bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Various Additives on Fermentation, Aerobic Stability and Volatile Organic Compounds in Whole-Crop Rye Silage
Authors: Auerbach Horst , Theobald Peter , Kroschewski Bärbel , Weiss Kirsten
Published: November 2020

Whole-crop cereal silage represents an important component of ruminant diets and is used as a substrate for biogas production. Due to the scarcity of data on whole-crop rye (Secale cereale L., WCR), our study aimed to evaluate the effects of a range of biological and chemical additives of different compositions on the fermentation and aerobic stability of silage made from this species. In addition, the production of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which potentially contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, was monitored. Regardless of additive treatment, all WCR silages were well fermented as reflected by the complete absence of butyric acid. Inoculants containing Lactobacillus buchneri and chemical additives reduced dry matter (DM) losses during fermentation for 53 days (p < 0.001), which were closely related with the concentration of ethanol upon silo opening (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.001). Silage treated with Lactobacillus buchneri, alone or in combination with a homofermentative strain, had the lowest yeast count (p < 0.001) and, simultaneously, the highest aerobic stability (p < 0.001). Chemical additives outperformed all other additives by largely restricting the formation of ethyl esters of lactic and acetic acids (p < 0.001). The concentration of ethanol strongly correlated with those of ethyl lactate (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), ethyl acetate (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.001), and total ethyl esters (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). The use of a simple linear regression model exclusively based on the ethanol content proved useful to predict the concentration of total ethyl esters in WCR silage (R2 = 0.93, p < 0.001).
Comparison of Growth and Yield Characteristics of Mid-Season Hybrid Rice under Different Yield Levels
Authors: Zhong Xiaolong , Zhao Bingbing , Huang Manyu , Hussain Hafiz Athar , Hussain Saddam , Cai Linjun , Yun Han , He Guanghua , Zhang Changwei
Published: November 2020

Analysis of growth and yield characteristics of rice with different yield levels is very important for the breeding of high-yield rice cultivators. To investigate the yield components’ variation, morphological characteristics of the panicles, leaves, and stems of rice varieties under different yield levels, a two-year field experiment was conducted in Chongqing China. The 20 mid-season Indica hybrid rice varieties were classified into three groups based on yield, comprising high-yield group (HG), mid-yield group (MG), and low-yield group (LG). The main reason for the superior yield of HG is that the varieties of this group had a significantly higher number of effective panicles per unit area than the MG and LG. In plant type factors, the leaf type factors were the most important reason causing yield difference of HG, MG, and LG. The average leaf roll index, average leaf length to width ratio, average leaf base angle, average leaf droop angle, and average leaf pillow distance of the upper three leaves were significantly or significantly negatively correlated with the yield, while the average leaf width, average leaf area, and the average distance of leaf edge were significantly or significantly positively correlated with yield, and the leaf droop angle was the most important plant type factor affecting the yield. Based on these results, we further quantified the plant type factors of HG and constructed an ideal plant type model for high-yield hybrid mid-season rice. Theoretical and practical basis could be provided for breeding mid-season Indica hybrid rice with super-high yield in the future to ensure food security.
Preliminary Study on the Control of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in Commercial Greenhouses Using Agricultural Disinfectants and Resistant Cucumber Varieties
Authors: Ellouze Walid , Mishra Vachaspati , Howard Ronald J. , Ling Kai-Shu , Zhang Weizheng
Published: November 2020

