bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pastagens cultivadas como modificadoras dos padrões ecológicos dos organismos edáficos
Authors: Araújo Cleyton de Almeida , Araújo Yara de Almeida , Gois Glayciane Costa , Campos Fleming Sena , Lima Deneson Oliveira , Silva Jordânia Kely Barbosa da , Pereira Pedro Henrique Borba , Santos Neilson Silva
Published: August 2020

A macrofauna edáfica engloba diversos organismos que desempenham importante papel na ciclagem de nutrientes e melhorias na propriedade química e física do solo. Estes organismos são utilizados como bioindicadores do funcionamento dos ecossistemas. Visando tais fatores, objetivou-se avaliar a diversidade populacional dos organismos edáficos em áreas com diferentes pastagens cultivadas. O experimento foi conduzido na zona da mata alagoana, no município de Coruripe, Alagoas. O estudo foi realizado em quatro pastagens com cultivo de Mombaça (Panicum maximum), Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), Brachiaria humidicola e Brachiaria Brizantha com uma área de 100m² cada. Foram utilizadas 20 armadilhas do tipo Provid por pastagem. Após 96 horas de instalação das armadilhas, os organismos foram quantificados, identificados e agrupados conforme a ordem e/ou grupo taxonômico. Após as análises dos dados observou-se que a área ocupada com capim B. Brizantha teve a maior diversidade, sendo seguida pelas áreas com Mombaça e tifton 85. A área com menor diversidade foi a ocupada com a pastagem B. humidicola. A ordem Aranae esteve presente em todas as áreas, com representação acima de 3,85 dos indivíduos encontrados. Todas as pastagens apresentaram maior representatividade da ordem Hymenoptera. Os Coleopteras apresentaram população mais densa (2,60) e dominante (0,23) na pastagem de mombaça. A fauna edáfica é sujeita a alteração conforme a alteração da vegetação utilizada para a formação da pastagem.
Колізійне регулювання недоговірних зобов’язань у міжнародному приватному праві України та шляхи його вдосконалення на підставі досвіду європейських країн
Authors: ТРОЩЕНКО ІРИНА
Published: August 2020

Колізійне регулювання недоговірних зобов’язань у міжнародному приватному праві України здійснюється відповідно до положень Закону України “Про міжнародне приватне право” (Закон про МПрП). Основними формулами прикріплення, що використовується згідно з Законом про МПрП, є прив’язка до місця вчинення дії, що призвела до виникнення зобов’язання або правопорушення – lex loci actus і lex loci delicti commissi. Незважаючи на те, що зазначені формули прикріплення є традиційними для недоговірних зобов’язань, уніфіковане колізійне право країн Європейського Союзу (ЄС) щодо недоговірних зобов’язань, втілене у Регламенті ЄС № 864/2007 щодо права, що підлягає застосуванню до недоговірних зобов’язань, відійшло від використання зазначених прив’язок на користь прив’язки до місця настання шкідливих наслідків – lex loci damni.
Метою статті є аналіз колізійного механізму застосування до недоговірних зобов’язань, закріпленого у чинному законодавстві України з метою визначення наявних проблем його використання, зокрема й через аналіз судової практики застосування існуючих формул прикріплення і через аналіз чинного права ЄС щодо недоговірних зобов’язань, з метою визначення необхідності реформування чинного законодавства України та формулювання пропозицій щодо внесення змін до Закону про МПрП.
У результаті проведеного дослідження було визначено, що основними формулами прикріплення, які використовуються для визначення права, яке підлягає застосуванню до недоговірних зобов’язань згідно з чинним законодавством України, є прив’язка до місця вчинення дії, що призвела до виникнення зобов’язання або правопорушення – lex loci actus і lex loci delicti commissi. Крім того, Законом про МПрП передбачено низку спеціальних прив’язок, зокрема: до права спільного доміцилію сторін та права найбільш тісного зв’язку. Також правом України передбачено спеціальні формули прикріплення зобов’язань, що виникають зі шкоди, завданої внаслідок недоліків товарів, робіт (послуг) та щодо зобов’язань із набуття, збере-ження майна без достатньої правової підстави. Регламент ЄС № 864/2007 щодо права, що підлягає застосуванню до недоговірних зобов’язань, закріплює як основне правило прикріплення – прив’язку до місця настання шкоди lex loci damni, якщо сторонами не було реалізовано вибір права відповідно до lex voluntatis, а також містить низку спеціальних колізійних прив’язок, згідно з якими визначається застосовне право у численних окремих видах правовідносин.
Було сформульовано висновки щодо доцільності внесення змін до законо давства України, а саме Закону про МПрП, направлені на закріплення місця настання шкоди lex loci damni на рівні основної формули прикріплення та закріплення спеціальних колізійних прив’язок для окремих видів правовідносин, зокрема щодо зобов’язань, які виникають унаслідок завдання шкоди навколишньому середовищу та внаслідок страйків чи локауту й усунення інших прогалин законодавства.
Assembling Resistance: From Foucault'sDispositifto Deleuze and Guattari's Diagram of Escape
Authors: Collett Guillaume
Published: August 2020

