bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in spring growth within white clover
Authors: Caradus J.R.
Published: July 2020

In a spaced plant trial, plants of 27 cultivars in their second year of growth were undefoliated from late winter through spring and their growth rate determined relative to that of 'Grasslands Huia'. Variation between cultivars was large. Cultivars which had higher relative growth rates than Huia during this period included some small-leaved frost tolerant germplasm, although all of these had lower absolute growth scores than Huia. The second study measured proportion of clover, leaf size and stolon growing point densities of 27 white clover cultivars and breeding lines grown in mixed species grazed swards during late winter and spring in two successive years. Once again, variation between cultivars in spring performance relative to Huia was large. It was concluded that there is sufficient variation available within white clover for improvements in spring growth relative to Huia to be achieved by breeding. Nematode Resistant Pitau consistently had high growth rates relative to Huia in late winter and early spring,but this did not carry through into late spring. Cultivars and lines with better late winter growth than Huia had higher stolon growing point densities for their respective leaf sizes than poorer, later winter growers. Keywords evaluation, mixed swards, spaced plants, later winter growth, stolon density
New Zealand's herbage seed industry: an overview
Authors: Rolston M.P. , Clifford P.T.P. , Charlton J.F.L. , Hampton J.G. , White J.G.H. , Wright A.G. , Knox D.
Published: July 2020

Herbage seed production for the period 1980-89 has averaged 20 600 metric tonnes (MT) (range 13 360-34 590). Canterbury has 82% of the total seed area. Production area (1989-90) by species are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)44%; white clover (Trifolium repens) 33%; tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) 6%; cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)5%. New Zealand exports seeds to over 40 countries with Australia; USA and the European Community representing major markets. Proprietary cultivars have increased in number from 5 (1980) to 62 (1989) and in volume from 0.1 to 27.0%) a trend we predict will continue, with proprietary cultivars being an estimated 60-65% of seed volume by 1995. The development of 'Endosafe' novel endophytes in ryegrass is expected to double seed usage in New Zealand for a decade as pasture renewal is increased from 250 000 ha to 500 000 ha per year. Opportunities and threats to the New Zealand 'industry, seed-quality training and research are discussed. Keywords: herbage seed, ryegrass, white clover, endophyte, exports, marketing, seed quality, training
Lamb growth rates improve as goat to sheep ratio increases
Authors: Townsend R.J. , Radcliffe J.E.
Published: July 2020

Lambs were rotationally grazed with ewes in a 'sheep only' system and with low, medium, and high proportions,of wether goats from October to March on dryland perennial ryegrass-white clover pastures in Canterbury. Lambs grazed with ewes and goats until they were weaned; then they grazed ahead of other stock. Treatment ratios of adult stock on a per head basis were 3 ewes:1 goat ('low goats'), 3 ewes:2 goats ('medium goats') and 3 ewes:3 goats ('high goats'). The ewe:lamb ratio was 1:1.35 on all treatments. Lamb growth rates (g/day) were 152 for 'sheep only', and 169, 185 and 203 for low, medium and high goat treatments respectively. As each treatment lamb reached a target draft weight, it was replaced by a lighter lamb for finishing. In comparison with the 'sheep only' treatment, an extra 1.6 lambs/ha were drafted off the 'medium goat' and an additional 2.6-lambs/ha off the 'high goat' treatment by the end of January. Increasing the proportion of goats:ewes increased the supply of white clover in pastures especially after lambs were weaned. Examination of faecal plant material showed 30% clover in the diet of lambs in a 'sheep only' system, increasing as the goat:sheep ratio increased to 60% clover in the 'high goat' treatment. Keywords white clover, perennial ryegrass, goats, sheep,grazing management, diet, lamb
The impact of Acremonium endophytes in New Zealand, past, present and future
Authors: Fletcher L.R. , Hoglljnd J.H. , Sutherland B.L.
Published: July 2020

This paper reviews some of the current practical and economic implications of Acremonium endophytes of ryegrass and tall fescue in New Zealand grassland agriculture. A historical perspective of their discovery and possible future implications of a new "novel" endophyte strain are also covered. Keywords Acremonium, endophyte, ryegrass, Lolium, tall fescue, staggers, Argentine stem weevil, clover, liveweight gains
'Grasslands Pacific' perennial ryegrass: performance at several sites
Authors: Pennell C.G.L. , Easton H.S. , Goold G.J. , Hay R.J.M. , Hickey M.J. , Hoglund J.H. , Lyons T.B. , Mccallum D.A. , Paewai H.R.T. , Stevens D.R. , Thomson N.A. , Woods P.W.
Published: July 2020

'Grasslands Pacific' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was compared in the field with available cultivars in plot trials at 6 sites and as sown rows at 7 sites. Pacific showed consistently good performance, particularly in summer and winter when it was superior to other perennial ryegrass cultivars. Keywords perennial ryegrass, 'Grasslands Pacific', cultivars, 'Grasslands Marsden'
Field experience with new pasture cultivars in Canterbury
Authors: Macfarlane Andrew W.
Published: July 2020

