bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between family cohesion and disability following blunt trauma: findings from a level-I trauma center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almarwani Sarah Mohammed , Hijazi Leen Omar , Alamer Modhi Abdullah , Alnwaiser Jury Muhanad , Aldakheel Reem Abdullah , Alsheikh Khalid , Albabtain Ibrahim , Alghnam Suliman
Published: August 2020

Background

Injuries pose a significant burden on population health of Saudi Arabia. Even in nonfatal injuries, the burden varies from temporary to permanent disabilities. Health outcomes following injuries can vary, and predictors of recovery from disability are not well understood. In the Kingdom, family values and cohesion can differ from other countries due to several factors, including religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Learning about predictors of injury recovery can improve prevention as well as planning for rehabilitation programs. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the association between family cohesion and recovery following blunt injuries.

Methods

This prospective study included 249 patients who were hospitalized for at least 1 day following blunt trauma in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. Adult patients were interviewed twice: initially during admission, and a second interview via the phone 3 months after discharge. Baseline information included: demographics, injury characteristics, the five dimensions EQ-5D and family support scale. The follow-up interview captured only EQ-5D. Suboptimal family cohesion was defined as any issue with the relationship with parents, spouse, or siblings. Any disability was defined as a reported limitation in one or more domains of the EQ-5D scale. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between family cohesion and recovery at 3 months.

Results

Of the overall sample, 169 (67.8%) responded to the second interview, and three patients passed away. About 95.2% of patients reported disabilities at baseline, while 88.1% continued to report disabilities after 3 months. Forty patients (16.1%) reported suboptimal family cohesion. Of these patients, 37(94.87%) were in pain, 33(82.5%) reported problems with usual activities, 32(80%) faced problems with self-care, 32 (80%) patients had difficulty in mobility, and 23(57.5%) were depressed. Multivariable regression suggested that patients with suboptimal family cohesion were less likely to recover from disabilities.

Conclusion

The prevalence of any disability 3 months after discharge is striking. This study suggests that health outcomes after blunt trauma are affected by the strength of the patient’s family cohesion. More research is needed to identify effective ways through which the provision of social support can reduce short term disability after trauma.
ELT teachers’ epistemological beliefs and dominant teaching style: a mixed method research
Authors: Soleimani Neda
Published: August 2020

Despite voluminous studies into teachers’ cognition and the role of teachers’ beliefs in their practices, not many studies have addressed the impact of teachers’ epistemological beliefs (EB, beliefs about the source of knowledge) on their teaching styles. In this study, a mixed design research method was adopted to show English language teachers’ epistemological beliefs, teaching styles and possible relationships between EB and teaching styles. To do this, a sample of 200 EFL teachers participated in the quantitative phase of the study to fill out the teaching style inventory (Grasha, Teaching with style, 2002) and epistemological beliefs scale (Chan and Elliott, Teaching and Teacher Education 20:817–831, 2004). In qualitative phase, 20 participants of this sample volunteered to attend the semi-structured interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that facilitator style is the dominant style of teaching and learners should not assume teachers as mere source of knowledge and should use different resources to learn the language. Regression analyses and interview results showed that EFL teachers teaching style is informed by their EB. Implication and limitation of the research were discussed in detail in the paper.
First record of the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) in the Baltic Sea proper
Authors: Ewers-Saucedo Christine , Heuer Nele , Moesges Zoe , Ovenbeck Kira , Schröter Nicole , Brandis Dirk
Published: August 2020

Since its introduction in the 1960’s for aquaculture, the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) has successfully spread along almost all European coasts with far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems. Up to now, it has not been recorded from the Baltic Sea proper. This was considered a consequence of the low salinity conditions, which are not suitable for larval development. Here we report our first records of Pacific oysters in the German Baltic Sea, specifically in the Kiel Bight. We confirmed their species identification by genetic barcoding. We suggest that Pacific oysters were able to settle in the Baltic Sea proper due to unusually high salinities that prevailed since the summer of 2018. Should these conditions occur more frequently in the future, or M. gigas be able to adapt to lower salinities, oysters may become established in the Baltic Sea proper.
Using deep learning to solve computer security challenges: a survey
Authors: Choi Yoon-Ho , Liu Peng , Shang Zitong , Wang Haizhou , Wang Zhilong , Zhang Lan , Zhou Junwei , Zou Qingtian
Published: August 2020

Although using machine learning techniques to solve computer security challenges is not a new idea, the rapidly emerging Deep Learning technology has recently triggered a substantial amount of interests in the computer security community. This paper seeks to provide a dedicated review of the very recent research works on using Deep Learning techniques to solve computer security challenges. In particular, the review covers eight computer security problems being solved by applications of Deep Learning: security-oriented program analysis, defending return-oriented programming (ROP) attacks, achieving control-flow integrity (CFI), defending network attacks, malware classification, system-event-based anomaly detection, memory forensics, and fuzzing for software security.
Assessment of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene polymorphisms and their correlation with multiple sclerosis: a case-control study in a sample of the Syrian population
Authors: Alhomsi Bushra , Aboualchamat Ghalia , Alkadi Imad
Published: August 2020

