bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer-Aided Argument Mapping for Improving Critical Thinking: Think Better! Discuss Better! Write Better!
Authors: Sönmez Elif , ÇAKAN AKKAŞ Büşra Nur , KABATAŞ MEMİŞ Esra
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of the use of computer-aided argument maps as a tool to promote prospective teachers’ critical thinking skills and dispositions. In this regard, qualitative research method was used in the study. The data of the research were collected through semi-structured interviews. Study group consists of 30 senior prospective teachers from three different classes studying science teaching at a university in Turkey in 2017-2018 academic year. At these three classes mentioned, individual and collaborative argument maps were created in addition to the ABI (Argumentation-based inquiry) activities. The study group was formed on a volunteer basis with 10 students from each class who were selected from, their course performances into consideration. A computer software was used to create the argument maps. Data obtained from interviews were analyzed through NVIVO program. The results obtained indicated that critical thinking skill sub-dimensions such as explanation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, Self-correction and critical thinking disposition sub-dimensions such as questioning the reliability of sources, being open and fair-minded, being respectful of differences were emphasized more in the group in which the prospective teachers performed computer-aided, individual and collaborative mapping rather than the group in which only ABI activities were performed.
THE EFFECTS OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AND THEORY OF MIND ON SEMANTIC FLUENCY IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Biscevic Inga , Pasalic Arnela , Memisevic Haris
Published: December 2020

Semantic fluency (SF) is a suitable indicator of preschool verbal abilities and can be used as a predictor of later school success. This research examined the effects of executive functions (EF) and theory of mind (TOM) on semantic fluency in preschool children. Dimensional Card Sorting test was used as an instrument of executive functions and the Sally-Anne test was used as a measure of theory of mind. The sample for this research comprised 116 preschool children, 60 boys, 56 girls, aged 38-72 months. The results of this research revealed a statistically significant effect of EF on SF (p=.03). The effect of TOM on SF was statistically non-significant, although approaching statistical significance (p=.06). There were no interaction effects of EF and TOM on SF. Findings of this research strongly suggest the need for EF training activities in preschool children. Preschool institutions of 21st century need to have curricula aimed at fostering EF skills.
Keywords: semantic fluency, executive functions, theory of mind, preschool children.
The restorative effect of apocynin and catalase in l-arginine induced hypotension on normotensive subjects – the role of oxidative stress
Authors: Chia T.Y. , Murugaiyah V , Sattar M.A. , Khan N.A.K. , Ahmad A , Abdulla M.H. , Johns E.J. , Mei H.Y. , Akhtar S , Ahmad F.U.
Published: December 2020

L-arginine is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) responsible for the production of NO. This investigation studied the effect of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and catalase, an H2O2 scavenger on L-arginine induced oxidative stress and hypotension. Forty Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated for 14 days with vehicle, L-arginine (12.5mg/ml p.o.), L-arginine+apocynin (2.5mmol/L p.o.), L-arginine+catalase (10000U/kg/day i.p.) and L-arginine plus apocynin+catalase respectively. Weekly renal functional and hemodynamic parameters were measured and kidneys harvested at the end of the study for histopathological and renal NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) assessments. L-arginine administration in normotensive rats decreased systolic blood pressure (120±2 vs 91±2mmHg) and heart rate (298±21 vs 254±15b/min), enhanced urinary output (21.5±4.2 vs 32±1.9ml/24h , increased creatinine clearance (1.72±0.56 vs 2.62±0.40ml/min/kg), and fractional sodium excretion (0.88±0.16 vs 1.18±0.16 %), caused proteinuria (28.10±1.93 vs 35.26±1.69mg/kg/day) and a significant decrease in renal cortical blood perfusion (292±3 vs 258±5bpu) and pulse wave velocity (3.72±0.20 vs 2.84±0.13m/s) (all P<0.05). L-arginine increased plasma malondialdehyde (by ~206 % P<0.05) and NO (by ~51 %, P<0.05) but decreased superoxide dismutase (by ~31 %, P<0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (by ~35 %, P<0.05) compared to control. Renal Nox4 mRNA activity was approximately 2.1 fold higher (P<0.05) in the L-arginine treated rats but was normalized by apocynin and apocynin plus catalase treatment. Administration of apocynin and catalase, but not catalase alone to rats fed L-arginine, restored the deranged renal function and structure, prevented hypotension and enhanced the antioxidant capacity and suppressed Nox4 expression. These findings suggest that apocynin and catalase might be used prophylactically in states of oxidative stress.
Is there a role for the IGF system and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas? A preliminary case-control study
Authors: Lazúrová I , Jochmanová I , Sotak Š , Špaková I , Mareková M
Published: December 2020

