bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspectos relevantes de la convergencia a NIC-SP en los bienes patrimoniales del sector público no financiero
Authors: Chérrez-Jaramillo Maricela , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Álvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

Las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad enfocadas al sector público (NICSP) emitidas por el Consejo de Normas Internacionales (IPSASB), constituyen estándares altos en la gestión de información financiera-contable. En la actualidad varios países del mundo han adoptado estos estándares, como es el caso de Ecuador. El presente estudio fue desarrollado en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Azogues (GADMA), frente a la necesidad de reconocer y registrar los bienes patrimoniales en los estados financieros; el objetivo de la investigación consiste en plantear un proceso para la implementación de la NIC-SP 17 para el reconocimiento de los bienes patrimoniales. La metodología empleada en esta investigación fue de tipo no experimental y transversal, pues las variables se analizaron en su estado natural y en un solo momento del tiempo. En el diagnóstico se determinó la inexistencia de una norma específica que controle los bienes patrimoniales, su inventario fue levantado por última vez hace más de diez años por el Instituto Nacional Patrimonio y Cultural (INPC) y no por el GADMA, la gran mayoría de estos bienes no se encuentran bajo el dominio de la institución. Se concluye que con la implementación de la NIC-SP 17 se obtendrá información confiable para el reconocimiento de los activos de la Municipalidad los mismos que deberán ser registrados en la cuenta de Bienes de Patrimonio Nacional Histórico Artístico y/o Cultural como es el caso del cementerio Municipal, el Museo Rodrigo Pesántez y la Quinta San José; con ello la entidad presentará estados financieros razonables.
Movilidad de los factores de producción en el comercio intra-industrial
Authors: Cepeda-Godoy Carlos , Moreno-Barriga Mónica , Noguera-Cundar Andrés , Bastidas-Alarcón Fabián
Published: August 2020

El objetivo de estudio se basa en analizar los alcances que tiene el comercio Intra-industrial, en potenciales contextos que enfrentan las industrias en el comercio internacional, así como la movilidad de los factores de producción. La problemática que origina la investigación es la limitación del modelo de libre movilidad de bienes entre países. La metodología se basa en la aplicación ecuaciones factoriales, el resultado de la investigación obtuvo varios resultados, uno de ellos es la ventaja que la empresa local obtiene cuando es intensivo capital, lo cual da como resultado que r-w=(1,42), porque los trabajadores aprovechan su escasez relativa; mientras que *r-w** empresa extranjera gana un trabajador (1,12). Como conclusión se establecen, que los industrias con componente intensivo en conocimiento son quienes decidan si tiene libre de movilidad de factores.
La Contabilidad Gubernamental Armonizada y la Gestión del Gasto Público Eco-eficiente en el Ecuador
Authors: Almache-Sánchez Diana , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

La armonización contable nació de la necesidad de instaurar uniformidad en el manejo de la normativa contable, proporciona información certera del manejo del gasto público, el mismo que en la actualidad es necesario analizarlo considerando nuevos aspectos ambientales y sociales de tal forma que la información económica resalte ese enfoque. Este estudio refleja la falta de estrategias de políticas de responsabilidad social y ambiental, en el Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga, por lo que su objetivo es generar una guía contable para minimizar el efecto ecológico, con la finalidad de mejorar el uso de los recursos, la calidad de los servicios, y el ahorro en el gasto. La metodología que se utilizó fue de tipo cualitativo se basó en entrevistas realizadas al personal del departamento financiero-contable; su diseño fue no experimental, con alcance descriptivo y finalidad transversal. Entre los principales resultados se evidenció que existe sujeción a la normativa tradicional en el manejo de las partidas presupuestarias de gastos, no existe un enfoque orientado hacia la eco- eficiencia, menos aún un rubro en el presupuesto que ayude a minimizar los gastos a favor de esta. En conclusión es necesario transparentar el gasto con una visión económica con compromiso social y ambiental, encaminado a la protección de los recursos ambientales.
Incidencia tributaria por la aplicación de provisiones diferentes a las cuentas incobrables y desmantelamiento bajo la legislación vigente en Ecuador
Authors: Barahona-Paredes Luis , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

Los sistemas de información a nivel global han experimentado cambios sustanciales, adaptándose a una exigencia vanguardista que busca mejorar la comunicación de datos usando un sistema estándar. El mundo económico financiero no es la excepción, por tal razón se crearon las Normas internacionales de Información Financiera emitidas por el International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), las mismas que establecen requisitos de reconocimiento, medición y presentación de la información a revelar en los estados financieros, con el propósito de generar información razonable y valedera para la toma de decisiones. En este contexto, Ecuador adoptó estas normas en el año 2009 por disposición de la Superintendencia de Compañías y Seguros, sin embargo, su adopción presentó divergencias al momento de aplicar la norma contable con respecto a la ley fiscal. El Servicio de Rentas Internas no adoptó este mecanismo ya que su objetivo es la recaudación de impuestos, por lo que, con el fin de evitar conflictos entre la normativa contable y la tributaria, la ley fiscal permite la aplicación limitada de algunos aspectos de la norma contable. El mayor problema de las empresas que no aplican impuestos diferidos radica en la imposibilidad de identificar de forma clara y precisa la divergencia entre la norma contable y la legislación tributaria, para luego incluir en sus estados financieros los activos y pasivos generados por impuestos diferidos. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo diseñar un procedimiento metodológico tributario que le permita la aplicación de los impuestos diferidos generados por las provisiones distintas a cuentas incobrables y desmantelamiento.
Impuesto a las ganancias, conciliación tributaria entre NIIF y la LORTI
Authors: Cedillo-Bonilla Mónica , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

