bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning in Mining Biological Data
Authors: Mahmud Mufti , Kaiser M. Shamim , McGinnity T. Martin , Hussain Amir
Published: January 2021

Recent technological advancements in data acquisition tools allowed life scientists to acquire multimodal data from different biological application domains. Categorized in three broad types (i.e. images, signals, and sequences), these data are huge in amount and complex in nature. Mining such enormous amount of data for pattern recognition is a big challenge and requires sophisticated data-intensive machine learning techniques. Artificial neural network-based learning systems are well known for their pattern recognition capabilities, and lately their deep architectures—known as deep learning (DL)—have been successfully applied to solve many complex pattern recognition problems. To investigate how DL—especially its different architectures—has contributed and been utilized in the mining of biological data pertaining to those three types, a meta-analysis has been performed and the resulting resources have been critically analysed. Focusing on the use of DL to analyse patterns in data from diverse biological domains, this work investigates different DL architectures’ applications to these data. This is followed by an exploration of available open access data sources pertaining to the three data types along with popular open-source DL tools applicable to these data. Also, comparative investigations of these tools from qualitative, quantitative, and benchmarking perspectives are provided. Finally, some open research challenges in using DL to mine biological data are outlined and a number of possible future perspectives are put forward.
Estimating the moments of a random forcing field of 2D fluid from image sequences using energy minimisation method
Authors: Pandey Vishal Kumar , Singh Jyotsna , Parthasarathy Harish
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider a version of energy minimisation technique applied to images of a 2D fluid flow. The two Navier–Stokes equations describe the static flow of a 2D fluid in terms of velocity field, (u, v), pressure field, p and forcing field, f. Apart from these two Navier–Stokes equations, we have the incompressibility condition to evaluate the three parameters. While implementing this system, random noise (usually non-Gaussian) creeps into the random force field $$\underline{f}(x,y)$$

f
̲

(
x
,
y
)

. We denote this random field by $$\delta \underline{f}(x,y)$$

δ

f
̲

(
x
,
y
)

having zero mean and non-trivial second and third moments. We assume that these two moments are known except for some unknown parameters $$\underline{\theta }$$

θ
̲

(like mean, variance, co-variance, skewness, etc.) which we wish to estimate. In the proposed technique, we first calculate the approximate shift in the average fluid energy defined as a quadratic function of the velocity field. The energy method then requires that $$\underline{\theta }$$

θ
̲

should be such that this average increases in the energy due to the random forcing component be minimised. We should, however, note that the standard statistical approach to force field estimation is to calculate the velocity field as a function of the force field and then adopt the statistical moment matching technique. Such an approach assumes spatial ergodicity of the velocity field. This approach to force field estimation is more accurate from the statistical moment matching view point but works only if velocity measurements are made. The former technique of energy minimisation does not require any velocity measurements. Both of these techniques are discussed in this paper and MATLAB simulations presented.
Fully Automated Integrated Segmentation of Carotid Artery Ultrasound Images Using DBSCAN and Affinity Propagation
Authors: Latha S. , Samiappan Dhanalakshmi , Muthu P. , Kumar R.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

B-mode ultrasound images are used in identifying the presence of fat deposit if any in carotid artery. The intima media, lumen, bifurcation boundary is detected by the echogenic characteristics embedded in the carotid artery.

Methods

A fully automatic self-learning based segmentation is proposed by extracting the edges by a modified affinity propagation, which are given as inputs to the Density Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) for super pixel segmentation. The segmented results are analyzed with Gradient Vector Flow (GVF) snake model and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) clustering based segmentation using various performance measures.

Results

The proposed parameter free, fully automatic segmentation method combining Affinity propagation and DBSCAN are evaluated for a database of 361 images and gives reinforced results in the longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images. The proposed approach gives an improved accuracy of 12% increase when compared with the manual segmentation and 15% compared with segmentation by affinity propagation and DBSCAN when performed individually. The average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 110 ± 44 µm.

Conclusion

Extracted edge points are used for clustering in a fully automated carotid artery segmentation approach.
International Commercial Courts in the United States and Australia: Possible, Probable, Preferable?
Authors: Strong S.I.
Published: January 2021

As worldwide interest in international commercial courts grows, questions arise as to whether individual nations can or should seek to compete in the “litigation market” by developing their own cross-border business courts. This essay compares the prospects of the United States and Australia in this regard, focusing on whether it is possible (Section II), probable (Section III), and preferable (Section IV) for one or both of these two federalized, common law nations to develop an international commercial court as part of their national judicial systems. The inquiry is particularly intriguing given that one country (the United States) has had a somewhat uneven relationship with international engagements while the other (Australia) is maintaining or increasing its connections to the rest of the world. Although this discrepancy could be used to explain the relative status of the debate about international commercial courts, which is much more advanced in Australia than in the United States, it is also possible that the distinctions between the United States and Australia are motivated by other factors. While neither country appears poised to create an international commercial court at the moment, the current analysis helps identify the types of factors that policy-makers can and should consider when contemplating reforms of this nature.
Botulinum Toxin-Associated Prolonged Remission of Idiopathic Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Saranza Gerard , Chen Kai-Hsiang Stanley , Ganos Christos , Kalia Lorraine V. , Chen Robert , Lang Anthony E.
Published: January 2021

