bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University Students’ Perception of the Usefulness of the Flipped Classroom Methodology
Authors: Colomo-Magaña Ernesto , Soto-Varela Roberto , Ruiz-Palmero Julio , Gómez-García Melchor
Published: October 2020

In a digital and interconnected context, where educational processes are in constant change, active methodologies take on a relevant role by making students the protagonists of their learning. Among the different possibilities, the flipped classroom stands out for its time optimization, the incorporation of technological resources, and the personalization of the processes. The aim of this research is to analyze the perception of higher education students about the usefulness of the flipped classroom as a methodology. The information was collected with a validated instrument, which was applied to a sample of 123 students from the Faculty of Educational Sciences of the University of Málaga (Spain). A positive evaluation of the usefulness of the flipped classroom as a learning methodology was reflected in the results, highlighting its instrumental dimension. Significant differences were perceived regarding the usefulness of the flipped classroom for the promotion of autonomous learning, which had a superior valuation according to women. In conclusion, the flipped classroom stands as a methodological alternative to promote learning that has a positive evaluation from the students that made up the sample.
Design and Dynamic Modelling of PV-Battery Hybrid Systems for Custom Electromagnetic Transient Simulation
Authors: Go Seok-Il , Choi Joon-Ho
Published: October 2020

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can alleviate the unstable effects of intermittent renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power systems. In addition, a BESS can level the load of the existing utility grid. The penetration rate of this type of system is expected to increase in the future power grid, i.e., the microgrid. In this paper, a modeling technique is proposed that allows users to customize the photovoltaic (PV) battery hybrid systems. A dynamic power system computer-aided design/electromagnetic transients including DC system (PSCAD/EMTDC) model of a PV battery hybrid system is presented in this paper. Dynamic modeling of PV arrays, BESS, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, and bidirectional converters are provided as well. The PV model, battery model, and MPPT control model are designed using a user-defined model (UDM) for custom electromagnetic transient simulation. A control method for stabilizing the output of the PV battery hybrid system is proposed. Finally, a PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the operating algorithm.
Numerical Study of Sub-Gap Density of States Dependent Electrical Characteristics in Amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Kim Do-Kyung , Park Jihwan , Zhang Xue , Park Jaehoon , Bae Jin-Hyuk
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the effect of the sub-gap density of states (DOS) on electrical characteristics in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Numerical analysis based on a two-dimensional device simulator Atlas controlled the sub-gap DOS parameters such as tail acceptor-like states, tail donor-like states, Gauss acceptor-like states, and Gauss donor-like states in amorphous IGZO TFTs. We confirm accuracy by exploiting physical factors, such as oxygen vacancy, peroxide, hydrogen complex, band-to-band tunneling, and trap-assisted tunneling. Consequently, the principal electrical parameters, such as the threshold voltage, saturation mobility, sub-threshold swing, and on-off current ratio, are effectively tuned by controlling sub-gap DOS distribution in a-IGZO TFTs.
A Non-Contact Integrated Body-Ambient Temperature Sensors Platform to Contrast COVID-19
Authors: Costanzo Sandra , Flores Alexandra
Published: October 2020

An integrated sensors platform for non-contact temperature monitoring is proposed in this work. The adopted solution, based on the combined integration of an infrared thermometer and a capacitive humidity sensor, is able to provide a fast and accurate tool for remotely sensing both ambient and body temperature in the framework of pandemic situations, such as COVID-19, thus avoiding any direct contact with people. The information relative to the ambient temperature is successfully exploited to derive a correction formula for the accurate extraction of body temperature from the measurement provided by the standard infrared sensor. Full details on the design of the proposed platform are provided in the work, by reporting relevant simulation results on the variations of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and body temperature. Experimental validations are also discussed to provide a full assessment of the proposed approach.
The Impact of Season on Productivity and Time Consumption in Timber Harvesting from Young Alder Stands in Lowland Poland
Authors: Grzywiński Witold , Turowski Rafał , Naskrent Bartłomiej , Jelonek Tomasz , Tomczak Arkadiusz
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of season on productivity, labour consumption, and working time structure during timber harvesting from young alder stands (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.). An early thinning process was performed in summer and winter in pure alder stands (38 and 40 years old) in the Płaska Forest Division (NE Poland). The felling and processing operations were performed by experienced loggers using the cut-to-length (CTL) system, and forwarding with manual loading and unloading involved the use of a Zetor 7045 (65 HP) farming tractor and trailer. In both summer and winter, the loggers spent most of their labour time on felling trees (approx. 23%) and bucking (approx. 36%). Assistant loggers spent most of their time stacking logs (49.2% in summer and 58% in winter). The most time-consuming activities in forwarding were loading, unloading, and transportation. The average time consumption of tree felling and processing amounted to 0.36 ± 0.11 h/m3; that of forwarding was lower, at 0.24 ± 0.07 h/m3. No statistically significant differences in the labour consumption of tree felling were identified between winter and summer (p = 0.863). For forwarding, labour consumption was significantly higher in winter (0.28 h/m3) than in summer (0.19 h/m3, p = 0.001). Average productivity was 3.02 ± 1.09 m3/h for tree felling and 4.76 ± 1.80 m3/h for forwarding. The productivity of felling was similar in winter (2.83 m3/h) and in summer (3.22 m3/h). For forwarding, productivity was significantly higher in summer (5.70 m3/h) than in winter (3.81 m3/h, p < 0.01).
Tree Community Composition and Dispersal Syndrome Vary with Human Disturbance in Sacred Church Forests in Ethiopia
Authors: Woods Carrie L. , Bitew Mekonnen Amare , Baez-Schon Mabel , Thomas Robyn , Scull Peter , Abraha Tsegay Berhanu , Cardelús Catherine L.
Published: October 2020

