scholarly journals Crop Establishment SIMulator: A Qualitative Aggregative Model to Predict the Role of Phytobiomes on Field Crop Establishment

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Ram Lamichhane ◽  
Ming Pei You ◽  
Martin J. Barbetti ◽  
Jean-Noël Aubertot
Keyword(s):  
Generic Model ◽  
Field Crop ◽  
State Variables ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Crop Establishment ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Input Variables

The definition of phytobiomes can be transposed to any agroecosystem and applies to any phase of crop cycles. Here, we study the crop establishment phase using a generic modeling framework to assess the potential role of phytobiomes on field crop establishment. We first developed a generic model called Crop Establishment SIMulator (CESIM) that takes into account cropping practices, seed and seedling characteristics, seedbed components (physical chemical and biological), and weather, as well as their interactions. All these variables were integrated in a qualitative aggregative hierarchical network to predict the quality of field crop establishment. CESIM has 38 basic (input variables) and 20 aggregated (19 state variables and 1 output variable) attributes for a total of 58 attributes. The prediction quality of the model was evaluated for a dataset of 231 field observations across four states of Australia and experimental results obtained in the last 40 years. Accuracy of predictions of the final attribute (i.e., crop establishment) was 91% and explained 29% of variability of the dataset, as described by the quadratic weighted Cohen’s κ. CESIM represents a unique and original generic model capable of taking into account a large number of variables and their interactions to predict the quality of field crop establishment. This model is flexible, transparent, and user friendly and, therefore, is suitable both for academic and nonacademic users. CESIM can be used across a wide range of situations to perform not only the ex-ante assessment of potential establishment quality of a given crop but also ex-post assessment.

scholarly journals 178Depression but not physical activity mediates the fatigue-mental quality of life relationship in multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Fidao ◽  
Alysha De Livera ◽  
Tracey Weiland ◽  
George Jelinek ◽  
Sandra Neate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background Fatigue is among the most prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and significantly detrimental to mental quality of life. We examined the role of depression and physical activity as mediators in the fatigue-QoL relationship in MS. Methods Using an international study cohort measuring a wide range of lifestyle and clinical factors, determinants of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and mental quality of life (MSQoL-54; QoL) were assessed in 2,104 participants using log-binomial and linear regression, respectively. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediating role of depression and physical activity between fatigue and mental QoL. Results The median mental QoL score in the sample was 73.8/100. The mean fatigue score was 40.5/63, with 65.6% having clinically significant fatigue. In SEM analyses evaluating depression as a mediator of the fatigue-QoL relationship, mental QoL was 14.17-points lower in those with clinically significant fatigue, of which the indirect effect via depression accounted for over 30.8% (p < 0.001). This mediation effect was most pronounced for the Role Limitations from Emotional Issues (44.9%, p < 0.001) and Emotional Wellbeing (41.6%, p < 0.001) subdomains. Evaluating physical activity as a mediator of the fatigue-QoL relationship, mental QoL was 11.03-points lower in those with clinically significant fatigue, of which the indirect effect via physical activity accounted for only 1.0% (p = 0.001). Conclusions This study provides evidence that depression accounts for a majority of the fatigue-mental QoL relationship, while physical activity only plays a small role. While replication and longitudinal studies are required for validation, our findings may inform the development of treatments for reducing the impacts of fatigue and improving QoL in people with MS. Key messages Fatigue’s negative impact on emotional quality of life in multiple sclerosis is not a function of reduced ambulation but instead its impact on depression. Reducing depression may thus markedly improve quality of life in this population.

Hybrid Image Segmentation Within a Computer Vision Hierarchy

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64
Author(s):  
Ray Thomas ◽  
Fariborz Zahedi
Keyword(s):  
Computer Vision ◽  
Image Segmentation ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Generic Model ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Segmentation Approach ◽  
Edge Based

Hybrid image segmentation within a computer vision hierarchy A generic model of a computer vision system is presented which highlights the critical role of image segmentation. A hybrid segmentation approach, utilising both edge-based and region-based techniques, is proposed for improved quality of segmentation. An image segmentation architecture is outlined and test results are presented and discussed.

