bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women with an open mind and chest: an experience report
Authors: Costa Gabriela Oliveira Parentes da , Santos Antonia Gonçalves dos , Ribeiro Aclênia Maria Nascimento , Cruz Francisca Maria Pereira da , Pinto Nayara Vanele Ribeiro , Jansen Ricardo Clayton Silva , Pacheco Edildete Sene , Baldoino Luciana Stanford , Ferreira Maria Tamires Alves , Nascimento Filha Maria do Socorro Marques do , Senna Laíse Virgínia Soares , Silva Fernanda Mendes Dantas e , Oliveira Nadja Vanessa Dias de , Oliveira Elton Filipe Pinheiro de
Published: October 2020

Objective: To spread knowledge about breast cancer to women in a vulnerable community. Methodology: For the description of this research, we opted for the descriptive and qualitative approach, the type of experience report. The experience took place through the execution of an extension project developed in the city of Coelho Neto, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, with 40 women and 3 three men. The activities developed were based on Freirian thinking, since it describes that knowledge must be passed on in an integrative and interactive way, making education with the other and not for the other. To support the synthesis of the experience, articles published in the journal Research, Society and Development were selected. Results: When asked about which of the participants had already undergone the mammogram, only two said they had already undergone the exam, the others reported not even knowing where to go to request the referral. There are several factors that lead the individual to develop breast cancer. Invited to describe the AEM, with the support of the material made by them, none of the women (or men) present knew how to perform the technique. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge about breast cancer among women and men participating in the conversation circle showed the fragility of preventing this type of cancer in the municipality where the extension project was developed. There is a need for more spaces that promote health education in order to favor comprehensive community care, as it expands its knowledge.
Distribuição espacial e caracterização dos casos de doença de Chagas no Estado do Maranhão, Brasil no período de 2008 a 2018
Authors: Gomes Laércio da Silva , Silva Júnior Francisco Tiago dos Santos , Matos Luis Felipe Lima , Nunes Daniel Barbosa , Feitosa Eduardo Lima , Oliveira Evaldo Hipólito de
Published: October 2020

Esse trabalho refere-se a um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo e descritivo de cunho populacional, se empregou dados secundários de casos de portadores de DCA ocorridos entre os anos de 2008 a 2018 (n= 59) no estado no Maranhão – Brasil. Esses dados encontram se completos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). As informações foram viabilizadas no site do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Os dados cartográficos, ou seja, o mapa digital com a malha dos municípios do MA, foram obtidos pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) em arquivo compatível com o software Terra View 4.2.2. Entre 2008 a 2018, de acordo com o SINAN, no Maranhão, observou-se um total de 59 casos confirmados de DCA, com maior prevalência no sexo masculino, na faixa etária entre 20 e 39 anos, a contaminação oral é a principal forma de transmissão 89,8 dos casos evoluíram para a cura e 91,5% dos casos foram confirmados através do exame laboratorial. A distribuição da doença ocorreu de forma heterogenia, possivelmente pela dinâmica demográfica do município. Ademias, a doença de Chagas permanece como um importante problema de saúde no estado do Maranhão e os aspectos locais influenciam na distribuição mensal dos casos confirmado, apresentou ainda diferença faixa etária acometida e o tratamento empregado pelo governo é satisfatório. Observou-se diferentes relações entre as variáveis estudadas e a ocorrência da doença, muitas corroboram com os dados da literatura.
Calcium Dependencies of Regulated Exocytosis in Different Endocrine Cells
Authors: DOLENŠEK J. , SKELIN M. , RUPNIK M. S.
Published: October 2020

Exocytotic machinery in neuronal and endocrine tissues is sensitive to changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Endocrine cell models, that are most frequently used to study the mechanisms of regulated exocytosis, are pancreatic beta cells, adrenal chromaffin cells and pituitary cells. To reliably study the Ca2+ sensitivity in endocrine cells, accurate and fast determination of Ca2+ dependence in each tested cell is required. With slow photo-release it is possible to induce ramp-like increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) that leads to a robust exocytotic activity. Slow increases in the [Ca2+]i revealed exocytotic phases with different Ca2+ sensitivities that have been largely masked in step-like flash photo-release experiments. Strikingly, in the cells of the three described model endocrine tissues (beta, chromaffin and melanotroph cells), distinct Ca2+ sensitivity ‘classes’ of secretory vesicles have been observed: a highly Ca2+-sensitive, a medium Ca2+-sensitive and a low Ca2+-sensitive kinetic phase of secretory vesicle exocytosis. We discuss that a physiological modulation of a cellular activity, e.g. by activating cAMP/PKA transduction pathway, can switch the secretory vesicles between Ca2+ sensitivity classes. This significantly alters late steps in the secretory release of hormones even without utilization of an additional Ca2+ sensor protein.
Response of Human HTB140 Melanoma Cells to Conventional Radiation and Hadrons
Authors: RISTIĆ-FIRA A. , TODOROVIĆ D. , ŽAKULA J. , KETA O. , CIRRONE P. , CUTTONE G. , PETROVIĆ I.
Published: October 2020

