bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Manure and Urea Fertilization on Yield, Carbon Speciation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Vegetable Production Systems of Nigeria and Republic of Benin: A Phytotron Study
Authors: Olaleye Abimfoluwa , Peak Derek , Shorunke Akeem , Dhillon Gurbir , Oyedele Durodoluwa , Adebooye Odunayo , Akponikpe P.B. Irenikatche
Published: March 2020

Fertility management techniques being promoted in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) seek to grow indigenous vegetables economically and sustainably. This study was conducted in a phytotron chamber and compared yield, soil carbon (C) speciation and greenhouse gas (nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)) emissions from SSA soils of two ecoregions; the dry savanna (lna, Republic of Benin) and rainforest (Ife, Nigeria) cultivated with local amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) under manure (5 t/ha) and/or urea (80 kg N/ha) fertilization. Vegetable yield ranged from 4331 kg/ha to 7900 kg/ha in the rainforest, RF, soils and 3165 kg/ha to 4821 kg/ha in the dry savanna, DS, soils. Yield in the urea treatment was slightly higher compared to the manure, and manure+urea treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant. Cumulative CO2 emissions over 21 days ranged from 497.06 to 579.47 g CO2-C/kg soil/day in the RF, and 322.96 to 624.97 g CO2-C/kg soil/day in the DS, while cumulative N2O emissions ranged from 60.53 to 220.86 mg N2O-N/kg soil/day in the RF, and 24.78 to 99.08 mg N2O-N/kg soil/day in the DS. In the RF samples, when compared to the use of urea alone, the combined use of manure and urea reduced N2O emissions but led to an increase in the DS samples. ATR-FTIR analysis showed that the combined use of manure and manure+urea increased the rate of microbial decomposition in the soils of the DS, but no such effect was observed in soils of the RF. We conclude that combining manure and urea fertilization has different effects on soils of the two ecoregions, and that RF farmers can reduce agricultural N2O emissions without compromising soil productivity and yield potential.
TILLING in Cereal Crops for Allele Expansion and Mutation Detection by Using Modern Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Irshad Ahsan , Guo Huijun , Zhang Shunlin , Liu Luxiang
Published: March 2020

A substantial increase in yield of food crops is crucial to feeding the burgeoning global population. There is a need to introduce new breeding strategies that will accelerate the average phenotypic values of crop plants. The use of induced mutations coupled with modern genomics tools is an effective strategy for identifying and manipulating genes for crop improvement. High-throughput TILLING (Targeting Induced local Lesions IN Genomes) methodology, detects mutations in mutagenized populations, and EcoTILLING identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within a natural population and associates these variations with traits of breeding interest. The main advantage of these techniques as a “reverse genetics” strategy is that they can be applied to any species regardless of genome size and ploidy level. In cereals, several space-induced and EMS-induced mutant populations have been used to identify mutants with important traits including salinity tolerance, grain size, and recombinant crossovers via TILLING by sequencing (TbyS). Genes such as TaSSIV, which plays an important role in starch granule formation, and Pin a and Pin b, which have been associated with kernel hardness in wheat, have been exploited in cereals via the EcoTILLING approach. This review focused on the functions and challenges of TILLING and the relation of TILLING to next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies which help to exploit the induced mutations and their potential applications in cereal crops.
Actinomycosis of the Tongue: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: D’Amore Fiorella , Franchini Roberto , Moneghini Laura , Lombardi Niccolò , Lodi Giovanni , Sardella Andrea , Varoni Elena M.
Published: March 2020

Background: Actinomycosis of the tongue is an uncommon, suppurative infection of lingual mucosa, caused by actinomyces. The clinical diagnosis may present serious difficulties because of its ability to mimic other lesions, including both benign and malignant neoplasms. Methods: Here, we describe the case of a 52-years-old patient affected by an asymptomatic, tumor-like tongue swelling, then diagnosed as actinomycosis. A review of tongue localization of actinomycosis is also reported, with emphasis on clinical findings and therapy. Results and Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment, with pus drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy, are pivotal to avoid severe and life-threatening complications.
Impact of Fermentation on the Recovery of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds from Sea Bass Byproducts
Authors: Martí-Quijal Francisco J. , Tornos Adrián , Príncep Andrea , Luz Carlos , Meca Giuseppe , Tedeschi Paola , Ruiz María-José , Barba Francisco J.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present research was to obtain antioxidant compounds through the fermentation of fish byproducts by bacteria isolated from sea bass viscera. To that purpose, bacteria from sea bass stomach, intestine, and colon were isolated. With the selected bacteria, growing research was undertaken, fermenting different broths prepared with sea bass meat or byproducts. After the fermentation, the antioxidant activity, phenolic acids, and some proteins were evaluated. The main phenolic acids obtained were DL-3-phenyl-lactic acid and benzoic acid at a maximum concentration of 466 and 314 ppb, respectively. The best antioxidant activity was found in the extracts obtained after the fermentation of fish byproducts broth by bacteria isolated from the colon (6502 μM TE) and stomach (4797 μM TE). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between phenolic acids obtained after the fermentation process and the antioxidant activity of the samples. It was also concluded that the lactic acid bacteria isolated from sea bass had an important proteolytic capacity and were able to synthesize phenolic acids with antioxidant capacity. This work has shown the relevance of fermentation as a useful tool to valorize fish byproducts, giving them an added economic value and reducing their environmental impact.
Spatial Manipulation of a Supercontinuum Beam for the Study of Vortex Interference Effects
Authors: Anderson Matthew E. , Serrano Alejandra , Stinson Cory , Talamantes Antonio , Miller Nick , Chaloupka Jan L.
Published: March 2020

