bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Performance and Defect Investigation of PV Modules after Accelerated Ageing Tests
Authors: J.A. Tsanakas  , M. Karoglou  , E.T. Delegou  , P.N. Botsaris  , A. Bakolas  , A. Moropoulou
Published: May 2017

Photovoltaic (PV) modules' degradation behaviour, together with outdoor field condition and fault diagnostics, consist valuable data in evaluating efficiency and establishing long-term reliability of a PV system. However, since PV modules commonly come with 25 (even over) years of warranty, testing modules in field for that long period is not feasible. Thus, due to time constraints, many accelerated aging tests have been recently introduced for testing reliability and durability of PV modules. Scope of the presented study is the assessment of the performance degradation and fault (defect) propagation mechanisms with regard to three monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si) PV modules, through a specific thermal cycle accelerated ageing test. The parameters that were experimentally evaluated towards the accelerated ageing process of this study, were: i) the thermal signature evolution and/or propagation of any diagnosed defects, especially in two modules, by means of infrared (IR) thermographic measurements, ii) the overall performance degradation of each module, by means of electrical I-V measurements, together with iii) specific morphological characteristics, by means microscopy imaging. The intended study gave useful and promising results in assessing the effect of the applied thermal cycles upon the modules’ thermal behaviour, electrical efficiency and morphology.
RHAMM-target peptides inhibit invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Akentieva Natalia
Published: May 2017

RHAMM is hyaluronan- receptor with multiple functions in the cell, RHAMM is involved in proliferation, motility, migration, invasion, mitotic spindle formation in tumour cells. Therefore, RHAMM could be a relevant target for molecular targeted therapies against tumors.The role of RHAMM-target peptides in inhibition invasion for preventing breast cancer has not yet been investigated. Base on this, we analyzed the RHAMM-target peptides for their therapeutic activity against breast cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of RHAMM-target peptides on the invasion of breast cancer cells (MDAMB- 231), using confocal microscopy. We shown that RHAMM-target peptides decreased formation of invadopodia of breast cancer cells. The treatment of breast cancer cells by RHAMM -target peptides inhibited the invasion up to 99 %. Additionally, RHAMM-target peptides induced the morphological changes of of breast cancer cells. Therefore, based on these results, we can conclude that RHAMM-target peptides may be potential anti-cancer agents.
Early phase value scan for biotechnology innovation
Authors: Nuijten Mark
Published: May 2017

The registration of a medicinal product by EMA or FDA used to be the main driving critical success factor for the future sales of a new medicinal product. The current additional important criteria for reimbursement decisions are cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact, which are taken into consideration in order to make a value for money decision. In order to maximize the chances of obtaining reimbursement at a maximum price, it is very important to have a well thought through strategy at the early onset of the development program in order to proactively cope with the emerging reimbursement hurdles. This paper aims to provide a pricing, market access and reimbursement strategy, which is based on a strategic scan, sales forecast model, pricing model, and cost-effectiveness model. These models are interacted and linked with a discounted cash flow model in order to optimize the economic value of the company.
Analysis of public RNA-seq data in studies of flax fiber biogenesis
Authors: Galinousky Dmitry , Padvitski Tsimafei
Published: May 2017

In this work we used publicly available raw RNA-seq data to elucidate mechanisms of flax fiber biogenesis by measuring expression of cell-wall related genes (cellulose synthase, cellulose synthase-like and chitinase-like genes) in stem of flax (Linum usitatissimum cv. Bethune). Using public RNA-sequence data we have quantified and characterised the expression of the specific cell-wall genes in the top, middle and bottom parts of the Bethune flax stem. The most prominent findings are: Secondary cell-wall cellulose synthase (CesA) genes are expressed differentially in phloem and xylem in all parts of Bethune stem, in contrast with primary cell-wall cellulose synthase genes. Total expression level of cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes is tissue invariant (although, CslG and CslE are differentially expressed) and smaller than the total expression of cellulose synthase genes. The CslD2D3 subgroup dominates total expression of CslD genes in both xylem and phloem. Expression levels of all expressed chitinase-like (Ctl) genes are tissue dependent in all parts of stem. Total expression level of chitinase-like genes is much higher than expression of cellulose synthase and cellulose synthase-like genes in both tissues.
Genotyping Lupinus angustifolius cultivars with SRAP molecular markers and degenerate primers
Authors: Sysoliatin Eugeny Nikolaevich , Anisimova Natalia Vladimirovna , Babak Olga Gennadievna
Published: May 2017

We examined 18 combinations of SRAP primers with resistance gene analog (RGA) and chitinase degenerate primers in order to determine their utility for genotyping L. angustifolius. Primer pairs ResAn51-f/Me8, p-loop/Em5, TM/Me8, Chit3-r/Em5 were the most effective for detection of genetic polymorphism of different narrow-leaved lupine varieties.
Efektivitas Kinerja Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Dalam Pengurangan Resiko Bencana Di Kota Baubau
Authors: Sadat Anwar
Published: May 2017

