bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rice growth stages and temperature affect the abundance of leafhoppers and plant hoppers
Authors: Faruq MO , Khan MMH , Rahman MA , Ullah MH
Published: August 2018

Relative abundance of leaf and plant hoppers species regarding plant growth stages and temperature were studied in the rice variety BINA10 field at the research farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) during October 2013 to April 2014. The percent relative abundance of leafhoppers was in the rank order of M. dorsalis> C. brevis> N. virescens> N. malayanus> N. cincticeps> N. nigropictus at seedling, early and maximum tillering stages while N. virescens> C. brevis> M. dorsalis> N. nigropictus> N. malayanus> N. cincticeps at reproductive stage. The percent relative abundance of planthoppers was in the rank order of N. nervosa> N. lugens> S. furcifera at seedling and reproductive stages while N. lugens> N. nervosa> S. furcifera at early tillering and N. nervosa> S. furcifera and N. lugens at maximum tillering stages. The abundance of all leafhopper species showed highly negative relationship with temperature. This relationship can be expressed by 81% (R2=0.806) for N. virescens, 80% (R2= 0.801) for N. nigropictus, 65% (R2=0.653) for N. cincticeps, 60% (R2=0.600) for C. brevis and 70% (R2=0.698) for M. dorsalis. Among three planthopper species, population of S. furcifera showed highly negative relationship with temperature and this relationship can be expressed by 71% (R2=0.707). The abundance of N. nervosa showed poor positive relationship with temperature. This relationship can be expressed by 3 % for N. nervosa (R2=0.030). N. lugens showed poor negative relationship with temperature and this relationship can be expressed by 31% (R2=0.310) for N. lugens.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 95-104 (2018)
Tribal womens involvement with pig farming in Bangladesh: an evidence of Moulvibazar district
Authors: Khanum R , Mahadi MSA , Islam MS
Published: August 2018

The study examined the profitability and factors affecting farm income from pig farming in Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh. A multistage sampling technique was followed to select 70tribal women entrepreneurs involved with pig farming. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, benefit-cost analysis, and linear regression model. Average age of pig entrepreneurs was 39.47 years which indicates that they are young and agile. About 71% of Garo entrepreneurs had experience for pig farming. The cost and return analysis showed that in one year, the gross margin was Tk. 56743.70, while the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 1.19 indicating that the enterprise is profitable. Regression analysis revealed that three variables namely farm size, age of the respondent and experience of pig farming are significant factors affecting farm income. Thus, it was recommended that tribal women should be encouraged to practice pig farming to overcome their low income and unemployment situation.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 115-127 (2018)
Passive surveillance on occurrence of deadly infectious, noninfectious and zoonotic diseases of livestock and poultry in Bangladesh and remedies
Authors: Chowdhury MGA , Habib MA , Hossain MZ , Rima UK , Saha PC , Islam MS , Chowdhury S , Kamaruddin KM , Chowdhury SMZH , Khan MAHNA
Published: August 2018

Passive surveillance system was designed with the data (102,613 case records) collected from the Government Veterinary Hospitals, Bangladesh and frequency distribution of diseases was calculated during July 2010 to June 2013. Frequently occurring diseases/ disease conditions reported in livestock were fascioliasis (10.66%), diarrhoea (7.92%), mastitis (7.42%), foot and mouth disease (6.42%), parasitic gastroenteritis (6.31%), coccidiosis (5.5%), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR,5.32%), anthrax (4.19%) and black quarter (3.74%). Diarrhoea and coccidiosis were reported to occur throughout the year. The frequency of fascioliasis appeared higher in buffaloes (34%) followed by sheep (22%), goats (13%) and cattle (11%). PPR is a deadly infectious disease of goats and sheep, accounted for 20% and 13% infectivity in respective species. In chicken the most frequently occurring diseases reported were Newcastle disease (28%), fowl cholera (19%) and coccidiosis (11%). In ducks, duck viral enteritis (28%), duck viral hepatitis (17%), diarrhoea (15%), coccidiosis (10%) and intestinal helminthiasis (10%) were the commonest diseases reported in Bangladesh. Few other endemic diseases of livestock and poultry like Tuberculosis, brucellosis, avian influenza, duck anatipestifer, Marek’s disease, Gumboro disease, avian tuberculosis, mycoplasmosis, dermatophilosis etc. were not included in the hospital data sheet. Financial hurdles persist in a country like Bangladesh, imposing difficulties onto the surveillance and early reporting of the disease outbreaks; these diseases are, therefore, stubbornly prevalent. Development of technological and knowledgeable man power, in time surveillance and early warning of disease outbreak are the key to protect animal and public health and produce safe food of animal origin.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 129-144 (2018)
Salinity impacts on experimental fodder sorghum production
Authors: Joardar JC , Razir SAA , Islam M , Kobir MH
Published: August 2018

