bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Thinking in/about Bowen
Authors: Gildersleeve Jessica , Smith Patricia Juliana
Published: May 2020

Elizabeth Bowen’s first short story, ‘Breakfast’ (1923), begins with a thought: ‘“Behold, I die daily,” thought Mr Rossiter, entering the breakfast-room.’1 It is a story primarily structured by thought: Mr Rossiter says very little, and the reader is privy to his reflections on the odious people with whom he must daily share his morning meal. The emphasis on consciousness and subjectivity is a typically modernist move, as is the story’s sense of a ‘life in death’, its allusion, perhaps, to the end of the second canto of ...
Elizabeth Bowen and the Pleasure of the Text
Authors: Gildersleeve Jessica
Published: May 2020

This chapter recognises that while several authors in the extant criticism have used various lenses of critical theory through which to analyse Bowen’s work, a case for Bowen as a theorist herself has not yet been made. Through an analysis of Bowen’s critical essays, reviews, and depictions of reading and writing in her fiction, this chapter proposes a logic of literary theory as it emerges in her work. Bowen’s theory of reading does anticipate, in some ways, poststructuralist theory as it appears in the work of Roland Barthes, particularly in terms of her syntactical evocations of trauma. Where her work differs (or defers) from theirs, however, is in her insistence upon a kind of mindless and spontaneous memory-work which describes the impact of the reader and the text upon each other and the production of pleasure engendered through this relationship. It is in the process of this mutual engagement, Bowen’s work suggests, that each comes into being. This essay will thus argue for the innovation present in Bowen’s understanding of reading and writing as an anticipation and an inflection of later poststructuralist theory.
Obnoxiousness and Elizabeth Bowen’s Queer Adolescents
Authors: hoogland renée c.
Published: May 2020

This chapter addresses Bowen’s obnoxious adolescents, arguing that she brings together the operations of language and the critical function of affect in questions of meaning and being, and connects what she sees as the figure of the queer adolescent in Bowen (for example, Theodora Thirdman in Friends and Relations) with the equally queer or innovative operations of her writing, with her novels as aesthetic events. It thus posits adolescence as a particular structure of feeling that, in the assemblage of (Bowen’s) novelistic writing, at once mobilizes the stylistic operations of her prose, and that determines the singularity of her writing and its aesthetic effects.
‘One Is Somehow Suspended’: Elizabeth Bowen, Katherine Mansfield and the Spaces in Between
Authors: Short Emma
Published: May 2020

This chapter compares Bowen to Katherine Mansfield. Neither English nor Irish, but a hybrid of both, Bowen, like Mansfield, does not belong to one country, existing instead in an unstable, liminal sphere between the two. Bowen’s admiration for Mansfield has been well-documented, and while she was undoubtedly influenced by Mansfield’s style, technique and talent, this chapter foregrounds a deeper connection between the two authors in their shared, fractured histories, and in the effect that this had on their writing. Charting the persistence of in-between spaces across the work of Bowen and Mansfield, the chapter considers the way in which the use of such spaces by the two writers not only signifies their shared histories of hybridity and dislocation, but also enables them to interrogate the shifting position of women in modernity. The chapter sketches out a taxonomy of such spaces in Bowen and Mansfield’s narratives, and in doing so reveals the dialogues operating across the writings of these authors through the spaces of the in between.
Bowen’s Recesses: From Realism to Inter-Objectivity
Authors: Johnson Laurie
Published: May 2020

This chapter re-orients consideration of realist elements in Bowen’s short stories by framing readings according to a series of ‘recesses.’ The first is as a building feature designed to conceal and display, which frames a discussion of the status of ‘things’ in Bowen’s writing, that is, the objects that deck out her narratives and become a focus for critical interest in her realism. The second is as a cue for the notion of receding, which I use against claims about consistency in narrative voice in Bowen’s work to argue instead that Bowen’s ‘voice’ can be shown increasingly to recede, leaving the subject-position in such doubt as to compel the willing reader to complete the point of view. Finally, ‘recess’ is used in the sense of suspension or adjournment, against claims that the ‘psychological realism’ created by Bowen presents a ‘transtemporal subjectivity,’ to argue that agency in Bowen’s narratives becomes, by virtue of the points raised above, suspended, such that ‘subjectivity’ is itself untenable. The term I will use to describe the coming together of people and things in Bowen’s fictional universe—and indeed in her writings about the world of the Blitz—will be ‘inter-objectivity.’
Introduction and Background
Authors: Auchie Derek P. , Carmichael Ailsa
Published: May 2020

In October 2005 a new tribunal, the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (“MHTS”), was born. This Tribunal1 is like no other that has been introduced in Scotland. It is based on a multi-disciplinary approach to decision-making involving a combination of health professionals and lawyers. The MHTS arose from the Millan Report2 and represents a sea change in the way in which decisions are made in respect of the treatment of mentally disordered persons. The Tribunal has been in operation now for around 4 years. It is still, therefore, relatively young and its procedures will remain on a steep developmental incline for some time to come. However, given that hearings take place every day, up and down the country, it is fair to say that, for such a young tribunal, a considerable amount of development has already occurred.
Hearing Procedure I – Preliminary Matters
Authors: Auchie Derek P. , Carmichael Ailsa
Published: May 2020