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are very common and mostly they are non-functioning adenomas (NFA). NFAs are often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several biomarkers, including certain growth factors, may participate in the pathogenesis of metabolic changes in patients with adrenal adenomas. Patients with NFA and age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Data on age, gender, presence of metabolic syndrome or its components were obtained for each subject. Blood samples were obtained and glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, and selected growth factor levels were measured. Forty-three patients with NFA and 40 controls were included in the study. Differences were not found in the metabolic syndrome and its components prevalence or in the biochemical profile between patients and the control group. Significant differences were noticed in the levels of IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 (p=0.016, p=0.005, p=0.004, respectively), but there were no differences in VEGF or EGF concentrations. In NFA patients, an association between glycemia and EGF levels was present (p=0.026). No significant correlations between tumor size and insulin or growth factor concentrations were present in AI patients. Significantly higher serum IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 concentrations in NFA patients may support the role of the IGF axis in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical lesions. No correlation between IGFs or IGFBP3 and parameters of glucose or lipid metabolism was found. Present results may support the role of the growth hormone axis rather than hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas.
Analyzing the Role of Internal Control System in Maintaining Unqualified Opinion (WTP) in Local Government Financial Statements: Case Study in Jambi Province
Authors: Fathiyah Fathiyah , Putriana Marissa
Published: December 2020

This study analyzes the role of Internal Control System (SPI) in maintaining unqualified opinions on the Jambi Provincial Government Financial Statements. A descriptive comparative method is used with a qualitative approach. The object of the study is the Internal Control System in the Jambi Provincial Government Financial Statements of 2016-2018.  Data is analysed using the selection technique before drawing conclusions.  The results show that the Internal Control System in Jambi Provincial Government Financial Statements is very weak. The system has not been effective in its implementation because there are still findings related to SPI by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) every year. Therefore, it is necessary to follow up on the recommendations of BPK to build a better SPI in the future.  This should be based on the elements of the internal control system contained in Government Regulation Number 60 of 2008, including control environment and activities, risk assessment, information and communication, and monitoring.
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Zebu Cattle: Clinical and Behavioral Aspects
Authors: Minami Natalia Sato , Sousa Rejane Santos , Oliveira Francisco Leonardo Costa , Dias Mailson Rennan Borges , Cassiano Débora Aparecida , Mori Clara Satsuki , Minervino Antonio Humberto Hamad , Ortolani Enrico Lippi
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the clinical aspects and feeding behavior of cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) caused by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten healthy Nelore heifers were subjected to an adjusted SARA induction protocol using citrus pulp (CP). Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h intervals after induction, with ruminal fluid, blood, and feces sampling. The animals’ feeding behavior was evaluated on, before, and for 3 days after SARA by observing the animals every 5 min for 24 h. The dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The ruminal pH during SARA was always lower than baseline, with an acidotic duration of 547 ± 215 min, a minimum pH of 5.38 ± 0.16, and an average pH of 5.62 ± 0.1. SARA was mainly caused by SCFAs (maximum 118.4 ± 9.3 mmol/L), with the production of l-lactic acids (7.17 mmol/L) and d-lactic acids (0.56 mmol/L) 6 h after the experiment began. The DMI was reduced by 66% and 48% on days 1 and 2, respectively, and returned to normal levels on day 3. SARA caused a reduction in feed intake and rumination time, as well as an increase in the time spent in decubitus on days 1 and 2. These results were influenced by the ruminal pH, ruminal movement, and osmolarity. Furthermore, SARA caused different degrees of depression, which became more pronounced with higher ruminal lactic acid concentrations.
Effects of Two Commercial Diets on Several Reproductive Parameters in Bitches: Note One—From Estrous Cycle to Parturition
Authors: Orlandi Riccardo , Vallesi Emanuela , Calabrò Serena , Vastolo Alessandro , Musco Nadia , Troisi Alessandro , Polisca Angela , Lombardi Pietro , Cutrignelli Monica I.
Published: December 2020

The close link between nutrition management and reproductive efficiency is well known, but there is very little data available concerning this topic in canine species. The present study aimed to compare the effect of two different diets upon the follicular period and gestation in bitches. Eighteen pluriparus medium and large size bitches were recruited and divided into control (CTR) and experimental (EX) groups and fed, respectively, with a commercial kibble diet and a specially formulated diet from two months before the expected onset of proestrus up to the end of the trial. It was possible to observe how the EX group had a better clinical presentation of the estrous phase, a higher number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.05), a lower percentage of fetal resorption (p < 0.05), and lower oxidative status, expressed by d-ROMs (p < 0.01), at the moment of pregnancy diagnosis compared to CTR group. Moreover, the EX group showed a lower fetal resorption rate and higher litter size (p < 0.05). These results highlight how a diet characterized by high protein and fat content and richer in essential fatty acids can improve reproductive performance in dogs.
Results of the Single Release Efficacy of the Predatory Mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) against the Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on a Hop Plantation
Authors: Vidrih Matej , Turnšek Anja , Rak Cizej Magda , Bohinc Tanja , Trdan Stanislav
Published: December 2020

