bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambaran Spur Calcaneus dan Korelasinya dengan Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Nasution Shafira Ramadani , Uli Hanna Marsinta , Suciati Tri
Published: February 2020

Nyeri tumit adalah suatu gangguan pada sistem muskuloskeletal yang menimbulkan rasa tidak nyaman. Penyebab tersering adalah plantar fasciitis dengan atau tanpa spur calcaneus, namun hubungan keduanya masih diperdebatkan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui distribusi pasien plantar fasciitis dan spur calcaneus, distribusi tipe spur calcaneus pada pasien plantar fasciitis, dan hubungan antara spur calcaneus dengan plantar fasciitis di RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian analitik observasional dengan desain potong lintang. Penelitian ini menggunakan data rekam medik pasien dengan diagnosis plantar fasciitis dan bukan plantar fasciitis di Poli Penyakit Dalam dan Bedah Orthopedi serta memiliki foto pedis sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi di Instalasi Rekam Medik dan Radiologi RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang. Data tersebut dikumpulkan dan dinilai kesesuaian dengan penelitian, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan uji chi-square.Dari 92 kasus nyeri tumit didapatkan 51 orang (55,4%) pasien plantar fasciitis dan 41 orang (44,6%) pasien bukan plantar fasciitis. Proporsi terbanyak pasien plantar fasciitis yaitu berusia 28-37 tahun, berjenis kelamin perempuan, pekerja swasta, overweight, dan tipe spur yang menyertai adalah tipe medium. Prevalensi spur calcaneus cukup tinggi pada pasien plantar fasciitis dibandingkan dengan kelompok pembandingnya yaitu sebanyak 32 orang (62,7%) dan 9 orang (22%). Hasil analisisbivariatditemukanhubunganantara spur calcaneus dan plantar faciitis,nilai p 0,000 dengan prevalence rate 2,858, dan confidence interval (1,546±5,285).Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara spur calcaneus dengan plantar fasciitis dan secara bermakna plantar fasciitis dapat meningkatkan kejadian spur calcaneus 2,858 kali dibandingkan bukan plantar fasciitis
STUDY OF BENGKUANG MASK FORMULATION (Pachyrhizus erosus L) WITH ETHANOL EXTRACT OF SWEET POTATO LEAVES (Ipomoea batatas L) AS ANTIOXIDANT
Authors: Zarwinda Irma Zarwinda , Adriani Azmalina , Yunas Alfhahyal Aulia
Published: February 2020

The leaves of purple sweet potato or purple yam contain compounds that are essential and provide a good benefits for human health such as vitamins, protein, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, and etc. As antioxidant source, it can be added as an active compounds to mask which mostly used in this era. The present study aims to prepare and characterize the mask prepared using bengkuang or Jicama/Mexican turnip as basic mask, combined with an ethanol extract of sweet potato eaves as antioxidant. Mask formulation was made by the experimental method. The face mask formulation was made by mixing three ingredients namely bengkuang powder, ethanol extract of purple sweet potato and real honey. The organoleptic test, irritation test and preference test (probandus) were used to characterized three as-prepared masks (F1, F2, and F3). The results showed that the liquid (F1)  and semi-solid (F2 and F3) masks, ethanol extract of purple sweet potato leaves provides an additional aroma to the as prepared mask in wich the F3 mask has the best aroma compared to the other mask. In irritation testing, no irritation occurred after 2 weeks for the 3 formulas that were made. The subsequent studies are changes in facial skin after wearing a mask for 2 weeks, the face felt every probandus face becomes a little more moist and smoother. Therefore, the face mask type 3 (F3) was the best formulation for considered for further application.Keyword: Bengkoang (Pachyrhizus Erosus L), Face mask, Sweet Potato Leaf (Ipomoea Batatas L), and  ethanol
La historia de la educación y la investigación científica en Brasil
Authors: Freitas Roberto Araujo de Moraes , Martins Priscila Bernardo
Published: February 2020

En el artículo actual, se abordan las transformaciones históricas de la actividad docente en Brasil, así como su participación en la investigación académico-científica, teniendo en cuenta desde las influencias derivadas de las religiones heredadas de Europa hasta las señas de identidad de los recursos tecnologías en manos de los usuarios nacionales. Este momento está marcado por la transición entre los siglos XX y XXI, lo que representa una revolución desenfrenada en el sector tecnológico, siendo Internet la principal herramienta de comunicación e investigación, que dio lugar a un largo proceso de adaptación. Es necesario mencionar la dificultad que hay en el proceso de aislar el conocimiento de su cultura local, opiniones y experiencias propias y el bagaje académico con el que un maestro necesita transmitir al cuerpo estudiantil, porque debe entender que el Brasil registra influencias de varios pueblos de todo el mundo, lo que nos ha hecho tener una cultura tan mixta. En medio de tantas transformaciones históricas, la actividad docente debe tener sus metodologías constantemente recicladas. Por esta razón, esta obra se vuelve más ardua ya que el profesor sufre del impacto de la red en el mundo, ya que se refleja en la productividad y fiabilidad de los resultados de las obras literarias y científicas. Esto siempre comprometerá la relación entre el conocimiento y la información.

