bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar Improves the Properties of Poultry Manure Compost as Growing Media for Rosemary Production
Authors: Fornes Fernando , Liu-Xu Luisa , Lidón Antonio , Sánchez-García María , Cayuela María Luz , Sánchez-Monedero Miguel A. , Belda Rosa María
Published: February 2020

Compost represents a sustainable alternative for peat (P) replacement in soilless plant cultivation, but its use can be limited by several inadequate physical and physicochemical properties. Biochar can alleviate some of the limitations of compost for its use as growth media by improving the physical properties, decreasing salinity and making the phytotoxic compounds unavailable for plants. We studied the physical and physicochemical properties of holm oak biochar (B), poultry manure compost (PMC), poultry manure composted with biochar (PMBC), a commercial peat (P) and multiple combinations of these materials as growth media, and their effect on the rooting and growth of rosemary. PMBC and PMC showed similar physical and physicochemical properties as growing media, and they both were phytotoxic when used in a rate above 50% (by volume) in the growing medium. However, when used at proportion of 25%, PMBC was less phytotoxic than PMC and enhanced the percentage of rosemary cutting rooting. The incorporation of B in the growing medium instead of P (either at 50% or 75% in volume) increased the stability of the growing media and the percentage of rooted cuttings, but it did not affect plant growth significantly. Our results demonstrate the potential of substituting peat by a combination of poultry manure compost and biochar for the formulation of growth media.
Grafting Tomato as a Tool to Improve Salt Tolerance
Authors: Singh Hira , Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Ashwani , Kyriacou Marios , Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef
Published: February 2020

Salinity in soil or water is a serious threat to global agriculture; the expected acreage affected by salinity is about 20% of the global irrigated lands. Improving salt tolerance of plants through breeding is a complex undertaking due to the number of traits involved. Grafting, a surgical mean of joining a scion and rootstock of two different genotypes with the desired traits, offers an alternative to breeding and biotechnological approaches to salt tolerance. Grafting can also be used to circumvent other biotic and abiotic stresses. Increasing salinity tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopresicum L.), a highly nutritious and economical vegetable, will have greater impact on the vegetable industry, especially in (semi) arid regions where salinity in soil and water are more prevalent. Besides, plants also experience salt stress when water in hydroponic system is recycled for tomato production. Grafting high yielding but salt-susceptible tomato cultivars onto salt-resistant/tolerant rootstocks is a sustainable strategy to overcome saline stress. Selection of salt-tolerant rootstocks though screening of available commercial and wild relatives of tomato under salt stress conditions is a pre-requisite for grafting. The positive response of grafting exerted by tolerant rootstocks or scion-rootstock interactions on yield and fruit characteristics of tomato under saline conditions is attributed to several physiological and biochemical changes. In this review, the importance of tomato grafting, strategies to select appropriate rootstocks, scion-rootstock interaction for growth, yield and quality characteristics, as well as the tolerance mechanisms that (grafted) plants deploy to circumvent or minimize the effects of salt stress in root zones are discussed. The future challenges of grafting tomato are also highlighted.
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) Interference, Control and Recovery under Different Management Practices and its Effects on the Grain Yield and Quality of Maize Crop
Authors: Karkanis Anestis , Athanasiadou Despoina , Giannoulis Kyriakos , Karanasou Konstantina , Zografos Spyridon , Souipas Spyridon , Bartzialis Dimitrios , Danalatos Nicholaos
Published: February 2020

Maize is an important crop grown on significant acreage around the world, and a major constraint for its growth is weed interference. Thus, field studies were conducted to examine johnsongrass interference, control, and recovery under different management practices and its effects on maize. Our results indicated that the most johnsongrass aboveground biomass was recorded in the nontreated and weed-infested for 55 days after sowing (DAS) treatments, while the lowest values were in nicosulfuron treatments (48 and 60 g a.i./ha). Among the various herbicide treatments, the greatest johnsongrass aboveground biomass was recorded in the isoxaflutole (applied pre-emergence at 99 g a.i./ha) + 1 hoeing treatment. Johnsongrass aboveground biomass at 78–85 DAS was 1.4- to 6.0-fold greater than that at 55 DAS, revealing johnsongrass recovery after nicosulfuron treatments. Johnsongrass competition had a significant impact on maize growth and grain yield. The main crop parameters, such as aboveground biomass, grain yield, and protein content, were lowest in the nontreated and weed-infested for 55 DAS treatments, while the greatest values of these parameters were recorded in the weed-free and nicosulfuron treatments. In conclusion, our results indicated that timely and effective chemical control of johnsongrass is essential for improving grain yield and quality of maize.
Dynamic Analysis of Spatial Truss Structures Including Sliding Joint Based on the Geometrically Exact Beam Theory and Isogeometric Analysis
Authors: Wu Zhipei , Rong Jili , Liu Cheng , Liu Zhichao , Shi Wenjing , Xin Pengfei , Li Weijie
Published: February 2020

