bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Доповнення до видового складу міксоміцетів Шацького національного природного парку
Authors: КОЧЕРГІНА АНАСТАСІЯ ВІТАЛІЇВНА , ЛЕОНТЬЄВ ДМИТРО ВІКТОРОВИЧ
Published: February 2020

Протягом 21–23 серпня 2018 року на території Шацького національного природного парку виявлено 32 види міксоміцетів, що відносяться до 25 родів, 10 родин, 6 порядків та 2 підкласів класу Myxomycetes. Серед видів, виявлених протягом цього дослідження, лише 9 були раніше (у 2004 році) зареєстровані на території парку. У таксономічному спектрі міксоміцетів Шацького національного природного парку, обрахованому з урахуванням знахідок 2004 та 2018 років, підклас Columellomycetidae представлений 36 видами (58,1%), а Lucisporomycetidae – 26-ма (41,9%). Серед порядків за кількістю видів переважають Stemonitidales (17; 27,4%) та Physarales (16; 25,8%), а серед родин – Physaraceae (13 видів; 21%), Amaurochaetaceae (10; 16,1%), Trichiaceae (9; 14,5%), Stemonitidaceae та Cribrariaceae (по 7; 11,3%). Серед родів найбільша кількість видів була відмічена для Cribraria Pers., Stemonitis Roth та Physarum Pers. 17 видів міксоміцетів (50,0%) спостерігалися на мертвій деревині, 15 (44,1%) – на корі живих дерев, значно менше видів знайдено на листовому (7; 20,6%) та гілковому опаді (6; 17,7%). Лише один вид – Symphytocarpus trechispora (Berk. ex Torrend) Nann.-Bremek. – був виявлений на живих трав’янистих покритонасінних та мохоподібних. Серед субстратоутворюючих рослин найсприятливішими для розвитку міксоміцетів в умовах Шацького національного природного парку виявилися Pinus sylvestris L. (25 видів; 73,5%), Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. (10; 29,4%) і Betula pendula Roth (7; 20,6%); значно менша кількість видів відмічена на субстратах, утворених Populus cf. alba L. (3; 8,8%), P. tremula L. (2; 5,9%), Quercus robur L. (2; 5,9%), Pyrus communis L. (1; 3%) та Betula pubescens Ehrh. (1; 3%). Цікаво, що у східній частині України для Q. robur та P. tremula завжди характерним є масовий розвиток міксоміцетів. Серед виявлених нами видів 23 є новими для парку, а 18 – новими для Західного Полісся. Licea hydrargyra Nann.-Bremek., T.N. Lakh. & R.K. Chopra, L. pumila G.W. Martin & R.M. Allen та Symphytocarpus trechispora наводяться вперше для України, серед них перші два види – нові для Східної Європи. Нові для України види роду Licea було виявлено методом вологої камери, який раніше не використовувався для дослідження міксоміцетів Західного Полісся.
Redesigned Partnerships as a Result of Redesigned Educational Preparation Program
Authors: Smith Linda Gray , Wood Sue , Rich Greg , Singleton Everett , Wall Timothy
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the ability of a redesigned teacher preparation program to effectively meet the needs of teacher candidates and partner school districts. The study examined the effects of the redesigned school of education program on perceptions of teacher candidates, administrators, teachers in partner districts, and faculty members. Findings from school-partnership districts and the school of education were explored. The goal was to use best practices to meet the needs of teacher candidates and provide rich theoretical and clinical experiences in diverse school settings. Findings indicated a change in perceptions of teacher candidates in understanding the importance of equity in the teaching process and of the connection between theory presented in the classroom and application in settings of diverse learners. Teachers and principals indicated an appreciation for renewal through the collaborative experience with teacher candidates during field experiences.
Oxidative Status of the Myocardium in Response to Different Intensities of Physical Training
Authors: GUERREIRO L. F. , ROCHA A. M. , MARTINS C. N. , RIBEIRO J. P. , WALLY C. , STRIEDER D. L. , CARISSIMI C. G. , OLIVEIRA M. G. , PEREIRA A. A. , BIONDI H. S. , MONSERRAT J. M. , GONÇALVES C. A. N.
Published: February 2020

The intensity of exercise determines the metabolic pathway and the energetic substrate that is spent. Our study sought to identify the effects of different intensities of swimming on myocardial oxidative status and the blood lipid profile. Eighty Wistar rats (male and female) submitted to different intensities of a swimming regimen (low, LS; moderate, MS; or high, HS) for 16 weeks. Samples of blood and myocardium from the left ventricle were collected to determine lipid profiles and oxidative status. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation was analyzed. ROS levels and ACAP were higher in male rats than in female rats overall (p<0.05). However, ACAP in the myocardium was significantly elevated in LS female rats compared to the MS and HS female rats, which had a significantly lower ACAP compared to all other groups. LS and MS training in both sexes and HS training (in females) led to significant decreases in the heart’s lipid peroxidation. Amelioration of the lipid profile and reduction in oxidative damage contributed to a physiological state that benefits cardiovascular function in exercised animals. The results show that low and moderate intensity exercise promotes beneficial adaptations.
The Effect of Alfacalcidiol and Metformin on Phenotype Manifestations in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – a Preliminary Study
Authors: DRAVECKÁ I. , FIGUROVÁ J. , JAVORSKÝ M. , PETRÍKOVÁ J. , VAĽKOVÁ M. , LAZÚROVÁ I.
Published: February 2020