Palabras clave: Tecnología, investigación, educación, fiabilidad.
THE PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY RATING EVALUATION OF A HYDRAULIC RAM PUMP PROTOTYPE WITH HEIGHT VARIATIONS
Authors: Radiyan M Fikri , Wibowo B S , Sakti F T
Published: February 2020

Initially, the prototype of a hydraulic ram pump was built using affordable tools and materials. Next, the experiment is divided into two stages. First, the experiment will evaluate the effect of different elevations of output pipe using three height variations (2, 3, 4 meters respectively) and two input discharge variations (7 and 8 liters/min respectively). The data collected from the experiment will yield six combinations of output discharge data which then be analyzed and discussed later in this paper. Second, the efficiency of this hydraulic ram pump will be calculated using a simple efficiency formula using the data output of the previous experiment. After that, the correlations between the height of the output pipe, input discharge, and efficiency will be concluded. Finally, the results showed that the highest efficiency (7.7%) was achieved using 8 L/min input discharge combined with 2 meters elevated output pipe. While the lowest efficiency (1.4%) was achieved using 7 L/min input discharge combined with 4 meters elevated output pipe.
Design and Modelling Process of Soil Improvement with Concrete Strengthening Elements
Authors: Lődör Kristóf , Móczár Balázs
Published: February 2020

In recent decades due to the development and diversification of construction technologies, soil improvement procedures became a competitive and cost-effective alternative to increase the load-bearing capacity of the subsoil, while reducing deformations of the structure. Attributed to urbanization, lands with insufficient soil bearing capacity are becoming construction sites, for which it is essential to influence or increase the bearing capacity of the subsoil for the safety and compatibility of structures. Soil reinforcement with concrete elements is used in more and more construction project in Hungary. The structural behavior of traditional pile foundation is well known, and adequate standards are available during the planning process. On the other hand, soil improvement procedures, in our case for the design of rigid inclusion foundation no standards are available only guidelines and recommendations. Because of that in almost all cases, the design phase includes numerical modelling, which is used to prove the efficiency of the system and receive a more accurate picture of the real structural behavior.
DOĞU ANADOLU GÜNEY KAFKASYA KÜLTÜRLERİ
Authors: Tiryaki Sırrı
Published: February 2020

Kitap tanıtımı
Do Bank Size Moderate Relationship between Banks’ Portfolio Diversification and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya?
Authors: Ngware Stephen Githaiga , Olweny Tobias , Muturi Willy
Published: February 2020

Purpose- It is complicated to efficiently manage the bank’s portfolio, simultaneously maximize returns and minimize risks while being subject to managerial and regulatory constraints. In the financial industry, the size of a bank is used to assist in capturing economies as well as diseconomies of scale.
Design/Methodology- As in cases of most literature from finance, natural logarithms of banks' total assets were made use of to measure commercial banks’ size. The 43 commercial banking institutions having an official license from CBK by December 2017 were the target population of this study. The study analyzed Time-Series Cross-Sectional unbalanced secondary panel data obtained from all the 43 commercial banking institutions in Kenya for fifteen years ranging from 2003 to 2017.
Findings- Study findings revealed a positive effect of bank size on ROE and ROA that was significant. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association of bank size on the financial performance of banks in Kenya, which was significant. Bank size had a significant moderating effect on the relationship of banks portfolio diversification and financial performance of banks in Kenya.
Practical Implications- The findings on bank size insinuated that a higher size of entire asset of banks is most probable to accelerate the bank to diversify into feasible opportunities on investment, traverse more enhanced lines of business, increase capacity in market power and, produce increased value that boosts the firm to profit from economies of scale and wider scope and henceforth superior and increased financial performance.
A study on vitamin D level among the patients attending in a private chamber in Dhaka city
Authors: Eva Moushumi Afrin , Begum Nasreen , Kabir ASM Anawrul , Ahmed Khondoker Wasee , Sharmin Mahbuba , Saha Sumanta Kumar , Bayazid Md Bodroddoza , Hasan Shahriar
Published: February 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most neglected public health issues all over the world. Near about 1 billion people round the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Most of the countries in Asia having high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: To find the vitamin D level among the patients attending in a private chamber in Dhaka city

Methodology: A cross sectional observation study was carried out in a renowned diagnostic center of Dhaka city from July 2017 to June 2018. A sample of 1523 adult patients aged 18 years and above, presented with generalized body aches and pains selected conveniently for the study. Blood samples were taken and serum vitamin D levels were measured. In this study, vitamin D concentration below10 ng/ml was considered as vitamin D deficiency, 20–30 ng/ml as insufficiency, and 30–100 ng/ml as vitamin D sufficient. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22.

Result: Out of 1523 patients 69.5% were women and 30.5% men. Urban and rural distribution was 63.16% and 36.84% respectively. Among the participants vitamin D deficiency was 54%, 35.8% vitamin D insufficient, and only 9.8% had normal level of vitamin D, regarding age specific deficiency highest 71.8% was in 71-80 years age group. Out of 1058 female 39.5% were vitamin D deficient, 45.6% had insufficient vitamin D level. Only 14.9% female were found normal level. Age specific deficiency found highest 63.8% in 61-70 year age group. On the other hand out of 465 male participants, 24% were vitamin D deficient, 34% were insufficient and 42% had normal level vitamin D. Highest deficiency 42.5% found in age group 61-70years.