While Deleuze and Guattari's Anti-Oedipus (1972) is quite rightly considered a fully fledged response to May ’68 and as one with the radical politics of the 1970s, their 1980 follow-up, A Thousand Plateaus, has tended to provoke a more perplexed reaction. In this article, I will argue that we can nonetheless extract a definite line of argumentation serving a precise political end if we relate the text back to Foucault's mid-1970s output on power/knowledge. In particular, I will emphasise Deleuze and Guattari's appropriation of the Foucaultian notion of dispositif (apparatus) via their concept of the assemblage, the former being understood as a concrete articulation of lines of power, knowledge and subjectivation, as well as the Foucaultian ‘diagram’, the latter being a more abstract or indeterminate stage of the dispositif whose relative indeterminacy, for Deleuze and Guattari, offers a means of escape. I will show that, making room for the assemblage's opening back onto the relative indeterminacy of its generative stages, the assemblage incorporates into itself a more immanent alternative to the dispositif that is focused on collective desire rather than power, within which resistance becomes a primary and generative dimension rather than a counter-attack. In the first section, I will outline Foucault's approach to power, knowledge and subjectivation, emphasising Deleuze's reading of Foucault though without trying to overdetermine my reading in this way. Next, I will turn to the Foucaultian diagram. In the third section, I will focus on A Thousand Plateaus, demonstrating how the notion of assemblage developed in this text responds to and builds upon Foucault's approach to power/knowledge and subjectivation in order to reconceive resistance.
On Lines of Flight: The Theory of Political Transformation inA Thousand Plateaus
Authors: Thornton Edward
Published: August 2020

The concept of the line of flight is used with striking regularity throughout A Thousand Plateaus where it plays a vital role in connecting the other conceptual innovations of the book, including the concepts of the assemblage and the machine. Despite its importance, Deleuze and Guattari never offer a direct definition of the concept, and the reader of A Thousand Plateaus is left to discern its meaning from its various uses. This is especially frustrating for those whose interest in the text is political and who wish to use the conceptual framework of the book to analyse the socio-political assemblages in which they live. In response to this issue, this paper offers a clear and concise introduction to the concept of the line of flight. Furthermore, by analysing the way in which Deleuze and Guattari use this concept in their political analyses of feudalism and capitalism, this article illuminates the more general meaning of the concept of the line of flight through the more specific question of its usage in Deleuze and Guattari's attempt to think a post-capitalist future.
KURUMSAL YÖNETİM ENDEKSİNDE YER ALAN VE YER ALMAYAN FİRMALARIN FİNANSAL ORANLARININ KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI: BIST ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: HACIHASANOĞLU Tansel , BABAYİĞİT Ali
Published: August 2020

Kurumsal yönetim kavramı ilk olarak OECD tarafından 1999 yılında oluşturulmuştur. Küreselleşen dünyada hızla kabul gören ve yayılan bu kavram ülkemizde 2003 yılında kabul görmeye başlamıştır. Ülkemizde kurumsal yönetim endeksine ilk olarak 2007 yılında 5 şirket dahil olmuştur. 2018 yılında ise kurumsal yönetim endeksinde işlem gören 47 şirket bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı kurumsal yönetim endeksinde yer alan şirketler ile bu endekste yer almayan şirketler arasında finansal oranları açısından anlamlı farklılıklar olup olmadığının araştırılmasıdır. Çalışma kapsamında incelenen firmalara ait 2010-2018 yılları arasındaki veriler kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın inceleme grubu kurumsal yönetim endeksinde yer alan ve yer almayan firmalardan oluşmaktadır. Aynı sayıda firma kurumsal yönetim endeksi dışından firma büyüklüğü ve faaliyet gösterilen sektör kriterleri dikkate alınarak seçilmiştir. Çalışmada kurumsal yönetim endeksinde yer alan toplam 47 firmadan finans sektöründe faaliyet gösteren ve kullanılacak değişkenlerin hesaplanması için gereken verileri eksik olan 17 firma inceleme kapsamı dışında bırakılmıştır. Bu kapsamda yapılan incelemeler sonucunda kurumsal yönetim endeksinde yer alan şirketler ile yer almayan şirketler arasında finansal oranları bakımından anlamlı farklılıklar olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Exploring the Niche Concept in a Simple Metaorganism
Authors: Deines Peter , Hammerschmidt Katrin , Bosch Thomas C. G.
Published: August 2020

Organisms and their resident microbial communities - the microbiome - form a complex and mostly stable ecosystem. It is known that the composition of the microbiome and bacterial species abundances can have a major impact on host health and Darwinian fitness, but the processes that lead to these microbial patterns have not yet been identified. We here apply the niche concept and trait-based approaches as a first step in understanding the patterns underlying microbial community assembly and structure in the simple metaorganism Hydra. We find that the carrying capacities in single associations do not reflect microbiota densities as part of the community, indicating a discrepancy between the fundamental and realized niche. Whereas in most cases, the realized niche is smaller than the fundamental one, as predicted by theory, the opposite is observed for Hydra’s two main bacterial colonizers. Both, Curvibacter sp. and Duganella sp. benefit from association with the other members of the microbiome and reach higher fractions as compared to when they are the only colonizer. This cannot be linked to any particular trait that is relevant for interacting with the host or by the utilization of specific nutrients but is most likely determined by metabolic interactions between the individual microbiome members.
The Influence of Unconscious Perceptual Processing on Decision-Making: A New Perspective From Cognitive Neuroscience Applied to Generation Z
Authors: Sutil-Martín Dolores Lucía , Rienda-Gómez Juan José
Published: August 2020