Field experiment was conducted at research station of Soil, Water & Environment Discipline, Khulna University, during the dry season to see the growth performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. cv. Morokoshi) irrigating with saline water. For irrigation, river water (RW) containing EC value of 14.04 dS m-1 was collected from the Rupsha river, Khulna and mixed with tap water [TW] containing EC value of 0.78 dS m-1at three different ratios (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 v/v). After mixing, water containing five different EC values (0.78, 4.19, 7.18, 10.79 and 14.04 dS m-1) were obtained and considered as salinity treatment. Harvesting and sampling was done 83 days after transplanting (DAT) by cutting four sorghum plants randomly selected from each plot. Different morphological parameters such as plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter and plant biomass were measured and recorded. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. Under water salinity stress, all the agronomic attributes and plant biomass showed a decreasing tendency with increasing salt concentration in irrigation water but the growth was not harmfully affected at lower levels of salinity. Plant height and biomass was significantly decreased irrigating with water containing salinity 10.79 dS m-1.After harvest it was found that irrigation with saline water up to 10.79 dS m-1 did not show any increase of soil salinity. It was probably due to rainfall during the monsoon which was occurred at the later stage of the growing period. So, the fodder sorghum plant might be cultivated in the coastal regions of Bangladesh where fresh water irrigation is limited due to salinity problem as well as might be grown irrigating with saline water up to 10.79 dS m-1.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 145-155 (2018)
Profitability and resource use efficiency of maize seed production in Palpa district of Nepal
Authors: Sapkota M , Joshi NP , Kattel RR , Bajracharya M
Published: August 2018

The study aimed to analyze profitability and resource use efficiency of maize seed production in Palpa district of Nepal. Raosoft Inc. software was used to determine the sample size of 182 maize seed producers from the total 260 maize seed producers in the district. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire survey administered to the randomly selected samples. Results showed that the uses as well as cost of major inputs such as seed, labor, farmyard manure (FYM),and management/other cost including tillage were higher among small scale farmers compared to the large scale farmers. The average cost of production among small scale farmers was NRs. 94,195per hectare compared to NRs. 64,145among large scale farmers. A benefit cost ratio of maize seed production was higher for large scale farmers (1.12), which in case of small scale farmers was less than 1, i.e. 0.9. Hence, maize seed production was found profitable only for large scale farmers. Resource use efficiency analysis showed FYM, tillage and labor were overused. This suggests that the use of FYM, tillage and labor should be decreased by 665, 456 and 68 percent respectively. Similarly, cost on seed, chemical fertilizer and management/other were underused, hence, need to increase by 92, 69 and 97 percent respectively for the optimum allocation of resources. Overall, maize seed production is profitable but resources should be optimally utilized and should be carried on larger scale.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 157-168 (2018)
The Nrf2-Antioxidant Response Element Signaling Pathway Controls Fibrosis and Autoimmunity in Scleroderma
Authors: Kavian Niloufar , Mehlal Souad , Jeljeli Mohamed , Saidu Nathaniel Edward Bennett , Nicco Carole , Cerles Olivier , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Cauvet Anne , Camus Claire , Ait-Djoudi Mehdi , Chéreau Christiane , Kerdine-Römer Saadia , Allanore Yannick , Batteux Frederic
Published: August 2018

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vascular alterations. Dysregulations in the oxidant/antioxidant balance are known to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. Indeed, reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger neoepitopes leading to a breach of immune tolerance and autoimmune responses, activate fibroblasts to proliferate and to produce excess of type I collagen. ROS also alter endothelial cells leading to vascular dysfunction. Glutathione (GSH) is the most potent antioxidant system in eukaryotic cells. Numerous studies have reported a defect in GSH in SSc animal models and humans, but the origin of this defect remains unknown. The transcription factor NRF2 is a key player in the antioxidant defense, as it can induce the transcription of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes, including GSH, through its interaction with the antioxidant response elements. In this work, we investigated whether NRF2 could be implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc, and if this pathway could represent a new therapeutic target in this orphan disease with no curative medicine. Skin biopsies from 11 patients and 10 controls were harvested, and skin fibroblasts were extracted. Experimental SSc was induced both in BALB/c and innrf2−/−mice by daily intradermal injections of hypochloric acid. In addition, diseased BALB/c mice were treated with annrf2agonist, dimethyl fumarate, or placebo. A drop innrf2and target genes mRNA levels was observed in skin fibroblasts of SSc patients compared to controls. Moreover, thenrf2pathway is also downregulated in skins and lungs of SSc mice. In addition, we observed thatnrf2−/−mice have a more severe form of SSc with increased fibrosis and inflammation compared to wild-type SSc mice. Diseased mice treated with thenrf2agonist dimethyl fumarate (DMF) exhibited reduced fibrosis and immune activation compared to untreated mice. Theex vivotreatment of skin fibroblasts from SSc mice with DMF restores GSH intracellular content, decreases ROS production and cell proliferation. These results suggest that thenrf2pathway is highly dysregulated in human and SSc mice with deleterious consequences on fibrosis and inflammation and that Nrf2 modulation represents a therapeutic target in SSc.
Effect of Sulphur Application on Photosynthesis and Biomass Accumulation of Sesame Varieties under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Feng Ling Yang , Iqbal Nasir , Manaf Abdul , Khalid Muhammad Hayder Bin , Ur Rehman Sana , Wasaya Allah , Ansar Muhammad , Billah Masum , Yang Feng , Yang Wenyu
Published: August 2018