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in obese, insulin resistant and vitamin D deficient PCOS women on biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity in comparison to effect of metformin or combined metformin plus vitamin D therapy. Thirty nine PCOS women were randomized into three groups and treated with alfacalcidiol (Group 1), combined alfacalcidiol and metformin therapy (Group 2) and metformin (Group 3) for 6 months. Serum TST, fTST, DHEAS, LH and LH/FSH were measured before and after six months of treatment. Menstrual cycle regularity, hirsutism, acne and pregnancy rate were assessed at the same time. There was a significant decrease in TST levels in the Group 2 and slight but not significant decrease in the Group 3. No significant changes in other parameters (fTST, DHEAS, LH, LH/FSH) have been found after 6 months therapy in all three groups. An improvement of menstrual cycle was detected in 78 % of patients in Group 1 (p<0.04), 80 % in the Group 2 (p<0.03) and in 90 % in the Group 3 (p<0.002), respectively. There was no significant improvement of acne and hirsutism in all three groups (all p not significant). Pregnancy rate was higher in the Group 3 as compared with Groups 1 and 2 (67 % vs. 0 % and 25 %, respectively), however without statistical significance. Vitamin D administration has no significant effect on androgen levels and clinical features of hyperandrogenism in obese vitamin D deficient PCOS women. However, it can potentiate effect of metformin on testosterone levels and LH/FSH ratio but not on clinical hyperandrogenism and pregnancy rate.
Número de larvas de Oreochromis sp en dos proporciones reproductivas con dos sistemas de manejo
Authors: Giraldo Lizarazo Heriberto Andrés , Pineda Santis Hermes Rafael
Published: February 2020

Se planteó como objetivo general evaluar el número de larvas de Oreochromis sp en proporciones reproductivas 3:1 y 3:2 (relación Hembras:Machos) y los parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua en dos sistemas de manejo (aireación artificial y recambio de agua), realizado en el Centro Experimental Piscícola en San Jerónimo (Antioquia). Los datos fueron procesados mediante el paquete estadísticos PAST© para estadística descriptiva y análisis de comparación. Los resultados mostraron que, los estanques con aireación artificial tuvieron un mayor número final (58.630 larvas), respecto al recambio de agua (24.451 larvas), sumando ambas proporciones. Los parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua presentaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre ambos manejos, estando dentro de los rangos óptimos para el hibrido, con niveles de Oxígeno entre 7.0–10.7 mg/L, temperaturas entre 25.7–29.8 °C y pH entre 8.5–9.0, considerando ambas proporciones. El manejo con aireación presentó el mayor número de larvas en las dos proporciones.
A p-tert-Butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene Based Soft Gel for Sustained Drug Release in Water
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhang Runmiao , Han Ying , Wang Jin , Yan Chaoguo
Published: February 2020

P-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene is a well-known calix[4]arene analog in which one CH2 bridge is replaced by one -CH2OCH2- group. Thus, dihomooxacalix[4]arene has a slightly larger cavity than that of calix[4]arene and usually possesses a more flexible cone conformation, and the bridged oxygen atom might provide additional binding sites. Here, we synthesized a new functional p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene 1 through Ugi reaction with good yield (70%), starting from condensed p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene O-alkoxy–substituted benzaldehydes, benzoic acid, benzylamine, and cyclohexyl isocyanide. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), 13C NMR, IR, and diffusion-ordered 1H NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) methods were used to characterize the structure of 1. Then soft gel was prepared by adding 1 into cyclohexane directly. It shows remarkable thermoreversibility and can be demonstrated for several cycles. As is revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, xerogel showed highly interconnected and homogeneous porous network structures, and hence, the gel is suitable for storage and controlled release.
A Mechanistic Model of Macromolecular Allocation, Elemental Stoichiometry, and Growth Rate in Phytoplankton
Authors: Inomura Keisuke , Omta Anne Willem , Talmy David , Bragg Jason , Deutsch Curtis , Follows Michael J.
Published: February 2020

