bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Solution for Narrow Land Agriculture to Obtain Profit in Deli Tua, Indonesia
Authors: Sitinjak Wahyunita
Published: December 2018

Rural poverty is influenced by the level of education of the head of the family, mastery of the base of the land area, and natural conditions (agricultural land). Likewise, in this study of 'Analysis of the Factors Causing Poor Farmers' Revenues in Deli Tua District', it is assumed that farm household income is influenced by factors of education of the head of household, extent of land tenure, access to financial institutions, existence of alternative business and family dependents. The purpose of this thesis research is; (I) to find out whether the extent of land tenure, education level, number of family dependents, accessibility to financial institutions and the existence of business alternatives affect the income level of farmers, (2) to find out whether there is an influence of land area differences on income levels, (3) find out whether there is an influence of the differences in the status of own land and rent to income level, and (4) to find out the income distribution between farmers who control the 0.5 ha cultivated area and farmers who control the cultivated area greater than 0.5 ha. The research was conducted using descriptive method Primary data was collected by distributing 68 questionnaires in 6 (six) villages and villages in Deli Tua sub-district, Deli Serdang district, namely Deli Tua sub-district, Deli Tua Barat and Deli Tua Timur and Mekar Sari village, Kedai Durian and Suka Makmur.
Village Fund Management in Manunggang Julu Village 2017, Southeast Padangsidimpuan Sub-District, Padangsidimpuan, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Syulhennisari
Published: December 2018

The allocation of village fund is expected to be more optimal in increasing equitable development of village welfare through improving public services in the village, advancing the village economy, overcoming the development gap between villages and strengthening village communities as subjects of development. This paper intends to review and analyze the village fund management in 2017 in Manunggang Julu Village, Padangsidimpuan Sub-district, Southeast Padangsidimpuan. The method used in this writing is a literature review of secondary data collection techniques derived from books, research and journals. This paper concludes that village fund management is carried out on the priority of using funds with the principle of justice, community priority needs and village typology.
Politeness Language Analysis in Teenagers Reviewed from Sociolinguistics
Authors: Darwis Muhammad
Published: December 2018

This study aims to find out and describe data on language politeness among teenagers in Kuala Simpang city, Aceh Tamiang district in terms of sociolinguistics. The appropriate research approach uses in this study is qualitative research. The type of research is field research. The data of this study is the conversation of teenagers of Bukit Tempurung Village, Kuala Simpang City. Data sources are a number of teenagers in Bukit Tempurung Village, Kuala Simpang City. Data collected by recording techniques during social activities, then in manuscripts in the form of conversation. The results showe that there are 6 languages politeness maxims used by teenagers during social activities. Maksim is in the form of wisdom maxims of four (4) data, generosity maxims as much as seven (7) data, award maxims of two (2) data, simplicity maxim of one (1) data, consensus maximization of fourteen (14) data, and the implicit maxim of one (1) data. Based on the research data, the most dominant maxim is the agreement maxim
El Suple
Authors: Da Venezia Ibáñez Alfredo , Moreno Sandra
Published: December 2018

Este artículo da cuenta del estudio, realizado con estudiantes de primer año de Diseño en la Universidad UNIACC, en el que se sistematizó una propuesta de modelo educativo centrado en el estudiante, de acuerdo a los lineamientos de UNIACC, en lo que refiere a un modelo basado en la observación de lo cotidiano, convirtiéndose en una experiencia para mejorar la educación del diseño, a través de la aplicación de estructuras conceptuales y sistematizadas de observación, desde el territorio propio del estudiante, lo que se realizó aplicando la metodología taxonómica de observación a un objeto de diseño vernáculo.

El estudio se realizó en primer semestre 2017.
خدمات المواقع الإلكترونية الإخبارية
Authors: حسني عبدالاله حسني رفعت , التميمي هاشم حسن
Published: December 2018

