bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Національна безпека України як об’єкт публічного адміністрування
Authors: Мосейко А. Г.
Published: December 2019

Статтю присвячено дослідженню особливостей публічного адміністрування в сфері національної безпеки України. Розкрито сутність держави, основним призначенням якої необхідно вважати досягнення загальної безпеки й благополуччя. Визначено сучасну роль держави в умовах глобалізації, що суттєво змінює її традиційні функції та методи здійснення управлінської діяльності. Наголошено на доцільності виокремлення напрямів публічного адміністрування в сфері національної безпеки України, де кожний напрям передбачає потенційно можливі методи впливу, об’єкт публічного адміністрування та сукупність відповідних заходів протидії на рівні держави. Охарактеризовано значення суспільних відносин, пов’язаних із забезпеченням національної безпеки в окремі групи, об’єкти, що дало б змогу проаналізувати їх, коригувати та контролювати з боку суспільства. Систему напрямів публічного адміністрування в сфері національної безпеки України розглянуто з огляду на зростання їх актуальності та сформульовано наступним чином: військово-силовий, екологічний, економічний, політичний та інформаційний. Акцентовано увагу на новому розумінні взаємовпливу та взаємозалежності національного й міжнародного аспектів безпеки, де національна безпека окремої держави є частиною або підсистемою регіональної безпеки, і врешті, безпеки міжнародної та глобальної.
Конституція та конституціоналізм: сутність, сенси і взаємозумовленість
Authors: Федоренко В. Л.
Published: December 2019

Публікація покликана дослідити походження та поняття категорії «конституція», її взаємозв’язкам із категорією «конституціоналізм» у сучасних демократичних правових державах. Аналізуються витоки українських конституцій і конституційних актів від Конституції Пилипа Орлика 1710 р. до чинної Конституції України 1996 р. Узагальнюються та систематизуються найбільш поширені підходи до визначення сутності конституцій і їх сенсу для розвитку суспільства та держави, як-от: позитивістський, природно-правовий, соціологічний, політологічний, інституційний, синтетичний тощо.
STUDYING PARAMETERS OF SEED GRASS STAND OF PANNONIAN CLOVER (Trifolium pannonicum Jacq.) VARIETY 'SNEZHOK' AT LONG-TERM USE OF SOWING IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE KIROV REGION
Authors: Popova Evgenia Valerievna , Gripas Maria , Arzamasova Ekaterina
Published: December 2019

The article presents results of study of biological features of pannonian clover 'Snezhok' (created in the Federal Agricultural Scientific Center of North-East) at long-term use of a reproduction nursery (2011 sowing) for seeds. The soil-climatic conditions of research, the used material and assessment methods are described. The duration of periods of above-ground mass formation, height of plants, structure of stand and seed yield are determined. An elongation of the period from regrowth to the beginning of flowering with increasing of the stand's age was noted. The height of plants, yield of green mass and dry matter in the phase of head and seed ripening increased with the age of the grass stand. An increase in the number of generative stems, heads and mass of seeds per head was also observed. The level of seed productivity of pannonian clover depended more on the age of the grass stand than on the weather conditions of the growing season. We found that the potential seed productivity in favorable years can reach 8.48 kg/ha, while the actual seed yield on average over the years of research was 1.29 kg/ha, with fluctuations from 0.71 (2017) up to 4.63 kg/ha (2015).
VARIETY OF AWNLESS BROME 'VORONEZHSKIY 17' FOR THE CONDI-TIONS OF CENTRAL BLACK EARTH REGION
Authors: Saprykin Sergey , Ivanov Iosif , Labinskaya Raisa
Published: December 2019

Agricultural lands of the Central Chernozem (Black Earth) region are strongly affected by erosion processes. One of the ways to solve this problem is to expand the crops of perennial grasses, improve the work on the creation of their varieties and seed production. The main purpose of breeding and seed-growing work of the station is the breeding and reproduction of intensive varieties of perennial grasses of the new generation, characterized by high productivity and increased environmental function. The bioc-limatic potential of the Central Chernozem region is suitable for growing various types of perennial forage grasses for seeds and fodder purposes, among which the awnless brome occupies a leading place. The article presents the main results and achievements of breeding work on the breeding of the variety of awnless brome (Bromopsis inermis (Leys). Holub) 'Voronezhskiy 17'. The variety is a complex hybrid population of samples obtained from interspecific crossbreeding of Bromopsis erecta with Bromopsis in-ermis local forms and introduced foreign and domestic source material, on the basis of long-term biotypic selection followed by polycross of promising genotypes. The variety has a range of advantages over the standard ('Pavlovskiy 22/05') on economic characteristics. The yield of green mass for the first and second test cycles in the standard was 19.5 and 16.0 t/ha, in the new variety 21.2 and 17.6 t/ha; the collection of dry matter respectively 6.0–5.1 and 6.9–5.7 t/ha. The yield of seeds of the 'Voronezhskiy 17' variety is 0.43–0.52 t/ha, in some years it reached 0.8 t/ha, against 0.46 t/ha at the standard.
ASSESSMENT OF GRASS MIXTURES FOR MAKING STABLE LAWNS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE KIROV REGION
Authors: Yufereva Nadezhda , Shchannikova Maria
Published: December 2019

