bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Madagascar’s rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) stocks as a political challenge
Authors: Waeber Patrick O. , Schuurman Derek , Wilmé Lucienne
Published: July 2018

Background. Malagasy rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) has attracted international attention for centuries due to the high quality and intense coloration of the wood. Rosewood was sourced from the time of the colonial era during the early 20th century. Extraction continued after the country’s independence in 1960. The sourcing of rosewood—almost exclusively from protected areas— escalated to unprecedented levels during the 2000s, which coincided with the political crisis from 2009–2013. It continues unabated. Following pressure by the international community and spearheaded by the World Bank, the Malagasy government started to confiscate and stockpile the precious timber. In 2013, all 45 Malagasy rosewood species were uplifted to CITES Appendix II. In June 2018 the stockpiles were the subject of an internationally-attended workshop in Antananarivo, facilitated by the World Bank. Survey methods. The focus of this study is the period from 2009 to the present. Based on structured literature review and grey literature, we examine the forest governance context, analyse ongoing deforestation, and look at how traders continue to take advantage of ‘loopholes’ created by a combination of semantics and the lack of taxonomic knowledge about the target genera. Results. In this paper we provide an update surrounding the confiscated Malagasy rosewood stocks. With presidential elections scheduled for November and December 2018, we examine plans under way to sell off at least some of the stocks. Forest governance mechanisms are complicated and management is rendered all the more difficult by a lack of technical, human and financial resources. Deforestation remains unchecked, with 2017 levels having been the worst during the past decade. Since 1982, the trading of rosewood has spiked significantly prior to presidential elections. Additionally, corruption escalated during recent years. Conclusions. We argue that, in order to ensure increased transparency and reduce the risk of corruption, the best option to deal with the rosewood stocks, is to hold off on any plans to sell the stocks until such time that uplifting the status of CITES- listed species to Appendix I, has been achieved so as to ensure that the proper mechanisms are put in place to handle the stocks.
The effects of high versus low talker variability and individual aptitude on phonetic training of Mandarin lexical tones
Authors: Dong Hanyu , Clayards Meghan , Brown Helen , Wonnacott Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

High variability training has been found more effective than low variability training in learning various non-native phonetic contrasts. However, little research has considered whether this applies to the learning of tone contrasts. The only two relevant studies suggested that the effect of high variability training depends on the perceptual aptitude of participants (Perrachione, Lee, Ha, & Wong, 2011; Sadakata & McQueen, 2014). The present study extends these findings by examining the interaction between individual aptitude and input variability using natural, meaningful L2 input (both previous studies used pseudowords). Sixty English speakers took part in an eight session phonetic training paradigm. They were assigned to high/low/high-blocking variability training groups and learned real Mandarin tones and words. Individual aptitude was measured following previous work. Learning was measured using one discrimination task, one identification task and two production tasks. All tasks assessed the generalisation of learning. Overall, all groups improved in both production and perception of tones which transferred to novel voices and items, demonstrating the effectiveness of training despite the increased complexity compared with previous research. Although the low variability group exhibited an advantage with the training stimuli, there was no evidence that the different variability training led to different performance in any of the tests of generalisation. Moreover, although aptitude significantly predicted performance in discrimination, identification and training tasks, no interaction between individual aptitude and variability was revealed. We discuss these results in light of previous findings.
The 2017 catastrophic subsidence in the Dålk Glacier: Unmanned aerial survey and digital terrain analysis
Authors: Florinsky Igor V , Bliakharskii Dmitrii , Popov Sergei , Pryakhin Sergei
Published: July 2018

We present the first results from a study of the 2017 catastrophic subsidence in the Dålk Glacier, East Antarctica using an unmanned aerial system (UAS) and UAS-derived DEMs. The subsided portion of the Dålk Glacier and adjacent territory was surveyed in two flights, before and after the collapse. The survey was performed by Geoscan 201, a small flying-wing UAS. Aerial images have an average resolution of 6 cm. Using Agisoft PhotoScan software, we generated two DEMs with a resolution of 22 cm related to the pre- and post-collapsed glacier surface. To model the pre-collapsed subglacial cavern, one DEM was subtracted from the other. Finally, we discuss a probable mechanism of the catastrophic subsidence.
Hydrologic application comparison among typical open global DEM data based on remote sensing images
Authors: Zhao Shangmin , Zhang Shifang , Cheng Weiming
Published: July 2018

