bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropharmacology of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: possible targets for novel therapeutic approaches
Authors: Scuteri Damiana , Rombolà Laura , Morrone Luigi Antonio , Bagetta Giacinto , Sakurada Shinobu , Sakurada Tsukasa , Tonin Paolo , Corasaniti Maria Tiziana
Published: June 2019

Ageing of the world population makes of dementia a challenge for health systems worldwide. The cognitive disturbance is a serious but not the only issue in dementia; behavioural and psychological syndromes known as neuropsychiatric or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia remarkably reduce the quality of life of patients. Rising evidence is unraveling the pathophysiology of these symptoms in which all the neurotransmitter systems in the Central Nervous System (CNS) are implicated, with a pivotal role of alterations of the glutamatergic neurotransmission. Pharmacological agents for the treatment of these disorders endowed with efficacy and safety are not available yet; aromatherapy provides the best evidence in the control of agitation, the most resistant symptom. Basic research effort demonstrates that the essential oil of bergamot induces anxyolitic-like effects, devoid of sedation, typical of benzodiazepines, with noteworthy advantage for demented patients. People suffering from dementia often cannot verbalize pain, thus resulting unrelieved and contributing to agitation. Bergamot essential oil provides extensive evidence of analgesic properties independent from the route of administration. Among other mechanisms, modulation of autophagy, a process involved in neuropathic pain, seems to be implicated in the analgesic activity of bergamot essential oil. These data, together with the reported safety profile form the rational basis for bergamot as a neurotherapeutic to be trialed for the control of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Four-Dimensional Almost Einstein Manifolds with Skew-Circulant Structres
Authors: Dokuzova Iva , Razpopov Dimitar
Published: June 2019

We consider a four-dimensional Riemannian manifold M equipped with an additional tensor structure S, whose fourth power is minus identity and the second power is an almost complex structure. In a local coordinate system the components of the metric g and the structure S form skew-circulant matrices. Both structures S and g are compatible, such that an isometry is induced in every tangent space of M. By a special identity for the curvature tensor, generated by the Riemannian connection of g, we determine classes of an Einstein manifolds and an almost Einstein manifolds. For such manifolds we obtain propositions for the sectional curvatures of some special 2-planes in a tangent space of M. We consider an almost Hermitian manifold associated with the studied manifold and find conditions for g, under which it is a Kähler manifold. We construct some examples of the considered manifolds on Lie groups.
On Generalized Pentanacci and Gaussian Generalized Pentanacci Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we present Binet's formulas, generating functions, and the summation formulas for generalized Pentanacci numbers, and as special cases, we investigate Pentanacci and Pentanacci-Lucas numbers with their properties. Also, we define Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers and as special cases, we investigate Gaussian Pentanacci and Gaussian Pentanacci-Lucas numbers with their properties. Moreover, we give some identities for these numbers. Furthermore, we present matrix formulations of generalized Pentanacci numbers and Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers.
Introducing High School Students to Engineering Fundamentals by Four Weeks Engineering Innovation Summer Program
Authors: Tyagi Pawan , Newman Christine
Published: June 2019

Preparing high school students for engineering disciplines is crucial for sustainable scientific and technological developments in the USA. This paper discusses a pre-college program, which not only exposes students to various engineering disciplines but also enables them to consider engineering as the profession. The four-week long “Engineering Innovation (EI)” course is offered every year to high school students by the center of outreach, Johns Hopkins University. EI program is designed to develop problem-solving skills through extensive hands-on engineering experiments. A team consisting of an instructor, generally a PhD in Engineering, and a teaching fellow, generally a high school science teacher, closely work with students to pedagogically inculcate basics of core engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, materials, and chemical engineering. EI values independent problem-solving skills and simultaneously promote the team spirit among students. A number of crucial engineering aspects such as professional ethics, communications, technical writing, and understanding of common engineering principles are inculcated among high school students via well-designed individual and group activities. This paper discusses the model of EI program and its impact on students learning and their preparation for the engineering career.
EFFECT OF Mg (II) METAL ION ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF RAMBUTAN PEEL (Nephelium lappaceum)
Authors: Astuti Emmi , Ahmad Ahyar , Dali Seniwati
Published: June 2019

Anthocyanin is the one of natural dyes that often used in foodstuffe, because anthocyanin can make a more color like red, blue and purple. Anthocyanin storage can make anthocyanin is damage, because the interaction with tempherature, light, and oxygen show that can given effect about the stability anthocyanin color, and decrease the anthocyanin as an antioxidant. That problem can be solved with copigmentation, that is an anthocyanin reaction with metal ion. In this study can showed that ethanol extract from Rambutan peel and we obtained 23.824 gram with total anthocyanin content of 709.3866 mg/L with antioxidant activity of 0.0046 μg/mL, and then the extract of anthocyanin with metal ion Mg2+ in concentration 50; 100 and 150 ppm had IC50 are 0.0061; 0.0048 and 0.0067 μg/mL. This conclution from the added of metal ion Mg2+ showed that has not show much different antioxidant activity.
Users’ Perspective on the Credibility of Social Media Influencers in Romania and Germany
Authors: Balaban Delia , Mustățea Maria
Published: June 2019

