bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The aspects of microbial biomass use in the utilization of selected waste from the agro-food industry
Authors: Kieliszek Marek , Piwowarek Kamil , Kot Anna M. , Pobiega Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Cellular biomass of microorganisms can be effectively used in the treatment of waste from various branches of the agro-food industry. Urbanization processes and economic development, which have been intensifying in recent decades, lead to the degradation of the natural environment. In the first half of the 20th century, problems related to waste management were not as serious and challenging as they are today. The present situation forces the use of modern technologies and the creation of innovative solutions for environmental protection. Waste of industrial origin are difficult to recycle and require a high financial outlay, while the organic waste of animal and plant origins, such as potato wastewater, whey, lignin, and cellulose, is dominant. In this article, we describe the possibilities of using microorganisms for the utilization of various waste products. A solution to reduce the costs of waste disposal is the use of yeast biomass. Management of waste products using yeast biomass has made it possible to generate new metabolites, such as β-glucans, vitamins, carotenoids, and enzymes, which have a wide range of industrial applications. Exploration and discovery of new areas of applications of yeast, fungal, and bacteria cells can lead to an increase in their effective use in many fields of biotechnology.
Photo-bleached agar extracts from Gracilariopsis heteroclada
Authors: Endoma Leonilo F. , Nuñal Sharon N. , Traifalgar Rex Ferdinand M. , Nacional Loda M. , Luhan Maria Rovilla J.
Published: November 2020

Agar is a strongly gelling polysaccharide extracted from gracilarioids, which is processed through conventional alkaline pre-treatment and chemical bleaching. However, the use of chemical bleaching agents has associated health risks to humans and the environment. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of photo-bleaching in combination with NaOH pre-treatments at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations on the physico-chemical properties of agar extracted from Gracilariopsis heteroclada. The results highlighted that the gel strength of photo-bleached agar extracts PBA-15 (1822.00 g cm−2), PBA-10 (1465.60 g cm−2), and PBA-5 (1067.70 g cm−2) were significantly higher than in either a commercially sourced agar reference sample (756.20 g cm−2) or a chemically bleached agar (390.94 g cm−2). The physico-chemical properties of PBA extracts fell within the acceptable limits of food-grade agar. Photo-bleached agar extracts (PBA-5, PBA-10, PBA-15) also exhibited a higher lightness (L*) and whiteness index (WI) which makes these agars ideal for microbiological use. This study demonstrated that photo-bleaching by solar irradiation improved the physico-chemical properties of agar from G. heteroclada without the use of a chemical bleaching agent.
Topology of the mesoscale connectome of the mouse brain
Authors: Grange Pascal
Published: November 2020

The wiring diagram of the mouse brain has recently been mapped at a mesoscopic scale in the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas. Axonal projections from brain regions were traced using green fluoresent proteins. The resulting data were registered to a common three-dimensional reference space. They yielded a matrix of connection strengths between 213 brain regions. Global features such as closed loops formed by connections of similar intensity can be inferred using tools from persistent homology. We map the wiring diagram of the mouse brain to a simplicial complex (filtered by connection strengths). We work out generators of the first homology group. Some regions, including nucleus accumbens, are connected to the entire brain by loops, whereas no region has non-zero connection strength to all brain regions. Thousands of loops go through the isocortex, the striatum and the thalamus. On the other hand, medulla is the only major brain compartment that contains more than 100 loops.
Complex Lagrangians in a hyperKähler manifold and the relative Albanese
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Gómez Tomás L. , Oliveira André
Published: November 2020

Let M be the moduli space of complex Lagrangian submanifolds of a hyperKähler manifold X, and let ω̄ : 𝒜̂ → M be the relative Albanese over M. We prove that 𝒜̂ has a natural holomorphic symplectic structure. The projection ω̄ defines a completely integrable structure on the symplectic manifold 𝒜̂. In particular, the fibers of ω̄ are complex Lagrangians with respect to the symplectic form on 𝒜̂. We also prove analogous results for the relative Picard over M.
Digital image steganography and steganalysis: A journey of the past three decades
Authors: Sahu Aditya Kumar , Sahu Monalisa
Published: November 2020

Steganography is the science and art of covert communication. Conversely, steganalysis is the study of uncovering the steganographic process. The evolution of steganography has been paralleled by the development of steganalysis. In this game of hide and seek, the two player’s steganography and steganalysis always want to break the other down. Over the past three decades, research has produced a plethora of remarkable image steganography techniques (ISTs). The major challenge for most of these ISTs is to achieve a fair balance between the metrics such as high hiding capacity (HC), better imperceptibility, and improved security. This study aims to present an exhaustive scrutiny of various ISTs from the classical to recent developments in the spatial domain, with respect to various image steganographic metrics. Further, the current status, recent developments, open challenges, and promising directions in this field are also highlighted.
Carbon dioxide utilization in methanol synthesis plant: process modeling
Authors: Samimi Fereshteh , Feilizadeh Mehrzad , Najibi Seyedeh Bahareh , Arjmand Mohammad , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2020