In this work, we generate optical vortices from the supercontinuum output of an ultrafast laser interacting with a micro-structured fiber. Using a segmented spatial light modulator, multiple vortices are designed and dynamically generated and shifted in order to observe their superposition in the image plane. It is shown that single-color patterns of exquisite complexity can be generated across a wide frequency range. Multi-color interference patterns are experimentally generated and compared to the results of computer simulations. Multiple vortices of varying colors are also generated and independently controlled, demonstrating that no spatial interference occurs. Experimental results are compared with theoretical and numerical simulations, showing excellent agreement.
A Prospective Study on Accuracy of Computer-Based Fully Guided Versus Pilot-Guided Implant Surgery
Authors: Kim Hyo Joon , Kim Hee Jin , Moon Seong Yong
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to compare the implant placement deviations and evaluate the 1-year post-implant placement bone loss of pilot and fully guided implant placement protocols. In the first method, the pilot drill is used for guide surgery, and the following procedure is a method for performing implant surgery in a non-guided protocol. The second method is to perform fully guided surgery. A total of 74 implants in 20 patients were included. Postoperative CT scans were used to compare the implant placement deviations with the preoperative plan. In addition, bone loss was compared one year after surgery. In shoulder area, the implant deviations from the planned positions for dx(mesio-distal), dy(bucco-lingual), dz(vertical) dimensions, mean deviations with pilot-guided protocol (n = 31) were 0.50 ± 0.42 mm, 0.61 ± 0.55 mm, 0.87 ± 0.71 mm, and 1.33 ± 0.75 mm, respectively. The corresponding deviations for fully guided protocol (n = 41) were 0.50 ± 0.52 mm, 0.29 ± 0.27 mm, 0.56 ± 0.51 mm, and 0.96 ± 0.57 mm. In apical area, the corresponding deviations for pilot-guided protocol were 0.75 ± 0.72 mm, 0.61 ± 0.46 mm, 0.98 ± 0.76 mm, and 1.54 ± 0.87 mm. Deviations for fully guided protocol were 0.91 ± 0.90 mm, 0.44 ± 0.39 mm, 0.54 ± 0.51 mm, and 1.38 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. Angular deviations were 3.33 ± 3.23° with pilot-guided protocol and 3.90 ± 1.85° with fully guided protocol. The average bone loss after 1 year was 0.50 + 0.29 mm and 0.50 ± 0.24 mm, respectively. In the shoulder area, dy(bucco-lingual) of horizontal deviations, vertical deviations, and mean value of the deviations showed a statistically significant difference between fully guided and pilot-guided (p = 0.005, p = 0.033, and p = 0.023, respectively). In the apical area, vertical deviations showed a statistically significant difference. However, the mean value of the deviations did not show a statistically significant difference (p = 0.347). There was no statistically significant difference in angular deviations (p = 0.59).
Effects of a Dual-Task Paradigm and Gait Velocity on Dynamic Gait Stability during Stair Descent
Authors: Song Qipeng , Sun Wei , Zhang Cui , Mao Min , Li Li
Published: March 2020

Falls during stair negotiation have become one of the leading causes of accidental death. The effects of a concurrent cognitive or manual dual-task paradigm on dynamic gait stability remain uncertain. How much dynamic gait stability is influenced by gait velocity is also not clear. A total of 16 healthy young females descended a staircase under three different walking conditions: descend stairs only (single task), descend stairs while performing subtraction (cognitive dual-task), and descend stairs while carrying a glass of water (manual dual-task). An eight-camera Vicon motion analysis system and a Kistler force plate embedded into the third step of the staircase were used synchronously to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Gait velocity decreased and dynamic gait stability increased with both cognitive and manual dual-task conditions. The center of mass–center of pressure inclination angle increased with gait velocity but decreased with the manual dual-task condition compared to the single-task condition. Changes in gait velocity caused by the dual-task paradigm can partially explain the effects of dual-task dynamic gait stability. The influence of gait velocity should be considered in the assessment of dual-task effects.
Lifting Activity Assessment Using Kinematic Features and Neural Networks
Authors: Varrecchia Tiwana , De Marchis Cristiano , Draicchio Francesco , Schmid Maurizio , Conforto Silvia , Ranavolo Alberto
Published: March 2020

