bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologia de implantação da bananeira prata anã com adubação orgânica
Authors: Salomão Pedro Emílio Amador , Santos Jayane Costa , Rodrigues Márcia Ferreira , Rodrigues João Paulo Braga
Published: November 2019

O principal desafio encontrado na agricultura hoje é produzir um alimento saudável, para uma população que vem aumentando, e que está cada vez mais preocupada com a saúde e com os alimentos que estão consumindo, optando assim, por alimentos orgânicos, pois, possuem um alto valor nutritivo e segurança alimentar. A banana é a segunda fruta mais consumida no mundo pelo seu fácil acesso, e quando introduzida no sistema orgânico, o valor da cultura é agregado. Objetivou-se com este trabalho mostrar as formas de produção da banana prata anã com adubação orgânica, mostrando os benefícios, formas de manejo, produtividade e outros detalhes que diz respeito à produção e conservação do meio ambiente. Este trabalho teve como método de pesquisa utilizado, a descritiva, onde foram usadas as técnicas de coleta de dados em artigos, livros, teses e dissertações. Deste modo, existem práticas, como agricultura orgânica, que contribui na diminuição dos impactos produzidos com o uso de defensivos. Ao fazer o uso da adubação orgânica o solo fica mais produtivo e fértil, elevando sua biodiversidade e aprimorando a qualidade dos alimentos produzidos. Com a produção da bananicultura orgânica, deseja-se que o produtor tenha mercado distinto com um produto diferenciado, sendo ambientalmente correto, economicamente viável e socialmente justo. Este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar os processos para implantação de um bananal, afim de auxiliar a instruir possíveis interessados.
Estudo sobre associação de modelos de maturidade e metodologias ágeis
Authors: Camargo Klauren Godoi Araújo , Galegale Napoleão Verardi , Azevedo Marília Macorin de , Neves José Manoel Souza das
Published: November 2019

Com a crescente utilização de métodos ágeis para gerenciamento de projetos de software e devido à necessidade de monitoramento de processos nas empresas, o objetivo deste artigo é identificar como vem sendo feita a associação de metodologias ágeis de desenvolvimento de software com modelos de maturidade comumente utilizados na metodologia tradicional. Para tanto buscou-se identificar por meio de um levantamento em publicações científicas, quais os modelos de maturidade utilizados e como estes são relacionados com a prática de desenvolvimento ágil de software. Observou ser um assunto de estudo mais recente e de interesse dos pesquisadores. Como resultado foram identificadas duas linhas de pesquisa bem evidentes, sendo uma para proposição de novos modelos de maturidade de processos considerando métodos ágeis, e a outra sobre aplicação de práticas ágeis para obtenção de níveis de maturidade definidos pelo CMMI.
Relações entre crise econômica e ações de educação em saúde no ambiente hospitalar: perspectiva ecossistêmica
Authors: Paula Saul Ferraz de , Siqueira Hedi Crecencia Heckler de , Scarton Juliane , Medeiros Adriane Calvetti , Gehlen Maria Helena , Rodrigues Sidiane Teixeira
Published: November 2019

O presente estudo apresenta a seguinte questão pesquisa: Como se dá as inter-relações entre os fatores socioeconômicos e a prática educativa do enfermeiro no ambiente hospitalar ao cuidador de usuário com doença crônica não transmissível? A partir dessa questão, objetivou-se analisar as inter-relações entre os fatores socioeconômicos e a prática educativa do enfermeiro ao cuidador de usuário com doença crônica não transmissível. Pesquisa descritiva, exploratória com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em duas instituições hospitalares de uma cidade do extremo sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados deu-se em outubro e novembro de 2016, por entrevista semiestruturada.  Partir da análise de dados foi realizada por Análise de conteúdo Temática, elencou-se as seguintes categorias e subcategorias: Perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes, Influências econômicas e políticas no cuidado e nas ações de educação em saúde no contexto hospitalar, Carência de materiais e infraestrutura inadequada, Sobrecarga de trabalho, Crise econômica e política do país. Os resultados evidenciaram a crise econômica e política do país como elementos de interferência na realização da educação em saúde no contexto hospitalar. Pensar na contemplação das ações de educação em saúde, exercidas pelo enfermeiro no ambiente hospitalar, vai além da visão limitada e fragmentada de assistência e requer uma reflexão que considere o ser humano dentro da complexa teia de relações na qual está inserido.
Spatiotemporal distribution of foraging in a marine predator: behavioural drivers of hotspot formation
Authors: Brough T , Rayment W , Slooten E , Dawson S
Published: November 2019

