bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ammonium loading drives bacterial community shifts in biofilms attached to the submerged macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata
Authors: Lin D , Zhu L , Qiu C , Mu X , Zhang S , Ohore OE
Published: July 2020

The effects of ammonium on biofilm attached to submerged macrophytes remain unclear. We studied the microbial communities of epiphytic biofilms on the leaf surface of Hydrilla verticillata under increasing ammonium loadings using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and RT-PCR. The study showed that the microbial community structures were influenced by increased ammonium loadings. N-cycling bacteria including the nitrifier Nitrospira and the denitrifiers Rhodobacter, Hyphomicrobium, and Flavobacterium were found to be predominant. Copy numbers of Ncycling functional genes (including amoA, nxrA, narG, napA, nirK, nirS, qnorB, and nosZ) were stimulated by increased ammonium loadings, showing the high potential of attached biofilms in removing ammonium-N through coupled nitrification-denitrification. Our results indicated that submerged macrophytes facilitated the ammonium removal process not only by providing favorable surface niches for ammonium oxidizers, nitrifiers, and denitrifiers in the attached biofilms but also by mediating dissolved oxygen concentrations and alkalinity condition in the water.
THE ANALYSIS OF GIVING REWARDS BY THE TEACHER IN LEARNING MATHEMATICS GRADE 5 STUDENTS OF SD NEGERI 184 PEKANBARU
Authors: Yunengsih Sri , Syahrilfuddin Syahrilfuddin
Published: July 2020

This study aims to find out and describe the rewards given by teachers in learning mathematics of fifth grade students of SD Negeri 184 Pekanbaru . This research was conducted in grade 5 SD Negeri 184 Pekanbaru on Jl. Putri Tujuh Pekanbaru. The activity was carried out in odd semester 2019/2020 which held on 11 November 2019 - 6 December 2019. The type of research was qualitative research. Based on the results of this study concluded that the provision of rewards by teachers in grade 5 SDN 184 Pekanbaru been implemented well in learning mathematics. These forms of rewards given in the form of verbal and non-verbal,  prize, and  value rewards. The impact of giving rewards given by teachers to students in learning mathematics has an impact on student motivation. Students are enthusiastic in participating in learning and students self-confidence is increasing.
PRAGMATISM IN HILL PASTURE RENOVATION
Authors: Frengley G.A.G. , Andersen C.J.
Published: July 2020

Hill pasture renovation methods have been restricted in the past to surface oversowing of unaltered, trampled or burnt pastures. Unfortunately the old pasture recovers and may compete vigorously with the establishing new species, slowing pasture improvement. The availability of suitable herbicides has opened up a new opportunity for hill pasture development. Herbicide applied before oversowing can minimise the competition and allow the new species to establish more easily. The benefits include reduced time to attain optimal stocking rates and improved establishment control, but these are offset by higher initial costs. The technical aspects of the herbicide establishment methods are overshadowed by the economic factors which control the profitability of the programme, however successfully applied. As the cash flow patterns differ between the tradrtional renovation and the herbicrdebased techniques, changes in interest rates and prices have differential effects. Real interest rates below 7% make both methods profitable but are more favourable to the herbicide technique at 1987 prices, Also, price increases favour the herbicide method. Among other issues affecting the speed and profitability of development and ultimate gain, management skull is found to be crucial and dominates both establishment methods. Keywords: hill pastures, renovation, herbicides, interest rates, management skill, profitability
Some factors limiting the success of Lotus corniculatus in hill and high country
Authors: Chapman H.M. , Lowthe W.L. , Trainor K.D.
Published: July 2020

Establishment and management problems have been identified as limitations to the productivity of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in hill and high country environments. Nodulation failures owing to ineffective inoculation techniques, low seedling vigour, and slow initiation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation are major problems in establishment. Competition from resident species and inappropriate grazing management can lead to poor persistence and stand performance. Recommendations to improve establishment, persistence and productivity include inoculating at 5 times the manufacturer's stipulated rate and drilling, witbin 24 hours of inoculation, at no more than 12 mm depth Weed control is essential. Stands should be sown pure or with non aggressive companion species, and rotationally grazed. Keywords Lotus corniculatus, birdsfoot trefoil, establishment, N fixation, inoculation, management
Condensed tannins and the nutritive value of herbage
Authors: Waghorn G.C. , Jones W.T. , Shelton I.D. , Mcnabb W.C.
Published: July 2020

Many plant species contain condensed tannins (CT), but lotus is one of the few herbages of agricultural importance to contain CT. Lotus has a high nutritive value (NV) despite a moderate protein content and nitrogen digestibility, and this can be explained by the activity of CT during digestion. CT binds plant proteins in the rumen, reducing their solubility and degradation by rumen bacteria. Condensed tannins increase the passage of plant protein to the intestine, and have increased the availability and absorption of essential amino acids by 60% compared with equivalent CT-free forage. Condensed tannins prevent bloat. Dietary concentrations as low as 0.17% CT in the dry matter (DM) can affect protein solubility in the rumen, but concentrations up to about 2-3% of dietary DM are probably optimal for maximising NV. Values exceeding 5.5% of DM inhibit microbial activity excessively and depress voluntary intakes. Ruminant production of milk, meat and wool could be increased by l0-15 % if grazed pasture contained 2-3%CT. These levels would be achieved if white clover could be engineered to contain 7-8% CT in its foliage. Keywords condensed tannins, lotus, nutritive value, herbage, ruminant digestion
Diet selection by young deer grazing mixed ryegrass/white clover pastures
Authors: Bootsma Armeke , Ataja Abu M. , Hodgson J.
Published: July 2020