Cognitive neuroscience and its applied developments have revolutionized marketing. With advances in neuroscientific techniques, marketing has needed to refocus toward understanding issues like the area of the brain that should be stimulated to transform the consumer’s intention to purchase into a real decision, how information is processed when making a decision, and how personality traits affect the purchase decision. Neuroscience has opened the door to the consumer’s brain. For many years, scientists have investigated the role of subliminal messages in marketing, with their findings generating a significant controversy. Many have shown that making sound decisions based on intuition rather than conscious reasoning is more common than previously thought. In fact, many studies have shown that sound intuitive decision-making depends on the association of the subliminal messages of a given situation with the limbic brain structures formed. Scientists have concluded that the brain does not consciously need to know contextual information to learn the value of this information and make the necessary linkages to make productive decisions. In this study, we consider whether unconscious perceptual processing influences decision-making and explore the influence of aspects of personality that are related to unconscious processing, such as the degree of neuroticism, extroversion, and gender of the individual, applied to the demographic cohort Generation Z, distinguishing between whether the stimuli are verbal or pictorial. The backward masking visual paradigm has been used to assess unconscious perceptual processing. To test these processes, a set of ANOVA models and logistic regressions were run where the dependent variable is whether the people perceived the stimuli or not and the independent variables were gender, the form of the stimuli (pictorial or verbal), and the personality traits extroversion, introversion, and neuroticism. The results suggest that verbal stimuli work better than pictorial stimuli, although a possible explanation is that the pictures require modification to be more effective. In the case of verbal stimuli, gender and level of neuroticism are found to be important variables that influence unconscious perceptual decision-making processes. Specifically, a female with a high level of neuroticism shows greater permeability in its unconscious perceptual processes.
The Influence of the Application Technique and Amount of Liquid Starter Fertilizer on Corn Yield
Authors: Drazic Milan , Gligorevic Kosta , Pajic Milos , Zlatanovic Ivan , Spalevic Velibor , Sestras Paul , Skataric Goran , Dudic Branislav
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to study the impact of application technique and rate of liquid starter fertilizer applied with a novel device on the production of corn. Starter fertilizer was applied in the root system range of freshly germinated plants in the ‘belt’ and ‘point’ forms at different quantities (35, 50, 70, and 100 L ha−1), which led to intensive plant growth in the initial stages of development. This adapted system was used for sowing and for application of the liquid starter fertilizer at the same time. The field trial was set up at two sites (two different land types), in the conditions of the natural water regime of the soil during the three vegetation seasons in the period 2016–2018. For this purpose, a prototype of the electronic device EUKU-01 was designed. The starter fertilizer was applied at 5 cm laterally from the row where the sowing was performed and 5 cm below the depth at which the corn seeds were sown. Data were statistically analyzed by two-factor analysis of variance, where the influence of mineral fertilizer treatment and the influence of liquid starter fertilizer treatment were observed as factors. The results showed that the optimal choice of the technique of liquid starter fertilizer application can result in fertilizer savings by 30% without reducing yield.
Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Management in the Northwestern Part of Uzbekistan
Authors: Hamidov Ahmad , Khamidov Mukhamadkhan , Ishchanov Javlonbek
Published: August 2020

Global climate change can have a significant impact on the development and sustainability of agricultural production. Climate scenarios indicate that an expected increase in air temperature in semiarid Uzbekistan can lead to an increase in evapotranspiration from agricultural fields, an increase in irrigation water requirements, and a deterioration in the ameliorative status of irrigated lands. The long-term mismanagement of irrigation practices and poor conditions of drainage infrastructure have led to an increase in the water table and its salinization level in the northwestern part of Uzbekistan. This article presents the results of an analysis of the amelioration of irrigated lands in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan as well as the modeling of the dynamics of water table depths and salinity levels using the Mann–Kendall trend test and linear regression model. The study estimated the water table depths and salinity dynamics under the impact of climate change during 2020–2050 and 2050–2100. The results show that the water table depths in the region would generally decrease (from 1.72 m in 2050 to 1.77 m by 2100 based on the Mann–Kendall trend test; from 1.75 m in 2050 to 1.79 m by 2100 according to the linear regression model), but its salinity level would increase (from 1.72 g·L−1 in 2050 to 1.85 g·L−1 by 2100 based on the Mann–Kendall trend test; from 1.97 g·L−1 in 2050 to 2.1 g·L−1 by 2100 according to the linear regression model). The results of the study provide insights into the groundwater response to climate change and assist authorities in better planning management strategies for the region.
High Trophic Niche Overlap between a Native and Invasive Mink Does Not Drive Trophic Displacement of the Native Mink during an Invasion Process
Authors: García Karla , Sanpera Carola , Jover Lluís , Palazón Santiago , Gosálbez Joaquim , Górski Konrad , Melero Yolanda
Published: August 2020

