bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Fine - Kinney Approach in Risk Assessment and an Application
Authors: OTURAKÇI Murat , DAĞSUYU Cansu
Published: June 2019

Bu çalışmada risk değerlendirme metotları arasında sıklıkla kullanılan
ancak literatür açısından yeteri kadar kaynağı bulunmayan Fine - Kinney Yöntemi
için bulanık mantık çerçevesinde yeni bir yaklaşım geliştirilmiştir. Klasik
yöntem içerisinde kullanılan olasılık, frekans ve şiddet parametreleri girdi;
risk skoru çıktı olarak kabul edilmiş ve bu ölçekler üçgen üyelik
fonksiyonlarına bağlı yeni ölçeklere dönüştürülmüştür. Klasik ve Bulanık Fine -
Kinney metotları inşaat sektöründe hizmet veren orta ölçekli bir firmanın
yapımını üstlendiği bir yapı merkezi inşaatında belirlenen tehlikelere
uygulanarak karşılaştırılmıştır. Böylece her bir tehlike için hesaplanan risk
skoru, bulanık mantık çerçevesinde tekrar hesaplanmış ve sonuçlar
karşılaştırılmıştır. Ortaya konan Bulanık Fine - Kinney Yöntemi’ nin Klasik
yönteme göre sonuçlara hassasiyet kazandırdığı görülmüştür.  Ayrıca tehlikelerin öncelik sıralamalarının
değişmesiyle birlikte bu tehlikelerin sınıflarının da değiştiği gözlenmiştir.
Research of Healthcare Worker's Safety Climate Perceptions and Safe Work Practices
Authors: ÇAKMAK Ahmet Ferda , TATLI Mehpare
Published: June 2019

In this study, that was aimed to investigate according to different variables the relationships between the safe work practices and the safety climate perceptions of nurses and doctors in a university hospital. Within the scope of the application, 250 questionnaires were distributed and the hypotheses were tested with data obtained from the group of 192 samples returned.  As a result of the analyzes, the level of positive safety climate perception and safe work practices of participants with the total experience in the profession of health employees  were positively correlated with each other. For employees who have previously performed management duties at the institution, all safety climate factors have been identified at a more positive level, with significant differences. However, the tendency to safe work practices of participants did not differ significantly in terms of the two groups.
Yöneticilerin İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Uygulamalarına Yönelik Algılarının Analizi Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: TAN Fatma Zehra , ÇALIŞKAN Suat
Published: June 2019

Günümüzde yaşanan iş kazası ve meslek hastalıkları büyük ekonomik ve sosyal sorunlara yol açan bir olgu haline gelmiştir. Bu süreçte hem devletler hem de işletmeler, iş kazası ve meslek hastalıklarını önlemeye yönelik bir takım yasal ve politik adımlar atmaya başlamışlardır. Nitekim ülkemizde 2012 yılında 6331 sayılı İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanunu yürürlüğe girmiştir. Bu çerçevede çalışmada, işletmelerde 6331 sayılı İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanununun gereklerinin yerine getirilip getirilmediğine ilişkin alt kademedeki yönetici/çalışanların algıları ölçülmek istenmiştir. Araştırmada, 6331 sayılı iş sağlığı ve güvenliği kanunu kapsamındaki iş sağlığı ve güvenliği uygulamalarına yönelik algının olumlu olduğu ve katılımcıların demografik özelliklerine göre anlamlı bir farklılık göstermediği saptanmıştır.
Ameliyathanede Çalışan Sağlık Personelinin İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Algısının Belirlenmesi
Authors: Şentürk Yasin , Sunal Nihal
Published: June 2019

Bu çalışma ameliyathanede çalışan sağlık personelinin iş sağlığı ve güvenliği algısının belirlenmesine yönelik tanımlayıcı olarak yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini Medipol Sağlık Grubu Hastanelerinin ameliyathanelerinde Nisan 2017 ve Eylül 2017 tarihleri arasında sağlık personeli olarak çalışanlar oluşturmuştur. Çalışmanın verilerini çalışanlara ait “Sosyo-Demografik Veri Formu” ve “Hastanede Çalışan Sağlık Personeli İçin İş Güvenliği Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Memnuniyet düzeyi yüksek olan personelin iş sağlığı ve güvenliği eğitimi almamış olsa dahi ölçekten yüksek puan aldığı belirlenmiştir. Daha büyük araştırmalarla İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği algısı ölçülmeli ve sonuçlar grupla paylaşılarak farkındalık geliştirilmelidir.
Tarım Makinaları İmalatı Yapan Bir Firmada Gürültü Analizi
Authors: ATEŞ Ergun , ALAGÖZ Merve Gül
Published: June 2019