The present research addresses the issue of source credibility of social media influencers from the perspective of users. Social media influencers are defined as online personalities with a large number of followers, across one or several social media platforms. They have a complex role, being content creators, online opinion leaders, and even entrepreneurs. Influencer marketing is becoming a more and more relevant component of current advertising campaigns worldwide. A consistent body of literature has underlined the importance of source credibility for the effectiveness of advertising. Recent researches on Source Credibility Theory (Teng et al, 2014; Djafarova & Rushworth, 2016; Munnukka et al 2016; Lou &Yuan, 2018) have stressed the influence of trustworthiness, expertise, similarity and attractiveness as elements of source credibility on perceived trust in influencer marketing. In order to gain better insights, we chose to conduct qualitative research that can allow us an in-depth perspective on the phenomenon of source credibility in influencer marketing. We carried out four group discussions in Germany and five in Romania. We explored the differences and similarities regarding the users’ perception of the perceived credibility of social media influencers.
Identification and evaluation of suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in rubber tree leaf
Authors: long xiangyu , Lu Jilai , Kav Nat N. V. , Qin Yunxia , Fang Yongjun , Wang Zhiyong
Published: June 2019

Backgroud

Gene expression profiling is increasingly applied to investigate molecular mechanisms for which, normalization with suitable reference genes is critical. Previously we have reported several suitable reference genes for laticifer samples from rubber, however, little is known about reference genes in leaf.

Results

The main objective of this current study was to identify some reference genes with stable expression patterns in leaf at various developmental stages, as well as during abiotic (temperature extremes) and biotic stresses. Gene expression profiling experiments in rubber tree leaf identified the ubiquitin-proteasome system as having excellent potential as reference genes. Among a total of 30 tested genes investigated, 24 new (including 11 genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system), 4 previously identified and 2 specific genes, were further evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results indicated that the new genes had better stability of expression when compared with others. For instance, an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (RG0099) and three ubiquitin-protein ligases (RG0928, RG2190 and RG0118) expressed stably in all samples, and were confirmed to be suitable reference genes in rubber tree leaf in four different conditions. Finally, we suggest that using more than one reference gene may be appropriate in gene expression studies when employing different software to normalize gene expression data.

Conclusion

Our findings have significant implications for the reliability of data obtained from genomics studies in rubber tree and perhaps in other species.
Facilitating Crop–Livestock Reintegration in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Sieverding Heidi , Lai Liming , Thandiwe Nleya , Wienhold Brian , Redfearn Daren , Archer David , Ussiri David , Faust Derek , Landblom Douglas , Grings Elaine , Stone James J. , Jacquet Jeffrey , Pokharel Krishna , Liebig Mark , Schmer Marty , Sexton Peter , Mitchell Rob , Smalley Scott , Osborne Shannon , Ali Shaukat , Şentürklü Songül , Sehgal Sunish , Owens Vance , Jin Virginia
Published: June 2019

Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLSs) can help increase food production while benefiting soils and the environment. This review summarizes recent impacts of ICLSs on crop and livestock production and rural economics and discusses lessons learned in the northern Great Plains (NGP). Research on ICLS conducted in the NGP indicates that the crop residue grazing, swath grazing, and annual forage grazing can positively influence crop production; whereas, livestock performance varies with season, forage nutritive value, and grazing management. Furthermore, ICLSs can reduce the costs and risks of agricultural production. The success of ICLSs in NGP region depends on trade‐offs, planning, economic benefits, policies, regulations, community acceptance, and management skills. The ICLSs could play a strategic role in future agricultural production. The lessons learned from adopting ICLSs in the NGP include the lack of available land for fertilizer (manure) management, that to implement ICLS practices skills and knowledge must be maintained, and ICLS provides an entry point for young farmers and ranchers however capital is needed. These experiences and lessons could be valuable references for producers to adopt ICLSs in the NGP or other regions.

Core Ideas

Integrated crop–livestock systems positively affect crop production by improving soil health.

Common integrated crop–livestock system management techniques can enhance the northern Great Plains crop production.

Integrated crop–livestock system livestock performance is impacted by season, forage selection, and management.

Integrated crop–livestock systems can increase economic benefits and reduce economic risks.

