bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Linear Motion Characteristics of a Shallow Draft Cylindrical Barge Type Floater for a FOWT in Waves
Authors: Suzuki Hideyuki , Sakai Yuta , Yoshimura Yasuo , Houtani Hidetaka , Carmo Lucas H. S. , Yoshimoto Haruki , Kamizawa Ken , Gonçalves Rodolfo T.
Published: January 2021

A shallow draft cylindrical barge type floater with footing close to the water surface was experimentally evaluated in waves to investigate non-linear motion characteristics. The floater was designed to be used as an option for FOWT—floating offshore wind turbines. The non-linear mechanism can be promoted due to the viscous force that acts on the footing edges and the footing interaction with the free surface. In general, the observed non-linear viscous damping is modeled as a force proportional to the square of the relative velocity between the floater and the water. Therefore, the viscous damping levels is expected to increase, and the response in waves, to decrease. However, an increase in motion responses was observed for a broad range of wave periods. An attempt was made to clarify the hydrodynamic mechanism by comparing wave tank experiments, numerical calculations by CFD—computational fluid dynamics codes, and linear potential theory codes. Regular wave tests for three different wave height conditions were carried out, including free decay tests in still waters. For CFD simulations, the OpenFOAM code was selected. For potential theory simulations, the WAMIT code was chosen. As a result of the research, three points could be highlighted and discussed: first, the hydrodynamic phenomenon that contributed to the non-linear motion of the floater was identified; second, the increase and coupling of the motions response of heave and pitch motions; and finally, the phenomenon that the footing held water mass and lifted it to the water surface. The CFD calculations were able to get good qualitative results compared with the experiments and confirmed the use of CFD as a useful tool to capture the non-linear hydrodynamic phenomenon. The linear potential theory was not able to capture the phenomenon discussed herein.
Tau Oligomers Neurotoxicity
Authors: Niewiadomska Grazyna , Niewiadomski Wiktor , Steczkowska Marta , Gasiorowska Anna
Published: January 2021

Although the mechanisms of toxic activity of tau are not fully recognized, it is supposed that the tau toxicity is related rather not to insoluble tau aggregates but to its intermediate forms. It seems that neurofibrillar tangles (NFTs) themselves, despite being composed of toxic tau, are probably neither necessary nor sufficient for tau-induced neuronal dysfunction and toxicity. Tau oligomers (TauOs) formed during the early stages of tau aggregation are the pathological forms that play a key role in eliciting the loss of neurons and behavioral impairments in several neurodegenerative disorders called tauopathies. They can be found in tauopathic diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Evidence of co-occurrence of b-amyloid, α-synuclein, and tau into their most toxic forms, i.e., oligomers, suggests that these species interact and influence each other’s aggregation in several tauopathies. The mechanism responsible for oligomeric tau neurotoxicity is a subject of intensive investigation. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature on the damaging effect of TauOs on the stability of the genome and the function of the nucleus, energy production and mitochondrial function, cell signaling and synaptic plasticity, the microtubule assembly, neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport, and the effectiveness of the protein degradation system.
Influence of Elemental Carbon (EC) Coating Covering nc-(Ti,Mo)C Particles on the Microstructure and Properties of Titanium Matrix Composites Prepared by Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Biedunkiewicz Anna , Figiel Paweł , Garbiec Dariusz , Obrosov Aleksei , Pawlyta Mirosława , Biedunkiewicz Witold , Pruss Przemysław , Rokosz Krzysztof , Wróbel Rafał , Raaen Steinar , Weiß Sabine , Bokov Dmitry
Published: January 2021

This paper describes the microstructure and properties of titanium-based composites obtained as a result of a reactive spark plasma sintering of a mixture of titanium and nanostructured (Ti,Mo)C-type carbide in a carbon shell. Composites with different ceramic addition mass percentage (10 and 20 wt %) were produced. Effect of content of elemental carbon covering nc-(Ti,Mo)C reinforcing phase particles on the microstructure, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of the titanium-based composites was investigated. The microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and tribological behavior of the Ti + (Ti,Mo)C/C composites were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron backscatter diffraction analysis (EBSD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy, nanoindentation, and ball-on-disk wear test. Moreover, corrosion resistance in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution at RT were also investigated. It was found that the carbon content affected the tested properties. With the increase of carbon content from ca. 3 to 40 wt % in the (Ti,Mo)C/C reinforcing phase, an increase in the Young’s modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness of spark plasma sintered composites was observed. The results of abrasive and corrosive resistance tests were presented and compared with experimental data obtained for cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy without the reinforcing phase. Moreover, it was found that an increase in the percentage of carbon increased the resistance to abrasive wear and to electrochemical corrosion of composites, measured by the relatively lower values of the friction coefficient and volume of wear and higher values of resistance polarization. This resistance results from the fact that a stable of TiO2 layer doped with MoO3 is formed on the surface of the composites. The results of experimental studies on the composites were compared with those obtained for cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy without the reinforcing phase.
Removal of Siloxanes from Model Biogas by Means of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Absorption Process
Authors: Słupek Edyta , Makoś-Chełstowska Patrycja , Gębicki Jacek
Published: January 2021