Dalam penelitian ini merumuskan Efektivitas Kinerja Pemerintah Daerah Dalam Penanggulangan Bencana Pada Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif, dengan maksud untuk mendapatkan deskripsi yang mendalam mengenai Efektivitas Kinerja Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Dalam Pengurangan Resiko Bencana di Kota Baubau. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Efektivitas kinerja pemerintah daerah dalam penanggulangan bencana pada Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau suatu pencapaian hasil yang memuaskan dalam Produktifitas Aparat, Kualitas Layanan korban bencana banjir, Responsivitas dalam kemampuan aparat pada Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau untuk mengenali kebutuhan korban bencana, melalui tahap-tahap pra bencana, saat tanggap darurat, pasca bencana merupakan upaya Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau. Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau merupakan serangkaian kegiatan yang dilakukan untuk mengurangi atau menghilangkan risiko bencana, baik melalui pengurangan ancaman bencana  maupun kerentanan pihak yang terancam bencana dengan tanggung jawab baik Masyarakat yang terkena bencana.Sebagai saran kepada Pemerintah Kota Baubau pada umumnya dan Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau pada khususnya adalah diperlukan persiapkan para pegawai Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kota Baubau dengan cara mengikutkan pada kursus-kursus atau pelatihan teknis untuk meningkatkan Pengembangan kapasitas manajemen bencana berbasis komunitas. Mengidentifikasi risiko; Menganalisis risiko; Menilai / mengevaluasi risiko; Mengatasi risiko.
Demokrasi dan Kekuasaan Politik Calon Incumbent
Authors: Ristian Andre
Published: May 2017

Demokrasi yang selama ini diidam-idamkan banyak rakyat untuk mencapai satu kesejahteraan, ternyata tidak lebih dari sekedar “mainan”  yang dipermain oleh elit politik. Ungkapan “sinis” di atas akan diruaikan dalam tulisan ini guna melihat gambaran kekuatan politik yang berkuasa di arena demokrasi lokal di era reformasi. Penelitian ini penting untuk dibahas secara ilmiah karena besarnya harapan masyarakat untuk perbaikan politik (khusus untuk lokal) terutama setelah penerapan pasca reformasi otonomi daerah. Faktanya adalah demokrasi yang berjalan di tingkat lokal gagal untuk mensejahterakan dan membalikkan keadaan seperti yang diharapkan. Keuntungan dari posisi incumbent untuk menggunakan sumber daya kewarganegaraan pada frame birokrasi dan pelayanan publik kamuflase tercakup dalam "APBD" menimbulkan dampak negatif pada demokrasi. Adapun pertanyaan substansial dalam peneilitian ini adalah bagaimana relasi demokrasi dengan kekuatan pasangan incumbent, kekuatan incumbent serta actor yang bermain dalam pemilukada Bangka-Belitung tahun 2013. Adapun metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif khsusnya studi pustaka.  Hasil EkoTrus sebagai incumbent memainkan semua peran dan sumberdaya untuk memenangkan pertarungan di Pemilukada Bangka Belitung tahun 2013.
Implementasi Kebijakan Peraturan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia No. 47 Tahun 2007 Tentang Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas dan Pelabuhan Bebas Bintan
Authors: Suherry S
Published: May 2017

Implementasi Kebijakan Peraturan Pemerintah Republik IndonesiaNomor 47 Tahun 2007 Tentang Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas dan Pelabuhan Bebas Bintan (Studi pada Bidang Organisasi dan Kinerja Badan Pengusahaan Kawasan Bintan Wilayah Kabupaten Bintan) adalah serangkaian langkah-langkah kegiatan dalam proses penerapan atau pelaksanaan suatu keputusan yang diambil dalam suatu aturan yang telah ditetapkan.Untuk melihat Implementasi Kebijakan Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 47 Tahun 2007 (Studi pada Bidang Organisasi dan Kinerja Badan Pengusahaan Kawasan Bintan Wilayah Kabupaten Bintan) ini, maka faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi tercapainya keberhasilan dari suatu kebijakan dapat dilihat dari dimensi Komunikasi,Sumber daya, Sikap Pelaksana Kebijakan,dan struktur Birokrasi.Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan Untuk mengetahui Implementasi Kebijakan Peraturan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia Nomor 47 Tahun 2007 Tentang Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas dan Pelabuhan Bebas Bintan (Studi pada Bidang Organisasi dan Kinerja Badan Pengusahaan Kawasan Bintan Wilayah Kabupaten Bintan.Maka dari hasil penelitian yang dilakukan dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwapelaksanaannya menunjukkan kondisi yang yang tidak baik seperti yang diharapkan. Terutama jika dilihat dari sumber daya, baik itu dari ketersediaan pegawai/ staf yang memadai, pegawai/ staf yang berkompeten dibidangnya maupun fasilitas fisik atau sarana prasarana kerja yang tidak memadai karena dari segi bangunan dari Badan Pengusahaan Kawasan Bintan Wilayah Kabupaten Bintan.
PERHITUNGAN EFISIENSI SALURAN IRIGASI PADA DAERAH IRIGASI KEBONAGUNG KABUPATEN SUMENEP
Authors: Sutrisno Sutrisno , Chayati Cholilul
Published: May 2017

