Monitore Research Articles

VAD Hastalarının Uzaktan Takibi İçin Geliştirilen Bir Yazılım İhtiyacı ve PASA VAD Yazılımının Tasarım, Planlama ve Destekleme Süreci

VAD Hastalarının Uzaktan Takibi İçin Geliştirilen Bir Yazılım İhtiyacı ve PASA VAD Yazılımının Tasarım, Planlama ve Destekleme Süreci

Negotiating Nuclear Arms Control with North Korea: Why and How?

Pressure policies to induce North Korea’s unilateral denuclearization failed to achieve measurable progress toward that objective. The consolidation of nuclear and missile capabilities by North Korea points to the need for a new strategy to mitigate the potential for conflict: to pursue progress toward peace and denuclearization simultaneously. The most appropriate mechanism for implementing such a strategy is arms control, defined here as a progressive series of restrictions, limitations and constraints on arms (nuclear and conventional) and associated steps that reduce the risks of conflict and insulate relations against crises and escalation. Detractors of arms control for North Korea argue that it would convey status as a possessor of nuclear weapons, and that it would require accepting some level of mutual deterrence. States would need to consider such criticisms as they weigh the risks and costs of pursuing arms control compared to alternatives such as containment and deterrence. An arms control-oriented roadmap would integrate parallel progress on establishing a durable peace regime and capping and then reducing the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons. Monitoring and verifying compliance with this type of roadmap would require a hybrid approach drawing on both traditional safeguards-style methods and novel approaches designed to build confidence.

Effects of long-term fertilization without phosphorus on greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields.

The strategy of few or no-phosphorus fertilization in rice season but more in wheat season can effectively increase phosphorus use efficiency and reduce phosphorus loss through runoff and leaching. It remains unknown whether the lack of phosphorus will affect greenhouse gas emission in the rice season. We monitored the CH4 and N2O emission fluxes during the growth period of rice treated with normal phosphorus application (NPK) and no-phosphorus application (NK) in two long-term experimental fields in Suzhou and Yixing. The results showed that long-term no-phosphorus application promoted CH4 and N2O emission in both fields. Compared with the NPK treatment, CH4 and N2O emissions from the NK treatment significantly increased by 57% and 25% in Suzhou experi-mental field, respectively, while those in Yixing experimental field were also significantly increased by 221% and 70%, respectively. The contents of organic acid, dissolved organic carbon and available phosphorus in soil were reduced under long-term NK treatment, and they were closely related to CH4 emission. Soil available phosphorus content was significantly negatively correlated with CH4 emission (r=-0.987). The global warming potential (GWP) was greater in NK treatment than NPK treatment in both fields. Therefore, long-term no-phosphorus application could decrease the contents of organic acid, soluble organic carbon, and available phosphorus in soils, resulting in more CH4 and N2O emission in rice field.

Vegetation coverage change of the demonstration area of ecologically friendly development in the Yangtze River Delta, China based on GEE and BRT during 1984-2019.

The demonstration area of ecologically friendly development in the Yangtze River Delta is a major national strategy area, and thus eco-environmental protection should be a priority for the sustainable development. Exploring the spatial-temporal variations of franctional vegetation coverage (FVC) is conducive to accurate assessing the ecological quality of environment, which is of great significance to regional sustainable development. In this study, the characteristics and trends of spatial-temporal variation of vegetation cover during 1984-2019 in the demonstration area were analyzed based on Google Earth Engine (GEE). The effects of different ecological factors on FVC were quantified by the boosted regression tree (BRT). Results showed that,the changing trend of FVC in the study area shifted from decreasing to increasing trend from 1984 to 2019. The spatial distribution of FVC in the study area varied with both stages and regions. FVC was mainly degraded. Compared with the year 1984, the area of vegetation degradation and improvement in 2019 accounted for 49.8% and 12.8%, respectively. The vegetation degradation mainly occurred in the north of Wujiang, south of Jiashan, and northeast of Qingpu. Human activities severely weakened the influence of natural factors on FVC. Our findings suggested that the GEE is an effective tool for monitoring the dynamics of vegetation coverage.