In this and the next chapter, we will consider how tribunal hearings should be conducted. All aspects of the hearing will be considered in these two chapters, except for the rules of evidence, which are dealt with in Chapter 5.
Clearly, the procedure to be followed will vary to some extent, depending on the purpose of the hearing, and again depending on who attends and on the issues the tribunal will focus on. However, there are some general provisions in the rules on how any hearing should be conducted. There are also some generic practical points that can apply to most, if not all, hearings. It is these rules and generic points that will be explained in this chapter and the next. In this and the following chapter, unless otherwise stated, all comments apply to hearings on all types of application, referral and appeal to be heard by the tribunal.
Hearing Procedure II – The Merits of the Case
Authors: Auchie Derek P. , Carmichael Ailsa
Published: May 2020

In this chapter we consider how the merits of a case should be dealt with by the tribunal. This stage begins once all preliminary matters have been dealt with. It is not possible to lay down an absolutely fixed procedure, since much will depend on the facts of the case and its procedural history. However, we consider, in the usual order, some of the main parts of a standard hearing on the merits, so as to give a general impression of how a typical tribunal case should be conducted. As has already been mentioned, tribunal members are under an obligation to avoid formality wherever possible.1 While this obligation exists for all parts of the hearing, including discussions on preliminary matters, it is perhaps more relevant where the merits of the case are under consideration, since at this stage evidence on the merits of the application or appeal will be led.2 One of the major ways in which such informality is demonstrated (when compared with public court hearings) lies in the emphasis during tribunal hearings on interventions and questioning by tribunal members.3 However,
the obligation to conduct the hearing as informally as possible should not be seen as a blank cheque simply to deal with the arguments and evidence presented in a completely arbitrary and relaxed way.
Tribunal Applications, Appeals, References and Reviews
Authors: Auchie Derek P. , Carmichael Ailsa
Published: May 2020

The 2003 Act makes provision for the manner in which various types of proceedings before the Tribunal are to be initiated and progressed. This chapter deals with the provisions relating to the procedure for applications, appeals, references and reviews, which are contained in, respectively, Pts II, III, IV and V of the Rules. Cases remitted to the Tribunal following a successful appeal to the sheriff principal or the Court of Session, for which provision is made in Pt VI, are covered in the chapter dealing with appeals from the Tribunal.1
At first sight, there is no obvious logic to the terms of art chosen by the drafters for some of the different means of proceeding as between applications and appeals. Where a patient is dissatisfied with a determination made by an RMO to extend his CTO, he may make an application for its revocation. Where he is unhappy with a decision of the Scottish Ministers to vary a condition of conditional discharge, however, his remedy is to appeal to the Tribunal.
Understanding the Behavior of Fully Non-Toxic Polypyrrole-Gelatin and Polypyrrole-PVdF Soft Actuators with Choline Ionic Liquids
Authors: Elhi Fred , Karu Karl , Rinne Pille , Nadel Kadi-Anne , Järvekülg Martin , Aabloo Alvo , Tamm Tarmo , Ivaništšev Vladislav , Põhako-Esko Kaija
Published: May 2020

Smart and soft electroactive polymer actuators as building blocks for soft robotics have many beneficial properties that could make them useful in future biomimetic and biomedical applications. Gelatin—a material exploited for medical applications—can be used to make a fully biologically benign soft electroactive polymer actuator that provides high performance and has been shown to be harmless. In our study, these polypyrrole-gelatin trilayer actuators with choline acetate and choline isobutyrate showed the highest strain difference and highest efficiency in strain difference to charge density ratios compared to a reference system containing imidazolium-based ionic liquid and a traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) membrane material. As neither the relative ion sizes nor the measured parameters of the ionic liquids could explain their behavior in the actuators, molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations were conducted. Strong cation-cation clustering was found and the radial distribution functions provided further insight into the topic, showing that the cation-cation correlation peak height is a good predictor of strain difference of the actuators.
Unsteady Lift Prediction with a Higher-Order Potential Flow Method
Authors: Cole Julia A. , Maughmer Mark D. , Bramesfeld Goetz , Melville Michael , Kinzel Michael
Published: May 2020

An unsteady formulation of the Kutta–Joukowski theorem has been used with a higher-order potential flow method for the prediction of three-dimensional unsteady lift. This study describes the implementation and verification of the approach in detail sufficient for reproduction by future developers. Verification was conducted using the classical responses to a two-dimensional airfoil entering a sharp-edged gust and a sinusoidal gust with errors of less than 1% for both. The method was then compared with the three-dimensional unsteady lift response of a wing as modeled in two unsteady vortex-lattice methods. Results showed agreement in peak lift coefficient prediction to within 1% and 7%, respectively, and mean agreement within 0.25% for the full response.
Parametric Study of Guidance of a 160-mm Projectile Steered with Lateral Thrusters
Authors: Głębocki Robert , Jacewicz Mariusz
Published: May 2020

