bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Effects in a Music Programming Language based on Patterns
Authors: Du Bois Andre , Ribeiro Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

HMusic is a domain specific language based on music patterns that can be used to write music and live coding. The main abstractions provided by the language are patterns and tracks. Code written in HMusic looks like patterns and multi-tracks available in music sequencers, drum machines and DAWs. HMusic provides primitives to design and combine patterns generating new patterns. The objective of this paper is to extend the original design of HMusic to allow effects on tracks. We describe new abstractions to add effects on individual tracks and in groups of tracks, and how they influence the combinators for track composition and multiplication. HMusic allows the live coding of music and, as it is embedded in the Haskell functional programming language, programmers can write functions to manipulate effects on the fly. The current implementation of the language is compiled into Sonic Pi [1], and we describe how the compiler’s back-end was modified to support the new abstractions for effects. HMusic can be and can be downloaded from [2].
MusTIC: Research and Innovation Group on Music, Technology, Interactivity and Creativity
Authors: Calegario Filipe , Cabral Giordano , Ramalho Geber
Published: May 2020

MusTIC is a research and innovation group concerned in conceiving and developing products and experiences that have an impact on music, education, visual and performing arts, and entertainment. In particular, we have been working with tools, methods, and concepts from physical computing, interaction design, and signal processing to build new interfaces for artistic expression, to develop tools for rapid prototyping, and to improve education through robotics and gamification.
LCM-Ufrgs Research Group Report: What are we doing in Computer Music?
Authors: Pimenta Marcelo , Schramm Rodrigo , Johann Marcelo
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present a historical overview and a brief report of the main recent activities at LCM (Laboratório de Computação Musical) of UFRGS (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul).
Audio Encryption Scheme based on Pseudo-orbit of Chaotic Map
Authors: Magalhães Eduardo , Santos Thiago , Nepomuceno Erivelton Geraldo
Published: May 2020

Chaos-based encryption uses a chaotic dynamic system to encrypt a file. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the chaotic Cubic Map to encrypt data, in particular, audio files. A simple algorithm was developed to encrypt and decrypt an audio data. The effectiveness of the method was measured by means of the correlation coefficient calculation, spectral entropy and also by comparing waveforms. The measurements were shown to lead to satisfactory confusion levels of the original data, within a few seconds. This indicates that the Cubic Map can be used as a source for encryption keys, with as good or better security indicators when compared to other schemes.
Digital Design of Audio Signal Processing Using Time Delay
Authors: Perez Mauricio , De Souza Rodolfo Coelho , Faria Regis Rossi Alves
Published: May 2020

This poster describes the design in PureData of some audio signals processes in real time like delay, echo, reverb, chorus, flanger e phaser. We analyze the technical characteristics of each process and the psychoacoustic effects produced by them in human perception and audio applications. A deeper comprehension of the consequences of sound processes based on delay lines helps the decision-making in professional audio applications such as the audio recording, mixing, besides music composition that employs sound effects in preprocessed or real-time.
Characterization of the sonority associated to woodwinds instruments through spectral analysis
Authors: González Yubiry , Prati Ronaldo
Published: May 2020

The sonority is one of the definitions widely used by musicians when trying to define the color or timbral balances associated with individual or groups of instruments , such as for ensembles or orchestras. This definition obeys to subjective musical parameters associated with "color balance", "sound amplitude", among others. In the field of musical acoustics, it is well known that the sounds coming from musical instruments depend on several acoustic physical parameters such as Intensity, Frequency, and the number of harmonics, as well as other aspects including, association with its manufacturing process, such as geometry and materials used for construction. This work presents, from a spectral analysis of the timbre with the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Spectral Power Density (DPE) and Spectrograms, the characterization of the subjective concept of "sonority", for some instruments of the Woodwind family: Piccolo flute, transverse flute, clarinet and oboe. It is concluded that the stage of sound evolution as the attack and sustenance, allow the establishment of harmonics whose powers are fundamental to define the timbric "color" associated with each instrument, as well as the number of harmonics allowed to establish parameters of "sound identity", useful for the generation of a coefficient extracted from the obtained spectral analysis, which allows to advance in the characterization of the Sonority. The generalization of the method is suggested for all families of musical instruments.
Per(sino)ficação
Authors: Carvalho Fabio , Schiavoni Flávio Luiz , Araújo João
Published: May 2020

The bell’s culture is a secular tradition strongly linked to the religious and social activities of the old Brazilian’s villages. In São João del-Rei, where the singular bell tradition composes the soundscape of the city, the bell’s ringing created from different rhythmic and timbral patterns, establish a language capable of transmitting varied types of messages to the local population. In this way, the social function of these ringing, added to real or legendary facts related to the bell’s culture, were able to produce affections and to constitute a strong relation with the identity of the community. The link of this community with the bells, therefore transcends the man-object relationship, tending to an interpersonal relationship practically. Thus, to emphasize this connection in an artistic way, it is proposed the installation called: PER (SINO) FICAÇÂO. This consists of an environment where users would have their physical attributes collected through the use of computer vision. From the interlocking of these data with timbral attributes of the bells, visitors would be able to sound like these, through mapped bodily attributes capable of performing syntheses based on original samples of the bells. Thus the inverse sense of the personification of the bell is realized, producing the human “bellification”.
The First Brazilian Symposium on Computer Music presents Brazilian computer music potentials - Caxambu, MG, 1994
Authors: Loureiro Mauricio
Published: May 2020