The pressure elicited by invasive species on native species significantly increases with the increase of the overlap of their ecological niches. Still, the specific mechanisms of the trophic displacement of native species during the invasion process are unclear. The effects of the invasive American mink (Neovison vison) on the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) was assessed by analyses of diet and niche overlap during the invasion process. To do this, the isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of both species of mink and their four main types of prey was analysed. Significant trophic overlap between the native European mink and invasive American mink was found when they coexisted in sympatry. Furthermore, both mink species were characterised by significant individual variation in diet and no obvious change in diet of the native species in response to the arrival of the introduced species was observed. High niche overlap registered between both species in sympatry with no displacement in diet of the native mink in response to the arrival of the invasive mink is expected to have important consequences for the viability and conservation of the native mink populations, as it suggests high competitive pressure.
Newly Grown Wool Mineral Content Response to Dietary Supplementation in Sheep
Authors: Szigeti Erika , Kátai János , Komlósi István , Oláh János , Szabó Csaba
Published: August 2020

Determination of wool mineral content to assess the animal’ mineral status has been extensively used, but the results are controversial. One of the possible contributing factors is that the sampling material in previous studies was collected from a long staple, a fact that could mask the response to recent differences in mineral intake. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the sensitiveness of newly grown wool to different dietary mineral intake. Twenty Tsigai ewes were allocated into five dietary treatments with similar hay and concentrate intake but different premix inclusion rates in the concentrate (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7%). Wool was sampled on the left side from a 5 × 5 cm area using bent scissors at the beginning of the trial and from the very same area 28 days later. Samples after cleaning and mineralization were analyzed with ICP-OES (Perkin-Elmer, Optima 3300 DV) for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium, zinc, copper, and sulfur content. Long fleeces had significantly lower Ca and Se content compared to the newly grown wool samples of the group at the premix manufacturer’s suggested level of supplementation (5%). Macrominerals in fresh wool did not respond to increased dietary supplementation. Se and Zn content of wool had a strong relationship with the daily intake (R2 = 0.95 and R2 = 0.97, respectively.) In conclusion, the mineral content of long fleeces can be different compared to recently developed wool fiber. This indicates that, in some cases, analyzing long staples for mineral status can be misleading. Our results showed that wool could be a sensitive indicator of low selenium and high zinc intake. Mineral interactions can significantly affect the actual availability of trace minerals; therefore, a more careful design of premixes is needed. The described method seems to be applicable in livestock farming, but the mineral interactions that may alter the results need to be further explored.
Mental Health Disease or Preventable Problem? Australian Dog Trainers’ Opinions about Canine Separation Anxiety Differ with Training Style
Authors: Hunter Trepheena , van Rooy Diane , McArthur Michelle , Bennett Sara , Tuke Jonathan , Hazel Susan
Published: August 2020

Separation anxiety is common. Many dog owners do not seek help from a veterinarian but might consult a trainer. The objective of this study was to investigate Australian trainers’ opinions about separation anxiety. An online survey was distributed via training organisations, resulting in 63 completed surveys. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. Respondents were grouped into reward-based (n = 41) and balanced (n = 22) trainers. Most trainers (82.5%) used multiple methods to identify separation anxiety but only 7.9% referred to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Reward-based trainers ranked assistance from a veterinarian and owner’s willingness to try medication as more important than balanced trainers (p < 0.05). More balanced trainers reported that medication was rarely necessary in the cases they saw: 50% balanced compared with 4.9% reward-based trainers, with 95% CIs of [28.2, 71.8] and [0.6, 16.5], respectively. Almost all (95.5%) balanced trainers believed separation anxiety was preventable compared with 52.6% of reward-based trainers (p < 0.05). We conclude that opinions about separation anxiety varied between reward-based and balanced trainers. Trainers are not taught, expected, or legally allowed to diagnose anxiety disorders. This study showed that balanced trainers were less likely to recommend involvement of veterinarians who can make a diagnosis and rule out other causes of observed behaviours.
The Impact of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Authors: Spehar Daniel D. , Wolf Peter J.
Published: August 2020

The number of cats and dogs impounded and euthanized at animal shelters in the USA has declined dramatically in recent decades. The Humane Society of the United States reported that in 1973 an estimated 13.5 million cats and dogs were euthanized nationwide; according to Best Friends Animal Society, in 2018 that number had been reduced to approximately 733,000. A disproportionate number of animals euthanized at shelters today are free-roaming feral and stray cats, who most often face euthanasia due to their temperament or a lack of shelter space. Over the past decade, two new management tactics—return-to-field (RTF) and targeted trap-neuter-return (TNR)—have exhibited the capacity to contribute to significant reductions in feline euthanasia and intake. The present study examines changes in feline euthanasia and intake, as well as impacts on additional metrics, at a municipal animal shelter in Jefferson County, KY, USA, after an RTF program was added to an ongoing community-based TNR program. A combined total of 24,697 cats were trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and returned over 8 years as part of the concurrent RTF and TNR programs. Feline euthanasia at Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) declined by 94.1% and feline intake dropped by 42.8%; the live-release rate (LRR) increased by 147.6% due primarily to reductions in both intake and euthanasia. The results of the present study corroborate prior research on the effectiveness of combining RTF and TNR and exemplify the flexibility available to communities in configuring such programs to align with their particular needs and resources.
Effect of Different Percentage of Camelina sativa Cake in Laying Hens Diet: Performance, Welfare, and Eggshell Quality
Authors: Lolli Susanna , Grilli Guido , Ferrari Lorenzo , Battelli Giovanna , Pozzo Sara , Galasso Incoronata , Russo Roberto , Brasca Milena , Reggiani Remo , Ferrante Valentina
Published: August 2020