Conventional radiotherapy with X- and γ-rays is one of the common and effective treatments of cancer. High energy hadrons, i.e., charged particles like protons and 12C ions, due to their specific physics and radiobiological advantages are increasingly used. In this study, effectiveness of different radiation types is evaluated on the radio-resistant human HTB140 melanoma cells. The cells were irradiated with -rays, the 62 MeV protons at the Bragg peak and in the middle of the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP), as well as with the 62 MeV/u 12C ions. The doses ranged from 2 to 24 Gy. Cell survival and proliferation were assessed 7 days after irradiation, whereas apoptosis was evaluated after 48 h. The acquired results confirmed the high radio-resistance of cells, showing better effectiveness of protons than γ-rays. The best efficiency was obtained with 12C ions due to higher linear energy transfer. All analyzed radiation qualities reduced cell proliferation. The highest proliferation was detected for 12C ions because of their large killing capacity followed by small induction of reparable lesions. This enabled unharmed cells to preserve proliferative activity. Irradiations with protons and 12C ions revealed similar moderate pro-apoptotic ability that is in agreement with the level of cellular radio-resistance.
W.B. Yeats the Choreographer: Composition in the Manuscripts of At the Hawk's Well and The Only Jealousy of Emer
Authors: Szuts Melinda
Published: October 2020

This article investigates how William Butler Yeats's interest in, and professional engagement with, modern dance affected the dramaturgical composition of his plays. Instead of focusing on individual dancers' contributions to the dance plays' previous performances, the analysis discusses compositional features that have hitherto gained little critical attention: the plays' use of performance space and stage movement. The main argument of the article is that resulting from his practical experimentation with dance and movement in performance, Yeats's dramaturgical technique changed substantially, and acquired a choreographic quality, which made stage movement and corporeality just as important in his plays' composition as verbal expression. To demonstrate how Yeats's compositional technique evolved between the years of 1916 and 1919, the essay discusses the textual development of two of his early dance plays, At the Hawk's Well and The Only Jealousy of Emer, based on the scrutiny of their extant manuscript materials and performance scripts.
Ensemble Machine Learning Approach Improves Predicted Spatial Variation of Surface Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in Data-Limited Northern Circumpolar Region
Authors: Mishra Umakant , Gautam Sagar , Riley William J. , Hoffman Forrest M.
Published: October 2020

Various approaches of differing mathematical complexities are being applied for spatial prediction of soil properties. Regression kriging is a widely used hybrid approach of spatial variation that combines correlation between soil properties and environmental factors with spatial autocorrelation between soil observations. In this study, we compared four machine learning approaches (gradient boosting machine, multinarrative adaptive regression spline, random forest, and support vector machine) with regression kriging to predict the spatial variation of surface (0–30 cm) soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks at 250-m spatial resolution across the northern circumpolar permafrost region. We combined 2,374 soil profile observations (calibration datasets) with georeferenced datasets of environmental factors (climate, topography, land cover, bedrock geology, and soil types) to predict the spatial variation of surface SOC stocks. We evaluated the prediction accuracy at randomly selected sites (validation datasets) across the study area. We found that different techniques inferred different numbers of environmental factors and their relative importance for prediction of SOC stocks. Regression kriging produced lower prediction errors in comparison to multinarrative adaptive regression spline and support vector machine, and comparable prediction accuracy to gradient boosting machine and random forest. However, the ensemble median prediction of SOC stocks obtained from all four machine learning techniques showed highest prediction accuracy. Although the use of different approaches in spatial prediction of soil properties will depend on the availability of soil and environmental datasets and computational resources, we conclude that the ensemble median prediction obtained from multiple machine learning approaches provides greater spatial details and produces the highest prediction accuracy. Thus an ensemble prediction approach can be a better choice than any single prediction technique for predicting the spatial variation of SOC stocks.
Vertical Root Distribution of Different Cover Crops Determined with the Profile Wall Method
Authors: Kemper Roman , Bublitz Tábata A. , Müller Phillip , Kautz Timo , Döring Thomas F. , Athmann Miriam
Published: October 2020