The main objective of this talk is to report on the First Brazilian Symposium on Computer Music, which occurred in August 1994, at the city of Caxambu, Minas Gerais, promoted by the UFMG. The meeting occurred one year after the creation of NUCOM, a group of young academics dedicated to this emerging research field in Brazil gathered as a discussion list. This quite exciting and fancy event at Hotel Gloria in Caxambu was able to imposingly launch the group to the national, as well as to the international academic community. First, due to the excellency of the event’s output and its daring program, that included 34 selected papers by researchers from various institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Mexico, UK, and USA, five lectures an two panels of discussion offered by researchers from the most advanced computer music research centers all over the world. The program also included eight concerts, two of them featuring traditional music, such as Bach, Mozart, and Brazilian music.Six computer music concerts presented 48 selected compositions submitted to the symposium. Second, as the symposium happened as apart of the 14th Congress of Brazilian Computer Science Society (SBC), the excellency of its output was able to attract the interest of SBC’s board of directors. They invited NUCOM to integrate the society as a Special Committee, which are sub-groups of SBC dedicated to specific computer science topics. At the end of the description, this report aims at raising questions, arguments, and debates about today’s format of NUCOM meetings, considering more seriously the interdisciplinary character of the methodologic approaches adopted by the field. Interdisciplinarity should be pursued by striving to contaminate a growing number of different topics of musical sciences, as well as of other research fields.
"Cyber-Grooming" aus empirischer und strafrechtlicher Sicht
Authors: Stoiber Christopher
Published: May 2020

Die Arbeit trägt zu einem besseren Verständnis von „Cyber-Grooming“ und der entsprechenden Strafnorm § 176 Abs. 4 Nr. 3 StGB bei: Im ersten, empirischen Teil liefert der Autor Hinweise darauf, dass entgegen der landläufigen Meinung in einer erheblichen Anzahl an Fällen Jugendliche und Heranwachsende als Täter von „Cyber-Grooming“ auftreten. Die folgenden Teile setzen sich kritisch mit dem von der herrschenden Meinung vertretenen Rechtsgut von § 176 StGB sowie den Schwächen der gegenwärtigen Tatbestandsformulierung auseinander. Auf Grundlage der bis dahin gewonnen Ergebnisse prüft der Autor sodann die Verfassungsmäßigkeit von § 176 Abs. 4 Nr. 3 StGB. In diesem Rahmen werden auch die allgemeinen Grenzen der Vorverlagerung von Strafbarkeit untersucht. Bei der Prüfung tritt zutage, dass der Tatbestand in verfassungswidriger Weise zu weit geraten ist. Ein Reformvorschlag rundet die Arbeit ab, indem er die ermittelten Schwächen der Norm beseitigt.
The Lidia Breed: Management and Medicine
Authors: Manuel Lomillos Juan , Elena Alonso Marta
Published: May 2020

The Lidia breed, originally from Spain, constitutes an important livestock sector in Spain and Portugal. These animals are also bred in southern France and in several countries of South America (Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela). The clinical management of this breed is different from other cattle breeds; therefore, it is essential to analyze the characteristics of the farm organization, the selection scheme, the reproduction, feeding, and healthcare management. The sector is currently evolving with high progress in feeding, selection, and assisted reproduction. Not surprisingly, there are several problems that the farmers and veterinarians must overcome such as health problems, the falling syndrome, and the danger of extinction of certain genetic lines.
A Mixed Methods Study of the Experiences and Effectiveness of a Soft Brace for Adults with Degenerative Scoliosis
Authors: Park Adam , Bettany-Saltikov Josette , Ling Jonathan
Published: May 2020

This chapter details a mixed-methods investigation of the experiences and effectiveness of a soft brace for adults with degenerative scoliosis. Study 1 explored patients’ experiences of living with scoliosis, together with the pain and quality of life they experienced as a result of scoliosis. The secondary aims of the qualitative aspect of the study were to explore patient perceptions of wearing the soft brace together with the overall functionality and practicalities of the brace design. We found the main experiences of living with scoliosis in people over 50 were one of constant pain and limited activity. The interviews also identified the benefits of wearing the brace along with design issues associated with the comfort and practicalities of wearing the brace. Study 2 investigated the quantitative effects the brace had on adults with degenerative scoliosis. The quantitative questionnaire results were compared with those from the control group who did not receive the brace. Overall, we found that patients in interviews reported improvements in their quality of life, although these improvements were not reflected in the quantitative results. Implications of our findings for the treatment of adults with scoliosis by bracing, and directions for future work are discussed.
Teaching Accounting Ethics Using Ex Corde Ecclesiae
Authors: Simms John E. ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