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a re-emerging threat to greenhouse cucumber and other Cucurbitaceae crop production worldwide. This seed-borne virus can easily spread from a contaminated seeds to seedlings and to adjacent plants through mechanical contact of the foliage of diseased and healthy plants causing extensive yield losses. Additionally, infection may not be limited to the current crop but may also affect subsequent crops due to the long-term persistence of the virus on contaminated crop residues, greenhouse hard surfaces and soil or soil-less greenhouse substrates. In the present work, three greenhouse experiments were conducted to develop an integrated pest management strategy towards controlling CGMMV in commercial cucumber greenhouses, by implementing an effective sanitization program and using resistant and grafted cucumber varieties. Results of sanitization highlighted that pressure washing and cleansing with an alkaline foam cleanser eliminated CGMMV on some of the most heavily infested areas. However, three successive applications of cleanser and disinfectants were essential to completely eliminate CGMMV on porous and uneven surfaces, such as cement alleyway, tray gutters and floor mats. The screening of 15 cucumber varieties revealed that one Mini (‘Khassib’) and three Long English (‘Sepire’, ‘Bomber’ and ‘LC13900′) had reduced or delayed CGMMV infection spread in the greenhouse but were intermediate in yield. The most resistant Mini variety was ‘Katrina’. This variety showed low CGMMV infection level and high fruit yield. The varieties ‘Jawell’, ‘RZ 22-551′, ‘Sunniwell’, ‘Bonbon’ and ‘Dee Lite’ were the most tolerant to CGMMV. They showed a high CGMMV infection level without compromising yield. These results proved the need for new productive cucumber varieties with CGMMV resistance. Grafting experiments showed a yield increase only in the case of grafted ‘Picowell’ over ‘Bonbon’ but no CGMMV resistance, which is a much more desirable result of grafting experiments in order to have economic potential. In all, the current study revealed unique methods of CGMMV management in commercial greenhouses that are recommended to growers for reducing crop losses and improving economic returns.
In Vitro Rooting Response of Yellow-Flowered Magnolia in Relation to the Phenolic Acids Content
Authors: Wojtania Agnieszka , Dziurka Michał , Skrzypek Edyta
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of endogenous phenolic acids in yellow-flowered magnolias and to evaluate the effects of endogenous and exogenous phenolic acids on the in vitro rooting of three magnolia cultivars (‘Butterflies’, ‘Yellow Bird’, and ‘Elizabeth’). It has been shown that magnolia cultivars are phenolic acid-rich plants. Of the 16 phenolic acids tested, all were detected in each magnolia cultivar. The most abundant was gallic acid (max. 34,946 ng·mg−1 dry mass), followed by chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. The amount of individual phenolic acids differed between the cultivars and media. The total phenolic production was enhanced by auxin, the main factor promoting rooting in magnolia in vitro. It has been found that the difficult-to-root ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Yellow Bird’ rooted better when they were grown on medium containing a mixture of auxins—3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)—as compared to IBA alone. The highest rooting frequency was observed for ‘Elizabeth’ (95.8%), followed by ‘Butterflies’ (46.1%) and ‘Yellow Bird’ (21.4%). In the case of ‘Yellow Bird’, the auxin treatment enhanced the leaf yellowing. The present work indicates a clear relationship between the overaccumulation of chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid in the late phase of rooting in vitro and the low rooting responses of magnolia ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Yellow Bird’. On the other hand, ‘Elizabeth’ produced more soluble sugars by 29.2% than easy-to-root ones. The biochemical status of the plantlets can influence their further ex vitro establishment, which was the highest for ‘Elizabeth’ (97.5%), followed by ‘Butterflies’ (49.9%) and ‘Yellow Bird’ (24.6%).
Soil Management Systems to Overcome Multiple Constraints for Dryland Crops on Deep Sands in a Water Limited Environment on the South Coast of Western Australia
Authors: Hall David J. M. , Davies Stephen L. , Bell Richard W. , Edwards Tom J.
Published: November 2020

Deep sands on the south coast sandplain of Western Australia (WA) have multiple soil constraints including water repellence, high soil strength, low nutrient levels and subsoil acidity. The aim of the study was to test contrasting methods of managing water repellence and to assess their impacts on one or more soil constraints to crop production. These methods included seeding tyne design (knife point, winged points, paired row), soil wetting agent addition, strategic inversion tillage (rotary spading, mouldboard ploughing to 0.35 m) and clay-rich subsoil addition (170 t ha−1 with incorporation by spading to 0.20 or 0.35 m). Limesand (2 t ha−1) was applied as a split plot treatment prior to tillage. Cumulative crop yields were increased by 2.1–2.6 t ha−1 over five years by the strategic deep tillage and clay application treatments compared to the control. Water repellence was reduced by the inversion ploughing and subsoil clay addition treatments only. The effect of water repellence on crop establishment was expressed only in low rainfall years (Decile < 4) and mitigated by the paired row, wetting agent, spader and clay-amended treatments. In all years, plant numbers were adequate to achieve yield potential regardless of treatment. Soil K and plant tissue K and B were increased where clay had been applied. Inversion tillage reduced soil pH, organic carbon (OC) and macro nutrients in the 0–0.1 m layer although in most years there was no significant decline in plant tissue macro nutrient levels. Soil strength was reduced as a result of the inversion tillage to a depth of 0.35 m. However, the alleviation of soil strength and the crop yield responses diminished with time due to re-compaction. No crop response to the applied lime was found over five years at this site since the soil pHCaCl2 exceeded 4.7 within the root zone. In terms of soil constraints, we conclude that compaction was the dominant constraint at this site followed by water repellence and K deficiency.
Harvested Microalgal Biomass from Different Water Treatment Facilities—Its Characteristics and Potential Use as Renewable Sources of Plant Biostimulation
Authors: Ahn Chang Hyuk , Lee Saeromi , Park Jae Roh , Hwang Tae-Mun , Joo Jin Chul
Published: November 2020