Work-related low-back disorders (WLBDs) can be caused by manual lifting tasks. Wearable devices used to monitor these tasks can be one possible way to assess the main risk factors for WLBDs. This study aims at analyzing the sensitivity of kinematic data to the risk level changes, and to define an instrument-based tool for risk classification by using kinematic data and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Twenty workers performed lifting tasks, designed by following the rules of the revised NIOSH lifting equation, with an increasing lifting index (LI). From the acquired kinematic data, we computed smoothness parameters together with kinetic, potential and mechanical energy. We used ANNs for mapping different set of features on LI levels to obtain an automatic risk estimation during these tasks. The results show that most of the calculated kinematic indexes are significantly affected by changes in LI and that all the lifting condition pairs can be correctly distinguished. Furthermore, using specific set of features, different topologies of ANNs can lead to a reliable classification of the biomechanical risk related to lifting tasks. In particular, the training sets and numbers of neurons in each hidden layer influence the ANNs performance, which is instead independent from the numbers of hidden layers. Reliable biomechanical risk estimation can be obtained by using training sets combining body and load kinematic features.
The Effect of Utilizing Distributed Intelligent Lighting System for Energy Consumption in the Office
Authors: Hajjaj Mohammed , Miki Mitsunori , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: March 2020

We have been examining how an intelligent lighting system affects energy consumption in the office. In this paper, we evaluate the traditional intelligent lighting system at the office and how to improve the best use of the intelligent lighting system by each user. The user in the large office is not able to change the level of luminance. Moreover, the traditional lighting system is not able to specify which desk is occupied or not occupied by each worker. The proper use of lighting control affects the power consumption, and the worker sometimes forgets to change the occupancy status after leaving the office, which affects the energy. This paper argues to find the best model of the intelligent lighting system to save energy by using the technology of sensing devices for detecting the occupancy of the desk. As a result, we found that each worker has the individual lighting system, and the energy of the office is reduced by improving the intelligent lighting system.
Study on the Transmission and Evolution Characteristics of Vibration Wave from Vibratory Roller to Filling Materials Based on the Field Test
Authors: Yang Changwei , Zhang Liang , Han Yixuan , Cai Degou , Wei Shaowei
Published: March 2020

Compaction quality of railroad subgrade relates directly to the stability and safety of train operation, and the core problem of the Intelligent Compaction of railroads is the transmission and evolution characteristics of vibration wave. Aiming at the shortages in exploring the transmission and evolution characteristics of the vibration signal, the typical subgrade compaction project of Jingxiong Intercity Railway Gu’an Station was selected to carry out the field prototypes tests, and the dynamic response from the vibratory roller to filling materials was monitored in the whole compaction process, and some efficient field tests data will be obtained. Based on this, the transmission and evolution characteristics of the vibration wave from the vibratory roller to filling materials in the compaction process are studied from the time domain, frequency domain, jointed time–frequency domain and energy domain by using one new signal analysis technology—Hilbert–Huang Transform. Some conclusions are shown as follows: first, the vibration acceleration peak gradually decreases with the increase of buried depth, and when the buried depth reaches 1.8 m, the vibration acceleration peak is closed to zero. At the same time, when the vibration wave propagates from the wheel to the surface of filling, the attenuation rate of acceleration gradually increases with the increase of rolling compaction times, while the attenuation rate of other layers in different buried depths gradually decreases. Second, the vibration wave contains fundamental wave and multiple harmonics, and the dominant frequency of the fundamental wave is nearly 21 Hz. With the increase of buried depth, the amplitude of fundamental, primary, secondary, until fifth harmonics decreases exponentially and the concrete functional relationship among different amplitudes of harmonics can be summarized as y = Ae−BX. Third, the vibration energy focuses on the fundamental wave and primary wave, which can increase with the increase of rolling compaction times, and when the rolling compaction time reaches five, their energy reaches maximum. However, when the filling reaches a dense situation, the energy of the primary wave gradually decreases. Therefore, the maximum rolling compaction time is five in the practical engineering applications, which will be helpful for optimizing the compaction quality control models and providing some support for the development of the Intelligent Compaction theory of railway subgrade.
Use of Evolutionary Computation to Improve Rock Slope Back Analysis
Authors: Li An-Jui , Fatty Abdoulie , Yang I-Tung
Published: March 2020

Generally, in geotechnical engineering, back analyses are used to investigate uncertain parameters. Back analyses can be undertaken by considering known conditions, such as failure surfaces, displacements, and structural performances. Many geotechnical problems have irregular solution domains, with the objective function being non-convex, and may not be continuous functions. As such, a complex non-linear optimization function is typically required for most geotechnical problems to attain a better understanding of these uncertainties. Therefore, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a genetic algorithm (GA) are utilized in this study to facilitate in back analyses mainly based on upper bound finite element limit analysis method. These approaches are part of evolutionary computation, which is appropriate for solving non-linear global optimization problems. By using these techniques with upper-bound finite element limit analysis (UB-FELA), two case studies showed that the results obtained are reasonable and reliable while maintaining a balance between computational time and accuracy.
A Review of Deep Learning Based Methods for Acoustic Scene Classification
Authors: Abeßer Jakob
Published: March 2020