The paper presents the screening of 20 deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) and glycols in various molar ratios, and 6 conventional solvents as absorbents for removal of siloxanes from model biogas stream. The screening was achieved using the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) based on the comparison of siloxane solubility in DESs. For the DES which was characterized by the highest solubility of siloxanes, studies of physicochemical properties, i.e., viscosity, density, and melting point, were performed. DES composed of tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) and tetraethylene glycol (TEG) in a 1:3 molar ratio was used as an absorbent in experimental studies in which several parameters were optimized, i.e., the temperature, absorbent volume, and model biogas flow rate. The mechanism of siloxanes removal was evaluated by means of an experimental FT-IR analysis as well as by theoretical studies based on σ-profile and σ-potential. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that TPABr:TEG (1:3) is a very effective absorption solvent for the removal of siloxanes from model biogas, and the main driving force of the absorption process is the formation of the hydrogen bonds between DES and siloxanes.
Effect of Layer Directions on Internal Structures and Tensile Properties of 17-4PH Stainless Steel Parts Fabricated by Fused Deposition of Metals
Authors: Abe Yoshifumi , Kurose Takashi , Santos Marcelo , Kanaya Yota , Ishigami Akira , Tanaka Shigeo , Ito Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

17-4PH stainless steel specimens were fabricated by fused deposition of metals (FDMet) technology, which combines 17-4PH particles with an organic binder. FDMet promises a low-cost additive manufacturing process. The present research aims to clarify the influence of layer directions in the 3D printing process on the mechanical and shrinkage properties of as-sintered and as-aged specimens. All specimens (the as-sintered and as-aged specimens printed in three layer directions) exhibited high relative density (97.5–98%). The highest ultimate strengths (880 and 1140 MPa in the as-sintered and as-aged specimens, respectively) were obtained when the layer direction was perpendicular to the tensile direction. Conversely, the specimens printed with their layer direction parallel to the tensile direction presented a low ultimate strength and low strain at breakage. The fact that the specimens with their layer direction parallel to the tensile direction presented a low ultimate strength and low strain at breakage is a usual behavior of parts obtained by means of FDM. The SEM images revealed oriented binder domains in the printed parts and oriented voids in the sintered parts. It was assumed that large binder domains in the filament were oriented perpendicular to the layer directions during the fused deposition modeling printing, and remained as oriented voids after sintering. Stress concentration in the oriented void defects was likely responsible for the poor tensile properties of these specimens.
Cooling Performance and Thermal Radiation Model of Asphalt Mixture with Modified Infrared Powder
Authors: Gao Lei , Liu Yanping , Xie Jianguang , Yang Zhaoxu
Published: January 2021

This research studied a new material named modified infrared powder (MIRP) for decreasing the high temperature of asphalt pavements which can help alleviate the urban heat island effect to some extent. Based on the physical apparent density tests of materials and infrared thermal radiation test, the cooling performance of MIRP was obtained. X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy test (SEM) were conducted to analyze the chemical composition and the microstructure of MIRP, respectively. According to the radiant heat transfer theory, a thermal radiation model of the pavement equilibrium temperature was established by microscopic and chemical analysis to study the influence of thermal radiation asphalt mixture and reveal its cooling performance. The results show that the main components of MIRP are metal oxides and nonmetallic oxides which improve its infrared emissivity. Compared with limestone mineral powder asphalt mortar, the asphalt mortar with MIRP had a more compact structure and uniform distribution, and enhanced the overall structural performance of the mixture. The thermal radiation model reveals that the pavement equilibrium temperature combined with the MIRP in asphalt mixture decreases with the increase of the longwave emissivity, and it diminishes with the decrease of the shortwave absorptivity.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Composite Steel Structure under Explosion Load
Authors: Zheng Kai , Xu Xiangzhao
Published: January 2021

