bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farklı Oranlarda Keçiboynuzu Unu İçeren Pestillerin Bazı Fiziksel, Kimyasal ve Duyusal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: Nakilcioğlu Taş Emine , Çakaloğlu Büşra , Ötleş Semih
Published: August 2018

Pestil; Türkiye‘ de genellikle kış aylarında tüketilmek üzere, dut, üzüm, kayısı, erik gibi birçok meyveden elde edilebilen vitamin ve mineral içeriği yüksek bir gıdadır. Yapılan bu çalışmada pestilin üretiminde kullanılan buğday nişastasının farklı oranlarda keçiboynuzu unu ile ikame edilmesi sonucunda elde edilen geleneksel ürünün protein içeriği ve dolayısıyla fonksiyonelliğinin artırılması amaçlanmaktadır. Bunun için dut ve hurma pestilleri, %25-%50-%75 oranlarında keçiboynuzu unu ile ikame edilerek üretilmiştir. Pestillerin kimyasal kompozisyonları (nem, kül, yağ, protein, toplam karbonhidrat), enerji değerleri, kalınlık değerleri, pH, titrasyon asitliği, HMF içerikleri, renk özellikleri (L*, a*, b*), mineral içerikleri (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Zn, P) ve duyusal analizleri gerçekleştirilerek ürünlerin besinsel özellikleri ortaya konulmuştur ve analiz sonuçları tek yönlü varyans analizinden yararlanılarak istatiksel açıdan değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda keçiboynuzu unu ile ikame edilen pestillerin makro besin ögelerinde belirgin bir artış meydana geldiği ve dolayısıyla ürünün besleyici değerinin arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca %25 oranında keçiboynuzu unu ikameli dut ve hurma pestillerinin duyusal açıdan renk, görünüş ve tat-koku özellikleri değerlendirildiğinde en çok beğenilen pestil örneği olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Kayısı Bitkilerinden Elde Edilen Macrophomina phaseolina İzolatlarının Büyüme Oranları, Patojenisiteleri, Klorat Fenotipleri ve Genetik Çeşitlilikleri
Authors: Pekgöz İrem , Tok Fatih Mehmet
Published: August 2018

Hatay iline bağlı kayısı alanlarında ve ev bahçelerinde 2014 yılı yaz aylarında arazi çalışmaları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Arazi çalışmaları sırasında sararma, solgunluk ve kök çürüklüğü gibi belirtiler gösteren kayısı bitkilerinden örnekler alınmıştır. Hastalıklı bitki dokuları yüzeyden dezenfekte edildikten sonra içinde tetrasiklin bulunan PDA ortamına ekilmiştir. Beş günlük inkübasyonun ardından, gelişen fungal koloniler mikroskobik ve makroskobik özelliklerine göre teşhis edilmiştir. Toplam 30 izolat Macrophomina phaseolina olarak teşhis edilmiştir. Tüm izolatlar tek mikrosklerot ya da hif ucu yöntemleri ile saflaştırılmış ve +6Â°C‘de saklanmıştır. Her bir izolattan 10mm çapında diskler alınarak PDA ortamına transfer edilmiş ve 15, 20, 25 ve 30, 35 ve 40Â°C sıcaklıklarda gelişmeye bırakılmıştır. Optimum gelişme sıcaklığı 25 ve 30Â°C olarak tespit edilmiştir. Klorat fenotiplerini belirlemek amacıyla tüm izolatlar 120mM potasyum klorat içeren minimal ortamlarda geliştirilmiş ve sonuçta 30 izolatın 21‘i sıkı, 6‘sı parçalı ve 3‘ü ise sınırlı gelişim göstermiştir. Lokasyon ile fenotip arasında herhangi bir ilişkiye rastlanmamıştır. Patojenisite testinde, tüm izolatlar kayısı, yerfıstığı, soya, mısır ve kavun bitkilerine inokule edilmiş ve 21 günlük inkübasyon süresinin ardından hastalık şiddeti 0-4 skalası kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Hastalık şiddeti en yüksek 3,87 ile kayısı bitkilerinde oluşurken, yerfıstığı, soya, mısır ve kavun fidelerinde orta düzeyde hastalık şiddetinin oluştuğu ve aralarında istatistiksel olarak bir farkın olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Moleküler çalışmalarda 14 farklı RAPD primeri kullanılmış olup, agaroz jel üzerinde oluşan 51 bandın 14‘ü polimorfik olarak bulunmuştur. Filogenetik ağaç üzerinde 2 temel grup gözlenirken, bu iki grupta pek çok alt grubun oluştuğu gözlenmiştir. Oluşan gruplar ile lokasyonlar, sıcaklık tepkileri, klorat fenotipleri ve patojenisiteleri arasında herhangi bir ilişkinin bulunmadığı tespit edilmiştir.
Munzur Çayı (Tunceli-Türkiye)‘nın Algal Florasının ve Su Kalitesi Değişimi
Authors: Kutlu Banu , Demir Burcu
Published: August 2018

