Greater Space Research Articles

Fast Variable Density 3-D Node Generation

Mesh-free solvers for partial differential equations perform best on scattered quasi-uniform nodes. Computational efficiency can be improved by using nodes with greater spacing in regions of less activity. We present an advancing front type method to generate variable density nodes in 2-D and 3-D with clear generalization to higher dimensions. The exhibited cost of generating a node set of size $N$ in 2-D and 3-D with the present method is O(N).

Digital Measurement of the Diameter of the Collagen Fibers by Transmission Electron Microscopy for Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Like in Small Animals

Background: Ehlers-Danlos-Like Syndrome (EDS) is a rare disease in small animals, whose diagnosis is based on the clinical findings and histopathological examination. The definitive diagnosis may require transmission electron microscopy. Despite this, the ultrastructural changes are poorly described in the literature. The aim of the present study is to describe the ultrastructural findings of collagen fibers and fibroblasts present in the dermis of two animals with EDS, and to evaluate the digital measurement of the diameter of the collagen fibers by transmission electron microscopic images.Cases: Two animals were evaluated with EDS by transmission electron microscopy. The first animal was an 1-year-old mixed breed female cat, due to spontaneous skin laceration, increased skin elasticity and an extensibility index corresponding to 25%. The second animal evaluated was a 5-month-old Golden Retriever female dog due to articular hypermobility, increased skin elasticity and an extensibility index corresponding to 16.6%. After a skin biopsy of the interscapular and lumbar regions, the samples were fixed in formalin 10% and glutaraldehyde for, respectively, histopathological examination by HE staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The histopathology of the affected cat revealed collagen fibers shortened and sometimes fragmented. The histopathology of the affected dog revealed disarranged and more eosinophilic staining collagen fibers. The collagen fibers were also of unequal sizes, shortened and slightly undulate. At the transmission electron microscopy of the affected cat was evidenced a greater spacing of the collagen fibers of variable diameters. Further this, the fibroblasts showed elongated nuclei with heterochromatic regions, which was surrounded externally by scant cytoplasm. The cytoplasm showed elongated and discrete organelles. At the transmission electron microscopy of the affected dog was evidenced a greater spacing of the collagen fibers of variable diameters. Further this, fibroblasts exhibited intense cytoplasmic vacuolization with similar appearance to that found in the dying process by autophagy. In addition, the images obtained by transmission electron microscopy were submitted to digital analysis to measure the diameter of the collagen fibers using the software Image J. For this purpose, it was obtained the average of the diameter of 10 collagen fibers in cross-section into four quadrants of 1μm each. The digital analysis of collagen fibers revealed significant alterations in the ultrastructure of collagen. In addition, it was verified cellular changes, such as the large amount of intracytoplasmic vesicles and the small amount of collagen fibers dispersed around the cells.Discussion: Microscopic abnormalities visualized by HE staining in this present study were compatible with the literature Transmission electron microscopy is fundamental to confirm the suspicion, since it revealed dermal alterations in the ultrastructure of collagen and fibroblasts. These findings indicate possible failure mechanisms of secretion and release of cellular products, as well as collagen. The digital measurement of the diameter of the collagen fibers contributed to the confirmation of the disease, since it was made randomly and reduced the subjectivity inherent of the evaluator. However, there are no studies using this method to allocate a range of significance for the diameter of collagen fibers that may be considered suggestive for the syndrome in small animals.

The Effect of Substitutions on Team Tactical Behavior in Professional Soccer

ABSTRACT Player substitutions are one of the main options for the coach to change tactical behavior of his team. Purpose: The present study therefore investigates the effect of player substitutions on tactical behavior in high-performance soccer using positional data. Method: The sample consisted of 659 substitutions from 234 matches played in the German Bundesliga during the season 2016–2017. Substitutions were classified either as neutral (n = 485), defensive (n = 45), or offensive (n = 129) according to the player’s roles. The teams’ tactical behavior before and after each substitution was analyzed using team centroid, inter-team centroid distance, team length and width, length per width (LpW) ratio, stretch index, and space control for the whole pitch and for each third as the dependent variables. Results: The linear mixed model analysis showed different effects for neutral, defensive, and offensive substitutions. Teams displayed significantly lower stretch index after defensive substitutions. LpW ratio increased with neutral and offensive substitutions, while inter-team distance decreased. The position of the team centroid, space control in the middle third and in the attacking third were also greater following an offensive substitution. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that player substitutions effectively change tactical behavior of teams. Soccer coaches should perform more offensive substitutions to elicit a higher defensive pressure and improve goal-scoring opportunities, especially due to greater space control in the attacking third. In contrast, defensive substitutions can be used to increase defensive effectiveness through increases in team compactness.

