bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating fish population abundance by integrating quantitative data on environmental DNA and hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: Fukaya Keiichi , Murakami Hiroaki , Yoon Seokjin , Minami Kenji , Osada Yutaka , Yamamoto Satoshi , Masuda Reiji , Kasai Akihide , Miyashita Kazushi , Minamoto Toshifumi , Kondoh Michio
Published: July 2020

Molecular analysis of DNA left in the environment, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), has proven to be a powerful and cost‐effective approach to infer occurrence of species. Nonetheless, relating measurements of eDNA concentration to population abundance remains difficult because detailed knowledge on the processes that govern spatial and temporal distribution of eDNA should be integrated to reconstruct the underlying distribution and abundance of a target species. In this study, we propose a general framework of abundance estimation for aquatic systems on the basis of spatially replicated measurements of eDNA. The proposed method explicitly accounts for production, transport and degradation of eDNA by utilizing numerical hydrodynamic models that can simulate the distribution of eDNA concentrations within an aquatic area. It turns out that, under certain assumptions, population abundance can be estimated via a Bayesian inference of a generalized linear model. Application to a Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) population in Maizuru Bay revealed that the proposed method gives an estimate of population abundance comparable to that of a quantitative echo sounder method. Furthermore, the method successfully identified a source of exogenous input of eDNA (a fish market), which may render a quantitative application of eDNA difficult to interpret unless its effect is taken into account. These findings indicate the ability of eDNA to reliably reflect population abundance of aquatic macroorganisms; when the “ecology of eDNA” is adequately accounted for, population abundance can be quantified on the basis of measurements of eDNA concentration.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients from Iran: Species identification and antifungal susceptibility pattern
Authors: Salehi Mohammadreza , Ahmadikia Kazem , Mahmoudi Shahram , Kalantari Saeed , Jamalimoghadamsiahkali Saeidreza , Izadi Alireza , Kord Mohammad , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Seifi Arash , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Khajavirad Nasim , Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Koohfar Amirhossein , Boekhout Teun , Khodavaisy Sadegh
Published: July 2020

Background

Emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a major healthcare threat. Apparently, the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) is armed by special abilities to spread and dysregulate the immune mechanisms. The likelihood of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) development in COVID‐19 patients with a list of attributable risk factors for oral infections has not yet been investigated.

Objectives

We here aim to investigate the prevalence, causative agents and antifungal susceptibility pattern of OPC in Iranian COVID‐19 patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 53 hospitalised COVID‐19 patients with OPC were studied. Relevant clinical data were mined. Strain identification was performed by 21‐plex PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2). Antifungal susceptibility testing to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin was performed according to the CLSI broth dilution method.

Results

In 53 COVID‐19 patients with OPC, cardiovascular diseases (52.83%) and diabetes (37.7%) were the principal underlying conditions. The most common risk factor was lymphopaenia (71%). In total, 65 Candida isolates causing OPC were recovered. C albicans (70.7%) was the most common, followed by C glabrata (10.7%), C dubliniensis (9.2%), C parapsilosis sensu stricto (4.6%), C tropicalis (3%) and Pichia kudriavzevii (=C krusei, 1.5%). Majority of the Candida isolates were susceptible to all three classes of antifungal drugs.

Conclusion

Our data clarified some concerns regarding the occurrence of OPC in Iranian COVID‐19 patients. Further studies should be conducted to design an appropriate prophylaxis programme and improve management of OPC in critically ill COVID‐19 patients.
Investigation of adult‐onset multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Huang Kun , Duan Hui‐Qian , Li Qiu‐Xiang , Luo Yue‐Bei , Yang Huan
Published: July 2020

Multiple Acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), one of the most common lipid storage myopathies (LSMs), is a heterogeneous inherited muscular disorder that is pathologically characterized by numerous lipid droplets in muscle fibers due to lipid metabolism disturbance. MADD exhibits a wide range of clinical features, including skeletal muscle weakness and multisystem dysfunctions. However, MADD, as well as other types of LSM, associated with peripheral neuropathy has rarely been reported during the past four decades. Here, we present four Chinese patients affected by MADD with peripheral neuropathy in our neuromuscular center. Clinically, these four patients showed skeletal muscle weakness and prominent paresthesia. Muscle biopsy detected characteristic myopathological patterns of LSM, such as obvious lipid droplets in muscle fibers. Sural nerve biopsy revealed a severe reduction in number of myelinated nerve fibers, which is a typical neuropathological pattern of peripheral neuropathy. Causative ETFDH mutations were found in all four cases. The skeletal muscle weakness was rapidly improved after some treatments while paresthesia showed unsatisfactory improvement. The features of previously reported patients of this specific type are also summarized in this paper. We propose that MADD with peripheral neuropathy may be a new phenotypic subtype because the pathology and reaction to riboflavin treatment are different from those of traditional MADD, although further research on the precise pathogenesis and mechanisms is needed.
Auxin is required for the long coleoptile trait in japonica rice under submergence
Authors: Nghi Khac Nhu , Tagliani Andrea , Mariotti Lorenzo , Weits Daan A. , Perata Pierdomenico , Pucciariello Chiara
Published: July 2020

Rice coleoptile elongation under submergence guarantees fast seedling establishment in the field. We investigated the role of auxin in influencing the capacity of rice to produce a long coleoptile under water.