Oilseeds yield response to sulphur (S) has been well investigated but the dynamics of total biomass accumulation (TBA) and partitioning by sesame plants in response to S are not well understood. This study was initiated to investigate the effects of S on sesame, in which four sesame varieties V1, SG-27; V2, SG-30; V3, SG-36; V4, SG-51 and four S treatments T1, 20; T2, 30; T3, 40; T4, 50 kg ha−1 were used. Results revealed that the leaf area index and photosynthetic rate of sesame varieties were significantly higher under T3 with V3. Similarly, S fertilization considerably increased the TBA and maximum TBA was reached at late-flowering with V3 in T3. Relative to T1, plants in T3 had 33 and 23% higher capsule and seed biomass, respectively. Furthermore, total S accumulation and distribution in different plant organs changed with growth stage, at pre-flowering and mid-flowering stage maximum S was found in the stem, whereas at late-flowering and full-maturity stage highest S was recorded in reproductive parts. These results implied that S fertilizers should be applied to agricultural fields to improve oilseed production and by selecting the appropriate and area-specific genotype we can increase sesame seed yield under rainfed conditions.
Engineering Properties of Controlled Low-Strength Materials Containing Bottom Ash of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator and Water Filter Silt
Authors: Kuo Wen-Ten , Gao Zhen-Chang
Published: August 2018

The bottom ash of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and water filter silt (WFS) were applied to a controlled low-strength material (CLSM) in the present study. The CLSM of the control group was composed of cement, water, and fine aggregates. WFS was first used as a fill material to replace 10% of the volume of natural fine aggregates in the CLSM. MSWI bottom ash was used to replace 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the volume of the remaining natural fine aggregates with a water-cement ratio of 1.6. The engineering properties of freshness, hardening, and durability were examined. The results revealed that the slump flows of all of the mixture proportions ranged between 50 and 70 cm. The tube flow ranged between 20 and 30 cm, conforming to ASTM D6103 and construction regulations regarding CLSMs stipulated by the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan. Increases in the replacement amount of MSWI bottom ash prolonged the time required to achieve a resistance to penetration of 2.74 MPa. The diameter of the drop test ball was less than 7.6 cm, indicating that the mixture proportions had sufficient bearing capacity for successive construction. At an age of 28 d, the compressive strength did not exceed the 8.4 MPa prescribed in ASTM D4832. The ultrasonic pulse velocity and water absorption exhibited identical growth tendencies. In summary, using MSWI bottom ash to create CLSMs is feasible on the condition that the appropriate amount of WFS should be added.
Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect Driven by Spin Accumulation on Cu, Au, and Pt
Authors: Choi Gyung-Min
Published: August 2018

The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) has recently been achieved on non-ferromagnetic metals by injecting spin currents. To use the magneto-optical Kerr effect as a quantitative tool, it is crucial to study the relationship between the Kerr rotation angle and the spin accumulation on non-ferromagnets. In this work, I measure a transient magneto-optical Kerr rotation on non-ferromagnetic metals of Cu, Au, and Pt driven by an ultrafast spin current from an adjacent ferromagnetic metal. Through comparing the measured Kerr rotation and the calculated spin accumulation, I determine the conversion ratio between the Kerr rotation and the spin accumulation to be: −4 × 10−9 (real part), −2.5 × 10−8 (real part), and −3 × 10−9 (imaginary part) rad m A−1 for Cu, Au, and Pt, respectively, at a wavelength of 784 nm.
Highly Reliable and Efficient Three-Layer Cloud Dispatching Architecture in the Heterogeneous Cloud Computing Environment †
Authors: Chiang Mao-Lun , Huang Yung-Fa , Hsieh Hui-Ching , Tsai Wen-Chung
Published: August 2018

Due to the rapid development and popularity of the Internet, cloud computing has become an indispensable application service. However, how to assign various tasks to the appropriate service nodes is an important issue. Based on the reason above, an efficient scheduling algorithm is necessary to enhance the performance of the system. Therefore, a Three-Layer Cloud Dispatching (TLCD) architecture is proposed to enhance the performance of task scheduling. In the first layer, the tasks need to be distinguished into different types by their characters. Subsequently, the Cluster Selection Algorithm is proposed to dispatch the tasks to appropriate service clusters in the second layer. Besides this, a new scheduling algorithm is proposed in the third layer to dispatch the task to a suitable server in a server cluster to enhance the scheduling efficiency. Basically, the best task completion time can be obtained in our TLCD architecture. Furthermore, load balancing and reliability can be achieved under a cloud computing network environment.
Influence of Graphene Nanoplatelet and Silver Nanoparticle on the Rheological Properties of Water-Based Mud †
Authors: Husin Hazlina , Elraies Khaled Abdalla , Choi Hyoung Jin , Aman Zachary
Published: August 2018