La proliferación de empresas internacionales y la globalización de la economía, ha hecho necesario el desarrollo de normativas estandarizadas para el manejo de la contabilidad en el mundo. Entre ellas están las normas internacionales de información financiera (NIIF) y las normas internacionales de contabilidad (NIC), con el fin de fomentar negociaciones e inversiones internacionales. El Ecuador entró en proceso de adopción de las NIIF a partir del año 2010 bajo el control de la Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros, dicha conversión produjo varios inconvenientes, entre ellos, la conciliación tributaria, dando origen a las diferencias temporarias y a los impuestos diferidos. El objetivodiseñar un procedimiento metodológico para la aplicación de la NIC 12 en la Agencia de Publicidad Ad/a, haciendo factible el análisis de las diferencias que surgen en la conciliación contable y fiscal. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo - cualitativo con un alcance descriptivo – explicativo - transaccional. En la fase de diagnóstico se detectó que la empresa, no aplica los impuestos diferidos, afectando al estado de resultados y situación financiera. Adicional se recalca la importancia de capacitar al personal, en el tratamiento del impuesto diferido, generado a partir de las diferencias temporarias.
A Novel MEMS-Based Probe for Unsteady Aerodynamic Measurements: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Morris William , Coull John , Dickens Tony , de Luca Andrea , Udrea Florin
Published: August 2020

A novel MEMS-based probe is described which is capable of measuring unsteady flow angles, total pressure and velocity. Uniquely, this probe uses shear stress sensors to relate the surface streamline directions on the probe face to the freestream flow angles. The probe has the potential to be miniaturised to around 1mm in diameter and achieve a temporal resolution of up to several 100kHz.

A computational study of virtual calibrations is used to understand how to adjust the probe geometry and sensor locations to maximise the sensitivity and range of the device. The most promising configuration was calibrated experimentally using a large-scale probe to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept.
Biological and Agrotechnical Aspects of Weed Control in the Cultivation of Early Potato Cultivars under Cover
Authors: Pszczółkowski Piotr , Barbaś Piotr , Sawicka Barbara , Krochmal-Marczak Barbara
Published: August 2020

Problems with weed infestation under cover were the reason to conduct research on the regulation of weed infestation in potato cultivation for early harvest. The field experiment was carried out in 2015–2017 at the Experimental Station for Cultivar Assessment in Uhnin (51°34′ N, 23°02′ E) using the method of random subblocks, in a dependent system (split-split-plot). The first order factor was edible potato cultivars ‘Denar’ and ‘Lord’. The second order factor was cultivation technologies: (A) traditional technology, (B) technology using polyethylene film cover, (C) technology using polypropylene agrotextile. The third order factor was weed management methods: (1) mechanical, (2) mechanical and chemical method using Afalon Dispersion 450 SC preparation, (3) mechanical and chemical methods using Racer 250 EC herbicide, and (4) mechanical and chemical methods using a mixture of herbicides Afalon Dispersion 450 SC and Command 480 EC. Mechanical and chemical methods proved to be more effective than the mechanical method. The best effectiveness in limiting both fresh and dry weed mass in potato cultivation under cover was achieved using the mechanical and chemical method using a mixture of herbicides, Afalon Dispersion 450 SC and Command 480 EC.
Long-Term No-Tillage and Straw Retention Management Enhances Soil Bacterial Community Diversity and Soil Properties in Southern China
Authors: Luo Yuqiong , Iqbal Anas , He Liang , Zhao Quan , Wei Shangqin , Ali Izhar , Ullah Saif , Yan Bo , Jiang Ligeng
Published: August 2020