Groups of weaned red deer stags were grazed from May to December 1988 under continuous stocking management to maintain mixed perennial ryegrass/white clover pastures, with or without directdrilled 'Grasslands Moata' annual ryegrass, at sward heights of 5 cm and 10 cm. Diet selection was estimated from (a) samples of fresh ingesta collected from rumen tistulated animals, and (b) defoliation of marked populations of grass tillers and clover stolon units. Proportion of clover in ingesta samples was consistently smaller than in the pasture, whereas plant observations showed similar frequency and severity of defoliation of grass and clover except in December, when clover was defoliated more severely. Observations on pasture structure indicated that clover foliage occurred lower in the canopy, and was grazed closer to the soil level, than grass leaves. Therefore, despite the evidence on diet composition, the results are interpreted as indicative of active selection for clover by the deer. The results are compared with published evidence on diet selection by grazing sheep. Keywords diet selection, deer, ryegrass, white clover, defoliation frequency, defoliation severity
Long term effects of withholding phosphate application on North Island hill country: Economics
Authors: Clark D.A. , Ledgard S.F. , Lambert M.G. , O'Connor M.B. , Gillingham A.G.
Published: July 2020

Results from fertiliser cessation experiments at Ballantrae, Te Kuiti and Whatawhata, on yellow-brown earths, were used to evaluate the fertiliser cessation compared to continued application on hill country breeding ewe systems. At Balhmtrae, on farmlets previously receiving 125 kg superphosphate/ha/yr, continued fertiliser application generated a positive cash flow after 8 years. On farmIets previously receiving rates of 200-375 kg superphosphate/ha/yr positive cash flows were generated by continued fertiliser application after 4, 5 and 6 years at Te Kuiti, Whatawhata and Ballantrae respectively. Fertiliser cessation is a sound strategy to survive periods of low product price:fertiIiser cost ratio. However, it will decrease sustainable productivity and hence farm resale value. Fertiliser recommendations cannot remain constant over time but must consider: animal enterprise, product and fertiliser price, soil P status, and level of pasture utilisation. Keywords fertiliser cessation, superphosphate, Olsen P, economics, hill country, pasture production
Merinos - a profitable diversification option for most North island hill country
Authors: Wright D.F. , Rhodes A.P. , Hamilton G.J.
Published: July 2020

Fine wool production is a small but increasingly important industry in New Zealand. To minimise the effects of fluctuations in world fine wool supply and demand, New Zealand must concentrate on quality. Results of a comparison with Romney ewes and lambs on hard hills at the Wanganui Hill Research Area, show that Merinos have performed well. Although flystrike and a lower tolerance to internal parasites were observed, predicted feet and wool quality problems did not eventuate. Any special management required has been more than compensated for by the 48% higher gross margins achieved in 1988-89 ($25.90 per stock unit or $337/ha from Merinos). Throughout the 1980s even when SMPs supported high lamb prices, Merinos would have been a better proposition than prime lamb. All farmers, especially those changing to Merinos, need to concentrate more on wool quality and quantity rather than lambing percentages and lamb weights. A Merino enterprise can be entered in two ways. Buying Merinos has a high initial cost, but the financial benefits are immediate and can be budgeted with more confidence using recent prices. Using Merino rams over crossbred ewes is a low cost alternative which is much slower (15 years), but the financial gains, although present from year 1, are much reduced, particularly in the early years. In North Island hill country where inputs are low, Merinos are proving to be a profitable diversification option. The increase in disposable farm surplus of $33,100 in the 1989/90 year from a 3200 sheep stock unit hill country farm, has been much needed by farmers in recent years, and may have saved some from having to leave farming. Keywords Merinos, hill country, wool, diversification
Effect of Pre-Aging Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Cold Rolled Cu-6 wt% Ni-1.4 wt% Si Alloy
Authors: Lee Sang Jin , Shin Hyeon Seok , Choi Eun-Ae , Ahn Jee Hyuk , Choi Yoonsuk , Kim Sangshik , Lee Jehyun , Han Seung Zeon
Published: July 2020