Research Highlights: Variations in species composition across church forests in northern Ethiopia were driven more by variations in human disturbance and community forest management than forest size. The degree of human disturbance acted as an environmental filter that selected for weedy, exotic, and wind-dispersed species regardless of forest size. Background and Objectives: Forest fragmentation can profoundly influence the long-term persistence of forests on the landscape. Habitat fragmentation can increase edge effects and limit dispersal between forest patches. In the South Gondar Administrative Zone in northern Ethiopia, many of the remaining forests are small sacred church forests governed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church. Materials and Methods: We examined the drivers of woody plant species composition across 46 church forests in this region, including the influence of elevation, forest size, distance between forests, human disturbance, the presence of a wall, and the importance of local/individual community forest management at the Woreda level. We also examined how dispersal syndromes are influenced by increasing distance between forests and the extent of human disturbance within forests. Results: We found that elevational zone, distance between forests, the degree of human disturbance and Woreda had the greatest effect on species composition. Forest size and the presence of a wall were not significant drivers of species composition in these forests. Conclusions: We propose connecting forests through corridors or scattered trees to increase dispersal between forests, and greater on-the-ground protection efforts to restrict people and cattle from leaving the main trails within sacred forests
Autonomous Navigation of a Solar-Powered UAV for Secure Communication in Urban Environments with Eavesdropping Avoidance
Authors: Huang Hailong , Savkin Andrey V.
Published: October 2020

This paper considers the navigation of a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for securing the communication with an intended ground node in the presence of eavesdroppers in urban environments. To complete this task, the UAV needs to not only fly safely in the complex urban environment, but also take into account the communication performance with the intended node and eavesdroppers. To this end, we formulate a multi-objective optimization problem to plan the UAV path. This problem jointly considers the maximization of the residual energy of the solar-powered UAV at the end of the mission, the maximization of the time period in which the UAV can securely communicate with the intended node and the minimization of the time to reach the destination. We pay attention to the impact of the buildings in the urban environments, which may block the transmitted signals and also create some shadow region where the UAV cannot harvest energy. A Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) based path planning scheme is presented. This scheme captures the nonlinear UAV motion model, and is computationally efficient considering the randomness nature. From the generated tree, a set of possible paths can be found. We evaluate the security of the wireless communication, compute the overall energy consumption as well as the harvested amount for each path and calculate the time to complete the flight. Compared to a general RRT scheme, the proposed method enables a large time window for the UAV to securely transmit data.
Structural and Stratigraphic Setting of Campagna and Giffoni Tectonic Windows: New Insights on the Orogenic Evolution of the Southern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Vitale Stefano , Prinzi Ernesto Paolo , Monda Maria , Tramparulo Francesco D’Assisi , Ciarcia Sabatino
Published: October 2020

We present a structural study on the tectonic windows of Giffoni and Campagna, located in the western sector of the southern Apennines (Italy). We analyzed thrusts, folds, and related minor deformation structures. Here, a major in-sequence E-verging thrust fault juxtaposes Meso-Cenozoic successions of the Apennine Platform (Picentini Mts unit) and the Lagonegro-Molise Basin (Frigento unit). However, out-of-sequence thrusts duplicated the tectonic pile with the interposition of the upper Miocene wedge-top basin deposits of the Castelvetere Group. We reconstructed the orogenic evolution of these two tectonic windows, including five deformation phases. The first (D1) was related to the in-sequence thrusting with minor thrusts and folds, widespread both in the footwall and the hanging wall. A subsequent extension (D2) has formed normal faults crosscutting the D1 thrusts and folds. All structures were subsequently affected by two shortening stages (D3 and D4), which also deformed the upper Miocene wedge top basin deposits of the Castelvetere Group. We interpreted the D3–D4 structures as related to an out-of-sequence thrust system defined by a main frontal E-verging thrust and lateral ramps characterized by N and S vergences. Low-angle normal faults were formed in the hanging wall of the major thrusts. Out-of-sequence thrusts are observed in the whole southern Apennines, recording a crustal shortening event that occurred in the late Messinian–early Pliocene. Finally, we suggest that the two tectonic windows are the result of the formation of an E–W trending regional antiform, associated with a late S-verging back-thrust, that has been eroded and crosscut by normal faults (D5) in the Early Pleistocene.
Spatial Patterns of Childhood Obesity Prevalence in Relation to Socioeconomic Factors across England
Authors: Sun Yeran , Hu Xuke , Huang Ying , On Chan Ting
Published: October 2020