With increasing of the size of spatial truss structures, the beam component will be subjected to the overall motion with large deformation. Based on the local frame approach and the geometrically exact beam theory, a beam finite element, which can effectively reduce the rotational nonlinearity and is appropriate for finite motion and deformation issues, is developed. Dynamic equations are derived in the Lie group framework. To obtain the symmetric Jacobian matrix of internal forces, the linearization operation is conducted based on the previously converged configuration. The iteration matrix corresponding to the rotational parameters, including the Jacobian matrix of inertial and internal forces in the initial configuration, can be maintained in the simulation, which drastically improves the computational efficiency. Based on the Lagrangian multiplier method, the constraint equation and its Jacobian matrix of sliding joint are derived. Furthermore, the isogeometric analysis (IGA) based on the non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) basis functions, is adopted to interpolate the displacement and rotation fields separately. Finally, three dynamic numerical examples including a deployment dynamic analysis of spatial truss structure are conducted to verify the availability and the applicability of the proposed formulation.
Experimental and Analytical Investigation on Flexural Retrofitting of RC T-Section Beams Using CFRP Sheets
Authors: Zhang Yannian , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: February 2020

The large portfolio of aging highway bridges worldwide includes many reinforced concrete T-section beams with various levels of damage and degradation. However, there is currently dearth of research on the anchoring behavior of CFRP sheets used for strengthening such RC T-section beams. Moreover, there is a need for rational and accurate analytical models to predict the strengthening effect of CFRP sheets for RC T-section beams. In this study, eight RC T-section beam specimens strengthened with externally bonded CFRP sheets were tested under quasi-static loading. The failure mode, cracking resistance, yielding and ultimate capacity were examined. The effects of U-wrap spacing, flexural reinforcing ratio, and concrete compressive strength on the flexural behavior of the CFRP strengthened RC T-section beams were analyzed and discussed. New analytical models were developed to predict the cracking, yielding and ultimate load resistance of the RC T-section beams strengthened with CFRP sheets. The analytical models were validated through comparing its predictions with experimental results, and they demonstrated adequate accuracy. The findings could be deployed for the retrofitting of a large portfolio of aging highway bridges with deteriorated reinforced concrete T-section beams.
An Efficient Pipeline to Obtain 3D Model for HBIM and Structural Analysis Purposes from 3D Point Clouds
Authors: Pepe Massimiliano , Costantino Domenica , Restuccia Garofalo Alfredo
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work is to identify an efficient pipeline in order to build HBIM (heritage building information modelling) and create digital models to be used in structural analysis. To build accurate 3D models it is first necessary to perform a geomatics survey. This means performing a survey with active or passive sensors and, subsequently, accomplishing adequate post-processing of the data. In this way, it is possible to obtain a 3D point cloud of the structure under investigation. The next step, known as “scan-to-BIM (building information modelling)”, has led to the creation of an appropriate methodology that involved the use of Rhinoceros software and a few tools developed within this environment. Once the 3D model is obtained, the last step is the implementation of the structure in FEM (finite element method) and/or in HBIM software. In this paper, two case studies involving structures belonging to the cultural heritage (CH) environment are analysed: a historical church and a masonry bridge. In particular, for both case studies, the different phases were described involving the construction of the point cloud and, subsequently, the construction of a 3D model. This model is suitable both for structural analysis and for the parameterization of rheological and geometric information of each single element of the structure.
Assessing Seismic Collapse Safety and Retrofitting Low-Ductility RC Frame Structures on the Basis of the Acceptable Collapse Safety Margin in China
Authors: Xian Lina , Liu Haiqing , Zhao Zhongwei , Zhang Ni
Published: February 2020

The relationship between the average annual collapse probability and collapse safety margin of structures is identified to evaluate structural collapse performance quantitatively. A method is then proposed to determine the acceptable collapse margin ratio (CMR) with a certain annual collapse probability. Two methods, namely adopting steel braces and enlarging column cross sections, are used to retrofit a four-story, low-ductility reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. On the basis of the acceptable CMR, the seismic collapse resistance of the structure is assessed before and after strengthening. Furthermore, a four-story RC frame structure, which is designed in conformity to the minimum design criteria of the building code, is constructed. The incremental dynamic analysis method is used in consideration of collapse uncertainties. Results show that when the acceptable annual collapse probability is equal to 1.24 × 10−4, which is calculated using the collapse probability at maximum considered earthquake (5%, as proposed in CECS 392), the collapse safety margin of the four structures does not satisfy the seismic collapse resistance requirements with large collapse uncertainty. The structures that are retrofitted and designed in conformity to the code can satisfy the collapse safety margin requirements when the acceptable annual collapse probability is increased to 2 × 10−4. The comparison of the two retrofitting schemes used to improve the seismic collapse resistance of the structure indicates that the steel brace-retrofitting method is better than increasing the column section. This work is an important reference for the reinforcement of the seismic resistance of structures and for corresponding research on collapse resistance.
Impact of Temperature Changes and Freeze—Thaw Cycles on the Behaviour of Asphalt Concrete Submerged in Water with Sodium Chloride
Authors: Vega-Zamanillo Ángel , Juli-Gándara Luis , Calzada-Pérez Miguel Ángel , Teijón-López-Zuazo Evelio
Published: February 2020