The conversion of CO2 to methanol holds great promise, as it offers a pathway to reduce CO2 level in the atmosphere and also produce valuable components. In this study, a typical methanol synthesis plant for CO2 conversion was numerically modeled. Effect of fresh feed to plant parameters (i.e., pressure and CO2 concentration) as well as the influence of recycle ratio on the reactor performance was investigated. Hence, all essential equipment, including compressor, mixer, heat exchanger, reactor, and liquid–vapor separator were considered in the model. Then, at the best operating conditions, thermal behavior and components distribution along the length and radius of the reactor were predicted. Finally, the effect of inert gases was investigated in the methanol production process and the results were compared with the conventional route (CR), which uses natural gas for methanol synthesis. The results revealed that in the absence of inert gases and by employing a recycle stream in the process, CO2 hydrogenation leads to 13 ton/day production of methanol more than CR. While in the feedstock containing 20% inert gases, which is closer to the realistic case, methanol production rate is 45 ton/day lower than CR. These findings prospect a promising approach for the production of green methanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Little Womentravelling to Scandinavia
Authors: Egeland Marianne
Published: November 2020

The publishing history of an American classic in Sweden, Denmark and Norway illustrates how literature travels between countries and how translated books become integrated in the new national cultures. Louisa May Alcott’sLittle Women(1868) still figures on lists of the most cherished, translated and influential children’s books. Sweden can probably boast of the longest translation history of all, starting in 1871, the latest translation appearing in 2016. The Danish material more or less replicates the Swedish, whereas data mining of the stacks of Norway’s National Library demonstrates to what extent a national culture is affected by translated foreign literary impulses and the wealth of sources in which canonized authors may leave a mark. “Little Womentravelling to Scandinavia” addresses why Alcott’s book did so well there, why it appealed to readers, and in what circumstances it was read.
Analysis of tender procedure phases parameters for railroad construction works
Authors: Leśniak Agnieszka , Janowiec Filip
Published: November 2020

The beginning of each construction investment is preceded by proper preparation. In the case of public procurement, this usually involves conducting a tender procedure to select a contractor for the works.Railway construction works require this rigor. This article will provide an overview of railway construction investments planned to be implemented in the current EU financial perspective. The key elements of the tender process related to individual stages of the tender will be analyzed.
Synthesis of a phosphoramidate flame retardant and its flame retardancy on cotton fabrics
Authors: Wang Huaifang , Cai Yingli , Jiang Zhiming , Guo Shengnan , Zhu Ping
Published: November 2020

A phosphoramidate flame retardant (dimethyl N,N-bis(2-hydroxyletheyl)phosphoramidate, DMBHP) was synthesized and applied to cotton fabrics for enhancing the flame retardancy. The structure of DMBHP was characterized by FT-IR and NMR. The flame retardancy and combustion behavior of the treated cotton fabrics were evaluated using the vertical flammability test (VFT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and the cone calorimetric test. Moreover, to further analyze the flame retardant action of DMBHP in cotton fabrics, thermal degradability of the treated fabrics, as well as the chemical structure, surface morphology, and element contents of the char residue of the DMBHP-treated fabrics were also evaluated. The results show that, after treating with DMBHP, the cotton fabrics acquired a LOI value from 18.1 to 31.1 with the concentration increasing to 30% and self-extinguished in VFT tests when treated with up to 15% DMBHP. Besides, the total heat release and the peak heat release rate of DMBHP (30%)-treated fabric decreased obviously compared with the pure cotton along with more residue retained. TG, SEM, and EDS results of treated cotton fabric and the corresponding residue after burning showed that DMBHP has the capability of enhancing char formation. In addition, DMBHP will confer cotton fabrics a certain durability against washing with the help of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and citric acid (CA).
Design, Synthesis and Study of Antibacterial and Antitubercular Activity of Quinoline Hydrazone Hybrids
Authors: T G Shruthi , Subramanian Sangeetha , Eswaran Sumesh
Published: November 2020

Emerging bacterial resistance is causing widespread problems for the treatment of various infections. Therefore, the search for antimicrobials is a never-ending task. Hydrazones and quinolines possess a wide variety of biological activities. Herewith, eleven quinoline hydrazone derivatives have been designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity and antitubercular potential against Mtb WT H37Rv. Compounds QH-02, QH-04 and QH-05 were found to be promising compounds with an MIC value of 4 μg/mL against Mtb WT H37Rv. Compounds QH-02, QH-04, QH-05, and QH-11 were also found to be active against bacterial strains including Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Further, we have carried out experiments to confirm the cytotoxicity of the active compounds and found them to be non-toxic.
Fluorescence properties in different solvents and synthesis of axially substituted silicon phthalocyanine bearing bis-4-tritylphenoxy units
Authors: Ağırtaş Mehmet Salih
Published: November 2020