In order to explore the complexity of auxin's role in coleoptile elongation, we used gene expression analysis, confocal microscopy of an auxin‐responsive fluorescent reporter, gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), and T‐DNA insertional mutants of an auxin transport protein.

We show that a higher auxin availability in the coleoptile correlates with the final coleoptile length under submergence. We also identified the auxin influx carrier AUX1 as a component influencing this trait under submergence. The coleoptile tip is involved in the final length of rice varieties harbouring a long coleoptile.

Our experimental results indicate that auxin biosynthesis and transport underlies the differential elongation between short and long coleoptile‐harbouring japonica rice varieties.
Intermittent parathyroid hormone improves orthodontic retention via insulin‐like growth factor‐1
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Yan Ziqi , He Shushu , Zhou Chenchen , Wang Han , Yin Xing , Zou Shujuan , Duan Peipei
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) on the stability of orthodontic retention and to explore the possible regulatory role of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in this process.

Methods

Forty‐eight 6‐week‐old male Wistar rats were adopted in this study. An orthodontic relapsing model was established to investigate the effects of iPTH on orthodontic retention. In vitro, an immortalized mouse cementoblast cell line OCCM‐30 was detected by flow cytometry to study the effects of iPTH on cell proliferation and apoptosis. By application of a specific IGF‐1 receptor inhibitor, the role of IGF‐1 was also explored.

Results

In vivo study found that daily injection of PTH significantly reduced the relapsing distance. Histological staining and ELISA assay showed faster periodontal regeneration during retention period in PTH group with increased RANKL/OPG ratio and greater amount of OCN, ALP, and IGF‐1 in gingival cervical fluid (GCF). Cell experiment revealed that iPTH promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of cementoblast. IGF‐1 receptor inhibitor significantly restrained the anabolic effect of iPTH on OCCM‐30 cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that iPTH could improve the stability of tooth movement by promoting periodontal regeneration. IGF‐1 is essential in mediating the anabolic effects of iPTH.
Intraoral human herpes viruses detectable by PCR in majority of patients
Authors: Yap Tami , Khor Shuan , Kim Jung Seo , Kim Jaeyoung , Won Yun Jenny Sung , Kern Johannes S. , Martyres Raymond , Varigos George , Chan Hiu Tat , McCullough Michael J. , Thomas Melissa L , Scardamaglia Laura
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To identify factors which influence the intraoral prevalence of human herpes viruses (HHVs) using mucosal swabs, saliva samples and qPCR analysis.

Methodology

In this cross‐sectional observational study, matched saliva and oral swabs were collected from a total of 115 subjects: 70 immunocompetent subjects with no mucosal abnormalities, 22 with mucosal abnormalities and 23 therapeutically immunocompromised individuals. Extracted DNA was analysed by multiplex qPCR for detection and quantification of HHVs 1–6.

Results

At least one human herpes virus was detected in 77.1% of immunocompetent individuals with no mucosal abnormalities, with EBV the most commonly detected at 61.4%. HHV‐6 was detected in 17.1%, HSV‐1 in 4.3% and CMV in 1.1%. Detection was higher in saliva than in oral swabs. There was no detection of HSV‐2 or VZV. Neither presence of oral mucosal abnormality nor therapeutic immunocompromise was related to increased detection of human herpes virus.

Conclusion

Commensal detection rates of EBV are high, and caution in clinical correlation of positive detection is warranted. Commensal CMV rates are low, and detection is likely to be clinically relevant. This study presents a comprehensive commensal detection rate of HHVs 1–6 by qPCR in saliva and swabs.
TMJ arthroscopy with hyaluronic acid: A 12‐month randomized clinical trial
Authors: Castaño‐Joaqui Oscar Gabriel , Cano‐Sánchez Jorge , Campo‐Trapero Julián , Muñoz‐Guerra Mario Fernando
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To determine the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) as an adjunct to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy, relative to standard TMJ arthroscopy, in Wilkes stage‐III and stage‐IV patients.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial design was utilized (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04110587). 51 patients were allocated to a TMJ arthroscopy (n = 25) or a TMJ arthroscopy plus HA (n = 26) group. Visual analog scale joint pain scores, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and muscle pain were measured at baseline, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Disk position on magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated at baseline and 12 months. Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months.

Results

No group differences were observed in clinical or radiographic measurements (p ≥ .05). The results do not indicate any benefit of HA as an adjuvant therapy to arthroscopy during follow‐up months 3–12. TMJ arthroscopy improved OHRQoL at 6 and 12 months (Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 questionnaire scores of −14.59 and −14.27, 95% confidence intervals = −17.55 to −11.63 and −17.27 to −11.27) respectively, as well as pain and MMO, at all follow‐up time points (p < .001).