Prolonged remission of dystonia occurs rarely; however, well-documented cases are lacking. We report the clinical characteristics and course of four patients with botulinum toxin (BoNT)-associated prolonged remission of idiopathic cervical dystonia. Mean age at onset was 40 years. All had a relatively short duration of symptoms (mean 10.3 months), and with remission occurring after ≤ 3 treatments with BoNT. At last examination, the remission duration was 2–5 years. In the two cases that subsequently relapsed after 4–5 years, there was an altered phenomenology and worsened severity than at the onset. Recognizing this rare phenomenon has valuable clinical implications.
Building a framework for inclusion in health services research: Development of and pre-implementation faculty and staff attitudes toward the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan at Mayo Clinic
Authors: Enders Felicity T. , Golembiewski Elizabeth H. , Pacheco-Spann Laura M. , Allyse Megan , Mielke Michelle M. , Balls-Berry Joyce E.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To mitigate the impact of racism, sexism, and other systemic biases, it is essential for organizations to develop strategies to address their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) climates. The objective of this formative evaluation was to assess Mayo Clinic Department of Health Sciences Research (HSR) faculty and staff perceptions toward a proposed departmental DEI plan and to explore findings by diversity and professional subgroups.

Materials and methods:

Key plan components include recruitment and support for diverse individuals; training for all HSR employees and leaders; and a review system to capture diversity and inclusion feedback for leaders. Additional activities include building inclusion “nudges” into existing performance reviews. To assess pre-implementation beliefs about specific plan components, we polled attendees at a departmental staff meeting in July 2020.

Results:

Overall, respondents (n= 162) commonly endorsed a blinded promotion review process and DEI training for all staff and leaders as most important. In contrast, respondents expressed less support for plan activities related to “nudges.” However, attitudes among certain diversity or professional groups toward specific plan activities diverged from their non-diversity group counterparts. Qualitative feedback indicated awareness of the need to address DEI issues.

Discussion:

Overall, HSR faculty and staff respondents conveyed support for the plan. However, some specific plan activities were perceived differently by members of certain diversity or professional subgroups.

Conclusion:

These findings present a DEI framework on which other institutions can build and point to future directions for how DEI activities may be differentially perceived by impacted faculty and staff.
Surname regions and dialectal variation in the Asturian linguistic space
Authors: Sousa Xulio , Ginzo-Villamayor María José
Published: January 2021

Studies on the correlations between spatial distribution of linguistic varieties and genetic structure of populations began by dealing with geographic spaces and extensive linguistic families. In the last two decades, researchers with this type of interdisciplinary approach have also begun to study more reduced linguistic and population domains. This paper examines geolinguistic and onomastic information in a linguistic and administrative space of a limited extension of the Principality of Asturias. The information on the surnames of this region, taken from the inhabitants’ register, is used to identify surname regions and check correlations with dialect areas described in this space. The results obtained in this research show many similarities in the distribution of surname regions with dialect areas recognized by traditional dialectology studies. The conclusions of the study present the results obtained together with some of the explanatory proposals on the historical constitution of the linguistic diversity of this area.
The Legacy of Gurus: The Impact of Armin Diel and Joel Payne on Winery Ratings in Germany
Authors: Frick Bernd
Published: January 2021

Changes in winery ratings in leading wine guides, that is, improvements as well as deteriorations, are typically attributed to corresponding changes in the quality of the wines produced by the respective winery. What remains unexplored in this context is changes in editorship and/or changes in the composition of the wine tasting teams working for the respective guide. Using data from two particularly prestigious German wine guides (Gault Millau and Vinum), this paper shows that these latter changes have a rather small, yet statistically significant impact on changes in winery ratings. Thus, consumers are well-advised to consider these changes before making their purchasing decision. (JEL Classifications: L21, M30, Q13)
When Groups Fall Apart: Identifying Transnational Polarization During the Arab Uprisings
Authors: Kubinec Robert , Owen John
Published: January 2021

It is very difficult to know how international social linkages affect domestic ideological polarization because we can never observe polarization occurring both with and without international connections. To estimate this missing counterfactual, we employ a new statistical method based on Bayesian item-response theory that permits us to disaggregate polarization after the Arab Uprisings into domestic and transnational components. We collected a dataset of Twitter accounts in Egypt and Tunisia during the critical year of 2013, when the Egyptian military overthrew the Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. We find that the coup increased retweets among Egyptian ideological allies by 50% each day following the coup and decreased cross-ideological retweets by 25%. Tunisian Twitter communities also showed stronger intragroup retweeting although at lower levels than in Egypt. Counter-intuitively, our model shows that the additional polarization in Tunisia after the coup appears to have dampened further polarization among Islamists in Egypt.
Prevalence of COVID-19 IgG Antibodies in a Cohort of Municipal First Responders
Authors: McGuire Sarayna S. , Klassen Aaron B. , Heywood John , Sztajnkrycer Matthew D.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Although first responders (FRs) represent a high-risk group for exposure, little information is available regarding their risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The purpose of the current study was to determine the serological prevalence of past COVID-19 infection in a cohort of municipal law enforcement (LE) and firefighters (FFs).

