bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of quercetin and sodium chloride concentrations on wheat gliadin structure and physicochemical properties
Authors: Wang Qiming , Tang Yuwan , Yang Yaxuan , Lei Lin , Zhao Jichun , Zhang Yuhao , Li Lin , Wang Qiang , Ming Jian
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols may interact with protein via covalent bonds and non‐covalent interactions, improving the structures and functional properties of the protein. The cross‐linking between the polyphenol and protein is susceptible to salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) concentrations. Our study investigated the combined effects of quercetin (Q) and NaCl concentrations on wheat gliadin (G) structure and physicochemical properties.

RESULTS

Q and NaCl addition resulted in a more compact protein microstructure. The improved foaming and emulsifying properties indicated that the modified G might be potent as a novel surface‐active agent. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that Q protected the thermal stability from destruction at 50 and 200 mmol L−1 NaCl concentrations, with narrower protein denaturation peaks. Fourier transform infrared and the Raman spectral analyses showed the secondary structural and microenvironmental changes of G. NaCl addition imparted a rearrangement of hydrogen bonds in the polypeptide chain and the disorder of protein structure, whereas Q enhanced the transition from β‐sheets and random coils to α‐helices and β‐turns, forming a more ordered structure. Moreover, the interaction between G and Q resulted in significant disulfide bridges conformational rearrangements in the protein.

CONCLUSION

The results showed the benefits of natural food additives in food processing, which might have potential in improving the structure and physicochemical properties of protein‐based foods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of l‐theanine in tea water using fluorescence‐visualized paper‐based sensors based on CdTe quantum dots/corn carbon dots and nano‐porphyrin with chemometrics
Authors: Chen Hengye , Wei Liuna , Guo Xiaoming , Hai Chengying , Xu Lu , Zhang Lei , Lan Wei , Zhou Chunsong , She Yuanbin , Fu Haiyan
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The quality of tea is influenced by numerous factors, especially l‐theanine, which is one of the important markers used to evaluate the sweetness and freshness of tea. Sensitive, rapid, and accurate detection of l‐theanine is therefore useful to identify the grade and quality of tea.

RESULTS

A high‐sensitivity, paper‐based fluorescent sensor combined with chemometrics was established to detect l‐theanine in tea water based on CdTe quantum dots / corn carbon dots and nano tetra pyridel‐porphine zinc (ZnTPyP). To verify the reliability of this method, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence‐visualized paper‐based sensors were compared. The fluorescence spectrum method demonstrated a linear range of 1 to 10 000 nmol L−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.19 nmol L−1. In the fluorescence‐visualized paper‐based sensors there was a linear range of 10–1000 nmol L−1, and the LOD was 10 nmol L−1. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) and partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) were used successfully to determine l‐theanine accurately in tea water with this approach. The accuracy of the PLSDA model was 100% both in the training set and the predicting set, and the correlation coefficient between the actual concentration and the predicted concentration was greater than 0.9997 in the PLSR model.

CONCLUSION

This fluorescence‐visualized paper‐based sensor, combined with chemometrics, could be applied efficiently to the practical analysis of tea water samples, which provides a new idea to ensure the flavor and quality of tea. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Synergistic effects of UVA irradiation and phlorotannin extracts of Laminaria japonica on properties of grass carp myofibrillar protein gel
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Jiang Di , Sun Yihan , Gu Yue , Ming Yu , Zheng Jie , Yu Chenxu , Chen Xing , Qi Hang
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Oxidized phlorotannin can be used as a protein crosslinking agent to produce high‐quality fish gel products. Phlorotannin can be easily induced to form quinone compounds in an oxidizing environment, while o‐quinone has been proven to be a reactive, electrophilic intermediate that easily reacts with proteins to form rigid molecular crosslinking networks. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation (1 h, 15 W m−2) and various concentrations of Laminaria japonica phlorotannin extracts (PTE) on the gel properties of grass carp myofibrillar protein (MP).

RESULTS

UVA treatment and PTE could synergistically improve the MP gel properties more than PTE alone (P < 0.05). At 625 mmol kg−1 MP PTE alone, the gel strength and cooking yield reached 3.10 ± 0.16 g cm and 47.45 ± 0.35%, respectively, while with the same level of PTE plus UVA they became 4.26 ± 0.19 g cm and 53.89 ± 1.54%, respectively. The three‐dimensional network structure of the gel (with PTE + UVA) showed higher connectivity and tightness than that of the control group (no treatment).