Over the last 10 years Canterbury farmers have started to diversify their pasture base in order to optimise their stock production. While ryegrass is still the base grass of our pastoral system, it is unsuited to many sites where pasture must generate high stock growth rates despite seasonally low rainfall, high soil temperatures and pasture pest challenge. On such sites, pastures based on cocksfoot, (Dactylis glomerata L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L . ) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) or prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth, cv. 'Grasslands Matua') or lucerne (Medicago sativa) or chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) have lifted net farming returns. Keywords ryegrass, endophyte, tall fescue, phalaris, cocksfoot, prairie grass, chicory, pasture pests, rainfall, stock production, pasture persistence
Evaluation of several lolitrem-free endophyte/perennial ryegrass combinations
Authors: Fletcher L.R. , Popay A.J. , Tapper B.A.
Published: July 2020

The fungal endophyte Acremonium lolii, in association with its ryegrass host, produces both peramine, a feeding deterrent to Argentine stem weevil,andlolitrem B,a neurotoxin causing ryegrass staggers. Endophyte strains vary in the ratio of production of these alkaloids in the ryegrass. In field evaluations of several endophyte/ryegrass - combinations, 'Endosafe', a zero lolitrem B, high peramine strain protected its host against Argentine stem weevil attack and did not cause ryegrass staggers in lambs grazing three of four ryegrass cultivars. Lambs on the endophyte-free and Endosafe combinations had the highest liveweight gains and while endophyte-free ryegrass did not cause ryegrass staggers it suffered significant stem weevil damage. Ryegrasses with their 'wild-type' endophyte and a high lolitrem B strain 'Waiau', had only minor stem weevil damage but caused severe ryegrass staggers and weight loss in lambs. Ryegrass with the no lolitrem B, low peramine strain, 'IOOA', suffered some stem weevil damage and although not causing ryegrass staggers, did cause weight loss in lambs. Ryegrass/endophyte metabolites in addition to lolitrem B may have affected animal performance on endophyte-infected ryegrass. Keywords endophytc, Endosafe, perennial ryegrass,ryegrass staggers, Argentine stem weevil, liveweight gains, peramine, lolitrem B
Group monitoring, a basis for decision making and technology transfer on sheep and beef farms
Authors: Webby R.W. , Sheath G.W.
Published: July 2020

Group farm monitoring is a team approach to technology transfer involving farmers, consultants and researchers. Biological and financial components of farm production are monitored to provide data for decision making and a knowledge of the farm which is shared among the group.Scientists from the Whatawhata Research Centre (WRC) provide comparative information and relevant technology. Production gains on the monitor farms have been achieved within 3 years and further gains are possible. Group farmers benefit from renewed enthusiasm in farming and an increased interest in new technology. Key success factors are group ownership of decisions and outcomes and the credibility of consultants and scientists who are seen to stand by the technology delivered. MAF Technology consultants initiated farm monitoring in the Northland area and have benefited as have farmers through the WRC contact, which provides a broad spectrum of information from a multi-disciplined research group. Based on the Northland success, group farm monitoring has been accepted as a model for technology transfer throughout New Zealand. Keywords group farm monitoring, information, decision making, technology transfer
Towards more sustainable biological hill country sheep and beef farming
Authors: Mackay A.D. , Gray D.I. , Brookes I.M. , Barker R.A. , Blakeley J.E.
Published: July 2020

This paper describes the research method adopted to identify the constraints to biological (chemical-free) sheep and beef production and to develop management systems that overcome these constraints. The method adopted to meet these objectives has three distinct phases; I A farmlet study, II Component research, and III Farmer survey and on farm testing. The objective of the farmlet study was to establish two farmlets, initially as similar as possible in terms of stock numbers and management practices. The only constraint imposed on the biological and not the conventional farmlet, is that the management practices must comply with the production standards of the New Zealand Biological Producers Council. The conventional farmlet acts as a baseline against which the performance of the biological farmlet can be compared, and to identify constraints to biological hill country sheep and beef production. Component research is used to investigate alternative methods of overcoming these constraints. The third phase of the programme is to survey practising biological producers, which number 50 at present, to identify their major constraints to production and to describe the management practices of successful biological producers. The information from this survey could then be used to further develop the biological farmlet and component research programme. Progress to date in the farmlet study and the information system used to manage and evaluate the performanceof the conventional and biological farmlet is also detailed. Keywords: biological, chemical-free, alternative farming, hill country, research method
Pengaruh Viral Marketing dan Turbo Marketing Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian
Authors: Furqon Mohammad Amir
Published: July 2020