Şubat 2015-Ocak 2016 tarihleri arasında aylık olarak Munzur Çayı‘nda belirlenen iki istasyonda gerçekleştirilen çalışmada fitoplankton dağılımı ile fiziko-kimyasal parametreler belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Yerüstü Su Kalitesi Yönetmeliği‘ne göre suyun kalitesi, sıcaklık, pH, oksijen, amonyum nitrat I. Sınıf özelliği; nitrit ise II. Sınıf özelliği niteliğinde değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca II. İstasyon evsel atık sebebiyle organik kirlenme tehdidi altında olduğu belirlenmiş ve bu duruma markerleri olarak bölgedeki fitoplankton dağılımı incelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar göstermiştir ki: Munzur Çayı‘nda Chlorophyta (6), Bacillariophyta (54), Cyanobacteria (15), Rhodophyta (1), Ochrophyta (1), Euglenophyta (2), Charophyta (3), Miozoa (2) sınıflarına ait toplam 84 takson tespit edilmiştir. Fitoplanktonda organizma sayısı bakımından iki istasyon içinde Bacillariophyta divizyosunun dominant, Cyanobacteria ise subdominant olduğu gözlenmiştir. Fitoplanktonda Bacillariophyta‘dan Ulnaria ulna, Nitzschia palea, Bacillaria paradoxa ,Encyonema sp., Navicula sp. ve Nitzschia acicularis türlerinin çoğunlukla bulunduğu; Cyanobacteria üyelerinden Lyngbya sp., Spirulina labyrinthiformis, Oscillatoria labyrinthiformis ve Oscillatoria mougeotii türlerinin ise önem açısından ikinci sırada yer aldığı raporlanmıştır. Chlorophyta, Charophyta ve Euglenophyta türleri ise önemli sayılara ulaşamamışlardır.
La satisfacción de los empleados públicos con sus supervisores
Authors: Montesa López Sergio , Fernández del Río Elena , Ramos-Villagrasa Pedro J.
Published: August 2018

Desde la entrada en vigor del Estatuto Básico del Empleado Público (EBEP) se incorpora la necesidad de evaluar el desempeño de los trabajadores públicos. Este tipo de evaluaciones suelen ser realizadas por los supervisores directos de los empleados, por lo que en el presente estudio hipotetizamos que los empleados públicos que perciben mayor equidad se encuentran más satisfechos con sus supervisores, por cuanto saben con qué criterios se les evalúa y son evaluados de forma ecuánime. Participaron en el estudio 99 empleados públicos de toda España (61,6% hombres, todos con 10 o más años de antigüedad). Los resultados muestran que la justicia organizacional tiene una asociación directa con la satisfacción con el supervisor, pero solamente en aquéllos casos en los que los trabajadores se encuentran en un sistema transparente, es decir, conocen cuáles son los estándares de desempeño en su puesto. Este resultado destaca la necesidad de definición de objetivos de desempeño, tal y como sugiere el EBEP.
La influencia del currículum oculto en la formación de los estudiantes
Authors: Aguilar del Castillo Mª Carmen
Published: August 2018

El centro o los centros formativos previos a la Universidad en los que se han formado los estudiantes, además de transmitir las materias necesarias para que éstos puedan acceder a la educación superior, incorporan un conjunto de reglas y normas que rigen la vida escolar, sentimientos, formas de expresarlos, valores, formas de comportamiento y adaptación a distintos ámbitos. Es lo que se conoce como el Currículum Oculto.

El trabajo que presentamos surge como consecuencia de la aparición en el grado de Finanzas y Contabilidad y del grado de Relaciones Laborales de sendas asignaturas optativas especialmente singulares pues son impartidas por distintas áreas de conocimiento.

Tras un estudio en el que sometemos a los mismos contenidos, metodologías de trabajo y sistema de evaluación comprobamos cómo, de manera consistente a lo largo de los cursos, el modo de razonar a la hora de enfrentarse los estudiantes a la resolución de los mismos casos es diferente y siempre en el mismo sentido. Mientras que los estudiantes del Grado de Relaciones Laborales se centraban en la defensa de los derechos de los trabajadores supeditada a la rentabilidad de la empresa, los estudiantes de Finanzas y Contabilidad priorizaba la supervivencia de las empresas a las derechos y condiciones de los empleados en las mismas.
Características cognitivas del emprendedor social en España
Authors: Nicolás Martínez Catalina , Rubio Bañón Alicia
Published: August 2018

Los emprendedores sociales son personas que, observando problemas sociales generalmente desatendidos por gobiernos e instituciones públicas, deciden resolver estas situaciones creando nuevas empresas. Son escasos los estudios empíricos que profundizan en el conocimiento de este grupo de emprendedores y, en particular, en las variables que inciden en la decisión de crear una empresa social. Esta investigación, utilizando los datos del proyecto Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), analiza la influencia en la decisión de convertirse en emprendedor social de tres variables cognitivas, miedo al fracaso, percepción de oportunidades y autoeficacia. Además, se comparan los resultados obtenidos para los emprendedores sociales con una muestra de emprendedores comerciales. La principal conclusión de este trabajo es que la influencia de las variables cognitivas en el perfil de los emprendedores es diferente.
Identification of Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Properties Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus Leaf Essential Oil
Authors: OKUT Neşe , YILDIRIM Bünyamin , EKİCİ Kamil , TERZİOĞLU Ömer , ÖZGÖKÇE Fevzi
Published: August 2018