Conclusion: Considering the study result deficiency was higher among female than male. In female vitamin D deficiency increased after age of 31year. Vitamin D deficiency found highest in old age and middle age group. Over all age specific deficiency found significantly highest in 71 – 80 years. In both male and female Vitamin D deficiency was found highest above 61years of age.

Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.10 (2) Jan 2019: 393-396
Lower and Upper Bounds for the Discrete Bi-Directional Preemptive Conversion Problem with a Constant Price Interval
Authors: Schwarz Michael
Published: February 2020

In the conversion problem, wealth has to be distributed between two assets with the objective to maximize the wealth at the end of the investment horizon. The bi-directional preemptive conversion problem with a constant price interval is the only problem, of the four main variants of the conversion problem, that has not yet been optimally solved by competitive analysis. Assuming a given number of monotonous price trends called runs, lower and upper bounds for the competitive ratio are given. In this work, the assumption of a given number of runs is rejected and lower and upper bounds for the bi-directional preemptive conversion problem with a constant price interval are given. Furthermore, an algorithm based on error balancing is given which at minimum achieves the given upper bound. It can also be shown that this algorithm is optimal for the single-period model.
Evaluation of Fungicides and Management Strategies against Cercospora Leaf Spot of Olive Caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides
Authors: Romero Joaquín , Ávila Arantxa , Agustí-Brisach Carlos , Roca Luis F. , Trapero Antonio
Published: February 2020

Cercospora leaf spot of olive (CLSO), caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides, is one of the most important foliar diseases of olives worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a wide range of fungicides on mycelial growth and conidial germination of P. cladosporioides in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of several fungicides, application timings and management strategies (conservative and risky) to control CLSO under field conditions. Of the studied fungicides, strobilurin compounds and benomyl were the most effective active ingredients, followed by folpet, captan and maneb, in inhibiting mycelial growth and conidial germination. The pyraclostrobin + boscalid treatment was effective under field conditions, even without the application of supplementary copper. Treatments conducted in October or March were more effective than those conducted in May. Management strategies based on the author’s experience reduced copper applications up to 32.0% and 50.0% (conservative and risky strategy, respectively) in comparison to the reduction with the traditional strategy, without increasing CLSO incidence. This work provides useful information about effective formulations against CLSO and a reduction in unnecessary fungicide applications in an effort to implement IPM in olive orchards under Mediterranean conditions.
The Content of Macro- and Micro Minerals in the Sward of Different Types of Semi-Natural Meadows of Temperate Climate in SE Poland
Authors: Dudek Tomasz , Wolański Paweł , Rogut Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

Seminatural meadows are characterized by a rich botanical composition, which determines their specific type. The content of macro- and micro minerals in sward seems important for ruminant farmers. The aim of the study was to determine the content of macro- and micro minerals in the sward of selected meadow types. The study was carried out in SE Poland from May to July in the years 2010–2017. The relationship between the content of each of the studied elements (N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) in soil and plants was investigated, as well as whether there were differences between the average content of elements in the sward of different types of meadows. In some types of meadows there was a correlation for K, Fe, Cu, Mg and Mn. The largest differences in the content of macro minerals in the sward were found for Mg (44%) and K (42%), and in the case of micro minerals for Mn (56%). Large differences resulted primarily from different plant species; composition forming a given meadow community and not the content of these elements in the soil. The results can be applied to the proper management of farms, especially organic ones.
Nitrogen Use and Uptake Efficiency and Crop Performance of Baby Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and Lamb’s Lettuce (Valerianella locusta L.) Grown under Variable Sub-Optimal N Regimes Combined with Plant-Based Biostimulant Application
Authors: Di Mola Ida , Cozzolino Eugenio , Ottaiano Lucia , Nocerino Sabrina , Rouphael Youssef , Colla Giuseppe , El-Nakhel Christophe , Mori Mauro
Published: February 2020

An optimized nitrogen (N) fertilization may have a positive effect on leafy vegetables by increasing growth, yield and nutrient content of plants. Nevertheless, crop performance must be coupled with an increase in Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in order to limit external N inputs and to avoid N surpluses associated with environmental and health problems. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of a legume-derived plant hydrolysates (LDPH; Trainer®) and N fertilization levels (0, 2.25 and 4.5 g N m−2 for spinach and 0, 2.5 and 5.0 g N m−2 for lamb’s lettuce; N0%, N50%, N100%, respectively) on agronomical, biochemical, qualitative responses and NUE of these two important greenhouse leafy vegetables. Spinach and lamb’s lettuce were sprayed four times during the growing period (at a concentration of 4 mL L−1 of LDPH). In baby spinach, the LDPH application elicited a significant increase at the three levels of N fertilization: +16.8%, +14.2%, and 39.4% at 0, 2.25 and 4.5 g N m−2, respectively. Interestingly, in lamb’s lettuce, the N50% plants treated with LDPH reached similar values of marketable yield in comparison to treated and non-treated plants under N100% conditions. The presumed mechanism involved in the enhancement of yield response in the two leafy greens could be associated to a better activity of the photosystem II (higher SPAD index), biochemical (higher content of chlorophyll a, b and total) and leaf nitrate status. The foliar application of LDPH produced a major fortification in lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities (+11.6 and 6.3% for spinach and lamb’s lettuce, respectively). The biostimulant application also improved N-use efficiency and N-uptake efficiency compared to untreated plants: +17.8% and +18.8%, and +50% and +73.3%, for spinach and lamb’s lettuce, respectively.
Impact of Nitrogen and Boron Fertilization on Winter Triticale Productivity Parameters
Authors: Bielski Stanisław , Romaneckas Kęstutis , Šarauskis Egidijus
Published: February 2020