Abstract : The current boom in startup is directly or inversely proportional to company profit. The purpose of this research is to find out whether Viral Marketing and Turbo Marketing simultaneously influence the Purchasing Decision in startup business, especially in the type of cafe or culinary place. The method in this study uses a type of correlation research, with a sample of 100 people, data collection techniques using questionnaires between 16:00 and 20:00 for people who visit Insomnia Café with age around 15-20 years. This study uses statistical analysis techniques, namely by using Correlation and Regression Analysis, F test and T test by using SPSS to minimize the error rate. The result that viral marketing and turbo marketing influences the purchasing decision in Insomnia Café. The next researcher should choose objects with more diverse populations so that the results are more specific, or can also use other variables as intervening so as to enrich the findings. Keyword : Viral marketing; turbo marketing;purchase intention.  Abstrak : Boomingnya usaha startup saat ini apakah berbanding lurus atau berbanding terbalik dengan keuntungan perusahaan. Tujuannya adalah untuk mengetahui apakah Viral Marketing dan Turbo Marketing berpengaruh baik secara parsial maupun simultan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian di usaha startup terutama berjenis kafe atau tempat kuliner. Metode yang dipakai jenis correlation research dengan sampel yang berjumlah 100 orang, teknik pengambilan data menggunakan kusioner atau penyebaran angket antara pukul 16.00 sampai 20.00 terhadap masyarakat yang berkunjung ke Insomnia Café dengan usia sekitar 15-20 tahun. Untuk mengurangi tingkat kekeliruan maka SPSS digunakan untuk analisis korelasi dan regresi , uji F dan uji t. Hasilnya viral marketing dan turbo marketing berpengaruh terhadap keputusan pembelian di Insomnia Cafe. Untuk peneliti selanjutnya hendaknya memilih objek dengan populasi yang lebih beragam sehingga hasilnya lebih spesifik. atau bisa juga menggunakan variable lain sebagai intervening sehingga bisa memperkaya hasil temuan. Kata Kunci : viral marketing; turbo marketing;pembelian ulang.
Masih Pentingkah Kemampuan Pemasaran Pada Era Media Sosial Pemasaran?
Authors: Primanto Alfian Budi , Athia Ita
Published: July 2020

Abstract.  The marketing capability of MSMEs in utilizing social media as a strategic marketing channel is crucial to have. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship of social media marketing usage on marketing performance with marketing capability play as mediation role. This study used Preacher Hayes with bootstrappingtechnique to analyze the direct and indirect effect within model. Purposive sampling used as sampling technique with sample size of 193 respondents. This study proved that there is significant direct relationship between social media marketing and marketing performance. Unfortunately, the direct and indirect relationship of marketing capability on marketing performance failed to prove in this study. The SMEs in this study tend to doubt their marketing capabilities both the ability to innovate or the ability to manage brands. Athought, they understand that the brand is an important asset and innovation is mandatory, but due to lack of confidence in the mastery of those capabilities makes them use social media only for basic features as a storefront. Keywords: Social Media Marketng; Marketing Performance; Marketing Capability; Preacher-Hayes. Abstrak.  Kemampuan pemasaran pelaku UMKM dalam memanfaatkan media sosial sebagai saluran pemasaran strategis sangat krusial untuk dimiliki. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan aktivitas pemasaran media sosial dan kinerja pemasaran melalui peran mediasi kemampuan pemasaran. Penelitian ini menggunakan Preacher Hayes dengan teknik bootstrapping dalam pengujian pengaruh langsung dan mediasi hipotesis penelitian. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling dengan ukuran sampel sebanyak 193 responden. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh antara aktivitas pemasaran media sosial terhadap kinerja pemasaran. Adapun, pengaruh kemampuan pemasaran baik secara langsung maupun perannya sebagai mediator aktivitas pemasaran media sosial terhadap kinerja pemasaran tidak terbukti dalam penelitian ini. Pelaku UMKM dalam penelitian ini cenderung ragu-ragu dengan kemampuan pemasaran yang dimilikinya baik kemampuan untuk berinovasi ataupun kemampuan pengelolaan merek. Mereka memahami bahwa merek merupakan aset yang penting dan inovasi adalah wajib namun dikarenakan kurangnya keyakinan dalam penguasaan kemampuan tersebut menyebabkan mereka hanya menggunakan media sosial dengan fitur dasar sebagai etalase produk untuk mencapai kinerja pemasaran yang telah ditetapkan.   Kata kunci:  Pemasaran Media Sosial; Kinerja Pemasaran; Kemampuan Pemasaran; Preacher-Hayes.
Analisis Pengaruh Inovasi Organisasi, Inovasi Strategis, dan Diferensiasi Pasar: Tantangan Keberlanjutan Perbankan Online Indonesia
Authors: Kristanti Maria Mia
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Innovation is officially referred as new breakthroughs and emerging developments, with the goal of advanced financial growth. This can be issues as transforming knowledge into economic value. Business can have better achievement with better market position based on the degree on their value assigns, and it’s crucial for businesses in create their best image on the industry, thereby in growing the customer preferences. When the creativity and innovation flow desiccates, the financial performance of the organization also slowing down. A quantitavive study was designed with SEM method, and LISREL. The purposive sampling technique in 10 Online Banking preference was conducted with survey to gain the primary data. Several test was completed with SPSS as starter of the analysis. This study shows that, the innovation strategy can lead to organizational sustainability. Further study shold broader scope to improve performance, process, and activities. Keywords: Organizational Innovation; Organizational Sustainability. Abstrak.  Inovasi secara formal disebut sebagai tehnik terkini, dan pengembangan yang muncul, yang bertujuan membawa organisasi pada pertumbuhan kinerja keuangan. Inovasi diartikan sebagai transformasi sains menjadi nilai finansial. Inovasi bermakna strategis dengan dampaknya yang berkorelasi pada efisiensi, serta keberlanjutan organisasi. Inovasi ditujukan untuk mencapai peningkatan efisiensi pasar, dan peningkatan kinerja finansial. Organisasi yang meraih keunggulan kompetitif, dan pangsa pasar lebih besar selalu didasarkan pada prioritas pada tehnik terkini, untuk menciptakan citranya di pasar, dan dapat memperbesar jumlah preferensi pelanggan. Ketika kreativitas dan tehnik terkini diciptakan, maka struktur ekonomi organisasi mulai membaik. Metode kuantitatif dengan SEM dan LISREL serta tehnik purposive sampling pada 10 preferensi Perbankan Online dilakukan untuk mendapatkan data primer, serta penggunaan SPSS sebagai alat uji awal, yang menunjukkan hasil signifikan bahwa,strategi terpenting dalam mencapai keberlanjutan organisasi adalah melalui inovasi organisasi. Studi lebih jauh diharapkan memperluas ruang lingkup untuk menganalisis kinerja, proses, dan aktifitas organisasi.  Kata kunci: Inovasi Organisai; Keberlanjutan Organisasi.
“Covid19 and Protest Repertoires in the United States: An initial description of limited change”
Authors: Pressman Jeremy , Choi-Fitzpatrick Austin
Published: July 2020