Many species of marine predators display defined hotspots in their distribution, although the reasons why this happens are not well understood in some species. Understanding whether hotspots are used for certain behaviours provides insights into the importance of these areas for the predators’ ecology and population viability. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of foraging behaviour in Hector’s dolphinCephalorhynchus hectori, a small, endangered species from New Zealand. Passive acoustic monitoring of foraging ‘buzzes’ was carried out at 4 hotspots and 6 lower-use, ‘reference areas’, chosen randomly based on a previous density analysis of visual sightings. The distribution of buzzes was modelled among spatial locations and on 3 temporal scales (season, time of day, tidal state) with generalised additive mixed models using 82000 h of monitoring data. Foraging rates were significantly influenced by all 3 temporal effects, with substantial variation in the importance and nature of each effect among locations. The complexity of the temporal effects on foraging is likely due to the patchy nature of prey distributions and shows how foraging is highly variable at fine scales. Foraging rates were highest at the hotspots, suggesting that feeding opportunities shape fine-scale distribution in Hector’s dolphin. Foraging can be disrupted by anthropogenic influences. Thus, information from this study can be used to manage threats to this vital behaviour in the locations and at the times where it is most prevalent.
THE CONCEPT OF CREATION AND MANAGEMENT OF TOPOGRAPHIC AND GEODETIC MONITORING OF TERRITORIES OF SETTLEMENTS
Authors: Kuznecov Sergei , Orlov Anton , Malygina Olesya
Published: November 2019

The creation and development of technologies of topographic and geodetic monitoring of territories due to the objective needs of participants in urban development in the current, detailed and qualitative information about the current state and development plans of the territories of settlements, the need for effective information exchange between all stakeholders and organizations. The creation and development of technologies of topographic and geodetic monitoring of territories due to the objective needs of participants in urban development in the current, detailed and qualitative information about the current state and development plans of the territories of settlements, the need for effective information exchange between all stakeholders and organizations.
ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEGAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF CADASTRAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Torsunova Olga , Solopov Lev , Koneva Anna
Published: November 2019

For the purpose of analysing the current state and perspective development there was performed the documentation analysis of more than 140 legal actions and 150 judicial decisions on the cases concerning cadastral activity in 2014-2016. These cases provide up-to-date legal relations in basic categories of land disputes: about stating servitudes, delineation of land parcels, correction of cadastral (registration) errors, disputes over the results of land marking (boundary marking) works. The article states that modern cadastral activity almost fully responds to the requirements of acting legislation. At the same time it underlines the necessity of cadastral object extension in such actively developing spheres of economy as theme-based tourism, extreme kinds of sport and rest. The special role in cadastral activity is played by accurate determination of geodetic coordinates, which provides precise object location and is in most cases sufficient to settle land and property disputes.
TECHNICAL DESIGN OF THE LIMITS OF MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES IN INHOMOGENEOUS GEOLOGICAL SPACE
Authors: Kalyuzhin Victor , Karavaitsev Fedor , Shchukina Vera
Published: November 2019

The article deals with the theoretical basis and technique of technical design of municipal boundaries in a heterogeneous geospatial environment.
The scientific hypothesis of the work is that the use of technical approximation in the design of the boundaries of municipalities will take into account the heterogeneity of the original geospatial data and scientifically justified to install them on the local.
It is noted that the existing methods of technical design of the boundaries of municipal formations do not allow to take into account the heterogeneity of the original geospatial data on objects in the field of design, and the functionality of software for the preparation of land management documentation has a low level of automation of geometric design. The consequence of this is significant labor costs and the influence of the subjective factor on the design decisions. There is also no single approach to the implementation of technical and geometric design of the boundaries of the municipal formations. At the same time, the establishment of the Institute of local self-government in Russia requires reliable and relevant data on the state of the territory, including the boundaries of municipalities. To solve this problem, a methodology has been developed, which includes principles, additional requirements, algorithm and software module. The theoretical basis of technical design is based on the General formulation of the dynamic programming problem, and the geometric design algorithm – on the mathematical model of the weight moving average.
It is proved that the use of technical approximation using a weight sliding average in geometric design allows to take into account the heterogeneity of the current geospatial data on objects in the field of design, to exclude the subjective factor and to increase the level of automation of design work. As a result, it allows to obtain the relevant boundaries of municipalities and, as a result, to minimize the costs of resolving territorial disputes and increase the efficiency of managerial decision-making.
GIS SOFTWARE TO ESTABLISH THE BOUNDARIES OF AN EASEMENT IN THE TERRITORIAL EDUCATION
Authors: Avrunev Evgeny , Blokhin Danila
Published: November 2019

The article deals with the technology of joint application of geographical information systems (GIS) MapInfo Professional and CREDO Transform for the purpose of establishing the boundaries of the easement on the land without cadastral works and without its registration in Rosreestr.
According to the results of research in the field of GIS and effective regulation of land and property relations, in terms of the establishment of easement is necessary:
1) implement the use of GIS MapInfo Professional and CREDO Transform in the administrations of municipalities and public institutions competent in the provision and registration of land;
2) to Improve the skills of public sector employees, including civil servants, competent in matters of registration and provision of land plots in terms of the use of MapInfo Professional and CREDO Transform;
3) fix at the legislative level and to develop a technique of application of GIS regarding carrying out cadastral works without carrying out geodetic works on the district with the approval in the Ministry of justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of economic development of the Russian Federation.
THE CADASTRAL ESTIMATION OF LANDS OF GARDENING AND GARDENING ASSOCIATIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE NOVOSIBIRSK REGION)
Authors: Ilyinykh Anastasia , Vishnyakova Anna
Published: November 2019