Cu-Ni-Si alloys were strengthened by Ni2Si intermetallic compound precipitation in a Cu matrix during aging. The Cu-6 wt% Ni-1.4wt%Si alloy was prepared by water quenching (solution treatment) or air cooling (homogenization treatment) after heating 980 oC for 2 hours and aging at 500 oC for 6 hours. After maintaining a high temperature single phase region, the structure of the precipitate in the matrix was changed significantly by varying the cooling rate. The solution treated aged alloy had discontinuous precipitation with fiber shaped precipitates throughout the specimen, however, the alloy with homogenization had normal spherical shaped particles. The aged alloy after homogenization treatment had higher strength, ductility and electrical conductivity, of 628 MPa, 18%, 48% IACS, respectively, than aged alloy after solution treatment, which had 582 MPa, 15.5% and 50 % IACS, respectively. In contrast to the tendency of values after aging, after rolling and a 75% area reduction at room temperature after homogenization treatment the alloy had lower strength, ductility and electrical conductivity, of 774 MPa, 10.5%, 48% IACS, than the alloy after solution treatment, with 885 MPa, 6.5%, and 48% IACS, respectively. The Cu-6 wt% Ni-1.4wt%Si alloy with fully discontinuous precipitation had lower strength and higher electrical conductivity than the counterpart alloy with normal precipitation. However, inversely, the strength increased compared to the alloy with normal precipitation after rolling with 75% area reduction, without sacrificing electrical conductivity.
Squaring integers as a special case of multiplication
Authors: Pidodnya Alexander
Published: July 2020

Currently, the gain in computational performance is achieved to a greater extent through the use of efficient algorithms than by increasing the clock frequency and processor bus width. This article is a logical continuation of https://www.cambridge.org/engage/coe/article-details/5eb717c5d7fc6400199f2159 About improving integer multiplication in processors, it separately discusses the optimization of the operation of squaring an integer and its comparison with the product of an integer by yourself.
STUDI POPULASI NYAMUK DEMAM BERDARAH DENGUE (DBD) DI KELURAHAN WIDODOMERTANI, YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Pratomo Hurip , Rusdiyanto Edi
Published: July 2020

AnticipatingDHF outbreak possibility in Kelurahan Widodomertani -Kabupaten Sleman Yogyakarta was necessary done a research. Theresearch covered a study about vector DHF (Dengue HaemorhagicFever) population in Kelurahan Widodomertani. Main activitiesstudying a relative population were larvae and adultmosquitoes surveilance. Those surveilance did to achievelarvae index i.e.: HI (House Index), CI (Container Index), BI(Breteu Index), and the mosquitoes index was HDI (HouseDensity Index). Meanwhile mosquitoes identification need to bedone as well. The research was carried out in March 2002 andSeptember 2002. The results described the small possibilityhaving an outbreak of DHF in a short time. There were foundthree species of mosquitoes i.e.: Aedes albopictus, Culexquinquefasciatus, and Anopheles aconitus. Index values oflarvae and adult mosquitos were HI= 20.0%, CI= 17.6%, BI=16.0%, and HDI= 0.30 in March 2002, increased to HI= 36.7%,CI= 30.8%, BI= 26.0%, and HDI= 0.56 in September 2002.
FORMULASI STRATEGI KORPORASI DALAM KETIDAKPASTIAN MASA DEPAN PASCA COVID-19
Authors: Ramdani Edon
Published: July 2020

The Covid-19 virus which has swept the world and become a global pademic has changed the world order. The reduced social economic activities of the community to reduce social interaction that can accelerate the spread of the virus, resulting in a decline in the performance of economic sectors. Many industries experience a decline in revenue and can result in further cessation of company operations. Pademi Covid-19 to date has not been able to predict how long it will end which causes uncertainty about the future. In order for a company to continue to exist and grow sustainably, it is very important to formulate a future strategy that is full of uncertainty. In this article, we review strategies options that can be applied to various levels of uncertainty. In the future uncertainty, the leadership of the company is demanded to be more courageous in making strategic decisions. From a variety of alternative strategy choices, in order to deal with the difficult conditions at the moment, the initial theory regarding investment management can be considered in the form of a business diversification strategy. So that the risks experienced can be spread in various fields of business / industry not only in one business, as the theory of the father of investment management Herry Markowizt "don't put all your eggs in one basket".
The Contribution of Soil Tillage and Nitrogen Rate to the Quality of Maize Grain
Authors: Simić Milena , Dragičević Vesna , Mladenović Drinić Snežana , Vukadinović Jelena , Kresović Branka , Tabaković Marijenka , Brankov Milan
Published: July 2020

A soil tillage system adjusted to the soil type and agro-ecological conditions, together with the optimal nutrient supply, is a prerequisite for high maize (Zea mays L.) yield. However, there is little knowledge about the influence of soil tillage and nitrogen (N) rates on maize grain quality. A study was initiated in 1978 in Zemun Polje, Belgrade, Serbia, on the chernozem soil type. The effects of three N rates—0, 180 and 240 kg N ha−1—within three tillage practices—no-tillage, reduced and conventional tillage—and their influence on grain yield (GY) and the content of proteins, starch, oil, total tocopherols and carotenoids, phytic phosphorus (Phy), glutathione (GSH), phenols and inorganic P (Pi) in maize grain were analysed in the period 2016–2018. Differences in maize GY were 2.57 and 3.01 t ha−1 for reduced- or no-tillage, respectively, in comparison to conventional tillage. Conventional tillage and higher N rates contributed to the increase in maize yield and the grain nutritional quality with regard to the increased level of proteins, GSH and Phy. On the other hand reduced inputs were beneficial only for grain quality, in relation to the increase in tocopherols and phenols.
Combining Green Manuring and Fertigation Maximizes Tomato Crop Yield and Minimizes Nitrogen Losses
Authors: Farneselli Michela , Benincasa Paolo , Tosti Giacomo , Guiducci Marcello , Tei Francesco
Published: July 2020

