bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACILITATING AWARENESS AND INFORMED CHOICE IN GAMBLING
Authors: Parke Adrian , Harris Andrew , Parke Jonathan , Rigbye Jane , Blaszczynski Alex
Published: August 2020

Research demonstrates that a large proportion of individuals have reduced levels of self-awareness of behaviour when gambling, through a process of dissociation (Powell, Hardoon, Derevensky, & Gupta, 1996) and narrowed attention (Diskin & Hodgins, 1999). This can be detrimental to the decision-making process, especially as players become increasingly stimulated, which can negatively impact upon gambling behaviour. Therefore, in an attempt to limit irrational gambling behaviour, and gambling beyond levels at which one had initially intended, emphasis is placed on harm minimisation approaches that attempt to increase self-awareness of behaviour and increase awareness of the probable outcomes of participation in gambling, by providing easily understood and relevant information in a timely fashion. Fundamentally, this refers to the provision of information pertaining to 1) Personal Behavioural Information - information provided to the player regarding amount of time and money spent gambling, and 2) Game Transparency Information – information that outlines to the player how the game operates e.g. probabilities of winning. Structural and situational characteristics of gambling may not however, be conducive to supporting self-regulation and self-control, making the process of facilitating awareness more challenging than one would initially assume. The following paper reviews evidence for the efficacy of strategies aimed at facilitating awareness during gambling, referring to behavioural information and game transparency, as well as problem gambling information and referral.
FACILITATING PLAYER CONTROL IN GAMBLING
Authors: Blaszczynski Alex , Parke Adrian , Harris Andrew , Parkes Jonathan , Rigbye Jane
Published: August 2020

Research indicates that gamblers frequently set self-imposed limits on how much time and money they wish to gamble in a given gambling session, yet consistently gamble more than initially intended. The emotional and arousing impact of gambling, as well as dissociative states gamblers experience whilst gambling, may contribute to this behavioural shift which reflects a failure in self-control. Essential then, is the need for harm minimisation strategies aimed at allowing a gambler to stay in control of their decisions and behaviour during gambling, whilst concurrently limiting the negative impact this may have on the gambling experience for those who frequently stay in control. The following article evaluates the use of limit setting and pre-commitment, the use of ‘cooling off’ periods, and restricting access to additional funds as harm minimisation strategies, in terms of their efficacy in facilitating self-control in problem and non-problem gambling populations. As with any potential mass intervention, such as the use of mandatory limit setting, the need for robust empirical evidence to prove its efficacy is essential. Existing research, while providing promise, falls short of this criterion, indicating a requirement for more stringent empirical research to best guide responsible gambling practices aimed at facilitating player control during gambling.
CHINESE GAMBLERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF E-MARKETING MIX ELEMENTS FOR ONLINE CASINOS
Authors: Sam Kin Meng , Chatwin Chris
Published: August 2020

Internet ubiquity has revolutionized numerous industries, making online shopping and auctions a profitable business sector that is now impacting on the casino industry. Different e-marketing approaches have been widely adopted by online casinos to facilitate betting transactions. The uniqueness of e-marketing is characterized via a series of specific and relational functions that are combined with the traditional 4Ps (Product, Price, Place and Promotion) to form the e-marketing mix elements. The renown and popularity of gambling on internet casinos is growing rapidly, with the online casino business seeing significant growth in Europe, Asia and South America. In China, there are twice as many online gamblers as there are online shoppers. In this study, the perceptions of Chinese gamblers are analyzed to find out: i) the demographic effect on their perceptions of e-marketing mix elements offered by online casinos; ii) the relationships between their perceptions of e-marketing mix elements. The results can provide a reference strategy for the investors in online casinos to develop e-marketing plans for the online businesses.
The Probability of Winning Warren Buffett’s Billion Dollars
Authors: Sullivan Michael John
Published: August 2020

Stated in the contest rules the probability of winning the NCAA College Basketball Tournament “Quicken Loans Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge” is one in 9.2 quintillion (9.2 x 1018).  This is calculated based on each team having an even chance of 50% to win any given Tournament game.  In this paper, I use two alternative methodologies to calculate the probability of teams to win individual games and use these probabilities to calculate the overall probability of achieving a perfect 2014 NCAA Tournament bracket.  Based on Las Vegas closing point spreads, I find the probability of having a perfect 2014 NCAA Tournament bracket is approximately one in 1.31 quadrillion (1.31 x 1015).  Alternatively, using Conlen and Silver (2014) estimated probabilities, I find the probability is approximately one in 1.57 quadrillion (1.57 x 1015).  These alternative methodologies produce surprisingly similar probabilities and are lower (better) by a factor of approximately 6,000 to 8,000 times than the probability stated in contest rules.
Lessons from the Junket Business in Atlantic City and in Macao
Authors: Siu Lam Carlos
Published: August 2020

