar esse crescimento os agricultores orgânicos, oriundos da agricultura familiar, que atuam nesse sistema de produção enfrentam problemas no processo da tomada de decisão, quanto à produção e aos novos investimentos. O objetivo deste artigo incide em caracterizar os elementos que influenciam os produtores orgânicos à tomada de decisão em suas propriedades e identificar os principais riscos e benefícios inerentes à atividade. Para a realização deste estudo, foram aplicados questionários semiestruturados junto aos produtores orgânicos que participam, aos sábados pela manhã, da Feira da Redenção em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Em síntese, os resultados revelaram que a atividade orgânica, é uma atividade familiar, intensiva em mão de obra, necessitando de muito comprometimento. Constatou-se também que a maioria dos produtores possuem idade elevada, que buscam informações em instituições de assitência técnica, extensão e pesquisa e também por conta própria. O apoio para desenvolver as atividades vem das associações e da EMATER. Optaram por este sistema de produção pelo incremento de renda, e em razão da qualidade de vida e dos apelos dos consumidores. Em relação aos riscos apresentados na literatura, apenas o risco de preço e mercado foi considerado como menos preocupante pelos agricultores, já que eles relataram que vendem tudo o que produzem sem dificuldade alguma.  As estratégias mais importantes, utilizadas pelos agricultores estudados, para a manutenção das famílias e o fortalecimento na geração de renda na agricultura familiar estão atreladas à agregação de valor aos produtos, à diversificação e ao aperfeiçoamento das práticas orgânicas.
CONTRIBUIÇÃO DAS COOPERATIVAS DE CRÉDITO NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR: O CASO DA SULCREDI OURO
Authors: Fernandes Rodrigo André , Ditati Rafael , Severo Juglans Aimi , Tessaro Rodrigo Antônio , Fischer Augusto
Published: September 2018

Este trabalho enfatiza a importância do cooperativismo de crédito para o desenvolvimento rural, tendo como base as linhas de crédito disponibilizadas para a agricultura familiar. O estudo definiu como objetivo a análise da contribuição da cooperativa de crédito Sulcredi no desenvolvimento da agricultura familiar presente na região. Destaca-se o papel das cooperativas como agentes financeiros para o desenvolvimento da agricultura familiar, o cooperativismo de crédito, a intermediação de recursos do PRONAF, o desenvolvimento e o consequente crescimento econômico local, percebendo-se assim a importância do cooperativismo para o desenvolvimento sustentável. Esta condição é percebida por meio dos relatos da história da cooperativa Sulcredi Ouro, seus benefícios, recursos disponibilizados, e também os resultados obtidos que ressaltam a importância que a cooperativa Sulcredi tem no desenvolvimento da agricultura familiar no município de Ouro.Palavras-chaves: Cooperativismo de crédito, Agricultura Familiar, Desenvolvimento Econômico.
SSR analysis of the genomic DNA of perspective Uzbek hexaploid winter wheat varieties
Authors: Adylova A. T. , Norbekov G. K. , Khurshut E. E. ,  Nikitina E. V. , Kushanov F. N.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of hexaploid wheat varieties of Uzbekistan breeding using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. These varieties are adapted to local conditions, and can be considered as the most important supplier of genetic resources for cultivation in Uzbekistan and other countries. Microsatellite markers are now most widely used and effective classes of DNA markers for genotyping, certification and classification of plant varieties. In this paper, genotyping results of 32 hexaploid wheat domestic varieties using 144 microsatellite primer pairs are presented. Microsatellite primer pairs were chosen from literature data and 36 primer pairs (from 144) gave polymorphic well-reproducible PCR-fragments. The individual SSR spectra differing in number of amplicons were obtained for each variety. A total number of 141 alleles for 36 microsatellite loci were detected. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6, the mean number of alleles per locus (Na) was 3 alleles. For the studied genotypes group the effective number of alleles (ne) characterizing the loci by the allele frequency, varied from 1.7 to 4.8, the mean number of alleles per locus was 2.8. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0 to 0.792, averaging 0.626, in studied wheat population. The amplified fragment sizes ranged from 93 to 552 bp. The polymorphic index content (PIC) ranged from 0 to 0.758. A dendrogram was constructed using the alleles set of microsatellite loci, reflecting the phylogenetic differences of the studied hexaploid wheat varieties. It showed that Uzbekistan breeding varieties are divided into two main clusters, which may be evidence of their common origin.  A genetic formula has been developed for each Uzbek wheat variety. It can be used for identification, certification of these varieties, as well as for the selection of parental pairs in the wheat breeding programs.
Plant thionins: structure, biological functions and potential use in biotechnology
Authors: Odintsova T. I. , Slezina M. P. , Istomina E. A.
Published: September 2018