CONCLUSIONS

The synergistic effects of PTE and UVA could effectively induce crosslinking of grass carp MP, which could lead to an improvement of MP gel quality. These findings would provide a new technical approach to produce high‐quality protein gel products in the fish processing industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Total alkalinity production in a mangrove ecosystem reveals an overlooked Blue Carbon component
Authors: Saderne Vincent , Fusi Marco , Thomson Timothy , Dunne Aislinn , Mahmud Fatima , Roth Florian , Carvalho Susana , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: October 2020

Mangroves have the capacity to sequester organic carbon (Corg) in their sediments permanently. However, the carbon budget of mangroves is also affected by the total alkalinity (TA) budget. Principally, TA emitted from carbonate sediment dissolution is a perennial sink of atmospheric CO2. The assessment of the TA budget of mangrove carbonate sediments in the Red Sea revealed a large TA emission of 403 ± 17 mmol m−2 d−1, independent of light, seasons, or the presence of pneumatophores, compared to −36 ± 10 mmol m−2 d−1 in lagoon sediment. We estimate the TA emission from carbonate dissolution in Red Sea mangroves supported a CO2 uptake of 345 ± 15 gC m−2 yr−1, 23‐fold the Corg burial rate of 15 gC m−2 yr−1. The focus on Corg burial in sediments may substantially underestimate the role of mangroves in CO2 removal. Quantifying the role of mangroves in climate change mitigation requires carbonate dissolution to be included in assessments.
High temperature flow behavior and constitutive model of alloy transition layer in composite steel tube prepared by centrifugal self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS)
Authors: Wang S.‐z. , Liang Y. , Wei S.‐c. , Guo Y.‐f. , Xu B.‐s.
Published: October 2020

Centrifugal self‐propagation high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) is a newly developed composite preparation technique by which a ceramic‐alloy‐carbon steel multilayer composite tube can be prepared. The hot deformation behaviors of the alloy steel layer at 800 °C–1000 °C, strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 1.0 s−1 and 10 s−1 were studied by Gleeble‐1500 thermal simulator. Rheological curve characteristics were analyzed under different thermal compression processes and a phenomenological hyperbolic sinusoidal Arrhenius constitutive equation was established to characterize the rheological mechanics of the material. The results show that the alloy steel is sensitive to temperature and strain rate, and its value of true stress decreases with the increase of temperature and strain rate. Thermal deformation process is the interaction between work hardening and dynamic softening, which is accompanied by the increase and extinction of dislocations. Under the strain rate of 10 s−1, the stress‐strain curve has a significant decrease when the strain exceeds 0.5. According to the observation of microstructure, this phenomenon can be attributed to the micro‐crack generated by the local instability flow in the denatured zone. With the strain rate decreases, the softening mechanism of the alloy changes from dynamic recovery to dynamic recrystallization. The calculation results of the Arrhenius constitutive equation (AARE = 6.54 %, R = 0.99452) indicate that the model can predict the flow stress of the alloy accurately.
Improvement of weld quality in electromagnetic welding of aluminum‐stainless steel sheets
Authors: Khandaei M. , Vahidshad Y. , Ayaz M.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the electromagnetic welding of two dissimilar metals was simulated using LS‐Dyna software. Results of finite element simulations were used to obtain a high quality weld between the aluminum and stainless steel by the minimum discharge energy. The experiments were designed according to a Box‐Behnken response surface methodology to extract the regression models from the significant parameters of voltage, standoff distance and thickness of driver. Possibility of weld formation were predicted by using the weldability window of aluminum‐stainless steel. According to the results of analysis of variance, the quality of weld can be improved by applying the following values of parameters: voltage of 15 kV, standoff distance of 1.5 mm and driver thickness of 1 mm. The results of the finite element simulations were confirmed by conducting the electromagnetic welding at the optimal condition of parameters. In order to evaluate the quality of joints, the microstructure of weld interface was studied using the optical and scanning electron microscope.
Effects of various tool plunge depths on microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and dome structure features of friction stir spot welded AA5052‐H32 similar joints
Authors: Bozkurt M. , Öztoprak N. , Sayer S. , Yeni Ç.
Published: October 2020

The solid‐state nature of friction stir spot welding process provides outstanding advantages for the sound joining of aluminum alloys. Within this study, 3 mm‐thick AA5052‐H32 sheets are successfully joined by friction stir spot welding using 2344 hot‐worked steel pin to investigate the effects of various tool plunge depths on the microstructure, mechanical and metallurgical properties of similar welds. Therefore, the experiments are performed at different plunge depths in the range of 3 mm–4 mm. Accordingly, the relationships between the process parameter (tool plunge depth) and the responses (microstructure, dome structure, microhardness and lap shear tensile load) are established. Microstructure analyses demonstrate that the increase in the plunge depth leads to more grain refinement within the stir zone, which significantly affects the mechanical performance of the similar joints. This study also indicates that the tool plunge depth in friction stir spot welding process has a noteworthy influence on the characteristic features of the 5052 aluminum alloy joints, such as the dome structure. Moreover, an explicit increase in the microhardness towards the weld stir zone is observed in all specimens. It is found that the average maximum tensile‐shear force enhances with the increment in the tool plunge depth from 3 mm to 4 mm.
Effect of cut‐outs shape and position on the axial compression behavior of aluminum thin‐walled structures
Authors: Wang G. , Li W. , Xue L. , Kou L. , Zhu X. , Xu Y.
Published: October 2020

