bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
fNIRS-based brain state transition features to signify functional degeneration after Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lu Jiewei , Wang Yue , Shu Zhilin , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Jin , Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhu Zhizhong , Yu Yang , Wu Jialing , Han Jianda , Yu Ningbo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative brain disorder, and early diagnosis is of vital importance for treatment. Existing methods are mainly focused on behavior examination, while the functional neurodegeneration after PD has not been well explored. This paper aims to investigate the brain functional variation of PD patients in comparison with healthy controls. Approach. In this work, we propose brain hemodynamic states and state transition features to signify functional degeneration after PD. Firstly, a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based experimental paradigm was designed to capture brain activation during dual-task walking from PD patients and healthy controls. Then, three brain states, named expansion, contraction, and intermediate states, were defined with respect to the oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin responses. After that, two features were designed from a constructed transition factor and concurrent variations of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin over time, to quantify the transitions of brain states. Further, a support vector machine classifier was trained with the proposed features to distinguish PD patients and healthy controls. Main results. Experimental results showed that our method with the proposed brain state transition features achieved classification accuracy of 0.8200 and F score of 0.9091, and outperformed existing fNIRS-based methods. Compared with healthy controls, PD patients had significantly smaller transition acceleration and transition angle. Significance. The proposed brain state transition features well signify functional degeneration of PD patients and may serve as promising functional biomarkers for PD diagnosis.
Nonuniform plasma meniscus modelling based on backward calculation of negative ion beamlet
Authors: Kisaki M. , Nagaoka K. , Slief J.H. , Haba Y. , Nakamoto R. , Tsumori K. , Nakano H. , Ikeda K. , Osakabe M. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The shape of a plasma meniscus is a key factor to determine the beam focusing. The physics model of the meniscus formation for hydrogen negative ion sources has not been established yet. A backward trajectory calculation based on experimental observation is performed in order to derive the particle information at the meniscus. It is observed that the negative ion density is spatially nonuniform in the direction parallel to the magnets for suppression of co-extracted electrons. A nonuniformity of the negative ion density in the vicinity of the meniscus is taken into account in the forward trajectory calculation. It reveals that the nonuniform negative ion distribution leads to degradation of the beam focusing and the beam splitting in phase space. The importance of the spatial distribution of negative ions on meniscus modelling is discussed with a comparison to uniform extraction model.
Divergent trends in irrigation-water withdrawal and consumption over mainland China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zheng Donghai , Zhang Kun , Chen Hao , Ge Yingchun , Li Xin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Knowledge of both irrigation-water withdrawal (IWW) and consumption (IWC, i.e. the evapotranspiration loss of applied irrigation water) is critical to sustainable water use and management. However, IWW and IWC are not well differentiated and an integrated analysis of their changes and causes is still lacking. Here we aim to close this gap and investigate the trends and drivers of IWW and IWC over mainland China using the logarithmic mean Divisia index approach and multivariate regression and fixed-effects panel regression models. We find that IWW decreased at a rate of −1.3 km3yr−1 (or −0.4% yr−1) while IWC increased at a rate of 2.9 km3 yr−1 (or 2.4% yr−1) from 1999 to 2013, albeit both showed upward trends from 1982 to 1999. The reduction in IWW was due to the decreased water-withdrawal intensity (WWI) (i.e. IWW per unit area), while the increase in IWC was mainly due to the irrigated area expansion. We find opposite trends in IWW and IWC in about half of the Chinese provinces, with IWW decreasing and IWC increasing in most cases. Changes in irrigation efficiency (IE, defined as the ratio of IWC to IWW) and climatic factors explain a large proportion of the variance in WWI and water-consumption intensity (i.e. IWC per unit area). IE presents a strong negative correlation with WWI but a positive correlation with water-consumption intensity. The improved IE makes a nonnegligible contribution (∼20%) to the irrigated area expansion, especially in water-scarce regions. The strong positive linkage between IE and IWC together with the significant rise in IWC with increasing IE suggest that the paradox of IE (i.e. higher IE tends to increase water consumption) has manifested in mainland China. Our findings highlight the importance of considering both IWW and IWC changes as well as farmer’s behavior adjustments in water resource management.
The role of rebates in public support for carbon taxes
Authors: Fremstad Anders , Mildenberger Matto , Paul Mark , Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Economists advocate carbon pricing as the primary tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, very few governments have adopted a carbon tax high enough to meet international emission targets. Political challenges may stem from a number of areas, including political mobilization by policy opponents, consumers’ willingness to pay and the regressivity of many carbon pricing schemes, which might be addressed through rebates. We use a novel carbon tax calculator to provide residents in the US and Switzerland with personalized estimates of the financial costs and benefits associated with carbon pricing policies. Our results indicate that, absent political messaging, rebates increase public support for carbon taxes in both countries by building support among lower income groups. In the US, we find majority support in our sample for both low ($50/tCO2) and high ($230/tCO2) carbon taxes when rebates are included; in Switzerland public support is lower. However, policy is always politicized, and when respondents are exposed to political messages about carbon pricing the effects associated with rebates are dampened or eliminated.