Although junket operators can help casino operators secure business from premium patrons, there has been limited study of this topic in the academic literature. Recent junket business developments in Atlantic City (the most strictly regulated jurisdiction in the US), and in Macao (the world’s largest gambling market) have led to new insights and understandings of the junket business, and this paper identifies key lessons learned from these two major casino markets. The qualitative research interview was adopted due to the under-researched nature of the junket business. This study is based on the institutional theory to analyze human interactions and activities in terms of overt or implicit rules involved in the junket business. A review of the literature and interview findings indicates that junket operators may play a more important role with the economic slowdown, since their business is focused on bringing patrons from strong regional or national economies. This can be achieved by adopting certain location-specific strategies to match changes in the regional market. Diversified product offerings, rather than price reductions, are critical to entice premium patrons in the face of increasing casinos in nearby region. Despite the economic contribution of the junket business, some junket practices might be perceived as exploitative of patrons. Apart from the appropriate balance between the public policy to minimize social costs and an appropriate regulatory standard, a jurisdiction needs to consider such local contexts as its unique culture and junket operators’ intention to promote their interest, in order to better regulate the junket business.
Need for a Collaborative Natural Resource Management Strategy for the Marine Environment—The Case of Plastics in the Mediterranean
Authors: Soto Chalhoub Michel
Published: August 2020

Natural resource management issues are at the heart of sustainability and are seldom limited to a localized community. We address marine plastic pollution which not only infests local beaches, but is found in the present research to have high mobility, a serious impact on human health, and a damaging effect on ecosystems. Plastics have reached the deepest points of our oceans and while all oceans are affected, the Mediterranean Sea is particularly vulnerable to pollution because of its high biodiversity density, its enclosed geometry, and its bathymetry. We collected primary and secondary data and drew on separate studies performed by the author. We gauged public attitudes towards plastic waste management in Lebanon and found that the public is aware of the issue and supports the formation of a Mediterranean Rim consortium to address both remedial and preventive strategies. A regression analysis is introduced where a dependent variable represents the need for regional natural resource strategies. It was found to be positively and significantly correlated with the establishment of national policies, engineering innovation as a preventive strategy, and the adoption of local implementation. Our case study in Lebanon unveiled lack of public policies for solid waste management and marine plastic litter, causing implementation challenges. We recommend that the problem of plastic pollution be tackled with cross-border cooperation among neighboring countries around the Mediterranean.
Crude Distillation Unit (CDU)
Authors: Adiko Serge-Bertrand , Radisovich Mingasov Rifat
Published: August 2020

The chapter considers the technology of the crude distillation unit in general. The crude distillation unit is at the front-end of the oil refinery. The desalting process and distillation of crude oil are included in the crude distillation unit (CDU). The desalting process of crude oil is imperative to ensure the good quality of crude oil, that is, to remove impurities before its transfer to refining. This procedure minimizes or eliminates harmful substances such as sulfur, water, salts, and even mechanical impurities, which ensures a long operation of pipelines. However, the desalting process is only part of the distillation unit. The other phase of this unit is as already mentioned above is: distillation. Distillation is a more physical than a chemical process. The distillation process is characterised by mass-thermal transfer of materials, which leads to the obtaining of fractions. The distillation in the crude distillation unit is carried out consecutively in two ways: atmospheric and vacuum. In the Russian Federation, we classify oil refining plants in general as follows: fuel, fuel-oil, fuel-petrochemical, and fuel-oil-petrochemical. Also, regardless of the profile of the refinery, great importance is given to the crude distillation unit. The crude distillation unit, if well modeled and organized, makes it possible to obtain already more light products at this stage; therefore, there is a reduction of heavy residues, the refinement of which requires more expensive processes such as hydrocracking or catalytic cracking. The oil topping column K-1, within this framework, has been adopted in several oil refining plants in addition to the main column commonly referred to as K-2. The principal purpose of column K-1 is the separation of light gasoline and the major part of dissolved gases from crude oil. This first step of distillation at K-1 has the effect of normalizing the amount of gasoline hydrocarbons and stabilizing the operation of the main column K-2 despite possible fluctuations in the composition of crude oil. Besides, the CDU equipped with column K-1 demonstrates an increase in some valuable products such as methane, ethane, naphtha, etc.
Sensitivity and Uncertainty Quantification of Neutronic Integral Data Using ENDF/B-VII.1 and JENDL-4.0 Evaluations
Authors: Makhloul Mustapha , Boukhal H. , El Bardouni T. , Chakir E. , Kaddour M. , Elouahdani S.
Published: August 2020