The Covid19 pandemic did not cause a dramatic change in the dominant protest repertoire in the United States. Street protests and all the associated behaviors such as marching, carrying signs, chanting, and speeches continued to be the major form of activity. Nonetheless, based on media reports and Crowd Counting Consortium data, we observed three important changes. First, protestors’ issues of concern shifted to public health and economic policies. Second, some but not all protestors made tactical adjustments by embracing social distancing or shifting to formats that did not require social distancing such as car caravans. Third, medical facilities much more commonly serving as a location for demonstrations. Preliminary analysis also leads us to believe that protestors did not use online tools in dramatically new ways but probably did make use of these tools far more frequently. In short, this was probably more of a quantitative growth than a qualitative shift.
Scenario Planning for Climate Adaptation in Agricultural Systems
Authors: Schmitt Olabisi Laura , Ugochukwu Onyeneke Robert , Prince Choko Onyinye , Nwawulu Chiemela Stella , Liverpool-Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Ifeyinwa Achike Anthonia , Ayo Aiyeloja Adedapo
Published: July 2020

Effective climate adaptation in sub-Saharan African agriculture will require coordination across multiple scales of governance. Decision-makers from local to national scales will be tasked with planning under conditions of high uncertainty, often with minimal data. Participatory scenario planning is a method for devising adaptation strategies under high uncertainty, and we hypothesized that it could also be used for identifying systemic, inclusive, and transformative adaptation options at the community scale, and for highlighting opportunities for cross-scalar collaboration. We conducted scenario exercises with two communities in southeastern Nigeria that have experienced increasing flooding and other challenges linked to climate variability. Both communities identified drivers of change that intersect with climate, as well as community-scale actions that would improve adaptation to a range of future scenarios. We found evidence that scenario exercises can stimulate communities to develop transformative approaches to climate adaptation that seek to reduce climate risk by creating new systems and processes. We also found that community-identified priorities for strategic action highlight how larger-scale interventions could coordinate with communities to adapt more effectively. Participatory scenario planning is therefore a potentially important tool for adaptation planning in regions in which future conditions are highly uncertain.
Hulled Wheat Productivity and Quality in Modern Agriculture Against Conventional Wheat Species
Authors: Rachoń Leszek , Bobryk-Mamczarz Aneta , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study is to compare the yields and qualities of the hulled wheats emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schübl.) and spelt (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. spelta) with the commonly cultivated naked wheats common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. vulgare) and durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Three years of field experiments were carried out from 2015 to 2017 in the Lubelskie province (Poland) on rendzina soils. The experimental results indicate that the hulled wheats, even when cultivated with advanced technology, produced lower yields compared to the common and durum wheats (reduced by 30–56%). In spite of their lower yields, emmer and spelt retained appropriate technological parameters. Higher ash, protein, and wet gluten yields were characteristic of the hulled wheats; however, the high gluten spread of emmer (13.3 mm) may limit its application as a raw material in some food processes. In summary, hulled wheat species can be recommended for modern agricultural production as an alternative source of high-quality materials for the agricultural and food industries.
Multi-Pose Face Recognition Based on Deep Learning in Unconstrained Scene
Authors: Ruan Shuai , Tang Chaowei , Zhou Xu , Jin Zhuoyi , Chen Shiyu , Wen Haotian , Liu Hongbin , Tang Dong
Published: July 2020