In this article are presented the results of a field experiment to study grass mixtures based on typical lawn grasses with complementary components. All varieties studied in the experiment are from domestic selection. The experiment was conducted on the experimental field of the Vyatka State Agricultural Academy in Kirov. Weather conditions during the years of this experiment were adverse for perennial grasses. Over the seven years of using of the lawns based on red fescue 'Sigma' and meadow grass 'Dar' with the addition of the perennial ryegrass 'Karat', meadow fescue 'Kvarta' and timothy grass 'VIK 85' were completely transformed into the single-species red fescue herbages (excellent quality) and meadow grass herbages (good quality). In the herbages with the addition of the orchard grass 'Hlynovskaya' share in the seventh year of life was 24–48%. To create high-quality long-term lawns in the conditions of the Kirov region can be recommended grass mixtures based on red fescue 'Sigma' with the addition of the perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue and timothy grass. The quality of meadow grass herbages is lower than that of red fescue, however, from grass mixtures based on meadow grass with the addition of the same complementary components, it is possible to create good quality lawns. The inclusion of the orchard grass in lawn grass mixtures is not recommended, due to the reduction of the quality of lawn herbages.
INVESTIGATION OF FORAGE CROPS GENETIC DIVERSITY USING MOLECULAR DNA MARKERS
Authors: Klimenko Irina , Kozlov Nikolay , Shamustakimova Anastasia , Dushkin Vladimir
Published: December 2019

Genetic diversity is the precondition for any selection program. The collection and exploitation of natural variation from ecotypes and landraces has played a vital role in the improvement of forage crops. The review is devoted to the most important aspects of studying the genetic variation in populations, cultivars, samples and forms of wild and cultivated forage plants. The factors with negative impact on the biodiversity conservation have been determined. The main types of genetic markers that used for genetic recourses of perennial grasses evaluation were described. Particular attention was focused on the role of molecular DNA markers for the population genetics and phylogenetic studies. The main advantages of DNA markers application for the forage crops, due of its great variability of traits and properties, the complexity of the genetic system and a high degree of plasticity of this group of plants, have been discussed. The latest generation of genetic DNA markers allows conducting the objective and accurate assessment of genetic diversity, provides selection process intensification, increases the possibilities for identification and molecular-genetic certification of the selection achievements.
Computational Analysis of Movement Patterns of Dogs with ADHD-Like Behavior
Authors: Bleuer-Elsner Stephane , Zamansky Anna , Fux Asaf , Kaplun Dmitry , Romanov Sergey , Sinitca Aleksandr , Masson Sylvia , van der Linden Dirk
Published: December 2019

Computational approaches were called for to address the challenges of more objective behavior assessment which would be less reliant on owner reports. This study aims to use computational analysis for investigating a hypothesis that dogs with ADHD-like (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) behavior exhibit characteristic movement patterns directly observable during veterinary consultation. Behavioral consultations of 12 dogs medically treated due to ADHD-like behavior were recorded, as well as of a control group of 12 dogs with no reported behavioral problems. Computational analysis with a self-developed tool based on computer vision and machine learning was performed, analyzing 12 movement parameters that can be extracted from automatic dog tracking data. Significant differences in seven movement parameters were found, which led to the identification of three dimensions of movement patterns which may be instrumental for more objective assessment of ADHD-like behavior by clinicians, while being directly observable during consultation. These include (i) high speed, (ii) large coverage of space, and (iii) constant re-orientation in space. Computational tools used on video data collected during consultation have the potential to support quantifiable assessment of ADHD-like behavior informed by the identified dimensions.
The Morphology of Cross-Beaks and BMP4 Gene Expression in Huiyang Bearded Chickens
Authors: Hong Yuyu , Pang Yuchang , Zhao Haiquan , Chen Siyu , Tan Shuwen , Xiang Hai , Yu Hui , Li Hua
Published: December 2019

Bird beaks are important for biological purposes such as food intake, removing parasites, and defining phenotypic attributes. Cross-beaks are a threat to poultry health and are harmful to productivity, wasting some units in the poultry industry. However, there is still limited research on subtypes of cross-beaks and the genetic basis of cross-beaks as well. Here, we described the subtypes of cross-beaks in terms of left or right and upper or lower jaw bones. We evaluated the impact of cross-beaks on craniofacial bones and figured out the relationship between bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and the development of craniofacial bones in Huiyang bearded chickens. We identified five typical subtypes of cross-beaks by morphological assessment and X-ray scanning. We found that cross-beaks caused certain changes in the facial bone morphology, including changes to the length and width of the bone around the ocular area (p < 0.05). The relative expressions of BMP4 in lacrimal, mandible, premaxilla, frontal, and parietal bones were significantly higher in the severe cross-beak group, followed by that of the medium cross-beak group, weak cross-beak group, and control group (p < 0.05). Overall, we constructed a generally applicable method to classify cross-beaks in term of the angle. The skeleton around the ocular area was affected by the cross-beak. The expression levels of BMP4 in craniofacial bones may provide insight to potential role of BMP4 in the development of cross-beaks.
Dietary Dihydroartemisinin Supplementation Attenuates Hepatic Oxidative Damage of Weaned Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Retardation through the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yongwei , Niu Yu , He Jintian , Zhang Lili , Wang Chao , Wang Tian
Published: December 2019

