bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A INFLUÊNCIA DA DINÂMICA COSTEIRA EM SÍTIOS ARQUEOLÓGICOS DUNARES: Estudo de Caso na Praia de Redonda, Município de Areia Branca, Rn
Authors: Martins Alano Jaciguara Dantas de Alencar , Carvalho Rodrigo Guimarães de , Gurgel Silvana Praxedes de Paiva , Santos Junior Valdeci dos
Published: November 2021

O presente trabalho estudou os agentes modeladores da paisagem na praia de Redonda, município de Areia Branca (RN), analisando os fatores geomorfológicos que provocam mobilidades espaciais das dunas e a sua influência direta e/ou indireta nos vestígios culturais pertencentes as sociedades pretéritas. Para tanto se utilizou a pesquisa bibliográfica, geoprocessamento e prospecção em campo. Os resultados preliminares apontam que as mobilidades dunares, produziram alterações espaciais nos processos de deposição/formação dos registros arqueológicos pretéritos, e que, além dos fatores naturais da dinâmica costeira, essas alterações espaciais podem ter sido aceleradas por intervenções antrópicas nos últimos 30 anos. THE INFLUENCE OF COASTAL DYNAMICS ON DUNAR ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES: A Case Study on The Beach of Redonda, Municipality of Areia Branca, State of Rio Grande do Norte ABSTRACTIn this work, the modeling agents of the landscape were studied in Redonda beach, Municipality of Areia Branca, State of Rio Grande do Norte. They analysis focused on the geomorphological controls that result on dune migration in the area, and their direct and/or indirect influence on the cultural remains and artifacts belonging to the pre-historical groups. In order to accomplish the aims of this research, bibliographic review, geoprocessing and field prospecting were carried out. Preliminary results indicate that dune migration has led to spatial changes in the deposition/distribution processes of pre-historical archaeological records, and that in addition to the natural factors operating on the coastal dynamics, these spatial changes may have been accelerated by anthropic interventions within the last 30 years.Keywords: Coastal Dynamics; Dunes; Archaeological sites.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding: a Cardiologist's Point of View
Authors: Averkov O. V. , Mishchenko L. N.
Published: November 2021

Oral anticoagulant therapy is widely used in different patients for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events: in atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, acute coronary syndrome, in the early postoperative period after orthopedic surgery. Nowadays it is possible to use vitamin K antagonists (warfarin) as well as direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC): dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban. The mai complication of any anticoagulant therapy is bleeding (gastrointestinal, intracranial, etc.), which seriously limits its usage. In this review the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) associated with oral anticoagulants intake was analyzed according to the results of both large randomized and postregistration trials. Furthermore, the effect of age on the risk of GIB development is discussed, and also aspects of the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal mucosa lesions in patients taking DOAC are considered.
Study of the Quality of Medical Therapy and Adherence in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (According to the COMPLIANCE Study)
Authors: Guseynova E. T. , Kutishenko N. P. , Lukina Yu. V. , Tolpygina S. N. , Voronina V. P. , Blagodatskih S. V. , Drapkina O. M. , Martsevich S. Yu.
Published: November 2021

Aim. Assess the medical therapy quality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and patients' adherence to the treatment depending on the previous observation in a specialized medical center as part of an of an outpatient registry.

Materials and methods. An analysis of the medical therapy quality in patients with CHF was carried out as part of the COMPLIANCE prospective observational study (NCT04262583). 72 patients with CHF verified according to the protocol were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 69.1±9.5 years (31% of women and 69% of men). Patients were divided into groups: those who first applied to a specialized department during the period of the study inclusion, or those who were previously observed in a specialized department. The general adherence assessment to medical therapy was carried out using the original questionnaire «The adherence scale of the National Society for Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy» which was supplemented with questions to assess the actual adherence to specific medical drugs recommended for patients with CHF.

Results. According to the results of the study, beta-blockers were prescribed to 70 (97.2%) patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were recommended in 68 (94%) patients. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were included in therapy in 6 out of 9 patients who were shown to be prescribed (66.6%). The choice of medical drugs within the group was not always adequate. For example, ACEi/ARBs with proven efficacy in patients with CHF were prescribed only in 72% of patients. Comparative analysis of adherence to medical therapy between patients of the selected groups demonstrated a higher adherence to the recommended therapy in patients who were previously observed in a specialized center.