At present, deep learning drives the rapid development of face recognition. However, in the unconstrained scenario, the change of facial posture has a great impact on face recognition. Moreover, the current model still has some shortcomings in accuracy and robustness. The existing research has formulated two methods to solve the above problems. One method is to model and train each pose separately. Then, a fusion decision will be made. The other method is to make “frontal” faces on the image or feature level and transform them into “frontal” face recognition. Based on the second idea, we propose a profile to the frontal revise mapping (PTFRM) module. This module realizes the revision of arbitrary poses on the feature level and transforms the multi-pose features into an approximate frontal representation to enhance the recognition ability of the existing recognition models. Finally, we evaluate the PTFRM on unconstrained face validation benchmark datasets such as Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW), Celebrities in Frontal Profile (CFP), and IARPA Janus Benchmark A(IJB-A). Results show that the chosen method for this study achieves good performance.
Valorization of Slags Produced by Smelting of Metallurgical Dusts and Lateritic Ore Fines in Manufacturing of Slag Cements
Authors: Tzevelekou Theofani , Lampropoulou Paraskevi , Giannakopoulou Panagiota P. , Rogkala Aikaterini , Koutsovitis Petros , Koukouzas Nikolaos , Petrounias Petros
Published: July 2020

A pyrometallurgical process was developed for the recycling of Ni bearing dusts and laterite ore fines by direct reduction smelting in DC (direct current) arc furnace. In the course of the performed industrial trials, besides the Ni-recovery in the liquid bath, slag composition was deliberately adjusted in order to produce a series of metallurgical slags with different chemical and mineralogical composition. The aim of this study was to investigate their suitability as clinker substitute in cement manufacturing. Examined parameters were slag FeOx content, basicity and applied cooling media (air, water cooling). A series of composite Portland and slag cements were manufactured in laboratory scale incorporating 20% and 40% of each slag, respectively; the rest being clinker of OPC (ordinary Portland cement) and 5% gypsum. The extended mineralogical analysis and microstructural properties of the produced slags were examined and correlated with the properties of the produced cements. The physical and mechanical characteristics of all examined cement products were found to meet the requirements of the regulation set for cements. The present research revealed that the most critical parameter in the compressive strength development of the slag cements is the mineralogical composition of the slag. Even in cases where rapid cooling to obtain glassy matrix is not feasible, adjustment of slag analysis to obtain mineralogical phases similar to those met in clinker of OPC, even at higher FeO contents (up to ~21wt.%), can result in production of slag with considerable latent hydraulic properties. These results indicate that there is potentially space for adjustments in conventional EAF (electric arc furnace) steel slags composition to allow for their wider use in cement manufacturing with significant environmental and economic benefits resulting from the reduction of energy requirements, CO2 emissions and natural raw materials consumption.
Subpopulations of Organoid-Forming Cells Have Different Motility
Authors: Gomez Jimenez David , Carreira Santos Sofia , Greiff Lennart , Alm Kersti , Lindstedt Malin
Published: July 2020

Cancer stem cells from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into heterogeneous three-dimensional structures carrying features of tumor cells. Here, we describe a simple and label-free method for generating tumor organoids, and imaging them using live digital holographic microscopy (DHM) on the basis of the phase shift caused by light passing through the cells. We show early events of cell aggregation during tumor-organoid formation, and display their heterogeneity in terms of optical parameters up to an optical volume of 105 µm3. Lastly, by sorting OPSCC epithelial cells, we demonstrate that CD44+ cells displayed greater motility and tumor-forming capacity than those of CD44− cells. These results were in line with previous reports highlighting increased invasive and tumorigenic potential in tumor cells expressing high levels of CD44. Our method provides insight into the formation of tumor organoids, and could be used to assess stemness-associated biomarkers and drug screenings on the basis of tumor organoids.
Lithium-Ion Battery Modeling Including Degradation Based on Single-Particle Approximations
Authors: Al-Gabalawy Mostafa , Hosny Nesreen S. , Hussien Shimaa A.
Published: July 2020

This paper introduces a physical–chemical model that governs the lithium ion (Li-ion) battery performance. It starts from the model of battery life and moves forward with simplifications based on the single-particle model (SPM), until arriving at a more simplified and computationally fast model. On the other hand, the implementation of this model is developed through MATLAB. The goal is to characterize an Li-ion cell and obtain its charging and discharging curves with different current rates and different cycle depths, as well as its transitory response. In addition, the results provided are represented and compared, and different methods of estimating the state of the batteries are applied. They include the dynamics of the electrolyte and the effects of aging caused by a high number of charging and discharging cycles of the batteries. A complete comparison with the three-parameter method (TPM) is represented in order to demonstrate the superiority of the applied methodology.
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Predicts 4-Hour Sperm Motility
Authors: Alamo Angela , De Luca Claudia , Mongioì Laura M. , Barbagallo Federica , Cannarella Rossella , La Vignera Sandro , Calogero Aldo E. , Condorelli Rosita A.
Published: July 2020