The constituents of leaf essential oil of Juniperus
oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus
(JOO) from wild
flora of Gevas-Van in Turkey (Mount Artos)
were studied using Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and their antibacterial activities
were assessed. A total of 18
compounds representing 99.98% of leaves oil were identified. The oils of the plant
are all dominated by monoterpenes. The main compounds of essential oil in
leaves were Limonene (45.77%),
α-Pinene (23.94%), β-Phellandrene (10.83%), β-Pinene (5.68%), o-Cymene (3.30%),
respectively. The essential oils were tested against Staphylacoccus aureus, Bacillus
subtilis, Pseudomanas aeruginosa, Enterecoccus
faecalis, Salmonella typhimurium,
and Escherichia coli strains using
the disc diffusion method. The
diameter of the inhibition zones formed for bacteria were measured. The
essential oils of JOO found to be active against all of the tested
microorganisms and showed the susceptible inhibition zones. However, they were
not as much as effective against bacterial strains when compared to ampicillin
and ofloxacin. The extracts of  JOO showed
most significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with inhibition zone diameter of 15 mm. The lowest
inhibition zone diameter was Staphylococcus
aureus with 11 mm.
Düşük Sıcaklık Zararının Asma Üzerindeki Etkileri
Authors: Kaya Özkan , KÖSE Cafer
Published: August 2018

Kültüre alındığı tarihten günümüze kadar tüm toplumlarda önemini koruyan
asma, dünya üzerinde yetiştiricilik bakımından çok geniş alanlarda kendine yer
bulmuş ılıman iklim meyve türleri arasında yer almaktadır. Ancak
yetiştiriciliğinin bu kadar geniş alanlarda yapılması, çevresel streslere daha
fazla maruz kalmasını beraberinde getirmektedir. Özellikle donma noktasının
altındaki düşük sıcaklıklar asmanın yeryüzündeki dağılımını, gelişimini ve
verimini etkileyen en önemli çevresel stres faktörlerinin başında gelmektedir.
Sonbahar, ilkbahar ve kış aylarında meydana gelebilen düşük sıcaklıklar,
yetiştiriciliğin yapıldığı birçok alanda asmanın kök, gövde, kol, dal ve göz
gibi organlarında telafisi olmayan hasarlar oluşturabilmektedir. Böylesi bir
durum asma yetiştiricilerini, üzüm üretimine dayalı işleme ve sanayi
kuruluşlarını önemli derecede kayıplara uğratmaktadır. Bu gibi alanlarda
dondurucu soğukları önlemek ya da tolere etmek için, asmanın aklimasyon,
dayanıklılık ve deaklimasyon evrelerindeki donma mekanizmasının iyi bilinmesi
gerekmektedir. Asmanın doku ve organlarının içinde bulunduğu bu evrelerdeki
donma mekanizmasının belirlenmesi ise uygun ölçüm tekniklerinin kullanılması
ile mümkün olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, sıfırın altındaki sıcaklıklara maruz kalan
bazı asma tür ve çeşitlerinin doku ve organlarında meydana gelen düşük sıcaklık
hasarı ve uygun ölçüm teknikleri kullanılarak belirlenmiş olan don tolerans
seviyeleri hakkında bilgiler derlenmiştir.
Conservatives like conservative immigrants, but they would prefer not to live close to them.
Authors: Liuzza Marco Tullio , Sirgiovanni Elisabetta
Published: August 2018

Classical views on the relationship between prejudice and ideology hold that a “prejudice gap” occurs such that conservatives are more prejudiced than liberals towards out-groups. This view has been recently challenged by studies showing that prejudice is fueled by a more general ideological dissimilarity (i.e., value-conflict hypothesis). Chambers, Schlenker, and Collisson found that sympathies/antipathies towards social groups may be situationally reversed when members of stereotypical liberal/conservative groups are presented as endorsing liberal/conservative attitudes (e.g. towards blacks/whites, in favor of/against abortion). We hypothesized that when the measurement of prejudice includes the motivation to physically and/or socially approach/avoid minority out-groups, political conservatism would still play a role in avoiding contact with out-groups, regardless of their ideological values. In two studies we closely replicated Chambers and colleagues' findings from an Italian sample and found that both liberals and conservatives reported liking ideologically similar targets more than dissimilar targets, regardless of the target's nationality (e.g. immigrants/locals). The strength of this political similarity effect was comparable across both political groups. In a third study, we added an ecological measure assessing behavioral intentions towards out-groups (i.e., Bogardus Social Distance Scale). Our results show that, even if political similarity does play a role, self-reported political conservatism predicted greater social distance from ethnic minority groups (Immigrants) vs ethnic majority groups (Italians). Although our results corroborate some of the tenets of the value-conflict hypothesis, they limit the breadth of its conclusion. Indeed, conservatives still appear to be more prejudiced towards minority out-groups regardless of shared ideological similarity. Materials, data, and code available at https://osf.io/sj67c/
Standard Business Reporting (SBR) Adoption in Australia, Critically Acclaimed, Box Office Flop: Constructivist and Ecological Rationalities in Information Systems (IS) Adoption
Authors: Perdana Arif , Robb Alastair , Rohde Fiona , Birt Jacqueline
Published: August 2018