The development of projectile guidance requires consideration of a large number of possible flight scenarios with various system parameters. In this paper, the Monte-Carlo parametric study for a 160 mm artillery rocket equipped with a set of 34 small, solid propellant lateral thrusters located before the center of mass was evaluated to reduce projectile dispersion and collateral damage. The novelty of this paper lies in the functionality of modifying the shape of the trajectory in the terminal phase using lateral thrusters only. A six degree of freedom mathematical model implemented in MATLAB/Simulink was used to investigate the influence of numerous parameters on the resulting accuracy at several launch elevation angles. Augmented impact point prediction guidance was applied in the descending portion of the flight trajectory to achieve the trajectory shaping functionality. The optimum combination of thruster magnitude and algorithm parameters was obtained. The real data from the LN200 inertial measurement unit were used to investigate the influence of noise on the resulting accuracy. It was shown that with the proposed guidance method, the dispersion could be reduced by more than 250 times and the projectile impact angle might be increased when compared to an unguided projectile.
Grafting and Shading—The Influence on Postharvest Tomato Quality
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Koukounaras Athanasios , Milenković Lidija , Kevrešan Žarko , Bajić Aleksandra , Šunić Ljubomir , Kovač Renata , Fallik Elazar , Mastilović Jasna
Published: May 2020

Interaction of grafting and shading on tomato physical properties and chemical composition after 15 days of storage at 10 °C and 90% relative humidity was investigated in ungrafted and grafted tomato cultivars ‘Optima F1’ and ‘Big beef F1’ grown under shading nets (red and pearl net) and nonshaded conditions. For grafted plants ‘Maxifort’ rootstock was used. The effects of two weeks of storage was statistically significant when taking into account the effects of grafting, shading and variety for all tomato fruit composition parameters, except total phenols. A principal component analysis demonstrated that the changes in tomato fruit traits during the studied storage period were the main source of differentiation in tomato fruit quality. Beside a slight loss of firmness, tomato fruits were generally expected to have lower lycopene, sugar, malic and citric acid contents, higher succinic acid content, more elastic fruit skin and higher ascorbic acid content. Additionally, after storage, fruits from grafted plants had lower total phenol, higher ascorbic acid and higher succinic acid contents compared to fruits from ungrafted plants. Storage diminishes the differences in quality achieved through convenient grafting and shading combinations.
Changes in Soil Properties and Bacterial Community Composition with Biochar Amendment after Six Years
Authors: Fan Shuxiu , Zuo Jiacheng , Dong Hangyu
Published: May 2020

Changes in soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition were investigated six years after biochar amendment at 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% (w/w), which were coded as C0, C1, C2 and C3, respectively. Results showed that some soil characteristics were sustainable, as they were still affected by biochar addition after six years. Compared to the control, biochar-treated soils had higher pH, total carbon (TC), C/N, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK). Soil pH, C/N and the content of TC, TN and AK all increased along with the increase of biochar dosage. The results of Illumina MiSeq sequencing demonstrated that biochar enhanced soil bacteria diversity and modified the community composition over time. The relative abundance of Nitrospirae and Verrucomicrobia phylum increased but that of Acidobacteria phylum decreased significantly in biochar amended soils. The addition of biochar also enriched some bacterial genera, such as uncultured Nitrosomonadace, uncultured Gemmatimonadac, uncultured Nitrospiraceae and Magnetovibrio. In particular, the relative abundance of uncultured Nitrospiraceae was enhanced by 16.9%, 42.8% and 73.6% in C1, C2 and C3, respectively, compared to C0. Biochar has a potential role in enhancing the abundance of bacteria involved in N cycling. Soil pH, TC, TN, TK and AK, were closely related to alterations in the composition of the soil bacterial community. Meanwhile, these soil properties were significantly influenced by biochar amendment, which indicates that biochar affected the soil microbial community indirectly by altering the soil characteristics in the long term.
Phages for Biofilm Removal
Authors: Ferriol-González Celia , Domingo-Calap Pilar
Published: May 2020

Biofilms are clusters of bacteria that live in association with surfaces. Their main characteristic is that the bacteria inside the biofilms are attached to other bacterial cells and to the surface by an extracellular polymeric matrix. Biofilms are capable of adhering to a wide variety of surfaces, both biotic and abiotic, including human tissues, medical devices, and other materials. On these surfaces, biofilms represent a major threat causing infectious diseases and economic losses. In addition, current antibiotics and common disinfectants have shown limited ability to remove biofilms adequately, and phage-based treatments are proposed as promising alternatives for biofilm eradication. This review analyzes the main advantages and challenges that phages can offer for the elimination of biofilms, as well as the most important factors to be taken into account in order to design effective phage-based treatments.
One-Week High-Intensity Interval Training Increases Hippocampal Plasticity and Mitochondrial Content without Changes in Redox State
Authors: dos Santos Jonathas Rodrigo , Bortolanza Mariza , Ferrari Gustavo Duarte , Lanfredi Guilherme Pauperio , do Nascimento Glauce Crivelaro , Azzolini Ana Elisa Calereiro Seixas , Del Bel Elaine , de Campos Alline Cristina , Faça Vitor Marcel , Vulczak Anderson , Alberici Luciane Carla
Published: May 2020