The evaluation of conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters is of fundamental importance for assessing male reproductive function. Among these, sperm motility is one of the most important parameters. Indeed, asthenozoospermia is a frequent cause of male infertility. Sperm motility depends on mitochondrial function and the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) better accounts for the function of this intracellular organelle. On the basis of these premises, the present study assessed whether the MMP predicts sperm motility at 4 h in patients with low or normal MMP. To accomplish this, 31 men were enrolled. Sperm analysis was conducted according to the WHO 2010 criteria. Particular attention was paid to the evaluation of MMP after liquefaction (T0) using JC-1 staining by flow cytometry. Sperm total and progressive motility were measured at T0 and after 4 h from seminal fluid collection (T4). Patients were divided into two groups based on their sperm mitochondrial function at T0. Group A (n = 18) was composed of men with normal mitochondrial function since they had a percentage of spermatozoa with low MMP (L-MMP) below the normal reference value of our laboratory (<36.5%). In contrast, group B (n = 13) was made up of men with impaired sperm mitochondrial function (L-MMP > 36.5%). Group A had a slight but not significant reduction in total and progressive sperm motility at T4 compared with the values recorded at T0. In contrast, patients in group B showed a significant decline in both total and progressive sperm motility at T4 compared with T0 (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that worse mitochondrial function, assessed by staining with JC1, is associated with a significant decline in sperm motility over time. These findings may be of clinical relevance in programs of assisted reproduction techniques. Based on our knowledge, there is no other evidence in the literature that has shown this relationship in healthy men with low MMP of idiopathic etiology, but normozoospermics according to the WHO 2010 criteria.
Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon Foam from Polymerization of Furfuryl Alcohol Activated by Zinc and Copper Chlorides
Authors: Cepollaro Elisabetta M. , Caputo Domenico , Cimino Stefano , Gargiulo Nicola , Lisi Luciana
Published: July 2020

Polymerization of furfuryl alcohol carried out using ZnCl2 or CuCl2 as Lewis acid activators was investigated by exploring various synthesis parameters in order to produce activated carbons with different porosity and metal load. The temperature of polymerization was changed according to Lewis acidity strength of the two metal chlorides: 0 °C for CuCl2 and 80 °C for ZnCl2. The polymer obtained was pyrolyzed under pure He flow or under 1000 ppm O2/He flow at 600 or 850 °C in order to produce activated carbons with specific textural features. The load and nature of the residual metal after pyrolysis were determined by ICP and XRD analyses, respectively. Copper was mostly preserved even at high pyrolysis temperature in contrast to zinc, which was almost totally lost at 850 °C. A foamy structure was detected by SEM analysis for all samples. Textural properties were determined by both N2 and CO2 physisorption; surface areas and pore size distributions were evaluated according to BET, DFT and DR models. The polymerization activated by ZnCl2 produced carbons with larger surface areas were also related to the presence of some mesopores, whereas CuCl2 promoted the prevailing formation of narrow micropores, making these materials particularly suited to H2 storage applications.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial AgGaCl Tri-Doped ZnO Nanorods for Water Treatment under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Cardoza-Contreras Marlene N. , Sánchez-Serrano Samuel , Contreras Oscar E.
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study is to analyze the synergy of antimicrobial elements, such as Ga, Ag and Cl by incorporating them in ZnO nanorods and measuring their antimicrobial and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation for water treatment. AgGa-doped ZnO nanorods and AgGaCl-doped ZnO nanorods on polyethylene substrate were prepared by a simple and fast microwave assisted synthesis. HCl was used in order to lower the pH of the precursor solution and favor Ga and Cl incorporation in the ZnO nanorods. The synthesized undoped and doped ZnO nanorods were analyzed with SEM, EDX, XRD and CL. The photocatalytic properties of the nanorods were evaluated via methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation. Antimicrobial activity of the nanorods was measured via growth kinetics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. It was found that AgGaCl-doped ZnO nanorods improve the methylene blue photo-degradation and above all, the antimicrobial activity of the AgGaCl tri-doped ZnO nanorods showed a lethal effect on the bacteria’s growth. This work shows that AgGaCl NRs are an excellent alternative for the development of sustainable water treatment devices and antimicrobial applications.
Dysregulation of TCTP in Biological Processes and Diseases
Authors: Bommer Ulrich-Axel , Telerman Adam
Published: July 2020

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also called histamine releasing factor (HRF) or fortilin, is a multifunctional protein present in almost all eukaryotic organisms. TCTP is involved in a range of basic cell biological processes, such as promotion of growth and development, or cellular defense in response to biological stresses. Cellular TCTP levels are highly regulated in response to a variety of physiological signals, and regulatory mechanism at various levels have been elucidated. Given the importance of TCTP in maintaining cellular homeostasis, it is not surprising that dysregulation of this protein is associated with a range of disease processes. Here, we review recent progress that has been made in the characterisation of the basic biological functions of TCTP, in the description of mechanisms involved in regulating its cellular levels and in the understanding of dysregulation of TCTP, as it occurs in disease processes such as cancer.
The WAVE Regulatory Complex Is Required to Balance Protrusion and Adhesion in Migration
Authors: Whitelaw Jamie A. , Swaminathan Karthic , Kage Frieda , Machesky Laura M.
Published: July 2020

