bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENCARIAN JALUR TERDEKAT MENUJU RUMAH SAKIT DI KOTA BOGOR DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA A*
Authors: - Erniyati , - Mulyati
Published: January 2020

Pencarian jalur terpendek (shortesh path) merupakan salah satu solusi dalam pencarian suatu lokasi yang terdekat jika terdapat beberapa jalur yang dapat dilaluinya. Seperti halnya dalam pencarian rumah sakit di kota Bogor. Kota Bogor merupakan kota yang cukup luas dan memiliki jalur yang cukup banyak. Untuk mencapai rumah sakit yang dituju dibutuhkan informasi jalur terdekat guna meminimalisir biaya dan waktu yang lebih efisien. Ada beberapa algoritma yang bisa digunakan untuk pencarian jalur terdekat diantaranya yaitu algoritma A* (star), algoritma ini membuang langkah-langkah yang tidak perlu dengan pertimbangan bahwa langkah-langkah yang dibuang sudah pasti merupakan langkah yang tidak akan mencapai solusi yang diinginkan. Sistem ini selanjutnya dihubungkan dengan perangkat mobile yang berbasis android. Dengan menerapkan Algoritma A* (star) diharapkan dapat membantu dalam mencari dan menentukan lintasan terpendek sehingga didapat suatu jalur yang optimal untuk mencapai rumah sakit di Kota Bogor.
A Magnetometer-Only Attitude Determination Strategy for Small Satellites: Design of the Algorithm and Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
Authors: Carletta Stefano , Teofilatto Paolo , Farissi M.
Published: January 2020

Attitude determination represents a fundamental task for spacecraft. Achieving this task on small satellites, and nanosatellites in particular, is further challenging, because the limited power and computational resources available on-board, together with the low development budget, set strict constraints on the selection of the sensors and the complexity of the algorithms. Attitude determination is obtained here from the only measurements of a three-axis magnetometer and a model of the Geomagnetic field, stored on the on-board computer. First, the angular rates are estimated and processed using a second-order low-pass Butterworth filter, then they are used as an input, along with Geomagnetic field data, to estimate the attitude matrix using an unsymmetrical TRIAD. The computational efficiency is enhanced by arranging complex matrix operations into a form of the Faddeev algorithm, which is implemented using systolic array architecture on the FPGA core of a CubeSat on-board computer. The performance and the robustness of the algorithm are evaluated by means of numerical analyses in MATLAB Simulink, showing pointing and angular rate accuracy below 10° and 0.2°/s. The algorithm implemented on FPGA is verified by Hardware-in-the-loop simulation, confirming the results from numerical analyses and efficiency.
Organic Greenhouse Production: Towards an Agroecological Approach in the Framework of the New European Regulation—A Review
Authors: Tittarelli Fabio
Published: January 2020

The next challenge of organic farming, according to many authors, is to overcome the horizon of a method of agricultural production towards a wider agroecological perspective whose main objective is to change the dominant agri-food system. In parallel with the discussion on the future of organic farming, in the European Union (EU), the more intensive systems of organic production in protected conditions have been the object of debate among the main actors of organic farming in the Member States (MS). The introduction of common measures for greenhouse production in the new European regulation on organic production represents the first important step in the implementation of more resilient cropping systems in protected conditions. This paper has the ambition of describing the evolution of the scientific and technical debate on organic greenhouse production in Europe over the last decade, and aims to show how the new regulation on organic farming has partially embedded some of the conclusions of the multi-actor discussion on the main production issues in protected conditions.
Current Status and Trends in Cabo Verde Agriculture
Authors: Monteiro Filipa , Fortes Arlindo , Ferreira Vladmir , Pereira Essoh Anyse , Gomes Isildo , Correia A. Manuel , Romeiras Maria Manuel
Published: January 2020

With climate change, drought is expected to increase, and its negative impacts will be particularly important in developing countries, usually with rainfall-dependent agriculture. The Cabo Verde archipelago is characterized by limited resources, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters, and a fragile environment. In this study, we provide the first report of the current status and trends of agriculture in Cabo Verde. We present data on the current performance of agricultural production areas in these islands and discuss them in terms of their most important natural constraint, water. Also, we assess the impact of institutional strategies on crop production and evaluate recent mechanisms that have been engaged towards agrarian development in this archipelago. Our results show that, among the ten Cabo Verde Islands, Santiago has the largest area used for agriculture (52.5%), followed by Santo Antão (16%) and Fogo (15.8%), and that rainfed farming dominates in all of them. The staple crops, such as maize and beans, are produced through rainfed subsistence farming, whereas irrigated crops (i.e., sugarcane, tomatoes) are mostly grown for commercial purposes. The prolonged drought periods, exposure, erosion and soil degradation, which led to increasing desertification over the last decades, have been identified as the main constraints to agrarian development across the ten islands of the archipelago. The strategies of Cabo Verde government to mitigate water scarcity through small-scale irrigation based mainly on small dams and drip irrigation technology have a marked effect on agricultural production in the predominantly arid and semi-arid areas of this archipelago.
Identification and Verification of Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Milling Yield of Rice
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhu Yu-Jun , Zhu An-Dong , Fan Ye-Yang , Huang Ting-Xu , Zhang Jian-Fu , Xie Hua-An , Zhuang Jie-Yun
Published: January 2020