Kehilangan debit pada saluran pengambilan (intik) dan saluran tersier yaitu hasil dari dcebit dari pengambilan (intik)  di kurangi dengan debit saluran tersier, setelah itu berupa persentase kehilangan tersebut dari debit air semula yaitu dengan cara kehilangan debit air sebagai dengan debit intik dan dikaliakan 100 %.Sedangkan untuk mengetahui Efisiensi pada saluran yaitu dengan cara membagi debit saaluran tersier dengan debit intik dan dikalikan 100% pada tabel 4.3 persentase debit kehilangan terbesar terjadi bulan April periode I yaitu 14,92 % - 15 %.     Sedangkan persentase kehilangan debit terkeci terjadi pada bulan September periode II yaitu 9,61 % apabila kekurangan air lebih dari 15 % maka perlu adanya rehabilkitas saluran yang menyebabkan kehilangan air dan apabila kurang dari 15 % maka saluran irigasi masih di anggap normal.
LUAS LINGKARAN DI KELAS VIII SMP ( Suatu Kerangka Konseptual )
Authors: Sulaiman Sulaiman
Published: May 2017

Sebagai upaya untuk mengatasi masalah pembelajaran matematika di atas adalah melalui pendekatan  Realistic  Mathematics  Education (RME). Di Indonesia dikenal dengan istilah Pendidikan Matematika Realistik Indonesia (PMRI). RME dikembangkan di Belanda oleh Hans Freudenthal pada tahun 1971 (Yuwono, 2001). Menurut Freudenthal (Hadi, 2005 : 20) pembelajaran matematika harus dihubungkan dengan kenyataan yang berdekatan dengan peserta didik, dan relevan dengan kehidupan masyarakat agar memiliki nilai manusiawi. Penekananya pada materi matematika harus dapat ditransmisikan sebagai aktivitas manusia (  human activity )  dan memberikan kesempatan pada peserta didik untuk menemukan/menciptakan kembali matematika melalui praktek ( doing it ). Sehingga pendidikan matematika sebagai suatu aktivitas dalam proses matematisasi.Tulisan ini mendeskripsikan implementasi pembelajaran matematika realistik pada materi luas lingkaran, didalamnya memuat langkah-langkah pembelajaran dengan mengintegrasikan prinsip- prinsip dan karakteristik pembelajaran matematika realistik. Kata Kunci  : Matematika      Realistik,      LuasLingkaran
(Re)presentations of Islam in Albanian History Textbooks from 1990 to 2013
Authors: Sulstarova Enis
Published: May 2017

This article investigates the role of Islam in representations of the self
and the other in the contemporary Albanian national discourse, on the basis of an
analysis of history textbooks published in postcommunist Albania between 1990
and 2013, focusing specifically on texts used in pre-university education. Even after
the dissolution of the Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991, Islam in Albania continued
to be associated with concepts derived from the socialist era, including the
primacy of the nation as well as Eurocentrism and secularism, which were seen as
the pinnacle of modernity.
Militaristic Discourse in Secondary Education History Textbooks during and after the Soeharto Era
Authors: Purwanta Hieronymus
Published: May 2017

This study examines the year-to-year development of militaristic discourse
in Indonesian secondary education history textbooks since 1975. Historical
descriptions written since the fall of Soeharto’s military regime and its replacement
by a civilian government in 1998 tend to emphasize Indonesia’s military history and
pay little attention to its civilian leadership. To what degree did political change
influence the production of historical discourse in recent textbooks in Indonesia?
This article attempts to answer this question by applying Critical Discourse Analysis
(CDA) to textual sources, in order to expose their historical and socio-cultural dimensions.
The results show that in the post-Soeharto era, militaristic perspectives
continue to dominate discourse production in history textbooks, denying the role
of civilian leadership. This glorification of the military demonstrates that the Indonesian
army continues to influence the country’s history textbook production in
the modern era.
A Useless Subject?
Authors: Bianchini Paolo , Morandini Maria Cristina
Published: May 2017

Civic education has always been an ancillary subject in the Italian school
system. Introduced at the end of the 1950s as a sort of appendage to the history
programs, it has recently been subject to multiple reforms although little or nothing
has changed in reality. The analysis of a sample of civic education textbooks in use
in schools explains some reasons for this breakdown. Even though they apply the
new legislation, these textbooks retain the most blatant defect of civic education in
the Western world—the lack of a clear and convincing model of the citizen.
A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of new 3-(α-aroylamido)-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives using SnCl2–SiO2 nanoparticles under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Arfavi-Safari Mona , Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein , Badri Rashid , Tahanpesar Elham
Published: May 2017