Cells migrating over 2D substrates are required to polymerise actin at the leading edge to form lamellipodia protrusions and nascent adhesions to anchor the protrusion to the substrate. The major actin nucleator in lamellipodia formation is the Arp2/3 complex, which is activated by the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC). Using inducible Nckap1 floxed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we confirm that the WRC is required for lamellipodia formation, and importantly, for generating the retrograde flow of actin from the leading cell edge. The loss of NCKAP1 also affects cell spreading and focal adhesion dynamics. In the absence of lamellipodium, cells can become elongated and move with a single thin pseudopod, which appears devoid of N-WASP. This phenotype was more prevalent on collagen than fibronectin, where we observed an increase in migratory speed. Thus, 2D cell migration on collagen is less dependent on branched actin.
Recent Advances in Mussel-Inspired Synthetic Polymers as Marine Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Manolakis Ioannis , Azhar Usaid
Published: July 2020

Synthetic oligomers and polymers inspired by the multifunctional tethering system (byssus) of the common mussel (genus Mytilus) have emerged since the 1980s as a very active research domain within the wider bioinspired and biomimetic materials arena. The unique combination of strong underwater adhesion, robust mechanical properties and self-healing capacity has been linked to a large extent to the presence of the unusual α-amino acid derivative l-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) as a building block of the mussel byssus proteins. This paper provides a short overview of marine biofouling, discussing the different marine biofouling species and natural defenses against these, as well as biomimicry as a concept investigated in the marine antifouling context. A detailed discussion of the literature on the Mytilus mussel family follows, covering elements of their biology, biochemistry and the specific measures adopted by these mussels to utilise their l-DOPA-rich protein sequences (and specifically the ortho-bisphenol (catechol) moiety) in their benefit. A comprehensive account is then given of the key catechol chemistries (covalent and non-covalent/intermolecular) relevant to adhesion, cohesion and self-healing, as well as of some of the most characteristic mussel protein synthetic mimics reported over the past 30 years and the related polymer functionalisation strategies with l-DOPA/catechol. Lastly, we review some of the most recent advances in such mussel-inspired synthetic oligomers and polymers, claimed as specifically aimed or intended for use in marine antifouling coatings and/or tested against marine biofouling species.
Modelling Propagating Bloch Waves in Magnetoelectroelastic Phononic Structures with Kagomé Lattice Using the Improved Plane Wave Expansion
Authors: Miranda Edson Jansen Pedrosa de , Rodrigues Samuel Filgueiras , Aranas Clodualdo , Silva Hélio Vitor Cantanhêde da , Silva Eden Santos , Reis Gedeon Silva , Paiva Antônio Ernandes Macedo , Dos Santos José Maria Campos
Published: July 2020

We studied the dispersion diagram of a 2D magnetoelectroelastic phononic crystal (MPnC) with Kagomé lattice. The MPnC is composed of BaTiO3–CoFe2O4 circular scatterers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The improved plane wave expansion (IPWE) approach was used to calculate the dispersion diagram (only propagating modes) of the MPnC considering the classical elasticity theory, solid with transverse isotropy and wave propagation in the xy plane. Complete Bragg-type forbidden bands were observed for XY and Z modes. The piezoelectric and the piezomagnetic effects significantly influenced the forbidden band widths and localizations. This investigation can be valuable for elastic wave manipulation using smart phononic crystals with piezoelectric and piezomagnetic effects.
Plant Diversity Patterns and Conservation Implications under Climate-Change Scenarios in the Mediterranean: The Case of Crete (Aegean, Greece)
Authors: Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Panitsa Maria , Trigas Panayiotis , Strid Arne , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: July 2020

Climate change poses a great challenge for biodiversity conservation. Several studies exist regarding climate change’s impacts on European plants, yet none has investigated how climate change will affect the extinction risk of the entire endemic flora of an island biodiversity hotspot, with intense human disturbance. Our aim is to assess climate change’s impacts on the biodiversity patterns of the endemic plants of Crete (S Aegean) and provide a case-study upon which a climate-smart conservation planning strategy might be set. We employed a variety of macroecological analyses and estimated the current and future biodiversity, conservation and extinction hotspots in Crete. We evaluated the effectiveness of climatic refugia and the Natura 2000 network of protected areas (PAs) for protecting the most vulnerable species and identified the taxa of conservation priority based on the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) index. The results revealed that high altitude areas of Cretan mountains constitute biodiversity hotspots and areas of high conservation and evolutionary value. Due to the “escalator to extinction” phenomenon, these areas are projected to become diversity “death-zones” and should thus be prioritised. Conservation efforts should be targeted at areas with overlaps among PAs and climatic refugia, characterised by high diversity and EDGE scores. This conservation-prioritisation planning will allow the preservation of evolutionary heritage, trait diversity and future ecosystem services for human well-being and acts as a pilot for similar regions worldwide.
Reality, Indeterminacy, Probability, and Information in Quantum Theory
Authors: Plotnitsky Arkady
Published: July 2020

