bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Leaves as Bioindicator to Assess Air Pollution Based on Composite Proxy Measure (APTI), Dust Amount and Elemental Concentration of Metals
Authors: Molnár Vanda Éva , Tőzsér Dávid , Szabó Szilárd , Tóthmérész Béla , Simon Edina
Published: December 2020

Monitoring air pollution and environmental health are crucial to ensure viable cities. We assessed the usefulness of the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) as a composite index of environmental health. Fine and coarse dust amount and elemental concentrations of Celtis occidentalis and Tilia × europaea leaves were measured in June and September at three sampling sites (urban, industrial, and rural) in Debrecen city (Hungary) to assess the usefulness of APTI. The correlation between APTI values and dust amount and elemental concentrations was also studied. Fine dust, total chlorophyll, and elemental concentrations were the most sensitive indicators of pollution. Based on the high chlorophyll and low elemental concentration of tree leaves, the rural site was the least disturbed by anthropogenic activities, as expected. We demonstrated that fine and coarse dust amount and elemental concentrations of urban tree leaves are especially useful for urban air quality monitoring. Correlations between APTI and other measured parameters were also found. Both C. occidentalis and T. europaea were sensitive to air pollution based on their APTI values. Thus, the APTI of tree leaves is an especially useful proxy measure of air pollution, as well as environmental health.
Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Photosynthetic and Antioxidative Processes of Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Li Zhou , Juneau Philippe , Lian Yingli , Zhang Wei , Wang Shanquan , Wang Cheng , Shu Longfei , Yan Qingyun , He Zhili , Xu Kui
Published: December 2020

The effects of the photocatalytic toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (nano-TiO2) on phytoplankton are well understood. However, as UV light intensity decreases sharply with the depth of the water column, the effects of nano-TiO2 itself on deeper water phytoplankton, such as green algae, need further research. In this research, we investigated the effects of three sizes of TiO2 (10, 50 and 200 nm) on the photosynthetic and antioxidative processes of Scenedesmus obliquus in the absence of UV light. We found that 50 nm and 10 nm TiO2 (10 mg/L) inhibited growth rates and the maximal photosystem II quantum yield compared to the control in Scenedesmus obliquus. The minimal and maximal fluorescence yields, and the contents of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, increased, indicating that photosynthetic energy/electrons transferred to oxygen and induced oxidative stress in nano-TiO2-treated samples. In addition, we found that aggregations of algae and 10 nm TiO2 were present, which could induce cell membrane disruption, and vacuoles were induced to cope with nano-TiO2 stress in Scenedesmus obliquus. These results enhance our understanding of the effects of nano-TiO2 on the photosynthetic and antioxidative processes of green algae, and provide basic information for evaluating the ecotoxicity of nano-TiO2 in freshwater ecosystems.
Coupled CFD-DEM Simulation of Seed Flow in an Air Seeder Distributor Tube
Authors: Guzman Leno , Chen Ying , Landry Hubert
Published: December 2020

Air seeding equipment consists of various machine components that rely on pneumatic conveying of seeds (granular material) for its operation. However, studying air seeder dynamic features in detail is difficult through experimental measurements. A simulation was performed to study seed motion in a horizontal tube section of an air seeder distributor system. The simulation incorporated two-way coupling between discrete element modeling (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Simulated particles were assigned material properties corresponding to field peas. Air velocity was assigned values of 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/s. The solid loading ratio (SLR) in this study included values between 0.5 and 3 to describe typical seed metering rates used in air seeding. The different pneumatic conveying conditions were studied to determine their overall effect on the average seed velocity and seed contact force. The simulation was validated through the comparison of average seed velocity data from the literature and current pneumatic conveying theory. The effect of SLR on the average seed velocity was found to be not significant for the simulated SLR values. The CFD-DEM simulation was able to capture seed collisions between seeds and the surrounding boundaries. The seed contact force increased with the air velocity, and the number of seed collisions increased with the SLR.
Global Internal Recirculation Alternative Operation to Reduce Nitrogen and Ammonia Limit Violations and Pumping Energy Costs in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Santín Ignacio , Vilanova Ramon , Pedret Carles , Barbu Marian
Published: December 2020

The internal recirculation plays an important role in different areas of the biological treatment of wastewater treatment plants because it has a great influence on the concentration of pollutants, especially nutrients. A usual manipulation of the internal recirculation flow rate is based on the target of controlling the nitrate concentration in the last anoxic tank. This work proposes an alternative for the manipulation of the internal recirculation flow rate instead of nitrate control, with the objective of avoiding limit violations of nitrogen and ammonia concentrations and reducing operational costs. A fuzzy controller is proposed to achieve it based on the effects of the internal recirculation flow rate in different areas of the biological treatment. The proposed manipulation of the internal recirculation flow rate is compared to the application of the usual nitrate control in an already established and published operation strategy by using the internationally known benchmark simulation model no. 2 as a working scenario. The results show improvements with reductions of 59.40% in ammonia limit violations, 2.35% in total nitrogen limit violations, and 38% in pumping energy costs.
Rapid Two Stage Anaerobic Digestion of Nejayote through Microaeration and Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer
Authors: Valero David , Rico Carlos , Tapia-Tussell Raul , Alzate-Gaviria Liliana
Published: December 2020