One of the main applications of salt in civil engineering is its use as a de-icing agent on roads in cold areas. The purpose of this research is to find out the mechanical behaviour of an asphalt concrete when it is subjected to temperature changes and freeze–thaw cycles. These temperature interactions have been carried out for dry specimens, specimens submerged in distilled water and specimens submerged in salt water (5% of sodium chloride, NaCl). An AC16 Surf D bituminous mixture was evaluated under three types of temperature interaction: three reference series remained at a controlled temperature of 20 °C, another three series were subjected to five freeze–thaw cycles and the last three series have been subjected to one year outside in Santander (Spain). The mechanical behaviour of the mixture was determined by Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITS), Water Sensitivity Test (ITSR) and Wheel Tracking Test, Dynamic Modulus Test and Fatigue Tests. The results of the tests show that, although the temperature changes have a negative effect on the mechanical properties, salt water protects the aggregate-binder adhesive, maintains the mechanical strength, increases the number of load cycles for any strain range and reduces the time that the mixture is in contact with frozen water.
Advances in Micromanipulation Actuated by Vibration-Induced Acoustic Waves and Streaming Flow
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Liu Xiaoming , Kojima Masaru , Huang Qiang , Arai Tatsuo
Published: February 2020

The use of vibration and acoustic characteristics for micromanipulation has been prevalent in recent years. Due to high biocompatibility, non-contact operation, and relatively low cost, the micromanipulation actuated by the vibration-induced acoustic wave and streaming flow has been widely applied in the sorting, translating, rotating, and trapping of targets at the submicron and micron scales, especially particles and single cells. In this review, to facilitate subsequent research, we summarize the fundamental theories of manipulation driven by vibration-induced acoustic waves and streaming flow. These methods are divided into two types: actuated by the acoustic wave, and actuated by the steaming flow induced by vibrating geometric structures. Recently proposed representative vibroacoustic-driven micromanipulation methods are introduced and compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are summarized. Finally, prospects are presented based on our review of the recent advances and developing trends.
Study on the Influence of Land Use on Water Environment Quality in Riverside Zone Based on GIS
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yang Qingwei , Yuan Peiyin
Published: February 2020

The development of the urban Binjiang belt has influenced the water environment quality. Taking the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River basin and the Binjiang section of the urban center as examples, representative water intake points were selected to extract the urban layout pattern of the Binjiang belt, and the distribution characteristics of its influence on water environment quality were studied using a geographic information system. A structural equation model was used to establish a model of the influence of urban layout on water environment quality, and the water quality test results were added to the model to calculate the contribution rates of different land types to water environment quality. The research results and methods can be used for reference for urban water environment quality and for evaluating the influence of urban design on water environment quality.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Thiourea and Calcium Citrate for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Choi Yunju , Lee Sun-Young , Bae Jong-Seong , Lee Sea-Jin , Kim Hyun Kyu , Jeong Euh Duck , Shin Heon-Cheol
Published: February 2020

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have shown a high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g−1. However, amongst the issues they have, the low electron conductivity of sulfur and its dissolution represent the biggest challenge limiting its practical applications. This contributes to the low utilization of the active sulfur at the cathode—a phenomenon known as the “shuttling effect.” To overcome these limitations, some strategies such as physical confinement (sulfur–carbon composite), chemical adsorption (N and/or S doping) electrolyte design, and separator design have already been proposed. Calcium citrate is the most attractive carbon source because no activation process is necessary and the fabrication process is very simple. In this experiment, we synthesized calcium citrate and sulfur (S) to conduct a charging–discharging test and compared them by adding thiourea (TU) as well as S in the carbonized calcium citrate (CaC). This effective and simple technique for material production can accommodate the charge/discharge reactions and preserve the structure over long cycles. A CaC/TU-S composite is acceptable for an initial discharge capacity of 1051.6 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles at 1 C. The results show that the CaC-S and CaC/TU-S composites have a good, stable specific capacity.
Comparative Study on Supervised Learning Models for Productivity Forecasting of Shale Reservoirs Based on a Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Han Dongkwon , Jung Jihun , Kwon Sunil
Published: February 2020