Service-Oriented Human Computer Interaction and Scripting

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil McBride ◽  
Ibrahim Elbeltagi
Keyword(s):  
Human Computer Interaction ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Service Encounter ◽  
Script Analysis ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Service Interaction ◽  
Service Oriented ◽  
Computer Interaction

The emphasis of human-computer interaction (HCI) design on the technology and computer action tends to obscure consideration of the contribution of the computer interface to the service interaction. This chapter suggests that since a majority of commercial information systems support or provide services, the nature and progression of the service encounter should be a key concern of human computer interface designers. The chapter proposes the concept of service-oriented HCI in which HCI design is derived from service design, dialog is driven by customer needs and perceptions, activities that have led up to the service encounter are considered, and the service interaction dialog is aligned with the computer dialog. As part of service-oriented HCI, the chapter illustrates the use of scripting to examine ex-post the role of a computer interaction in a service encounter. It demonstrates that the computer dialog can drive the service interaction in such a way that the quality of the interaction is reduced and customer satisfaction affected. It concludes that the role of the computer system in a service interaction is an area for further research. Furthermore, script analysis may enable the development of human-computer dialogs that meet some of the criteria of service-oriented HCI.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the coefficient of uniformity and non-uniformity of irrigation for wide-range irrigators in various field conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Jobbágy Ján ◽  
Krištof Koloman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Model ◽  
Evaluation Methods ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Work Quality ◽  
Specific Field ◽  
Irrigation Uniformity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Coefficient Of Uniformity ◽  
Input Variables

The aim of this paper is to address an issue of work quality of irrigation machines with eight parameters that were selected and defined as input variables. The objective of the study was to determine possibilities of different evaluation methods for a wide range of irrigation machines and their versatility. All input conditions that could affect the results were recorded and analysed. The results were statistically analysed by a linear model (ANOVA). The results confirm that there are no statistically significant differences in used evaluation methods (p > 0.05) when the effect of locality was not considered. When the effect of locality was considered, statistically significant differences were observed (p < 0.05). When considering the coefficient of non-uniformity, statistically significant differences were not observed, however in case of considering different irrigation machines, statistically significant differences were observed. The obtained results indicate that the evaluation of irrigation uniformity is possible to carry out with other methods; however, the specific field conditions are not interchangeable as a parameter.  

Modelling of tribological responses of composites using integrated ANN-GA technique

2020 ◽  
pp. 002199832096052
Author(s):  
Santanu Sardar ◽  
Swati Dey ◽  
Debdulal Das
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Matrix Composites ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Input Parameters ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
Velocity Input ◽  
Abrasive Size

In the present article, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithm (GA) methodology were integrated to model tribological characteristics of stir-cast Al-Zn-Mg-Cu matrix composites under two-body abrasion considering large numbers of experimentally generated results. Tribo-responses of wear rate (Wrt), coefficient of friction (COF) and roughness of abraded surface (RAS) were evaluated under wide range of intrinsic ( i.e., particle quantity) and extrinsic ( i.e., abrasive size, load, distance and velocity) input parameters. Characteristics of Wrt, COF and RAS are often mutually contradictory in nature and so, multi-objective optimization technique becomes imperative for selection and design of machine components. Accordingly, those were optimized through Pareto solutions. Sensitivity of different factors was analyzed on each of the tribo-performances and validated via experimental evidences. Amongst the input variables, particle quantity and abrasive size dominated significantly over other variables except load which imparted modest influences. The role of various input parameters was explained through determination of different micromechanisms via exhaustive post wear characterizations, microstructural and surface topography attributes. Lowest values of Wrt and COF with a modest value of RAS were identified at 15 ± 2 wt.% particle quantity.

scholarly journals The Role of Quality of Education in Neurocognitive Functioning in a Diverse Sample with Chronic Opioid Use Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1269-1269
Author(s):  
J Olsen ◽  
J Arnsten ◽  
T Scott ◽  
F Arias ◽  
C Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Chronic Opioid Use

Abstract Objective Literacy is a proxy for quality of education (QoE) and mediates ethnicity-related differences in neurocognitive (NC) performance in some populations (Manly et al., 2002; Rivera Mindt et al., 2008). However, it is unknown whether this relationship exists in the context of chronic opioid use disorder (OUD). This study examined the role of ethnicity, QoE, opioid use severity, and depression in predicting NC performance in a diverse sample of persons with OUD. Participants and Method This cross-sectional study included 74 adults with OUD (Age M = 40.3 [SD = 10.5]; Education M = 11.3 [2.5]; 24% female; 68% Latinx and 32% Non-Latinx White [NLW]). All participants completed comprehensive NC testing and psychiatric/substance use questionnaires. Variables included ethnicity (Latinx vs. Non-Latinx White), years of education, QoE (Wide Range Achievement Test, Third Edition; WRAT-3 Reading Standard Scores), opioid use severity (high vs. low OAT dose), current depression (Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition; BDI-II Total Score), and demographically-corrected NC T-scores were computed and used for average domain T-scores (e.g., learning, memory, verbal fluency, executive function). Bivariate and ANCOVA analyses were used to compare ethnic groups. Results There were no significant group differences on opioid use severity or current depression (p’s > .05). However, compared to the NLW group, the Latinx group had lower years of education (M = 10.9 [SD = 1.7] vs. M = 12.2 [SD = 3.5]; t[72)] = 2.1, p < .05), QoE (M = 83.1 [SD = 13.6] vs. M = 94.8 [SD = 9.4]; t[72] = 3.8, p < .001), executive functioning (M = 42.0 [SD = 6.5] vs. M = 45.8 [SD = 8.5]; t[72) = 2.1, p < .05), and learning (M = 32.2 [SD = 8.2] vs. M = 37.8 [SD = 8.7]; t[72)] = 2.7, p < .05), with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > .50). The overall effect of ethnicity became non-significant for executive functioning after accounting for QoE (F[2,70] = 10.0, p = .002) and years of education (F[2,70)] = 16.8, p < .001). Conclusions The current study found that accounting for years of education and QoE attenuates some differences in NC performance between Latinx and Non-Latinx participants. References Manly, J. J., Jacobs, D. M., Touradji, P., Small, S. A., & Stern, Y. (2002). Reading level attenuates differences in neuropsychological test performance between African American and White elders. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 8(3), 341-348. Mindt, M. R., Arentoft, A., Germano, K. K., D’Aquila, E., Scheiner, D., Pizzirusso, M., ... & Gollan, T. H. (2008). Neuropsychological, cognitive, and theoretical considerations for evaluation of bilingual individuals. Neuropsychology review, 18(3), 255-268.