Tarım makinaları imalatı yapan bir fabrikada çalışanlar üzerine gürültünün işitme kaybı açısından etkilerinin incelenmesi çalışılmıştır. İşyerinde tezgâhların ve aletlerin motor güçleri ve üretilen ürünlerin operasyonlarına bağlı olarak gürültü değerleri ölçülmüştür. Ölçülen değerler de en yüksek gürültü değeri 86.1 dB(A) ve devamında diğer dört birimde 82.1-75.7 dB(A) olarak ölçülmüştür. Yönetmeliklere ve literatür çalışmalarına göre iş yeri risk olarak kabul edilen 85 dB(A) gürültü seviyesi değerleri için yönetmeliklerde tanımlanan koruyucu önlemlerin alınması gerekir. Özellikle yüksek değer ve aşağı gürültü seviyelerine doğru ölçüm alınan birime göre, çalışanların mevcut gürültü seviyesinde işitme sağlığı üzerine etkilerinin ölçülmesi ve zamana bağlı sürdürülebilir kontrollerinin yapılması uygun görülmektedir.
Dökümhanelerde İş Sağlığı Güvenliği Uygulamaları: Örnek Bir Uygulama
Authors: YEŞİLGÖZ Pınar , ADANIR Hüseyin
Published: June 2019

Bu çalışmada, İstanbul ilinde dökümhanelerde çalışan 150 kişi ile anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Anket çalışmasında dökümhanelerde çalışanların yaşları, demografik özellikleri, kişisel koruyucu donanım kullanıp kullanmadıkları, çalışma süresince karşılaşılan olumsuz faktörler, çalışma koşullarına bağlı geçirilen hastalıklar, çalışma ortamında maruz kalınan fiziksel faktörler, iş güvenliği eğitimleri alıp almadıkları, en çok iş kazası geçirilen bölüm ve iş kazalarına uğrama nedenlerine yönelik veriler istatistiki olarak irdelenmiştir. Ankete verilen cevaplar değerlendirildiğinde elde edilen sonuçlar gerekse iş kazası istatistikleri iş sağlığı ve güvenliği çalışmalarının ülkemizde henüz istenen düzeye ulaşmadığını göstermektedir.
Influence of scleral lenses on visual acuity and aberrations in patients with irregular cornea
Authors: Tikhonova Olga , Pashtaev Nikolai , Pozdeyeva Nadezhda , Myagkov Alexander , Bodrova Svetlana , Sitka Maria , Volkova Lyudmila
Published: June 2019

Purpose: To analyze changes of functional parame¬ters and aberrations before fitting and after using rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses (RGPSCL) in patients with irregular cornea.
Material and methods. 21 patients (29 eyes) with irregular astigmatism of various etiology were enrolled in this study. The patients could not achieve good visual aсuity in glasses, standard soft or rigid corneal contact lenses. Complex ophthalmologic examination was per¬formed: autorefractometry, visometry, biomicroscopy, computer corneal topography, aberrometry on “OPD-Scan II” (“Nidek”, Japan) before fitting scleral lenses and during the period of their wearing.
Results and discussion. The results demonstrat¬ed significant visual acuity improvement after RGP¬SCL fitting in all observed patients. UCVA amounted to 0.1±0.18, BCVA in glasses amounted to 0.4±0.26, BCVA in RGPSCL amounted to 0.7±0.1. An increase of best-corrected visual acuity in RGPSCL was statistically significant in patients after keratoplasty, after intra-stromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation, af¬ter refractive laser surgery (RLS) and in cases of mixed astigmatism. We have found that the correction of ker¬atoconus with the use of RGPSCL resulted in a decrease of the root mean square value (RMS), measured in the 3 mm and 5 mm zones by 2.5 times and 4 times, re¬spectively. In patients wearing RGPSCL after kerato¬plasty, statistically significant decrease in RMS was observed in the 3 mm zone (by 3.85 times) and in the 5 mm zone (by 2.99 times). In patients wearing RGPSCL after implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS), RMS in the 3 mm zone decreased by 1.5 times. In patients wearing RGPSCL after refractive laser surgery (RLS) RMS was 2.5 times lower in the 3 mm zone and 2.8 times lower in the 5 mm zone. In case of mixed astigmatism correction with RGPSCL, RMS increased by 1.6 times in the 3 mm zone and practically did not change in the 5 mm zone.
Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrated significant visual acuity improvement in all observed patients. The sub-lens-space filled with tear forms a unified “cornea-tear-scleral contact lens” optic system that corrects unevenness of cornea, decreases amount of high-order aberrations (HOA) and provides a clear stable vision.
Review article on study about perception of health care waste management amongst dental professionals in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Payal , Badiyani Bhumika , Kumar Amit
Published: June 2019

This study has been conducted to assess the awareness and concern of dental health care providers towards handling and disposal of dental waste generated as well as knowledge of effective recycling and reuse of dental materials so that further necessary steps can be taken and more studies of such kind can be initiated in same direction.
This cross-sectional study has been conducted among private practitioners and dental students who are planning to practice in Mathura district.
After analysing responses to attitude based questions on biomedical waste management response showed favourable positive attitude. However they do not know concrete opportunities to put into practice waste recycling from dental work but majority of them collect household waste and dental practice waste together. Only few of them suggested for possible reuse of waste from dental practice. There are also inaccurate ways to collect hazardous waste; infectious waste is being collected with non-infectious or household waste.