Rice is generally consumed in the form of milled rice. The yield of total milled rice and head mill rice is affected by both the paddy rice yield and milling efficiency. In this study, three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations and one F4:5 population derived from a residual heterozygous (RH) plant were used to determine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting milling yield of rice. Seven traits were analyzed, including recovery of brown rice (BR), milled rice (MR) and head rice (HR); grain yield (GY); and the yield of brown rice (BRY), milled rice (MRY) and head rice (HRY). A total of 77 QTLs distributed on 35 regions was detected in the three RIL populations. Four regions, where qBR5, qBR7, qBR10, and qBR12 were located, were validated in the RH-derived F4:5 population. In the three RIL populations, all the 11 QTLs for GY detected were accompanied with QTLs for two or all the three milling yield traits. Not only the allele direction for milling yield traits was unchanged, but also the effects were consistent with GY. In the RH-derived F4:5 population, regions controlling GY also affected all three milling yield traits. Results indicated that variations of BRY and MRY were mainly ascribed to GY, but HRY was determined by both GY and HR. Results also showed that the regions covering GW5–Chalk5 and Wx loci had major effects on milling quality and milling yield of rice. These two regions, which have been known to affect multiple traits determining grain quality and yield of rice, provide good candidates for milled yield improvement.
Grassland Management for Sustainable Agroecosystems
Authors: Bellocchi Gianni , Chabbi Abad
Published: January 2020

Knowledge on sustainable grassland management is available in the large body of literature. However, it is unclear where to look for it, and what is really relevant to the many interrelated challenges of sustainable grassland management. This special issue illustrates options to fill some of those gaps. This editorial introduces the Special Issue entitled “Grassland Management for Sustainable Agroecosystems”. Two review articles deal with (i) concepts for monitoring grassland degradation (by Tiscornia et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 239) and (ii) impacts of alternative management practices and disturbances (by Wagle and Gowda et al. Agronomy 2018, 8, 300). One paper (by Steiner et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 699). summarized a series of papers of the special issue. Other topics covered include four main aspects: (I) Landscape features (Ravetto Enri et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 333), two papers by Northup et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 329, Northup et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 281, and Ma et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 238; (II) climate (Zhou et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 219, Starks et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 235, and Moinet et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 124); (III) soil fertility (Franzluebbers et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 204, Poblete-Grant et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 191); and (IV) one on modeling (Puche et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 183). Two additional papers are from Andueza et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 273 (on the feed value of barn-dried hay) and Úbeda et al. Agronomy 2019, 9, 340 (on the role of prescribed burns).
Faba Bean and Pea Can Provide Late-Fall Forage Grazing without Affecting Maize Yield the Following Season
Authors: Andersen Bryce J. , Samarappuli Dulan P. , Wick Abbey , Berti Marisol T.
Published: January 2020

Faba bean (Vicia faba Roth) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) are grown worldwide as protein sources for food and feed and can be used as cover crops after wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, faba bean is underutilized in upper Midwest farming systems. This study was conducted to determine how faba bean relates to pea as a forage, cover crop, and in cycling of nutrients to maize (Zea mays L.) in the following season. Five faba bean cultivars and two pea cultivars, a forage pea and a field pea, were established after wheat harvest in North Dakota, in 2017 and 2018. Faba bean and pea cultivars averaged 1.3 Mg ha−1 of biomass, enough to support 1.5 animal unit month (AUM) ha−1 for a 450 kg cow (Bos taurus L.) with calf, at 50% harvest efficiency. Crude protein content was highest in faba bean cv. Boxer (304 g kg−1), with faba bean cv. Laura and forage pea cv. Arvika having similar content, and field pea having the least (264 g kg−1). Cover crop treatments did not affect maize in the following year, indicating no nutrient cycling from faba bean and pea to maize. Both cover crop species tested provided high protein forage, suitable for late grazing, with a more fibrous crop residue. Faba bean has potential as a cover crop in the upper Midwest while providing greater quality forage than pea.
Structural and Technological Characterization of Tropical Smallholder Farms of Dual-Purpose Cattle in Mexico
Authors: Rangel Jaime , Perea José , De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Espinosa-García José Antonio , Mujica Paula Toro , Feijoo Marisa , Barba Cecilio , García Antón
Published: January 2020