Most engineering structures are composed of basic components such as plates, shells, and beams, and their dynamic characteristics under explosion load determine the impact resistance of the structure. In this paper, a three-dimensional composite steel structure was designed using a beam, plate, and other basic elements to study its mechanical behavior under explosion load. Subsequently, experiments on the composite steel structure under explosion load were carried out to study its mechanical behavior, and the failure mode and deformation data of the composite steel structure were obtained, which provided important experimental data regarding the dynamic response and mechanical behavior of the composite steel structure under explosion load. Then, we independently developed a parallel program with the coupled calculation method to solve the numerical simulation of the dynamic response and failure process of the composite steel structure under explosion load. This program adopts the Euler method as a whole, and Lagrange particles are used for materials that need to be accurately tracked. The numerical calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental data, indicating that the developed parallel program can effectively deal with the large deformation problems of multi-medium materials and the numerical simulation of the complex engineering structure failures subjected to the strong impact load.
Antibacterial Textile Based on Hydrolyzed Milk Casein
Authors: Belkhir Kedafi , Pillon Caroline , Cayla Aurélie , Campagne Christine
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial textile structures are developed based on polypropylene (PP) and a natural material, hydrolyzed casein. The casein, from bovine milk, is subjected to acid hydrolysis in aqueous media, then blended into the PP matrix in the melt phase by extrusion. The obtained blend, containing 5 wt.% of hydrolyzed casein, is then processed by a melt spinning process to get multifilaments, leading to the production knitting structures. Thanks to the addition of the hydrolyzed casein, the obtained textile showed a strong antibacterial activity towards both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacterial strains. The addition of 5 wt.% hydrolyzed casein does not significantly impact the mechanical properties of PP in the dumbbells form, but a small decrease was observed in the tenacity of the filaments. No moisture retention was observed after the addition of hydrolyzed casein, but the rheological behavior was slightly affected. The obtained results can contribute to addressing concerns regarding nonrenewable antibacterial agents used in textile materials, particularly their effects on the environment and human health, by offering antibacterial agents from a biobased and edible substance with high efficiency. They are also promising to respond to issues of wasting dairy products and recycling them, in addition to the advantages of using melt processes.
Modified Mean-Variance Risk Measures for Long-Term Portfolios
Authors: Park Hyungbin
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes modified mean-variance risk measures for long-term investment portfolios. Two types of portfolios are considered: constant proportion portfolios and increasing amount portfolios. They are widely used in finance for investing assets and developing derivative securities. We compare the long-term behavior of a conventional mean-variance risk measure and a modified one of the two types of portfolios, and we discuss the benefits of the modified measure. Subsequently, an optimal long-term investment strategy is derived. We show that the modified risk measure reflects the investor’s risk aversion on the optimal long-term investment strategy; however, the conventional one does not. Several factor models are discussed as concrete examples: the Black–Scholes model, Kim–Omberg model, Heston model, and 3/2 stochastic volatility model.
Spinochrome Identification and Quantification in Pacific Sea Urchin Shells, Coelomic Fluid and Eggs Using HPLC-DAD-MS
Authors: Vasileva Elena A. , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Tran Van T. T. , Vo Hieu M. N. , Fedoreyev Sergey A.
Published: January 2021

The high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with diode array and mass spectrometric detector (HPLC-DAD-MS) method for quinonoid pigment identification and quantification in sea urchin samples was developed and validated. The composition and quantitative ratio of the quinonoid pigments of the shells of 16 species of sea urchins, collected in the temperate (Sea of Japan) and tropical (South-China Sea) climatic zones of the Pacific Ocean over several years, were studied. The compositions of the quinonoid pigments of sea urchins Maretia planulata, Scaphechinus griseus, Laganum decagonale and Phyllacanthus imperialis were studied for the first time. A study of the composition of the quinonoid pigments of the coelomic fluid of ten species of sea urchins was conducted. The composition of quinonoid pigments of Echinarachnius parma jelly-like egg membrane, of Scaphechinus mirabilis developing embryos and pluteus, was reported for the first time. In the case of Scaphechinus mirabilis, we have shown that the compositions of pigment granules of the shell epidermis, coelomic fluid, egg membrane, developing embryos and pluteus are different, which should enable a fuller understanding of the functions of pigments at different stages of life.
The Optimizing Background Infusion Mode Decreases Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesic Volume and Opioid Consumption Compared to Fixed-Rate Background Infusion in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Jung Ki Tae , So Keum Young , Kim Seung Un , Kim Sang Hun
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives: The fixed-rate continuous background infusion mode with bolus dosing is a common modality for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). However, some patients suffer from inadequate analgesia or opioid-related adverse effects due to the biphasic pattern of postoperative pain. Therefore, we investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of PCA using an optimizing background infusion mode (OBIM) where the background injection rate varies depending on the patient’s bolus demand. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 204 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were allocated to either the optimizing (group OBIM) or the traditional background infusion group (group TBIM). The numeric rating scale (NRS) score for pain was evaluated at admission to and discharge from the recovery room, as well as at the 6th, 24th, and 48th postoperative hours. Data on bolus demand count, total infused volume, and background infusion rate were downloaded from the PCA device at 30-min intervals until the 48th postoperative hour. Results: The NRS score was not significantly different between groups throughout the postoperative period (p = 0.621), decreasing with time in both groups (p < 0.001). The bolus demand count was not significantly different between groups throughout (p = 0.756). The mean total cumulative infused PCA volume was lower in group OBIM (84.0 (95% confidence interval: 78.9−89.1) mL) than in group TBIM (102 (97.8−106.0) mL; p < 0.001). The total cumulative opioid dose in fentanyl equivalents, after converting sufentanil to fentanyl using an equipotential dose ratio, was lower in group OBIM (714.1 (647.4−780.9) μg) than in group TBIM (963.7 (870.5−1056.9) μg); p < 0.001). The background infusion rate was significantly different between groups throughout the study period (p < 0.001); it was higher in group OBIM than in group TBIM before the 12th postoperative hour and lower from the 18th to the 48th postoperative hour. Conclusions: The OBIM combined with bolus dosing reduces the cumulative PCA volume and opioid consumption compared to the TBIM combined with bolus dosing, while yielding comparable postoperative analgesia and bolus demand in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Screening for Microbial Metal-Chelating Siderophores for the Removal of Metal Ions from Solutions
Authors: Hofmann Marika , Heine Thomas , Malik Luise , Hofmann Sarah , Joffroy Kristin , Senges Christoph Helmut Rudi , Bandow Julia Elisabeth , Tischler Dirk
Published: January 2021