Cluster analysis and damage identification for FRP/steel-confined RC column using AE technique

This article presents the damage evaluation and pattern recognition for the newly proposed fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)/steel-confined reinforced concrete columns. The interaction of FRP material, steel tube, and reinforced concrete lead to complex damage mechanisms and invisible damage modes. The prevailing acoustic emission (AE) technique was applied to monitor the damage process and detect the sheltered damages under cyclic loading. Characteristic AE parameters, such as energy and duration, were extracted to disclose the damage evolution and evaluate the damage state. Three typical damage stages were identified. The fuzzy C.means (FCM) algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm were applied as efficient clustering tools to discriminate different damage signals of FRP/steel-confined RC columns. Five types of damage mechanisms were identified and illustrated based on the statistical analysis of typical AE features. Furthermore, typical damage waveforms were extracted, the frequency content of each damage signal was discussed on the basis of wavelet transform.

Estimation of soil Na + content based on measured hyperspectral and Sentinel-2B data in northern Ningxia, China.

To explore the ability of different sensors to estimate soil Na+ content, we got the mea-sured soil spectra and Sentinel-2B image spectra of the typical soil samples from the northern area of Ningxia. We filtered the sensitive parameters from the spectra data by means of stepwise regression (SR) and principal component regression analysis (PCA). We established the models to estimate soil Na+ content based on the measured spectra and image data using partial least square regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM) and back propagation neural network model (BPNN). The results showed that, except for Band9, there was significant correlation between the resampling data and the image data. The estimation accuracy of models based on SR-screening was generally higher than the PCA (excluding SVM model). The PCA-SVM model was the best image estimation model for soil Na+ content, with a prediction accuracy of 0.792. The SR-BPNN model was the best measured estimation model, with a prediction accuracy of 0.908. The estimating accuracy of the SR-PLSR image-spectra-based model increased from 0.481 to 0.798 after calibrated by the resampled measured spectrum model, which effectively enhanced the accuracy in estimating the soil Na+ content at large scale. We successfully made the spatial transformation of soil Na+ content from point to surface. Our results provided a scientific reference for Sentinel-2B image to monitor Na+ content in salinized soil.

Assessment of soil and water characteristics and land cover changes along the Tigris River in Baghdad

Land cover changes impact the soil and water quality which are critical for environmental and human health. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether the land cover change along the Tigris River, one of the largest rivers in the Middle East, is causing any heavy metal contamination. The objectives of this study were: (1) To analyze the metal concentrations in the water and soil samples along the Tigris River and (2) identify and map the land cover changes of the Baghdad district. A total of nine water and soil samples were collected from three different Tigris River (TR) sampling locations, namely Gherai´at (TR1), Bab Al Moatham Bridge (TR2), and Karada-Masbah (TR3). Surface soil and water samples were collected, and analyzed for various metal concentrations. Landsat satellite imagery from 1984 and 2018 were analyzed and compared for land cover changes. Our water sample analysis revealed that As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn remained low and are within the permissible limit of WHO standards. Soil samples showed that Cu, and Pb concentrations in TR1 and TR2, respectively were higher compared to other locations. The metal concentrations in both water and soil samples at the sampled locations were at safe levels. Remote sensing analysis revealed that the water surface in the study area increased by about 5.3% while the vegetative surface decreased by 10.3% during the period of 1984 to 2018. Water and vegetative cover increased further in the south of Baghdad, along the Tigris River, compared to the north. The impact of land cover changes and increase in soil metal concentrations are higher on TR2 and TR3 locations. Environmental chemical analysis coupled with geospatial data helps to monitor the impact of land cover changes on water and soil quality by identifying areas vulnerable to change. Key words: Water quality, landsat, soil quality, heavy metal, land cover change.