Dual-purpose cattle smallholder farms (DP) exhibit a critical economic situation. The objective of this research was building a typology for DP in tropical conditions and characterizing them technologically. This will help developing more effective public policies in DP farms located in tropical conditions. A sample of 1.475 farms located in the tropical area of Mexico was selected. The typology was built using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). Subsequently, five groups were identified by a hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward’s method. Groups 1 and 2, covered a 46.5% of the farms; these ones presented a small-scale productive model with low levels of technological adoption, improvements were mainly associated to the area of reproduction and genetics. Very small farms (Group 3) showed orientation to subsistence. They need to improve all the technological areas. Groups 4 and 5 (29.4% of the sample) were the biggest and more specialized farms. Group four farms were located in dry tropics and showed the highest levels of technological adoption in the areas of reproduction, management, and feeding. These farms require improvement in the areas of reproduction, animal health, and feeding. Group 5 farms were located in the wet tropics and showed specialization in reproduction, genetics, and animal health areas. In this last group, it is necessary to improve management and feeding areas.
Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chinese Ningxiang Pigs Following Supplementation with N-Carbamylglutamate
Authors: Xing Yueteng , Wu Xin , Xie Chunyan , Xiao Dingfu , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2020

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in the longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues of Chinese Ningxiang pigs. A total of 36 castrated female pigs with a similar initial weight (43.21 ± 0.57 kg) were randomly assigned to two treatments (with six pens per treatment and three pigs per pen) and fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 0.08% NCG for 56 days. Results showed that dietary NCG reduced shear force (p = 0.004) and increased drip loss (p = 0.044) in longissimus dorsi muscle of Ningxiang pigs. Moreover, increased levels of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) (p = 0.009), paullinic acid (C20:1) (p = 0.004), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) (p < 0.001), while significant reduction in the proportions of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (p < 0.001) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (p = 0.017) were observed in the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs fed NCG when compared with those fed the control diet. As for adipose tissues, the C20:1 (p = 0.045) proportion in dorsal subcutaneous adipose (DSA), as well as the stearic acid (C18:0) (p = 0.018) level in perirenal adipose (PA) were decreased when pigs were fed the NCG diet compared with those of the control diet. In contrast, the margaric acid (C17:0) (p = 0.043) proportion in PA were increased. Moreover, the NCG diet produced PA with a greater proportion of total PUFAs (p = 0.001) (particularly linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) (p = 0.001)) compared with those produced by the control diet. These findings suggest that dietary NCG has beneficial effects by decreasing the shear force and improving the healthfulness of fatty acid profiles, providing a novel strategy for enhancing meat quality of pigs.
Verification and Analysis of Sheep Tail Type-Associated PDGF-D Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Li Qing , Lu Zengkui , Jin Meilin , Fei Xiaojuan , Quan Kai , Liu Yongbin , Ma Lin , Chu Mingxing , Wang Huihua , Wei Caihong
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) gene and sheep tail type character and explore the potential underlying mechanism. A total of 533 sheep were included in this study. Polymorphic sites were examined by Pool-seq, and individual genotype identification and correlation analysis between tail type data were conducted using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) method. JASPART website was used to predict transcription factor binding sites in the promoter region with and without PDGF-D gene mutation. The effect of PDGF-D on adipogenic differentiation of sheep preadipocytes was investigated. Two single nucleotide polymorphism sites were identified: g.4122606 C > G site was significantly correlated with tail length, and g.3852134 C > T site was significantly correlated with tail width. g.3852134 C > T was located in the promoter region. Six transcription factor binding sites were eliminated after promoter mutation, and three new transcription factor binding sites appeared. Expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoproteinlipase (LPL) were significantly up-regulated upon PDGF-D overexpression. Oil red O staining showed increased small and large oil drops in the PDGF-D overexpression group. Together these results indicate the PDGF-D gene is an important gene controlling sheep tail shape and regulating sheep tail fat deposition to a certain degree.
Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile of Selected Organic and Conventional Honeys from Poland
Authors: Halagarda Michał , Groth Sabrina , Popek Stanisław , Rohn Sascha , Pedan Vasilisa
Published: January 2020