To guarantee the supply of critical elements in the future, the development of new technologies is essential. Siderophores have high potential in the recovery and recycling of valuable metals due to their metal-chelating properties. Using the Chrome azurol S assay, 75 bacterial strains were screened to obtain a high-yield siderophore with the ability to complex valuable critical metal ions. The siderophore production of the four selected strains Nocardioides simplex 3E, Pseudomonas chlororaphis DSM 50083, Variovorax paradoxus EPS, and Rhodococcus erythropolis B7g was optimized, resulting in significantly increased siderophore production of N. simplex and R. erythropolis. Produced siderophore amounts and velocities were highly dependent on the carbon source. The genomes of N. simplex and P. chlororaphis were sequenced. Bioinformatical analyses revealed the occurrence of an achromobactin and a pyoverdine gene cluster in P. chlororaphis, a heterobactin and a requichelin gene cluster in R. erythropolis, and a desferrioxamine gene cluster in N. simplex. Finally, the results of the previous metal-binding screening were validated by a proof-of-concept development for the recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions utilizing C18 columns functionalized with siderophores. We demonstrated the recovery of the critical metal ions V(III), Ga(III), and In(III) from mixed metal solutions with immobilized siderophores of N. simplex and R. erythropolis.
Novel In Vivo Mouse Cryoablation Model to Explore Unique Therapeutic Approaches for Premalignant Columnar Lesions
Authors: Correia Ana C. P. , Straub Danielle , Calpe Silvia , Krishnadath Kausilia K.
Published: January 2021

Patients with epithelial metaplasias have an increased risk of developing malignancies. In Barrett’s esophagus, neo-columnar epithelium develops proximal to the squamous-columnar junction (SCJ) in the esophagus as the result of prolonged exposure to bile and acid reflux. Patients require lifetime periodic surveillance, due to lack of effective eradication therapies. The shortage of innovative treatment options is mostly attributable to the paucity of adequate in vivo models of neo-columnar epithelium regeneration. This protocol describes the generation of a cryoablation model to study regeneration of neo-epithelia at the SCJ. Cryoablation of the columnar and squamous mucosa at the SCJ was achieved through local application of liquid N2O in wild-type and reporter mice in combination with acid suppression. Acid suppression alone, showed restoration of the SCJ with normal histological features of both the neo-columnar and neo-squamous epithelium within 14 days. As a proof of principle, mice were treated with mNoggin, an inhibitor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which are involved in the development of columnar epithelia. Local application of mNoggin to the ablated area at the SCJ significantly reduced the development of the neo-columnar mucosa. Although this model does not faithfully recapitulate the exact characteristics of Barrett’s esophagus, it is a well-suited tool to study the mechanisms of therapeutic inhibition of neo-columnar regeneration. It therefore represents an efficient and easy platform to test novel pharmacological therapies for treatment of neo-epithelial lesions at the SCJ.
Dietary Fiber and Its Source Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Korean Adults
Authors: Song SuJin , Song YoonJu
Published: January 2021