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a major health concern as it increases the risk of developing many serious diseases. Recently, the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) is a matter of serious debate. In this case-control study, we aimed to assess the correlation between genetic changes in the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene and their consequence on MS patients. Our sample study consisted of 110 individuals; 40 patients with MS as cases and 70 healthy controls. Vitamin D levels were determined by immunofluorescence assay, and polymorphisms at rs7041 (c.1296 T > G p.Asp416Glu) and rs4588 (c.1307C > A p.Thr420Lys) of the DBP gene were genotyped using PCR/RFLP method for all cases and controls.

Results

Our results showed that genotype frequencies were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A significant association was found in rs7041 (c.1296TT) homozygous wild-type, and the odds ratio was < 1 suggesting a protective role against developing MS (OR; 0.03, p = 0.0002) whereas the c.1296GG genotype was significantly correlated with an increased risk for MS by 6 folds (OR: 6.0000, p < 0.0001). No significant association was noted at rs4588 and MS occurrence. In addition, our compound genotyping results revealed that haplotypes 1S-1S are 6 times more likely to develop MS, whereas haplotypes 1F-1F had a more protective role in MS patients (OR: 0.063, p = 0.06.), respectively. The risk of vitamin D insufficiency in patients was greater by 14 folds compared to controls (OR: 14.05, p = 0.0128). Furthermore, the c.1296GG genotype was associated significantly by more than 4 times with insufficient levels of vitamin D and by 7 folds with vitamin deficiency.

Conclusions

We conclude that polymorphisms in the DBP gene could have independent effects on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The homozygous recessive genotype at rs7041 was associated with insufficient levels of vitamin D and with the risk of MS emergence.
Quality of life in a sample of Egyptian renal transplant recipients
Authors: El Rasheed Amany Haroun , Khedr Essam , Naguib Rehab , Eid Maissa , Elkholy Hussien , Rabie Samah
Published: August 2020

Background

Poor quality of life has been reported after renal transplantation.

So, we aimed to identify the quality of life and its demographic and clinical correlates among Egyptian renal transplant recipients.

A cross-sectional observational study of 230 post-renal transplantation recipients (PRTRs) who were recruited from Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital and Nasser Institute nephrology clinics. All cases were subjected to a designed questionnaire for PRTRs, the semi-structured questionnaire for renal transplant recipients and the Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-100).

Results

All the PRTRs had unsatisfactory social quality of life (QoL) while 97.8% had unsatisfactory overall QoL; moreover, 92.6% were not satisfied as regards environmental and independence QoL. Psychological dissatisfaction was met in 75.7% of all subjects, whereas the least dissatisfaction rate was the spiritual QoL (15.2%). Younger age groups were the most who complained of unsatisfactory quality of life in all domains except the spiritual QoL. All domains of QoL were found not statistically associated with gender, marital status, or social class. Subjects who received higher education had better psychological and independence QoL. The overall QoL and physical QoL were found to be correlated only with age. The psychological and independence QoL were positively correlated with age, sex, educational level, and occupation while the environmental QL was found to be positively correlated with occupation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of unsatisfactory quality of life is quite high among PRTRs. Our findings pointed to the need of recognizing quality of life among renal transplant recipients, and we suggest that mental health professionals should be included in the multidisciplinary team.
Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in complicated appendicitis in children: a single center study
Authors: Seqsaqa Mohammad , Rozeik Ahmed Ezzat , Khalifa Mohammed , Ashri Hazem Nour Abdellatif
Published: August 2020

Background

Acute complicated appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency in children. Unlike simple appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy has not been considered yet the first choice in management of complicated appendicitis. This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Pediatric Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, during the period from December 2018 to August 2019. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopic appendectomy in such cases compared to open appendectomy.