Methods:

Descriptive analysis of a de-identified data reporting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG), or COR2G, serology results for municipal FRs. As part of the serology process, FRs were surveyed for COVID-19-like symptoms since February 2020 and asked to report any prior COVID-19 nasal swab testing. Descriptive statistics and two-sided Chi Square tests with Yates correction were used to compare groups.

Results:

Of 318 FRs, 225 (80.2%) underwent serology testing (LE: 163/207 [78.7%]; FF: 92/111 [82.9%]). The prevalence of positive serology for all FRs tested was 3/255 (1.2%). Two LE (1.2%) and one FF (1.1%) had positive serology (P = 1.0). Two hundred and twenty-four FRs responded to a survey regarding prior symptoms and testing. Fifty-eight (25.9%) FRs (44 LE; 14 FFs) reported the presence of COVID-19-like symptoms. Of these, only nine (15.5%) received reverse transcriptase – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing; none were positive. Two of the three FRs with positive serology reported no COVID-19-like symptoms and none of these responders had received prior nasal RT-PCR swabs. The overall community positive RT-PCR rate was 0.36%, representing a three-fold higher rate of positive seroprevalence amongst FRs compared with the general population (P = .07).

Conclusions:

Amongst a cohort of municipal FRs with low community COVID-19 prevalence, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-19 IgG Ab was three-fold greater than the general community. Two-thirds of positive FRs reported a lack of symptoms. Only 15.5% of FRs with COVID-19-like symptoms received RT-PCR testing. In addition to workplace control measures, increased testing availability to FRs is critical in limiting infection spread and ensuring response capability.
Validity of the National Health Security Preparedness Index as a Predictor of Excess COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Keim Mark E. , Lovallo Alex P.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

This study compared 2019 values for the National Health Security Preparedness Index (NHSPI) with 2020 rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality as reported by the 50 US states and Puerto Rico during the first six months of the US pandemic (March 1 - August 31, 2020).

Methods:

Data regarding provisional death counts and estimates of excess deaths for COVID-19 according to state and territory were downloaded from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics website. Reporting included the six-month-long period of March 1 - August 31, 2020. Excess mortality rates were calculated as the number of excess deaths per 100,000 persons in each state population using 2019 US Census Bureau data. Mean values for state and territorial NHSPI domain indices were compared to state and territorial rates of COVID-19-related excess mortality using multiple linear regression, including analysis of variance. Correlations between the 51 state and territorial NHSPI values and corresponding COVID-19 excess mortality rates were calculated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results:

These calculations revealed a high degree of variance (adjusted r square = 0.02 and 0.25) and poor correlation (P = .16 and .08) among values for the overall NHSPI as compared to low and high estimates of excess COVID-19 mortality rates for 50 US states and Puerto Rico.

There was also a high degree of variance (adjusted r square = 0.001 and 0.03) and poor correlation (P values ranging from .09 to .94) for values for the six individual domains of the NHSPI as compared to low and high estimates of excess COVID-19 mortality rates for 50 US states and Puerto Rico.

Conclusion:

The NHSPI does not appear to be a valid predictor of excess COVID-19 mortality rates for 50 US states and Puerto Rico during the first six months of the pandemic.
California Court Denies Wrongful Birth Claim
Authors: C.L.
Published: January 2021

On July 3, 1996, in Jones v. United States(No. 93-20137, 1996 U.S. Dist. WL 382937 (N.D. Cal. July 3,1996)), the United States District Court for the Northern District of California held that plaintiffs in a wrongful birth action cannot recover costs or damages associated with the birth and upbringing of their daughter absent evidence of causation and proof to satisfy liability requirements. Plaintiffs scientific evidence regarding the alleged interaction between antibiotics and oral contraceptives did not satisfy the Daubertstandard (Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,509 US. 579, 597 (1993) (remanded, Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, lnc.,43 F.3d 1311, 1315 (9th Cir.), cert. denied,116 S. Ct. 189 (1995))) for admissibility developed by the Supreme Court. In addition, the plaintiffs failed to meet their burden of persuasion on duty of care and causation.