The object of present study was to evaluate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) supplementation on the hepatic antioxidant capacity in IUGR-affected weaned piglets. Eight piglets with normal birth weight (NBW) and sixteen IUGR-affected piglets were selected. Piglets were weaned at 21 days. NBW and IUGR groups were fed a basal diet and the ID group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg DHA for 28 days. The result indicated that compared with NBW piglets, IUGR-affected piglets increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased (p < 0.05) the serum activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In addition, IUGR-affected piglets showed increased (p < 0.05) hepatic concentrations of protein carbonyl (PC), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and an increased GSSG:GSH value. IUGR-affected piglets exhibited lower (p < 0.05) activities of GSH-Px, T-SOD, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the concentration of glutathione (GSH). DHA supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the serum concentration of MDA and increased the serum activities of T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT. The ID group showed decreased (p < 0.05) concentrations of MDA, PC, 8-OHdG, and GSSG, and a decreased GSSG:GSH value in the liver. The hepatic activity of T-SOD and the concentration of GSH were increased (p < 0.05) in the liver of ID group. IUGR-affected piglets downregulated (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and CAT. DHA supplementation increased (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, GPx1, and CAT in the ID group. In addition, the protein expression of Nrf2 was downregulated (p < 0.05) in the liver of IUGR-affected piglets and DHA supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the protein content of Nrf2 and HO-1. In conclusion, DHA may be beneficial in alleviating oxidative damage induced by IUGR through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the liver.
Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products Reduce Diarrhea Incidence and Alter the Fecal Microbiota Community in Weaning Piglets
Authors: Hung De-Yu , Cheng Yeong-Hsiang , Chen Wei-Jung , Hua Kuo-Feng , Pietruszka Arkadiusz , Dybus Andrzej , Lin Chuan-Shun , Yu Yu-Hsiang
Published: December 2019

Prophylactic use of antibiotics in-feed has been effective in decreasing the incidence of diarrhea in weaning piglets. However, the overuse of antibiotics as prophylactic or therapeutic agents in animal feed leads to the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues in pigs. This study investigated the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products on diarrhea incidence and the fecal microbial community in weaning piglets. A total of 120 crossbred piglets with an average initial body weight of 9.87 ± 1.43 kg were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments consisting of three replicate stalls with 10 piglets in each. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet as control, control plus 1 g/kg or 4.5 g/kg of B. licheniformis-fermented products, and control plus 30 mg/kg antibiotics (bacitracin methylene disalicylate). Results showed that 4.5 g/kg of B. licheniformis-fermented product supplementation significantly reduced diarrhea incidence in weaning piglets. Principal coordinate analysis and a heatmap of species abundance indicated distinct clusters between the groups treated with antibiotics and B. licheniformis-fermented products. The bacterial richness and evenness in the feces decreased in weaning piglets fed 1 g/kg of B. licheniformis-fermented products and antibiotics. The abundance of the genera [Ruminococcus] gauvreauii group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008 in the feces decreased in weaning piglets fed B. licheniformis-fermented products or antibiotics. The average abundance of the genus Prevotella 9 in the feces was positively correlated with the concentration of B. licheniformis-fermented products and negatively correlated with the diarrhea incidence in weaning piglets. Furthermore, the average abundance of the genus Prevotella 9 in the feces was positively correlated with the growth performance of weaning piglets. These results demonstrate that B. licheniformis-fermented products can improve diarrhea incidence and fecal microflora composition in weaning piglets.
The Inc FII Plasmid and its Contribution in the Transmission of blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 in Klebsiella pneumoniae in Egypt
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed Eman , Ali Mamdouh Yones , Waly Nancy G F M , Halby Hamada Mohamed , Abd El-Baky Rehab Mahmoud
Published: December 2019