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of defense system in both plants and animals. They represent an ancient mechanism of innate immunity providing rapid first line of defense against pathogens. Plant AMPs are classified into several families: thionins, defensins, nonspecific lipid-transfer proteins, hevein- and knottin-type peptides, hairpinins and macrocyclic peptides (cyclotides). The review focuses on the thionin family. Thionins comprise a plant-specific AMP family that consists of short (~5 kDA) cysteine-rich peptides containing 6 or 8 cysteine residues with antimicrobial and toxic properties. Based on similarity in amino acid sequences and the arrangement of disulphide bonds, five structural classes of thionins are discriminated. The three-dimensional structures of a number of thionins were determined. The amphipathic thionin molecule resembles the Greek letter Г, in which the long arm is formed by two antiparallel α-helices, while the short one, by two parallel β-strands. The residues responsible for the antimicrobial activity of thionins were identified. Thionins are synthesized as precursor proteins consisting of a signal peptide, the mature peptide region and the C-terminal prodomain. Thionins protect plants from pathogenic bacteria and fungi acting directly on the membranes of microorganisms at micromolar concentrations, although their precise mode of action remains unclear. In addition to plant pathogens, thionins inhibit growth of a number of human pathogens and opportunistic microorganisms, such as Candida spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium solani, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thionins are toxic to different types of cells including mammalian cancer cell lines. Transgenic plants expressing thionin genes display enhanced resistance to pathogens. A wide range of biological activities makes thionins promising candidates for practical application in agriculture and medicine.
Gestão contábil nas MPES: relevância para os formandos em Administração
Authors: Cangussú Renate Würzler de Oliveira Pinheiro , De Lames Edilei Rodrigues , Lames Liliane Da Costa Jacobs
Published: September 2018

Todo empreendimento, grande ou pequeno, busca solidez e permanência no mercado, utilizando-se para isso de várias ferramentas. Dentre estas, uma de primordial importância para a condução dos negócios é a Gestão Contábil. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a percepção dos formandos em Administração com relação à relevância da Gestão Contábil para as micro e pequenas empresas. O estudo foi feito com formandos em Administração da cidade de Hortolândia (SP). Verifica-se baixo conhecimento dos processos e ferramentas da Contabilidade. Estes percebem a importância da Contabilidade, porém, há necessidade de compreender com maior profundidade e amplidão a relevância da Gestão Contábil para conduzir com vitalidade os empreendimentos de que futuramente serão gestores. Conclui-se que um grupo significativo dos potenciais gestores, sob o ponto de vista financeiro, está despreparado para gerir um pequeno empreendimento, tendo em vista o pouco conhecimento da área contábil e a distorção na classificação da importância destas ferramentas.
Influência do curso de Administração nas finanças pessoais de seus alunos
Authors: Accorsi Rafael De Souza , Lopes Johnny Roger Machado , De Lames Edilei Rodrigues , Machado Ricardo De Queiroz , Lames Liliane Da Costa Jacobs
Published: September 2018

Este trabalho aborda o tema Administração Financeira Pessoal e tem como objetivo geral avaliar a influência do conhecimento obtido no curso de Administração nas finanças pessoais dos alunos, observando as principais diferenças entre os ingressos e os formandos em administração com relação ao comportamento financeiro. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário aplicado a 253 alunos do primeiro e sétimo semestres de um curso de Administração da Região Metropolitana de Campinas (RMC). Para análise dos resultados utilizou-se da estatística descritiva, através do aplicativo Microsoft Excel. Entre os principais resultados da pesquisa, destacam-se: com o passar do tempo de curso, aumenta-se o nível de empregabilidade dos alunos, assim como a sua renda; apesar de não haver uma disciplina específica dentro da matriz curricular do Curso de Administração sobre finanças pessoais, verifica-se que o curso influencia positivamente a vida de seus alunos, ainda que de maneira indireta, especialmente em relação ao controle e planejamento financeiro.
Motivation and Knowledge: Pre-Assessment and Post-Assessment of MOOC Participants From an Energy and Sustainability Project
Authors: Valdivia Vázquez Juan Antonio , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Valenzuela González Jaime Ricardo
Published: September 2018

Understanding factors promoting or preventing participants’ completion of a massive open online course (MOOC) is an important research topic, as attrition rates remain high for this environment.  Motivation and digital skills have been identified as aspects promoting student engagement in a MOOC, and they are considered necessary for success.  However, evaluation of these factors has often relied on tools for which the psychometric properties have not been explored; this suggests that researchers may be working with potentially inaccurate information for judging participants’ profiles.  Through a set of analyses (t-test, exploratory factor analysis, correlation), this study explores the relationship between information collected by administering valid and reliable pre and post instruments to measure traits of MOOC attendees.  The findings from this study support previously reported outcomes concerning the strong relationships among motivation, previous knowledge, and perceived satisfaction factors for MOOC completers.  Moreover, this study provides evidence of the feasibility of developing valid assessments for evaluation purposes.
Defining OER-Enabled Pedagogy
Authors: Wiley David , Hilton III John Levi
Published: September 2018