On January 16, 1992, Karyn Jones went to a U.S. Army gynecologist, Dr. James Murphy, to obtain a prescription for birth control pills.
Minnesota Court Upholds Statute on Unlicensed Medical Practice
Authors: H.T.B.
Published: January 2021

The Court of Appeals of Minnesota, in State v. Saunders (No. C9-95-907, 1996 Mnn. App. LEXIS 60 (Jan. 16, 1996)), held that the statutory offense of practicing medicine without a license was not unconstitutionally vague as applied to a claim involving a farmer who offered a home remedy to cure cancer. The court held that, although Minnesota Statute § 147.081 subd. 3(3) (1994) contains general language and undefined terms, the statute contains sufficient particularity to show ordinary persons what conduct is prohibited, and thereby passes the void-for-vagueness test. The court stated that, according to the statute, while a person holding a license to practice medicine is permitted to engage in a broad range of conduct, those without that license are proscribed from engaging in that same range of conduct.

The defendant, Mr. Saunders, a dairy farmer, claimed that he could cure ill people by injecting an ill person's blood into a cow and then feeding that person the cow's colostrum.
Maximizing the Value of Electronic Prescription Monitoring Programs
Authors: Brushwood David B.
Published: January 2021

Diversion of controlled substances from medical to nonmedical purposes is a significant public health problem. However, there is great fear that regulatory efforts to curb this activity could have a chilling effect on appropriate and necessary pain management.

To track the extent to which there is inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, seventeen states have adopted prescription monitoring programs. Although earlier programs relied on ink-on-paper multiple copy or serialized prescriptions, the recent trend has been the development of electronic-based programs that can link to computerized pharmacy systems. Although these programs have not been thoroughly analyzed for their safety or efficacy, there is growing enthusiasm for them. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) backs the development of state-based electronic prescription monitoring programs and a bill is pending in Congress that would create a national program.
Supreme Court Limits Scope of ERISA Preemption
Authors: J.R.H.
Published: January 2021

On April 26, 1995, the United States Supreme Court limited the reach of the preemption provision of ERISA in New York State Conference of Blue Cross & Blue Shield Plans v. Tavelers Insurance Co. (115 S. Ct. 1671 (1995)). In Travelers, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of a New York statute requiring hospitals to collect surcharges from patients covered by commercial insurers and requiring health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to pay a surcharge to the state's general fund that varies depending on the number of Medicaid-eligible HMO members enrolled. Neither patients insured by Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans nor the plans themselves are similarly charged under the statute. Several commercial insurers and HMOs claimed the surcharges should be preempted under ERISA because they are levied on patients whose insurance or HMO membership premiums are purchased by an ERISA plan.

The ERISA preemption clause means that federal regulation, or lack thereof, supersedes state regulation that is related to employee pension and benefit plans. This preemption clause prevents states from changing health care and benefit law for a significant portion of state residents.
Recent Developments in Health Law
Authors: Jenny Brenna
Published: January 2021

When the Supreme Court in PLIVA v. Mensing determined that certain state tort law failure-to-warn claims against generic drug companies were pre-empted by federal drug regulations, the pronouncement was met with substantial criticism. In light of the Court's decision two years earlier in Wyeth v. Levine, where the Court allowed a similar claim against a brand-name drug manufacturer to proceed, many complained the resulting Levine-Mensing dichotomy created an arbitrary distinction between brand-name and generic drugs, allowing an injured patient's ability to recover to hinge solely on the happenstance of whether the individual had taken the brand-name or generic version. But, although Mensing cut back significantly on the ability of plaintiffs to make state law failure-to-warn claims against generic drug manufacturers, the case did not completely prohibit such claims. Instead, the Court banned only failure-to-warn claims premised on an argument that the generic drug company needed to change its label in order to meet state tort law duties. If plaintiffs can advance other theories independent of a formal label change, such as a failure to adequately warn a physician about a recent change to the drug's label, then they may still be able to proceed against generic drug manufacturers.
In situ generating Cu2O/Cu heterointerfaces on the Cu2O cube surface to enhance interface charge transfer for the Rochow reaction
Authors: Tang Fei , Li Jing , Zhu Yongxia , Ji Yongjun , Li Huifang , Liu Hezhi , Wang Xueguang , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: January 2021

Cubic Cu/Cu2O with heterointerfaces showed enhanced catalytic performance for the Rochow reaction. The resulting Schottky junction enhanced charge transfer efficiency and contributed to easier cleavage of Si–Si bond along {110} crystal plane.
Visible-light-driven photocatalyst based upon metal-free covalent triazine-based frameworks for enhanced hydrogen production
Authors: Tan Zunkun , Zhang Peng , Chen Qiaoshan , Fang Shengqiong , Huang Guocheng , Bi Jinhong , Wu Ling
Published: January 2021

An environment-friendly photocatalyst was constructed by loading reduced graphene oxide (rGO) onto a covalent triazine framework CTF-1 in this work for efficient utilization of solar energy to produce H2.
Research progress on separation of selenoproteins/Se-enriched peptides and their physiological activities
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhou Haochun , Li He , Ying Zhiwei , Liu Xinqi
Published: January 2021