The emergence of blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 producing Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a great problem in many Egyptian hospitals. One hundred and twenty-six K. pneumoniae isolates from patients admitted to Assiut University Hospital were identified by an API20E kit. Carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) was detected by the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), the EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM), and an E-test. Based on the polymerase chain reaction, all isolates were negative for bla-VIM-1 and bla-IMP-1, fifteen of these isolates were positive for both blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1, two isolates were positive for blaKPC-2 only, and twenty-eight isolates were positive for bla-NDM-1 only. Although one isolate was positive for the string test, all CPKP isolates were negative for capsular genes. Only 71.1% of CPKP transferred their plasmids to their corresponding transconjugants (E. coli J53). The resistance patterns of the clinical isolates and their transconjugates were similar, except for 12 isolates, which showed differences with their transconjugates in the resistance profile of four antibiotics. Molecular typing of the plasmids based on replicon typing showed that Inc FIIK and FII plasmids predominated in isolates and their transconjugants carrying blaKPC-2 and/or blaNDM-1. Conjugative Inc FII plasmids play an important role in the spread of CPKP, and their recognition is essential to limit their spread.
Dietary Antioxidants: Micronutrients and Antinutrients in Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Peluso Ilaria
Published: December 2019

This Special Issue aimed to clarify the distinction between micronutrients and antinutrients and their different roles in physiology and pathology, considering the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) criteria for health claims [...]
Experimental and Numerical Energy Assessment of a Monolithic Aerogel Glazing Unit for Building Applications
Authors: Buratti Cinzia , Moretti Elisa , Belloni Elisa , Zinzi Michele
Published: December 2019

In the last few decades, the attention of researchers has been focused on the characterization of aerogels in order to improve the thermal performance of transparent building envelopes. Granular aerogel is already spread in the market thanks to the easy manufacturing system, whereas the difficulty in producing monoliths without defects, cracks, and inhomogeneity limited the diffusion of monolithic aerogel systems. A new production process for the monolithic panels was developed at Union College (Schenectady, NY, USA); it is a rapid supercritical extraction technique which allows a reduction in production time (only a few hours) and results in less solvent waste. Panes with maximum dimensions of about 100 × 100 mm were fabricated and composed in a unique glazing system, with external dimensions 300 × 300 mm. The thermal characterization of the innovative monolithic aerogel glazing system (simple float glazing 4.7-mm-thick monolithic aerogel pane 15-mm-thick simple float glazing 4.7 mm thick), which was carried out by means of a Small Hot Box apparatus, showed a thermal transmittance value of about 1.1 W/(m2K). Data was used in dynamic simulations of a typical non-residential building. They showed that the new investigated solution allows a valuable reduction with respect to a low-e double glazing system in terms of heating energy demand (about 5–7% for Helsinki, 8–12% for Paris, and 10–15% for Turin), for different window-to-wall ratios.
Performance Analysis of a Solar DHW System with Adsorption Module Operating in Different World Locations
Authors: Fernandes Marco S. , Costa Vítor A. F. , Brites Gonçalo J. V. N. , Gaspar Adélio R. , Costa José J.
Published: December 2019

A numerical study was conducted on the performance of a solar domestic hot water storage system with an adsorption module operating in seven different world locations. The base system was optimized for Portuguese conditions and, without changing the system itself and the water consumption profile, its performance was investigated by altering local installation and operating conditions and solar collector inclination angles. The overall dynamical model of the system was used for numerical simulations. The improved performance of the system was assessed by the reduction achieved on the annual energy consumption of a backup water heater when compared with a similar conventional energy storage system (without an adsorption module). The results showed that the best performances were obtained in locations where winter and summer are clearly defined, especially locations where winters are colder, and with solar collectors’ inclination angles larger than the local latitude, except for locations with low latitudes, where solar collectors’ inclination angles are not so relevant to the system performance. It was also discussed how the performance results must be carefully analyzed, as for low-latitude locations the absolute savings are in fact smaller even if their relative values are of the same order or even higher than for higher-latitude locations.
Short-Term Effects of Tillage Intensity and Fertilization on Sunflower Yield, Achene Quality, and Soil Physicochemical Properties under Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Nouraein Mojtaba , Skataric Goran , Spalevic Velibor , Dudic Branislav , Gregus Michal
Published: December 2019

Inappropriate soil management practices and specific climatic conditions in semi-arid region cause loss of soil organic matter (SOM), decline soil fertility, and trigger soil erosion processes and desertification. A two-year field study was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage intensity and fertilizer regime treatments on the productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) and soil physicochemical properties in the semi-arid highland region in northwest Iran (37°31′ north (N), 46°53′ east (E)). Five fertilizer treatments were included under conventional (CT) or reduced tillage systems (RT): F1, no fertilizer application; F2, 20 t∙ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM); F3, 40 t∙ha−1 FYM; F4: 20 t∙ha−1 FYM + 50% of the recommended dose of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer; F5: full dose of the recommended chemical NPK fertilizer. Results showed that utilization of FYM decreased bulk density (BD); its effects were more evident under the highest SOM content for the F2 and F3 treatments, whereas application of mineral fertilizer had no significant effect upon SOM content, and elevated levels of FYM preserved higher organic carbon contents in topsoil. The highest N, P, and K contents of the soil were obtained with FYM plus inorganic fertilizer application in the RT system. Hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content were significantly improved by RT and FYM application. The highest root growth was observed for F3 and F4 under the RT system. The effect of fertilizer and tillage treatments was more pronounced during the second year. Traits related to growth and seed quality such as achene oil content, leaf area, and harvest index were enhanced by chemical fertilization in the CT system. The highest achene yield and oil percentage were recorded for plants grown with F3 and F4. The best option for enhancing sunflower productivity and quality in semi-arid, high-altitude environments is the application of organic fertilizers amended with reduced amounts of chemical fertilizers.
Tunable Optical Delay Line Based on a Racetrack Resonator with Tunable Coupling and Stable Wavelength
Authors: Hailu Solomon Getachew , Lee San-Liang
Published: December 2019