Research has shown that in the private sector, values-based ethics programs are more effective than compliance-based ethics programs (Trevino et al. 1999). Since religious affiliations are a significant driver of values-based behavior, it is appropriate to investigate the means of formally applying a values schema rather than allowing such factors to determine the pedagogy on an ad hoc basis. This paper uses the example of the Catholic Church’s Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae as a guide for designing and implementing a values-based ethics course to fulfil the educational ethics requirements to sit for the CPA exam. A classroom strategy is presented for use that helps students select priorities that align their values with a successful career in accounting. The paper then addresses the process of teaching students how to address and reconcile individual values, organizational culture, social mores, and the client’s expectations.
Moral Resources and Competitive Advantage
Authors: Gilley K. Matthew , Palacios Sergio , Robertson Christopher J. ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

The cultivation of an organization’s moral resources has become a priority for many executives who understand that such resources are key to competitive advantage. Yet, traditional strategic management courses at both the undergraduate and MBA levels generally overlook these resources when discussing the resource-based view of the firm. We propose that moral resources be discussed in strategic management classrooms to provide additional insight for students about the critical nature of such resources. We also provide a simple tool for faculty to use in the classroom to stimulate discussion and enhance student learning in this important area.
Knowledge management in public administration of education, science and technology in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Gustavo Moura , Brito Lydia Maria Pinto , Castro Ahiram Brunni Cartaxo de , Silva Arthur William Pereira da
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to analyze the managers’ view on education about Knowledge Management in a public institution of education, science and technology in Northeastern Brazil. This is a basic case study investigation and a qualitative research. The reference frameworks used were the knowledge management diagnosis, suggested by Bukowitz and Williams (2002), and the indexes recommended by Brito, Oliveira and Castro (2012). The results showed that Knowledge Management is in a maturation process in the institution researched. The Obtain and Use sections support the positive performance in the tactic processes, and the Build/Keep and Disposal sections support the strategic process. On the other hand, the results indicate that the organization should invest in the development of the sections Learn, which deals with the connection between organizational strategy and the learning derived from everyday actions, and in the Contribute section of the tactical process, as the organization must encourage its professionals contribute with the knowledge you have. In the strategic process, the organization should invest in the Evaluate section of the DGC, as it is up to the organization to identify new forms of organizational capital that can add value so that it can adapt to changes in the macro environment.Key-words: knowledge management; public administration; education; science; technology.
Processo eletrônico de aproveitamento de atividades complementares: proposta de criação numa IES
Authors: Alcântara Erickson Santos de , Luft Maria Conceição Melo Silva , Salgado Thais Ettinger Oliveira , Oliveira Kleber Fernandes de
Published: May 2020

A transição dos processos físicos para os processos eletrônicos procura beneficiar as organizações públicas, proporcionando benefícios para a gestão. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo foi elaborar uma proposta de criação do sistema de processo eletrônico de aproveitamento de atividades complementares numa instituição de ensino superior brasileira. O estudo utilizou como fonte de evidências a observação participante e a análise documental. O sistema proposto está em fase de teste do protótipo e experiências nele realizadas sugerem melhora significativa na gestão do processo.Palavras-chave: administração pública; atividades complementares; e-acadêmico.
Governança pública: investimento em educação e sua relação com o desempenho dos estudantes nos municípios da Serra Gaúcha
Authors: Eckert Alex , Cioato Deise , Mecca Marlei Salete
Published: May 2020

Os gastos relacionados com a educação estão previstos na Constituição Federal, na qual são estipulados limites mínimos a serem aplicados. Neste sentido, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar os gastos relacionados com educação básica nos municípios da Serra Gaúcha no período de 2014 a 2018, tomando por base os limites estipulados na Constituição Federal, e verificar se tais gastos refletem no desempenho dos estudantes. Do ponto de vista metodológico realizou-se uma pesquisa documental, descritiva e qualitativa. Os resultados evidenciaram que todos os municípios analisados cumprem com a obrigatoriedade de aplicação em manutenção e desenvolvimento do ensino, e que os seus gastos nesta rubrica não têm relação direta com o desempenho dos estudantes.Palavras-chaves: gastos públicos; municípios; investimento em educação; manutenção e desenvolvimento do ensino.
Adaptação e validação cultural de questionário de aconselhamento na diabetes do tipo 2
Authors: Silva Carolina C. , Gouveia Maria João , Marques Marta M.
Published: May 2020

Objetivo

O objetivo do estudo é contribuir para a validação do Questionário de Avaliação dos Fatores Associados ao Aconselhamento na Diabetes do Tipo 2 (CSRBQ), que avalia os fatores psicossociais envolvidos na prestação de aconselhamento nutricional, de atividade física e de educação continuada (e.g., autoeficácia).