TREND OF POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS AND DIBENZOFURANS (PCDD/PCDFS) IN BEEHIVE MATRICES

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) are well-known persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with highly toxic potential. These compounds are released in the environment as a complex mixture of various congeners which shown significant physico-chemical differences, as well as different environmental fates. PCDD/PCDF mixtures change spatially and temporally in the environment and biota, complicating the risk assessment and regulatory control for human and animal exposure. Considering the well-known role of honeybees as bioindicators for pesticides, heavy metals and other chemicals, the present study has been developed to assess the use of honeybees and honeybee products in biomonitoring projects about PCDD/PCDFs. Three Dadant-Blatt type beehives, located since March 2017 in the headquarter of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy) have been used as monitoring stations. Honeybees, honey and beeswax have been sampled and analyzed for PCDD/PCDFs detection in June and in September of the same year. Among the analyzed matrices, beeswax has shown the highest WHO-TEQ values, probably due to its lipidic nature capable of accumulating fat-soluble, non-volatile, persistent organic pollutants. Hexaclorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD), usually measured in vegetables and fruits, has been detected only in honey samples. Maximum levels of PCDD/PCDFs are settled by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1259/2011 of 2 December 2011, but only on animal-derived products. Considering the role of dietary-model adopted by the consumers on toxic substances dietary intake and associated exposure risks, limits on botanical derived products are needed. But more controls about bee-products are advisable also in order to reduce the exposure risk for bees and for protecting biodiversity.

Analysis of the crack propagation rules and regional damage characteristics of rock specimens

To study the evolution mechanism of cracks in rocks with multiple defects, rock-like samples with multiple defects, such as strip-shaped through-going cracks and cavity groups, are used, and the crack propagation law and changes in AE (acoustic emission) and strain of cavity groups under different inclination angles are studied. According to the test results, an increase in the cavity group inclination angle can facilitate the initial damage degree of the rock and weaken the crack initiation stress; the initial crack initiation direction is approximately 90°, and the extension angle is approximately 75~90° from the strip-shaped through-going cracks; thus, the relationship between crack development and cavity group initiation strengthens. The specific performance is as follows: when the initiation angle is 30°, the cracks between the cavities in the cavity group develop relatively independently along the parallel direction of the external load; when the angle is 75°, the cracks between the cavities in the cavity group can interpenetrate, and slip can occur along the inclination of the cavity group under the action of the shear mechanism rupture. With the increase in the inclination angle of the cavity group, the AE energy fluctuation frequency at the peak stress increases, and the stress drop is obvious. The larger the cavity group inclination angle is, the more obvious the energy accumulation and the more severe the rock damage; when the cavity group angle is 30° or 75°, the peak strain of the local area below the strip-shaped through-going fracture plane is approximately three times that when the cavity group angle is 45° and 60°, indicating that cracks are easily generated in the local area monitored by the strain gauge at this angle, and the further development of the cracks weakens the strength of the rock, thereby increasing the probability of major engineering quality damage. The research results will have important reference value for hazard prevention in underground engineering projects through rock with natural and artificial defects, including tunnels and air-raid shelters.

National expert consensus on the operation and management of deep vein catheterization in severe burn patients (2020 version)

Deep vein catheterization is an important method to prevent and treat burn shock in severe burn patients, monitor hemodynamic changes and provide venous nutritional support. Although deep vein catheterization has been applied widely, there is no standard operation and management process. In order to guide the operation and management of deep vein catheterization in severe burn patients in a more scientific and standard manner, the consensus writing group organized domestic experts in burn field, most of whom are members of the 10th Committee of Chinese Burn Association to discuss and reach a consensus mainly in selection of deep vein catheter and the catheterization site, the method of catheterization operation, catheter maintenance, and prevention and treatment of catheter-related complications. This consensus aims to provide practical basis and guidance for the operation and management of deep vein catheterization in severe burn patients.