To examine to what extent spatial inequalities in childhood obesity are attributable to spatial inequalities in socioeconomic characteristics across a country, we aimed to investigate the spatial associations of socioeconomic characteristics and childhood obesity. We first explored spatial patterns of childhood obesity prevalence, and subsequently investigated the spatial associations of socioeconomic factors and childhood obesity prevalence across England by selecting and estimating appropriate spatial regression models. As the data used are geospatial data, we used two newly developed specifications of spatial regression models to investigate the spatial association of socioeconomic factors and childhood obesity prevalence. As a result, among the two newly developed specifications of spatial regression models, the fast random effects specification of eigenvector spatial filtering (FRES-ESF) model appears to outperform the matrix exponential spatial specification of spatial autoregressive (MESS-SAR) model. Empirical results indicate that positive spatial dependence is found to exist in childhood obesity prevalence across England; and that socioeconomic factors are significantly associated with childhood obesity prevalence across England. In England, children living in areas with lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk of obesity. This study suggests effectively reducing spatial inequalities in socioeconomic status will plays a vital role in mitigating spatial inequalities in childhood obesity prevalence.
Volatile and Non-Volatile Organic Compounds Stimulate Oviposition by Aphidophagous Predators
Authors: Riddick Eric W.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Evidence that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-VOCs stimulate oviposition by aphidophagous predators is scattered throughout the literature. The objectives of this review are to (1) compile records indicating that VOCs and non-VOCs are responsible for oviposition stimulation, (2) calculate an egg production ratio (EPR) for stimulated predators, and (3) determine if EPR is correlated with vapor pressure and molecular weight of active compounds. Methods: The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), National Agricultural Library, online digital catalog system was used to retrieve abstracts, then the full text of manuscripts on oviposition stimulants for predators. Oviposition-stimulating VOCs and non-VOCS were tabulated with molecular weights and vapor pressure estimates. EPRs were calculated for stimulated coccinellids, syrphids, and chrysopids. Results: Both VOCs and non-VOCs stimulated oviposition behavior by coccinellids and syrphids, but not chrysopids. EPR was greatest for syrphids. Two VOCs, (E)-β-farnesene and 3-methyl-2-butenal, stimulated very high EPR values by the syrphid Episyrphusbalteatus. Regardless of predator taxa, EPR was negatively and positively correlated with molecular weight and vapor pressure, respectively. Conclusions: Syrphids (rather than coccinellids or chrysopids) produce more eggs in response to VOCs. Organic compounds with low-to-moderate molecular weights and moderate-to-high vapor pressures might be most effective oviposition stimulants for aphidophagous predators.
Different Pollinators’ Functional Traits Can Explain Pollen Load in Two Solitary Oil-Collecting Bees
Authors: Murúa Maureen
Published: October 2020

Functional traits have been shown to be a good predictor of pollen load for some pollinator bee species, but little is known about solitary bees. In this study, I used two solitary oil-collecting bees to explore the impact of functional traits on the pollen load of two oil-secreting Calceolaria species. I therefore measured the visitation frequency, the time spent manipulating the flower, pollinator body size and pollen load for each bee species. The results reveal that each pollinator visits different Calceolaria species (C. cavanillesii and C. filicaulis) for pollen and/or oil and at least another four herb species for pollen in different proportions. In addition, each bee species presents different functional traits that affect Calceolaria pollen load. For C. chilensis, it was only its body size that affected the Calceolaria pollen load, while in C. subcaeruleus, both body size and handling time together account for its pollen load. Overall, these results highlight the role of pollinators’ functional traits in different stages of the pollination process, and even more in specialized plant-pollination systems.
A Novel Insecticidal Molecule Extracted from Alpinia galanga with Potential to Control the Pest Insect Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Ruttanaphan Torranis , de Sousa Georges , Pengsook Anchulee , Pluempanupat Wanchai , Huditz Hannah-Isadora , Bullangpoti Vasakorn , Le Goff Gaëlle
Published: October 2020

Spodoptera frugiperda, a highly polyphagous insect pest from America, has recently invaded and widely spread throughout Africa and Asia. Effective and environmentally safe tools are needed for successful pest management of this invasive species. Natural molecules extracted from plants offer this possibility. Our study aimed to determine the insecticidal efficacy of a new molecule extracted from Alpinia galanga rhizome, the 1′S-1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA). The toxicity of ACA was assessed by topical application on early third-instar larvae of S. frugiperda. Results showed that ACA caused significant larval growth inhibition and larval developmental abnormalities. In order to further explore the effects of this molecule, experiments have been performed at the cellular level using Sf9 model cells. ACA exhibited higher toxicity on Sf9 cells as compared to azadirachtin and was 38-fold less toxic on HepG2 cells. Inhibition of cell proliferation was observed at sublethal concentrations of ACA and was associated with cellular morphological changes and nuclear condensation. In addition, ACA induced caspase-3 activity. RT-qPCR experiments reveal that ACA induces the expression of several caspase genes. This first study on the effects of ACA on S. frugiperda larvae and cells provides evidence that ACA may have potential as a botanical insecticide for the control of S. frugiperda.
Population Monitoring, Egg Parasitoids, and Genetic Structure of the Invasive Litchi Stink Bug, Tessaratoma papillosa in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Yi-Hui , Kamiyama Matthew T. , Chung Chuan-Cheng , Tzeng Hsy-Yu , Hsieh Chia-Hung , Yang Chin-Cheng Scotty
Published: October 2020