Research related to fertilization in winter triticale cultivation was limited to macroelements. The effects of boron on triticale (deficiency or toxicity) affecting productivity are still unknown. In 2013–2015, a field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo near Olsztyn. The objective was set response of winter triticale variety Pigmej under the influence of various levels of nitrogen (N) and boron (B) fertilization. Five levels of nitrogen fertilization: 0, 40, 80 (50 + 30), 120 (90 + 30), and 160 (90 + 70) kg ha−1 and four levels of boron fertilization: 0, 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 kg ha−1 were tested. The experiment has demonstrated considerable differences in the grain yield volume and structure under the influence of various weather conditions and different doses of nitrogen. The difference between the highest and lowest grain yield was 1.7 t ha−1—53.6%. The effect of boron application was also manifested as an increase in the winter triticale grain yield and improved yield component structure, but the statistically significant differences were observed only in ears number per 1 m2. The highest dose of boron applied in the experiment caused a decrease in the quantity of grain yield and its component parts.
Identifying Ways to Narrow Maize Yield Gaps Based on Plant Density Experiments
Authors: Li Jian , Wu Man , Wang Keru , Ming Bo , Chang Xiao , Wang Xiaobo , Yang Zhaosheng , Xie Ruizhi , Li Shaokun
Published: February 2020

Exploring the maximum grain yields (GYs) and GY gaps in maize (Zea mays L.) can be beneficial for farmer to identify the GY-limiting factors and take adaptive management practices for a higher GY. The objective of this work was to identify the optimum maize plant density range and the ways to narrow maize GY gaps based on the variation of the GYs, dry matter (DM) accumulation and remobilization with changes in plant density. Field experiments were performed at the 71 Group and Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China. Two modern cultivars, ZhengDan958 and ZhongDan909, were planted at 12 densities, ranging from 1.5 to 18 plants m−2. With increased plant density, single plant DM decreased exponentially, whereas population-level DM at the pre- (DMBS) and post- (DMAS) silking stages increased, and the amount of DM remobilization (ARDM) increased exponentially. Further analysis showed that plants were divided four density ranges: range I (<6.97 plants m−2), in which no DM remobilization occurred, DMBS and DMAS correlated significantly with GY; range II (6.97–9.54 plants m−2), in which the correlations of DMBS, DMAS, and ARDM with GY were significant; range III (9.54–10.67 plants m−2), in which GY and DMAS were not affected by density, DMBS increased significantly, and only the correlation of DMAS with GY was significant; and range IV (>10.67 plants m−2), in which the correlations of DMBS and ARDM with GY decreased significantly, while that of DMAS increased significantly. Therefore, ranges I and II were considered to be DM-dependent ranges, and a higher GY could be obtained by increasing the population-level DMAS, DMAS, and ARDM. Range III was considered the GY-stable range, increasing population-level DMBS, as well as preventing the loss of harvest index were the best way to enhance maize production. Range IV was interpreted as the GY-loss range, and a higher GY could be obtained by preventing the loss of HI and population-level DMAS.
Economic Feasibility of Chemical Weed Control in Soybean Production in Serbia
Authors: Meseldžija Maja , Rajković Miloš , Dudić Milica , Vranešević Milica , Bezdan Atila , Jurišić Aleksandar , Ljevnaić-Mašić Branka
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and phytotoxicity of herbicides in combinations and to determine their economic feasibility in the soybean crop. The trials were placed at two locations, Pobeda and Budisava (Serbia), during 2016 and 2018, organized in a randomized block design with four replicates of all herbicide combinations (metribuzin + S-metolachlor; imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl; metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl; and bentazon + imazamox + typhenesulfuron-methyl). At the first location, 16 weed species were determined, while in the second location, 14 were determined. The highest reduction in the number of weeds was achieved at the first location, using a combination of herbicides metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl with a total efficacy that ranged from 96.98% to 97.40%. Only on the second location bentazone + imazamox + tifensulfuron-methyl showed passable phytotoxicity on soybean, during both years. Based on the established economic justification, in the combinations of metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl, yield was increased for 2350 kg/ha or 1.91 times more, according to the untreated variant at first location. The economic injury level at the most effective combination of herbicides was 52.70 weeds/m2.
Tigecycline Interferes with Fibrinogen Polymerization Independent of Peripheral Interactions with the Coagulation System
Authors: Brandtner Anna , Bachler Mirjam , Fries Dietmar , Hermann Martin , Ruehlicke Jacqueline , Fux Vilmos , Griesmacher Andrea , Niederwanger Christian , Hell Tobias , Treml Benedikt
Published: February 2020