Conclusions

A beneficial effect of HA injection during TMJ arthroscopy after the 3‐month follow‐up was not observed.
Explanatory Consolidation: From ‘Best’ to ‘Good Enough’
Authors: Dellsén Finnur
Published: July 2020

In science and everyday life, we often infer that something is true because it would explain some set of facts better than any other hypothesis we can think of. But what if we have reason to believe that there is a better way to explain these facts that we just haven’t thought of? Wouldn’t that undermine our warrant for believing the best available explanation? Many philosophers have assumed that we can solve suchunderconsideration problemsby stipulating that a hypothesis should not only be ‘the best’ explanation available; rather, it should also be ‘good enough’. Unfortunately, however, the only current suggestion for what it might mean to say that an explanation is ‘good enough’ is, well, not good enough. This paper aims to provide a better account of what is required for an explanatory hypothesis to be considered ‘good enough’. In brief, the account holds that a ‘good enough’ hypothesis is one that has gone through a process that I callexplanatory consolidation, in which accumulating evidence and failed attempts to formulate better alternatives gradually make it more plausible that the explanation we currently have is better than any other that could be formulated.
Counting the cost of bronchiectasis
Authors: Gao Yong‐Hua , Chalmers James D.
Published: July 2020

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You are not alone – adolescents’ experiences of participation in a structured skills training group for ADHD
Authors: Meyer Jenny , Öster Caisa , Ramklint Mia , Isaksson Johan
Published: July 2020

Little is known about how adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience participating in group therapy, an important factor to consider when developing treatment methods for this age group. This study aimed to explore how adolescents with ADHD experience participating in a structured skills training group program based on dialectical behavioral therapy. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents (15–18 years of age) with ADHD after participating in a structured skills training group. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze the text. The participants emphasized the value of meeting other adolescents with ADHD and the opportunity to exchange experiences, strategies and tips. Participating in the group treatment made the adolescents realize that they were not alone, and feelings of togetherness and an increased acceptance of themselves were described. The participants associated the treatment with elevated knowledge and understanding, for example, about ADHD, their own functioning and helpful strategies. They also described emotional and behavioral changes, such as higher self‐esteem, fewer inter‐personal conflicts and improved concentration. Activating and experiential exercises were considered important elements of the treatment, and the participants expressed a need for a variation of exercises, as well as more time for practicing skills, discussions and breaks. The results indicate that the group format add an extra value to the treatment and that the use of an active approach throughout the treatment is of importance for this group of patients.
Exercise dose affects the circulating microRNA profile in response to acute endurance exercise in male amateur runners
Authors: Fernández‐Sanjurjo Manuel , Úbeda Natalia , Fernández‐García Benjamín , del Valle Miguel , Ramírez de Molina Ana , Crespo María Carmen , Martín‐Hernández Roberto , Casas‐Agustench Patricia , Martínez‐Camblor Pablo , de Gonzalo‐Calvo David , Díez‐Robles Sergio , García‐González Ángela , Montero Ana , González‐González Felipe , Rabadán Manuel , Díaz‐Martínez Ángel Enrique , Whitham Martin , Iglesias‐Gutiérrez Eduardo , Dávalos Alberto
Published: July 2020

The systemic response to exercise is dose‐dependent and involves a complex gene expression regulation and cross‐talk between tissues. This context ARISES the need for analyzing the influence of exercise dose on the profile of circulating microRNAs (c‐miRNAs), as emerging posttranscriptional regulators and intercellular communicators. Thus, we hypothesized that different exercise doses will determine specific c‐miRNA signatures that will highlight its potential as exercise dose biomarker. Nine active middle‐aged males completed a 10‐km race (10K), a half‐marathon (HM), and a marathon (M). Blood samples were collected immediately before and after races. Plasma RNA was extracted, and a global screening of 752 microRNAs was analyzed using RT‐qPCR. Three different c‐miRNA profiles were defined according to the three doses. In 10K, 14 c‐miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between pre‐ and post‐exercise, 13 upregulated and 1 downregulated. Regarding HM, 13 c‐miRNAs were found to be differentially modulated, in all the cases upregulated. A total of 28 c‐miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in M, 21 overexpressed and 7 repressed after this race. We had also found 3 common c‐miRNAs between 10K and M and 2 common c‐miRNAs between 10K and HM. In silico analysis supported a close association between exercise dose c‐miRNA profiles and cellular pathways linked to energy metabolism and cell cycle. In conclusion, we have observed that different exercise doses induced specific c‐miRNA profiles. So, our results point to c‐miRNAs as emerging exercise dose biomarkers and as one of regulatory mechanisms modulating the response to endurance exercise.
The alteration of the gut microbiome by immunosuppressive agents used in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Gibson Caitlin M. , Childs‐Kean Lindsey M. , Naziruddin Zahra , Howell Crystal K.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Studies have suggested that in addition to antimicrobials, some non‐antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome. This systematic review sought to determine if there is an association between immunosuppressive agents used in recipients of solid organ transplants (SOT) and alterations in the gut microbiome.