The effect of cut‐outs positions and shapes on deformation behaviors and energy absorption of automobile thin‐walled structures is researched by quasi‐static axial compression, using MTS machine and digital image correlation method. The accuracy of finite element modeling is verified by axial compression test. The relationship between variation characteristics of different time and sections and deformation of the sample is analyzed. The results show that the number of surface deformation concentrated areas is affected by position of circular cut‐outs. Peak load of sample could be effectively reduced by slotted‐shaped cut‐outs. The energy absorption of slotted‐shaped cut‐outs with different aspect ratios and directions is different, horizontally‐long‐slotted cut‐outs is increased by 5.13 %. The position of deformation concentration region is affected by compression half‐wavelength. Deformation concentration region of sample less than half‐wavelength is below cut‐outs. By digital image correlation method, strain of horizontally‐long‐slotted cut‐outs is more concentrated. Peak load is effectively reduced. The results of finite element analysis show that when the thin‐walled structure is bulking, the section of sample is deformed from top to bottom. The initial area of cross‐section at center of cut‐outs is linear with peak load. These achievements may serve as guideline for enhancing compression performance of thin‐walled structures.
Effect of erbium on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al‐Si‐Mg‐Cu alloy
Authors: Lei X. , Zhang Z. , Dong H. , Wang C. , Du X.
Published: October 2020

The effect of erbium addition at different ratios (0.2 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%) on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the Al−Si‐Mg−Cu alloy have been investigated. The results show that adding erbium can refine the primary α‐aluminum grains in the as‐cast alloys to a diverse extent. In addition, the coarse and long plate‐like eutectic silicon can be modified into a fine short rod‐like structure, and the distribution of eutectic silicon can be optimized. During the solidification of the alloy, erbium and other elements will form primary erbium‐rich precipitates of different sizes and shapes, including primary erbium‐silicon‐rich and erbium‐copper‐silicon‐rich precipitates, which can change the distribution of solute atoms and promote the evolution of microstructure. But the coarse primary precipitates will embrittle the alloys and consume more solute atoms (erbium, copper, magnesium), having a certain inhibitory effect. After heat treatment, the solid solution decomposes to form secondary Al3Er precipitates, which further strengthens the alloy. In particular, the alloy with the highest erbium content shows the best comprehensive tensile properties at as‐cast and heat‐treatment conditions.
Raman spectra‐based deep learning: A tool to identify microbial contamination
Authors: Maruthamuthu Murali K. , Raffiee Amir Hossein , De Oliveira Denilson Mendes , Ardekani Arezoo M. , Verma Mohit S.
Published: October 2020

Deep learning has the potential to enhance the output of in‐line, on‐line, and at‐line instrumentation used for process analytical technology in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we used Raman spectroscopy‐based deep learning strategies to develop a tool for detecting microbial contamination. We built a Raman dataset for microorganisms that are common contaminants in the pharmaceutical industry for Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, which are often used in the production of biologics. Using a convolution neural network (CNN), we classified the different samples comprising individual microbes and microbes mixed with CHO cells with an accuracy of 95%–100%. The set of 12 microbes spans across Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as fungi. We also created an attention map for different microbes and CHO cells to highlight which segments of the Raman spectra contribute the most to help discriminate between different species. This dataset and algorithm provide a route for implementing Raman spectroscopy for detecting microbial contamination in the pharmaceutical industry.
Existence and uniqueness results for initial value problem of nonlinear fractional integro‐differential equation on an unbounded domain in a weighted Banach space
Authors: Boulfoul A. , Tellab B. , Abdellouahab N. , Zennir Kh.
Published: October 2020

This article is concerned with the existence and uniqueness of solutions for nonlinear fractional integro‐differential equation on an unbounded domain in a weighted Banach space. New results are showed owing to the fixed point theorems of Banach and Krasnoselskii. We illustrate our results by examples to ending our theoretical study.
Single‐institutional reference values for concentric needle jitter analysis using the extrapolated reference values procedure: Comparison to published reference values
Authors: Lee Ikjae , Sanders Donald B. , Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Kazamel Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Background

The extrapolated reference values procedure (E‐Ref) was used to compare data from a single institution with the recently published reference value (RV) for concentric electrode jitter.

Methods

Data from voluntarily activated concentric needle jitter studies in the frontalis muscle were obtained using retrospective chart review. All measured signals were reviewed for acceptable quality. Cutoff values for increased jitter were calculated using E‐Ref, and compared with the published RVs.

Results

At total of 1501 apparent single‐fiber action potential (ASFAP) pairs were reviewed; 1371 ASFAP pairs were determined to have acceptable quality. The cutoff value identified by E‐Ref from all reviewed ASFAP pairs was 36 microseconds and the cutoff for acceptable pairs was 35 microseconds. Using either of these cutoff values (36 or 35 microseconds) did not result in a significant difference in percentage of jitter recordings considered normal when compared with the recently published RV (38 microseconds).