Conservation farming practices, such as no-tillage and crop residue retention, have been proposed as sustainable management practices. However, it remains unclear how different tillage practices and rice straw retention affect the soil bacterial community (SBC) and the soil C/N ratio in the long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in SBC composition and abundance and soil properties (e.g., carbon (C), nitrogen (N)) and determine their relationship to the soil C/N ratio under long-term no-tillage and straw retention techniques. This study investigates the effect of a long-term field experiment begun in 2008 and continued until 2019 to measure the response of the SBC and soil properties and their relation to different tillage practices, including no-tillage (NT), no-tillage and straw mulching (NT-SM), conventional tillage (CT), conventional tillage and straw mulching (CT-SM), and conventional tillage and straw retention (CT-SR). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–5 cm (A), 5–10 cm (B), and 10–20 cm (C) after rice harvesting in the early and late growing seasons in 2018–2019. The Illumina MiSeq sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology was used to analyze changes in SBC diversity in soil and determined the changes in the soil C/N ratio and their relationship with the SBC diversity. The results showed that the Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla in the soil and accounted for 61.26%, 59.39%, and 55.62% of the total bacteria in the A, B, and C soil layers, respectively. The NT treatment increased SBC diversity, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and the proportion of Proteobacteria across the soil depths. Similarly, straw retention also significantly improved SBC diversity, soil organic C (SOC), total N (TN), soil C/N ratio, and the abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria in the soil layers A and B. The NT-SM treatment increased the SOC, TN, and soil C/N ratio by 30%, 21%, and 6% in 2018 and by 33, 25% and 7% in 2019, respectively, across the seasons and layers compared to the CT treatment. The NT-SM treatment had the highest soil bacterial diversity index, and the CT-SR treatment had the highest soil bacterial abundance and number of OTUs. The redundancy analysis showed that Acidobacteria were highly positively correlated with the soil C/N ratio. The results demonstrate that conservation tillage practices, i.e., no-tillage and straw retention, increase the SBC diversity and soil C/N ratio, thereby enhancing soil organic C and total N and changing soil microbial ecology. As a result, sustainable crop production and profitable agro-ecosystems are ensured.
α-Tocopherol Foliar Spray and Translocation Mediates Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Nutrient Uptake, and Oxidative Defense in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress
Authors: Ali Qasim , Tariq Javed Muhammad , Haider Muhammad Zulqurnain , Habib Noman , Rizwan Muhammad , Perveen Rashida , Ali Shafaqat , Nasser Alyemeni Mohammed , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Al-Misned Fahad A.
Published: August 2020

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the induction of drought tolerance in maize by foliar-applied α-tocopherol at early growth stage. Experiment was comprised two maize cultivars (Agaiti-2002 and EV-1098), two water stress levels (70% and 100% field capacity), and two α-tocopherol levels (0 mmol and 50 mmol) as foliar spray. Experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement with three replications of each treatment. α-tocopherol was applied foliary at the early vegetative stage. Water stress reduced the growth of maize plants with an increase in lipid peroxidation in both maize cultivars. Contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants and activities of antioxidant enzymes increased in studied plant parts under drought, while the nutrient uptake was decreased. Foliary-applied α-tocopherol improved the growth of both maize cultivars, associated with improvements in photosynthetic pigment, water relations, antioxidative mechanism, and better nutrient acquisition in root and shoot along with tocopherol contents and a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the increase of tocopherol levels in roots after α-Toc foliar application confers its basipetal translocation. In conclusion, the findings confer the role of foliar-applied α-tocopherol in the induction of drought tolerance of maize associated with tissue specific improvements in antioxidative defense mechanism through its translocation.
Economic Optimal Nitrogen Rate Variability of Maize in Response to Soil and Weather Conditions: Implications for Site-Specific Nitrogen Management
Authors: Wang Xinbing , Miao Yuxin , Dong Rui , Chen Zhichao , Kusnierek Krzysztof , Mi Guohua , Mulla David J.
Published: August 2020

The dynamic interactions between soil, weather and crop management have considerable influences on crop yield within a region, and should be considered in optimizing nitrogen (N) management. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of soil type, weather conditions and planting density on economic optimal N rate (EONR), and to evaluate the potential benefits of site-specific N management strategies for maize production. The experiments were conducted in two soil types (black and aeolian sandy soils) from 2015 to 2017, involving different N rates (0 to 300 kg ha−1) with three planting densities (55,000, 70,000, and 85,000 plant ha−1) in Northeast China. The results showed that the average EONR was higher in black soil (265 kg ha−1) than in aeolian sandy soil (186 kg ha−1). Conversely, EONR showed higher variability in aeolian sandy soil (coefficient of variation (CV) = 30%) than in black soil (CV = 10%) across different weather conditions and planting densities. Compared with farmer N rate (FNR), applying soil-specific EONR (SS-EONR), soil- and year-specific EONR (SYS-EONR) and soil-, year-, and planting density-specific EONR (SYDS-EONR) would significantly reduce N rate by 25%, 30% and 38%, increase net return (NR) by 155 $ ha−1, 176 $ ha−1, and 163 $ ha−1, and improve N use efficiency (NUE) by 37–42%, 52%, and 67–71% across site-years, respectively. Compared with regional optimal N rate (RONR), applying SS-EONR, SYS-EONR and SYDS-EONR would significantly reduce N application rate by 6%, 12%, and 22%, while increasing NUE by 7–8%, 16–19% and 28–34% without significantly affecting yield or NR, respectively. It is concluded that soil-specific N management has the potential to improve maize NUE compared with both farmer practice and regional optimal N management in Northeast China, especially when each year’s weather condition and planting density information is also considered. More studies are needed to develop practical in-season soil (site)-specific N management strategies using crop sensing and modeling technologies to better account for soil, weather and planting density variation under diverse on-farm conditions.
Assessment of DNA Methylation and Oxidative Changes in the Heart and Brain of Rats Receiving a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Various Forms of Chromium
Authors: Dworzański Wojciech , Cholewińska Ewelina , Fotschki Bartosz , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Listos Piotr , Ognik Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to determine how feeding rats a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects DNA methylation and oxidation reactions as well as the histology of heart and brain tissue. The rats received standard diet or high-fat diet and chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in form of chromium (III) picolinate, chromium (III)-methionine, or nano-sized chromium. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), the level of global DNA methylation and the activity of selected DNA repair enzymes were determined in the blood. In the brain and heart, the content of MDA, PC, 8-OHDG, and levels of global DNA methylation were determined. The brain was subjected to histological examination. The use of a high-fat diet was found to intensify epigenetic changes and oxidation reactions in the heart and brain. It was concluded that epigenetic changes and oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA in the heart and brain of rats resulting from the use of a high-fat diet cannot be limited by supplementing the diet with chromium. It was established that the use of chromium to supplement a high-fat diet intensifies the negative epigenetic and oxidative changes in the heart and brain, especially in the case of chromium nanoparticles.
A Deletion Downstream of the CHCHD7 Gene Is Associated with Growth Traits in Sheep
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Li Haixia , Wang Zhen , Abudureyimu Ayimuguli , Yang Jutian , Cao Xin , Lan Xianyong , Zang Rongxin , Cai Yong
Published: August 2020