We examined the associations of dietary fiber and its source with cardiovascular risk factors in Korean adults. This cross-sectional study involved 16,792 adults from the 2013–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Dietary data were obtained using a 24 h recall method and used to evaluate intakes of total dietary fiber and its source and fruit consumption. Cardiovascular risk factors included obesity, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the associations of dietary fiber and its source with cardiovascular risk factors by sex. Total fiber and fruit fiber intake in men were inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (Q5 vs. Q1: odds ratios (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.53–0.92 for total fiber; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.61–0.93 for fruit fiber). Among women, a higher intake of fruit fiber was related to a reduced prevalence of obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.85, p trend = 0.029) and abdominal obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.82, p trend = 0.026). Total fruit and whole fruit consumption was inversely associated with obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome in men and hypertension in women. The amount and sources of fiber are associated with metabolic diseases in Korean adults and should be considered in the context of overall dietary quality.
Bloodstream Infections Caused by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Wen-Chi , Hung Chih-Hsin , Chen Yao-Shen , Cheng Jin-Shiung , Lee Susan Shin-Jung , Tseng Fan-Chen , Cheng Ming-Fang , Wang Jiun-Ling
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sequence type (ST) 131 strains and outcome of cirrhotic patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichiacoli (ESBLEC) and non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichiacoli (NESBLEC). Methods: The incidence of ST 131 strains, hospital stay, and 30-day re-admission/mortality were compared between 51 ESBLEC and 51 NESBLEC bacteremic patients with cirrhosis. Results: ST 131 strains were found in 35.3% of the ESBLEC group and 0% of the NESBLEC group (p < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 26.5 days in the ESBLEC group and 17.1 days in the NESBLEC group (p = 0.006). Thirty-day re-admission rates were 11.8% in the ESBLEC group and 5.9% in the NESBLEC group (p = 0.5). ST 131 strains were associated with 30-day re-admission (odds ratio: 4.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–18.9). Thirty-day mortality rate was 31.4% in the ESBLEC group and 23.5% in the NESBLEC group (p = 0.4). Conclusion: In patients with cirrhosis, the ESBLEC BSIs group had a higher frequency of ST 131 strains and longer hospital stay than the NESBLEC BSIs group with similar 30-day re-admission/mortality. ST 131 strains were associated with 30-day re-admission.
A 2-Year Longitudinal Seroepidemiological Evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in a Cohort of Autochthonous Sheep from Central Portugal
Authors: Almeida Daniela , Quirino João , Barradas Patrícia Ferreira , da Silva Priscilla Gomes , Pereira Maria , Cruz Rita , Santos Carla , Mega Ana Cristina , Esteves Fernando , Nóbrega Carmen , Vala Helena , Gärtner Fátima , Amorim Irina , Mesquita João R.
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis and one of the major causes of abortion in sheep worldwide. (2) Methods: We performed a 2-year longitudinal serological anti-T. gondii IgG screening on a cohort of a spatially confined population of a Portuguese autochthonous sheep breed in central Portugal. (3) Results: From the screening of the 2015 and 2016 sera, an increase of seroprevalence was observed (57.7% (95% CI: 49.9–65.3%) versus 69.1% (95% CI: 61.5–75.9), from 2015 and 2016, respectively) (p = 0.031). (4) Conclusions The present study is the first to provide prospective data on the anti-T. gondii serological status of a sheep cohort in Portugal, showing an increase in the occurrence of T. gondii. There is a need to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, ideally by implementing monitoring programs on sentinel herds, not only due to the high impact of T. gondii on animal health but also for it being a zoonosis.
Triterpenoids and Other Non-Polar Compounds in Leaves of Wild and Cultivated Vaccinium Species
Authors: Vrancheva Radka , Ivanov Ivan , Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Pavlov Atanas
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the current study was to identify and quantify triterpenoids and other non-polar compounds in the leaves of three high bush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L. var. Bluegold, var. Bluecrop and var. Elliott) and three natural populations of Vaccinium species (Vaccinium uliginosum L., Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) by means of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Metabolite profiles differed significantly among the Vaccinium species analyzed, as well as among the populations of the same species. The populations of V. vitis-idaea predominantly contained relative concentrations of phytosterols (varying between 10.48% of total ion current (TIC) and 22.29% of TIC) and almost twice the content of triterpenes (from 29.84% of TIC to 49.62% of TIC) of the other berry species investigated. The leaves of V. corymbosum varieties biosynthesized the highest relative amount of fatty acids, while the leaves of the populations of V. uliginosum had the highest relative concentrations of fatty alcohols. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the diverse populations of each berry species analyzed differed from each other, most likely due to variations in the climatic and geographical conditions of their localities.
Early Detection of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), Infestation Using Data Mining
Authors: Kurdi Heba , Al-Aldawsari Amal , Al-Turaiki Isra , Aldawood Abdulrahman S.
Published: January 2021

In the past 30 years, the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), a pest that is highly destructive to all types of palms, has rapidly spread worldwide. However, detecting infestation with the RPW is highly challenging because symptoms are not visible until the death of the palm tree is inevitable. In addition, the use of automated RPW weevil identification tools to predict infestation is complicated by a lack of RPW datasets. In this study, we assessed the capability of 10 state-of-the-art data mining classification algorithms, Naive Bayes (NB), KSTAR, AdaBoost, bagging, PART, J48 Decision tree, multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), random forest, and logistic regression, to use plant-size and temperature measurements collected from individual trees to predict RPW infestation in its early stages before significant damage is caused to the tree. The performance of the classification algorithms was evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure using a real RPW dataset. The experimental results showed that infestations with RPW can be predicted with an accuracy up to 93%, precision above 87%, recall equals 100%, and F-measure greater than 93% using data mining. Additionally, we found that temperature and circumference are the most important features for predicting RPW infestation. However, we strongly call for collecting and aggregating more RPW datasets to run more experiments to validate these results and provide more conclusive findings.
Ecophysiological Variability of Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. Green Alder Leaves in the Bieszczady Mountains (Poland)
Authors: Skoczowski Andrzej , Odrzywolska-Hasiec Magdalena , Oliwa Jakub , Ciereszko Iwona , Kornaś Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC., green alder, is a fast-growing shrub that grows expansively in the European mountainside. In Poland, A. viridis naturally occurs only in the Bieszczady Mountains (south-eastern part of the country), above the upper forest border. In this study, we assessed the potential of green alder to expand in post-farming areas in the Bieszczady Mountains. We investigated the effects of topographical, climatic, and edaphic characteristics of four various study sites on the physiological and morphological properties of A. viridis leaves in order to answer the question whether the growth of plants in lower positions improves their physiological condition to such an extent that it increases the species invasiveness. This is the first comprehensive ecophysiological study of this species to be carried out in this part of Europe. The photochemical efficiency of PSII, the chlorophyll content, and leaf 13C and 15N discrimination were analyzed. On the basis of leaf radiation reflection, coefficients such as reflectance indices of anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids (ARI2, CRI1, FRI), photochemical index of reflection (PRI), and the water band index (WBI) were calculated. We observed favorable physiological effects in A. viridis plants growing in locations below the upper forest border compared to plants growing in higher locations. As a result, A. viridis may become an invasive species and disturb the phytocoenotic balance of plant communities of the altitudinal zones in the Polish Western Carpathians.
Gene and Metabolite Integration Analysis through Transcriptome and Metabolome Brings New Insight into Heat Stress Tolerance in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Liu Bailin , Kong Lingshuang , Zhang Yu , Liao Yuncheng
Published: January 2021