The number of publications on acoustic scene classification (ASC) in environmental audio recordings has constantly increased over the last few years. This was mainly stimulated by the annual Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events (DCASE) competition with its first edition in 2013. All competitions so far involved one or multiple ASC tasks. With a focus on deep learning based ASC algorithms, this article summarizes and groups existing approaches for data preparation, i.e., feature representations, feature pre-processing, and data augmentation, and for data modeling, i.e., neural network architectures and learning paradigms. Finally, the paper discusses current algorithmic limitations and open challenges in order to preview possible future developments towards the real-life application of ASC systems.
Encoding, Exchange and Manipulation of Captured Immersive VR Sessions for Learning Environments: the PRISMIN Framework
Authors: Fanini Bruno , Cinque Luigi
Published: March 2020

Capturing immersive VR sessions performed by remote learners using head-mounted displays (HMDs) may provide valuable insights on their interaction patterns, virtual scene saliency and spatial analysis. Large collected records can be exploited as transferable data for learning assessment, detect unexpected interactions or fine-tune immersive VR environments. Within the online learning segment, the exchange of such records among different peers over the network presents several challenges related to data transport and/or its decoding routines. In the presented work, we investigate applications of an image-based encoding model and its implemented architecture to capture users’ interactions performed during VR sessions. We present the PRISMIN framework and how the underneath image-based encoding can be exploited to exchange and manipulate captured VR sessions, comparing it to existing approaches. Qualitative and quantitative results are presented in order to assess the encoding model and the developed open-source framework.
A “Double Accuracy Theory” and Experimental Research on Precision Grinding
Authors: Hu Lai , Li Yipeng , Zha Jun , Chen Yaolong
Published: March 2020

In the global machining industry, ultra-precision/ultra-high-speed machining has become a challenge, and its requirements are getting higher and higher. The challenge of precision grinding lies in the difficulty in ensuring the various dimensions and geometric accuracy of the final machined parts. This paper mainly uses the theory of a multi-body system to propose a “double accuracy” theory of manufacturing and measurement. Firstly, the grinding theory with an accuracy of 0.1 μm and the precision three-coordinate measuring machine theory with an accuracy of 0.3 μm are deduced. Secondly, the two theories are analyzed. Aiming to better explain the practicability of the “double accuracy” theory, a batch of motorized spindle parts is processed by a grinding machine. Then the precision three-coordinate measuring machine is used to measure the shape and position tolerances such as the roundness, the squareness, the flatness, and the coaxiality. The results show that the reached roundness of part A and B is 5 μm and 0.5 μm, the squareness is 3 μm and 4.5 μm, and the coaxiality tolerance is 1.2 μm, respectively.
Giant Enhancement of THz Wave Emission under Double-Pulse Excitation of Thin Water Flow
Authors: Huang Hsin-hui , Nagashima Takeshi , Yonezawa Tetsu , Matsuo Yasutaka , Ng Soon Hock , Juodkazis Saulius , Hatanaka Koji
Published: March 2020

Simultaneous measurements of THz wave and hard X-ray emission from thin and flat water flow when irradiated by double femtosecond laser pulses (800 nm, 35 fs/transform-limited, 0.5 kHz, delay times up to 15 ns) were carried out. THz wave measurements by time-domain spectroscopy and X-ray detection by Geiger counters were performed at the transmission and the reflection sides of the flow. THz wave emission spectra show their dynamic peak shifts toward the low frequency with the highest intensity enhancements more than 1.5 × 10 3 times in |E| 2 accumulated over the whole spectrum range of 0–3 THz at the delay time of 4.7 ns between the two pulses. On the other hand, X-ray intensity enhancements are limited to about 20 times at 0 ns under the same experimental conditions. The mechanisms for the spectral changes and the intensity enhancements in THz wave emission are discussed from the viewpoint of laser ablation on the water flow induced by the pre-pulse irradiation.
Interleaved Boost Converter with ZVT-ZCT for the Main Switches and ZCS for the Auxiliary Switch
Authors: Hwu Kuo-Ing , Shieh Jenn-Jong , Jiang Wen-Zhuang
Published: March 2020

A soft-switching interleaved topology is presented herein and applied to the boost converter. The basic operating principle is that the main power switches are turned on at zero voltage and turned off at zero current via the same auxiliary resonant circuit whose switch is turned on from zero current. Furthermore, as compared to the traditional boost converter, the proposed topology has three additional auxiliary diodes, two additional auxiliary capacitors, one additional auxiliary inductor, and one additional auxiliary switch. On the other hand, since the interleaved control is adopted herein, the difference in current between the two phases exists. Hence, the cascaded control is utilized to regulate the output voltage to the desired voltage via the first phase, whereas the current-sharing control, based on half of the input current as the current reference for the second phase, is employed so as to make the load current extracted from the two phases as evenly as possible. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed topology and control strategy is demonstrated by some experimental results.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis of PCM Suspensions in a Circular Tube under External Cooling Convection: Wall Conduction Effects
Authors: Ho C. J. , Wang Z.C. , Chen R.H. , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a numerical method is used to investigate the conjugate heat transfer of a phase change material (PCM) suspension in a circular tube under external cooling convection. The following parameters and ranges were considered: dimensionless tube wall thickness, t w (0–0.5); wall-to-fluid thermal conductivity ratio, k w f   * (0.1–10); volumetric fraction of PCM particles, c v   (0.1); Biot number, B i o (1); Stefan number, Ste (0.1); and Peclet number, Pe (1000). The results show that the wall thermal conductivity considerably affects the outer/inner wall temperature of the tube, the average temperature of the working fluid, and the volumetric liquid fraction of PCM particles. Thus, wall conduction effects must be properly accounted for to model heat transfer in a PCM suspension in tube flow.
Analysis of Air Pollution in Urban Areas with Airviro Dispersion Model—A Case Study in the City of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Authors: Munir Said , Mayfield Martin , Coca Daniel , Mihaylova Lyudmila S , Osammor Ogo
Published: March 2020