Discussion

The single‐institution jitter cutoff value obtained by E‐Ref gives results that are not significantly different from the reported RV.
Predicting myofiber cross‐sectional area and triglyceride content with electrical impedance myography: A study in db/db mice
Authors: Pandeya Sarbesh R. , Nagy Janice A. , Riveros Daniela , Semple Carson , Taylor Rebecca S. , Mortreux Marie , Sanchez Benjamin , Kapur Kush , Rutkove Seward B.
Published: October 2020

Background

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) provides insight into muscle composition and structure. We sought to evaluate its use in a mouse obesity model characterized by myofiber atrophy.

Methods

We applied a prediction algorithm, ie, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), to surface, needle array, and ex vivo EIM data from db/db and wild‐type mice and assessed myofiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) histologically and triglyceride (TG) content biochemically.

Results

EIM data from all three modalities provided acceptable predictions of myofiber CSA with average root mean square error (RMSE) of 15% in CSA (ie, ±209 μm2for a mean CSA of 1439 μm2) and TG content with RMSE of 30% in TG content (ie, ±7.3 nmol TG/mg muscle for a mean TG content of 25.4 nmol TG/mg muscle).

Conclusions

EIM combined with a predictive algorithm provides reasonable estimates of myofiber CSA and TG content without the need for biopsy.
Cine magnetic resonance imaging provides novel predictors of early continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: Assessment of the dynamics of pelvic floor muscles
Authors: Shimura Hiroshi , Kuwahara Yoshitaka , Aikawa Junki , Watanabe Nozomu , Nakamura Kenzo , Tsukamoto Takuji , Terada Shigehiko , Mitsui Takahiko , Takeda Masayuki
Published: October 2020

Aims

Postprostatectomy incontinence is a major complication of prostatectomy. Although pelvic floor muscle training can successfully treat postprostatectomy incontinence, evidence for how muscle movement affects continence recovery is lacking. We evaluated dynamic factors of prostatectomy patients using cine magnetic resonance imaging to identify risk factors for postprostatectomy incontinence and reveal the contribution of pelvic floor muscles to continence recovery.

Methods

A total of 128 prostate cancer patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. Cine magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. Continence was defined as pad‐free or use of safety pads. We defined the bladder neck elevation distance during pelvic floor muscle training as the bladder elevation distance. Patients with continence recovery within 1 month comprised the continence group (n = 48); other patients comprised the incontinence group (n = 80).

Results

The preoperative bladder elevation distance was significantly longer in the continence group than in the incontinence group (10.4 vs. 8.2 mm; p < .001). The postoperative bladder elevation distance of the continence group tended to be longer (9.9 vs. 8.9 mm; p = .057). Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative bladder elevation distance significantly contributed to continence recovery (p = .016). Patients with a longer preoperative bladder elevation distance (>8.5 mm) experienced continence recovery significantly faster than patients with a shorter distance (<8.5mm) (p = .038).

Conclusions

Bladder elevation distance, a novel dynamic parameter, was strongly associated with early continence recovery. Cine magnetic resonance imaging can assess a patient's risk of postprostatectomy incontinence and guide pelvic floor muscle training.
New results concerning to approximate controllability of Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic delay integro‐differential systems
Authors: Dineshkumar C. , Udhayakumar R.
Published: October 2020

This manuscript is mainly focusing on the approximate controllability of Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic integro‐differential equation with infinite delay. We study our primary outcomes by utilizing the theoretical concepts related to the fractional calculus and Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem. First, we prove the approximate controllability of the fractional evolution system. Then, we extend our results to the concept of nonlocal conditions. Last, we provide a theoretical application to assist in the effectiveness of the discussion.
Use of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in Colombia: A descriptive study using a national administrative healthcare database
Authors: Machado‐Alba Jorge E. , Gaviria‐Mendoza Andrés , Machado‐Duque Manuel E. , Tovar‐Yepes Carlos , Ruigómez Ana , García Rodríguez Luis Alberto
Published: October 2020

Purpose

We aimed to describe time‐trends in the use of NOACs among a group of ambulatory patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in Colombia and to describe treatment patterns and user characteristics.

Methods

Using the Audifarma S.A administrative healthcare database in Colombia, we identified 10 528 patients with NVAF aged at least 18 years between July 2009 and June 2017 with a first prescription (index date) for apixaban, dabigatran or rivaroxaban (index NOAC) and followed them for at least year (max, 8.0 years, mean 2.2 years). We described patient characteristics, NOAC use over time, and the dose of the first NOAC prescription.

Results

A total of 2153 (20.5%) patients started on apixaban, 3089 (29.3%) on dabigatran and 5286 (50.2%) on rivaroxaban. The incidence of new users of apixaban and rivaroxaban increased over study years while for dabigatran it decreased. Mean age at the index date was: 78.5 years (apixaban), 76.5 years (dabigatran), 76.0 years (rivaroxaban). The percentage of patients started NOAC therapy on the standard dose was: apixaban 38.0%, dabigatran 30.9%, rivaroxaban 56.9%. The percentage still prescribed their index NOAC at 6 months was apixaban 44.6%, dabigatran 51.4%, rivaroxaban 52.7%. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (>80% in each NOAC cohort).