Although camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a good source of protein, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, its antinutritional compounds limit its use in animal feeding. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of feeding laying hens with up to 20% of camelina cake from a breeding line containing a low level of glucosinolates on performance, welfare, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and forty Hy-Line® hens from 18 to 51 weeks of age were divided into three treatments: control (C), camelina cake 10% (CAM10), and camelina cake 20% (CAM20). Egg number was recorded daily, while egg weight, feed consumption, and mortality were recorded weekly. At 24 and 43 weeks of hen age, shell resistance to fracture was measured. Our results demonstrate no detrimental effects for CAM10 and CAM20 diets on feed intake, growth performance, and welfare. No difference in egg production was detected among the diets. The significant (p < 0.05) interaction of diet and age factors suggest that the addition of camelina cake, up to 20%, likely protects the eggshell of older hens. Our findings confirm that camelina cake might be an alternative and sustainable protein source for hens.
A Method for Reducing of the Overall Torsion for Reinforced Concrete Multi-Storey Irregular Structures
Authors: Botis Marius Florin , Cerbu Camelia
Published: August 2020

The uneven distributions of mass and stiffness in the case of multi-storey concrete buildings lead to a torsion sensitivity of those civil structures under dynamical loadings like earthquakes or wind and gusts. In order to minimize the overall torsion, it is imperatively necessary to reduce the distance between the centre of mass (CM) and centre of stiffness (CS) in the design stage. In this context, the main purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical method of reducing torsion by minimizing the distance between CM and CS at the level of each floor of the structure. Principal stiffness axes are also changed in convenient directions so that the movement of the structure leads to a favourable plastic mechanism in the fundamental mode of vibration. To achieve the goal, the main objective is to change the dimensions and orientations of the pillars located on the perimeter of the structures. The described method was used to study: irregular shaped structures in plan; structures with stairs or with central concrete core; structures with elevation retractions. The overall torsion reducing was achieved with Matlab programs, and the verification of the results was carried out by using the software ETABS 2016.
Fatigue Cracking of Additively Manufactured Materials—Process and Material Perspectives
Authors: Fischer Torsten , Kuhn Bernd , Rieck Detlef , Schulz Axel , Trieglaff Ralf , Wilms Markus Benjamin
Published: August 2020

Strong efforts are made internationally to optimize the process control of laser additive manufacturing processes. For this purpose, advanced detectors and monitoring software are being developed to control the quality of production. However, commercial suppliers of metal powders and part manufacturers are essentially focused on well-established materials. This article demonstrates the potential of optimized process control. Furthermore, we outline the development of a new high temperature structural steel, tailored to best utilize the advantages of additive manufacturing techniques. In this context, the impact of production-induced porosity on fatigue strength of austenitic 316L is presented. Additionally, we discuss the first conceptual results of a novel ferritic steel, named HiperFer (High Performance Ferrite), which was designed for increased fatigue strength. This ferritic, Laves phase-strengthened, stainless steel could be used for a wide range of structural components in power and (petro)chemical engineering at maximum temperatures ranging from about 580 to 650 °C. This material benefits from in situ heat treatment and counteracts process-related defects by “reactive” crack obstruction mechanisms, hampering both crack initiation and crack propagation. In this way, increased fatigue resistance and safety can be achieved.
Fatigue Testing of Shear Reinforcement in Prestressed Concrete T-Beams of Bridges
Authors: Hillebrand Matthias , Hegger Josef
Published: August 2020

In the recent years, bridges, as an important part of the national and international infrastructure, had to comply with stricter requirements due to increased heavy load traffic. Many of these bridge structures built in the 1960s and 1970s often contain less web reinforcement than the modern required minimum web reinforcement. In this context, the shear resistance under cyclic loading is of special interest. For this reason, experimental tests were conducted on prestressed concrete beams with and without shear reinforcement at the Institute of Structural Concrete of RWTH Aachen University to investigate the shear fatigue strength. This paper describes the recent tests on ten Tshaped prestressed beams with web reinforcement. The specimens were able to resist more load cycles than predicted by the approaches implemented in the Eurocodes for bridges. Based on the test results, design models for shear under cyclic loading should be reviewed and improved, especially regarding the assessment of existing structures.
Design of a Generic Wearable-Robot Monitoring System (GWRMS) for Patients with Lower Limb Paralysis
Authors: Lee Ho-Won , Lee Kyung-Oh , Kang In-Ae , Kye Joong-Eup , Park Yoon-Yong
Published: August 2020