Surface characteristics, physicochemical properties, functional groups, and bioactive compounds of microalgal biomass (MB) samples harvested from various wastewater treatment facilities (WTFs) were investigated to evaluate the reuse feasibility of MB as a potential renewable source of plant biostimulation. Mixtures of the microalgae cells and fine particles (i.e., silt, clay, suspended solids, extracellular organic matter, humus substances, natural organic matter, etc.) were complexed inside MB samples. MB samples harvested and air-dried under natural conditions investigated in this study can have relatively well-preserved cellular morphology as well as chemical substances such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids based on SEM-EDS analysis. A broad form of the amorphous cellulose rather than a distinct crystalline was observed from FTIR analysis, indicating that the middle spectrum of glucose and starch hydrolysate exist in MB samples. A wide array of chemicals (i.e., Undecane; Heptadecane; Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; and Methyl stearate, phenolics, and fatty acids) extracted from MB samples were involved in signaling plant response to abiotic stress, plant growth and biomass with MB samples were greater than those without MB samples. Thus, mixtures of nutrients, minerals and algal biomass in wet and dried MB samples can be beneficially reused as biostimulants in agricultural area after simple processes such as composting, microbial fermentation, and extraction. Further study is warranted to elucidate the effect of useful ingredients in MB harvested from on-site coagulation/flocculation processes on the soil environment as bio-fertilizers.
Releasing Three Orphaned White Rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) to the Game Reserve in South Africa. Rehabilitation, Translocation and Post-Release Observations
Authors: Miazga Katarzyna , Joubert Johan , Sinclair Megan , Cywińska Anna
Published: November 2020

White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is one of the most famous victims of poachers in Africa. One of the methods for dealing with decreasing rhino numbers is rehabilitating wounded and/or orphaned animals to successfully release them back into the wild. The status of rescued animal differs among individuals, but general procedures must be established and constantly improved. This study presents the history of successful release of three orphaned white rhino females; rehabilitated for 15 months in Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in a private game reserve in South Africa. Female A was three years old, female B was one year old and the youngest female was three months old on arrival. The animals were rehabilitated together despite the differences in their age and size, with particular attention paid to keeping them as wild as possible. After being weaned and becoming old enough to go back to the wild, they were released at a distance from the rehabilitation centre, which required immobilization and translocation. Since the rhinos were released, they have been successfully living in the wild. All procedures used in this study proved to be sufficient for preparing the animals for life in the wild and can be recommended for other centres.
Variability of ACOX1 Gene Polymorphisms across Different Horse Breeds with Regard to Selection Pressure
Authors: Myćka Grzegorz , Musiał Adrianna D. , Stefaniuk-Szmukier Monika , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

The ACOX1 gene encodes peroxisomal acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1, the first enzyme in the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, which could be significant for organisms exposed to long periods of starvation and harsh living conditions. We hypothesized that variations within ACOX1, revealed by RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq), might be based on adaptation to living conditions and had resulted from selection pressure. There were five different horse breeds used in this study, representing various utility types: Arabian, Thoroughbred, Polish Konik, draft horses, and Hucul. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ACOX1 (rs782885985) was used as a marker and was identified using the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). Results indicated extremely different genotype and allele distributions of the ACOX1 gene across breeds. A predominance of the G allele was exhibited in horses that had adapted to difficult environmental conditions, namely, Polish Konik and Huculs, which are considered to be primitive breeds. The prevalence of the T allele in Thoroughbreds indicated that ACOX1 is significant in energy metabolism during flat racing.
Prodiginines Postpone the Onset of Sporulation in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Tenconi Elodie , Traxler Matthew , Tellatin Déborah , van Wezel Gilles P. , Rigali Sébastien
Published: November 2020

Bioactive natural products are typically secreted by the producer strain. Besides that, this allows the targeting of competitors, also filling a protective role, reducing the chance of self-killing. Surprisingly, DNA-degrading and membrane damaging prodiginines (PdGs) are only produced intracellularly, and are required for the onset of the second round of programmed cell death (PCD) in Streptomyces coelicolor. In this work, we investigated the influence of PdGs on the timing of the morphological differentiation of S. coelicolor. The deletion of the transcriptional activator gene redD that activates the red cluster for PdGs or nutrient-mediated reduction of PdG synthesis both resulted in the precocious appearance of mature spore chains. Transcriptional analysis revealed an accelerated expression of key developmental genes in the redD null mutant, including bldN for the developmental σ factor BldN which is essential for aerial mycelium formation. In contrast, PdG overproduction due to the enhanced copy number of redD resulted in a delay or block in sporulation. In addition, confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that the earliest aerial hyphae do not produce PdGs. This suggests that filaments that eventually differentiate into spore chains and are hence required for survival of the colony, are excluded from the second round of PCD induced by PdGs. We propose that one of the roles of PdGs would be to delay the entrance of S. coelicolor into the dormancy state (sporulation) by inducing the leakage of the intracellular content of dying filaments thereby providing nutrients for the survivors.
Melatonin/Nrf2/NLRP3 Connection in Mouse Heart Mitochondria during Aging
Authors: Fernández-Ortiz Marisol , Sayed Ramy K. A. , Fernández-Martínez José , Cionfrini Antonia , Aranda-Martínez Paula , Escames Germaine , de Haro Tomás , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío
Published: November 2020

