bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UJI TOKSISITAS EKSTRAK ETANOL TERPURIFIKASI BIJI MAHONI (Switenia mahagoni)
Authors: Handayani Virsa , Najib Ahmad , Syarif Rezki Amriati , Mahmud Abdullah , Hamidu La , Ahmad Aktsar Roskiana
Published: August 2019

Mahoni is a medical plant which have the potential as drug. The aims of this research were to analysis phytochemical content and to test the toxicity of ethanol extract of seed from Mahoni. The Phytochemicals that analyzed were total phenolic, total flavonoid and condensed tannin. Toxicity test was assessed using BSLT method. Extraction was done by maseration method using ethanol as the solvent. In BSLT method, the shrimp larvae were placed in a series of test solution of varied concentration. The value of LC50 were obtained based on calculation of shrimp larvae lethality percentage using probit analysis. LC50 values of ethanol extract were 0,95 ppm.
Kajian Tekstur Dramatik Lakon Mintaraga Sajian Wayang Wong Sriwedari
Authors: Samodro Wisnu
Published: August 2019

ABSTRAK Penelitian berjudul “ Kajian Tekstur Dramatik Lakon Mintaraga Sajian Wayang Wong Sriwedari” merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan cara melihat pertunjukan dan menganalisis menggunakan teori Tekstual. Teori ini dikemukakan oleh Satoto yang mengungkapkan bahwa tekstur dramatik adalah sesuatu yang terindera. Hasil penelitan ini mengungkap berbagai elemen pertunjukan meliputi dialog, iringan musik dan spektakel. Dialog dapat didengar pilah atau tidaknya yang disesuaikan dengan karakter tokoh yang dimainkan, iringan musik dapat didengar dan dikaji mengenai keselarasan dengan adegan yang dimainkan sedangkan spektakel dapat dilihat dengan indera penglihatan mengenai bentuk setting, properti dan tata cahaya yang digunakan dalam pertunjukan Wayang Wong Sriwedari Lakon Mintaraga. Kata kunci: Tekstur dramatik, Dialog, Spektakel.  ABSTRAKThe research entitled “Kajian Tekstur Dramatik Lakon Mintaraga Sajian Wayang Wong Sriwedari” is a qualitative research by looking at performances and analyzing using Textual theory. This theory was put forward by Satoto. It says that dramatic texture is something that is sensed. The results of this research reveal the various elements of the show including dialogue, musical accompaniment and spectacles. Dialogue can be heard according to the characters being played, musical accompaniment can be heard and studied in harmony with the scene played, while the spectacle can be seen regarding to the form of setting, properties and lighting used in the Wayong Wong Sriwedari performance lakon Mintaraga . Keywords: Dramatic Texture, Dialogue, Spectacles.
Transmission of pathogens within the commonly consumed vegetables: Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Feroz Farahnaaz , Noor Rashed
Published: August 2019

Fresh vegetables and fruits are prime source of fiber, vitamins and minerals in our daily diet. Nevertheless, raw vegetables act as a vector for transmitting pathogenic microbes and the majority of diseases are spread by the fecal-oral route at different point of harvesting, post harvesting, during transportation and storage conditions. Contaminated water, carrier materials, and unhygienic handlers are the crucial gateway for disease causing microbes in fresh vegetables. Recently Listeria spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. associated outbreak evident in mixed vegetables salad and other vegetable samples also showed pathogenic proliferation to some extent. Children are the major risk group and according to World Health Organization, their mortality rate is high due to food borne infections. In Bangladesh, the situation is more alarming in terms of pathogenic proliferation in raw vegetables. A lot of researches have been conducted in recent years on fresh vegetables and a wide range of vegetables are found to harbor pathogenic microorganisms inclusive of drug resistant bacteria which may affect the measures to combat harmful pathogens. Additionally, phytotoxic, natural contaminants and pesticides are also found to reside in raw vegetables which may be life threatening for both human and animal health as these particles magnify when we repeatedly consume them. The current review focus on the possible intervention of potential contaminants in the vegetable items and possible public health risks associated with their consumption along with a general guideline to combat contamination of fresh vegetables.

Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.8(1) 2018: 46-49
BIORYTHMOLOGICAL PARTICULARS AND ELEMENTS OF THE DESYNCHRONOSIS OF THE CENTRAL HEMODYNAMICS PARAMETERS IN THE STUDENTS OF THE NORTHERN MEDICAL HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Authors: Shalamova E Yu , Ragozin O N , Safonova V R
Published: August 2019