Honey is a natural food product hypothesized to have significant health-beneficial value. The results of recent studies indicate that the biological activity of honey can also be ascribed to phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. The aims of this study were: To determine the phenolic profiles of several varieties of Polish honey and their correlation with various factors influencing the quality of honey, plus to verify the impact of production method (organic/conventional) and the pollen content on these profiles. In total, 11 organic and 11 conventional honey samples from Poland were investigated. The botanical origin of the samples was identified through melissopalynological analysis, whereas individual phenolic compounds were determined by the LC/MS analysis. The Folin–Ciocalteau assay was used for the determination of the total phenolic content (TPC). Moreover, the CIE L*a*b* color values were measured and matched with the above-mentioned parameters. The results of the study contribute to the discussion on the health benefits of organic farming. It was found that chrysin may act as a potential indicator compound. The study confirms the existence of the link between TPC and color, and it shows that there is a correlation between pinocembrin and galangin, two compounds that are reported to ameliorate insulin resistance.
Perturbations of Lipids and Oxidized Phospholipids in Lipoproteins of Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Evaluated by Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation and Nanoflow UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS
Authors: Lee Kang Geun , Lee Gwang Bin , Yang Joon Seon , Moon Myeong Hee
Published: January 2020

Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and high risk of fragility, is associated with the alteration of circulating lipids, especially oxidized phospholipids (Ox-PLs). This study evaluated the lipidomic changes in lipoproteins of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOp) vs. postmenopausal healthy controls. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from plasma samples were size-sorted by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4). Lipids from each lipoprotein were analyzed by nanoflow ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (nUHPLC–ESI–MS/MS). A significant difference was observed in a subset of lipids, most of which were increased in patients with PMOp, when compared to control. Phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen, which plays an antioxidative role, was increased in both lipoproteins (P-16:0/20:4, P-18:0/20:4, and P-18:1/20:4) lysophosphatidic acid 16:0, and six phosphatidylcholines were largely increased in HDL, but triacylglycerols (50:4 and 54:6) and overall ceramide levels were significantly increased only in LDL of patients with PMOp. Further investigation of 33 Ox-PLs showed significant lipid oxidation in PLs with highly unsaturated acyl chains, which were decreased in LDL of patients with PMOp. The present study demonstrated that AF4 with nUHPLC–ESI–MS/MS can be utilized to systematically profile Ox-PLs in the LDL of patients with PMOp.
Curcumin as a Therapeutic Option in Retinal Diseases
Authors: López-Malo Daniel , Villarón-Casares Carlos Alberto , Alarcón-Jiménez Jorge , Miranda Maria , Díaz-Llopis Manuel , Romero Francisco J. , Villar Vincent M.
Published: January 2020

The retina is subjected to oxidative stress due to its high vascularization, long time light exposition and a high density of mitochondria. Oxidative stress can lead to pathological processes, like cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammation ending in retinal pathologies. Curcumin, a major bioactive component obtained from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome has been used for centuries in Asian countries for cooking and for curing all kinds of diseases like dysentery, chest congestion and pain in general, due to its antioxidant effects. Curcumin prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species and so it is a good protective agent. Curcumin has shown also anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Curcumin is a natural product, which can be a therapeutic option in a variety of retinal diseases due to its pleiotropic properties. Some drawbacks are its poor solubility, bioavailability and lack of stability at physiological conditions; which have been shown in curcumin skeptical publications. In this review, we provide some lights and shadows on curcumin administration on the major retinal pathologies.
Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Three Natural Antioxidants on a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tancheva Lyubka P. , Lazarova Maria I. , Alexandrova Albena V. , Dragomanova Stela T. , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Tzvetanova Elina R. , Hodzhev Yordan K. , Kalfin Reni E. , Miteva Simona A. , Mazzon Emanuela , Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Atanasov Atanas G.
Published: January 2020

We compared the neuroprotective action of three natural bio-antioxidants (AOs): ellagic acid (EA), α-lipoic acid (LA), and myrtenal (Myrt) in an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that was induced in male Wistar rats through an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The animals were divided into five groups: the sham-operated (SO) control group; striatal 6-OHDA-lesioned control group; and three groups of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats pre-treated for five days with EA, LA, and Myrt (50 mg/kg; intraperitoneally- i.p.), respectively. On the 2nd and the 3rd week post lesion, the animals were subjected to several behavioral tests: apomorphine-induced rotation; rotarod; and the passive avoidance test. Biochemical evaluation included assessment of main oxidative stress parameters as well as dopamine (DA) levels in brain homogenates. The results showed that all three test compounds improved learning and memory performance as well as neuromuscular coordination. Biochemical assays showed that all three compounds substantially decreased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and restored catalase (CAT) activity and DA levels that were impaired by the challenge with 6-OHDA. Based on these results, we can conclude that the studied AOs demonstrate properties that are consistent with significant antiparkinsonian effects. The most powerful neuroprotective effect was observed with Myrt, and this work represents the first demonstration of its anti-Parkinsonian impact.
Enhancement of Conventional Beat Tracking System Using Teager–Kaiser Energy Operator
Authors: Istvanek Matej , Smekal Zdenek , Spurny Lubomir , Mekyska Jiri
Published: January 2020