Water-based mud is known as an environmental-friendly drilling fluid system. The formulation of water-based mud is designed to have specific rheological properties under specific oil field conditions. In this study, graphene nanoplatelet and silver nanoparticle (nanosilver) were added to a water-based mud formulation in which they act as drilling mud additives. Rheological properties measurements and filtration tests were conducted for evaluating the influence of the added nanoparticles. The results showed that the graphene nanoplatelet and the nanosilver increased the plastic viscosity (PV) by up to 89.2% and 64.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, both the yield point (YP) and the fluid loss values were reduced. In addition, we believe this is the first result ever report where nanosilver is utilized for enhancing-enhanced water-based mud’s performance.
A Study on Stability Control of Grid Connected DC Distribution System Based on Second Order Generalized Integrator-Frequency Locked Loop (SOGI-FLL)
Authors: Kang Jin-Wook , Shin Ki-Woong , Lee Hoon , Kang Kyung-Min , Kim Jintae , Won Chung-Yuen
Published: August 2018

This paper studies a second order generalized integrator-frequency locked loop (SOGI-FLL) control scheme applicable for 3-phase alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) pulse width modulation (PWM) converters used in DC distribution systems. The 3-phase AC/DC PWM converter is the most important power conversion system of DC distribution, since it can boost 380 Vrms 3-phase line-to-line AC voltage to 700 Vdc DC output with various DC load devices and grid voltages. The direct-quadrature (d-q) transformation, positive sequence voltage extraction, proportional integral (PI) voltage/current control, and phase locked loop (PLL) are necessary to control the 3-phase AC/DC PWM converter. Besides, a digital filter, such as low pass filter and all pass filter, are essential in the conventional synchronous reference frame-phase locked loop (SRF-PLL) method to eliminate the low order harmonics of input. However, they limit the bandwidth of the controller, which directly affects the output voltage and load of 3-phase AC/DC PWM converter when sever voltage fluctuation, such as sag, swell, etc. occurred in the grid. On the other hand, the proposed control method using SOGI-FLL is able to do phase angle detection, positive sequence voltage extraction, and harmonic filtering without additional digital filters, so that more stable and fast transient control is achieved in the DC distribution system. To verify the improvement of the characteristics in the unbalanced voltage and frequency fluctuation of the grid, a simulation and experiment are implemented with 50 kW 3-phase AC/DC PWM converter used in DC distribution.
Nanoencapsulation of Polyphenols towards Dairy Beverage Incorporation
Authors: Silva Sara , Veiga Mariana , Costa Eduardo M. , Oliveira Ana L. S. , Madureira Ana Raquel , Pintado Manuela
Published: August 2018

Phenolic compounds, while widely recognized for their biological potential, when added into food matrixes may interact with food constituents. One example of this is the interaction between phenolic compounds and proteins, that may result in the formation of complexes and alter the bioavailability of both phenolic compounds and the nutrient availability. Moreover, when adding compounds to improve the functionality of a food matrix, these interactions may compromise the perceived benefits of the additions. Nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the means to circumvent these interactions, as they may function as a physical barrier between the phenolic compounds and the matrix (preventing not only the loss of bioactivity, but eventual sensorial alterations of the foods), protect phenolic compounds through the gastrointestinal tract, and may enhance phenolic absorption through cellular endocytosis. However, despite these advantages the food industry is still limited in its nanotechnological solutions, as special care must be taken to use food-grade encapsulants which will not pose any deleterious effect towards human health. Therefore, this review aims to provide an encompassing view of the existing advantages and limitations of nanotechnology, associated with the inclusion of phenolic compounds in dairy beverages.
Hemin-Modified SnO2/Metglas Electrodes for the Simultaneous Electrochemical and Magnetoelastic Sensing of H2O2
Authors: Samourgkanidis Georgios , Nikolaou Pavlos , Gkovosdis-Louvaris Andreas , Sakellis Elias , Blana Ioanna Maria , Topoglidis Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

In this work, we present a simple and efficient method for the preparation of hemin-modified SnO2 films on Metglas ribbon substrates for the development of a sensitive magneto-electrochemical sensor for the determination of H2O2. The SnO2 films were prepared at low temperatures, using a simple hydrothermal method, compatible with the Metglas surface. The SnO2 film layer was fully characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The properties of the films enable a high hemin loading to be achieved in a stable and functional way. The Hemin/SnO2-Metglas system was simultaneously used as a working electrode (WE) for cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements and as a magnetoelastic sensor excited by external coils, which drive it to resonance and interrogate it. The CV scans reveal direct reduction and oxidation of the immobilized hemin, as well as good electrocatalytic response for the reduction of H2O2. In addition, the magnetoelastic resonance (MR) technique allows the detection of any mass change during the electroreduction of H2O2 by the immobilized hemin on the Metglas surface. The experimental results revealed a mass increase on the sensor during the redox reaction, which was calculated to be 767 ng/μM. This behavior was not detected during the control experiment, where only the NaH2PO4 solution was present. The following results also showed a sensitive electrochemical sensor response linearly proportional to the concentration of H2O2 in the range 1 × 10−6–72 × 10−6 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.987 and detection limit of 1.6 × 10−7 M. Moreover, the Hemin/SnO2-Metglas displayed a rapid response (30 s) to H2O2 and exhibits good stability, reproducibility and selectivity.
The Effect of Thermal Shocking with Nitrogen Gas on the Porosities, Permeabilities, and Rock Mechanical Properties of Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Elwegaa Khalid , Emadi Hossein
Published: August 2018