In 2015, we studied the efficiency of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) for suppression of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae in a field experiment at a hop plantation. We randomly arranged four treatments in a three-block experiment. Fungicides were used in all treatments; insecticides were used in all treatments except the predatory mite treatment and acaricides were used in only two treatments. A single inundative release of the mite N. californicus was carried out on 4 July. On four different dates (10 June, 17 July, 29 July and 9 August), we counted the eggs and the mobile stages (larvae, nymphs and adults) of the two-spotted spider mite in all four treatments. In the treatment with the predatory mite, we established the fewest eggs and mobile stages of T. urticae 14 days after the release of the predator. The selected acaricides in our research acted in a primarily ovicidal manner, but we did not detect satisfactory effects on the mobile stages of the two-spotted spider mite. This result suggests the emergence of resistance of two-spotted spider mites to the acaricides hexythiazox and abamectin. Our research established comparable effects of the predatory mite N. californicus and acaricides, and further improvement of the efficiency would require release of the natural enemy into a hop plantation in mid-June, followed by a second release three weeks later. The costs of acaricide use in our experiment were from 12.7-fold (two sprayings of hexythiazox, and a single spraying with abamectin) to 17.8-fold (single treatments of hexythiazox and abamectin) lower than those of a single release of the biological control agent in question. The results of our study represent a starting point for future research, which could achieve satisfactory results in suppressing two-spotted spider mites on a hop plantation by repeated use of the predatory mite N. californicus.
Vibration of Rotating and Revolving Planet Rings with Discrete and Partially Distributed Stiffnesses
Authors: Yang Fuchun , Wang Dianrui
Published: December 2020

Vibration properties of high-speed rotating and revolving planet rings with discrete and partially distributed stiffnesses were studied. The governing equations were obtained by Hamilton’s principle based on a rotating frame on the ring. The governing equations were cast in matrix differential operators and discretized, using Galerkin’s method. The eigenvalue problem was dealt with state space matrix, and the natural frequencies and vibration modes were computed in a wide range of rotation speed. The properties of natural frequencies and vibration modes with rotation speed were studied for free planet rings and planet rings with discrete and partially distributed stiffnesses. The influences of several parameters on the vibration properties of planet rings were also investigated. Finally, the forced responses of planet rings resulted from the excitation of rotating and revolving movement were studied. The results show that the revolving movement not only affects the free vibration of planet rings but results in excitation to the rings. Partially distributed stiffness changes the vibration modes heavily compared to the free planet ring. Each vibration mode comprises several nodal diameter components instead of a single component for a free planet ring. The distribution area and the number of partially distributed stiffnesses mainly affect the high-order frequencies. The forced responses caused by revolving movement are nonlinear and vary with a quasi-period of rotating speed, and the responses in the regions supported by partially distributed stiffnesses are suppressed.
A Novel Cross-Latch Shift Register Scheme for Low Power Applications
Authors: Kuo Po-Yu , Sheu Ming-Hwa , Tsai Chang-Ming , Tsai Ming-Yan , Lin Jin-Fa
Published: December 2020

The conventional shift register consists of master and slave (MS) latches with each latch receiving the data from the previous stage. Therefore, the same data are stored in two latches separately. It leads to consuming more electrical power and occupying more layout area, which is not satisfactory to most circuit designers. To solve this issue, a novel cross-latch shift register (CLSR) scheme is proposed. It significantly reduced the number of transistors needed for a 256-bit shifter register by 48.33% as compared with the conventional MS latch design. To further verify its functions, this CLSR was implemented by using TSMC 40 nm CMOS process standard technology. The simulation results reveal that the proposed CLSR reduced the average power consumption by 36%, cut the leakage power by 60.53%, and eliminated layout area by 34.76% at a supply voltage of 0.9 V with an operating frequency of 250 MHz, as compared with the MS latch.
Single-Leg Landings Following a Volleyball Spike May Increase the Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury More Than Landing on Both-Legs
Authors: Xu Datao , Jiang Xinyan , Cen Xuanzhen , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: December 2020

Volleyball players often land on a single leg following a spike shot due to a shift in the center of gravity and loss of balance. Landing on a single leg following a spike may increase the probability of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the kinematics and kinetics differences during the landing phase of volleyball players using a single leg (SL) and double-leg landing (DL) following a spike shot. The data for vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) and sagittal plane were collected. SPM analysis revealed that SL depicted a smaller knee flexion angle (about 13.8°) and hip flexion angle (about 10.8°) during the whole landing phase, a greater knee and hip power during the 16.83–20.45% (p = 0.006) and 13.01–16.26% (p = 0.008) landing phase, a greater ankle plantarflexion angle and moment during the 0–41.07% (p < 0.001) and 2.76–79.45% (p < 0.001) landing phase, a greater VGRF during the 5.87–8.25% (p = 0.029), 19.75–24.14% (p = 0.003) landing phase when compared to DL. Most of these differences fall within the time range of ACL injury (30–50 milliseconds after landing). To reduce non-contact ACL injuries, a landing strategy of consciously increasing the hip and knee flexion, and plantarflexion of the ankle should be considered by volleyball players.
One-Dimensional Consolidation of Multi-Layered Unsaturated Soil with Impeded Drainage Boundaries
Authors: Zhou Suhua , Kang Jiatao , Lv Chang , Huang Minghua
Published: December 2020