Two air pollutants, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), are monitored and modelled employing Airviro air quality dispersion modelling system in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The aim is to determine the most significant emission sources and their spatial variability. NOx emissions (ton/year) from road traffic, point and area sources for the year 2017 were 5370, 6774, and 2425, whereas those of PM10 (ton/year) were 345, 1449, and 281, respectively, which are part of the emission database. The results showed three hotspots of NOx, namely the Sheffield City Centre, Darnall and Tinsley Roundabout (M1 J34S). High PM10 concentrations were shown mainly between Sheffield Forgemasters International (a heavy engineering steel company) and Meadowhall Shopping Centre. Several emission scenarios were tested, which showed that NOx concentrations were mainly controlled by road traffic, whereas PM10 concentrations were controlled by point sources. Spatiotemporal variability and public exposure to air pollution were analysed. NOx concentration was greater than 52 µg/m3 in about 8 km2 area, where more than 66 thousand people lived. Models validated by observations can be used to fill in spatiotemporal gaps in measured data. The approach used presents spatiotemporal situation awareness maps that could be used for decision making and improving the urban infrastructure.
Viral Vector-Based Melanoma Gene Therapy
Authors: Hromic-Jahjefendic Altijana , Lundstrom Kenneth
Published: March 2020

Gene therapy applications of oncolytic viruses represent an attractive alternative for cancer treatment. A broad range of oncolytic viruses, including adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, alphaviruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses, lentiviruses, rhabdoviruses, reoviruses, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, picornaviruses and poxviruses, have been used in diverse preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of various diseases, including colon, head-and-neck, prostate and breast cancer as well as squamous cell carcinoma and glioma. The majority of studies have focused on immunotherapy and several drugs based on viral vectors have been approved. However, gene therapy for malignant melanoma based on viral vectors has not been utilized to its full potential yet. This review represents a summary of the achievements of preclinical and clinical studies using viral vectors, with the focus on malignant melanoma.
Early Life Stress and Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Pervanidou Panagiota , Makris Gerasimos , Chrousos George , Agorastos Agorastos
Published: March 2020

Traumatic stress exposure during critical periods of development may have essential and long-lasting effects on the physical and mental health of individuals. Two thirds of youth are exposed to potentially traumatic experiences by the age of 17, and approximately 5% of adolescents meet lifetime criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The role of the stress system is the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real/perceived and acute/chronic stressors. Early-life stress (ELS) has an impact on neuronal brain networks involved in stress reactions, and could exert a programming effect on glucocorticoid signaling. Studies on pediatric PTSD reveal diverse neuroendocrine responses to adverse events and related long-term neuroendocrine and epigenetic alterations. Neuroendocrine, neuroimaging, and genetic studies in children with PTSD and ELS experiences are crucial in understanding risk and resilience factors, and also the natural history of PTSD.
Neisseria meningitidis Induced Fatal Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Chen Chien-Sheng , Tsay Chih-Yi , Yiang Giou-Teng , Ke Jian-Yu , Lin Po-Chen
Published: March 2020

Neisseria meningitidis-induced acute systemic meningococcal disease is an emergency and a fatal condition that has a high mortality rate. In patients with a fulminant infection, a maculopapular petechial eruption, purpura fulminans, or an ecchymotic lesion are worrisome signs reflecting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and hint at Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS). Here, we describe a rare case of a patient with a fulminant Neisseria meningitidis-induced acute systemic meningococcal disease presenting with high-grade fever without meningitis symptoms. Fatal septicemia with DIC and multiple organ failure was noted. WFS was chiefly suspected. We highlight the clinical features and pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis-induced meningococcemia and WFS. We propose that they should be kept in mind, especially in patients presenting with a petechial eruption and purpura fulminans.
The Relationship of Thinking Style and Motivation Features of Sales and Advertising Managers
Authors: Belousova Alla , Mochalova Yulia
Published: March 2020

