bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving weather and climate predictions by training of supermodels
Authors: Schevenhoven Francine , Selten Frank , Carrassi Alberto , Keenlyside Noel 
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Recent studies demonstrate that weather and climate predictions potentially improve by dynamically combining different models into a so-called “supermodel”. Here, we focus on the weighted supermodel – the supermodel's time derivative is a weighted superposition of the time derivatives of the imperfect models, referred to as weighted supermodeling. A crucial step is to train the weights of the supermodel on the basis of historical observations. Here, we apply two different training methods to a supermodel of up to four different versions of the global atmosphere–ocean–land model SPEEDO. The standard version is regarded as truth. The first training method is based on an idea called cross pollination in time (CPT), where models exchange states during the training. The second method is a synchronization-based learning rule, originally developed for parameter estimation. We demonstrate that both training methods yield climate simulations and weather predictions of superior quality as compared to the individual model versions. Supermodel predictions also outperform predictions based on the commonly used multi-model ensemble (MME) mean. Furthermore, we find evidence that negative weights can improve predictions in cases where model errors do not cancel (for instance, all models are warm with respect to the truth). In principle, the proposed training schemes are applicable to state-of-the-art models and historical observations. A prime advantage of the proposed training schemes is that in the present context relatively short training periods suffice to find good solutions. Additional work needs to be done to assess the limitations due to incomplete and noisy data, to combine models that are structurally different (different resolution and state representation, for instance) and to evaluate cases for which the truth falls outside of the model class.
Snow gliding and glide-snow avalanches: recent outcomes from two experimental test sites in Aosta Valley (northwestern Italian Alps)
Authors: Maggioni Margherita , Godone Danilo , Frigo Barbara , Freppaz Michele 
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Snow gliding and glide-snow avalanches are gaining
importance among scientists as global warming might induce conditions
favourable to those phenomena. Our aim is to analyse such processes with a
particular focus on the potential driving factors associated with the soil
conditions. We equipped two experimental test sites in the Aosta Valley region
(NW Italy) with glide-snow shoes, temperature and volumetric liquid water
content (VLWC) sensors in the soil and in the basal snowpack layer; snow and
weather parameters were also collected by automatic weather stations and at
manual snow measuring sites. In the two monitoring seasons 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 we registered nine glide-snow
avalanches, two cold and seven warm events, which were characterized
by different snow and soil conditions. In the only warm glide-snow avalanche
event, which presented a continuous gliding before, the daily glide rate
showed a significant exponential relationship with the soil VLWC. We also
found, though without a general trend, that gliding and non-gliding periods
(either considering warm and cold periods separately or together) were
characterized by significantly different predisposing factors. This study contributes to the assessment of the importance of soil VLWC, which seems to
be one of the most important driving factors for gliding processes.
Therefore, it supports the need, already suggested by other scientists, for
analysing such processes with an interdisciplinary approach which integrates
snow and soil sciences.
THEMES AND METHODS IN SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
Authors: Storopoli José , Ramos Heidy , Quirino Giseli , Rufín Carlos 
Published: November 2019

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar temas emergentes e métodos empregados na pesquisa em sustentabilidade. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo bibliométrico com análises de co-citação e de pareamento bibliográfico. Amostra é composta de 1,292 artigos publicados entre 1999 e 2018 em todos os periódicos peer-review de business da Scopus. O estudo se diferencia de análises bibliométricas tradicionais ao se debruçar não só sobre os temas teóricos, mas também sobre os métodos empregados. Como principais resultados se destaca que a análise de co-citação evidencia três grandes temas que norteiam a pesquisa em sustentabilidade: (1) Gestão da Cadeia de Suprimentos Sustentável; (2) Responsabilidade Social Corporativa; e (3) Turismo Sustentável. A análise de pareamento bibliográfico mostra cinco grandes temas de pesquisa vigentes: (a) Estruturas Clássicas Sustentáveis da Cadeia de Suprimentos; (b) Economias Globais e Emergentes nas Cadeias de Suprimentos Sustentáveis; (c) Seleção de fornecedores e técnicas fuzzy; (d) Novas Estruturas de Cadeia de Suprimentos Sustentáveis; e (e) Responsabilidade Ambiental. A pesquisa em sustentabilidade possui estudos em diversas áreas do conhecimento e apresenta variedade de métodos nas publicações sem evidenciar uma tendência na abordagem qualitativa ou quantitativa, sendo que temas mais uníssonos e sedimentados são majoritariamente constituídos por estudos quantitativos; e temas mais diversos, emergentes ou que tratam de fenômenos de difícil mensuração são abordados qualitativamente. Conclui-se que a temática sobre gestão de sustentabilidade está em ascensão, o que gera uma expectativa positiva sobre o aprofundamento das pesquisas ao longo dos próximos anos. Entretanto, identificamos a ausência de temas importantes relacionados às tecnologias verdes, inovações sustentáveis e políticas públicas.
STUDY ON THE SUSTAINABLE INDICATORS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT RESERVE OF TUPÉ, AMAZONAS - BRAZIL
Authors: Mariosa Duarcides Ferreira , De Benedicto Samuel Carvalho , Sugahara Cibele Roberta 
Published: November 2019