Extracting Se-enriched proteins and peptides from Se-enriched agricultural products is crucial for improving the nutritional status of Se in the population.
Preparation, activity, and antioxidant mechanism of rice bran polysaccharide
Authors: Chen Fang , Huang Shiyu , Huang Gangliang
Published: January 2021

Preparation, activity, and mechanism of rice bran polysaccharide were investigated and discussed.
One-step synthesis of M13 phage-based nanoparticles and their fluorescence properties
Authors: Lai Jing Yi , Inoue Naoya , Oo Chuan Wei , Kawasaki Hideya , Lim Theam Soon
Published: January 2021

M13 bacteriophage is an attractive alternative source for fluorescent nanoparticle synthesis.
Chiroptical characterization tools for asymmetric small molecules – experimental and computational approaches for electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and anisotropy spectroscopy
Authors: Evans Amanda C. , Petit Andrew S. , Guillen Steven G. , Neukirch Amanda J. , Hoffmann Søren V. , Jones Nykola C.
Published: January 2021

Experimental and computational electronic circular dichroism spectra are used in conjunction with anisotropy spectra to chiroptically characterize mandelic acid and its derivatives into the vacuum UV.
Structural and spectral properties of a non-classical C58 isomer and its fluorinated derivatives in theory
Authors: Song Xiaoxi , Mao Renfeng , Wang Ziwei , Qi Jiayuan
Published: January 2021

The X-ray spectra have good isomer dependence and give a comprehensive insight of the electronic structure of the system.
Endohedral metallofullerene electrides of Ca12O12 with remarkable nonlinear optical response
Authors: Ahsan Annum , Khan Saima , Gilani Mazhar Amjad , Ayub Khurshid
Published: January 2021

Electride formation by alkali metal doping with a drastic increase in hyperpolarizability
Effect of doping on the phase stability and photophysical properties of CsPbI2Br perovskite thin films
Authors: Atourki Lahoucine , Bernabé Mari , Makha Mohammed , Bouabid Khalid , Regragui Mohammed , Ihlal Ahmed , Abd-lefdil Mohammed , Mollar Miguel
Published: January 2021

In this study, we demonstrate that in addition to improving the crystallization of CsPbI2Br films, the incorporation of Cl− and hydroiodic acid in the precursor solution leads to the formation of films with high coverage and large grains size.
The effects of Sn content on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–5Gd–3Y–xSn–0.5Zr alloys
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Quanan , Chen Xiaoya
Published: January 2021

The effects of Sn content on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr alloy were studied by SEM, EDS, XRD and electrochemical testing. Results show that Sn can refine the grain size and promote the precipitation.
Targeting self-assembled F127-peptide polymer with pH sensitivity for release of anticancer drugs
Authors: Han Wenzhao , Meng Fanwei , Gan Hao , Guo Feng , Ke Junfeng , Wang Liping
Published: January 2021

The treatment of breast cancer mainly relies on chemotherapy drugs, which present significant side effects.
Self-supporting V2O5 nanofiber-based electrodes for magnesium–lithium-ion hybrid batteries
Authors: Diem Achim M. , Hildenbrand Kevin , Raafat Leila , Bill Joachim , Burghard Zaklina
Published: January 2021

This work shows the feasibility of a self-supporting V2O5 nanofiber-based cathode for magnesium–lithium-ion batteries reaching an energy density of 280 W h kg−1.
Fluorescent dot peen marking for insuring oil steel pipes traceability
Authors: Lezhnev Aleksey , Prikina Yuliya , Roschin Alexander , Choboeva Aisalkyn
Published: January 2021

“VKO “Simvol” designs and produces marking equipment, reading equipment and traceability software. Fluorescent dot-peen marking (FDMP) is an improved version of dot peen marking (DPM) technology. In FDPM technology information dots are filled with special material – fluorescent composition. Various fluorescent compositions provide high stability of marking in different aggressive media, such as moisture, salt and acid solutions, oils, lubricants or high temperatures. 2D barcode Data Matrix makes the marking machine readable, even if some of the dots are damaged.
Protection enhancing of threaded connections of light-alloy drill pipes against contact corrosion
Authors: Malyshev Vladimir , Gelfgat Mikhail , Scherbakov Arseniy , Alkhimenko Alexey
Published: January 2021

When using light-alloy drill pipes (LAIDP) with steel tool joints, the development of contact corrosion is observed under certain operating conditions. The value of corrosion mainly depends on the difference in electrochemical potential (ECP) of the contacting metals. One of the effective methods for increasing the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys is the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method. This is an electrochemical process in combination with micro-arc-discharges phenomena at the anode-electrolyte border, which allows forming ceramic coatings of aluminum oxides on the surface, including its high-toughness and wear-resistant phase - α-Al2O3 (corundum). MAO-technology is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly process. At the forming of such a coating on the threaded part and in the tool joint zone of the pipe, a barrier for contact corrosion between the steel tool joint and the surface of the aluminum pipe is created. In this work, contact corrosion on samples in a pair of 1953T1 aluminum alloy - 40KhN2MA steel in a 5% NaCl solution at 80 °C was investigated. The data obtained showed the effectiveness of using protective MAO-coating to reduce contact corrosion and increase the reliability of the tool joint threaded connection of LAIDP.
Improvement Generative Growth of Coffea arabica L. Using Plant Growth Regulators and Pruning
Authors: Astri Muliasari Ade , Kemala Dewi Ratih , Fatchur Rochmah Hidayati , Rakoto Malala Andoniana , Gamawati Adinurani Praptiningsih
Published: January 2021