In this present study, a new axially bis-4-tritylphenoxy substituted silicon phthalocyanine compound was synthesized and characterized using infrared, mass, electronic absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fluorescence and absorption spectra studies of the disubstituted silicon phthalocyanine complex were conducted on the chloroform, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran solutions. The findings of the fluorescence studies demonstrated that the compound has fluorescence spectra in the different solvents. The effects of the substitution with axially bis-4-tritylphenoxy functionalized groups on these parameters were also compared with the previously synthesized axially disubstituted silicon phthalocyanines. These results proved that the compound has different fluorescence properties in the different solvents.
Synchrotron X-ray measurements of cellulose in wood cell wall layers of Pinus densiflora in the transmission and reflectance modes. Part 2: results with axial loading
Authors: Lee Chang-Goo , Yamasaki Mariko , Kojima Erina , Sugimoto Takanori , Sasaki Yasutoshi
Published: November 2020

This study applied synchrotron radiation XRD to analyze the mechanical behavior of cellulose microfibrils in wood containing annual rings (thickness: 5 mm), for different layers of the secondary cell wall, under uniaxial load. Cellulose in S2 and in S1 and S3 layers were analyzed respectively, and the data were used to investigate for deformation behavior in the lattice spacing (d
004). As a result, the mechanical behavior of cellulose sometimes differed from the behavior of bulk wood. The rigidity of cellulose in the S2 layer was larger than in S1 and S3 layers under both of tensile and compressive loads. However, once standardized with respect to estimated cellulose amount, this standardized rigidity was comparable across all layers and loading conditions. Variation in microfibril angle (MFA) and lattice spacing (d
004) of cellulose barely changed at all under compressive load. Under tensile loads, there were both of positive and negative changes in MFA variation in both S2 layer and S1 and S3 layers, while d
004 variation had little changes in almost all cases.
Female urine incontinence: vaginal erbium laser (VEL) effectiveness and safety
Authors: Elia David , Gambiacciani Marco , Ayoubi Jean-Marc , Berreni Nicolas , Bohbot Jean Marc , Descamps Philippe , Druckmann Rene , Geoffrion Hugues , Haab François , Heiss Niko , Rygaloff Nicolas , Russo Eleonora
Published: November 2020

Urinary incontinence is a common health problem that impacts the quality of life of women at different ages. Its physiopathology is not unequivocal, and it is necessary to consider the stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the overactive bladder syndrome and the mixed incontinence (MUI). According to the type of incontinence, its impact on the quality of life and age of the patients, therapeutic strategies are currently summarized in physiotherapy, surgery and drug treatments. We already know the benefit/risk ratio of each of these strategies. Our objective is to evaluate the potential effectiveness and safety of the VEL, an innovative vaginal laser technique (VEL – Vaginal Erbium Laser, erbium yttrium-aluminum-garnet -Er: YAG) a non-invasive laser proposed as a treatment for SUI, overactive bladder syndrome and MUI. The mechanisms of action of lasers are discussed in general and those of VEL in particular with the description of the Smooth® mode. To do this, we have collected the 21 published studies including the first randomized vs. placebo and two pilot studies of intra-urethral VEL. In conclusion: VEL procedures already have their place between the rehabilitation of the perineal floor and surgery. Further properly sized, randomized studies are needed to evaluate the laser treatments in comparison with other therapies, as well as to assess the duration of the therapeutic effects and the safety of repeated applications.
Siblings of youths with chronic conditions: a school-based survey
Authors: Le Boudec Audraine , Akre Christina , Barrense-Dias Yara , Berchtold André , Suris Joan-Carles
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences between youths with a sibling affected by a chronic condition or a disability (SCCD) and their peers with healthy siblings.

Method

Using data from the second wave of GenerationFRee study, we compared adolescents from each gender with healthy siblings to adolescents with SCDD on demographical, familial, internalizing and externalizing behavior variables. Subsequently we repeated the analysis excluding from each group adolescents who suffered from a chronic condition or disability themselves.

Results

At the bivariate and multivariate level, among those with SCDD, healthy females reported more somatic symptoms, healthy males more violent behaviors, and both genders lived more often in non-intact families. When considering both healthy and unhealthy adolescents, at bivariate analysis female adolescents with SCDD were more likely to have a poorer relationship to their mother, to be unhealthy, to smoke, to be at risk for disordered eating and to report somatic symptoms. At multivariate level, only the association with SCDD and smoking remained. Male adolescents with SCDD, at both bivariate and multivariate analyses, were more likely to be unhealthy and to live in larger and non-intact families.

Conclusion

Healthy adolescents with an SCDD are more at risk of somatic symptoms and violent behaviors than their peers with healthy siblings. Health professionals in contact with adolescents should always consider them with a systemic approach. Parents should be informed about the potential effect on the siblings of a CDD child, but also reassured, as adolescents with SCDD are not different from their peers with healthy siblings.
Explaining the dimensions of social support for breakfast and healthy snacks in students: a qualitative study
Authors: Bastami Fatemeh , Arash Ardalan  , Fereshteh Zamani-Alavijeh  , Mostafavi Firoozeh
Published: November 2020

Background

breakfast elimination as well as consumption of low-value snacks is ever increasing among adolescents. This study sought to explain the dimensions of social support for breakfast and healthy snacks among students.