Effect of migration, distribution and spacing of pig embryos on pregnancy and fetal survival

Pig embryos enter the uterus from the oviduct about 48 h after ovulation at about the 4-cell stage. They remain near the tip of the uterine horn until about Day 6 when they migrate towards the body of the uterus. By Day 9 some embryos have entered the horn opposite the one of origin and continue migrating until Day 12. At Day 12 embryos can no longer successfully move to a different site. The critical signal for recognition of pregnancy occurs at Day 12 at the same time that embryos are elongating at a rapid rate. The distribution of embryos throughout the length of the horns has occurred by this time and spacing accompanied by uterine growth takes place. The speed of migration is not influenced by the number of embryos but may be affected by secretions from the embryos acting on the uterus. A significant section of unoccupied uterus at Day 12 will prevent continuance of pregnancy regardless of the number of embryos present in the occupied section. When the number of embryos is so few as to not occupy the uterus fully, pregnancy will not continue. Removal of embryos from a significant section of the uterus after Day 14 does not stop an existing pregnancy. Embryos are spaced nearly equidistant from each other with the absolute space between fetuses dependent on the total uterine space available. The position of the fetus in the uterus affects the spacing between fetuses; fetuses at the tip of the horn before Day 25 have the greatest space with the space decreasing from the tip to the body.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems on Post-Weaning Stress in Piglets

This study aimed to investigate how farrowing and rearing systems affect skin lesions, serum cortisol, and aggressive behavior as indicators for weaning stress of piglets. Between May 2016 and March 2018, in total 3144 weaning piglets from three different farrowing systems were examined: farrowing crates (FC), single-housing free-farrowing pens (FF), and group-housing of lactating sows and litters (GH). After weaning and regrouping, piglets were relocated to conventional rearing pens (conv; 5.7 m2) or to wean-to-finish pens (w-f; 12.4 m2). Skin lesions were scored 24 h after weaning. Blood samples were taken one week before and 24 h after weaning to analyze the individual difference in serum cortisol. Behavior was observed for 24 h after relocation. Animals raised in FC and FF had significantly more skin lesions than that of GH animals. Piglets born in GH showed lower cortisol differences and fought less and for shorter periods compared to FC and FF piglets. Piglets weaned to w-f pens showed greater cortisol changes and fought significantly longer than piglets in conv pens. Group housing during the suckling period reduced weaning stress for piglets in terms of skin lesions, serum cortisol, and aggressive behavior. Greater space allowance (w-f vs. conv) was not beneficial with regard to the investigated parameters.

The South and NASA: Public Opinion Differences and Political Consequence

ABSTRACT The decision to locate many of NASA’s major facilities are rooted in the political dynamics of the 1960s seeking to placate powerful Southern members of the U.S. Congress. When looked at nationally, public support for NASA and space exploration tends to be muted; might that opinion vary if respondents are more closely located to NASA’s centers, particularly in the South? Using long-term data from the General Social Survey, regional differences in public support for greater space exploration funding were examined. Despite NASA’s heavy presence in the South, not to mention its economic impact, individuals in the South are considerably less likely to support more space spending. Comparatively, respondents in the Mountain and Pacific regions are comparatively more likely to support space funding. Thus, to the extent that region matters in influencing spending attitudes, being in the South is a negative factor. These findings add to the body of knowledge regarding the political dynamics of space policy that play a role as NASA looks to return to the Moon in the near term.