The parameters of central hemodynamics in young men and women, junior students of the medical faculty of the Khanty-Mansiysk State Medical Academy were analyzed in this study. Values of cardio hemodynamic indicators and vegetation index Kerdo are obtained by 24-hour monitoring. Arrhythmic type prevailed among boys and girls; the second largest type was evening type; the number of students with morning chronotype was limited. Significant differences in the average values of central hemodynamics parameters were found in groups of the young people of the same sex with different chronotype in the hours of morning rise, the diurnal activity and night's repose. Differences between the representatives of different chronotypes were evident to a greater extent in the girls' groups than in the boys' groups. In the group of youths, joined all chronotypes representatives, desynchronosis of central hemodynamic parameters was evident as ultradian rhythms. We observed more intercalated rhythms in young men with arrhythmic chronotype than in boys with evening chronotype where pulse pressure circadian rhythm also disappeared. In the group of girls, we observed disappearance of pulse pressure circadian rhythm. Girls with arrhythmic and evening chronotypes had disorders in rhythms coherence of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate that led to the absence of circadian rhythm of pulse pressure.
HELMINTHIASIS PREVALENCE AMONG POPULATION OF KARA-SUY REGION THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Authors: Ergeshbaev M B
Published: August 2019

Every year from 296 812 to 681 056 incidents of invasion diseases are registered in Kyrgyz Republic. It means that each 8th inhabitant has parasitic diseases and each 6th child aged up to 14 suffer from helminthes. In the years 2012-2014 the study on fauna determination of persons' endoparasite among the population of Kara-Suy region was made together with parasitological laboratory of health inspection service. The work was devoted to echinococcus research. Echinococcus was found in 7,9 % unemployed people, 6,5 % housewives, 14,3 % in pensioners among Kara-Suy region population. Infection rate among surveyed was 0,6 %. During 2012-2014 decrease tendency of echinococcus disease was observed. However this tendency is not stable as the rate of infection is still high. It means that more and more healthy people will be involved in echinococcus epidemic process if the situation will not be changed fundamentally. Human echinococcus incidence rate is coherent with animals' echinococcus infection rate. During 2012-2014 about 997 domestic animals, infected by echinococcus were resisted in the region. More than two tons of animal organs infected by echinococcus were taken out at the slaughter. There exists probability of feeding dogs with the infected organs which causes environment pollution with echinococcus in Kara-Suy region. According to the statistics of Osh Environmental Protection Department all the slaughter units belong to ecological risk group due to environmental contamination with tapeworm echinococcus eggs.
Analysis of Flood Damage Assessment through WorldView-2, Quick Bird and Multispectral Satellite Imagery in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Aamir Muneeb , Mahmood Syed Amer , Riaz Farzeen , Farooq Nida , Rasheed Rabia , Fatima Syeda Qandeel , Batool Saira , Mehmood Syed Aamir , Kaukab Imran Siddique , Saeed Fawad
Published: August 2019

Pakistan has faced numerous natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, landslides and environmental degradation which severely affects the Pakistan’s economy and results in various problems like causalities, diseases, water stress and severe damages (e.g., houses, public infrastructure and agricultural land erosion). There is a lack of systematic approaches to analyze pre and post damage assessment for estimation of exact loses and the total cost for rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in an efficient way. There exist a variety of mechanisms but GIS based flood mapping is considered the most efficient to manage the flood situation. This study is focused on evaluation of flood affected areas especially in Punjab using WorldView-2, 8-band multi-spectral imagery by applying Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS techniques. The research area is comprised of Kot Addu and Muzaffargarh Districts in Punjab province of Pakistan that faced a catastrophic super flood of 2010. The WorldView-2, Quick Bird and multispectral satellite imagery are capable of making better decisions and assessment of flood effected area accurately. RS and GIS techniques can achieve the objectives and significant analyses through visual interpretations. These techniques are also used to identify the flood affected regions. The study site was examined by applying supervised classification on the basis of the training areas which were obtained during the field surveys in the study site. Supervised classification determines that 16900.96 Hectors of agriculture land was damaged while Sparse Riverine Forest had the area 44.52 hectors. The damaged built-up area was 1805.78 Hectors. RS and GIS techniques are efficient for flood mapping.
Pemanfaatan KUR, Pembentukan Koplay, Penggunaan saluran distribusi daring (online): Solusi Peningkatan Usaha Kampung KB Layang Layang Kota Palembang
Authors: Yustini Tien , Lasmiana Lasmiana
Published: August 2019

The business of the KB Village community has enormous potential to continue to grow. Support from the government, good family relations in the community, enthusiasm to learn and improve themselves, and the unique name of the village as a brand contribute to the advancement of SMEs in the KB Village community. This research is expected to be able to provide solutions on how to increase the business and income of Layang Layang KB Village UPPKS. This research method is a Census (survey), where all KB Village Cadres who have businesses both micro and small scale are used as research samples (saturated samples). and by using qualitative descriptive analysis, this research shows that: 1). Utilization of KUR bank products can be a solution to the problem of limited business capital faced by the Layang-Layang village community. Our visit also educated the public on how to manage good finances, from separating personal / household needs from business needs, to setting aside operating profits to be used as business capital. 2). The kite production process is divided up to sales that depend on collectors, making the formation of community associations as a solution to better manage the production process, more efficient sales process, to the flexibility of determining the final sale price of the kite product. Sales that do not depend on collectors will be able to maximize profit potential for the community, not shrinking by a long business process. 3). The introduction of online sales channels is the right solution so that people's products are more quickly recognized, expand target markets without having to incur expensive costs, and increase sales. Enthusiastic and understanding of the community from the training in the use of online shops: The Bukapalak that we held, convinced our group that the businesses of the KB village community have the potential to advance. 4). The problem of kite seasonal products faced by the community can be dealt with by developing products, creating differentiation of kite products from the KB village with other kite products, and starting to think creatively.
Melankolik Depresyon tedavisinde venlafaksin ve agomelatinin birlikte kullanımı: Bir olgu sunumu
Authors: OKUMUŞ Burak , HOCAOĞLU Çiçek
Published: August 2019