The term “open pedagogy” has been used in a variety of different ways over the past several decades. In recent years, its use has also become associated with Open Educational Resources (OER). The wide range of competing definitions of open pedagogy, together with its semantic overlap with another underspecified term, open educational practices, makes it difficult to conduct research on the topic of open pedagogy. In making this claim we do not mean to cast doubt on the potential effectiveness of the many pedagogical approaches labeled open. In this article, rather than attempting to argue for a canonical definition of open pedagogy, we propose a new term, “OER-enabled pedagogy,” defined as the set of teaching and learning practices that are only possible or practical in the context of the 5R permissions that are characteristic of OER. We propose criteria used to evaluate whether a form of teaching constitutes OER-enabled pedagogy and analyze several examples of OER-enabled pedagogy with these criteria.
MOOC Makers: Professors’ Experiences With Developing and Delivering MOOCs
Authors: Blackmon Stephanie
Published: September 2018

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been described as purposeful educational resources for teaching, open educational initiatives, competency-based learning, and the like. They have also been described as an agent of higher education’s deterioration. Although MOOCs are often discussed in terms of their current and future usefulness, or lack thereof, in higher education contexts, very little data exists on professors’ experiences creating and teaching these courses. Therefore, I conducted a qualitative study, more specifically a phenomenography, to examine professors’ experiences with developing and teaching a MOOC. Data include their thoughts on why they decided to teach a MOOC and the benefits and challenges associated with making and teaching a MOOC.
Scientific Realism and Primitive Ontology Or: The Pessimistic Induction and the Nature of the Wave Function
Authors: Allori Valia
Published: September 2018

In this paper, I wish to connect the recent debate in the philosophy of quantum mechanics concerning the nature of the wave function to the historical debate in the philosophy of science regarding the tenability of scientific realism. Advocating realism about quantum mechanics is particularly challenging when focusing on the wave function. According to the wave function ontology approach, the wave function is a concrete physical entity. In contrast, according to an alternative viewpoint, namely the primitive ontology approach, the wave function does not represent physical objects. In this paper, I argue that the primitive ontology approach can naturally be interpreted as an instance of the so-called explanationist realism, which has been proposed as a response to the pessimistic-meta induction argument against scientific realism. If my arguments are sound, then one could conclude that: (1) contrary to what is commonly thought, if explanationism realism is a good response to the pessimistic-meta induction argument, it can be straightforwardly extended also to the quantum domain; (2) the primitive ontology approach is in better shape than the wave function ontology approach in resisting the pessimistic-meta induction argument against scientific realism.
Change in the Decision Sciences
Authors: Weirich Paul
Published: September 2018

A common type of change in science occurs as theorists generalize a model of a phenomenon by removing some idealizations of the model. This type of change occurs in the decision sciences and also in the normative branch of the decision sciences that treats rational choice. After presenting a general account of model generalization, the paper illustrates generalization of models in normative decision theory. The principal illustration generalizes a standard model of rational choice by removing the idealization that deliberation has no cost.
L’imprévisibilité de la science : un argument pour la liberté de recherche ? La découverte des ARNi comme étude de cas
Authors: Bedessem Baptiste
Published: September 2018

Le caractère imprévisible du développement et des résultats de la science est souvent invoqué pour défendre la valeur épistémique d’une recherche libre, désintéressée, guidée par la seule curiosité, contre sa finalisation par des objectifs pratiques. Notre travail a pour vocation de poser les jalons d’une analyse critique rigoureuse de cet « argument d’imprévisibilité ». Pour ce faire, nous proposons de considérer une étude de cas : la découverte du phénomène d’interférence à ARN. Nous montrons que l’utilisation régulière de cet épisode pour défendre un principe d’autonomie scientifique est fautive. Dans ce cas en effet, la part d’inattendu a émergé d’une science « inspirée par l’usage », alors que de la recherche « fondamentale » n’a émergé que du prévisible, tant au niveau des démarches mises en œuvre que des résultats obtenus. Nous suggérons alors que l’argument d’imprévisibilité, mobilisé souvent de manière trop intuitive et superficielle, rate sa cible en négligeant de séparer la question de la genèse et celle de la gestion de l’inattendu. La distinction de ces deux aspects du problème nous semble nécessaire pour évaluer avec précision la portée et les limites de l’argument d’imprévisibilité.
Existe-t-il un paradigme darwinien ? Pour une ontologie historique de la théorie de l’évolution
Authors: Bertoldi Nicola
Published: September 2018