An efficient and simple protocol for the synthesis of the title compounds is described via a one-pot, three-component reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin, aryl glyoxals and amides, using SnCl2-SiO2 nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst under solvent-free conditions. The advantages of this synthesis include excellent yields, mild reaction conditions, atom economy, a reusable catalyst and no need for chromatographic separations.
Monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric triazoles which also include nitrones
Authors: Ameen Mohamed A.
Published: May 2017

The synthesis of some novel nitrones as part of molecules with a potential dual biological functionality is described. Novel aldehydes with 1,2,3-triazole linkers were synthesised and the nitrones were introduced by the classical methodology by reacting the aldehyde with phenyl hydroxylamine.
An efficient synthesis of 3β,14β-dihydroxy-5α-androst-15-en-17-one
Authors: Qing Xushun , Guo Yayun , Shan Xiaojie , Ding Yue , Gao Qi , Li Yang , Wang Cunde
Published: May 2017

An efficient four-step method has been developed for the synthesis of 3 β,14 β-dihydroxy-5 α-androst-15-en-17-one from a common androstane derivative. The X-ray crystal structures of the alkenes, the epoxide and the 14-hydroxy compound have been determined.
Classification of Program Activities: How Nonprofits Create Social Value
Authors: Brown William
Published: May 2017

This paper defines and describes a framework to classify program activities utilized by nonprofit organizations to achieve public benefit objectives. Drawing on theory and practice from strategy, nonprofit management, and program planning, the paper proposes five program activities differentiated by the value created. Several factors define and differentiate the approaches and serve as decision areas for nonprofit managers when developing program strategies. Classifying program activities facilitates further research as it provides a common language and framework to analyze strategic choices enacted in nonprofit organizations.
A Study of the Protective Properties of Iraqi Olive Leaves against Oxidation and Pathogenic Bacteria in Food Applications
Authors: Altemimi Ammar
Published: May 2017

There is an ancient and prodigious history of olive trees because of their nutritional, medicinal, and traditional uses. Intensive studies have been conducted on olive leaves because they have many positive and beneficial effects for human health. In this study, different solvents were used to examine the olive leaves for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and their possible food applications. The obtained results showed that the amounts of phenolic compounds of the olive leaf were 190.44 ± 0.50, 173 ± 1.72, 147.78 ± 0.69, and 147.50 ± 0.05 mg gallic acid/g extracts using methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, and hexanol, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the phenolic contents in terms of the used solvents. The stability of the olive leaves extraction was also studied and the results indicated that increasing the storage temperature could negatively affect and encourage the degradation of the phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the olive leaf extraction was applied to raw sheep meat slides at 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5% (w/v) in order to test its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The results obviously showed that the sample treated with 2.5% olive leaf extract had the significantly (p < 0.05) lowest Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA) values of 1.92 ± 0.12 (mg Malonaldehyde MDA/kg) throughout 12 days of cold storage. Moreover, the results showed that the sample, which was treated with 2.5% olive leaf extract, had low total bacterial count and total coliform bacteria (6.23 ± 0.05, 5.2 ± 0.35 log colony forming unit (CFU)/g, respectively) among the control, 0.5%, and 1.5% olive leaf treated samples throughout 12 days of storage. The phenolic extracts from the olive leaf extract had significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which could be used as a source of potential antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Cell Proliferation Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wee Ping , Wang Zhixiang
Published: May 2017

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is commonly upregulated in cancers such as in non-small-cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Various mechanisms mediate the upregulation of EGFR activity, including common mutations and truncations to its extracellular domain, such as in the EGFRvIII truncations, as well as to its kinase domain, such as the L858R and T790M mutations, or the exon 19 truncation. These EGFR aberrations over-activate downstream pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK MAPK and AKT-PI3K-mTOR pathways. These pathways then activate many biological outputs that are beneficial to cancer cell proliferation, including their chronic initiation and progression through the cell cycle. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that regulate EGFR signal transduction, including the EGFR structure and its mutations, ligand binding and EGFR dimerization, as well as the signaling pathways that lead to G1 cell cycle progression. We focus on the induction of CYCLIN D expression, CDK4/6 activation, and the repression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins (CDKi) by EGFR signaling pathways. We also discuss the successes and challenges of EGFR-targeted therapies, and the potential for their use in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Copula-Based Factor Models for Multivariate Asset Returns
Authors: Ivanov Eugen , Min Aleksey , Ramsauer Franz
Published: May 2017

Recently, several copula-based approaches have been proposed for modeling stationary multivariate time series. All of them are based on vine copulas, and they differ in the choice of the regular vine structure. In this article, we consider a copula autoregressive (COPAR) approach to model the dependence of unobserved multivariate factors resulting from two dynamic factor models. However, the proposed methodology is general and applicable to several factor models as well as to other copula models for stationary multivariate time series. An empirical study illustrates the forecasting superiority of our approach for constructing an optimal portfolio of U.S. industrial stocks in the mean-variance framework.
A Failure Probability Calculation Method for Power Equipment Based on Multi-Characteristic Parameters
Authors: Liu Hang , Wang Youyuan , Yang Yi , Liao Ruijin , Geng Yujie , Zhou Liwei
Published: May 2017