Methods

A qualitative research was conducted in Isfahan, Tehran, and Khorramabad, Iran high schools in 2017–18. Data were obtained from five focus group discussions and 35 in-depth interviews as well as semi-structured interviews with students of both sex, parents and school authorities. The data simultaneously analyzed using conventional content analysis in three stages including preparation, organization, and reporting. Prolonged engagement, maximum variation of sampling and member check were the enrichment factors of the research.

Results

Three main categories emerged. First, family supports with sub- categories of family in the school programs as well as mother-sponsored support and family life patterns. Second, school supports with sub- categories of instrumental and informational support. And third, support of other community organizations with sub- categories of intra-department coordination and mass media.

Conclusion

The concepts emerging in the present study develop multilevel ecological strategies to promote nutritional health including family, school, and community organizations such as school renovations, municipalities, police, education, and mass media to promote healthy breakfast and snack behavior are applicable for students.
Large deviations for longest runs in Markov chains
Authors: Liu Zhenxia , Zhu Yurong
Published: November 2020

We continue our investigation on general large deviation principles (LDPs) for longest runs. Previously, a general LDP for the longest success run
in a sequence of independent Bernoulli trails was derived in [Z. Liu and X. Yang,
A general large deviation principle for longest runs,
Statist. Probab. Lett. 110 2016, 128–132]. In the present note, we establish a general LDP for the longest success run
in a two-state (success or failure) Markov chain which recovers the previous result in the aforementioned paper. The main new ingredient is to implement suitable estimates of the distribution function of the longest success run recently established in [Z. Liu and X. Yang,
On the longest runs in Markov chains,
Probab. Math. Statist. 38 2018, 2, 407–428].
On a theorem of Ito and Szép
Authors: Wu Zhenfeng , Guo Wenbin
Published: November 2020

A subgroup H of a group G is said to be conditionally permutable (or c-permutable for short) in G if, for every subgroup T of G, there exists an element

x
∈
G

{x\in G}

such that

H
⁢

T
x

=

T
x

⁢
H

{HT^{x}=T^{x}H}

.
A subgroup H of a group G is said to be completely c-permutable in G if, for every subgroup T of G, the subgroups H and T are c-permutable in

〈
H
,
T
〉

{\langle H,T\rangle}

.
In this paper, we prove that

H
/

H
G

{H/H_{G}}

is nilpotent if H is a completely c-permutable subnormal subgroup of G.
This result generalizes a well-known theorem of Ito and Szép, and gives a positive answer to an open problem in [W. Guo, Structure Theory for Canonical Classes of Finite Groups, Springer, Heidelberg, 2015].
We also use complete c-permutability to determine the p-supersolubility of a group G.
Production of geoploymer mortar reinforced with sustainable fibers
Authors: Dawood Eethar Thanon , Ahmed Al-ameen Abdul-ghany , Hassan Abdullah Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Geopolymer has been presented as new evolution in the concrete technology world, where cementitious materials such as ceramic powder and Slag have been replaced by high percentages of cement used in construction. Thus, the activation of such materials was performed by highly alkaline solutions in order to be acted as a binder in the mix. Therefore, the selection of suitable ingredients proportion of geopolymer mortar to achieve desired strength at required workability has been intended in this study. The experimental Program has been implemented for the preparation of geopolymer mortar mixes. The concentration of sodium hydroxide solution was kept constant in the order of 12 M throughout the experiment. The ratio of Water to geopolymer binder ratio was 0.35, alkaline solution-to- cementitiuos materials ratio was 0.30 and sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio was 1.85 by mass. Workability of geopolymer mortar was measured by flow table apparatus and cubes of 50 mm side were cast and tested for compressive strength after 28 days of normal water curing. The study concludes that the combination of ceramic powder and Slag up to 40% (by weight), in the total binder material, can be used for developing the geopolymer mortar. Continuously, the use of 1% steel fibers or 1% steel fiber with 0.5% sisal fibers promotes the level of cement replacement by such cementitous materials (slag and ceramic powder) up to 60%.
Gradient estimates for a weighted nonlinear parabolic equation and applications
Authors: Abolarinwa Abimbola , Oladejo Nathaniel K. , Salawu Sulyman O.
Published: November 2020

This paper derives elliptic gradient estimates for positive solutions to a nonlinear parabolic equation defined on a complete weighted Riemannian manifold. Applications of these estimates yield Liouville-type theorem, parabolic Harnack inequalities and bounds on weighted heat kernel on the lower boundedness assumption for Bakry-Émery curvature tensor.
fac-Bis(phenoxatellurine) tricarbonyl manganese(I) bromide
Authors: Mostaghimi Farzin , Lork Enno , Beckmann Jens
Published: November 2020

The reaction of (CO)5MnBr with phenoxatellurine (PT) provided the octahedral complex fac-(CO)3(PT)2MnBr in which the two PT ligands are situated in cis-position.
Polarization-sensitive photodetectors based on three-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field-effect transistors
Authors: Deng Tao , Li Shasha , Li Yuning , Zhang Yang , Sun Jingye , Yin Weijie , Wu Weidong , Zhu Mingqiang , Wang Yingxin , Liu Zewen
Published: November 2020

The molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-based photodetectors are facing two challenges: the insensitivity to polarized light and the low photoresponsivity. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) field-effect transistors (FETs) based on monolayer MoS2 were fabricated by applying a self–rolled-up technique. The unique microtubular structure makes 3D MoS2 FETs become polarization sensitive. Moreover, the microtubular structure not only offers a natural resonant microcavity to enhance the optical field inside but also increases the light-MoS2 interaction area, resulting in a higher photoresponsivity. Photoresponsivities as high as 23.8 and 2.9 A/W at 395 and 660 nm, respectively, and a comparable polarization ratio of 1.64 were obtained. The fabrication technique of the 3D MoS2 FET could be transferred to other two-dimensional materials, which is very promising for high-performance polarization-sensitive optical and optoelectronic applications.
Hydrophobic multiscale cavities for high-performance and self-cleaning surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensing
Authors: Zhao Xiaofei , Liu Chundong , Yu Jing , Li Zhen , Liu Lu , Li Chonghui , Xu Shicai , Li Weifeng , Man Baoyuan , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2020

Cavity array, with excellent optical capture capability, has received increasing attention for the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active substrates. Here, we proposed molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanocavities growing on pyramid Si (PSi) composed of in situ reduced Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can form the multiscale cavities (MSCs), and is facile for the couple of the plasmon. We demonstrated that the PSi/MoS2/Au MSCs can serve as highly sensitive, uniform, and stable SERS substrates for rhodamine 6G (R6G), crystal violet, and adenosine triphosphate detection, benefiting from the synergistic effect of the enhanced light trapping and the effective plasmonic couple. The couple of the plasmon in the MSCs is evidently proved by finite-difference time domain simulation, showing the strong electromagnetic field is located around the cavity wall. Moreover, the excellent hydrophobicity of the PSi/MoS2/AuNPs substrate endows it with the ability for the directional monitoring of organic pollutant in a mixture of oil and water. Finally, we demonstrated the MSCs with outstanding photocatalytic performance could achieve the renewable utilization by self-cleaning, which was attributed to the fast electron transfer and effective light absorption. The proposed PSi/MoS2/AuNPs MSC represents a robust mean using the plasmonic metal/semiconductor heterostructure for high-performance SERS sensors and photodegradation.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 3-octyl-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione, C23H28N2O2
Authors: Guerrab Walid , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: November 2020

C23H28N2O2, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 10.713(2) Å, b = 15.689(3) Å, c = 24.485(5) Å, V = 4115.2(14) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0581, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1734, T = 120(2) K.
Crystal structure of 4-[(2-methoxyphenyl)carbamoyl]butanoic acid, C12H15NO4
Authors: Hanifa Bibi , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Khan Hizbullah , Lo Kong Mun , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: November 2020

C12H15NO4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.4325(3) Å, b = 7.5171(3) Å, c = 23.7377(9) Å, α = 87.780(3)°, β = 89.105(3)°, γ = 61.299(4)°, V = 1162.42(9) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0566, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1652, T = 100(2) K.
The crystal structure of (8R,10R,12R,14R)- 12-hydroxy-16-(5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)- 4,4,8,10,14-pentamethyltetradecahydro-3H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,6(2H)-dione, C30H48O5
Authors: Wang Xiao-Hui , Wang Hui-yun , Zhang Sheng-Nan , Song Jia , Liang Lun-Hai , Zhao Feng-Lan , Meng Qing-Guo
Published: November 2020

C30H48O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 11.6608(10) Å, b = 14.8098(15) Å, c = 15.9975(16) Å, V = 2762.7(5) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0586, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1580, T = 293(2) K.
Enhancing carbonation and chloride resistance of autoclaved concrete by incorporating nano-CaCO3
Authors: Li Guo , Zhuang Zheng , Lv Yajun , Wang Kejin , Hui David
Published: November 2020

Three nano-CaCO3 (NC) replacement levels of 1, 2, and 3% (by weight of cement) were utilized in autoclaved concrete. The accelerated carbonation depth and Coulomb electric fluxes of the hardened concrete were tested periodically at the ages of 28, 90, 180, and 300 days. In addition, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were also performed to study changes in the hydration products of cement and microscopic pore structure of concrete under autoclave curing. Results indicated that a suitable level of NC replacement exerts filling and accelerating effects, promotes the generation of cement hydration products, reduces porosity, and refines the micropores of autoclaved concrete. These effects substantially enhanced the carbonation and chloride resistance of the autoclaved concrete and endowed the material with resistances approaching or exceeding that of standard cured concrete. Among the three NC replacement ratios, the 3% NC replacement was the optimal dosage for improving the long-term carbonation and chloride resistance of concrete.
Palm oil plantation and cultivation: Prosperity and productivity of smallholders
Authors: Herdiansyah Herdis , Negoro Habibullah Adi , Rusdayanti Nurul , Shara Siti
Published: November 2020