Corn is one of the main food products in Mexico. The elaboration of corn-derived products generates wastewater with a high organic load (nejayote). Anaerobic digestion is an indicated treatment for wastewater with high organic loads. The results of this study show that the application of microaeration in the hydrolysis-fermentative reactor increased the percentage of volatile fatty acids (VFA) available in the medium by 62%. The addition of a conductive material, such as granulated activated carbon (GAC), promotes DIET (Direct interspecies electrons transfer) in the methanogenic UASB reactor increasing the methane yield by 55%. Likewise, a great diversity of exoelectrogenic bacteria, with the ability to donate electrons DIET mechanisms, were developed in the GAC biofilm, though interestingly, Peptoclostridium and Clostridium (17.3% and 12.75%, respectively) were detected with a great abundance in the GAC biofilm. Peptoclostridium has not been previously reported as a participant in DIET process.
Numerical Simulation of Performance of an Air–Water Separator with Corrugated Plates for Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Tian Jie , Chen Yan , Ma Zheshu
Published: December 2020

For low speed diesel engines under severe ocean conditions, high efficiency air–water separators must be equipped to separate excess moisture contained in the air and reduce the corrosion. Optimal design of air–water separator is an indispensable part in the development of marine main engines. In view of the complex gas–liquid two-phase turbulent motion within an air–water separator with corrugated plates, a mathematical model is established and numerical simulations of flow field, droplet trajectory and secondary transport are realized. The separation efficiency and pressure drop of the air–water separator under different structure parameters and different working conditions are studied. The results show that reducing the spacing of corrugated plate is helpful to improve the separation efficiency. The bending and hydrophobic hooks of the corrugated channel are important to improve the separation efficiency. The separation of droplet is mainly concentrated on the first two stages of the air–water separator, and the separation efficiency at the third stage is significantly reduced. Research results will further support corrugated plate theory, experimental research and optimization design of similar separators.
Multi-Aspect Comparison of Ethyl Acetate Production Pathways: Reactive Distillation Process Integration and Intensification via Mechanical and Chemical Approach
Authors: Šulgan Branislav , Labovský Juraj , Labovská Zuzana
Published: December 2020

This paper provides a multi-aspect comparison of selected methods of ethyl acetate production and shows the possibility of further reactive distillation process integration and sophisticated intensification including process stream regeneration. The production pathways were selected with respect to their practical applicability and sufficient experimental and feasibility studies already published. A total of four case studies were designed and compared: conventional process set-up (ethyl acetate is produced in a chemical reactor) is designed as a base case study; reactive distillation with a separation unit is derived from the conventional process set-up. The mechanical and chemical approach to reactive distillation process intensification and integration were assumed: reactive distillation column with a stripper and reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction (ethylene oxide hydration). Process models were compiled in the Aspen Plus software. Complex process flowsheets of selected case studies including separation and regeneration were designed and optimized. Three different points of view were applied to evaluate the selected process benefits and drawbacks. Process energy, economy, and safety were assessed. As a result, a reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction has been proven to be the most suitable pathway for ethyl acetate production assuming all three evaluated aspects.
Stability of Optimal Closed-Loop Cleaning Scheduling and Control with Application to Heat Exchanger Networks under Fouling
Authors: Lozano Santamaria Federico , Macchietto Sandro
Published: December 2020

Heat exchanger networks subject to fouling are an important example of dynamic systems where performance deteriorates over time. To mitigate fouling and recover performance, cleanings of the exchangers are scheduled and control actions applied. Because of inaccuracy in the models, as well as uncertainty and variability in the operations, both schedule and controls often have to be revised to improve operations or just to ensure feasibility. A closed-loop nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) approach had been previously developed to simultaneously optimize the cleaning schedule and the flow distribution for refinery preheat trains under fouling, considering their variability. However, the closed-loop scheduling stability of the scheme has not been analyzed. For practical closed-loop (online) scheduling applications, a balance is usually desired between reactivity (ensuring a rapid response to changes in conditions) and stability (avoiding too many large or frequent schedule changes). In this paper, metrics to quantify closed-loop scheduling stability (e.g., changes in task allocation or starting time) are developed and then included in the online optimization procedure. Three alternative formulations to directly include stability considerations in the closed-loop optimization are proposed and applied to two case studies, an illustrative one and an industrial one based on a refinery preheat train. Results demonstrate the applicability of the stability metrics developed and the ability of the closed-loop optimization to exploit trade-offs between stability and performance. For the heat exchanger networks under fouling considered, it is shown that the approach proposed can improve closed-loop schedule stability without significantly compromising the operating cost. The approach presented offers the blueprint for a more general application to closed-loop, model-based optimization of scheduling and control in other processes.
Effect of Temperature and Concentration of Zeolite Catalysts from Geothermal Solid Waste in Biodiesel Production from Used Cooking Oil by Esterification–Transesterification Process
Authors: Buchori Luqman , Widayat W. , Muraza Oki , Amali Muhamad Iqbal , Maulida Rahma Wulan , Prameswari Jedy
Published: December 2020