Influence of processed Halyomorpha halys bugs on the aroma and taste of 'Chardonnay' and 'Merlot' musts and wines

Native to East Asia, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) was accidentally introduced into Switzerland around 2004 and is now spreading all over Europe. This pentatomid is highly polyphagous and attacks vegetables, field and tree crops as well as soft fruits. Moreover, all development stages of H. halys are found in vineyards, suggesting that grapevine is also a host plant for this insect. Nonetheless, its actual effects on European wine production is unclear. As such, we studied the impact of processed H. halys on the aroma and taste of grape musts and wines. We artificially contaminated 'Chardonnay' and 'Merlot' grapes with up to ten H. halys nymphs and adults per kg grapes directly before the vintage was crushed. In the freshly pressed must, the addition of 1 living bug/kg grapes did not affect the olfactory sensation of the 'Chardonnay' juice. However, the aroma and taste of 'Chardonnay' and 'Merlot' musts contaminated with 3 to 10 H. halys individuals/kg grapes could be distinguished from the uncontaminated control juices and were perceived as vegetal and woody. Yet after bottling, the different wines with 0 to 10 H. halys individuals/kg grapes could no longer be differentiated from each other in 2-out-of-5 discrimination tests. Amongst 17 rated organoleptic descriptors to characterise the sensory profile of the four 'Chardonnay' wines, only two showed significant differences; the colour intensity increased and wines’ finesse decreased with the number of added bugs. For the three 'Merlot' wines, none of the 21 organoleptic descriptors of the sensory profiles differed significantly. In addition, winegrowers did not dislike H. halys contaminated 'Chardonnay' and 'Merlot' wines compared to their uncontaminated controls one year after bottling. It therefore seems that the molecules responsible for the off-flavours in contaminated musts volatilise to a large part during the fermentation process. Our results consequently indicate that a contamination of the vintage with H. halys has the potential to alter the quality of grape musts and potentially grape juices but that there is little risk for influencing the taste of processed wines. Nonetheless, we recommend monitoring the development of H. halys in vineyards in order to anticipate quantitative and qualitative problems at harvest.

Evaluation of Pasikhan River, north of Iran using water quality index (NSFWQI)

Water quality indices are among the current techniques for monitoring rivers. Among the general indices of water quality, applying the national sanitation foundation water quality index (NSFWQI) results in precise research outcomes in a short period. Moreover, it enables the classification of river water quality of different stations with a simple expression. The present study, through applying NSFWQI as a water quality index, aimed at determining the water quality of Pasikhan River, located in the north of Guilan Province, Iran. Six sampling stations were set up along the river mainstream, and water samples were collected from these stations during 4 seasons (from autumn 2015 to summer 2016). Nine parameters including water temperature, turbidity, fecal coliform, NO3-, TS, PO43-, pH, DO, and BOD were measured through standard methods. Based on the results, the quality of the river’s water was categorized in the medium and bad classes in all sampling stations for all seasons. Moreover, the results showed that during the sampling seasons, the minimum average of NSFWQI was 52.00 ± 3.94 in the 4th station, while the maximum was 59.50 ± 1.50 in the 3rd station. However, both of them were in the category of medium quality. In general, the water quality values of the stations varied from 46 to 70 in different seasons. According to the results, the Pasikhan River’s water quality is ranked in the category of medium quality.

Monitoring Ground-level SO 2 Concentrations Based on a Stacking Ensemble Approach Using Satellite Data and Numerical Models

Monitoring Ground-level SO 2 Concentrations Based on a Stacking Ensemble Approach Using Satellite Data and Numerical Models

The effect of ovulation induction of GnRH following a short-term estrous induction protocol in Saanen goats

The current study was to compare the effect on the ovulation time and estrus parameters of a GnRH agonist (buserelin acetate) administered 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrus induction and synchronization treatment in non-lactating Saanen goats during the transitional period. Goats received 20 mg FGA sponges during 6 days plus 300 IU eCG and 125 µg d-cloprostenol 24 h prior to sponge removal. After removal of the sponges, goats were given either 1 ml physiological saline (0.9% NaCI) solution (Group 1 ; n = 9) after 12 h, 0.004 mg GnRH (buserelin acetate, Group 2 ; n = 10) after 24 h or 0.004 mg GnRH (Group 3 ; n = 10) after 36 h. The follicle development and ovulation in the ovaries were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography starting from the sponge application until the fifth day of the estrus cycle. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine the plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E 2 ). As no statistical differences was detected in any synchronization parameters, ultrasonic evaluations and plasma P4 and E 2 concentrations among all groups, thus averages were assessed. The total estrus response, duration of the induced estrus, interval from sponge removal to onset of the induced estrus, time occurrence of ovulation from sponge removal and estrus onset to ovulation were recorded to be 93.10%, 33.66 ± 2.85 h, 27.48 ± 2.71 h, 48.05 ± 1.24 h and 21.51±2.37 h, respectively. The total ovulation rate, total number of ovulations per doe, largest follicle diameter and second largest follicle diameter were recorded to be 93.10%, 2.01±0.22, 6.85 ± 0.26 mm and 6.12 ± 0.24 mm, respectively. Results of this study indicate that administration of GnRH at 24 h or 36 h after sponge removal does not affect plasma P4 and E 2 concentrations, estrus parameters and ovulation time in estrus induction and synchronization in goats during the transition period.