Experiences and lessons in the northern Great Plains could be valuable for other regions to adopt integrated crop–livestock systems.
Soil Water and Water Use in Long‐Term Dryland Crop Rotations
Authors: Schlegel Alan J. , Assefa Yared , Haag Lucas A. , Thompson Curtis R. , Stone Loyd R.
Published: June 2019

Dryland crop rotation systems are sustainable only if there is sufficient water available for profitable crop production. The objective of our study was to identify potential crop rotation systems for the central Great Plains and similar semiarid areas that increase soil water, fallow water accumulation, fallow efficiency, and water productivity of major crops. The study was conducted from 2000 through 2017 near Tribune, KS. Four summer crops [corn (Zea mays L.) (CR), grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) (GS), soybean (Glycine max L.) (SB), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (SF)] along with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (W) were grown in 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐yr rotations, with most rotations including a fallow (F) phase. Rotations were W–CR–SB–F, W–F, W–CR–SF–F, W–GS–F, W–SF–F, and W–CR–GS–F from 2000 through 2006 and W–CR–F, continuous GS, W–F, W–GS–CR–F, W–GS–F, and W–CR–GS–F from 2008 through 2017. Results showed that available soil water (ASW) at corn planting was in the order W–CR–GS–F = W–CR–SB–F > W–CR–SF–F for 2000–2006 period and ASW and water productivity were in the order W–CR–GS–F = W–CR–F > W–GS–CR–F for the 2008–2017 period. The ASW in the 30–150 cm profile depth at sorghum planting and crop water productivity were in the order W–GS–F > W–CR–GS–F for the 2000–2006 period and in the order W–GS–CR–F = W–GS–F > W–CR–GS–F = GS–GS for the 2008–2017 period. ASW at wheat planting and crop water productivity were greater in W–F and W–GS–F in the wheat‐based rotations. Results consistently showed that with summer crop planting there was greater soil water following wheat than another summer crop.

Core Ideas

Soil water at planting of summer crop, prior off‐season soil water accumulation, water use, and crop water productivity were greater following wheat than following another summer crop.

The longer fallow period between wheat harvest and grain sorghum planting and yield potential of grain sorghum compared with corn, sunflower, and soybean justifies wide adoption of winter wheat–grain sorghum–fallow in semi‐arid regions

Soil water at wheat planting, fallow accumulation, water use of wheat, fallow efficiency, and crop water productivity were greater in winter wheat–fallow and winter wheat–grain sorghum–fallow of the wheat‐based rotations.
Crosstalk between Abscisic Acid and Auxin under Osmotic Stress
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Li Yan , Jiang Hengke , Sun Xin , Ahmad Bushra , Imran Shakeel , Yu Liang , Liu Chunyan , Yang Wenyu , Du Junbo
Published: June 2019

Since their early migration from aquatic environments to land, plants have been susceptible to numerous variable environmental stresses, which strongly influenced their growth and development. Among these, osmotic stress is potentially one of the most catastrophic stresses. Phytohormones immensely contribute to the adaptation of plants in response to these stresses, and much research has been done regarding crosstalk between different plant hormones in synergistic or antagonistic interactions. However, the possible associations between auxin and abscisic acid (ABA) under changing environmental conditions (especially osmotic stress) have not been well clarified at this time. Biologists are becoming increasingly interested in revealing the possible crosstalk between ABA and auxin in the acquisition of these stress resistance mechanisms. Recently, progress has been made in identifying the stress perception, transduction, and possible biosynthetic signaling pathways of the two endogenous hormones and the genes that are key mediators of their pathways. However, there is still a large information gap regarding the ABA–auxin crosstalk module under osmotic stress. Given the current state of information, we focused on summarizing the converging points of ABA and auxin under osmotic stress, as this could potentially be a strong topic of extensive research in the coming years.

Core Ideas

We summarize the main findings on abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin under osmotic stress.

We briefly explain the physiological mechanisms in which ABA and auxin have some crosstalk.

We also discuss the different possible molecular associations of ABA and auxin under osmotic stress.
Occurrence, Concentrations, and Risks of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Private Wells in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Kibuye Faith A. , Gall Heather E. , Elkin Kyle R. , Swistock Bryan , Veith Tamie L. , Watson John E. , Elliott Herschel A.
Published: June 2019

Over‐the‐counter and prescription medications are routinely present at detectable levels in surface and groundwater bodies. The presence of these emerging contaminants has raised both environmental and public health concerns, particularly when the water is used for drinking either directly or with additional treatment. However, the frequency of occurrence, range of concentrations, and potential human health risks are not well understood, especially for groundwater supplies. Private wells are often not tested for contaminants regulated by drinking water standards and are even less frequently tested for emerging contaminants. By partnering with the Pennsylvania Master Well Owner Network, water samples were collected from 26 households with private wells in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River basin in central Pennsylvania in winter 2017. All samples were analyzed for six pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, ampicillin, naproxen, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim) and one over‐the‐counter stimulant (caffeine). At least one compound was detected at each site. Ofloxacin and naproxen were the most and least frequently detected compounds, respectively. Concentrations from the groundwater wells were higher than those of nearby surface water samples. However, risk calculations revealed that none of the concentrations measured in groundwater samples posed significant human health risk. A simple, physicochemical‐based modeling approach was used to predict pharmaceutical transport from septic absorption field to groundwater and further elucidate variations in detection frequencies. Findings indicate that although septic tanks may act as contaminant sources for groundwater wells, the human health impacts from trace‐level pharmaceuticals that may be present are likely minimal.