This article is devoted to topical issues of cadastral valuation of land in the composition of horticultural and gardening associations of the Novosibirsk region. The main factors affecting the specific indicator of land cadastral value (KSZ) are presented.
The results of 2 stages of the cadastral valuation of land for horticulture and horticulture as of January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2013 are considered in detail. To determine the deviation of the average value of the cadastral value of land plots, a comparative analysis of specific KSZ indicators for 23 municipalities of the Novosibirsk region was used. The findings suggest that the cadastral value of land is greatly influenced by the location of gardening and gardening associations, distance from the city, transport infrastructure, soil quality and access roads.
Making Invisible Changes Visible: Animal Examples and the Communication of Biodiversity Loss
Authors: Bjærke Marit Ruge
Published: November 2019

Communicating biodiversity loss and other environmental threats is never only about relating natural science data. How different environmental discourses are presented, how they intertwine, and what concepts of nature are implied, are important parts of environmental communication. The release of the 2015 Norwegian Red List for Species by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre was commented on by governmental and non-governmental organizations, and was covered quite extensively in Norwegian national and local papers. In this article, I investigate the use of animals as examples in media texts on the Norwegian Red List, and the different conceptions of biodiversity loss that they activate. The examples studied in the article vary from the listing of species’ names to longer narratives connected with a single species. What they have in common, however, is that the authors use them to make the general issue of the texts more real and understandable to the reader or listener. The conceptions of biodiversity, produced through animal examples in the various media, ranged from happiness and childhood magic, to a climate-changed future, and to recreational hunting. The close reading of the examples shows that both the choice of species and, more specifically, which of the species’ many relationships to portray as part of the exemplary narrative, is crucial to the conceptions of biodiversity loss and of nature that are conveyed to the public. Through their way of both exceeding and reducing the general statement they are meant to illustrate, the examples bring some ideas about biodiversity loss to the foreground, but at the same time obscure others, thus providing insight into how biodiversity loss is constructed and communicated as an environmental problem.
Sustainable Bulk-Packaging System for Sugar Shipping: Case Study of the Enterprise Leader in Europe
Authors: Lombardi Mariarosaria , Maffia Giuseppe , Tricase Caterina
Published: November 2019

From 2002 to today, world sugar production has steadily increased due to higher food consumption and biofuel production. Furthermore, in the European Union, the CAP 2014–2020 new reform abolished the system of production and sugar exportation quotas by 1 October 2017. Therefore, since that date, the international sugar exchange has significantly increased in light of these new structural and political–economic conditions. Thus, companies offering a new bulk-packaging technology for international shipping could increase their market success. At the same time, the possibility for the same buyers (from sugar producers to logistic agencies) to use a safer and more sustainable packaging system has become important for economic and environmental cost reduction. The present study aims at presenting the experience of a small Italian enterprise that became a European leader in this sector due to its patents concerning a new, more efficient and sustainable product for bulk sugar transport in containers. This technological innovation represents not only a noteworthy sustainable business strategy for becoming more competitive in the market, but also a system for ensuring more effective sugar transport, mainly for the reduction in management costs (up to 65%) for buyers.
Chemical Composition of the Cuticle Membrane of Pitaya Fruits (Hylocereus Polyrhizus)
Authors: Huang Hua , Jiang Yueming
Published: November 2019

This study comprehensively analysed the chemical composition of the cuticle in pitaya fruits. The total coverage amount of the waxes versus cutin monomers accumulated at a ratio of 0.6, corresponding to masses per unit of 30.3 μg·cm−2 and 50.8 μg·cm−2, respectively. The predominant wax mixtures were n-alkanes in homologous series of C20–C35, dominated by C31 and C33; as well as triterpenoids with an abundant amount of uvaol, lupenon, β-amyrinon, and β-amyrin. The most prominent cutin compounds were C16- and C18-type monomers, in which 9(10),16-diOH-hexadecanoic acid and 9,10-epoxy-ω-OH-octadecanoic acid predominated, respectively. The average chain length (ACL) of aliphates in pitaya fruit cuticle (30.5) was similar to that estimated in leaf waxes, and higher than that in most of the fruit and petal waxes that have been reported. We propose that the relatively high ACL and wax/cutin ratio might enhance the cuticular barrier properties in pitaya fruit cuticle to withstand drought.
Effect of Nitrogen Topdressing Fertilization and Inoculation of Seeds with Azospirillum brasilense on Corn Yield and Agronomic Characteristics
Authors: Skonieski Fernando Reimann , Viégas Julio , Martin Thomas Newton , Mingotti Cristian Carlos Amauri , Naetzold Stela , Tonin Tiago João , Dotto Lisiani Rorato , Meinerz Gilmar Roberto
Published: November 2019