يركز هذا البحث على الخدمات التي تقدمها المواقع الإلكترونية الإخبارية (شبكة الإعلام العراقي، اليوم السابع، هافينغتون بوست عربي) إلى جمهورها من مستخدمي شبكة الإنترنت، إلى جانب المواد المنشورة عبر صفحاتها، محاولاً رصدها وتحليلها للتعرف إلى أنواعها وخصائصها وطبيعتها، وما تلبيه من وظيفة سواء كانت إعلامية أم غير إعلامية للمستخدم، فضلاً عن تصنيفها لمعرفة الإمكانية التقنية التي يتمتع بها كل موقع من المواقع الإخبارية الخاضعة للبحث، في ظل دخول أحدث التقنيات التكنولوجية مجال الإعلام. يعد هذا البحث من البحوث الوصفية واستخدم الباحثان منهج المسح التحليلي لتحقيق أهداف البحث ضمن المدة المحددة من 1/1 ولغاية 31/1/2017م، واستخدم الباحثان أداة تحليل المضمون كأداة بحثية لتحليل المواقع الإخبارية ومعرفة الخدمات التي تقدمها عبر صفحاتها، وقُسِّمَ البحث إلى ثلاثة محاور تناول الأول منها الجوانب المنهجية متمثلة بمشكلة البحث وأهميته وأهدافه ومجالاته، وجاء المحور الثاني متناولاً إطاراً نظرياً لأبرز الخدمات التي تقدمها المواقع الإخبارية والصحف الإلكترونية عبر شبكة الويب، أما المحور الثالث والأخير تضمن عرضاً وتفسيراً لنتائج التحليل باستخدام الطرق الإحصائية، وتوصل الباحثان في خاتمة البحث إلى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات أبرزها: أحرزت المواقع الإخبارية وبنسب متقاربة تقديم مجموعة من الخدمات الإخبارية والتفاعلية والإرشادية، والخدمات الأخرى التي من شانها تسهيل وصول المستخدم إلى الموقع والمواد المنشورة عبر صفحاته وأقسامه، إلا إنَّ عملية التحليل أظهرت تفوق موقع هافينغتون بوست على موقعي شبكة الإعلام العراقي واليوم السابع فيما يخص تقديم خدمة الأرشيف الصحفي للمواد المنشورة، لكن هذا الأمر لا يعني زوال المواد المنشورة في الموقعين، وإنما هي متاحة ومتوفرة متى أراد المستخدم الوصول إليها وذلك عن طريق استخدام محركات البحث. ويوصي الباحثان في خاتمة البحث بأن تهتم المواقع الإخبارية بالخدمات التي تقدمها إلى الجمهور، وتحرص على تطويرها بصورة مستمرة وتحديثها بما يتلاءم مع متطلبات التطور التكنولوجي، وبما يُلبي حاجات المستخدمين، لتحقيق درجة عالية من التفاعل والاندماج بين المحتوى المنشور وبين القارئ، ليحصل على تجربة استخدام ذات كفاءة عالية داخل الموقع الإخباري الذي يقرأ أو يشاهد فيه المواد الإعلامية بمختلف أنواعها وأشكالها.
A Snapshot on Myxoma Operation of 62 Patients at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases(NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam KS
Published: December 2018

Background: Intra-cardiac mass, particularly myxoma operation is common at NICVD .Its frequency is about 1-2% among all operations done here. The main aim of this study was to analyze the different aspects of this tumour and its surgery on 62 patients operated over last three years (2015-2017).

Methods: It is a retrospective study .The data were collected over a period of 03 years (2015-2017) For this I studied the ward admission register, OT and ICU registers ,ICU flow charts, talked with the respective unit doctors to collect my data. Then the data were analyzed manually and by computer.

Results: Age range of the patients were from 7.5 years to 65years with a mean±SD (36.94±13.99). Male and female patient ratio were M:F=1:1.81.Myxoma were more common in the 4th and 5th decade of life in this study population .Preoperative time delay for operation after hospital admission was 9±2.12days.All the operations were done as an elective procedure rather urgent or emergency procedure. Post operative mortality was around 12.90% among these patients. The causes of high mortality following myxoma operation were Low Output Syndrome, Congestive Heart Failure , Cerebral stroke and septicaemia.

Conclusion: Myxoma operation is common in NICVD. Most of our patients were dealt as a routine procedure. Their features and surgical procedure were similar with a little difference among the neighbouring countries. Our post operative outcome was a little bit worse (12.90% mortality) over the mentioned period. We need to find out the causes and to take care of these patients to reduce mortality in future.

Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(2) : 85-89
Impact of SYNTAX Score on In-hospital Outcome after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Islam Md Shariful , Rahman Md Afzalur , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Uddin Sayed Nasir , Kar Nupur , Karmakar Kajal Kumar , Firoze Mohammad Ullah , Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Khan Monir Hossen , Ashrafi Md Nure Alam , Amin Muhammad Ruhul , Arefin Md Minhaj , Cader Fathima Aaysha
Published: December 2018

Background: Limited contemporary data exist regarding the impact of SYNTAX score on in-hospital outcomes undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in acute STEMI patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the significance of the SYNTAX score for predicting in- hospital outcome after primary PCI in patient with acute STEMI.

Methods: This cohort study was conducted in the department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September, 2015 to September, 2016. 42 patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI were considered for the study. But 2 patients were excluded from the study due to failure of primary PCI. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (low SYNTAX score d”22) and Group II (high Syntax score > 22). The Syntax score of all patients were calculated from an initial coronary angiogram before primary PCI. In-hospital outcome was observed in between two groups.

Results: Among traditional cardiovascular risk factors diabetes was significantly more prevalent in the Group II than Group I ( 82.4% vs 34.8%, p Â 0.003). Angiographic profile revealed maximum (69.6% vs 17.6%) culprit lesion in LAD artery in Group I and maximum culprit lesion (64.7% vs 21.7%) in RCA in Group II, these were the statistically significant between Group I and Group II (P<0.05). The high SYNTAX score group had lower TIMI 3 (76.47% vs 91.3%, p Â 0.03) compared to the low SYNTAX score group. But there were no significant difference in complications as arrhythmia (2.5% vs 0%), cardiogenic shock (2.5% vs 0%), heart failure (5% vs 2.5%) and mortality (5%vs 0%) between high and low SYNTAX score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed SYNTAX score (OR = 5.95, p Â 0.001) was an independent predictor of in-hospital outcome in patients under going primary PCI. Performance test of SYNTEX score in the setting of Primary PCI outcome showed positive predictive value 83%.