In geotechnical engineering, the consolidation of unsaturated soil is a common issue of great interest. Considering the multi-layered property and impeded drainage boundary condition of the soil stratum in real engineering, this study aimed to develop a general semi-analytical solution for assessing the one-dimensional (1D) consolidation behavior of multi-layered unsaturated soil that is subjected to a general impeded drainage boundary condition and a time-dependent loading. To achieve the final solution, the proposed consolidation system is firstly decoupled and solved in the Laplace domain. Then, the semi-analytical solutions for the excess pore-air pressure and excess pore-water pressures as well as the soil settlement are formulated. The Crump method is employed to provide their final results in the time domain. The correctness of the derived solutions was verified against the available analytical and numerical solutions, and excellent agreements were found for the two comparisons. Moreover, two studied examples are presented to illustrate the 1D consolidation behavior of multi-layered unsaturated soil and the influences stemming from the impeded drainage parameters are discussed.
Evaluation of the Level of Reliability in Hazardous Technological Processes
Authors: Gabriska Darja
Published: December 2020

In an automated systems environment is very important to predicted failures or unexpected situations to achieve system reliability. Failure of such systems can cause serious property damage, the environment, damage to human health or cause death. The essential task is to determine the tolerable and acceptable risk. The required level of risk for safety-critical systems can be achieved by using international technical standards and applying safety functions. Safety functions are implemented using an electrical/electronic/programmable electronics (E/E/PE) safety-related system. Technical standards offer the aspect of balancing risk tolerability according to the relevant, reliable safety functions. Based on the specific architecture of the whole system, it is possible to determine the maximum failure rate of the probability of failure on demand (PFDSYS) of the selected architecture. Subsequent application of reliability analysis using the event tree analysis (ETA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) methods can optimize the failure rate of the entire system. Application of reliability analysis using event tree analysis (ETA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) methods can only theoretically optimize the failure rate of the entire system with constant initial conditions and constant parameters of the reliability functions. The article proposes a new methodology for dynamic analysis of the state of system reliability as a function of the system operation time, maintenance frequency and system architecture. As a result of the methodology is a library of standard element architectures and simulation models which allows predicting and optimizing the reliability of E/E/PE safety-related systems.
Design Patterns and Electric Vehicle Charging Software
Authors: Meheden Maria , Musat Andrei , Traciu Andrei , Viziteu Andrei , Onu Adrian , Filote Constantin , Răboacă Maria Simona
Published: December 2020

The development and maintenance of complex software systems, with ever-changing requirements has benefited from the implementation of design patterns, which ensure a higher degree of maintainability. The present article illustrates the essential role of design patterns in sketching the software architecture for an electric vehicle charging management platform. We have integrated a series of design patterns to create a solid base structure for the API (Application Programming Interface). Furthermore, we have explored cloud design patterns in the deployment process to ensure a proper multi-tenant cloud application with the best possible tenant isolation for the cost. The aim of this paper is to offer readers an introduction in the case study theme, to describe a complex platform development through design patterns. With proper examples from real projects debated in the industry. The paper demonstrates the design patterns applicability from software level to cloud resources plan and advocates for a high-quality solution in every segment of project development. In conclusion, the results are promising, and the functionality of the established methods on this type of platforms will be evaluated during the implementation period. Overall, design patterns have proven to be essential in the development process, ensuring effective team communication and the delivery of qualitative software solutions.
Exudates as Landmarks Identified through FCM Clustering in Retinal Images
Authors: Hamad Hadi , Dwickat Tahreer , Tegolo Domenico , Valenti Cesare
Published: December 2020

The aim of this work was to develop a method for the automatic identification of exudates, using an unsupervised clustering approach. The ability to classify each pixel as belonging to an eventual exudate, as a warning of disease, allows for the tracking of a patient’s status through a noninvasive approach. In the field of diabetic retinopathy detection, we considered four public domain datasets (DIARETDB0/1, IDRID, and e-optha) as benchmarks. In order to refine the final results, a specialist ophthalmologist manually segmented a random selection of DIARETDB0/1 fundus images that presented exudates. An innovative pipeline of morphological procedures and fuzzy C-means clustering was integrated in order to extract exudates with a pixel-wise approach. Our methodology was optimized, and verified and the parameters were fine-tuned in order to define both suitable values and to produce a more accurate segmentation. The method was used on 100 tested images, resulting in averages of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy equal to 83.3%, 99.2%, and 99.1%, respectively.
Prediction of Neural Space Narrowing and Soft Tissue Injury of the Cervical Spine Concerning Head Restraint Arrangements in Traffic Collisions
Authors: Laban Othman , Mahdi Elsadig , Cabibihan John-John
Published: December 2020