Core Ideas

Twenty‐six private wells in Pennsylvania were sampled for seven pharmaceutical compounds.

At least one compound was detected per groundwater sample at ng L−1 to μg L−1 levels.

On average, concentrations were higher in private wells than in nearby surface water.

Concentrations were generally highest for the most frequently detected compounds.

Concentrations were low enough that no adverse human health effects are expected.
Phosphorus‐Rich Biochars Can Transform Lead in an Urban Contaminated Soil
Authors: Netherway Pacian , Reichman Suzie M. , Laidlaw Mark , Scheckel Kirk , Pingitore Nicholas , Gascó Gabriel , Méndez Ana , Surapaneni Aravind , Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge
Published: June 2019

Transformation of soil Pb to pyromorphites and phosphates has the potential to be an effective strategy to immobilize this contaminant in situ. Soil treatment using monocalcium phosphate, a commercial fertilizer (NTS Soft Rock) and biochars prepared from poultry litter and from biosolids at three different temperatures (300, 400, and 500°C) and two doses (1 and 3%) were evaluated. Lead bioaccesibility, mobility, and solid speciation were measured. Leachable Pb (determined with the toxicity characterized leaching procedure) was not significantly (P > 0.05) changed after biochar addition, but a significant decrease in bioaccesible Pb was found for several treatments (P < 0.05). This was particularly notable for treatments receiving biosolids prepared at 400 and at 500°C or monocalcium phosphate at the 3% dose. The decrease in bioaccesible Pb concentration in the biochar treatments was similar to traditional phosphate amendments. Our research found transformation of Pb species to the more stable pyromorphite and Pb‐phosphate to be partially responsible for the observed changes, although other mechanisms, including pH changes, might also play an important role. Overall, pyrolysis was an effective method to upgrade waste streams and facilitate Pb immobilization, although key pyrolysis parameters need to be selected carefully.

Core Ideas

Biochars were able to outperform phosphate amendments for Pb immobilization.

Biosolids biochars were generally more effective than poultry litter biochars.

Pyromorphite formation was observed in most cases.
Dynamics of Measured and Simulated Dissolved Phosphorus in Runoff from Winter‐Applied Dairy Manure
Authors: Vadas Peter A. , Stock Melanie N. , Arriaga Francisco J. , Good Laura W. , Karthikeyan K. G. , Zopp Zachariah P.
Published: June 2019

Agricultural P loss from fields is an issue due to water quality degradation. Better information is needed on the P loss in runoff from dairy manure applied in winter and the ability to reliably simulate P loss by computer models. We monitored P in runoff during two winters from chisel‐tilled and no‐till field plots that had liquid dairy manure applied in December or January. Runoff total P was dominated by nondissolved forms when soils were bare and unfrozen. Runoff from snow‐covered, frozen soils had much less sediment and sediment‐related P, and much more dissolved P. Transport of manure solids was greatest when manure was applied on top of snow and runoff shortly after application was caused by snowmelt. Dissolved P concentrations in runoff were greater when manure was applied on top of snow because manure liquid remained in the snowpack and allowed more P to be available for loss. Dissolved runoff P also increased as the amount of rain or snowmelt that became runoff (runoff ratio) increased. The SurPhos manure P runoff model reliably simulated these processes to provide realistic predictions of dissolved P in runoff from surface manure. Overall, for liquid dairy manure applied in winter, dissolved P concentrations in runoff can be decreased if manure is applied onto bare, unfrozen soil, or if runoff ratio can be reduced, perhaps through greater soil surface roughness from fall tillage. Both management approaches will allow more manure P to infiltrate into soil and less move in runoff. SurPhos is a tool that can reliably evaluate P loss for different management and policy scenarios for winter manure application.

Core Ideas

Better information is needed on winter P loss in runoff from winter‐applied manure.

Winter runoff after manure application is dominated by dissolved P.

Event hydrology exerts a strong control on runoff dissolved P concentrations after manure.

The SurPhos model can reliably estimate dissolved P loss in runoff for winter manure application.
Modeling and Mitigating Phosphorus Losses from a Tile‐Drained and Manured Field Using RZWQM2‐P
Authors: Sadhukhan Debasis , Qi Zhiming , Zhang Tie‐Quan , Tan Chin S. , Ma Liwang
Published: June 2019