Conclusions: SYNTAX score was an independent variable that can predict in-hospital outcomes of patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(2) : 121-125
Severe mitral stenosis with giant LA with LA thrombus - A case report
Authors: Hoque Asraful , Moinuddin Shahriar , Hossain Md Monzur , Ahmed Ahsanara Binte , Nazmi Ashfaq , Sultana Souda , Khan Musfeq Us Saleheen , Hosaain Md Tanvir
Published: December 2018

Excess dilatation of the left atrium >60 mm is known in the literature as a gigantic atrium. This dilation is most commonly encountered in the mitral insufficiency of rheumatic etiology, but also in severe prolapses of the mitral valve, permanent atrial fibrillation, and at the leftright shunt with cardiac insufficiency. In this paper, we presented a case study of severe mitral stenosis with giant LA with LA thrombus in a 42 years old female patient. The patient underwent successful mitral valve replacement and removal of LA thrombus and discharged from the hospital with advice.

Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(2) : 141-144
Enhancing rice yield in acidic soil through liming and fertilizer management
Authors: Ferdous Syeda Ariana , Miah Mohammad Noor Hossain , Hoque Mozammel , Hossain Sazzad , Hasan Ahmed Khairul
Published: December 2018

The effect of lime and fertilizer application, as the management of soil acidity, on the growth and yield of rice cv. BRRI dhan50 was investigated during Aman rice season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. The experiment was consisted of two factors namely lime and fertilizer. There were four levels of lime (0, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 t ha–1 of CaCO3.MgCO3) and three levels of fertilizers (control, FYM @ 10 t ha–1, and chemical fertilizer @ 100-30-42-4-3-0.4 kg ha–1 of N-P-K-Ca-S-Zn). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications where the unit plot size was 4.0 m x 2.5 m. Growth parameters, yield components and yield of BRRIdhan 50 rice increased with increasing lime rate in association of fertilizer in acidic soil. The highest grain yield (2.90 t ha–1) was recorded from the application of 1.50 t ha–1 lime and the lowest (2.06 t ha–1) was from control (0t ha–1), irrespective of fertilizer. On the other hand, the best effect of fertilizers on grain yield (3.08 t ha–1) was found with the application of FYM @ 10 t ha–1 and the lowest yield (1.59 t ha–1) was in control. The treatment combination of lime 1.50 t ha–1 and FYM (@ 10 t ha–1 produced the highest grain yield (3.60 t ha–1), which was followed by treatment combination of lime 1.50 t ha–1 and chemical fertilizer @ 100-30-42-4-3-0.4 kg ha–1 of N-P-K-Ca-S-Zn (3.28 t ha–1). Additionally, application of lime and FYM improved the soil fertility and properties of acidic soil for crop production by increasing the pH, organic matter and availability of some essential nutrients. From the study, it was indicated that both FYM and lime could affect to enhance the grain yield of rice in acidic soil.
J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 357–365, December 2018
Floristic diversity of the soil weed seedbank in boro rice fields: in situ and ex situ evaluation
Authors: Akter Fahmida , Begum Mahfuza , Salam Md. Abdus
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted at the research fields of Agronomy Field Laboratory and in the net house of Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The objective of this study was to compare the in situ and ex situ floristic diversity of soil weed seedbank in boro rice. The soil weed seedbank status was observed through weed survey at research fields and seed germination method in the net house. Five fields were selected randomly with four replications. Soil samples were collected to a depth up to 15 cm and placed in plastic pots in the net house. Weed seedlings that emerged were identified, counted and removed at 30 day intervals throughout the four months emergence period. At the same time, weed survey was done using a 0.25 m–2 quadrate. Diversity was computed by the Shannon index (H’). Under in situ condition, 31 weed species belonging to 15 families germinated and 33 weed species belonging to 17 families germinated under ex situ condition. The family Cyperaceae had the highest species richness under both in situ and ex situ conditions. The five most dominant weed species under in situ condition based on importance value were Eleocharis atroperpurea > Cyperus difformis > Echinochloa crusgalli > Monochoria vaginalis > Lindernia antipoda whereas, under ex situ condition, two new weed species, Fimbristylis miliacea and Echinochloa colonum were observed in the dominant list instead of Monochoria vaginalis and Lindernia antipoda having slightly different rank and order. The ex situ density was 2721 plants m–2, approximately four times higher than the 700 plants m–2 observed under in situ situation and similarly ex situ condition had higher Shannon Index (H’) value (H’=2.412) indicating greater diversity than in situ (H’=2.211) condition. The information obtained from the study would help determine the infestation potential of identified species, which could lead to improved management strategies.
J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 396–402, December 2018
Clinical and laboratory investigation on the recurrence of the umbilical hernia after herniorrhaphy in bovine calves
Authors: Jaman Md. Mehedi , Mishra Pravin , Rahman Marzia , Alam Md. Mahmudul
Published: December 2018