Cryogenic fracturing is a type of thermal shocking in which a cold liquid or gas is injected into a hot formation to create fractures. Research has shown that like traditional hydraulic fracturing, cryogenic fracturing could improve oil/gas recovery from unconventional reservoirs. Research has also shown, though, that, unlike traditional hydraulic fracturing, which uses water-based fluids, cryogenic fracturing limits and can even heal damage that is near the wellbore. Previous studies on thermal shocking, however, have generally examined only a few parameters at a time. To provide a more complete overview of the process, this study examines the effects of thermal shocking with low-temperature nitrogen gas on the porosities, permeabilities, and rock mechanical properties of unconventional reservoirs. Three cycles of thermal shocking were applied to a core sample and an outcrop sample from an unconventional reservoir. Each sample was heated at 82 °C for 1 h, and then nitrogen at −18 °C was injected at 6.89 MPa for 5 min. The porosities and permeabilities of the cores and the velocities at which ultrasonic waves travelled through them were measured both before and after each thermal shock. The results strongly suggest that the thermal shocking produced cracks. The porosity increased by between 1.34% and 14.3%, the permeability increased by between 17.4% and 920%, and the average P-wave velocity decreased by up to 100 m/s. From the reduction in P-wave velocity, it was determined that the brittleness ratio increased by between 2 and 4 and the fracability index increased by between 0.2 and 0.8.
Efficiency Evaluation of the Ejector Cooling Cycle using a New Generation of HFO/HCFO Refrigerant as a R134a Replacement
Authors: Gil Bartosz , Kasperski Jacek
Published: August 2018

Theoretical investigations of the ejector refrigeration system using hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO) refrigerants are presented and discussed. A comparative study for eight olefins and R134a as the reference fluid was made on the basis of a one-dimensional model. To facilitate and extend the possibility of comparing our results, three different levels of evaporation and condensation temperature were adopted. The generator temperature for each refrigerant was changed in the range from 60 °C to the critical temperature for a given substance. The performed analysis shown that hydrofluoroolefins obtain a high efficiency of the ejector system at low primary vapor temperatures. For the three analyzed sets of evaporation and condensation temperatures (te and tc equal to 0 °C/25 °C, 6 °C/30 °C, and 9 °C/40 °C) the maximum Coefficient of Performance (COP) was 0.35, 0.365, and 0.22, respectively. The best performance was received for HFO-1243zf and HFO-1234ze(E). However, they do not allow operation in a wide range of generator temperatures, and, therefore, it is necessary to correctly select and control the operating parameters of the ejector.
Variable Parameters for a Single Exponential Model of Photovoltaic Modules in Crystalline-Silicon
Authors: Murtaza Ali F. , Munir Umer , Chiaberge Marcello , Di Leo Paolo , Spertino Filippo
Published: August 2018

The correct approximation of parallel resistance (Rp) and series resistance (Rs) poses a major challenge for the single diode model of the photovoltaic module (PV). The bottleneck behind the limited accuracy of the model is the static estimation of resistive parameters. This means that Rp and Rs, once estimated, usually remain constant for the entire operating range of the same weather condition, as well as for other conditions. Another contributing factor is the availability of only standard test condition (STC) data in the manufacturer’s datasheet. This paper proposes a single-diode model with dynamic relations of Rp and Rs. The relations not only vary the resistive parameters for constant/distinct weather conditions but also provide a non-iterative solution. Initially, appropriate software is used to extract the data of current-voltage (I-V) curves from the manufacturer’s datasheet. By using these raw data and simple statistical concepts, the relations for Rp and Rs are designed. Finally, it is proved through root mean square error (RMSE) analysis that the proposed model holds a one-tenth advantage over numerous recently proposed models. Simultaneously, it is low complex, iteration-free (0 to voltage in maximum power point Vmpp range), and requires less computation time to trace the I-V curve.
Data-Driven Predictive Control Applied to Gear Shifting for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Li Zhijun
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the data-driven predictive control method is applied to the clutch speed tracking control for the inertial phase of the shift process. While the clutch speed difference changes according to the predetermined trajectory, the purpose of improving the shift quality is achieved. The data-driven predictive control is implemented by combining the subspace identification with the model predictive control. Firstly, the predictive factors are constructed from the input and output data of the shift process via subspace identification, and then the factors are applied to a prediction equation. Secondly, an optimization function is deduced by taking the tracking error and the increments of inputs into accounts. Finally, the optimal solutions are solved through quadratic programming algorithm in Matlab software, and the future inputs of the system are obtained. The control algorithm is applied to the upshift process of an automatic transmission, the simulation results show that the algorithm is in good performance and satisfies the practical requirements.
Further Progress in Functional Interlayers with Controlled Mechanical Properties Designed for Glass Fiber/Polyester Composites
Authors: Knob Antonin , Lukes Jaroslav , Drzal Lawrence , Cech Vladimir
Published: August 2018