Common quantitative assessments of neck injury criteria do not predict anatomical neck injuries and lack direct relations to design parameters of whiplash-protection systems. This study aims to provide insights into potential soft tissue-level injury sites based on the interactions developed in-between different anatomical structures in case of a rear-end collision. A detailed finite element human model has exhibited an excellent biofidelity when validated against volunteer impacts. Three head restraint arrangements were simulated, predicting both the kinematic response and the anatomical pain source at each arrangement. Head restraint’s contribution has reduced neck shear and head kinematics by at least 70 percent, minimized pressure gradients acting on ganglia and nerve roots less than half. Posterior column ligaments were the most load-bearing components, followed by the lower intervertebral discs and upper capsular ligaments. Sprain of the interspinous ligamentum flavum at early stages has caused instability in the craniovertebral structure causing its discs and facet joints to be elevated compressive loads. Excessive hyperextension motion, which occurred in the absence of the head restraint, has promoted a stable avulsion teardrop fracture of the fourth vertebral body’s anteroinferior aspect and rupture the anterior longitudinal ligament. The observed neck injuries can be mathematically related to head–torso relative kinematics. These relations will lead to the development of a comprehensive neck injury criterion that can predict the injury level. This, in turn, will impose a significant impact on the design processes of vehicle anti-whiplash safety equipment.
Longitudinal Monostatic Acoustic Effective Bulk Modulus and Effective Density Evaluation of Underground Soil Quality: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Jin Yuqi , Choi Tae-Youl , Neogi Arup
Published: December 2020

In this study, we introduce a novel method using longitudinal sound to detect underground soil voids to inspect underwater bed property in terms of effective bulk modulus and effective density of the material properties. The model was simulated in terms of layered material within a monostatic detection configuration. The numerical model demonstrates the feasibility of detecting an underground air void with a spatial resolution of about 0.5 λ and can differentiate a soil firmness of about 5%. The proposed technique can overcome limitations imposed by conventional techniques that use spacing-consuming sonar devices and suffer from low penetration depth and leakage of the transverse sound wave propagating in an underground fluid environment.
The Impact of Utility-Scale Photovoltaics Plant on Near Surface Turbulence Characteristics in Gobi Areas
Authors: Jiang Junxia , Gao Xiaoqing , Chen Bolong
Published: December 2020

With the rapid deployment of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants, the impact of PV plants on the environment is a new concern of the scientific and social communities. The exchange of sensible and latent heat energy and mass between land and air in PV plants is crucial to understanding its impact. It is known that the near surface turbulence characteristics rule the exchange. Therefore, it is essential for understanding the impact to study the characteristics of near surface turbulence. However, it is not well recognized. Turbulent fluxes and strength characteristics for the PV plant and the adjacent reference site in the Xinjiang Gobi area were investigated in this study. Various surface layer parameters including friction velocity, stability parameter, momentum flux, and turbulent flux were calculated using eddy correlation system. Results indicate that compared to the reference site, near the surface boundary layer was more unstable during the daytime due to the stronger convection heating, while it was more stable at night in the PV plant. In the PV plant, Iu was weakened and Iv was strengthened during the daytime, and Iu and Iv were all weakened at night, while Iw was strengthened across the whole day. The significant difference between Iu and Iv in the PV plant indicated that the horizontally turbulence strengths were affected by the plant layout. The turbulent kinetic energy of the PV plant was lower than the reference site and the momentum in the PV plant was higher than the reference site, especially during the daytime. Compared to the reference site, the PV plant had a higher sensible heat flux and less latent heat flux. The turbulent components of wind followed the 1/3 power law in the unstable conditions and stable conditions in the PV plant and the reference site.
Highly Regioselective and Stereoselective Biohydroxylations of Oxandrolone
Authors: Łyczko Paulina , Panek Anna , Świzdor Alina
Published: December 2020