Many integral neutronic parameters such as the effective multiplication factors (keff) are based on neutron reactions with matter through cross sections. However, these cross sections present uncertainties, of origin multiple, which reduce the safety margin of nuclear installations. In order to minimize these risks, a sensitivity analysis is necessary to indicate the rate of change of a reactor performance parameter compared to variations in cross sections. Thus, several critical benchmarks were taken from the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (IHECSBE), and their sensitivities and covariance matrix of the desired cross section were processed by MCNP6 and NJOY codes, respectively, in ENDF/B-VII.1 and JENDL-4.0 evaluations. The results obtained show that the 44 energy groups give the most varied sensitivity profiles than those given by others (15 and 33). In addition, we observed large uncertainties on the keff due to the H-1 and O-16 cross-sectional uncertainties (∼200–1000 pcm) in ENDF/B -VII.1 and the U-235 cross section in JENDL-4.0; however, keff’s uncertainties due to the cross-sectional uncertainties of the U-238 are very small.
Diaspora Investment to Help Achieve the SDGs in Africa: Prospects and Trends
Authors: Asquith Paul , Opoku-Owusu Stella
Published: August 2020

Governments and the private sector have traditionally viewed the diaspora as both ongoing providers of financial capital at the micro level, and, as consumers. While recognition of the diaspora’s role in ‘doing development’ has grown, and the diaspora are increasingly seen as important development stakeholders, they are still not viewed as significant social investors by governments, the private sector, or indeed the diaspora themselves. This represents a missed opportunity for harnessing and seeking to scale up diaspora investments for socio-economic growth, especially given the gap in financing available to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter offers an overview of diaspora investment types and forms, dividing these into four main types, namely: diaspora philanthropy, diaspora remittances, diaspora direct investment (DDI), and diaspora Portfolio Investment (DPI). It argues that governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and the diaspora themselves should view diaspora investments as part of the development financing mix, especially as part of ‘blended finance’ packages.
Systemic-Entropic Approach for Assessing Water Quality of Rivers, Reservoirs, and Lakes
Authors: Simonyan Gevorg
Published: August 2020

Water is a nonrenewable resource, and its unsustainable use almost everywhere has led to a decrease in water quality. The development of water quality indices and the introduction of indexing methods used in assessing the quality of surface waters (pollution) are particularly relevant in recent years. As a result of anthropogenic pollution of the aquatic environment, the entropy of the system changes, which is not always taken into account in hydrochemical studies. This chapter analyzes dozens of freshwater quality indicators existing in science literature and presents the advantages of the water quality indicators developed by the author and colleagues: the geoecological evolving organized index (GEVORG), and the Armenian Water Quality Index. Water quality analyses have been tested for most of the rivers, reservoirs, and lakes of Armenia. It was found that the Armenian Water Quality Index has a linear relationship with most water quality indexes, and an inverse relationship with the Canadian Water Quality Index. The quality of river and reservoir water has been assessed according to the new standards for background concentrations.
Evaluation of a new semi-automated Hydragel 11 von Willebrand factor multimers assay kit for routine use
Authors: Pikta Marika , Szanto Timea , Viigimaa Margus , Lejniece Sandra , Balode Dārta , Saks Kadri , Banys Valdas
Published: August 2020

Background: Accurate diagnosis and classification of von Willebrand disease (VWD) are essential for optimal management. The von Willebrand factor multimers analysis (VWF:MM) is an integral part of the diagnostic process in the phenotypic classification, especially in discrepant cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new Hydragel 11VWF multimer assay (H11VW). Methods: Analytical performance characteristics such as repeatability (intra-assay variability, in gel between track variation), reproducibility (inter-assay variability, between gel variation), sensitivity, EQA performance and differences between two commercially available VWF:MM kits (H5VW and H11VW) were analysed in healthy volunteers' plasmas using in-house prepared reference plasma. Results: Repeatability and reproducibility results of H11VW demonstrated acceptable and equivalent performance with previously verified H5VW. Participation in EQA was successful. No statistically significant difference was detected between H5VW and H11VW kits for different fractions of multimers: LMWM p=0.807; IMWM p=0.183; HMWM p=0.774. Conclusions: H11VW demonstrated acceptable analytical performance characteristics. H11VW kit conveniently offers a more significant number of samples on a single gel. H5VW and H11VW kits can be used in daily practice interchangeably.
Water quality assessment for balneability at Porto Real beach, Porto Nacional/TO
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo Gabriel de Souza , Balduino Ã‚ngelo Ricardo
Published: August 2020