Due to the rapid development of shale gas, a system has been established that can utilize a considerable amount of data using the database system. As a result, many studies using various machine learning techniques were carried out to predict the productivity of shale gas reservoirs. In this study, a comprehensive analysis is performed for a machine learning method based on data-driven approaches that evaluates productivity for shale gas wells by using various parameters such as hydraulic fracturing and well completion in Eagle Ford shale gas field. Two techniques are used to improve the performance of the productivity prediction machine learning model developed in this study. First, the optimal input variables were selected by using the variables importance method (VIM). Second, cluster analysis was used to analyze the similarities in the datasets and recreate the machine learning models for each cluster to compare the training and test results. To predict productivity, we used random forest (RF), gradient boosting tree (GBM), and support vector machine (SVM) supervised learning models. Compared to other supervised learning models, RF, which is applied with the VIM, has the best prediction performance. The retraining model through cluster analysis has excellent predictive performance. The developed model and prediction workflow are considered useful for reservoir engineers planning of field development plan.
Aerodynamic Optimization of a Micro Quadrotor Aircraft with Different Rotor Spacings in Hover
Authors: Lei Yao , Wang Hengda
Published: February 2020

In order to study the aerodynamic performance of the quadrotor with different rotor spacings in hover, experiments were performed together with numerical simulations. For experimental study, an experimental platform was designed to measure the thrust and power consumption of the quadrotor with different rotor spacings (L/R = 2.2, 2.6, 3.0, 3.2, 3.6, and 4.0), and to attempt to find out the optimal rotor configuration which makes the quadrotor have the best aerodynamic performance. In addition, the pressure distribution, vorticity of the blade tip, and velocity vector of quadrotor in the flow field were obtained by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to visually analyze the aerodynamic interference between adjacent rotors. By the comparison of experimental results and numerical simulations, the final results show that the aerodynamic performance of the quadrotor varies obviously with the change of rotor spacing, and it has a negative impact on hover efficiency if rotor spacing is too much small or large. The rotors pacing at L/R = 3.6 with larger thrust and smaller power is considered to be the best aerodynamic configuration for the quadrotor with better aerodynamic characteristics. Furthermore, compared with the isolated rotor, moderate aerodynamic interference is proved to help improve the aerodynamic performance of the quadrotor with a larger thrust, especially for a rotor spacing at L/R = 3.6.
Colonization of Wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains in a New Winery
Authors: Abdo Hany , Catacchio Claudia R. , Ventura Mario , D’Addabbo Pietro , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Laurent Julie , David-Vaizant Vanessa , Alexandre Hervé , Guilloux-Bénatier Michèle , Rousseaux Sandrine
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work was to study the fungal colonization of a new winery over time, specifically for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, we analyzed the flora present before the arrival of the first harvest on the floor, the walls and the equipment of this new winery by Illumina MiSeq. The genus Saccharomyces (≤0.3%) was detected on floor and equipment but the presence of S. cerevisiae species was not reported. Wild S. cerevisiae strains were isolated from a ‘Pied de Cuve’ used during the first vintage to ensure the alcoholic fermentation (AF). Among 25 isolates belonging to this species, 17 different strains were identified highlighting a great intraspecific diversity. S. cerevisiae strains were also isolated from different vats throughout the spontaneous fermentations during the first vintage. The following year, some of these strains were isolated again during AF. Some of them (four) were found in the winery equipment before the arrival of the third harvest suggesting a potential colonization by these strains. To better understand what promotes the yeast colonization of the winery’s environment, the ability to form a biofilm on solid surfaces for eight colonizing or non-colonizing strains was studied. This capacity, different according to the strains, could partly explain the colonization observed for certain strains.
Prevalence and Selected Sociodemographic of Movement Behaviors in Schoolchildren from Low- and Middle-Income Families in Nanjing, China: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Chen Si-Tong , Yan Jin
Published: February 2020

Background: To investigate the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and its sociodemographic correlates in youth from low- and middle-income families (LMIFs) in Nanjing, China. Methods: Cross-sectional data on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time (ST), and sleep (SLP) were collected using the Chinese version of Health Behavior School-Aged Children questionnaire among grade schoolchildren of 4th–12th (mean age 13.6 years). The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was in line with the recommendations of the Canadian 24-h movement guidelines. Generalized linear models were used to explore the relationships of correlates with the prevalence of meeting the movement guidelines. Results: The prevalence of meeting the MVPA, ST, and SLP guidelines and their combination was 9.9%, 65.2%, 37.2%, and 2.9%, respectively. As for the prevalence of meeting the MVPA guidelines, boys, younger schoolchildren, and those living in urban areas had a higher chance of meeting them. With regards to the prevalence of meeting the ST guidelines, girls, urban schoolchildren, and the oldest participants were more likely to meet the guidelines. Residential areas and grades were two correlates of meeting the SLP guidelines as well as 24-h movement guidelines. Conclusions: The majority of schoolchildren from LMIFs in Nanjing, China had unhealthy movement behaviors. This concerning situation was mainly predicted by schoolchildren’s grades, indicating older schoolchildren exhibited lower levels of movement behavior. Improved studies are encouraged to identify the correlates of movement behaviors in schoolchildren, which in turn designs and implements effective interventions.
Homogeneous Nucleation Mechanism of NaCl in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sun Qiang , Cui Shuai , Zhang Meixi
Published: February 2020