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of fertilizing processing tomato by coupling the green manuring of fall-winter cover crops with fertigation in spring-summer. In a two-year experiment, seven fertilization treatments were compared: green manuring of pure barley (B100) and pure vetch (V100) sown at 100% of their ordinary seeding rates, green manuring of a barley-vetch mixture at a ratio of 75:25 of their own seed rates (B75V25), fertigation with drip irrigation at a rate of 200 kg ha−1 of nitrogen (N) (Fert_N200), fertigation combined with B100 and B75V25 at a N rate complementary to 200 kg N ha−1 (B100 + Fert and B75V25 + Fert, respectively), and an unfertilized control (N0) with no cover crops for green manuring prior to tomato transplanting or fertigation. The Fert_N200 treatment resulted in maximum tomato N uptake, growth and yield, but caused high N leaching, especially during the no-cover fall-winter period, as was also the case for N0. The V100 treatment promoted quite good tomato N status and yield, but did not reduce N leaching. The B100 and B75V25 treatments reduced N leaching but decreased tomato N uptake, growth and yield. The B100 + Fert and B75V25 + Fert treatments reduced N leaching, likely increased soil N stock, and facilitated optimal tomato N nutrition and maximum yields. Combining fertigation with green manuring of cover crops composed of pure grass or grass-legume mixtures appears to be a very effective and environmentally sound practice for fertilizing high N-demanding spring-summer crops like processing tomato.
Changes in Growth and Physiological Parameters of ×Amarine Following an Exogenous Application of Gibberellic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: Salachna Piotr , Mikiciuk Małgorzata , Zawadzińska Agnieszka , Piechocki Rafał , Ptak Piotr , Mikiciuk Grzegorz , Pietrak Anna , Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: July 2020

×Amarine hybrids are attractive ornamental geophytes grown for cut flower production. Their cultivation is limited due to lesser flowering percentages and lesser bulb weight gain. To optimize the growth and propagation of geophytes, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used, but so far none have been tested in ×Amarine. We investigated the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3; 50, 100, and 200 mg dm−3) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA; 100, 500, and 1000 µmol dm−3) on growth, flowering, bulb yield, and select physiological parameters of ×A. tubergenii “Zwanenburg”. PGRs were applied as foliar sprays on the 70th and 77th day after planting. GA3 treatment at 200 mg dm−3 exhibited the greatest leaf number, leaf length, bulb weight, daughter bulb number, CO2 assimilation intensity, greenness index, total sugars, and total protein content in bulbs. GA3 application at 100 and 200 mg dm−3 accelerated flowering and at 50 and 100 mg dm−3 significantly increased the bulb flowering percentage. MeJA at all tested concentrations prolonged anthesis time and reduced the bulb flowering percentage. GA3 at all concentrations and MeJA at 500 and 1000 µmol dm−3 stimulated daughter bulbs formation. GA3, especially at 200 mg dm−3 can improve anthesis and increase ×A. tubergenii “Zwanenburg” bulb yield.
The Adaptability of APSIM-Wheat Model in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Plain of China: A Case Study of Winter Wheat in Hubei Province
Authors: Zhao Panpan , Zhou Yang , Li Fengfeng , Ling Xiaoxia , Deng Nanyan , Peng Shaobing , Man Jianguo
Published: July 2020

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR) plain represent the second-largest wheat producing area in China; the winter wheat-rice system is one of the main planting systems in this region. The use of the agricultural production system simulator (APSIM)-wheat model to simulate wheat production potential and evaluate the impact of future climate change on wheat production in this region is of great importance. In this study, the adaptability of the APSIM-wheat model in the MLYR was evaluated based on observational data collected in field experiments and daily meteorological data from experimental stations in Wuhan, Jingmen, and Xiangyang in Hubei province. The results showed significant positive relationships between model-predicted wheat growth duration from sowing to anthesis and maturity and the observed values, with coefficients of determination (R2) in ranges of 0.90–0.97 and 0.93–0.96, respectively. The normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) of the simulated growth durations and measured values were lower than 1.6%, and the refined index of agreement (dr-values) was in the range of 0.74–0.87. The percent mean absolute relative error (PMARE) was cited here as a new index, with a value below 1.4%, indicating that the model’s rating was excellent. The model’s performance in terms of grain yield and above-ground biomass simulation was also acceptable, although it was not as good as the growth periods simulation. The R2 value was higher than 0.75 and 0.72 for the simulation of grain yield and biomass, respectively. The indices NRMSE and PMARE were lower than 19.8% and 19.9%, and the dr-value was higher than 0.71. According to our results, APSIM-wheat was an effective and accurate model for simulating the phenology and yield production processes of wheat in the MLYR, and the results also provided a theoretical basis and technical support for further research on the yield potential of wheat-rice rotation planting systems with clarification of the key factors limiting the yield gap in this region.
Antimicrobial and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activity of Carvotacetones from Sphaeranthus africanus Against Mycobacteria
Authors: Tran Huyen Thi , Solnier Julia , Pferschy-Wenzig Eva-Maria , Kunert Olaf , Martin Liam , Bhakta Sanjib , Huynh Loi , Le Tri Minh , Bauer Rudolf , Bucar Franz
Published: July 2020