As the data source in digital topographic analysis, digital elevation model (DEM) data plays an important role in many fields, and hydrologic application is an important one among them. The successive release of open global DEM datasets provides multi choices for these applications, but also brings puzzles in DEM data selection. Taking Fenhe River Basin of China as the study area, this research compared the hydrologic networks extracted by typical global DEM data using matching difference (MD), correctness (C) and figure of merit (FM) indexes. Firstly, four DEM-derived hydrologic networks (DHNs) were acquired through topographic analysis using four typical global DEM datasets, including Shuttle Radar Terrain Mission (SRTM) data with 1 arc second resolution (SRTM1), SRTM data with 3 arc second resolution (SRTM3), ASTER global DEM data in the second version (GDEM-v2) and ALOS world 3D-30m (AW3D30) data. Then, the reference hydrologic network (RHN) was interpreted based on remote sensing images. Finally, the DHNs were evaluated and compared by referencing the RHN using different indexes. Research results show: (1) four DHNs have similar distribution in mountain regions but much different performance in flat regions; (2) all the indexes (including MD, C and FM) indicate that about the quality of the DHNs, the best is the AW3D30 data, then the SRTM1 data, the next is the SRTM3 data, and the GDEM-v2 data has the worst quality; (3) through analyzing the MD distribution in different slope classes for the four global DEM datasets, the MD mainly distributes in flat region, and then sloping region, but seldom in steep region. Overall, AW3D30 has the best quality, a little better than SRTM1 and much better than SRTM3 and GDEM-v2; SRTM3 and GDEM-v2 data have much worse quality, and GDEM-v2 data is the worst in the four global DEM datasets. Considering that the AW3D30 data is originated from the DEM dataset with 5m resolution, it may exerts more effect in future digital topographic analysis.
Minimum time required to detect population trends: the need for long-term monitoring programs
Authors: White Easton R
Published: July 2018

Long-term time series are necessary to better understand population dynamics, assess species' conservation status, and make management decisions. However, population data are often expensive, requiring a lot of time and resources. What is the minimum population time series length required to detect significant trends in abundance? I first present an overview of the theory and past work that has tried to address this question. As a test of these approaches, I then examine 822 populations of vertebrate species. I show that 72% of time series required at least 10 years of continuous monitoring in order to achieve a high level of statistical power. However, the large variability between populations casts doubt on commonly used simple rules of thumb, like those employed by the IUCN Red List. I argue that statistical power needs to be considered more often in monitoring programs. Short time series are likely under-powered and potentially misleading.
Ornamentation of dermal bones of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis and its ecological implications
Authors: Antczak Mateusz , Bodzioch Adam
Published: July 2018

Background

Amphibians are animals strongly dependent on environmental conditions, like temperature, water accessibility, and the trophic state of the reservoirs. Thus, they can be used in modern palaeoenvironmental analysis, reflecting ecological condition of the biotope.

Methods

To analyse the observed diversity in the temnospondyl Metoposaurus krasiejowensis from Late Triassic deposits in Krasiejów (Opole Voivodeship, Poland), the characteristics of the ornamentation (such as grooves, ridges, tubercules) of 25 clavicles and 13 skulls were observed on macro- and microscales, including the use of a scanning electron microscope for high magnification. The different ornamentation patterns found in these bones have been used for taxonomical and ecological studies of inter- vs. intraspecific variation.

Results

Two distinct types of ornamentation (fine, regular and sparse, or coarse, irregular and dense) were found, indicating either taxonomical, ecological, individual, or ontogenetic variation, or sexual dimorphism in M. krasiejowensis.

Discussion

Analogies with modern Anura and Urodela, along to previous studies on temnospondyls amphibians and the geology of the Krasiejów site suggest that the differences found are rather intraspecific and may suggest ecological adaptations. Sexual dimorphism and ontogeny cannot be undoubtedly excluded, but ecological variation between populations of different environments or facultative neoteny (paedomorphism) in part of the population (with types of ornamentations being adaptations to a more aquatic or a more terrestrial lifestyle) are the most plausible explanations.
Role of transportation and marketing in enhancing agricultural production in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
Authors: Nnadozie A. K.O. , Smiles Ume , Kadurumba C
Published: July 2018

Role of transport and marketing in enhancing agricultural production in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria was studied. A multi stage sampling procedure was used to select   300 respondents for the detailed study. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed  using of chi-square. The results show that head carrying, use of wheel barrows, bicycles, motor van, keke, donkeys, and motor cycles were various traditional modes of transportation for inter local transport of agricultural products. Furthermore, the result reveals that producers, retailers, consumers, wholesalers and processors were the marketing channels in the study area. Additionally, transportation and marketing have greatly enhanced the growth of agricultural production in the study area , despite existing problems such as bad roads, high cost of transport, few vehicles, poor drainage channels, culverts, few bridges and poverty. Also, the solutions to the identified problems were giving out loans to farmers, construction and repairs of roads, use of rail, mass transit, encouraging farmers’ cooperative societies and processing centres. However, If these solutions to the problems could be entrenched into policy framework at the three tiers of the governments, high returns in agriculture will  ensue. This will boost the contributions of agricultural sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),which could translate to  better standard of living.Keywords:  Role, Transportation, Marketing, Enhancing, Agricultural production
Emerging global food pathogens and its public health implication: A review.
Authors: Chisom Adeoye-Agomoh Queen
Published: July 2018