Pruning coffee plants is intended to stimulate generative growth that increases productivity to reach optimal. Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) makes it possible to exploit the production potential of plants. Pruning management, combined with the PGR in coffee plants, is expected to improve flowering and berry growth. The research was conducted for 7 mo from October 2017 to April 2018 at Gunung Gede, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. A split–plot design with two treatment factors was used in this research. Pruning was placed as the main plot consisting of two levels, namely without (P0) and with pruning (P1). The PGR application was placed as a subplot, consisting of three dosages, namely without PGR (Z0), and concentrations of 0.3 mL L–1 (Z1) and 0.4 mL L–1 (Z2). The results showed, the pruning treatment significantly influenced microclimate, number of branches, B0, B1 and B2, number of berry sets, and berries. Pruning treatment had a very significant effect on microclimate, plant height, number of branches, number of coffee fruits, yields crops–1, and productivity. Interaction both significantly affected plant height and B0. The best dosage had not yet been found.
Biomass Enhancement of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Shoot Culture in Temporary Immersion System (TIS) RITA® Bioreactor Optimized in Two Different Immersion Periods
Authors: Christela Melviana Agustine , Rachmi Esyanti Rizkita , Mel Maizirwan , Hendroko Setyobudi Roy
Published: January 2021

Stevia plant contains steviol glycosides, which are estimated to be 300 times sweeter than sucrose. However, conventional (in vivo) propagation of Stevia rebaudiana in Indonesia was not effective due to poor results. Therefore, an alternative method to propagate stevia plants is needed. One of them is by using in vitro method. Multiplication with a large quantity of stevia biomass in a relatively short period can be conducted by using TIS RITA® (Recipient for Automated Temporary Immersion System). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the immersion period of the medium on growth and the medium bioconversion into the production of shoot biomass. The bioreactors were set up with 15 min and 30 min immersions periods, scheduled every 6 h, and incubated for 21 d. The result indicated that the immersion period affected the biomass and growth rate (µ). Amount of 30 min immersion showed a greater percentage of shoot multiplication, higher biomass, percentage of leaf growth, growth rate, and productivity compared to 15 min immersion. The pattern of sucrose, mineral, and inorganic compounds consumption followed the growth of plant biomass for both systems. In conclusion, 30 min immersion gave a greater efficiency medium bioconversion to plant biomass compared with 15 min immersion.
Relationship of Group Dynamics and Fishermen Independence in Fisheries Agribusiness Attaining Maximum Sustainable Yield
Authors: Rosyidi Hamdi , Tarik Ibrahim Jabal , Sutawi Sutawi , Anne Olga , Rachmawati Diana
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to examine the factors and the influence of group dynamics and the independence of fishing group members in catch fisheries agribusiness activities. This research was carried out using a survey method in the Rukun Nelayan Blimbing in Paciran District, Lamongan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia from February to March 2019. The result showed the group dynamics and independence of fishermen in catch fisheries was high, but group dynamics did not influence the independence of fishermen in catching fisheries agribusiness. The factors that influence group dynamics were structuring, coaching and development, atmosphere, effectiveness. The factors affected the independence of the group were the addition of production facilities, prices, market, and fishermen. Those factors are needed to attain the good management in maximum sustainable yield (MSY).
Variability of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici from different altitudes in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sukorini Henik , Dani Septia Erfan , Khewkhom Netnapis
Published: January 2021

Fusarium wilt disease attacks the tomato plants, and Solanaceae plants with losses can reach 90 %. Thus, this disease was tough to control. The morphology and pathogenicity variation caused failure disease control. Both variations could be affected by the altitude of the planting site. Therefore, it also required special handling of management as well. The specific objectives of this study to investigate the Fusarium isolate from different altitude response of physical properties (acid-base pH, low-high temperature, and fungicides of other active ingredients) and growth rate of Fusarium. All Fusarium sp. were isolated from the leaves, soil, roots, and stem of infected tomato plants. Before a series of tests were carried out, all of the isolates were tested for pathogenicity, then tested for the influence of abiotic factors. This study obtained four isolates from high altitude, four isolates from medium altitude, and five lowland isolates. In morphological observations, there were striking differences in colony color and growth rate among isolates on several media and pathogenicity tests. Each isolate had different pathogenicity, although from the same location but other parts of the plant. Knowing the characteristic morphology and Fusarium sp. response of the three areas can be used as references in controlling.
Exploration and Characterization of “Uwi” Plant (Dioscorea sp.) in East Java Uplands, Indonesia
Authors: Wuryantoro Wuryantoro , Mustika Wardhani Ratna , Rekyani Puspitawati Indah , Gamawati Adinurani Praptiningsih , Mohammad Yamin Bohari
Published: January 2021