Here we assessed population dynamics, natural enemy fauna (with emphasis on egg parasitoid), and population genetic structure (based on mitochondrial DNA) of the invasive litchi stink bug (LSB), Tessaratoma papillosa in Taiwan. Our major findings include: (1) fluctuations of LSB in numbers of adults, mating pairs, and egg masses over a 2-year period in Taiwan generally resemble those in the native populations; (2) Anastatusdexingensis and A. fulloi are among the most dominant LSB egg parasitoids, with the former consistently outnumbering the latter throughout Taiwan; (3) the presence of two genetically distinct clades suggests LSB in Taiwan most likely derived from multiple invasions. All these data practically improve our understanding of this invasive insect pest, particularly its ecological and genetic characteristics in the introduced area, which represents critical baseline information for the design of future integrated pest management strategies.
Wall Mosaics: A Review of On-Site Non-Invasive Methods, Application Challenges and New Frontiers for Their Study and Preservation
Authors: Chaban Antonina , Deiana Rita , Tornari Vivi
Published: October 2020

This review concerns the challenges and perspectives of on-site non-invasive measurements applied to wall mosaics. Wall mosaics, during the centuries, decorated numerous buildings, nowadays being part of world cultural heritage. The preservation and maintenance of these valuable decorations are undoubtedly directly dependent on identifying possible problems that could affect their hidden structure. On-site non-invasive methods, using different contact or no-contact technologies, can offer support in this specific field of application. The choice of the appropriate technique or combination of different techniques depends, in general, on the depth of investigation, the resolution, the possibility to have direct contact with the surfaces or, on the contrary, limited accessibility of the wall mosaics due to their location (e.g., vaults), as well as deterioration problems, (e.g., voids, detachments, or humidity effects). This review paper provides a brief overview of selected recent studies regarding non-invasive methods applied to the analysis of wall mosaics. This review, discussing the assessment of advantages and limitations for each method here considered, also considers possible future developments of imaging techniques in this specific context for cultural heritage applications.
Diagnosis of Breakthrough Fungal Infections in the Clinical Mycology Laboratory: An ECMM Consensus Statement
Authors: Jenks Jeffrey D. , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Schwartz Ilan S. , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Lagrou Katrien , Thompson III George R. , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Hoenigl Martin , Investigators European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Council
Published: October 2020

Breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFI) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Their diagnosis can be challenging due to reduced sensitivity to conventional culture techniques, serologic tests, and PCR-based assays in patients undergoing antifungal therapy, and their diagnosis can be delayed contributing to poor patient outcomes. In this review, we provide consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Confederation for Medical Mycology (ECMM) for the diagnosis of bIFI caused by invasive yeasts, molds, and endemic mycoses, to guide diagnostic efforts in patients receiving antifungals and support the design of future clinical trials in the field of clinical mycology. The cornerstone of lab-based diagnosis of breakthrough infections for yeast and endemic mycoses remain conventional culture, to accurately identify the causative pathogen and allow for antifungal susceptibility testing. The impact of non-culture-based methods are not well-studied for the definite diagnosis of breakthrough invasive yeast infections. Non-culture-based methods have an important role for the diagnosis of breakthrough invasive mold infections, in particular invasive aspergillosis, and a combination of testing involving conventional culture, antigen-based assays, and PCR-based assays should be considered. Multiple diagnostic modalities, including histopathology, culture, antibody, and/or antigen tests and occasionally PCR-based assays may be required to diagnose breakthrough endemic mycoses. A need exists for diagnostic tests that are effective, simple, cheap, and rapid to enable the diagnosis of bIFI in patients taking antifungals.
On the Use of Cameras for the Detection of Critical Events in Sensors-Based Emergency Alerting Systems
Authors: Costa Daniel G. , Vasques Francisco , Portugal Paulo , Aguiar Ana
Published: October 2020

The adoption of emergency alerting systems can bring countless benefits when managing urban areas, industrial plants, farms, roads and virtually any area that is subject to the occurrence of critical events, supporting in rescue operations and reducing their negative impacts. For such systems, a promising approach is to exploit scalar sensors to detect events of interest, allowing for the distributed monitoring of different variables. However, the use of cameras as visual sensors can enhance the detection of critical events, which can be employed along with scalar sensors for a more comprehensive perception of the environment. Although the particularities of visual sensing may be challenging in some scenarios, the combination of scalar and visual sensors for the early detection of emergency situations can be valuable for many scenarios, such as smart cities and industry 4.0, bringing promising results. Therefore, in this article, we extend a sensors-based emergency detection and alerting system to also exploit visual monitoring when identifying critical events. Implementation and experimental details are provided to reinforce the use of cameras as a relevant sensor unit, bringing promising results for emergencies management.
Inventory and Distribution of Rock Glaciers in Northeastern Yakutia
Authors: Lytkin Vasylii
Published: October 2020

