bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Genomic Characteristics and Selective Signals in a Du’an Goat Flock
Authors: Chen Qiuming , Wang Zihao , Sun Junli , Huang Yingfei , Hanif Quratulain , Liao Yuying , Lei Chuzhao
Published: June 2020

The Du’an goat is one of the most important farm animals in the Guangxi Autonomous Region of China, but the genetic basis underlying its adaptive traits has still not been investigated. Firstly, in this study, the genomes of 15 Du’an goats from a breeding farm were sequenced (mean depth: 9.50X) to analyze the patterns of genetic variation. A comparable diversity (17.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and 2.1 million indels) was observed to be associated with a lower runs of homozygosity-based inbreeding coefficient and smaller effective population size in comparison with other breeds. From selective sweep and gene set enrichment analyses, we revealed selective signals related to adaptive traits, including immune resistance (serpin cluster, INFGR1, TLR2, and immune-related pathways), body size (HMGA2, LCOR, ESR1, and cancer-related pathways) and heat tolerance (MTOR, ABCG2, PDE10A, and purine metabolism pathway). Our findings uncovered the unique diversity at the genomic level and will provide the opportunities for improvement of productivity in the Du’an goat.
Optimal Dietary Protein Requirement for Juvenile Sesarmid Crab (Episesarma singaporense)
Authors: Sudtongkong Chanyut , Thongprajukaew Karun , Saekhow Suktianchai
Published: June 2020

The optimal dietary protein requirement for sesarmid crabs (Episesarma singaporense) was investigated. Juvenile E. singaporense, individually reared in plastic glasses containing 250 mL sea water, were fed five fish meal-soybean meal-microbound diets variously containing dietary protein levels of 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% for six weeks. A completely randomized design was used in the experiment, comprising five treatments with 60 crabs in each. At the end of the experiment, a significant improvement in survival was observed in all treatments relative to the diet containing 30% dietary protein (p < 0.05) while the growth performance parameters did not differ across the five dietary groups. A significantly higher protein efficiency ratio was observed in the E. singaporense crabs receiving 45% dietary protein relative to the remaining treatments. The specific activities of the digestive enzymes, pepsin-like, trypsin, amylase, and lipase, and the amylase to trypsin ratio fluctuated across the five treatments, but that of chymotrypsin remained consistent, suggesting different nutritional responses to the various dietary protein levels. The crabs receiving the 45% protein diet had significantly higher in essential amino acid (EAA) profiles followed by the 40% protein diet, although some EAA values were only moderate. The pattern for the non-EAA (NEAA) was reversed, and the ΣEAA/ΣNEAA ratio was higher in the crabs receiving the 45% protein diets relative to the other treatments. Based on our investigations, the optimal dietary protein requirement achieving desirable characteristics of juvenile E. singaporense crabs was 45%. This finding would be a useful guideline in preparing artificial diets for the mariculture of this species.
GIBBSTHUR: Software for Estimating Variance Components and Predicting Breeding Values for Ranking Traits Based on a Thurstonian Model
Authors: Varona Luis , Legarra Andrés
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Ranking traits are used commonly for breeding purposes in several equine populations; however, implementation is complex, because the position of a horse in a competition event is discontinuous and is influenced by the performance of its competitors. One approach to overcoming these limitations is to assume an underlying Gaussian liability that represents a horse’s performance and dictates the observed classification in a competition event. That approach can be implemented using Montecarlo Markov Chain (McMC) techniques with a procedure known as the Thurstonian model. (2) Methods: We have developed software (GIBBSTHUR) that analyses ranking traits along with other continuous or threshold traits. The software implements a Gibbs Sampler scheme with a data-augmentation step for the liability of the ranking traits and provides estimates of the variance and covariance components and predictions of the breeding values and the average performance of the competitors in competition events. (3) Results: The results of a simple example are presented, in which it is shown that the procedure can recover the simulated variance and covariance components. In addition, the correlation between the simulated and predicted breeding values and between the estimates of the event effects and the average additive genetic effect of the competitors demonstrates the ability of the software to produce useful predictions for breeding purposes. (4) Conclusions: the GIBBSTHUR software provides a useful tool for the breeding evaluation of ranking traits in horses and is freely available in a public repository (https://github.com/lvaronaunizar/Gibbsthur).
Morphometric Characteristics of the Skull in Horses and Donkeys—A Pilot Study
Authors: Merkies Katrina , Paraschou Georgios , McGreevy Paul Damien
Published: June 2020