Aging is a major risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Age-related disorders include oxidative stress, mitochondria dysfunction, and exacerbation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 innate immune response pathways. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, however, remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in cardiac aging and melatonin is able to counteract its effects. With the aim of investigating the impact of NLRP3 inflammasome and the actions and target of melatonin in aged myocardium, we analyzed the expression of proteins implied in mitochondria dynamics, autophagy, apoptosis, Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response and mitochondria ultrastructure in heart of wild-type and NLRP3-knockout mice of 3, 12, and 24 months-old, with and without melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the absence of NLRP3 prevented age-related mitochondrial dynamic alterations in cardiac muscle with minimal effects in cardiac autophagy during aging. The deficiency of the inflammasome affected Bax/Bcl2 ratio, but not p53 or caspase 9. The Nrf2-antioxidant pathway was also unaffected by the absence of NLRP3. Furthermore, NLRP3-deficiency prevented the drop in autophagy and mice showed less mitochondrial damage than wild-type animals. Interestingly, melatonin treatment recovered mitochondrial dynamics altered by aging and had few effects on cardiac autophagy. Melatonin supplementation also had an anti-apoptotic action in addition to restoring Nrf2-antioxidant capacity and improving mitochondria ultrastructure altered by aging.
Antioxidant Properties of Soybean Oil Supplemented with Ginger and Turmeric Powders
Authors: Tinello Federica , Zannoni Stefania , Lante Anna
Published: November 2020

Soybean oil has been supplemented with 10% (w/w) of ginger and turmeric powders derived from commercial products (GC—commercial ginger and TC—commercial turmeric), freeze-dried rhizomes (freeze-dried ginger (GR) and freeze-dried turmeric rhizome—TR) and peels (freeze-dried ginger peel (GP) and freeze-dried turmeric peel—TP) for developing a functional seasoning with great lipid stability for human consumption. The exhausted ginger and turmeric powders were also recovered and recycled two times to promote a more sustainable process. The antioxidant activity and oxidative stability of oil samples were evaluated respectively by spectrophotometric and Rancimat methods. Folin–Ciocalteu assay and HPLC analysis were also performed to quantify total polyphenols, ginger-derived 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, and turmeric-derived curcumin. Their antioxidant activity as well as oxidative stability, which non-linearly decreased over cycles because of a strongly reduced phenolic extractability, linearly increased with increasing phenolic yields. Hence, ginger and turmeric can be proposed as healthy spices containing bioactive compounds to control lipid oxidation and improve oil stability. Moreover, the valorization of peels as eco-friendly source of natural antioxidants is a valid strategy for providing added-value to these agro-food wastes.
Fracture Behavior of Two Biopolymers Containing Notches: Effects of Notch Tip Plasticity
Authors: Shahbaz Sahel , Ayatollahi Majid Reza , Torabi Ali Reza , Cicero Sergio
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes the notch effect on the fracture behavior of two biomaterials (a brittle bone cement and a ductile dental material) under mode I loading. U-notched Brazilian disk (UNBD) specimens of both materials were tested under remote compression, determining the corresponding fracture loads and load-displacement curves. Additionally, cracked rectangular and semicircular bend (SCB) specimens were tested under symmetric three-point bending in order to determine the fracture toughness of the two materials. Then, fracture loads were derived theoretically by applying the maximum tangential stress (MTS) and the mean stress (MS) criteria. Due to the brittle linear elastic behavior of the bone cement material, the MTS and MS criteria were directly applied to this material; however, given the significant nonlinear behavior of the dental material, the two fracture criteria were combined with the Equivalent Material Concept (EMC) for the fracture analyses of the dental material specimens. The results reveal a very good accuracy of both the MTS and the MS criteria for the fracture analysis of bone cement notched specimens. In the case of the dental material, very good results are also obtained when combining the MTS and the MS criteria with the EMC. The proposed approach can be useful for the fracture analysis of a wide range of biopolymers, from brittle to ductile behavior.
Analysis of the Real Energy Consumption of Energy Saving Lamps
Authors: Graña-López Manuel Ángel , Filgueira-Vizoso Almudena , Castro-Santos Laura , García-Diez Ana Isabel
Published: November 2020

Light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent light (CFL) lamps are widely used because they are associated with low energy consumption and a reduced environmental impact. In the present paper, a study of the real consumption of these devices has been carried out. To do this, the active, reactive, distortion and apparent power and electrical efficiency for various lamps have been measured and calculated. The distortions produced in the network provoke the consumed energy to be in the order of 50–75% higher than that which appears in the commercial characteristics. This situation means that for its operation, it is necessary to generate and distribute an amount of energy much higher than that which is declared as the consumption of these lamps, and so far, this amount of energy is neither quantified nor invoiced. Additionally, groups of lamps have also been studied to check whether, when working together on the same network, there is a compensation phenomenon that reduces the negative effects of individual lamps. We have found that this compensation effect does not occur for the type of devices evaluated.
Opportunities and Threats of Mediterranean Evergreen Sclerophyllous Woody Species Subjected to Extreme Drought Events
Authors: Bussotti Filippo , Pollastrini Martina
Published: November 2020