Rock glaciers are common forms of relief of the periglacial belt of many mountain structures in the world. They are potential sources of water in arid and semi-arid regions, and therefore their analysis is important in assessing water reserves. Mountain structures in the north-east of Yakutia have optimal conditions for the formation of rock glaciers, but they have not yet been studied in this regard. In this article, for the first time, we present a detailed list of rock glaciers in this region. Based on geoinformation mapping using remote sensing data and field studies within the Chersky, Verkhoyansk, Momsky and Suntar-Khayata ranges, 4503 rock glaciers with a total area of 224.6 km2 were discovered. They are located within absolute altitudes, from 503 to 2496 m. Their average minimum altitude was at 1456 m above sea level, and the maximum at 1527 m. Most of these formations are located on the sides of the trough valleys, and form extended sloping types of rock glaciers. An assessment of the exposure of the slopes where the rock glaciers are located showed that most of the rock glaciers are facing north and south.
Potential Impacts of Soil Tillage System on Isoflavone Concentration of Soybean as Functional Food Ingredients
Authors: Mureșan Liliana , Clapa Doina , Borsai Orsolya , Rusu Teodor , Wang Thomas T. Y. , Park Jae B.
Published: October 2020

Soybean is an important natural source of isoflavones, but their concentration is likely to be influenced by external factors, such as climatic conditions and soil tillage systems. However, there is minimal information about the effects of such external factors on the isoflavone concentration in soybeans grown in Europe. Therefore, in this study, field experiments were established in Romania to investigate the potential impacts of three different soil tillage systems—conventional, minimum tillage and no-tillage—on crop yields and the isoflavone concentration of soybeans for three experimental years, 2014–2016. Our experimental results indicated that the soil tillage systems had little impact on the soybean yields each year. However, the 2016 yield was found to be higher than the 2014 and 2015 yields under all three soil systems. For every experimental year, the higher yield was recorded by the conventional system, followed by the minimum tillage system and no-tillage system under first weed control (weed control two (wct2): S-metolaclor 960 g/L, imazamox 40 g/L and propaquizafop 100 g/L). Likewise, the soil tillage system did not have a significant influence on the total isoflavone concentrations. Nevertheless, we noticed some variations in the individual isoflavone concentration (daidzin, genistin, glycitin, daidzein, genistein) in each year. Altogether, the minimum tillage and no-tillage systems may be employed as a suitable soil tillage system in soybean farming without an impact on the total isoflavone.
Premature Adrenarche in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome Treated with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Seems to Not Influence the Course of Central Puberty and the Efficacy and Safety of the Therapy
Authors: Lecka-Ambroziak Agnieszka , Wysocka-Mincewicz Marta , Marszałek-Dziuba Kamila , Rudzka-Kocjan Agnieszka , Szalecki Mieczysław
Published: October 2020

Puberty in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is usually delayed and/or incomplete but in some patients premature/early adrenarche is observed. We assessed the premature adrenarche (PA) in PWS patients during the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and influence of PA on the course of central puberty (CP), rhGH efficacy and safety, and patients’ metabolic state. Forty-nine PWS patients were treated with rhGH, 11 presented with PA (group 1) and 14 had normal course of adrenarche (group 2). PA was observed in 22.5% of the PWS children treated with rhGH. The mean time between the rhGH start and the adrenarche, the rhGH dose, the growth velocity and the insulin-like growth factor 1 SD (IGF1 SD) during the treatment, as well as the time of CP, final height SD and BMI SD were similar in both groups. There were also no significant differences in the metabolic assessment—the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and lipid profile results. PA may be a part of the clinical picture of PWS, apart from hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and it seems to have no influence on CP in PWS patients. The rhGH efficacy and safety were comparable in the patients with PA and the normal course of adrenarche.
Double Parametric Fuzzy Numbers Approximate Scheme for Solving One-Dimensional Fuzzy Heat-Like and Wave-Like Equations
Authors: Jameel Ali Fareed , Altaie Sarmad A. Jameel , Aljabbari Sardar Gul Amen , AlZubaidi Abbas , Man Noraziah Haji
Published: October 2020

This article discusses an approximate scheme for solving one-dimensional heat-like and wave-like equations in fuzzy environment based on the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The concept of topology in homotopy is used to create a convergent series solution of the fuzzy equations. The objective of the study is to formulate the double parametric fuzzy HPM to obtain approximate solutions of fuzzy heat-like and fuzzy wave-like equations. The fuzzification and the defuzzification analysis for the double parametric form of fuzzy numbers of the fuzzy heat-like and the fuzzy wave-like equations is carried out. The proof of convergence of the solution under the developed approximate scheme is provided. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested by numerically solving examples of fuzzy heat-like and wave-like equations where results indicate that the approach is efficient not only in terms of accuracy but also with respect to CPU time consumption.
Schur Lemma and Uniform Convergence of Series through Convergence Methods
Authors: León-Saavedra Fernando , Romero de la Rosa María del Pilar , Sala Antonio
Published: October 2020