IS enables organizations to improve their productivity, streamline their business processes, and better understand the challenges and opportunities facing their business. These benefits can further accrue to individuals and organizations when they adopt and use the systems. While the benefits of IS are multifarious, IS adoption remains challenging. The far-reaching consequences of IS motivate research examining the antecedents of successful IS adoption both at individual and organizational levels. To examine the complexity of IS adoption, we undertook an interpretive case study of SBR adoption in Australia. We contend that SBR’s context in Australia offers distinctive perspectives on the complexity of IS adoption. We found that IS adoption decisions can be based on both constructivist and ecological rationalities. Our findings can provide insight in improving understanding of the benefits of SBR and have implications for companies, regulators, standard setters, and the accounting profession, more generally.
Rate Constants for the Reaction of OH Radicals with Hydrocarbons in a Smog Chamber at Low Atmospheric Temperatures
Authors: Han Lei , Siekmann Frank , Zetzsch Cornelius
Published: August 2018

The photochemical reaction of OH radicals with the 17 hydrocarbons n-butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, n-nonane, cyclooctane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,2-dimethylpentane, 2,2-dimethylhexane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, and o-xylene was investigated at 288 and 248 K in a temperature controlled smog chamber. The rate constants were determined from relative rate calculations with toluene and n-pentane as reference compounds, respectively. The results from this work at 288 K show good agreement with previous literature data for the straight-chain hydrocarbons, as well as for cyclooctane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane, benzene, and toluene, indicating a convenient method to study the reaction of OH radicals with many hydrocarbons simultaneously. The data at 248 K (k in units of 10−12 cm3 s−1) for 2,2-dimethylpentane (2.97 ± 0.08), 2,2-dimethylhexane (4.30 ± 0.12), 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (3.20 ± 0.11), and ethylbenzene (7.51 ± 0.53) extend the available data range of experiments. Results from this work are useful to evaluate the atmospheric lifetime of the hydrocarbons and are essential for modeling the photochemical reactions of hydrocarbons in the real troposphere.
Analysis on the Extreme Sea Levels Changes along the Coastline of Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Feng Jianlong , Li Delei , Wang Hui , Liu Qiulin , Zhang Jianli , Li Yan , Liu Kexiu
Published: August 2018

Using hourly sea level data from four tide gauges, the changes of the extreme sea level in the Bohai Sea were analyzed in this work. Three components (i.e., mean sea level, tide and surge) as well as the tide–surge interaction were studied to find which component was important in the changes of extreme sea levels. Significant increasing trends exist in the mean sea level at four tide gauges from 1980 to 2016, and the increase rate ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 cm/year. The mean high tide levels show positive trends at four tide gauges, and the increasing rate (0.1 to 0.3 cm/year) is not small compared with the long-term trends of the mean sea levels. However, the mean tidal ranges show negative trends at Longkou, Qinhuangdao and Tanggu, with the rate from about −0.7 to −0.2 cm/year. At Qinhuangdao and Tanggu, the annual surge intensity shows explicit long-term decreasing trend. At all four tide gauges, the storm surge intensity shows distinct inter-annual variability and decadal variability. All four tide gauges show significant tide–surge interaction, the characteristics of the tide–surge interaction differ due to their locations, and no clear long-term change was found. Convincing evidence implies that the extreme sea levels increase during the past decades from 1980 to 2016 at all tide gauges, with the increasing rate differing at different percentile levels. The extreme sea level changes in the Bohai Sea are highly affected by the changes of mean sea level and high tide level, especially the latter. The surge variation contributes to the changes of extreme sea level at locations where the tide–surge interaction is relatively weak.
Impacts of Atmospheric Rivers in Extreme Precipitation on the European Macaronesian Islands
Authors: Ramos Alexandre M. , Trigo Ricardo M. , Tomé Ricardo , Liberato Margarida L. R.
Published: August 2018

The European Macaronesia Archipelagos (Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands) are struck frequently by extreme precipitation events. Here we present a comprehensive assessment on the relationship between atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events in these three Atlantic Archipelagos. The relationship between the daily precipitation from the various weather stations located in the different Macaronesia islands and the occurrence of atmospheric rivers (obtained from four different reanalyses datasets) are analysed. It is shown that the atmospheric rivers’ influence over extreme precipitation (above the 90th percentile) is higher in the Azores islands when compared to Madeira or Canary Islands. In Azores, for the most extreme precipitation days, the presence of atmospheric rivers is particularly significant (up to 50%), while for Madeira, the importance of the atmospheric rivers is reduced (between 30% and 40%). For the Canary Islands, the occurrence of atmospheric rivers on extreme precipitation is even lower.
Exploiting Inter- and Intra-Base Crossing with Multi-Mappings: Application to Environmental Data
Authors: Hajj-Hassan Hicham , Laurent Anne , Martin Arnaud
Published: August 2018

Environmental data are currently gaining more and more interest as they are required to understand global changes. In this context, sensor data are collected and stored in dedicated databases. Frameworks have been developed for this purpose and rely on standards, as for instance the Sensor Observation Service (SOS) provided by the Open GeoSpatial Consortium (OGC), where all measurements are bound to a so-called Feature of Interest (FoI). These databases are used to validate and test scientific hypotheses often formulated as correlations and causality between variables, as for instance the study of the correlations between environmental factors and chlorophyll levels in the global ocean. However, the hypotheses of the correlations to be tested are often difficult to formulate as the number of variables that the user can navigate through can be huge. Moreover, it is often the case that the data are stored in such a manner that they prevent scientists from crossing them in order to retrieve relevant correlations. Indeed, the FoI can be a spatial location (e.g., city), but can also be any other object (e.g., animal species). The same data can thus be represented in several manners, depending on the point of view. The FoI varies from one representation to the other one, while the data remain unchanged. In this article, we propose a novel methodology including a crucial step to define multiple mappings from the data sources to these models that can then be crossed, thus offering multiple possibilities that could be hidden from the end-user if using the initial and single data model. These possibilities are provided through a catalog embedding the multiple points of view and allowing the user to navigate through these points of view through innovative OLAP-like operations. It should be noted that the main contribution of this work lies in the use of multiple points of view, as many other works have been proposed for manipulating, aggregating visualizing and navigating through geospatial information. Our proposal has been tested on data from an existing environmental observatory from Lebanon. It allows scientists to realize how biased the representations of their data are and how crucial it is to consider multiple points of view to study the links between the phenomena.
The Use of Plants in Skin-Care Products, Cosmetics and Fragrances: Past and Present
Authors: González-Minero Francisco José , Bravo-Díaz Luis
Published: August 2018