Tigecycline offers broad anti-bacterial coverage for critically ill patients with complicated infections. A described but less researched side effect is coagulopathy. The aim of this study was to test whether tigecycline interferes with fibrinogen polymerization by peripheral interactions. To study the effect of unmetabolized tigecycline, plasma of healthy volunteers were spiked with increasing concentrations of tigecycline. In a second experimental leg, immortalized human liver cells (HepG2) were treated with the same concentrations to test an inhibitory effect of hepatic tigecycline metabolites. Using standard coagulation tests, only the activated thromboplastin time in humane plasma was prolonged with increasing concentrations of tigecycline. Visualization of the fibrin network using confocal live microscopy demonstrated a qualitative difference in tigecycline treated experiments. Thrombelastometry and standard coagulation tests did not indicate an impairment of coagulation. Although the discrepancy between functional and immunologic fibrinogen levels increased in cell culture assays with tigecycline concentration, fibrinogen levels in spiked plasma samples did not show significant differences determined by functional versus immunologic methods. In our in vitro study, we excluded a direct effect of tigecycline in increasing concentrations on blood coagulation in healthy adults. Furthermore, we demonstrated a rapid loss of mitochondrial activity in hepatic cells with supra-therapeutic tigecycline dosages.
Staphylococcus aureus Epidemiology in Wildlife: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heaton Christina J. , Gerbig Gracen R. , Sensius Lucas D. , Patel Vishwash , Smith Tara C.
Published: February 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial colonizer of humans and a variety of animal species. Many strains have zoonotic potential, moving between humans and animals, including livestock, pets, and wildlife. We examined publications reporting on S. aureus presence in a variety of wildlife species in order to more cohesively review distribution of strains and antibiotic resistance in wildlife. Fifty-one studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The most common types documented included ST398, ST425, ST1, ST133, ST130, and ST15. A mix of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains were noted. A number of molecular types were identified that were likely to be found in wildlife species, including those that are commonly found in humans or other animal species (including livestock). Additional research should include follow-up in geographic areas that are under-sampled in this study, which is dominated by European studies.
Biological Redox Impact of Tocopherol Isomers Is Mediated by Fast Cytosolic Calcium Increases in Living Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Hidalgo Miltha , Rodríguez Vania , Kreindl Christine , Porras Omar
Published: February 2020

Most of the biological impacts of Vitamin E, including the redox effects, have been raised from studies with α-tocopherol only, despite the fact that tocopherol-containing foods carry mixed tocopherol isomers. Here, we investigated the cellular mechanisms involved in the immediate antioxidant responses evoked by α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol in Caco-2 cells. In order to track the cytosolic redox impact, we performed imaging on cells expressing HyPer, a fluorescent redox biosensor, while cytosolic calcium fluctuations were monitored by means of Fura-2 dye and imaging. With this approach, we could observe fast cellular responses evoked by the addition of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol at concentrations as low as 2.5 μM. Each isomer induced rapid and consistent increases in cytosolic calcium with fast kinetics, which were affected by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that tocopherols promoted a calcium entry upon the contact with the plasma membrane. In terms of redox effects, δ-tocopherol was the only isomer that evoked a significant change in the HyPer signal at 5 μM. By mimicking Ca2+ entry with ionomycin and monensin, a decline in the HyPer signal was induced as well. Finally, by silencing calcium with 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, none of the isomers were able to induce redox changes. Altogether, our data indicate that an elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ is necessary for the development of a tocopherol-induced antioxidant impact on the cytoplasm of Caco-2 cells reported by HyPer biosensor.
Prediction of Antioxidant Activity of Cherry Fruits from UAS Multispectral Imagery Using Machine Learning
Authors: Karydas Christos , Iatrou Miltiadis , Kouretas Dimitrios , Patouna Anastasia , Iatrou George , Lazos Nikolaos , Gewehr Sandra , Tseni Xanthi , Tekos Fotis , Zartaloudis Zois , Mainos Evangelos , Mourelatos Spiros
Published: February 2020

In this research, a model for the estimation of antioxidant content in cherry fruits from multispectral imagery acquired from drones was developed, based on machine learning methods. For two consecutive cultivation years, the trees were sampled on different dates and then analysed for their fruits’ radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and Folin–Ciocalteu (FCR) reducing capacity. Multispectral images from unmanned aerial vehicles were acquired on the same dates with fruit sampling. Soil samples were collected throughout the study fields at the end of the season. Topographic, hydrographic and weather data also were included in modelling. First-year data were used for model-fitting, whereas second-year data for testing. Spatial autocorrelation tests indicated unbiased sampling and, moreover, allowed restriction of modelling input parameters to a smaller group. The optimum model employs 24 input variables resulting in a 6.74 root mean square error. Provided that soil profiles and other ancillary data are known in advance of the cultivation season, capturing drone images in critical growth phases, together with contemporary weather data, can support site- and time-specific harvesting. It could also support site-specific treatments (precision farming) for improving fruit quality in the long-term, with analogous marketing perspectives.
Chrysin Reduces Oxidative Stress but Does Not Affect Polyol Pathway in the Lenses of Type 1 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wojnar Weronika , Zych Maria , Borymski Sławomir , Kaczmarczyk-Sedlak Ilona
Published: February 2020