The development of wearable robotic technology has accelerated recently due to active research in industrial technology. Wearable robots are used to help patients with lower-body palsy to walk. This paper reports a generic wearable-robot monitoring system (GWRMS) that supports resource monitoring and status prediction. The GWRMS offers universal support for operating systems that comply with the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) application programming interface (API), reducing limitations that arise due to the choice of operating system and processor. This system improves optimisation of a program operating in a robot-embedded system by detecting overhead in the software process of the wearable robot. In addition, it operates using TCP-socket-based monitoring on an on-demand basis only.
Sensor-Data-Driven Prognosis Approach of Liquefied Natural Gas Satellite Plant
Authors: Escobet Antoni , Escobet Teresa , Quevedo Joseba , Molina Adoración
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a sensor-data-driven prognosis approach for the predictive maintenance of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) satellite plant. By using data analytics of sensors installed in the satellite plants, it is possible to predict the remaining time to refill the tank of the remote plants. In the proposed approach, the first task of data validation and correction is presented in order to transform raw data into reliable validated data. Then, the second task presents two methods for the prognosis of gas consumption in real time and the forecast of remaining time to refill the tank of the plant. The obtained results with real satellite plants showed good performance for direct implementation in a predictive maintenance plan.
Regional and Urban-Scale Environmental Influences of Oceanic DMS Emissions over Coastal China Seas
Authors: Li Shanshan , Zhang Yan , Zhao Junri , Sarwar Golam , Zhou Shengqian , Chen Ying , Yang Guipeng , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso
Published: August 2020

Marine biogenic dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is an important natural source of sulfur in the atmosphere, which may play an important role in air quality. In this study, the WRF-CMAQ model is employed to assess the impact of DMS on the atmospheric environment at the regional scale of eastern coastal China and urban scale of Shanghai in 2017. A national scale database of DMS concentration in seawater is established based on the historical DMS measurements in the Yellow Sea, the Bohai Sea and the East China Sea in different seasons during 2009~2017. Results indicate that the sea-to-air emission flux of DMS varies greatly in different seasons, with the highest in summer, followed by spring and autumn, and the lowest in winter. The annual DMS emissions from the Yellow Sea, the Bohai Sea and the East China Sea are 0.008, 0.059, and 0.15 Tg S a−1, respectively. At the regional scale, DMS emissions increase atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate (SO42−) concentrations over the East China seas by a maximum of 8% in summer and a minimum of 2% in winter, respectively. At the urban scale, the addition of DMS emissions increase the SO2 and SO42− levels by 2% and 5%, respectively, and reduce ozone (O3) in the air of Shanghai by 1.5%~2.5%. DMS emissions increase fine-mode ammonium particle concentration distribution by 4% and 5%, and fine-mode nss-SO42− concentration distributions by 4% and 9% in the urban and marine air, respectively. Our results indicate that although anthropogenic sources are still the dominant contributor of atmospheric sulfur burden in China, biogenic DMS emissions source cannot be ignored.
Insights into Biomechanical and Proteomic Characteristics of Small Diameter Vascular Grafts Utilizing the Human Umbilical Artery
Authors: Mallis Panagiotis , Sokolis Dimitrios P. , Makridakis Manousos , Zoidakis Jerome , Velentzas Athanasios D. , Katsimpoulas Michalis , Vlahou Antonia , Kostakis Alkiviadis , Stavropoulos-Giokas Catherine , Michalopoulos Efstathios
Published: August 2020

The gold standard vascular substitutes, used in cardiovascular surgery, are the Dacron or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-derived grafts. However, major adverse reactions accompany their use. For this purpose, decellularized human umbilical arteries (hUAs) may be proven as a significant source for the development of small diameter conduits. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a decellularization protocol in hUAs. To study the effect of the decellularization to the hUAs, histological analysis was performed. Then, native and decellularized hUAs were biochemically and biomechanically evaluated. Finally, broad proteomic analysis was applied. Histological analysis revealed the successful decellularization of the hUAs. Furthermore, a great amount of DNA was removed from the decellularized hUAs. Biomechanical analysis revealed statistically significant differences in longitudinal direction only in maximum stress (p < 0.013) and strain (p < 0.001). On the contrary, all parameters tested for circumferential direction exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis showed the preservation of the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins in both groups. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020187. The above results indicated that hUAs were efficiently decellularized. The tissue function properties of these conduits were well retained, making them ideal candidates for the development of small diameter vascular grafts.
Single-Cell RNA-seq Reveals Obesity-Induced Alterations in the Brca1-Mutated Mammary Gland Microenvironment
Authors: Lo Pang-Kuo , Yao Yuan , Zhou Qun
Published: August 2020