Biological nitrogen fixation and plant hormone synthesis promoted by Azospirillum spp. bacteria play a role in enhancing crop productivity and reducing losses. This may constitute a strategy to enhance crop productivity and reducing losses, thereby increasing nitrogen fertilization efficiency. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 strain inoculation and nitrogen fertilization on the agronomic characteristics and productivity of two maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) AS 1572 and AG 9030. Experiments were carried out at Santa Maria, RS, Brazil in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 growing seasons using a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement to distribute two maize hybrids, inoculated, or not, with Azospirillum brasilense, and five nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120, 240, and 480 kg ha−1). Kernel yield, mass, and dimensions, as well as kernel number on the cobs, stalk diameter, plant height, ear insertion height, prolificacy, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and their correlations were measured. Compared to uninoculated plants, higher kernel yield (p < 0.05) was observed for AS 1572 hybrid when inoculated with A. brasilense, with an increase of 0.978 Mg ha−1 or 10.95%. This effect was primarily due to the higher NUE rate and the increase (p < 0.05) in the number of kernels per cob. The AG 9030 hybrid showed no response to inoculation. A. brasilense inoculation increased the NUE rate of the AS 1572 hybrid in the condition N zero dose at N 60 kg ha−1 dose. Nitrogen fertilization increased crop productivity, notably by raising kernel mass and other productivity components, but reduced the NUE rate. The maximum technical efficiency obtained for the AS 1572 hybrid was of 10.705 Mg ha−1 with a N dose of 342 kg ha−1, whereas the AG 9030 hybrid produced a maximum grain yield of 10.089 Mg ha−1 with a dose of 350 kg ha−1 of N. We conclude that the inoculation with A. brasilense increases NUE, maize grain yield, and agronomic characteristic in the AS 1572 hybrid.
Are Underweight Shelter Dogs More Likely to Display Food Aggression toward Humans?
Authors: Miller Katherine A. , Dolan Emily D. , Cussen Victoria A. , Reid Pamela J.
Published: November 2019

It is commonly believed that underweight or emaciated dogs are predisposed to food aggression toward humans. Each year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) receives hundreds of dogs from criminal cruelty cases. The dogs range from emaciated to overweight. We analyzed existing data from 900 such dogs to examine the relationship between body condition score and food and chew item aggression toward humans. Across all types of cruelty cases, 9.2% of dogs were aggressive over the food, chew, or both, which is a lower prevalence than that previously reported among shelter dogs. Dogs from cruelty cases originating in New York City were more likely to show aggression over food (z = 3.91, p < 0.001) and chew items (z = 2.61, p = 0.01) than dogs from large-scale cruelty cases, although it is unclear why. Female dogs were less likely to show food (z = −3.75, p < 0.001) and chew item (z = −2.25, p = 0.02) aggression compared to males. Underweight dogs were not more likely to display food aggression, but when they did, the aggression was no more severe than that of normal-weight dogs (Fisher’s exact tests = 0.41 and 0.15 for the Food Bowl and Chew Item scenarios, respectively). Breed type was not a significant predictor of aggression. Canine food aggression does not appear to be an aberrant behavior caused by a history of food scarcity but may be related to biological factors such as sex. These findings could prove useful for animal behavior subject matter experts testifying in court or consulting on cruelty cases, as they could speak with scientific validity to the question of whether there is a link between previous food scarcity and the likelihood of food aggression in dogs.
Use of Complementary Natural Feed for Gastrointestinal Nematodes Control in Sheep: Effectiveness and Benefits for Animals
Authors: Castagna Fabio , Palma Ernesto , Cringoli Giuseppe , Bosco Antonio , Nisticò Nancy , Caligiuri Giada , Britti Domenico , Musella Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

The treatments of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infection in sheep is almost exclusively based on the use of synthetic drugs. In some European regions the intensive use of antiparasitic drugs is leading to widespread development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). Currently in southern Italy AR is rare, but a constant monitoring of anthelmintic efficacy and the use of effective alternative therapies is strongly recommended. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a complementary natural feed (natural vegetable mixture), based on natural extracts, registered for GIN treatment in sheep, and its comparison with the drug ivermectin. The study was conducted in two sheep breeding farms in southern Italy and 75 sheep were divided in groups of 15 animals each (treated and untreated groups), homogeneous by GIN eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, using the natural anthelmintic administered at full dose (10 g/sheep/orally) in the first breeding and at double dose (20 g/sheep/orally) in the second. In the latter we compared the effectiveness of mixture with ivermectin administered at full dose (200 μg/kg/BW). To determine the effectiveness, individual faecal samples were collected to evaluate the faecal eggs count (FEC) using FLOTAC technique and FEC reduction (FECR) on different days. The formula used FECR = 100 × (1 − (T2/C2)), based on the comparison of post-treatment EPG mean of the treated and untreated group (T2 and C2, respectively), is the one recommended by World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines to monitor drug efficacy against GIN in livestock. The results reported that complementary natural feed, at two different dosages, was ineffective against GIN, while the drug, at conventional dosage, showed good anthelmintic efficacy, also confirming the importance of in vivo effectiveness studies.
Myoinositol Supplementation of Freezing Medium Improves the Quality-Related Parameters of Dog Sperm
Authors: Qamar Ahmad Yar , Fang Xung , Kim Min Jung , Cho Jongki
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress during freeze–thaw procedures results in reduced semen fertility. A decrease in free radical levels can improve the post-thaw sperm quality. We examined the effects of myoinositol supplementation in freezing medium on the structure and function of cryopreserved dog sperm. Pooled ejaculates were diluted with buffer without or with myoinositol (1 or 2 mg/mL). Analysis of fresh semen revealed that the optimal concentration of myoinositol was 1 mg/mL, and this concentration was used in further experiments. Post-thaw semen quality in the myoinositol-supplemented group was superior (p < 0.05) compared with that in the control group in terms of motility (57.9 ± 0.4% vs. 47.8 ± 0.2%), sperm viability (57.5 ± 0.5% vs. 44.6 ± 0.6%), intact plasma membrane (56.6 ± 0.4% vs. 46.2 ± 0.6%), and acrosome membrane (59.3 ± 0.5% vs. 51.8 ± 0.5%). In addition, sperm in the myoinositol-supplemented group showed a significantly lower expression of pro-apoptotic (BAX) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulator (ROMO1) genes but higher expression of anti-apoptotic (BCL2), and protamine-related (PRM2 and PRM3) genes compared with that in the control group. Therefore, myoinositol supplementation before freezing can protect against oxidative stress and improve post-thaw dog sperm quality.
3-D SRIM Simulation of Focused Ion Beam Sputtering with an Application-Oriented Incident Beam Model
Authors: Zhao Lirong , Cui Yimin , Li Wenping , Khan Wajid Ali , Ma Yutian
Published: November 2019