Major Depresif Bozukluk (MDB); yaşam boyu yaygın olarak görülmektedir. Klinik depresyonun bu geniş heterojenliği, depresif alt tipleri tanımlamaya yönelik çalışmaları artırdı. Daha önceki çalışmalara göre melankolik depresyon; biyolojik bir etiyolojisi olan, çevresel olaylara tepkisiz seyreden, psikoterapiye değil somatik tedavilere cevap veren, kişilik patolojisi olmayan bireylerde daha çok görülen ve özel bir vejetatif belirti kalıbıyla (sabahları daha kötü olma, sabahları erken uyanma [rutin uyanma saatinden en az iki saat önce kalkma], belirgin psikomotor yavaşlama veya ajitasyon, belirgin iştahsızlık, kilo kaybı, aşırı veya uygunsuz suçluluk) seyreden bir depresyon tipidir. Bu nedenle bazı yazarlar melankolik depresyonun farklı psikopatolojisi, biyolojisi ve tedaviye yanıtları olması nedeniyle farklı yaklaşımlar önermişlerdir. Biz bu çalışmada major depresif bozukluk (melankoli özellikleri gösteren) tanısı koyulan 38 yaşında, kadın hastayı literatür bulguları ışığında sunmayı amaçladık.
Effect of Local Grid Refinement on Performance of Scale-Resolving Models for Simulation of Complex External Flows
Authors: ElCheikh Amne , ElKhoury Michel
Published: August 2019

Numerical simulations are crucial for fast and accurate estimations of the flow characteristics in many engineering applications such as atmospheric boundary layers around buildings, external aerodynamics around vehicles, and pollutant dispersion. In the simulation of flow over urban-like obstacles, it is crucial to accurately resolve the flow characteristics with reasonable computational cost. Therefore, Large Eddy Simulations on non-uniform grids are usually employed. However, an undesirable accumulation of energy at grid-refinement interfaces was observed in previous studies using non-uniform grids. This phenomenon induced oscillations in the spanwise velocity component, mainly on fine-to-coarse grid interfaces. In this study, the two challenging test cases of flow over urban-like cubes and flow over a 3-D circular cylinder were simulated using three different scale-resolving turbulence models. Simulations were performed on uniform coarse and fine grids on one hand, and a non-uniform grid on the other, to assess the effect of mesh density and mesh interfaces on the models’ performance. Overall, the proposed One-Equation Scale-Adaptive Simulation (One-Equation SAS) showed the least deviation from the experimental results in both tested cases and on all grid sizes and types when compared to the Shear Stress Transport-Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) and the Algebraic Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES).
Impact of Colletotrichum acutatum Pathogen on Olive Phenylpropanoid Metabolism
Authors: Gouvinhas Irene , Martins-Lopes Paula , Carvalho Teresa , Barros Ana , Gomes Sónia
Published: August 2019

Olive anthracnose caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum acutatum is a serious threat to the olive sector. Olive oil and fruit production is severely constrained by Colletotrichum spp. infection, being C. acutatum the most distributed pathogen in Portuguese olive orchards. To understand the impact of C. acutatum on phenylpropanoids biosynthesis, the enzyme activity, phenolic compounds, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids content were determined and correlated with the expression of gene encoding key enzymes within phenylpropanoids metabolism in susceptible and tolerant olive fruits, during maturation and when infected with C. acutatum. Differences between cultivars was observed, the tolerant olive cv. Picual presented a higher basal value and a stable phenolic content throughout the infection process, supporting its high C. acutatum tolerance, whereas in the susceptible olive cv. Galega these secondary metabolites were significantly increased only after the elicitation with C. acutatum.
Quality Determinants and Effect of Therapeutic Properties in Honey Consumption. An Exploratory Study on Italian Consumers
Authors: Testa Riccardo , Asciuto Antonio , Schifani Giorgio , Schimmenti Emanuele , Migliore Giuseppina
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, more and more consumers show a growing interest in healthy food products that may help to maintain or improve human health, such as honey. Honey has always represented a fundamental component of traditional medicine in many world cultures. However, only thanks to several studies carried out in the last years, its use is considered as an alternative and complementary medicine, namely apitherapy. In this way, honey is recognized increasingly by consumers not only as a natural alternative to refined sugar but as healthy food, as shown by determining an increase of its consumption worldwide. This study aims to explore the consumers’ determinants of honey consumption, trying to understand whether, and how much, therapeutic properties of honey affect the Italian consumers’ choices. The findings of this study, although exploratory, provide information on which quality characteristics influence honey consumption in Italy, revealing that, among quality attributes, the therapeutic properties of honey play an important role in affecting consumers’ behavior, followed by income, variety and taste. This could have some implications for producers and marketers as this information could contribute to defining effective marketing strategies for communicating to consumers the quality attributes of honey and its therapeutic benefits.
A Small Versatile Electrical Robot for Autonomous Spraying in Agriculture
Authors: Cantelli Luciano , Bonaccorso Filippo , Longo Domenico , Melita Carmelo Donato , Schillaci Giampaolo , Muscato Giovanni
Published: August 2019