Although traditional fault diagnosis methods can qualitatively identify the failure modes for power equipment, it is difficult to evaluate the failure probability quantitatively. In this paper, a failure probability calculation method for power equipment based on multi-characteristic parameters is proposed. After collecting the historical data of different fault characteristic parameters, the distribution functions and the cumulative distribution functions of each parameter, which are applied to dispersing the parameters and calculating the differential warning values, are calculated by using the two-parameter Weibull model. To calculate the membership functions of parameters for each failure mode, the Apriori algorithm is chosen to mine the association rules between parameters and failure modes. After that, the failure probability of each failure mode is obtained by integrating the membership functions of different parameters by a weighted method, and the important weight of each parameter is calculated by the differential warning values. According to the failure probability calculation result, the series model is established to estimate the failure probability of the equipment. Finally, an application example for two 220 kV transformers is presented to show the detailed process of the method. Compared with traditional fault diagnosis methods, the calculation results not only identify the failure modes correctly, but also reflect the failure probability changing trend of the equipment accurately.
ITO-Free Transparent Organic Solar Cell with Distributed Bragg Reflector for Solar Harvesting Windows
Authors: Peng Yuelin , Zhang Lushuai , Cheng Nongyi , Andrew Trisha
Published: May 2017

We demonstrated an indium tin oxide (ITO)-free, highly transparent organic solar cell with the potential to be integrated into window panes for energy harvesting purposes. A transparent, conductive ZnO/Ag/ZnO multilayer electrode and a Ag:Ca thin film electrode were used in this transparent device as the bottom and top electrode, respectively. To further improve the transmittance of the solar cell, the thickness of the top ZnO layer was investigated both experimentally and with simulations. An average visible transmittance of >60% was reached, with a maximum transmittance of 73% at 556 nm. Both top and bottom illumination of the solar cell generated comparable power conversion efficiencies, which indicates the wide application of this solar cell structure. In addition, we fabricated distributed Bragg reflector mirrors with sputtered SiO2 and TiO2, which efficiently increased the power conversion efficiency over 20% for the solar cells on glass and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates.
Research on the Optimal Charging Strategy for Li-Ion Batteries Based on Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Min Haitao , Sun Weiyi , Li Xinyong , Guo Dongni , Yu Yuanbin , Zhu Tao , Zhao Zhongmin
Published: May 2017

Charging performance affects the commercial application of electric vehicles (EVs) significantly. This paper presents an optimal charging strategy for Li-ion batteries based on the voltage-based multistage constant current (VMCC) charging strategy. In order to satisfy the different charging demands of the EV users for charging time, charged capacity and energy loss, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is employed and the influences of charging stage number, charging cut-off voltage and weight factors of different charging goals are analyzed. Comparison experiments of the proposed charging strategy and the traditional normal and fast charging strategies are carried out. The experimental results demonstrate that the traditional normal and fast charging strategies can only satisfy a small range of EV users’ charging demand well while the proposed charging strategy can satisfy the whole range of the charging demand well. The relative increase in charging performance of the proposed charging strategy can reach more than 80% when compared to the normal and fast charging dependently.
Reducing Reforestation Costs in Lebanon: Adaptive Field Trials
Authors: Haroutunian Garabet , Chojnacky David , El Riachy Richard , Chojnacky Cindy
Published: May 2017

Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment initiated a project in 2009 to determine low-cost reforestation techniques for stone pine (Pinus pinea) and Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani) for large-scale land rehabilitation activities in the arid Middle East. Irrigation (several techniques vs. no water), planting (8- to 18-month-old seedlings), seeding, and soil preparation methods were evaluated in three sets of adaptive management field trials. The aim was to reduce reforestation costs while still achieving sufficient regeneration. A key result for management was that non-irrigated seed planting of stone pine and possibly of Lebanon cedar showed promise for cost-effective reforestation and could be competitive with seedlings, given correct seed source and planting conditions. Stone pine seeds collected from nearby mother trees and planted without irrigation on sandy soil showed 35% survival for <600 USD/ha; seedlings planted without irrigation cost about 2500 USD/ha and achieved 50–70% survival (costs based on 800 seedlings/ha). Water supplements increased establishment costs over 2 years without concomitant improvements to survival. Future studies should evaluate how soil texture and soil preparation interact with other factors to affect seed germination and survival for each species.
Performance of a Mobile Star Screen to Improve Woodchip Quality of Forest Residues
Authors: Huber Christoph , Kroisleitner Huberta , Stampfer Karl
Published: May 2017