This study was performed to investigate the recurrence of the umbilical hernia in bovine calves at Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. A total of 34 animals were admitted to VTH diagnosed to have the umbilical hernia, among them 13 were recurrent cases. The diagnosis of umbilical hernia was based on the disease history, clinical signs, palpation, needle exploration, and auscultation. The risk factors like age, sex, breed, body weight, the season of affection, size of the hernial ring, suture materials, error in suture patterns and involvement of infections in the recurrence were considered.  Infected samples were collected from recurrent patients with infected umbilicus region, and subjected to bacteriological analysis. We found the recurrence percentage was higher in the crossbred (44%) than that in the indigenous (22.22%) calves. It was also observed that recurrence percentage was higher in male (42.11%) than those in female (33.33%) patients. The recurrence percentage was also higher in calves aged below three months (40.74%) than the calves of above three months (28.57%). It was found that recurrence percentage was most frequent in summer (46.15%) and the least in the winter (30%). Among 13 recurrent bovine calves after herniorrhaphy, three calves returned to VTH with umbilical abscess, six calves recurred due to non-infectious causes like failure of suture materials, errors in suture pattern or management fault and 4 calves recurred with both umbilical abscess and non-infectious causes. From this study, it may be concluded that synthetic absorbable suture materials with secured suture pattern and good postoperative management may help in reducing the recurrence of an umbilical hernia.
J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 464–470, December 2018
Oil price volatility and its impact on economic growth and food security in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Mousumi , Sayem Seikh Mohammad , Al-Amin A. K. M. Abdullah , Majumder Shankar
Published: December 2018

This study empirically examines oil price volatility and the impact of oil price changes on the growth of the economy and food security in Bangladesh. The study uses yearly data of macroeconomic variables from 1991 to 2015 and global food security index (GFSI) for the period 2012 to 2015. Furthermore, data of GFSI for previous four years have been simulated using exponential model. The GARCH (2, 1) model with minimum AIC postulates that volatility was high in the previous period and it has been continued to be lower in the current period (i.e. 2015). The co-integration test and error correction model exhibit that both in short-run and long-run case the increasing oil price negatively affected the growth of the economy. The simultaneous equations regression model using three-stage least squares estimator discloses that an increase in oil price declines the economic growth and food security simultaneously and significantly. Moreover, this study suggests that oil price volatility is not a good sign for the economy of Bangladesh, since, the country is an importer of crude oil, government policy should be quick responsive in relation to international oil market to create consistent oil market and sustainable economic development in Bangladesh.
J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 482–491, December 2018
Domestication of red fin mahseer (Tor tor) with supplementary feeds in captive condition in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Muhammad Shalah Uddin , Arefin Farzana , Rahman Mohammad Matiur , Sarder Md. Rafiqul Islam , Mollah Md. Fazlul Awal
Published: December 2018

Effects of supplementary feeds on growth, survival, and production of red fin mahseer, Tor tor (Hamilton) was assessed in captive condition under a monoculture system. Experiments were conducted for a period of 12 months where two feeds varying in protein contents were used in treatments. One laboratory formulated feed with 36.67% protein and a commercial feed with 28% protein were characterized as treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2), respectively. At the same time water quality parameters were measured. The net increment in weight after 12 months was 671.60 g and 509.80 g in T1 and T2 respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 4.72 and 5.26, and the specific growth rate (SGR) was 1.39 and 0.10 % day-1 in T1 and T2 respectively. In both treatments 100% fish were survived and provided the net production (kg/ha) 2807.06 and 2557.78 in T1 and T2, respectively. The water quality parameters were within the suitable range for fish culture. Between the feeds evaluated, feed with 36.67% protein (T1) proved best result considering the growth and production performance of the fish. Overall growth performance of T. tor was satisfactory; however, further research is needed.
J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 533–538, December 2018
Electro-Actuation System Strategy for a Morphing Flap
Authors: Arena Maurizio , Amoroso Francesco , Pecora Rosario , Ameduri Salvatore
Published: December 2018

Within the framework of the Clean Sky-JTI (Joint Technology Initiative) project, the design and technological demonstration of a novel wing flap architecture were addressed. Research activities were carried out to substantiate the feasibility of morphing concepts enabling flap camber variation in compliance with the demanding safety requirements applicable to the next generation green regional aircraft. The driving motivation for the investigation on such a technology was found in the opportunity to replace a conventional double slotted flap with a single slotted camber-morphing flap assuring similar high lift performances—in terms of maximum attainable lift coefficient and stall angle—while lowering emitted noise and system complexity. The actuation and control logics aimed at preserving prescribed geometries of the device under variable load conditions are numerically and experimentally investigated with reference to an ‘iron-bird’ demonstrator. The actuation concept is based on load-bearing actuators acting on morphing ribs, directly and individually. The adopted un-shafted distributed electromechanical system arrangement uses brushless actuators, each rated for the torque of a single adaptive rib of the morphing structure. An encoder-based distributed sensor system generates the information for appropriate control-loop and, at the same time, monitors possible failures in the actuation mechanism. Further activities were then discussed in order to increase the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of the validated architecture.
Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis
Authors: Abotaleb Mariam , Samuel Samson , Varghese Elizabeth , Varghese Sharon , Kubatka Peter , Liskova Alena , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: December 2018