Potatoes are particularly vulnerable to elevated temperatures, with short heat stress (6 h) inducing stomatal opening and reducing membrane stability and prolonged heat stress (3-day) decreasing the photosynthetic capacity of potato leaves. The integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics methods demonstrated that 448 heat upregulated and 918 heat downregulated genes and 325 and 219 compounds in the positive and negative ionization modes, respectively, were up- or downregulated in leaves in response to short and prolonged heat stress. Differentially expressed genes enriched in photosynthesis, cell wall degradation, heat response, RNA processing, and protein degradation were highly induced during heat exposure, and differentially expressed metabolites involved in amino acid biosynthesis and secondary metabolism were mostly induced during heat exposure, suggesting a possible role of these genes and metabolites in the heat tolerance of the potato. Metabolite and transcript abundances for the upregulation of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis under prolonged heat stress were closely correlated. Heat-induced gene expression in Arabidopsisthaliana shoots and potato leaves overlapped, and heat stress-responsive genes overlapped with drought stress-related genes in potato. The transient expression of four heat-induced genes in Nicotiana benthamiana exhibited increased heat tolerance. This study provides a new transcriptome and metabolic profile of the potato’s response to heat.
Advances in Biomass Co-Combustion with Fossil Fuels in the European Context: A Review
Authors: Variny Miroslav , Varga Augustín , Rimár Miroslav , Janošovský Ján , Kizek Ján , Lukáč Ladislav , Jablonský Gustáv , Mierka Otto
Published: January 2021

Co-combustion of biomass-based fuels and fossil fuels in power plant boilers, utility boilers, and process furnaces is a widely acknowledged means of efficient heat and power production, offering higher power production than comparable systems with sole biomass combustion. This, in combination with CO2 and other greenhouse gases abatement and low specific cost of system retrofit to co-combustion, counts among the tangible advantages of co-combustion application. Technical and operational issues regarding the accelerated fouling, slagging, and corrosion risk, as well as optimal combustion air distribution impact on produced greenhouse gases emissions and ash properties, belong to intensely researched topics nowadays in parallel with the combustion aggregates design optimization, the advanced feed pretreatment techniques, and the co-combustion life cycle assessment. This review addresses the said topics in a systematic manner, starting with feed availability, its pretreatment, fuel properties and combustor types, followed by operational issues, greenhouse gases, and other harmful emissions trends, as well as ash properties and utilization. The body of relevant literature sources is table-wise classified according to numerous criteria pertaining to individual paper sections, providing a concise and complex insight into the research methods, analyzed systems, and obtained results. Recent advances achieved in individual studies and the discovered synergies between co-combusted fuels types and their shares in blended fuel are summed up and discussed. Actual research challenges and prospects are briefly touched on as well.
Temporal Stability of Vegetation Cover across the Loess Plateau Based on GIMMS during 1982–2013
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Guo Shan , Guan Yanning , Cai Danlu , Bian Xiaolin
Published: January 2021

The Loess Plateau, covering approximately 640,000 km2, has experienced the most severe soil erosion in the world. A greening tendency has been noticed since implementing the Grain to Green Program (GTGP), which may prevent further soil erosion. Therefore, understanding the underpinning basis of greening stability and persistence is important for sustainable improvement. Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) datasets for 1982–2013 were used to investigate the temporal stability and persistent time (PT) of vegetation over the Loess Plateau, utilizing the coefficient of variation (CV) and the estimation of tendencies of vegetation greening starting from the selected reference conditions. Two periods from 1982 to 1999 (as the reference period) and 2000 to 2013 were selected by considering the GTGP since 1999. The results indicate that: (1) A significant increase in vegetation cover occurred in the low NDVI area (NDVI < 0.3), with a high fluctuation from 2000 to 2013 compared with the reference period. Moreover, the fluctuation in vegetation is more related to precipitation variation since 1999. (2) Most areas recovered in the greening trend of the first period starting in 2009, occurring in 28.7% (2628 of 9148) of the total area. (3) The revegetated areas have a low PT and a high CVvi, that is, the revegetated areas need a long time to recover from disturbances. Therefore, we identify the sensitive areas with PT = 4; further management needs to be implemented for sustainable development in these areas. These results provide a method to quantify the stability and persistence of the complex interactions between vegetation greenness and environmental changes, particularly in fragile areas.
Switched-Biasing Techniques for CMOS Voltage-Controlled Oscillator
Authors: Kang Cheol-Woo , Moon Hyunwon , Yang Jong-Ryul
Published: January 2021