The Role of Social Workers in Supporting and Developing the Work of Foster Carers

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive Sellick
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Wide Range

The quality of relations between social workers and foster carers can virtually make or break a placement. Clive Sellick uses a wide range of social work literature to examine some of the conditions needed for these relations to succeed, both in the realm of practical organisation and in terms of individual qualities such as reliability, honesty, empathy and warmth.

scholarly journals Applications of Melatonin in Female Reproduction in the Context of Oxidative Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yonghui Jiang ◽  
Huangcong Shi ◽  
Yue Liu ◽  
Shigang Zhao ◽  
Han Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Wide Range

Oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the causal mediators of female infertility by affecting the oocyte quality and early embryo development. Improving oxidative stress is essential for reproductive health. Melatonin, a self-secreted antioxidant, has a wide range of effects by improving mitochondrial function and reducing the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This minireview illustrates the applications of melatonin in reproduction from four aspects: physiological ovarian aging, vitrification freezing, in vitro maturation (IVM), and oxidative stress homeostasis imbalance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), emphasising the role of melatonin in improving the quality of oocytes in assisted reproduction and other adverse conditions.

The Outrageous Idea of Christian Teaching

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perry Glanzer ◽  
Nathan Alleman ◽  
George Marsden
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Christian Identity ◽  
Christian Teaching ◽  
Primary Responsibility ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Faith And Learning

There are thousands of Christian professors, many of whom claim “Christian” as their primary identity and teaching as their primary responsibility. Much of the current literature about the integration of faith and learning focuses on the differences between Christian scholarship and Christian teaching. As a result, few books explore how Christian identity, or a particular Christian identity (e.g., Baptist, Anglican), shapes teaching. In addition, few works examine what identity-influenced teaching outside of one’s professional identity looks like in the contemporary university. One distinguishing feature of this book is that it addresses both those subjects by exploring responses of Christian professors to questions about how them. By drawing upon a mixed-methods survey of over 2,300 Christian professors, this book reveals the wide range of wisdom that contemporary professors offer about how they practice faith-informed teaching. The second unique quality of this book is that it situates the findings of this study within the wider scholarly conversation about the role of identity-informed teaching. It describes the tensions within this conversation between those who advocate for restraining the influence of one’s extraprofessional identities and those who, in the name of authenticity, promote the full integration of one’s primary identities into the classroom. It then sets forth an original position that draws from empirical research to provide a nuanced approach to this issue. Overall, the book charts new ground regarding how professors think about Christian teaching in particular, as well as how professors should approach identity-informed teaching in general.

Influence of Microstructure, Environment and Temperature on Fatigue Crack Propagation in 2XXX Aluminium Alloys

2013 ◽  
Vol 592-593 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Jean Petit ◽  
Christine Sarrazin-Baudoux ◽  
Michel Gerland
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Crack ◽  
Aluminum Alloys ◽  
Crack Growth ◽  
Crack Growth Behavior ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Peak Aged ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
New Generation

Aluminum alloys, widely used for constitutive parts of aircrafts are confronted to a wide range of temperature depending on altitude and climate, from room temperature on the ground down to some 223K at high altitude. The fatigue crack growth behavior of two new generation aluminum alloys, 2024A in T351 temper and 2022 in T351 and T851 tempers, have been investigated at both temperatures. It is shown that temperature and air humidity do not affect the crack growth resistance of the peak aged 2022 while these two parameters widely influence the crack growth in the under-aged alloys which exhibit in cold air a crystallographic retarded propagation similar to that in vacuum. The respective role of microstructure, temperature, atmosphere residual humidity and crack closure is discussed on the basis of a preexisting modeling framework for environmentally assisted fatigue.

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