La théorie de Darwin est considérée par de nombreux historiens comme une véritable révolution scientifique, raison pour laquelle l’objectif de cet article est précisément de rendre compte des caractères révolutionnaires de cette théorie, dans le cadre d’une conception des révolutions scientifiques empruntée à l’œuvre de Thomas Kuhn. Cela implique, notamment, la définition d’un « paradigme darwinien », à la fois comme matrice disciplinaire et comme solution exemplaire à un problème donné. Dans un tel but, nous définirons la structure et le contenu de la théorie de Darwin, afin de mettre au jour la problématique qui pourrait être à la base d’un « paradigme darwinien », c’est-à-dire le problème de la complexité adaptative du vivant. Nous identifierons ensuite ce qui distinguerait ce paradigme des autres, si bien que le problème de la complexité ne saurait être posé et résolu que dans son cadre. Pour ce faire, nous nous concentrerons sur deux dichotomies : d’une part, celle entre fonctionnalisme et formalisme, d’autre part, celle entre naturalisme et idéalisme. En conclusion, nous mettrons au jour les limites de l’épistémologie kuhnienne pour l’analyse de la théorie de l’évolution, ce qui nous amènera à equisser les contours d’une approche alternative, que nous appellerons « ontologie historique ».
De quelques questions que la psychologie historique d’Ignace Meyerson actualise en psychologie
Authors: Ghica Felicia
Published: September 2018

Depuis sa fondation comme discipline indépendante, la psychologie semble contourner les questions épistémologiques constitutives d’une science de l’esprit. Cet article s’attache à présenter brièvement quelques-unes de ces questions, à travers la psychologie historique d’Ignace Meyerson.
Three Different Ways Synchronization can Cause Contagion in Financial Markets
Authors: Andersen Jorgen Vitting , Masaad Naji
Published: September 2018

We introduce tools to capture the dynamics of three different pathways, in which the synchronization of human decision making could lead to turbulent periods and contagion phenomena in financial markets. The first pathway is caused when stock market indices, seen as a set of coupled integrate-and-fire oscillators, synchronize in frequency. The integrate-and-fire dynamics happens due to "change blindness", a trait in human decision making where people have the tendency to ignore small changes, but take action when a large change happens. The second pathway happens due to feedback mechanisms between market performance and the use of certain (decoupled) trading strategies. The third pathway occurs through the effects of communication and its impact on human decision making. A model is introduced in which financial market performance has an impact on decision making through communication between people. Conversely, the sentiment created via communication has an impact on financial market performance.
Use of Electroencephalography (EEG) for the Analysis of Emotional Perception and Fear to Nightscapes
Authors: Kim Mintai , Cheon Sanghyun , Kang Youngeun
Published: September 2018

As the necessity for safety and aesthetic of nightscape have arisen, the importance of nightscapes (i.e., nighttime landscape) planning has garnered the attention of mainstream consciousness. Therefore, this study is to suggest the guideline for nightscape planning using electroencephalography (EEG) technology and survey for recognizing the characteristics of a nightscape. Furthermore, we verified the EEG method as a tool for landscape evaluation. This study analyzed the change of relative alpha power and relative beta power and self-reporting of participants in order to investigate the correlation between EEG and fear according to twelve nightscape settings. Our findings indicated the corresponding measures of fear vary accordance with whether there was people or not, and the environmental settings (Built Nightscape Images; BNI vs Natural Nightscape Images; NNI). Based on our physiological EEG experiment, we provided a new analytic view of the nightscape. The approach we utilized enables a deeper understanding of emotional perception and fear among human subjects by identifying the physical environment which impacts how they experience nightscapes.
Hybrid Moth-Flame Fuzzy Logic Controller Based Integrated Cuk Converter Fed Brushless DC Motor for Power Factor Correction
Authors: Kamalapathi K. , Priyadarshi Neeraj , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Azam Farooque , Umayal C. , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna K.
Published: September 2018

This research work deals hybrid control system based integrated Cuk converter fed brushless DC motor (BLDCM) for power factor correction. In this work, moth-flame optimization (MFO) and fuzzy logic controller (FLC) has been combined and moth –flame fuzzy logic controller (MFOFLC) has been proposed. Firstly, the BLDC motor modelling is composed with power factor correction (PFC) based integrated Cuk converter and BLDC speed is regulated using variable DC-Link inverter voltage which makes low switching operation with less switched losses. Here, with the use of switched inductor, the task and execution of proposed converter is redesigned. The DBR (diode bridge rectifier) trailed by proposed PFC based integrated Cuk converter operates in discontinuous inductor conduction mode(DICM) for achievement of better power factor.MFO is exhibited for gathering of dataset from the input voltage signal. At that point separated datasets is send to FLC to improve the updating function and minimization of torque ripple. However, our main objective is to assess adequacy of proposed method, the power factor is broke down. The execution of the proposed control methodology is executed in MATLAB/Simulink working platform and the display is assessed with the existing techniques.
Optical Detection of Protrusive Defects on Thin-film Transistor
Authors: Tzu Fu-Ming , Chou Jung-Hua
Published: September 2018