Beat detection systems are widely used in the music information retrieval (MIR) research field for the computation of tempo and beat time positions in audio signals. One of the most important parts of these systems is usually onset detection. There is an understandable tendency to employ the most accurate onset detector. However, there are options to increase the global tempo (GT) accuracy and also the detection accuracy of beat positions at the expense of less accurate onset detection. The aim of this study is to introduce an enhancement of a conventional beat detector. The enhancement is based on the Teager–Kaiser energy operator (TKEO), which pre-processes the input audio signal before the spectral flux calculation. The proposed approach is first evaluated in terms of the ability to estimate the GT and beat positions accuracy of given audio tracks compared to the same conventional system without the proposed enhancement. The accuracy of the GT and average beat differences (ABD) estimation is tested on the manually labelled reference database. Finally, this system is used for analysis of a string quartet music database. Results suggest that the presence of the TKEO lowers onset detection accuracy but also increases the GT and ABD estimation. The average deviation from the reference GT in the reference database is 9.99 BPM (11.28%), which improves the conventional methodology, where the average deviation is 18.19 BPM (17.74%). This study has a pilot character and provides some suggestions for improving the beat tracking system for music analysis.
Comparison of Tensile and Fatigue Properties of Copper Thin Film Depending on Process Method
Authors: Min Hyeon-Gyu , Kang Dong-Joong , Park Jun-Hyub
Published: January 2020

In this study, tensile and fatigue tests were performed and analyzed to evaluate an influence of fabrication method on mechanical characteristics of copper thin film which widely used in flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In general, manufacturing methods are known to affect the mechanical properties of materials, especially for thin films. The copper thin film is manufactured by a rolling process or an electrodeposition process. Therefore, specimen for tensile and fatigue tests were fabricated using by etching process with the rolled and electrodeposited thin films. First, the tensile tests were performed to obtain the elastic modulus, 0.2% offset yield stress, and tensile strength of the rolled copper and the electrodeposited copper thin film. Second, the copper thin films in FPCB is most often subjected to mechanical or/and thermal cyclic loading. The fatigue tests were performed to compare the fatigue characteristics and to evaluate an influence of fabrication method. Tensile test results showed that the elastic modulus was similar for each process, but the 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were greater in the rolling process. In addition, the fatigue test results show that the copper thin films by the rolling process are better than by the electrodeposition process in fatigue life in all region.
Reconstruction and Measurement of Irregular Karst Caves Using BLST along the Shield Metro Line
Authors: Sun Shangqu , Li Liping , Wang Jing , Song Shuguang , He Peng , Fang Zhongdong
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the application of the borehole laser scanning technology (BLST) method in the detection of both dry and water-filled karst caves. In order to solve the problem of excessive laser attenuation during the detection, we designed a test for the characteristics of multiwavelength laser attenuation in water-filled karst caves and studied the influence exerted by various factors, including different wavelengths, different laser power levels, different suspended media, and effect of turbidity on the attenuation coefficient. During the test, we discovered the existence of a “blue-green window” with low turbidity and a “near infrared window” with high turbidity in karst cave water environments. Based on the general survey results of drilling and comprehensive geophysical prospecting, a quantitative method using targeted drilling was proposed to detect the spatial morphology of karst caves in complex environments. We also investigated the effects of complex environmental factors such as suspended media and high turbidity on the laser detection distance and accuracy in karst caves, and established a quantitative matching model of laser wavelengths, laser power, and complex environmental parameters. Based on this, we obtained the best acquisition mode for detecting lasers in different karst development environments. A high-precision, three-dimensional visualized model of a real karst cave was established to quantitatively obtain the characteristic parameters, such as accurate position, three-dimensional shape, space volume, and cave filling type, which was applied to the detection of karst caves along the Jinan subway line.
An Approach to Analyze Vulnerability of Information Flow in Software Architecture
Authors: Gu Tingyang , Lu Minyan , Li Luyi , Li Qiuying
Published: January 2020