Abstract The epidemiology of food borne disease is changing. New pathogens have emerged, and some have spread worldwide. The broad spectrum of food borne infections has changed dramatically over time, as well-established pathogens have been controlled or eliminated, and new ones have emerged. Food pathogens have been a cause of a large number of diseases worldwide and more so in developing countries. This has a major economic impact. The burden of food borne disease remains substantial. Most of these illnesses are not accounted for by known pathogens, so must remain to be discovered. Among the known food borne pathogens, those more recently identified predominate, suggesting that as more and more is learned about pathogens, and they come under control. In addition to the emergence or recognition of new pathogens, other trends include global pandemics of some food borne pathogens, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, the identification of pathogens that are highly opportunistic, affecting only the most high-risk sub populations, and the increasing identification of large and dispersed outbreaks. Outbreak investigations and case-control studies of sporadic cases can identify sources of infection and guide the development of specific prevention strategies. Better understanding of how pathogens persist in animal reservoirs is also critical to successful long-term prevention. In the past, the central challenge of foodborne disease lay in preventing the contamination of human food with sewage or animal manure. In the future, prevention of foodborne disease will increasingly depend on controlling contamination of feed and water consumed by the animals themselves.Key words: Food, Emergence, Foodborne and Waterborne pathogens and Zoonoses.
Análisis de la variación de la superficie de campamentos (2011-2017), caracterización y transformación del paisaje en las comunas de Antofagasta, Calama, Copiapó, y Viña del Mar.
Authors: Calderon Maritza , Miranda Francisco
Published: July 2018

En el período 2011-2017, las familias viviendo en campamentos aumentaron un 48 % (TECHO-Chile, 2017), lo que contrasta con la reducción de los índices de pobreza de los últimos años reflejados por la Encuesta CASEN 2015. Resulta interesante conocer las transformaciones espaciales que suponen la instalación y crecimiento de un campamento, que opera como una urbanización autogestionada, que tiene efectos concretos en el paisaje de las ciudades. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron determinar el aumento de superficie ocupada por campamentos entre los años 2011 y 2017 en Antofagasta, Calama, Copiapó y Viña del Mar, y caracterizar el territorio y los cambios en el paisaje asociados al crecimiento de campamentos. La metodología consistió en delimitar el área actual ocupada por campamentos usando imágenes satelitales de FASAT-Charlie, para luego calcular la variación de superficie respecto al año 2011. Dichas áreas fueron caracterizadas mediante fotointerpretación, y análisis de capas de información de uso y valores de suelo, grupos socioeconómicos, densidad de viviendas, entre otros.De acuerdo a los resultados, las cuatro ciudades suman 411 ha ocupada por campamentos, de las que 239 ha corresponden a 92 asentamientos nuevos, habitados por 7.376 familias. Estos se ubican cercanos a sectores urbanos con una población socioeconómica de bajos ingresos, y con baja densidad de viviendas (menor a 25 viv/ha) y suelos cuyo valor fiscal es cercano a los 0.6 UF/m2.De los 62 campamentos ubicados en Antofagasta, el 100% se emplaza en terrenos sin vegetación, según Catastro Vegetacional 1997, existiendo en la actualidad un cambio en el uso del suelo hacia el tipo urbano. En Calama, los 7 campamentos se encuentran en áreas sin vegetación y área urbana. En Copiapó, estos se emplazan en áreas sin vegetación y en terrenos agrícolas y praderas matorrales en proceso de urbanización. Los campamentos de Viña del Mar se emplazaron en terrenos que tienen un uso de bosque nativo renoval y matorral, ubicándose principalmente en las laderas de la cordillera costera.Las conclusiones señalan que un alto porcentaje de los campamentos se asientan en áreas de riesgo tales como: laderas, áreas de deslizamiento, áreas propensas a incendios, quebradas, colindantes a piscinas de decantación, entre otros, siendo la constante el establecimiento de los campamentos en las periferias de las ciudades. La transformación del paisaje en Calama, Copiapó y Antofagasta se debe a campamentos nuevos, mientras que en Viña del Mar es provocada por la expansión de los ya existentes. Palabras clave: FASAT Charlie, percepción remota, fotointerpretación, campamentos, paisaje, densificación.
Um novo olhar sobre o lugar: o uso do sensoriamento remoto como subsidio no ensino da geografia na zona rural de Chapada, Serrinha/Ba
Authors: Da Silva Lima Naiara , Chaves Joselisa Maria
Published: July 2018