Carvotacetones (1–7) isolated from Sphaeranthus africanus were screened for their antimycobacterial and efflux pump (EP) inhibitory potential against the mycobacterial model strains Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155, Mycobacterium aurum ATCC 23366, and Mycobacterium bovis BCG ATCC 35734. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the carvotacetones were detected through high-throughput spot culture growth inhibition (HT-SPOTi) and microbroth dilution assays. In order to assess the potential of the compounds 1 and 6 to accumulate ethidium bromide (EtBr) in M. smegmatis and M. aurum, a microtiter plate-based fluorometric assay was used to determine efflux activity. Compounds 1 and 6 were analyzed for their modulating effects on the MIC of EtBr and the antibiotic rifampicin (RIF) against M. smegmatis. Carvotacetones 1 and 6 had potent antibacterial effects on M. aurum and M. bovis BCG (MIC ≤ 31.25 mg/L) and could successfully enhance EtBr activity against M. smegmatis. Compound 1 appeared as the most efficient agent for impairing the efflux mechanism in M. smegmatis. Both compounds 1 and 6 were highly effective against M. aurum and M. bovis BCG. In particular, compound 1 was identified as a valuable candidate for inhibiting mycobacterial efflux mechanisms and as a promising adjuvant in the therapy of tuberculosis or other non-tubercular mycobacterial infections.
Oral Clinical Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Santoro Rossella , Santoro Claudia , Loffredo Francesca , Romano Antonio , Perrotta Silverio , Serpico Rosario , Lauritano Dorina , Lucchese Alberta
Published: July 2020

Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. The expression of NF1 is extremely variable considering the broad spectrum of mutations affecting the gene(s) responsible for the pathology. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of oral manifestations in a group of children affected by neurofibromatosis type 1. Design: 100 pediatric patients, with genetically confirmed NF1 were enrolled in this study and matched to a total of 100 healthy children. Clinical examination was used to investigate: dental caries, dental abnormalities, periodontal health, neurofibromas, malocclusions, and enamel defects. Results: Mann Whitney’s test concerning prevalence of dental caries resulted in a no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.90); a significant difference was highlighted as regards the other kinds of manifestations as well: enamel defects (p = 0.01), neurofibromas (p = 0.0043) and poor oral hygiene (p = 0.0002) with a higher prevalence of these features in NF1 patients than healthy controls. Similar results come out, regarding dental abnormalities in which can observe a significant difference between shape anomalies (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to data obtained from the present study, it can be stated that NF1-related oral manifestations can be detected during childhood and adolescence. In particular for neurofibromas, enamel defects, shape anomalies, and poor oral hygiene.
Platelet Rich STROMA, the Combination of PRP and tSVF and Its Potential Effect on Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Stevens Hieronymus P. , van Boxtel Joeri , van Dijck Robbert , van Dongen Joris A.
Published: July 2020

(1) Background: osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative disease accompanied by pain, reduced mobility and subsequent decrease in quality of life. Many studies on OA of the knee have reported that using an intercellular acting-derivate like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) results in a limited effect or none at all. Authors hypothesized that adding tissue-Stromal Vascular Fraction (tSVF) to PRP (Platelet Rich Stroma (PRS)) would reduce pain and improve functionality in osteoarthritis of the knee. (2) Methods: a consecutive case series of fifteen patients (aged 43–75 years) suffering from OA of the knee (Kellgren–Lawrence stage two to three) were treated with a single injection of autologous PRS. tSVF was mechanically isolated by means of the fractionation of adipose tissue (FAT) procedure. Clinical evaluation was done using a visual analogue score (VAS) score, an adapted Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lysholm score at fixed time points: pre-injection as well as three, six and twelve months post injection. (3) Results: VAS and WOMAC scores improved significantly after twelve months (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Lysholm instability scores were also improved at twelve months (p > 0.05) in comparison to pre-injection measurements. No complications were seen in any of the patients. One patient was excluded due to a total knee arthroplasty. (4) Conclusions: a single injection with PRS for OA of the knee seems to lead to an improvement of function and simultaneous reduction of pain and joint stiffness for a period of twelve months. Further controlled trials are required to determine the optimal treatment regimen and evaluate long-term results.
Data-Driven Prediction Method for Power Grid State Subjected to Heavy-Rain Hazards
Authors: Oh Seongmun , Kong Junhyuk , Choi Minhee , Jung Jaesung
Published: July 2020

This study presents a machine learning-based method for predicting the power grid state subjected to heavy-rain hazards. Machine learning models can recognize key knowledge from a dataset without any preliminary knowledge about the dataset. Hence, machine learning methods have been utilized for solving power grid-related problems. Two sets of historical data were used herein: Local weather data and power grid outage data. First, we investigated the heavy-rain-related outage distribution and analyzed the correlated characteristics between weather and outages to characterize the heavy rain events. The analysis results show that multiple weather effects are significant in causing power outages, even under heavy-rain conditions. Furthermore, this study proposes a cost-sensitive prediction method using a support vector machine (SVM) model. The accuracy of the model was improved by applying a cost-sensitive learning algorithm to the SVM model, which was subsequently used to predict the state of the grid. The developed model was evaluated using G-mean values. The proposed method was verified via actual data of a heavy rain event that occurred in South Korea.
Probabilistic Representation Approach for Multiple Types of Epistemic Uncertainties Based on Cubic Normal Transformation
Authors: Peng Xiang , Gao Qilong , Li Jiquan , Liu Zhenyu , Yi Bing , Jiang Shaofei
Published: July 2020