Método

Foi utilizada uma metodologia mista, com recurso a questionário e entrevistas individuais com profissionais de saúde. Primeiro foram feitas análises à sensibilidade e fiabilidade do instrumento numa amostra de 74 profissionais de saúde envolvidos diretamente na consulta de Diabetes do Tipo 2 (médicos e enfermeiros); posteriormente, foi feita uma análise facial do instrumento através da análise de conteúdo de 17 entrevistas individuais.

Resultados

A versão portuguesa do CSRBQ apresenta medidas descritivas e consistência interna aceitáveis para quase todas as escalas e, de um modo geral, foi bem aceite e interpretada pelos profissionais de saúde. A análise das entrevistas sugere a necessidade de ajustamento do questionário ao nível da sua organização e clarificação.

Conclusão

O CSRBQ pode oferecer informação relevante acerca das barreiras e facilitadores à prestação de aconselhamento pelos profissionais de saúde na diabetes do tipo 2.
Efficient targeted integration directed by short homology in zebrafish and mammalian cells
Authors: Wierson Wesley A , Welker Jordan M , Almeida Maira P , Mann Carla M , Webster Dennis A , Torrie Melanie E , Weiss Trevor J , Kambakam Sekhar , Vollbrecht Macy K , Lan Merrina , McKeighan Kenna C , Levey Jacklyn , Ming Zhitao , Wehmeier Alec , Mikelson Christopher S , Haltom Jeffrey A , Kwan Kristen M , Chien Chi-Bin , Balciunas Darius , Ekker Stephen C , Clark Karl J , Webber Beau R , Moriarity Branden S , Solin Stacy L , Carlson Daniel F , Dobbs Drena L , McGrail Maura , Essner Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Efficient precision genome engineering requires high frequency and specificity of integration at the genomic target site. Here, we describe a set of resources to streamline reporter gene knock-ins in zebrafish and demonstrate the broader utility of the method in mammalian cells. Our approach uses short homology of 24–48 bp to drive targeted integration of DNA reporter cassettes by homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) at high frequency at a double strand break in the targeted gene. Our vector series, pGTag (plasmids for Gene Tagging), contains reporters flanked by a universal CRISPR sgRNA sequence which enables in vivo liberation of the homology arms. We observed high rates of germline transmission (22–100%) for targeted knock-ins at eight zebrafish loci and efficient integration at safe harbor loci in porcine and human cells. Our system provides a straightforward and cost-effective approach for high efficiency gene targeting applications in CRISPR and TALEN compatible systems.
A new genus of sinogaleaspids (Galeaspida, stem-Gnathostomata) from the Silurian Period in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Shan Xianren , Zhu Min , Zhao Wenjin , Pan Zhaohui , Wang Pingli , Gai Zhikun
Published: May 2020

Galeaspids are an endemic clade of jawless stem-gnathostomes known as ostracoderms. Their existence illuminates how specific characteristics developed in jawed vertebrates. Sinogaleaspids are of particular interest among the galeaspids but their monophyly is controversial because little is known aboutSinogaleaspis xikengensis. Newly discovered sinogaleaspids from the Lower Silurian of Jiangxi, China provide a wealth of data and diagnostic features used to establish the new genus,Rumporostralisgen. nov., forSinogaleaspis xikengensis. A morphological study showed that the sensory canal system of sinogaleaspids had mosaic features similar to those of three known galeaspids. There are 3–8 pairs of transverse canals in the Sinogaleaspidae, which suggests that the sensory canal system of galeaspid probably had a grid distribution with transverse canals arranged throughout the cephalic division. Phylogenetic analysis of Galeaspida supports the monophyly of the Sinogaleaspidae, consisting ofSinogaleaspis,Rumporostralis,andAnjiaspis. However,ShuyuandMeishanaspisform another monophyletic group, Shuyuidae fam. nov., which is outside all other eugaleaspidiforms. We propose a cladistically-based classification of Galeaspida based on our analysis.
Metabolomics window into the role of acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetic nephropathy progression
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Yan Wenzhe , Zhou Xiang , Liu Yu , Tang Chengyuan , Peng Youming , Liu Hong , Sun Lin , Xiao Li , He Liyu
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Metabolomics has emerged as a valuable tool to discover novel biomarkers and study the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the effect of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) on diabetes mellitus (DM) to chronic DN progression has not been evaluated from the perspective of metabolomics.

Methods

A group of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inpatients, who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), were enrolled in our study. According to whether postoperative AKI occurred, patients were grouped in either the AKI group (AKI, n = 44) or the non-AKI group (NAKI, n = 44). Urine samples were collected from these patients before and 24 h after operation. Six patients from the AKI group and six patients from the NAKI group were chosen as the pilot cohort for untargeted metabolomics analysis, with the goal of identifying postoperative AKI-related metabolites. To understand the possible role of these metabolites in the chronic development of renal injury among T2DM patients, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline and azelaic acid were quantified by targeted metabolomics analysis among 38 NAKI patients, 38 AKI patients, 46 early DN patients (DN-micro group), and 34 overt DN patients (DN-macro group).