We present a model of the growth rate and elemental stoichiometry of phytoplankton as a function of resource allocation between and within broad macromolecular pools under a variety of resource supply conditions. The model is based on four, empirically-supported, cornerstone assumptions: that there is a saturating relationship between light and photosynthesis, a linear relationship between RNA/protein and growth rate, a linear relationship between biosynthetic proteins and growth rate, and a constant macromolecular composition of the light-harvesting machinery. We combine these assumptions with statements of conservation of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and energy. The model can be solved algebraically for steady state conditions and constrained with data on elemental stoichiometry from published laboratory chemostat studies. It interprets the relationships between macromolecular and elemental stoichiometry and also provides quantitative predictions of the maximum growth rate at given light intensity and nutrient supply rates. The model is compatible with data sets from several laboratory studies characterizing both prokaryotic and eukaryotic phytoplankton from marine and freshwater environments. It is conceptually simple, yet mechanistic and quantitative. Here, the model is constrained only by elemental stoichiometry, but makes predictions about allocation to measurable macromolecular pools, which could be tested in the laboratory.
Genes Involved in Stress Response and Especially in Phytoalexin Biosynthesis Are Upregulated in Four Malus Genotypes in Response to Apple Replant Disease
Authors: Reim Stefanie , Rohr Annmarie-Deetja , Winkelmann Traud , Weiß Stefan , Liu Benye , Beerhues Ludger , Schmitz Michaela , Hanke Magda-Viola , Flachowsky Henryk
Published: February 2020

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a soil-borne disease, which is of particular importance for fruit tree nurseries and fruit growers. The disease manifests by a poor vegetative development, stunted growth, and reduced yield in terms of quantity and quality, if apple plants (usually rootstocks) are replanted several times at the same site. Genotype-specific differences in the reaction of apple plants to ARD are documented, but less is known about the genetic mechanisms behind this symptomatology. Recent transcriptome analyses resulted in a number of candidate genes possibly involved in the plant response. In the present study, the expression of 108 selected candidate genes was investigated in root and leaf tissue of four different apple genotypes grown in untreated ARD soil and ARD soil disinfected by γ-irradiation originating from two different sites in Germany. Thirty-nine out of the 108 candidate genes were differentially expressed in roots by taking a p-value of < 0.05 and a fold change of > 1.5 as cutoff. Sixteen genes were more than 4.5-fold upregulated in roots of plants grown in ARD soil. The four genesMNL2(putative mannosidase);ALF5(multi antimicrobial extrusion protein);UGT73B4(uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferase 73B4), andECHI(chitin-binding) were significantly upregulated in roots. These genes seem to be related to the host plant response to ARD, although they have never been described in this context before. Six of the highly upregulated genes belong to the phytoalexin biosynthesis pathway. Their genotype-specific gene expression pattern was consistent with the phytoalexin content measured in roots. The biphenyl synthase (BIS) genes were found to be useful as early biomarkers for ARD, because their expression pattern correlated well with the phenotypic reaction of theMalusgenotypes investigated.
Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles as Potent Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Nano-Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ali Syed Ghazanfar , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Alzohairy Mohammad A. , Alomary Mohammad N. , AlYahya Sami , Jalal Mohammad , Khan Haris M. , Asiri Sarah Mousa Maadi , Ahmad Wasim , Mahdi Abbas Ali , El-Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , El-Meligy Mohammed A.
Published: February 2020

Abstract: Plant-based synthesis of eco-friendly nanoparticles has widespread applications in many fields, including medicine. Biofilm—a shield for pathogenic microorganisms—once formed, is difficult to destroy with antibiotics, making the pathogen resistant. Here, we synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the stem of an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, Tinospora cordifolia, and studied the action of AuNPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. The AuNPs were spherically shaped with an average size of 16.1 nm. Further, the subminimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AuNPs (50, 100, and 150 µg/mL) greatly affected the biofilm-forming ability of P. aeruginosa, as observed by crystal violet assay and SEM, which showed a decrease in the number of biofilm-forming cells with increasing AuNP concentration. This was further justified by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which showed irregularities in the structure of the biofilm at the sub-MIC of AuNPs. Further, the interaction of AuNPs with PAO1 at the highest sub-MIC (150 µg/mL) showed the internalization of the nanoparticles, probably affecting the tendency of PAO1 to colonize on the surface of the nanoparticles. This study suggests that green-synthesized AuNPs can be used as effective nano-antibiotics against biofilm-related infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
Allies or Enemies: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Developmental Processes of Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)
Authors: Marzec-Schmidt Katarzyna , Wojciechowska Natalia , Nemeczek Klaudia , Ludwików Agnieszka , Mucha Joanna , Bagniewska-Zadworna Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

In contrast to aboveground organs (stems and leaves), developmental events and their regulation in underground organs, such as pioneer and fine roots, are quite poorly understood. The objective of the current study was to achieve a better understanding of the physiological and molecular role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS-related enzymes in the process of stem and pioneer root development in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), as well as in the senescence of leaves and fine roots. Results of a transcriptomic analysis revealed that primary/secondary growth and senescence are accompanied by substantial changes in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress metabolism. We observed that some mechanisms common for above- and under-ground organs, e.g., the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes and SOD activity, declined during stems’ and pioneer roots’ development. Moreover, the localization of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2•–) in the primary and secondary xylem of stems and pioneer roots confirms their involvement in xylem cell wall lignification and the induction of programmed cell death (PCD). H2O2 and O2•– in senescing fine roots were present in the same locations as demonstrated previously for ATG8 (AuTophaGy-related) proteins, implying their participation in cell degradation during senescence, while O2•– in older leaves was also localized similarly to ATG8 in chloroplasts, suggesting their role in chlorophagy. ROS and ROS-related enzymes play an integral role in the lignification of xylem cell walls in Populus trichocarpa, as well as the induction of PCD during xylogenesis and senescence.
Methodology of Employing Exoskeleton Technology in Manufacturing by Considering Time-Related and Ergonomics Influences
Authors: Dahmen Christian , Constantinescu Carmen
Published: February 2020