In this study, molecular dynamic simulations are employed to investigate the homogeneous nucleation mechanism of NaCl crystal in solutions. According to the simulations, the dissolved behaviors of NaCl in water are dependent on ion concentrations. With increasing NaCl concentrations, the dissolved Na+ and Cl- ions tend to be aggregated in solutions. In combination with our recent studies, the aggregate of dissolved solutes is mainly ascribed to the hydrophobic interactions. Different from the two-step mechanism, no barrier is needed to overcome the formation of the aggregate. In comparison with the classical nucleation theory (CNT), because of the formation of solute aggregate, this lowers the barrier height of nucleation and affects the nucleation mechanism of NaCl crystal in water.
Reaction Initiation in Enzyme Crystals by Diffusion of Substrate
Authors: Schmidt Marius
Published: February 2020

Ever since the first structure of an enzyme, lysozyme, was solved, scientists have been eager to explore how these molecules perform their catalytic function. There has been an overwhelmingly large body of publications that report the X-ray structures of enzymes determined after substrate and ligand binding. None of them truly show the structures of an enzyme working freely through a sequence of events that range from the formation of the enzyme–substrate complex to the dissociation of the product. The technical difficulties were too severe. By 1969, Sluyterman and de Graaf had pointed out that there might be a way to start a reaction in an enzyme crystal by diffusion and following its catalytic cycle in its entirety with crystallographic methods. The crystal only has to be thin enough so that the diffusion is not rate limiting. Of course, the key questions are as follows: How thin should the crystal be? Will the existing X-ray sources be able to collect data from a thin enough crystal fast enough? This review shines light on these questions.
Children’s Interest in Learning English Through Picture Books in an EFL Context: The Effects of Parent–Child Interaction and Digital Pen Use
Authors: Choi Naya , Kang Sujeong , Sheo Jiyeon
Published: February 2020

In recent years, the ways in which to read English picture books to young children has become diverse in English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The present study examined the effect of parent-child interactions and digital pen use during English picture book reading in the child’s interest in learning English. A total of 320 Korean mothers of three to five year old preschool children participated in the study. The results revealed the following. First, children’s interest in learning English was higher when they used digital pens and engaged in frequent parent-child interactions during English picture book reading. Second, parent-child interaction was a more significant variable in children’s interest in learning English compared to digital pen use. Third, the moderator effect of digital pen use in the relation between parent-children interaction and children’s interest in learning English was insignificant. In other words, parent-child interaction was important in increasing children’s interest in learning English, regardless of digital pen use. While rapid advances in technology enhanced teaching pedagogy, parent-child interaction in foreign language learning still remains as a crucial factor. Further implications and future directions are discussed.
Improved KNN Algorithm for Fine-Grained Classification of Encrypted Network Flow
Authors: Ma Chencheng , Du Xuehui , Cao Lifeng
Published: February 2020

The fine-grained classification of encrypted traffic is important for network security analysis. Malicious attacks are usually encrypted and simulated as normal application or content traffic. Supervised machine learning methods are widely used for traffic classification and show good performances. However, they need a large amount of labeled data to train a model, while labeled data is hard to obtain. Aiming at solving this problem, this paper proposes a method to train a model based on the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm, which only needs a small amount of data. Due to the fact that the importance of different traffic features varies, and traditional KNN does not highlight the importance of different features, this study introduces the concept of feature weight and proposes the weighted feature KNN (WKNN) algorithm. Furthermore, to obtain the optimal feature set and the corresponding feature weight set, a feature selection and feature weight self-adaptive algorithm for WKNN is proposed. In addition, a three-layer classification framework for encrypted network flows is established. Based on the improved KNN and the framework, this study finally presents a method for fine-grained classification of encrypted network flows, which can identify the encryption status, application type and content type of encrypted network flows with high accuracies of 99.3%, 92.4%, and 97.0%, respectively.
A Reactive and On-Chip Sensor Circuit for NBTI and PBTI Resilient SRAM Design
Authors: Yadav Nandakishor , Kim Youngbae , Alashi Mahmoud , Choi Kyuwon Ken
Published: February 2020