Low harvesting costs and increasing demand for forest-derived biomass led to an increased use of full-tree (FT) harvesting in steep terrain areas in Austria. Logging residues, as a by-product of FT harvesting, present an easily accessible bioenergy resource, but high portions of fine particles and contaminants like earth particles and stones make them a complex and difficult fuel, as they affect storage capability, conversion efficiency, or emission rates adversely. The present research focuses on the productivity and performance of a star screen, which was used to remove fine and oversize particles from previously chipped, fresh Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) logging residue woodchips. Three screen settings, which differed in terms of different rotation speeds of the fine star elements (1861 rpm, 2239 rpm, 2624 rpm) were analyzed. Time studies of the star screen were carried out to estimate screening productivity and costs. Furthermore, 115 samples were collected from all material streams, which were assessed for particle size distribution, calorific value, ash content, and component and elemental composition. Average productivity was 20.6 tonnes (t) per productive system hour (PSH15), corresponding to screening costs of 9.02 €/t. The results indicated that the screening of chipped logging residues with a star screen influenced material characteristics of the medium fraction, as it decreased the ash content, the incidence of fine particles, and the nutrient content. The different screen settings had a noticeable influence on the quality characteristics of the screening products. An increase of the rotation speed of the fine stars reduced screening costs per unit of screened material in the medium fraction, but also lowered screening quality.
Optimizing the Wood Value Chain in Northern Norway Taking Into Account National and Regional Economic Trade-Offs
Authors: Johansen Ulf , Werner Adrian , Nørstebø Vibeke
Published: May 2017

As a consequence of past decades of extensive afforestation in Norway, mature forest volumes are increasing. National forestry politics call for sustainable and efficient resource usage and for increased regional processing. Regional policies seek to provide good conditions for such industries to be competitive and to improve regional value creation. We demonstrate how methods from operations research and regional macro-economics may complement each other to support decision makers in this process. The operations research perspective is concerned with finding an optimally designed wood value chain and an aggregated planning of its operations, taking a holistic perspective on strategic-tactical level. Using Input-Output analysis methods based on statistics and survey data, regional macro-economics helps to estimate each industry actor’s value creation and impact on society beyond immediate value chain activities. Combining these approaches in a common mathematical optimization model, a balance can be struck between industry/business and regional political interests. For a realistic case study from the northern part of coastal Norway, we explore this balance from several perspectives, investigating value chain profits, economic ripple effects and regional resource usage.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being in Adolescents through Outdoor Physical Activity
Authors: Fromel Karel , Kudlacek Michal , Groffik Dorota , Svozil Zbynek , Simunek Adam , Garbaciak Wieslaw
Published: May 2017

Health-enhancing physical activities (PA) performed outdoors could markedly contribute to the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in adolescence. The differences between PA preferences and actual opportunities for these PA are an issue that has received frequent attention. To date, the extent to which these differences are reflected in adolescents meeting PA recommendations and their well-being has not been explored. In total, 10,086 respondents took part in an on-line research project regarding PA preferences. Of them, 2446 also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Long Form) and the World Health Organization (WHO) W-5 questionnaire to assess well-being. Finally, 1278 of these respondents were involved in objective PA monitoring using pedometers. The study aimed to explore the prevalence and trends regarding outdoor PA. Moreover, we assessed whether the agreement between preferred PA and PA actually undertaken was associated with higher odds for meeting PA recommendations and achieving a higher level of well-being. Of a selection of outdoor activities, Czech and Polish boys preferred cycling, swimming, and downhill skiing, while girls preferred swimming activities, skating, and cycling. The agreement between preferred and PA actually undertaken was associated with higher odds for meeting the weekly PA recommendations and higher levels of well-being both in boys and girls. Evaluation of outdoor PA preferences and taking these preferred activities into account when forming conditions for them was important in the efficient promotion of the physical and mental health of adolescents.
The Regulatory Capacity of Bivalent Genes—A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Thalheim Torsten , Herberg Maria , Loeffler Markus , Galle Joerg
Published: May 2017

Bivalent genes are frequently associated with developmental and lineage specification processes. Resolving their bivalency enables fast changes in their expression, which potentially can trigger cell fate decisions. Here, we provide a theoretical model of bivalency that allows for predictions on the occurrence, stability and regulatory capacity of this prominent modification state. We suggest that bivalency enables balanced gene expression heterogeneity that constitutes a prerequisite of robust lineage priming in somatic stem cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that interactions between the histone and DNA methylation machineries together with the proliferation activity control the stability of the bivalent state and can turn it into an unmodified state. We suggest that deregulation of these interactions underlies cell transformation processes as associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and provide a model of AML blast formation following deregulation of the Ten-eleven Translocation (TET) pathway.
Brain RNA-Seq Profiling of the Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Mouse Model
Authors: Salvalaio Marika , D’Avanzo Francesca , Rigon Laura , Zanetti Alessandra , D’Angelo Michela , Valle Giorgio , Scarpa Maurizio , Tomanin Rosella
Published: May 2017