Evidence suggests that physical exercise has effects on neuronal plasticity as well as overall brain health. This effect has been linked to exercise capacity in modulating the antioxidant status, when the oxidative stress is usually linked to the neuronal damage. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the training-trend worldwide, its effect on brain function is still unclear. Thus, we aimed to assess the neuroplasticity, mitochondrial, and redox status after one-week HIIT training. Male (C57Bl/6) mice were assigned to non-trained or HIIT groups. The HIIT protocol consisted of three days with short bouts at 130% of maximum speed (Vmax), intercalated with moderate-intensity continuous exercise sessions of 30 min at 60% Vmax. The mass spectrometry analyses showed that one-week of HIIT increased minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2), brain derived neutrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin (DCX) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 2 (VDAC), and decreased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD 2) in the hippocampus. In addition, one-week of HIIT promoted no changes in H2O2 production and carbonylated protein concentration in the hippocampus as well as in superoxide anion production in the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, our one-week HIIT protocol increased neuroplasticity and mitochondrial content regardless of changes in redox status, adding new insights into the neuronal modulation induced by new training models.
Protective Effects of Myricetin on Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced 8-Hydroxy-2′-Deoxyguanosine and BPDE-DNA Adduct
Authors: Jee Seung-Cheol , Kim Min , Kim Kyeong Seok , Kim Hyung-Sik , Sung Jung-Suk
Published: May 2020

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a group 1 carcinogen, induces mutagenic DNA adducts. Myricetin is present in many natural foods with diverse biological activities, such as anti-oxidative and anti-cancer activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of myricetin against B[a]P-induced toxicity. Treatment of B[a]P induced cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells, whereas co-treatment of myricetin with B[a]P reduced the formation of the B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adduct, which recovered cell viability. Furthermore, we found a protective effect of myricetin against B[a]P-induced genotoxicity in rats, via myricetin-induced inhibition of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and BPDE-DNA adduct formation in the liver, kidney, colon, and stomach tissue. This inhibition was more prominent in the liver than in other tissues. Correspondingly, myricetin regulated the phase I and II enzymes that inhibit B[a]P metabolism and B[a]P metabolites conjugated with DNA by reducing and inducing CYP1A1 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression, respectively. Taken together, this showed that myricetin attenuated B[a]P-induced genotoxicity via regulation of phase I and II enzymes. Our results suggest that myricetin is anti-genotoxic, and prevents oxidative DNA damage and BPDE-DNA adduct formation via regulation of phase I and II enzymes.
Enamine Barbiturates and Thiobarbiturates as a New Class of Bacterial Urease Inhibitors
Authors: Ali M. , Barakat Assem , El-Faham Ayman , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Yousuf Sammer , Ashraf Sajda , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Choudhary M. Iqbal , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Albericio Fernando
Published: May 2020

Urease is a therapeutic target associated with several important diseases and health problems. Based on our previous work on the inhibition of glucosidase and other enzymes and exploiting the privileged structure assigned to the (thio)barbiturate (pyrimidine) scaffold, here we tested the capacity of two (thio)barbiturate-based compound collections to inhibit urease. Several compounds showed more activity than acetohydroxamic acid as a standard tested compound. In addition, by means of a conformational study and using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method, we identified energetically low-lying conformers. Finally, we undertook a docking study to explore the binding mechanism of these new pyrimidine derivatives as urease inhibitors.
Groundwater Level Fluctuation Analysis in a Semi-Urban Area Using Statistical Methods and Data Mining Techniques—A Case Study in Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Worsa-Kozak Magdalena , Zimroz Radosław , Michalak Anna , Wolkersdorfer Christian , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Kowalczyk Marek
Published: May 2020