Este estudo tem como objetivo propor indicadores de sustentabilidade pautados nas dimensões ambiental, espacial, cultural, social e econômica e validar uma metodologia de pesquisa no contexto de Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. A principal motivação para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa é a necessidade de estabelecimento de indicadores de sustentabilidade para compreender os motivos de deslocamento populacional em comunidades de Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, considerando-se a necessidade de ações orientadas ao desenvolvimento mais sustentável dessas populações. A metodologia de pesquisa proposta é do tipo “qualitativa, longitudinal e estudo ecológico”, utilizando técnicas de observação direta e aplicação de questionário semiestruturado entre os anos de 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014 e 2018. Os indicadores e a metodologia foram aplicados em duas comunidades ribeirinhas da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Tupé, localizadas em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Essa metodologia pode ser utilizada para a identificação de sinais de pertença, motivação do deslocamento populacional, solução de pontos críticos e formulação de Políticas Públicas. Permite analisar os indicadores de sustentabilidade parcialmente num determinado período ou na verificação da evolução do índice de sustentabilidade ao longo do tempo. A metodologia proposta permitiu evidenciar que, no período estudado, houve um esvaziamento das unidades de habitação na ordem de 23,5% na Comunidade São João do Tupé e um crescimento de 24% na Comunidade Agrovila. As condições de trabalho e renda e a deterioração das condições de permanência impactam no desejo de deslocamento populacional. Entretanto, os laços socioculturais, vínculos psicossociais e biografias historicamente entrelaçadas com o lugar (sinais de pertencimento), pesam nas decisões individuais de partir ou ficar.
Multiple ecosystem services from field margin vegetation for ecological sustainability in agriculture: scientific evidence and knowledge gaps
Authors: Mkenda Prisila A. , Ndakidemi Patrick A. , Mbega Ernest , Stevenson Philip C. , Arnold Sarah E.J. , Gurr Geoff M. , Belmain Steven R. 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundField margin and non-crop vegetation in agricultural systems are potential ecosystem services providers because they offer semi-natural habitats for both below and above ground animal groups such as soil organisms, small mammals, birds and arthropods that are service supplying units. They are considered as a target area for enhancing farm biodiversity.MethodologyTo explore the multiple potential benefits of these semi-natural habitats and to identify research trends and knowledge gaps globally, a review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 235 publications from the year 2000 to 2016 in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were reviewed.ResultsThe literature showed an increasing trend in the number of published articles over time with European studies leading in the proportion of studies conducted, followed by North America, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Several functional groups of organisms were studied from field margin and non-crop vegetation around agricultural lands including natural enemies (37%), insect pests (22%), birds (17%), pollinators (16%), soil macro fauna (4%) and small mammals (4%). Ecosystem services derived from the field margin included natural pest regulation, pollination, nutrient cycling and reduced offsite erosion. Some field margin plants were reported to host detrimental crop pests, a major ecosystem dis-service, potentially leading to increased pest infestation in the field.ConclusionThe majority of studies revealed the importance of field margin and non-crop vegetation around arable fields in enhancing ecosystem biodiversity. Promotion of field margin plants that selectively enhance the population of beneficial organisms would support sustainable food security rather than simply boosting plant diversity. Our analyses also highlight that agro-ecological studies remain largely overlooked in some regions.
Soil Fertility as Influenced by K Enriched Azolla
Authors: Muruganayaki S. , Jayachitra A. , Jothimani S. 
Published: November 2019

Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a major source of fixed N for plant life and to sustain production and productivity of agricultural crops. An incubation experiment was conducted by growing Azollae filiculoides with 2 agriculturally important potassic fertilizers (Potassium Chloride, Potassium shulphate) as main plot in seven concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ppm of K) as sub-plots laid down in split plot design replicated three times. The collected Azolla was incorporated with soil at 10 t/ha and maintained at two moisture condition such as 60 and 100 percent and assessed soil fertility by estimating various available plant nutrients and organic carbon status..The mean organic carbon content of the soil was 0.657 and 0.525% at 60 and 100% moisture contents respectively. The available N content ranged from 216.2 to 327.3 and 191.1 to 285.3 kg/ha from 0 to 40 ppm of K concentration at 60 and 100% moisture respectively because the Azolla had a high N content which released into the soil after decomposition. Azolla also contributed to the supply of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron and molybdenum in sufficient amounts in addition to other micronutrients besides addition of nitrogen. Among the various concentration, 40 and 50 ppm K were significantly maintained higher and equal soil available P status of 75.17 and 77.33 kg / ha respectively. The fertilizer, K2SO4 with 30, 40 and 50 ppm at 60% moisture content and 40 and 50 ppm of K2SO4 and 40 ppm of KCl produced statistically higher and equal available K at 100% moisture. The soil biological health, mineralization and consequent increase in nutrient status by the application of K enriched Azolla was more under 60% soil moisture content than fully saturated soil.
Role of Mineral and Bio-fertilizers on Some Soil Properties and Rice Productivity under Reclaimed Saline Soils
Authors: Mohaseb Mohamed I. , Kenawy Mona H. M. , Shaban Khaled A. H. 
Published: November 2019