Boosting innovation and research in the agricultural sector is crucial if farmers are asked to produce more with less. Precision agriculture offers different solutions to assist farmers in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs while respecting the legal requirements. Precision spraying enables the treatment of only the plants that require it, with the right amount of products. Our research group has developed a solution based on a reconfigurable vehicle with a high degree of automation for the distribution of plant protection products in vineyards and greenhouses. The synergy between the vehicle and the spraying management system we developed is an innovative solution with high technological content, and attempts to account for the current European and global directives in the field of agricultural techniques. The objectives of our system are the development of an autonomous vehicle and a spraying management system that allows safe and accurate autonomous spraying operations.
Kura Clover Living Mulch Reduces Fertilizer N Requirements and Increases Profitability of Maize
Authors: Alexander Jonathan R. , Baker John M. , Venterea Rodney T. , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2019

Kura clover living mulch (KCLM) systems have been previously investigated for their incorporation into upper Midwestern row crop rotations to provide ecosystem services through continuous living cover. Reductions in soil erosion and nitrate loss to surface and groundwater have been reported, but factors affecting agronomic performance and nutrient management are not well defined. To achieve realized environmental benefits, research must develop agronomic management techniques, determine economic opportunities, and provide management recommendations for row crop production in KCLM systems. Two experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to determine the response to N fertilizer application for maize production in KCLM. The first-year maize experiment followed forage management, and the second-year maize experiment followed maize after forage management. Eight fertilizer N treatments ranging from 0–250 kg N ha−1 were applied to each experiment and grain and stover yields were compared to conventionally managed maize hybrid trials that were conducted nearby. First-year maize did not need fertilizer N to maximize yield and profitability in either growing season, and second-year maize required a fertilizer N rate near local University guidelines for maize following soybean. The net economic return from maize grain and stover in the KCLM averaged over first and second-year maize experiments and 2017 and 2018 growing seasons were $138 ha−1 greater than the conventional comparison.
Selection of Fertilizer and Cultivar of Sweet Pepper and Eggplant for Hydroponic Production
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Dunn Bruce L. , Payton Mark , Brandenberger Lynn
Published: August 2019

Dutch bucket hydroponic trials were conducted with the aim to evaluate the effects of different hydroponic fertilizers (5N-4.8P-21.6K, 5N-5.2P-21.6K, and 7N-3.9P-4.1K) on growth, fruit production, and the fruit quality (fruit shape index) parameters of two cultivars of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and on two cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). For sweet pepper yield, the 5N-4.8P-21.6K fertilizer was responsible for the greatest yield for both cultivars. For sweet pepper fresh and dry shoot weight interaction, the ‘Orangella’ cultivar had greater growth in 5N-4.8P-21.6K and 5N-5.2P-21.6K fertilizers, whereas there was no difference among cultivars in 7N-3.9P-4.1K. Shape index was not affected by fertilizers or cultivars. For the eggplant yield, there was no main effect nor interaction between fertilizers and cultivars for fruit yield, while the interaction between fertilizers and cultivars was significant for shoot fresh weight production. Shoot fresh weight was greater for ‘Angela’ than ‘Jaylo’ in 5N-4.8P-21.6K and 7N-3.9P-4.1K. Furthermore, both eggplant cultivars were affected with yellowing of fruits in all fertilizer treatments after 2 months, which was probably due to the accumulation of nutrients in the closed hydroponic system. Therefore, hydroponic producers could select 5N-4.8P-21.6K and 5N-5.2P-21.6K fertilizers for the cultivation of the ‘Orangella’ cultivar of sweet pepper based on yield. It is important to evaluate more fertilizers and cultivars for eggplant hydroponic cultivation.
Pre-Harvest UV-B Radiation and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density Interactively Affect Plant Photosynthesis, Growth, and Secondary Metabolites Accumulation in Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Plants
Authors: Dou Haijie , Niu Genhua , Gu Mengmeng
Published: August 2019

Phenolic compounds in basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants grown under a controlled environment are reduced due to the absence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and low photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). To characterize the optimal UV-B radiation dose and PPFD for enhancing the synthesis of phenolic compounds in basil plants without yield reduction, green and purple basil plants grown at two PPFDs, 160 and 224 μmol·m−2·s−1, were treated with five UV-B radiation doses including control, 1 h·d−1 for 2 days, 2 h·d−1 for 2 days, 1 h·d−1 for 5 days, and 2 h·d−1 for 5 days. Supplemental UV-B radiation suppressed plant growth and resulted in reduced plant yield, while high PPFD increased plant yield. Shoot fresh weight in green and purple basil plants was 12%–51% and 6%–44% lower, respectively, after UV-B treatments compared to control. Concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids in green basil leaves increased under all UV-B treatments by 9%–18%, 28%–126%, and 80%–169%, respectively, and the increase was greater under low PPFD compared to high PPFD. In purple basil plants, concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids increased after 2 h·d−1 UV-B treatments. Among all treatments, 1 h·d−1 for 2 days UV-B radiation under PPFD of 224 μmol·m−2·s−1 was the optimal condition for green basil production under a controlled environment.
Identification and Expression Analysis of the PIN and AUX/LAX Gene Families in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud)
Authors: Bao Yaning , Huang Xing , Rehman Muzammal , Wang Yunhe , Wang Bo , Peng Dingxiang
Published: August 2019