Many benefits of cover crops such as prevention of nitrate leaching, erosion reduction, soil organic carbon enhancement and improvement of soil structure are associated with roots. However, including root characteristics as a criterion for cover crop selection requires more knowledge on their root growth dynamics. Seven cover crop species (crimson clover, winter rye, bristle oats, blue lupin, oil radish, winter turnip rape and phacelia) were grown in a two-year organically managed field experiment in Germany to screen them for root intensity and vertical root distribution. Root length density (RLD) and proportion of root length in large-sized biopores were determined before and after winter with the profile wall method. RLD and cumulative root length were analysed using a three-parameter logistic function, and a logistic dose-response function, respectively. Fibrous rooted winter rye and crimson clover showed high RLD in topsoil and had a shallow cumulative root distribution. Their RLD increased further during winter in topsoil and subsoil. The crops with the highest RLD in the subsoil were taprooted oil radish, winter turnip rape and phacelia. Bristle oat had intermediate features. Blue lupin had low RLD in topsoil and subsoil. Phacelia, oil radish, winter turnip rape and bristle oat showed the highest share of root length in biopores. These complementary root characteristics suggest that combining cover crops of different root types in intercropping may be used to enhance overall RLD for maximizing cover crop benefits.
Agricultural Risk Management Using Fuzzy TOPSIS Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Authors: Zandi Peyman , Rahmani Mohammad , Khanian Mojtaba , Mosavi Amir
Published: October 2020

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a popular technique in reliability analyses. In a typical FMEA, there are three risk factors for each failure modes: Severity (S), occurrence (O), and detectability (D). These will be included in calculating a risk priority number (RPN) multiplying the three aforementioned factors. The literature review reveals some noticeable efforts to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional FMEA. The objective of this paper is to extend the application of FMEA to risk management for agricultural projects. For this aim, the factor of severity in traditional FMEA is broken down into three sub-factors that include severity on cost, the severity on time, and severity on the quality of the project. Moreover, in this study, a fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) integrated with a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to address the limitations of the traditional FMEA. A sensitivity analysis was done by weighing the risk assessment factors. The results confirm the capability of this Hybrid-FMEA in addressing several drawbacks of the traditional FMEA application. The risk assessment factors changed the risk priority between the different projects by affecting the weights. The risk of water and energy supplies and climate fluctuations and pests were the most critical risk in agricultural projects. Risk control measures should be applied according to the severity of each risk. Some of this research’s contributions can be abstracted as identifying and classifying the risks of investment in agricultural projects and implementing the extended FMEA and multicriteria decision-making methods for analyzing the risks in the agriculture domain for the first time. As a management tool, the proposed model can be used in similar fields for risk management of various investment projects.
Defense Enzymes in Mycorrhizal Tomato Plants Exposed to Combined Drought and Heat Stresses
Authors: Haddidi Imane , Duc Nguyen Hong , Tonk Szende , Rápó Eszter , Posta Katalin
Published: October 2020

As a result of climate change, drought and heat significantly reduced plant growth. Therefore, this study aims to explore and provide more insight into the effect of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, and Funneliformis coronatum) on tomato plant tolerance against combined drought and heat stress, as well as combined drought and heat shock. A pot experiment was performed under controlled conditions in a growth chamber at 26/20 °C with a 16/8 h photoperiod. After six weeks of growth, one-third of plants were put in non-stress conditions, while another one-third were subjected to combined drought and heat stress (40% field capacity for two weeks and 38 °C/16 h and 30 °C/8 h for 5 days). The rest of the plants were exposed to combined drought and heat shock (40% of field capacity for two weeks and 45 °C for 6 h at the end of the drought period). All data were evaluated by one- and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were compared by Duncan’s post hoc test at p < 0.05. The obtained results showed that combined drought and heat stresses had no significant impact on root colonization. Furthermore, stressed AMF plants exhibited a decrease in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content in the cells and showed changes in defense enzyme activities (peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) in leaves as well as in roots compared with their relative non-mycorrhizal plants.
A Midwest USA Perspective on Von Cossel et al.’s Prospects of Bioenergy Cropping Systems for a More Social-Ecologically Sound Bioeconomy
Authors: Moore Kenneth J. , Kling Catherine Louise , Raman D. Raj
Published: October 2020

Bioenergy cropping systems afford the prospect to provide a more socially and ecologically sustainable bioeconomy. By creating opportunities to diversify agroecosystems, bioenergy crops can be used to fulfill multiple functions in addition to providing more environmentally benign fuels. Bioenergy crops can be assembled into cropping systems that provide both food and energy and which also provide cleaner water, improved soil quality, increased carbon sequestration, and increased biological diversity. In so doing, they improve the resilience of agroecosystems and reduce risks associated with climate change. Beyond the farmgate, bioenergy crops can improve the economic prospects of rural communities by creating new jobs and providing opportunities for local investment.
Coupling of Biochar with Nitrogen Supplements Improve Soil Fertility, Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency and Rapeseed Growth
Authors: Khan Zaid , Zhang Kangkang , Khan Mohammad Nauman , Fahad Shah , Xu Zhenghua , Hu Liyong
Published: October 2020