Keywords: Hazardous waste, infectious and non-infectious waste, bio-medical waste, segregation and bio-medical waste management.
Planning Project Stakeholder Engagement from a Sustainable Development Perspective
Authors: Silvius Gilbert , Schipper Ron
Published: June 2019

Sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time. As the role that projects play in sustainable development is still developing, the integration of the concepts of sustainability into project management is an important trend in project management today. However, despite the conceptual understanding of this integration, the literature still provides little practical guidance on how to apply sustainability to project management. This article aims to contribute to the integration of sustainable development and project stakeholder management by developing practical tools and frameworks that enable project managers to identify stakeholders, assess stakeholders, and plan stakeholder engagement activities with a consideration of sustainable development. The study takes a pragmatic design science approach in developing these tools and frameworks. The resulting frameworks build upon the concepts of sustainable development and form an elaboration of the documented practices of project stakeholder management.
Plant Biostimulants: Importance of the Quality and Yield of Horticultural Crops and the Improvement of Plant Tolerance to Abiotic Stress—A Review
Authors: Drobek Magdalena , Frąc Magdalena , Cybulska Justyna
Published: June 2019

Biostimulants are among the natural preparations that improve the general health, vitality, and growth of plants and protect them against infections. They can be successfully used in both agri- and horticultural crops. The main active substances used in such preparations are humic and fulvic acids, protein hydrolysates, compounds containing nitrogen, seaweed extracts, beneficial fungi, and bacteria. Biostimulant formulations may be single- or multi-component, but the synergic action of several different components has been observed. Many groups of biostimulants have been distinguished through their method of application (soil, foliar), the material from which they were produced (plant, animal), or the process by which they were created (hydrolysis, fermentation, extraction). Natural soil stimulants can induce the development of beneficial soil organisms that provide substrates for plant growth. The use of natural preparations that are not harmful to the environment is particularly important in connection with the progressive processes of soil degradation and atmospheric pollution. This review gives an overview of the importance and influence of different natural plant biostimulants on both the yield and quality of crops.
Effects of Soil Tillage and Canopy Optimization on Grain Yield, Root Growth, and Water Use Efficiency of Rainfed Maize in Northeast China
Authors: Piao Lin , Li Ming , Xiao Jialei , Gu Wanrong , Zhan Ming , Cao Cougui , Zhao Ming , Li Congfeng
Published: June 2019

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the relationships between root growth and water use efficiency is important for achieving full yield potential. We conducted a field experiment with maize under high planting density (105,000 plants ha−1) in 2013 and 2014. Four treatments were implemented: traditional cultivation, root optimization cultivation, canopy optimization cultivation, and shoot–root optimization cultivation. Compared to the treatments involving rotary tillage, subsoil tillage significantly improved the soil structure and promoted soil water storage. Moreover, the distribution of roots was significantly deeper under shoot–root optimization cultivation than traditional cultivation treatment. Shoot dry matter and leaf area were slightly higher under the plant growth-regulator treatments than that under the other treatments. Thus, relative to the shoot–root optimization cultivation treatment, the root optimization cultivation and canopy optimization cultivation treatments reduced the shoot–root area ratio by 8% and 4%, respectively, and these reductions were significantly lower than the reduction under the traditional cultivation treatment (16%). Rainfall storage can be enhanced by improving tillage practices, promoting root growth (particularly at depths >20 cm), promoting access to water, and regulating plant growth by the foliar spraying of ECK (ethylene-chlormequat-potassium). This approach has the potential to achieve highly efficient resource utilization without additional inputs, thereby increasing yield.
A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Comparing the Effect of Intramuscular Versus Intranasal Naloxone Reversal of Intravenous Fentanyl on Odor Detection in Working Dogs
Authors: Essler Jennifer L. , Smith Paige G. , Berger Danielle , Gregorio Elizabeth , Pennington M. Ross , McGuire Amanda , Furton Kenneth G. , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: June 2019

Fentanyl is a potent opioid used clinically as a pain medication and anesthetic but has recently seen a sharp rise as an illicit street drug. The potency of fentanyl means mucous membrane exposure to a small amount of the drug can expose first responders, including working canines, to accidental overdose. Naloxone, a fast-acting opioid antagonist administered intranasally (IN) or intramuscularly (IM) is currently carried by emergency personnel in the case of accidental exposure in both humans and canines. Despite the fact that law enforcement relies heavily on the olfactory abilities of canine officers, the effects of fentanyl exposure and subsequent reversal by naloxone on the olfactory performance of canines are unknown. In a block-randomized, crossover trial, we tested the effects of IN and IM naloxone on the abilities of working dogs to recognize the odor of Universal Detection Calibrant (UDC) prior to, and two, 24, and 48 h after intravenous fentanyl sedation and naloxone reversal. No detectable influence of fentanyl sedation and naloxone reversal on the dogs’ olfactory abilities was detected. We also found no difference in olfactory abilities when dogs received IN or IM naloxone. Together, results suggest no evidence that exposure to intravenous fentanyl followed by naloxone reversal impairs canine olfactory ability under these conditions.
Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into Heat Stress Responses in Sheep
Authors: Lu Zengkui , Chu Mingxing , Li Qing , Jin Meilin , Fei Xiaojuan , Ma Lin , Zhang Liping , Wei Caihong
Published: June 2019