Conclusion. The medical therapy quality for patients with CHF doesn't always comply with current clinical guidelines. The choice of a medical drug within a group is not always adequate. Regular observation in a specialized center contributes to a higher adherence to the recommended therapy.
Buku Ajar Penelitian Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Authors:   Akhtim Wahyuni, Fahyuni Eni Fariyatul
Published: November 2021

Puji syukur kami panjatkan ke hadirat Allah SWT, atas rahmat, karunia, dan kehendak-Nya, buku ajar Penelitian Manajemen Pendidikan Islam dapat diselesaikan dengan baik meskipun perlu penyempurnaan lebih lanjut. Sholawat dan salam semoga selalu tercurahkan kepada junjungan Rasulullah Muhammad SAW. Buku Ajar Penelitian Manajemen Pendidikan Islam membahas wilayah kajian dan objek kajian ilmu pengetahuan beserta paradigma kajiannya tidak dapat dipisahkan dari pandangan filsafat terhadap ilmu pengetahuan itu sendiri. Buku ajar Penelitian Manajemen Pendidikan Islam ini dikhususkan untuk pegangan Mahasiswa S2 MPI (Magister Manajemen Pendidikan Islam) Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. Mata kuliah prasarat yang harus diselesaikan sebelum mahasiswa melaksanakan seminar proposal dan ujian tesis. Penelitian Pendidikan Islam berupaya menafsirkan hakikat wilayah atau objek kajian sebagaimana adanya dan terbuka untuk pengujian secara terus menerus untuk memperoleh kebenaran. Sebab, ilmu pengetahuan yang dibangun atas dasar pengamatan manusia sejatinya tidak lain hanya merupakan dugaan atau asumsi. Ilmu pengetahuan tidak pernah benar secara mutlak. Ilmu hanya dapat berkembang apabila terus menerus dikaji. Melalui kajian penelitian akan ditemukan data dan fakta baru yang membuktikan kebenarannya.
Relationship Between Air Pollution and Lung Cancer in Fujian Province: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Guangmin , He Fei , Wu Jiasheng , Yang Huimin , Su Jin , Lin Jianbo , Liu Yuhang , Xie Jianfeng , Bai Liang , Cai Lin , Zheng Kuicheng
Published: November 2021

Background:Outdoor air pollutants, especially particulate matters, are defined as a type of carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that air pollutionis associated with lung cancer morbidity or mortality. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between air pollutants and primary lung cancer in Fujian Province, China. Methods:We conducted a hospital-based, retrospective, case–control epidemiological study on three different populations to assess the occurrence of lung cancer caused by exposure to various levels of air pollution. Statistical analysiswas performed using the SPSS 25.0. Unconditional logistic regression modeling and identification of possible confounding factors were performed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for air pollution indexes and lung cancer risk. Results: The total study population comprised 885 lung cancer patients and 1,220 healthy controls. The following parameters were identified as risk factors for lung cancer among the total population: smoking; exposure to cooking oil fumes; passive smoking; medical history of lung disease; family history of lung cancer; and exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3. Fruit intake and physical exercise were protective against lung cancer. For smokers, medical history of lung disease, family history of lung cancer, and exposure to PM10, and PM2.5 were risk factors for lung cancer, while fruit intake and physical exercise were protective factors. Among non-smokers, exposure to cooking oil fumes; medical history of lung disease; family history of lung cancer; and exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3 were factors increasing the risk of lung cancer, while fruit intake, physical exercise, and tea drinking were protective factors. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3 was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer, with the risk being greater for non-smokers and persons exposed to cooking oil fumes.
ARED: Antibiotic Response determined by Euclidean Distance with highly sensitive Escherichia coli biosensors
Authors: Shi Haoran , Lioe Trillion Surya , Eng Kelly van der , Suryajaya Ryanica , Feng Ziyi , Tefsen Boris , Linsen Sam EV
Published: November 2021

Antimicrobial Resistance is challenging healthcare and food security and is driven by antibiotic overuse and environmental pollution. Longitudinal monitoring of antibiotic residue would help to track pollution sources and assess the effect of interventions. Here we propose a novel high-throughput monitoring method. We mutagenized E. coli MG1655 and identified and characterized 12 antibiotic-sensitive biosensors (ABSBs) with different genotypes by a newly developed method called Antibiotic Response determined by Euclidean Distance (ARED), based on growth (OD600) and metabolic activity (resazurin). The ABSBs contain nonsense or frameshift mutations in expected genes, like those coding for efflux pumps and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis enzymes, as well as mutations in genes lesser or not known to be important for antibiotic sensitivity. Resazurin-based ARED can achieve antibiotic detection in the ng/mL range for most antibiotics tested in aqueous solutions. Our study shows that mutagenesis of E. coli can generate a tremendous shift in antibiotic sensitivity and that quantification of metabolic activity with ARED is a straightforward manner to monitor antibiotic activity in aqueous solutions. We propose that this method can be adopted for any collection of cell strains that possess differential antibiotic sensitivity and thus can be implemented for widespread monitoring of samples with unknown antibiotic complexion and origin.
The task pre-configuration is associated with cognitive performance evidence from the brain synchrony
Authors: Fan Chanjuan , Wei Jing , Xiang Jie , Li Ying , Yang Lan , Lv Jiaqi , Guo Hao
Published: November 2021