Many non-probabilistic approaches have been widely regarded as mathematical tools for the representation of epistemic uncertainties. However, their heavy computational burden and low computational efficiency hinder their applications in practical engineering problems. In this article, a unified probabilistic representation approach for multiple types of epistemic uncertainties is proposed based on the cubic normal transformation method. The epistemic uncertainties can be represented using an interval approach, triangular fuzzy approach, or evidence theory. The uncertain intervals of four statistical moments, which contain mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis, are calculated using the sampling analysis method. Subsequently, the probabilistic cubic normal distribution functions are conducted for sampling points of four statistical moments of epistemic uncertainties. Finally, a calculation procedure for the construction of probabilistic representation functions is proposed, and these epistemic uncertainties are represented with belief and plausibility continuous probabilistic measure functions. Two numerical examples and one engineering example demonstrate that the proposed approach can act as an accurate probabilistic representation function with high computational efficiency.
Broadband Spectral Domain Interferometry for Optical Characterization of Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: di Pietro Vittorio Maria , Jullien Aurélie
Published: July 2020

In this paper, broadband Spectral Domain Interferometry provides single-shot optical characterization of dispersive thermotropic nematic liquid crystals. The proposed experimental setup enables measuring the chromatic dispersion, the extended Cauchy equation parameters knowing the optical index for one wavelength, and the thermo-optical coefficients to ascribe the dependence of the optical index with the inner temperature. The analysis is applied to the commonly known E 7 mixture and to M L C 2132 , whose chromatic properties are not referenced although the mixture is commercial, demonstrating the latter’s interest for electro-optical or thermo-optical applications of thick nematic liquid crystal cells.
A Survey on Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Biomedical Image Analysis in Skeleton-Based Forensic Human Identification
Authors: Mesejo Pablo , Martos Rubén , Ibáñez Óscar , Novo Jorge , Ortega Marcos
Published: July 2020

This paper represents the first survey on the application of AI techniques for the analysis of biomedical images with forensic human identification purposes. Human identification is of great relevance in today’s society and, in particular, in medico-legal contexts. As consequence, all technological advances that are introduced in this field can contribute to the increasing necessity for accurate and robust tools that allow for establishing and verifying human identity. We first describe the importance and applicability of forensic anthropology in many identification scenarios. Later, we present the main trends related to the application of computer vision, machine learning and soft computing techniques to the estimation of the biological profile, the identification through comparative radiography and craniofacial superimposition, traumatism and pathology analysis, as well as facial reconstruction. The potentialities and limitations of the employed approaches are described, and we conclude with a discussion about methodological issues and future research.
Social Media Rumor Refuter Feature Analysis and Crowd Identification Based on XGBoost and NLP
Authors: Li Zongmin , Zhang Qi , Wang Yuhong , Wang Shihang
Published: July 2020

One prominent dark side of online information behavior is the spreading of rumors. The feature analysis and crowd identification of social media rumor refuters based on machine learning methods can shed light on the rumor refutation process. This paper analyzed the association between user features and rumor refuting behavior in five main rumor categories: economics, society, disaster, politics, and military. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques are applied to quantify the user’s sentiment tendency and recent interests. Then, those results were combined with other personalized features to train an XGBoost classification model, and potential refuters can be identified. Information from 58,807 Sina Weibo users (including their 646,877 microblogs) for the five anti-rumor microblog categories was collected for model training and feature analysis. The results revealed that there were significant differences between rumor stiflers and refuters, as well as between refuters for different categories. Refuters tended to be more active on social media and a large proportion of them gathered in more developed regions. Tweeting history was a vital reference as well, and refuters showed higher interest in topics related with the rumor refuting message. Meanwhile, features such as gender, age, user labels and sentiment tendency also varied between refuters considering categories.
Impact of AERI Temperature and Moisture Retrievals on the Simulation of a Central Plains Severe Convective Weather Event
Authors: Lewis William E. , Wagner Timothy J. , Otkin Jason A. , Jones Thomas A.
Published: July 2020