Microbially catalyzed reactions are a powerful and valuable tool for organic synthesis of many compounds with potential biological activity. Herein, we report efficient hydroxylations of the steroidal anabolic-androgenic lactone, oxandrolone, in the cultures of three strains of fungi, Fusarium culmorum, Mortierella isabellina, and Laetiporus sulphureus. These reactions resulted in the production of four metabolites identified as 12β-hydroxyoxandrolone (2), 9α-hydroxyoxandrolone (3), 6α-hydroxyoxandrolone (4), and 15α-hydroxyoxandrolone (5), the latter being a new compound. The high substrate conversion rates and the product yields achieved indicate that these strains offer a new way to generate steroidal hydroxylactones with potential pharmaceutical interest. The structures of the isolated derivatives were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data. The effect of modification of the A-ring structure of the steroid by the lactone group on the selectivity of hydroxylation in cultures of the tested fungi is also discussed.
Response of 4H-SiC Detectors to Ionizing Particles
Authors: Bernat Robert , Capan Ivana , Bakrač Luka , Brodar Tomislav , Makino Takahiro , Ohshima Takeshi , Pastuović Željko , Sarbutt Adam
Published: December 2020

We report the response of newly designed 4H-SiC Schottky barrier diode (SBD) detector prototype to alpha and gamma radiation. We studied detectors of three different active area sizes (1 × 1, 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 mm2), while all detectors had the same 4H-SiC epi-layer thickness of approximately µm, sufficient to stop alpha particles up to 6.8 MeV, which have been used in this study. The detector response to the various alpha emitters in the 3.27 MeV to 8.79 MeV energy range clearly demonstrates the excellent linear response to alpha emissions of the detectors with the increasing active area. The detector response in gamma radiation field of Co-60 and Cs-137 sources showed a linear response to air kerma and to different air kerma rates as well, up to 4.49 Gy/h. The detector response is not in saturation for the dose rates lower than 15.3 mGy/min and that its measuring range for gamma radiation with energies of 662 keV, 1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV is from 0.5 mGy/h–917 mGy/h. No changes to electrical properties of pristine and tested 4H-SiC SBD detectors, supported by a negligible change in carbon vacancy defect density and no creation of other deep levels, demonstrates the radiation hardness of these 4H-SiC detectors.
A Hyperspectral Image Classification Approach Based on Feature Fusion and Multi-Layered Gradient Boosting Decision Trees
Authors: Xu Shenyuan , Liu Size , Wang Hua , Chen Wenjie , Zhang Fan , Xiao Zhu
Published: December 2020

At present, many Deep Neural Network (DNN) methods have been widely used for hyperspectral image classification. Promising classification results have been obtained by utilizing such models. However, due to the complexity and depth of the model, increasing the number of model parameters may lead to an overfitting of the model, especially when training data are insufficient. As the performance of the model mainly depends on sufficient data and a large network with reasonably optimized hyperparameters, using DNNs for classification requires better hardware conditions and sufficient training time. This paper proposes a feature fusion and multi-layered gradient boosting decision tree model (FF-DT) for hyperspectral image classification. First, we fuse extended morphology profiles (EMPs), linear multi-scale spatial characteristics, and nonlinear multi-scale spatial characteristics as final features to extract both special and spectral features. Furthermore, a multi-layered gradient boosting decision tree model is constructed for classification. We conduct experiments based on three datasets, which in this paper are referred to as the Pavia University, Indiana Pines, and Salinas datasets. It is shown that the proposed FF-DT achieves better performance in classification accuracy, training conditions, and time consumption than other current classical hyperspectral image classification methods.
A High Efficiency Linear Power Supply with Pure Sine Wave for High Voltage Test
Authors: Chen Baichao , Gao Wei , Chen Yaojun , Tian Cuihua , Zhou Yuxiong , Xue Gang
Published: December 2020

The input part of the high-voltage test power supply is usually composed of switching devices; however, the pulse-type periodic interference caused by the switching devices makes the monitoring of the test power supply partial discharge more difficult. Therefore, this paper proposes a high-efficiency and distortion-free linear power supply based on piecewise-linearization with all N-type transistor. Under the same DC input, multiple power transistors are connected to different taps of the same transformer. By controlling the period of linear conduction of each power transistor in turn, we ensure that the power transistor works on the linear side (biased towards saturation) to reduce its conduction voltage drop and the output realizes sinusoidal piecewise linearization, so that the converter can greatly improve the system efficiency. After that, from the perspective of the lowest sum of the transistor loss, an optimization method for the design of the multi-winding transformer ratio at each stage is proposed. Finally, a power supply prototype based on four-piece linear converter with an output voltage of 220 V was built. The experimental efficiency reaches 87.03%, and, additionally, if the linear amplification is divided into more sections, the efficiency can be further improved.
Impact of Changes in the Required Thermal Insulation of Building Envelope on Energy Demand, Heating Costs, Emissions, and Temperature in Buildings
Authors: Jezierski Walery , Sadowska Beata , Pawłowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Various methods can be used to reduce energy consumption in buildings. One of them is the tightening of energy requirements, which, like other methods, cannot result in a worsening of the indoor environmental quality. The article presents a study on the impact of changes in the thermal insulation of the building envelope on the energy demand, heating costs, and emissions. Mathematical models of the dependence of the index of annual usable energy demand for heating (EUH) of a residential house on the thermal transmittance coefficients (Ui) of selected building elements were developed. Values of Ui were adopted at three levels, corresponding to the maximum required values—as approved in Polish law for the periods from 2014, 2017, and 2021. The analyses were conducted for the location of the building in three of the five climate zones of Poland. It turned out that the differences in the energy demand in various locations in Poland amount to 32.6%. The change in Ui in the analyzed period causes a decrease of EUH by almost 27%. Financial savings and a reduction of emissions strongly depend on the fuel used in the building. Increasing the level of thermal insulation of walls increases the perceptible temperature in rooms by 1.2–1.5%.
Taxonomic Binning Approaches and Functional Characteristics of the Microbial Community during the Anaerobic Digestion of Hydrolyzed Corncob
Authors: Breton-Deval Luz , Salinas-Peralta Ilse , Alarcón Aguirre Jaime Santiago , Sulbarán-Rangel Belkis , Gurubel Tun Kelly Joel
Published: December 2020