The environmental problems with each passing day has been gaining greater prominence in the news media of the whole world, but in a negative way. Water, an exhaustible natural resource, has been suffering enough through the misuse socioeconomic and environmental problems, pollution of resources water. With the population growth, the cities are receiving industrial facilities and this generates an increase of waste dumped, affecting the groundwater, and consequently affecting the quality of the water. With that, this study was carried out to evaluate the water conditions of beach Porto Real located in the river of Tocantins, in Porto Nacional/TO, for the purpose of bathing, accordance with the resolution CONAMA nº 274/00. The Coliliert method was used to obtain the values ​​of faecal coliforms and the bacterium e-coli, the results showed low values, more than satisfactory, therefore, in the research period, Praia Porto Real waters presented satisfactory parameters in the bathing requirement.
Deseos de futuro, intencionalidades y construcción de territorios. La experiencia de zonas rurales en la región chaqueña argentina
Authors: Sili Marcelo
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo analiza las formas y los mecanismos con que los múltiples actores involucrados en un territorio generan acciones en vistas a construir el futuro. Para poder eludir el uso del concepto de desarrollo como marco referencial, este trabajo moviliza el concepto de acción territorial, por entender que el mismo permite analizar más cabalmente las formas con que múltiples actores, con diversas y a veces contradictorias representaciones acerca del futuro, ponen en marcha iniciativas para construir y gestionar sus territorios. Esta propuesta conceptual y metodológica se pone en práctica en un territorio rural de la región chaqueña, territorio que ha vivido procesos de transformación similares a los de otras regiones del país, y que por lo tanto puede ser considerado un modelo representativo, no sólo de transformaciones territoriales, sino también de mecanismos y formas de construir la acción pública, privada y colectiva en torno a un proyecto de futuro territorial

This work analyses the forms and mechanisms with which the multiple actors involved in a territory generate actions in order to build the future. In order to avoid the use of the concept of development as a referential framework, this work mobilizes the concept of territorial action, because it allows us to analyses more fully the ways in which multiple actors, with diverse and sometimes contradictory representations about the future, put into march initiatives to build and manage their territories. This conceptual and methodological proposal is put into practice in a rural area of ​​the Argentinian Chaco, a territory that has undergone processes of transformation similar to those of other regions of the country, and that therefore can be considered a representative model, not only of transformations territorial, but also of representations of the future on the part of their actors and models of intervention by public, private and collective action.
Pandemic as “pregnancy test” and herald of social transformations?
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: August 2020

This article discusses the consequences of coronavirus pandemic for the social world. Therefore, the author analyzes the current situation in the West and in Russia, and compares different estimates and forecasts of the political scientists. He views the state as a social technique, institution and policymakers, demonstrating that government as a social institution could be captured by the communities (industrial-financial elites, autocratic community, separate overmen) and utilized for purposes other than intended. The article analyzes the scenario of potential unfolding of events after the pandemic. The work employs the following methodology: articulation of the problem; comparative, historical, and situational analyses; creation of concepts and scenario; analysis of opinions. The author was able to rationalize the existing positions expressed by a number of sociologists and political scientists pertaining to coronavirus pandemic, as well as comprehend certain peculiarities of modern sociality. It is demonstrated that in order to understand consequences of the pandemic, it is necessary to analyzed not only the globalization processes, but also crises of the modern state, society and civic consciousness.
Legal regulation of functionality of the trade aggregators online
Authors: Shaidullina Venera Kamilevna
Published: August 2020

The object of this research is the public relations in the area of functionality of the trade aggregators online. The subject of this research is the normative legal acts regulating these public relations. A definition is provided to the trade aggregators, with emphasis on the key disadvantages of e-commerce for consumers from the perspective of application of such tools. The author examines foreign experience of legislative regulation of e-commerce, as well as underlines one of the crucial problems in regulation of e-commerce relations consisting in responsibility for the quality of information, published by the seller within the framework of indicated aggregators. As evidenced by practice, online purchase of goods involves various risks and conflict situations, which should be taken into account by all e-commerce participants. It is noted that the activity of aggregators intensify competition in e-commerce. Thus, the author suggest to enshrine a universal definition of Internet aggregators not in the sectoral legislation, but in Law No. 149-FZ of July 27, 2006  “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection". Only then would be possible to establish responsibility of the trade aggregators in sectoral legislation (for example, in the area of transportation services, communications, commerce, etc.).
Political parties of Russia and Kazakhstan: comparative legal analysis of the legislation
Authors: Glushachenko Sergey Borisovich
Published: August 2020

The subject of this article is the comparison of the legislation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan with regards to regulation of the establishment and activity of political parties. Multi-party system became a new phenomenon for both countries at the turn of the XXI century, and one of the tasks faced by the states consisted in its proper normative regulation. History of the countries did not provide adequate source material for the establishment of genuine multi-party system. The political parties basically functioned in the atmosphere of legal vacuum, which attached the attributes of chaos to the political life. Despite the common starting point along with the external similarity of party system in Russia and Kazakhstan, the legislation on parties has national specificity. Kazakhstan's legislation at the constitutional level enshrines the importance of parties for public life of the country. The first law on political parties was adopted in 1996, while the effective law has a different conceptual framework – it arguably became the product of evolution of the party system and corresponds with its current state. Russian legislation on political parties has a shorter history, and clearly is in a formative stage, which is testified by a number of amendments made to the corresponding federal law. However, the legislation of both Russia and Kazakhstan has a number of advantages that should be considered in further improvement of the normative legal base, which is especially relevant in a time of political transformation that affected both countries.
Using intentional humour in a higher-education classroom: connecting with, and building on Lovorn and Holaway
Authors: Pretorius Jannie , Koen Mariëtte , Schall Robert
Published: August 2020