In this study, bias-corrected temperature and moisture retrievals from the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) were assimilated using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed ensemble adjustment Kalman filter to assess their impact on Weather Research and Forecasting model analyses and forecasts of a severe convective weather (SCW) event that occurred on 18–19 May 2017. Relative to a control experiment that assimilated conventional observations only, the AERI assimilation experiment produced analyses that were better fit to surface temperature and moisture observations and which displayed sharper depiction of surface boundaries (cold front, dry line) known to be important in the initiation and development of SCW. Forecasts initiated from the AERI analyses also exhibited improved performance compared to the control forecasts using several metrics, including neighborhood maximum ensemble probabilities (NMEP) and fractions skill scores (FSS) computed using simulated and observed radar reflectivity factor. Though model analyses were impacted in a broader area around the AERI network, forecast improvements were generally confined to the relatively small area of the computational domain located downwind of the small cluster of AERI observing sites. A larger network would increase the spatial coverage of “downwind areas” and provide increased sampling of the lower atmosphere during both active and quiescent periods. This would in turn offer the potential for larger and more consistent improvements in model analyses and, in turn, improved short-range ensemble forecasts. Forecast improvements found during this and other recent studies provide motivation to develop a nationwide network of boundary layer profiling sensors.
A Novel Clinical Research Modality for Enrolling Diverse Participants Using a Diverse Team
Authors: Lay Phoebe , Paralkar Tapasvini , Ahmed Syed Hadi , Ghani Minha , Muneer Sara , Jinnah Ramsha , Chen Carolyn , Zeitz Jack , Nitsch Alejandra , Osier Nico
Published: July 2020

The advancement of the pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) knowledge base requires biospecimens and data from large samples. This study seeks to describe a novel clinical research modality to establish best practices for enrolling a diverse pediatric TBI population and quantifying key information on enrollment into biobanks. Screening form responses were standardized and cleaned through Google Sheets. Data were used to analyze total individuals at each enrollment stage. R was utilized for final analysis, including logistic model and proportion statistical tests, to determine further significance and relationships. Issues throughout data cleaning shed light on limitations of the consent modality. The results suggest that through a diverse research team, the recruited sample exceeds traditional measures of representation (e.g., sex, race, ethnicity). Sex demographics of the study are representative of the local population. Screening for candidates is critical to the success of the consent modality. The consent modality may be modified to increase the diversity of the study population and accept bilingual candidates. Researchers must implement best practices, including increasing inclusivity of bilingual populations, utilizing technology, and improving participant follow-up, to improve health disparities for understudied clinical populations.
Morphofunctional Alterations of the Hypothalamus and Social Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Caria Andrea , Ciringione Luciana , de Falco Simona
Published: July 2020

An accumulating body of evidence indicates a tight relationship between the endocrine system and abnormal social behavior. Two evolutionarily conserved hypothalamic peptides, oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, because of their extensively documented function in supporting and regulating affiliative and socio-emotional responses, have attracted great interest for their critical implications for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A large number of controlled trials demonstrated that exogenous oxytocin or arginine-vasopressin administration can mitigate social behavior impairment in ASD. Furthermore, there exists long-standing evidence of severe socioemotional dysfunctions after hypothalamic lesions in animals and humans. However, despite the major role of the hypothalamus for the synthesis and release of oxytocin and vasopressin, and the evident hypothalamic implication in affiliative behavior in animals and humans, a rather small number of neuroimaging studies showed an association between this region and socioemotional responses in ASD. This review aims to provide a critical synthesis of evidences linking alterations of the hypothalamus with impaired social cognition and behavior in ASD by integrating results of both anatomical and functional studies in individuals with ASD as well as in healthy carriers of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genetic risk variant for ASD. Current findings, although limited, indicate that morphofunctional anomalies are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD and call for further investigations aiming to elucidate anatomical and functional properties of hypothalamic nuclei underlying atypical socioemotional behavior in ASD.
Fire Safety in Tall Timber Building: A BIM-Based Automated Code-Checking Approach
Authors: Kincelova Kristina , Boton Conrad , Blanchet Pierre , Dagenais Christian
Published: July 2020

Fire safety regulations impose very strict requirements on building design, especially for buildings built with combustible materials. It is believed that it is possible to improve the management of these regulations with a better integration of fire protection aspects in the building information modeling (BIM) approach. A new BIM-based domain is emerging, the automated code checking, with its growing number of dedicated approaches. However, only very few of these works have been dedicated to managing the compliance to fire safety regulations in timber buildings. In this paper, the applicability to fire safety in the Canadian context is studied by constituting and executing a complete method from the regulations text through code-checking construction to result analysis. A design science approach is used to propose a code-checking method with a detailed analysis of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) in order to obtain the required information. The method starts by retrieving information from the regulation text, leading to a compliance check of an architectural building model. Then, the method is tested on a set of fire safety regulations and validated on a building model from a real project. The selected fire safety rules set a solid basis for further development of checking rules for the field of fire safety. This study shows that the main challenges for rule checking are the modeling standards and the elements’ required levels of detail. The implementation of the method was successful for geometrical as well as non-geometrical requirements, although further work is needed for more advanced geometrical studies, such as sprinkler or fire dampers positioning.
Electrochemical Response of Highly Porous Percolative CGO Electrospun Membranes
Authors: Hubert Silva Rafael , Esposito Vincenzo , Dankeaw Apiwat , Bergmann Carlos Pérez , Marani Debora
Published: July 2020