With the intensified and large-scale development of sheep husbandry and global warming, sheep heat stress has become an increasingly important issue. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms related to sheep responses to heat stress. In this study, transcriptomic analysis of liver tissues of sheep in the presence and absence of heat stress was conducted, with the goal of identifying genes and pathways related to regulation when under such stress. After a comparison with the sheep reference genome, 440,226,436 clean reads were obtained from eight libraries. A p-value ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2 were taken as thresholds for categorizing differentially expressed genes, of which 1137 were identified. The accuracy and reliability of the RNA-Seq results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. The identified differentially expressed genes were significantly associated with 419 GO terms and 51 KEGG pathways, which suggested their participation in biological processes such as response to stress, immunoreaction, and fat metabolism. This study’s results provide a comprehensive overview of sheep heat stress-induced transcriptional expression patterns, laying a foundation for further analysis of the molecular mechanisms of sheep heat stress.
Endothelin-1-Induced Microvascular ROS and Contractility in Angiotensin-II-Infused Mice Depend on COX and TP Receptors
Authors: Wilcox Christopher S. , Wang Cheng , Wang Dan
Published: June 2019

(1) Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can activate cyclooxygenase (COX). However, thromboxane prostanoid receptors (TPRs) are required to increase systemic markers of ROS during Ang II infusion in mice. We hypothesized that COX and TPRs are upstream requirements for the generation of vascular ROS by ET-1. (2) Methods: ET-1-induced vascular contractions and ROS were assessed in mesenteric arterioles from wild type (+/+) and knockout (−/−) of COX1 or TPR mice infused with Ang II (400 ng/kg/min × 14 days) or a vehicle. (3) Results: Ang II infusion appeared to increase microvascular protein expression of endothelin type A receptors (ETARs), TPRs, and COX1 and 2 in COX1 and TPR +/+ mice but not in −/− mice. Ang II infusion increased ET-1-induced vascular contractions and ROS, which were prevented by a blockade of COX1 and 2 in TPR −/− mice. ET-1 increased the activity of aortic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, 2, and 3 in Ang-II-infused mice, which were prevented by a blockade of TPRs. (4) Conclusion: Activation of vascular TPRs by COX products are required for ET-1 to increase vascular contractions and ROS generation from NADPH oxidase and reduce ROS metabolism by SOD. These effects require an increase in these systems by prior infusion of Ang II.
Interaction of Potent Mitochondrial Uncouplers with Thiol-Containing Antioxidants
Authors: Khailova Ljudmila S. , Firsov Alexander M. , Kotova Elena A. , Antonenko Yuri N.
Published: June 2019

It is generally considered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the development of numerous pathologies. The level of ROS can be altered via the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by using protonophores causing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Here, we report that the uncoupling activity of potent protonophores, such as carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), and fluazinam, can be abrogated by the addition of thiol-containing antioxidants to isolated mitochondria. In particular, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, cysteine, and dithiothreitol removed both a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in the respiration rate that is caused by FCCP. The thiols also reduced the electrical current that is induced by FCCP and CCCP across planar bilayer lipid membranes. Thus, when speculating on the mechanistic roles of ROS level modulation by mitochondrial uncoupling based on the antioxidant reversing certain FCCP and CCCP effects on cellular processes, one should take into account the ability of these protonophoric uncouplers to directly interact with the thiol-containing antioxidants.
Digital Shearing Speckle Pattern Interferometry Based on Rochon Prism and Its Application
Authors: Wang Xu , Gao Zhan , Gao Chenjia , Zhao Jieming , Niu Yuhao , Liu Zihui , Zhang Yuan , Liu Yuchen
Published: June 2019

This paper presents improved digital shearing speckle pattern interferometry based on Rochon Prism. The advantage of this method is that it avoids the shadow noise caused by transmission light, which improves the shearography accuracy. By reducing the angle of divergence and coordinating the measuring distance and the precision coordinate, the beam-splitting path of the interference optical path is improved. Experimental results prove that the improved method contributes to the practical and instrumental application of shearography.
Concrete–Concrete Bond in Mode-I: A study on the Synergistic Effect of Surface Roughness and Fiber Reinforcement
Authors: Kabiri Far Bardia , Zanotti Cristina
Published: June 2019

Effectiveness and durability of interventions on deficient concrete structures remain a major concern, comprising the challenge of old-to-new concrete compatibility and bonding, as stress concentrations and microstructural flaws at the old-to-new concrete interface compromise structural integrity and create migration paths for harmful contaminants. Fiber reinforcement can be beneficial, but proper quantification and mastering of fundamental mechanisms is required before these are fully utilized. A study is presented on Mode-I crack growth resistance at the interface between two concretes (substrate and repair). Countered Double Cantilever Beam tests are performed, crack growth resistance curves calculated (Modified Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics), and complemented with analysis of interfacial roughness and failure planes. Polyvinyl alcohol (8 and 12 mm length) and steel fibers (13 mm) are introduced in the repairs at 0.5% and 1% volume fractions. Results indicate that fibers improve fracture behavior of both the repair material and substrate-repair interface; correlations with interfacial roughness, crack deviation, and fracture parameters are discussed.
Analysis of Operations upon Entry into Intermodal Freight Terminals
Authors: Kostrzewski Mariusz , Kostrzewski Arkadiusz
Published: June 2019