The production of biodiesel using zeolite catalysts from geothermal solid waste has been studied. This study aims to make zeolite catalysts as catalysts in biodiesel production, assessing the effect of catalyst concentration, and temperature in the esterification–transesterification process on the biodiesel yield produced. The results showed that the synthesized zeolite catalyst was an analcime zeolite catalyst (Al1.9Na1.86O12Si4). The biodiesel yield of 98.299% with 100% fatty acid alkyl ester (FAAE) content was achieved at a catalyst concentration of 5%wt and a reaction temperature of 300 °C for one-hour reaction time. The yield of biodiesel decreased with repeated catalysts, which experienced morphological changes before and after three usage times. Consequently, in this case, the catalyst cannot be regenerated.
Over 150 Years of Change: Object-Oriented Analysis of Historical Land Cover in the Main River Catchment, Bavaria/Germany
Authors: Ulloa-Torrealba Yrneh , Stahlmann Reinhold , Wegmann Martin , Koellner Thomas
Published: December 2020

The monitoring of land cover and land use change is critical for assessing the provision of ecosystem services. One of the sources for long-term land cover change quantification is through the classification of historical and/or current maps. Little research has been done on historical maps using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA). This study applied an object-based classification using eCognition tool for analyzing the land cover based on historical maps in the Main river catchment, Upper Franconia, Germany. This allowed land use change analysis between the 1850s and 2015, a time span which covers the phase of industrialization of landscapes in central Europe. The results show a strong increase in urban area by 2600%, a severe loss of cropland (−24%), a moderate reduction in meadows (−4%), and a small gain in forests (+4%). The method proved useful for the application on historical maps due to the ability of the software to create semantic objects. The confusion matrix shows an overall accuracy of 82% for the automatic classification compared to manual reclassification considering all 17 sample tiles. The minimum overall accuracy was 65% for historical maps of poor quality and the maximum was 91% for very high-quality ones. Although accuracy is between high and moderate, coarse land cover patterns in the past and trends in land cover change can be analyzed. We conclude that such long-term analysis of land cover is a prerequisite for quantifying long-term changes in ecosystem services.
A Survey on Subsurface Signal Propagation
Authors: Raza Usman , Salam Abdul
Published: December 2020

Wireless Underground Communication (WUC) is an emerging field that is being developed continuously. It provides secure mechanism of deploying nodes underground which shields them from any outside temperament or harsh weather conditions. This paper works towards introducing WUC and give a detail overview of WUC. It discusses system architecture of WUC along with the anatomy of the underground sensor motes deployed in WUC systems. It also compares Over-the-Air and Underground and highlights the major differences between the both type of channels. Since, UG communication is an evolving field, this paper also presents the evolution of the field along with the components and example UG wireless communication systems. Finally, the current research challenges of the system are presented for further improvement of the WUCs.
Framework for Water Management in the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus in Mixed Land-Use Watersheds in Colombia
Authors: Torres Camilo , Gitau Margaret , Lara-Borrero Jaime , Paredes-Cuervo Diego
Published: December 2020

The food-energy-water (FEW) nexus approach has emerged as an alternative for managing these resources more efficiently. Work from studies conducted in the FEW nexus in Latin America is scarce in the scholarly literature. This study aims to develop a framework for water management at the FEW Nexus, with a focus on Colombia. The study focuses on a typical mixed land-use watershed in the Andean region with specific objectives being to: (1) characterize the watershed with respect to land use, climate, water resources, and other factors pertinent to the nexus; (2) explore the relationship between factors in the FEW nexus that may affect water management in terms of quality and availability; and (3) propose a methodology for conducting a FEW Nexus analysis for watersheds located in the Andean region. The results indicate that the Pereira/Dosquebradas urban area has a significant impact on the FEW nexus components in the Otun River Watershed (ORW). Subsequently, an urban FEW nexus framework is proposed for its implementation at the watershed.
Effect of Exchangeable Cation in Clays on the Yield and Quality of the Bio-Oil during Microwave Pyrolysis of Cellulose
Authors: Doroshenko Alisa , Pylypenko Ihor , Gromovaite Simona , Clark James , Budarin Vitaliy
Published: December 2020

Bio-oil (pyrolysis oil) is an essential feedstock for the production of renewable fossil-free fuels and valuable chemicals. Enhancement of the pyrolysis oil yield and its quality are significant challenges for an efficient and sustainable biorefinery. Here, we report the microwave (MW)-assisted noncatalytic pyrolysis of cellulose, as a green and controllable alternative to conventional heating, in the presence of eco-friendly Li-, Na-, K-, Mg-, Ca- and Ba-bentonites. The detailed analysis of the MV heating traces demonstrates that the bentonite MW activity significantly depends on the presence of internal water. The intensity of this interaction is controlled by the cation nature reduced in the order: Li+ > Na+ > K+ and Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Ba2+. A unique experimental design for the MW-assisted pyrolysis of cellulose in the presence of Li-doped clays helps to increase the bio-oil yield to 37.8% with high selectivity towards the commercially useful levoglucosan (purity: 39.36%). The combination of an alternative green heating method and environmentally friendly bentonites can be used many times without recycling. We believe that the improved yields of bio-oil are due to: (i) high MW activity of bentonites, which conventionally increases the heating rates of cellulose; and (ii) production of water by hydrophilic clay minerals, favouring depolymerisation of cellulose.
Optimization of the Mixture Transition Distribution Model Using the March Package for R
Authors: Berchtold André , Maitre Ogier , Emery Kevin
Published: December 2020