Although many characteristics of the resting state and task states have been studied, it is still unclear how the brain network switches from the resting state during tasks. The current theory is that the brain is a complex dynamic system and synchrony is defined to measure brain activity. This study compared the changes in synchrony between the resting state and different task states in healthy young participants and examined the ability to switch from the resting state to the task-general architecture of synchrony. We found that the synchrony increased significantly during the tasks and the brain has the task-general architecture of synchrony during different tasks, the increase of synchrony in high-order cognitive networks is particularly obvious, while the increase in the sensorimotor network is relatively low. In addition, the high synchrony of high-order cognitive networks in the resting state can promote effective task switching and the pre-configured participants have better cognitive performance, which shows that the spontaneous brain activity and cognitive ability are closely related. These results revealed changes in the configuration of the brain network for switching between the task states and the resting state, highlighted the consistent changes in the brain network between different tasks, and found that there is an important relationship between switching ability and cognitive performance.
Exposure to Non-exhaust Emission in Central Seoul using an Agent-based Framework
Authors: Shin Hyesop , Bithell Mike
Published: November 2021

Non-exhaust emission (NEE) from brake and tyre wear cause deleterious effects on human health, but the relationship with mobility has not been thoroughly examined. We construct an in silico agent-based traffic simulator for Central Seoul to illustrate the coupled problems of emissions, behaviour, and the estimated exposure to PM10 (particles less than 10 microns in size) for groups of drivers and subway commuters. The results show that significant extra particulates relative to the background exist along roadways where NEEs contributed some 40% of the roadside PM10. In terms of health risk, 88% of resident drivers had an acute health effect in late March but that kind of emergence rarely happened. By contrast, subway commuters’ health risk peaked at a maximum of 30% with frequent oscillations whenever the air pollution episodes occurred. A 90% vehicle restriction scenario reduced PM10 by 18-24%, and reduced the resident driver's risk by a factor of 2, but not effective for subway commuters as the group generally walked through background areas rather than along major roadways. Using an agent-based traffic simulator in a health context can give insights into how exposure and health outcomes can depend on the time of exposure and the mode of transport.
Size Dependent CO2 Reduction Activity of Ag Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts
Authors: Deng Xingyi , Alfonso Dominic , Nguyen-Phan Thuy-Duong , Kauffman Douglas
Published: November 2021

Coinage metals (Au, Cu and Ag) are state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Size-dependent CO2RR activity of Au and Cu has been studied, and increased H2 evolution reaction (HER) activity is expected for small catalyst particles with high population of undercoordinated corner sites. A similar consensus is still lacking for Ag catalysts because the ligands and stabilizers typically used to control particle synthesis can block specific active sites and mask inherent structure-property trends. This knowledge gap is problematic because increased performance and catalyst utilization are still needed to improve economic viability. We combined density functional theory, microkinetic modeling, and experiment to demonstrate a strong size-dependence for pristine Ag particles in the sub-10 nm range. Small diameter particles with a high population of Ag edge sites were predicted to favor HER, whereas CO2RR selectivity increased towards that of bulk Ag for larger diameter particles as the population of Ag(100) surface sites grew. Experimental results validated these predictions and we identified an optimal particle diameter of 8-10 nm that balanced selectivity and activity. Particles below this diameter suffered from poor selectivity, while larger particles demonstrated bulk-like activity and reduced catalyst utilization. These results demonstrate the size-dependent CO2RR activity of pristine Ag catalysts and will help guide future development efforts.
Electronic structure, Mechanical and Thermodynamic properties of CoYSb (Y= Cr, Mo, W) half-Heusler compounds as potential spintronic materials
Authors: Uto O. T. , Akinlami J. O. , Kenmoe S. , Adebayo G. A.
Published: November 2021

The CoYSb (Y = Cr, Mo and W) compounds which are XYZ type half-Heusler alloys and also exist in the face centred cubic MgAgAs-type struc-ture conform to F ̄43m space group. In the present work, these compoundsare investigated in different atomic arrangements called, Type-I, Type-II andType-III phases, using Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) in the Density Functional Theory (DFT) implemented in QE (Quantum EspressoAb-Initio Simulation Package). The ferromagnetic state of these alloys is studied after investigating their stable structural phase. The calculated electronic band structure and the total electronic density of states indicated nearly half-metallic behaviour in CoMoSb with a possibility of being used in spintronic application, metallic in CoWSb and half-metallic in CoCrSb, with the minority spin band gap of 0.81 eV. Furthermore, the calculated mechanical properties predicted an anisotropic behaviour of these alloys in the stable phase. Finally, due to its high Debye temperature value, CoCrSb possesses a stronger covalent bond than CoMoSb and CoWSb, respectively.
Regenerative and anti-inflammatory effect of a novel bentonite complex on burn wounds
Authors: Lee Ju Young , Suh Han Na , Choi Kwan Young , Song Chang Woo , Hwang Jeong Ho
Published: November 2021