For optical sensing or biomedical sensing where the light source usually has a stable and narrow linewidth, the design rule of the tunable optical delay line (ODL) can be different from the ODLs for optical communications and buffering. We present here a novel way to tune a racetrack resonator-based ODL by push–pull operation to stabilize the resonant wavelength. Full device simulation that accounts for the thermal tuning effect and the photonic characteristics of the whole integrated device is conducted to verify the characteristics of the tunable ODLs. With the simple racetrack resonator, the group delay can simply be tuned by changing the coupling coefficient of the resonator while the wavelength is stabilized by tuning the racetrack loop. A tuning of hundreds of picoseconds is achievable with a very compact device and small power consumption.
An Accurate Jacobian Matrix with Exact Zoeppritz for Elastic Moduli of Dry Rock
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Chen Jingyi , Liu Fuping , Zhao Zhencong
Published: December 2019

Seismic velocities are related to the solid matrices and the pore fluids. The bulk and shear moduli of dry rock are the primary parameters to characterize solid matrices. Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) or amplitude variation with incidence angle (AVA) is the most used inversion method to discriminate lithology in hydrocarbon reservoirs. The bulk and shear moduli of dry rock, however, cannot be inverted directly using seismic data and the conventional AVO/AVA inversions. The most important step to accurately invert these dry rock parameters is to derive the Jacobian matrix. The combination of exact Zoeppritz and Biot–Gassmann equations makes it possible to directly calculate the partial derivatives of seismic reflectivities (PP-and PS-waves) with respect to dry rock moduli. During this research, we successfully derive the accurate partial derivatives of the exact Zoeppritz equations with respect to bulk and shear moduli of dry rock. The characteristics of these partial derivatives are investigated in the numerical examples. Additionally, we compare the partial derivatives using this proposed algorithm with the classical Shuey and Aki–Richards approximations. The results show that this derived Jacobian matrix is more accurate and versatile. It can be used further in the conventional AVO/AVA inversions to invert bulk and shear moduli of dry rock directly.
Impact of Nonlinear Chemical Reaction and Melting Heat Transfer on an MHD Nanofluid Flow over a Thin Needle in Porous Media
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Gul Hina , Kadry Seifedine , Lim Chhayly , Nam Yunyoung , Howari Fares
Published: December 2019

A novel mathematical model is envisioned discussing the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) steady incompressible nanofluid flow with uniform free stream velocity over a thin needle in a permeable media. The flow analysis is performed in attendance of melting heat transfer with nonlinear chemical reaction. The novel model is examined at the surface with the slip boundary condition. The compatible transformations are affianced to attain the dimensionless equations system. Illustrations depicting the impact of distinct parameters versus all involved profiles are supported by requisite deliberations. It is perceived that the melting heat parameter has a declining effect on temperature profile while radial velocity enhances due to melting.
Topic Predictions and Optimized Recommendation Mechanism Based on Integrated Topic Modeling and Deep Neural Networks in Crowdfunding Platforms
Authors: Shafqat Wafa , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: December 2019

The accelerated growth rate of internet users and its applications, primarily e-business, has accustomed people to write their comments and reviews about the product they received. These reviews are remarkably competent to shape customers’ decisions. However, in crowdfunding, where investors finance innovative ideas in exchange for some rewards or products, the comments of investors are often ignored. These comments can play a markedly significant role in helping crowdfunding platforms to battle against the bitter challenge of fraudulent activities. We take advantage of the language modeling techniques and aim to merge them with neural networks to identify some hidden discussion patterns in the comments. Our objective is to design a language modeling based neural network architecture, where Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is used to predict discussion trends, i.e., either towards scam or non-scam. LSTM layers are fed with latent topic distribution learned from the pre-trained Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. In order to optimize the recommendations, we used Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) as a baseline algorithm. This module helps investors find secure projects to invest in (with the highest chances of delivery) within their preferred categories. We used prediction accuracy, an optimal number of identified topics, and the number of epochs, as metrics of performance evaluation for the proposed approach. We compared our results with simple Neural Networks (NNs) and NN-LDA based on these performance metrics. The strengths of both integrated models suggest that the proposed model can play a substantial role in a better understanding of crowdfunding comments.
Robust Optimization Model for Energy Purchase and Sale of Electric–Gas Interconnection System in Multi-Energy Market
Authors: Yang Jiacheng , Tan Zhongfu , Pu Di , Pu Lei , Tan Caixia , Guo Hongwu
Published: December 2019