Positive humour can facilitate learning. From an educational perspective, it is important to examine how, when and why humour elicits a positive feeling in students, which, in its turn, creates an environment conducive to learning. Previous studies in humour research have focused on the generally perceived impact of humour in educational settings. Reflection on this idea gives rise to two questions. Will the use of intentional humour as a pedagogical tool indeed be perceived as such by students? Also, will a lecture containing positive humour affirm the impact of humour reported in academic literature? The researchers therefore decided that a lecture containing intentional humoristic elements would be presented to two groups of students with a view to determining their responses. To accomplish this, a mixed-methods approach was used, one employing a concurrent embedded nested design to explore the role and impact of intentional humour in two higher-education classrooms. A Likert-scale survey exploring six themes was developed regarding the impact of humour, as identified by Lovorn and Holaway (2015). Open spaces were provided to allow participants to expand quantitative responses. While the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test statistic was used to analyse the quantitative data, content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The theoretical framework for this paper was drawn from the instructional humour process theory (IHPT). Trustworthiness was gauged by applying Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness. The findings of the paper are in line with Lovorn and Holaway’s (2015) research, which suggests that when lecturers take advantage of the positive attributes of humour, it has the power to fuel both students’ engagement and their learning.
Post-climax analysis in ‘toli’ – the Ghanaian humorous tale
Authors: Sekyi-Baidoo Yaw
Published: August 2020

Aspects of contextual jokes include the relationship with the goal of the interaction, and the involvement of the audience in the overall manifestation of the joke and its response. Sacks' identification of the ‘response’ or the ‘reaction’ – the final of the three-phased organisation of joke narratives (Sacks, 1974: 337; Attardo, 1994: 307-311) points to an aspect of the manifestation of contextual jokes beyond the fabula or the narration of the tale ‘proper’ to include a part relating to the reaction of the audience. Such reactions may be the joke itself or to its telling. A study of the performance of humorous tales, called toli in Ghana, reveals that the final phase, which we refer to as ‘post-climax’, involves the attention of all players, not to the telling of the tale, but to the incongruity and humour which underlie the very identity of the humorous tale. The post-climax discussion is, thus, an analytical reaction to various points of the tale, which has become an integral part of the performance of the tale as a conversational act, and which contributes extensively to the total manifestation of humour and laughter. Based on incongruity and comic-climax perspectives, the paper discusses the nature and strategies of post-climax, including the association of tale audience and setting, hypothetical extension of tale, incongruity and forced congruity discussions, dramatization and evaluations of realness, through which laughter, the main tenet of the genre, extensively manifests.
INFLUÊNCIA DA CONVIVÊNCIA DO CAPIM-AMARGOSO NA QUALIDADE DE SEMENTES DE SOJA
Authors: Paula Iara Martins de , Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira , Mendes Rafael Romero , Caneppele Alan Bruno , Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Cruvinel Aline Guimarães
Published: August 2020

A infestação de capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) é responsável por grande parte dasperdas de produtividade em lavouras de soja (Glycine max). Entretanto, pouco se temestudado sobre a interferência desta espécie na produção de grãos para sementes. O objetivodeste estudo foi avaliar a interferência de capim-amargoso sobre a qualidade de sementes desoja. Um experimento foi instalado para estudar cinco densidades de capim-amargoso (0, 2,4, 6 e 8 plantas m-2) em duas cultivares (Garra IPRO® e ST797 IPRO®). Os danos na maiordensidade avaliada (8 plantas m-2) foram de perda de 16% no número de sementes normais,32% a mais de sementes mortas e 16% de perda na germinação para a cultivar ST797IPRO®. A cultivar Garra IPRO® não apresentou diferenças nestas variáveis, sugerindomelhor habilidade competitiva em relação a cultivar ST797 IPRO®. Quanto maior ainfestação de capim-amargoso na soja, maiores as chances de perda na qualidade desementes. O nível de dano às sementes pela presença de capim-amargoso depende dahabilidade competitiva de cada cultivar.
BIOCARVÃO COMO ATENUANTE DA FITOTOXICIDADE DE HERBICIDAS EM MUDAS PRÉ-BROTADAS DE CANA-DEAÇÚCAR
Authors: Jonck Luana Carolina Gomes , Roesler Gustavo Dutra , Santos Sara Raquel De Barros , Hirata Andreia Cristina Silva , Monquero Patricia Andrea
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do biocarvão na sensibilidade de mudas pré-brotadas (MPB) ao clomazone, imazapic e indaziflam aplicados em pré-plantioisoladamente ou em associação. Foram avaliadas duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar (RB975952 e RB 985476). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 4repetições, em esquema fatorial 9 x 2, sendo nove tratamentos (imazapic 52,5 e 200 g i.a. ha-1, clomazone 1000 g i.a. ha-1, indaziflam 100 g i.a. ha-1 e associações de imazapic +clomazone (52,5 + 600; 52,5 + 1000; 200 + 600 e 200 + 1000 g i.a. ha-1 e testemunha) e apresença ou ausência do biocarvão no sulco de plantio. A RB 985476 apresentousensibilidade aos herbicidas clomazone e imazapic. A toxicidade provocada pelosherbicidas imazapic + clomazone diminiu pelo efeito do biocarvão. Para o imazapic nãohouve efeito do biocarvão na redução da fitotoxicidade. Em relação a RB 975952 foiverificada sensibilidade ao clomazone + imazapic e clomazone isolado, sendo o biocarvãoeficaz na redução da fitotoxicidade. O indaziflam foi seletivo para as duas variedades. Podese concluir que o biocarvão atuou de forma efetiva para clomazone isolado ou emassociação com o imazapic, sendo pouco efetivo para o herbicida imazapic isolado.
INTERAÇÃO DE METRIBUZIN E NITROGÊNIO NO CULTIVO DA CENOURA
Authors: Xavier Felipe Oliveira , Alves Deivide Patrik , Pucci Laís Franchini , Pereira Gustavo Antônio Mendes , Aquino Leonardo Angelo de , Reis Marcelo Rodrigues dos
Published: August 2020