In sheep, the coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 7 (CHCHD7) gene and the pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) are on the same growth-related major quantitative trait locus, positioned head-to-head approximately 420 bp apart on chromosome 9. PLAG1 affects sheep growth, but the effects of CHCHD7 have not been determined. In this study, an 8-bp deletion downstream of CHCHD7 was analyzed in 2350 sheep from seven breeds. The associations between the deletion and growth traits of Tan sheep were also determined. Both genotypes (homozygous wild-type and heterozygous) for the 8-bp deletion were found in Tan (TS), Luxi Blackhead (LXBH), Small-Tail Han (STHS), and Lanzhou Fat-Tail (LFTS) sheep. However, there were no polymorphic sites for the mutation in Hu (HS), Sartuul (SS), and Australian White (AUW) sheep. In TS, LXBH, STHS, and LFTS sheep, the deletion genotype was less frequent than the wild-type genotype, and the allele frequencies of the deletion variant were 0.007 (TS), 0.011 (LBXH), 0.008 (STHS), and 0.010 (LFTS). The 8-bp deletion was significantly associated with body length (p = 0.032), chest depth (p = 0.015), and chest width (p = 0.047) in Tan sheep. Thus, the 8-bp deletion downstream of the CHCHD7 gene might be associated with growth and development traits of sheep.
In Silico Identification and Biological Evaluation of Antioxidant Food Components Endowed with Human Carbonic Anhydrase IX and XII Inhibition
Authors: Costa Giosuè , Maruca Annalisa , Rocca Roberta , Ambrosio Francesca Alessandra , Berrino Emanuela , Carta Fabrizio , Mesiti Francesco , Salatino Alessandro , Lanzillotta Delia , Trapasso Francesco , Artese Anna , Alcaro Stefano , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: August 2020

The tumor-associated isoenzymes hCA IX and hCA XII catalyze the hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and protons. These isoforms are highly overexpressed in many types of cancer, where they contribute to the acidification of the tumor environment, promoting tumor cell invasion and metastasis. In this work, in order to identify novel dual hCA IX and XII inhibitors, virtual screening techniques and biological assays were combined. A structure-based virtual screening towards hCA IX and XII was performed using a database of approximately 26,000 natural compounds. The best shared hits were submitted to a thermodynamic analysis and three promising best hits were identified and evaluated in terms of their hCA IX and XII inhibitor activity. In vitro biological assays were in line with the theoretical studies and revealed that syringin, lithospermic acid, and (-)-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol behave as good hCA IX and hCA XII dual inhibitors.
A Review of the Artificial Neural Network Models for Water Quality Prediction
Authors: Chen Yingyi , Song Lihua , Liu Yeqi , Yang Ling , Li Daoliang
Published: August 2020

Water quality prediction plays an important role in environmental monitoring, ecosystem sustainability, and aquaculture. Traditional prediction methods cannot capture the nonlinear and non-stationarity of water quality well. In recent years, the rapid development of artificial neural networks (ANNs) has made them a hotspot in water quality prediction. We have conducted extensive investigation and analysis on ANN-based water quality prediction from three aspects, namely feedforward, recurrent, and hybrid architectures. Based on 151 papers published from 2008 to 2019, 23 types of water quality variables were highlighted. The variables were primarily collected by the sensor, followed by specialist experimental equipment, such as a UV-visible photometer, as there is no mature sensor for measurement at present. Five different output strategies, namely Univariate-Input-Itself-Output, Univariate-Input-Other-Output, Multivariate-Input-Other(multi), Multivariate-Input-Itself-Other-Output, and Multivariate-Input-Itself-Other (multi)-Output, are summarized. From results of the review, it can be concluded that the ANN models are capable of dealing with different modeling problems in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), groundwater, ponds, and streams. The results of many of the review articles are useful to researchers in prediction and similar fields. Several new architectures presented in the study, such as recurrent and hybrid structures, are able to improve the modeling quality of future development.
Ignition of Deposited Wood Dust Layer by Selected Sources
Authors: Tureková Ivana , Marková Iveta
Published: August 2020