Compensating nitrogen input and increasing nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) are necessary for sustainable crop production. Research studies on the co-application of biochar and nitrogen to promote rapeseed growth, soil fertility, and improve nutrient utilization efficiency are found to be limited. This study aims to examine the integral effects of biochar and nitrogen over soil fertility, rapeseed growth and nitrogen utilization efficiency. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to assess various morphological, physiological and biochemical traits of rapeseed and soil chemical properties under the application of four nitrogen levels (0, 75, 225, and 450 kg ha−1 equivalent to 0, 133, 400 and 800 mg nitrogen pot−1) and four biochar levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 MT ha−1 equivalent to 0, 10, 20 and 30 g biochar pot−1 soil by weight basis). The results of this study showed that the integral application of biochar at 30 g pot−1 and nitrogen at 800 mg pot−1 at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and 60 days after sowing (DAS) compensated the amount of nitrogen and increased soil organic carbon (SOC 69%), total nitrogen accumulation (TNA) (93% and 62%), leaf biomass (60% and 33%), stem biomass (20% and 22%) and photosynthesis (20% and 17%) at 45 DAS and 60 DAS, respectively as compared to a single application of nitrogen. However, under the conditions of no nitrogen or 75 kg ha−1 nitrogen application, the application of biochar to promote the growth of rapeseed plants is limited due to the less nitrogen supply. In contrast, the application of nitrogen at 800 mg pot−1 and biochar at 10 or 20 g pot−1 showed that the growth of early seedlings was adversely affected due to high nitrogen concentration in soil. The findings of the present study imply that within the appropriate nitrogen application range, the interaction of biochar and nitrogen might have an economical approach towards better utilization of nitrogen and sustainable crop production.
Evaluation of the Light Environment of a Plant Factory with Artificial Light by Using an Optical Simulation
Authors: Saito Kota , Ishigami Yasuhiro , Goto Eiji
Published: October 2020

Good lighting designs can establish suitable light environments in plant factories with artificial light (PFALs). This study used optical simulations to investigate the effects of lighting designs in PFALs on the coefficient of variation of light absorption (Φp; CV) of individual plants and the coefficient of utilization for the lighting system (U). Three-dimensional models of canola plants were constructed using a scanner, and a 3D model of the cultivation shelf was also created. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) distribution in the cultivation spaces, with or without the canola plants, was estimated first. The PPFD on the canola leaves was then estimated when the lighting design parameters, such as number, distance, height, radiant flux, and light distribution of the light-emitting diode lamps, were modified. The optical simulation showed good accuracy when estimating the PPFD distributions on the cultivation shelf and the leaves of the canola plants. The results showed that while the PPFD distribution across the growing area was uniform, it was not on a plant canopy. By appropriately controlling the layout of the lamps and their directionality, lighting designs that reduce Φp; CV and improve U in PFAL could be possible, and optical simulations could help to develop them.
Point-of-Care Testing for Pharyngitis in the Pharmacy
Authors: Essack Sabiha , Bell John , Burgoyne Douglas , Tongrod Wirat , Duerden Martin , Sessa Aurelio , Altiner Attila , Shephard Adrian
Published: October 2020

Pharyngitis (also known as sore throat) is a common, predominately viral, self-limiting condition which can be symptomatically managed without antibiotic treatment. Inappropriate antibiotic use for pharyngitis contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, a small proportion of sore throats caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) infection may benefit from the provision of antibiotics. Establishing the cause of infection is therefore an important step in effective antibiotic stewardship. Point-of-care (POC) tests, where results are available within minutes, can distinguish between viral and GAS pharyngitis and can therefore guide treatment in primary healthcare settings such as community pharmacies, which are often the first point of contact with the healthcare system. In this opinion article, the evidence for the use of POC testing in the community pharmacy has been discussed. Evidence suggests that pharmacy POC testing can promote appropriate antibiotic use and reduce the need for general practitioner consultations. Challenges to implementation include cost, training and ‘who prescribes’, with country and regional differences presenting a particular issue. Despite these challenges, POC testing for pharyngitis has become widely available in pharmacies in some countries and may represent a strategy to contain antibiotic resistance and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship.
β-Lytic Protease of Lysobacter capsici VKM B-2533T
Authors: Afoshin Alexey S. , Konstantinov Mihail A. , Toropygin Ilya Yu. , Kudryakova Irina V. , Vasilyeva Natalia V.
Published: October 2020

Bacteriolytic enzymes are promising antimicrobial agents for developing new-generation drugs. Recently, we have isolated a β-lytic protease (BlpLc) from the culture liquid of Lysobacter capsici VKM B-2533T. This BlpLc possesses a valuable property, not described for β-lytic proteases (Blps) earlier, of hydrolyzing living cells of Staphylococcus aureus 55 MRSA clinical isolate. This work phylogenetically characterized the BlpLc and investigated its properties. Analysis revealed a variability of pre-/pro-parts of Blp precursors. The mature BlpLc is the closest to the earlier annotated but not isolated Blp from Lysobacter sp. Root690. The biochemical characterization found conditions for the BlpLc general bacteriolytic activity relative to autoclaved S. aureus 209P cells to differ from that of earlier isolated Blp. Unexpected was the effect of serine (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)) and cysteine (p-chloromercuribenzoate (p-CMB)) protease inhibitors on BlpLc bacteriolytic and proteolytic activities. The specificity of BlpLc proteolytic action relative to hemoglobin, elastin, gelatin, collagen, azofibrin, myoglobin, ovalbumin, and ovamucoid was found. New types of peptide bonds—Gly-X, Ser-X, Lys-X, Ala-X, Val-X, Glu-X, and Phe-X—hydrolyzed by the enzyme in protein substrates were first revealed using MALDI-TOF. Turbidimetrically, the BlpLc was found to lyze living cells of S. aureus 209P, Micrococcus luteus B1819, and M. roseus B1236, which is important for expanding the enzyme’s applied properties.
Post-Translational S-Nitrosylation of Proteins in Regulating Cardiac Oxidative Stress
Authors: Shi Xiaomeng , Qiu Hongyu
Published: October 2020