Climate change and extreme drought and heat events impact the Mediterranean evergreen sclerophyllous vegetation in South Europe, especially in Iberian and Italian peninsula, where widespread crown defoliation and dieback have been observed since the 90s of the XX century. Field observations and long-term experiments showed different sensitivity of the various woody species, Quercus ilex and Arbutus unedo being prone to drought, whereas Phillyrea latifolia and Pistacia lentiscus appeared to be resistant. The present review aims at exploring the phylogenetic and evolutionary basis of the resistance (or susceptibility) to drought of Mediterranean vegetation and its possible mechanisms of resilience. The main findings are summarized as follows: (1) Mediterranean regions in the world are refuge areas for several plant evolutive lineages and migratory routes. Evergreen sclerophyllous species, currently presented in Mediterranean basin, evolved under different climatic conditions; (2) the evergreen habitus represents an adaptation to mild drought conditions. Deciduous (specially summer deciduous) species are better performing under severe drought and low air relative humidity than evergreen species; (3) severe drought events acts selectively by favouring the species evolved in the Quaternary era and those originated in drier regions; (4) the evergreen trees and shrubs are resilient to the severe drought events and can restore the pre-event condition by resprouting from dormant buds in the cambium tissue. This ability is related to the non-structural carbohydrate content in the parenchyma-rays in woody stems. The amount and availability of these strategic reserve can be compromised by frequent drought events; (5) plant seed regeneration can be affected by drought and seedling establishment may be limited by soil dryness and microenvironment conditions; (6) the role of phenotypic plasticity of the species and epigenetic responses in Mediterranean-type ecosystems, although discussed in few papers, is still poorly known. We hypothesize that instead of latitudinal (South to North) or altitudinal (lowland to upland) plant migrations, Mediterranean forest ecosystems may respond to climate change by modulating their species composition and community structure with genetic resources (i.e., taxonomic diversity) already present in loco. Changes in vegetation assemblages and community structure may lead changes in ecological and landscape ecosystem values, with changes in related ecosystem services. A redefinition of management criteria of natural resources and a pro-active silviculture to make forest ecosystems more resilient are required.
Study of the Quality Attributes of Selected Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Varieties Grown under Different Irrigation Regimes and Cultivation Systems
Authors: Ordóñez-Díaz José L. , Pereira-Caro Gema , Cardeñosa Vanessa , Muriel José L. , Moreno-Rojas José M.
Published: November 2020

Quality parameters are always of major importance in fruit sensory perception and they are influenced by the agriculture and environmental strategies of water-use efficiency that in the last few years are being developed due to water scarcity. Blueberry fruit quality depends on several factors, such as variety, water availability or cultivation system. The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of deficit irrigation and cultivation systems on the quality of three blueberry cultivars along two consecutive seasons. Three blueberry varieties (‘Rocio’, V2 and V3) were subjected to two irrigation regimes (100% and 80% crop evapotranspiration) and grown under two cultivation systems (open field and plastic tunnels). Their quality attributes (color, sugars, acidity, firmness, size and weight) were evaluated over two consecutive seasons (2011–2012). The application of deficit irrigation did not significantly affect the quality parameters, except for an increase in firmness. The cultivation system used influenced the quality attributes of blueberries cultivated under plastic tunnels in both seasons, increasing the soluble solids content and decreasing the titratable acidity. All the studied quality parameters were significantly affected by genetic factors. The V2 cultivar was the most influenced by the cultivation system. In conclusion, the use of deficit irrigation and plastic tunnels in blueberry cultivation is a good alternative to obtain fruits with enhanced quality features.
Attenuation of Colonic Injury and Inflammation by Administration of a Phenolic Extract of Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) in Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice
Authors: Rocha João , Leandro Raquel , Direito Rosa , Gonçalves Margarida , Duarte Maria Paula , Fernandes Adelaide , Sepodes Bruno , Figueira Maria-Eduardo
Published: November 2020

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is a plant traditionally used as a food spice in the Mediterranean region. Surprisingly, not much is known about the health beneficial effects of its phenolic-rich extracts. The majority of publications have always focused on the properties of their essential oil. One of the main phenolic compounds of Summer Savory is rosmarinic acid, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory outcomes in several animal models of inflammatory-mediated diseases. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease, in addition to Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, frequently related with increased morbidity and even mortality due to the complications associated, including colorectal cancer. Our work has shown, to our knowledge, for the first time, that administration of a phenolic extract of Summer Savory in a mouse model of Ulcerative Colitis led to the reduction of several markers for intestinal injury, including reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 or prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) expression, two well-known mediators of tissue inflammation and progression to cancer and led also to a reduction of the mortality. Given the chemical constitution found in the extract and the preclinical evidence of a beneficial effect of polyphenols in inflammatory processes, an opportunity arises for pharmacological modulation of pathways relevant for IBD and progression to cancer with phenolic-rich extracts.
Design of a Mechanical Part of an Automated Platform for Oblique Manipulation
Authors: Blatnický Miroslav , Dižo Ján , Sága Milan , Gerlici Juraj , Kuba Erik
Published: November 2020