“Uwi” (Dioscorea sp.) is a tuber plant species with potentials to support the national food diversity program because it has high tolerance when planted in upland areas, which are wide in Indonesia and beyond. The study aims to rescue germplasm of “Uwi” plants through exploration, identification, and collection for the sake of national long–term goal of providing alternative food sources to support food security. The research began with exploration of the west upland area of East Java, and continued with specimen planting for characterization testing in the following year. Exploration resulted in 127 samples of variants observed throughout uplands in Madiun, Ponorogo, Ngawi, Magetan and Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia with each result of 28, 26, 9, 20 and 44 variants. Five big groups of Dioscorea family namely Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea aculeata, Dioscorea hispida, Dioscorea pentaphylla and Dioscorea bulbifera were mapped out as a result. Using SPSS cluster analysis, D. alata as the most variant were specified into 20 groups and further gathered into seven clusters based on its main botanical characteristics of leaf shape, leaf color, stem color, tuber color, tuber shape, and skin color of the tuber. Meanwhile, D. aculeata and D. pentaphylla were each detailed into two sub–clusters and other types were each detailed into one.
Effect of cavity parameters on the propagation of shock wave generated by underwater pulsed discharge
Authors: Yang Jin , He Zhenghao , Zhang Zhuoyu , Liu Yuchen , Yin Ming
Published: January 2021

In order to optimize the shock wave generated by underwater pulsed discharge, the relationship between cavity parameters and shock wave propagation is further studied by three-dimensional numerical simulation. According to the sound pressure field distribution obtained by the simulation, the reflection of the shock wave by the reactor wall can be clearly observed. The reflected pressure wave will reach its maximum value and then gradually attenuate. The study also found that when the deposition energy is constant, when the initial radius of the arc channel increases from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, the maximum amplitude of the shock wave will increase from 0.22 × 105 Pa to 1.70 × 105 Pa. When the initial radius of the arc channel is constant, as the deposition energy increases, the time to radiate the shock wave becomes earlier, and the maximum amplitude of the shock wave will increase. This means that a higher pressure can be generated by increasing the input of the deposition energy. When the deposition energy is constant, a higher-pressure level can be obtained by increasing the initial radius of the channel. The excitation frequency also affects the shock wave amplitude. Higher excitation frequency can obtain higher pressure amplitude. These methods will increase the efficiency of underwater pulse discharge treatment of bacteria.
Global equivalent slab thickness model of the Earth’s ionosphere
Authors: Jakowski Norbert , Hoque Mohammed Mainul
Published: January 2021

The shape of the vertical electron density profile is a result of production, loss and transportation of plasma in the Earth’s ionosphere. Therefore, the equivalent slab thickness of the ionosphere that characterizes the width of vertical electron density profiles is an important parameter for a better understanding of ionospheric processes under regular as well as under perturbed conditions. The equivalent slab thickness is defined by the ratio of the vertical total electron content over the peak electron density and is therefore easy to compute by utilizing powerful data sources nowadays available thanks to ground and space based GNSS techniques. Here we use peak electron density data from three low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite missions, namely CHAMP, GRACE and FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC, as well as total electron content data obtained from numerous GNSS ground stations. For the first time, we present a global model of the equivalent slab thickness (Neustrelitz equivalent Slab Thickness Model – NSTM). The model approach is similar to a family of former model approaches successfully applied for total electron content (TEC), peak electron density NmF2 and corresponding height hmF2 at DLR. The model description focuses on an overall view of the behaviour of the equivalent slab thickness as a function of local time, season, geographic/geomagnetic location and solar activity on a global scale. In conclusion, the model agrees quite well with the overall observation data within a RMS range of 70 km. There is generally a good correlation with solar heat input that varies with local time, season and level of solar activity. However, under non-equilibrium conditions, plasma transport processes dominate the behaviour of the equivalent slab thickness. It is assumed that night-time plasmasphere–ionosphere coupling causes enhanced equivalent slab thickness values like the pre-sunrise enhancement. The overall fit provides consistent results with the mid-latitude bulge (MLB) of the equivalent slab thickness, described for the first time in this paper. Furthermore, the model recreates quite well ionospheric anomalies such as the Night-time Winter Anomaly (NWA) which is closely related to the Mid-latitude Summer Night-time Anomaly (MSNA) like the Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) and Okhotsk Sea Anomaly (OSA). Further model improvements can be achieved by using an extended model approach and considering the particular geomagnetic field structure.
Stable plane waves in nonlocally coupled phase oscillators
Authors: Kawamura Yoji
Published: January 2021