Conclusion

During the last decade, the incidence of NOAC use in patients with NVAF affiliated with a private healthcare regime in Colombia has markedly increased. Future studies should evaluate whether the large number of patients with NVAF starting NOAC treatment on a reduced dose are done so appropriately.
Evaluation of the DC bus link capacitors and power transistor modules in the qualification testing of PV inverters
Authors: Hacke Peter , Clemens Daniel , Thiagarajan Ramanathan , Flicker Jack , Igarashi Hironobu
Published: October 2020

To achieve useful, fair, and cost‐effective design qualification and type approval testing for PV inverters, two procedures were developed and demonstrated to evaluate the bus link capacitors and power transistor—and where applicable, its module—for long‐term reliability. We evaluate the inverter under simulated use conditions with heat run tests to find the highest operating temperatures reached by these components. The procedures are demonstrated in this study with a 4‐kVA class string inverter. The maximum temperature of the DC bus link capacitors was determined to be 76.4°C when the ambient temperature was at the inverter's maximum rated temperature of 60°C with derating occurring. On the other hand, the power transistor module's maximum temperature using the heat sink temperature as the index, 92.6°C, occurred in an ambient of 40.8°C when derating was not occurring. The conditions found for upper temperatures exhibited by these components are, respectively, proposed for implementation in the dry heat and thermal cycling tests in the IEC 62093 “Power conversion equipment for photovoltaic systems – Design qualification testing” international standard draft so that the levels applied in the tests are in proportion to those experienced in the field. As a result, fairer evaluation of inverter reliability is realized.
On the catastrophic explosion of the AZF plant in Toulouse
Authors: Guiochon Georges
Published: October 2020

On September 21, 2001, around 10:17 am, a warehouse containing about 300 metric tons of ammonium nitrate rejects exploded in the AZF/Grande Paroisse plant in Toulouse (France), causing 31 deaths, hundreds of casualties, and enormous damages. The criminal investigation focused exclusively on the explosion itself and neglected the long chain of precursor events that took place in the previous hours, and suggest that a complex cascade of successive events was triggered by some unknown event. These strange, unusual phenomena were never investigated. The prosecution adopted an unlikely chemical scenario that cannot explain the origin of the catastrophe. The official investigation and the first instance trial were inconclusive. The judge found insufficient ground for criminal liability. A detailed examination of the different precursor events suggests a tentative explanation for the succession of events that linked to lead to the catastrophe. A strong thermal inversion caused pollutants from local plants to affect a high voltage electric line downwind from the plants, generating strong flames and arcs without triggering the current breakers and perturbing the computers that control the plants. Rogue orders caused a chain of explosions in the neighbor SNPE plant and finally that of a WW II bomb under AZF.
Assessing goodness‐of‐fit for evaluation of dose‐proportionality
Authors: Wolfsegger Martin J. , Bauer Alexander , Labes Detlew , Schütz Helmut , Vonk Richardus , Lang Benjamin , Lehr Stephan , Jaki Thomas F. , Engl Werner , Hale Michael D.
Published: October 2020

For the clinical development of a new drug, the determination of dose‐proportionality is an essential part of the pharmacokinetic evaluations, which may provide early indications of non‐linear pharmacokinetics and may help to identify sub‐populations with divergent clearances. Prior to making any conclusions regarding dose‐proportionality, the goodness‐of‐fit of the model must be assessed to evaluate the model performance. We propose the use of simulation‐based visual predictive checks to improve the validity of dose‐proportionality conclusions for complex designs. We provide an illustrative example and include a table to facilitate review by regulatory authorities.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry biotyping, an approach for deciphering and assessing the identity of the honeybee pathogen Nosema
Authors: Houdelet Camille , Bocquet Michel , Bulet Philippe
Published: October 2020

Rationale

The microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogenic fungi that parasitize a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts and have important impacts on health, food security and the economy. In this paper, we focus on Nosema ceranae and N. apis, which chronically infect the digestive tract of honeybees, altering their physiology and lifespan.

Methods

We applied matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) for rapid molecular profiling of extracts of Nosema spores in order to identify the species and the geographical origin, and assess the viability status of Nosema microsporidia in conjunction with a flow cytometric approach. Pure solutions of spores were prepared for flow cytometric analysis and MALDI‐MS profiling. A mechanical extraction of viable or heat‐killed Nosema spores was conducted to obtain mass fingerprints of peptides/proteins for samples of microsporidia from different geographical origins (MBO.NC01, MBO.NC02 and MBO.NA01).

Results

A distinction in the peptide/protein profiles between two isolates with different geographical origins was observed. Mass fingerprints of viable and experimentally killed spores were also clearly distinguishable, regardless of Nosema species. Finally, using our computational models on the different Nosema species, we were able to classify five independent isolates of Nosema microsporidia.