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group of about 50 genetic metabolic disorders, mainly affecting children, sharing the inability to degrade specific endolysosomal substrates. This results in failure of cellular functions in many organs, including brain that in most patients may go through progressive neurodegeneration. In this study, we analyzed the brain of the mouse model for Hunter syndrome, a LSD mostly presenting with neurological involvement. Whole transcriptome analysis of the cerebral cortex and midbrain/diencephalon/hippocampus areas was performed through RNA-seq. Genes known to be involved in several neurological functions showed a significant differential expression in the animal model for the disease compared to wild type. Among the pathways altered in both areas, axon guidance, calcium homeostasis, synapse and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, circadian rhythm, neuroinflammation and Wnt signaling were the most significant. Application of RNA sequencing to dissect pathogenic alterations of complex syndromes allows to photograph perturbations, both determining and determined by these disorders, which could simultaneously occur in several metabolic and biochemical pathways. Results also emphasize the common, altered pathways between neurodegenerative disorders affecting elderly and those associated with pediatric diseases of genetic origin, perhaps pointing out a general common course for neurodegeneration, independent from the primary triggering cause.
hCG Triggering in ART: An Evolutionary Concept
Authors: Hershko Klement Anat , Shulman Adrian
Published: May 2017

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is no longer a single, omnipotent ovulation triggering option. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, initially presented as a substitute for hCG, has led to a new era of administering GnRH agonist followed by hCG triggering. According to this new concept, GnRH agonist enables successful ovum maturation, while hCG supports the luteal phase and pregnancy until placental shift.
Immobilization of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Chlorella pyrenoidosa Cells for Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Cai Aijun , Guo Aiying , Ma Zichuan
Published: May 2017

TiO2 nanoparticles are immobilized on chlorella cells using the hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure, and the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of the prepared chlorella/TiO2 composite are investigated by various methods. The chlorella/TiO2 composite is found to exhibit larger average sizes and higher visible-light intensities. The sensitization of the photosynthesis pigment originating from chlorella cells provides the anatase TiO2 with higher photocatalytic activities under the visible-light irradiation. The latter is linked to the highly efficient charge separation of the electron/hole pairs. The results also suggest that the photocatalytic activity of the composite remains substantial after four cycles, suggesting a good stability.
SEM-EDX Study of the Degradation Process of Two Xenograft Materials Used in Sinus Lift Procedures
Authors: Ramírez Fernández María , Gehrke Sergio , Pérez Albacete Martinez Carlos , Calvo Guirado Jose , De Aza Piedad
Published: May 2017

Some studies have demonstrated that in vivo degradation processes are influenced by the material’s physico-chemical properties. The present study compares two hydroxyapatites manufactured on an industrial scale, deproteinized at low and high temperatures, and how physico-chemical properties can influence the mineral degradation process of material performance in bone biopsies retrieved six months after maxillary sinus augmentation. Residual biomaterial particles were examined by field scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the composition and degree of degradation of the bone graft substitute material. According to the EDX analysis, the Ca/P ratio significantly lowered in the residual biomaterial (1.08 ± 0.32) compared to the initial composition (2.22 ± 0.08) for the low-temperature sintered group, which also presented high porosity, low crystallinity, low density, a large surface area, poor stability, and a high resorption rate compared to the high-temperature sintered material. This demonstrates that variations in the physico-chemical properties of bone substitute material clearly influence the degradation process. Further studies are needed to determine whether the resorption of deproteinized bone particles proceeds slowly enough to allow sufficient time for bone maturation to occur.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI/rGO) Composites
Authors: Fan Mingyi , Li Tongjun , Hu Jiwei , Cao Rensheng , Wei Xionghui , Shi Xuedan , Ruan Wenqian
Published: May 2017

Reduced graphene oxide-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI/rGO) composites were synthesized in the present study by chemical deposition method and were then characterized by various methods, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nZVI/rGO composites prepared were utilized for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions in batch mode at different initial Cd(II) concentrations, initial pH values, contact times, and operating temperatures. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network hybridized with genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) were used for modeling the removal efficiency of Cd(II) and optimizing the four removal process variables. The average values of prediction errors for the RSM and ANN-GA models were 6.47% and 1.08%. Although both models were proven to be reliable in terms of predicting the removal efficiency of Cd(II), the ANN-GA model was found to be more accurate than the RSM model. In addition, experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. It was found that the Cd(II) adsorption was best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. Examination on thermodynamic parameters revealed that the removal process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order model can better describe the kinetics of Cd(II) removal with a good R2 value than the pseudo-first-order model.
Flat-Top Cylinder Indenter Examination of Duplex Stainless Steel 2205 after Different Heat Treatments
Authors: Angella Giuliano , Fava Alessandra , Montanari Roberto , Richetta Maria , Varone Alessandra
Published: May 2017

The duplex stainless steel 2205 was heat treated at 750 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C for increasing durations of up to 10 h. The samples were investigated through light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize the volume fraction and morphology of the precipitated secondary phases. The samples were then tested via flat-top cylinder indenter for mechanical characterization (FIMEC) testing to determine the yield stresses that were found to be significantly affected by the different heat treatments. The yield stress evolution with heat treatments resulted in being correlated to both the relative volumes of the secondary phases and the morphology of the σ phase. The FIMEC test proved to be capable of detecting the effects of small amounts of secondary phases on yield stress in DSS 2205 and seems to be a promising technique for industrial applications.
Microscale Quantitative Analysis of Polyhydroxybutyrate in Prokaryotes Using IDMS
Authors: Velasco Alvarez Mariana , Ten Pierick Angela , Van Dam Patricia , Maleki Seifar Reza , Van Loosdrecht Mark , Wahl S.
Published: May 2017