Long-term groundwater level analysis, which is usually based on traditionally defined hydrological years is essential in an era of global warming and other climatic and environmental changes, especially in urban areas. A complex interplay of multiple factors influencing the groundwater level makes the investigation of their interdependencies a challenge. Based on multiple data sets and a long time series available as well as specific geological and hydrological conditions, a semi-urban district of Wrocław/Poland was selected as a case study for investigating these dependencies. This paper presents an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of groundwater level fluctuations by combining mathematics, signal processing, hydrogeology, and meteorology. Applying well-known methods from disciplines other than hydrogeology, the authors investigated seasonal behavior and similarity of groundwater level fluctuations during 15 hydrological years. Based on segmentation and agglomerative clustering (AHP), five classes of groundwater levels fluctuations for predefined hydrologic years and the corresponding seasons were identified and compared to the classification scheme by Pleczyński. Additionally, the relationship between precipitation and groundwater level was investigated using Pearson, Kendall and Spearman correlations. This led to the identification of “typical” and “untypical” seasons for the correlation between the cumulative precipitation sum and groundwater levels. The results presented here will be used for further investigations of groundwater level fluctuations using additional factors and statistical methods. These aim to identify periods that describe similarities better than the commonly used hydrological year.
Statistical Analysis of Acoustic Emission in Uniaxial Compression of Tectonic and Non-Tectonic Coal
Authors: Liu Rong , He Yi , Zhao Yunfeng , Jiang Xiang , Ren Song
Published: May 2020

Tectonic coal has become an important research topic for preventing coal mine disasters and for exploring and developing coal-bed methane resources. To investigate the mechanical and acoustic properties of tectonic coal, we conducted a uniaxial compression test for tectonic and non-tectonic coal, and acoustic emission (AE) signals have been simultaneous captured in the compression process. The AE energy and waiting time of events have been studied statistically. The results show that the probability density function of AE energy follows the power law distribution well, and indicates that the AE of non-tectonic coal is mainly generated from the fracture source, while the probability density function distribution of tectonic coal is the mixing result of fracture and friction effects. Only the waiting time distribution of non-tectonic coal follows the typical brittle fracture’s double power law behavior. The waiting time distribution of tectonic coal shows the single power law with a smaller exponent value, which is associated with the granular microstructure of tectonic coal. The distribution of aftershock and Båth’s law are not sensitive to microstructure, and are identical for non-tectonic and tectonic coal. At last, the correlation dimension results for the spatial distribution of AE hypocenters indicated that the rough continuous decrease in multifractal dimension might be a precursor to devastating destruction.
Analysis on Free Vibration and Stability of Rotating Composite Milling Bar with Large Aspect Ratio
Authors: Ma Jingmin , Xu Jianfeng , Ren Yongsheng
Published: May 2020

The free vibration behavior and stability of composite milling bar with large aspect ratio are analyzed. Specifically, the free vibration equations are derived based on Euler Bernoulli beam theory and Hamilton’s principle and solved by Galerkin method. In addition, to investigate the stability of the cutting system with a rotating composite milling bar, this study develops an analytical model for regeneration and cutting force fluttering, in which the internal damping, external damping, gyroscopic effect, and inertial effect are considered. The subsequent stability lobes are obtained by the time domain method. Then, the stability of composite and conventional metal milling bar is compared. The effects of internal damping, external viscous damping, ply angle, gyroscopic effect, and inertial effect on cutting stability are analyzed.
Enhanced out of Plane Electrical Conductivity in Polymer Composites Induced by CO2 Laser Irradiation of Carbon Fibers
Authors: Karakassides Anastasios , Karakassides Angeliki , Konstantinidou Michaella , Paipetis Alkiviadis S. , Papakonstantinou Pagona
Published: May 2020

The creation of a hierarchical interface between the carbon fiber (CF) and the epoxy resin matrix of fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites has become an effective strategy for introducing multifunctional properties. Although the efficacy of many hierarchical interfaces has been established in lab-scale, their production is not amenable to high-volume, continuous, cost effective fiber production, which is required for the large-scale commercialization of composites. This work investigates the use of commercially available CO2 laser as a means of nano-structuring the surface of carbon fiber (CF) tows in an incessant throughput procedure. Even though the single carbon fiber tensile strength measurements showed a decrease up to 68% for the exposed CFs, the electrical conductivity exhibited an increment up to 18.4%. Furthermore, results on laminates comprised of irradiated unidirectional CF cloth, demonstrated an enhancement in out of plane electrical conductivity up to 43%, while preserved the Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness of the composite, showing the potential for multifunctionality. This work indicates that the laser-induced graphitization of the CF surface can act as an interface for fast and cost-effective manufacturing of multifunctional CFRP composite materials.
A Secure and Efficient Three-Factor Authentication Protocol in Global Mobility Networks
Authors: Yu SungJin , Lee JoonYoung , Park YoHan , Park YoungHo , Lee SangWoo , Chung BoHeung
Published: May 2020