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Although, there are many different approaches to cancer treatment, they are often painful due to adverse side effects and are sometimes ineffective due to increasing resistance to classical anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. Targeting delayed/inhibited apoptosis is a major approach in cancer treatment and a highly active area of research. Plant derived natural compounds are of major interest due to their high bioavailability, safety, minimal side effects and, most importantly, cost effectiveness. Flavonoids have gained importance as anti-cancer agents and have shown great potential as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, a summary of flavonoids and their effectiveness in cancer treatment targeting apoptosis has been discussed.
Development of a Novel Magnetic Reactor Based on Nanostructured Fe3O4@PAA as Heterogenous Fenton Catalyst
Authors: Gamallo María , Fernández Lucía , Vázquez-Vázquez Carlos , Fondado Alfonso , Mira Jorge , Feijoo Gumersindo , Moreira María Teresa
Published: December 2018

With the recent development of nanotechnology, magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) have received increasing attention as potential heterogeneous Fenton catalysts in wastewater treatment applications, as an alternative to the conventional Fenton process using dissolved iron salts. Due to their superparamagnetic properties, Fe3O4 mNPs can be easily recovered and reused by applying a magnetic field. However, Fe3O4 mNPs have a marked tendency to form aggregates in water, leading to a decrease in their catalytic yield. To overcome these limitations, this work explores the catalytic activity of Fe3O4 coated with poly(acrylic acid) (Fe3O4@PAA) as stabilized Fenton heterogeneous nanocatalyst, in the degradation of C.I. Reactive Blue 19 (RB19). To maximize the catalytic potential of Fe3O4@PAA, an experimental design based on the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been developed to optimize the conditions of the Fenton process in terms of Fe3O4@PAA concentration (100–300 mg L−1) and H2O2 dose (100–400 mg L−1). Based on the results obtained, a novel sequential batch reactor (SBR) coupled to an external magnetic separation system has been developed, guaranteeing the complete retention of the mNPs in the system. This system allows the reuse of Fe3O4@PAA for at least 10 consecutive cycles, with a successful decolorization of RB19 after 4 h of treatment.
Fabrication of Hydrophobic ZnO/PMHS Coatings on Bamboo Surfaces: The Synergistic Effect of ZnO and PMHS on Anti-Mildew Properties
Authors: Chen Jingbing , Ma Yunyun , Lin Huiping , Zheng Qingzhu , Zhang Xinxiang , Yang Wenbin , Li Ran
Published: December 2018

Poor mildew resistance has limited the application of bamboo materials. In this work, ZnO/PMHS coatings were fabricated on bamboo timber surfaces by hydrothermal synthesis method and hydrophobic modification with poly(methylhydrogen)siloxane (PMHS). The surface chemical characteristics and microstructure of the bamboo before and after modification were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and water contact angle (WCA). The morphology results indicated that ZnO on the surface of bamboo forms flower-like aggregations. The WCA of ZnO/bamboo increased from 65° to 142° after PMHS hydrophobic modification, indicating that the hydrophobicity of bamboo was significantly improved. The original bamboo had poor anti-mildew properties when exposed to Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium citrinum. After depositing ZnO onto the surface of the bamboo, the anti-mildew properties were significantly improved. Furthermore, it was found that after PMHS hydrophobic modification, ZnO/bamboo had excellent anti-mildew properties when exposed to the three mold hyphae, which indicated that PMHS hydrophobic modification had a synergistic effect on the anti-mildew properties of bamboo with a ZnO coating.
Characterization of Multimodal Silicas Using TG/DTG/DTA, Q-TG, and DSC Methods
Authors: Charmas Barbara , Kucio Karolina , Sydorchuk Volodymyr , Khalameida Svitlana , Zięzio Magdalena , Nowicka Aldona
Published: December 2018

The formation of hierarchical, multimodal porosity materials with controlled shape and size of pores is the essential challenge in materials science. Properties of silica materials depend largely on different features: crystal structure, dispersity, surface composition, and porosity as well as the method of preparation and possible modification. In this paper, multimodal silicas obtained using different additives are presented. A-50 and A-380 aerosils and wide-porous SiO2 milled at 300 rpm were used as the additives in the sol stage at 20 °C, the sol–gel stage followed by hydrothermal modification (HTT) at 200 °C, or in the mechanochemical treatment (MChT) process. The characterizations were made by application of N2 adsorption/desorption, SEM imaging, quasi-isothermal thermogravimetry (Q-TG), dynamic thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTG/DTA), and cryoporometry differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Results showed that such a one-step preparation method is convenient and makes it possible to obtain multimodal silicas of differentiated porous structures and surface chemistry.
The Model and Training Algorithm of Compact Drone Autonomous Visual Navigation System
Authors: Moskalenko Viacheslav , Moskalenko Alona , Korobov Artem , Semashko Viktor
Published: December 2018