This article presents a holistic methodology for planning, optimization and integration of exoskeletons for human-centered workplaces, with a focus on the automotive industry. Parts of current and future challenges in this industry (i.e., need of flexible manufacturing but as well having demographic change) are the motivation for this article. This challenges should be transformed in positive effectiveness by integrating of exoskeletons regarding this article. Already published research work from authors are combined in a form of summary, to get all relevant knowledge, and especially results, in a coherent and final context. This article gives interested newcomers, as well as experienced users, planners and researchers, in exoskeleton technology an overview and guideline of all relevant parts: from absolute basics beginning until operative usage. After fixing the motivation with resulting three relevant research questions, an introduction to the exoskeleton technology and to the current challenges in planning and optimizing the ergonomics and efficiency in manufacturing are given. A first preselection method (called ExoMatch) is presented to find the most suitable exoskeleton for workplacesm by filtering and matching all the important analyzed attributes and characteristics under consideration to all relevant aspects from environments. The next section treats results regarding an analysis of influencing factors by integrating exoskeletons in manufacturing. In particular, ergonomic-related and production-process-related (especially time-management) influences identified and researched in already published works are discussed. The next important step is to present a roadmap as a guideline for integration exoskeleton. This article gives relevant knowledge, methodologies and guidelines for optimized integrating exoskeleton for human-centered workplaces, under consideration of ergonomics- and process-related influences, in a coherent context, as a result and summary from several already published research work.
A Simple Methodology to Develop Bifilar, Quadrifilar, and Octofilar Calculable Resistors
Authors: Pacheco-Estrada Alepth H. , Hernandez-Marquez Felipe L. , Aviles Carlos D. , Duarte-Galvan Carlos , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Aguirre-Becerra Humberto , Contreras-Medina Luis M.
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the development of bifilar, quadrifilar, and octofilar Calculable Resistors (CRs). The research involves Evanohm-S and Isaohm wire heat treatment processes to achieve temperature coefficients less than 0.5 μ Ω / Ω / ∘ C in the CR’s wire resistance element, tests of different terminal–wire joining techniques, and construction aspects achieving a stability of less than 0.05 μ Ω / Ω /day. This kind of construction methodology has not been presented in detail in previous CR papers, and it is essential to accomplish the correct parameters of a CR. Without it, the development of a CR can take several months or even years. A comparison between CRs developed in this research and a CR from the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) in Switzerland was carried out. Measurement results between the 10 k Ω octofilar CR and the METAS 1 k Ω coaxial CR show an agreement better than 0.35 μ Ω / Ω through the audio-frequency range. Therefore, the octofilar CR can be used as an AC resistance reference with traceability to the quantum Hall resistance in DC.
Homogeneity of the Temperature Data Series from ERA5 and MERRA2 and Temperature Trends
Authors: Kozubek Michal , Krizan Peter , Lastovicka Jan
Published: February 2020

The stratosphere and its dynamics are a very important part of atmospheric circulation. We need to analyze its climatology, as well as long-term trends. A long-term trend study needs homogenous datasets without significant artificial discontinuities. The analysis is based on the two newest released reanalyses, Modern Era-Retrospective Analysis (MERRA2) and European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis (ERA5). The aim of this study is to detect discontinuities in the temperature time series from the above reanalyses with the help of the Pettitt homogeneity test for pressure layers above 500 hPa up to 1 hPa in January and February, and show a comparison of temperature trends from the studied reanalyses and GPS radio occultation (GPS RO). We search for individual grid points where these discontinuities occur, and also for the years when they occur (geographical and temporal distribution). As expected, the study confirms better results for the Northern Hemisphere due to the denser data coverage. A high number of grid points with jumps on the Southern Hemisphere is found, especially at higher pressure levels (from 50 hPa). The spatial and vertical distribution of discontinuities is also presented. The vertical distribution reveals the reduction of the number of jumps around 10 hPa, especially for ERA5 reanalysis. The results show that ERA5 has significantly less jumps than MERRA2. We also study temperature trends from reanalyses and GPS RO and our analysis shows that the agreement between the reanalyses and observations are very good for the period 2006–2018.
A Review and Insights for Eleven Years of Urban Microclimate Research Towards a New Egyptian ERA of Low Carbon, Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Housing Typologies
Authors: Fahmy Mohammad , Mahmoud Sherif , Elwy Ibrahim , Mahmoud Hatem
Published: February 2020