Handling machines are increasingly being used in all sectors of the industry. Knowledge of the theory of transport and handling machines are basic prerequisites for their further technical development. Development in the field of manipulators is reflected not only in their high technical level, but also in increasing safety and economy. The article presents results of research focused on the complete engineering design of a manipulator, which will serve as a mean of the oblique transport of pelletised goods. The manipulator takes the form of a platform moving between two destinations by means of an electromotor. The engineering design of the platform including the track and a working principle is described. The design includes analytical and numerical calculations of main loaded components of the platform. Extensive functional and dimensional calculations serve as the base for preparation of the technical documentation. An important step will be the creation of a parametric model of the force and moment load acting on a platform drivetrain. Based on this, optimal parameters of an electromotor and its dimensional calculation are performed.
Analysis of Age-Based Bone Mineral Density in the Korean Adult Population Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Lee Jung Chul , Lee Chong Hoon , Chung Dong Wha , Lee Hee Joo , Park Jae Yong
Published: November 2020

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) provides a reliable and accurate measurement of bone density and bone mineral composition. This research examined the composition and bone density (bone mineral composition and bone mineral density; BMD) of the whole body and selected body parts using DEXA. The participants were 240 healthy adult men and women who were divided into three groups based on age. The total BMD of women amounted to an average of 1.14 g/cm2 for those aged 20–39 years, 1.14 g/cm2 for those aged 40–59 years, and 0.98 g/cm2 for those aged 60–73 years. For men, the average BMD was 1.25 g/cm2 for those aged 20–39 years, 1.20 g/cm2 for those aged 40–59 years, and 1.17 g g/cm2 for those aged 60–73 years. The decrease in age-specific BMD was shown to have a correlation with both age and body mass index, and it is determined that exercising on a regular basis can prevent a reduction in BMD by maintaining appropriate muscle mass.
Evaluation of Combat Helmet Behavior under Blunt Impact
Authors: Moure-Guardiola Carlos , Rubio Ignacio , Antona-Makoshi Jacobo , Olmedo Álvaro , Loya José Antonio , Rodríguez-Millán Marcos
Published: November 2020

New threats are a challenge for the design and manufacture of modern combat helmets. These helmets must satisfy a wide range of impact velocities from ballistic impacts to blunt impacts. In this paper, we analyze European Regulation ECE R22.05 using a standard surrogate head and a human head model to evaluate combat helmet performance. Two critical parameters on traumatic brain analysis are studied for different impact locations, i.e., peak linear acceleration value and head injury criterion (HIC). The results obtained are compared with different injury criteria to determine the severity level of damage induced. Furthermore, based on different impact scenarios, analyses of the influence of impact velocity and the geometry impact surface are performed. The results show that the risks associated with a blunt impact can lead to a mild traumatic brain injury at high impact velocities and some impact locations, despite satisfying the different criteria established by the ECE R22.05 standard. The results reveal that the use of a human head for the estimation of brain injuries differs slightly from the results obtained using a surrogate head. Therefore, the current combat helmet configuration must be improved for blunt impacts. Further standards should take this into account and, consequently, combat helmet manufacturers on their design process.
Pure Rotational Spectrum of Benzophenone Detected by Broadband Microwave Spectrometer in the 2–8 GHz Range
Authors: Tan Haoyang , Yang Miaoling , Huang Chenbo , Duan Shengwen , Sun Ming , Chen Qian , Jiao Chao , Wu Yi
Published: November 2020

The investigation on microwave spectrum of benzophenone was conducted with a recently constructed broadband chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer with a heating nozzle in the 2–8 GHz range. In this work, 138 b-type pure rotational transitions were assigned to bridge the measuring gap in the microwave region. The rotational constants for benzophenone were accurately determined by a combined microwave data fitting with frequency coverage between 2–14 GHz and have the following values: A = 1692.8892190(119) MHz, B = 412.6446602(43) MHz and C = 353.8745644(43) MHz.
Properties of the Fine Granular Area and Postulated Models for Its Formation during Very High Cycle Fatigue—A Review
Authors: Sippel Jan Patrick , Kerscher Eberhard
Published: November 2020

Understanding the mechanisms leading to very high cycle fatigue is necessary to make predictions about the behavior under various conditions and to ensure safe design over the whole lifetime of high-performance components. It is further vital for the development of possible measures to increase the very high cycle fatigue strength. This review therefore intends to give an overview of the properties of the fine granular area that have been observed so far. Furthermore, the existing models to describe the early crack initiation and crack growth within the very high cycle fatigue regime are outlined and the models are evaluated on the basis of the identified fine granular area properties. The aim is to provide an overview of the models that can already be considered refuted and to specify the respective open questions regarding the other individual models.
Time-Aware Learning Framework for Over-The-Top Consumer Classification Based on Machine- and Deep-Learning Capabilities
Authors: Choi Jaeun , Kim Yongsung
Published: November 2020