Compatible interlayers must be coated on reinforcing fibers to ensure effective stress transfer from the polymer matrix to the fiber in high-performance polymer composites. The mechanical properties of the interlayer, and its interfacial adhesion on both interfaces with the fiber and polymer matrix are among the key parameters that control the performance of polymer composite through the interphase region. Plasma-synthesized interlayers, in the form of variable materials from polymer-like to glass-like films with a Young’s modulus of 10–52 GPa, were deposited on unsized glass fibers used as reinforcements in glass fiber/polyester composites. Modulus Mapping (dynamic nanoindentation testing) was successfully used to examine the mechanical properties across the interphase region on cross-sections of the model composite in order to distinguish the fiber, the interlayer, and the modified and bulk polymer matrix. The interfacial shear strength for plasma-coated fibers in glass fiber/polyester composites, determined from the microindentation test, was up to 36% higher than those of commercially sized fibers. The effects of fiber pretreatment, single and double interlayers, and post-treatment of the interlayer on interfacial shear strength were also discussed. Functional interlayers with high shear yield strength and controlled physicochemical properties are promising for high-performance polymer composites with a controlled interphase.
Core Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder among Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Huey Ng , Guan Ng , Gill Jesjeet , Hui Koh , Sulaiman Ahmad , Kanagasundram Sharmilla
Published: August 2018

A valid method to diagnose depression in palliative care has not been established. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of depression and the discriminant validity of the items of four sets of diagnostic criteria in palliative care. This is a cross-sectional study on 240 palliative care patients where the presence of depression was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM–IV Criteria, Modified DSM–IV Criteria, Cavanaugh Criteria, and Endicott’s Criteria’s. Anxiety, depression, and distress were measured with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Distress Thermometer. The prevalence of depression among the palliative care patients was highest based on the Modified DSM–IV Criteria (23.3%), followed by the Endicott’s Criteria (13.8%), DSM–IV Criteria (9.2%), and Cavanaugh Criteria (5%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the depressive symptoms showed by DSM–IV item 1 (dysphoric mood), item 2 (loss of interest or pleasure), and Endicott’s criteria item 8 (brooding, self-pity, or pessimism) among the palliative patients, even after adjustment for the anxiety symptoms and distress level. We found that dysphoric mood, loss of interest, and pessimism are the main features of depression in palliative patients. These symptoms should be given more attention in identifying depression in palliative care patients.
Moderators of School-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Primary School-Aged Children: A Meta-Regression
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Fu You
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine potential moderators of school-based physical activity interventions on cariorespiratory endurance in primary school-aged children using meta-regression. An Internet search with several databases was employed, extracting school-based pediatric physical activity intervention studies published within the past 30 years. Studies were included if there was a control or comparison group, if the study sample included primary school-aged children, if the targeted outcome of cardiorespiratory endurance was objectively assessed, if the intervention was at least partially school-based, and if the effect estimate’s variability was reported. An inverse-variance random effects meta-regression was employed using the primary predictors of component number (single component or multi-component) and intervention length using 20 extracted studies with 23 total effects. The overall pooled effect on cardiorespiratory endurance was statistically significant (Hedges’ g = 0.30, 95% C.I.: 0.19–0.40; p < 0.001). Using random effects meta-regression, neither component number (b = −0.09, 95% C.I.: −0.40–0.23; p = 0.560) or intervention length (b = 0.001, 95% C.I.: −0.002–0.004; p = 0.427) yielded a significant modifying effect on cardiorespiratory endurance. School-based physical activity interventions have a significant pooled effect on cardiorespiratory endurance in primary school-aged children. Component number and intervention length does not modify this effect, suggesting other sources for between-study heterogeneity.
In Vivo Analysis of miR-34a Regulated Glucose Metabolism Related Genes in Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Miao Ling-Hong , Lin Yan , Huang Xin , Pan Wen-Jing , Zhou Qun-Lan , Liu Bo , Ren Ming-Chun , Ge Xian-Ping , Pan Liang-Kun
Published: August 2018

The Megalobrama amblycephala (M. amblycephala) is one of the most important economic freshwater fish in China. The molecular mechanism under the glucose intolerance responses which affects the growth performance and feed utilization is still confused. miR-34a was reported as a key regulator in the glucose metabolism, but how did the miR-34a exert its function in the metabolism of glucose/insulin in M. amblycephala was still unclear. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected the miR-34a inhibitor (80 nmol/100 g body weight) into M. amblycephala (fed with high starch diet, 45% starch) for 12 h, and then analyzed the gene expression profiling in livers by RNA-seq. The results showed that miR-34a expression in M. amblycephala livers was inhibited by injection of miR-34a inhibitor, and a total of 2212 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were dysregulated (including 1183 up- and 1029 downregulated DEGs). Function enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that most of them were enriched in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), insulin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways, which were all associated with the glucose/lipid metabolic and biosynthetic processes. In addition, we examined and verified the differential expression levels of some genes involved in AMPK signaling pathway by qRT-PCR. These results demonstrated that the inhibition of miR-34a might regulate glucose metabolism in M. amblycephala through downstream target genes.
Intrathecal Injection of Dual Zipper Kinase shRNA Alleviating the Neuropathic Pain in a Chronic Constrictive Nerve Injury Model
Authors: Sheu Meei-Ling , Chiang Chien-Yi , Su Hong-Lin , Chen Chun-Jung , Sheehan Jason , Pan Hung-Chuan
Published: August 2018

Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family mainly involved in neuronal degeneration. However, the role of DLK signaling in the neuropathic pain has not yet been fully determined. Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) was conducted by four 3-0 chromic gut ligatures loosely ligated around the sciatic nerve. Escalated DLK expression over the dorsal root ganglion was observed from one to four rings of CCI. Remarkable expression of DLK was observed in primary dorsal root ganglion cells culture subjected to electrical stimulation and attenuated by DLK short hairpin RNA (shRNA) treatment. Intrathecal injection of DLK shRNA attenuates the expression of DLK over the dorsal root ganglion and hippocampus neurons and increased the threshold of mechanical allodynia and decreased thermal hyperalgesia. In CatWalk gait analysis, significant decreases of print area, maximum contact maximum intensity, stand phase, single stance, and regular index by CCI were alleviated by the DLK shRNA administration. In conclusion, the expression of DLK was up-regulated in chronic constrictive injury and attenuated by the administration of DLK shRNA, which paralleled the improvement of neurobehavior of neuropathic pain. The modulation of DLK expression is a potential clinic treatment option for neuropathic pain.
Diffuse Gastric Cancer: A Summary of Analogous Contributing Factors for Its Molecular Pathogenicity
Authors: Ansari Shamshul , Gantuya Boldbaatar , Tuan Vo Phuoc , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: August 2018

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Incidence and mortality differ depending on the geographical region and gastric cancer ranks first in East Asian countries. Although genetic factors, gastric environment, and Helicobacter pylori infection have been associated with the pathogenicity and development of intestinal-type gastric cancer that follows the Correa’s cascade, the pathogenicity of diffuse-type gastric cancer remains mostly unknown and undefined. However, genetic abnormalities in the cell adherence factors, such as E-cadherin and cellular activities that cause impaired cell integrity and physiology, have been documented as contributing factors. In recent years, H. pylori infection has been also associated with the development of diffuse-type gastric cancer. Therefore, in this report, we discuss the host factors as well as the bacterial factors that have been reported as associated factors contributing to the development of diffuse-type gastric cancer.
Suppression of Schistosoma japonicum Acetylcholinesterase Affects Parasite Growth and Development
Authors: You Hong , Liu Chang , Du Xiaofeng , Nawaratna Sujeevi , Rivera Vanessa , Harvie Marina , Jones Malcolm , McManus Donald
Published: August 2018

To further investigate the importance of Schistosoma japonicum acetylcholinesterase (SjAChE) in cholinergic signaling for parasite growth and development, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock-down its expression in adults and eggs in vitro. This resulted in its reduced transcription but also expression of other important genes involved both in cholinergic signaling and glucose uptake were impacted substantially. Significant decreases in AChE protein expression, AChE enzymatic activity, and glucose uptake were observed in the SjAChE-knockdown parasites compared with luciferase controls. In vaccine/challenge experiments, we found that immunization of mice with recombinant SjAChE (rSjAChE) expressed in Escherichia coli elicited reductions in male worm numbers (33%), liver granuloma density (41%), and reduced numbers of mature intestinal eggs (73%) in the vaccinated group compared with the control group. These results indicate AChE plays an important role in the metabolism of male worms, and impacts indirectly on female fecundity leading to increased numbers of immature eggs being released and reduced sizes of liver granulomas. Furthermore, cytokine analysis showed that immunization of mice with rSjAChE elicited a predominantly Th1-type immune response characterized by increased production of IFNγ in splenic CD4+ T cells of vaccinated mice. The study confirms the potential of SjAChE as a vaccine/drug candidate against zoonotic schistosomiasis japonica.
Interaction between Tumor-Associated Dendritic Cells and Colon Cancer Cells Contributes to Tumor Progression via CXCL1
Authors: Hsu Ya-Ling , Chen Yi-Jen , Chang Wei-An , Jian Shu-Fang , Fan Hsiao-Li , Wang Jaw-Yuan , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: August 2018