Indonesia developed the Smallholder Plantation Scheme (PIR) in the early 1980s, making smallholders an important part of the national scale. Increasing smallholder yields is an important instrument for increasing local income and livelihoods. However, small-scale oil palm expansion has problems with low productivity and quality of production. Therefore, to increase their productivity and improve their cultivation, this study measures the importance of planting behavior and specific treatment of farmers’ prosperity and productivity. To measure the possible significant differences between and within groups, a statistical approach, ANOVA, has been used while Spearman’s correlation matrix also has been used to measure the correlation between variables. This study finds that good seed treatment and adequate doses of fertilizer are important for farmers’ prosperity and productivity. Smallholder farmers have the least expenditure but the highest average production and income with the most extended growing age when compared with the other two groups of smallholder farmers. Even though the number of seeds used was the smallest, the success rate of smallholder planting was the highest. The optimal use of fertilizer and seed care alone is not significant enough to increase yields. It is a combination of other factors such as planting management practices, drainage capacity and soil substrate properties, climate characteristics, rainfall distribution, nutrient supply, and prevention of plant diseases and also determining maximum yield.
Application of energy dissipation and damping structure in the reinforcement of shear wall in concrete engineering
Authors: Yang Shujuan
Published: November 2020

In view of the problem of large earthquake displacement in the use of the original concrete engineering shear wall reinforcement method, the energy dissipation and damping structure is used to design the energy dissipation and damping structure reinforcement method in the concrete engineering shear wall. According to the design process of the set method, the anti-vibration coefficient of the concrete shear wall is tested. The energy dissipation structure is used to construct a shear damping wall, and the damper is added to the original shear wall. The concrete shear wall is strengthened by sticking steel technology. So far, the design of shear wall reinforcement method based on the energy dissipation structure has been completed. Compared with the original method, the displacement distance of this method is lower than that of the original method. In conclusion, the effect of shear wall reinforcement method based on the energy dissipation structure is better than that of the original method.
Effect of chemical treatment on thermophysical behavior of Spanish broom flour-reinforced polypropylene biocomposite
Authors: Nouar Yacine , Zouaoui Fairouz , Nekkaa Sorya , Rouabah Farid , Fernández-García Marta , López Daniel , Fois Magali
Published: November 2020

This work presents the chemical modification of Spanish broom flour (SBF), and the study of SBF loading and surface treatment on the performances of polypropylene (PP) biocomposites. In order to enhance the interfacial interactions between the PP matrix and the SBF, two types of chemical treatments were used: 2 wt% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for different times (8, 24 and 48 h) and 5 wt% of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), respectively. Different techniques for characterization such as the melting flow index (MFI), X-ray diffraction, transient plane source (TPS) and water absorption were used. The experiment results showed a decrease of the MFI with increasing of modified SBF content, independently of the type of the chemical treatment. Moreover, this decrease became significant in the biocomposites containing SBF-VTMS. The X-ray patterns showed that surface treatment of SBF could improve their crystallinity and crystallite sizes. The TPS measurements illustrates that the thermal conductivity of the biocomposites decreases with 10 wt% of modified SBF loading. Higher content than 20 wt% of SBF, improved the thermal conductivity of the biocomposites. Meanwhile, the lowest values were found when the VTMS is used. Besides, it was accompanied by a decrease in absorptivity due to the better interfacial adhesion SBF-PP.
Growth factors in the regulation of reparative response in the presence of peritoneal damage
Authors: Shurygina Irina A. , Shurygin Мichael G. , Rodionova Lubov V. , Ayushinova Nataliya I.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To study the expression of growth factors in the regulation of tissue repair after peritoneal damage tissue response to peritoneal damage.

Methods

Experimental study in 35 male Wistar rats determining the evolution over time of the tissue response to aseptic peritoneal damage. A standardized bowel and peritoneal lesions were created in the right lower quadrant by laparotomy. Then, tissular expression of growth factors was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction at seven timepoints between 6 h and 30 days, postoperatively.

Results

Tissular responses of granulocyte-stimulating factors (Csf2, Csf3), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), epidermal growth factors and receptor (Egf, Egfr), fibroblast growth factors (Fgf2, 7 and 10), heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf), hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf), insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1), mitogenic transforming growth factors (Tgfa, Tgfb1, Tgfbr3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) were biphasic with a first expression peak at day 3, followed by a more pronounced peak at day 14.

Conclusions

We observed a long-lasting, widespread response of tissular growth factors for at least two weeks after peritoneal damage. To be clinically effective, the prophylaxis of postoperative adhesions might be needed for an extended period of time.
Mechanistic insight into the interactions between thiazolidinedione derivatives and PTP-1B combining 3D QSAR and molecular docking in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Igunnu Adedoyin , Ambrose George Oche , Adigun Temidayo Olamide
Published: November 2020