Ion beam sputter etching has been widely used in material surface modification and transmission electron microscope (TEM) sample preparation. Due to the complexity of the ion beam etching process, the quantitative simulation of ion beam sputtering is necessary to guarantee precision in surface treatment and sculpting under different energies and beam currents. In this paper, an application-oriented incident ion beam model was first built with aberrations and Coulomb repulsion forces being considered from the Ga ion source to the sample. The sputtering process of this model on the sample was then analyzed and simulated with an improved stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) program. The sputtering performance of this model, the point-like incident beam and the typical Gaussian incident beam was given in the end. Results show that the penetration depth of Ga ions having 30 keV energy in silicon is 28 nm and the radial range is 29.6 nm with 50 pA beam current. The application-oriented model has been verified by our focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) milling experiment and it will be a potential thermal source in simulating the process of FIB bombarding organic samples.
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Mechanisms and the Performance Change of a Highly Loaded Axial Compressor Stage with/without Stator Hub Clearance
Authors: Liu Baojie , Qiu Ying , An Guangfeng , Yu Xianjun
Published: November 2019

Three-dimensional corner separation is common in axial compressors, which can lead to large flow loss and blockage especially when it evolves into the corner stall (open separation). In this paper, the evolution of the three-dimensional flow structures inside a cantilevered stator of a 1.5 stage low-speed highly loaded axial compressor as the stator hub clearance varies, and its effect on the whole compressor performance are investigated experimentally. Firstly, when the stator hub is sealed, the hub corner stall will occur at small mass flow rate conditions. Then, when a very small stator hub clearance is introduced, the leakage flow tends to strengthen the hub corner separation at large mass flow rate conditions and prompts the occurrence of hub corner stall as the mass flow rate decreases. This is mainly caused by the fact that the leakage flow has relatively low energy due to the viscosity effect in the clearance and large flow loss generation as the clearance flow comes across and mixes with the transverse secondary flow. Finally, when the stator hub clearance increases, the effect of the flow viscosity becomes very weak and could be ignored, so the enhanced leakage flow can suppress the transverse migration of the low energy flow near the hub, and the hub corner separation at large mass flow rate conditions could be weakened and the hub corner stall at small mass flow rate conditions could be removed or delayed. As the stator hub clearance varies, the flow structures inside the stator passage could be summarized into five typical flow structures, and this is closely associated with the performance of the compressor.
Fault Diagnosis of Railway Point Machines Using the Locally Connected Autoencoder
Authors: Li Zhen , Yin Zhuo , Tang Tao , Gao Chunhai
Published: November 2019