The main waste of wood sanding technology is wood dust. The formation of wood dust affects its behaviour. Wood dust can be in a turbulent form and behaves explosively or in a settled form where it becomes flammable. Dust particles are barely detectable by the naked eye, wood dust still presents substantial health, safety, fire and explosion risks to employees. This article deals with the evaluation of ignition temperature and surface temperature of deposited wood dust samples by selected ignition sources. The influence of selected physical properties of wood dust, the size of the contact area between the ignition source and the combustible material, the spatial arrangement during the ignition and the application time of the ignition source are analysed. The paper describes the behaviour of a 15 mm deposited layer of wood dust of spruce (Picea abies L.), beech (Fagus silvatica L.). oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) caused by three potential ignition sources—a hot surface, an electric coil and a smouldering cigarette. Prior to the experimental determination of the ignition temperature, dust moisture content which did not significantly affect the ignition phase of the samples, as well as sieve analysis of tested samples were determined. The lowest minimum ignition temperature on the hot plate, as an important property of any fuel, because the combustion reaction of the fuel becomes self-sustaining only above this temperature, was reached by the oak dust sample (280 °C), the highest by the spruce dust sample (300 °C). The ignition process of wood dust was comparable in all samples, differing in the ignition time and the area of the thermally degraded layer. The least effective ignition source was a smouldering cigarette.
Test-Retest, Inter-Rater and Intra-Rater Reliability for Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Using SANE (an eaSy gAit aNalysis systEm) as Measuring Instrument
Authors: Chaparro-Rico Betsy D. M. , Cafolla Daniele
Published: August 2020

Studies have demonstrated the validity of Kinect-based systems to measure spatiotemporal parameters of gait. However, few studies have addressed test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for spatiotemporal gait parameters. This study aims to assess test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of SANE (eaSy gAit aNalysis system) as a measuring instrument for spatiotemporal gait parameters. SANE comprises a depth sensor and a software that automatically estimates spatiotemporal gait parameters using distances between ankles without the need to manually indicate where each gait cycle begins and ends. Gait analysis was conducted by 2 evaluators for 12 healthy subjects during 4 sessions. The reliability was evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). In addition, the Standard Error of the Measurement (SEM), and Smallest Detectable Change (SDC) was calculated. SANE showed from an acceptable to an excellent test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability; test-retest reliability ranged from 0.62 to 0.81, inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.70 to 0.95 and intra-rater ranged from 0.74 to 0.92. The subject behavior had a greater effect on the reliability of SANE than the evaluator performance. The reliability values of SANE were comparable with other similar studies. SANE, as a feasible and markerless system, has large potential for assessing spatiotemporal gait parameters.
Fast Diffraction Calculation for Spherical Computer-Generated Hologram Using Phase Compensation Method in Visible Range
Authors: Yang Ruoxue , Wang Jun , Chen Chun , Wu Yang , Li Bingyi , Li Yuejia , Chen Ni , Jackin Boaz Jessie
Published: August 2020

The synthesis of the spherical hologram has been widely investigated in recent years as it enables a large field of view both horizontally and vertically. However, there is an important issue of long time consumption in spherical computer-generated holograms (SCGHs). To address this issue, a fast diffraction calculation method is proposed for SCGH based on phase compensation (PC). In our method, a wavefront recording plane (WRP) near the SCGH is used to record the diffraction distribution from the object plane, and the phase difference is compensated point-to-point from the WRP to generate the SCGH, during which a nonuniform sampling method is proposed to greatly decrease the sampling rate and significantly accelerate the generation speed of SCGH. In this paper, there are three main contributions: (1) SCGHs with the resolution of full high-definition can be synthesized in visible range with reducing the sampling rate. (2) Due to the current difficulty of realizing holographic display with curved surfaces, our PC method provides an alternative approach to implement optical experiments of SCGH, which takes it closer to the practical applications of spherical holography. (3) The problem of time-consuming calculation of the propagation model between plane and sphere is solved firstly to our best knowledge.
Implementation and Performance Evaluation of the Frequency-Domain-Based Bit Flipping Controller for Stabilizing the Single-Bit High-Order Interpolative Sigma Delta Modulators
Authors: Zhai Huishan , Ling Bingo Wing-Kuen
Published: August 2020

This paper is an extension of the existing works on the frequency-domain-based bit flipping control strategy for stabilizing the single-bit high-order interpolative sigma delta modulator. In particular, this paper proposes the implementation and performs the performance evaluation of the control strategy. For the implementation, a frequency detector is used to detect the resonance frequencies of the input sequence of the sigma delta modulator. Then, a neural-network-based controller is used for finding the solution of the integer programming problem. Finally, the buffers and the combinational logic gates as well as an inverter are used for implementing the proposed control strategy. For the performance evaluation, the stability region in terms of the input dynamical range is evaluated. It is found that the control strategy can significantly increase the input dynamical range from 0.24 to 0.58. Besides, the control strategy can be applied to a wider class of the input signals compared to the clipping method.
Theoretical Study of a New Porous 2D Silicon-Filled Composite Based on Graphene and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kolosov Dmitry A. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: August 2020