Climatic limiting factors of North American ecosystems: a remote-sensing based vulnerability analysis
Authors: Sang Zihaohan , Hamann Andreas 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Remote-sensing based vulnerability assessments to climate change are a research priority of critical importance for landscape-scale efforts to prioritize conservation and management of ecosystems. Limiting climatic factors can serve as a proxy for quantifying ecosystem vulnerability, since theory predicts that ecosystems close to critical climate thresholds will be more sensitive to interannual variation in limiting climate factors. Here, we analyze time series of enhanced vegetation index data for continental-scale vulnerability assessments. The analytical approach is a lagged monthly correlation analysis that accounts for memory effects from the previous growing season. Mapping multivariate correlation coefficients reveals that drought vulnerabilities can be found across the continent, including a distinct geographic band across the western boreal forest. The analytical approach reveals climate dependencies at high spatial and temporal resolution, with the direction and strength of correlation coefficients indicating the risk of threshold transgressions at the edge of species and ecosystem tolerance limits. The approach is further useful for hypothesis testing of contributing non-climatic factors to climatic vulnerability, allowing locally targeted management interventions to address climate change.
Temperate Regenerative Agriculture practices increase soil carbon but not crop yield—a meta-analysis
Authors: Jordon Matthew W , Willis Kathy J , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Haddaway Neal R , Smith Pete , Petrokofsky Gillian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Regenerative Agriculture (RA) claims to build soil organic carbon (SOC) and increase crop yields through simultaneous adoption of a suite of management practices which restore soil health. However, this claim is largely unevidenced as few studies of fully integrated regenerative systems are currently available. As a first step to addressing this knowledge gap, we here examine three practices now being promoted as part of RA: reducing tillage intensity, cover cropping and including a grass-based phase in arable rotations (ley-arable rotations). Our Bayesian meta-analysis of 195 paired SOC and crop yield observations from a systematic review of published studies finds statistically significant increases in SOC concentration for reduced tillage intensity (0.06 g C · 100 g−1) and ley-arable rotations (0.05 g C · 100−1 g yr−1 of ley) compared to conventional practice over an average study duration of 15 years, but no effect of cover crops. None of these practices reduce yield during cropping years, although we find no evidence of a win–win between increasing SOC and enhanced agricultural productivity following adoption. Future work should also evaluate the net greenhouse gas emission implications of each practice and potential for synergistic effects if RA practices are adopted in combination. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the RA practices investigated here can be promoted by land managers and policy makers without crop yield losses.
The double barrier problem for Brownian motion with Poissonian resetting
Authors: Villarroel Javier 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Let a < 0 < b be two fixed points. We consider a diffusive particle in one space dimension whose dynamics combines continuous-time Brownian motion with resetting at random Poisson times. We study the double barrier problem regarding the probability that starting from 0 the Brownian particle escapes (a, b) at the upper barrier b and compare how resetting modifies the exit probabilities. We also study the distribution of the corresponding exit time. We show that the resetting activity may either increase or decrease the meantime to exit a region. A precise condition involving the golden ratio separates both cases. Optimal resetting rates that minimize the mean escape time are considered.
Effects of Conservation and Conventional Tillage on some Soil Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Al-Wazzan Faris A. , Muhammad Sarbast Asaad 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The aim of the study is to compare the effects of both conservation tillage and conventional tillage on soil physical properties, such as soil water content, soil porosity, bulk density, and soil organic matter. The majority of farmers in Iraq apply conventional tillage for grain production, by using different types plow for land preparation before planting, which increases the cost of production. On the other hand, some farmers use conservation tillage as known as no-tillage system that involves the cultivation without tillage, the only soil disturbance being during the planting time. The research was conducted in Erbil Agriculture Research Directorate for planting bread wheat for three growing seasons (2017 – 2018), (2018 – 2019), (2019-2020) and (2020 – 2021). The land was divided into two parts, the first part was planted with no-tillage tillage, and the second part was planted with conventional tillage by using chisel plow and disk plow before planting. The results indicated that the soil physical properties and soil organic matter were influenced by tillage system. There are no significant differences between both tillage systems on soil moisture content from the sowing time until eight weeks of planting. However, no-tillage system has higher soil moisture content after eight weeks of sowing until flowering stage at 10cm depth. The no-tillage system decreases of soil bulk density and increases soil porosity and soil organic matter compared to conventional tillage system.