Prolonged hyperglycemia is one of the main causes of reactive oxygen species and free radicals generation in diabetes which may affect various organs, including the eye. Oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in the eye lens could lead to cataract formation. To cope with oxidative stress, the endogenous antioxidative system may be supported by the supplementation of exogenous antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chrysin, a natural flavonoid, on oxidative stress and polyol pathway-related markers in the lenses of streptozotocin-induced type 1 male diabetic rats. Chrysin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was administered by gavage for 28 days. This treatment resulted in a decrease in antioxidative enzymes activity and oxidative stress index. Moreover, chrysin administration elevated the reduced glutathione level in the lenses. A decrease in the markers linked to oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in the lenses was noted, especially after treatment with 50 mg/kg of chrysin. Neither of the chrysin doses affected glycemia-related markers in the serum or altered parameters related to the polyol pathway and advanced glycation end-products level in the lenses of diabetic rats. Upon obtaining results, it can be concluded that chrysin reveals antioxidative activity in the lenses but shows no antihyperglycemic or antiglycation properties.
Data Sampling Methods to Deal With the Big Data Multi-Class Imbalance Problem
Authors: Rendón Eréndira , Alejo Roberto , Castorena Carlos , Isidro-Ortega Frank J. , Granda-Gutiérrez Everardo E.
Published: February 2020

The class imbalance problem has been a hot topic in the machine learning community in recent years. Nowadays, in the time of big data and deep learning, this problem remains in force. Much work has been performed to deal to the class imbalance problem, the random sampling methods (over and under sampling) being the most widely employed approaches. Moreover, sophisticated sampling methods have been developed, including the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and also they have been combined with cleaning techniques such as Editing Nearest Neighbor or Tomek’s Links (SMOTE+ENN and SMOTE+TL, respectively). In the big data context, it is noticeable that the class imbalance problem has been addressed by adaptation of traditional techniques, relatively ignoring intelligent approaches. Thus, the capabilities and possibilities of heuristic sampling methods on deep learning neural networks in big data domain are analyzed in this work, and the cleaning strategies are particularly analyzed. This study is developed on big data, multi-class imbalanced datasets obtained from hyper-spectral remote sensing images. The effectiveness of a hybrid approach on these datasets is analyzed, in which the dataset is cleaned by SMOTE followed by the training of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with those data, while the neural network output noise is processed with ENN to eliminate output noise; after that, the ANN is trained again with the resultant dataset. Obtained results suggest that best classification outcome is achieved when the cleaning strategies are applied on an ANN output instead of input feature space only. Consequently, the need to consider the classifier’s nature when the classical class imbalance approaches are adapted in deep learning and big data scenarios is clear.
Forced Convection Heat Transfer for Stratospheric Airship Involved Flight State
Authors: Pei Houju , Kong Benben , Jiang Yanlong , Shi Hong
Published: February 2020

Forced convection heat transfer is a significant factor for the thermal control of a stratospheric airship. However, most of researches were conducted without considering the influence of flight state causing serious errors. In order to accurately predict the forced convection heat transfer of the stratospheric airship at an angle of attack, firstly, an empirical correlation of Nusselt number (Nu) as function of Reynolds number (Re) andlength to diameter ratio (e) is developedunder horizontal state based on a validated computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. Then, a correction factor K, considering its angle of attack (α), is proposed to modify this correlation. The results show that: (1) Nusselt number increases with the increase of Reynolds number, decreases as the length to diameter ratio changes from 2 ~ 6, and increases as the angle of attack changes from 0° ~ 20°. (2) At higher Reynolds number, the calculated results are 30 percent higher than those of previous studies with α = 20°. (3) Compared with α and e, the effect of Re on correction factor K can be ignored, and K is a strong equation of α and e. The efficiency of heat transfer is increased by 6 percent with α = 20°. The findings of this paper provide a technical reference for the thermal control of a stratospheric airship.
Research on Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting by Data Mining on Historical Wind Resource
Authors: Tang Bin , Chen Yan , Chen Qin , Su Mengxing
Published: February 2020

In order to enhance the accuracy of short-term wind power forecasting (WPF), a short-term wind power forecasting method based on historical wind resources by data mining has been designed. Firstly, the spoiled data resulting from wind turbine and meteorological monitoring equipment is eliminated, and the missing data is added by the Lomnaofski optimization model, which is based on the temporal-spatial correlation of meteorological data. Secondly, the wind characteristics are analyzed by the continuous time similarity clustering (CTSC) method, which is used to select similar samples. To improve the accuracy of deterministic prediction and prediction error, the radial basis function neural network (RBF) deterministic forecasting model was built, which can approximate nonlinear solutions. In addition, the wind power interval prediction method, combining fuzzy information granulation and an Elman neural network (FIG-Elman), is proposed to acquire forecasting intervals. The deterministic prediction of the RBF-CTSC model has high accuracy, which can accurately describe the randomness, fluctuation and nonlinear characteristics of wind speed. Additionally, the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are reduced by the new model. The interval prediction of FIG-Elman results show that the interval width decreased by 18.85%, and the coverage probability of interval increased by 10.94%.
Advances in Diesel-LNG Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: February 2020