Auxin regulates diverse aspects of growth and development. Furthermore, polar auxin transport, which is mediated by the PIN-FORMED (PIN) and AUXIN1/LIKE-AUX (AUX/LAX) proteins, plays a crucial role in auxin distribution. In this study, six PIN and four AUX/LAX genes were identified in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.). We used qRT-PCR to characterize and analyze the two gene families, including phylogenetic relationships, intron/exon structures, cis-elements, subcellular localization, and the expression patterns in different tissues. The expression of these genes in response to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatment and drought stress was also assessed; the results indicate that most of the BnAUX/LAX and BnPIN genes were regulated as a result of IAA treatment and drought stress. Our study provides insights into ramie auxin transporters and lays the foundation for further analysis of their biological functions in ramie fiber development and adaptation to environmental stresses.
Blocking the Trigger: Inhibition of the Initiation of Bacterial Chromosome Replication as an Antimicrobial Strategy
Authors: Grimwade Julia E. , Leonard Alan C.
Published: August 2019

All bacterial cells must duplicate their genomes prior to dividing into two identical daughter cells. Chromosome replication is triggered when a nucleoprotein complex, termed the orisome, assembles, unwinds the duplex DNA, and recruits the proteins required to establish new replication forks. Obviously, the initiation of chromosome replication is essential to bacterial reproduction, but this process is not inhibited by any of the currently-used antimicrobial agents. Given the urgent need for new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria, it is logical to evaluate whether or not unexploited bacterial processes, such as orisome assembly, should be more closely examined for sources of novel drug targets. This review will summarize current knowledge about the proteins required for bacterial chromosome initiation, as well as how orisomes assemble and are regulated. Based upon this information, we discuss current efforts and potential strategies and challenges for inhibiting this initiation pharmacologically.
Comparison of the Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Chocolate Obtained from Roasted and Unroasted Cocoa Beans from Different Regions of the World
Authors: Urbańska Bogumiła , Kowalska Jolanta
Published: August 2019

The polyphenol content of cocoa beans and the products derived from them, depend on the regions in which they are grown and the processes to which they are subjected, especially temperature. The aim of the study was to compare the total content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of chocolates obtained from roasted and unroasted cocoa beans. The chocolates produced from each of the six types of unroasted beans and each of the five types of roasted beans were investigated. The seeds came from Ghana, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Ecuador. The highest total polyphenol content was determined in cocoa beans originating from Colombia and in the chocolates obtained from them. A higher content of total polyphenols was found in unroasted cocoa beans, which indicates the influence this process had on the studied size. The ability to scavenge free DPPH radicals was at a high level in both the beans and the chocolates produced from them, irrespective of the region where the raw material was grown. A positive correlation between the total polyphenol content and the ability to scavenge free radicals was found.
Poly (α-Dodecyl γ-Glutamate) (PAAG-12) and Polylactic Acid Films Charged with α-Tocopherol and Their Antioxidant Capacity in Food Models
Authors: Villasante Juliana , Codina Eva , Hidalgo Gádor Indra , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián , Almajano María Pilar
Published: August 2019

Poly (α-dodecyl γ-glutamate) (PAAG-12) was successfully synthesized from poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGGA) according to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses. PAAG-12 films were prepared and enriched with 5% α-tocopherol, with the aim of using them as novel antioxidant active packaging for food applications. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) characterization determined that α-tocopherol improved thermal stability of films, which is beneficial for industrial processing. Polylactic Acid (PLA) films prepared with the same amount of α-tocopherol were used to set a comparative frame and both types of films were applied to two different food models to assess their protective action against oxidation. Water, 50% ethanol (EtOH) and 95% EtOH were used as food simulants and HPLC analyses were performed to determine diffusion and partition coefficients in PLA and the novel polymer, the latter exhibiting slower release rates. Primary oxidation was measured with peroxide value, which revealed that PAAG-12 films with α-tocopherol protected oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions up to 29 days, complying with the Codex Alimentarius.
Crosstalk Between Adipokines and Paraoxonase 1: A New Potential Axis Linking Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Tisato Veronica , Romani Arianna , Tavanti Elisa , Melloni Elisabetta , Milani Daniela , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Sanz Juana M. , Gemmati Donato , Passaro Angelina , Cervellati Carlo
Published: August 2019