Background

Bentonite, a montmorillonite clay, has been used as a classical remedy strategy for a long time. Recently, bentonite has been used as a raw material in cosmetic products because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic effect of bentonite on burn injuries has not yet been identified. Here, we explored the therapeutic effect of a novel bentonite complex, which was developed for medical use, on burn wounds and the anti-inflammatory function of bentonite clay in the complex in vitro.
Methods

A novel bentonite complex and bentonite clay were provided by C&L Biotech Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea). The elements of bentonite clay were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Burn wounds were induced on the dorsal skin of two Yucatan minipigs, and tissue regeneration was determined by cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition using immunohistochemistry and Masson’s trichrome staining. Anti-inflammatory function was determined using quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results

We found that by inducing collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis, the bentonite complex improved skin regeneration in burn wounds. It was also identified that the expression of inflammatory cytokines associated with cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) signalling was significantly inhibited by treatment of the burn wounds with the bentonite complex. An in vitro study to identify the anti-inflammatory effect of bentonite clay, a major component of the bentonite complex, showed that COX-2 signalling was significantly regulated in both HacaT keratinocytes and 3D4/2 macrophage cell lines in vitro.
Conclusions

This study identified the therapeutic effect of a novel bentonite complex in burn wounds by inducing skin regeneration and bentonite-mediated anti-inflammatory responses with bentonite complex treatment.
Reduction of Pulmonary Inflammation by pH Modifiers
Authors: Zeng Wei-ping
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary inflammation is a common pathological feature of a variety of diseases, of which successful therapy with currently available anti-inflammatory drugs is limited by resistance and adverse side effects. Using the ovalbumin-induced mouse allergic asthma model, the present study shows that treatments with pH modifiers, particularly simple acids such as acetate or hydrochloric acid, effectively depleted inflammatory cells in the lungs and blood as well as hyperplastic lung tissue cells while preserving the structure of the blood vessels and lung parenchyma. The acid treatments also suppressed mucus hypersecretion. These results demonstrated pH modifiers as a new class of broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents with anti-proliferation and mucus suppression activities.
Investigating the influence of meditation style and practitioner experience on change blindness using a flicker-paradigm.
Authors: Flynn Evan
Published: November 2021

Change blindness engenders an inability to detect changes made to a visual scene and has negative implications for areas such as road safety and eye-witness memory. Therefore, it’s important to find ways of reducing change blindness to create a safer society. One way this might be achieved is through the practice of meditation. Regular practice of meditation may reduce the effects of change blindness by expanding a practitioner’s consciousness and brain potential over time. This study compared the influence of practitioner experience and medi- tation style- Transcendental Meditation (TM) or Mindfulness-based Meditation (MBM), on change blindness susceptibility. Forty-six participants (30 female and 16 male) with a com- bined mean age of 42 years old, were assigned to two experimental groups depending on the pre-existing meditation style they practiced. Both groups completed an identical experimen- tal task known as a flicker-paradigm where they had to identify changes made to various images. A two-way independent ANOVA revealed a significant effect of meditation style and experience on change-detection reaction times- (F(1,42) =7.22, p < 0.05, = .147), with long-term transcendental meditation practitioners recording faster reaction times (mean = 5927.73, SD = 606.92) on average than long-term mindfulness-based practitioners (mean = 10949.92 SD = 984.72). These results support the contention that long-term practice of transcendental meditation is more effective at reducing change blindness than long-term practice of mindfulness-based meditation.
Opportunity for increasing the soil quality of non-arable and depleted soils in South Africa: A review
Authors: Daniell Angelique , Tonder Danél van
Published: November 2021

The improvement of food security strategies on highly degraded soils has become a major challenge for South Africa, as the need to secure food sources for the growing population under harsher climatic conditions. South Africa is one of the many water scarce countries and is label 30th driest country in the world. The ability of a soil to serve as a growth medium for plants is directly influenced by the chemical, physical, and biological parameters but most importantly the fertility of the soil, which is a prominent part of soil quality. Numerous methods exist to enhance and maintain soil quality including the application of fertilizers and the other includes the application of geological materials to the soil. Basalt (commonly referred to as rock dust) application as a soil amendment has been the focus of numerous long-term studies on soil fertility. The results of long-term application of rock dust have indicated a reduction in continuously applying additional amendment, resulting in more sustainable farming operations. When considering South Africa's relative scarcity of available agricultural land and harsh climatic conditions against the increasing demand placed on food production by a growing population combined with water scarcity, it becomes evident that it is necessary to search for new innovative methods to improve soil quality, which is deemed non-arable and/or depleted. The potential for basalt in re-mineralisation and application on non-arable soil in South Africa hold enormous benefits for the economy.
Management of green economic infrastructure and environmental sustainability in one belt and road initiative economies
Authors: Chen Jian , Rojniruttikul Nuttawut , Kun Li Yu , ullah Sana
Published: November 2021