The design of intermodal freight terminals requires extensive research and a thorough analysis of the technical, financial and organizational aspects. In the paper, the operation of the reposition of large cargo containers (one of the types of intermodal transport units, ITUs) on the dedicated places is subjected to a discussion. The analysis is carried out with the use of a vehicle equipped with a telescopic arm, such as a reach stacker. The considered storage facility is reduced to a block characterized by spatial accumulation given in the paper. The description of the procedure for the execution of the handling operation from the arrival of a tractor-trailer with a container into a terminal, followed by the ITUs being set aside in a dedicated place and, in the end, the departure of the truck without load, is given in the paper. The activities are described in detail in order to present a descriptive model of particular operations upon entry to the intermodal freight terminal. Moreover, the paper contains relevant figures illustrating the various steps of realization and the analysis of duration of activities supported by actual realizations. The durations of the individual activities described in the paper are experimental, and the results have been validated on real-world intermodal freight terminals. Therefore, the authors believe that the obtained values may be used in analytical, simulation and numerical models of intermodal freight terminals.
EDCrammer: An Efficient Caching Rate-Control Algorithm for Streaming Data on Resource-Limited Edge Nodes
Authors: Kim Yunkon , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: June 2019

This paper explores data caching as a key factor of edge computing. State-of-the-art research of data caching on edge nodes mainly considers reactive and proactive caching, and machine learning based caching, which could be a heavy task for edge nodes. However, edge nodes usually have relatively lower computing resources than cloud datacenters as those are geo-distributed from the administrator. Therefore, a caching algorithm should be lightweight for saving computing resources on edge nodes. In addition, the data caching should be agile because it has to support high-quality services on edge nodes. Accordingly, this paper proposes a lightweight, agile caching algorithm, EDCrammer (Efficient Data Crammer), which performs agile operations to control caching rate for streaming data by using the enhanced PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) controller. Experimental results using this lightweight, agile caching algorithm show its significant value in each scenario. In four common scenarios, the desired cache utilization was reached in 1.1 s on average and then maintained within a 4–7% deviation. The cache hit ratio is about 96%, and the optimal cache capacity is around 1.5 MB. Thus, EDCrammer can help distribute the streaming data traffic to the edge nodes, mitigate the uplink load on the central cloud, and ultimately provide users with high-quality video services. We also hope that EDCrammer can improve overall service quality in 5G environment, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), Internet of Things (IoT), etc.
Special Issue: 3D Printing of Metals
Authors: Gupta Manoj
Published: June 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as one of the most enabling new manufacturing technique; the topic has been extensively researched worldwide for almost two decades [...]
Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticle: TiO2: Air Layers for One-Dimensional Multilayer Photonic Structures
Authors: Kriegel Ilka , Scotognella Francesco
Published: June 2019

In this work we study the optical properties of one-dimensional photonic crystals in which layers of silica nanoparticles are alternated with layers of indium tin oxide nanoparticle (ITO)/titania nanoparticle mixture, using the transfer matrix method. The dielectric function of the mixed ITO/TiO2 nanoparticle layer is carefully accounted for with a generalized Rayleigh equation for the ternary mixture ITO:TiO2:air. We studied the light transmission of the multilayer photonic crystal as a function of the ITO/TiO2 ratio. We observe that, by increasing the ITO content and its carrier density in the three-phase mixture, the intensity of the plasmon resonance in the near infrared (NIR) increases and the intensity of the photonic band gap (visible) decreases. Thus, our study is of major importance for the realization of electrochromic smart windows, in which separate and independent NIR and visible light control is required.
Ten Years of Gabor-Domain Optical Coherence Microscopy
Authors: Canavesi Cristina , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: June 2019

Gabor-domain optical coherence microscopy (GDOCM) is a high-definition imaging technique leveraging principles of low-coherence interferometry, liquid lens technology, high-speed imaging, and precision scanning. GDOCM achieves isotropic 2 μm resolution in 3D, effectively breaking the cellular resolution limit of optical coherence tomography (OCT). In the ten years since its introduction, GDOCM has been used for cellular imaging in 3D in a number of clinical applications, including dermatology, oncology and ophthalmology, as well as to characterize materials in industrial applications. Future developments will enhance the structural imaging capability of GDOCM by adding functional modalities, such as fluorescence and elastography, by estimating thicknesses on the nano-scale, and by incorporating machine learning techniques.
Light Harvesting and Optical-Electronic Properties of Two Quercitin and Rutin Natural Dyes
Authors: Zhao Dongpeng , Lu Qiuchen , Su Runzhou , Li Yuanzuo , Zhao Meiyu
Published: June 2019