Current research on software vulnerability analysis mostly focus on source codes or executable programs. But these methods can only be applied after software is completely developed when source codes are available. This may lead to high costs and tremendous difficulties in software revision. On the other hand, as an important product of software design phase, architecture can depict not only the static structure of software, but also the information flow due to interaction of components. Architecture is crucial in determining the quality of software. As a result, by locating the architecture-level information flow that violates security policies, vulnerabilities can be found and fixed in the early phase of software development cycle when revision is easier with lower cost. In this paper, an approach for analyzing information flow vulnerability in software architecture is proposed. First, the concept of information flow vulnerability in software architecture is elaborated. Corresponding security policies are proposed. Then, a method for constructing service invocation diagrams based on graph theory is proposed, which can depict information flow in software architecture. Moreover, an algorithm for vulnerability determination is designed to locate architecture-level vulnerabilities. Finally, a case study is provided, which verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods.
A 24.88 nV/√Hz Wheatstone Bridge Readout Integrated Circuit with Chopper-Stabilized Multipath Operational Amplifier
Authors: Han Kwonsang , Kim Hyungseup , Kim Jaesung , You Donggeun , Heo Hyunwoo , Kwon Yongsu , Lee Junghoon , Ko Hyoungho
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a low noise readout integrated circuit (IC) with a chopper-stabilized multipath operational amplifier suitable for a Wheatstone bridge sensor. The input voltage of the readout IC changes due to a change in input resistance, and is efficiently amplified using a three-operational amplifier instrumentation amplifier (IA) structure with high input impedance and adjustable gain. Furthermore, a chopper-stabilized multipath structure is applied to the operational amplifier, and a ripple reduction loop (RRL) in the low frequency path (LFP) is employed to attenuate the ripple generated by the chopper stabilization technique. A 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is employed to convert the output voltage of the three-operational amplifier IA into digital code. The Wheatstone bridge readout IC is manufactured using a standard 0.18 µm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, drawing 833 µA current from a 1.8 V supply. The input range and the input referred noise are ±20 mV and 24.88 nV/√Hz, respectively.
Nanofiltration of Simulated Acid Mine Drainage: Effect of pH and Membrane Charge
Authors: Siew Ye Wee , Zedda Karina Listiarini , Velizarov Svetlozar
Published: January 2020

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a severe form of environmental pollution that has the potential to contaminate surface and ground waters by introducing heavy metals and lowering the pH. The feasibility of using nanofiltration (NF) as a potentially attractive and cost-effective remediation method to treat acid mine drainage was investigated in this study. The performance of an acid-stable NF membrane focusing on the effects of the water pH and membrane charge on ion rejection was systematically studied. A single salt solution experiment showed that Mg, Cu, and Mn containing species were highly rejected at above 97%. Below the membrane iso-electric point (IEP), Mn showed an increased rejection of 99%, while Mg and Mn rejections were relatively constant within the investigated pH range of pH 2 to 7. Rejection of monovalent Cl− decreased with increasing concentration of an accompanying divalent SO42−, showing that Donnan related effects are more prominent at higher ionic concentrations. The sulfate rejection decreased drastically below pH 3 due to the formation of HSO4−, which permeated through the membrane, which can be utilized as a way of separation of the metals from the accompanying sulfur-containing compounds. For mixed salt solutions, rejection of silicate dropped from 52% to 38% when magnesium sulfate was added, owing to shielding of the membrane surface charge by Mg2+ ions. The NF process performance with a simulated AMD solution was found to be similar to that with model salt solution experiments, both in terms of ion rejection values and general pH-dependent rejection trends. The results obtained can be used as a fast preliminary tool for evaluating the feasibility of using NF for treating AMD with a given ionic composition and pH.
Determining Whether Tennis Benefits the Updating Function in Young Children: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Lai Yinghui , Wang Zhipeng , Yue Guang H. , Jiang Changhao
Published: January 2020

This study aimed at investigating the behavioral and neuro-electrical impacts of a coordinative exercise intervention on the updating function of the working memory (WM) in young children. Children in the experimental group was tested on the 1-back working memory task before and after a coordinative exercise program that involved a 60 min session twice per week for eight weeks (totally 16 sessions), while the control group underwent routine classroom activities with the same WM tests. The results showed that the hit rates of performing the 1-back task increased significantly in the experimental group compared with that of the control group. The experimental group demonstrated a larger decrease in both reaction time and false alarm rates from pre-test to post-test than the control group. Physical fitness improved after exercise intervention in the experimental group. Neural adaptations due to the exercise training were evaluated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and the results indicated that the experimental group experienced a greater cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) increase in the prefrontal area after the intervention than the control group. These results suggest that coordinative exercises are beneficial for improving WM as well as reaction time and physical fitness in young children.
A Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Rotor of Variant Frequency Driven by Ultrasonic Motor
Authors: Chen Si , Wang Le , Guo Shijun , Zhao Chunsheng , Tong Mingbo
Published: January 2020