Data-driven fault diagnosis is considered a modern technique in Industry 4.0. In the area of urban rail transit, researchers focus on the fault diagnosis of railway point machines as failures of the point machine may cause serious accidents, such as the derailment of a train, leading to significant personnel and property loss. This paper presents a novel data-driven fault diagnosis scheme for railway point machines using current signals. Different from any handcrafted feature extraction approach, the proposed scheme employs a locally connected autoencoder to automatically capture high-order features. To enhance the temporal characteristic, the current signals are segmented and blended into some subsequences. These subsequences are then fed to the proposed autoencoder. With the help of a weighting strategy, the seized features are weight averaged into a final representation. At last, different from the existing classification methods, we employ the local outlier factor algorithm to solve the fault diagnosis problem without any training steps, as the accurate data labels that indicate a healthy or unhealthy state are difficult to acquire. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis scheme, a fault dataset termed “Cu-3300” is created by collecting 3300 in-field current signals. Using Cu-3300, we perform comprehensive analysis to demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the existing methods. We have made the dataset Cu-3300 and the code file freely accessible as open source files. To the best of our knowledge, the dataset Cu-3300 is the first open source dataset in the area of railway point machines and our conducted research is the first to investigate the use of autoencoders for fault diagnosis of point machines.
Low-Energy Strawberry Fruits of Joly Cultivar, the First Step Towards a Novel, Food-Based Solution for the Obese Population
Authors: Simonovic Mladen , Ostojic Sanja , Micic Darko , Pesakovic Marijana , Pejin Boris
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to produce low-energy strawberries of the Joly cultivar by breeding them under different growing conditions. The efficacy of such a process was screened by the means of common physico-chemical parameters underpinned with the findings of elementary chemical analysis. The preferred strawberry breed line (treated with microbiological fertiliser of choice) showed both a decreased energy value (130 ± 6 kJ/100 g or 31.07 kcal) and an increased water content (91.0 ± 7.3 g/100 g). Due to a rich content of phenolic compounds (Total Phenolic Content /TPC/ 4184 ± 39 mg GAE/kg; Total Anthocyanin Content /TAC/ 394 ± 4 mg C3GE/kg), it also exhibited potent antioxidant activity (0.110 ± 0.008 %/μL, HPMC /Hydroxo-Perhydroxyl Mercury(II) Complex/) assay; EC50 = 2.01 ± 0.10 µg and ARP = 0.50 ± 0.05 µg−1, DPPH assay). Finally, the polyphenolic extract of the same breed line showed high anti-α glucosidase activity (IC50 = 19 ± 1 µg/mL), being more than four-fold active compared to acarbose (IC50 = 78 ± 4 µg/mL), the anti-diabetic drug used as a positive control. Taken all together, the utilisation of microbiological fertiliser (Bacillus sp.) in tunnels might be recommended for the breeding of low-energy strawberries of the Joly cultivar (the starting point for developing of novel functional foods targeting the obese population) in the same or similar agricultural conditions, if further studies confirm its likely potential and credibility.
Failure and Seepage Characteristics of Gas-Bearing Coal under Accelerated Loading and Unloading Conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Kai , Du Feng , Lou Zhen , Wang Gongda
Published: November 2019

In actual mining situations, the advancing speed of the working face is usually accelerated, which may affect the failure and seepage characteristics of gas-bearing coal, and may even induce dynamic disasters. In order to discover the effects of such accelerated advancement of the working face, an experimental study on the failure and seepage characteristics of gas-bearing coal under accelerated loading and unloading conditions was carried out in this work. The results showed that the energy release was more violent and impactful under accelerated loading and unloading paths. The time required for the failure of the sample was significantly shortened. After being destroyed, the breakup of the sample was more severe, and the magnitude of the permeability was greater. Accordingly, the acceleration of the loading and unloading had significant control effects on the failure and permeability of coal and it showed a significant danger of inducing coal and gas dynamic disasters. Meanwhile, the degree of influence of the acceleration on the coal decreased with an increase in the gas pressure and increased significantly with an increase in the initial confining pressure. It was found that for a deep high-gas mine, the accelerated advancement of the working face under a high in situ stress condition would greatly increase the risk of coal and gas dynamic disasters. Then, the permeability evolution model of gas-bearing coal in consideration of changes in the loading and unloading rates was theoretically established in this work, and this permeability model was validated by experimental data. The permeability model was found to be relatively reasonable. In summary, the effects of accelerated loading and unloading on the failure and seepage characteristics of gas-bearing coal were obtained through a combination of experimental and theoretical studies, and the intrinsic relationship between the accelerated advancement of the working face and the occurrence of coal and gas dynamic disasters was discovered in this work.
Decarbonising the Shipping Sector: A Critical Analysis on the Application of Waste Heat for Refrigeration in Fishing Vessels
Authors: Palomba Valeria , Dino Giuseppe E. , Ghirlando Robert , Micallef Christopher , Frazzica Andrea
Published: November 2019

The integration of sorption systems on-board fishing vessels has been explored in the last decade, but the limitations in power density and temperature levels achievable have hindered their application. In the present paper, the integration of hybrid sorption–compression systems was evaluated. Different shipping vessels and routes in seas and oceans were considered in the analysis, with engine powers from 190 kW to 500 kW. The feasibility of series and cascade configurations was studied and the possible benefits, in terms of fuel and CO2 savings, were evaluated. The analysis, which also considered the payload due to the extra fuel needed to transport the equipment for refrigeration, showed that up to 75% savings can be obtained, with CO2 emissions avoided up to 20 t/y.
The Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS): Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Rafkin Scot , Michaels Timothy
Published: November 2019

The Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS) is closing in on two decades of use as a tool to investigate mesoscale and microscale circulations and dynamics in the atmosphere of Mars. Over this period of time, there have been numerous improvements and additions to the model dynamical core, physical parameterizations, and framework. At the same time, the application of the model to Mars (and related code for other planets) has taught many lessons about limitations and cautions that should be exercised. The current state of MRAMS is described along with a review of prior studies and findings utilizing the model. Where appropriate, lessons learned are provided to help guide future users and aid in the design and interpretation of numerical experiments. The paper concludes with a discussion of future MRAMS development plans.
The Impact of Integrin-Mediated Matrix Adhesion on Cisplatin Resistance of W1 Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Wantoch von Rekowski Kathleen , König Philipp , Henze Svenja , Schlesinger Martin , Zawierucha Piotr , Januchowski Radosław , Bendas Gerd
Published: November 2019