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated protein that endows its carrier with (lipo-)lactonase-dependent antioxidative features. Low levels of PON1 activity have been observed in association with obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Considering the well-recognized atheroprotective role of PON1, exogenous/endogenous factors that might modulate its levels/activity are raising great interest. Since adipokines represent a molecular link between obesity and CVD, we here explored the possible impact of these substances on PON1 activity/expression. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, hepatocyte growth factor, resistin, leptin, and adiponectin were measured along with arylesterase, paraoxonase, and lactonase activities of PON1 in 107 postmenopausal women. Moreover, the direct effect of resistin on PON1 expression was evaluated in vitro. Multivariate analysis revealed that only resistin was significantly and inversely correlated with PON1-lactonase activities (r = −0.346, p < 0.001) regardless of confounding factors such as age or HDL-cholesterol. It is worth noting that no statistical link was found between adipokine and arylesterase or paraoxonase, the two promiscuous activities of PON1. Notably, resistin down-regulated PON1 expression occurred in hepatocellular carcinoma cultures. Our study suggests that resistin might be a negative modulator of PON1 expression and anti-oxidative activity.
Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation Using a Native Inland Bacterium for Beach Sand Stabilization in Nearshore Areas
Authors: Nayanthara Pahala Ge Nishadi , Dassanayake Anjula Buddhika Nayomi , Nakashima Kazunori , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: August 2019

Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) via urea hydrolysis is an emerging sustainable technology that provides solutions for numerous environmental and engineering problems in a vast range of disciplines. Attention has now been given to the implementation of this technique to reinforce loose sand bodies in-situ in nearshore areas and improve their resistance against erosion from wave action without interfering with its hydraulics. A current study has focused on isolating a local ureolytic bacterium and assessed its feasibility for MICP as a preliminary step towards stabilizing loose beach sand in Sri Lanka. The results indicated that a strain belonging to Sporosarcina sp. isolated from inland soil demonstrated a satisfactory level of enzymatic activity at 25 °C and moderately alkaline conditions, making it a suitable candidate for target application. Elementary scale sand solidification test results showed that treated sand achieved an approximate strength of 15 MPa as determined by needle penetration device after a period of 14 days under optimum conditions. Further, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery revealed that variables such as grain size distribution, bacteria population, reactant concentrations and presence of other cations like Mg2+ has serious implications on the size and morphology of precipitated crystals and thus the homogeneity of the strength improvement.
Entanglement and Phase-Mediated Correlations in Quantum Field Theory. Application to Brain-Mind States
Authors: Sabbadini Shantena A. , Vitiello Giuseppe
Published: August 2019

The entanglement phenomenon plays a central role in quantum optics and in basic aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. We review the dissipative quantum model of brain and the role of the entanglement in the brain-mind activity correlation and in the formation of assemblies of coherently-oscillating neurons, which are observed to appear in different regions of the cortex by use of EEG, ECoG, fNMR, and other observational methods in neuroscience.
Seismic Damage Analysis of Box Metro Tunnels Accounting for Aspect Ratio and Shear Failure
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Duan , Lee Tae-Hyung , Nguyen Van-Quang , Park Duhee
Published: August 2019

We performed a series of inelastic frame analyses for single, double, and triple reinforced concrete box tunnels to investigate their unique damage mechanisms. We focused our interest on the influence of the aspect ratio of box tunnels and the occurrence of a shear structural failure. This is a follow-up study of Lee et al. (2016), where damage analyses of box tunnels with an aspect ratio of unity were performed by considering only the flexural failure. We show that only flexural failures occurred in single box tunnels, whereas shear structural failures were produced at the inner column for double and triple box tunnels. The inner column failed in shear after flexural plastic hinges were formed at all four outer corners, and might cause a brittle collapse. A structural collapse was not observed in single box tunnels. An increase in the aspect ratio was demonstrated to cause associated increment in the seismic resistance. The moment and shear strains at which plastic hinges formed an increase by up to 5% and 20%, respectively. We proposed revised damage indices (DIs) corresponding to three damage states for single box tunnels, where DI is defined as the ratio of the elastic moment to the yield moment. The collapse damage state and corresponding DI for double and triple tunnels are newly presented.
Reliable Method to Detect Alloy Soldering Fractures under Accelerated Life Test
Authors: Zamora-Antuñano M.A. , Mendoza-Herbert O. , Culebro-Pérez M. , Rodríguez-Morales A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Gonzalez-Duran J.E.E. , Mendez-Lozano N. , Gonzalez-Gutierrez C.A.
Published: August 2019