This work discusses the way people have used plants over time (basically since Ancient Egypt) to care for their physical aspect, and also how natural resources (especially plants) are currently used in personal-care products. Many plant species are ancient. This paper also shows examples of plants used for personal care which are investigated with new scientific advances.
The Maximum Entropy Method in Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing—Increasing the Resolution, Image Noise Reduction and Echo Acquisition Rate
Authors: Bazulin Evgeny Gennadievich
Published: August 2018

The use of linear methods, for example, the Combined Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (C–SAFT), does not allow one to obtain images with high resolution and low noise, especially structural noise in all cases. Non-linear methods should improve the quality of the reconstructed image. Several examples of the application of the maximum entropy (ME) method for ultrasonic echo processing in order to reconstruct the image of reflectors with Rayleigh super-resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio are considered in the article. The use of the complex phase-shifted Barker code signal as a probe pulse and the compression of measured echoes by the ME method made it possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by more than 20 dB for the image of a flat-bottom hole with a diameter of 1 mm in a model experiment. A modification of the ME method for restoring the reflector image by the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) method is considered, taking into account the change of the echo signal shape, depending on the depth of the reflector. Using the ME method, 2.5D-images of models of dangling cracks in a pipeline with a diameter of 800 mm were obtained, which make it possible to determine their dimensions. In the object with structural noise, using the ME method, it was possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the reflector image by more than 12 dB. To accelerate the acquisition of echoes in the dual scan mode, it is proposed to use code division multiple access (CDMA) technology based on simultaneous emission by all elements of the array of pseudo-orthogonal signals. The model experiment showed the effectiveness of applying the ME method.
Online Speed Estimation Using Artificial Neural Network for Speed Sensorless Direct Torque Control of Induction Motor based on Constant V/F Control Technique
Authors: Pimkumwong Narongrit , Wang Ming-Shyan
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the speed estimator for speed sensorless direct torque control of a three-phase induction motor based on constant voltage per frequency (V/F) control technique, using artificial neural network (ANN). The estimated stator current equation is derived and rearranged consistent with the control algorithm and ANN structure. For the speed estimation, a weight in ANN, which relates to the speed, is adjusted by using Widrow–Hoff learning rule to minimize the sum of squared errors between the measured stator current and the estimated stator current from ANN output. The consequence of using this method leads to the ability of online speed estimation and simple ANN structure. The simulation and experimental results in high- and low-speed regions have confirmed the validity of the proposed speed estimation method.
Hardware Design of a High Dynamic Range Radio Frequency (RF) Harmonic Measurement System
Authors: Narayanan Ram M. , Gallagher Kyle A. , Mazzaro Gregory J. , Martone Anthony F. , Sherbondy Kelly D.
Published: August 2018

Radio frequency (RF) circuit elements that are traditionally considered to be linear frequently exhibit nonlinear properties that affect the intended operation of many other RF systems. Devices such as RF connectors, antennas, attenuators, resistors, and dissimilar metal junctions generate nonlinear distortion that degrades primary RF system performance. The communications industry is greatly affected by these unintended and unexpected nonlinear distortions. The high transmit power and tight channel spacing of the communication channel makes communications very susceptible to nonlinear distortion. To minimize nonlinear distortion in RF systems, specialized circuits are required to measure the low level nonlinear distortions created from traditionally linear devices, i.e., connectors, cables, antennas, etc. Measuring the low-level nonlinear distortion is a difficult problem. The measurement system requires the use of high power probe signals and the capability to measure very weak nonlinear distortions. Measuring the weak nonlinear distortion becomes increasingly difficult in the presence of higher power probe signals, as the high power probe signal generates distortion products in the measurement system. This paper describes a circuit design architecture that achieves 175 dB of dynamic range which can be used to measure low level harmonic distortion from various passive RF circuit elements.
Simulation of the Arctic—North Atlantic Ocean Circulation with a Two-Equation K-Omega Turbulence Parameterization
Authors: Moshonkin Sergey , Zalesny Vladimir , Gusev Anatoly
Published: August 2018