Optimal design alternatives of advance guide signs of closely spaced exit ramps on urban expressways

Advance guide signs for exit ramps along urban expressways are increasingly critical, enhancing safety and mobility by improving the flow of vehicles exiting urban expressways. However, research has devoted scant attention to advance guide signs for exit ramps. This study aimed to identify and propose optimal design alternatives for exit ramp advance guide signs for different types of exit spacing. This study conducted a driving simulation experiment consisting of five design alternatives of advance guide signs and two exit ramp spacing variation. Eight indicators were measured. The repeated-measure analysis of variances (ANOVA) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were performed for the influence analysis and efficiency evaluation of different schemes. Influence analysis results showed better design alternatives in five schemes of advance guide signs, enabling drivers to more easily locate destination exits and change lanes fewer times, in addition to reducing drivers’ need to decelerate, and improving traffic flow in the key influence range of destination exit ramps. The percentage of drivers successfully locating the destination exits also increased with optimal design alternatives of advance guide signs. When the exit ramp spacing tightened, on the other hand, drivers had to make more lane changes and accelerate and decelerate more frequently in the key influence range. As a result, a lower percentage of drivers successfully located destination exits. Efficiency evaluation results were also obtained. In tight spacing, three advance guide signs are recommended to be placed at 1 km, 0.5 km and 0 km prior to the beginning of the tapered deceleration lane. If conditions are limited, at least two advance guide signs should be used. With greater spacing, four advance guide signs are recommended, located at 2 km, 1 km, 0.5 km, and 0 km prior to the beginning of the tapered deceleration lane. If road conditions are limited, three advance guide signs should be used.

Pakistan in 2019

Relatively prudent foreign policy maneuvers stole the headlines in 2019, overshadowing Pakistan’s downward economic spiral and political decay. The Imran Khan government made the most of extra-regional strategic opportunities with the US and China while weathering a collapsing bilateral relationship with India. Officials struggled to arrest a mounting economic crisis. The state further accelerated the long-term corrosion of Pakistan’s political institutions with threats to federalism, suppression of opposition elements, and greater space for the military at the expense of civilians.

A CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE NEGRA VIA MOVIMENTO SOCIAL: MARCHA DOS CABELOS CRESPOS ENQUANTO ESTRATÉGIA DE ENFRENTAMENTO DO RACISMO

Configura-se no cenário brasileiro hodierno uma composição de coletivos e organizações sociais a qual tem ganho muita força. Um desses grupos organizados refere-se ao movimento de transição capilar, termo que designa o processo de naturalização dos cabelos cacheados e crespos, visando à interrupção do uso de químicas que possibilitavam que os cabelos fossem alisados de forma definitiva. Tais movimentos alcançam maior espaço e força no meio digital, através das redes sociais, chegando também às ruas nas formas de Marcha do Orgulho e do Empoderamento Crespo, além dos “rolezinhos” e feiras black. Em Salvador/BA, a Lei nº 9.194/2017 foi sancionada instituindo o dia 20 de Novembro como “Dia do Empoderamento Crespo”, que objetiva “elevar a autoestima daqueles que por ventura se sintam inferiorizados, conscientizando-os de que todos são iguais e, portanto, são livres na forma de agir e de se apresentar perante a sociedade". A reflexão de tal temática perpassa pelo questionamento do eurocentrismo como padrão unificado (cultura, modos de pensar e de se vestir, parâmetro de beleza, decisões políticas e proposições históricas extremamente relevantes no Brasil), além do debate acerca da reificação do corpo; promovendo, assim, aprofundamento em torno da apropriação corporal e empoderamento feminino. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho pretende analisar criticamente a construção da identidade negra, os atravessamentos raciais que se inserem no cotidiano das vivências e os debates suscitados nos coletivos que acionam os signos capilares. Para tanto, apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica acerca das categorias analíticas principais e de seus respectivos desdobramentos.