Maize forms the basis of Mexican food. As a result, approximately six million tons of corncob are produced each year, which represents an environmental issue, as well as a potential feedstock for biogas production. This research aimed to analyze the taxonomic and functional shift in the microbiome of the fermenters using a whole metagenome shotgun approach. Two strategies were used to understand the microbial community at the beginning and the end of anaerobic digestion: (i) phylogenetic analysis to infer the presence and coverage of clade-specific markers to assign taxonomy and (ii) the recovery of the individual genomes from the samples using the binning of the assembled scaffolds. The results showed that anaerobic digestion brought some noticeable changes and the main microbial community was composed of Corynebacterium variable, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Vibrio furnissii, Shewanella spp., Actinoplanes spp., Pseudoxanthomonas spp., Saccharomonospora azurea, Agromyces spp., Serinicoccus spp., Cellulomonas spp., Pseudonocardia spp., Rhodococcus rhodochrous, Sphingobacterium spp. Methanosarcina mazei, Methanoculleus hydrogenitrophicus, Methanosphaerula spp., Methanoregula spp., Methanosaeta spp. and Methanospirillum spp. This study provides evidence of the drastic change in the microbial community structure in a short time and the functional strategy that the most representative microorganisms of the consortia used to carry out the process.
Design and Operation Optimization of Distributed Solar Energy System Based on Dynamic Operation Strategy
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Wang Yaxing , Luo Xi
Published: December 2020

The rapid urbanization in Northwest China highlights the mismatch of increasing energy demand and limited local energy supply. Nevertheless, the remote areas in Northwest China are abundant with rich solar energy resources and land space resource. Therefore, establishing a distributed solar energy system (DSES) is a feasible solution to the energy supply problem in remote Northwest China. Due to the strong fluctuations in the availability of solar energy, operation strategies based on fixed parameters may not ensure optimal operation of DSESs. In this study, dynamic operation strategies that allocate surplus power from photovoltaic panels according to variable ratios were developed in both grid-connected and off-grid scenarios, a joint optimization model for optimizing the design and operation of a DSES was established based on the dynamic operation strategies, and a DSES of a residential building in Shaanxi Province was used as a case study. The analysis results indicate that: (1) The dynamic operation strategy can effectively reduce the operating cost of the DSES in both the grid-connected and off-grid scenarios, and the efficiency of the proposed strategy can be further enhanced by increasing the difference between peak and valley time-of-use electricity prices in the grid-connected scenario; (2) the difference between peak and valley time-of-use electricity prices has a significant impact on the optimal capacity of the batteries in the grid-connected scenario when the dynamic operation strategy is implemented. The greater the difference between peak and valley time-of-use electricity prices, the greater the configured capacity of the batteries; (3) in terms of abandoned photovoltaic power in the off-grid scenario, the three operation strategies considered in this study can be arranged in an ascending order (i.e., strategy B, strategy A, and the dynamic operation strategy). The dynamic operation strategy achieves a reduction of 12.4% in abandoned photovoltaic power compared with strategy A and a reduction of 45.4% compared with strategy B.
In-Situ Measurement of Power Loss for Crystalline Silicon Modules Undergoing Thermal Cycling and Mechanical Loading Stress Testing
Authors: Spataru Sergiu , Hacke Peter , Sera Dezso
Published: December 2020