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) regulate various cellular processes and represent important targets for therapeutic intervention in various diseases. Studies have shown that partial or total cessation of the PTP-1B gene in normal and diabetic mice has led to resistance to weight gain and improved insulin response. Also, a further study showed that inhibition of PTP-1B or a reduction in its cellular abundance in mice resulted in similar effects and, as such, provided a rationale for the treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinedione (TZD) derivatives have been identified as new PTP-1B inhibitors but the mechanism of interaction between TZD derivatives and PTP-1B is still elusive. In this study, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis was performed, including multiple linear regression (MLR) and cross-validation, on a set of TZD derivatives as antidiabetic agents. MLR analysis was performed on 23 PTP-1B TZD derivatives to determine the relationships between physicochemical properties and antidiabetic properties of TZD derivatives. The training data set creates a QSAR model with a correlation coefficient (R
2) of 0.8516, a Q
2 (Leave-One-Out) cross-validation factor of 0.6473, r
2 (correlation coefficient) for the external dataset is 0.8367 while r
2 of predicted dataset is 0.8934 by the MLR Method. The MLR model was also validated by the standardization approach. We observed a high correlation between predicted and observed activity (experimental values), thus confirming and proving the high quality of QSAR models. Finally, molecular docking analysis was performed to better understand the interactions between the PTP-1B target and TZD derivatives. The model proposed in this project can be used to design new TZD derivatives with specific PTP-1B inhibitory activity.
Structural and spectroscopic properties of 3-halogenobenzaldehydes: DFT and TDDFT simulations
Authors: Parlak Cemal , Atan Berna Sümeyra , Rhyman Lydia , Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: November 2020

Conformers of 3-halogenobenzaldehydes (3HB, halogen atom: F [3FB], Cl [3CB] and Br [3BB]) in the gas phase and solutions were studied using density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), B3LYP functional and MP2 method with 6–311+G(3df,p) and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. The present study aims to investigate the halogen and medium effects on the conformational stability, structural parameter, dipole moment, carbonyl stretching frequency, frontier molecular orbitals, band gap, absorption band and density of states. Carbonyl stretching frequencies were evaluated with some solvent models. All results will be useful for further analysis of halogen-substituted benzaldehydes.
How can we learn what attention is? Response gating via multiple direct routes kept in check by inhibitory control processes
Authors: Panis Sven
Published: November 2020

To explore the time course of space- and object-based attentional selection processes I analysed the shapes of the response time (RT) and accuracy distributions of left/right arrow identification responses in the two-rectangle paradigm. After cueing one of the four ends of two horizontally or vertically oriented rectangles the arrow typically appears at the cued location (valid), or sometimes at an uncued location in the same (invalid-same) or other rectangle (invalid-different). The data point to a multiple-route model in which (a) an informative cue generates response channel activation before arrow signals emerge, (b) the task-irrelevant arrow location is represented in multiple egocentric and allocentric reference frames around 150 ms after target onset, with the former including a reference frame centered on the currently attended location, (c) the task-irrelevant spatial codes activate premature response tendencies that are actively inhibited to allow gating of arrow direction signals, (d) after an invalid cue the onset of the arrow triggers an “attention shift” – acting between 150 and 240 ms after target onset – that strongly interferes with task performance in certain conditions (invalid-same cueing with horizontal rectangles, and invalid-different cueing with vertical rectangles), and (e) participants differ in which task-irrelevant codes they preferentially inhibit. These results pave the way for future confirmatory studies to temporally characterize and disentangle the contributions of different types of response channel activation processes, from those of reactive cognitive control processes including active and selective response suppression.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Thai version of the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire in patients with non-specific neck pain
Authors: Wiangkham Taweewat , Phungwattanakul Nattawan , Tedsombun Patcharin , Kongmee Isara , Suwanmongkhon Wanisara , Chidnok Weerapong
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) is a self-report, valid and reliable questionnaire to quantify fear and avoidance beliefs related to physical activity and work. Furthermore, it can be used to predict prolong disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Although it was originally developed to manage patients with low back pain, it has also been studied in individuals with neck pain. This questionnaire was translated into several languages following reports of potential benefits in patients with neck pain. Recently, Thai neck clinical trials, international multi-centre trials and data sharing are growing throughout the world but no validated Thai version of the FABQ is available for clinical and research uses. Our objectives were to translate and cross-culturally adapt the FABQ into Thai version and evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai patients with non-specific neck pain.

Methods

Cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the FABQ were conducted according to standard guidelines. A total of 129 participants with non-specific neck pain were invited to complete the Thai versions of the FABQ (FABQ-TH), neck disability index and visual analogue scale for pain intensity. Psychometric evaluation included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, agreement, and convergent validity. Thirty participants completed the FABQ-TH twice with a 48-h interval between tests to assess the test-retest reliability.

Results

Factor analysis identified four components for the FABQ-TH (66.69% of the total variance). The intraclass correlation coefficient of test-retest reliability was excellent for the total score (0.986), work attitudes (0.995), physical activity attitudes (0.958), physical activity experiences (0.927), and expected recovery (0.984). Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency was excellent (range 0.87–0.88) for all items. The minimal detectable change of the FABQ-TH was 5.85. The FABQ-TH correlated to its subscales (range 0.470–0.936), indicating the strongest association with work attitude. The weakest correlation was observed between the FABQ-TH and disability (r

s
=0.206, p=0.01). Missing data and significant floor or ceiling effects were not found.