Results

Untargeted metabolomics screened 61 statistically distinguishable metabolites in postoperative urine samples, compared with preoperative urine samples. Via Venn diagram analysis, nine of 61 were postoperative AKI-related metabolites, including trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, uridine triphosphate, p-aminobenzoate, caffeic acid, adrenochrome, δ-valerolactam, L-norleucine, 5′-deoxy-5′-(methylthio) adenosine, and azelaic acid. By targeted metabolomics analysis, the level of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline increased gradually from the NAKI group to the AKI, DN-micro, and DN-macro groups. For azelaic acid, the highest level was found in the NAKI and DN-micro groups, followed by the DN-macro group. The AKI group exhibited the lowest level of azelaic acid.

Conclusions

The detection of urinary trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline after AKI could be treated as an early warning of chronic DN progression and might be linked to renal fibrosis. Urinary azelaic acid can be used to monitor renal function noninvasively in DM and DN patients. Our results identified markers of AKI on DM and the chronic progression of DN. In addition, the progression of DN was associated with AKI-like episodes occurring in DM.
Depigmenting potential of lichen extracts evaluated by in vitro and in vivo tests
Authors: Malaspina Paola , Catellani Erica , Burlando Bruno , Brignole Daniele , Cornara Laura , Bazzicalupo Miriam , Candiani Simona , Obino Valentina , De Feo Vincenzo , Caputo Lucia , Giordani Paolo
Published: May 2020

Melanin is the main pigment of human skin, playing the primary role of protection from ultraviolet radiation. Alteration of the melanin production may lead to hyperpigmentation diseases, with both aesthetic and health consequences. Thus, suppressors of melanogenesis are considered useful tools for medical and cosmetic treatments. A great interest is focused on natural sources, aimed at finding safe and quantitatively available depigmenting substances. Lichens are thought to be possible sources of this kind of compounds, as the occurrence of many phenolic molecules suggests possible effects on phenolase enzymes involved in melanin synthesis, like tyrosinase. In this work, we used four lichen species, Cetraria islandica Ach., Flavoparmelia caperata Hale, Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue, and Parmotrema perlatum (Hudson) M. Choisy, to obtain extracts in solvents of increasing polarity, viz. chloroform, chloroform-methanol, methanol, and water. Cell-free, tyrosinase inhibition experiments showed highest inhibition for L. vulpina methanol extract, followed by C. islandica chloroform-methanol one. Comparable results for depigmenting activities were observed by means of in vitro and in vivo systems, such as MeWo melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae. Our study provides first evidence of depigmenting effects of lichen extracts, from tyrosinase inhibition to cell and in vivo models, suggesting that L. vulpina and C. islandica extracts deserve to be further studied for developing skin-whitening products.
Comparing race, gender, age, and career categories in recognizing and grouping tasks
Authors: Song Jingjing , Li Lin
Published: May 2020

The purpose of our research was to compare how participants weighed age, gender, race, and career categories in recognizing and grouping tasks. In Study 1, we used a category recognition task to compare participants’ speeds in recognizing information from different categories. The results showed that participants recognized the gender information most quickly, followed by career, race, and age information. In Study 2, a categorization task was used to compare participants’ category preferences. The results showed that the career category had the greatest weight, and the gender category had the lowest weight. Two targets who had different career identities were more possible considered as belonging to different groups than two targets with different gender, race or age identities. Our results have implications in understanding the weight of different categories, with gender and career category are the most important category that affects perception and evaluation.
Camel meat marketing and camel meat marketplace in the Algerian northern Sahara-case of the region of Souf-
Authors: Zakaria Brahimi , Abdelhakim Senoussi , Bernard Faye
Published: May 2020

A field survey involving 62 camel butchers from Souf region the Algerian northern Sahara was implemented   in   order to establish a typology of camel butcher and collect   data   on camel meat marketing, the diversity in marketing practices and camel meat marketplace. The collected data allowed to identify 4 homogeneous groups of butchers well distinguished between them after cluster analysis. (specialized young camel butchers, non-specialized rural butchers, traditional non-specialized urban butchers, modern and old urban specialized butchers). The present study confirmed the predominance of beef meat compared to camel meat among consumers, camel meat consumption being less successful in its environment.  In-depth studies on camel meat sector are mandatory to identify the bottlenecks invalidating the promotion of the camel meat consumption.
Impact of ultrasound processing on some milk-borne microorganisms and the components of camel milk
Authors: Dhahir Namariq , Feugang Jean , Witrick Katherine , Park Seongbin , AbuGhazaleh Amer
Published: May 2020