The photovoltaic properties of two dyes (quercitin (Q) and rutin (R)) were experimentally investigated. The results showed that Q had excellent photoelectric properties with J s c of 5.480 mA·cm−2, V o c of 0.582 V, η of 2.151% larger than R with J s c of 1.826 mA·cm−2, V o c of 0.547 V, and η of 0.713%. For a better understanding of the photoelectric properties of two molecules and illustrating why the performances of Q is better than R from the micro-level, the UV-VIs spectrum, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, and cyclic voltage current characteristics were experimentally investigated. What is more, density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) have been implemented in theoretical calculation. Based on the calculated results, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), charge differential density (CDD), infrared vibration, first hyperpolarizability, projected density orbital analysis (PDOS), electrostatic potential (ESP), and natural bond orbital (NBO) were analyzed. Hole/electron reorganization energies ( λ h / λ e ), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), fluorescent lifetime (τ), absorption peak, and the vertical dipole moment ( μ n o r m a l ) were calculated, and the shift of conduction band edge of a semiconductor (ΔECB) has been analyzed, which has a close relationship with J s c and V o c . The results demonstrated that, due to the higher LHE, τ, μ n o r m a l , and red-shifted absorption peak, Q has better photoelectric properties than R as a promising sensitizer.
New Insight into Hellenistic and Roman Cypriot Wall Paintings: An Exploration of Artists’ Materials, Production Technology, and Technical Style
Authors: Radpour Roxanne , Fischer Christian , Kakoulli Ioanna
Published: June 2019

A recent scientific investigation on Hellenistic and Roman wall paintings of funerary and domestic contexts from Nea (‘New’) Paphos, located in the southwest region of Cyprus, has revealed new information on the paintings’ constituent materials, their production technology and technical style of painting. Nea Paphos, founded in the late 4th century BC, became the capital of the island during the Hellenistic period (294–58 BC) and developed into a thriving economic center that continued through the Roman period (58 BC–330 AD). A systematic, analytical study of ancient Cypriot wall paintings, excavated from the wealthy residences of Nea Paphos and the surrounding necropoleis, combining complementary non-invasive, field-deployable characterization techniques, has expanded the scope of analysis, interpretation and access of these paintings. The results from in situ analyses, combining X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), forensic imaging in reflectance and luminescence, and digital photomicrography, were informative on the raw materials selection, application technique(s) and extent of paintings beyond the visible. Data collected through the integration of these techniques were able to: (1) show an intricate and rich palette of pigments consisting of local and foreign natural minerals and synthetic coloring compounds applied pure or in mixtures, in single or multiple layers; (2) identify and map the spatial distribution of Egyptian blue across the surface of the paintings, revealing the extent of imagery and reconstructing iconography that was no longer visible to the naked eye; and (3) visualize and validate the presence of Egyptian blue to delineate facial contours and flesh tone shading. This innovation and technical characteristic in the manner of painting facial outlines and constructing chiaroscuro provides a new insight into the artistic practices, inferring artists/or workshops’ organization in Cyprus during the Roman period.
Using eXtreme Gradient BOOSTing to Predict Changes in Tropical Cyclone Intensity over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Jin Qingwen , Fan Xiangtao , Liu Jian , Xue Zhuxin , Jian Hongdeng
Published: June 2019

Coastal cities in China are frequently hit by tropical cyclones (TCs), which result in tremendous loss of life and property. Even though the capability of numerical weather prediction models to forecast and track TCs has considerably improved in recent years, forecasting the intensity of a TC is still very difficult; thus, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of TC intensity prediction. To this end, we established a series of predictors using the Best Track TC dataset to predict the intensity of TCs in the Western North Pacific with an eXtreme Gradient BOOSTing (XGBOOST) model. The climatology and persistence factors, environmental factors, brainstorm features, intensity categories, and TC months are considered inputs for the models while the output is the TC intensity. The performance of the XGBOOST model was tested for very strong TCs such as Hato (2017), Rammasum (2014), Mujiage (2015), and Hagupit (2014). The results obtained show that the combination of inputs chosen were the optimal predictors for TC intensification with lead times of 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Furthermore, the mean absolute error (MAE) of the XGBOOST model was much smaller than the MAEs of a back propagation neural network (BPNN) used to predict TC intensity. The MAEs of the forecasts with 6, 12, 18, and 24 h lead times for the test samples used were 1.61, 2.44, 3.10, and 3.70 m/s, respectively, for the XGBOOST model. The results indicate that the XGBOOST model developed in this study can be used to improve TC intensity forecast accuracy and can be considered a better alternative to conventional operational forecast models for TC intensity prediction.
Broad-Band Transmission Characteristics of Polarizations in Foggy Environments
Authors: Hu Tianwei , Shen Fei , Wang Kaipeng , Guo Kai , Liu Xiao , Wang Feng , Peng Zhiyong , Cui Yuemeng , Sun Rui , Ding Zhizhong , Gao Jun , Guo Zhongyi
Published: June 2019