The incorporation of Si16 nanoclusters into the pores of pillared graphene on the base of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) significantly improved its properties as anode material of Li-ion batteries. Quantum-chemical calculation of the silicon-filled pillared graphene efficiency found (I) the optimal mass fraction of silicon (Si)providing maximum anode capacity; (II) the optimal Li: C and Li: Si ratios, when a smaller number of C and Si atoms captured more amount of Li ions; and (III) the conditions of the most energetically favorable delithiation process. For 2D-pillared graphene with a sheet spacing of 2–3 nm and SWCNTs distance of ~5 nm the best silicon concentration in pores was ~13–18 wt.%. In this case the value of achieved capacity exceeded the graphite anode one by 400%. Increasing of silicon mass fraction to 35–44% or more leads to a decrease in the anode capacity and to a risk of pillared graphene destruction. It is predicted that this study will provide useful information for the design of hybrid silicon-carbon anodes for efficient next-generation Li-ion batteries.
Application of Active Packaging in Refrigerated Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets Treated with UV-C Radiation
Authors: Monteiro Maria Lúcia G. , Mársico Eliane T. , Conte-Junior Carlos A.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effects of oxygen-scavenger packaging and UV-C radiation at two doses, alone or in combination, on lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde levels), protein oxidation (carbonyl content), instrumental color and texture parameters in rainbow trout fillets stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 9 days. The treatments were AP (air packaging), OSP (oxygen-scavenger packaging), AUV1 (air packaging + UV-C at 0.102 J/cm2), OSUV1 (oxygen-scavenger packaging + UV-C at 0.102 J/cm2), AUV3 (air packaging + UV-C at 0.301 J/cm2), and OSUV3 (oxygen-scavenger packaging + UV-C at 0.301 J/cm2). Lipid oxidation, protein oxidation, lightness and yellowness increased, while redness, hardness and chewiness decreased during storage in all treatments (p < 0.05). OSP, OSUV1 and OSUV3 exhibited lower yellowness, total color difference (ΔE), lipid and protein oxidation, and higher redness, hardness and chewiness than air packaging (AP; p < 0.05), being similar to each other concerning these parameters throughout storage (p > 0.05). AUV3 showed higher lipid oxidation, protein oxidation, yellowness, ΔE, and lower redness, hardness and chewiness followed by AUV1 than AP (p < 0.05). UV-C at these doses was not adequate for refrigerated trout fillets by inducing oxidative degradation. O2 scavenger was effective in preventing the adverse effects from storage period and UV-C, independently of the dose, and could be a simple and powerful alternative to make feasible the industrial application of UV-C at 0.102 and 0.301 J/cm2 in refrigerated rainbow trout fillets, which has proven antimicrobial effect and it is a promising non-thermal technology for the fish production chain.
Aerial Scene Classification through Fine-Tuning with Adaptive Learning Rates and Label Smoothing
Authors: Petrovska Biserka , Atanasova-Pacemska Tatjana , Corizzo Roberto , Mignone Paolo , Lameski Petre , Zdravevski Eftim
Published: August 2020

Remote Sensing (RS) image classification has recently attracted great attention for its application in different tasks, including environmental monitoring, battlefield surveillance, and geospatial object detection. The best practices for these tasks often involve transfer learning from pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). A common approach in the literature is employing CNNs for feature extraction, and subsequently train classifiers exploiting such features. In this paper, we propose the adoption of transfer learning by fine-tuning pre-trained CNNs for end-to-end aerial image classification. Our approach performs feature extraction from the fine-tuned neural networks and remote sensing image classification with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model with linear and Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernels. To tune the learning rate hyperparameter, we employ a linear decay learning rate scheduler as well as cyclical learning rates. Moreover, in order to mitigate the overfitting problem of pre-trained models, we apply label smoothing regularization. For the fine-tuning and feature extraction process, we adopt the Inception-v3 and Xception inception-based CNNs, as well the residual-based networks ResNet50 and DenseNet121. We present extensive experiments on two real-world remote sensing image datasets: AID and NWPU-RESISC45. The results show that the proposed method exhibits classification accuracy of up to 98%, outperforming other state-of-the-art methods.
Tooth Discoloration after Regenerative Endodontic Procedures with Calcium Silicate-Based Cements—An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Palma Paulo J. , Marques Joana A. , Santos Joana , Falacho Rui I. , Sequeira Diana , Diogo Patrícia , Caramelo Francisco , Ramos João C. , Santos João Miguel
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present ex vivo study was to assess and compare coronal discoloration induced by four endodontic biomaterials used in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). Root resection was executed horizontally, 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, in all fifty-four teeth. After accessing the pulp chamber, specimens were randomly divided in groups and filled with either saline solution or blood, followed by calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) placement: ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Dentsply Sirona), Biodentine (Septodont), TotalFill BC (FKG), or pulp capping material (PCM) (Coltène). Color change (ΔE) was assessed using the L* a* b* system at five different timepoints (before and immediately after biomaterial application, 72 h, 7 days, and 6 months). The significance level for statistical analysis was set at p < 0.05. There are statistically significant differences regarding ΔE over time (p < 0.001). Statistical differences are found considering material (p < 0.001), treatment (p = 0.007), or both (p = 0.002). If solely the material or treatment is considered, regardless of time, statistically significant differences are detected (p < 0.001). After a six-month period of evaluation, blood exposure might be a critical factor in biomaterials’ color variation. Biodentine presents the lowest discoloration potential, followed by TotalFill and PCM, albeit without statistically significant differences. MTA exhibited the greatest color variation. The selection of biomaterial should consider the material’s discoloration potential.
Geographical Origin Discrimination of White Rice Based on Image Pixel Size Using Hyperspectral Fluorescence Imaging Analysis
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Lim Jongguk , Kwon Sung Won , Kim Giyoung , Kim Moon S. , Cho Byoung-Kwan , Baek Insuck , Lee Seung Hyun , Seo Youngwook , Mo Changyeun
Published: August 2020