Since the mid-1970s, urban development in Egypt has sprawled far from the distinguished compact arid built environment, as the court-yarded housing typologies that completed the vernacular picture of desert architecture have been discarded in the early 20th century. This has motivated urban microclimate research in Egypt. The main objective was initially to improve outdoor thermal comfort. Therefore, Egyptian research started with assessing different existing patterns for the sake of climate responsive and sustainable urban design practice characterized with low carbon, thermal comfort and energy efficiency in such a hot arid conditions. That is why the review workflow of this article has followed a design progress workflow that led to solving design complexities with regard to generating housing urban forms on a microclimate basis rather than an article regular review workflow in order to extract the research gaps and conclude insights. After discussing a general framework for generating housing sustainable design identified from the concluded gaps, the main conclusion is a vision and a call to integrate the Urban microclimate-Building passiveness-Renewables design dimensions, UBR, towards the evolution of a new era of energy efficient housing typologies and a 5th generation of Egyptian sustainable cities where the 1st generation of new Egyptian cities started 1970s.
Cannabis and Cognition: Connecting the Dots towards the Understanding of the Relationship
Authors: Colizzi Marco , Tosato Sarah , Ruggeri Mirella
Published: February 2020

Several studies have advanced the understanding of the effects of cannabis on cognitive function. A comprehensive reappraisal of such literature may help in drawing conclusions about the potential risks associated with cannabis use. In summary, the evidence suggests that earlier age of use, high-frequency and high-potency cannabis use, as well as sustained use over time and use of synthetic cannabinoids, are all correlated with a higher likelihood of developing potentially severe and persistent executive function impairments. While the exact mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of cannabis on cognition are not completely clear, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies support the presence of both structural and functional alterations associated with cannabis use. Cognitive dysfunction is also a core feature of many neuropsychiatric disorders and care must be taken regarding the effects of cannabis use in these patient populations. Cognitive impairments affect patients’ daily functions, sociability, and long-term outcome, posing elevated economic, social, and clinical burdens. There is, thus, a compelling case for implementing behavioral and cognitive rehabilitation therapies for these patients, as well as investigating the endocannabinoid system in the development of new psychopharmacological treatments.
Effect of Mindfulness on Empathy and Self-Compassion: An Adapted MBCT Program on Filipino College Students
Authors: Centeno Reginald Paul R. , Fernandez Karina Therese G.
Published: February 2020

Attending college is meaningful for many young adults. This period is marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can have both positive and negative effects on college students. The last two decades have seen an alarming increase in the number of college students who suffer from mental health conditions, such as depression, suicide, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. It is recommended that actions to support the students’ wellbeing must be creative and evidence-based. Research suggests that a mindfulness-based intervention may be an effective strategy to address mental health conditions among college students. This study was done to examine the efficacy of an adapted mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program that was implemented in a classroom setting in the Philippines and to explore how mindfulness practice can affect empathy and self-compassion on senior Filipino college students aged 19–22 years old. Two classes were used to compare the effects of mindfulness intervention. One class underwent the adapted MBCT program while the other class underwent the same kind of class without mindfulness interventions. Self-report measures of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Perspective Taking subscale and Empathic Concern subscale of Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Self-compassion scale—short form were administered before undergoing the adapted MBCT and after the program. After going through the adapted MBCT, college students’ mindfulness significantly improved. Empathy and self-compassion also significantly improved after undergoing the program. This corroborates previous studies done on mindfulness and its efficacy with adolescents and suggests how practicing mindfulness can improve empathy and self-compassion with Filipino college students. It provides a promising groundwork for the emerging interest and research in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, on how the practice of mindfulness can help with the mental health of college students.
Ultrasonic Evaluation of Cement-Based Building Materials Modified Using Marble Powder Sourced from Industrial Wastes
Authors: Toubal Seghir Nadhir , Benaimeche Oussama , Krzywiński Kamil , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an experimental study on the assessment of the cement-based materials properties made with marble powder (MP) at different replacement ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) of cement by using the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. The used MP has a Blaine fineness similar to that of Portland cement. The physical and the chemical characteristics of Portland cement and MP were determined. To determine the UPV values, cubic specimens (50 × 50 × 50 mm3) of cement paste and mortar were prepared and cured either in air at a temperature equal to 22 ± 2 °C and relative humidity equal to 20 ± 1%, or in water at a temperature equal to 20 ± 1 °C. The experimental tests including the UPV, the compressive strength (fcd), and the apparent density (ϒad) were conducted at 3, 7, 28, and 65 days, the relationship between each of these parameters were presented. Additionally, economic performance of cement and waste MP used in this study was performed. The results show that the use of MP as partial replacement of cement causes a decrease in the compressive strength and apparent density in both curing conditions. In addition, the results show a good relationship between the destructive test and non-destructive test adopted by UPV.
The Structure, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties of Ta-Hf-C Coatings Deposited by Pulsed Direct Current Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: de Monteynard Alexis , Luo Huan , Chehimi Mohamed , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Achache Sofiane , François Manuel , Billard Alain , Sanchette Frédéric
Published: February 2020