With the developments in communication and mobile technologies, mobile users can access roaming services by utilizing a mobile device at any time and any place in the global mobility networks. However, these require several security requirements, such as authentication and anonymity, because the information is transmitted over an open channel. Thus, secure and efficient authentication protocols are essential to provide secure roaming services for legitimate users. In 2018, Madhusudhan et al. presented a secure authentication protocol for global mobile networks. However, we demonstrated that their protocol could not prevent potential attacks, including masquerade, session key disclosure, and replay attacks. Thus, we proposed a secure and efficient three-factor authentication protocol to overcome the security weaknesses of Madhusudhan et al.’s scheme. The proposed scheme was demonstrated to prevent various attacks and provided a secure mutual authentication by utilizing biometrics and secret parameters. We evaluated the security of the proposed protocol using informal security analysis and formal security analysis, such as the real-or-random (ROR) model and Burrows–Abadi–Needham (BAN) logic. In addition, we showed that our scheme withstands man-in-the-middle (MITM) and replay attacks utilizing formal security validation automated validation of internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA) simulation. Finally, we compared the performance of our protocol with existing schemes. Consequently, our scheme ensured better security and efficiency features than existing schemes and can be suitable for resource-constrained mobile environments.
Enzymatic Transesterification of Waste Frying Oil from Local Restaurants in East Colombia Using a Combined Lipase System
Authors: Ferreira Vela Mary Angélica , Acevedo-Páez Juan C. , Urbina-Suárez Nestor , Rangel Basto Yeily Adriana , González-Delgado Ángel Darío
Published: May 2020

The search for innovation and biotechnological strategies in the biodiesel production chain have become a topic of interest for scientific community owing the importance of renewable energy sources. This work aimed to implement an enzymatic transesterification process to obtain biodiesel from waste frying oil (WFO). The transesterification was performed by varying reaction times (8 h, 12 h and 16 h), enzyme concentrations of lipase XX 25 split (14%, 16% and 18%), pH of reaction media (6, 7 and 8) and reaction temperature (35, 38 and 40 °C) with a fixed alcohol–oil molar ratio of 3:1. The optimum operating conditions were selected to quantify the amount of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) generated. The highest biodiesel production was reached with an enzyme concentration of 14%, reaction time of 8 h, pH of 7 and temperature of 38 °C. It was estimated a FAMEs production of 42.86% for the selected experiment; however, best physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel were achieved with an enzyme concentration of 16% and reaction time of 8 h. Results suggested that enzymatic transesterification process was favorable because the amount of methyl esters obtained was similar to the content of fatty acids in the WFO.
Effects of In Situ Co or Ni Doping on the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Hematite Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Cheng Feng , Li Xiuwei
Published: May 2020

Co-doped and Ni-doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorod arrays were prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass via aqueous chemical growth, in which the doping and the formation of nanorods occurred simultaneously (i.e., in situ doping). These samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometry, linear sweep voltammetry and Mott–Schottky (M–S) measurement. Results showed that the introduction of 5% Co or Ni into α-Fe2O3 (the molar ratio of dopant to Fe is 1:20) did not change its crystal phase, morphology, energy gap and flat band potential. Both the undoped and the doped α-Fe2O3 showed a direct band gap of 2.24 eV, an indirect band gap of 1.85 eV, and a flat band potential of −0.22 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE). At an applied potential of 0.2 V vs. SCE, the Co-doped and the Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 exhibited a photocurrent of 1.28 mA/cm2 and 0.79 mA/cm2, respectively, which were 2.1 times and 1.3 times that of the undoped α-Fe2O3. After the Co or Ni doping, the charge carrier concentration increased from 1.65 × 1025 m−3 to 3.74 × 1025 m−3 and 2.50 × 1025 m−3, respectively. Therefore, the increase in the photocurrent of the doped α-Fe2O3 was likely attributed to their enhanced conductivity.
Diffraction of Transient Cylindrical Waves by a Rigid Oscillating Strip
Authors: Mann Amer Bilal , Ramzan Muhammad , Nizami Imran Fareed , Kadry Seifedine , Nam Yunyoung , Babazadeh Houman
Published: May 2020

This investigation portrays the transient cylindrical wave diffraction by an oscillating strip. Mathematical analysis of the problem is carried out with the help of an integral transforms and the Wiener–Hopf technique. Using far zone approximation, the scattered field is evaluated by the method of steepest descent. This study takes into consideration the transient cylindrical source and an oscillating strip such that both the source and a scatterer have different oscillating frequencies ω 1 ′ and ω 0 ′ , respectively. The situation under consideration is well supported by graphical results showing the effects of emerging parameters.
The Mechanical Properties of Centrifuged Concrete in Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Kliukas Romualdas , Lukoševičienė Ona , Jaras Arūnas , Jonaitis Bronius
Published: May 2020

This article explores the influence of transverse reinforcement (spiral) and high-strength longitudinal reinforcements on the physical-mechanical properties of centrifuged annular cross-section elements of concrete. The test results of almost 200 reinforced, and over 100 control elements are summarizing in this article. The longitudinal reinforcement ratio of samples produced in the laboratory and factory varied from 1.0% to 6.0%; the transverse reinforcement ratio varied from 0.25% to 1.25%; the pitch of spirals varied from 100 mm to 40 mm and the concrete strength varied from 25 MPa to 60 MPa. Experimental relationships of coefficients for concrete strength, moduli of elasticity and limits of the longitudinal strain of centrifuged concrete in reinforced concrete structures in short-term concentrically compression were proposed.
Multiobjective Scheduling of Logistics UAVs Based on Variable Neighborhood Search
Authors: Li Yixuan , Yuan Xiaoxiang , Zhu Jie , Huang Haiping , Wu Min
Published: May 2020