The thinking of a manager is conditioned by their motivational features which determine their personal professional success and the effectiveness of the organization’s activities. In this study, we assumed that two groups of sales and advertising managers had differences in the relationships between thinking style and their motivational qualities, as well as their individual need for achievement. We used the following sources: The methodology of A. Belousova for the diagnosis of thinking styles, the “scale of control over action” by J. Kuhl, and “the need for achievement” by Yu.A. Orlov. The selection consisted of 61 people, 25 to 30 years of age, of which 41 were men and 20 were women, from organizations engaged in the sale of a technical group of goods (also known as Group A) and advertising services (also known as Group B), in Rostov-on-Don. The Spearman rank correlation method was used for quantitative data processing. In group Group A, the analysis showed the presence of statistically significant connections. A critical style of thinking has a significant relationship with the level of clarity about the need for achievements and practical thinking is statistically significantly interrelated with control over action in a situation of failure. Whereas, in Group B, an initiative, managerial, and practical style of thinking has a significant correlation with the need for achievement.
Living Environment Quality Determinants, Including PM2.5 and PM10 Dust Pollution in the Context of Spatial Issues—The Case of Radzionków
Authors: Blazy Rafał
Published: March 2020

This article discusses living environment determinants in Central and Eastern Europe. It is based on a case study of the city of Radzionków, which has 16 thousand inhabitants and is located in the Silesian agglomeration in southern Poland. Hard coal has been mined in this area for almost two hundred years, and it is the main fuel used for central heating. A total of 360 buildings, divided into groups of 60 buildings each, were investigated in the selected city. Three distinct areas were distinguished in terms of living environment quality, depending on building technical condition, heating method and location. These qualities were found to be largely determined by site-specific spatial and geophysical conditions. A significant portion of the literature was found to ignore the spatial factors mentioned in this paper, instead focusing primarily on statistical data concerning pollution. This study examines site-specific variables and presents differences in air pollution levels as examined in relation to the morphological structure of development, the degree of building modernisation and heating system types.
Levulinic Acid Production from Delignified Rice Husk Waste over Manganese Catalysts: Heterogeneous Versus Homogeneous
Authors: Pratama Arnia Putri , Rahayu Dyah Utami Cahyaning , Krisnandi Yuni Krisyuningsih
Published: March 2020

Delignified rice husk waste (25.66% (wt) cellulose) was converted to levulinic acid using three types of manganese catalysts, i.e., the Mn3O4/hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite and Mn3O4 heterogenous catalysts, as well as Mn(II) ion homogeneous counterpart. The hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite was prepared using the double template method and modified with Mn3O4 through wet-impregnation method. The structure and physicochemical properties of the catalyst materials were determined using several solid-state characterization techniques. The reaction was conducted in a 200 mL-three neck-round bottom flask at 100 °C and 130 °C for a certain reaction time in the presence of 10% (v/v) phosphoric acid and 2% (v/v) H2O2 aqueous solution, and the product was analyzed using HPLC. In general, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) as the intermediate product was produced after 2 h and decreased after 4 h reaction time. To conclude, the Mn3O4/hierarchical ZSM-5 heterogenous catalyst gave the highest yield (wt %) of levulinic acid (39.75% and 27.60%, respectively) as the main product, after 8 h reaction time.
Polyvinylpyridine-Supported Palladium Nanoparticles: An Efficient Catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reactions
Authors: Fusini Graziano , Rizzo Fabio , Angelici Gaetano , Pitzalis Emanuela , Evangelisti Claudio , Carpita Adriano
Published: March 2020

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) synthesized by the metal vapor synthesis technique were supported on poly(4-vinylpyridine) 2% cross-linked with divinylbenzene (Pd/PVPy). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of small metal nanoparticles (dm = 2.9 nm) highly dispersed on the PVPy. The Pd/PVPy system showed high catalytic efficiency in Suzuki-Miyaura carbon–carbon coupling reactions of both non-activated and deactivated aromatic iodides and bromides with aryl boronic acids, carried out under an air atmosphere. The high turnover of the catalyst and the ability of the PVPy resin to retain active Pd species are highlighted. By comparing the catalytic performances of Pd/PVPy with those observed by using commercially available Pd-based supported catalysts, the reported system showed higher selectivity and lower Pd leaching.
The Future of Semi-Arid Regions: A Weak Fabric Unravels
Authors: Scholes Robert J
Published: March 2020

The regions of the world where average precipitation is between one fifth and half of the potential plant water demand are termed ‘semi-arid’. They make up 15.2% of the global land surface, and the approximately 1.1 billion people who live there are among the world’s poorest. The inter-annual variability of rainfall in semi-arid regions is exceptionally high, due to intrinsic features of the global atmospheric circulation. The observed and projected climate trends for most semi-arid regions indicate warming at rates above the global mean rate over land, increasing evaporative demand, and reduced and more variable rainfall. Historically, the ecosystems and people coped with the challenges of semi-arid climates using a range of strategies that are now less viable. Semi-arid ecosystems are by definition water limited, generally only suitable for extensive pastoralism and opportunistic cropping, unless irrigation supplementation is available. The characteristics of dryland plant production in semi-arid ecosystems, as they interact with climate change and human systems, provide a conceptual framework for why land degradation is so conspicuous in semi-arid regions. The coupled social-ecological failures are contagious, both within the landscape and at regional and global scales. Thus, semi-arid lands are a likely flashpoint for Earth system changes in the 21st century.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Optical Performance of GaN-Based Micro-LEDs with Quantum Dots Films
Authors: Zhao Zhili , Wang Xinzhong , Yang Kaidong , Fan Fang , Wu Dan , Liu Sheng , Wang Kai
Published: March 2020