Ta, Hf, TaCx, HfCx, and TaxHf1-xCy coatings were deposited by reactive pulsed Direct Current (DC) magnetron sputtering of Ta or Hf pure metallic targets in Ar plus CH4 gas mixtures. The properties have been investigated as a function of the carbon content, which is tuned via the CH4 flow rate. The discharge was characterized by means of Optical Emission Spectroscopy and, in our conditions, both Ta-C and Hf-C systems seem to be weakly reactive. The structure of the as-deposited pure tantalum film is metastable tetragonal β-Ta. The fcc-MeCx carbide phases (Me = Ta or Hf) are {111} textured at low carbon concentrations and then lose their preferred orientation for higher carbon concentrations. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis has highlighted the presence of an amorphous phase at higher carbon concentrations. When the carbon content increases, the coating’s morphology is first compact-columnar and becomes glassy because of the nano-sized grains and then returns to an open columnar morphology for the higher carbon concentrations. The hardness and Young’s modulus of TaCx coatings reach 36 and 405 GPa, respectively. For HfCx coatings, these values are 29 and 318 GPa. The MeCx coating residual stresses increase with the addition of carbon (from one-hundredth of 1 MPa to 1.5 GPa approximately). Nevertheless, the columnar morphology at a high carbon content allows the residual stresses to decrease. Concerning TaxHf1-xCy coatings, the structure and the microstructure analyses have revealed the creation of a nanostructured coating, with the formation of an fcc superlattice. The hardness is relatively constant independently of the chemical composition (22 GPa). The residual stress was strongly reduced compared to that of binary carbides coatings, due to the rotation of substrates.
Experimental and Computational Analyses of Temperature Distributions in Slope-Type Thin-Film Thermoelectric Generators at Different Slope Angles and Evaluation of Their Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Tanaka Saburo , Yamaguchi Masaki , Eguchi Rikuo , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: February 2020

Thin-film thermoelectric generators are not widely used mainly because it is difficult to provide a temperature difference (ΔT) within the generators. To solve this problem, in our previous study, we prepared slope-type thin-film thermoelectric generators (STTEGs) using electrodeposition and transferred processes. A thin-film generator including n-type Bi2Te3 and p-type Sb2Te3 thin films was attached on slope blocks made of polydimethylsiloxane. In this study, the slope angle of STTEGs was optimized based on experimental results and computational analyses using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). With the increase in the slope angle, the ΔT began increasing and became saturated at a slope angle of 58°, and this trend was also confirmed by experimental measurements. When the heat source temperature was set at 65 °C, the ΔT computationally reached 26 K at a slope angle of 58°, and the maximum output power was 46.1 nW. Therefore, we demonstrated that the highest performance of STTEGs with an optimal slope angle can be estimated by combining the experimental results and computational analyses.
Genotyping-By-Sequencing Reveals Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of a Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) Collection
Authors: Negawo Alemayehu Teressa , Assefa Yilikal , Hanson Jean , Abdena Asebe , Muktar Meki S. , Habte Ermias , Sartie Alieu M. , Jones Chris S.
Published: February 2020

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is an important forage grass widely grown across the world with many good characteristics including high biomass yield, drought tolerance, and adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions and agro-ecologies. Two hundred and five buffelgrass accessions from diverse origins, conserved as part of the in-trust collection in the ILRI genebank, were analyzed by genotyping-by-sequencing using the DArTseq platform. The genotyping generated 234,581 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.005 to 0.5, and the short sequences of the markers were aligned with foxtail millet (Setaria italica) as a reference genome to generate genomic map positions of the markers. One thousand informative SNP markers, representing a broad coverage of the reference genome and with an average PIC value of 0.35, were selected for population structure and diversity analyses. The population structure analysis suggested two main groups, while the hierarchical clustering showed up to eight clusters in the collection. A representative core collection containing 20% of the accessions in the collection, with germplasm from 10 African countries and Oman, was developed. In general, the study revealed the presence of considerable genetic diversity and richness in the collection and a core collection that could be used for further analysis for specific traits of interest.
Crustacean Decapod Assemblage Associated with Seagrass (Zostera marina) Beds in Southern Waters of Korea
Authors: Park Joo Myun , Kwak Seok Nam , Riedel Ralf
Published: February 2020