Optimization of mixture models such as the mixture transition distribution (MTD) model is notoriously difficult because of the high complexity of their solution space. The best approach comprises combining features of two types of algorithms: an algorithm that can explore as completely as possible the whole solution space (e.g., an evolutionary algorithm), and another that can quickly identify an optimum starting from a set of initial conditions (for instance, an EM algorithm). The march package for the R environment is a library dedicated to the computation of Markovian models for categorical variables. It includes different algorithms that can manage the complexity of the MTD model, including an ad hoc hill-climbing procedure. In this article, we first discuss the problems related to the optimization of the MTD model, and then we show how march can be used to solve these problems; further, we provide different syntaxes for the computation of other models, including homogeneous Markov chains, hidden Markov models, and double chain Markov models.
Extended Exponential Regression Model: Diagnostics and Application to Mineral Data
Authors: Gómez Yolanda M. , Gallardo Diego I. , Leão Jeremias , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we reparameterized the extended exponential model based on the mean in order to include covariates and facilitate the interpretation of the coefficients. The model is compared with common models defined in the positive line also reparametrized in the mean. Parameter estimation is approached based on the expectation–maximization algorithm. Furthermore, we discuss residuals and influence diagnostic tools. A simulation study for recovered parameters is presented. Finally, an application illustrating the advantages of the model in a real data set is presented.
A New Species of Freshwater Amphipods Echinogammarus (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from Algeria
Authors: Hadjab Ramzi , Ayati Khaoula , Piscart Christophe
Published: December 2020

Several samples of amphipods were obtained from six stations in the upper reach of the Youkous Stream, near Hammamet. This study describes a new species, Echinogammarus monodi n.sp., differing from other Echinogammarus species in the length of the first antenna, the setation of the third article of the mandibular palp (bearing three rows of A-setae and two rows of B-setae), the merus and carpus of pereopods 5 with long setae only, and the exopodite of uropod 3 with numerous groups of long simple setae. A full description of the new species and information about its distribution is given in this paper.
Effects of Interference and Mitigation Using Notch Filter for the DVB-S2 Standard
Authors: Same Mohammad Hossein , Gandubert Gabriel , Ivanov Preslav , Landry René , Gleeton Gabriel
Published: December 2020

The abundance of radio signals and their increasing number creates interferences on adjacent signals and sometimes, with co-channel communication. Jammers, which are operated by hackers or by military forces, are another source of smart and powerful interferences. This paper will discuss the effect of the continuous wave interference (CWI) on a radio communication receiver, specifically with the Digital Video Broadcasting for Satellite Second Generation (DVB-S2) communication standard. It investigates the general effect of the interference on a Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) signal over each part of the DVB-S2 receiver. It also focuses on the impact of the center frequency and power of the interference on the critical blocks of a DVB-S2 receiver. This study also tries to determine the deviation from the normal operation in the format of mathematical expressions and simulation results. Based on the obtained results, there is a vulnerability in the chain of the receiver’s blocks that allows a smart jammer to affect the device with low power interference. The notch filter is utilized as a solution to mitigate the interference. In addition, the effects of this technique on the system’s performance are studied. The simulation results show that there is a great improvement after CWI removal according to the Jamming to Signal Ratio (JSR), the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and the Bit Error Rate (BER). In some cases, the JSR was reduced by 15 dB, the SNR was improved by 10 dB and BER also improved by 7 dB. However, the notch filter deletes some information from the original signal. This study introduces new ways to clarify the tradeoff between the amount of interference power reduction and removed bandwidth from the signal with notch filtering.
The Impact of Smoking on the Association between Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAS) and Thyroid Hormones: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis
Authors: van Gerwen Maaike , Alpert Naomi , Alsen Mathilda , Ziadkhanpour Kimia , Taioli Emanuela , Genden Eric
Published: December 2020

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS) are known endocrine disrupting chemicals, potentially affecting thyroid function. Smoking has been associated with PFAS levels as well as with thyroid function. The impact of smoking on the association between PFAS and thyroid function remains to be elucidated, so the objective was to assess the effect of PFAS exposure on thyroid function in the general population, stratified by smoking status, using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NHANES adult participants who were part of the 2011–2012 laboratory subsample and had PFAS and thyroid function measured were included (n = 1325). Adjusted linear regression models and stratified analyses were performed. There was a significant positive association between perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (p = 0.003), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (p = 0.014), total PFAS (p = 0.004) concentrations and free T4 (FT4). No significant associations were found between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), PFNA, total PFAS and total T4 (TT4) or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In non-smokers, a significant positive association was found between PFOS (p = 0.003), PFHxS (p = 0.034), PFNA (p = 0.012), total PFAS (p = 0.003) and FT4 while no significant associations were found in smokers. The present study showed that increased PFAS exposure was associated with increased FT4 in non-smokers, while no association was found in smokers. These results confirm that smoking modifies the association between PFAS exposure and thyroid function.
Identification of a Novel Cathelicidin from the Deinagkistrodon acutus Genome with Antibacterial Activity by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Zhong Lipeng , Liu Jiye , Teng Shiyu , Xie Zhixiong
Published: December 2020