Background: Tumor cell binding to the microenvironment is regarded as the onset of therapeutic resistance, referred to as cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). Here we elucidate whether CAM-DR occurs in ovarian cancer cells and contributes to still-existing cisplatin resistance. Methods: Cultivation of W1 and cisplatin-resistant W1CR human ovarian cancer cells on collagen-type I (COL1) was followed by whole genome arrays, MTT assays focusing cisplatin cytotoxicity, and AAS detection of intracellular platinum levels. Expression of cisplatin transporters Ctr1 and MRP2 was analyzed. Mechanistic insight was provided by lentiviral β1-integrin (ITGB1) knockdown, or inhibition of integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Results: EC50 values of cisplatin cytotoxicity increased twofold when W1 and W1CR cells were cultivated on COL1, associated with significantly diminished intracellular platinum levels. Transporter deregulation could not be detected at mRNA levels but appears partially responsible at protein levels. The ITGB1 knockdown confirms that CAM-DR follows a COL1/ITGB1 signaling axis in W1 cells; thus, a blockade of ILK re-sensitized W1 cells on COL1 for cisplatin. In contrast, CAM-DR adds to cisplatin resistance in W1CR cells independent of ITGB1. Conclusions: CAM-DR appears relevant for ovarian cancer cells, adding to existing genetic resistance and thus emerges as a target for sensitization strategies.
Paclitaxel’s Mechanistic and Clinical Effects on Breast Cancer
Authors: Abu Samaan Tala M. , Samec Marek , Liskova Alena , Kubatka Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: November 2019

Paclitaxel (PTX), the most widely used anticancer drug, is applied for the treatment of various types of malignant diseases. Mechanisms of PTX action represent several ways in which PTX affects cellular processes resulting in programmed cell death. PTX is frequently used as the first-line treatment drug in breast cancer (BC). Unfortunately, the resistance of BC to PTX treatment is a great obstacle in clinical applications and one of the major causes of death associated with treatment failure. Factors contributing to PTX resistance, such as ABC transporters, microRNAs (miRNAs), or mutations in certain genes, along with side effects of PTX including peripheral neuropathy or hypersensitivity associated with the vehicle used to overcome its poor solubility, are responsible for intensive research concerning the use of PTX in preclinical and clinical studies. Novelties such as albumin-bound PTX (nab-PTX) demonstrate a progressive approach leading to higher efficiency and decreased risk of side effects after drug administration. Moreover, PTX nanoparticles for targeted treatment of BC promise a stable and efficient therapeutic intervention. Here, we summarize current research focused on PTX, its evaluations in preclinical research and application clinical practice as well as the perspective of the drug for future implication in BC therapy.
Trafficking of Stretch-Regulated TRPV2 and TRPV4 Channels Inferred Through Interactomics
Authors: Doñate-Macián Pau , Enrich-Bengoa Jennifer , Dégano Irene R. , Quintana David G. , Perálvarez-Marín Alex
Published: November 2019

Transient receptor potential cation channels are emerging as important physiological and therapeutic targets. Within the vanilloid subfamily, transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) and 4 (TRPV4) are osmo- and mechanosensors becoming critical determinants in cell structure and activity. However, knowledge is scarce regarding how TRPV2 and TRPV4 are trafficked to the plasma membrane or specific organelles to undergo quality controls through processes such as biosynthesis, anterograde/retrograde trafficking, and recycling. This review lists and reviews a subset of protein–protein interactions from the TRPV2 and TRPV4 interactomes, which is related to trafficking processes such as lipid metabolism, phosphoinositide signaling, vesicle-mediated transport, and synaptic-related exocytosis. Identifying the protein and lipid players involved in trafficking will improve the knowledge on how these stretch-related channels reach specific cellular compartments.
How Attention to Faces and Objects Changes Over Time in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Evidence from An Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Muratori Filippo , Billeci Lucia , Calderoni Sara , Boncoddo Maria , Lattarulo Caterina , Costanzo Valeria , Turi Marco , Colombi Costanza , Narzisi Antonio
Published: November 2019

Further understanding of the longitudinal changes in visual pattern of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is needed. We examined twelve 19 to 33-month-old toddlers at their first diagnosis (mean age: 25.1 months) and after six months (mean age: 31.7 months) during two initiating joint attention (IJA) tasks using eye tracking. Results were compared with the performance of age-matched typically developing (TD) toddlers evaluated at a single time-point. Autistic toddlers showed longitudinal changes in the visual sensory processing of the IJA tasks, approaching TD performance with an improvement in the ability to disengage and to explore the global space. Findings suggest the use of eye tracking technology as an objective, non-intrusive, adjunctive tool to measure outcomes in toddlers with ASD.
Integration Methods of Cyclodextrins on Gold and Carbon Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Casulli Maria Antonietta , Taurino Irene , Carrara Sandro , Hayashita Takashi
Published: November 2019