Methods

English language PubMed and Scopus searches were conducted to identify relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were defined as pertaining to solid organ transplantation, immunosuppression, and the gut microbiome. Articles were excluded if they contained only genetic microbiota descriptions, narrative reviews of bacteria, or described bacteria as a pathogen for infections. PRISMA reporting was used to guide this literature review.

Results

A preliminary search identified 665 articles, of which 75 articles met the inclusion criteria, and 10 articles remained after application of exclusion criteria. Seventy‐one percent of articles discussed calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, 38% included mycophenolate mofetil, and 52% included steroids, such as prednisone. Some studies utilized a combination of immunosuppressants or had multiple study arms. Seventy percent of the articles indicated changes in quantities of anaerobic bacteria including Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Clostridiales. Combinations of immunosuppressant agents were associated with an increase in colonization of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp.

Conclusion

Some immunosuppressants are associated with changes in gut flora, but the impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. Robust clinical trials delineating the direct effect of immunosuppressants on the gut microbiome as well as the impact on clinical outcomes are warranted.
What’s missing from legal geography and materialist studies of law? Absence and the assembling of asylum appeal hearings in Europe
Authors: Gill Nick , Allsopp Jennifer , Burridge Andrew , Fisher Dan , Griffiths Melanie , Hambly Jessica , Hoellerer Nicole , Paszkiewicz Natalia , Rotter Rebecca
Published: July 2020

There is an absence of absence in legal geography and materialist studies of the law. Drawing on a multi‐sited ethnography of European asylum appeal hearings, this paper illustrates the importance of absences for a fully‐fledged materiality of legal events. We show how absent materials impact hearings, that non‐attending participants profoundly influence them, and that even when participants are physically present, they are often simultaneously absent in other, psychological registers. In so doing we demonstrate the importance and productivity of thinking not only about law’s omnipresence but also the absences that shape the way law is experienced and practised. We show that attending to the distribution of absence and presence at legal hearings is a way to critically engage with legal performance.
Migration and the invisible economies of care: Production, social reproduction and seasonal migrant labour in India
Authors: Shah Alpa , Lerche Jens
Published: July 2020

This paper focuses on the processes of migrant labour exploitation which are crucial for capitalist growth and the inequalities they generate. Ethnographic research conducted in different sites across India shows how patterns of seasonal labour migration are driven by class relations marked by hierarchies of identity (caste and tribe) and the spatial geopolitics of internal colonialism (region) – differences that are mobilised for accumulation. Labour migration scholarship has mainly explored sites of production. We extend recent social reproduction theory (SRT) and an older literature on labour migration and reproduction to argue that the intimate relationship between production and social reproduction is crucial to the exploitation of migrant labour and that this means we have to place centre‐stage the analysis of invisible economies of care which take place across spatiotemporally divided households, both in the place of migration and in the home regions of migrants. Furthermore, we develop recent work on SRT and migration to argue that an analysis of kinship (gender over generations, not just gender) is crucial to these invisible economies of care. This analysis is important in showing the machinations of capitalist growth and for political alternatives.
A combined effect of anti‐HPA‐1a and anti‐HLA Class I in pregnancy?
Authors: Dahl Jesper , Skogen Bjørn , Kjaer Mette , Husebekk Anne , Kjeldsen‐Kragh Jens , Tiller Heidi
Published: July 2020

Background

Maternal anti–human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I is commonly detected alongside anti–human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). Little is known regarding whether the presence of anti‐HLA Class I may exert an additive effect on the risk and severity of FNAIT.

Methods and Materials

We reanalyzed samples originally collected as part of a large Norwegian screening study on FNAIT during 1995‐2004. This study identified and managed 170 pregnancies where the mother was HPA‐1a negative and had detectable anti‐HPA‐1a during pregnancy. Maternal samples from 166 of these pregnancies were rescreened for anti‐HLA Class I, revealing 111 (67%) that were antibody positive. Various regression models were used to assess if and how maternal anti‐HLA Class I influenced the neonatal platelet count.