Diante da conjuntura atual, em uma época de grandes transformações, onde as informações possuem um alto grau de poder, circulação e difusão os jovens se sentem atraídos e inseridos nessa nova era tecnológica, nesse mundo comunicacional, onde as ferramentas do Sensoriamento remoto estão constantemente inseridas, sendo assim, buscou-se verificar se a escola faz uso dessas ferramentas na aulas de geografia, contextualizando seus produtos com a realidade discente. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho versa sobre a importância de utilizar o Sensoriamento Remoto em ambiente escolar, possibilitando ao aluno observar, analisar e compreender as transformações ocorridas no espaço geográfico que compõe o seu cotidiano. O objetivo principal foi apresentar recursos didáticos que podem contribuir no ensino de Geografia a partir de técnicas do sensoriamento remoto na Escola Antonio Alves da Silva, situada na zona rural do povoado de Chapada, municipio de Serrinha/BA. O caminho metodológico adotado nesse estudo foi a aplicação de uma oficina na turma de 5º ano do Fundamental I, em que inicialmente foi feita uma avaliação diagnóstica no intuito de perceber se os alunos já possuiam conhecimento do assunto, posteriormente foi realizada uma contextualização teórica, abordando conceitos principais do tema supracitado e suas aplicações, bem como a exposição de imagens de satélites referentes a quatro comunidades rurais diferentes, lugares estes, de residência dos discentes. A construção de um painel temático em sala, foi o resultado obtido a apartir da oficina, no qual os alunos identificaram elementos de ordem natural e antrópica nas imagens da sua comunidade de origem, criando uma legenda para sinalizar os diferentes espaços e objetos da superficie. Assim sendo, constatou-se que esse foi o primeiro contato dos alunos com a temática, porém mesmo iniciantes conseguiram identificar e compreender as informações presentes em cada etapa do trabalho ao discutir com demais colegas o que foi apreendido na atividade, fazendo do sensoriamento remoto um tema relevante e de grande potencial no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos estudantes no espaço escolar. Palavras-chave: Sensoriamento Remoto. Geografia. Lugar. Espaço georáfico.
Delineamento amostral no monitoramento de reservatório de uso múltiplo utilizando reflectância acumulada em imagens Landsat 8
Authors: De Almeida Tati , Ennes Cicerelli Rejane , Roig Henrique Llacer , Baptista Gustavo , Bilich Neumann Marina Rolim
Published: July 2018

O uso do sensoriamento remoto para estudos em ambientes aquáticos tem se mostrado de grande valia para diversas aplicações. Uma das aplicações é a determinação da localização de coleta de amostras de campo, uma vez que as imagens de satélite apresentam atributos capazes de avaliar a variabilidade espectral da superfície da água considerando uma área extensa. Desse modo, este trabalho propôs definir um método de seleção de elementos amostrais no Lago Paranoá, localizado em Brasília-DF no Brasil, baseada na variabilidade de imagens no espectro do visível e infravermelho oriundos do sensor Landsat-8/OLI. O trabalho foi pautado na seleção de imagens em períodos sazonais distintos, as quais foram somadas, compondo um único produto denominado reflectância acumulada. Posteriormente foi aplicado um método de classificação não supervisionada que discriminou 5 classes com características distintas. Como resultado foram obtidos 16 pontos que garantiram a realização de trabalhos de campo para obtenção de variáveis limnológicas em locais que apresentam variações na qualidade da água.Palavras chave: reflectância acumulada; delineamento amostral; qualidade de água; Lago Paranoá
Las geotecnologías como estrategias didácticas Para la enseñanza en secundaria
Authors: Ruiz Sebastian , Vazquez Miriam , Diez Paula
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo surge a partir del Proyecto de Extensión “Actividades de Vinculación Universidad  - Colegios y Escuelas. Un espacio en común para la construcción del conocimiento geográfico”, cuyo fin es articular la actividad docente de esta Universidad con un Colegio Secundario. El propósito es acercar estrategias de enseñanza basadas en estudios de caso asociadas a las geotecnologías para abordar de manera conjunta una problemática urbana y local como los anegamientos en la ciudad de Río Gallegos. Los estudios de caso como instrumentos complejos incluyen para su desarrollo información y datos provenientes de fuentes diversas que determinan su naturaleza interdisciplinaria. Los buenos casos se construyen en torno de problemas de la vida real y generalmente corresponden a escalas de análisis conocidas para los estudiantes. La incorporación de geotecnologías como técnicas o herramientas de análisis dan valor agregado a los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje e incentivan el interés de los estudiantes en la ciencia y la tecnología geoespacial.El objetivo del trabajo es destacar la importancia que tienen las geotecnologías  en la enseñanza de la geografía en la educación secundaria. La metodología consiste en presentar a los alumnos el problema y brindar las herramientas geotecnológicas para facilitar la detección de los cambios recientes ocurridos sobre la red de drenaje natural. La observación, análisis y evaluación de imágenes (aerofotomosaicos antiguos, imágenes satelitales, carta topográfica y modelos digitales de elevación) orienta al alumno y le permite hacer juicios basados en hechos, información lógica y fundamentada. Los resultados se contrastan con las áreas más afectadas durante los eventos de precipitación registrados durante el año 2016 sobre el plano de la ciudad.Río Gallegos se localiza en la margen sur del estuario compartido entre los ríos Gallegos y Chico. Se desarrolla en un clima templado frío- semiárido de meseta con precipitaciones medias anuales que oscilan entre 200 y240 mm; estudios recientes han demostrado que con8 mmde precipitación se registran anegamientos en distintas áreas de la localidad principalmente sobre los niveles topográficos más bajos generando alteraciones en la organización espacial de la población y pérdidas económicas. Los problemas de anegamiento en la ciudad son resultado de la alteración del sistema hídrico natural por efecto de la ocupación del suelo para uso urbano y la falta de obras hidráulicas acordes al crecimiento del ejido.Las geotecnologías como estrategias didácticas aplicadas al estudio de caso generan  mayor motivación y aprendizajes significativos entre los estudiantes quienes pudieron desarrollar habilidades de pensamiento crítico y creativo.Palabras clave: Geotecnologías - Enseñanza de la Geografía - Estudios de Caso.
Influence of supplemental cassava root sieviate - cassava leaf meal based diets on carcass and economics of production of West African dwarf goats
Authors: Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso , Onunka B N , Nweke, J.C J C
Published: July 2018