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is here used to characterize highly porous Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (CGO, ca. 90% vol. of porosity) free-supporting nano-fibrous thick (100μm) membranes, fabricated via an electrospinning technique. The investigation of the calcination temperature influence on the microstructure indicates an evolution of the single nanofiber’s microstructure with a gradual grain growth from densely packed polycrystalline to pearl collar-like structures at increasing temperatures. This evolution is accompanied by brittleness for samples treated at temperatures above 800 °C. The electrochemical characterization suggests an ionic percolative conductivity that exploits both the bulk-lattice conduction along the individual nanofibers and interfacial conduction across different nanofibers at their intersections. Optimized membranes treated at 600 and 700 °C exhibit a similar electrochemical bulk response, but different interfacial electrochemical behavior (low frequency) associated with a grain size effect.
Comparative Study of Strategies for Enhancing the Performance of Co3O4/Al2O3 Catalysts for Lean Methane Combustion
Authors: Choya Andoni , de Rivas Beatriz , Gutiérrez-Ortiz Jose Ignacio , López-Fonseca Rubén
Published: July 2020

Spinel-type cobalt oxide is a highly active catalyst for oxidation reactions owing to its remarkable redox properties, although it generally exhibits poor mechanical, textural and structural properties. Supporting this material on a porous alumina can significantly improve these characteristics. However, the strong cobalt–alumina interaction leads to the formation of inactive cobalt aluminate, which limits the activity of the resulting catalysts. In this work, three different strategies for enhancing the performance of alumina-supported catalysts are examined: (i) surface protection of the alumina with magnesia prior to the deposition of the cobalt precursor, with the objective of minimizing the cobalt–alumina interaction; (ii) coprecipitation of cobalt along with nickel, with the aim of improving the redox properties of the deposited cobalt and (iii) surface protection of alumina with ceria, to provide both a barrier effect, minimizing the cobalt–alumina interaction, and a redox promoting effect on the deposited cobalt. Among the examined strategies, the addition of ceria (20 wt % Ce) prior to the deposition of cobalt resulted in being highly efficient. This sample was characterized by a notable abundance of both Co3+ and oxygen lattice species, derived from the partial inhibition of cobalt aluminate formation and the insertion of Ce4+ cations into the spinel lattice.
Pyridine-Chelated Imidazo[1,5-a]Pyridine N-Heterocyclic Carbene Nickel(II) Complexes for Acrylate Synthesis from Ethylene and CO2
Authors: Kim Jiyun , Hahm Hyungwoo , Ryu Ji Yeon , Byun Seunghwan , Park Da-Ae , Lee Seoung Ho , Lim Hyunseob , Lee Junseong , Hong Sukwon
Published: July 2020

Nickel(II) dichloride complexes with a pyridine-chelated imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-ylidene py-ImPy ligand were developed as novel catalyst precursors for acrylate synthesis reaction from ethylene and carbon dioxide (CO2), a highly promising sustainable process in terms of carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Two types of ImPy salts were prepared as new C,N-bidentate ligand precursors; py-ImPy salts (3, 4a–4e) having a pyridine group at C(5) on ImPy and a N-picolyl-ImPy salt (10) having a picolyl group at N atom on ImPy. Nickel(II) complexes such as py-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 (7, 8a–8e) and N-picolyl-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 (12) were synthesized via transmetalation protocol from silver(I) complexes, py-ImPyAgCl (5, 6a–6e) and N-picolyl-ImPyAgCl (11). X-ray diffraction analysis of nickel(II) complexes (7, 8b, 12) showed a monomeric distorted tetrahedral geometry and a six-membered chelate ring structure. py-ImPy ligands formed a more planar six-membered chelate with the nickel center than did N-picolyl-ImPy ligand. py-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 complexes (8a–8e) with tert-butyl substituents exhibited noticeable catalytic activity in acrylate synthesis from ethylene and CO2 (up to 108% acrylate). Interestingly, the use of additional additives including monodentate phosphines increased catalytic activity up to 845% acrylate (TON 8).
Abatement of Toluene Using a Sequential Adsorption-Catalytic Oxidation Process: Comparative Study of Potential Adsorbent/Catalytic Materials
Authors: Sonar Shilpa , Giraudon Jean-Marc , Kaliya Perumal Veerapandian Savita , Bitar Rim , Leus Karen , Van Der Voort Pascal , Lamonier Jean-François , Morent Rino , De Geyter Nathalie , Löfberg Axel
Published: July 2020

A novel strategy for toluene abatement was investigated using a sequential adsorption-regeneration process. Commercial Hopcalite (CuMn2Ox, Purelyst101MD), Ceria nanorods, and UiO-66-SO3H, a metal–organic framework (MOF), were selected for this study. Toluene was first adsorbed on the material and a mild thermal activation was performed afterwards in order to oxidize toluene into CO2 and H2O. The materials were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, H2-TPR and TGA/DSC. The best dynamic toluene adsorption capacity was observed for UiO-66-SO3H due to its hierarchical porosity and high specific surface area. However, in terms of balance between storage and catalytic properties, Hopcalite stands out from others owing to its superior textural/chemical properties promoting irreversible toluene adsorption and outstanding redox properties, allowing a high activity and CO2 selectivity in toluene oxidation. The high conversion of toluene into CO2 which easily desorbs from the surface during heating treatment shows that the sequential adsorption-catalytic thermal oxidation can encompass a classical oxidation process in terms of efficiency, CO2 yield, and energy-cost saving, providing that the bifunctional material displays a good stability in repetitive working conditions.