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that obesity increases the development and progression of breast cancer. The impact of obesity on the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumorigenesis, yet the precise mechanisms underlying obesity-mediated effects on cell-to-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment have been difficult to define. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies to investigate the impact of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on transcriptomic landscapes of stromal and immune cells in mammary glands of Brca1−/−; p53+/− mice, an animal breast cancer model. Hierarchical clustering and gene pathway enrichment analyses of scRNA-seq data showed that five different subtypes of stromal fibroblasts existed in mouse Brca1-mutated mammary glands. HFD-induced obesity led to upregulated expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes (Col3a1, Col6a3, Eln, and Sparc) and downregulated expression of immunoregulatory genes (Iigp1 and Cxcl10) in these stromal subtype cells. These findings, taken together, suggest that obesity alters the ECM composition and immune ecosystem through modulating the functionality of mammary stromal fibroblasts. Moreover, scRNA-seq analysis of mammary immune cells indicated that HFD-induced obesity promoted the generation and/or recruiting of pro-tumorigenic M2 macrophages in mammary glands. Our studies provide new insight into a mechanistic paradigm wherein obesity modulates the functions of stromal and immune cells to create the tumorigenic microenvironment for promoting breast tumorigenesis.
High Throughput Molecular Characterization of Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Context of the Prospective Trial 02/06 of the Northern Italy Leukemia Group (NILG)
Authors: Salmoiraghi Silvia , Cavagna Roberta , Zanghì Pamela , Pavoni Chiara , Michelato Anna , Buklijas Ksenija , Elidi Lara , Intermesoli Tamara , Lussana Federico , Oldani Elena , Caprioli Chiara , Stefanoni Paola , Gianfaldoni Giacomo , Audisio Ernesta , Terruzzi Elisabetta , De Paoli Lorella , Borlenghi Erika , Cavattoni Irene , Mattei Daniele , Scattolin Annamaria , Tajana Monica , Ciceri Fabio , Todisco Elisabetta , Campiotti Leonardo , Corradini Paolo , Fracchiolla Nicola , Bassan Renato , Rambaldi Alessandro , Spinelli Orietta
Published: August 2020

By way of a Next-Generation Sequencing NGS high throughput approach, we defined the mutational profile in a cohort of 221 normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) enrolled into a prospective randomized clinical trial, designed to evaluate an intensified chemotherapy program for remission induction. NPM1, DNMT3A, and FLT3-ITD were the most frequently mutated genes while DNMT3A, FLT3, IDH1, PTPN11, and RAD21 mutations were more common in the NPM1 mutated patients (p < 0.05). IDH1 R132H mutation was strictly associated with NPM1 mutation and mutually exclusive with RUNX1 and ASXL1. In the whole cohort of NK-AML, no matter the induction chemotherapy used, by multivariate analysis, the achievement of complete remission was negatively affected by the SRSF2 mutation. Alterations of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) and U2AF1 were associated with a worse overall and disease-free survival (p < 0.05). FLT3-ITD positive patients who proceeded to alloHSCT had a survival probability similar to FLT3-ITD negative patients and the transplant outcome was no different when comparing high and low-AR-FLT3-ITD subgroups in terms of both OS and DFS. In conclusion, a comprehensive molecular profile for NK-AML allows for the identification of genetic lesions associated to different clinical outcomes and the selection of the most appropriate and effective treatment strategies, including stem cell transplantation and targeted therapies.
Rhodium (II)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Tetracyclic 3,4-Fused Indoles and Dihydroindoles
Authors: Qiao Hongwei , Bai Jiakun , Zhu Mengyao , Gao Juanhong , Anna  , Zhang Sichun , Li Chao
Published: August 2020

An efficient synthetic method of tetracyclic 3,4-fused indoles and dihydroindoles via rhodium-catalyzed (3+2) cycloaddition of N-tosyl-4-(2-phenoxyphenyl)-1,2,3-triazole was described. The aromatized xanthene derivatives can be achieved in a one-pot synthesis starting from 1-ethynyl-2-phenoxybenzene. The xanthene-based fused heterocycles were considered as the valuable fluorophore.
Preterm Brain Injury, Antenatal Triggers, and Therapeutics: Timing Is Key
Authors: Ophelders Daan R.M.G. , Gussenhoven Ruth , Klein Luise , Jellema Reint K. , Westerlaken Rob J.J. , Hütten Matthias C. , Vermeulen Jeroen , Wassink Guido , Gunn Alistair J. , Wolfs Tim G.A.M.
Published: August 2020

With a worldwide incidence of 15 million cases, preterm birth is a major contributor to neonatal mortality and morbidity, and concomitant social and economic burden Preterm infants are predisposed to life-long neurological disorders due to the immaturity of the brain. The risks are inversely proportional to maturity at birth. In the majority of extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks’ gestation), perinatal brain injury is associated with exposure to multiple inflammatory perinatal triggers that include antenatal infection (i.e., chorioamnionitis), hypoxia-ischemia, and various postnatal injurious triggers (i.e., oxidative stress, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic instability). These perinatal insults cause a self-perpetuating cascade of peripheral and cerebral inflammation that plays a critical role in the etiology of diffuse white and grey matter injuries that underlies a spectrum of connectivity deficits in survivors from extremely preterm birth. This review focuses on chorioamnionitis and hypoxia-ischemia, which are two important antenatal risk factors for preterm brain injury, and highlights the latest insights on its pathophysiology, potential treatment, and future perspectives to narrow the translational gap between preclinical research and clinical applications.
Effect of the 3D Artificial Nichoid on the Morphology and Mechanobiological Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured In Vitro
Authors: Remuzzi Andrea , Bonandrini Barbara , Tironi Matteo , Longaretti Lorena , Figliuzzi Marina , Conti Sara , Zandrini Tommaso , Osellame Roberto , Cerullo Giulio , Raimondi Manuela Teresa
Published: August 2020