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the carcass yield, organ characteristics and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed cassava root sieviate-cassava leaf meal (CRSCLM) based diets as supplement to Panicum maximum using 36 WAD goats of about 8 to 10 months of age. Four diets T1, T2, T3, and T4, were formulated at the levels of 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% CRSCLM respectively, in a completely randomized design. Each animal received a designated treatment diet in the morning for 97 days. Feed offered was based on 3.5% body weight per day; the animals in addition were fed a kg wilted chopped Panicum maximum later in the day as basal diet to enhance rumination and chime chewing. Result on  carcass indices showed significant (p<0.05) influence on live weight at slaughter, empty carcass weight, warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, shoulder, leg, lion, end and shank with T4 having relatively best results. The dressing percentage was numerically (49.59%) best at T4. On the offal weights, head and full guts were significantly (p<0.05) improved for T4 and T1 goats. The organ characteristic proved the safety of using CRSCLM through the significantly (p<0.05) lower organ weights at T4 goats. Cost per kg feed, feed cost/weight gain and cost/benefit ratio were positive influenced (p<0.05) at T4 with expected income of ^4.79 per ^1 invested. It could therefore be concluded that WAD goats fed 60% CRSCLM had the best carcass and organ yields at a reduced feed cost.Keyword: WAD goat, Cassava leaf meal, cassava root sieviate, cost/benefit ratio
Bee honey color variation throughout the year in Hejotitán, Jalisco, México.
Authors: Quintero Dominguez Roberto , Reyes-Carrillo Jose Luis , De la Cruz-Larios Lino , González-Eguiarte Diego Raymundo
Published: July 2018

Bee honey is a highly valued food whose international marketing is controlled by quality standards that are based on its physicochemical properties. One of them is color, which does not reflect a high or low quality, but rather the preferences of certain consumer markets. Color in honey is mostly determined by its floral sources that constantly change throughout the year. This study was intended to record color variations of the honey collected by Apis mellifera. For this purpose, honey was sampled from three selected hives, in an apiary in the town of Huejotitan, state of Jalisco, in western Mexico, on a monthly basis for a year. Color was measured according to the Pfund scale. Humidity was also measured since fermentation due to excessive moisture could spoil the samples. Two additional samples were collected, as well, from the bulk of honey at the time of the harvests, directly from the extractor: one from the spring harvest in May 2012, and the other from the fall harvest in December 2012. A total of 23 samples were obtained from December 2011 to December 2012. Color ranged from 0 mm Pfund (water white) to 85 mm Pfund (light amber) and humidity from 17% to 24%. It was discovered that the samples collected during the peak of the nectar flow, October - November, were contrastingly whiter than the rest. Although requiring more work, since consumers prefer clearer honeys, it is concluded that honey harvested at intervals during the high flow in the hives, with careful consideration of the moisture and making sure to keep honeys from different hives, apiaries and producers separate, a wider variety of honeys would be obtained, with different shades of color and different properties, better targeting the more specialized and demanding markets of today.
Feeding ecology of primates in Pandam wildlife park, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Alarape Abideen Abiodun , Yager Gabriel Ortyom , Ebute David
Published: July 2018

Primates are ecologically flexible and generalist feeders yet selective in choice of diet. Insufficient information on the plants consumed by primates hinders appropriate and deliberate conservation measures. I therefore seek to identify the plants species, dominant part consumed in Pandam Wildlife Park (PWLP). Direct observation method was adopted along 2km line transect to record food plants species and part consumed by primates for a period of 6 months. Proximate composition of food plants were determined using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at (p<0.01). Feeding sites were identified along riparian strata, savanna woodland and the swampy strata and four primates species belonging to one family (Cercopithecidae) were encountered, which include Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus patas, Papio anubis and, Chlorocebus tantalus, all primates were observed to feed in group. Seventeen food plants beonging to 14 families, one grass species (Andropogon gayanus), four invertebrates (Lumbrucis terrestris, Eurymerodesmus spp and Chinocectes opilio) and two crop plants (Zea mays and Sorghum vulgare) were identified. Plant parts consumed by primates include fruit, (75%) and leaves (25%). Among the food plant species, the highest crude proteins (11.86±0.07a), fats/oil (13.57±0.06a), ash (10.67±0.03a), moisture (13.63±0.07a), and crude fiber (27.85±0.48a) where obtained in Piliostigma thonningii, Rafia sundanica, Piliostigma thonningii, Stryhtinos spinose, and Tamarindus indica. Primates in the study area fed on variety of food items, predominantly on fruits irrespective of the season. Their frugivorous tendency has far ranching ecological implication with attendant effect on seed dispersal, seed treatment, seed predation, food predation, food competition, food provision, food scarcity among other sympatric animals that have fruits constituting a portion of their diet.Key words: Feeding, behavior, primates, ecology
Radiation treatment planning and delivery strategies for a pregnant brain tumor patient
Authors: Labby Zacariah E. , Barraclough Brendan , Bayliss R. Adam , Besemer Abigail E. , Dunkerley David A. P. , Howard Steven P.
Published: July 2018