Like other post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, S-nitrosylation has been considered a key regulatory mechanism of multiple cellular functions in many physiological and disease conditions. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that S-nitrosylation plays a crucial role in regulating redox homeostasis in the stressed heart, leading to discoveries in the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of heart diseases and cardiac protection. In this review, we summarize recent studies in understanding the molecular and biological basis of S-nitrosylation, including the formation, spatiotemporal specificity, homeostatic regulation, and association with cellular redox status. We also outline the currently available methods that have been applied to detect S-nitrosylation. Additionally, we synopsize the up-to-date studies of S-nitrosylation in various cardiac diseases in humans and animal models, and we discuss its therapeutic potential in cardiac protection. These pieces of information would bring new insights into understanding the role of S-nitrosylation in cardiac pathogenesis and provide novel avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies for heart diseases.
Use of a Zwitterionic Surfactant to Improve the Biofunctional Properties of Wool Dyed with an Onion (Allium cepa L.) Skin Extract
Authors: Puri Chiara , Pucciarini Lucia , Tiecco Matteo , Brighenti Virginia , Volpi Claudia , Gargaro Marco , Germani Raimondo , Pellati Federica , Sardella Roccaldo , Clementi Catia
Published: October 2020

To improve the loadability and antioxidant properties of wool impregnated with onion skin extract, the introduction of SB3-14 surfactant in the dyeing process was evaluated. A preliminary investigation on the surfactant–quercetin interaction indicated that the optimal conditions for dye solubility, stability, and surfactant affinity require double-distilled water (pH = 5.5) as a medium and SB3-14 in a concentration above the c.m.c. (2.5 × 10−3 M). The absorption profile of textiles showed the flavonoid absorption band (390 nm) and a bathochromic feature (510 nm), suggesting flavonoid aggregates. The higher absorbance for the sample dyed with SB3-14 indicated greater dye uptake, which was further confirmed by HPLC analysis. The Folin–Ciocalteu method was applied to evaluate the total phenol content (TPC) released from the treated wool, while the assays FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC were applied to evaluate the corresponding total antioxidant activity (TAC). Higher TPCs (about 20%) and TACs (5–55%) were measured with SB3-14, highlighting textiles with improved biofunctional properties. Spectrophotometric analyses were also performed with an artificial sweat. The potential cytotoxic effect of SB3-14 in both monomeric and aggregated forms, cell viability, and induction of apoptosis were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. These analyses revealed that SB3-14 is safe at concentrations below the c.m.c.
Heavy Metal Immobilization Studies and Enhancement in Geotechnical Properties of Cohesive Soils by EICP Technique
Authors: Moghal Arif Ali Baig , Lateef Mohammed Abdul , Abu Sayeed Mohammed Syed , Ahmad Munir , Usman Adel R.A. , Almajed Abdullah
Published: October 2020

Soil treatment methods to cope with ever-growing demands of construction industry and environmental aspects are always explored for their suitability in different in-situ conditions. Of late, enzyme induced calcite precipitation (EICP) is gaining importance as a reliable technique to improve soil properties and for contaminant remediation scenarios. In the present work, swelling and permeability characteristics of two native Indian cohesive soils (Black and Red) are explored. Experiments on the sorption and desorption of multiple heavy metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) onto these soils were conducted to understand the sorptive response of the heavy metals. To improve the heavy metal retention capacity and enhance swelling and permeability characteristics, the selected soils were treated with different enzyme solutions. The results revealed that EICP technique could immobilize the heavy metals in selected soils to a significant level and reduce the swelling and permeability. This technique is contaminant selective and performance varies with the nature and type of heavy metal used. Citric acid (C6H8O7) and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) were used as extractants in the present study to study the desorption response of heavy metals for different EICP conditions. The results indicate that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitate deposited in the voids of soil has the innate potential in reducing the permeability of soil up to 47-fold and swelling pressure by 4-fold at the end of 21 days of curing period. Reduction in permeability and swell, following EICP treatment can be maintained with one time rinsing of the treated soil in water to avoid dissolution of precipitated CaCO3. Outcomes of this study have revealed that EICP technique can be adopted on selected native soils to reduce swelling and permeability characteristics followed by enhanced contaminant remediation enabling their potential as excellent landfill liner materials.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Prediction of Dynamic Changes in Solution from Bioleaching by Indigenous Acidophilic Bacteria
Authors: Kang Jin-Kyu , Cho Kang-Hee , Kim Song-Bae , Choi Nag-Choul
Published: October 2020