In this note, we prove a Schur-type lemma for bounded multiplier series. This result allows us to obtain a unified vision of several previous results, focusing on the underlying structure and the properties that a summability method must satisfy in order to establish a result of Schur’s lemma type.
Lp-Lq-Well Posedness for the Moore–Gibson–Thompson Equation with Two Temperatures on Cylindrical Domains
Authors: Lizama Carlos , Murillo-Arcila Marina
Published: October 2020

We examine the Cauchy problem for a model of linear acoustics, called the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation, describing a sound propagation in thermo-viscous elastic media with two temperatures on cylindrical domains. For an adequate combination of the parameters of the model we prove Lp-Lq-well-posedness, and we provide maximal regularity estimates which are optimal thanks to the theory of operator-valued Fourier multipliers.
Unpacking Mathematics Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Number Theory: The Case of Arithmetic Word Problems
Authors: Lo Wing Yee
Published: October 2020

“Number” is an important learning dimension in primary mathematics education. It covers a large proportion of mathematical topics in the primary mathematics curriculum, and teachers use most of their class time to teach fundamental number concepts and basic arithmetic operations. This paper focuses on the nature of mathematics pedagogical content knowledge (MPCK) concerning arithmetic word problems. The aim of this qualitative research was to investigate how well the future primary school teachers in Hong Kong had been prepared to teach mathematical application problems for third and sixth graders. Nineteen pre-service teachers who majored in both mathematics and primary education were interviewed using two sets of scenario-based questions. The results revealed that innovative approaches were suggested for teaching third graders while the strategies suggested for teaching sixth graders were mostly based on a profound understanding of mathematical content knowledge. Many participants demonstrated sound knowledge about the sixth grader’s mathematical misconception, but most of them were unable to precisely indicate the third grader’s error in presenting a complete solution for a typical mathematics word problem. A deep understanding of elementary number theory seems to be a precondition for developing pre-service teachers’ MPCK in teaching arithmetic word problems.
Invariant Means, Complementary Averages of Means, and a Characterization of the Beta-Type Means
Authors: Matkowski Janusz , Pasteczka Paweł
Published: October 2020

We prove that whenever the selfmapping (M1,…,Mp):Ip→Ip, (p∈N and Mi-s are p-variable means on the interval I) is invariant with respect to some continuous and strictly monotone mean K:Ip→I then for every nonempty subset S⊆{1,…,p} there exists a uniquely determined mean KS:Ip→I such that the mean-type mapping (N1,…,Np):Ip→Ip is K-invariant, where Ni:=KS for i∈S and Ni:=Mi otherwise. Moreover min(Mi:i∈S)≤KS≤max(Mi:i∈S). Later we use this result to: (1) construct a broad family of K-invariant mean-type mappings, (2) solve functional equations of invariant-type, and (3) characterize Beta-type means.
Insight into the Role and Mechanism of Nano MgO on the Hot Compressive Deformation Behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca Alloys
Authors: Zheng Haoran , Yu LeiTing , Lyu Shaoyuan , You Chen , Chen Minfang
Published: October 2020