Results

Sixty patients were included in the study, divided randomly into 2 equal groups: laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups. The mean operative time was significantly longer with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 85 vs. 61 min, respectively (p < 0.001**). The time taken to start oral intake was significantly shorter with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 1.9 vs. 2.73 days, respectively (p = 0.025*). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 4.23 vs. 5.13, respectively (p = 0.044*). There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding wound infection, occurrence of postoperative ileus, intraperitoneal collection, or readmission.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe, feasible, and effective procedure in the management of complicated appendicitis in children, with no evidence of any increase in the postoperative complications.
Application of focal-time analysis for improved induced seismicity depth control: A case study from the Montney Formation, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Riazi Naimeh , Eaton David W. , Aklilu Alemayehu , Poulin Andrew
Published: August 2020

Characterization of induced seismicity and associated microseismicity is an important challenge for enhanced oil recovery and development of tight hydrocarbon reservoirs. In particular, accurately correlating hypocenters of induced events to stratigraphic layers plays an important role in understanding the mechanisms of fault activation. Existing methods for estimating focal depth, however, are prone to a high degree of uncertainty. A comprehensive analysis of inferred focal depths is applied to induced events that occurred during completions of horizontal wells targeting the Montney Formation in British Columbia, Canada. Our workflow includes a probabilistic, nonlinear global-search algorithm (NonLinLoc), a hierarchical clustering algorithm for relative relocation (GrowClust), and depth refinement using the recently developed focal-time method. The focal-time method leverages stratigraphic correlations between P-P and P-S reflections to eliminate the need for an explicit velocity model developed specifically for hypocenter depth estimation. We find that this approach is robust in the presence of noisy picks and location errors from epicenters obtained using a global-search algorithm, but it is limited to areas where multicomponent 3D seismic data are available. We have developed a novel method to determine statics corrections to ensure that the passive seismic observations and 3D seismic data share a common datum in areas of moderate to high topography. Our results highlight the importance of transverse faults, which appear to provide permeable pathways for activation of other faults at distances of up to 2 km from hydraulic fracturing operations.
La batalla por la opinión pública: Radiodifusión y política comunicacional en la vía chilena al socialismo
Authors: Salgado Alfonso
Published: August 2020

Este artículo analiza la política de radiodifusión del Gobierno de Salvador Allende y la Unidad Popular. Si bien Allende obligó a todas las estaciones de radio a entrar forzosamente en cadena nacional en situaciones de emergencia, prefirió ejercer influencia en el dial a través de métodos menos controvertidos (adquisición de radios comerciales, otorgamiento de concesiones a simpatizantes, distribución estratégica del avisaje estatal, etcétera). El presidente y los partidos de izquierda pusieron especial énfasis en el establecimiento y coordinación de una red de radioemisoras leales al Gobierno que abarcase todo el territorio nacional, esto en el marco de una acalorada batalla comunicacional con la oposición. La necesidad de competir con las estaciones de radio independientes y con las de la oposición forzó a la izquierda a adaptarse a las estructuras ya consolidadas de la esfera radial, pese a su desagrado por el carácter comercial y alienante del medio.
Hannah Arendt’s Contribution to a Critique of Political Economy
Authors: Howard Mimi
Published: August 2020

This article provides a genealogy of Hannah Arendt’s treatment of political economy in the years prior to the publication of The Human Condition (1958). In the early 1950s her archival papers and diary entries display deep concern for a host of topics at the intersection of political and economic thought: labor, work, slavery, consumption, industrialization, and automation. Such interests, which were passed through the philosophical canon from Aristotle to Marx, would serve as the theoretical basis for many of the distinctions that define The Human Condition. When set within the context of midcentury debates around political economy, it becomes clear that Arendt conceived the distinctions not only to respond to the aporias of Western philosophy but also to contest contemporaries who put stock in dialectical materialist accounts of political emancipation. Understanding Arendt’s adversaries more clearly provides the chance to see her conceptual distinctions as interventions into concurrent attempts to revise Marxian political economy in the latter half of the twentieth century.
Cultural Identity and Cultural Difference in Zuozhuan
Authors: Li Wai-yee
Published: August 2020

There is no fixed categorical term for barbarians in Chinese. Specific groups are identified as “aliens” or “cultural others” through words like Man 蠻, Yi 夷, Rong 戎, and Di 狄, but all four terms can be specific or categorical. It is often said that the us-versus-them formula in Zuozhuan (and early Chinese texts in general) is cultural rather than ethnic, but precise definitions of cultural difference can be elusive. This article begins with a discussion of the historical basis for defining possible differences in socioeconomic and cultural practice and moves to the question of representation. It focuses on three issues: (1) Who is the barbarian? Using Lu's dealings with the eastern Yi domains as case studies, the author explores how representation of cultural others is inseparable from cultural self-definition. Similarities and shared roots seem to have generated the impetus for emphasizing distinctions. (2) Arguments on cultural connections or lack thereof are often built on historical retrospection. Embracing historical ties with barbarians can be a way to resist Zhou dynasty demands, even as using the ancient past to disclaim the status of cultural other can function to assert hegemonic ambition. The author examines the uses of history to manipulate notions of shared roots and radical difference. (3) Since the negative qualities attributed to barbarians come up in speeches, we need to consider the rhetorical context of moralizing otherness. Whether the issue is debates on military strategy, the choice of war or peace, or the etiquette of presenting the spoils of victory, we see how attention to particular motives and circumstances driving historical developments results in a complex and nuanced picture that resists simplistic and moralized formulations of cultural identity and cultural difference.
Case Report: Obsessive compulsive disorder in posterior cerebellar infarction - illustrating clinical and functional connectivity modulation using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Shadakshari Darshan , Vani Pulaparambil , Naik Shalini S , Kiran Raj V , Vangimalla Reddy Rani , Reddy YC Janardhan , Sreevalsan-Nair Jaya , Bharath Rose Dawn
Published: August 2020