Geographical origin discrimination of white rice is an important endeavor in preventing illegal distribution of white rice and regulating and standardizing food safety and quality assurance. The aim of this study was to develop a method for geographical origin discrimination between South Korean and Chinese rice using a hyperspectral fluorescence imaging technique and multivariate analysis. Hyperspectral fluorescence images of South Korean and Chinese rice samples were obtained in the wavelength range of 420 nm to 780 nm with intervals of 4.8 nm using 365 nm wavelength ultraviolet-A excitation light. Partial least squares discriminant analysis models were developed and applied to the acquired image to determine the geographical origins of the rice samples. In addition, various pre-processing techniques were applied to improve the discrimination accuracy. Accordingly, the pixel size of the hyperspectral image was determined. The results revealed that the optimum pixel size of the hyperspectral image that was above 7 mm × 7 mm showed a high discrimination accuracy. Moreover, the geographical origin discrimination model that applied the first-order derivative achieved a high discrimination accuracy of 98.89%. The results of this study showed that hyperspectral fluorescence imaging technology can be used to quickly and accurately discriminate the geographical origins of white rice.
Analysis on Dynamic Contact Characteristics and Dynamic Stiffness Estimating Method of Single Nut Ball Screw Pair Based on the Whole Rolling Elements Model
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhao Chunyu , Li Zhenjun , Lu Zechen
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is investigating the characteristics of dynamic contact and dynamic stiffness of the single nut ball screw pair (SNBSP). Then a new sensorless method is proposed to extract the SNBSP dynamic contact stiffness of a mass production CNC machine tool feed system. First of all, the transformation relationship between each coordinate system of SNBSP is established. Secondly, the dynamic model of all ball–raceway contact pairs is established. Based on this, a dynamic contact stiffness model is established. The dynamic contact parameters are obtained by the numerical method. It is found that the influence of screw speed on screw and nut raceway normal force distribution are opposite. This will affect the variations of dynamic contact stiffness. It is also clear that the effect of axial load on dynamic stiffness is significant. Then, an effective method is proposed to estimate the dynamic contact stiffness of a mass production CNC machine tool feed system without any external sensors. The axial force of feed system is estimated by using torque current of servo motor. Current signals can be obtained through FANUC Open CNC API Specifications (FOCAS) library functions, and then dynamic contact stiffness can be calculated through the stiffness model without external sensors. Finally, a feed system dynamic model is built, and the contact model and sensorless stiffness estimating method are verified by experiments in this dynamic system.
Analysis of Phase Noise in a Hybrid Photonic/Millimetre-Wave System for Single and Multi-Carrier Radio Applications
Authors: Dass Devika , O'Duill Sean , Delmade Amol , Browning Colm
Published: August 2020

The future evolution of wireless networks, throughout the 5G era and beyond, will require the expansion and augmentation of millimetre-wave systems for both terrestrial and satellite communications. Photonic technologies offer a cost efficient and high bandwidth platform for millimetre-wave carrier generation and distribution, but can introduce high levels of phase noise through optical heterodyning, which is highly problematic for mobile signal waveforms. In this work, a detailed analytical model of a hybrid photonic/mm-wave system is developed and discussed. Through careful system design, the system is found to support both 5G compatible multi-carrier (OFDM) and single carrier (APSK) modulation at 60 GHz. APSK is found to offer higher tolerance mm-wave phase noise compared to OFDM, ultimately easing optical linewidth restrictions to ∼30 kHz. The model is extended to include a novel millimetre wave phase noise cancelling receiver, which is shown to significantly alleviate these restrictions even further—enabling phase noise free mm-wave operation for optical linewidths up to ∼2 MHz. Detailed analysis and discussion of this extended system lead to the establishment of a theoretical relationship between the mm-wave receiver design and the achievable system performance in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM). Excellent matching of the predicted theoretical with simulated performances is shown.
Potential Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Fatty Acid Profile of Meat from Different European Autochthonous Pig Breeds
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Parrini Silvia , Tejerina David , Pinto de Araújo José Pedro , Čandek-Potokar Marjeta , Crovetti Alessandro , Garcia-Casco Juan Maria , González Joel , Hernández-García Francisco Ignacio , Karolyi Danijel , Margeta Vladimir , Martins José Manuel , Nieto Rosa , Petig Matthias , Razmaite Violeta , Sirtori Francesco , Lebret Bénédicte , Bozzi Riccardo
Published: August 2020