Diesel-LNG internal combustion engines (ICEs) are the most promising light and heavy-duty truck (HDT) powering solution for a transition towards a mixed electric-hydrogen renewable energy economy. The diesel-liquid CH4 ICEs have indeed many commonalities with diesel-liquid H2 ICEs, in the infrastructure, on-board fuel storage, and injection technology, despite the fact H2 needs a much lower temperature. The paper outlines the advantages of dual fuel (2F) diesel-LNG ICEs developed adopting two high-pressure (HP) injectors per cylinder, one for the diesel and one for the LNG, plus super-turbocharging. The diesel-LNG ICEs provide high fuel energy conversion efficiencies, and reduced CO2, PM, and NOx emissions. Super-turbocharging permits the shaping of the torque curve while improving acceleration transients. Diesel-LNG ICEs may also clean up the air of background pollution in many polluted areas in the world. Computational results prove the steady-state advantages of the proposed novel design. While the baseline diesel model is a validated model, the 2F LNG model is not. The perfect alignment of the diesel and diesel-LNG ICE performances proven by Westport makes however the proposed results trustworthy.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Assessing Mining Subsidence Risk
Authors: Kim Yangkyun , Lee Sean S.
Published: February 2020

Subsidence at abandoned mines sometimes causes destruction of local areas and casualties. This paper proposes a mine subsidence risk index and establishes a subsidence risk grade based on two separate analyses of A and B to predict the occurrence of subsidence at an abandoned mine. For the analyses, 227 locations were ultimately selected at 15 abandoned coal mines and 22 abandoned mines of other types (i.e., gold, silver, and metal mines). Analysis A predicts whether subsidence is likely using an artificial neural network. Analysis B assesses a mine subsidence risk index that indicates the extent of risk of subsidence. Results of both analyses are utilized to assign a subsidence risk grade to each ground location investigated. To check the model’s reliability, a new dataset of 22 locations was selected from five other abandoned mines; the subsidence risk grade results were compared with those of the actual ground conditions. The resulting correct prediction percentage for 13 subsidence locations of the abandoned mines was 83–86%. To improve reliability of the subsidence risk, much more subsidence data with greater variations in ground conditions is required, and various types of analyses by numerical and empirical approaches, etc. need to be combined.
Percolation and Transport Properties in The Mechanically Deformed Composites Filled with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Plyushch Artyom , Lyakhov Dmitry , Šimėnas Mantas , Bychanok Dzmitry , Macutkevič Jan , Michels Dominik , Banys Jūras , Lamberti Patrizia , Kuzhir Polina
Published: February 2020

The conductivity and percolation concentration of the composite material filled with randomly distributed carbon nanotubes were simulated as a function of the mechanical deformation. Nanotubes were modelled as the hard-core ellipsoids of revolution with high aspect ratio. The evident anisotropy was observed in the percolation threshold and conductivity. The minimal mean values of the percolation of 4.6 vol. % and maximal conductivity of 0.74 S/m were found for the isotropic composite. Being slightly aligned, the composite demonstrates lower percolation concentration and conductivity along the orientation of the nanotubes compared to the perpendicular arrangement.
Circular Dichroism in Low-Cost Plasmonics: 2D Arrays of Nanoholes in Silver
Authors: Petronijevic Emilija , Belardini Alessandro , Leahu Grigore , Cesca Tiziana , Scian Carlo , Mattei Giovanni , Sibilia Concita
Published: February 2020

Arrays of nanoholes in metal are important plasmonic devices, proposed for applications spanning from biosensing to communications. In this work, we show that in such arrays the symmetry can be broken by means of the elliptical shape of the nanoholes, combined with the in-plane tilt of the ellipse axes away from the array symmetry lines. The array then differently interacts with circular polarizations of opposite handedness at normal incidence, i.e., it becomes intrinsically chiral. The measure of this difference is called circular dichroism (CD). The nanosphere lithography combined with tilted silver evaporation was employed as a low-cost fabrication technique. In this paper, we demonstrate intrinsic chirality and CD by measuring the extinction in the near-infrared range. We further employ numerical analysis to visualize the circular polarization coupling with the nanostructure. We find a good agreement between simulations and the experiment, meaning that the optimization can be used to further increase CD.
The Protective Effect of New Carnosine-Hyaluronic Acid Conjugate on the Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in the Experimental Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Siracusa Rosalba , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cordaro Marika , Peritore Alessio F. , Gugliandolo Enrico , D’Amico Ramona , Fusco Roberta , Crupi Rosalia , Rizzarelli Enrico , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Vaccaro Susanna , Pulicetta Mariafiorenza , Greco Valentina , Sciuto Sebastiano , Schiavinato Antonella , Messina Luciano , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that currently has no cure. There are numerous studies showing that carnosine and hyaluronic acid (HA) have a positive pharmacological action during joint inflammation. For this reason, the goal of this research was to discover the protective effect of a new carnosine conjugate with hyaluronic acid (FidHycarn) on the inflammatory response and on the cartilage degradation in an in vivo experimental model of OA. This model was induced by a single intra-articular (i.ar.) injection of 25 µL of normal saline with 1 mg of monosodium iodoacetate solution (MIA) in the knee joint of rats. MIA injection caused histological alterations and degradation of the cartilage, as well as behavioral changes. Oral treatment with FidHycarn ameliorated the macroscopic signs, improved thermal hyperalgesia and the weight distribution of the hind paw, and decreased histological and radiographic alterations. The oxidative damage was analyzed by evaluating the levels of nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that were significantly reduced in FidHycarn rats. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were also significantly reduced by FidHycarn. Therefore, for the first time, the effectiveness of oral administration of FidHycarn has been demonstrated in an osteoarthritis model. In conclusion, the new FidHycarn could represent an interesting therapeutic strategy to combat osteoarthritis.
Optimized LED-Integrated Agricultural Facilities for Adjusting the Growth of Water Bamboo (Zizania latifolia)
Authors: Hsiao Vincent K. S. , Cheng Teng-Yun , Chen Chih-Feng , Shiu Hao , Yu Yong-Jin , Tsai Chun-Fu , Lai Pin-Chen , Tsai Min-Chia , Yang Chih-Chi , Chien Hung-Yu , Chen Ku-Fan , Tsai Yung-Pin
Published: February 2020