Process Variation (PV), Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) and Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) are the critical factors that affect the reliability of semiconductor chip design. They cause the system to be unstable and increase the soft error rate. In this paper, a compact on-chip degradation technique using runtime leakage current monitoring has been proposed. The proposed sensor-based adaptive technique compensates for the variation due to PV and aging using the body-bias-voltage-generator circuit. Simulation experiments for three and ten-year stress have been performed. Simulation results proved the superiority of the proposed sensor which provides 33% (up to 0.75 V) more output voltage and 98% sensitivity at 1 V supply voltage compared to the state-of-the-art sensor. The proposed technique mitigates up to 80% PV and BTI effects in SRAM compared to the state-of-the-art techniques.
Assessment of Pomegranate Juice as an Alternative “Substrate” for Probiotic Delivery. Recent Advances and Prospects
Authors: Kazakos Stavros , Mantzourani Ioanna , Plessas Stavros
Published: February 2020

The probiotic products in the market are mostly milk-based products, such as yoghurts, cheese and fermented milk. However, lately, there has been an increasing demand for non-dairy probiotic products due to various reasons such as allergies, lactose intolerance, high cholesterol content and consumers turning to more natural foods. Fruit juices are considered as an appropriate new substrate for probiotic delivery. From these, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is gaining more attention in recent years. Pomegranate is a fruit known since ancient times for its therapeutic qualities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor properties, among others. Pomegranate juice contains a range of bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals, like polyphenols, ellagitannins, anthocyanins and punicalagins. The fermentation of the juice with probiotic strains seems to provide beverages of high nutritional values and accepted organoleptic quality. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review is to present an overview of the innovative in vitro and in vivo assays that have taken place regarding fermentation of pomegranate juice by probiotic bacteria. In addition, various drawbacks are underlined and solutions are proposed and discussed regarding the feasibility of pomegranate juice as an alternative substrate for probiotic delivery.
Simple Particle Model for Low-Density Granular Flow Interacting with Ambient Fluid
Authors: Niiya Hirofumi , Awazu Akinori , Nishimori Hiraku
Published: February 2020

To understand the time evolutions of frontal speed and shape in a low-density granular flow, we propose a simple particle model. This model solves the equation of motion for each particle and simulates the time evolution of low-density granular flow. Spherical particles constituting a low-density granular flow slide on a slope at a steeper angle than the angle of repose. The particle motion is determined based on three forces: gravity as the driving force, repulsive force due to particle collision, and drag force due to the particle interaction through the ambient fluid. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of this model are conducted on the slope: the x–y plane parallel to the slope and the x–z plane perpendicular to the slope. In the x–y plane, particles aggregate at the moving front of the granular flow, and subsequently, flow instability occurs as a wavy pattern. This flow pattern is caused by the interparticle interaction arising from the drag force. Additionally, a vortex convection of particles is formed inside the aggregations. Simultaneously, particle aggregation is also found at the moving front of the granular flow in the x–z plane. The aggregation resembles a head–tail structure, where the frontal angle against the slope approaches 60 ∘ from a larger angle as time progresses. Comparing the numerical result by varying the particle size reveals that the qualitative dynamics of the granular flow are independent of particle size. Although the model is not realistic, our study presents a new particle-based approach that elucidates the dynamics of low-density granular flow.
Self-Management of Hip Osteoarthritis Five Years After a Cycling and Education Treatment Pathway
Authors: Wainwright Thomas W. , Burgess Louise C. , Immins Tikki , Middleton Robert G.
Published: February 2020

The Cycling against Hip Pain (CHAIN) programme is a six-week cycling and education treatment pathway for people with hip osteoarthritis. Preliminary results demonstrated significant improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcome measures following the course. Whilst the benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis are often reported in the short term, less is known about the long-term effects for this patient group. This study explores whether participants continued to self-manage their hip osteoarthritis five years after completing the course. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from participants who completed the CHAIN programme between October 2013 and February 2015 (n = 96). Questionnaires were sent by post in April 2019, and then non-responders were followed up again four weeks later. Eighty-three (87%) participants responded to the survey. Five years (range 4–6) after completion of a six-week cycling and education programme, 37 (45%) participants had not returned to their general practitioner for further treatment of their hip pain, and 47 (57%) had not pursued surgical intervention. All participants were still engaged in at least one physical activity per week and many reported that they had purchased a bike (29%), joined a gym (30%) or cycled regularly (indoor cycling 25%, outdoor cycling 24%). Eighty (96%) participants reported an increase in knowledge of self-managing their symptoms. The findings from this study suggest that many patients are motivated to self-manage their hip osteoarthritis, five years following a six-week cycling and education treatment pathway that encourages lifestyle change.
Elderly’s Attitude towards the Selected Types of e-Health
Authors: Klimova Blanka , Maresova Petra , Lee Sunwoo
Published: February 2020