Inactivation of pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in camel milk was investigated using ultrasound processing (900 W, 20 kHz, 100% power level). In addition, the effect of ultrasound treatment on raw camel milk components was studied to detect changes in fatty acid profile, lipid peroxides, protein fractions, and volatile compounds. Bacterial strains (106 CFU/ml) were added to pasteurized camel milk samples (70 ml) and transferred into a sterile aluminum container (30 mm x 120 mm, 100-ml total capacity) and then subjected to continuous ultrasound processing for 15 min in an ice water bath using a 13-mm diameter probe. The standard plate count (SPC) agar method and the in vivo imaging system (IVIS) were used to evaluate the viability of bioluminescence-transformed bacteria (E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium). The continuous ultrasound processing of camel milk resulted in significant (P<0.05) reductions in S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157: H7. Relative to unsonicated raw camel milk, the cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-10, cis-12 CLA contents were not affected (P>0.05) by the ultrasound processing. The TBAR values, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and milk protein fractions were also similar (P>0.05) between the sonicated and unsonicated raw camel milk. A total of 24 volatile compounds (VC) were identified including 8 aldehydes, 3 ketones, 5 acids, 5 esters, 2 aromatic hydrocarbonate, and 1 sulfo compound. Of these 24 VC, eleven VC increased (P<0.05) and seven decreased (P<0.05) after sonication.  In conclusion, the results of this study showed that ultrasound processing of camel milk was efficient in inactivating subsets of milk-borne pathogens without detrimental effects on camel milk fatty acids, lipid peroxides, and protein fractions. However, there were some changes in milk VC which may affect the sensory quality of milk.
Chromatin modified protein 4C (CHMP4C) facilitates the malignant development of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Lin Shu‐Li , Wang Mei , Cao Qing‐Qing , Li Qing
Published: May 2020

Despite improvements in prevention and treatment, cervical cancer (CC) still poses a serious threat to women’s health. CHMP4C (chromatin modified protein 4C) is a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport, which is expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm. Here, we examined the effect of CHMP4C on the biological behavior of CC cells and the underlying mechanisms. We report that CHMP4C expression is higher in CC tissues, and high CHMP4C expression is associated with lower survival. Up‐regulation of CHMP4C in C‐33A cells accelerates cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas down‐regulation of CHMP4C in Ca Ski cells had the opposite effect. Moreover, overexpression of CHMP4C induced activation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway, whereas depletion of CHMP4C inhibited activation. Our results suggest that CHMP4C contributes to the viability and motility of CC cells by modulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition and may facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers for CC therapy.
A Strategy for Polysulfides/Polyselenides Protection Based on Co9S8@SiO2/C Host in Na‐SeS2 Batteries
Authors: Yang Tingting , Qi Yuruo , Zhong Wei , Tao Mengli , Guo Bingshu , Wu Yuanke , Bao Shu‐Juan , Xu Maowen
Published: May 2020

To obtain unbroken sulfides with delicate morphology from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a method for in situ growth of SiO2 protective layers on the surface of MOFs is proposed. This strategy can be successfully expanded to a variety of MOFs (ZIF‐67, Cu‐MOF, ZIF‐8, and PBA). Importantly, room‐temperature Na‐SeS2 batteries with Co9S8@SiO2/C prepared from ZIF‐67 as cathode host are assembled. Due to the hollow structure that can relieve the volume expansion and the co‐adsorption of sodium polysulfides/sodium polyselenides by Co9S8@SiO2/C, the SeS2/Co9S8@SiO2/C cathode shows excellent rate performance and Coulombic efficiency. In addition, ex situ X‐ray diffraction and in situ Raman results show that S8 and Se8 are generated after the discharge of SeS2, and Se8 is preferentially oxidized during charging.
High Areal Capacity Dendrite‐Free Li Anode Enabled by Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Nanorod Array Modified Carbon Cloth for Solid State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Tian‐Shi , Liu Xiaobin , Wang Yu , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: May 2020

Li metal is one of the most promising anode materials for high energy density batteries. However, uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and infinite volume change during the charge/discharge process lead to safety issues and capacity decay. Herein, a carbonized metal–organic framework (MOF) nanorod arrays modified carbon cloth (NRA‐CC) is developed for uniform Li plating/stripping. The carbonized MOF NRAs effectively convert the CC from lithiophobic to lithiophilic, decreasing the polarization and ensuring homogenous Li nucleation. The 3D interconnected hierarchal CC provides adequate Li nucleation sites for reducing the local current density to avoid Li dendrite growth, and broadens internal space for buffering the volume change during Li plating/stripping. These characteristics afford a stable cycling of the NRA‐CC electrode with ultrahigh Coulombic efficiencies of 96.7% after 1000 h cycling at 2 mA cm−2 and a prolonged lifespan of 200 h in the symmetrical cell under ultrahigh areal capacity (12 mAh cm−2) and current (12 mA cm−2). The solid‐state batteries assembled with the composite Li anode, high‐voltage cathode (LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2), and composite solid‐state electrolyte also deliver excellent cyclic and rate performance at 25 °C. This work sheds fresh insights on the design principles of a dendrite‐free Li metal anode for safe solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Thermal Management Enables Bright and Stable Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Lianfeng , Roh Kwangdong , Kacmoli Sara , Al Kurdi Khaled , Jhulki Samik , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Gmachl Claire , Rand Barry P.
Published: May 2020