The abuse of antibiotics and the consequent increase of drug-resistant bacteria constitute a serious threat to human health, and new antibiotics are urgently needed. Research shows that antimicrobial peptides produced by natural organisms are potential substitutes for antibiotics. Based on Deinagkistrodonacutus (known as five-pacer viper) genome bioinformatics analysis, we discovered a new cathelicidin antibacterial peptide which was called FP-CATH. Circular dichromatic analysis showed a typical helical structure. FP-CATH showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It has antibacterial activity to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that FP-CATH could cause the change of bacterial cell integrity, having a destructive effect on Gram-negative bacteria and inducing Gram-positive bacterial surface formation of vesicular structure. FP-CATH could bind to LPS and showed strong binding ability to bacterial DNA. In vivo, FP-CATH can improve the survival rate of nematodes in bacterial invasion experiments, and has a certain protective effect on nematodes. To sum up, FP-CATH is likely to play a role in multiple mechanisms of antibacterial action by impacting bacterial cell integrity and binding to bacterial biomolecules. It is hoped that the study of FP-CATH antibacterial mechanisms will prove useful for development of novel antibiotics.
Degradation and Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 by Tea-Derived Aspergillus niger RAF106
Authors: Fang Qian’an , Du Minru , Chen Jianwen , Liu Tong , Zheng Yong , Liao Zhenlin , Zhong Qingping , Wang Li , Fang Xiang , Wang Jie
Published: December 2020

Microbial degradation is an effective and attractive method for eliminating aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is severely toxic to humans and animals. In this study, Aspergillus niger RAF106 could effectively degrade AFB1 when cultivated in Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) with contents of AFB1 ranging from 0.1 to 4 μg/mL. Treatment with yeast extract as a nitrogen source stimulated the degradation, but treatment with NaNO3 and NaNO2 as nitrogen sources and lactose and sucrose as carbon sources suppressed the degradation. Moreover, A. niger RAF106 still degraded AFB1 at initial pH values that ranged from 4 to 10 and at cultivation temperatures that ranged from 25 to 45 °C. In addition, intracellular enzymes or proteins with excellent thermotolerance were verified as being able to degrade AFB1 into metabolites with low or no mutagenicity. Furthermore, genomic sequence analysis indicated that the fungus was considered to be safe owing to the absence of virulence genes and the gene clusters for the synthesis of mycotoxins. These results indicate that A. niger RAF106 and its intracellular enzymes or proteins have a promising potential to be applied commercially in the processing and industry of food and feed to detoxify AFB1.
Occurrence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus spp. on Brazilian Dairy Farms that Produce Unpasteurized Cheese
Authors: Freitas Ribeiro Laryssa , Akira Sato Rafael , de Souza Pollo Andressa , Marques Rossi Gabriel Augusto , do Amaral Luiz Augusto
Published: December 2020

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) have been identified in several foods, including dairy products. Studies are needed about their occurrence and genetic diversity in the dairy production chain in order to gain a better understanding of their epidemiology and control. This study therefore focuses on isolating and characterizing MRS strains detected in milk used in the production of Brazilian artisanal unpasteurized cheeses. To this end, samples were collected from bovine feces, the hands of milkmen, milking buckets, sieves, unpasteurized milk, whey, water, artisanal unpasteurized cheeses, cheese processing surfaces, cheese handlers, cheese trays, cheese molds, and skimmers at five dairy farms located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Colonies suggestive of Staphylococcus spp. were subjected to multiplex PCR to confirm the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and to detect the mecA gene. Sixteen isolates containing mecA gene were detected in samples from unpasteurized cheese and from cheese handlers. None of these isolates were positive to enterotoxin genes. These 16 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, which revealed they were resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, and cefepime. Using gene sequencing, the MRS isolates were identified as S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, and S. epidermidis. Furthermore, isolates from cheese handlers’ hands and artisanal unpasteurized cheese presented high genetic similarity by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis, which indicates cross contamination during cheese production. Thus, we found that people directly involved in milking and cheese processing activities at small dairy farms are a potential source of contamination of MRS strains in unpasteurized milk and cheese, representing a risk to public health.
The Date of the Muratorian Fragment
Authors: Lingelbach John F.
Published: December 2020

Three hundred years after its discovery, scholars find themselves unable to determine the more likely of the two hypotheses regarding the date of the Muratorian Fragment, which consists of a catalog of New Testament texts. Is the Fragment a late second- to early third-century composition or a fourth-century composition? This present work seeks to break the impasse. The study found that, by making an inference to the best explanation, a second-century date for the Fragment is preferred. This methodology consists of weighing the two hypotheses against five criteria: plausibility, explanatory scope, explanatory power, credibility, and simplicity. What makes this current work unique in its contribution to church history and historical theology is that it marks the first time the rigorous application of an objective methodology, known as “inference to the best explanation” (or IBE), has been formally applied to the problem of the Fragment’s date.
A interpretação do Supremo Tribunal Federal acerca dos antecedentes criminais firmada na Tese 129 da Repercussão Geral: uma crítica e uma proposta
Authors: Damante Pereira Jorge Paulo
Published: December 2020