We consider a system of nonlocally coupled phase oscillators and perform a linear stability analysis of the plane wave solutions of the system. Consequently, we demonstrate the stability of the solution associated with a particular wavenumber and also the robustness of the stability against the heterogeneity of natural frequencies. The mathematical model is valid in any spatial dimension, and the theoretical results are confirmed via direct numerical simulations.
Simulation and optimization of working parameters of the rapid-dissolution device of hydrophobically associating polymer
Authors: Wang Shikai , Shu Zheng , Ye Zhongbin , Zhu Shijie , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2021

To solve the dissolution problem of hydrophobically associating polymers during the application process, a rapid-dissolution device was developed and optimized. The relevant parameters of the device were simulated with a focus on the fluid-passing capacity, rotating speed, and device structure to study the dissolution effect using the Fluent software. The results indicated that under the condition that the fluid-passing capacity of a single rapid-dissolution device was 12 m3/h, the viscosity of the hydrophobically associating polymer solution allowed to pass through the device should not exceed 21 mPa s. When the rotating speed of the rotor was 1440 rpm, the polymer had uniform distribution when passing through the device and could achieve a good tensile dissolution effect. By installing a fan blade in the device, the retention problem of polymer swelling particles in the dissolution device was solved, and the dispersion and dissolution of the polymer are promoted. The rapid-dissolution device was suitable for the dissolution of hydrophobically associating polymers in the oil field and so as to promote the application of hydrophobically associating polymers.
Enhancement for magnetic field strength of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster consisting of permanent magnets
Authors: Li Yan-Hom , Zeng Cing-Hui , Chen Yen-Ju
Published: January 2021

This study designs a closed-loop magnetic circuit using permeable materials to increase the uniformity and intensity of the magnetic field based on an internal conductive square Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) thruster that consists of a pair of NdFeB magnets. To reduce the magnetic leakage from the thruster, magnetic shields made of various permeable metals are used to encase the MHD thruster. The experimental results show that a stainless steel shell lighter than a black iron shield and moderately increases the magnetic field strength is more suitable for applications in seawater. For a single shield, the field intensity inside the thruster increases linearly with the thickness of the shell. The field strength increases further when a second shell is used. However, the field intensity decreases when the distance between the two shells is increased. An MHD thruster that is 100 mm long, 5mm wide, and 50mm high is hung on a sliding track with negligible friction and is fully submerged in the saline water for the verification of its performance. Increasing the thickness of the stainless steel shell from 2mm to 4mm results in the increase of the propulsive force from 0.064 N to 0.265 N, and the speed of the thruster from 0.075m/s to 0.098 m/s, respectively. The experimental results are used to propose a modified design for a magnetic circuit that increases the uniformity and strength of the magnetic field in the central region of a square MHD thruster that consists of permanent magnets.
Discrete magnetic breathers in monoaxial chiral helimagnet
Authors: Bostrem I. G. , Sinitsyn Vl. E. , Ovchinnikov A. S. , Ekomasov E. G. , Kishine J.
Published: January 2021

We analyze spatially localized breather excitations for the model of a discrete Heisenberg spin chain, which includes the antisymmetric exchange interaction and single-ion anisotropy of the easy-plane type. In a finite size chain the breather modes may be indexed by number of embedded kink-antikink pairs forming the regular breather lattice. The influence of the antisymmetric exchange on properties of the discrete breather modes is examined.
A typology for magnetic field generator technologies
Authors: Bouda N. Robert , Gaunkar N. Prabhu , Theh W. Shen , Mina M.
Published: January 2021

This paper identifies different methodologies used to design suitable magnetic field generators (MFG) with adjustable characteristics. Variations in parameters, such as pulse frequency and amplitude elicit distinct responses. Assessing the differences between design parameters and experimental observations of magnetic field generators is essential for various applications. The use of magnetic field generator-based techniques is first studied in applications related to optical transmission, transcranial magnetic stimulation devices and magnetic resonance. Decades of research and technological advancement are associated with these methods. The associated nomenclature for describing and characterizing these methods are introduced and discussed. Finally, the paper presents possible future framework and design considerations in functionality where new MFGs are expected to play a key role in the future.
Modern Physics and Space Science
Authors: Carpenter D. Rae , Minnix Richard B.
Published: January 2021

Use battery–operated vehicle moving at constant speed. Place vehicle on butcher paper ∼1.5 m long so tractor moves transverse to longer dimension of paper. First, run tractor with paper stationary. Repeat, while pulling paper by hand at as constant speed as possible. Repeat with tractor moving in direction of paper motion and opposite to paper motion. Try moving paper at same speed as tractor but in opposite direction so tractor remains motionless in lab frame.

DISCUSS classic problem of rowing to point directly across a swiftly moving river. If appropriate, explain why a light source, moving at speed of light, does not result in “stopping” light beam.