O nitrogênio (N) é um dos nutrientes mais extraídos no cultivo de cenoura. No entanto, altas doses de N pode favorecer o crescimento da parte aérea em relação a raiz da planta. A aplicação do metribuzin pode alterar a partição da biomassa em favorecimento das raízes. Desta forma, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o efeito da aplicação de metribuzin em pós-emergência, e sua interação com nitrogênio sobre o crescimento axial e radial e produtividade das raízes de cenoura. Três experimentos foram conduzidos em campo, em distintos locais de cultivo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, dispostos em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, composto por duas doses de metribuzin (0 e 432 g i.a. ha-1) e três doses de N em cobertura (0, 30 e 90 kg ha-1). Avaliouse o comprimento e diâmetro de raízes, massa da matéria seca da parte aérea e raiz das plantas e, a produtividade de raízes. Não houve interação entre o metribuzin e nitrogênio nas variáveis estudadas. No entanto, a aplicação de metribuzin reduziu a massa da matéria seca da raiz da cenoura devido redução do diâmetro, sem ocasionar redução da produtividade. A aplicação do metribuzin associado à fertilização de N em cobertura não influencia no crescimento axial ou radial da raiz da cenoura e, consequentemente, não altera a produtividade.
Physiological Performance of White Oat Seeds Treated with Phosphite-based Products
Authors: Monzon Daisy Leticia Ramirez , Lemke Iara Maiqueli Stern , Ayala Lider , Vera Maria Johana Gonzalez , Menegelho Geri Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Aims: White oats are considered one of the most important cereals in the world. Currently, fertilizers based on phosphorus and silicon are being studied as inductors of resistance in the treatment of seeds, since they have as advantages such as low costs and excellent absorption by plants. The effects of seed treatment with phosphite resistance inducers are still unknown, being necessary the study in relation to interact with the seed at the time of twinning. 

Study Design: The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications, two commercial products based on phosphite FullTec Mais and Ultra Plus and five doses. 

Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted at the Didactic Laboratory of Seed Analysis of the Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas-RS, in 2019.

Methodology: White oat seeds were used, produced in the 2018/2019 agricultural kharif and treated with commercial products based on FullTec Mais and Ultra Plus phosphites, in five doses: 0; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.5 mL for each 100 kg of seeds. The variables evaluated were first germination count (CP), germination (G), shoot length (CA), root length (CR), total length (CT), accelerated aging (EV) and total dry mass (MST). The data expressed as a percentage were subjected to analysis of variance to verify the effect of treatments. Then, the Duncan means test (P=0.5) was performed, for the discrimination between the treatment means. Statistical analyzes were performed using the R Core Team (2020).

Results: The results showed that the FullTec Mais product stimulates the physiological performance of white oat seeds for the variables first germination count (CP), germination (G) and shoot length (CA), with a dose of 2 mL of the product per 100 kg of seeds that showed the highest expression. For the Ultra Plus product at a dose of 1 mL of the product per 100 kg of seeds it is more efficient in the accelerated aging test (EV), for the other variables it did not show significant differences.