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is a key component to generate high-speed clock of mixed-mode circuits and local oscillation signals of the frequency conversion in wired and wireless application systems. In particular, the recent evolution of new high-speed wireless systems in the millimeter-wave frequency band calls for the implementation of the VCO with high oscillation frequency and low close-in phase noise. The effect of the flicker noise on the phase noise of the VCO should be minimized because the flicker noise dramatically increases as the deep-submicron complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process is scaled down, and the flicker corner frequency also increases, up to several MHz, in the up-to-date CMOS process. The flicker noise induced by the current source is a major factor affecting the phase noise of the VCO. Switched-biasing techniques have been proposed to minimize the effect of the flicker noise at the output of the VCO with biasing AC-coupled signals at the current source of the VCO. Reviewing the advantages and disadvantages reported in the previous studies, it is analyzed which topology to implement the switched-biasing technique is advantageous for improving the performance of the CMOS VCOs.
The Munich Bikeability Index: A Practical Approach for Measuring Urban Bikeability
Authors: Schmid-Querg Jonas , Keler Andreas , Grigoropoulos Georgios
Published: January 2021

This research addresses the phenomenon of varying bicycle friendliness in urban areas and considers which elements are necessary to design a city in a bike-friendly manner. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the term bikeability, in relation to the established term walkability, and methods to create models that measure the degree of bikeability in urban areas. We explain different established models and compare their computational bases. The focus of this paper is to define a computational methodology built within a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a subsequent evaluation based on an investigation area in Munich, Germany. We introduce a bikeability index for specific investigation areas and geovisualize four selected factors of this index. The resulting map views show the road segments of the traffic network where the conditions for biking are adequate, but also those segments which need to be improved.
Development of DAYSAM: An Educational Smart Phone Game for Preschoolers to Increase Awareness of Renewable Energy
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Alwaneh Haneen , Mabroukeh Wajdi , Abu-Ghalion Yassmin , Abu-Gadi Fatima , Assali Aliaa , Elmenreich Wilfried , Zarour Muna
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a smartphone application game that aims to increase the awareness of preschoolers on renewable energy. The age of the selected preschoolers is in the range of 4-6 years. The game is called DAYSAM, and it aims to increase awareness regarding photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, mini-hydropower stations, energy efficiency, and risks that polar bears are facing. The game provides two superior features compared to other available games in Arabic language, targeting the same age group. Preschoolers from An-Najah Child Institute are selected to play this game to investigate the impact of this game. The preschoolers’ awareness is tested before and after playing the game using coloring sheets in an unsupervised coloring process. The results show that the proposed game has increased preschooler’s awareness of renewable energy. Before playing the game, none of the preschoolers recognized images like the photovoltaic array or the wind turbine. After playing the game the preschoolers recognized these devices in different situations and shapes. This indicates that such a game can be used as a fun and educational tool in nurseries that have Arabic communication medium to increase awareness of renewable energy.
The EU sustainable finance taxonomy regulation
Authors: Dobránszky-Bartus Katalin , Krenchel Jens Valdemar
Published: January 2021

In this article, we look at the Taxonomy Regulation, which entered into force in June 2020. We describe the requirements for investments and listed companies to have their economic activities labelled green, conditional on not violating safe-guards against doing significant harm to social or human rights. We find that the Taxonomy Regulation is a hybrid regulation, which aims at influencing business activities through regulation of financial services. The relevance of this article for finance research is not least to make clear the bias, or research premise, that will be introduced into any quantitative research on green premiums (the so-called greemiums) of EU financial services and listed shares and bonds after 1 January 2022, when the technical screening criteria of the Taxonomy Regulation enter into force and complete the definition of what con-stitutes sustainable or green economic activity. To a large extent, this will serve to make cross-European comparisons of greemiums (green premiums) easier as data on what is green will be based on European standards. Others might argue that legislating a definition of what is considered green or sustainable should be left to the market, for better or worse.
Az ESG-kockázatokkal kapcsolatos banki közzétételek tartalomelemzése : Pillanatkép a hazai nagybankok közzétételi gyakorlatáról
Authors: Tamásné Vőneki Zsuzsanna , Lamanda Gabriella
Published: January 2021