Prediction of P losses from manured agricultural fields through surface runoff and tile drainage is necessary to mitigate widespread eutrophication in water bodies. However, present water quality models are weak in predicting P losses, particularly in tile‐drained and manure‐applied cropland. We developed a field‐scale P management model, the Root Zone Water Quality Model version 2–Phosphorus (RZWQM2‐P), whose accuracy in simulating P losses from manure applied agricultural field is yet to be tested. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the accuracy of this new model in simulating dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and particulate phosphorus (PP) losses in surface runoff and tile drainage from a manure amended field, and (ii) to identify best management practices to mitigate manure P losses including water table control, manure application timing, and spreading methods by the use of model simulation. The model was evaluated against data collected from a liquid cattle manure applied field with maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation in Ontario, Canada. The results revealed that the RZWQM2‐P model satisfactorily simulated DRP and PP losses through both surface runoff and tile drainage (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency > 0.50, percentage bias within ±25%, and index of agreement > 0.75). Compared with conventional management practices, manure injection reduced the P losses by 18%, whereas controlled drainage and winter manure application increased P losses by 13 and 23%, respectively. The RZWQM2‐P is a promising tool for P management in manured and subsurface drained agricultural field. The injection of manure rather than controlled drainage is an effective management practice to mitigate P losses from a subsurface‐drained field.

Core Ideas

RZWQM2‐P satisfactorily simulated P losses from the manure‐applied field.

A field experiment revealed that the nongrowing season dominated the P losses.

Particulate P loss dominated the average annual P loss as per the field experiment.

RZWQM‐P adequately simulated seasonal P losses and dominant P loss type.

Injected manure application was found effective to mitigate P losses.
The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in the Decomposition of Fresh Residue and Soil Organic Carbon: A Mini‐Review
Authors: Wei Lili , Vosátka Miroslav , Cai Bangping , Ding Jing , Lu Changyi , Xu Jinghua , Yan Wenfei , Li Yuhong , Liu Chaoxiang
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Our discussion highlights the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in organic decomposition processes.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can stimulate fresh residue decomposition initially and then tend to suppress the decomposition of old or decomposed soil organic carbon.

We offer implication that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi would benefit soil carbon gain in the long term even under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread in terrestrial ecosystems. In addition to their contributions to plant nutrient uptake, AMF also provide many ecological functions including regulation of soil C dynamics. However, both stimulating and retarding soil organic decomposition by AMF have been observed. Here we discuss the possible reasons for such a contradiction. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi contribute to soil aggregation mainly through hyphal enmeshment, saprotrophic suppression, and production of glomalin‐related soil proteins, while AMF can also stimulate organic decomposition through promoting degradative enzymes, modifying root production and activity, and/or through regulating the microbial community in the mycorrhizosphere and hyphosphere. The role of AMF in C decomposition is strongly dependent on the quality and quantity of different soil C pools. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can stimulate fresh residue decomposition initially through stimulating the decomposition of fresh residues (particularly those having high C/N ratio), whereas for older or decomposed soil organic C, AMF tend to suppress decomposition by promoting soil aggregation. Under elevated CO2 (eCO2), AMF show additive effects on residue decomposition, priming effects, and changes in soil aggregation. Despite organic decomposition rates differing in the short term and long term following litter experiments, our discussion highlights the role of AMF in organic C dynamics. We hypothesize that AMF would benefit soil C gain in the long term and thereby predict that disturbances that impacts negatively on AMF, such as tillage, residue burning, fertilization, and fungicide application, would lead to soil C decline particularly under eCO2.
Evaluation of Soil Water and Nitrogen Distribution by Site‐Specific Irrigation Scheduling Method in Tomato Crop Grown on Sandy Soil
Authors: Ayankojo Ibukun T. , Morgan Kelly T. , Mahmoud Kamal
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

SmartIrrigation is a smartphone‐based crop irrigation scheduling method using real‐time and location‐specific (RT‐LS) weather information.

The RT‐LS irrigation scheduling method improved irrigation water savings and increased crop yield.

The RT‐LS model can reduce nutrient leaching by maintaining water and nutrient within crop root zone.

Efficient irrigation scheduling can improve crop performance and increase production efficiencies.

Irrigation scheduling based on a real‐time and location‐specific (RT‐LS) model increases irrigation water savings and yield. The RT‐LS irrigation scheduling models have been developed as smartphone applications and have been used for crop‐specific irrigation requirements. Although many RT‐LS irrigation models have been tested and used in several agronomic and horticultural crops in Florida, none of these irrigation‐scheduling models has been tested for their impacts on nutrient distribution in Florida's sandy soils. A two‐season (fall 2015 and spring 2016) study was conducted to determine the effects of an RT‐LS–based irrigation scheduling on soil water, NO3‐–N, and NH4+–N distributions during a tomato cropping season. In both seasons, an RT‐LS model for tomato was evaluated at three irrigation application rates (66, 100, and 150% RT‐LS–suggested amounts) and compared with a historic evapotranspiration (ET)‐based irrigation schedule (Historic ET) currently recommended in Florida. This study suggests that the RT‐LS model improves water savings by 20 and 17% for the fall and spring seasons, respectively, compared with the Historic ET irrigation scheduling method. No specific pattern was observed for soil NH4+–N concentration between scheduling methods, but the RT‐LS model maintained a higher soil NO3‐–N concentration within the crop root zone and hence could reduce NO3‐–N leaching potential. In each season, compared with the Historic ET irrigation method, the RT‐LS improved both nitrogen recovery and irrigation water use efficiency in the open‐field fresh‐market tomato production system. Results obtained in this study clearly demonstrate that irrigation applications using the RT‐LS irrigation scheduler improved irrigation scheduling accuracy by maintaining nutrients within the tomato root zone and hence could reduce nutrient leaching potential in sandy soil.
Diurnal Variation and Sampling Frequency Effects on Nitrous Oxide Emissions Following Nitrogen Fertilization and Spring‐Thaw Events
Authors: Ferrari Machado Pedro Vitor , Wagner-Riddle Claudia , MacTavish Robert , Voroney Paul R. , Bruulsema Thomas W.
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

High‐frequency N2O emission data was subsampled to assess sampling frequency errors.