Following the view of several leading quantum-information theorists, this paper argues that quantum phenomena, including those exhibiting quantum correlations (one of their most enigmatic features), and quantum mechanics may be best understood in quantum-informational terms. It also argues that this understanding is implicit already in the work of some among the founding figures of quantum mechanics, in particular W. Heisenberg and N. Bohr, half a century before quantum information theory emerged and confirmed, and gave a deeper meaning to, to their insights. These insights, I further argue, still help this understanding, which is the main reason for considering them here. My argument is grounded in a particular interpretation of quantum phenomena and quantum mechanics, in part arising from these insights as well. This interpretation is based on the concept of reality without realism, RWR (which places the reality considered beyond representation or even conception), introduced by this author previously, in turn, following Heisenberg and Bohr, and in response to quantum information theory.
Multi-scale Entropy Evaluates the Proarrhythmic Condition of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Predicting Early Failure of Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: Roldan Eva María Cirugeda , Calero Sofía , Hidalgo Víctor Manuel , Enero José , Rieta José Joaquín , Alcaraz Raúl
Published: July 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is nowadays the most common cardiac arrhythmia, being associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. When AF lasts for more than seven days, it is classified as persistent AF and external interventions are required for its termination. A well-established alternative for that purpose is electrical cardioversion (ECV). While ECV is able to initially restore sinus rhythm (SR) in more than 90% of patients, rates of AF recurrence as high as 20–30% have been found after only a few weeks of follow-up. Hence, new methods for evaluating the proarrhythmic condition of a patient before the intervention can serve as efficient predictors about the high risk of early failure of ECV, thus facilitating optimal management of AF patients. Among the wide variety of predictors that have been proposed to date, those based on estimating organization of the fibrillatory (f-) waves from the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) have reported very promising results. However, the existing methods are based on traditional entropy measures, which only assess a single time scale and often are unable to fully characterize the dynamics generated by highly complex systems, such as the heart during AF. The present work then explores whether a multi-scale entropy (MSE) analysis of the f-waves may provide early prediction of AF recurrence after ECV. In addition to the common MSE, two improved versions have also been analyzed, composite MSE (CMSE) and refined MSE (RMSE). When analyzing 70 patients under ECV, of which 31 maintained SR and 39 relapsed to AF after a four week follow-up, the three methods provided similar performance. However, RMSE reported a slightly better discriminant ability of 86%, thus improving the other multi-scale-based outcomes by 3–9% and other previously proposed predictors of ECV by 15–30%. This outcome suggests that investigation of dynamics at large time scales yields novel insights about the underlying complex processes generating f-waves, which could provide individual proarrhythmic condition estimation, thus improving preoperative predictions of ECV early failure.
Investigative Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Modelling Approach for Geothermal Heat Extraction through Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing from Hot Geothermal Sedimentary Systems
Authors: Haris Muhammad , Hou Michael Z. , Feng Wentao , Luo Jiashun , Zahoor Muhammad Khurram , Liao Jianxing
Published: July 2020

The meaningful utilization of artificially created multiple fractures in tight formations is associated with the performance behavior of such flow channels, especially in the case of thermal energy extraction from sedimentary geothermal system. In this study, an innovative idea is presented to develop a numerical model for geothermal energy production based on concrete physical performance of an artificially created tensile multi-fracture system in a simplified manner. The state-of-the-art software FLAC3Dplus-TOUGH2MP-TMVOC are integrated to develop a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) fictive model for constructing a multi-fracture scheme and estimating heat extraction performance. By incorporating the actual fracture width of newly created subsequent fracture under the effect of stress shadow, cubic law is implemented for fluid flow and geothermal energy production. The results depict that fracture spacing plays a vital role in the energy contribution through multiple fractures. Afterwards, a field case study to design huge multiple hydraulic fractures was performed in the geothermal well GB X1 in North Germany. The attenuation of fracture propagation becomes more significant when massive multiple fracturing operation is performed especially in the case of lower fracture spacing. The fictive model results will be extended to study the geothermal utilization of the North German basin through massive multiple fractures in our future work.
Economic Management Based on Hybrid MPC for Microgrids: A Brazilian Energy Market Solution
Authors: Conte Eduardo , Mendes Paulo R. C. , Normey-Rico Julio E.
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a microgrid central controller (MGCC) solution to the energy management problem of a renewable energy-based microgrid (MG). This MG is a case study from the Brazilian energy market context and, thus, has some operational particularities and rules to be obeyed. The MGCC development was based on a hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) strategy using the mixed logical dynamic (MLD) approach to deal with logical constraints within the HMPC structure, which results in a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem. The development of the solution is done through economic and dynamic modeling of the MG components; furthermore, it also takes into account the energy compensation rules of the Brazilian energy market and the white energy tariff. These conditions are specified through a set of MLD constraints. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed solution are evaluated through high-fidelity numerical simulation.