Trainable visual navigation systems based on deep learning demonstrate potential for robustness of onboard camera parameters and challenging environment. However, a deep model requires substantial computational resources and large labelled training sets for successful training. Implementation of the autonomous navigation and training-based fast adaptation to the new environment for a compact drone is a complicated task. The article describes an original model and training algorithms adapted to the limited volume of labelled training set and constrained computational resource. This model consists of a convolutional neural network for visual feature extraction, extreme-learning machine for estimating the position displacement and boosted information-extreme classifier for obstacle prediction. To perform unsupervised training of the convolution filters with a growing sparse-coding neural gas algorithm, supervised learning algorithms to construct the decision rules with simulated annealing search algorithm used for finetuning are proposed. The use of complex criterion for parameter optimization of the feature extractor model is considered. The resulting approach performs better trajectory reconstruction than the well-known ORB-SLAM. In particular, for sequence 7 from the KITTI dataset, the translation error is reduced by nearly 65.6% under the frame rate 10 frame per second. Besides, testing on the independent TUM sequence shot outdoors produces a translation error not exceeding 6% and a rotation error not exceeding 3.68 degrees per 100 m. Testing was carried out on the Raspberry Pi 3+ single-board computer.
Fracture Processes of Rock-Like Specimens Containing Nonpersistent Fissures under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Chen Miao , Yang Shengqi , Pathegama Gamage Ranjith , Yang Wendong , Yin Pengfei , Zhang Yuanchao , Zhang Qiangyong
Published: December 2018

Many rock engineering accidents have proven that the coalescence of discontinuities in surrounding rock can have a major impact on the security and stable operation of energy infrastructure. To give an insight into the understanding of the crack propagation and coalescence in fissured rock masses, a series of uniaxial compression experiments were conducted on rock-like specimens containing nonpersistent fissures. The digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) and the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system were adopted to capture the real-time strain field on the specimens’ surfaces and microfracturing events within specimens, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the strength and deformation modulus of specimens were significantly affected by fissure inclination. The damage process showed obvious progressive stain localization failure characteristics. The clear and intuitive full-field strain field development was successfully monitored by the DSCM technique. The real-time strain accumulation, crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence were also analyzed. Each time, the saltation of the strain field was usually accompanied by the fluctuation of the stress curve and obvious AE events. Crack coalescence modes between fissures changed from tension coalescence mode to mixed tension-shear coalescence mode, then to shear coalescence mode with an increase in fissure inclination. Five basic failure modes were identified from the experimental results: Tensile failure across the fissure planes, rotation failure of newly generated blocks, mixed failure mode, shear failure, and splitting failure. An investigation of the fracture processes of rock-like specimens containing nonpersistent fissures using these methods can enhance understanding of the fracture behavior of jointed rocks.
An Enhanced H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter with Reduced THD, Conduction, and Switching Losses Using Sinusoidal Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Thiruvengadam Annamalai , K Udhayakumar
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an enhanced H-Bridge multilevel inverter is proposed with the sinusoidal tracking algorithm. The proposed multilevel inverter (MLI) consists of two half H-Bridges cascaded with two unidirectional switches, n direct current (DC) sources, and (n-2) number of bi-directional switches together to form an enhanced H-Bridge (EHB) multilevel inverter. The output voltage levels of an EHB MLI depends on the number of DC sources, the number of bi-directional switches, and the relationship between the magnitude of left-side and right-side DC sources. With the addition of DC sources, bidirectional switches, and employing the sinusoidal tracking algorithm, the performance of the inverter is enhanced with features like an increased number of levels and a reduction in the total harmonic distortion and switching losses. In all the modes of operation of the proposed inverter, only three switches are “ON”, so that conduction losses are less. The proposed enhanced H-Bridge MLI is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink R2017a, and is verified with the experimental result.
A Comparative Computational Fluid Dynamic Study on the Effects of Terrain Type on Hub-Height Wind Aerodynamic Properties
Authors: Abolude Akintayo T. , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2018

The increased adoption of wind power has generated global discourse in wind energy meteorology. Studies based on turbine performances show a deviation of actual output from power curve output, thereby yielding errors irrespective of the turbine site. Understanding the cause of these errors is essential for wind power optimization, thus necessitating investigation into site-specific effects on turbine performance and operation. Therefore, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations of hub-height wind aerodynamic properties were conducted based on the k-ε turbulence closure model Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations for three terrains. To isolate terrain-induced effects, the same 40 m above mean sea level wind climatology was imposed on all three terrains. For the four wind directions considered, turbulence intensity (TI) was least in the offshore terrain at about 5–7% but ranged considerably higher from 4–18% for the coastal and island terrain. TI on crests also increased significantly by up to 15% upstream of wind direction for the latter terrains. Inflow angle ranged from −15° to +15° in both coastal and island terrains but remained at <+1° in the offshore terrain. Hellman exponent increased from between factors of 2–4 in the other two terrains relative to that of the offshore terrain. Wind speed-up varied from about 1.06–1.13, accounting for a range of 17–30% difference in power output from a hypothetical operational 2 MW turbine output placed in the three different terrains. Turbine loading, fatigue, efficiency, and life cycle can also be impacted by the variations noted. While adopting a site-specific power curve may help minimize errors and losses, collecting these aerodynamic data alongside wind speed and direction is the future for wind power optimization under big data and machine learning.
Metamaterial-Based Radiative Cooling: Towards Energy-Free All-Day Cooling
Authors: Ko Byoungsu , Lee Dasol , Badloe Trevon , Rho Junsuk
Published: December 2018