Cikkünk középpontjában az ESG-kockázatok állnak. Az ESG-szempontok és az ESG-kockázatokra vonatkozó nyilvános jelentésekkel kapcsolatos elvárások, irányelvek figyelembevételével létrehoztunk egy kérdéslistát, amely alapján értékeltük kilenc hazai nagybank 2019-ben közzétett jelentéseit. A jelentések tartalomelemzése alapján igazolható az a hipotézis, hogy az ESG-kockázatok nem épültek be a kockázatkezelési folyamatba, önálló kockázatként nem definiálják, és dedikált szervezete sincs a keretrendszernek. Az ESG-kockázatok kezelése nem strukturált, csak részlegesen jelenik meg a hazai gyakorlatban, és miután nincs egységes elvárás a közzétételre vonatkozóan, jellemzőek a heterogén jelentések és információtartalom. A legnagyobb problémát a keretrendszer definiálásának hiányában látjuk, míg a három témakörből (környezet, társadalmi felelősségvállalás, vállalatirányítás) a környezetvédelmi szempontok hitelezési politikába történő beépítésével vannak leginkább lemaradva a bankok.
A vállalati jövedelmezőség és az ESG-teljesítmény közötti kapcsolatok értékelése GMM-IV-módszerrel : Az ESG-faktorok rövid távú pénzügyi hatásai
Authors: Fain Máté
Published: January 2021

A tanulmányban arra a kérdésre keressük a választ, hogy miképpen befolyásol-ja az MSCI ACWI Indexben szereplő vállalatok ESG-teljesítménye a rövid távú nyereséget. Az elemzés függő változói az árbevétel-arányos nyereség és az érték-teremtést mérő ROC/WACC mutató. Az ESG-pontszámok az S&P Global SAM minősítései. Minthogy a tanulmány célja a rövid távú hatások értékelése, ezért a 2019-es jövedelmezőség-ESG kapcsolatot vizsgáljuk számos kontrollváltozó mellett. A fenntarthatóságot elemző tanulmányokban gyakori mérési, specifikációs hibákat és endogenitást robusztus instrumentális változókat alkalmazó GMM-eljárással kezeljük. A számításaink alapján az egyes iparágakban leginkább sem-leges a pénzügyi-ESG teljesítmény közötti kapcsolat, amely így végső soron elősegítheti az ENSZ fenntartható fejlődési céljainak az elérését.
SNACK BAR REDMUNG GREEN BEAN AND RED BEAN FLOUR AS SNACK WITH ISOFLAVON AND FIBER SOURCES
Authors: Gustiani Dea Intania , Fauziyah Roro Nur , Rosmana Dadang , Nurjanah Nia Fatimah
Published: January 2021

Redmung Snack Bar is made by from red bean flour and mung bean flour.  Red bean flour and mung bean flour are food sources of isoflavone and fiber.   The purpose of this research is to get a balance snack bar that is suitable for the receiving power, levels of isoflavones, and fiber levels required.  The design of this research is experimental with complete random draft (RAL).  The research methods use hedonic tests for the favorite levels, literary tests for isoflavone levels, and enzymatic gravimetric for fiber content.  The research involved 30 somewhat trained panelist who is a student of nutrition department in Poltekkes Bandung.  Data was analysed using the Kruskal Wallis’s test and continued with Mann Whitney's test. The results of hedonic test studies show that Formula 1 with a balance of 90% red bean flour: 10% of mung bean flour has the highest level of taste in colour and fragrance while on aspects of flavor and texture, Formula 3 with balance 50% flour Red beans: 50% of mung bean flour has the highest level of delight.  Mann Whitney test Results show Formula 1 has a meaningful difference between the three formulas so that Formula 1 is set as the selected formula.   In 1 food dose Snack Bar Redmung (35 g) contains isoflavone of 3.1 mg and is able to adequately 25%-42% the need for Isoflavone, and contains a fiber of 5.495 G and able to adequately 88.63% fiber needs.
A contribuição da implantação de unidades de conservação para o fortalecimento da vulnerabilidade social de populações rurais – Bonito de Minas/MG
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Goiás, Mendonça Daniella Souza , Alves Monica Oliveira ,   Universidade Federal de Goiás
Published: January 2021

Perante panoramas repletos de contradições entre a necessidade da preservação da natureza e a garantia da integridade humana surgiram algumas indagações referentes a duas comunidades rurais localizadas na Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) do rio Pandeiros, inserida no município de Bonito de Minas - MG. O município apresenta Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) baixo, evidenciando a vulnerabilidade social da população. O IDHM influencia diretamente na capacidade de resposta a riscos. A população estudada convive com a ocorrência de seca e estiagem, pois está inserida na região do semiárido brasileiro. O presente estudo é de cunho exploratório e por meio de revisão bibliográfica, entrevistas e aplicação de questionários semiestruturados objetivou compreender a influência da implantação da APA nas condições de vulnerabilidade das comunidades estudadas. A criação da APA intensificou a vulnerabilidade da população devido à piora dos hábitos alimentares, a criminalização de práticas de subsistência, além da invisibilização de conhecimentos tradicionais que durante séculos direcionam o manejo sustentável da biodiversidade preservando-a de geração a geração.