Objectives: We describe atypical and resistant neuropsychiatric clinical manifestations in a young male with posterior cerebellar gliosis. We also attempt to test the mediating role of the cerebellum in the clinical presentation by manipulating the frontal-cerebellar network using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods: A case report of a young adult male describing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, probably secondary to an infarct in the cerebellar right crus II, combined with an examination of behavioral and functional connectivity changes following TMS treatment.

Results: Obsessions, compulsions, and pathological slowing were observed in the background of a posterior cerebellar infarct, along with impairments in vigilance, working memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial ability, and executive functions, in the absence of any motor coordination difficulties. These symptoms did not respond to escitalopram. MRI-informed intermittent theta-burst stimulation delivered to the pre-supplementary motor area identified based on its connectivity with the cerebellar lesion in the crus II resulted in partial improvement of symptoms with enhanced within and between-network modularity of the cerebellar network connectivity.

Conclusion: We illustrate a case of OCD possibly secondary to a posterior cerebellar infarct, supporting the role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of OCD. Functional connectivity informed non-invasive neuromodulation demonstrated partial treatment response. A seriation technique showed extended connectivity of the cerebellar lesion regions following the neuromodulatory treatment.
Algorithmic Complex for Solving of Problems with Quadrics Using Imaginary Geometric Images
Authors: Voloshinov Denis
Published: August 2020

The paper is devoted to the consideration of a number of issues related to the creation of an algorithmic complex designed to solve positional and metric problems with quadrics on a projection model . A feature of the complex is the active use of geometric schemes and algorithms involving imaginary geometric images. In the paper has been presented a detailed description of constructive geometric algorithms for constructing of conics, quadrics and associated geometric images in a system of constructive geometric modeling – Simplex. All the discussed algorithms are available for independent repetition by the reader. In the paper have been presented and implemented algorithms for constructing conic from a point, a polar, and three points; constructing conic from two pairs of complex conjugate points and one real point; determination of a point on a quadric’s surface; setting a quadric by nine points in three-dimensional space. A new alternative frame of the quadric has been considered, based on which have been solved problems of constructing a tangent and a normal to the quadric, finding an intersection line of an arbitrary plane with the quadric, and performing polar and inverse transformations with respect to the quadric. Have been proposed algorithms for constructing an autopolar tetrahedron with respect to the quadric, and for constructing a conic from an autopolar triangle and two points. Have been considered problems of determining a collinear transformation in three-dimensional space and control the quadric through it. The implementation of the algorithms considered in the paper allowed conclude that there is an urgent need to develop tools for modeling imaginary conics, without which the complex of solving problems with quadrics cannot be taken for the complete one.
In Favor of Imaginaries in Geometry
Authors: Girsh A.
Published: August 2020

“Complex numbers are something complicated”, as they are perceived in most cases. The expression “real numbers are also complex numbers” sounds strange as well. And for all that complex numbers are good for many areas of knowledge, since they allow solve problems, that are not solved in the field of real numbers. First and most important is that in the field of complex numbers all algebraic equations are solved, including the equation x2 + a = 0, which has long been a challenge to human thought. In the field of complex numbers, the problem solutions remain free from listing special cases in the form of "if ... then", for example, solving the problem for the intersection of the line g with the circle (O, r) always gives two points. And in the field of real numbers, three cases have to be distinguished: | Og |  r → there is no intersection; | Og | = r → there is one double point. The benefit of complex numbers also lies in the fact that with their help not only problems that previously had no solutions are solved, they not only greatly simplify the solution result, but they also hold shown in this text further amazing properties in geometric figures, and open door to the amazing and colorful world of fractals.
30-day outcome after orthopaedic surgery in patients assessed as negative for COVID-19 at the time of surgery during the peak of the pandemic
Authors: Price Andrew , Shearman Alexander D. , Hamilton Thomas W. , Alvand Abtin , Kendrick Ben ,   COVID-19 NOC Surgical Team
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study is to report the 30 day COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality of patients assessed as SARS-CoV-2 negative who underwent emergency or urgent orthopaedic surgery in the NHS during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A retrospective, single centre, observational cohort study of all patients undergoing surgery between 17 March 2020 and 3May 2020 was performed. Outcomes were stratified by British Orthopaedic Association COVID-19 Patient Risk Assessment Tool. Patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive at the time of surgery were excluded.