The results of large-scale ocean dynamics simulation taking into account the parameterization of vertical turbulent exchange are considered. Numerical experiments were carried out using k − ω turbulence model embedded to the Institute of Numerical Mathematics Ocean general circulation Model (INMOM). Both the circulation and turbulence models are solved using the splitting method with respect to physical processes. We split k − ω equations into the two stages describing transport-diffusion and generation-dissipation processes. At the generation-dissipation stage, the equation for ω does not depend on k. It allows us to solve both turbulence equations analytically that ensure high computational efficiency. The coupled model is used to simulate the hydrophysical fields of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans for 1948–2009. The model has a horizontal resolution of 0.25 ∘ and 40 σ -levels along the vertical. The numerical results show the model’s satisfactory performance in simulating large-scale ocean circulation and upper layer dynamics. The sensitivity of the solution to the change in the coefficients entering into the analytical solution of the k − ω model which describe the influence of some physical factors is studied. These factors are the climatic annual mean buoyancy frequency (AMBF) and Prandtl number as a function of the Richardson number. The experiments demonstrate that taking into account the AMBF improves the reproduction of large-scale ocean characteristics. Prandtl number variations improve the upper mixed layer depth simulation.
Demonstration of a Robust All-Silicon-Carbide Intracortical Neural Interface
Authors: Bernardin Evans K. , Frewin Christopher L. , Everly Richard , Ul Hassan Jawad , Saddow Stephen E.
Published: August 2018

Intracortical neural interfaces (INI) have made impressive progress in recent years but still display questionable long-term reliability. Here, we report on the development and characterization of highly resilient monolithic silicon carbide (SiC) neural devices. SiC is a physically robust, biocompatible, and chemically inert semiconductor. The device support was micromachined from p-type SiC with conductors created from n-type SiC, simultaneously providing electrical isolation through the resulting p-n junction. Electrodes possessed geometric surface area (GSA) varying from 496 to 500 K μm2. Electrical characterization showed high-performance p-n diode behavior, with typical turn-on voltages of ~2.3 V and reverse bias leakage below 1 nArms. Current leakage between adjacent electrodes was ~7.5 nArms over a voltage range of −50 V to 50 V. The devices interacted electrochemically with a purely capacitive relationship at frequencies less than 10 kHz. Electrode impedance ranged from 675 ± 130 kΩ (GSA = 496 µm2) to 46.5 ± 4.80 kΩ (GSA = 500 K µm2). Since the all-SiC devices rely on the integration of only robust and highly compatible SiC material, they offer a promising solution to probe delamination and biological rejection associated with the use of multiple materials used in many current INI devices.
Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) Like Transmission Based on 3 × 3 Cascaded Multimode Interference Resonators
Authors: Le Trung-Thanh
Published: August 2018

We propose a method for generating the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) like-transmission by using microring resonator based on cascaded 3 × 3 multimode interference (MMI) structures. Based on the Fano resonance unit created from a 3 × 3 MMI coupler with a feedback waveguide, two schemes of two coupled Fano resonator unit (FRU) are investigated to generate the EIT like transmission. The theoretical and numerical analysis based on the coupled mode theory and transfer matrix is used for the designs. Our proposed structure has advantages of compactness and ease of fabrication. We use silicon waveguide for the design of the whole device so it is compatible with the existing Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry foundry. The fabrication tolerance and design parameters are also investigated in this study.
Influence of the Structure and Experimental Surfaces Modifications of 2:1 Clay Minerals on the Adsorption Properties of Methylene Blue
Authors: Pardo Laura , Cecilia Juan Antonio , López-Moreno Cristina , Hernández Víctor , Pozo Manuel , Bentabol María José , Franco Francisco
Published: August 2018

In this work the adsorption capacities of methylene blue on Mg-smectite and sepiolite and its derived material obtained after acid treatment and/or the addition of Fe at its surfaces are studied. Natural smectite with high Mg-content in its octahedral sheet (Mg-smectite) displays higher adsorption capacity than the sepiolite due to the ability of Mg-smectite to expand the basal spacing to accommodate methylene blue cations between adjacent layers and the inability of sepiolite to adsorb these cations within the structural channels. The acid-activation of Mg-smectite causes a clear decrease in the adsorption capacity attributed to the partial loss of the interlayer positions by the loss of the octahedral sheet and subsequent formation of amorphous silica. Moreover, the adsorption of the Mg-smectite decreases even more when iron oxohydroxides species are incorporated in its interlayer spacing making inaccessible the interlayer active sites for the adsorption of methylene blue cations. On the contrary, the microwave-assisted acid treatment of sepiolite causes a slight increase in the adsorption capacity related with the dispersion of fibers. Nevertheless, contrary to that observed with Mg-smectite, higher increasing of adsorption capacities are obtained after the formation of new adsorption centers due to the incorporation of iron oxohydroxides species at the external surfaces of sepiolite.
Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare: Chemical Composition and Biological Studies
Authors: Oniga Ilioara , Pușcaș Cristina , Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu , Olah Neli-Kinga , Sevastre Bogdan , Marica Raluca , Marcus Ioan , Sevastre-Berghian Alexandra Cristina , Benedec Daniela , Pop Carmen Elena , Hanganu Daniela
Published: August 2018