Conclusions

The Thai version of the FABQ for non-specific neck pain was successfully adapted. It is a valid and reliable instrument to quantify fear and avoidance beliefs among patients with non-specific neck pain who speak and read Thai.
Estudio de las funciones de la atenuación en hablantes de Málaga con nivel de instrucción alto. Aproximación sociolingüística
Authors: Ávila-Muñoz Antonio , Rodríguez Cruces María
Published: November 2020

Mitigation is a pragmatic-linguistic category traditionally related to the theory of verbal politeness. Previous work on this issue has shown that conversational hedging is largely conditioned by the speaker’s identity (Albelda 2012, Cestero 2011, Samper 2017), that is why a deeper understanding of attenuating phenomena requires close attention to the social context underpinning communicative interactions. This paper advances some preliminary results from the ongoing research on discursive mitigation in the Malaga-PRESEEA spoken corpus. The analysis is centered on the underlying mitigating functions in the speech performance of a group of speakers with university education. Since one of our main objectives is contrastive, and previous solid research on attenuation has been carried out within the PRESEEA context, its methodological basis has been assumed (Albelda 2012, Cestero 2011, Samper 2017). Results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis from our data are partially similar to those obtained in previous studies: mitigation formulas are frequent among the well-educated speakers we have studied, especially those related to self-protection functions. Women—more than men—, and younger speakers—more than every other age-group—, tend to lead this use.
A simple silica based DNA isolation method for cell-free DNA analysis from liquid biopsy
Authors: Yalcinkaya Burhanettin , Coşkun Kübra , Akgoz Muslum , Pence Sadrettin
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a promising biomarker for cancer diagnostics. Blood is used as a liquid biopsy material which transports many types of biological components such as protein, circulating tumor cells, cfDNA, and extracellular RNA molecules. In this study, the yield and purity of extracted DNA were compared of seven different in-house DNA isolation methods and two different commercial kits from human blood samples.

Methods

Different in-house methods, guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) with silica method, phenol-chloroform-isoamylalcohol method-1, phenol-chloroform-isoamylalcohol method-2, phenol-chloroform-isoamylalcohol with ammonium acetate method, sodium N-lauryl sarcosine with glycogen method, sodium acetate method, sodium chloride with silica method and two different commercial kits “Quick-cfDNA serum & plasma kit” and “plasma/serum cell-free circulating DNA purification mini kit” were used. After DNA isolation, methods were compared with real time PCR technique (qPCR) and spectrophotometric methods.

Results

The results showed that the newly modified GuSCN with silica method gave much higher purity and yield than any other analyzed in-house isolation methods and commercial kits that were used.

Conclusions

The GuSCN with silica method is simple to set up, easy to use, inexpensive and environmentally safe. The method would be an alternative method for cfDNA isolation from liquid biopsy samples.
Kommunist, Häretiker, Rebell
Authors: Eichenberger Linda
Published: November 2020

Die moderne Religionsgeschichte hat Mazdak, Anführer einer sozioreligiösen Reformbewegung im Sasanidenreich, auf divergierende Weise konzeptualisiert. Insbesondere die diskrepanten Quellenhinweise auf angeblich von Mazdak geforderte Frauen- und Gütergemeinschaften eröffneten Spielraum, eigene, zumeist anachronistische und somit problematische Vorannahmen in Bezug auf das Verhältnis von sogenannten ‚sozialen‘ und ‚religiösen‘ Faktoren der Reformbewegung zu projizieren. Die in Bezug auf Mazdak besonders deutlich hervortretende Problematik nachträglicher Zuschreibungen und narrativer Überlagerungen unterstreicht die grundsätzliche Notwendigkeit, Forschungsgeschichte und Begrifflichkeiten konsequent zu historisieren, und schliesst damit an die übergeordnete Fragestellung an, wie historische Gegenstände (re-)konstruiert werden können.
Silver-coated three-core fiber Michelson interferometer for liquid-level measurement
Authors: Zheng Chen , Feng Wenlin , Yang Xiaozhan , Li Bangxing , Chen Zhi
Published: November 2020

The Michelson liquid-level sensor based on silver coated the end face of the three-core fiber reflection structure has been proposed to measure continuous or discrete liquid level. The Michelson interference structure can be obtained by the combination of the single-mode optical fiber and the three-core optical fiber with the silver film coated on the other end face of it. The inter-mode interference can be obtained by the fiber-core mismatch at the fusion joint. The liquid level can be measured by monitoring the dip wavelength shift of the interference spectrum. The results indicate that the sensitivity of the liquid-level sensor will decrease with the increasing sensing length. The sensing length of 30 mm is selected to investigate the performance of the sensor. The sensitivity of water level is reached as high as 392.83 pm/mm with an excellent linearity of 0.99946. Interestingly, the sensitivity of the sensor increases with the liquid refractive index and the sensitivity of the refractive index for NaCl solution is 4410.74 pm/mm/RIU. The performance of the sensor is very stable in the range of 20–90 °C. The maximum drift for temperature is 0.3001 nm. The sensor can be applied to the measurement of the liquid level in different environments.