In this research, we investigated the development and design of the Accelerated Life Test (ALT) and its approach to the waste of material. The development of a reliability model is based on the moment at which failure appears. The faults detected in welding joints during this research prevented proper current flow within electronic components and this interruption of current is considered a critical system failure. Minitab v18 was used to process data. Through statistical analysis, it was determined that the sample size was adequate with a 95% level of significance. A Shapiro Wilk analysis was carried out to determine the normality of the data, where a p-value of 0.1349 was obtained, which indicates that the data are normal. A Weibull analysis was applied, and it was observed that the data adjusted to the regression analysis and Weibull’s reliability distribution. The results showed that failure phenomena can occur during electronic assembly due to the values of R being too high and too close to each other. Significant issues included the welding alloy, temperature, and the interaction between the welding alloy and vibration. It is observed that with high temperature, the number of faults in the solder alloy used for tin and lead and for tin, silver, and copper were lower. 17 electronic assemblies with measures of 2 cm × 2 cm were fabricated, where components such as leads and electric resistance were used. The objective of analyzing this is to obtain the characteristics of the soldering alloy. Electronic components of this type are used worldwide in all types of electronic components, including: TVs, cell phones, tablet, computers, resistors, diodes, LEDs, and capacitors. For this work, the components were built based on an LED and a diode.
Strain-Specific Effects of Biochar and Its Water-Soluble Compounds on Bacterial Growth
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhou Yue , Liu Weiming , Tang Wenzhu , Meng Jun , Chen Wenfu , Li Xianzhen
Published: August 2019

Previous studies have revealed that biochar could induce the disturbance of a microbial community above the family level. So far, very little is known about how individual bacteria are affected by biochar at genus or species levels. In this study, effects of biochar and its water-soluble compounds on the growth of individual soil bacteria were examined. Biochar derived from different feedstock showed disproportionate impacts on bacterial growth. Corncob biochar could significantly stimulate the growth of most tested strains, whereas the growth of four strains, including Bacillus pumilus ACCC04306 (Agricultural Culture Collection of China, ACCC), B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and Kitasatospora viridis, were inhibited by addition of rice husk biochar. All the biochars greatly supported the growth of B. mucilaginosus but inhibited that of K. viridis. More importantly, different strains exhibited discrepant growth response towards the same biochar sample, even when strains belong to the same species, suggesting that the effect of biochar on bacteria growth is strain-specific. Corncob biochar showed the strongest adsorption on B. thuringiensis but the greatest growth promotion was observed in B. mucilaginosus, indicating that the porous structure of biochar is not the sole factor that influences cell growth. Due to the possible stimulation or inhibition of water-soluble compounds existing in biochar, the growth variation of tested strains decreased or increased correspondingly when the washed biochar was applied, indicating that water-soluble compounds in fresh biochar play an important role in cell growth and such effect is also strain-dependent. Biochar application could also enhance potassium-/phosphate-solubilizing activities through promoting bacterial growth. All these results suggested that biochar might influence bacterial growth under different mechanisms. Our findings should be valuable for an in-depth understanding of the potential mechanism of soil bacteria changes following biochar incorporation and for biochar application in agriculture.
Intrinsic Interference Use for FBMC-IOTA Systems
Authors: Wen Lei , Razavi Razieh , Lei Jing
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the intrinsic interference of filter bank-based multicarrier systems (FBMC) systems with isotropic orthogonal transfer algorithm (IOTA) pulse-shaping is analyzed and used. Such intrinsic interference is treated as a parity symbol, and an iterative soft-in-soft-out (SISO) detector, which is based on message-passing algorithm (MPA), is proposed to exploit the useful information of the intrinsic interference. The performance of the intrinsic interference user (IIU) is investigated.
Potentials for Pressure Gain Combustion in Advanced Gas Turbine Cycles
Authors: Neumann Nicolai , Peitsch Dieter
Published: August 2019

Pressure gain combustion evokes great interest as it promises to increase significantly gas turbine efficiency and reduce emissions. This also applies to advanced thermodynamic cycles with heat exchangers for intercooling and recuperation. These cycles are superior to the classic Brayton cycle and deliver higher specific work and/or thermal efficiency. The combination of this revolutionary type of combustion in an intercooled or recuperated gas turbine cycle can, however, lead to even higher efficiency or specific work. The research of these potentials is the topic of the presented paper. For that purpose, different gas turbine setups for intercooling, recuperation, and combined intercooling and recuperation are modeled in a gas turbine performance code. A secondary air system for turbine cooling is incorporated, as well as a blade temperature evaluation. The pressure gain combustion is represented by analytical-algebraic and empirical models from the literature. Key gas turbine specifications are then subject to a comprehensive optimization study, in order to identify the design with the highest thermal efficiency. The results indicate that the combination of intercooling and pressure gain combustion creates synergies. The thermal efficiency is increased by 10 percentage points compared to a conventional gas turbine with isobaric combustion.
Biochar as a Stimulator for Germination Capacity in Seeds of Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby)
Authors: Saletnik Bogdan , Bajcar Marcin , Zaguła Grzegorz , Saletnik Aneta , Tarapatskyy Maria , Puchalski Czesław
Published: August 2019

This article presents the findings of a laboratory study investigating the stimulation and conditioning of seeds with biochar and the effects observed in the germination and emergence of Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) seedlings. The study shows that biochar, applied as a conditioner added to water in the process of seed hydration, improves their germination capacity. When the processed plant material was added to water at a rate of 5 g (approx. 1250 seeds) per 100 mL, the rate of germination increased to 45.3%, and was 23.3% higher when compared to the control group, and 7.3% higher than in the seeds hydrated without biochar. The beneficial effects of biochar application were also reflected in the increased mass of Virginia mallow seedlings. The mass of seedlings increased by 73.5% compared to the control sample and by 25.9% compared to the seeds hydrated without biochar. Given the low cost of charcoal applied during the hydro-conditioning process, the material can be recommended as a conditioner in large-scale production of Virginia mallow.
Assembly Tolerance Design Based on Skin Model Shapes Considering Processing Feature Degradation
Authors: He Ci , Zhang Shuyou , Qiu Lemiao , Liu Xiaojian , Wang Zili
Published: August 2019