Results and Conclusions

Unadjusted neonatal platelet counts and the frequency of neonatal thrombocytopenia was not significantly affected by the presence of anti‐HLA Class I alongside anti–HPA‐1a, but results from regression analyses revealed a possible increased risk when the mother was nulliparous. These results warrant further investigation.
Technological spillovers from multinational firms
Authors: Barge‐Gil Andrés , López Alberto , Núñez‐Sánchez Ramón
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to identify genuine technological spillovers from multinational firms (MNEs). To this end, we use data on R&D from MNEs to measure spillovers, while most of the existing literature uses output to measure the foreign presence in an industry (what we call output‐based spillovers). In line with the existing literature, we distinguish between horizontal spillovers (i.e., intra‐industry linkages) and vertical spillovers (i.e., backward—or downstream—and forward—or upstream—inter‐industry linkages). Our results show that the three types of technological spillovers from MNEs are positive, with the horizontal spillovers the larger ones, followed by backward spillovers. The effect of forward spillovers is much smaller in magnitude. Moreover, we find that not controlling for industry size (i.e., technological spillovers from all firms in an industry) leads to underestimating both horizontal and backward spillovers from MNEs, and to overestimating forward spillovers from MNEs. Finally, we find that the distinction between technological and output‐based spillovers is of great relevance. The size of backward technological spillovers is approximately 44% of the size of output‐based backward spillovers, while for horizontal spillovers both types of spillovers are quite similar. Importantly, output‐based forward spillovers are negative while technological forward spillovers are positive.
Review of kinematic analysis in dogs
Authors: Sandberg Gabriella S. , Torres Bryan T. , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: July 2020

Objective gait analysis techniques aid investigators in the study of motion. Kinematic gait analysis techniques that objectively quantitate motion are valuable tools used to understand normal and abnormal motion in domestic animals. Recent advances in video technology have made the study of motion more readily accessible. Available systems can document gait in two or three dimensions (2D or 3D, respectively). Knowledge of fundamental gait analysis concepts is critical to generating meaningful data. The objective of this report is to review principles of kinematic data collection and analyses, with a focus on differences between 2D and 3D systems.
Separation and purification of triglyceride from nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum) seed oil as biodiesel feedstock by using continuous countercurrent extraction
Authors: Gunawan Setiyo , Wirawasista Aparamarta Hakun , Taufany Fadlilatul , Prayogo Arief , Anugrah Putri Shelma Hajar , Wijaya Christian Julius
Published: July 2020

Calophyllum inophyllum or commonly called nyamplung in Indonesia has the potential to be used as a biodiesel feedstock due to its high oil content. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of feed flowrate and solvent to oil mass ratio on triglycerides (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) contents in non-polar lipid fraction (NPLF) of C. inophyllum seed oil by using continuous counter-current extraction. The contents of TAG and FFA in NPLF of C. inophyllum seed oil each sample points in continuous countercurrent extraction equipment. It was expected that the TAG became purer and suitable for biodiesel purpose. Various factors applied in this study were the effect of solvent to oil mass ratio and the effect of n-hexane + oil to methanol feed flowrate in liter per hour. Crude C. inophyllum seed oil contained 63.91% TAG, 15.76% FFA, 12.25% monoglycerides (MAG), dan 4.66% diglycerides (DAG). Separation and purification of TAG were carried out by using a packed column with the principle of countercurrent flow using n-hexane and methanol technical grade as solvents. The product of extraction analyzed TAG content qualitatively by using TLC and quantitatively using HT-GC, while NPLF from each sample points were analyzed using HT-GC. The optimum results were obtained by using a solvent to oil mass ratio of 6 (w:w) and (n-hexane + oil) to methanol feed flowrate of 6:15 (L/h:L/h) with 92.85% content of TAG, 2.19% content of FFA and 74.79% yield of NPLF.
Pilot scale study on characterization and performance of aerobic granular sludge to treat domestic wastewater
Authors: Basri Hazlami Fikri , Nor Anuar Aznah , Ab Halim Mohd Hakim
Published: July 2020

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a wastewater treatment technology that is known for having unique advantages such as great settling ability, high biomass level, good shock resistance, and able to withstand high organic loading rate (OLR) and toxic pollutants. Since studies on AGS development are mostly conducted in laboratory scale, the detailed knowledge regarding the pilot scale study is still limited especially for hot and humid tropical climate condition. Therefore, this study focused on the characteristics and performance of AGS cultivated in a pilot-scale bioreactor for hot and humid tropical climate condition, specifically in Malaysia. The formation of AGS as well as biomass concentration were also investigated during the treatment of real domestic wastewater. From the result, it was found that the highest average diameter of the cultivated mature granules was 3.36 mm with a biomass concentration of 12.48 g L−1 after 93 days of operation. The aerobic granular sludge also achieved promising removal rates of 89 %, 75 %, 96 %, and 93 % for COD, phosphate, ammoniacal nitrogen, and total inorganic nitrogen, respectively.
Skyrme-Hartree-Fock approach for description of static nuclear properties of well-deformed nuclei
Authors: Koh Meng-Hock , Mohamad Nor Nurhafiza , Rezle Nor-Anita , Lee Kai-Wen Kelvin , Quentin Philippe , Mohd Nor Norehan , Bonneau Ludovic
Published: July 2020