Mid‐morning sampling was adequate to derive daily average N2O emission during events.

Twice‐weekly sampling gave an uncertainty of –6 to +12% during spring thaw.

Twice weekly + sample after >10 mm rainfall had –1 to +19% error after fertilization.

An infrequent sampling protocol can introduce bias into N2O studies.

Different methods are used to measure nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural soils. While some methods (e.g. micrometeorological methods) conduct near‐continuous measurements, manual chambers measure discontinuously. Estimates of N2O emissions based on discontinuous measurements can carry errors due to: (i) diurnal variation and (ii) integration of emissions over time. This study evaluated these two sources of uncertainties and identified the optimal sampling strategy for emission following spring‐thaw events (ST) and nitrogen fertilization (NF). Two times of day (mid‐morning [MM] and mid‐afternoon [MA]) and three sampling frequencies suggested in the literature on N2O emissions (bi‐weekly [BW], weekly [W], twice weekly [TW] for the ST, and W, TW, and TW plus extra sample after rainfall events >10 mm for the NF) were created by subsampling a high‐frequency reference dataset. We show that the mid‐morning sampling strategy effectively represented the daily N2O emission average, while the mid‐afternoon strategy overestimated fluxes by 14 and 32% for the ST and NF, respectively. For the ST, the weekly mid‐morning sampling protocol resulted in errors ranging from –3 to +33%, with lower uncertainties when sampling frequency increased to TW (–6 to +12%). The TW mid‐morning sampling also was adequate for the NF datasets (–5 to +19%), with narrower uncertainty levels when an additional sample was taken after >10 mm rainfall (–1 to +19%). These results provide increased confidence in selecting the sampling strategy for discontinuous measurements following N fertilization and STs in cropping systems.
Three‐Dimensional Mapping of Organic Carbon using Piecewise Depth Functions in the Red Soil Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Song Xiao-Dong , Wu Hua-Yong , Liu Feng , Tian Jian , Cao Qi , Yang Shun-Hua , Peng Xin-Hua , Zhang Gan-Lin
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

A piecewise depth function was fitted for three‐dimensional simulation of organic C.

Regolith depth was used as a depth constraint.

Topsoil organic C maps were utilized as covariates and benefited the three‐dimensional simulation.

Organic carbon (OC) plays a pivotal role in earth surface systems. However, current three‐dimensional (3D) mapping studies usually focus on a soil depth of 1 m rather than the depth to the bedrock. A top‐down method using piecewise depth functions was proposed to fit the OC vertical decline patterns in a subtropical catchment in southern China. The vertical variation in OC was greatly affected by the heterogeneous topsoil due to natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, topsoil OC maps were produced and utilized as covariates to indicate the OC decline rates and to benefit the 3D OC simulation. A distribution map of the underground critical zone thickness (UCZT) was applied as a lower boundary for the 3D simulation. Six widely used mapping techniques were performed to predict the spatial distribution of topsoil OC and depth function parameters. The overall cross‐validation results showed a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.7 g kg–1and a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.82. Given limited boreholes, validation showed that the depth function performed better in the lower part (>1 m) than in the upper part (<1 m). The proposed framework could holistically employ sufficient topsoil samples and limited boreholes and provides a promising solution to simulate the 3D information of subsurface systems. We anticipate that continuous 3D OC maps can be integrated with other critical zone information to elucidate the complex interactions of various processes and to support potential service management decisions.
Sustainable wastewater management technology for tourism in Thailand: case and experimental studies
Authors: Liamlaem W. , Benjawan L. , Polprasert C.
Published: June 2019

Thailand has adopted the concept of eco-tourism as a protocol to protect environmental resources. One of the key factors in enabling the achievement of this goal is the improvement of the quality of effluent from those homestays and resorts which still lack efficient on-site wastewater treatment. This research utilized case studies of subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SFCWs), planted mainly with the Indian shot (Canna indica L.), which were designed to treat wastewaters at three resorts located in Amphawa District, Samut Songkram Province in central Thailand. The results showed that the treated effluent was of sufficient quality to meet the building effluent standards Type C, which require the concentrations of biological oxygen demand (BOD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and suspended solids (SS) to be less than 40, 40 and 50 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the first-order kinetic constants for the design and operation of SFCWs were determined. For treating wastewater containing organic substances, with no prior pre-treatment, the first-order kinetic constant of 0.24 1/d can be applied to predict effluent quality. For treating other types of domestic wastewater, a first-order kinetic constant in the range 0.40–0.45 1/d can be used when sizing and operating SFCWs. This research highlights the great potential of SFCWs as a sustainable wastewater management technology.
Heterogeneity in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Vaccination for Mild and Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lin Chung-Hsien , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Yang Kuen-Cheh
Published: June 2019