In this study, indigenous acidophilic bacteria living in mine drainage and hot acidic spring were collected and used for bioleaching experiments. The incubated indigenous acidophilic bacteria were inoculated on various minerals. The changes in pH, Eh, and heavy metal concentrations were examined with uninoculated controls to study bioleaching over time. As a result, the aspects of bioleaching varied greatly depending on the origin of microorganisms, the type of minerals, the temperature conditions, etc. We applied an ANN model to express and predict these complex bioleaching trends. Through the application of an ANN model, we developed the ANN models that can predict the changes in concentration of pH, Eh, and heavy metal ion concentrations and further evaluated predictability. Through this, the predictability of bioleaching using the ANN models can be confirmed. However, we also identified limitations, showing that further testing and application of the ANN models in more diverse experimental conditions are needed to improve the predictability of the ANN models.
The Cluster Computation-Based Hybrid FEM–Analytical Model of Induction Motor for Fault Diagnostics
Authors: Asad Bilal , Vaimann Toomas , Belahcen Anouar , Kallaste Ants , Rassõlkin Anton , Iqbal M. Naveed
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a hybrid finite element method (FEM)–analytical model of a three-phase squirrel cage induction motor solved using parallel processing for reducing the simulation time. The growing development in artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can lead towards more reliable diagnostic algorithms. The biggest challenge for AI techniques is that they need a big amount of data under various conditions to train them. These data are difficult to obtain from the industries because they contain low numbers of possible faulty cases, as well as from laboratories because a limited number of motors can be broken for testing purposes. The only feasible solution is mathematical models, which in the long run can become part of advanced diagnostic techniques. The benefits of analytical and FEM models for their speed and accuracy respectively can be exploited by making a hybrid model. Moreover, the concept of cloud computing can be utilized to reduce the simulation time of the FEM model. In this paper, a hybrid model being solved on multiple processors in a parallel fashion is presented. The results depict that by dividing the rotor steps among several processors working in parallel, the simulation time reduces considerably. The simulation results under healthy and broken rotor bar cases are compared with those taken from a laboratory setup for validation.
Structural Effects of Anomalous Current Densities on Manganese Hexacyanoferrate for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mullaliu Angelo , Belin Stéphanie , Stievano Lorenzo , Giorgetti Marco , Passerini Stefano
Published: October 2020

A battery management system (BMS) plays a pivotal role in providing optimal performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the eventual malfunction of the BMS may lead to safety hazards or reduce the remaining useful life of LIBs. Manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) was employed as the positive electrode material in a Li-ion half-cell and subjected to five cycles at high current densities (10 A gMnHCF−1) and to discharge at 0.1 A gMnHCF−1, instead of classical charge/discharge cycling with initial positive polarization at 0.01 A gMnHCF−1, to simulate a current sensor malfunctioning and to evaluate the electrochemical and structural effects on MnHCF. The operando set of spectra at the Mn and Fe K-edges was further analyzed through multivariate curve resolution analysis with an alternating least squares algorithm (MCR–ALS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to investigate the structural modifications arising during cycling after the applied electrochemical protocol. The coulombic efficiency in the first cycle was dramatically affected; however, the local structural environment around each photo absorber recovered during charging. The identification of an additional spectral contribution in the electrochemical process was achieved through MCR-ALS analysis, and the Mn-local asymmetry was thoroughly explored via EXAFS analysis.
The California Bearing Ratio and Pore Structure Characteristics of Weakly Expansive Soil in Frozen Areas
Authors: Li Tianguo , Kong Lingwei , Liu Bingheng
Published: October 2020

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of weakly expansive soil is specially relevant to its expansibility. The mechanisms affecting the bearing strength, in terms of the CBR, of weakly expansive soil that could be used as embankments filler are worth studying. In the present study, the effects of compaction energy on the compaction characteristics and CBR value were investigated. Additionally, the pore size distributions of soils with different compaction degrees were studied with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the pore size distribution of soils with different compaction degrees was considered. Subsequently, the mechanisms influencing the CBR were analyzed at both the macroscale and microscale. A linear relationship between the CBR value and compaction degree was determined, characterizing the gradual variation of expansive soils with different moisture contents. With increasing freeze–thaw cycles, the volume of micropores decreased and mesopores increased, causing the CBR value to decrease. The expansion was a dominant factor for the CBR values. The CBR values rose with an increase in micropores and decreased with an increase in pore volume. It was considered that the tested weakly expansive soil could be used as an embankment filler in frozen areas.
Quantification of Energy-Related Parameters for Near-Fault Pulse-Like Seismic Ground Motions
Authors: AlShawa Omar , Angelucci Giulia , Mollaioli Fabrizio , Quaranta Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