With the widespread use of over-the-top (OTT) media, such as YouTube and Netflix, network markets are changing and innovating rapidly, making it essential for network providers to quickly and efficiently analyze OTT traffic with respect to pricing plans and infrastructure investments. This study proposes a time-aware deep-learning method of analyzing OTT traffic to classify users for this purpose. With traditional deep learning, classification accuracy can be improved over conventional methods, but it takes a considerable amount of time. Therefore, we propose a novel framework to better exploit accuracy, which is the strength of deep learning, while dramatically reducing classification time. This framework uses a two-step classification process. Because only ambiguous data need to be subjected to deep-learning classification, vast numbers of unambiguous data can be filtered out. This reduces the workload and ensures higher accuracy. The resultant method provides a simple method for customizing pricing plans and load balancing by classifying OTT users more accurately.
Profitable Double-Spending Attacks
Authors: Jang Jehyuk , Lee Heung-No
Published: November 2020

Our aim in this paper is to investigate the profitability of double-spending (DS) attacks that manipulate an a priori mined transaction in a blockchain. It was well understood that a successful DS attack is established when the proportion of computing power an attacker possesses is higher than that of the honest network. What is not yet well understood is how threatening a DS attack with less than 50% computing power used can be. Namely, DS attacks at any proportion can be a threat as long as the chance to make a good profit exists. Profit is obtained when the revenue from making a successful DS attack is greater than the cost of carrying out one. We have developed a novel probability theory for calculating a finitetime attack probability. This can be used to size up attack resources needed to obtain the profit. The results enable us to derive a sufficient and necessary condition on the value of a transaction targeted by a DS attack. Our result is quite surprising: we theoretically show how a DS attack at any proportion of computing power can be made profitable. Given one’s transaction value, the results can also be used to assess the risk of a DS attack. An example of profitable DS attack against BitcoinCash is provided.
Biomimetic Amorphous Titania Nanoparticles as Ultrasound Responding Agents to Improve Cavitation and ROS Production for Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Matos Joana C. , Laurenti Marco , Vighetto Veronica , Pereira Laura C. J. , Waerenborgh João Carlos , Gonçalves M. Clara , Cauda Valentina
Published: November 2020

Conventional therapies to treat cancer often exhibit low specificity, reducing the efficiency of the treatment and promoting strong side effects. To overcome these drawbacks, new ways to fight cancer cells have been developed so far focusing on nanosystems. Different action mechanisms to fight cancer cells have been explored using nanomaterials, being their remote activation one of the most promising. Photo- and sonodynamic therapies are relatively new approaches that emerged following this idea. These therapies are based on the ability of specific agents to generate highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) by external stimulation with light or ultrasounds (US), respectively. Crystalline (TiO2) and amorphous titania (a-TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) present a set of very interesting characteristics, such as their photo-reactivity, photo stability, and effective bactericidal properties. Their production is inexpensive and easily scalable; they are reusable and demonstrated already to be nontoxic. Therefore, these NPs have been increasingly studied as promising photo- or sonosensitizers to be applied in photodynamic/sonodynamic therapies in the future. However, they suffer from poor colloidal stability in aqueous and biological relevant media. Therefore, various organic and polymer-based coatings have been proposed. In this work, the role of a-TiO2 based NPs synthesized through a novel, room-temperature, base-catalyzed, sol-gel protocol in the generation of ROS and as an enhancer of acoustic inertial cavitation was evaluated under ultrasound irradiation. A novel biomimetic coating based on double lipidic bilayer, self-assembled on the a-TiO2-propylamine NPs, is proposed to better stabilize them in water media. The obtained results show that the biomimetic a-TiO2-propylamine NPs are promising candidates to be US responding agents, since an improvement of the cavitation effect occurs in presence of the developed NPs. Further studies will show their efficacy against cancer cells.
Decomposition Methods for Machine Learning with Small, Incomplete or Noisy Datasets
Authors: Caiafa Cesar Federico , Solé-Casals Jordi , Marti-Puig Pere , Zhe Sun , Tanaka Toshihisa
Published: November 2020

In many machine learning applications, measurements are sometimes incomplete or noisy resulting in missing features. In other cases, and for different reasons, the datasets are originally small, and therefore, more data samples are required to derive useful supervised or unsupervised classification methods. Correct handling of incomplete, noisy or small datasets in machine learning is a fundamental and classic challenge. In this article, we provide a unified review of recently proposed methods based on signal decomposition for missing features imputation (data completion), classification of noisy samples and artificial generation of new data samples (data augmentation). We illustrate the application of these signal decomposition methods in diverse selected practical machine learning examples including: brain computer interface, epileptic intracranial electroencephalogram signals classification, face recognition/verification and water networks data analysis. We show that a signal decomposition approach can provide valuable tools to improve machine learning performance with low quality datasets.
Design and Optimization of a High-Time-Resolution Magnetic Plasma Analyzer (MPA)
Authors: Criton Benjamin , Nicolaou Georgios , Verscharen Daniel
Published: November 2020