Conclusion: It is possible to use phosphite-based micronutrients in seed treatment, without causing physiological damage to the seed during the twinning process.
Effect of Rejuvenation Pruning on the Vegetative Growth and Productivity in Olive under Hot and Arid Environment of Mexico
Authors: Contreras Raúl Leonel Grijalva- , Duarte Rubén Macías- , Carvajal Arturo López- , Contreras Fabián Robles- , Ramirez Fidel Núñez-
Published: August 2020

Currently in Mexico there are few studies on agronomic management in olive production. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate three rejuvenation pruning intensities (25, 33, 50% and Control “traditional pruning”) in olive tree cv Manzanilla under hot and arid environment of Mexico. The experiment was carried out during four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019 at National Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) in the Experimental Station Coast of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The experiment was carried out on 25-year-old olive orchard cultivar Manzanilla, planted at distance of 8 x 8 m (156 trees ha-1) and under surface irrigation. The variables evaluated were: vegetative parameters (wood weight, canopy diameter and plant height), olive yield and fruit characteristics (fruit weight and pulp-pit ratio). The experiment was organized as a randomized complete block design with five replications. Our results showed statistical differences (P<0.01) in all parameters evaluated with exception of fruit characteristics. During the rejuvenation process of the olive tree the treatment that obtained the higher yield was pruning with 25% intensity removing one trunk per year, which obtained an average yield in four years of 39.2 kg tree-1, while in the control treatment the yield was of 34.1 kg tree-1. Thus, it is possible to rejuvenate an olive orchard in four years without to affect olive yield.
Effect of Methanolic Extract of Caryota no on Antioxidant Levels in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Maduagwuna Chinonye A. , Omale Simeon , Etuh Monday A. , Gyang Steven S.
Published: August 2020

Aims: To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Caryota no seeds in Drosophila melanogaster (DM).

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019.                                                                                                                                                    

Methodology: These assays were conducted by exposing 50 flies per vial to the selected concentrations (350 mg, 400 mg and 500 mg) of the extract in 5 independent replicates for seven days while control group received distilled water. The total protein content was then determined from the supernatant of the fly homogenate. The antioxidant activity and levels of GST, CAT and total thiol were then measured. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.                                                                                                        

Results: The methanolic extract of Caryota no caused nonsignificant (P = .33) decrease in total proteins in DM below basal levels in a dose-dependent pattern.  The antioxidant activity showed nonsignificant (P = .28) lowering of the GST activity in DM below control levels. The methanolic extract of CN nonsignificantly (P > .05) increased the levels of catalase (P = .36) and total thiol levels (P = .22).                                                                                                      

Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic extract of Caryota no contains appreciable concentrations of different types of antioxidants. This may provide perspectives for the evaluation and development of effective and safe phytomedicines created from the local biodiversity.
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Using a Packed Bio-tower Approach
Authors: Doelle Klaus , Wang Qian
Published: August 2020

The study tested a designed and built pilot scale packed bio-tower system under continuous operation using pre-clarified municipal wastewater. Performance was evaluated by measuring the removal of chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen ammonia.

The pilot scale packed bio-tower system had a diameter of 1209 mm (4 ft.) and a height of 3,962 mm (13 ft.) and contained Bentwood CF-1900 bacteria growth media with a surface area of 6,028.80 ft² (560.09 m²). The municipal residential sewage was fed into a 1,481 l (375 gal.) recirculation reservoir at a temperature of 15°C (59.0°F) and a flow rate between 7,571 l/d (2000 gal/d) and 90,850 l/d (24,000 gal/d) and recirculated through the bio-tower with a fixed recirculation rate of 75.7 l/min (20 gal/min).

The influent COD value reduction achieved is between 63.4% and 84.8%, whereas the COD influent value varied between 87 mg/l and 140 mg/l. The influent NH3-N reduction achieved was between 99.8% and 91.8% whereas the influent NH3-N value was between 28.8 mg/l and 18.6 mg/l  at a flow rate between 7571 l/d (2000 gal/d) and 90,850 l/d (24,000 gal/d).
Comparative Studies on Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Properties between Schiff Base Co(II) Complex and Peroxo Complex
Authors: Ali Md. Mahasin , Bitu Md. Nur Amin , Hossain Md. Saddam , Hossen Md. Faruk , Asraf Md. Ali , Farooque Md. Akter , Hossain Md. Monowar , Zahan Md. Kudrat-E-
Published: August 2020

A new Schiff base Co(II) complex and - peroxo complex were synthesized and characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC), elemental analyses, magnetic moment, conductivity measurements, UV-Vis., IR and ESI-MS spectral studies. The cobalt ion was participated in direct complexation with the Schiff base (SB) ligand derived from o-aminobenzoic acid and cinnamaldehyde during the single pot reaction. IR spectral data showed that the Schiff base ligand coordinated to the metal ion through nitrogen of azomethine group and oxygen of carboxyl group (COO-). The molar conductance values indicated that both the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. Antibacterial activity of the complexes was tested against four pathogenic bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli & Shigella dysenteriae with standard Kanamycin-30. The results showed that both type of complexes have moderate to strong antibacterial activity and the peroxo complex is relatively more potential towards all the tested organisms.
The Frequency of Familial Mediterranean Fever Gene Mutations and the Correlations between Phenotype and Genotype in Turkish Children
Authors: Erdogan Hakan , Sonkur Ayse Cavidan , Görükmez Orhan , Erdogan Ayse , Saymazlar Dilek Damla , Unal Fatih
Published: August 2020

Aim: Familial Mediterranian Fever is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks of serosal membranes. The aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene pathogenic variants in 158 children (78 male, 80 female) diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and to compare the phenotype-genotype correlation.