The management of a pregnant patient in radiation oncology is an infrequent event requiring careful consideration by both the physician and physicist. The aim of this manuscript was to highlight treatment planning techniques and detail measurements of fetal dose for a pregnant patient recently requiring treatment for a brain cancer. A 27‐year‐old woman was treated during gestational weeks 19–25 for a resected grade 3 astrocytoma to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions, followed by an additional 9 Gy boost in five fractions. Four potential plans were developed for the patient: a 6 MV 3D‐conformal treatment plan with enhanced dynamic wedges, a 6 MV step‐and‐shoot (SnS) intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan, an unflattened 6 MV SnS IMRT plan, and an Accuray TomoTherapy HDA helical IMRT treatment plan. All treatment plans used strategies to reduce peripheral dose. Fetal dose was estimated for each treatment plan using available literature references, and measurements were made using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and an ionization chamber with an anthropomorphic phantom. TLD measurements from a full‐course radiation delivery ranged from 1.0 to 1.6 cGy for the 3D‐conformal treatment plan, from 1.0 to 1.5 cGy for the 6 MV SnS IMRT plan, from 0.6 to 1.0 cGy for the unflattened 6 MV SnS IMRT plan, and from 1.9 to 2.6 cGy for the TomoTherapy treatment plan. The unflattened 6 MV SnS IMRT treatment plan was selected for treatment for this particular patient, though the fetal doses from all treatment plans were deemed acceptable. The cumulative dose to the patient's unshielded fetus is estimated to be 1.0 cGy at most. The planning technique and distance between the treatment target and fetus both contributed to this relatively low fetal dose. Relevant treatment planning strategies and treatment delivery considerations are discussed to aid radiation oncologists and medical physicists in the management of pregnant patients.
Li4Ti5O12: A Visible‐to‐Infrared Broadband Electrochromic Material for Optical and Thermal Management
Authors: Mandal Jyotirmoy , Du Sicen , Dontigny Martin , Zaghib Karim , Yu Nanfang , Yang Yuan
Published: July 2018

Broadband electrochromism from visible to infrared wavelengths is attractive for applications like smart windows, thermal camouflage, and temperature control. In this work, the broadband electrochromic properties of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) and its suitability for infrared camouflage and thermoregulation are investigated. Upon Li+ intercalation, LTO changes from a wide bandgap semiconductor to a metal, causing LTO nanoparticles on metal to transition from a super‐broadband optical reflector to a solar absorber and thermal emitter. Large tunabilities of 0.74, 0.68, and 0.30 are observed for the solar reflectance, mid‐wave infrared (MWIR) emittance, and long‐wave infrared (LWIR) emittance, respectively, with a tunability of 0.43 observed for a wavelength of 10 µm. The values exceed, or are comparable to notable performances in the literature. A promising cycling stability is also observed. MWIR and LWIR thermography reveal that the emittance of LTO‐based electrodes can be electrochemically tuned to conceal them amidst their environment. Moreover, under different sky conditions, LTO shows promising solar heating and subambient radiative cooling capabilities depending on the degree of lithiation and device design. The demonstrated capabilities of LTO make electrochromic devices based on LTO highly promising for infrared‐camouflage applications in the defense sector, and for thermoregulation in space and terrestrial environments.
Efficient Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites by Molecular Engineering
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Meier Fabian , Zhao Daming , Abe Yuichiro , Gao Yang , Chen Bingbing , Salim Teddy , Chia Elbert E. M. , Qiao Xianfeng , Deibel Carsten , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: July 2018

Solution‐processed organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are promising emitters for next‐generation optoelectronic devices. Multiple‐colored, bright light emission is achieved by tuning their composition and structures. However, there is very little research on exploring optically active organic cations for hybrid perovskites. Here, unique room‐temperature phosphorescence from hybrid perovskites is reported by employing novel organic cations. Efficient room‐temperature phosphorescence is activated by designing a mixed‐cation perovskite system to suppress nonradiative recombination. Multiple‐colored phosphorescence is achieved by molecular design. Moreover, the emission lifetime can be tuned by varying the perovskite composition to achieve persistent luminescence. Efficient room‐temperature phosphorescence is demonstrated in hybrid perovskites that originates from the triplet states of the organic cations, opening a new dimension to the further development of perovskite emitters with novel functional organic cations for versatile display applications.
The Importance of Excited‐State Energy Alignment for Efficient Exciplex Systems Based on a Study of Phenylpyridinato Boron Derivatives
Authors: Mamada Masashi , Tian Guojian , Nakanotani Hajime , Su Jianhua , Adachi Chihaya
Published: July 2018