Nuclear structure data plays an important role in nuclear physics studies and applications such as nuclear power generation. This article presents evaluations of a mean-field approach to describe two nuclear structure quantities namely the electric and magnetic moments. The Hartree-Fock-plus-pairing approach was employed with pairing correlations treated within the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) framework. The Skyrme SIII parametrization and seniority force are chosen to approximate the effective nucleon-nucleon and pairing interactions, respectively. Calculated results show that the self-consistent blocking procedure which takes into account time-reversal symmetry breaking is important to reproduce experimental magnetic moment
Numerical investigation on the effect of varying the number of flow dividers on Z-shaped membrane heat exchanger performance
Authors: Nasif Mohammad Shakir , Al-Waked Ra'fat , Ismail Firas
Published: July 2020

To reduce building energy consumption and to improve indoor air quality, it is necessary the use heat recovery such as air-to-air fixed-plates enthalpy heat exchanger in mechanical ventilation. Prediction of enthalpy performance by utilizing CFD simulation is challenging since most commercial software do not simulate moisture transfer. In this research, a Z-shaped membrane heat exchanger which is used for building energy recovery systems was modeled by using commercial CFD software (FLUENT). Kraft paper of 45 gsm was used as the heat exchanger heat and moisture transfer surface. A User Define Function (UDF) code was developed and incorporated in the CFD software to enable the software to model moisture transfer through the membrane. This model is used to investigate the performance of Z-Shaped heat exchanger when the number of flow dividers within the heat exchanger is varied. It was found that a 21 % increase in the effectiveness was achieved when the number of ribs was increased from no ribs to 5 ribs. However, increasing the number of ribs from 5 to 11 only demonstrates minor effect. Therefore, no significant improvement is noticed when the number of ribs is increased beyond 5 which is attributed to air flow distribution which because more uniform when number of ribs is increased. However, the flow is already uniform when 5 ribs where used, hence increasing the ribs to 11 will not improve the flow distribution further.
Inequalities on weighted classical pythagorean means, Tracy-Singh products, and Khatri-Rao products for hermitian operators
Authors: Ploymukda Arnon , Chansangiam Pattrawut
Published: July 2020

We establish a number of operator inequalities between three kinds of means, namely, weighted arithmetic/harmonic/geometric means, and two kinds of operator products, namely, Tracy-Singh products and Khatri-Rao products. These results are valid under certain assumptions relying on (opposite) synchronization, comparability, and spectra of operators. Our results include tensor product of operators, and Tracy-Singh/Khatri-Rao products of matrices as special cases.
Catalytic pyrolysis of Asbuton into liquid fuel with Zeolite as catalyst
Authors: Saadah Nurullafina , Susianto Susianto , Altway Ali , Rachmawati Yeni
Published: July 2020

Natural Buton Asphalt (Asbuton) is a naturally occurring asphalt that is contained in rock deposit located in Buton Island, Indonesia. Asbuton is mostly used as a mixture of bitumen since it has the potential to be cracked into hydrocarbon and produced as a liquid fuel for energy consumption. The present study aims to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature and the mass ratio of the Asbuton with catalyst on the Asbuton conversion. The pyrolysis process is carried out on a batch using vacuum reactor with various temperatures and mass ratios of catalyst to Asbuton. The gas coming out of the process is passed through the condenser, where the condensed gas (liquid product) is collected in the flask, whereas the uncondensed gas (gas product) is collected in a gas holder and the yield is analyzed upon the pyrolysis process completion. The respond parameter of the catalytic pyrolysis are oil flammability, yield, and oil density. The synthesized ZSM-5 catalyst is more effective for the Asbuton bitumen cracking process as opposed to the Natural Zeolite. Furthermore, it is investigated that the most optimum operating condition throughout this experiment was 70.07% and obtained at 350 °C with 9% ZSM-5 catalyst. In terms of product characterization, the liquid product can be ignited during the flame test. From the S.G. and API gravity values, it is suggested that the products belong to crude oil range, and thus, confirming that Asbuton has great potentials to be developed into alternative fuel.
Parameter estimation in replicated linear functional relationship model in the presence of outliers
Authors: Mohd Arif Azuraini , Zubairi Yong Zulina , Hussin Abdul Ghapor
Published: July 2020

The relationship between two linear variables where both variables are observed with errors can be modeled using a linear functional relationship model. However, when there is no knowledge about the ratio of error variance, we proposed that one can use the replicated linear functional relationship model. The aim of this study is to compare the parameter estimates between unreplicated and replicated linear functional relationship model. The study also extends to examine the behavior of the estimators of the replicated linear functional relationship model in the presence of outliers. A simulation study is performed to investigate the performance of the model. In the absence of outlier, it is found that the value of the parameter estimates is almost similar for both models. Whereas in the presence of outliers, the parameter estimates of the replicated linear functional relationship model have a smaller mean square error as the number of observations increased. This suggests the superiority of the replicated model.
EVOC: un Instrumento para Evaluar Vocabulario en Español en Chile
Authors: Orellana-García Pelusa , Valenzuela-Hasenohr María Francisca , Kung Melody , Elmore Jeff , Stenner A. Jackson
Published: July 2020