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are oligosaccharides composed of six (α), seven (β) or eight (γ) glucose units. Their inner hydrophobic cavity and hydrophilic external surface enable the formation of the “host-guest inclusion complex” with different organic or inorganic molecules showing high molecular selectivity. For these characteristics, CDs have many potential applications in electrochemical sensing. To enable CDs immobilization on the electrode surfaces, different chemical modifications are needed depending of the electrode material, while nanomaterials have been exploited to enhance the sensing signal. The CDs binding onto gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes, as an electron-transfer mediator to the electrode surface, is a typical example of it, while also graphene is largely used. The aim of the present review is to give an overview of CDs properties and their applications to electrochemical sensors for medical diagnostics. Different kinds for the functionalization of CDs onto electrode surfaces will be reviewed as well as their performance in presence of nanomaterials. Finally, CDs-based devices for sensing biomedical molecules of biomedical interest will be briefly presented and discussed.
HMGCS2 Mediates Ketone Production and Regulates the Proliferation and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yuan-Hsi , Liu Chao-Lien , Chiu Wan-Chun , Twu Yuh-Ching , Liao Yi-Jen
Published: November 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor worldwide; however, the traditional therapeutic approaches and survival rates are still limited. To improve current therapies, it is necessary to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer and to identify potential therapeutic targets. The aims of this study were to verify the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of the ketogenesis rate-limiting enzyme 3-Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) in HCC. Immunohistochemical staining of human liver disease tissue arrays showed that HMGCS2 is abundantly expressed in normal liver tissues but is downregulated in cirrhosis and HCC tissues. In HCC patients, lower HMGCS2 expression was correlated with higher pathological grades and clinical stages. In our investigation of the molecular mechanisms of HMGCS2 in HCC, we showed that knockdown of HMGCS2 decreased ketone production, which promoted cell proliferation, cell migration, and xenograft tumorigenesis by enhancing c-Myc/cyclinD1 and EMT signaling and by suppressing the caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway. Ketone body treatment reduced the proliferation- and migration-promoting effects of HMGCS2 knockdown in cells. In contrast, HMGCS2 overexpression increased the intracellular ketone level and inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and xenograft tumorigenesis. Finally, ketogenic diet administration significantly inhibited liver cancer cell growth in mice. Our studies highlight the potential therapeutic strategy of targeting HMGCS2-mediated ketogenesis in liver cancer.
Nanostructure of Clustered DNA Damage in Leukocytes after In-Solution Irradiation with the Alpha Emitter Ra-223
Authors: Scherthan Harry , Lee Jin-Ho , Maus Emanuel , Schumann Sarah , Muhtadi Razan , Chojowski Robert , Port Matthias , Lassmann Michael , Bestvater Felix , Hausmann Michael
Published: November 2019

Background: Cancer patients are increasingly treated with alpha-particle-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. At the subcellular level, alpha particles induce densely spaced ionizations and molecular damage. Induction of DNA lesions, especially clustered DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), threatens a cell’s survival. Currently, it is under debate to what extent the spatial topology of the damaged chromatin regions and the repair protein arrangements are contributing. Methods: Super-resolution light microscopy (SMLM) in combination with cluster analysis of single molecule signal-point density regions of DSB repair markers was applied to investigate the nano-structure of DNA damage foci tracks of Ra-223 in-solution irradiated leukocytes. Results: Alpha-damaged chromatin tracks were efficiently outlined by γ-H2AX that formed large (super) foci composed of numerous 60–80 nm-sized nano-foci. Alpha damage tracks contained 60–70% of all γ-H2AX point signals in a nucleus, while less than 30% of 53BP1, MRE11 or p-ATM signals were located inside γ-H2AX damage tracks. MRE11 and p-ATM protein fluorescent tags formed focal nano-clusters of about 20 nm peak size. There were, on average, 12 (±9) MRE11 nanoclusters in a typical γ-H2AX-marked alpha track, suggesting a minimal number of MRE11-processed DSBs per track. Our SMLM data suggest regularly arranged nano-structures during DNA repair in the damaged chromatin domain.
Delineation of Tumor Migration Paths by Using a Bayesian Biogeographic Approach
Authors: Chroni Antonia , Vu Tracy , Miura Sayaka , Kumar Sudhir
Published: November 2019

Understanding tumor progression and metastatic potential are important in cancer biology. Metastasis is the migration and colonization of clones in secondary tissues. Here, we posit that clone migration events between tumors resemble the dispersal of individuals between distinct geographic regions. This similarity makes Bayesian biogeographic analysis suitable for inferring cancer cell migration paths. We evaluated the accuracy of a Bayesian biogeography method (BBM) in inferring metastatic patterns and compared it with the accuracy of a parsimony-based approach (metastatic and clonal history integrative analysis, MACHINA) that has been specifically developed to infer clone migration patterns among tumors. We used computer-simulated datasets in which simple to complex migration patterns were modeled. BBM and MACHINA were effective in reliably reconstructing simple migration patterns from primary tumors to metastases. However, both of them exhibited a limited ability to accurately infer complex migration paths that involve the migration of clones from one metastatic tumor to another and from metastasis to the primary tumor. Therefore, advanced computational methods are still needed for the biologically realistic tracing of migration paths and to assess the relative preponderance of different types of seeding and reseeding events during cancer progression in patients.