Background:

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease(AD) has gained momentum in recent years. One of the concerns over its application pertains to Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) from population average and specific subgroup differences, as such a therapy is imperative for health decisionmakers to allocate limited resources. However, this sort of CEA model considering heterogeneous population with risk factors adjustment has been rarely addressed.

Methods:

We aimed to show the heterogeneity of CEA in immunotherapy for AD in comparison with the comparator without intervention. Economic evaluation was performed via incremental Cost- Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) and Cost-Effectiveness Acceptability Curve (CEAC) in terms of the Quality- Adjusted Life Years (QALY). First, population-average CEA was performed with and without adjustment for age and gender. Secondly, sub-group CEA was performed with the stratification of gender and age based on Markov process.

Results:

Given the threshold of $20,000 of willingness to pay, the results of ICER without and with adjustment for age and gender revealed similar results ($14,691/QALY and $17,604/QALY). The subgroup ICER results by different age groups and gender showed substantial differences. The CEAC showed that the probability of being cost-effective was only 48.8%-53.3% in terms of QALY at population level but varied from 83.5% in women aged 50-64 years, following women aged 65-74 years and decreased to 0.2% in men≥ 75 years.

Conclusion:

There were considerable heterogeneities observed in the CEA of vaccination for AD. As with the development of personalized medicine, the CEA results assessed by health decision-maker should not only be considered by population-average level but also specific sub-group levels.
An analysis of EFL students’ anxiety factors in speaking
Authors: Sjaifullah Achmad
Published: June 2019

EFL students’ speaking performance is not only affected by cognitive, but also effective factors. Anxiety can explain why EFL students are hesitant to speak in the classroom. Anxiety can result from various causes, which are going to be described in this article. The current study was designed as a survey, employing the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) questionnaire as the main instrument. The subjects of this study were 101 students from the Department of Chemical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang. The results of the item analysis showed that there were nine factors contributing to the participants’ anxiety. These factors are manifested in the students’ responses towards anxious behaviors that are interpreted as the results of students’ low self-esteem, inconvenient classroom atmosphere, and peer pressure. The findings of this study can provide insights into the development of EFL students’ speaking skills, especially those related to the affective domain.
The regulation of collaborative economy in the european union
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno Cunha
Published: June 2019

The paper distinguishes between sharing economy and collaborative economy, focusing on the legal framework of collaborative platforms (such as Uber or Airbnb) according to EU law. Case-law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the position of the European Commission are analyzed in this regard. It is concluded that there is no harmonization, within the European Union, of the legal regime applicable to certain collaborative platforms. As such, specific regulation of collaborative platforms has followed different paths within the Member States.
E-justice and international land conveyancing
Authors: Patrão Afonso
Published: June 2019

This paper explores the obstacles regarding cross-border transactions on immoveable property within the European Union. The existence of obstacles to the exercise of the freedom of movement of capitals, such as travel costs to the country where the property is located and finding a notary there, may even lead the parties not to enter in those contracts. E-justice solutions are being created to solve such situations and this paper reflects if they are enough to overcome the difficulties and rectify current deficiencies. It concludes by examining the tendency of solving the difficulties of international cooperation between non-judicial authorities through e-Justice tools.
Digital tools for a greener Europe: democracy, environmental justice and sustainability in the EU through information and communication technologies and geographic information systems
Authors: Aragão Alexandra
Published: June 2019

In the European Union there is solid legal support for the use of information and communication technologies associated with geographic information systems in favour of the environment. Digital technologies not only shape the way we live but they can be a lever for environmental awareness and protection. The potential of the association between information and communication technologies and geographic information systems is huge in order to deepen the European democracies and to promote sustainable development. The ultimate demonstration is the 2007 Inspire Directive. The advantages of the Inspire Directive for the citizens, the Member States and the European Union in what concerns democracy, environmental justice and sustainability in the EU will be briefly analysed.
Influences of eHealth literacy on obtaining knowledge about colorectal cancer among Internet users accessing a reputable cancer website (Preprint)
Authors: Mitsutake Seigo , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Miyawaki Rina , Oka Koichiro
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

To develop websites that enhance Internet users’ health knowledge, it is important to identify relevant factors associated with obtaining health knowledge via the Internet. Although an association between eHealth literacy (eHL) and knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported, little is known whether eHL is associated with obtaining knowledge of CRC via the Internet.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the results obtained from Internet users with high or low eHL in searching and using a reputable cancer website to gain CRC knowledge.