Based on the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm, we simulate the evolutions of different types of the polarized lights in the broad-band range from visible to infrared in foggy environments. Here, we have constructed two scattering systems to simulate the transmission characteristics of the polarized lights: (1) A monodisperse system based on five types of particles with the sizes of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 4, and 5 µm, respectively; (2) a polydisperse system based on scattering particles with a mean value (size) of 2.0 μm. Our simulation results show that linearly polarized light (LPL) and circularly polarized light (CPL) exhibit different advantages in different wavelengths and different scattering systems. The polarization maintenances (PM) of the degree of circular polarizations (DoCPs) are better than those of the degree of linear polarizations (DoLPs) for most incident wavelengths. CPL is not superior to LPL in the strong-absorption wavelengths of 3.0µm, 6.0µm, and long infrared. Here, when the wavelength is closer to the particle sizes in a system, the influence on propagating polarizations will be more obvious. However, the difference in the degree of polarization (DoP) between the resulting CPL and LPL is positive at these points, which means the penetrating ability of CPL is superior to that of LPL in these scattering systems. We have also simulated the extinction efficiency Qext and the scattering index ratio Qratio as functions of both wavelength and particle size for analyzing polarization’s transmission characteristics. Our work paves the way of selecting the optimal incident wavelengths and polarizations for concrete scattering systems.
Important Metabolites in Maintaining Folate Cycle, Homocysteine, and Polyamine Metabolism Associated with Ranibizumab Treatment in Cultured Human Tenon’s Fibroblasts
Authors: Munirah Md Noh Siti , Hamimah Sheikh Abdul Kadir Siti , Vasudevan Sushil
Published: June 2019

The anti-fibrotic properties of ranibizumab have been well documented. As an antagonist to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ranibizumab works by binding and neutralizing all active VEGF-A, thus limiting progressive cell growth and proliferation. Ranibizumab application in ocular diseases has shown remarkable desired effects; however, to date, its antifibrotic mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we identified metabolic changes in ranibizumab-treated human Tenon’s fibroblasts (HTFs). Cultured HTFs were treated for 48 h with 0.5 mg/mL of ranibizumab and 0.5 mg/mL control IgG antibody which serves as a negative control. Samples from each group were injected into Agilent 6520 Q-TOF liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) system to establish the metabolite expression in both ranibizumab treated cells and control group. Data obtained was analyzed using Agilent Mass Hunter Qualitative Analysis software to identify the most regulated metabolite following ranibizumab treatment. At p-value < 0.01 with the cut off value of two-fold change, 31 identified metabolites were found to be significantly upregulated in ranibizumab-treated group, with six of the mostly upregulated having insignificant role in fibroblast cell cycle and wound healing regulations. Meanwhile, 121 identified metabolites that were downregulated, and seven of the mostly downregulated are significantly involved in cell cycle and proliferation. Our findings suggest that ranibizumab abrogates the tissue scarring and wound healing process by regulating the expression of metabolites associated with fibrotic activity. In particular, we found that vitamin Bs are important in maintaining normal folate cycle, nucleotide synthesis, and homocysteine and spermidine metabolism. This study provides an insight into ranibizumab’s mechanism of action in HTFs from the perspective of metabolomics.
Phenolic Content of Brown Algae (Pheophyceae) Species: Extraction, Identification, and Quantification
Authors: Generalić Mekinić Ivana , Skroza Danijela , Šimat Vida , Hamed Imen , Čagalj Martina , Popović Perković Zvjezdana
Published: June 2019

Over the last few decades, isolations and chemical characterizations of secondary metabolites with proved biological activities have been of interest for numerous research groups across the world. Phenolics, as one of the largest and most widely distributed group of phytochemicals, have gained special attention due to their pharmacological activity and array of health-promoting benefits. Reports on phenolic potentials of marine algae, especially brown algae (Pheophyceae) that are characterized by the presence of phlorotannins, are still scarce. The aim of this review paper is to provide an overview of current knowledge about phenolic potential of different brown algae species (74 species from 7 different orders). Studies on brown algae phenolics usually involve few species, thus the focus of this review is to provide information about the phenolic potential of reported algae species and to get an insight into some issues related to the applied extraction procedures and determination/quantification methods to facilitate the comparison of results from different studies. The information provided through this review should be useful for the design and interpretation of studies investigating the brown algae as a source of valuable phytochemicals.
Facile Preparation of Fe3O4/C Nanocomposite and Its Application for Cost-Effective and Sensitive Detection of Tryptophan
Authors: Liu Jun , Dong Shuai , He Quanguo , Yang Suchun , Xie Mei , Deng Peihong , Xia Yonghui , Li Guangli
Published: June 2019

In this study, we reported facile synthesis of Fe3O4/C composite and its application for the cost-effective and sensitive determination of tryptophan (Trp) in human serum samples. Fe3O4/C composites were prepared by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method followed by a mild calcination procedure, using FeCl3∙6H2O as Fe3O4 precursor, and glucose as reducing agent and carbon source simultaneously. The Fe3O4/C composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Fe3O4/C/GCE) was prepared by drop-casting method. The microstructure and morphology of Fe3O4/C composite was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Due to large specific surface area and synergistic effect from Fe3O4 nanoparticles and carbon coating, Fe3O4/C composite showed excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of Trp. As a result, the proposed Fe3O4/C/GCE displayed superior analytical performances toward Trp determination, with two wide detection ranges (1.0–80 μM and 80–800 μM) and a low detection limit (0.26 μM, S/N = 3). Moreover, successful detection of Trp in human serum samples further validate the practicability of the proposed sensor.
Secretome Profiling Reveals Virulence-Associated Proteins of Fusarium proliferatum during Interaction with Banana Fruit
Authors: Li Taotao , Wu Yu , Wang Yong , Gao Haiyan , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Duan Xuewu , Qu Hongxia , Jiang Yueming
Published: June 2019