The biological properties and main phenolic compounds of the O. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare extract are described in the present paper. The polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using several methods: CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma), inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c, and superoxide (SO) scavenging assays. The antimicrobial activity of the oregano extract was evaluated by means of agar-well diffusion assay. The hepatoprotective effect of the O. vulgare extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Liver injury was estimated by determination of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT, total protein and albumin concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). These values were improved by the administration of oregano extract. A specific phenolic profile was evidenced by these data, with large amounts of rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids. The oregano extract showed very strong antioxidant activity in good agreement with the phenolic content. Antimicrobial activity was good, especially against Salmonella enteritidis and Aspergillus niger strains. The high hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, along with polyphenol-rich content, can support the use of O. vulgare in therapy. We also expect our results to open new research directions for designing important new drug products, using indigenous plant material.
A Comparative Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Tissue-Specific Phenolic Profiling in Two Acanthopanax Species
Authors: Wu Ke-Xin , Liu Jia , Liu Yang , Guo Xiao-Rui , Mu Li-Qiang , Hu Xiao-Hang , Tang Zhong-Hua
Published: August 2018

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. Maxim.) Harms (ASH) and Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. Maxim.) Seem (ASS), are members of the Araliaceae family, and both are used in Asian countries. These herbals have drawn much attention in recent years due to their strong biological activity, with innocuity and little side effects. However, the common and distinct mode of compound profiles between ASH and ASS is still unclear. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method was developed to simultaneously quantify the seven major active compounds, including protocatechuate, eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, hyperoside, kaempferol and oleanolic acid. Then the targeted metabolomics were conducted to identify 19 phenolic compounds, with tight relation to the above mentioned active compounds, including nine C6C3C6-type, six C6C3-type and four C6C1-type in the two Acanthopanax species studied here. The results showed that the seven active compounds presented a similar trend of changes in different tissues, with more abundant accumulation in roots and stems for both plants. From the view of plant species, the ASH plants possess higher abundance of compounds, especially in the tissues of roots and stems. For phenolics, the 19 phenols detected here could be clearly grouped into five main clusters based on their tissue-specific accumulation patterns. Roots are the tissue for the most abundance of their accumulations. C6C3C6-type compounds are the most widely existing type in both plants. In conclusion, the tissue- and species-specificity in accumulation of seven active compounds and phenolics were revealed in two Acanthopanax species.
Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Genome Replication and Particle Production by a Novel Diacylglycerol Acyltransferases Inhibitor
Authors: Kim Dahee , Goo Ja-Il , Kim Mi Il , Lee Sung-Jin , Choi Moonju , Than Thoa Thi , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Windisch Marc P. , Lee Kyeong , Choi Yongseok , Lee Choongho
Published: August 2018

Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) play a critical role in the biosynthesis of endogenous triglycerides (TGs) and formation of lipid droplets (LDs) in the liver. In particular, one member of DGATs, DGAT-1 was reported to be an essential host factor for the efficient production of hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles. By utilizing our previously characterized three different groups of twelve DGAT inhibitors, we found that one of the DGAT inhibitors, a 2-((4-adamantylphenoxy) methyl)-N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxam (10j) is a potent suppressor of both HCV genome replication and particle production. 10j was able to induce inhibition of these two critical viral functions in a mutually separate manner. Abrogation of the viral genome replication by 10j led to a significant reduction in the viral protein expression as well. Interestingly, we found that its antiviral effect did not depend on the reduction of TG biosynthesis by 10j. This suggests that the inhibitory activity of 10j against DGATs may not be directly related with its antiviral action.
Synthesis and Evolution of Berberine Derivatives as a New Class of Antiviral Agents against Enterovirus 71 through the MEK/ERK Pathway and Autophagy
Authors: Wang Yan-Xiang , Yang Lu , Wang Hui-Qiang , Zhao Xiao-Qiang , Liu Ting , Li Ying-Hong , Zeng Qing-Xuan , Li Yu-Huan , Song Dan-Qing
Published: August 2018

Taking berberine (BBR) as the lead, 23 new BBR derivatives were synthesized and examined for their antiviral activities against four different genotype enterovirus 71 (EV71) strains with a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies indicated that introduction of a suitable substituent at the 9-position might be beneficial for potency. Among them, compound 2d exhibited most potent activities with IC50 values of 7.12–14.8 μM, similar to that of BBR. The effect of 2d was further confirmed in a dose-dependent manner both in RNA and protein level. The mechanism revealed that 2d could inhibit the activation of MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it could suppress the EV71-induced autophagy by activating AKT and inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and PI3KIII proteins. We consider BBR derivatives to be a new family of anti-EV71 agents through targeting host components, with an advantage of broad-spectrum anti-EV71 potency.
Recent Progress on the Fabrication and Properties of Silver Nanowire-Based Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Zhang Renyun , Engholm Magnus
Published: August 2018

Transparent electrodes (TEs) made of metallic nanowires, such as Ag, Au, Cu, and Ni, are attracting increasing attention for several reasons: (1) they can act as a substitute for tin oxide-based TEs such as indium-tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO); (2) various methods exist for fabricating such TEs such as filtration, spraying, and Meyer bar coating; (3) greater compatibility with different substrates can be achieved due to the variety of fabrication methods; and (4) extra functions in addition to serving as electrodes, such as catalytic abilities, can be obtained due to the metals of which the TEs are composed. There are a large number of applications for TEs, ranging from electronics and sensors to biomedical devices. This short review is a summary of recent progress, mainly over the past five years, on silver nanowire-based TEs. The focus of the review is on theory development, mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability as well as optical properties. The many applications of TEs are outside the scope of this review.
Acute Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate (EGCG) Supplementation Delays Gastric Emptying in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
Authors: Fernandes Renata C. , Araújo Vanessa A. , Giglio Bruna M. , Marini Ana Clara B. , Mota João F. , Teixeira Kim-Ir-Sen S. , Monteiro Paula A. , Lira Fabio S. , Pimentel Gustavo D.
Published: August 2018