Aiming to investigate the role and mechanism of nano MgO on the hot compressive deformation behavior of Mg alloys, the Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy (MZC, in wt%) and the 0.2MgO/Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy (MZCM, in wt%) were investigated systematically in the temperature range of 523–673 K and the strain rate range of 0.001–1 s−1. MZCM shows finer grains and second phase because of the refinement effects of added MgO. Flow behavior analysis shows that the addition of nano MgO promotes the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of MZC. The flow stress of MZCM is lower than that of MZC during deformation at 523–623 K but exhibits a reverse trend at 673 K and 0.1–1 s−1. The constitutive analysis indicates that dislocation climb is the dominant deformation mechanism for MZC and MZCM. The addition of nano MgO particles decreases the stress sensitivity and deformation resistance for thermal deformation and improves the plasticity of the MZC. Besides, according to the processing map constructed at strains of 0.7 and corresponding microstructure evolution, MZCM exhibits higher power dissipation efficiency and smaller instability regions than MZC, and the optimum hot working condition for MZCM was determined to be at 623–653 K and 0.01–0.001 s−1.
Optimized Production of a Redox Metabolite (pyocyanin) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa NEJ01R Using a Maize By-Product
Authors: Bacame-Valenzuela Francisco Javier , Pérez-Garcia Jesús Alberto , Figueroa-Magallón Mayra Leticia , Espejel-Ayala Fabricio , Ortiz-Frade Luis Antonio , Reyes-Vidal Yolanda
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolizes pyocyanin, a redox molecule related to diverse biological activities. Culture conditions for the production of pyocyanin in a defined medium were optimized using a statistical design and response surface methodology. The obtained conditions were replicated using as substrate an alkaline residual liquid of cooked maize and its by-products. The untreated effluent (raw nejayote, RN) was processed to obtain a fraction without insoluble solids (clarified fraction, CL), then separated by a 30 kDa membrane where two fractions, namely, retentate (RE) and filtered (FI), were obtained. Optimal conditions in the defined medium were 29.6 °C, 223.7 rpm and pH = 6.92, which produced 2.21 μg mL−1 of pyocyanin, and by using the wastewater, it was possible to obtain 3.25 μg mL−1 of pyocyanin in the retentate fraction at 40 h. The retentate fraction presented the highest concentration of total solids related to the maximum concentration of pyocyanin (PYO) obtained. The pyocyanin redox behavior was analyzed using electrochemical techniques. In this way, valorization of lime-cooked maize wastewater (nejayote) used as a substrate was demonstrated in the production of a value-added compound, such as pyocyanin, a redox metabolite of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NEJ01R.
The Neutrophil-to-Monocyte Ratio and Lymphocyte-to-Neutrophil Ratio at Admission Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Mexican Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection (Covid-19)
Authors: Rizo-Téllez Salma A. , Méndez-García Lucia A. , Flores-Rebollo Cruz , Alba-Flores Fernando , Alcántara-Suárez Raúl , Manjarrez-Reyna Aarón N. , Baltazar-López Neyla , Hernández-Guzmán Verónica A. , León-Pedroza José I. , Zapata-Arenas Rogelio , González-Chávez Antonio , Hernández-Ruíz Joselín , Carrillo-Ruíz José D. , Serrano-Loyola Raúl , Guerrero-Avendaño Guadalupe M. L. , Escobedo Galileo
Published: October 2020

There is a deep need for mortality predictors that allow clinicians to quickly triage patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) into intensive care units at the time of hospital admission. Thus, we examined the efficacy of the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio (LNR) and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) as predictors of in-hospital death at admission in patients with severe Covid-19. A total of 54 Mexican adult patients with Covid-19 that met hospitalization criteria were retrospectively enrolled, followed-up daily until hospital discharge or death, and then assigned to survival or non-survival groups. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were recorded at admission. A total of 20 patients with severe Covid-19 died, and 75% of them were men older than 62.90 ± 14.18 years on average. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease were more prevalent in non-survivors. As compared to survivors, LNR was significantly fourfold decreased while NMR was twofold increased. LNR ≤ 0.088 predicted in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 85.00% and a specificity of 74.19%. NMR ≥ 17.75 was a better independent risk factor for mortality with a sensitivity of 89.47% and a specificity of 80.00%. This study demonstrates for the first time that NMR and LNR are accurate predictors of in-hospital mortality at admission in patients with severe Covid-19.
Significance and Distribution of Apatite in the Triassic Doig Phosphate Zone, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Lacerda Silva Pablo , Bustin R. Marc
Published: October 2020

The Doig Phosphate Zone (DPZ) is a phosphate-bearing marine unit located at the base of the Doig Formation, in the Triassic section of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The DPZ has a maximum thickness of 90 m and extends across northeastern British Columbia and west-central Alberta. In this study, we characterize the significance and interpret the origin of apatite in the DPZ through mineralogical and geochemical analyses, thin section study, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The occurrence of apatite in the DPZ is not evenly distributed but restricted to discrete 10 to 20 cm thick beds, located near the base of the DPZ. Phosphorites are of two types: grainstones composed primarily of unconformity-bounded coated grains, and intraclastic phosphorites composed of detrital silt-sized grains and apatite coated grains in a cryptocrystalline phosphatic matrix. The phosphorite beds are records of stratigraphic condensation due to low detrital input during transgression. The erosionally truncated phosphatic coated grains and intraclasts are interpreted to be a result of various phases of phosphatization, exhumation, erosion, reworking, winnowing, and redeposition in alternating quiescence and storms or bottom currents. The abundance of pyrite and chalcophile trace elements, as well as the low concentration of proxy elements for organic matter productivity and preservation, are further evidence of stratigraphic condensation, with sulfidic pore water development and extensive organic recycling promoted by biological activity during the long exposure times. The phosphorites were formed under oxygenated water conditions, as suggested by the depletion in Ce and the presence of a diverse benthic fauna.
Sensitive SQUID Bio-Magnetometry for Determination and Differentiation of Biogenic Iron and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Biological Samples
Authors: Škrátek Martin , Dvurečenskij Andrej , Kluknavský Michal , Barta Andrej , Bališ Peter , Mičurová Andrea , Cigáň Alexander , Eckstein-Andicsová Anita , Maňka Ján , Bernátová Iveta
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to develop the method for determination of the ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (USPION)-originated iron (UOI) in the tissues of rats on the basis of the magnetic characteristics (MC) in the liver, left heart ventricle (LHV), kidneys, aorta and blood of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Rats were treated intravenously by USPIONs dispersed in saline (transmission electron microscope (TEM) mean size ~30 nm, hydrodynamic size ~51 nm, nominal iron content 1 mg Fe/mL) at the low iron dose of 1 mg/kg. MC in the form of the mass magnetisation (M) versus the magnetic field (H) curves and temperature dependences of M (determined using the SQUID magnetometer), histochemical determination of iron (by Perl’s method) and USPION-induced superoxide production (by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence) were investigated 100 min post-infusion. USPIONs significantly elevated superoxide production in the liver, LHV, kidney and aorta vs. the control group. Histochemical staining confirmed the presence of iron in all solid biological samples, however, this method was not suitable to unequivocally confirm the presence of UOI. We improved the SQUID magnetometric method and sample preparation to allow the determination of UOI by measurements of the MC of the tissues at 300 K in solid and liquid samples. The presence of the UOI was confirmed in all the tissues investigated in USPIONs-treated rats. The greatest levels were found in blood and lower amounts in the aorta, liver, LHV and kidneys. In conclusion, we have improved SQUID-magnetometric method to make it suitable for detection of low amounts of UOI in blood and tissues of rats.
The Influence of Ozonated Olive Oil-Loaded and Copper-Doped Nanohydroxyapatites on Planktonic Forms of Microorganisms
Authors: Zakrzewski Wojciech , Dobrzynski Maciej , Nowicka Joanna , Pajaczkowska Magdalena , Szymonowicz Maria , Targonska Sara , Sobierajska Paulina , Wiglusz Katarzyna , Dobrzynski Wojciech , Lubojanski Adam , Fedorowicz Sebastian , Rybak Zbigniew , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: October 2020