This study focuses on the issue of logistics Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) distribution in urban environment and an automatic delivery system to support the delivery of packages. It can effectively integrate existing facilities and be easily deployed. There is a scheduling problem in this system with multiple UAVs and multiple flights. We manage to optimize the two objectives of customer satisfaction and total completion time. The scheduling problem is formulated to a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP), and we propose a multiple objectives decision-making method. A special encoding method suitable for the small scale problem is presented and Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) algorithm framework is used to generate the approximate optimal solution for this problem. In experiments, we calibrate the important parameter and analyze the robustness of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithms are efficient for this problem.
Spectral Optimization of White LED Based on Mesopic Luminance and Color Gamut Volume for Dim Lighting Conditions
Authors: Li Hung-Chung , Sun Pei-Li , Huang Yennun , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: May 2020

The study aims to propose an approach of white LED spectral optimization based on mesopic luminance and color gamut volume for dim lighting conditions. Three optimal white LED spectra with relatively higher mesopic luminance and color gamut volume, the highest mesopic luminance, and the largest gamut volume are recommended for reducing energy consumption and enhancing color perception and recognition of human eyes. The theoretical simulation shows that the spectra with higher correlated color temperatures (CCT) and S/P-ratio increase the mesopic luminance and also extend the range of color gamut with the decreasing of lighting level. An evaluation model is developed to faster predict mesopic luminance, color gamut volume, and S/P ratio for lighting applications.
Lithuanian Synagogues: From the First Descriptions to Systematic Research
Authors: Gradinskaite Vilma
Published: May 2020

The article presents an analysis of the development stages of synagogue research methodology in Lithuania during the four major historical periods of the country—Lithuania in the Russian Empire (1795–1918), Vilnius Region in the interwar period and the independent Republic of Lithuania (1918–1940), the Soviet period (1940–1990), and the independent Republic of Lithuania restored in 1990. Each chapter of the article deals with the issues of synagogue research, heritage conservation and management, while the part about the restored independent Republic of Lithuania and modern days includes topical issues related to synagogue restoration, commemoration and putting them into operation. The study uses two different sources: archival materials and publications. Written sources and publications are reviewed in chronological order and start from the end of the 18th century. The study employs several research methods—the historical descriptive method, the comparative method and the analysis method.
Crotoxin-Induced Mice Lung Impairment: Role of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and COX-Derived Prostanoids
Authors: Sartim Marco Aurelio , Souza Camila O. S. , Diniz Cassiano Ricardo A. F. , da Fonseca Vanessa M. B. , Sousa Lucas O. , Peti Ana Paula F. , Costa Tassia Rafaella , Lourenço Alan G. , Borges Marcos C. , Sorgi Carlos A. , Faccioli Lucia Helena , Sampaio Suely Vilela
Published: May 2020

Respiratory compromise in Crotalus durissus terrificus (C.d.t.) snakebite is an important pathological condition. Considering that crotoxin (CTX), a phospholipase A2 from C.d.t. venom, is the main component of the venom, the present work investigated the toxin effects on respiratory failure. Lung mechanics, morphology and soluble markers were evaluated from Swiss male mice, and mechanism determined using drugs/inhibitors of eicosanoids biosynthesis pathway and autonomic nervous system. Acute respiratory failure was observed, with an early phase (within 2 h) characterized by enhanced presence of eicosanoids, including prostaglandin E2, that accounted for the increased vascular permeability in the lung. The alterations of early phase were inhibited by indomethacin. The late phase (peaked 12 h) was marked by neutrophil infiltration, presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and morphological alterations characterized by alveolar septal thickening and bronchoconstriction. In addition, lung mechanical function was impaired, with decreased lung compliance and inspiratory capacity. Hexamethonium, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, hampered late phase damages indicating that CTX-induced lung impairment could be associated with cholinergic transmission. The findings reported herein highlight the impact of CTX on respiratory compromise, and introduce the use of nicotinic blockers and prostanoids biosynthesis inhibitors as possible symptomatic therapy to Crotalus durissus terrificus snakebite.
In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Four Curcuma Species and the Isolation of Compounds from Curcuma aromatica Rhizome
Authors: Pintatum Aknarin , Maneerat Wisanu , Logie Emilie , Tuenter Emmy , Sakavitsi Maria E. , Pieters Luc , Berghe Wim Vanden , Sripisut Tawanun , Deachathai Suwanna , Laphookhieo Surat
Published: May 2020