The study aims to examine the impact of green economic infrastructure on environmental sustainability in one belt and road initiative (OBRI) and sub-regional OBRI economies for the period 1990 to 2019. The study uses two proxies to measure green economic infrastructure namely green logistics and use of the internet. For empirical investigations, the study adopts 2SLS and GMM approaches. Our 2SLS findings demonstrate that green logistics increases CO2 in OBRI and central Asia and reduces CO2 in Europe and MENA. However, GMM findings report that green logistics increases CO2 in OBRI, central Asia, and MENA and reduces CO2 in Europe. While in case of internet, 2SLS findings show that internet use reduces CO2 in OBRI, East and Southeast Asia Europe and increases CO2 in MENA. While GMM findings reveal that use of internet reduces CO2 in OBRI and Europe and increases in East and Southeast Asia and MENA. Based on the findings, environment policies can be revised for OBRI economies.
Structural Credit Risk Model with Jumps Based on Uncertainty Theory
Authors: Huang Hong , Ning Yufu
Published: November 2021

Traditional finance studies of credit risk structured models are based on the assumption that the price of the underlying asset obeys a stochastic differential equation. However, according to behavioral finance, the price of the underlying asset is not entirely stochastic, and the credibility of financial investors also plays a very important role in asset prices. In this paper we introduce uncertainty theory to describe these credibility of investors and propose a new credit risk structured model with jumps based on the assumption that the underlying asset is described by an uncertain differential equation with jumps. The company default belief degree formula, zero coupon bond value and stock value formula are formulated. Company bond credit spread and credit default swap (CDS) pricing are studied as applications of the proposed model in uncertain markets.
An Adaptive Water Resources Management Framework With Combined Policies to Confront Adverse Effects and Risks Due to Population-industry Transformation Into a Floodplain Area
Authors: Zeng Xueting , Zhang Junlong , Liu Jia
Published: November 2021

In this study, an adaptive water resource management framework with combined policies (AWFP) is developed for mitigating adverse effects on water resource in a floodplain area due to population-industry transformation in context of coordinative development of urban agglomeration. A location-entropy based PVRA model (LE-PCRA) and coupla-risk analysis (CRA) can be introduced to reflect the adverse effects of industrial information and driven population on water resources; meanwhile risks (including water shortage, soil loss and flood control) and corresponding correlations have been shown in the risk maps. Moreover, an adaptive scenario analysis based stochastic-fuzzy method (ASSF) can be embedded into an AWFP to deal with multiple uncertainties and their interactions due to subjective and artificial factors. The proposed AWFP is applied to a practical case study of Yongding river floodplain region for confronting adverse effects on water resources due to population-industry transformation in the context of coordinative development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, China. The results were obtained to reflect the negative effects of population-industry transformation and corresponding water allocation patterns in floodplain, which is effective to confront natural and artificial damages (such as water deficit, water and soil loss, and flood damage), risks and function degradation of floodplain contemporarily. Meanwhile, various policy scenarios (such as farmland returning to wetland, improvement of water resource utilization efficiency, water diversion and flood control) can be analyzed to support adjusting current population-economy strategies and water management patterns to accommodate source function of floodplain with a risk-averse and sustainable manner.
Bacteria are more sensitive to nitrogen fertilizer application in tea plantation soil while fungi are more correlated to tea yield and quality
Authors: Tang Sheng , Zhou Jingjie , Pan Wankun , Tang Rui , Ma Qingxu , Xu Meng , Qi Tong , Ma Zhengbo , Fu Haoran , Wu Lianghuan
Published: November 2021

Aims

Soil in tea plantations is characterised by severe acidification and high aluminium and fluorine content. Applying excessive nitrogen (N) is a common strategy in tea plantations. Fungal and bacterial responses to N fertiliser addition in tea plantations, especially their relationship with tea growth, quality, and soil microbiome composition, remain unclear.
Methods

We performed a field experiment using different N fertiliser application rates for 5 years (2016‒2020) in a tea-producing region of China.
Results

Application of excessive N (600 kg ha− 1 y− 1) reduced tea yield and quality. High N application rates (360 and 600 kg ha− 1 y− 1) significantly decreased bacterial and fungal diversity and altered the compositions of bacterial and fungal communities (P < 0.05). Fungi were more tolerant than bacteria to soil environmental changes induced by N fertiliser application. Succession of bacterial and fungal communities was mostly driven by pH. Partial least square path modelling suggested that N addition directly influenced the diversity and communities of bacteria and fungi, and indirectly influenced bacterial community and fungal diversity by mediating soil nutrients and pH. The assembly of fungal communities was more regulated by dispersal limitation and deterministic processes than that of bacterial communities. High microbial diversity was not a requirement for tea growth.
Conclusions

Fungi had a greater impact on tea yield and quality than bacteria; therefore, more attention should be given to fungi, which play a stable role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition in tea plantation, eventually favouring tea growth.
Brevilaterin B from Brevibacillus laterosporus has selective antitumor activity and induces apoptosis in epidermal cancer
Authors: Chen Zhou , Wang Lulu , Liu Yangliu , Han Panpan , Hong Dan , Li Siting , Ma Aijin , Jia Yingmin
Published: November 2021