Effective of Bacterial Inoculation Azotobacter Chroococcum, Bacillus Subtilis, and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer on Ammonium and Nitrate concentrations in Soil and Plant
Authors: Azzawi Samer Sameer , Kamal Jawad Abdl-Kadhim 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aiming to investigate the interaction between Azotobacter Chroococcum, Bacillus Subtilis and four levels of phosphate rock fertilizer 0, 50,100 and 150 kg.K.ha-1 on Ammonium & Nitrate concentrations in Soil and Plant this, field experiment was carried out. The results present that inoculation with Azotobacter Chroococcum, Bacillus Subtilis, and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer singly or double produced a significant increase in (Ammonium concentrations in Soil and Plant and Nitrate concentrations in Soil and Plant) compared to the control. The application of Azotobacter Chroococcum, Bacillus Subtilis, and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer at the level of 150 kg.K.ha-1 (30.75), (3093), (85, 02) (5,917) mg.kg-1. Resulted in the highest values of the studied traits, respectively, compared to the control.
Production and Development of Wind Energy in Wasit and Al-Mothennah Governorates
Authors: Al-Jassani Nisreen Awad , Yasser Al-Najim Aqeel Hassan , Abdel-Mi’mar Howra Najah 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Renewable or alternative energy is a criterion for international progress in investing its natural resources, especially wind speed. Since the uses of wind are witnessing a wide spread, it has become necessary to work on calculating the rate of wind energy density because it is a criterion that determines the extent to which wind turbines are used or installed. The researcher depends on a comparison between two areas with different classification; where Al-Mothennah governorate enjoys a large quantity of winds, while Wasit governorate is experiencing lower rates than its counterpart in Al-Semawah station.
Practical Study to Find the Best Sound Insulation for Walls From Different Building Materials
Authors: Salih Khalid Ahmed , Khudhur Aktifaa Salih , Abdulla Aziz Ibrahim 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The sound insulation of walls made of different building materials was tested in various places from Tikrit University in Iraq, with a number of up to 14 walls, distributed in the Department of Environmental Engineering, the Department of Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering, the Deanship of the College of Arts, the College of Education, the College of Arts, the Department of Psychology, and the Deanship of the College of Computer. It was found through the results that the highest value of sound insulation was obtained for the wall of sequence 13, which amounted to 44.86 dB, but it is for a wall built of thermiston material, and this indicates that thermiston gave the greatest value for sound insulation. The study showed that there are building materials for other walls that can give excellent sound insulation, which is a material republican bricks covered with wood and walls built of sandwich material with a thickness of 10 cm and walls concrete coated with PVC, as well as sandwich walls with a thickness of 7 cm, reaching. The highest values for the rest of the sound insulation results for the top five values were (38.6, 38.43, 37.13, 34, 33.76) dB decibel. The results showed that the perforated brick is no doubt excellent sound insulation and proof of that all the walls built of perforated bricks provided insulation Excellent sound with the rest of the additional isolators used. The study also showed that for the walls of the sandwich panels, with the increase in thickness, the value of sound insulation increases. Where the value of sound insulation (38.43 dB, 34 dB and 30.36 dB) for walls with thickness (10cm, 7cm and 5cm) respectively. Finally, it is important to mention that the lowest value of the measured sound insulation for measured walls was 23.23 decibels, but for a brick wall from the outside of the squirt spreading cement and from the inside with plaster and borax in the College of Engineering - Department of Environmental Engineering building.
Effect of Silica, Bio-Organic Fertilizers, and Spraying of Nano-Titanium and Nano-Cobalt on the Growth and Yield of Rice
Authors: Neamah AL-Sultanei Ameer Eamad , Attia Al-Juthery Hayyawi Wewa 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In order to evaluate the response of rice plant (Anber 33 cultivar) to fertilization with silica, bio-organic fertilizers and spraying nano-titanium and nano-cobalt on some growth indicators and the yield of rice crop Anber 33 cultivar, The field study was conducted in Al-Tali’a district (boycott 41 - Al-Hussainiya) Babylon province, Iraq. for the period from 15/6/2021 to 23/11/2021.The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD).The treatments were randomly distributed according to a simple one-way experiment, where silica fertilizer was added to the treatments at two levels (0 and 300 kg ha-1), as well as the bio-organic fertilizer was added to the treatments at two levels (0 and 1000 kg ha-1).While the treatments of spraying with nanomaterial’s represented by spraying nano-titanium and nano-cobalt and dual sprays of nanomaterials with concentration of 100 mg L-1 each, so the number of treatments was 16 treatments and three replicates. The results of the statistical analysis of Duncan’s test showed that the combined effect of (silica fertilizer + nano-cobalt spray + nano-titanium) recorded the highest results in plant height (122.0) cm, chlorophyll index (40.97) SPAD, and Netting percentage (70.20)%, as well as fertilization (silica and nano-titanium spray). The highest increase in biological yield was recorded (16.25) Mg ha-1, The treatment (silica + bio-organic fertilization + doul spraying of nano-materials) recorded the highest grain yield (4.43) Mg ha-1 and the harvest index (29.69)%, and the weight of 1000 grains (20.90) g. The nano-cobalt spray recorded the highest agronomic efficiency (4270.8) kg kg-1.