Optical performance in terms of light efficiency, color crosstalk and ambient contrast ratio were analyzed for blue GaN-based micro-light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) combined with red/green quantum dots (QDs)-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films. The thickness and mass ratio of QDs films are two critical factors in affecting the performance of micro-LEDs. Firstly, the precise optical modeling of QDs-PMMA films is established based on the double integrating sphere (DIS) testing system and inverse adding doubling algorithm (IADA) theory. Red and green QDs-PMMA films are composed of ZnCdSe/ZnS QDs and green ZnCdSeS/ZnS QDs, respectively. The fundamental optical parameters of QDs-PMMA films, including scattering, absorption and anisotropy coefficients, are obtained successfully. Secondly, based on these optical parameters, the Monte Carlo ray tracing method is applied to analyze the effect of a QDs-PMMA film’s thickness and mass ratio on the optical performance of micro-LEDs. Results reveal that the light efficiency first increases and then decreases with the increase of a QDs film’s thickness or mass ratio, owing to the scattering characteristics of QDs. Different from the variation tendencies of light efficiency, the crosstalk between adjacent pixels increases as the QDs-PMMA film’s thickness or mass ratio increases, and the ambient contrast ratio is kept stable when the thickness increases. The mass ratio variation of QDs film can change the optical performance of micro-LEDs more effectively than thickness, which demonstrates that mass ratio is a more important factor affecting the optical performance of micro-LEDs.
Research on Local Sound Field Control Technology Based on Acoustic Metamaterial Triode Structure
Authors: Yang Peng , Wu Jingzhi , Zhao Rongrong , Han Jianning
Published: March 2020

Cell photoacoustic detection faces the problem where the strength of the sound wave signal is so weak that it easily gets interfered by other acoustic signals. A sonic triode model based on an artificial periodic structure is designed by COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3a software (Stockholm, Sweden), and software simulations are conducted. Experiments show that when a sound wave with a specific frequency is input by the sound wave triode, it can produce an energy amplification effect on the sound wave signals of the same frequency and a blocking effect on the sound wave signals of other frequencies. This contrast effect is more obvious after increasing the sound pressure intensity of the input sound wave signal. It can effectively filter out interference sound signals. The study of the acoustic triode model provides a new approach for the acquisition and identification of acoustic signals in cell photoacoustic detection, which can significantly improve the working efficiency and accuracy of cell photoacoustic detection.
Exquisitely Preserved Fossil Snakes of Messel: Insight into the Evolution, Biogeography, Habitat Preferences and Sensory Ecology of Early Boas
Authors: Scanferla Agustín , Smith Krister T.
Published: March 2020

Our knowledge of early evolution of snakes is improving, but all that we can infer about the evolution of modern clades of snakes such as boas (Booidea) is still based on isolated bones. Here, we resolve the phylogenetic relationships of Eoconstrictor fischeri comb. nov. and other booids from the early-middle Eocene of Messel (Germany), the best-known fossil snake assemblage yet discovered. Our combined analyses demonstrate an affinity of Eoconstrictor with Neotropical boas, thus entailing a South America-to-Europe dispersal event. Other booid species from Messel are related to different New World clades, reinforcing the cosmopolitan nature of the Messel booid fauna. Our analyses indicate that Eoconstrictor was a terrestrial, medium- to large-bodied snake that bore labial pit organs in the upper jaw, the earliest evidence that the visual system in snakes incorporated the infrared spectrum. Evaluation of the known palaeobiology of Eoconstrictor provides no evidence that pit organs played a role in the predator–prey relations of this stem boid. At the same time, the morphological diversity of Messel booids reflects the occupation of several terrestrial macrohabitats, and even in the earliest booid community the relation between pit organs and body size is similar to that seen in booids today.
Microbiome Profile of Deep Endometriosis Patients: Comparison of Vaginal Fluid, Endometrium and Lesion
Authors: Hernandes Camila , Silveira Paola , Rodrigues Sereia Aline Fernanda , Christoff Ana Paula , Mendes Helen , Valter de Oliveira Luiz Felipe , Podgaec Sergio
Published: March 2020

This work aimed to identify and compare the bacterial patterns present in endometriotic lesions, eutopic endometrium and vaginal fluid from endometriosis patients with those found in the vaginal fluid and eutopic endometrium of control patients. Vaginal fluid, eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions were collected. DNA was extracted and the samples were analyzed to identify microbiome by high-throughput DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA marker gene. Amplicon sequencing from vaginal fluid, eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesion resulted in similar profiles of microorganisms, composed most abundantly by the genus Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, Streptococcus and Prevotella. No significant differences were found in the diversity analysis of microbiome profiles between control and endometriotic patients; however deep endometriotic lesions seems to present different bacterial composition, less predominant of Lactobacillus and with more abundant Alishewanella, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas.
Are Steroid Hormones Dysregulated in Autistic Girls?
Authors: Gasser Benedikt Andreas , Kurz Johann , Dick Bernhard , Mohaupt Markus Georg
Published: March 2020