Decapod assemblages in Zostera marina beds from two bays adjacent to unvegetated habitats were investigated to assess their influence on decapod assemblages. Thirty-eight decapod species belonging to four taxa were collected using a small beam trawl at four habitat types from two different locations off the coast of Namhae Island, South Korea. Dominant decapod taxon at all habitats was the caridean shrimps, with Eualus leptognathus, Heptacarpus pandaloides, Latreutes anoplonyx, La. Laminirostris, and Palaemon macrodactylus being the most abundant caridean species. Crabs were characterized with the highest biomass, but with moderate species richness and abundance. Penaeoid and sergestoid shrimps only accounted for <1% of the total decapod abundance. The number of species and their abundance of decapod assemblages varied greatly by habitat type, season, and diel patterns, but not diversity. Species number and abundance peaked in seagrass beds of southern exposed bays during the autumn and were lowest in unvegetated habitats during the summer months. Diel decapod catch rates were higher at night. Dense seagrass vegetation and nighttime supported higher decapod mean densities, but not species richness and diversity. Multivariate analyses revealed that habitat type and season significantly affected the structure of decapod assemblages, but diel patterns had a minor influence. Among decapod species, Pa. macrodactylus and Pugettia quadridens characterized the decapod assemblages in seagrass beds at the northern semi-closed bay, while Telmessus acutidens, Crangon affinis, Cr. hakodatei, Charybdis (Charybdis) japonica, and Portunus sanguinolentus were significantly associated with both vegetated and unvegetated habitats at the southern exposed bay, with the former two species more abundant during the colder season.
Evidence for Wide Dispersal in a Stem Galliform Clade from a New Small-Sized Middle Eocene Pangalliform (Aves: Paraortygidae) from the Uinta Basin of Utah (USA)
Authors: Stidham Thomas A. , Townsend K.E. Beth , Holroyd Patricia A.
Published: February 2020

A new bird coracoid from the Uinta Formation in the Uinta Basin in Utah (USA) records the presence of the only known pangalliform from the middle Eocene of North America, occurring in a >15 million year gap in their history. This fossil represents a new taxon, informally termed the Uintan paraortygid, which is also currently the best-supported record of the extinct Paraortygidae in North America (and among the oldest records of the group in the world). The specimen exhibits a derived enlarged procoracoid prominence with a small procoracoid process, and concave elliptical scapular cotyle that are shared with the middle Eocene paraortygids, Xorazmortyx and Scopelortyx; however, the Uintan paraortygid also has a possibly autapomorphic (pneumatic) fossa adjacent to the scapular cotyle. The similarity in body size and morphology among these widely distributed early paraortygids suggests phylogenetic affinity among them. Given their occurrence in the United States, Uzbekistan, and Namibia during the middle Eocene, these birds likely were good fliers with an increased ability to disperse; and probably had a flexible biology or diet allowing them to occupy a diversity of habitats from coasts and forests to semi-arid savannah-like habitats. The problematic early records of Odontophoridae need to be reexamined as potential members of Paraortygidae and associates of these small-bodied taxa.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Subjects
Authors: Shukla Sanjeev , Srivastava Janmejai K. , Shankar Eswar , Kanwal Rajnee , Nawab Akbar , Sharma Haripaul , Bhaskaran Natarajan , Ponsky Lee E. , Fu Pingfu , MacLennan Gregory T. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: February 2020

The oxidant/antioxidant balance has been implicated in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. We investigated oxidative damage and antioxidant status in high-risk prostate cancer subjects. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in erythrocytes, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in leukocytes and plasma levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxide products were measured in high-risk and age-matched healthy subjects. Serum PSA levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects, whereas GST (p < 0.0001) and GSH (p < 0.002) were higher in healthy controls. Levels of 8-OHdG, an oxidized nucleoside of DNA, were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects. No marked difference in the levels of CAT (p = 0.237), GSH-Px (p = 0.74), GSH-R (p = 0.344), SOD (p = 0.109), and lipid peroxide products (p = 0129) were observed between two groups. Pearson’s correlation between GST and PSA (r = −0.69 (p < 0.0001)), GST and 8-OHdG (r = −0.62 (p < 0.0004)), GSH and 8-OHdG (r= −0.39 (p = 0.038)), and CAT and GSH-Px (r= −0.33 (p = 0.04)) were found to be negatively correlated, whereas 8-OHdG and PSA were positively associated (r= 0.57 (p < 0.002). These results indicate a significant role of oxidative damage in prostate carcinogenesis, particularly during the early stages of development. In conclusion, our data support the importance of antioxidant defense as a valuable diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in prostate cancer.
Q-Function-Based Traffic- and Thermal-Aware Adaptive Routing for 3D Network-on-Chip
Authors: Lee Seung Chan , Han Tae Hee
Published: February 2020