Results

Overall, 96 patients assessed as negative for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of surgery underwent 100 emergency or urgent orthopaedic procedures during the study period. Within 30 days of surgery 9.4% of patients (n = 9) were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by nasopharyngeal swab. The overall 30 day mortality rate across the whole cohort of patients during this period was 3% (n = 3). Of those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 66% (n = 6) developed significant COVID-19 related complications and there was a 33% 30-day mortality rate (n = 3). Overall, the 30-day mortality in patients classified as BOA low or medium risk (n = 69) was 0%, whereas in those classified as high or very high risk (n = 27) it was 11.1%.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic surgery in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients who transition to positive within 30 days of surgery carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. In lower risk groups, the overall risk of becoming SARS-CoV-2 positive, and subsequently developing a significant postoperative related complication, was low even during the peak of the pandemic. In addition to ensuring patients are SARS-CoV-2 negative at the time of surgery it is important that the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 is minimized through their recovery. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:474–480.
Evaluation of Shake-and-Catch Methods on Harvesting of Tall Spindle Apples
Authors: Xing Haiqian , Ma Shaochun , Liu Ming , Wang Menglong , Wei Yi , Hu Jiwei , Wang Fenglei , Xing Haonan , Bai Jing
Published: August 2020

Highlights

Both frequency and amplitude were influencing factors in analyzing the fruit removal efficiency and fruit damage.

This research focused on tall spindle ‘Fuji’ apple trees, which enriched the study of the variety and architecture resources of apple trees.

The advice for shake-and-catch harvesting was based on the analysis of amplitude and frequency from the perspective of energy consumption.

Abstract. Almost all fresh-market apples are picked manually, and these apples rank among the most labor-intensive fruit crops to produce. Due to declining labor supply and rising labor costs, fresh-market apple growers are seeking mechanical harvesting solutions. Shake-and-catch is a potential method that has been well studied. However, because of fruit damage, this method cannot be widely used for fresh-market apples. The primary goal of this study was to investigate how the physical properties of the fruit tree and the shaker parameters affect fruit removal efficiency and fruit damage in an effort to help growers find solutions to the above-mentioned issues. A test system was developed, and its performance was evaluated in certain shaking modes. Based on the experimental results, the physical properties of the tree (length and diameter of limb, length and diameter of twig, and apple weight) and the frequency and amplitude of the shaker influenced the effectiveness of fruit detachment. When the amplitude of the shaker was 14.3 mm and the frequency was less than 15 Hz, the length of the twig had the greatest effect on fruit harvesting. However, with increasing frequency and amplitude, the effect of tree properties on fruit harvesting declined, and amplitude had a more significant effect on fruit harvesting than frequency. Moreover, the fruit removal rate reached 91.43% when the amplitude was 14.3 mm and the frequency was 20 Hz. The results of this study contribute to the development of an effective mechanical harvester that is adapted to tall spindle apple trees. Keywords: Amplitude, Apple fresh market, Frequency, Physical properties, Shake-and-catch, Tall spindle.
Improved Mixing System for Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactors
Authors: Hamilton Douglas W. , Lopez Hernan  Fernandez-Barriales , Cuesta Alonso Emilia P.
Published: August 2020

Highlights

A novel single-jet mixing system was designed for ASBR digesters.

Mixing energy was reduced to the point that solids were only partially suspended in the reactor vessel.

The partial mixing system increased effluent quality as measured by suspended solids content.

The partial mixing system increased solids retention, allowing hydraulic retention time (HRT) to be reduced to at least 7.5 days while maintaining solids retention time (SRT) above 100 days.

The partial mixing system did not reduce biogas production rate nor biogas yield.