Protrusive defects on the color filter of thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays (LCDs) frequently damage the valuable photomask. An fast method using side-view illuminations associated with digital charge-couple devices (CCDs) to detect the protrusive defect in the four substrates, which are the black matrix (BM), red, green, and blue. Between the photomask and substrate, the depth of field (DOF) is normally 300 μm for the proximity-type aligner; we select the four substrates to evaluate the detectability in the task. The experiment is capable of detecting measurements of 300 μm and even lower than 100 μm can be assessed successfully. The maximum error of the measurement is within 6% among the four samples. Furthermore, the uncertainty analysis of three standard deviations is conducted. Thus, the method is cost-effective to prevent damage for valuable photomasks in the flat panel display industry.
Hybrid Nanocarbons Reinforced Rubber Nanocomposites: Detailed insights about Mechanical, Dynamical Mechanical Properties, Payne and Mullin Effects
Authors: Srivastava Suneel Kumar , Mishra Yogendra Kumar
Published: September 2018

The reinforcing ability of the fillers results in significant improvements in properties of polymer matrix at extremely low filler loadings compared to conventional fillers. In view of this, present review article describes the different methods used in preparation of different rubber nanocomposites reinforced with nanodimensional individual carbonaceous fillers, such as graphene, expanded graphite, single walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphite oxide, graphene oxide and hybrid fillers consisting combination of individual fillers. This is followed by review of mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, Young modulus, and fracture toughness) and dynamic mechanical properties (glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, melting point) of these rubber nanocomposites. Finally, Payne and Mullin Effects have also been reviewed in rubber filled with different carbon based nanofillers.
Can nuts mitigate malnutrition in older adults? A conceptual framework.
Authors: Tan Sze-Yen , Tey Siew Ling , Brown Rachel
Published: September 2018

The proportion of adults aged over 60 years in the world is expected to reach 20% by the year 2050. Ageing is associated with several physiological changes that increase the risk of malnutrition among this population. Malnutrition is characterized by deficiencies or insufficiencies of macro- and micronutrients. Malnutrition has detrimental effects on the health, wellbeing and quality of life of older adults. Nuts are rich in energy, unsaturated fats, protein, as well as other nutrients that provide a range of health benefits. While the effects of nuts on overnutrition have been studied extensively, very few studies have been specifically designed to understand the role of nuts in mitigating undernutrition in the elderly. Therefore, this review explores the potential role of nuts in improving the nutritional status of older adults who are at risk of undernutrition. Several properties of whole nuts, some of which appear important for addressing overnutrition, (e.g. hardness, lower-than-expected nutrient availability, satiety-enhancing effects) may limit their effectiveness as a food to combat undernutrition. However, we propose that modifications such as transforming the physical form of nuts, addressing the timing of nut ingestion, and introducing variety may overcome these barriers. This review also discusses the feasibility of using nuts to prevent and reverse undernutrition among older adults. We conclude with a recommendation to conduct clinical studies in the future to test this conceptual framework.
Development of Algae Guard Façade Paint with Statistical Modeling under Natural Phenomena
Authors: Qureshi Sheraz Ahmed , Shafeeq Amir , Ijaz Aamir , Butt Muhammad Moeen
Published: September 2018

Algaecides are chemicals that cause serious health problems. Conventional paints contain algaecides to improve the algae resistance on the paint film. Present research has suggested an environmental friendly paint formulation that focuses on developing algae resistance without having algaecides. In this research, Algae growth on newly developed paint is modeled by incorporating dirt resistance of paint and natural phenomena including humidity, temperature and time respectively. The fitted Model revealed explained variation of 59.65% in the average algae growth, of which, Dirt Resistance, Humidity and temperature and some of their interactions play significant role in this variation. Model suggests that the proposed newly developed paint without algaecides is more resilient to algae growth and significantly decreased the average algae growth rate by 0.53% as compared to conventional paints. Keeping the effect of all other factors constant, if dirt resistance of paint (Dc value) increases by one percent, average algae growth decreases by 12.98%; when temperature increases by 1oC, average algae growth decreases by 22.4%; a positive unit change in the joint linear effect dirt resistance, temperature and humidity caused a decrease in average algae growth by 0.0031%. It was also observed that the individual effect of humidity variable was inversely related with average algae growth. However the combination of humidity and temperature, humidity and dirt resistance, humidity and time, and the quadratic effect of humidity were found to increase the average algae growth rate. The cubic effect of temperature variable by one degree centigrade resulted in decrease of average algae growth by 0.000907%.
Synthesis of Electrical Discharge Metal Matrix Composite Coating Through Compacted Semi-Sintered Electrode and Its Tribological Studies
Authors: Ilangovan Arun , Yuvaraj C. , Selvarani P. , Senthilkumaar J. S. , Thamizhmanii S.
Published: September 2018