Die-stacking technology is expanding the space diversity of on-chip communications by leveraging through-silicon-via (TSV) integration and wafer bonding. The 3D network-on-chip (NoC), a combination of die-stacking technology and systematic on-chip communication infrastructure, suffers from increased thermal density and unbalanced heat dissipation across multi-stacked layers, significantly affecting chip performance and reliability. Recent studies have focused on runtime thermal management (RTM) techniques for improving the heat distribution balance, but performance degradations, owing to RTM mechanisms and unbalanced inter-layer traffic distributions, remain unresolved. In this study, we present a Q-function-based traffic- and thermal-aware adaptive routing algorithm, utilizing a reinforcement machine learning technique that gradually incorporates updated information into an RTM-based 3D NoC routing path. The proposed algorithm initially collects deadlock-free directions, based on the RTM and topology information. Subsequently, Q-learning-based decision making (through the learning of regional traffic information) is deployed for performance improvement with more balanced inter-layer traffic. The simulation results show that the proposed routing algorithm can improve throughput by 14.0%–28.2%, with a 24.9% more balanced inter-layer traffic load and a 30.6% more distributed inter-layer thermal dissipation on average, compared with those obtained in previous studies of a 3D NoC with an 8 × 8 × 4 mesh topology.
Optimized Node Clustering in VANETs by Using Meta-Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Ahsan Waleed , Khan Muhammad Fahad , Aadil Farhan , Maqsood Muazzam , Ashraf Staish , Nam Yunyoung , Rho Seungmin
Published: February 2020

In a vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET), the vehicles are the nodes, and these nodes communicate with each other. On the road, vehicles are continuously in motion, and it causes a dynamic change in the network topology. It is more challenging when there is a higher node density. These conditions create many difficulties for network scalability and optimal route-finding in VANETs. Clustering protocols are being used frequently to solve such type of problems. In this paper, we proposed the grasshoppers’ optimization-based node clustering algorithm for VANETs (GOA) for optimal cluster head selection. The proposed algorithm reduced network overhead in unpredictable node density scenarios. To do so, different experiments were performed for comparative analysis of GOA with other state-of-the-art techniques like dragonfly algorithm, grey wolf optimizer (GWO), and ant colony optimization (ACO). Plentiful parameters, such as the number of clusters, network area, node density, and transmission range, were used in various experiments. The outcome of these results indicated that GOA outperformed existing methodologies. Lastly, the application of GOA in the flying ad-hoc network (FANET) domain was also proposed for next-generation networks.
Fault Diagnosis of Open-Switch Failure in a Grid-Connected Three-Level Si/SiC Hybrid ANPC Inverter
Authors: Kwon Bong Hyun , Kim Sang-Hun , Kim Seok-Min , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: February 2020

A diagnostic method for an open-circuit switch failure in a hybrid active neutral-point clamped (HANPC) inverter is proposed in this paper. The switching leg of the HANPC inverter consists of four silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors and two silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors to achieve higher efficiency and power density compared to conventional neutral-point clamped inverters. When an open-circuit failure occurs in a switching device, the output current is severely distorted, causing damage to the inverter and the connected loads. The proposed diagnostic method aims to detect the open-switch failure and protect the related devices without additional sensors or circuits. The faulty conditions of six different switches are investigated based on the current distortion in the stationary reference frame. By analyzing the individual characteristic of each switch failure, it is possible to detect the exact location of the failed switch in a short period. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed fault-diagnostic method are verified using simulation and experimental results.
A Tunable Planar Balun with an Isolation Circuit Using Varactors Loaded Coupled Lines
Authors: Fang Shaojun , Guo Xiaojian , Liu Hongmei , Wang Zhongbao
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a frequency tunable planar balun composed of varactors loaded coupled lines (VL-CLs) is presented. By tuning the capacitances of the varactors, a wide frequency tuning range is obtained. Moreover, good impedance match, balanced output ports amplitude, and consistent output ports phase difference (PD) are maintained during the tuning. A detailed theoretical analysis using the signal flow diagram and the even-odd mode method is presented to clarify the characteristics of the proposed balun. To achieve ideal output matching and isolation for the proposed balun, a novel frequency tuned isolation circuit (IsC) is designed and connected to the balun. In theory, a frequency tuning range of 200% can be realized. In practice, due to the limited capacitances of the varactors, a prototype with a tunable frequency of 1.0 GHz ~ 2.0 GHz (66.7%) is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that more than21 dB of return loss (RL), 180° ± 1.8° of phase difference, 0.43 dB of amplitude imbalance (AP), and 22 dB of isolation are obtained at all tuning center frequencies, agreeing well with the simulated results.
A Road Condition Classification Algorithm for a Tire Acceleration Sensor using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Jun , Han Jun-Young , Lee Suk , Kwag Jae-Ryon , Kuk Min-Gu , Han In-Hyuk , Kim Man-Ho
Published: February 2020

The automotive industry is experiencing a period of innovation, represented by the term CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric). Among the innovative new technologies for automobiles, intelligent tire (iTire) collects road surface information through sensors installed inside a tire and informs the driver of the road conditions. iTire can promote safe driving. Various kinds of research on iTire is ongoing, and this paper proposes an algorithm to determine the road surface conditions while driving. Specifically, we have proposed a method for extracting the feature points of a frequency band, by converting acceleration data collected by sensors through fast Fourier transform (FFT) and determining road surface conditions via an artificial neural network. Lastly, the applicability of the algorithm was verified.