Evidence of altered cholesterol and steroid hormones in autism is increasing. However, as boys are more often affected, evidence mainly relates to autistic males, whereas evidence for affected autistic girls is sparse. Therefore, a comprehensive gas chromatography mass spectrometry-based steroid hormone metabolite analysis was conducted from autistic girls. Results show increased levels of several steroid hormones, especially in the class of androgens in autistic girls such as testosterone or androstenediol. The increase of the majority of steroid hormones in autistic girls is probably best explained multifactorially by a higher substrate provision in line with the previously developed cholesterol hypothesis of autism.
Chronic Stress and Cardiovascular Disease among Individuals Exposed to Lead: A Pilot Study
Authors: Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel , Obeng-Gyasi Barnabas
Published: March 2020

Chronic stress and cardiovascular disease risk were explored in a predominately middle-aged adult population exposed to elevated lead levels in this cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the period 2007-2010. Elevated lead exposure was defined using the epidemiological threshold of a blood lead level (BLL) > 5 μg/dL as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Allostatic load (AL), a measure of chronic stress, was operationalized using 10 clinical markers. The geometric mean values for clinical cardiovascular disease risk markers of interest (a) Gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) (a marker of oxidative stress), and (b) non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-c) (a marker of cardiovascular disease risk) were explored among lead-exposed and less lead-exposed individuals with differential chronic stress (AL) levels. Associations between AL and GGT/non-HDL-C were analyzed using linear regression models. The likelihood of increased clinical markers in lead-exposed individuals with high compared to low AL was explored using binary logistic regression models. In analyzing lead-exposed as compared to less lead-exposed populations, the geometric mean of the variables of interest showed significant elevations among lead-exposed individuals as compared to less lead-exposed individuals. Simple linear regression revealed that AL was positively associated with the variables of interest among the lead-exposed. In binary logistic regression among the lead-exposed, those with high AL, as compared to those with low AL, had significantly higher odds of having elevated non-HDL-C. This study submits that those exposed to lead with increasing AL may experience adverse cardiovascular health outcomes.
A Pilot Study to Incorporate Collaboration and Energy Competency into an Engineering Ethics Course
Authors: Hsu Yi-Chu
Published: March 2020

According to the OECD, The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and other education policy experts all over the world, an urgent reform is needed to promote education innovation with “competencies” as the core. To investigate the feasibility to apply competency-oriented education, this pilot study surveyed the competencies of “collaboration” and “energy” and applied competency-oriented contents into an Engineering Ethics course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The literature reveals that collaboration includes three constructs: trust, communication, and coordination. These constructs were used to develop a questionnaire and to survey the collaboration competency of the research subjects. In addition, an energy perception survey for Taiwan was used to compare and analyze the energy competencies between the research subject and the general adults in Taiwan. Finally, some suggestions are proposed for competency implementation in future courses.
Highly Integrated Resonant Tunneling Diode with Rectangular Waveguide Output for W-Band Communication System
Authors: Wang Caixia , Yao Yuan , Jiang Hang , Xiu Tao , Syedd Mohsin A. Shah , Yu Junsheng , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2020

A packaged resonant tunneling diode (RTD) with rectangular waveguide output for highly integrated wireless communication is proposed. The output signal of the RTD chip is radiated to the rectangular waveguide through an E plane probe transformer. Next, the RTD chip is electrically connected to the transformer by using gold wire bonding. The packaged RTD exhibits an oscillation frequency of 92 GHz, while the maximum radio frequency (RF) output power is −7 dBm. A miniaturized and high data rate wireless communication system with a 7 Gbps on–off keying (OOK) module by using the RTD is demonstrated, and the bit error rate (BER) of the 7 Gbps is below 3.8 × 10−3.
A Novel RPWN Selective Harmonic Elimination Method for Single-Phase Inverter
Authors: Li Guohua , Liu Chunwu , Fu Zhenfang , Wang Yufeng
Published: March 2020

In the existing random pule width modulation (RPWM) selective harmonic elimination methods, the formula of switching cycle TN+1 is complex, and the duty ratio DN+1 of the next switching cycle needs to be calculated in advance. However, in the case of unknown TN+1, DN+1 is also difficult to calculate accurately, and the two parameters are based on each other. A novel selective harmonic elimination method in RPWM is proposed in this paper. The PWM voltage pulse is placed at the back of the switch cycle, which simplifies the formula of the switch cycle TN+1 and eliminates the need to calculate the duty ratio DN+1. Two kinds of RPWM selective harmonic elimination ideas are summarized. The general formulas of the switch cycle, the effective random number k, and the upper and lower limits of switch frequency corresponding to k are derived. The spectrum shaping of inverter output voltage can be realized without using digital filter in this method. Simple algorithm, small calculation and easy implementation are characteristics of the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results confirm the ability of the proposed method for reducing harmonics at the specific frequency in power spectral density (PSD).