In the light of the ever increasing dangers of global warming, the efforts to reduce energy consumption by radiative cooling techniques have been designed, but are inefficient under strong sunlight during the daytime. With the advent of metamaterials and their selective control over optical properties, radiative cooling under direct sunlight is now possible. The key principles of metamaterial-based radiative cooling are: almost perfect reflection in the visible and near-infrared spectrum (0.3–3 µm) and high thermal emission in the infrared atmospheric window region (8–13 µm). Based on these two basic principles, studies have been conducted using various materials and structures to find the most efficient radiative cooling system. In this review, we analyze the materials and structures being used for radiative cooling, and suggest the future perspectives as a substitute in the current cooling industry.
A Novel Hybrid Algorithm to Forecast Functional Time Series Based on Pattern Sequence Similarity with Application to Electricity Demand
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Francisco , Schmutz Amandine , Asencio-Cortés Gualberto , Jacques Julien
Published: December 2018

The forecasting of future values is a very challenging task. In almost all scientific disciplines, the analysis of time series provides useful information and even economic benefits. In this context, this paper proposes a novel hybrid algorithm to forecast functional time series with arbitrary prediction horizons. It integrates a well-known clustering functional data algorithm into a forecasting strategy based on pattern sequence similarity, which was originally developed for discrete time series. The new approach assumes that some patterns are repeated over time, and it attempts to discover them and evaluate their immediate future. Hence, the algorithm first applies a clustering functional time series algorithm, i.e., it assigns labels to every data unit (it may represent either one hour, or one day, or any arbitrary length). As a result, the time series is transformed into a sequence of labels. Later, it retrieves the sequence of labels occurring just after the sample that we want to be forecasted. This sequence is searched for within the historical data, and every time it is found, the sample immediately after is stored. Once the searching process is terminated, the output is generated by weighting all stored data. The performance of the approach has been tested on real-world datasets related to electricity demand and compared to other existing methods, reporting very promising results. Finally, a statistical significance test has been carried out to confirm the suitability of the election of the compared methods. In conclusion, a novel algorithm to forecast functional time series is proposed with very satisfactory results when assessed in the context of electricity demand.
Modified State-of-Charge Balancing Control of Modular Multilevel Converter with Integrated Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: Ma Yajun , Lin Hua , Wang Zhe , Ze Zuyao
Published: December 2018

Modular multilevel converter with integrated battery energy storage system (MMC-BESS) has been proposed for energy storage requirements in high-voltage applications. The state-of-charge (SOC) equilibrium of batteries is essential for BESS to guarantee the capacity utilization. However, submodule voltage regulation can lead to over-modulation of individual submodules, which will limit the efficiency of SOC balancing control. Focusing on this problem, a modified SOC balancing control method with high efficiency is proposed in this paper. The tolerance for battery power unbalance is defined to quantize the convergence of SOC balancing control. Both the DC component and AC component are considered while regulating submodule voltage. The linear programming method is introduced to realize the maximum tolerance for battery power unbalance in different operation modes. Based on the analysis, by choosing appropriate submodule voltage regulation method, the efficiency of SOC balancing control is improved greatly. In addition, the SOC controller is also optimally designed to avoid over-modulation of submodules. Finally, the detailed simulation and experiment results verify the effectiveness of the analysis and proposed control strategy.
Artificial Intelligence and Integrated Genotype–Phenotype Identification
Authors: Frey Lewis J.
Published: December 2018

The integration of phenotypes and genotypes is at an unprecedented level and offers new opportunities to establish deep phenotypes. There are a number of challenges to overcome, specifically, accelerated growth of data, data silos, incompleteness, inaccuracies, and heterogeneity within and across data sources. This perspective report discusses artificial intelligence (AI) approaches that hold promise in addressing these challenges by automating computable phenotypes and integrating them with genotypes. Collaborations between biomedical and AI researchers will be highlighted in order to describe initial successes with an eye toward the future.
Polymorphisms in RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Pathway Are Associated with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez-Hormazabal Patricio , Musleh Maher , Bustamante Marco , Stambuk Juan , Pisano Raul , Valladares Hector , Lanzarini Enrique , Chiong Hector , Rojas Jorge , Suazo Jose , Castro V. Gonzalo , Jara Lilian , Berger Zoltan
Published: December 2018

The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway regulates certain cellular functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of this pathway leads to the occurrence and progression of cancers mainly by somatic mutations. This study aimed to assess if polymorphisms of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway are associated with gastric cancer. A case-control study of 242 gastric cancer patients and 242 controls was performed to assess the association of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway genes with gastric cancer. Analyses performed under the additive model (allele) showed four significantly associated SNPs: RAF1 rs3729931 (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.98, p-value = 7.95 × 10−4), HRAS rs45604736 (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16–2.22, p-value = 4.68 × 10−3), MAPK1 rs2283792 (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12–1.87, p-value = 4.91 × 10−3), and MAPK1 rs9610417 (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42–0.87, p-value = 6.64 × 10−3). Functional annotation suggested that those variants or their proxy variants may have a functional effect. In conclusion, this study suggests that RAF1 rs3729931, HRAS rs45604736, MAPK1 rs2283792, and MAPK1 rs9610417 are associated with gastric cancer.
HNF4A Regulates the Formation of Hepatic Progenitor Cells from Human iPSC-Derived Endoderm by Facilitating Efficient Recruitment of RNA Pol II
Authors: DeLaForest Ann , Di Furio Francesca , Jing Ran , Ludwig-Kubinski Amy , Twaroski Kirk , Urick Amanda , Pulakanti Kirthi , Rao Sridhar , Duncan Stephen A.
Published: December 2018