The research has been carried out with a focus on the assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of pure nanohydroxyapatite, Cu2+-doped nanohydroxyapatite, ozonated olive oil-loaded nanohydroxyapatite, and Cu2+-doped nanohydroxyapatite, respectively. Their potential antimicrobial activity was investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Candida albicans. Among all tested materials, the highest efficacy was observed in terms of ozonated olive oil. The studies were performed using an Ultraviolet–Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), electron microscopy, and statistical methods, by determining the value of Colony-Forming Units (CFU/mL) and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
Formation of Periodic Nanoridge Patterns by Ultrashort Single Pulse UV Laser Irradiation of Gold
Authors: Blumenstein Andreas , Garcia Martin E. , Rethfeld Baerbel , Simon Peter , Ihlemann Jürgen , Ivanov Dmitry S.
Published: October 2020

A direct comparison of simulation and experimental results of UV laser-induced surface nanostructuring of gold is presented. Theoretical simulations and experiments are performed on an identical spatial scale. The experimental results have been obtained by using a laser wavelength of 248 nm and a pulse length of 1.6 ps. A mask projection setup is applied to generate a spatially periodic intensity profile on a gold surface with a sinusoidal shape and periods of 270 nm, 350 nm, and 500 nm. The formation of structures at the surface upon single pulse irradiation is analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). For the simulations, a hybrid atomistic-continuum model capable of capturing the essential mechanisms responsible for the nanostructuring process is used to model the interaction of the laser pulse with the gold target and the subsequent time evolution of the system. The formation of narrow ridges composed of two colliding side walls is found in the simulation as well as in the experiment and the structures generated as a result of the material processing are categorized depending on the range of applied fluencies and periodicities.
Polydopamine-Modified Metal–Organic Frameworks, NH2-Fe-MIL-101, as pH-Sensitive Nanocarriers for Controlled Pesticide Release
Authors: Shan Yongpan , Xu Chunli , Zhang Hongjun , Chen Huiping , Bilal Muhammad , Niu Shujun , Cao Lidong , Huang Qiliang
Published: October 2020

Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a dazzling star among porous materials used in many fields. Considering their intriguing features, MOFs have great prospects for application in the field of sustainable agriculture, especially as versatile pesticide-delivery vehicles. However, the study of MOF-based platforms for controlled pesticide release has just begun. Controlled pesticide release responsive to environmental stimuli is highly desirable for decreased agrochemical input, improved control efficacy and diminished adverse effects. In this work, simple, octahedral, iron-based MOFs (NH2-Fe-MIL-101) were synthesized through a microwave-assisted solvothermal method using Fe3+ as the node and 2-aminoterephthalic acid as the organic ligand. Diniconazole (Dini), as a model fungicide, was loaded into NH2-Fe-MIL-101 to afford Dini@NH2-Fe-MIL-101 with a satisfactory loading content of 28.1%. The subsequent polydopamine (PDA) modification could endow Dini with pH-sensitive release patterns. The release of Dini from PDA@Dini@NH2-Fe-MIL-101 was much faster in an acidic medium compared to that in neutral and basic media. Moreover, Dini@NH2-Fe-MIL-101 and PDA@Dini@NH2-Fe-MIL-101 displayed good bioactivities against the pathogenic fungus causing wheat head scab (Fusarium graminearum). This research sought to reveal the feasibility of versatile MOFs as a pesticide-delivery platform in sustainable crop protection.