Electric Discharge Coating an alternate process for surface modification/alloying/coating to improve the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the materials using conventional Electrical Discharge Machine. The compaction pressure of semi-sintered nickel and tungsten electrode influences the material migration together with substrate material and pyrolysis carbon results in metal matrix composition coating. In depended of pressure spark gap are stable increases the deposition of alloying materials lessens the formation carbon layer, cracks, voids, blowhole over the surface and made the layer to be metallurgical mixed composition surface that reduces the brittleness. This makes the layer four times higher in hardness value than the substrate material to 1100HV0.5 and reduction in specific wear to 0.082x10-5mm3/Nm depends on the inclusion of alloying material with carbon percentage consequences in self-lubricant properties that varies the wear rate. Surfaces topography obtained during alloying, material migration, mechanism is characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)and wear through pin-on-disc tribometer
Validating Deep Neural Networks for Online Decoding of Motor Imagery Movements from EEG Signals
Authors: Tayeb Zied , Fedjaev Juri , Ghaboosi Nejla , Richter Christoph , Everding Lukas , Qu Xingwei , Wu Yingyu , Cheng Gordon , Conradt Jörg
Published: September 2018

Non-invasive, electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) on motor imagery movements translate the subject’s motor intention into control signals through classifying the EEG patterns caused by different imagination tasks, e.g. hand movements. This type of BCI has been widely studied and used as an alternative mode of communication and environmental control for disabled patients, such as those suffering from a brainstem stroke or a spinal cord injury (SCI). Notwithstanding the success of traditional machine learning methods in classifying EEG signals, these methods still rely on hand-crafted features. The extraction of such features is a difficult task due to the high non-stationarity of EEG signals, which is a major cause for the stagnating progress in classification performance. Remarkable advances in deep learning methods allow end-to-end learning without any feature engineering, which could benefit BCI motor imagery applications. We developed three deep learning models: 1) a long short-term memory (LSTM); 2) a proposed spectrogram-based convolutional neural network model (pCNN); and 3) a recurrent convolutional neural network (RCNN), for decoding motor imagery movements directly from raw EEG signals without (manual) feature engineering. Results were evaluated on our own, publicly available, EEG data collected from 20 subjects and on an existing dataset known as 2b EEG dataset from "BCI Competition IV". Overall, better classification performance was achieved with deep learning models compared to state-of-the art machine learning techniques, which could chart a route ahead for developing new robust techniques for EEG signal decoding. We underpin this point by demonstrating the successful real-time control of a robotic arm using our CNN based BCI.
Interjurisdictional Variance in US Workers’ Benefits for Emergency Response Volunteers
Authors: Van Nostrand Elizabeth , Pillai Nandini , Ware Alix
Published: September 2018

Volunteers who are deployed during times of disaster are critical public health system assets. These individuals share concerns about a variety of subjects with public health law implications, including whether they are entitled to employment benefits before, during, and after disaster response.

We examined and analyzed state employment benefit laws pertaining to emergency response volunteers. We used the Emergency Law Inventory (ELI; https://legalinventory.pitt.edu )—an informatics tool developed at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health that contains more than 1300 statutory and regulatory provisions affecting volunteer activities—to access certain employment laws in 60 jurisdictions.

Analyses of the laws revealed that fewer than half of the jurisdictions have laws that protect seniority, vacation time, sick time, or overtime privileges. Additionally, there is tremendous variance and lack of uniformity among the jurisdictions concerning employment status requirements, geographic constraints, time limitations, and economic impacts. Major disasters often necessitate interjurisdictional response. To facilitate effective deployment of volunteers, employment laws should be uniform across the states. Furthermore, limitations that impede volunteer responders should be eliminated.
Effects of Light‐Emitting Diodes on the Growth of Peanut Plants
Authors: Li Cheng , Liu Dan , Li Lili , Hu Shaoxin , Xu Zhigang , Tang Canming
Published: September 2018

Core Ideas

The ratio R/B = 3:7 light can be used for peanut industry cultivation.

By increasing B light‐emitting diode can improve the photosynthetic intensity of peanut leaves.

Peanuts can be produced using factory cultivation without the need for land.