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is an interesting biopolymer for replacing petroleum-based plastics, its biological production is performed in natural and engineered microorganisms. Current metabolic engineering approaches rely on high-throughput strain construction and screening. Analytical procedures have to be compatible with the small scale and speed of these approaches. Here, we present a method based on isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and propanolysis extraction of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from an Escherichia coli strain engineered for PHB production. As internal standard (IS), we applied an uniformly labeled 13C-cell suspension, of an E. coli PHB producing strain, grown on U-13C-glucose as C-source. This internal 13C-PHB standard enables to quantify low concentrations of PHB (LOD of 0.01 µg/gCDW) from several micrograms of biomass. With this method, a technical reproducibility of about 1.8% relative standard deviation is achieved. Furthermore, the internal standard is robust towards different sample backgrounds and dilutions. The early addition of the internal standard also enables higher reproducibility and increases sensitivity and throughput by simplified sample preparation steps.
A Miniature On-Chip Methane Sensor Based on an Ultra-Low Loss Waveguide and a Micro-Ring Resonator Filter
Authors: Qiao Yingying , Tao Jifang , Chen Chia-Hung , Qiu Jifang , Tian Ye , Hong Xiaobin , Wu Jian
Published: May 2017

A miniature methane sensor composed of a long ultra-low loss waveguide and a micro-ring resonator filter is proposed with high sensitivity and good selectivity. This sensor takes advantage of the evanescent field to implement methane concentration detection at a near infrared band (1650 nm). In the sensor, two waveguides, a strip waveguide and a slot waveguide, are specially designed and discussed based on three common semiconductor materials, including silica, silicon nitride, and silicon. Through simulations and numerical calculations, we determine that for the strip waveguide, the optimal evanescent field ratio (EFR) is approximately 39.8%, while the resolution is 32.1 ppb using a 15-cm waveguide length. For the slot waveguide, the optimal EFR is approximately 61.6%, and the resolution is 20.8 ppb with a 15-cm waveguide length.
Adding Value to Goat Meat: Biochemical and Technological Characterization of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria to Achieve High-Quality Fermented Sausages
Authors: Nediani Miriam , García Luis , Saavedra Lucila , Martínez Sandra , López Alzogaray Soledad , Fadda Silvina
Published: May 2017

Quality and safety are important challenges in traditional fermented sausage technology. Consequently, the development of a tailored starter culture based on indigenous microbiota constitutes an interesting alternative. In the present study, spontaneously fermented goat meat sausages were created and analyzed using a physicochemical and microbiological approach. Thereafter 170 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated and preliminary characterized by phenotypic assays. The hygienic and technological properties, and growth and fermentative potential of isolates using a goat-meat-based culture medium were evaluated. All strains proved to have bioprotective features due to their acidogenic metabolism. Almost all grew optimally in meat environments. LAB isolates presented proteolytic activity against meat proteins and enriched amino acid contents of the goat-meat-based model. The most efficient strains were four different Lactobacillus sakei isolates, as identified by genotyping and RAPD analysis. L. sakei strains are proposed as optimal candidates to improve the production of fermented goat meat sausages, creating a new added-value fermented product.
Synthesis of Lithium Fluoride from Spent Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Suarez Daniela , Pinna Eliana , Rosales Gustavo , Rodriguez Mario
Published: May 2017

Lithium (Li) is considered a strategic element whose use has significantly expanded. Its current high demand is due to its use in lithium ion batteries for portable electronic devices, whose manufacture and market are extensively growing every day. These days there is a great concern about the final disposal of these batteries. Therefore, the possibility of developing new methodologies to recycle their components is of great importance, both commercially and environmentally. This paper presents results regarding important operational variables for the dissolution of the lithium and cobalt mixed-oxide (LiCoO2) cathodes from spent lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with hydrofluoric acid. The recovery and synthesis of Co and Li compounds were also investigated. The dissolution parameters studied were: temperature, reaction time, solid-liquid ratio, stirring speed, and concentration of HF. The investigated recovery parameters included: pH, temperature, and time with and without stirring. The final precipitation of lithium fluoride was also examined. The results indicate that an increase in the HF concentration, temperature, and reaction time favors the leaching reaction of the LiCoO2. Dissolutions were close to 60%, at 75 °C and 120 min with a HF concentration of 25% (v/v). The recovery of Co and Li were 98% and 80%, respectively, with purities higher than 94%. Co and Li compounds, such as Co3O4 and LiF, were synthesized. Furthermore, it was possible to almost completely eliminate the F− ions as CaF2.