The performance of lead‐halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) has increased rapidly in recent years. However, most reports feature devices operated at relatively small current densities (<500 mA cm−2) with moderate radiance (<400 W sr−1 m−2). Here, Joule heating and inefficient thermal dissipation are shown to be major obstacles toward high radiance and long lifetime. Several thermal management strategies are proposed in this work, such as doping charge‐transport layers, optimizing device geometry, and attaching heat spreaders and sinks. Combining these strategies, high‐performance perovskite LEDs are demonstrated with maximum radiance of 2555 W sr−1 m−2, peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17%, considerably reduced EQE roll‐off (EQE > 10% to current densities as high as 2000 mA cm−2), and tenfold increase in operational lifetime (when driven at 100 mA cm−2). Furthermore, with proper thermal management, a maximum current density of 2.5 kA cm−2 and an EQE of ≈1% at 1 kA cm−2 are shown using electrical pulses, which represents an important milestone toward electrically driven perovskite lasers.
A Self‐Cleaning Heterostructured Membrane for Efficient Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Separation with Stable Flux
Authors: Cai Yahui , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: May 2020

Lack of clean water is a major global challenge. Membrane separation technology is an ideal choice for the treatment of industrial, domestic sewage owing to its low energy consumption and cost. However, membranes are highly susceptible to contamination, particularly during wastewater treatment, which has limited their practical applications in this field. Similarly, the flux of the membrane decreases with prolonged use due to its reduced interlayer spacing. Preparation of membranes with anticontamination properties and stable flux is the key to addressing this problem. In this study, a 2D heterostructure membrane with visible‐light‐driven self‐cleaning performance is prepared via a self‐assembly process. Notably, the addition of palygorskite increases the interlayer spacing of the graphene and heterojunction structures, which increases the flux of the membrane and avoids a decrease of the interlayer spacing of the membrane under pressure. The presence of a heterojunction with visible light catalytic properties effectively avoids membrane fouling and avoids a sharp decrease of the permeation flux. Importantly, the prepared 2D membrane has excellent separation performance for oil–water emulsions with both high flux and efficiency. These features suggest great potential for the prepared 2D membrane in wastewater treatment applications.
Plasmonic Janus Microspheres Created from Pickering Emulsion Drops
Authors: Kim Jong Bin , Lee Su Yeon , Min Nam Gi , Lee Seung Yeol , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: May 2020

Metal nanostructures have been created in a film format to develop unique plasmonic properties. Here, well‐defined metal nanostructures are designed on the surface of microspheres to provide plasmonic microgranules. As conventional techniques are inadequate for nanofabrication on spherical surfaces, photocurable emulsion drops with a regular array of silica particles are employed at the interface to create periodic nanostructures. The silica particles, originating from the dispersed phase, fully cover the interface by forming a non‐close‐packed hexagonal array after drop generation, and slowly protrude to the continuous phase during aging while their interparticle separation decreases. Therefore, hexagonal arrays of spherical dimples with controlled geometry and separation are created on the surface of microspheres by photocuring the drops and removing the particles. Directional deposition of either aluminum or gold results in a continuous film with a hexagonal array of holes on the outermost surface and isolated curved disks in dimples, which renders the hemisphere of microspheres plasmonically colored. The resonant wavelength is controlled by adjusting the aging time, metal thickness, and size of silica particles, providing various plasmonic colors. This granular format of the plasmonic Janus microspheres will open a new avenue of optical applications including active color pixels, optical barcodes, and microsensors.
Ultrabroadband Photodetectors up to 10.6 µm Based on 2D Fe3O4 Nanosheets
Authors: Yin Chujun , Gong Chuanhui , Chu Junwei , Wang Xudong , Yan Chaoyi , Qian Shifeng , Wang Yang , Rao Gaofeng , Wang Hongbo , Liu Yuqing , Wang Xianfu , Wang Jianlu , Hu Weida , Li Chaobo , Xiong Jie
Published: May 2020

The ultrabroadband spectrum detection from ultraviolet (UV) to long‐wavelength infrared (LWIR) is promising for diversified optoelectronic applications of imaging, sensing, and communication. However, the current LWIR‐detecting devices suffer from low photoresponsivity, high cost, and cryogenic environment. Herein, a high‐performance ultrabroadband photodetector is demonstrated with detecting range from UV to LWIR based on air‐stable nonlayered ultrathin Fe3O4 nanosheets synthesized via a space‐confined chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Ultrahigh photoresponsivity (R) of 561.2 A W−1, external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.6 × 103%, and detectivity (D*) of 7.42 × 108 Jones are achieved at the wavelength of 10.6 µm. The multimechanism synergistic effect of photoconductive effect and bolometric effect demonstrates the high sensitivity for light with any light intensities. The outstanding device performance and complementary mixing photoresponse mechanisms open up new potential applications of nonlayered 2D materials for future infrared optoelectronic devices.
Reconfigurable Large‐Scale Pattern Formation Driven by Topological Defect Separation in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Aya Satoshi , Salamon Peter , Eber Nandor , Buka Agnes , Araoka Fumito
Published: May 2020