In-situ measurements of space plasma throughout the solar system require high time resolution to understand the plasma’s kinetic fine structure and evolution. In this context, research is conducted to design instruments with the capability to acquire the plasma velocity distribution and its moments with high cadence. We study a new instrument design, using a constant magnetic field generated by two permanent magnets, to analyze solar wind protons and α-particles with high time resolution. We determine the optimal configuration of the instrument in terms of aperture size, sensor position, pixel size and magnetic field strength. We conduct this analysis based on analytical calculations and SIMION simulations of the particle trajectories in our instrument. We evaluate the velocity resolution of the instrument as well as Poisson errors associated with finite counting statistics. Our instrument is able to resolve Maxwellian and κ-distributions for both protons and α-particles. This method retrieves measurements of the moments (density, bulk speed and temperature) with a relative error below 1%. Our instrument design achieves these results with an acquisition time of only 5 ms, significantly faster than state-of-the-art electrostatic analyzers. Although the instrument only acquires one-dimensional cuts of the distribution function in velocity space, the simplicity and reliability of the presented instrument concept are two key advantages of our new design.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Prediction and Efficient Management for Industrial Wireless Sensor
Authors: Mouapi Alex , Hakem Nadir , Kandil Nahi
Published: November 2020

The vibrations, due to their abundance in most industrial processes, constitute an attractive solution for the power supply of Industrial Wireless Sensor (IWS). However, the amount of energy that can be harvested presents numerous fluctuations due to the engines’ different operating modes (overload, full load, or even operation without charge). Most designs do not incorporate this fluctuation in the definition of the specifications of the autonomous IWS. This paper then presents a design method to ensure the node’s energy autonomy while maximizing its Quality of Service (QoS). To precisely define the specifications of the IWS, vibration measurements were carried out at its location for one month. The recorded data was used to propose a new Predictor of the Harvestable Energy from Vibrations (PHEV). A comparative evaluation of the proposed PHEV performances with a state-of-the-art predictor is carried out. The results obtained show that the PHEV makes it possible to minimize the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) from 28.63 mW to 19.52 mW. A model of energy dissipation in IWS, considering the Internet of Things’ requirements, was established. The model is based on Long-Range (LoRa)/Long-Range Communication Wide Area Network (LoRaWan). The amount of data transmitted is then maximized according to the expected energy harvest rate by setting up a Maximization Data Size Protocol (MDSP). The proposed method makes it possible to ensure an acceptable QoS without resorting to reconfigurable circuits, which are sometimes bulky for miniature devices such as the IWS.
Wind and Wind Power Ramp Variability over Northern Mexico
Authors: Pereyra-Castro Karla , Caetano Ernesto , Martínez-Alvarado Oscar , Quintanilla-Montoya Ana L.
Published: November 2020

The seasonal and diurnal variability of the wind resource in Northern Mexico is examined. Fourteen weather stations were grouped according to the terrain morphology and weather systems that affect the region to evaluate the impact on wind ramps and high wind persistent events. Four areas driven by weather systems seasonality are identified. Wind power ramps and persistent generation events are produced by cold fronts in winter, while mesoscale convective systems and local circulations are dominant in summer. Moreover, the 2013 wind forecast of the Rapid Refresh Model (RAP) and the North American Mesoscale Forecast System (NAM) forecast systems were also assessed. In general, both systems have less ability to predict mesoscale events and local circulations over complex topography, underestimating strong winds and overestimating weak winds. Wind forecast variations in the mesoscale range are smoother than observations due to the effects of spatial and temporal averaging, producing fewer wind power ramps and longer lasting generation events. The study carried out shows the importance of evaluating operational models in terms of wind variability, wind power ramps and persistence events to improve the regional wind forecast. The characteristics of weather systems and topography of Mexico requires model refinements for proper management of the wind resource.
Another Example of Conditioned Taste Aversion: Case of Snails
Authors: Nakai Junko , Totani Yuki , Hatakeyama Dai , Dyakonova Varvara E. , Ito Etsuro
Published: November 2020

Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in mammals has several specific characteristics: (1) emergence of a negative symptom in subjects due to selective association with a taste-related stimulus, (2) robust long-term memory that is resistant to extinction induced by repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus (CS), (3) a very-long-delay presentation of the unconditioned stimulus (US), and (4) single-trial learning. The pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, can also form a CTA. Although the negative symptoms, like nausea, in humans cannot be easily observed in invertebrate animal models of CTA, all the other characteristics of CTA seem to be present in snails. Selective associability was confirmed using a sweet sucrose solution and a bitter KCl solution. Once snails form a CTA, repeated presentation of the CS does not extinguish the CTA. A long interstimulus interval between the CS and US, like in trace conditioning, still results in the formation of a CTA in snails. Lastly, even single-trial learning has been demonstrated with a certain probability. In the present review, we compare, in detail, CTA in mammals and snails, and discuss the possible molecular events in CTA.