Elucidating the molecular basis of cell differentiation will advance our understanding of organ development and disease. We have previously established a protocol that efficiently produces cells with hepatocyte characteristics from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We previously used this cell differentiation model to identify the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4A) as being essential during the transition of the endoderm to a hepatic fate. Here, we sought to define the molecular mechanisms through which HNF4A controls this process. By combining HNF4A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses at the onset of hepatic progenitor cell formation with transcriptome data collected during early stages of differentiation, we identified genes whose expression is directly dependent upon HNF4A. By examining the dynamic changes that occur at the promoters of these HNF4A targets we reveal that HNF4A is essential for recruitment of RNA polymerase (RNA pol) II to genes that are characteristically expressed as the hepatic progenitors differentiate from the endoderm.
Peptidylarginine Deiminases Post-Translationally Deiminate Prohibitin and Modulate Extracellular Vesicle Release and MicroRNAs in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Kosgodage Uchini S. , Uysal-Onganer Pinar , MacLatchy Amy , Kraev Igor , Chatterton Nicholas P. , Nicholas Anthony P. , Inal Jameel M. , Lange Sigrun
Published: December 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of adult primary malignant brain tumour with poor prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a key-mediator through which GBM cells promote a pro-oncogenic microenvironment. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), which catalyze the post-translational protein deimination of target proteins, are implicated in cancer, including via EV modulation. Pan-PAD inhibitor Cl-amidine affected EV release from GBM cells, and EV related microRNA cargo, with reduced pro-oncogenic microRNA21 and increased anti-oncogenic microRNA126, also in combinatory treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ). The GBM cell lines under study, LN18 and LN229, differed in PAD2, PAD3 and PAD4 isozyme expression. Various cytoskeletal, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins were identified to be deiminated in GBM, including prohibitin (PHB), a key protein in mitochondrial integrity and also involved in chemo-resistance. Post-translational deimination of PHB, and PHB protein levels, were reduced after 1 h treatment with pan-PAD inhibitor Cl-amidine in GBM cells. Histone H3 deimination was also reduced following Cl-amidine treatment. Multifaceted roles for PADs on EV-mediated pathways, as well as deimination of mitochondrial, nuclear and invadopodia related proteins, highlight PADs as novel targets for modulating GBM tumour communication.
Polycystins in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gargalionis Antonios N. , Basdra Efthimia K. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: December 2018

Cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) biomechanics emerge as a distinct feature during the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Polycystins are core mechanosensitive protein molecules that mediate mechanotransduction in a variety of epithelial cells. Polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2) are engaged in signal transduction mechanisms and during alterations in calcium influx, which regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, orientation, and migration in cancer cells. Recent findings implicate polycystins in the deregulation of such functions and the formation of CRC invasive phenotypes. Polycystins participate in all aspects of the cell’s biomechanical network, from the perception of extracellular mechanical cues to focal adhesion protein and nuclear transcriptional complexes. Therefore, polycystins could be employed as novel biomarkers and putative targets of selective treatment in CRC.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Enhanced Vasodilation in Metabolic Syndrome Rats by Apelin and N-Acetyl–l-Cysteine-Sensitive Factor(s)
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Maruyama-Fumoto Kana , Iwata Saki , Shimari Miho , Koyanagi Shiori , Shiokawa Yayoi , McGuire John J. , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: December 2018

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can regulate vascular tone. In mesenteric arteries of SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP.ZF) with metabolic syndrome, vascular dysfunction is compensated by PVAT-dependent mechanisms that disappear with increasing age. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of the age-related changes and responsible factor(s) involved in the enhancing effects of mesenteric arterial PVAT in SHRSP.ZF. Acetylcholine- and sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxations of isolated arteries were greater with PVAT than without PVAT at 17 and 20 weeks of age (wks), and as expected, this enhancement by the presence of PVAT disappeared at 23 wks. PVAT mRNA levels of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor-associated protein was less and AT1 receptor was unchanged at 23 wks when compared to 20 wks. At 20 wks, the enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation by the presence of PVAT was inhibited by N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Acetylcholine-induced relaxation of arteries without PVAT was increased in the presence of exogenously added apelin. PVAT mRNA level of apelin was higher in SHRSP.ZF than in control Wistar-Kyoto rats, and the level was decreased with aging. These results suggest that AT1 receptor activation in PVAT, and changes in the regulation of apelin and a NAC-sensitive factor are related to the age-dependent deterioration of the vasodilation enhancing effects of mesenteric arterial PVAT in SHRSP.ZF.