Abstract. An anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) is a high-rate anaerobic digestion system ideally suited for the treatment of liquids with high organic strength and low solids content. Biota are retained in an ASBR by settling solids prior to decanting effluent from the top of the reactor. Solids retention time (SRT) can be managed separately from hydraulic retention time (HRT) in an ASBR. One problem encountered with ASBRs is poor solids retention due to inefficient solids settling. A novel mixing system in which solids are only partially mixed in the reactor prior to decanting was investigated in a series of three experiments. A battery of six 30 L ASBR reactors were fed a mixture of dilute swine manure (0.30% TS, 0.20% VS) and raw glycerol. In a side-by-side comparison of two reactors operated at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.30 g COD L-1 d-1 with 15-day HRT and two feeding cycles per day, the partially mixed reactor outperformed the fully mixed reactor as measured by effluent quality (130 vs. 350 mg VSS L-1), SRT (354 vs. 52 days), and VS removal efficiency (88% vs. 79%). In a replicated study of five reactors operated at 0.31 g COD L-1 d-1 OLR, 15-day HRT, and two feeding cycles per day before and after switching from full to partial mixing, the partially mixed reactors showed significantly (p = 0.05) better performance as measured by effluent quality (100 vs. 382 mg VSS L-1), SRT (760 vs. 72 days), and VS removal efficiency (85% vs. 71%). Biogas production did not significantly change with the change from full to partial mixing in the five replicated reactors, i.e., average biogas yield was 0.81 and 0.77 L biogas g-1 COD with partial and full mixing, respectively. Effluent quality, SRT, VS removal efficiency, and biogas yield did not significantly change when the OLR was increased from 0.31 to 0.62 g COD L-1 d-1 and HRT was reduced from 15 to 7.5 days in a replicated study of six partially mixed reactors. A mass balance of COD across the six partially mixed reactors showed that endogenous respiration of retained biomass accounted for approximately 50% of the biogas produced by an ASBR with SRT exceeding 400 days. Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Anaerobic sequencing batch reactor, ASBR, Biogas, Glycerol, Hydraulic retention time, Mixing, Operation, Performance, Solids retention time, Swine manure.
Design and Parameter Optimization of an Air-Suction Jujube Picking and Conveying Device
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Bai Shenghe , Jin Wei , Yan Jinshan , Shi Zenglu , Yu Mengjie , Yuan Panpan , Zhu Xingliang
Published: August 2020

Highlights

This study designed an air-suction jujube picking and conveying device to address the problems of low transport efficiency and high damage rate.

Theoretical analysis, Fluent software simulation, and prototype testing determined the diameter of the conveying pipe, the inlet and outlet diameters of the suction chamber, and the fan type and speed.

A Box-Behnken center combination design in Design-Expert software was used to perform response surface orthogonal tests to optimize the device.

This study provides a reference for further optimization of the air-suction jujube picking and conveying device.

Abstract. To address the problems of low transport efficiency and high damage rate, an air-suction jujube picking and conveying device was designed. The main components of the device include the fan, suction chamber, and conveying pipe. Simulation of the conveying pipe and suction chamber was performed using Fluent software, and the airflow rate and pressure were analyzed for conveying pipes of five different diameters and suction chambers with different inlet and outlet diameters. In the simulation results, the diameter of the conveying pipe was 105 to 165 mm, and the outlet diameter of the suction chamber was 150 to 210 mm. The Box-Behnken center combination design method in Design-Expert software was used to perform response surface orthogonal tests with the conveying pipe diameter, suction chamber outlet diameter, and fan speed as the test factors, and the jujube conveying rate and breakage rate as the target values. The results show that the order of the test factors on the jujube conveying rate is: fan speed = conveying pipe diameter > suction chamber outlet diameter, and the order of the test factors on the jujube breakage rate is: fan speed > suction chamber outlet diameter > conveying pipe diameter. The experimental results were verified in field tests with the optimized parameters. When the conveying pipe diameter was 165 mm, the suction chamber outlet diameter was 200 mm, and the fan speed was 3254 rpm, the average jujube conveying rate in the verification test was 238.68 kg h-1. The relative error between the experimental verification value and the theoretical optimized value was 1.44%, which is less than 5%. The average value of the jujube breakage rate in the verification test was 2.18%. The relative error between the experimental verification value and the theoretical optimized value was 3.81%, which is also less than 5%. This study provides a reference for subsequent research and optimization of the air-suction jujube picking and conveying device. Keywords: Air suction, Conveying device, Conveying pipe, Jujube, Suction chamber.
Production of Novolac Resin after Partial Substitution of Phenol from Bio-Oil
Authors: Adhikari Sushil , Auad Maria , Via Brian , Shah Ajay , Patil Vivek
Published: August 2020

Highlights

Bio-oil was used to produce novolac resin.

Bio-oil interacted with phenol and altered the reaction rate and equilibrium.

Comparable performance was observed with a low amount of substitution.

Abstract. Commercially produced bio-oil with a high content of pyrolytic lignin was substituted for phenol in novolac phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin production. The reaction progress was tracked, and products were analyzed. Bio-oil substitution resulted in lower conversion rates for both formaldehyde and phenol. Substitution higher than 10 mol% increased the ortho to para ratio and enhanced thermal decomposition of resin by providing an oxidative environment, while 10 and 20 mol% of substitution did not reduce the shear strength of the novolac resin. When mixed with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), the bio-oil substituted resins precipitated quickly around char particles, which allowed more resin application on the wood bonding surface. Further investigation found that bio-oil substitution (higher than 10 mol%) might have changed the reaction equilibrium and promoted reverse reactions releasing formaldehyde. Overall, less than 20 mol% phenol substitution by bio-oil with a high content of pyrolytic lignin can be effective in producing novolac resin. Keywords: Bio-oil, Formaldehyde, Lignocellulosic biomass, Novolac, Phenol, Pyrolysis.
Rapid Design System for Agricultural Machinery Using Knowledge-Based Engineering: Case Study of a Wheeled Combine Chassis
Authors: Fu Shenghui , Lan Tianran , Du Yuefeng , Mao Enrong , Zhu Zhongxiang , Li Zhen
Published: August 2020

Highlights

A knowledge-based rapid design system for combine chassis is proposed.