Variations in productivity and wood properties of Amazonian tachi-branco trees planted at different spacings for bioenergy purposes

Tachi-branco (Tachigali vulgaris, L.F.Gomes da Silva & H.C.Lima) is a leguminous tree species native to the Amazon rainforest that has drawn attention for its remarkably fast growth, a required trait for biomass/bioenergy plantations. In evaluations of biomass production and wood properties of T. vulgaris planted in homogeneous plantations at different spacings in the Amazonian state of Para, Brazil, biomass of 7-year-old trees was quantified for individual trees and the entire population. Wood was also sampled to assess properties relevant to bioenergy applications. The choice for spacing dimension for planting nonclonal T. vulgaris should consider whether the priority is greater productivity per tree, achieved with greater spacings (9.0 m2 and 12.0 m2), or productivity per area, achieved with closer spacings (6.0 m2 and 7.5 m2). Genetic variability of the T. vulgaris seed stand and/or high heritability of wood traits overcame the effect of different spacing on all morphological, physical, chemical and energetic properties of T. vulgaris wood. This species has moderate basic density when cultivated at spacings larger than 6 m2 and net heating value above 7.95 MJ/kg, which is suitable for bioenergy purposes. The high variation in wood properties within tree spacing is strongly indicative of great potential for genetic breeding. The fast growth and the suitable moderate wood basic density confirm the outstanding potential of homogeneous plantations of T. vulgaris for providing wood for bioenergy.

Claves en la enseñanza de la lengua minorizada. Acercamiento al caso del aragonés

El aragonés es una de las lenguas propias de Aragón, la cual ha sufrido un proceso de minorización a lo largo de su historia y hasta nuestros días. A pesar de ello, ya han pasado dos décadas desde que se introdujo por primera vez en las aulas de Educación Infantil y Educación Primaria. Sin embargo, existen escasas investigaciones sobre la evolución de la enseñanza-aprendizaje del aragonés y sobre su situación actual en las escuelas. Con la finalidad de realizar una aportación en el ámbito de la enseñanza del aragonés, así como en el de la didáctica de las lenguas minorizadas, desarrollamos una investigación cualitativa bajo el diseño del estudio de diarios. Las aportaciones de los 32 alumnos participantes muestran la escasa competencia alcanzada por el alumnado de resultas del obsoleto modelo implementado. Además, de los datos emerge la presencia tanto de un factor de tipo afectivo como de una visión diglósica del aragonés que determinan las representaciones del alumnado respecto a esta lengua. En cualquier caso, la valoración de las propuestas didácticas de los docentes es considerablemente positiva y resulta reiterativa la solicitud de un espacio mayor para la lengua propia en el ámbito escolar.

Women’s employment and family planning in rural Uganda

ABSTRACTDespite impressive progress in increasing contraceptive use in developing countries during recent decades, the uptake has lagged behind in Africa. One of the most critical factors in raising the use of contraception is women’s employment status. This study analyzed the link between women’s employment and family planning in rural Uganda and addressed shortcomings in the literature by using nationally representative panel data from the 2010 and 2012 rounds of the Uganda National Panel Survey for 800 women aged 15–49 years, and estimating heterogeneous effects for different types of employment and across socio-economic characteristics. Employment was not associated with greater use of modern contraceptives, but off-farm wage-employed women were more likely to use traditional contraception. The correlation of employment was strongest for women who had reached their desired fertility status, but became insignificant for poorer women who lived in remote areas. However, likely due to the ineffectiveness of traditional methods, off-farm wage employment was not associated with greater spacing between births. Our findings implied that providing rural employment opportunities for women is insufficient to increase the uptake of modern contraceptives. To enhance the effectiveness of family planning programs, health-care officers should target off-farm wage-employed women to address their unmet contraceptive needs.

Production of Maize Silage is Possible in Integrated Systems with Arboreal Component

Distribution of the intercropped plants determines the production but it is highly dependent on the machinery of the property. Producers, who harvest silage row by row, depend on plantings with greater spacing. This study was aimed to evaluate the maize intercropped for cultivated silage in 0.90 m between rows, with grass under the shade and full sunlight conditions. Maize with brachiaria grass was tested in four sowing densities (0, 2, 4 and 6 kg of pure and viable seeds per hectare). The factorial treatments (2x2x4) were distributed in a split-plot design with four repetitions. The maize agronomic characteristics and the silage quality were evaluated. There was a high level of competition when associated with maize, piatã and eucalyptus. Aggressive piatã grass growth, with light restriction by trees, have affected strongly the maize forage mass-produced, and consequently, reduced silage production. Regarding grain yield, the intercrop with ruziziensis grass was superior (210%) to the intercrop with piatã grass. It was mainly influenced by the low yield in the piatã grass intercropped under shade conditions. This pattern was different for ruziziensis because it was a less aggressive grass in terms of growth. For plantations with 0.90 m of spacing, there was a light restriction. The maize intercropped under the shade of trees must be done with lower growth rate grass to reduce competition and maintain the yield.