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are a new type of energy‐saving light source, and their effects on the growth of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of LEDs on the growth of peanut plants. Plants were exposed to 300 μmol/m2/s photosynthetic photon flux density under a 12 h photoperiod and six different treatments: monochromatic red (R) LED, monochromatic blue (B) LED, three R plus B LED mixtures (7:3, 1:1, 3:7), and fluorescent lamps (FL). At the seedling stage, the fresh weight, dry weight, height, root length, and chlorophyll content were greatest in plants under R/B = 7:3 light. At the blooming stage, the starch concentration and soluble sugars were greatest in plants under R light followed by those under R/B = 1:1 light, the sucrose concentration was greatest under R/B = 7:3 light followed by R/B = 1:1 light, and the chlorophyll concentration was greatest under R/B = 1:1 light. These results showed that R/B = 1:1 light was conducive to peanut growth at the blooming stage. At the pod‐setting stage, the sucrose concentration and soluble sugars were greatest in plants under R/B = 1:1 light, and the starch content was greatest in plants under R/B = 3:7 light. The pod numbers and yields were greater in plants under R/B = 3:7 light than in plants under the other LED lights. R/B = 3:7 light was best for pod growth and yield and could be used as an alternative light source for peanut industry cultivation.
An Agro‐Environmental Phosphorus Model for Potato in the Canadian Maritime Provinces
Authors: Benjannet Rim , Nyiraneza Judith , Khiari Lotfi , Fuller Keith , Bizimungu Benoît , Savoie Daniel , Jiang Yefang , Rodd Vernon , Mills Aaron
Published: September 2018

Core Ideas

Data from 42 field trials were used to develop an agro‐environmental P model for potato based on soil P saturation index.

A critical agronomic PSI (P/Al)M3 of 10% was identified, which corresponded to 85% of relative yield.

Seven agro‐environmental P risk classes were identified with rates ranging from 21 to 105 kg P ha−1.

Phosphorus is essential for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), an economically important crop for the Canadian Maritime provinces. Nutrient loss, including P, into waterways and estuaries has contributed to reduced water quality such as algae blooms. The objective of this study was to develop an agro‐environmental model for potato based on the phosphorus saturation indicator (PSI) expressed as the ratio between Mehlich‐III extractable P and Al (P/Al)M3. A total of 42 field trials (6 conducted from 2000 to 2002 and 36 from 2013 to 2015) were conducted in Prince Edward Island (PEI), New Brunswick (NB), and Nova Scotia (NS) with six increasing P rates. A critical agronomic PSI of 10% was identified, which corresponded to 85% of relative yield. The P recommendation model was subdivided into seven P fertility and environmental risk classes with P rates ranging from 21 to 105 kg P ha−1, i.e., on average from one to five times the level of P removal by the potato crop, corresponding to the highest ([P/Al]M3 ≥ 14) and lowest ([P/Al]M3 ≤ 2.5) PSI levels, respectively. Only one site was in the very low fertility class. Additional trials are needed within this class to build a more robust and representative model. This is the first agro‐environmental P model for sustainable potato production that reduces the risk of P loss to watercourses in the region. The new P rates were developed at plot scale and need to be validated at larger scale.
Particle Leaching Rates from a Loamy Soil Are Controlled by the Mineral Fines Content and the Degree of Preferential Flow
Authors: Norgaard Trine , Paradelo Marcos , Moldrup Per , Katuwal Sheela , de Jonge Lis W.
Published: September 2018

The mobilization and transport of colloid particles in soils can have negative agronomic and environmental effects. This work investigates the controls of particle release and transport from undisturbed soil columns sampled from an agricultural, loamy field with clay and silt contents of 0.05 to 0.14 and 0.07 to 0.16 kg kg−1, respectively. Forty‐five soil columns (20 × 20 cm) were collected from the field and exposed to a constant irrigation of 10 mm h−1 for 8 h. The accumulated mass of particles in the outflow from each column was highly correlated (r = 0.88) with the volumetric mass of fines (MFvol). The MFvol is defined as the sum of clay and fine silt (<20 μm) multiplied by the soil bulk density and divided by the particle density of the mineral fines. Thereby, MFvol represents both the particle source available for mobilization and leaching and an indicator of soil structure. The particle release process showed two linear particle release rates. Although the two particle release rates were distinctly different, both were strongly correlated with MFvol. The difference between the two rates was related to the degree of preferential flow characterized by the 5% arrival time of an applied tracer pulse. Soil columns with a longer 5% arrival time (less preferential flow) showed a distinct difference between the two rates, whereas soil columns with a short 5% arrival time and fast water transport showed resemblance between the two particle release rates. Thus, the combined effects of particle source, type, and pathways (via soil structure and compaction) need consideration to understand and predict particle transport dynamics through intact topsoil.

Core Ideas

Particle leaching from intact soil columns depends on both texture and structure.

Volumetric content of mineral fines well predicts particle mobilization and transport.

During preferential flow conditions, the particle leaching rate is relatively constant.