Este estudio describe la creación y validación de una prueba adaptativa y autoadministrada de vocabulario en español para estudiantes de kínder a octavo año básico.Usando un corpus de un millón de palabras,provenientes de textos escolares,se seleccionaron palabras de distinta frecuencia y dificultad. Se confeccionaron ítems siguiendo el formato del test PPVT que representa cada palabra mediante fotografías. Los distractores se originan aleatoriamente desde el mismo corpus. Se estableció la validez del constructo,concurrente y con consistencia interna. EVOC es un instrumento válido y confiable para evaluar vocabulario en español que permite adaptar las prácticas pedagógicas a las necesidades de los alumnos.
Teorías implícitas sobre escritura de estudiantes y formadores de pedagogía
Authors: Errázuriz-Cruz María Constanza
Published: July 2020

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar las teorías implícitas acerca de la escritura de estudiantes, formadores y profesores de Pedagogía. La metodología es cuantitativa e incluyó la participación de una muestra representativa de los estudiantes y docentes de Pedagogía de dos regiones chilenas (n=337), a quienes se aplicó un cuestionario validado sobre escritura. Por último, se comprobó que los estudiantes presentan teorías implícitas transmisionales y transaccionales simultáneamente y que las teorías de los sujetos de cuarto año no han evolucionado con respecto a aquellos de primero.Asimismo, se constató que los docentes presentan concepciones similares a las de los estudiantes.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Added Mass and Damping for Side-by-Side Plates in Oscillating Flow
Authors: Solaas Frøydis , Mentzoni Fredrik , Abrahamsen-Prsic Mia , Kristiansen Trygve
Published: July 2020

Forced harmonic oscillations of nine configurations consisting of horizontal side-by-side plate elements are performed experimentally and numerically. The configurations are oscillated in vertical direction and represent generalized mudmats of subsea structures. The tests are performed for Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) numbers relevant for force estimation during lifting operations. Hydrodynamic added mass and damping coefficients are presented. The coefficients are found to be amplitude dependent for all tested configurations. The interaction effects between the plates increase with increasing amplitude and decreasing distance between the plates. For small oscillation amplitudes, compared with the gap between the plates, the plates behave approximately like individual plates. A study of the relation between the damping force and the added mass force for the tested structures illustrates the importance of applying representative damping coefficients in numerical analysis of marine operations. Numerical results are obtained using a potential flow solver (BEM) and a viscous flow solver (CFD). Low-KC added mass coefficients predicted with the BEM are in accordance with the experiments. There is acceptable agreement between the CFD and the experiments. Best agreement is obtained for small KC numbers. As the KC numbers increase, the differences are, in general, larger. This is possibly due to the CFD being based on the two-dimensional laminar flow.
Performance Evaluation and Characterization of a Direct Absorption Solar Humidifier for Humidification–Dehumidification Desalination
Authors: Dave Tapan , Krishnan Shankar
Published: July 2020

In the present work, a solar humidifier suitable for solar thermal energy-driven humidification–dehumidification desalination has been proposed and experimentally investigated. The proposed solar humidifier compacts the solar heater and humidifier into a single component while reducing energy costs by utilizing solar thermal energy. Several local flow storage and distributor elements are created in the absorber surface that produces a “dam effect” in combination with stainless steel mesh and airflow baffles. The effect of varying flowrates of air and water, inlet water temperature as well as inlet relative humidity on the performance of the solar humidifier is investigated. Humidity based normalized gain (NGhumidity) versus solar humidifier efficiency curve, which depicts a heat and mass performance of the solar humidifier, is reported. This curve is analogous to the normalized gain versus collector efficiency curve of the solar water/air heater. The productivity of the present system is compared with the published results of similar studies. Best mean productivity of 838.5 g/m2/h and best instantaneous productivity of 955.2 g/m2/h were achieved using a present solar humidifier, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The comparison of the performance of the solar humidifier with the performance of conventional configuration having separate heating and humidification is also carried out. It was found that the investigated solar humidifier (internal heating configuration) does perform the same in terms of utilization of solar energy for evaporation, if not better, than the conventional separate humidifier and heater (external heating configuration).
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Energy Transfer Efficiency and Rock Damage in Percussive Drilling With Multiple-Button Bit
Authors: Song Hengyu , Shi Huaizhong , Li Gensheng , Ji Zhaosheng , Li Shuowen , Liu Caigeng , Li Xiaojing
Published: July 2020

Percussive drilling is suitable for the fragmentation of rocks and other similar materials with hard and brittle properties. Research on energy transfer efficiency is of great significance to improving the rock-breaking efficiency of percussive drilling. This paper numerically studied energy transfer efficiency and rock damage in percussive drilling with a multiple-button bit. In this study, the finite element method was used, and the concrete was selected as the research object. Moreover, the damage-plasticity model for concrete and the explicit dynamics solver in abaqus were adopted. Based on the above model, we analyzed the effects of different parameters on the energy transfer efficiency and the concrete damage. Results show that the degree of concrete damage is positively correlated with the output energy, referring to the energy actually absorbed by the concrete, of the percussive system. Under the condition of the same input energy, the energy transfer efficiency decreases as the number of buttons increases. With the increase of impact velocity of the impact hammer, the energy transfer efficiency augments. Multiple repeated impacts will cause the repeated damaging of the concrete, which reduces the energy transfer efficiency.
Co-Pyrolysis of Rice Husk and Chicken Manure
Authors: Espindola Juan , Selim Osama M. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: July 2020