Exploring the Tactor Configurations of Vibrotactile Feedback Systems for Use in Lower-Limb Prostheses1

Vibrotactile feedback may be able to compensate for the loss of sensory input in lower-limb prosthesis users to improve the mobility function. Designing an effective vibrotactile feedback system requires that users are able to perceive and respond to vibrotactile stimuli correctly and in a timely manner. Our study explored four key tactor configuration variables (i.e., tactors’ prosthetic layer, vibration intensity, prosthetic pressure, and spacing between adjacent tactors) through two experiments. The vibration propagation experiment investigated the effects of tactor configurations on vibration amplitude at the prosthesis–limb interface. Results revealed a positive relationship between vibration amplitude and intensity and a weak relationship between vibration amplitude and prosthetic pressure. Highest vibration amplitudes were observed when the tactor was located on the inner socket layer. The second experiment involving a sample of ten able-bodied and three amputee subjects investigated the effects of tactor configurations on user perception measured by response time, accuracy identifying tactors’ stimulation patterns, and spatial error in locating the tactors. Results showed that placing the tactors on the inner socket layer, greater spacing between adjacent tactors, and higher vibration intensity resulted in better user perception. The above findings can be directly applied to the design of vibrotactile feedback systems to increase the user response accuracy and decrease the response time required for dynamic tasks such as gait. They can also help to inform future clinical trials informing the optimization of tactor configuration variables.

Engaging individuals vulnerable to stereotyping in self-reflection through image work: valuing hidden experiences and creating new meanings

ABSTRACTIn recent years, arts-based research methods have gained a substantial standing in qualitative social work research and practise. The methods, which include techniques such as collage work and photography, have been utilised to contextualise individual experiences and combat stereotyping. This article aims to provide detailed information on the self-reflective process that working with images evoked in research participants and in the researcher. This paper reflects upon the type of reflexive knowledge produced in a study that utilised the picture collage method in mapping out migrant individuals´ life theories and worldviews. The paper highlights the possibilities of self-reflecting image work becoming a valuable resource in research with the aim to empower individuals vulnerable to stereotyping and to increase researchers’ awareness of stereotypes that, in the case of migrant clients, may be based on ethnicity or country entry status. The paper suggests that storytelling with images allows a greater space for interpretations of individuals´ experiences to grow and develop.

Effects of increased space allowance on animal welfare, meat and ham quality of heavy pigs slaughtered at 160Kg.

Sixty barrows (Body Weight–BW- range: 23.9–160 kg) were allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens of 5 pigs each): the control group was kept at a space allowance of 1m2/head; the second group was kept at 1.3m2/head. Behaviour, growth parameters, carcass and meat quality were assessed, as well as fat and cured ham quality. Results showed that pigs raised at 1.3m2/head spent more time laying (particularly in lateral recumbency, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) compared to pigs kept at lower space allowance. They also reduced the aimless exploration of the slatted pen floor (P<0.001) and increased overall expression of other, mainly active, behaviors (e.g., drinking, walking and standing, P<0.01). Pigs raised at 1.3m2/head showed higher final BW (P = 0.02), more favourable Average Daily Gain (ADG) and gain-to-Feed ratio (G:F) both during the last period of the trial (P<0.05 for both parameters) and over the entire trial (P = 0.01 for both parameters). No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass traits and the main meat quality attributes. Subcutaneous fat from green hams had higher α-linolenic acid content (P<0.01) in the group reared at greater space allowance. Green hams from this group lost less weight at trimming (P<0.01) and the resulting cured hams received better sensory evaluations (P<0.05). No difference was observed in fatty acid composition and unsaturation levels of the subcutaneous fat from cured hams. Our data suggest that heavy pigs intended for Parma ham would benefit from the adoption of higher individual floor space allowances, both in terms of animal welfare (increased possibility to rest) and of productive parameters, without having any detrimental effect on the suitability of the thighs for dry-curing or on the quality of the final product.