An energy-based approach facilitates the explicit consideration of the damage associated with both maximum displacements and cumulative plastic deformations under earthquakes. For structural systems that can undergo pulse-like seismic ground motions close to causative faults, an energy-based approach is deemed especially appropriate with respect to well-established force- or displacement-based strategies. In such a case, in fact, most of the damage is attributable to the dominant pulse-like component, which usually occurs into the velocity time history of the seismic ground motion, thus implying high energy levels imparted to a structural system. In order to enable the implementation of an energy-based approach in the analysis and design of structures under near-fault pulse-like seismic ground motions, this study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation about the influence of seismological parameters and hysteretic behavior on the spectra of the following energy-related parameters: inelastic absolute and relative input energy; input energy reduction factor; hysteretic energy dissipation demand; hysteretic energy reduction factor; dimensionless cumulative plastic deformation ratio. Closed-form approximations are proposed for these spectra, and the numerical values of the corresponding parameters have been also calibrated (with reference to both mean and standard deviation values) as functions of earthquake magnitude, type of hysteretic behavior (i.e., non-degrading or degrading) and ductility level. The outcomes of this study are meant to support the derivation of design spectra for the energy-based seismic design of structures under near-fault pulse-like seismic ground motions.
Element-Specific Magnetization Dynamics of Complex Magnetic Systems Probed by Ultrafast Magneto-Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: von Korff Schmising Clemens , Willems Felix , Sharma Sangeeta , Yao Kelvin , Borchert Martin , Hennecke Martin , Schick Daniel , Radu Ilie , Strüber Christian , Engel Dieter W. , Shokeen Vishal , Buck Jens , Bagschik Kai , Viefhaus Jens , Hartmann Gregor , Manschwetus Bastian , Grunewald Soeren , Düsterer Stefan , Jal Emmanuelle , Vodungbo Boris , Lüning Jan , Eisebitt Stefan
Published: October 2020

The vision to manipulate and control magnetism with light is driven on the one hand by fundamental questions of direct and indirect photon-spin interactions, and on the other hand by the necessity to cope with ever growing data volumes, requiring radically new approaches on how to write, read and process information. Here, we present two complementary experimental geometries to access the element-specific magnetization dynamics of complex magnetic systems via ultrafast magneto-optical spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. First, we employ linearly polarized radiation of a free electron laser facility to demonstrate decoupled dynamics of the two sublattices of an FeGd alloy, a prerequisite for all-optical magnetization switching. Second, we use circularly polarized radiation generated in a laboratory-based high harmonic generation setup to show optical inter-site spin transfer in a CoPt alloy, a mechanism which only very recently has been predicted to mediate ultrafast metamagnetic phase transitions.
Effect of Red Blood Cell Aging In Vivo on Their Aggregation Properties In Vitro: Measurements with Laser Tweezers
Authors: Ermolinskiy Petr , Lugovtsov Andrei , Yaya François , Lee Kisung , Kaestner Lars , Wagner Christian , Priezzhev Alexander
Published: October 2020

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation highly influences hemorheology and blood microcirculation in the human body. The aggregation properties of RBCs can vary due to numerous factors, including RBC age. The aim of this work was to estimate in vitro the differences in the RBC aggregation properties of different RBC age populations in single-cell experiments using laser tweezers. RBCs from five healthy volunteers were separated into four subpopulations by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Each subpopulation of the RBC was separately resuspended in autologous plasma or dextran 70 kDa (50 mg/mL). The aggregation force between the single cells was measured with holographic laser tweezers. The obtained data demonstrated an enhancement of RBC aggregation force in doublets with age: the older the cells, the higher the aggregation force. The obtained data revealed the differences between the aggregation and aggregability of RBC in dependence of the RBC in vivo age.
Gas Heating Mechanisms in Atmospheric Pressure Helium Dielectric-Barrier Discharges Driven by a kHz Power Source
Authors: Lin Kun-Mo , Wang Kai-Cheng , Chang Yao-Sheng , Chuang Shun-Yu
Published: October 2020

The present work investigates contributions of different heating mechanisms and power efficiency of atmospheric-pressure helium dielectric-barrier discharges (APHeDBDs) containing a small amount of N2 for temperature measurements by developing the numerical methodology combining the one-dimensional (1D) plasma fluid model (PFM) and 3D gas flow model (GFM) with simulated results validated by measurements including the discharge power consumption and temperature distribution. The discharge dynamics are modeled by the 1D PFM for evaluating the average heating source considering elastic collision, ion Joule heating, and exothermic reactions as the source term of energy equation solved in the 3D GFM. The simulated current density reaches 29 A m−2 which is close to that measured as 35 A m−2. The simulated power consumption is 2.0 W which is in good agreement with the average measured power consumption as 2.1 W. The simulated average gas temperature in the reactive zone is around 346 K which is also close to the rotational temperature determined. The analysis shows that elastic collision and ion Joule heating are dominant heating mechanisms contributing 23.9% and 65.8% to the heating source, respectively. Among ion species, N2+ and N4+ are dominant species contributing 44.1% and 50.7% to the heating source of ion Joule heating, respectively. The simulated average total heating source is around 5.6 × 105 W m−3 with the maximum reaching 3.5 × 106 W m−3 in the sheath region due to the contribution of ion Joule heating.
Laser and LED Hybrid Plant Lighting System Design Based on the Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Huang Yongping , Ma Jianshe
Published: October 2020