An in-situ method is proposed for monitoring and estimating the power degradation of mc-Si photovoltaic (PV) modules undergoing thermo-mechanical degradation tests that primarily manifest through cell cracking, such as mechanical load tests, thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests. The method is based on in-situ measurement of the module’s dark current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve during the stress test, as well as initial and final module flash testing on a Sun simulator. The method uses superposition of the dark I-V curve with final flash test module short-circuit current to account for shunt and junction recombination losses, as well as series resistance estimation from the in-situ measured dark I-Vs and final flash test measurements. The method is developed based on mc-Si standard modules undergoing several stages of thermo-mechanical stress testing and degradation, for which we investigate the impact of the degradation on the modules light I-V curve parameters, and equivalent solar cell model parameters. Experimental validation of the method on the modules tested shows good agreement between the in-situ estimated power degradation and the flash test measured power loss of the modules, of up to 4.31 % error (RMSE), as the modules experience primarily junction defect recombination and increased series resistance losses. However, the application of the method will be limited for modules experiencing extensive photo-current degradation or delamination, which are not well reflected in the dark I-V characteristic of the PV module.
Support Decision Tool for Sustainable Energy Requalification the Existing Residential Building Stock. The Case Study of Trevignano Romano
Authors: Cumo Fabrizio , Giustini Federica , Pennacchia Elisa , Romeo Carlo
Published: December 2020

The control and improvement of energy-environmental quality in buildings are responsible for almost 40% of the emissions related to energy and processes, and are essential to achieve the commitment of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations (UN). This paper provides a support tool to planners and administrators of the territory for the identification of interventions aimed at the energy requalification of the existing Italian building heritage, mainly for residential use. The purpose of this tool is to reduce energy consumption by intervening on the building envelope with specific solutions that are identified through a matrix resulting from the study. In the first part of the study, an analysis was carried out on various factors such as the existing residential building, the building and construction types and the materials of the envelope typical of each construction period, which are critical for energy efficiency issues. In the second part of the study, the analysis of the state of the art of the insulating materials existing on the international and national market was carried out, in order to standardize the efficiency interventions of the building envelope. By exploiting the potential of the proposed matrix, and integrating it with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, it would be possible to create a database containing information regarding the characteristics of the building envelope of the residential building stock and to identify a set of insulation interventions more suited to each specific case near Rome, Italy.
A Framework to Generate and Label Datasets for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring
Authors: Völker Benjamin , Pfeifer Marc , Scholl Philipp M. , Becker Bernd
Published: December 2020

In order to reduce the electricity consumption in our homes, a first step is to make the user aware of it. Raising such awareness, however, demands to pinpoint users of specific appliances that unnecessarily consume electricity. A retrofittable and scalable way to provide appliance-specific consumption is provided by Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring methods. These methods use a single electricity meter to record the aggregated consumption of all appliances and disaggregate it into the consumption of each individual appliance using advanced algorithms usually utilizing machine-learning approaches. Since these approaches are often supervised, labelled ground-truth data need to be collected in advance. Labeling on-phases of devices is already a tedious process, but, if further information about internal device states is required (e.g., intensity of an HVAC), manual post-processing quickly becomes infeasible. We propose a novel data collection and labeling framework for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring. The framework is comprised of the hardware and software required to record and (semi-automatically) label the data. The hardware setup includes a smart-meter device to record aggregated consumption data and multiple socket meters to record appliance level data. Labeling is performed in a semi-automatic post-processing step guided by a graphical user interface, which reduced the labeling effort by 72% compared to a manual approach. We evaluated our framework and present the FIRED dataset. The dataset features uninterrupted, time synced aggregated, and individual device voltage and current waveforms with distinct state transition labels for a total of 101 days.
An Estimation of Hydraulic Power Take-off Unit Parameters for Wave Energy Converter Device Using Non-Evolutionary NLPQL and Evolutionary GA Approaches
Authors: Jusoh Mohd Afifi , Ibrahim Mohd Zamri , Daud Muhamad Zalani , Yusop Zulkifli Mohd , Albani Aliashim
Published: December 2020

This study is concerned with the application of two major kinds of optimisation algorithms on the hydraulic power take-off (HPTO) model for the wave energy converters (WECs). In general, the HPTO unit’s performance depends on the configuration of its parameters such as hydraulic cylinder size, hydraulic accumulator capacity and pre-charge pressure and hydraulic motor displacement. Conventionally, the optimal parameters of the HPTO unit need to be manually estimated by repeating setting the parameters’ values during the simulation process. However, such an estimation method can easily be exposed to human error and would subsequently result in an inaccurate selection of HPTO parameters for WECs. Therefore, an effective approach of using the non-evolutionary Non-Linear Programming by Quadratic Lagrangian (NLPQL) and evolutionary Genetic Algorithm (GA) algorithms for determining the optimal HPTO parameters was explored in the present study. A simulation–optimisation of the HPTO model was performed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A complete WECs model was built using Simscape Fluids toolbox in MATLAB/Simulink. The actual specifications of hydraulic components from the manufacturer were used during the simulation study. The simulation results showed that the performance of optimal HPTO units optimised by NLPQL and GA approaches have significantly improved up to 96% and 97%, respectively, in regular wave conditions. The results also showed that both optimal HPTO units were capable of generating electricity up to 62% and 77%, respectively, of their rated capacity in irregular wave circumstances.