Crosstalk of a tumor with its microenvironment is a critical factor contributing to cancer development. This study investigates the soluble factors released by tumor-associated dendritic cells (TADCs) responsible for increasing cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, cell mobility, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dendritic cells (DCs) of colon cancer patients were collected for phenotype and CXCL1 expression by flow cytometry and Luminex assays. The transcriptome of CXCL1-treated cancer cells was established by next generation sequencing. Inflammatory chemokine CXCL1, present in large amounts in DCs isolated from colon cancer patients, and SW620-conditioned TADCs, enhance CSC characteristics in cancer, supported by enhanced anchorage-independent growth, CD133 expression and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Additionally, CXCL1 increases the metastatic ability of a cancer by enhancing cell migration, matrix metalloproteinase-7 expression and EMT. The enhanced CXCL1 expression in DCs is also noted in mice transplanted with colon cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis of CXCL1-treated SW620 cells indicates that CXCL1 increases potential oncogene expression in colon cancer, including PTHLH, TYRP1, FOXO1, TCF4 and ZNF880. Concurrently, CXCL1 displays a specific microRNA (miR) upregulated by the prototypical colon cancer onco-miR miR-105. Analysis of publicly available data reveals CXCL1-driven oncogenes and miR-105 have a negative prognostic impact on the outcome of colon cancer. This study indicates a new mechanism by which the colon cancer milieu exploits DC plasticity to support cancer progression.
First Steps at the Cyclotron of Orléans in the Radiochemistry of Radiometals: 52Mn and 165Er
Authors: Vaudon Justine , Frealle Louis , Audiger Geoffrey , Dutillly Elodie , Gervais Mathieu , Sursin Emmanuel , Ruggeri Charlotte , Duval Florian , Bouchetou Marie-Laure , Bombard Aude , Silva Isidro Da
Published: August 2018

This work describes the first real developments in radiochemistry around exotic radionuclides at the cyclotron of Orléans focusing on the radiochemistry of two radiometals 165Er and 52Mn. For these developments, targets were irradiated during 0.5–2 h at a maximum current of 2 µA. All activities have been determined by radiotracer method. The production of 165Er from a natural Ho target that was irradiated is described. Higher activities of 165Er were obtained via deuteron irradiation then proton with lower ratio 165Er/166Ho (400/1 to 8/1). By using LN2 resin, the separation of adjacent lanthanides was made on various concentrations of HNO3 (0.3 to 5 M). Weight coefficients (Dw) were defined in a batch test. Then, the first tests of separation on a semi-automated system were made: the ratio 166+natHo/165Er in an isolated fraction was significantly reduced (1294 ± 1183 (n = 3)) but the reliability and reproducibility of the system must be improved. Then, a new Cr powder-based target for 52Mn production was designed. Its physical aspects such as mechanics, thermal resistance and porosity have been studied. Dw for various compositions of eluent Ethanol/HCl were evaluated by reducing contact time (1 h) comparative to the literature. A first evaluation of semi-automated separation Cr/Mn has been made.
The Lexical Development of Canadian-Born Romanian L1 Bilingual Kindergarteners
Authors: Petrescu Maria Claudia , Helms-Park Rena
Published: August 2018

This study charts the lexical development of three sequential bilingual kindergarteners whose first language, Romanian, was acquired naturalistically at home, and whose second language, English, was acquired in kindergarten. The children’s lexical development in English and Romanian was assessed at five different points over a two-year period via the PPVT-4 (peabody picture vocabulary test 4) and a specially adapted PPVT-4 for Romanian. The children’s lexical repertoires were further analyzed to uncover home versus school and cognate versus non-cognate acquisitional differences. In addition, because there is no database of lexical items acquired by monolingual Romanian children, the PPVT-4 adapted for Romanian was administered to 22 monolingual six-year-old Romanian children in Sibiu, Romania. The findings indicate the following: (i) the three bilinguals’ receptive vocabulary in English was below average when they joined kindergarten, and at or above average two years later; (ii) their lexical growth in Romanian was steady; (iii) the bilinguals’ scores for words belonging to a home register reflected ceiling effects in English and Romanian (i.e., were very well known); (iv) academic words were known to an equal extent in English and Romanian, but scores were lower than for the home register; and (v) there was no definitive evidence of cognate facilitation. A comparison of the monolingual and bilingual Romanian repertoires reflects the following: (i) equally high scores for home items; (ii) differences in scores in the academic register in favour of the Romanian monolinguals; and (iii) important lifestyle and cultural differences between the groups. The Romanian children, for example, were more familiar than their Canadian counterparts with items related to home maintenance, such as șmirghăluiește (‘sanding’) and mistrie (‘trowel’), or items probably learned in school, such as foca (‘walrus’) and broască țestoasă (‘tortoise’).
Meta-Analysis Comparing Wettability Parameters and the Effect of Wettability on Friction Coefficient in Lubrication
Authors: Schertzer Michael J. , Iglesias Patricia
Published: August 2018

This work presents a meta-analysis that compares the suitability of various parameters used to characterize wettability in tribological systems. It also examines the relationship between wettability and the friction factor for multiple lubricant-surface pairings. The characterization of wetting behavior was similar when using the contact angle between a lubricant and surface and various dimensional and dimensionless formulations of a spreading parameter. It was possible to identify hydrodynamic, boundary, and mixed lubrication regimes by combining a dimensionless wettability parameter with the specific film thickness for a variety of neat ionic liquids and magnetorheological fluids in contact with metallic, thermoplastic, and elastic surfaces. This characterization was possible using multiple dimensionless wettability parameters, but those that can be fully determined using only the contact angle may be preferred by experimentalists. The use of dimensional and dimensionless wettability parameters that included polar and disperse components of surface tension and surface energy did not appear to provide additional insight into the wettability or frictional performance for the tribological system examined here.