Conclusions

We have shown that MALDI‐MS is a rapid, cost‐effective and simple method for identifying Nosema species. We demonstrated that MALDI Biotyping could represent a valuable surveillance tool of nosemosis in apiaries for sanitary services and beekeepers.
Adaptive active disturbance rejection control guaranteeing uniformly ultimate boundedness and simplicity
Authors: Nie Zhuo‐Yun , Zhang Bing , Wang Qing‐Guo , Liu Rui‐Juan , Luo Ji‐Liang
Published: October 2020

The active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) scheme requires a high bandwidth in the extended state observer (ESO), causing heavy noise pollution in the control system. This article develops an effective and simple adaptive ADRC scheme to realize high performance control when ESO bandwidth is limited. The adaptative law is generated by the state tracking error such that all the feedback loops and feedforward channels are activated for active disturbance rejection. An “attached” and “quantified” adaptation is developed to guarantee the easy usage of the proposed scheme. The uniformly ultimate boundedness of all the signals in the closed‐loop system is proved in the sense of Lyapunov theory. Finally, two simulation examples are given to demonstrate the results.
Sampled‐data based resilient consensus of heterogeneous multiagent systems
Authors: Zhu Yunru , Zhou Liqi , Zheng Yuanshi , Liu Jian , Chen Shiming
Published: October 2020

This article studies consensus of a group of heterogeneous agents with first‐order and second‐order integrator dynamics in presence of malicious agents. We employ the algorithm where each normal agent ignores large and small relative state values of its neighbors to mitigate the effects of malicious agents. Assuming that the maximum number of malicious agents in the neighborhood of each agent is known, sufficient topological condition is obtained to guarantee resilient consensus in directed networks. The result is further extended to heterogeneous multiagent systems with bounded communication delays. Moreover, impulsive control strategy is introduced in the update schemes and sufficient condition in terms of graph robustness is provided for resilient consensus. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Sampled‐data exponential stabilization of switched nonlinear delayed systems with asynchronous switching
Authors: Huang Xia , Wang Jikai , Wang Zhen , Xia Jianwei , Shen Hao
Published: October 2020

In this article, the exponential stabilization for a class of switched nonlinear delayed systems is addressed via aperiodic sampled‐data control with asynchronous switching. A new type of looped multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) is developed, which depend both on the system modes and on the controller modes. Moreover, the constructed looped LKFs are discontinuous and relax restrictions on positive definiteness that is only required at the sampling instants and at the switching instants of system modes. Based on the looped multiple LKFs, the average dwell time approach, and some estimation techniques, a less conservative stability criterion is derived to ensure the exponential stability of the closed‐loop system. Furthermore, by decoupling the matrix inequalities in the stability criterion, a LMI‐based design algorithm for the control gains is developed, which gets further refined and becomes more flexible due to the introduction of the two adjustable parameters. Two simulation examples are finally provided to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed functionals and the obtained results over some existing ones.
Improved multiobjective switching gain‐scheduled controller synthesis exploiting inexact scheduling parameters
Authors: Yavari Reza , Sadeghzadeh Arash , Shamaghdari Saeed
Published: October 2020

In this article, the design problem of switching gain‐scheduled output‐feedback (SGSOF) controller with mixed performance exploiting inexact scheduling parameters for continuous‐time linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems is tackled. The absolute and proportional uncertainties on the scheduling parameters are considered. All the system matrices of the LPV plant are supposed to have polynomial dependency of arbitrary degree on the scheduling parameters. By exploiting hysteresis switching law and utilizing two independent families of parameter‐dependent Lyapunov matrices and a family of slack variables, introducing additional degrees of freedom, performance improvement is achieved. A design approach, involving a two‐step algorithm, is proposed in terms of solutions to a set of parameter‐dependent linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) including parameter searches for two scalar values. The merit of the proposed method lies in its less conservativeness in comparison with the available approaches in the literature. Numerical studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Distributed Kalman filtering for uncertain dynamic systems with state constraints
Authors: Lv Xiaoxu , Duan Peihu , Duan Zhisheng
Published: October 2020

This article addresses the distributed state estimation problem for uncertain time‐varying dynamic systems with state constraints over a sensor network. By using a null space method, the distributed state estimation problem for uncertain dynamic systems with state constraints can be cast into a new unconstrained distributed state estimation problem for reduced uncertain dynamic systems. A constrained distributed Kalman filter is proposed, and it is shown that the full state estimates can be recovered at any time and satisfy the constraints. An optimized upper bound of the estimation error covariance of each sensor is obtained, and the corresponding gains are designed. The application conditions of the proposed algorithm are mild, and they can be off‐line checked. Furthermore, the computational requirements in this article are also reduced compared with the existing results. Finally, the performance of the proposed filter algorithm is demonstrated through numerical simulations.
Investigation of atomic diffusion at Ni/Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8 interfaces in the glass transition temperature
Authors: Sun Linlin , Wang Jun , Jiao Gengsheng , Huang Ling
Published: October 2020