Understanding excited‐state dynamics is critical for improving the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of exciplexes. A series of exciplexes based on conventional hole‐transporting materials as donor and newly developed phenylpyridinato boron derivatives as acceptor were investigated. High PL efficiencies were achieved in only some combinations, and a large difference in performance among combinations provided insight into nonradiative processes in exciplex systems. Furthermore, the triplet local excited states (3LE) of each donor and acceptor were found play an important role in triplet exciplex harvesting. Significant contributions from triplets were clearly observed when the charge‐transfer excited states (1CT and 3CT) and 3LE were ideally aligned. We also demonstrated fine control of relative energy alignment via the concentration to improve the PL efficiency.
Construction of a Metal‐Free Electron Spin System by Encapsulation of an NO Molecule Inside an Open‐Cage Fullerene C60 Derivative
Authors: Hasegawa Shota , Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Kato Tatsuhisa , Murata Yasujiro
Published: July 2018

A reactive radical species, nitric oxide (NO), was encapsulated in a unimolecular form inside an open‐cage fullerene derivative under high‐pressure conditions in the solid state. Surprisingly, the molecular complex showed sharp 1H NMR signals despite the existence of the paramagnetic species inside the carbon cage. Owing to the paramagnetic shifts, the escape rate of the NO was determined experimentally. After constructing a stopper on the rim of the opening, the NO was found to stay inside the cage even at 50 °C. The ESR measurements of the powdery sample showed paramagnetic properties at low temperature. The single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis clearly demonstrated the existence of the encapsulated NO molecule, suggesting rapid rotation inside the cage. The 1H NMR chemical shifts displayed a large temperature dependence owing to the paramagnetic effects.
Incorporating physiologically relevant mobile phases in micellar liquid chromatography for the prediction of human intestinal absorption
Authors: Shokry Dina S. , Waters Laura J. , Parkes Gareth M. B. , Mitchell John C.
Published: July 2018

Micellar liquid chromatography is a popular method used in the determination of a compound's lipophilicity. This study describes the use of the obtained micelle–water partition coefficient (log Pmw) by such a method in the prediction of human intestinal absorption (HIA). As a result of the close resemblance of the novel composition of the micellar mobile phase to that of physiological intestinal fluid, prediction was deemed to be highly successful. The unique micellar mobile phase consisted of a mixed micellar mixture of lecithin and six bile salts, i.e. a composition matching that found in the human intestinal environment, prepared in ratios resembling those in the intestine. This is considered to be the first method to use a physiological mixture of biosurfactants in the prediction of HIA. As a result, a mathematical model with high predictive ability (R2PRED = 81%) was obtained using multiple linear regression. The micelle–water partition coefficient (log Pmw) obtained from micellar liquid chromatography was found to be a successful tool for prediction where the final optimum model included log Pmw and polar surface area as key descriptors with high statistical significance for the prediction of HIA. This can be attributed to the nature of the mobile phase used in this study which contains the lecithin–bile salt complex, thus forming a bilayer system and therefore mimicking absorption across the intestinal membrane.
A validated LC–MS/MS method for the determination of specnuezhenide and salidroside in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Ding Yan , Ju Zhengcai , Ma Chao
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to establish and validate a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of specnuezhenide and its bioactive metabolite salidroside in rat plasma. Protein precipitation was carried out and the analytes were separated on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm). A mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution was used for elution under gradient conditions at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Quantification was performed in the negative multiple reaction monitoring mode with precursor‐to‐product transitions at m/z 685.2 → 453.1 for specnuezhenide, m/z 229.3 → 119.0 for salidroside and 493.2 → 147.1 for the internal standard. The method showed good linearity, accuracy, precision and stability in the range 0.5–500.0 ng/mL for specnuezhenide and salidroside. The values of the matrix effect were within the range of 100.02–111.87% for both analytes, while the mean extraction recovery was within the range 64.19–78.26%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were <13.49% and the accuracy (RR) ranged from 93.59 to 102.24%. This study was successfully utilized for the pharmacokinetic study of specnuezhenide in rats after oral and intravenous administration. The oral bioavailability of specnuezhenide was 1.93%.
Comparison of three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy and hepatic resection in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Su Fang , Chen Kai‐Hua , Liang Zhong‐Guo , Wu Chun‐Hua , Li Ling , Qu Song , Chen Long , Zhu Xiao‐Dong , Zhong Jian‐Hong , Li Le‐Qun , Xiang Bang‐De
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT) and hepatic resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 323 HCC patients involving PVTT. Among them, 134 patients underwent 3D‐CRT, while 189 controls treated with hepatic resection (HR). Survival rate and prognostic analysis were performed using Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox regression analyses.

Results

The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year overall survival (OS) of RT group and HR group was 54% vs 62%, 33% vs 47%, and 18% vs 43%, respectively (P = 0.003). In the subgroup of PVTT type analysis, the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS in RT group was 65%, 39%, and 19%, respectively, while that in HR group was 83%, 53%, and 42%, respectively, in type I PVTT (P < 0.001). The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS in RT group was 52%, 35%, and 11%, while that in HR group was 55%, 42%, and 25%, respectively, in type II PVTT (P = 0.612). In type III PVTT, the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS in RT group was 16%, 3%, and 0%, respectively, while that in HR group was 11%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (P = 0.041). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size ≥10 cm, Child‐Pugh class B, and type III PVTT are independent predictors of poor prognosis in HCC with PVTT.