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo a análise da dignidade do art. 59 do Código Penal, com destaque à possibilidade interpretativa do elemento “antecedentes criminais” para fixação de quantum de pena. De forma específica, propõe-se a análise dos votos referentes à tese 129 proferidos pelos ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal. É neste contexto que se desenvolverá a pesquisa, a partir de ótica principiológica enquanto mandamentos que expressam não só direitos ao cidadão, mas, também, deveres dos julgadores perante a sociedade, aqui em relação à individualização da pena. Pretende-se identificar, portanto, a dimensão dialógica de aplicação de pena inserido em um contexto social-democrático através de esforço interpretativo que permita a compreensão dual do princípio da isonomia. Para tanto, valeu-se da pesquisa bibliográfica qualitativa, utilizando-se de obras específicas e julgados acerca da temática.
A importância da recuperação de ativos para o efetivo combate à lavagem de capitais e à corrupção: A colaboração premiada como instrumento de localização dos ativos.
Authors: Jaquier Ariane Bulla
Published: December 2020

O presente estudo analisa o crime de lavagem de capitais sob a perspectiva dos múltiplos danos sociais, econômicos e políticos provocados pela delinquência econômica inserida em um mundo globalizado. Discorre sobre a motivação dos executores do crime: simultaneamente, evitar a punição pelo delito antecedente e tornar possível o gozo dos valores obtidos ilicitamente. Nesse sentido, seja pelos danos, seja pelo mote dos agentes criminosos, o artigo enfoca a necessidade da recuperação dos ativos provenientes da lavagem de dinheiro para a devida repressão do crime e para o combate à corrupção. Ao final, considerando a complexidade e a dinamicidade das ações que visam encobrir a origem ilícita do capital, destacou-se a necessidade de se empregar técnicas especiais de investigação para a localização de ganhos ilícitos e identificação de responsáveis, reservando-se atenção especial à colaboração premiada, uma vez que, em muitos casos, somente por meio de tal técnica é possível rastrear, ao menos de início, os proveitos do crime.
Juizado especial criminal: a divergência doutrinária quanto aos efeitos da Lei n. 9.099/95 no processo penal brasileiro.
Authors: Meirelles Karla Bárdio
Published: December 2020

A entrada em vigor da Lei 9.099/95 promoveu importantes inovações no processo penal brasileiro, introduzindo uma jurisdição de consenso nitidamente distinta da habitual resolução contenciosa de conflitos. O procedimento dos Juizados Especiais Criminais, cuja criação é prevista na própria Constituição Federal de 1988, trouxe consequências para as vítimas e os autores das infrações delituosas de sua competência, notadamente em razão das medidas despenalizadoras nele previstas. A doutrina tem divergido quanto aos efeitos da Lei n. 9.099/95, e enquanto alguns autores sustentam a violação do diploma a certos princípios constitucionais, outros entendem que ele trouxe apenas benefícios para ambas as partes da situação delituosa, e para a Justiça Criminal como um todo. Considerando que o procedimento do Juizado Especial Criminal está cada vez mais presente no cotidiano forense, a análise de alguns aspectos principais da Lei n. 9.099/95, bem ainda de posições doutrinárias a respeito do assunto, é imprescindível para a formação de um juízo crítico e consciente a respeito da matéria, o que se pretende com o presente trabalho.
INFLUENCE OF ROAD CONDITIONS ON THE OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY OF PUBLIC VEHICLES
Authors:   Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University, KORCHAJKIN M.G. , CHIBUKHCHYAN G.S. ,   National Polytechnic University of Armenia
Published: December 2020

Modern urban public transport should have: quality service, environmental and operational safety, high reliability and performance, a quality system of maintenance and repair, high profes-sionalism of drivers and maintenance personnel. The article discusses the features of the operation of public transport in Yerevan, the issues of improving operational reliability and adjusting the frequency of replacement of operational materials. Using the RSTAT software package, the statis-tics of failures and operating time of GAZEL minibuses (about 1400 pcs.) For Yerevan routes, characterized by a sharp relief contour and traffic intensity, were processed and their correspond-ence to the Weibull distribution was processed. The histograms and curves of the distribution func-tions of the failures of the gearboxes and the rear axles of the minibuses were constructed, and the optimal maintenance numbers and operating time values were determined.
PLANNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM BASED ON THE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SYSTEM
Authors:   Orel State University, NOVIKOV A.N. , EREMIN S.V. ,   Krasnoyarsk Administration
Published: December 2020