The genus Curcuma is part of the Zingiberaceae family, and many Curcuma species have been used as traditional medicine and cosmetics in Thailand. To find new cosmeceutical ingredients, the in vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and cytotoxic activities of four Curcuma species as well as the isolation of compounds from the most active crude extract (C. aromatica) were investigated. The crude extract of C. aromatica showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 102.3 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity effect of C. aeruginosa, C. comosa, C. aromatica, and C. longa extracts assessed with the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 200 μg/mL were 12.1 ± 2.9, 14.4 ± 4.1, 28.6 ± 4.1, and 46.9 ± 8.6, respectively. C. aeruginosa and C. comosa presented apoptosis cells (57.7 ± 3.1% and 32.6 ± 2.2%, respectively) using the CytoTox-ONE™ assay. Different crude extracts or phytochemicals purified from C. aromatica were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory properties. The crude extract of C. aromatica showed the highest potential to inhibit NF-κB activity, followed by C. aeruginosa, C. comosa, and C. longa, respectively. Among the various purified phytochemicals curcumin, germacrone, curdione, zederone, and curcumenol significantly inhibited NF-κB activation in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Of all compounds, curcumin was the most potent anti-inflammatory.
Targeted Gene Delivery Therapies for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Áyen Ángela , Jiménez Martínez Yaiza , Boulaiz Houria
Published: May 2020

Despite being largely preventable through early vaccination and screening strategies, cervical cancer is the most common type of gynecological malignancy worldwide and constitutes one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women. Patients with advanced or recurrent disease have a very poor prognosis; hence, novel therapeutic modalities to improve clinical outcomes in cervical malignancy are needed. In this regard, targeted gene delivery therapy is presented as a promising approach, which leads to the development of multiple strategies focused on different aspects. These range from altered gene restoration, immune system potentiation, and oncolytic virotherapy to the use of nanotechnology and the design of improved and enhanced gene delivery systems, among others. In the present manuscript, we review the current progress made in targeted gene delivery therapy for cervical cancer, the advantages and drawbacks and their clinical application. At present, multiple targeted gene delivery systems have been reported with encouraging preclinical results. However, the translation to humans has not yet shown a significant clinical benefit due principally to the lack of efficient vectors. Real efforts are being made to develop new gene delivery systems, to improve tumor targeting and to minimize toxicity in normal tissues.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Tumor-Derived Fibroblasts and Normal Tissue-Resident Fibroblasts Reveals Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sebastian Aimy , Hum Nicholas R. , Martin Kelly A. , Gilmore Sean F. , Peran Ivana , Byers Stephen W. , Wheeler Elizabeth K. , Coleman Matthew A. , Loots Gabriela G.
Published: May 2020

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent stromal cell type in solid tumors and molecules secreted by CAFs play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. CAFs coexist as heterogeneous populations with potentially different biological functions. Although CAFs are a major component of the breast cancer stroma, molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated CAF heterogeneity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using a syngeneic mouse model, BALB/c-derived 4T1 mammary tumors. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified six CAF subpopulations in 4T1 tumors including: 1) myofibroblastic CAFs, enriched for α-smooth muscle actin and several other contractile proteins; 2) ‘inflammatory’ CAFs with elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines; and 3) a CAF subpopulation expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins that are generally expressed in antigen-presenting cells. Comparison of 4T1-derived CAFs to CAFs from pancreatic cancer revealed that these three CAF subpopulations exist in both tumor types. Interestingly, cells with inflammatory and MHC class II-expressing CAF profiles were also detected in normal breast/pancreas tissue, suggesting that these phenotypes are not tumor microenvironment-induced. This work enhances our understanding of CAF heterogeneity, and specifically targeting these CAF subpopulations could be an effective therapeutic approach for treating highly aggressive TNBCs.
Whole Genome Analysis of Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors Reveals Tumor Heterogeneity and a High-Grade TP53-Specific Subgroup
Authors: Roze Joline , Monroe Glen , Kutzera Joachim , Groeneweg Jolijn , Stelloo Ellen , Paijens Sterre , Nijman Hans , van Meurs Hannah , van Lonkhuijzen Luc , Piek Jurgen , Lok Christianne , Jonges Geertruida , Witteveen Petronella , Verheijen René , van Haaften Gijs , Zweemer Ronald
Published: May 2020

Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) harbor a somatic FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation in ~95% of cases and are mainly surgically removed due to limited systemic treatment effect. In this study, potentially targetable genomic alterations in AGCTs were investigated by whole genome sequencing on 46 tumor samples and matched normal DNA. Copy number variant (CNV) analysis confirmed gain of chromosome 12 and 14, and loss of 22. Pathogenic TP53 mutations were identified in three patients with highest tumor mutational burden and mitotic activity, defining a high-grade AGCT subgroup. Within-patient tumor comparisons showed 29–80% unique somatic mutations per sample, suggesting tumor heterogeneity. A higher mutational burden was found in recurrent tumors, as compared to primary AGCTs. FOXL2-wildtype AGCTs harbored DICER1, TERT(C228T) and TP53 mutations and similar CNV profiles as FOXL2-mutant tumors. Our study confirms that absence of the FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation does not exclude AGCT diagnosis. The lack of overlapping variants in targetable cancer genes indicates the need for personalized treatment for AGCT patients.