This paper developed light-emitting diode (LED) and laser models suitable for the design of uniform surface irradiation systems that use computer algorithms. During the evaluation factor for a two-dimensional particle swarm algorithm, the effects of energy utilization and uniformity were comprehensively considered and LED and laser models were given. The optimal design method was used with a laser and LED hybrid light source. According to the lighting requirements of lettuce, three types of lighting were simulated for the LED and laser models, and the best simulation results were selected for experiments. The experiment verified the feasibility of the above method and obtained a laser and LED hybrid lighting system with an energy utilization rate of about 78% and a uniformity of up to 85%.
Influence of Haptic Sensory Input through Different Kinds of Clothing on Gait Performance
Authors: Oshita Kazushige , Yano Sumio
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effects of haptic sensory input by different types of clothing worn on gait performance. Twelve healthy men performed normal and tandem gait tests with blindfolds under three different clothing conditions: (1) wearing only half tights (HT); (2) wearing a skirt-like draped outfit such as a cotton cloth wrapped around the waist and extended to the lower leg (DC); and (3) wearing a trouser-like outfit such as tracksuit bottoms (TS). Although gait speed was significantly increased in DC as compared with HT, this was not observed in TS. Missteps during tandem gait were significantly reduced with DC. In addition, DC made walking easier for individuals as compared with TS. These findings suggest that wearing a skirt-like outfit such as kilts in Scotland or the hakama in Japan may provide haptic sensory cues to enhance individuals’ perceptions of their body orientation as compared with trouser-like clothing that is in continuous contact with the legs.
An Adaptive Bayesian Melding Method for Reliability Evaluation Via Limited Failure Data: An Application to the Servo Turret
Authors: Sun Bo , Yang Zhaojun , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Chen Chuanhai , Tian Hailong , Luo Wei
Published: October 2020

In the early stage of product development, reliability evaluation is an indispensable step before launching a product onto the market. It is not realistic to evaluate the reliability of a new product by a host of reliability tests due to the limiting factors of time and test costs. Evaluating the reliability of products in a short time is a challenging problem. In this paper, an approach is proposed that combines a group of experts’ judgments and limited failure data. Novel features of this approach are that it can reflect various kinds of information without considering the individual weight and reduces aggregation error in the uncertainty quantification of multiple inconsistent pieces of information. First, an expert system is established by the Bayesian best–worst method and fuzzy logic inference, which collects and aggregates a group of expert opinions to estimate the reliability improvement factor. Then, an adaptive Bayesian melding method is investigated to generate a posterior by inaccurate prior knowledge and limited test data; this method is made more computationally efficient by implementing an improved sampling importance resampling algorithm. Finally, an application for the reliability evaluation of a subsystem of a CNC lathe is discussed to illustrate the framework, which is shown to validate the reasonability and robustness of our proposal.
Application of TOPSIS Approach to Multi-Criteria Selection of Wind Turbines for On-Shore Sites
Authors: Rehman Shafiqur , Khan Salman A. , Alhems Luai M.
Published: October 2020

The remarkable developments in renewable energy at the global scale have paved the way for a sustainable future and cleaner environment. As a fundamental element of this renewable energy revolution, wind energy has received tremendous attention worldwide. In order to harness maximal energy from a wind farm, one crucial decision is the selection of a turbine that is most compatible with the geographical and topographical characteristics of the location under consideration. This selection mechanism ideally considers multiple conflicting decision criteria—i.e., an improvement in one criterion negatively impacts one or more other criteria. Therefore, a tradeoff solution is desired in which the selection criteria are simultaneously optimized to the best achievable limits. Considering the above observations, this paper proposes a TOPSIS (the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution)-based wind turbine selection approach. The problem is modeled as a multi-criteria decision problem while considering hub height, wind speed, percentages of zero and rated output, and annual energy production as the decision criteria. A case study is shown for data collected from two potential sites in northern and north-western Saudi Arabia. Fifteen turbines with rated capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3 MW from various manufacturers were evaluated. Results indicate that the TOPSIS approach was effective in identifying the best turbines for each site. Furthermore, the proposed approach helped in identifying the similarities in the behavior of turbines for the two sites. A comparison of the TOPSIS approach with other multi-criteria decision-making techniques proved the robustness of the method.