Autochthonous pig breeds provide products of differentiated quality, among which quality control is difficult to perform and insufficient for current market requirements. The present research evaluates the predictive ability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combined with chemometric methods as a rapid and affordable tool to assure traceability and quality control. Thus, NIR technology was assessed for intact and minced muscle Longissimus thoracis et lumborum samples collected from 12 European autochthonous pig breeds for the quantification of lipid content and fatty acid composition. Different tests were performed using different numbers of samples for calibration and validation. The best predictive ability was found using minced presentation and set with 80% of the samples for the calibration and the remaining 20% for the external validation test for the following traits: lipid content and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which attained both the highest determination coefficients (0.89, 0.61, and 0.65, respectively) and the lowest root mean square errors in external validation (0.62, 1.82, and 1.36, respectively). Lower predictive ability was observed for intact muscles. These results could contribute to improve the management of autochthonous breeds and to ensure quality of their products by traditional meat industry chains.
On the Matricial Formulation of Iterative Sweep Power Flow for Radial and Meshed Distribution Networks with Guarantee of Convergence
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Giral Diego Armando
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a general formulation of the classical iterative-sweep power flow, which is widely known as the backward–forward method. This formulation is performed by a branch-to-node incidence matrix with the main advantage that this approach can be used with radial and meshed configurations. The convergence test is performed using the Banach fixed-point theorem while considering the dominant diagonal structure of the demand-to-demand admittance matrix. A numerical example is presented in tutorial form using the MATLAB interface, which aids beginners in understanding the basic concepts of power-flow programming in distribution system analysis. Two classical test feeders comprising 33 and 69 nodes are used to validate the proposed formulation in comparison with conventional methods such as the Gauss–Seidel and Newton–Raphson power-flow formulations.
Model and Data Concur and Explain the Coexistence of Two Very Distinct Animal Behavioral Types
Authors: Moya-Laraño Jordi , Rabaneda-Bueno Rubén , Morrison Emily , Crowley Philip
Published: August 2020

Behaviors may enhance fitness in some situations while being detrimental in others. Linked behaviors (behavioral syndromes) may be central to understanding the maintenance of behavioral variability in natural populations. The spillover hypothesis of premating sexual cannibalism by females explains genetically determined female aggression towards both prey and males: growth to a larger size translates into higher fecundity, but at the risk of insufficient sperm acquisition. Here, we use an individual-based model to determine the ecological scenarios under which this spillover strategy is more likely to evolve over a strategy in which females attack approaching males only once the female has previously secured sperm. We found that a classic spillover strategy could never prevail. However, a more realistic early-spillover strategy, in which females become adults earlier in addition to reaching a larger size, could be maintained in some ecological scenarios and even invade a population of females following the other strategy. We also found under some ecological scenarios that both behavioral types coexist through frequency-dependent selection. Additionally, using data from the spider Lycosa hispanica, we provide strong support for the prediction that the two strategies may coexist in the wild. Our results clarify how animal personalities evolve and are maintained in nature.
Metabolic Responses of Carotenoid and Cordycepin Biosynthetic Pathways in Cordyceps militaris under Light-Programming Exposure through Genome-Wide Transcriptional Analysis
Authors: Thananusak Roypim , Laoteng Kobkul , Raethong Nachon , Zhang Yu , Vongsangnak Wanwipa
Published: August 2020

Cordyceps militaris is currently exploited for commercial production of specialty products as its biomass constituents are enriched in bioactive compounds, such as cordycepin. The rational process development is important for economically feasible production of high quality bioproducts. Light is an abiotic factor affecting the cultivation process of this entomopathogenic fungus, particularly in its carotenoid formation. To uncover the cell response to light exposure, this study aimed to systematically investigate the metabolic responses of C. militaris strain TBRC6039 using integrative genome-wide transcriptome and genome-scale metabolic network (GSMN)-driven analysis. The genome-wide transcriptome analysis showed 8747 expressed genes in the glucose and sucrose cultures grown under light-programming and dark conditions. Of them, 689 differentially expressed genes were significant in response to the light-programming exposure. Through integration with the GSMN-driven analysis using the improved network (iRT1467), the reporter metabolites, e.g., adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) and 2-oxoglutarate, were identified when cultivated under the carotenoid-producing condition controlled by light-programming exposure, linking to up-regulations of the metabolic genes involved in glyoxalase system, as well as cordycepin and carotenoid biosynthesis. These results indicated that C. militaris had a metabolic control in acclimatization to light exposure through transcriptional co-regulation, which supported the cell growth and cordycepin production in addition to the accumulation of carotenoid as a photo-protective bio-pigment. This study provides a perspective in manipulating the metabolic fluxes towards the target metabolites through either genetic or physiological approaches.