Remediation of cesium-contaminated fine soil using electrokinetic method

In this study, electrokinetic remediation equipment was used to remove cesium (Cs) from clay soil and waste solution was treated with sorption process. The influence of electrokinetic process on the removal of Cs was evaluated under the condition of applied electric voltage of 15.0-20.0 V. In addition to monitoring the Cs removal, electrical current and temperature of the electrolyte during experiment were investigated. The removal efficiency of Cs from soil by electrokinetic method was more than 90%. After electrokinetic remediation, Cs was selectively separated from soil waste solution using sorbents. Various adsorption agents such as potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate (KNiHCF), Prussian blue, sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB), and zeolite were compared and KNiHCF showed the highest Cs removal efficiency. The Cs adsorption on KNiHCF reached equilibrium in 30 min. The maximum adsorption capacity was 120.4 mg/g at 0.1 g/L of adsorbent dosage. These results demonstrated that our proposed process combined electrokinetic remediation of soil and waste solution treatment with metal ferrocyanide can be a promising technique to decontaminate Cs-contaminated fine soil.

Detecting and localizing anomalies on masonry towers from low-cost vibration monitoring

The structural health of masonry towers can be monitored by installing few accelerometers (or seismometers) at the top of the building. This cost-effective setup provides continuous and reliable information on the natural frequencies of the structure and allows to detect the occurrence of structural anomalies; however, to move from anomaly detection to localization with such a simplified distribution of sensors, a calibrated numerical model is needed. The paper summarizes the development of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) procedure for the model-based damage assessment in masonry towers using frequency data. The proposed methodology involves the subsequent steps: (i) preliminary analysis including geometric survey and ambient vibration tests; (ii) FE modeling and updating based on the identified modal parameters; (iii) creation of a Damage Location Reference Matrix (DLRM) from numerically simulated damage scenarios; (iv) detection of the onset of damage from the analysis of the continuously collected vibration data, and (v) localization of the anomalies through the comparison between the experimentally identified variations of natural frequencies and the above-defined DLRM matrix. The proposed SHM methodology is exemplified on the ancient Zuccaro tower in Mantua, Italy. Pseudo-experimental monitoring data were generated and employed to assess the reliability of the developed algorithm in identifying the damage location. The results show a promise toward the practical applications of the proposed strategy for the early identification of damage in ancient towers.

Non-contact monitoring of the tension in partially submerged, miter-gate diagonals

Miter gates are water-control structures used as the damming surface on river locks and allow the water levels in the lock to raise or lower as needed. Miter gates have channel-like cross sections and are thus prone to torsional deflection due to gravity loads. To counter-act the tendency for torsional deflection and to add torsional rigidity to the gate, slender steel members termed diagonals are added across the diagonal dimension of the gate and pre-tensioned. To maintain appropriate tension in the diagonals over their lifetime, the tension in the diagonals should be monitored; however, no such monitoring is utilized. Vibration based methods to obtain an estimate of the tensile loads in the diagonal are attractive because they are simple, inexpensive, and do not require continuous monitoring. However, employing vibration-based methods to estimate the tension in the diagonals is particularly challenging because the diagonals are subjected to varying levels of submersion in water. Finding a relationship between the frequency of vibration and applied pretension that adequately addressed the effects of submersion on diagonals is difficult. This paper proposes an approach to account for the effect of submersion on the estimated tension in miter gate diagonals. Laboratory tests are conducted using scale-model diagonal specimens subjected to various levels of tension and submersion in water. The frequency of the diagonal specimens is measured and compared to an approximation using an assumed modes model. The effects of submersion on the frequency of vibration for the partially submerged diagonals are largely explained by added mass on the diagonals. Field validation is performed using a previously developed vision-based method of extracting the frequency of vibration in conjunction with the proposed method of tension estimation of an in-service miter gate diagonal that is also instrumented with load cells. Results for the proposed method show excellent agreement with load cell measurements.