Object-oriented knowledge representation uniformly describes the multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge.

Multivariate linear regression analysis ratiocinates further unknown design principles behind existing products.

Abstract. In the design of agricultural machinery, the lack of systematic and structured knowledge utilization systems results in low development efficiency and poor reusability of design knowledge. This study considers the design of a combine chassis and focuses on the application of knowledge-based rapid design to agricultural machinery. As a typical sophisticated agricultural machine, combines have a complicated design that requires the integration of multiple disciplines according to the crop types, production areas, and ability of the designers. Hence, a knowledge-based design system for a wheeled combine chassis is proposed. By integrating object-oriented technology with a mixed reasoning strategy, multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge can be applied in completing the chassis design task. To date, there are more than 2000 design ideas and 350 parameter models in the knowledge database. In addition, tacit design knowledge acquired by a knowledge discovery method can be employed to perfect the design and improve the reliability of the product. The design of a combine chassis demonstrates that the knowledge-based rapid design of agricultural machinery is completely feasible, and the design system significantly reduces the design workload, shortens the development cycle, and improves design efficiency and knowledge utilization. Keywords: Combine chassis, Knowledge-based design system, Knowledge-based engineering, Rapid design.
Minimizing the Consumption of Stretch Film for Wrapping Cylindrical Baled Silage Using the IntelliWrap Method
Authors: Stankiewicz Anna
Published: August 2020

Highlights

A complete mathematical model describes stretch film consumption for wrapping round bales using IntelliWrap.

An algorithm is presented for optimal, in the sense of minimal, film usage based on film width selection.

A solution is presented for selecting the optimal width of commercially available film.

Optimal film width guarantees up to 10% savings in film usage, especially for not more than ten film layers.