A field experiment (randomized complete blocks with three replicates) was conducted during two successive summer seasons of 2016 and 2017 at Sahl El-Houssinia Agriculture Research Station in El-Shakia Governorate, Egypt. Its lies between 32˚00/00 to 32˚15/00/ N latitude and 30˚50 / 00// to 31˚15 00// E longitude. The combined effect of bio-fertilizers inoculated with Rhizobium radiobacter sp strain (salt tolerant PGPR); Bacillus megatherium (dissolving phosphate) and Bacillus circulans (enhancing potassium availability) and yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) combined with different rates of N, P and K fertilizers (50, 75 and 100%) was evaluated on some soil properties, nutrient content in rice plants, and rice productivity in a reclaimed saline soil. From the crop field of the Agricultural Research Institute (ARC), Egypt, 101 grain kernels from rice (Oryza sativa) var. Sakha were selected.
The results indicated that soil pH and EC were decreased in soil treated with bio-fertilizers combined with different rates of mineral fertilizers in comparison with soil treated with yeast and control. Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn in the soil increased with the use of bio-fertilizers. Application of mineral fertilizers (N, P and K) alone or combined with bio-fertilizers (bacteria and yeast) resulted in increased yield grains and straw of rice plant. Macro- and micronutrients concentrations and uptake in grain and straw of rice plants increased in soil treated with bacteria + 75% N+P+K fertilizers compared with other treatments.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Fungus Associated with Pink Disease of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: G. Kwarteng F. , Cornelius E. , K. Acquah K. , K. Asare E. 
Published: November 2019

The Pink Disease is caused by the fungus Erythricium salmonicolor (Berk & Broome) Burdsall. It attacks broad hosts such as cocoa, coffee, citrus Eucalyptus spp. and Acasia spp. An outbreak of similar disease symptoms on cocoa trees in the Eastern region of Ghana has been a threat to the cocoa industry. However, the organism causing the disease in the Eastern region of Ghana has not been properly identified. Therefore, objectives of this study were to identify the causal organism of the pink disease of cocoa in the Eastern Region of Ghana and to also determine the genetic variability among the isolates collected. All isolates produced salmon-pink fluffy mycelia with concentric zones and regular margins on (Potatoes Dextrose Agar) PDA and Malt Extract Agar (MEA). The hyphae were hyaline, thin-walled, joined to each other and with clamp-connections. Amplification of the ITS region of isolates of E. salmonicolor using primers produced a 750 bp which is the expected fragment size. The isolates varied genetically with mean similarity of 55%. Isolates from Saamang, Bunso and Osino communities related by 78% whiles Isolates from Osino and Bunso communities clustered together at 88% making them the most related among all the isolates.
Wastewater Collection and Transportation through Drainage Network- a Potential Threat to Biodiversity & Local Eco-system in Zanzibar Stone-town & Surroundings
Authors: M. Abubakar Z. , R. Rabia A. , M. Ussi A. , A. Bakar M. , A. Ali R. 
Published: November 2019