According to experts, today there is still a legislative vacuum in the field of territorial transport planning, there is no methodological base for the development of urban transport infra-structure, basic information on population mobility and other basic data for transport planning is not available, and there is an acute shortage of specialists in the field of transport planning. Therefore, the article deals with the development of mechanisms for managing the network plan-ning of regional transport systems.
THE ANALYSIS OF PASSENGER TRAFFIC ON THE ROUTES OF THE BUS OF KURSK
Authors:   South-West State University, SEMENIKHIN B.A. , KUZNETSOVA L.P. ,   South-West State University, MALNEVA YU.A. ,   South-West State University, ALTUKHOV A.YU. ,   South-West state University
Published: December 2020

Results of inspection and the analysis of passenger traffics on routes of the bus of Kursk are presented, the main shortcomings of the existing route network are revealed. The analysis of change of daily volume of transportations of passengers made on the basis of data of it and the previous inspections of passenger traffics and also distribution of total power of a passenger traffic on hours of day is provided. Results of development of rational route bus network of Kursk which is almost completely deprived of the shortcomings inherent in the existing route network are presented.
HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF A REGULATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE STREET AND ROAD NETWORK OF THE CITY OF VORONEZH
Authors:   Voronezh State Forestry University, VOLKOV V.S. , KASTYRIN D.Ju. ,   Voronezh Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, LEBEDEV E.G. ,   Voronezh State Forestry University
Published: December 2020

The factors that determine the possibility of a traffic accident at a regulated crossing are sys-tematized. the risk estimates for road accidents are calculated based on the results of the annual cycle and daily in the mode of hourly intervals. The risk factor of a conflict point of a controlled transition is proposed, which is determined in relation to the risk indicators of a road accident in an hour-long interval of real-time mode to the average annual risk assessment of a road accident, reduced to an hour-long interval.
INFLUENCE OF BRAKE RECOVERY ON EMISSIONS OF SOLID PARTICLES FROM CARS
Authors:   Vologda State University, RAKOV V.A.
Published: December 2020

The main objectives of the study are to establish the effect of regenerative braking on emis-sions of fine particles from the wear of brake mechanisms. The main objective is to develop assess-ment methods. In the experimental studies involved vehicles with a hybrid engine, which performed a series of acceleration and braking cycles with recovery, and then only mechanical braking. The presented results allow us to draw conclusions about the effect of regenerative braking on emis-sions from wear on brake linings.
DISTANCE EMPLOYMENT: MODERN TRENDS OF TRANSFORMATION
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Rudenko G.G. , Dolzhenkova Yu.V. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2020

The object of the research is the features of the development of distance employment in the modern Russian economy. The aim of the work is to analyze the impact of distance employment on the labor market and identify the main directions of its transformation. The authors used the methods of critical analysis of scientific and methodical literature, statistical and empirical methods. revealed the advantages of using distance employment for employers, as well as a number of problems related to information and communication support for the activities of remote workers, the use of their own means of production, digital inequality among different age groups of the population and between regions The authors note the excessive state regulation of this category of employed in the public sector by the state and come to the conclusion that the lack of scientific study of its main definitions has a negative impact on the study of distance employment and its impact on the labor market. There are problems in the legal regulation of distance employment associated with the use of workers' own means of production, the regulation of work and rest regimes, and safety measures. There is no statistical record of this category of workers. Since the indicators and characteristics of the Russian labor market have worsened during the pandemic, it is necessary to develop measures to promote employment of the population and transform its structure, considering the requirements of digitalization and optimization of the Russian economy. The obtained theoretical and practical results of the research can be used in the development and implementation of employment policies by federal and regional authorities, as well as applied in the collective and contractual regulation of social and labor relations.
İbnü’l-Cârûd ve el-Müntekâ Adlı Eseri
Authors: ÇELİK Ali
Published: December 2020

Velûd bir âlim olan İbnü’l-Cârûd’a, farklı alanlarda olmak üzere birçok eser nispet edilmiştir. Bu eserlerden biri olan ve sadece fıkhî ahkâmla ilgili rivayetleri konu edinen el-Müntekâ, hadis rivayetinde tevsîk edilen hocalardan elde edilen rivayetlerle oluşturulmuştur. Eser, ilgili ilim çevrelerince takdir edilmiş ve Müslümanlar nezdinde hüsn-ü kabûle mazhar olmuştur. Eserde tahrîc edilen 1114 rivayetin kahir ekseriyeti sahih kabul edilmiş, geri kalan rivayetler ise hasen sayılmıştır. Nitekim eserde yer alan rivayetlerden sadece yirmi beşi dışındakilerin Kütüb-i Sitte’de de yer alması eserin sağlam oluşunu teyit etmesi açısından önemlidir. Öte yandan İbnü’l-Cârûd, semâ etmediği bazı hocalarından tahdis ettiği rivayetleri eserine almasından dolayı bazı âlimlerce tenkit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte esere yönelik yapılan bazı değerlendirmelerde ise el-Müntekâ’da yer alan bir kısım rivayetler zayıf kabul edilmiştir. Ancak sonraları konuyla ilgili yapılan araştırmalarda İbnü’l-Cârûd’un el-Müntekâ’sında söz konusu hocalardan rivayette bulunulmadığı ve rivayetlerin zayıf olarak değerlendirilmesinde ise isabet edilmediği görülmüştür.
Dasein’den Varoluş’a İnsan: Karl Jaspers’in İnsan Görüşü
Authors: YILDIZ Yakup , ATAŞ Demet
Published: December 2020