Background: Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate (EGCG) appears to act in appetite control through hormonal modulation. However, there is a lack of elucidation of EGCG’s action mechanisms, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute EGCG supplementation on gastric emptying and its relation to blood hormones, glucose and appetite perceptions in healthy women. Methods: 22 healthy adult women were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. On two separate occasions, 1 week apart from each other, we offered 800 mg of corn starch (placebo) or 752 mg of EGCG. Appetite was assessed through gastric emptying; perceptions of hunger, desire to eat and satiation; and plasma insulin, adiponectin, leptin and glucose concentrations. The evaluations were carried out in fasting, 30, 90 and 150 min after supplementation. Results: EGCG supplementation induced higher relative gastric volume at 30 and 90 min. Satiation at 90 min was higher in the EGCG group. Adiponectin concentrations at 150 min were higher with EGCG, but no difference was found for glucose, insulin and leptin concentrations. Conclusions: Acute EGCG supplementation is able to delay gastric emptying in healthy women to a small, but statistically significant extent. This study was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) as RBR-9svwrv.
Evaluation of a High Concentrate Omega-3 for Correcting the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Nutritional Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (CONDIN)
Authors: Tobin Derek , Brevik-Andersen Merethe , Qin Yan , Innes Jacqueline K. , Calder Philip C.
Published: August 2018

This randomized controlled trial investigated the safety and efficacy of MF4637, a high concentrate omega-3 fatty acid preparation, in correcting the omega-3 fatty acid nutritional deficiency in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The primary end point of the study was set as the change of red blood cell (RBC) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by MF4637. Whether the omega-3 concentrate could lower liver fat was evaluated in a subset of patients. Furthermore, 176 subjects with NAFLD were randomized to receive the omega-3 concentrate (n = 87) or placebo (n = 89) for 24 weeks, in addition to following standard-of-care dietary guidelines. The omega-3 index, omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio and quantitative measurements of RBC EPA and DHA were determined at baseline and study completion. Magnetic resonance imaging of liver fat was conducted in a subset of patients. Administration of high concentrate omega-3 for 24 weeks significantly increased the omega-3 index and absolute values of RBC EPA and DHA, and decreased the RBC omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in liver fat content was reported in both groups.
Validation of Model-Based Melt Viscosity in Hot-Melt Extrusion Numerical Simulation
Authors: Bochmann Esther S. , Gryczke Andreas , Wagner Karl G.
Published: August 2018

A validation for the use of model-based melt viscosity in hot-melt extrusion numerical simulations was presented. Here, the melt viscosity of an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) was calculated by using its glass transition temperature (Tg) and the rheological flow profile of the pure polymeric matrix. All further required physical properties were taken from the pure polymer. For forming the ASDs, four active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), that had not been considered in first place to establish the correlation between Tg and melt viscosity were examined. The ASDs were characterized in terms of density, specific heat capacity, melt rheology, API solubility in the polymeric matrix, and deviation from the Couchman–Karasz fit to, identify the influencing factors of the accuracy of the simulation using model-based melt viscosity. Furthermore, the energy consumption of the hot-melt extrusion (HME) experiments, conventional simulation, and simulation using model-based melt viscosity were compared. It was shown, with few exceptions, that the use of model-based melt viscosity in terms of the HME simulation did not reduce the accuracy of the computation outcome. The commercial one-dimensional (1D) simulation software Ludovic® was used to conduct all of the numerical computation. As model excipients, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (COP) in combination with four APIs (celecoxib, loratadine, naproxen, and praziquantel) were investigated to form the ASDs.
In Praise of and a Critique of Nicholas Maxwell’s In Praise of Natural Philosophy: A Revolution for Thought and Life
Authors: Logan Robert K.
Published: August 2018

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Assessment of the SMAP-Derived Soil Water Deficit Index (SWDI-SMAP) as an Agricultural Drought Index in China
Authors: Bai Jueying , Cui Qian , Chen Deqing , Yu Haiwei , Mao Xudong , Meng Lingkui , Cai Yang
Published: August 2018

China is frequently subjected to local and regional drought disasters, and thus, drought monitoring is vital. Drought assessments based on available surface soil moisture (SM) can account for soil water deficit directly. Microwave remote sensing techniques enable the estimation of global SM with a high temporal resolution. At present, the evaluation of Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) SM products is inadequate, and L-band microwave data have not been applied to agricultural drought monitoring throughout China. In this study, first, we provide a pivotal evaluation of the SMAP L3 radiometer-derived SM product using in situ observation data throughout China, to assist in subsequent drought assessment, and then the SMAP-Derived Soil Water Deficit Index (SWDI-SMAP) is compared with the atmospheric water deficit (AWD) and vegetation health index (VHI). It is found that the SMAP can obtain SM with relatively high accuracy and the SWDI-SMAP has a good overall performance on drought monitoring. Relatively good performance of SWDI-SMAP is shown, except in some mountain regions; the SWDI-SMAP generally performs better in the north than in the south for less dry bias, although better performance of SMAP SM based on the R is shown in the south than in the north; differences between the SWDI-SMAP and VHI are mainly shown in areas without vegetation or those containing drought-resistant plants. In summary, the SWDI-SMAP shows great application potential in drought monitoring.