Secreted proteins are vital for the pathogenicity of many fungi through manipulating their hosts for efficient colonization. Fusarium proliferatum is a phytopathogenic fungus infecting many crops, vegetables, and fruit, including banana fruit. To access the proteins involved in pathogen–host interaction, we used label-free quantitative proteomics technology to comparatively analyze the secretomes of F. proliferatum cultured with and without banana peel in Czapek’s broth medium. By analyzing the secretomes of F. proliferatum, we have identified 105 proteins with 40 exclusively secreted and 65 increased in abundance in response to a banana peel. These proteins were involved in the promotion of invasion of banana fruit, and they were mainly categorized into virulence factors, cell wall degradation, metabolic process, response to stress, regulation, and another unknown biological process. The expressions of corresponding genes confirmed the existence of these secreted proteins in the banana peel. Furthermore, expression pattern suggested variable roles for these genes at different infection stages. This study expanded the current database of F. proliferatum secreted proteins which might be involved in the infection strategy of this fungus. Additionally, this study warranted the further attention of some secreted proteins that might initiate infection of F. proliferatum on banana fruit.
Melanins of Inonotus Obliquus: Bifidogenic and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Burmasova Marina A. , Utebaeva Aidana A. , Sysoeva Elena V. , Sysoeva Maria A.
Published: June 2019

Extracts and melanins from Inonotus obliquus are widely used in medicine due to their high antioxidant properties. This study is dedicated to define the influence of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Inonotus obliquus melanins and their bifidogenic effects on Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. For this purpose, melanins precipitated from Inonotus obliquus aqueous extracts, obtained by a few methods, and separated melanin fractions by organic solvents were used. For the melanin physicochemical properties analysis spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering methods were applied. Melanins and their fractions difference in particle size and charge, antioxidant properties, and redox potential were revealed. It was shown that the redox potential, the size of melanin particles and the z-potential had maximum influence on bifidobacteria growth. The greatest activating effect on bifidobacteria was established by using melanin isolated from aqueous microwave extracts in concentrations of 10−13, 10−10, 10−5 g/cm3. The use of this melanin with antioxidant activity 0.67 ± 0.06 mg/g (expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent), and with redox potential −5.51 ± 2.22 mV as a prebiotic allowed the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 s to increase by 1.4 times in comparison with ascorbic acid by 24 h of cultivation.
Protein Nanotubes: From Bionanotech towards Medical Applications
Authors: Audette Gerald F. , Yaseen Ayat , Bragagnolo Nicholas , Bawa Raj
Published: June 2019

Nanobiotechnology involves the study of structures found in nature to construct nanodevices for biological and medical applications with the ultimate goal of commercialization. Within a cell most biochemical processes are driven by proteins and associated macromolecular complexes. Evolution has optimized these protein-based nanosystems within living organisms over millions of years. Among these are flagellin and pilin-based systems from bacteria, viral-based capsids, and eukaryotic microtubules and amyloids. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and protein/peptide-CNT composites, remain one of the most researched nanosystems due to their electrical and mechanical properties, there are many concerns regarding CNT toxicity and biodegradability. Therefore, proteins have emerged as useful biotemplates for nanomaterials due to their assembly under physiologically relevant conditions and ease of manipulation via protein engineering. This review aims to highlight some of the current research employing protein nanotubes (PNTs) for the development of molecular imaging biosensors, conducting wires for microelectronics, fuel cells, and drug delivery systems. The translational potential of PNTs is highlighted.
The Limiting Case of Amodal Completion: The Phenomenal Salience and the Role of Contrast Polarity
Authors: Pinna Baingio , Conti Livio
Published: June 2019

In this work, we demonstrated unique and relevant visual properties imparted by contrast polarity in perceptual organization and in eliciting amodal completion, which is the vivid completion of a single continuous object of the visible parts of an occluded shape despite portions of its boundary contours not actually being seen. T-junction, good continuation, and closure are considered the main principles involved according to relevant explanations of amodal completion based on the simplicity–Prägnanz principle, Helmholtz’s likelihood, and Bayesian inference. The main interest of these approaches is to explain how the occluded object is completed, what is the amodal shape, and how contours of partially visible fragments are relatable behind an occluder. Different from these perspectives, amodal completion was considered here as a visual phenomenon and not as a process, i.e., the final outcome of perceptual processes and grouping principles. Therefore, the main question we addressed through our stimuli was “What is the role of shape formation and perceptual organization in inducing amodal completion?” To answer this question, novel stimuli, similar to limiting cases and instantiae crucis, were studied through Gestalt experimental phenomenology. The results demonstrated the domination of the contrast polarity against good continuation, T-junctions, and regularity. Moreover, the limiting conditions explored revealed a new kind of junction next to the T- and Y-junctions, respectively responsible for amodal completion and tessellation. We called them I-junctions. The results were theoretically discussed in relation to the previous approaches and in the light of the phenomenal salience imparted by contrast polarity.