The increase in the production scale of chicken causes an increment in the produced manure. Chicken manure is considered an excellent soil amendment due to the high nitrogen and phosphorous content. However, the high production of manure exceeds the soil requirements. Rice husk is a by-product of rice production. Approximately one hundred forty million tons of rice husk is produced per year worldwide. There are several ways to manage rice husk such as animal bedding, direct combustion, or as a soil fertilizer. The husk's ashes are suitable for construction or as reinforcing material due to the high silica content. However, rice husk has a low volatile matter and high silica content, which makes processes like direct combustion inefficient. Thermochemical processes (such as pyrolysis and gasification) are effective ways to manage waste. The present study investigates the co-pyrolysis of chicken manure and rice husk. The experiments were conducted in a non-isothermal gravimetrical analyzer using nitrogen at a flowrate of 100 ml/min at three different heating rates (5, 10, and 15 °C/min). The degradation of individual biomass and biomass blends is investigated. The kinetic parameters are calculated using the Friedman method. Results show a positive synergetic effect for mixing ratios greater than 20% rice husk. The mixing ratio of 40% of rice husk manifested the best performance among all blends. This mixture showed the minimum energy of activation (90.2 kJ/mol). Also, the 40% rice husk mixing ratio showed maximum conversion when compared with chicken manure's conversion.
Revisiting Flexibility in Design: An Analysis of the Impact of Implementation Uncertainty on the Value of Real Options
Authors: Sapol Stephen J. , Szajnfarber Zoe
Published: July 2020

Flexible design, often embodied as Real Options, has proven valuable in sustaining system performance under operational uncertainty. By building “options,” decision-makers buy the right, but not the obligation, to upgrade at a later time. Prior studies implicitly assume decision-makers can “call” the option in a timely manner, however, in most sociotechnical systems, this is far from certain. Budget cycles, supply chain logistics and separation of authority and budget lead to implementation delays. To test, we developed a Monte Carlo simulation of a representative Army vehicle project. We first replicate prior studies without implementation delays, then incorporate delays for comparison. Once added, the value of flexibility degrades rapidly. The rate of degradation varies based on the flexibility strategy. Our results suggest a need to consider implementation uncertainty in evaluating flexible design options and open a new path for matching flexible design strategies to anticipated sources of implementation uncertainty.
Experimental Investigation of the Heterogeneity Limit for the Application of Polymer Flooding in Reservoirs
Authors: Ding Mingchen , Han Yugui , Wang Yefei , Liu Yigang , Liu Dexin , Qu Zhengtian
Published: July 2020

It is generally accepted that polymer flooding gets less effective as the heterogeneity of a reservoir increases. However, very little experimental information or evidence has been collated to indicate which levels of heterogeneity correspond to reservoirs that can (and cannot) be efficiently developed using polymer flooding. Therefore, to experimentally determine a heterogeneity limit for the application of polymer flooding to reservoirs, a series of flow tests and oil displacements were conducted using parallel sand packs and visual models possessing different heterogeneities. For low-concentration polymer flooding (1.0 g/l), the limit determined corresponds to permeability contrasts (PCs) of 10.8 and 10.2, according to the parallel and visual tests, respectively. A significant increase in oil recovery can be achieved by polymer injection within these limits. Increasing the polymer concentration to 2.0 g/l increased these limiting PCs to 52.8 and 50.0, respectively. Additionally, within or beyond these limits, the combined use of polymer and gel may be the best.
Experimental Investigation of Local Dynamics in a Bolted Lap Joint Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Brøns Marie , Kasper Thomas A. , Chauda Gaurav , Klaassen Steven W. B. , Schwingshackl Christoph W. , Brake Matthew R. W.
Published: July 2020

The dynamics of structures with joints commonly show nonlinearity in their responses. This nonlinear behavior can arise from the local dynamics of the contact interfaces. The nonlinear mechanisms at an interface are complicated to study due to the lack of observability within the contact interface itself. In this work, digital image correlation (DIC) is used in combination with a high-speed camera to observe the local motion at the edge of the interface of a bolted lap joint. Results demonstrate that it is possible to use this technique to monitor the localized motion of an interface successfully. It is observed that the two beam parts of the studied lap joint separate when undergoing bending vibrations and that there is a clear asymmetry in the response of the left and the right end of the interface. Profilometry indicates that the asymmetry in the response is due to the mesoscale topography of the contact interface, highlighting the importance of accounting for surface features in order to model the nonlinearities of a contact interface accurately.