To increase the reliability and accuracy of tolerance design, more and more research works are considering not only orientation and position deviations; they are also forming errors in tolerance modeling. As a direct cause of form errors in industrial mass production, the processing features of the machining system degrade over time. Under the Industry 4.0 paradigm, an assembly tolerance design method based on Skin Model Shape is proposed to take the effect of degrading processing features into consideration. A continuous-time multi-dimensional Markov process is trained through maximum likelihood estimation based on the nodal sampling point set on the machined surface. Degradation of the machined surface is modeled based on the joint probability distribution of nodal displacements. Assembly force constraints and assembly entity constraints are applied to spatial assembly simulations. Tolerance synthesis takes the manufacturing cost and assembling probability as design objectives. A design example of the rotary feed component in a five-axis machine tool is proposed for explanation and verification.
Fatigue in Concrete under Low-Cycle Tensile Loading Using a Pressure-Tension Apparatus
Authors: Soleimani Sayed M. , Boyd Andrew J. , Komar Andrew J.K. , Roudsari Sajjad S.
Published: August 2019

Fatigue due to low-cycle tensile loading in plain concrete was examined under different conditions using the pressure-tension apparatus. A total of 22 wet or dry standard concrete cylinders (100 mm × 200 mm) were tested. By definition, low-cycle loading refers to the concept of multiple load cycles applied at high stress levels (i.e., a concrete structure subjected to seismic loading). Results suggest that concrete samples subjected to low-cycle tensile loading will fail after a relatively low number of cycles of loading and at a lower magnitude of stress compared to the maximum value applied during cyclic loading. Furthermore, non-destructive testing was employed in order to ascertain the extent of progressive damage inflicted by tensile loading in concrete specimens. It was found that ultrasonic pulse velocity is a viable technique for evaluating the damage consequential of loads applied to concrete, including that resultant from low levels of tensile stress (i.e., as low as 10% of its maximum tensile capacity). Additionally, finite element analysis was performed on a modeled version of the pressure-tension apparatus with a sample of concrete, which has yielded similar results to the experimental work.
Simplified Regional Prediction Model of Long-Term Trend for Critical Frequency of Ionospheric F2 Region over East Asia
Authors: Wang Jian , Bai Hongmei , Huang Xiangdong , Cao Yuebin , Chen Qiang , Ma Jianguo
Published: August 2019

To improve the accuracy of predictions and simplify the difficulty with the algorithm, a simplified empirical model is proposed in developing a long-term predictive approach in determining the ionosphere’s F2-layer critical frequency (foF2). The main distinctive features introduced in this model are: (1) Its vertical incidence sounding data, which were obtained from 18 ionosonde stations in east Asia between 1949 and 2017, used in reconstructing the model and verification; (2) the use of second-order polynomial and triangle harmonic functions, instead of linear ones, to obtain the relationship between the seasonal vs. solar-cycle variations of foF2 and solar activity parameters; (3) the flux of solar radio waves at 10.7 cm and sunspot number are together introduced in reconstructing the temporal characteristics of foF2; and (4) the use of the geomagnetic dip coordinates rather than geographic coordinates in reconstructing the spatial characteristics of foF2. The statistical results reveal that foF2 values calculated from the proposed model agree well with the trend in the monthly median statistical characteristics obtained from measurements. The results are better than those obtained from the International Reference Ionosphere model using both the CCIR and URSI coefficients. Furthermore, the proposed model has enabled some useful guidelines to be established for a more complete and accurate Asia regional or global model in the future.
Discrete-Time First-Order Plus Dead-Time Model-Reference Trade-off PID Control Design
Authors: Kurokawa Ryo , Sato Takao , Vilanova Ramon , Konishi Yasuo
Published: August 2019

The present study proposes a novel proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control design method in discrete time. In the proposed method, a PID controller is designed for first-order plus dead-time (FOPDT) systems so that the prescribed robust stability is accomplished. Furthermore, based on the control performance, the relationship between the servo performance and the regulator performance is a trade-off relationship, and hence, these items are not simultaneously optimized. Therefore, the proposed method provides an optimal design method of the PID parameters for optimizing the reference tracking and disturbance rejection performances, respectively. Even though such a trade-off design method is being actively researched for continuous time, few studies have examined such a method for discrete time. In conventional discrete time methods, the robust stability is not directly prescribed or available systems are restricted to systems for which the dead-time in the continuous time model is an integer multiple of the sampling interval. On the other hand, in the proposed method, even when a discrete time zero is included in the controlled plant, the optimal PID parameters are obtained. In the present study, as well as the other plant parameters, a zero in the FOPDT system is newly normalized, and then, a universal design method is obtained for the FOPDT system with the zero. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical examples.