Poor plasticity and small dimension are the main disadvantages of metallic glass. Diffusion bonding and composite fabrication between bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and crystal metal are promising methods of addressing these disadvantages. In this study, the long‐term atomic diffusion behavior in the glass transition temperature (Tg) is investigated to avoid the formation of the crystalline phase at the interface. Diffusion‐coupled Ni/Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8 BMG is successfully fabricated by sputtering deposition. The diffusivities of Ni in Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8 metallic glass are calculated by using the thin‐film solution of Fick's second law. The diffusivities of Ni in Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8 alloy are functions of annealing temperature and time because of the dominant effect of the free volume. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results show that there are no crystals formed at the interface of diffusion‐coupled Ni/Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8 BMG below Tg, and mutual element diffusion occurs near the interface. Analysis of the diffusion behavior and microstructure indicates that the long‐term annealing below Tg can be applied to the diffusion bonding of BMG and crystal metal.
Bayesian Decision‐Theoretic Methods for Survival Data using Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Mitra Riten , Müller Peter , Bhattacharyya Arinjita
Published: October 2020

We introduce a principled method for Bayesian subgroup analysis. The approach is based on casting subgroup analysis as a Bayesian decision problem. The two main innovations are: (1) the explicit consideration of a “subgroup report,” comprising multiple subpopulations; and (2) adapting an inhomogeneous Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation scheme to implement stochastic optimization. The latter makes the search for “subgroup reports” practically feasible.
Electrochemical Preparation of Covalently Bonded PEDOT ‐ Graphene Oxide Composite Electrochromic Materials Using Thiophene‐2‐methylanine as Bridging Group
Authors: Xiong Shanxin , Zhang Jiaojiao , Wu Bohua , Chu Jia , Wang Xiaoqin , Zhang Runlan , Gong Ming , Qu Mengnan , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenming
Published: October 2020

A novel Poly (3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐Graphene oxide (PEDOT‐GO) composite electrochromic material containing interfacial covalent bonds was successfully synthesized by electrochemical polymerization using thiophene‐2‐methylanine as bridging group. The molecular structure and morphology of PEDOT‐GO were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical behavior and electrochromic properties of PEDOT‐GO were characterized by CV (cyclic voltammetry) and UV‐vis (ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy). It can be found that the electrochemical activity of PEDOT‐GO is higher than that of PEDOT. Electrochromic devices using PEDOT‐GO as the active layer show significant optical contrast enhancement function owing to excellent electron conduct feature of GO. While the ion blocking effects becomes more and more obvious with the increase of GO amount. As comparison with PEDOT, the contrasts of PEDOT‐GO‐3 %, PEDOT‐GO‐5 % and PEDOT‐GO‐7 % increase by 30 %, 64 % and 57 %, respectively.
Do university entrepreneurship programs promote entrepreneurship?
Authors: Eesley Charles E. , Lee Yong Suk
Published: October 2020

Research summary

We examine how university entrepreneurship programs affect entrepreneurial activity using a unique entrepreneurship‐focused survey of Stanford alumni. OLS regressions find a positive relationship between program participation and entrepreneurship activities. However, endogeneity hinders causal interpretation. We utilize the fact that the entrepreneurship programs were implemented at the school level. Using the introduction of each school's program as an instrument for program participation, we find that the Business School program has a negative to zero impact on entrepreneurship rates. Participation in the Engineering School program has no impact on entrepreneurship rates. However, the Business School initiative decreases startup failure and increases firm revenue. University entrepreneurship programs may not increase entrepreneurship rates, but help students better identify their potential as entrepreneurs and improve the quality of entrepreneurship.

Managerial summary

Recently, many universities have developed programs to promote entrepreneurship. However, relatively little is known about the impacts of such university initiatives. In this article, we examine the two major initiatives that were established in the mid‐1990s—the Stanford Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Business School and the Stanford Technology Ventures Program at the Engineering School. We find that the Business School program had a negative to zero impact on entrepreneurship rates and participation in the Engineering School program had no impact on entrepreneurship rates. However, the Business School initiative decreased startup failure and increased firm revenue. University entrepreneurship programs may not increase entrepreneurship rates, but help students better identify their potential as entrepreneurs and improve the startup performance.
Comparing the effectiveness of capture and replay against automatic input generation for Android graphical user interface testing
Authors: Di Martino Sergio , Fasolino Anna Rita , Starace Luigi Libero Lucio , Tramontana Porfirio
Published: October 2020