This current study was sought to explore how older adults’ adaptation of information and communication technology (ICT) devices was associated with their preference for e-Health services. A total of 224 Czech older adults aged 60+ were analyzed for the study. The sample comprised 21% male and 79% female. A self-reported survey questionnaire was employed to assess the prevalence of the use of ICT devices and the Internet and general preference for e-Health services. A series of t-tests were performed between and within two groups divided into e-Health supporters and non-supporters. The results indicated that nearly half of the respondents preferred to use the Internet for searching for health-related information. We found that older adults’ use of ICT devices and educational level was significantly associated with the selection of the e-Health services. However, gender, household type, and the place for a residence did not count additional variance for the preferred e-Health services. For those who express willingness to receive the e-Health service, the preferred e-Health services should be implemented across relevant health domains. To do so, health professionals ought to provide the necessary equipment and educational programs that help older adults better access and adapt to e-Health services.
Burden of Disease Assessment of Ambient Air Pollution and Premature Mortality in Urban Areas: The Role of Socioeconomic Status and Transportation
Authors: Sohrabi Soheil , Zietsman Joe , Khreis Haneen
Published: February 2020

With recent rapid urbanization, sustainable development is required to prevent health risks associated with adverse environmental exposures from the unsustainable development of cities. Ambient air pollution is the greatest environmental risk factor for human health and is responsible for considerable levels of mortality worldwide. Burden of disease assessment (BoD) of air pollution in and across cities, and how these estimates vary according to socioeconomic status and exposure to road traffic, can help city planners and health practitioners to mitigate adverse exposures and promote public health. In this study, we quantified the health impacts of air pollution exposure (PM2.5 and NO2) at the census tract level in Houston, Texas, employing a standard BoD assessment framework to estimate the premature deaths (adults 30 to 78 years old) attributable to PM2.5 and NO2. We found that 631 (95% CI: 366–809) premature deaths were attributable to PM2.5 in Houston, and 159 (95% CI: 0-609) were attributable to NO2, in 2010. Complying with the World Health Organization air quality guidelines (annual mean: 10 μg/m3 for PM2.5) and the US National Ambient Air Quality standard (annual mean: 12 μg/m3 for PM2.5) could save 82 (95% CI: 42–95) and 8 (95% CI: 6–10) lives in Houston, respectively. PM2.5 was responsible for 7.3% of all-cause premature deaths in Houston, in 2010, which is higher than the death rate associated with diabetes mellites, Alzheimer’s disease, or motor vehicle crashes in the US. Households with lower income had a higher risk of adverse exposure and attributable premature deaths. We also showed a positive relationship between health impacts attributable to air pollution and road traffic passing through census tracts, which was more prominent for NO2.
Initial Description of Pilotage and Tug Services in the Context of e-Navigation
Authors: Weintrit Adam
Published: February 2020

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), adopted Resolution MSC.467(101) on the guidance on the definition and harmonization of the format and structure of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation and agreed to consolidate the descriptions of maritime services and to consider them together with all involved international organizations and interested member states, in order to harmonize the provision and exchange of maritime information and data. In doing so, the MSC also approved the initial descriptions of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1610), which had been prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its sixth session (16 to 25 January 2019). The information contained in this paper constitutes the descriptions of two selected examples of maritime services, an initial contribution for the harmonization of the formats and structures of pilotage and tug services. The initial description of each of maritime services is expected to be next periodically updated, taking into account developments and related work on international harmonization.
Quantifying the Performance of Micro-Compartmentalized Directed Evolution Protocols
Authors: Dramé-Maigné Adèle , Zadorin Anton S. , Golovkova Iaroslava , Rondelez Yannick
Published: February 2020

High-throughput, in vitro approaches for the evolution of enzymes rely on a random micro-encapsulation to link phenotypes to genotypes, followed by screening or selection steps. In order to optimise these approaches, or compare one to another, one needs a measure of their performance at extracting the best variants of a library. Here, we introduce a new metric, the Selection Quality Index (SQI), which can be computed from a simple mock experiment, performed with a known initial fraction of active variants. In contrast to previous approaches, our index integrates the effect of random co-encapsulation, and comes with a straightforward experimental interpretation. We further show how this new metric can be used to extract general protocol efficiency trends or reveal hidden selection mechanisms such as a counterintuitive form of beneficial poisoning in the compartmentalized self-replication protocol.
Secret Image Sharing with Dealer-Participatory and Non-Dealer-Participatory Mutual Shadow Authentication Capabilities
Authors: Jiang Yue , Yan Xuehu , Qi Jianqing , Lu Yuliang , Zhou Xuan
Published: February 2020