Waste water effluents voided in the coastal areas of Zanzibar are highly polluted posing a public health crisis. This cross-sectional study, carried out in September 2017, investigated bacterial load and physicochemical characteristics of the effluents discharged into coastal marine waters of the Zanzibar stone town and peri-urban areas. Ten drains, seven of which were impervious and three pervious, were sampled twice per day in mornings and afternoons. Each drain was sampled at three sites; the out-pour site close to the sea and two sites upstream 100 meters apart. Physicochemical parameters including Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH and turbidity were determined immediately after arrival in the laboratory. Colony forming units/ ml were also determined.
Bacterial counts were higher in impervious drains, in out-pour sites and in the afternoons. Conversely counts were lower in the out-pour sites compared to upstream sites in the pervious drains. DO was significantly higher in the pervious compared to impervious drains (p = 0.004). Turbidity was high in the mornings, but one drain had significantly high turbidity (p=0.0009). In all drains pH was high in the afternoon than mornings. Thirteen bacterial species, mostly gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae were isolated. Vibrio cholerae was isolated from 5 drains. Ground water close to pervious drains had coliforms beyond WHO guidelines. Waste water drains in Zanzibar urban and peri-urban areas are vastly contaminated with organic matter and pathogenic bacteria leading to high turbidity and oxygen depletion. It is recommended to increase awareness to the public and introduce waste water treatment strategies both physically and chemically.
Plasmid Profile of Multi-drug Resistant Phenotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated among Patients with Indwelling Catheter in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: M. Umoru Askira , A. Farouk Umar , M. Ibrahim Muhammad , M. Tom Isyaka , B. Ali Haruna , B. Ali Haruna , Abdullahi Aliyu 
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study was carried out to analyze the plasmid profile of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated among catheterized patients attending the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Place of Study: Department of Medical Microbiology (Laboratory Section), University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria.
Methodology: 244 samples (catheter tip, urethral swab, urine) were collected from catheterised patients and investigated via microscopy and culture on Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Suspect Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were further confirmed using biochemical tests. Kirby bauer disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Isolates confirmed to be multidrug resistant (MDR) were subjected to plasmid profile analysis using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: 21 yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa which gives a recovery rate of 8.6%. A significant proportion was isolated from catheter tip samples collected from male patients (33.33%). The association between sex of patient and sample type in the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was statistically significant (X2 = 10.76, df = 2, P <.01). Isolates were most-sensitive/least-resistant to Ofloxacin and Ampiclox, and least-sensitive/most-resistant to Penicillin. All isolates identified were multi-drug resistant (MDR) with an average resistance rate of 3.28 antimicrobials per isolate. Plasmid analysis revealed that 57.14% of isolates possessed similar plasmid with a DNA fragment size of 300bp and a molecular weight of 31 ng/10 µl.
Conclusion: We establish a very high rate of multidrug resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Plasmid profile analysis of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa observed revealed a high plasmid prevalence rate and since most isolates cannot express the resistance marker after plasmid curing, we suggest that this is indicative of the plasmidial origin of such a marker.
Antimalaria and Hematological Properties of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Pennisetum purpureum on Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice
Authors: Ekene E. N. , Odigie O. M. 
Published: November 2019

Through bite from a female Anopheles mosquito, Malaria is transmitted by infection with single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Studies have shown it to be characterized by periodic bouts of severe chills, accompanied with high fever. It has been suggested that Pennisetum purpureum possess antiplasmodial effects, however, no scientific record(s) yet exist(s) to validate this claim. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the anti-malaria and haematological properties of ethanol leaf extract of P. purpureum in Plasmodium berghei -infected mice. Thirty-Five (35) albino mice (20g) were procured, acclimatized (for two weeks) and assigned to five groups of 7 mice each. With group I receiving standard rat feed ad-libitum (control), Groups II through V were respectively infected with Plasmodium berghei (malaria infected, untreated), Plasmodium berghei infected + treated with 5mg/kg body weight of Artesunate (malaria infected, Artesunate treated), infected with Plasmodium berghei + treated with 200mg/kg body weight of Pennisetum purpureum (malaria infected, low dose extract treated), and infected with Plasmodium berghei + treated with 400mg/kg body weight of Pennisetum purpureum (malaria infected, high dose extract treated). After 21 days of administration, mice were sacrificed, blood samples collected, centrifuged for 10 minutes at 300g, and resulting supernatant biochemically analysed for hematologic changes. Result showed a significant increase in initial parasite count across groups except control. Administration of Artesunate also caused a significant (p < .05) reduction in parasite counts upon comparison with control. More so, administration of low and high dose extract caused a significant (p < .05) reduction in parasite count following comparison with control. Administration of 200mg/kg caused the highest parasitemia suppression than high dose. We recommend for further evaluation of the plant in other to identify active ingredients responsible for the observed antimalarial activity.
First Report in Sudan: Detection of Antibacterial Activity of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed Extract against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides (Mmm)
Authors: Onsa Raghad A. H. , Muna E. A. , Hassan Samia A. A. 
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study was focused on the effect of Nigella sativa seed oil on the in vitro growth of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides (Mmm).
Study Design: Three strains of (Mmm) were subjected to different dilutions of extracted Nigella sativa seed oil and the inhibitory zones were recorded. Type of effect (bactericidal or bacteriostatic) was studied.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Mycoplasma and biochemistry departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) - 2018.
Methodology: The tested strains were: Reference strain (T1/44), recent local strain (RH strain) and the last one was an old local strain (F strain). Different dilutions were used from N. sativa (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) respectively.
Results: The N. sativa revealed different inhibition zones on the growth of the three mentioned cultures. In addition to that bactericidal effect on (Mmm) growth was observed.
Conclusion: The result of this study suggests the potential use of Cumin seed (N. sativa) against (Mmm) in vitro, and this result contributes in CBPP disease control using this type of natural seeds.