By combining the flapping and rotary motion, a bio-inspired flapping wing rotor (FWR) is a unique kinematics of motion. It can produce a significantly greater aerodynamic lift and efficiency than mimicking the insect wings in a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). To produce the same lift, the FWR’s flapping frequency, twist angle, and self-propelling rotational speed is significantly smaller than the insect-like flapping wings and rotors. Like its opponents, however, the effect of variant flapping frequency (VFF) of a FWR, during a flapping cycle on its aerodynamic characteristics and efficiency, remains to be evaluated. A FWR model is built to carry out experimental work. To be able to vary the flapping frequency rapidly during a stroke, an ultrasonic motor (USM) is used to drive the FWR. Experiment and numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are performed in a VFF range versus the usual constant flapping frequency (CFF) cases. The measured lifting forces agree very well with the CFD results. Flapping frequency in an up-stroke is smaller than a down-stroke, and the negative lift and inertia forces can be reduced significantly. The average lift of the FWR where the motion in VFF is greater than the CFF, in the same input motor power or equivalent flapping frequency. In other words, the required power for a VFF case to produce a specified lift is less than a CFF case. For this FWR model, the optimal installation angle of the wings for high lift and efficiency is found to be 30° and the Strouhal number of the VFF cases is between 0.3–0.36.
An Automated Refactoring Approach to Improve IoT Software Quality
Authors: Zhang Yang , Shao Shuai , Ji Minghan , Qiu Jing , Tian Zhihong , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: January 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) software should provide good support for IoT devices as IoT devices are growing in quantity and complexity. Communication between IoT devices is largely realized in a concurrent way. How to ensure the correctness of concurrent access becomes a big challenge to IoT software development. This paper proposes a general refactoring framework for fine-grained read–write locking and implements an automatic refactoring tool to help developers convert built-in monitors into fine-grained ReentrantReadWriteLocks. Several program analysis techniques, such as visitor pattern analysis, alias analysis, and side-effect analysis, are used to assist with refactoring. Our tool is tested by several real-world applications including HSQLDB, Cassandra, JGroups, Freedomotic, and MINA. A total of 1072 built-in monitors are refactored into ReentrantReadWriteLocks. The experiments revealed that our tool can help developers with refactoring for ReentrantReadWriteLocks and save their time and energy.
Object Detection Based on Multiple Information Fusion Net
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Kong Jun , Qi Miao , Liu Yunpeng , Wang Jianzhong , Lu Yinghua
Published: January 2020

Object detection has been playing a significant role in computer vision for a long time, but it is still full of challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel object detection framework based on relationship among different objects and the scene-level information of the whole image to cope with the problem that some strongly correlated objects are difficult to be recognized. Our motivation is to enrich the semantics of object detection feature by a scene-level information branch and a relationship branch. There are three important changes of our framework over traditional detection methods: representation of relationship, scene-level information as the prior knowledge and the fusion of the above two information. Extensive experiments are carried out on PASCAL VOC and MS COCO databases. The experimental results show that the detection performance can be improved by introducing relationship and scene-level information, and our proposed model achieve better performance than several classical and state-of-the-art methods.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Permeability Durability of Utilization of Oil Shale Waste as Fine Aggregate in Open Grade Friction Course in Seasonal Frozen Regions
Authors: Guo Wei , Guo Xuedong , Chen Xing , Li Yingsong , Li Zhun , An Yin , Dai Wenting
Published: January 2020

Open graded friction course (OGFC), as a highly permeable mixture, has the characteristics of good friction and splash-and-spray reduction during rainstorms. The limitations of the use of such mixtures include the fact that they are affected by poor durability, including strength and permeability durability issues. In a previous study, oil shale waste, as a fine aggregate in the mixture (with a particle size less than 4.75 mm), could effectively improve the overall properties of OGFC, but the permeability durability was not clear. Thus, a comprehensive investigation of the permeability durability of oil shale waste as a fine aggregate is essential to achieving a better understanding in order to promote its engineering application. In this paper, the long-term permeability when using oil shale waste as a fine aggregate in OGFC was systematically investigated based on a self-developed laboratory physical clogging procedure. The test results illustrated the effectiveness of the utilization of oil shale waste as a fine aggregate in terms of permeability durability. A comprehensive index of the clogging coefficient containing mass, porosity and permeability coefficient was proposed based on gray relation entropy theory, the physical clogging model of COF-OGFC (OGFC containing oil shale waste filler) was established and the clogging speed of COF-OGFC was quantified based on the Mistcherlich growth model. The analysis showed that there is an essential difference in the clogging behavior of permeable pavement in the spring and summer. The maximum clogging degree of the permeable pavement in summer is about 40% higher than that in spring, while the clogging rate is much lower than in the spring, at only about 14%, which indicates that the clogging behavior of permeable asphalt pavement in spring is mostly in the rapid clogging mode, and that in summer is mostly in a slow deposition clogging mode. Moreover, the test results showed that the most important influences on the spring clogging behavior of COF-OGFC were the sandy clogging materials and particle sizes ranging from 150 μm to 1180 μm, which can be used to provide a reference for the design of anti-slip sand.
Correction: Grøntoft, T. Recent Trends in Maintenance Costs for Façades Due to Air Pollution in the Oslo Quadrature, Norway. Atmosphere 2019, 10, 529
Authors: Grøntoft Terje
Published: January 2020

The author wishes to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
The Switch between Protective and Nonprotective Autophagy; Implications for Autophagy Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer
Authors: Gewirtz David A.
Published: January 2020