Brevibacillus laterosporus, a newly discovered genus, had been shown to be one of the best candidates for producing multiple antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Herein, we discovered a new bioactivity of Brevilaterin B, an AMP produced by Br. laterosporus S62-9, and investigated the details about its Anticancer. Proliferation, membrane permeability and apoptotic rate were checked using CCK-8 Assay, LDH Assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI Kits. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA and JC-1. Brevilaterin B exhibited broad anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner. It selectively inhibited the proliferation of epidermal cancer cell A431 but had no effect on normal cells at 2 µg/mL. Typical morphological characteristics of apoptosis and an apoptotic ratio of 71.0% in A431 were observed after treatment with 2-3 µg/mL of Brevilaterin B. In A431 cells, 21.3% ROS generated and 48.8% reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential further occurred, indicating the main site of action was the mitochondrion. Brevilaterin B secreted by Br. laterosporus S62-9 has potential application as an anticancer medicament, increasing its commercial value. It’s believed to be the first report of the anticancer activity of this type of AMPs.
A Model-based Parameter Optimization Control Strategy for Trajectory Tracking with Torque and Velocity Constraints
Authors: Luo Min , Hou Xiaorong , Li Xiaoxue , Lu Jinbo , Yang Jing
Published: November 2021

The wheeled robots trajectory tracking control methods rarely constrain the torque and speed at the same time. In actual application, the torque and speed of the robot cannot exceed the saturation limit of the actuator. This paper develops a model-based trajectory tracking parameter optimization controller with both velocity and torque constraints, using a gradient descent parameter iterative learning strategy to minimize the settling time index of the system. Trajectory tracking time optimization methods usually require a given analytical expression of the system time, while this time optimization method only requires that the settling time is solvable. The MATLAB simulation experiments show that the proposed parameter optimization controller for trajectory tracking can perform velocity and torque constraints while having a relatively good overall rapidity time index. If the resolution of the robot sensor can meet the design requirements, the optimization method can strictly control the system torque maximum to a reasonably small expected value. When the resolution of the robot sensor is limited, this optimization method can restrict the system torque maximum within a reasonable saturation constraint range.
Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Serena Antonio Pérez , Betancourt Daisy Paola Martínez , Valle Fernando González del , Moreno Jose María Ruiz
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients.
Methods

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients were classified into four groups: early AMD (N =10), intermediate AMD (N=12), advanced atrophic AMD (N=19) and advanced neovascular AMD (N=52) after undergoing fundus photography. Serum 25(OH)D levels of all subjects were evaluated. From a random control group of 326 patients whose 25(OH)D levels had been measured, a group of 93 were selected to match the age range of the AMD group. We measured 25(OH)D levels during the same period to rule out seasonal variation.
Results

A total of 93 AMD patients (36 males and 57 females) and 93 healthy individuals (39 males and 54 females) were enrolled in this study with the mean age of 78.96±8.46 vs. 78.80±8.35, respectively. The patients affected by AMD had statistically significant lower 25(OH)D levels (15±10 ng/mL) than the healthy subjects control group (21±14 ng/mL) (p = 0.004). However, the median 25(OH)D levels in early AMD, intermediate AMD, advanced atrophic AMD and advanced neovascular AMD (12.5±7.3; 15±11; 15±8 and 17±11.5, respectively) were not statistically significant (p = 0.442).
Conclusion

This study shows that patients affected by AMD had lower vitamin D levels compared to healthy subjects. Further research is necessary to investigate the possible association between 25(OH)D levels and AMD.
Design of a Marine Autonomous Surface Vehicle for Geological and Geophysical Surveys
Authors: K T Gürsel
Published: November 2021

Geological and geophysical surveys, which are the basis for engineering studies on marine structures, pipelines, harbours and marinas, both in offshore and in coastal areas, are customarily carried out using fully equipped research vessels or small craft with appropriate equipment related to this work, and with intensive human labour. This traditional method is very costly, requires extra manpower and equipment and increases the risk to life and property, as well as being dependent on ephemeral weather conditions. A prototype unmanned surface vehicle named JEO-IDA (Marine Autonomous Surface Vehicle) was produced by our team within the scope of a project, which will enable real-time monitoring of the data that are obtained by a side scanning sonar and a single beam echosounder installed on the vehicle for geological and geophysical surveys, from a land-based station. The result of this study is the prototype platform of whose mission is to investigate three-dimensional geological and morphological structures of the seabed with high-resolution and to prepare their maps as well as carrying out coastal and offshore surveys in construction and operation phases. In the scope of this research, studies and hull form selection in the design of the unmanned autonomous surface vehicle are discussed in detail.
An Analysis of Maritime Accidents Involving Oil Tankers from a Structural Point of View
Authors: Corina Varsami
Published: November 2021