With the increasing coupling of the power system and the natural gas system, the electric–gas interconnection system has become a typical form of comprehensive energy utilization. Through the energy conversion function of the coupling unit, the system can flexibly participate in the bidding for purchasing and selling energy in a power market and a natural gas market on the premise of meeting the internal demand of multiple loads. To solve the internal coordination and optimization problem and the external flexible bidding problem in the multi-energy market, this paper proposes a robust optimization model of energy purchase and sale for the electric–gas interconnection system in a multi-energy market. Firstly, the basic structure of the electric–gas interconnection system is introduced, and the steady-state model of energy flow in the system is built based on the energy hub model. Secondly, considering the uncertainty of energy prices and the output power of renewable energy units in the system, a bidding model for energy purchase and sale of the electric–gas interconnection system in multi-energy market based on the idea of robust optimization is constructed in the framework of the Nordic energy market. Finally, empirical analysis based on the actual data is carried out, and the results prove the validity and superiority of the model. In this paper, aiming at the uncertainty of energy price, a large number of scenes are generated by Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), and then a k-means algorithm is used to reduce the scenes, so as to simulate typical scenes. Aiming at the uncertainty of the output power of the renewable energy unit in the system, a cardinal uncertainty set is used to control deviation between the actual output power and predicted output power, so that the overall robustness of the model can be controlled. The proposed model can make decision-making independent of the accurate probability distribution of uncertainty factors, and is suitable for complex multi energy systems. Meanwhile, the model possesses excellent robustness, which can effectively reduce the risk of bidding loss in the process of energy purchase and sale.
Image Transmission over Cognitive Radio Networks for Smart Grid Applications
Authors: Bahaghighat Mahdi , Motamedi Seyed Ahmad , Xin Qin
Published: December 2019

Today, Smart Grids (SGs), as the goal of the next-generation power grid system, span extremely wide aspects from power generation to end-user utilities. In smart grids, Energy and Information flows are mutually dependent and performance degradation of one side may have a high impact on the other side. In this work, we introduce our architecture for monitoring of Wind Turbine (WT) farms in smart grids. In our proposed system an industrial camera is embedded on a Wireless Cognitive Radio node for each WT to capture appropriate images and stream videos to the cognitive coordinator. Any packet loss in transmission between an embedded cognitive node and the coordinator can degrade peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the received images. The image streaming is a delay sensitive transmission which should be done in harsh environments in SGs. To tackle these challenging issues, we introduce our efficient model, called JOPSS, for joint optimization of both packet size and Number of Spectrum Sensing Iterations (NSSI) during image transmission in time-restricted conditions. We define our proposed objective function as the quotient of the Overhead Time and the Effective Transmission Time (ETT). In addition, we introduce our methods based on the Minimum of Overhead Time Channel Selection (MOTS) for the efficient channel selection along with Dynamic Parameter Updating Procedure (DPUP) to benefit different strategies in Mandatory and Proactive Handoffs (MHO/PHO). The obtained results show that noticeable improvements in both PSNR and feature-similarity (FSIM) can be achieved on our models JOPSS and JOPSS-SAFE, respectively.
Review of Solvents Based on Biomass for Mitigation of Wax Paraffin in Indonesian Oilfield
Authors: Afdhol M. K. , Abdurrahman M. , Hidayat F. , Chong F. K. , Mohd Zaid H. F.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a review of the expectations and challenges of using biomass in the prevention and slowing of paraffin wax deposition that takes place during the crude oil production process. The inhibition of the deposition process involves the use of solvents from biomass that are generally available around the crude oil production field. The processes used to scale down the precipitation of wax include mixing crude oil with the manufacturer’s solvent composed of toluene and xylene. The goal is to assess solvents sourced from biomass that are capable to slow down the wax deposition process. Wax appearance temperature is an important characteristic to evaluate the possible wax precipitation of a given fluid. Wax precipitation can be reduced by using some chemical additives, often called the pour point depressant. This additive is expected to be produced from local biomass which can compete with solvents currently produced on the market.
Cloud Occurrence Frequency at Puy de Dôme (France) Deduced from an Automatic Camera Image Analysis: Method, Validation, and Comparisons with Larger Scale Parameters
Authors: Baray Jean-Luc , Bah Asmaou , Cacault Philippe , Sellegri Karine , Pichon Jean-Marc , Deguillaume Laurent , Montoux Nadège , Noel Vincent , Seze Geneviève , Gabarrot Franck , Payen Guillaume , Duflot Valentin
Published: December 2019