Exploratory testing and fully automated testing tools represent two viable and cheap alternatives to traditional test‐case‐based approaches for graphical user interface (GUI) testing of Android apps. The former can be executed by capture and replay tools that directly translate execution scenarios registered by testers in test cases, without requiring preliminary test‐case design and advanced programming/testing skills. The latter tools are able to test Android GUIs without tester intervention. Even if these two strategies are widely employed, to the best of our knowledge, no empirical investigation has been performed to compare their performance and obtain useful insights for a project manager to establish an effective testing strategy. In this paper, we present two experiments we carried out to compare the effectiveness of exploratory testing approaches using a capture and replay tool (Robotium Recorder) against three freely available automatic testing tools (AndroidRipper, Sapienz, and Google Robo). The first experiment involved 20 computer engineering students who were asked to record testing executions, under strict temporal limits and no access to the source code. Results were slightly better than those of fully automated tools, but not in a conclusive way. In the second experiment, the same students were asked to improve the achieved testing coverage by exploiting the source code and the coverage obtained in the previous tests, without strict temporal constraints. The results of this second experiment showed that students outperformed the automated tools especially for long/complex execution scenarios. The obtained findings provide useful indications for deciding testing strategies that combine manual exploratory testing and automated testing.
Vitamin K protects against 7,12‐dimethylbenz(A)anthracene induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Dosumu Oluwatosin Adebisi , Rotimi Solomon Oladapo , Adeleye Oluwagbemiga Olanrewaju , Akamo Adio Jamiu , Osinuga Kehinde Temitope , Taiwo Odunayo Anthonia , Omotosho Oluwatosin Oyebola , Sani Latifah Oyefoluke
Published: October 2020

Humans are daily exposed to 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), a well known polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). This study investigated the role of dietary intake of Vitamin K (VK), a polyphenolic compound, with potential antioxidative properties, against DMBA‐induced hepatotoxicity. Sixty experimental animals (120‐150 g) were divided into six groups (A‐F): Control, DMBA (80 mg/kg bw) only, VK (0.00 g/10 kg) diet only, VK (7.5 g/10 kg) diet only, DMBA + VK (0.0 g/10 kg) diet and DMBA + VK (7.5 g/10 kg) diet. Single oral administration of DMBA (80 mg/kg body weight) to Wistar rats resulted in hepatic damage after 16 weeks. DMBA significantly (P < .05) decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C were significantly decreased with increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in serum and liver. Aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly (P < .05) elevated in the serum but reduced in the liver of DMBA‐administered group. Ingestion of 7.5 g/10 kg VK diet prevented the up regulations in inflammatory biomarkers (granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A)) which elicited liver damaged in the DMBA‐treated group. DMBA induced hepatic alterations in DMBA‐treated group but was restored to near normal in VK (7.5 g/10 kg) diet group. These findings suggest the protective potential of increased dietary intake of vitamin K against DMBA‐induced hepatic dysfunction.
Application of improved fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method in eutrophication assessment for tributary bays in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Chen Zhaoming , Shi Mingquan , Zou Jinsong
Published: October 2020

Since the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir, its tributaries have been eutrophic and flooded many times, the prompt and accurate eutrophication assessment is the foundation of water environmental management for this area. To address the problems existing in the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, a novel method is proposed to adjust the indicator weight by using the analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight method, improve the fuzzy operation method, and take the weighted average as the basis of comprehensive evaluation. Through this method, the information of each indicator can be comprehensively used, and the subjectivity and blindness of evaluation can be effectively reduced. Then the eutrophication status of Hanfeng Lake is analyzed by it, and compares the results with that of conventional methods. The results show that Hanfeng lake is greatly affected by TN and TP, and it is generally in mesotrophic to mildly eutrophication. Eutrophication degree is as follows: Nanhe River > Donghe River > Regulating dam, so the control measures should be strengthened in Nanhe area. Combined with the water pollution control measures proposed in this paper, it can provide guidance for the monitoring and treatment of eutrophication in the Three Gorges Reservoir area and ensure the safety of the water environment.

Practitioner points

This paper proposes to use the analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight method combined with the fuzzy operation method to assess the eutrophication status of tributaries of the Three Gorges Reservoir, in China.

The results indicate that Hanfeng Lake is generally in a light eutrophication state, which is greatly affected by TN and TP, and the Nanhe River is in a relatively high degree of eutrophication, which need to be extra vigilant.

The evaluation results are more conformable to reality than that of the traditional fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, which can provide guidance for comprehensive management of eutrophication.
What Happened to International Labour Standards and Human Rights at Work?
Authors: Tapiola Kari
Published: October 2020

The social rules of a universal market economy, created by globalization, are based on the standards adopted by the ILO since 1919. Among them a special role belongs to fundamental principles and rights at work, comprised in an ILO Declaration in 1998. They provide for freedom of association, collective bargaining and the elimination of child and forced labour and discrimination. There is a growing debate on how other standards should be linked to fundamental rights and not seen as less important instruments. Technical cooperation has demonstrated that, in any case, implementing fundamental rights leads to strengthening of law and practice on wages, social security and occupational safety and health. All international labour standards (Conventions, Recommendations and Protocols) are derived from the labour principles of the ILO Constitution, and they are closely connected with one another. While the role of the state remains crucial—especially in times of crisis—much of the implementation of labour standards should be achieved through collective bargaining and other negotiations, while voluntary agreements between the social partners are generally legally binding.