METHODS

This study used respondents to Internet based pre-and post-surveys conducted in 2012. Potential respondents (n = 3,307) were identified from registered individuals aged 40–59 years (n = 461,160) in a Japanese Internet survey company. A total of 1,069 participants responded (response rate: 32.3%), and these pre-survey responders were then divided into high or low eHL groups using the Japanese eHealth Literacy Scale median score (23.5 points). From each group, 130 randomly selected individuals were invited to review the contents of a reputable CRC website, the Cancer Information Service managed by the National Cancer Center, and to respond to a post-survey via e-mail; responses were obtained from 107 individuals from each group. Twenty responses to knowledge statements regarding the definition, risk factors, screening prevention and symptoms of CRC were obtained at pre- and post-surveys, and differences in the correct responses between high and low eHL groups compared using the McNemar test.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 49.1 (5.5) years. Four statements showed a significant increase in correct responses in both eHL groups pre- and post-survey: “S4. The risk of CRC is greater as a person gets older” (high eHL: P = 0.039, low eHL: P = 0.012), “S8. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P < 0.001, low eHL: P = 0.020), “S11. Obesity is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P = 0.030, low eHL: P = 0.047), and “S12. Excess alcohol consumption is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P = 0.002, low eHL: P = 0.003). Three statements showed a statistically significant increase in correct responses in the high eHL group only: “S1. CRC is cancer of the colon or rectum” (P = 0.003), “S5. The risk of CRC is the same between men and women” (P = 0.041), and “S9. Red meat intake is a risk factor for CRC” (P = 0.002), whereas only one response did in the low eHL group: “S17. Bloody stools are a symptom of CRC” (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Low eHL Internet users appeared less capable of obtaining knowledge of CRC through searching and understanding information from a reputable cancer website than high eHL Internet users.
Organismos católicos en la consolidación de organizaciones indígenas: el caso de la agrupación Shiyaxauapi en la provincia de Chaco, Argentina
Authors: Castilla Malena Ines
Published: June 2019

Analizaremos en el presente artículo el trabajo que realizaron orga-nismos católicos, vinculados a la Teología de la Liberación, en la localidad de Pampa del Indio, en la provincia de Chaco, en torno ala “recuperación de una cultura indígena” junto a los integrantes de la comunidad qom de la localidad, a partir de la cual impulsaron la consolidación de organizaciones étnicas. Por cuestiones de espacio, en el presente artículo nos centraremos en analizar el caso de la agrupación Shiyaxauapi conformada por integrantes del pueblo qom de dicha localidad. En este sentido, exploraremos aquellos procesos en los cuales la memoria se convirtió en el eje central del trabajo de estos organismos católicos, desde el cual comenzaron a construir marcos de acción entre dichas agrupaciones indígenas.

Este trabajo se enmarca en una investigación doctoral, en la cual nos proponemos analizar el trabajo desarrollado por las organizaciones indígenas del pueblo qom, en la localidad mencionada, con la finalidad de indagar en los procesos de reactualización de la identidad y de territorialización que las atraviesa, las involucra y las tiene como protagonistas.
Investigation of Prevalence of Co-Infection by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus in Endemic Beyşehir Frog (Pelophylax caralitanus)
Authors: Erişmiş Ugur Cengiz , Yoldaş Taner , Uğuz Cevdet
Published: June 2019

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Ranavirus (Rv) are among the pathogens
responsible for the rapid decline of amphibian populations worldwide. The aim
of this study is to determine the presence of both pathogens in the endemic
Beyşehir frog population living in the Lakes Region in the southwestern Anatolia
between 2014-2015 years.  Prevalences of
each pathogen and co-infections (i.e., presence infection with both of Bd and
Rv in same animal) were 48.6 %, 10.3 % and 7.0 % respectively and differences
in prevalences were detected among lakes and years. This study  is the first report of Rv infection and co-infection
with Bd and Rv of endemic Beyşehir frog (Pelophylax
caralitanus) in Turkey. Although there are infection by both pathogens, it
is unclear that how effective in declining of P.caralitanus population.  
Consumer’s risk perception of foodborne diseases and high-risk food safety practices in domestic kitchens
Authors: Wang Shusai , Shan Lijie , Wang Xiaoli , Wu Linhai
Published: June 2019

Food safety incidents caused by foodborne diseases is the most prominent food safety problem in the world, and especially in China. In order to analyze consumers’ risk perception of foodborne diseases, the present study has expanded previous work by conducting a survey in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. 834 valid questionnaires were collected. The survey showed that most of the respondents were not familiar with the pathogens. Only 53.24% of the respondents stated that they always separated raw and cooked food during storage and handling. The study provides analysis of individual characteristics who perceived low risk of foodborne diseases, that is, lower education level and lower income. The government should effectively popularize knowledge about food safety, and guide consumers in developing correct eating habits and behaviors, thereby further improving consumers’ understanding and risk perception of foodborne diseases.