Conclusion

3D‐CRT appears to be an effective treatment for patients with HCC involving type II/III PVTT.
Compressed dynamic mesh sequence for progressive streaming
Authors: Yang Bailin , Jiang Zhaoyi , Shangguan Jiantao , Li Frederick W. B. , Song Chao , Guo Yibo , Xu Mingliang
Published: July 2018

Dynamic mesh sequence (DMS) is a simple and accurate representation for precisely recording a 3D animation sequence. Despite its simplicity, this representation is typically large in data size, making storage and transmission expensive. This paper presents a novel framework that allows effective DMS compression and progressive streaming by eliminating spatial and temporal redundancy. To explore temporal redundancy, we propose a temporal frame‐clustering algorithm to organize DMS frames by their motion trajectory changes, eliminating intracluster redundancy by principal component analysis dimensionality reduction. To eliminate spatial redundancy, we propose an algorithm to transform the coordinates of mesh vertex trajectory into a decorrelated trajectory space, generating a new spatially nonredundant trajectory representation. We finally apply a spectral graph wavelet transform with color set partitioning embedded block encoding to turn the resultant DMS into a multiresolution representation to support progressive streaming. Experiment results show that our method outperforms several existing methods in terms of storage requirement and reconstruction quality.
A Versatile and Convenient Synthesis of 34S‐Labeled Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides
Authors: Stulz Rouven , Meuller Johan , Baždarević Dženita , Wennberg Huldt Charlotte , Strömberg Roger , Andersson Shalini , Dahlén Anders
Published: July 2018

A synthetic protocol for 34S‐labeled phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS ONs) was developed to facilitate MS‐based assay analysis. This was enabled by a highly efficient, two‐step, one‐pot synthesis of 34S‐labeled phenylacetyl disulfide (34S‐PADS), starting from 34S‐enriched elemental sulfur (34S8). 34S‐PADS was subsequently used for stable isotope labeling (SIL) of oligonucleotides containing a phosphorothioate backbone. The 34S‐SIL PS ONs are shown to retain the same melting temperature, antisense activity, and secondary structure as those of the corresponding unlabeled 32S PS ONs.
Effects of Process Parameters on an Inverse Concentrated Miniemulsion Flowing in a Microchannel
Authors: Malafosse Claire , Blanco Jean-François , le Sauze Nathalie , Loubière Karine , Ollagnier Jean-Noël , Rolland Hervé , Pierre Aurélie , Prat Laurent
Published: July 2018

Emulsions are of great industrial interest due to their wide variety and end‐use properties. Microfluidics systems provide excellent control of transport phenomena. Hence, the influence of operating parameters on a concentrated inverse miniemulsion flowing in a microfluidic system was investigated. The feasibility of maintaining the emulsion in a microfluidic device was clearly demonstrated and the associated operating domain identified. Due to its influence on rheology, the effect of temperature on the droplet size distribution was quantified. Under specific conditions, a mass transfer phenomenon between the train of water drops and the smallest droplets of the emulsion was found, potentially explained by a difference in osmotic pressure between the two aqueous phases.
Photocatalytic Modification of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
Authors: Bottecchia Cecilia , Noël Timothy
Published: July 2018

In the last decade, visible‐light photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy to enable novel transformations in organic synthesis. Owing to mild reaction conditions (i.e., room temperature, use of visible light) and high functional‐group tolerance, photoredox catalysis could represent an ideal strategy for chemoselective biomolecule modification. Indeed, a recent trend in photoredox catalysis is its application to the development of novel methodologies for amino acid modification. Herein, an up‐to‐date overview of photocatalytic methodologies for the modification of single amino acids, peptides, and proteins is provided. The advantages offered by photoredox catalysis and its suitability in the development of novel biocompatible methodologies are described. In addition, a brief consideration of the current limitations of photocatalytic approaches, as well as future challenges to be addressed, are discussed.
Simulation of slurry/clean fluid boundary dispersion during placement of particulate suspension into a fracture
Authors: Reza Md. Omar , Nikrityuk Petr , Eskin Dmitry
Published: July 2018

The main objective of this work is to understand the major peculiarities of the process of clean fracturing fluid being displaced by a flow of particulate suspension (slurry) in a fracture channel. A number of 2D and 3D numerical simulations (based on an Euler‐Euler type model) of slurry flows in channels of complex geometry are carried out. The performance of the model is validated against experimental data by Gillies et al. Euler‐Euler simulations of a laminar slurry flow in a horizontal pipeline showed good agreement between computed and measured particle concentration distributions across a pipe. Numerical studies of slurry flows in 2D and 3D channels show the formation of an M‐shape profile of the solid phase across a channel at the initial fracture section. Our computations demonstrate the rapid growth of a dispersion zone separating a slurry and a clean fluid. It is shown that the dispersion zone is shorter in a tortuous channel than in a straight one. The computations illustrate a reduction in the dispersion zone length with an increase in the fracturing fluid viscosity. The results obtained show the importance of taking into account the previously ignored process of slurry/clean fluid boundary dispersion in prospective hydraulic fracturing simulators.