The international tanker owners pollution federation (ITOPF) is an international organization offering technical consultancy and information regarding pollution prevention and spillage prevention effect on the marine environment. ITOPF maintains a data base including oil spillages causes by oil tankers. It includes information regarding accidental spillage except those which result from acts of war. The data base includes information related to spillages starting from 1970. Our analysis intends to include the type of oil products spilled, the quantity, the cause and place of the incident as well as information related to the ships involved. For historical reasons, spillages are officially classified according to the quantities spilled: quantities lower than 7 t, between 7-700 t and over 700 t. According to the data registered until now, it was determined that out of almost 10.000 incidents, the great majority as in 81% of them are in the first category. Our paper intends to analyze information collected from public sources, such as media publications in the maritime transport field and different specialized publication as well as information given by owners and insurers.
Port reform – key aspect of globalization
Authors: F Nistor
Published: November 2021

Globalization and increased free trade between continents have led to the need to adapt port management to changes and opportunities that occurred. Ports under public administration have had to identify strategies to deal with more aggressive regional or international competition. The opinion of governments of developing countries about improving port performance is more involvement of the private sector. Therefore, countries have understood the need to change over ports administration system from the "public interest" into "public/private interest" category. This paper attempts to highlight the importance of structural reform in the ports due to national markets open up to international trade and the need to integrate the port into the local or regional logistic chain.
Maritime Situational Awareness, the singular approach of a dual-use Navy
Authors: F G Dias
Published: November 2021

The increasing complexity of activities in the maritime domain raised new challenges to all coastal states. In the case of Portugal, it is also required to promptly react to the needs of Portuguese flag vessels around the world. In line with this, the Portuguese Navy developed a study, focused on the requirements assessment for an enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) system. The study started with a review of SA concept models to better understand and analyse the MSA concept used by Portuguese Navy. Maritime Situational Awareness is a concept that has been widely discussed in the maritime surveillance field; on the other hand there are some authors with well-established definitions of Situational Awareness (SA). This paper address three SA concepts and associated models. The first presents an embedded world view with an ecological approach, the second, focuses on a reflective quality with an activity approach and the third focuses on the structure of information processing. These models are later related with the current MSA model used by the Portuguese Navy, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each model. From this comparative analysis, an integrated methodology is proposed to determine requirements for the MSA system of the Portuguese Navy Operational Centre (COMAR).
Contributions to the study of functional parameters in exploitation of the heat, ventilation and air conditioning system for special ships
Authors: O N Volintiru
Published: November 2021

Under normal operating conditions, as a result of heat gains onboard ships from engine rooms and crew, the increase in humidity as well as due to the various releases of gases from onboard systems, room air deteriorates, requiring replacement and its processing through the HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) system. Another feature of the HVAC system for special ships is operating under heavy conditions such as CBRN tightness where operating parameters record extreme values in cooling engine rooms. In the paper, I will present contributions to the study of functional parameters in exploitation of the HVAC system on board special ships under different load operating conditions.
The Dynamics of the Onboard Interpersonal Relations Based on Gender Issues. Study Case on Training Voyage Onboard MIRCEA Tall Ship
Authors: Alecu Toma
Published: November 2021

The paperwork is aiming to reveal the interpersonal relations particularities arose on gender diversity onboard maritime ships, considering the conclusions drawn from a set of training voyages carried out, annually, on the summer practical stage, onboard Mircea Tall Ship, owned by the “Mircea cel Batran” Naval Academy. The data were collected alongside 2003-2010 training voyage and the statistical data were collected from direct interviews with the male and female cadets, carried out during the 2010 summer voyage. The conclusion were very encouraging for the diversity management point of view, no significant gap or misalignment being observed alongside the study, in regard of interpersonal dynamic and the determinant factors in a seagoing crew. The study is really useful for the future research onset, in order to be continued with a in-depth analysis of the collected data with the reference not only to the interpersonal relations but to the individual perceptions and performance as well. The present research has been carried out by the authors within MENTORESS project - Maritime Education Network to Orient and Retain Women for Efficient Seagoing Services.
New considerations regarding underwater noise in Black Sea
Authors: M Pricop
Published: November 2021

The development and standardization of measurement techniques for underwater noise sources are important to both military and civil fields regarding the reduction of sound emitted by commercial and military ships. This paper presents new analysis of the acoustic signature of a small vessel during a voyage in the Black Sea. The measurements were made when the ship was moored in shallow waters. The measuring system had 3 hydrophones that were positioned at different depths. Using the coherence function, it was determined the correlation between the recordings. The results were analysed to determine the acoustic signature of the ship. Thermal variations of sea water and effects of sound reflection from the bottom of the sea were taken into account. Conclusions have been made regarding the utility of this type of analysis and the levels of underwater noise in the shallow waters of the Black Sea.
Actual challenges: selecting an own business field, creating and implementing the business plan using European funds
Authors: Corina Ana BORCOȘI
Published: November 2021