Varying particle mobilization rates occur mainly during matrix‐dominated flow.
Surface and Subsurface Phosphorus Discharge from a Clay Soil in a Nine‐Year Study Comparing No‐Till and Plowing
Authors: Uusitalo Risto , Lemola Riitta , Turtola Eila
Published: September 2018

No‐till as a water protection measure is highly efficient in controlling erosion and particulate P (PP) loss but tends to increase dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations in runoff water. In a 9‐yr field study on a clay soil in Southwest Finland, the effects of no‐till and autumn plowing on surface runoff and subsurface drainage water quality were compared. The site had a 2% slope and was under spring cereal cropping, with approximately replacement fertilizer P rates. Vertical stratification of soil‐test P that had developed during a preceding 6‐yr grass ley was undone by plowing but continued to develop under no‐till. During the 9‐yr study period, no‐till soil had 27% lower cumulative total P losses than plowed soil (10.0 vs. 13.7 kg total P ha−1). Concentrations and losses of PP were clearly lower under no‐till than under plowing (5.6 vs. 12.3 kg PP ha−1), but DRP loss showed the opposite trend (4.3 vs. 1.4 kg DRP ha−1). There was an increasing trend in subsurface drainflow DRP concentration under no‐till, possibly because of development of a conductive pore structure from soil surface to drain depth. The potential benefit of no‐till in water protection depends on how much of the PP transported to water is transformed into a bioavailable form and used by aquatic organisms. The beneficial effect of no‐till in controlling P‐induced eutrophication at the study site would only be realized if the bioavailable share of PP exceeds 43%. Otherwise, no‐till would not be an efficient eutrophication control measure at this site.

Core Ideas

No‐till decreased total P losses by 27% compared with autumn plowing.

No‐till produced 4.5‐fold higher DRP loss and 54% lower PP loss than plowing.

When changes in DRP and PP are opposite, TP changes should be interpreted with caution.

In this case, the effect on eutrophication largely depends on PP bioavailability.

At the study site, increased DRP load is compensated if PP bioavailability is >43%.
Autonomy of the system of higher education in the conditions of integration of Ukraine into the European educational area
Authors: Rayevnyeva Olena , Stryzhychenko Kostyantyn
Published: September 2018

In the conditions of Ukraine’s integration into the European educational area, it is vital to follow the trend of democratization of the society and obtaining freedoms in various spheres of the Ukraine’s development. Therefore, the concept of university autonomy is one of the key in development of the Ukrainian higher education system, whereas obtaining additional freedoms in management of the higher educational institutionsenhances its competitiveness. The concept of autonomy has a dual nature, thereby impacting the need to determine such a level of autonomy that would ensure high quality of higher education in the frame of the country’s national development. The article analyzes methodological approaches to calculation of autonomy of the higher education system in Ukraine. As a result, the methods of the European University, which include examination of autonomy by four components: organizational, staff, financial and academic, are chosen for the research. The development level method and the cluster analysis are selected as mathematical tools. Following the development level method, an integral indicator for each component of autonomy is obtained. On the basis of calculation, it is determined that Ukraine has a low level of autonomy across all the components. Through the use of the cluster analysis, 5 clusters of autonomy of the higher education system are built, whereupon they obtain their economic interpretation. Analysis of the Ukrainian higher education system’s place in the European educational area shows that the system of the Ukrainian higher education is categorized within the cluster with a low level of autonomy.
Acute cystitis in the practice of an obstetrician-gynecologist
Authors: Kaptilnyy V. A.
Published: September 2018

This review of literature discusses modern data on the diagnosis and treatment of the acute cystitis. Epidemiology and etiology of acute cystitis are described. The basic and alternative treatment protocols for the acute cystitis are presented from the documented medicine viewpoint.
Antibiotic resistance – a modern global health problem. The search for possible solutions in treating PID
Authors: Lisicyna O. I. , Khilkevich E. G.
Published: September 2018

Loss of medical control over infections that were previously considered harmless or easy managed in most patients can be considered a challenge for the modern medicine. Along with the intensification of pathogenic properties, opportunistic pathogens acquire resistance factors to antimicrobial agents - antibiotics. At the same time, the prevalence of pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) accounts for about 50 to 65% among women of childbearing age and has no tendency to decline. On top of that, non-specific chronic diseases of the genital tract are more common than infections caused by absolute pathogens. Ineffective therapy of acute forms of the disease leads to the emergence of resistant forms of pathogens, recurrence of the disease and chronic inflammation. The development of secondary immunodeficiency characterized by improper cellular and humoral immune functions plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract. That is why the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital tract should be complex and include etiotropic chemotherapeutic agents aimed at eliminating the pathogens, and the immunomodulating agents aimed at normalizing the functional activity of the patient’s immune system.
Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of cervical-cervical and cervical pregnancies with the use of modern low-invasive x-ray endovascular technology
Authors: Mitichkin A. E. , Dobrokhotova Yu. E. , Apresyan S. V. , Gromov D. G. , Dimitrova V. I. , Papoyan S. A. , Khlynova S. A. , Ishevsky A. G. , Slyusareva O. A. , Zametaev V. A.
Published: September 2018

Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment cervical ectopic pregnancy has been developed, it includes the systemic use of methotrexate, the embolization of uterine arteries and follow-up fetal egg remove. The new method of combination treatment of cervical pregnancy of one-stage use of embolization uterine artery and temporary balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries was applied for the first time in Russia. This algorithm helps to preserve the reproductive function of women.