Abstract. The new IntelliWrap method is considered for wrapping round bales of agricultural materials using two different widths for the contact area between adjacent film strips for the bottom and upper film layers. A complete mathematical model describing the consumption of film for round bale wrapping is derived, which captures bale and film dimensions, the mechanical properties of the film as described by Poisson’s ratio and the unit deformation, the overlaps between adjacent film strips, and the numbers of bottom and upper film layers. The surface area of the film used to wrap the bale is used as a measure of film usage. To reduce film usage and protect the environment, the problem of achieving optimal, in the sense of minimal, film usage is mathematically formulated and solved. The original continuous optimization problem with a non-continuous goal function is reduced to solving two simpler integer programming tasks. An algorithm for selection of the optimal film width is proposed and numerically verified. If the common 50%, 66.7%, and 75% overlaps are used and the film width is optimal, then minimal film usage is achieved regardless of the composition of the bottom and upper film layers. In addition, the problem of choosing the best commercially available film width to guarantee minimal film usage is stated and solved. However, only near-optimal film usage is achieved for appropriately selected, commercially available film widths. Results of numerical experiments demonstrate that the relative errors for such approximations of minimal film usage do not exceed 0.1%, while inappropriate selection of the film width may result in increased film usage with almost 10% relative error, which indicates that up to 10% film cost savings can be achieved when the film width is optimally selected according to the proposed approach, especially when the number of layers is not more than ten. Keywords: Baled silage, Mathematical model, Mixed wrapping, Optimization, Stretch film consumption.
Phenotypic diversity and plasticity index of Eurycoma apiculata populations in Eastern Sumatra, Indonesia based on leaves morphology
Authors: Zulfahmi Zulfahmi , Purwanto Edi , Parjanto  , Yunus Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Zulfahmi, Purwanto E, Parjanto, Yunus A. 2020. Phenotypic diversity and plasticity index of Eurycoma apiculata populations in Eastern Sumatra, Indonesia based on leaves morphology. Biodiversitas 21: 2923-2934. Eurycoma apiculata A.W. Benn. is a protected species in Indonesia, but diversity information of this species is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the phenotypic diversity, phenotypic plasticity index, and phenotypic differentiation among populations of E. apiculata in Eastern Sumatra, Indonesia based on leaves morphology. A total of 45 traits were measured on leaves from six populations studied. The result of this found that the phenotypic variation coefficient (CV) of the characters was ranged from 7.41% to 36.97%, revealed the abundant phenotypic variation in the species. The phenotypic CV values of the population varied from 13.95% to 24.10%. The CV values of all populations from the mainland Sumatra (17.75%) were lower than that from the Riau archipelago (23.61%), which revealed that phenotypic traits in mainland Sumatra were more stable compared to populations in the Riau archipelago. The population phenotypic plasticity index value of populations ranged from 0.41 to 0.51, and it was classified as a moderate level. The phenotypic differentiation coefficient among populations in this study was relatively low (VST = 21.06%), indicating a lower phenotypic variation among populations than within populations. The scatter plot of principal component analysis and UPGMA dendrogram divided the six populations studies into two groups. The findings of this study recommend that the in-situ conservation method is an effective protection strategy for E. apiculata while ex-situ conservation method can be implemented as a supplementary method.
Checklist of mangrove snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in South Coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Islamy R Adharyan , Hasan Veryl
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Islamy RA, Hasan V. 2020. Checklist of mangrove snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in South Coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 3127-3134. Mangrove forests are crucial to gastropods providing breeding and nursery grounds, food sources, and shelter from predators. They are useful bioindicators of environmental pollution. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the species richness of gastropods mangrove environments. This study aims to provide information about the species composition of mangrove snails in the South Coast of Pamekasan (Madura Island), East Java, Indonesia. Samplings were performed at low tide from 4 stations in December 2019 using a transect (10m x 10m). All samples were identified using reference books and published journal. We found a total of 10 family consist of Assimineidae, Cerithiidae, Ellobiidae, Littorinidae, Muricidae, Neritidae, Olividae, Planaxidae, Potamididae, and Trochidae with consist of 15 Genus, i.e., Assiminea, Clypeomorus, Cerithium, Rhinoclavis, Laemodonta, Littorarina, Tenguella, Semiricinula, Nerita, Clithon, Oliva, Planaxis, Pirenella, Telescopium, and Monodonta. The most common substrate where mangrove snails were found was rocks, sandy, and around the tree and roots of mangrove. All gastropods in this study found alive during our surveys and predominantly mangrove associated. We assume that there are still many snails that have not been surveyed at the location. We suggest to the future researcher to survey through different sampling efforts and sampling methods such as quantitative or semi-quantitative methods.
Three-dimensional structure modeling of a protease from lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides K7 using automated protein homology analysis
Authors: HIdayat Habibi , Haryadi Winarto , RAHARJO TRI JOKO
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Hidayat H, Haryadi W, Raharjo TJ. 2020. Three-dimensional structure modeling of a protease from lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides K7 using automated protein homology analysis. Biodiversitas 21: 3156-3162. This study aimed to characterize the protease encoding gene of Leuconostoc mesenteroides K7 isolated from Kelengkeng (Dimocarpus longan) fruit as well as to predict the structure of the protein using in silico approach. Gene characterization was performed using PCR employs primers designed based on protease gene of other Leuconostoc species, followed by cloning and sequencing of the PCR product. Protein structural modeling was targeted to the deduced amino acid sequence of the gene employ multiple sequence alignment and SWISS-Model online software.  As a result, the sequence of the PCR product contains an open reading frame with a size of 1,140 bp, which can be translated into 379 amino acids. The amino acid sequence shares 98.60% identity with protease from Leuconostoc suionicum (AP017935.1). Three conserved sequences of QTDA, INPGNSGGPL, and FAIP are known as the signature from the Serine endoprotease DegS family are detected.  The three-dimensional modeling structure application shows that the protein share similarity of 37.62% to Protease Do-like I chloroplastic that belong to serine protease.
Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants used against human ailments in Erkowit and Sinkat areas, Eastern Sudan
Authors: ADAM MANAR , AHMED ABDEL AZIM , Yagi Ahmed , Yagi Sakina
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Adam M, Ahmed AA, Yagi A, Yagi S. 2020. Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants used against human ailments in Erkowit and Sinkat areas, Eastern Sudan. Biodiversitas 21: 3255-3262. The present study provides ethnobotanical data for the traditionally used medicinal plants of Erkowit and Sinkat, Eastern Sudan. The survey data were collected from 53 traditional healers through a survey carried out in February-December 2018. Fifty-eight plant species represent 34 flowering families and one Parmeliaceae lichen that are used for therapeutic purposes in the selected area. The families of highest prevalence were Euphorbiaceae (8 species) followed by Leguminosae (7 species). To validate information on the use of plants,: Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informants’ Consensus Factor (ICF) were applied. The most commonly used species was Adansonia digitata with a UV of 0.89. The majority of the informants agreed on the use of Oxalis anthelmintica to treat anemia and Psidium guajava in the treatment of tuberculosis and cough, with a very high FL (92% and 91% respectively). All informants agreed on the effectiveness of Withania somnifera in treating breast inflammation and cancer, with top ICF of 1. These medicinal plants play an important role in the available healthcare provision in the study area. This preliminary study should be further continued into scientific assessment of their therapeutic use and safety through different biological activity tests and toxicological properties.