Small businesses have become increasingly important in our society, being considered providers of employment opportunities but also key elements for the well-being of local and regional communities. There are presented in the paper: the advantages of building a business using European funds, but also the structure of a business plan. The paper also presents a case study: a Business Plan in services field.
Pengaruh Tingkat Suku Bunga, Nilai Tukar Rupiah dan Jumlah Ekspor Terhadap Tingkat Kredit PERBANKAN
Authors: Ditria Yoda , Vivian Jenni , Widjaja Indra
Published: November 2021

Interest rates level, exchange rates value and the export quantity are the variables of macroeconomy that always change according to the economic condition of a nation. A good knowledge about the effect of these three variables towards the amount of lending by banks, which consists of three kinds: working capital loan, investment loan, and consumption loan, will help banks’ strategic plan to face the economic volatility. Bank is a financial institution that serves as a bridge between parties that have excess funds with parties that need some funds. Banks are expected to provide loans to the public to sustain economic growth with prudence to reduce the risks, which can be customer risks or systemic risks. The goal of this research is to study the effects and relationship between interest rates level, exchange rates movement, and export quantity towards the credit level of banks and also the three kinds of bank loans, which are the working capital loan, investment loan and consumer loan using historical data from Quarter I 2002 to Quarter III 2007. The result of research indicates that the macroeconomic variables above affect the amount of lending and the three kinds of loan: working capital loan, investment loan and consumer loan. The result also shows that although the three macroeconomic variables have the same influence towards the three kinds of loan, the magnitude of the influence towards each kind of loan is different, in which the investment loan has a big influence towards the interest rates level change, working capital loan has a big influence towards the export quantity and exchange rates, and consumer loan has a moderate influence towards the variation of the three macroeconomic variables.
Predição de Bloqueio em Redes de Telefonia Móvel
Authors: Melo Gabriel da Silva , Santos Bruno André , Gomes Rogerio Martins
Published: November 2021

Bloqueios em redes de telefonia é um problema que consiste na recusa da conexão entre um aparelho telefônico e uma célula responsável pela emissão do sinal. A ocorrência de bloqueios é um indicador de que a célula está próxima de sofrer um congestionamento, o que pode gerar perdas financeiras para as empresas de telefonia. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos dois sistemas de previsão usando redes neurais MLPs (Multi Layer Perceptron) e seguindo as estratégias conhecidas como Direta e DirRec. Para realizar o treinamento e teste das redes MLPs, foram utilizados dados reais contendo históricos de taxa de bloqueios em células de tecnologia 3G. As etapas do desenvolvimento consistiram na análise do desempenho das redes variando o número de neurônios nas camadas ocultas e o número de passos previstos. Os dois sistemas, Direto e DirRec, apresentaram desempenhos semelhantes, fazendo previsões de curto (15 minutos) e longo (5 horas) prazos com RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) de aproximadamente 12% e 31%, respectivamente. Porém, o sistema que utilizou a estratégia DirRec se mostrou mais viável por demandar uma quantidade menor de redes MLPs e, desta maneira, ter um treinamento mais simples.
Optimized design of 5R planar parallel mechanism aimed at gait-cycle of quadruped robots
Authors: D. Ratolikar Mangesh , Kumar R. Prasanth
Published: November 2021

In quadruped robot locomotion using parallel mechanisms, researchers have used equal link lengths as legs for walking. However, force requirements are not the same in the forward and return strokes. An unsymmetrical parallel mechanism can be considered to accommodate such requirements. This work presents optimized dimensions of a 5R planar parallel mechanism (5R-PPM) with two degrees of freedom (DoF). Optimized dimensions are determined by formulating an optimization problem using kinematics and dynamics equations for the 5R-PPM. Genetic algorithm is considered to obtain solutions for the optimization problem formulated in this study. The constraint condition expressed here for optimization will attempt to minimize the peak torque essential to displace the links in the mechanism for the given height of the robot body and the path to be traced by the end-effector. After analysing all the four possible working modes for the same end-effector movement, the best working mode is selected for the quadruped legs. The equations are formulated and solved in MATLAB, and validated in the MATLAB Simscape Multibody toolbox.
Temperature difference measurement with using two RTD sensors as example of evaluating uncertainty of a vector output quantity
Authors: Idzkowski Adam , Warsza Zygmunt
Published: November 2021

The evaluation of results in the case of indirect multi-parameter measurements is presented. A theoretical basis for determining the estimates of values, the uncertainties and the correlation coefficients of indirectly obtained multi-measurand is explained in detail. The example of a difference and an average of two-temperature indirect measurement is given with the use of two RTDs. Such sensors are used in the laboratory and industrial temperature control systems. The uncertainty of measurements depends on the errors of two RTDs and the structure of signal conditioning circuit.