Stem cell fate and behavior are affected by the bidirectional communication of cells and their local microenvironment (the stem cell niche), which includes biochemical cues, as well as physical and mechanical factors. Stem cells are normally cultured in conventional two-dimensional monolayer, with a mechanical environment very different from the physiological one. Here, we compare culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on flat culture supports and in the “Nichoid”, an innovative three-dimensional substrate micro-engineered to recapitulate the architecture of the physiological niche in vitro. Two versions of the culture substrates Nichoid (single-layered or “2D Nichoid” and multi-layered or “3D Nichoid”) were fabricated via two-photon laser polymerization in a biocompatible hybrid organic-inorganic photoresist (SZ2080). Mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from rat bone marrow, were seeded on flat substrates and on 2D and 3D Nichoid substrates and maintained in culture up to 2 weeks. During cell culture, we evaluated cell morphology, proliferation, cell motility and the expression of a panel of 89 mesenchymal stem cells’ specific genes, as well as intracellular structures organization. Our results show that mesenchymal stem cells adhered and grew in the 3D Nichoid with a comparable proliferation rate as compared to flat substrates. After seeding on flat substrates, cells displayed large and spread nucleus and cytoplasm, while cells cultured in the 3D Nichoid were spatially organized in three dimensions, with smaller and spherical nuclei. Gene expression analysis revealed the upregulation of genes related to stemness and to mesenchymal stem cells’ features in Nichoid-cultured cells, as compared to flat substrates. The observed changes in cytoskeletal organization of cells cultured on 3D Nichoids were also responsible for a different localization of the mechanotransducer transcription factor YAP, with an increase of the cytoplasmic retention in cells cultured in the 3D Nichoid. This difference could be explained by alterations in the import of transcription factors inside the nucleus due to the observed decrease of mean nuclear pore diameter, by transmission electron microscopy. Our data show that 3D distribution of cell volume has a profound effect on mesenchymal stem cells structure and on their mechanobiological response, and highlight the potential use of the 3D Nichoid substrate to strengthen the potential effects of MSC in vitro and in vivo.
Schwann Cell Autocrine and Paracrine Regulatory Mechanisms, Mediated by Allopregnanolone and BDNF, Modulate PKCε in Peripheral Sensory Neurons
Authors: Bonalume Veronica , Caffino Lucia , Castelnovo Luca F. , Faroni Alessandro , Giavarini Flavio , Liu Sheng , Caruso Donatella , Schmelz Martin , Fumagalli Fabio , Carr Richard W. , Magnaghi Valerio
Published: August 2020

Protein kinase type C-ε (PKCε) plays important roles in the sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors, such as ion channel phosphorylation, that in turn promotes mechanical hyperalgesia and pain chronification. In these neurons, PKCε is modulated through the local release of mediators by the surrounding Schwann cells (SCs). The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone (ALLO) is endogenously synthesized by SCs, whereas it has proven to be a crucial mediator of neuron-glia interaction in peripheral nerve fibers. Biomolecular and pharmacological studies on rat primary SCs and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuronal cultures were aimed at investigating the hypothesis that ALLO modulates neuronal PKCε, playing a role in peripheral nociception. We found that SCs tonically release ALLO, which, in turn, autocrinally upregulated the synthesis of the growth factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Subsequently, glial BDNF paracrinally activates PKCε via trkB in DRG sensory neurons. Herein, we report a novel mechanism of SCs-neuron cross-talk in the peripheral nervous system, highlighting a key role of ALLO and BDNF in nociceptor sensitization. These findings emphasize promising targets for inhibiting the development and chronification of neuropathic pain.
Alcohol and Smoking Mediated Modulations in Adaptive Immunity in Pancreatitis
Authors: Bhatia Rakesh , Thompson Christopher , Ganguly Koelina , Singh Shailender , Batra Surinder K. , Kumar Sushil
Published: August 2020

Pancreatitis is a condition of pancreatic inflammation driven by injury to the pancreatic parenchyma. The extent of acinar insult, intensity, and type of immune response determines the severity of the disease. Smoking, alcohol and autoimmune pancreatitis are some of the predominant risk factors that increase the risk of pancreatitis by differentially influencing the adaptive immune system. The overall decrease in peripheral lymphocyte (T-, B- and (natural killer T-) NKT-cell) count and increased infiltration into the damaged pancreatic tissue highlight the contribution of adaptive immunity in the disease pathology. Smoking and alcohol modulate the responsiveness and apoptosis of T- and B-cells during pancreatic insult. Acute pancreatitis worsens with smoking and alcohol, leading to the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome, suggesting the critical role of adaptive immunity in fatal outcomes such as multiple organ dysfunction. The presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes and perforin-expressing cells in the fibrotic tissue in chronic pancreatitis modulate the severity of the disease. Due to their important role in altering the severity of the disease, attempts to target adaptive immune mediators will be critical for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.