Effect of NPK, NPK Organic Fertilizers and Spraying Nano-Vanadium and Nano-Selenium on the Growth and Yield of Rice
Authors: Kadhim Al-Karaawi Mohammed Dayikh , Attia Al-Juthery Hayyawi Wewa 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The research aims to evaluate the response of rice plant to fertilization with NPK, NPK Organic fertilizers and spraying of nano-vanadium and nano-selenium in some growth and yield indicators of rice (Anber 33 cultivar).A field study was conducted in Al-Tali’a district (41 - Al-Hussainiya, south of Hilla city) Babylon province Iraq, for the period from 15/6/2021 to 26/11/2021.The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD).The treatments were randomly distributed according to a simple one-way experiment. The experiment was applied by adding NPK fertilizer at two levels (0 and 300 kg ha-1) and NPK Amino Humic Compound fertilizer at two levels (0 and 1000 kg ha-1).While the treatments of spraying with nanomaterials represented by spraying nano-vanadium and nano-selenium at a concentration (100 mg L-1) were two sprays, bringing the number of experimental units to 16 treatments. The results of the statistical analysis of Duncan’s test showed that fertilizing with organic acids fertilizer with nanomaterials gave the highest plant height, reaching (120 cm). While the combination (NPK+NPKOrganic+nano-vanadium) showed the highest chlorophyll index, which amounted to (40.80) SPAD. While quadruple combination treatment of (NPK+NPKOrganic +nano-vanadium+nano-selenium) achieved the highest values in biological yield (15.93 Mg.ha-1) and grain yield (4.30 Mg.ha-1) and harvest index (27.0%) Also, the single (NPK) treatment gave the highest weight of 1000 grains, which weighed (21.37 g).The spraying of nano-selenium and vanadium recorded the highest agronomic efficiency, reaching (1676.7 and 1468.7 kg kg-1) to spray nano-Va and nano-Se respectively, followed by the dual- combination of nano-materials, which amounted to (1202.7) kg kg-1.
Effect of Spraying Some Nano-Fertilizers and Their Combinations on the Growth and Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
Authors: Nashi Al-Saidi Amal Abdul-Razzaq , Al-Mohammad Maher H.S. , Al-Juthery Hayyawi W. A. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The experiment was conducted in one of the special fields for the winter agricultural season 2020/2021 in Al-Qadisiyah province / Sumer-Al-Barakat sub-district, which is 17 km from the district, at 32.14 degrees north latitude and 44.99 degrees east longitude. To know the effect of spraying some nano-fertilizers and their combinations on the growth and yield of the fenugreek, the experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment included 10 treatments (T1), the control treatment, spraying distilled water only, (T2) a balanced nano-NPK spraying at a concentration of 2 g L-1, (T3) adding NPK mineral fertilizer 200 kg ha-1, (T4) Spraying nano microelements 2 g L-1 + NPK mineral fertilizer, (T5) Spraying nano seaweed extract 2ml.L-1 + adding NPK mineral fertilizer, (T6) spraying nano NPK at a concentration of 2 g.L-1 + mineral NPK, (T7) Spraying nano micro-elements fertilizer at a concentration of 2 g L-1 + nano seaweed extract at a concentration of 2 ml L-1 + adding NPK mineral fertilizer, (T8) spraying nano micro-elements at a concentration of 2 g L-1 + nano NPK at a concentration of 2 g L-1 + adding NPK mineral fertilizer and (T9) spraying nano seaweed extract at a concentration of 2 ml L-1 + nano NPK at a concentration of 2 g L-1 + adding Mineral NPK fertilizer and (T10) spraying nano-micro elements 2 g. L-1 + nano seaweed extract 2 ml L-1 + NPK nano-concentration 2 g L-1 + adding NPK mineral fertilizer, the first spraying was done three times when the plants reached 6-8 leaves, the second and the third with an interval of 14 days between them. The results showed significantly excelled of plants treated with (T10) and the highest averages were achieved in the vegetative growth traits compared to the control treatment. It also produced the highest averages in all yield traits and its components, especially the fresh and dry leaf yield, and seed and oil yield, which amounted to 12.771, 1.442, 1.431, and 159.48 kg ha-1, respectively, compared with the control treatment, which produced 9.514, 1.163, 1.024 and 99.38 kg ha-1, respectively.