Methods: In our retrospective case-control study, 158 FMF patients (78 males, 80 females) who were diagnosed with MEFV gene mutation in Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics between January 2018 and June 2019 were included in the study.  Mutation screening of the MEFV gene was performed for 12 mutations and the 8 most common mutations were taken into the study.

Results: Abdominal pain (77.8%), fever (74%) and arthralgia (46.2%) were the most prevalent clinical features in our patients. The most frequent mutations were M694V, E148Q, V726A, M680I and P369S. In cases with M694 mutation, it was noted that the incidence of arthritis was 2.5 times, appendectomy frequency 3.1 times higher, and early diagnosis probability 3.2 times higher. The frequency of chest pain was 2.9 times higher in the M680I mutation, and the frequency of arthralgia was 2.2 times higher in the P369S mutation.

Conclusion: Patient’s mutations in FMF patients are important for clinical expectations, and some mutations such as P369S are not as innocent as expected. However, reevaluation of phenotypes of mutations that are rare with more patients will be significant.
The Kinetics, Mechanism and Effect of Contact Time on the Adsorption of Cadmium and Glyphosate to Alfisol
Authors: Okanlawon F. B. , Akan O. A. Okon- , Adegoke O. A. , Olatunji O. A.
Published: August 2020

This study was carried out using Alfisol as an adsorbent to adsorb Cadmium and Glyphosate both of which are common inorganic and organic contaminants. The soil samples were air-dried and allowed to pass through 2mm sieve before use while its analysis was done following the standard procedures. The kinetic data were tested with pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, and it was concluded that both adsorbates adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics, while the nature and the mechanism of adsorption processes were studied by using an intraparticle diffusion model. A complete linear plot of intraparticle diffusion was obtained for glyphosate which suggests that intraparticle diffusion was the rate-controlling step in its adsorption but the opposite is the case for cadmium adsorption. The peak removal of cadmium occurred after 50 minutes with equilibrium attained over 250 minutes while peak glyphosate removal was achieved after 30 minutes. It can be concluded that Alfisol can be effectively used for the adsorption of both Cadmium and Glyphosate thus showcasing a potential environmental remediation process.
Morphometric Analysis of Ken River Basin through Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Authors: Verma Ramesh , Kumar Sumit , Kumar Om Prakash , Sharma Gaurav , Bhadauria Pradeep Kumar Singh
Published: August 2020

Management of water resources required assessment of morphometric parameters in order to enhance the capability of understanding the factor which may help to render the impact caused due to high flood due to inadequate water disposal management. In the present study computation of linear, aerial and relief aspects viz., bifurcation ratio, mean bifurcation ratio (Rbm), mean stream length (Lum), stream length ratio (Rl), form factor (Ff), circularity ratio (Rc), stream frequency (Fs), drainage density (Dd), dissection index (Di), ruggedness index (Ri) has been carried out in order evaluate watershed characteristics for soil conservation and watershed management. The basin poses a high flood potential risk due to inadequate drainage and less channel development. The Ken river basin is elongated in shape as indicated by the computation of form factor with comparatively less value. Due to inadequate drainage patterns for safe disposal of surplus water, the vulnerability to water erosion can be considered as a major cause of concern in the Ken river basin. Evaluation of relief aspects suggested the existence of intense flood characteristics within the basin during period of heavy rainfall. Assessment using remote sensing and GIS approach can prove as an effective tool for analyzing properties of basin and for sustainable management of available water resources with exercise of suitable sites selection for development of structure to control runoff and adaptation of conventional methods for water conservation, thus increasing infiltration rate with decreased surface runoff and erosion.
Time-Homogeneous Markov Process for Low Birth Weight Progression under Treatment
Authors: Ofori Michael Fosu , Twum Stephen Boakye , Jackson Osborne A. Y.
Published: August 2020

Background: Low birth weight incidence is quite high in the sub region, which has a public health concern. The weight of a baby at birth has dire consequences on the child as an infant, in childhood and as an adult.

Methods: The aim of this study was to explore and examine the spread and gravity of incidence of low birth weight by using a multi-state model to understand low birth weight progression. This study utilised data by Ghana Statistical Service from Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey conducted in 2011 to monitor progress of children and women.

Results: The multi-state Markov model dealt into the low birth weight transitions and severity under three treatments where transition intensities, transition probabilities and the mean sojourn times were estimated which show that low birth weight children tend to spend less time in bad states than in good states.

Conclusion: Generally, the survival of a low birth weight child in future time decreases from state 1 to state 4, hence treatment must be applied on time.