Large‐scale patterning of topological defects is vital and challenging from both fundamental and technological points of view in anisotropic fluids. However, this is usually difficult because of their unfavorably high‐energy states. Here, a simple but general pathway for topology engineering is presented: processing topological defects and shape large‐scale patterns in materials with liquid crystalline nature. Dragging field is created through flowing materials at liquid–liquid crystal phase transition temperature or designing electric‐field driven temperature gradient. The dragging fields coupled to a dense colony of topological defects with random spatial distribution form nontrivial periodic ordered topological patterns that are energetically unfavorable compared to the uniform ground state, but are stable in the stationary state. Topological polymeric films based on the strategy are also fabricated. The dragging speed and surface interactions are found to be dominant factors in generating and stabilizing the patterns. This strategy endows fluids with regular and large‐scale topological patterns, paving a new way for the development of fluids and gels with spatially modulated topological nature.
Renewable Energy from Wildflowers—Perennial Wild Plant Mixtures as a Social‐Ecologically Sustainable Biomass Supply System
Authors: von Cossel Moritz
Published: May 2020

A growing bioeconomy requires increasing amounts of biomass from residues, wastes, and industrial crops for bio‐based products and bioenergy. There is much discussion about how industrial crop cultivation could promote social–ecological outcomes such as environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, food security, greenhouse gas mitigation, and landscape appearance. In Germany, maize (Zea mays L.) is the main biogas substrate source, despite being associated with problems such as erosion, biodiversity losses, an increase in wild boar populations and lowered landscape diversity. The cultivation of perennial wild plant mixtures (WPM) addresses many of these problems. Despite being less developed than maize, WPM cultivation has received notable attention among scientists in Germany over the past decade. This is mainly because WPMs clearly outperform maize in social–ecological measures, despite their methane yield performance. This review summarizes and discusses the results of 12 years of research and practice with WPMs as a social‐ecologically more benign bioenergy cropping system.
Multistep Crystallization and Melting Pathways in the Free‐Energy Landscape of a Au–Si Eutectic Alloy
Authors: Kurtuldu Güven , Löffler Jörg F.
Published: May 2020

Crystals do eventually melt if they are heated to their characteristic melting point. However, this is practically only the case for high‐temperature stable crystals, whereas low‐temperature metastable crystals generally transform, before melting, into a more stable solid during heating. Here, it is illustrated that low‐temperature crystals can, however, be melted via fast differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC), even in metallic systems where nucleation and growth kinetics are rapid. For a Au–Si eutectic alloy, various metastable and stable solid states, i.e., (Au–α), (Au–β), γ, and (Au–Si), which form under well‐controlled conditions and melt at high heating rates by preventing the metastable‐to‐stable solid phase transition, are isolated. It is demonstrated that Au81.4Si18.6 can fully melt at various temperatures, i.e., 294 °C, 312 °C, 352 °C, and 363 °C, with differing melting enthalpies ranging from 6.52 to 9.83 kJ mol−1. The melting and crystallization paths of the metastable solids are determined by constructing an energy−temperature diagram. This approach advances the general understanding of nucleation in metallic and other systems, and is expected to contribute to the detailed understanding of thermophysical phenomena that occur at spatially reduced dimensions and/or short time scales, for example in thin‐film deposition, nanomaterials production, or additive manufacturing.
Spatially and temporally disparate data in systems agriculture: Issues and prospective solutions
Authors: Kharel Tulsi P. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Owens Phillip R. , Buser Michael
Published: May 2020

Big Data in agriculture is growing rapidly through advancements in metagenomics, precision agriculture, and on‐farm sensor technologies, as well as through increased capacity to collect, process, and store these data. Concurrent with 60% increases in food production demands by 2050 and the need for sustainable intensification, is the increased need for data synthesis across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, in our data‐rich world, what is lacking is a data management system across spatial and temporal resolutions including workflows, interpretation methodology, and a delivery structure for identifying optimal systems for sustainable intensification or diversification. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to explore the current state of handling spatially and temporally disparate data and offer solutions for developing a platform for bridging component parts (encompassing multiple scales and disciplines) to analyze system functionality for greater resiliency, which may help manage risk. Two datasets were generated using bibliometrics (research articles from systematic literature reviews) evaluated trends and historical Big Data applications in agronomy. Results indicate research and industry progress is advancing towards web‐based real‐time output delivery systems using several well‐established Big Data handling platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Service, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure), which are not yet widely used by or designed for agronomic researchers. Cloud‐based computing may provide opportunities to extrapolate agricultural research results across larger scales. Authors suggest training and educating agricultural practitioners on Big Data principles, database management, improved data visualization, as well as incentives for data sharing for optimizing Big Data in systems agriculture as these research innovations emerge.