We investigated a light emitting diode (LED) lighting system applied to a water bamboo field during winter season at night, and the results indicated that this lighting system can prevent the stunting of water bamboo leaves and further assist its growth. Compared with previous LED systems, in which the LED bulbs were placed directly above water bamboo leaves, our LED lighting system presents the benefit of easy handling during harvest. To prevent the inhomogeneous coverage of LED light patterns, a new design of LED lenses was also incorporated.
Effects of Outlet Shrinkage on Hydraulics in Hyper-Concentrated Sediment-Laden Flow
Authors: Lian Jijian , Yin Hongxia , Liu Fang , Li Huiping , Gou Wenjuan
Published: February 2020

Finding an appropriate shape for the releasing building is thoroughly relevant given the energy dissipation and safety requirements of a high dam in a sediment-laden river. Thirty-six physical experiments on trajectory energy dissipation were conducted, researching the influence of three overflow shapes (contraction ratios of 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3) with four sediment concentrations (0, 50, 150, and 250 kg/m3) on the discharge, flow regime, and hydrodynamic pressure of a plunge pool slab. The experimental results demonstrated that the flow coefficient gradually decreased as the contraction ratio decreased in a relatively high weir head, regardless of the sediment concentration. The water nappe narrowed and the length of the longitudinal trajectory increased as the outlet shrinkage and sediment concentration decreased. With the increase in sediment concentration, the nappe regime approached stability, and the flow in the plunge pool tended toward small rolling, causing the impact pressure and fluctuating pressure to increase. Changes in overflow shape had little effect on the position of pressure peak, but the value became lower as the ratio diminished. The influence on the hydrodynamic pressure by outlet shrinkage became attenuated while the sediment concentration increased. The fluctuating energy and vortex scale were enhanced due to the increased viscosity with increasing sediment concentrations.
Low Temperature RF-Plasma Initiated Rapid and Highly Ordered Fracture on Ag Nanowires
Authors: Dai Han , Yu Xinxiang , Zhao Zhiguo , Shi Dandan , Shi Xianli , Zhao Junfeng , Dong Xiaoyan , Zhang Dejun
Published: February 2020

Highly ordered Ag particle-chains (AgPCs) have been obtained from Ag nanowires (AgNWs) by radio frequency (RF) plasma treatment. Such conversion is attributed to the fast nonequilibrium diffusion of Ag atoms (liquid-like behavior) on AgNWs surfaces through the plasma bombarding. Further, the formed AgPCs highly coincide with the predictions by Rayleigh instability. In contrast to heat treatment, AgPCs are formed rapidly, highly ordered and at temperature below 100 °C. Furthermore, aperiodicity and wire–wire welding instead of highly ordered particle-chains has been observed as the AgNWs are overlapped by plasma treatment. This work should provide a new perspective for metallic particle-chains fabrication.
A Practical Method for Controlling the Asymmetric Mode of Atmospheric Dielectric Barrier Discharges
Authors: Luo Ling , Wang Qiao , Dai Dong , Zhang Yuhui , Li Licheng
Published: February 2020

Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) have been applied in a very broad range of industries due to their outstanding advantages. However, different discharge modes can influence the stability of atmospheric DBDs, such as the density and composition of active species in discharge plasmas, thereby impacting the effect of related applications. It is necessary and valuable to investigate the control of nonlinear modes both in theoretical and practical aspects. In this paper, we propose a practical, state-controlling method to switch the discharge mode from asymmetry to symmetry through changing frequencies of the applied voltage. The simulation results show that changing frequencies can effectively alter the seed electron level at the beginning of the breakdown and then influence the subsequent discharge mode. The higher controlling frequency is recommended since it can limit the dissipative process of residual electrons and is in favor of the formation of symmetric discharge in the after-controlling section. Under our simulation conditions, the discharges with an initial driving frequency of 14 kHz can always be converted to the symmetric period-one mode when the controlling frequency is beyond 30 kHz.