Assessment of Rock Mass Quality and Support Estimation along Headrace Tunnel of a Small Hydropower in District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The main purpose of this study is to classify the rock mass quality by using rock mass quality (Q) and Rock Mass Rating (RMR) systems along headrace tunnel of small hydropower in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Geological field work was carried out to determine the orientation, spacing, aperture, roughness and alteration of discontinuities of rock mass. The quality of rock mass along the tunnel route is classified as good to very poor quality by Q system, while very good to very poor by RMR classification system. The relatively good rock conditions are acquired via RMR values that are attributed to ground water conditions, joint spacing, RQD and favorable orientation of discontinuities with respect to the tunnel drive. The petrographic studies revealed that study area is mainly comprised of five major geological rock units namely quartz mica schist (QMS), garnet mica schist (GMS), garnet bearing quartz mica schist (G-QMS), calcareous schist (CS), marble (M). The collected samples of quartz mica schist, marble and garnet bearing quartz mica schist are fine to medium grained, compact and are cross cut by few discontinuities having greater spacing. Therefore, these rocks have greater average RQD, Q values, RMR ratings as compared to garnet mica schist and calcareous schist.

Study on the Optimal Window and Wall Ratio of Village and Town Housing Based on Energy Consumption

Compared with the cities, the villages and towns have greater space, more flexible layout, more abundant resources. we should make full use of the villages and towns’ environment and resources to create a comfortable indoor and outdoor environment for villages and towns. In the face of the hot and wet environment of village and town house and the poor outdoor wind environment, this paper focuses on improving the performance of village houses in the aspects of the window wall ratio. Through theoretical derivation and numerical simulation of different window-wall ratios, we derive formulas for the ratio of energy dissipation to window-wall ratios of buildings, and finally get the optimal window-wall ratio of the house.

Local and Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Prevention and Livelihood Protection in Rural North Central Vietnam

Based on research in rural villages of north-central Vietnam, this article examines the value of local and indigenous knowledge in adaptation to weather and climate-induced disasters. Diverse forms of knowledge were found to thrive and interact with the modern knowledge complex. The article argues that local knowledge has the potential to enhance human capital and contribute to local participation and mobilization around disaster risk reduction and sustainable rural development, but political adjustments must provide new avenues for rural participation beyond conventional state institutions as well as a greater space for civil society development.

Big Data: Reflexões Epistemológicas e Impactos nos Estudos de Finanças e Mercado de Capitais

Objetivo e método: O acesso a séries de dados tem um papel central na área de Finanças. A crescente disponibilidade de grandes volumes de dados, em diferentes formatos e em alta frequência, combinada aos avanços tecnológicos nas ferramentas de armazenamento e processamento desses dados, têm criado um novo cenário nas pesquisas acadêmicas em geral, e em Finanças em particular, gerando novas oportunidade e desafios. Entre esses desafios emergem questões metodológicas, vastamente discutidas por pesquisadores de diferentes áreas, mas também questões epistemológicas que merecem maior espaço de discussão. Assim, o objetivo deste ensaio teórico é analisar o aspecto conceitual e epistemológico da utilização de dados intensivos e seus reflexos para a área de Finanças.&#x0D; &#x0D; Resultados e contribuições: Consideramos que o método hipotético-dedutivo de pesquisas empíricas, que é o mais recorrente, limita a construção do conhecimento na dita ‘era Big data’, uma vez que tal abordagem parte de uma teoria estabelecida e restringe as pesquisas ao teste à(s) hipótese(s) proposta(s). Defendemos aqui a apropriação de uma abordagem abdutiva, como defendida em Haig (2005), que tem convergência com as ideias da grounded theorye que parece ser a abordagem mais adequada para esse novo contexto, por possibilitar a ampliação da capacidade de se obter informações de valor dos dados.