Monitoring an iconic heritage structure with OMA: the Main Spire of the Milan Cathedral

One of the most remarkable structural elements characterizing the Milan Cathedral is its Main Spire, built in Candoglia marble and completed in 1769. The Main Spire, reaching the height of about 108 m and supporting the statue of the Virgin Mary, is about 40 m high and stands on the octagonal tiburio erected around the main dome. The structural arrangement of the spire includes a central column which is connected through a spiral staircase to 8 perimeter columns and each column is stiffened by inverse flying buttress. Metallic clamps and dowels connect the marble blocks and metallic rods connect the perimeter columns to the central core. A large monitoring system was recently installed in the Milan Cathedral, including seismometers and temperature sensors at 3 levels of the Main Spire as well as a weather station at the top of the spire. After a concise historic background on the Main Spire and the description of the sensing devices installed in this structure, the paper focuses on the dynamic characteristics of the spire and their evolution during a time span of about 16 months. The presented results highlight that: (a) a high density of vibration modes is automatically detected in the frequency range 1.0-7.0 Hz; (b) the lower identified modes correspond to global modes of the cathedral; (c) the normal evolution in time of the resonant frequencies is characterized by clear fluctuations induced by the environmental effects (temperature and wind); (d) especially the dependence of resonant frequencies on temperature is very distinctive and reveals the key role of the metallic elements in the overall dynamic behavior; (e) notwithstanding the remarkable effects exerted by the changing environment on the resonant frequencies, output-only removal of environmental effects and novelty analysis allow an effective monitoring of the structural condition.

HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES ON TEACHING MOLE CONCEPT

Mole concept is one of the challenging chemical concepts in the teaching and learning of chemistry. West African Examination Council (WAEC) Chemistry Chief Examiners for years, have been hammering on students’ difficulties in this concept at the senior high school level. This study, therefore, examined the practices of teachers on the perceived nature of the teaching and learning of mole concept. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 32 chemistry teachers from four public schools in the Central Region. The teachers were selected through multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklist were used to collect data from the teachers. Data was analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and themes. The results showed that teachers have moderately positive perceptions of the nature of teaching mole concept, which are full of uncertainty and that, teachers barely practice that they profess to teach on mole concept. It is recommended, among other things, that Ministry of Education through Heads of senior high schools should monitor chemistry teachers to ensure that they effectively teach the concept to students by implementing their planned lessons. Article visualizations:

Evaluating IT Governance at Network Access Provider on COBIT 5 Domain EDM

Network Access Provider is a company engaged in the field of ICT (Information Communication Technology) where the main activities carried out in business are the provision of internet services to the Internet Service Provider (ISP), network integrators, content providers, and all support solutions in fields related to the internet and networks. This research was conducted to ensure that operations at Network Access Provider have been running and supports the goals optimally. The focus of this research is to help companies create optimal value from IT with a balance between realizing benefits and optimizing usage levels and resources. Researchers conduct library studies, observations, interviews, and conduct research analysis methods to get the actual value of the capability level of information systems and factors that influence information systems. Researchers use the COBIT 5 framework in the Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM) domains to conduct research on governance that works together around the world. COBIT 5 is an approved work or framework that is often used by auditors, especially in the information technology auditors section. COBIT 5 can be used as a tool to create information technology governance in a company. The results of this research contain information about IS deficiencies and the renewal of solutions for future improvements to the company.