A ( k , n ) threshold secret image sharing (SIS) method is proposed to divide a secret image into n shadows. The beauty of this scheme is that one can only reconstruct a secret image with k or more than k shadows, but one cannot obtain any information about the secret from fewer than k shadows. In the ( k , n ) threshold SIS, shadow authentication means the detection and location of manipulated shadows. Traditional shadow authentication schemes require additional bits for authentication; need much information to be public; or need to put each shadow into a host image, utilizing the information hiding technique, which makes the generation, recovery and authentication complexity higher. Besides, most existing schemes work when a dealer participates in recovery. Our contribution is that we propose a SIS method for a ( k , n ) threshold with dealer-participatory and non-dealer-participatory mutual shadow authentication capabilities which integrates polynomial-based SIS and visual secret sharing (VSS) through using the result of VSS to “guide” the polynomial-based SIS by a screening operation. In our scheme, when an authentication image is public, all involved actors (participants and dealer) can mutually authenticate each other by exchange the lowest level plane instead of the whole shadow. Our scheme is suitable for the case with and without a dealer participate recovery. In addition, the proposed scheme has characteristics of low generation and authentication complexity, no pixel expansion, 100% detection rate and lossless recovery.
Modified Inertial Hybrid and Shrinking Projection Algorithms for Solving Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Tan Bing , Xu Shanshan , Li Songxiao
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we introduce two modified inertial hybrid and shrinking projection algorithms for solving fixed point problems by combining the modified inertial Mann algorithm with the projection algorithm. We establish strong convergence theorems under certain suitable conditions. Finally, our algorithms are applied to convex feasibility problem, variational inequality problem, and location theory. The algorithms and results presented in this paper can summarize and unify corresponding results previously known in this field.
A Simultaneous Stochastic Frontier Model with Dependent Error Components and Dependent Composite Errors: An Application to Chinese Banking Industry
Authors: Liu Jianxu , Wang Mengjiao , Ma Ji , Rahman Sanzidur , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: February 2020

The paper develops a simultaneous equations stochastic frontier model (SFM) with dependent random noise and inefficiency components of individual equations as well as allowing dependence across all equations of the model using copula functions. First, feasibility of our developed model was verified via two simulation studies. Then the model was applied to assess cost efficiency and market power of the banking industry of China using a panel data of 37 banks covering the period 2013–2018. Results confirmed that our simultaneous SFM with dependent random noise and inefficiency components outperformed its predecessor, which is a simultaneous SFM with dependent composite errors but with independent random noise and inefficiency components of individual SFMs as well as the conventional single-equation SFM. Apart from the statistical and computational superiority of our developed model, we also see that Chinese banks in general have a high level of cost efficiency and that competition in the banking industry of China mainly exists in state-owned banks and joint stock banks. Presence of economies of scales as well as diseconomies of scales were found in different banks. Also, the state-owned banks embraced most sophisticated technologies thereby allowing them to operate with the highest level of cost efficiency.
Tracing Microalloy Precipitation in Nb-Ti HSLA Steel during Austenite Conditioning
Authors: Webel Johannes , Herges Adrian , Britz Dominik , Detemple Eric , Flaxa Volker , Mohrbacher Hardy , Mücklich Frank
Published: February 2020

The microalloying with niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti) is standardly applied in low carbon steel high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels and enables austenite conditioning during thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP), which results in pronounced grain refinement in the finished steel. In that respect, it is important to better understand the precipitation kinetics as well as the precipitation sequence in a typical Nb-Ti-microalloyed steel. Various characterization methods were utilized in this study for tracing microalloy precipitation after simulating different austenite TMCP conditions in a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulator. Atom probe tomography (APT), scanning transmission electron microscopy in a focused ion beam equipped scanning electron microscope (STEM-on-FIB), and electrical resistivity measurements provided complementary information on the precipitation status and were correlated with each other. It was demonstrated that accurate electrical resistivity measurements of the bulk steel could monitor the general consumption of solute microalloys (Nb) during hot working and were further complemented by APT measurements of the steel matrix. Precipitates that had formed during cooling or isothermal holding could be distinguished from strain-induced precipitates by corroborating STEM measurements with APT results, because APT specifically allowed obtaining detailed information about the chemical composition of precipitates as well as the elemental distribution. The current paper highlights the complementarity of these methods and shows first results within the framework of a larger study on strain-induced precipitation.
Hydride Rim Formation in E110 Zirconium Alloy during Gas-Phase Hydrogenation
Authors: Kudiiarov Viktor , Sakvin Ivan , Syrtanov Maxim , Slesarenko Inga , Lider Andrey
Published: February 2020

The work is devoted to the study of the laws of the formation of a hydride rim in E110 zirconium alloy claddings during gas-phase hydrogenation. The problem of hydrogen penetration and accumulation and the subsequent formation of hydrides in the volume of zirconium cladding tubes of water-cooled power reactors remain relevant. The formation of brittle hydrides in a zirconium matrix firstly, leads to a significant change in the mechanical properties, and secondly, can cause the destruction of the claddings by the mechanism of delayed hydride cracking. The degree of the hydride’s effect on the mechanical properties of zirconium cladding is mainly determined by the features of the hydride’s distribution and orientation. The problem of hydride rim formation in zirconium alloys with niobium is quite new and poorly studied. Therefore, the study of hydride rim formation in Russian zirconium alloy is important and necessary for predicting the behavior of claddings during the formation of the hydride rim.