Dasein’den Varoluş'a İnsan başlıklı bu çalışma Karl Jaspers’in insana bakışını ve insanın kendilik bilincine ererek varoluşunu gerçekleştirinceye kadar geçen süreçleri konu edinmektedir. İnsanın kendi benliğine yönelmesi, varoluşunu kavraması ve varlığının bilincine ermesi varoluş’a doğru giden bir süreçtir ve bu süreç kendi içinde hiyerarşik bir yapı arzeder. Jaspers insanın dasein, tin, ortak bilinç ve varoluş (existenz) olmak üzere birbirinden farklı dört tür var olma biçiminden söz eder. İnsan bu varlık düzeylerini tamamladıktan sonra existenz aşamasına gelir. Bu süreç, Jaspers’in varoluşu aydınlatan işaretler olarak isimlendirdiği; özgürlük, iletişim ve sınır durumlar gibi bazı özel işaretler sayesinde tamamlanır. Ancak insanın gerçek anlamda varoluş durumuna gelmesi ve kendini idrak etmesi ancak Aşkın Varlık sayesinde mümkündür.
OCORRÊNCIA DE DIPLOSTOMIDAE (DIGENEA: DIPLOSTOMOIDEA) E CYMOTHOIDAE (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA) EM PEIXES DA BARRAGEM DO RIO SERRA BRANCA, NO MUNICÍPIO DE PAI PEDRO, NORTE DE MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL
Authors: Rodrigues Gomes Neto Geraldo , Gomes Silva Fernando , Aquino Pereira Isabela , Ribeiro Silva Nogueira Maria Tereza , Paulino da Cruz Vieira Vanessa
Published: December 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de diplostomídeos e cimotoídeos em peixes da barragem do rio Serra Branca, do município de Pai Pedro, Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram adquiridos de pescadores locais, 15 peixes de quatro gêneros diferentes, sendo eles, Prochilodus, Astyanax, Acestrorhynchus e Leporinus. A musculatura, a região bucal, órgãos, cavidades e globo ocular de cada peixe foram examinados macroscopicamente. Os parasitos encontrados foram coletados e identificados. Foi observado um percentual total de 53,33% (8/15) de positividade, com 46,66% (7/15) do total positivas para metacercárias de diplostomídeos de dois morfotipos: Austrodiplostomum sp. e Sphincterodiplostomum sp., restritas ao globo ocular e 6,66% (1/15) positiva unicamente para espécime da família Cymothoidae, sendo identificado como pertencente ao gênero Braga sp., configurando-se como primeiro registro em Prochilodus lineatus (Curimbatá). A diversidade de metacercárias em peixes da barragem do rio Serra Branca, no Norte de Minas Gerais, mostra, que além da participação dos peixes nativos como hospedeiros intermediários no ciclo biológico destes parasitos, sua participação na rede alimentar local, já que os hospedeiros definitivos dos diplostomídeos são aves piscívoras. Quanto ao isópode, é mais um parasito registrado com capacidade de causar danos físicos a um peixe de importância comercial. Diante disso, serão necessárias pesquisas futuras para determinar as consequências desse parasitismo na ictiofauna dos reservatórios brasileiros. Estes estudos poderão fornecer informações para um melhor aproveitamento dessa atividade zootécnica.
Contribution of advisers of the ministry of health of the Mongolian people’s republic to the development of healthcare (1920s – 1940s)
Authors: Bashkuev Vsevolod
Published: December 2020

Based on archival documents, the article traces the history of creating the institute of advisors of the Ministry of Health of the Mongolian People’s Republic. The activity of Soviet doctors I.L. Baevsky, Y.L. Grossman, and M.A. Ibragimov is analyzed. The analysis allows judging about the declared and hidden goals of the Soviet government, that understood what specialists could provide the development of the Mongolian healthcare according to the Soviet model in the conditions of political and social turbulence. The personal files and documents of the advisors preserved in the archives showed their preparedness for possible challenges and problems in building a new health care system for Mongolia. The problems that the advisors of the Ministry of Health of Mongolia encountered in the course of their work are highlighted.
Study of superstructure and mast vibrations / frequencies reduction solutions for a maritime tug
Authors: Pohilca Alin Marius , Loica Daniela Mihaela , Teodor Florin Renardo , Mocanu Costel Iulian
Published: December 2020

"Onboard vessel heavy rotating equipment and environmental
conditions (sailing in waves) are a major source of onboard vibrations
that may affect the vessel structure and equipment. Vibrations are
propagated through the vessel structure from the engine room all the way up to the superstructure affecting the installed masts. All the equipment installed on the superstructure and the mast, such as antennas, navigation lights, radars etc, are affected by these vibrations which can lead to malfunctioning equipment with major implications in the sailing fitness of the vessel itself. This paper presents the analysis of a tug superstructure and mast vibrations problems caused by the main engine and the propeller rotation. Solutions to optimize the structure and to improve the transmission model of these vibrations are also described."