Autophagy, a process of cellular self-degradation and cell survival whereby the cell generates energy and metabolic intermediates under conditions of stress (i.e., nutrient deprivation), is also commonly induced in tumor cells in response to chemotherapy and radiation. While chemotherapy-induced autophagy and radiation-induced autophagy are generally considered to have cytoprotective functions, thereby reducing tumor cell sensitivity (and potentially conferring resistance) to various treatment modalities, autophagy can also be nonprotective; furthermore, the nature of the autophagy can be altered via the “autophagic switch” depending on such factors as the p53 status of the tumor cells. Defective or compromised autophagy has also been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, raising concerns as to the impact of autophagy inhibition on normal tissue function. Furthermore, the impact of autophagy inhibition on the immune system response to therapy as well as the influence of autophagy inhibition in combination with chemotherapy or radiation on critical tissue sites such as the bone marrow remain uncertain. These are factors requiring serious consideration within the context of current clinical efforts to exploit autophagy inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in cancer.
Therapeutic Strategies for Regulating Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yamada Yuma , Takano Yuta , Satrialdi  , Abe Jiro , Hibino Mitsue , Harashima Hideyoshi
Published: January 2020

There have been many reports on the relationship between mitochondrial oxidative stress and various types of diseases. This review covers mitochondrial targeting photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy as a therapeutic strategy for inducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. We also discuss other mitochondrial targeting phototherapeutic methods. In addition, we discuss anti-oxidant therapy by a mitochondrial drug delivery system (DDS) as a therapeutic strategy for suppressing oxidative stress. We also describe cell therapy for reducing oxidative stress in mitochondria. Finally, we discuss the possibilities and problems associated with clinical applications of mitochondrial DDS to regulate mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Anticancer Potential of Lichens’ Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Solárová Zuzana , Liskova Alena , Samec Marek , Kubatka Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich , Solár Peter
Published: January 2020

Lichens produce different classes of phenolic compounds, including anthraquinones, xanthones, dibenzofuranes, depsides and depsidones. Many of them have revealed effective biological activities such as antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotics, antifungal, and anticancer. Although no clinical study has been conducted yet, there are number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating anticancer effects of lichen metabolites. The main goal of our work was to review most recent published papers dealing with anticancer activities of secondary metabolites of lichens and point out to their perspective clinical use in cancer management.
Phytogenic Generation of NiO Nanoparticles Using Stevia Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Their In-Vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Srihasam Saiganesh , Thyagarajan Krishnan , Korivi Mallikarjuna , Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy , Mallem Siva Pratap Reddy
Published: January 2020

In the present study, economically viable NiO nanoparticles were produced by biogenic preparation using stevia leaf broth and their in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The properties of the prepared NiO nanoparticles were confirmed by analytical techniques such as Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FE-SEM, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the size of synthesized nanoparticles ranged from 20 to 50 nm, most of which were spherical and few of which were agglomerated. The role of the biological moieties, which reduce and cap the nanoparticles, was studied using FTIR analysis. The prepared nanoparticles strongly inhibited gram-negative bacteria, which is a camper with gram-positive bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it performs an effective in-vitro activity through α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction. Thus, it can be concluded that the effective and easy green synthesis process used for NiO nanoparticles provides potential antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant microbes.
Neuroprotective γ-Pyrones from Fusarium Solani JS-0169: Cell-Based Identification of Active Compounds and an Informatics Approach to Predict the Mechanism of Action
Authors: Choi Hyun Gyu , Song Ji Hoon , Park Musun , Kim Soonok , Kim Chang-Eop , Kang Ki Sung , Shim Sang Hee
Published: January 2020

Glutamate toxicity has been implicated in neuronal cell death in both acute CNS injury and in chronic diseases. In our search for neuroprotective agents obtained from natural sources that inhibit glutamate toxicity, an endophytic fungus, Fusarium solani JS-0169 isolated from the leaves of Morus alba, was found to show potent inhibitory activity. Chemical investigation of the cultures of the fungus JS-0169 afforded isolation of six compounds, including one new γ-pyrone (1), a known γ-pyrone, fusarester D (2), and four known naphthoquinones: karuquinone B (3), javanicin (4), solaniol (5), and fusarubin (6). To identify the protective effects of the isolated compounds (1–6), we assessed their inhibitory effect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cells. Among the isolates, compound 6 showed significant neuroprotective activity on glutamate-mediated HT22 cell death. In addition, the informatics approach using in silico systems pharmacology identified that compound 6 may exert its neuroprotective effect by controlling the amount of ubiquinone. The results suggest that the metabolites produced by the endophyte Fusarium solani JS-0169 might be related to the neuroprotective activity of its host plant, M. alba.