We present a simple algorithm that calculates the cloud occurrence frequency at an altitude site using automatic camera image analysis. This algorithm was applied at the puy de Dôme station (PUY, 1465 m. a.s.l., France) over 2013–2018. Cloud detection thresholds were determined by direct comparison with simultaneous in situ cloud probe measurements (particulate volume monitor (PVM) Gerber). The cloud occurrence frequency has a seasonal cycle, with higher values in winter (60%) compared to summer (24%). A cloud diurnal cycle is observed only in summer. Comparisons with the larger scale products from satellites and global model reanalysis are also presented. The NASA cloud-aerosol transport system (CATS) cloud fraction shows the same seasonal and diurnal variations and is, on average, 11% higher. Monthly variations of the ECMWF ERA-5 fraction of cloud cover are also highly correlated with the camera cloud occurrence frequency, but the values are 19% lower and up to 40% for some winter months. The METEOSAT-SEVIRI cloud occurrence frequency also follows the same seasonal cycle but with a much smaller decrease in summer. The all-sky imager cloud fraction (CF) presents larger variability than the camera cloud occurrence but also follows similar seasonal variations (67% in winter and 44% in summer). This automatic low-cost detection of cloud occurrence is of interest in characterizing altitude observation sites, especially those that are not yet equipped with microphysical instruments and can be deployed to other high-altitude sites equipped with cameras.
Retinoic Acid Signaling Is Associated with Cell Proliferation, Muscle Cell Dedifferentiation, and Overall Rudiment Size during Intestinal Regeneration in the Sea Cucumber, Holothuria glaberrima
Authors: Viera-Vera Jorge , García-Arrarás José E.
Published: December 2019

Almost every organism has the ability of repairing damaged tissues or replacing lost and worn out body parts, nevertheless the degree of the response substantially differs between each species. Adult sea cucumbers from the Holothuria glaberrima species can eviscerate various organs and the intestinal system is the first one to regenerate. This process involves the formation of a blastema-like structure that derives from the torn mesentery edges by the intervention of specific cellular processes (e.g., cell dedifferentiation and division). Still, the genetic networks controlling the regenerative response in this model system are just starting to be unraveled. In this work we examined if and how the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway is involved in the regenerative response of this deuterostome. We first identified and characterized the holothurian orthologs for short chain dehydrogenase/reductase 7 (SDR7) and aldehyde dehydrogenase family 8A1 (ALDH8A1), two enzymes respectively associated with retinaldehyde and RA anabolism. We then showed that the SDR7 transcript was differentially expressed during specific stages of intestinal regeneration while ALDH8A1 did not show significant differences in regenerating tissues when compared to those of normal (non-eviscerated) organisms. Finally, we investigated the consequences of modulating RA signaling during intestinal regeneration using pharmacological tools. We showed that application of an inhibitor (citral) of the enzyme synthesizing RA or a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist (LE135) resulted in organisms with a significantly smaller intestinal rudiment when compared to those treated with DMSO (vehicle). The two inhibitors caused a reduction in cell division and cell dedifferentiation in the new regenerate when compared to organisms treated with DMSO. Results of treatment with tazarotene (an RAR agonist) were not significantly different from the control. Taken together, these results suggest that the RA signaling pathway is regulating the cellular processes that are crucial for intestinal regeneration to occur. Thus, RA might be playing a role in echinoderm regeneration that is similar to what has been described in other animal systems.
Expression of a Chromoplast-Specific Lycopene β-Cyclase Gene (CYC-B) Is Implicated in Carotenoid Accumulation and Coloration in the Loquat
Authors: Hong Min , Chi Zhuo-Heng , Wang Yong-Qing , Tang Yue-Ming , Deng Qun-Xian , He Ming-Yang , Wang Ri-Kui , He Yi-Zhong
Published: December 2019

Carotenoids are the principal pigments in the loquat. Although the metabolic pathway of plant carotenoids has been extensively investigated, few studies have been explored the regulatory mechanisms of loquat carotenoids because knowledge of the loquat genome is incomplete. The chromoplast-specific lycopene β-cyclase gene (CYC-B) could catalyze cyclization of lycopene to β-carotene. In this study, the differential accumulation patterns of loquat with different colors were analyzed and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was utilized in order to verify CYC-B gene function. Using a cloning strategy of homologous genes, a CYC-B gene orthologue was successfully identified from the loquat. At a later stage of maturation, CYC-B gene expression and carotenoids concentrations in the ‘Dawuxing’ variety were higher than in ‘Chuannong 1-5-9′, possibly leading to the difference in pulp coloration of loquat. Interference of CYC-B gene expression in the loquat demonstrated clear visual changes. The green color in negative control fruits became yellow, while TRV2-CYC-B silenced fruits remained green. CYC-B gene expression and total carotenoid content in the pulp decreased by 32.5% and 44.1%, respectively. Furthermore, multiple key genes in the carotenoid metabolic pathway synergistically responded to downregulation of CYC-B gene expression. In summary, we provide direct evidences that CYC-B gene is involved in carotenoid accumulation and coloration in the loquat.
The IκB Kinase Inhibitor ACHP Targets the STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lee Jong Hyun , Mohan Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya , Basappa Salundi , Rangappa Shobith , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S
Published: December 2019

STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes which are involved in malignant transformation. Aberrant activation of STAT3 has been observed in a wide range of human malignancies and its role in negative prognosis is well-documented. In this report, we performed high-throughput virtual screening in search of STAT3 signaling inhibitors using a cheminformatics platform and identified 2-Amino-6-[2-(Cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-Hydroxyphenyl]-4-Piperidin-4-yl Nicotinonitrile (ACHP) as the inhibitor of the STAT3 signaling pathway. The predicted hit was evaluated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines for its STAT3 inhibitory activity. In vitro experiments suggested that ACHP decreased the cell viability and inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 on Tyr705 of NSCLC cells. In addition, ACHP imparted inhibitory activity on the constitutive activation of upstream protein tyrosine kinases, including JAK1, JAK2, and Src. ACHP decreased the nuclear translocation of STAT3 and downregulated its DNA binding ability. Apoptosis was evidenced by cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP with the subsequent decline in antiapoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and survivin. Overall, we report that ACHP can act as a potent STAT3 signaling inhibitor in NSCLC cell lines.
Global Burden of Alcohol Use Disorders and Alcohol Liver Disease
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Shield Kevin D.
Published: December 2019

Alcohol use is a major risk factor for burden of mortality and morbidity. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are important disease outcomes caused by alcohol use. We will describe the global mortality and burden of disease in disability-adjusted life years for ALD and AUDs, based on data from the comparative risk assessment of the World Health Organization for 2016. AUDs have a limited impact on mortality in this assessment, since alcohol poisonings are almost the only disease category directly attributable to AUDs; most other alcohol-related deaths are indirect, and the cause which directly led to the death, such as liver cirrhosis, is the one recorded on the death certificate. Burden of disease for AUDs is thus mainly due to disability resulting from alcohol use. In contrast to AUDs, ALD is one of the major lethal outcomes of alcohol use, and burden of disease is mainly due to (premature) years of life lost. Many of the negative outcomes attributable to both AUDs and ALD are due to their interactions with other factors, most notably economic wealth. To avoid alcohol-attributable morbidity and mortality, measures should be taken to reduce the AUDs and ALD burden globally, especially among the poor.
Cortical Thickness Links Impulsive Personality Traits and Risky Behavior
Authors: Miglin Rickie , Bounoua Nadia , Goodling Shelly , Sheehan Ana , Spielberg Jeffrey M. , Sadeh Naomi
Published: December 2019

Impulsive personality traits are often predictive of risky behavior, but not much is known about the neurobiological basis of this relationship. We investigated whether thickness of the cortical mantle varied as a function of impulsive traits and whether such variation also explained recent risky behavior. A community sample of 107 adults (ages 18–55; 54.2% men) completed self-report measures of impulsive traits and risky behavior followed by a neuroimaging protocol. Using the three-factor model of impulsive traits derived from the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, analysis of the entire cortical mantle identified three thickness clusters that related to impulsive traits. Sensation seeking was negatively related to thickness in the right pericalcarine cortex, whereas impulsive urgency was positively associated with thickness in the left superior parietal and right paracentral lobule. Notably, follow-up analyses showed that thickness in the right pericalcarine cortex also related to recent risky behavior, with the identified cluster mediating the association between sensation seeking and risky behavior. Findings suggest that reduced thickness in the pericalcarine region partially explains the link between sensation seeking and the tendency to engage in risky behavior, providing new insight into the neurobiological basis of these relationships.
Neuroendocrine and Inflammatory Effects of Childhood Trauma Following Psychosocial and Inflammatory Stress in Women with Remitted Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Cassiers Laura L.M. , Niemegeers Peter , Fransen Erik , Morrens Manuel , De Boer Peter , Van Nueten Luc , Claes Stephan , Sabbe Bernard G.C. , Van Den Eede Filip
Published: December 2019

The dysregulation of the inflammatory and neuroendocrine systems seen in major depressive disorder (MDD) may persist after remission and this is associated with a higher risk of relapse. This vulnerable subgroup may be characterized by a history of childhood trauma. In a single-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover study, 21 women with remitted recurrent MDD and 18 healthy controls were exposed to psychosocial stress (Trier social stress test) or inflammatory stress (typhoid vaccine), or both, to investigate the effects of childhood trauma on the neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses. Childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and participants were dichotomized into a traumatized and non-traumatized group. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured at regular intervals after each intervention. The effects of trauma, time, and intervention on these parameters were modeled by fitting linear mixed models. Childhood trauma in itself did not have a main effect on the outcome measurements. However, an interactional effect of trauma with stressor type was found in the remitted MDD group: trauma was associated with higher cortisol levels only after adding immunological to psychosocial stress, and with lower TNF-α levels in response to vaccination. This suggests the existence of a vulnerable trauma-associated MDD endophenotype.