Horses and donkeys belong to the genus Equus, but important differences exist between the species, many of which affect their management and welfare. This study compared skull morphology between horses and donkeys. Horse (n = 14) and donkey (n = 16) heads were obtained post-mortem, sectioned sagittally close to the midline, and photographed for subsequent measurement of various skull structures. Skull, cranial, nasal, and profile indices were calculated for topographical comparisons between the species. The olfactory bulb area (OBA), OB pitch (the angle between the hard palate and the OB axis), and whorl location (WL) were also measured. A General Linear Model determined the main effect of species with Sidak’s multiple comparisons of species’ differences among the various measurements. There was no species difference in cranial or nasal indices (p > 0.13), but donkeys had a larger cranial profile than horses (p < 0.04). Donkeys had a smaller OBA (p < 0.05) and a steeper OB pitch (p < 0.02) than horses. The WL corresponded to the level of the OB in horses but was extremely rostral in donkeys (p < 0.0001). These results show clear differentiation in skull morphology between horses and donkeys. This may be useful in validating other physiological and behavioural differences between horses and donkeys.
Not the Cat’s Meow? The Impact of Posing with Cats on Female Perceptions of Male Dateability
Authors: Kogan Lori , Volsche Shelly
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate whether men were considered more attractive when posing for a photo alone or holding a cat. Prior research suggests that women view pet owners as more attractive and dateable than non-pet owners; however, this effect was strongest with dog owners. We hypothesized that men posing with cats would be more attractive than those posing alone. Using an online survey, women viewed images of a man posing alone or with a cat and rated the men on the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Big Five Inventory. Women viewed men as less masculine when holding the cat; higher in neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness; and less dateable. These findings suggest that pets continue to play a role in women’s mate choices and dating preferences, but that a closer look at the effects of different species of pets is warranted.
Pathological and Molecular Characterization of H5 Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Flocks from Egypt over a Ten-Year Period (2009–2019)
Authors: Mosad Samah Mosad , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Ali Hanaa Said , El-Sharkawy Hanem , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: June 2020

Avian influenza virus (AIV) remains one of the enzootic zoonotic diseases that challenges the poultry industry in Egypt. In the present study, a total of 500 tissue samples were collected from 100 chicken farms (broilers and layers) suspected to be infected with AIV through the period from 2009 to 2019 from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. These samples were pooled in 100 working samples and screened for AIV then the positive samples were subjected to histopathological examination combined with real time-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). RRT-PCR positive samples were also subjected to conventional reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of H5 AIV and some of these resulting positive samples were sequenced for detection of the molecular nature of the studied virus. Interestingly, the histopathological examination revealed necrotic liver with leukocytic infiltration with degenerative changes with necrotic pancreatitis, edema, and intense lymphoid depletion of splenic tissue and hyperplastic tracheal epithelium. Likewise, edema and congested sub mucosal blood vessels and intense bronchial necrosis with hyalinized wall vascular wall and heterophils infiltration were reported. Pneumonic areas with intense leukocytic aggregation mainly and vasculitis of the pulmonary blood vessels were also detected in lung. Collectively, these significant pathological changes in examined tissues cohered with AIV infection. Regarding the molecular characterization, 66 samples were positive for AIV by RRT-PCR and 52 of them were positive for H5 AIV by RT-PCR. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H5 viruses identified in this study were aligned with other Egyptian H5N1 AIVs in the Egyptian sub clade 2.2.1, while some of the identified strains were aligned with other Egyptian H5N8 strains in the new Egyptian sub clade 2.3.4.4. Taken together, our present findings emphasize the wide spread of AIV in Egypt and the importance of developing an efficient surveillance and periodical screening program for controlling such disease of public health concern.
Effects of Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) Condensed Tannins on Intake, Protozoa Population, Ruminal Fermentation, and Nutrient Digestibility in Jersey Steers
Authors: Avila Andre S. , Zambom Maximiliane A. , Faccenda Andressa , Fischer Maria L. , Anschau Fernando A. , Venturini Tiago , Tinini Rodrigo C. R. , Dessbesell Jessica G. , Faciola Antonio P.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) from black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) on feed intake, ruminal protozoa population, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in Jersey steers. Five ruminally-cannulated steers were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, with five periods of 20 days each (14 days for diet adaptation and six days for sample collection per period). Treatments were composed of dietary inclusion levels of condensed tannins at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg of diet dry matter. Intakes of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were not affected by condensed tannins. The ruminal pH was reduced linearly with tannin levels. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration was not affected by tannins. Tannins reduced the molar proportion of acetate and did not affect the ruminal protozoal population, which might be related to the low doses used. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber were not altered; however, there was a linear reduction in crude protein digestibility. Based on these results, CT extracts from black wattle are not recommended for improving nutrient utilization in steers at the tested levels.
Phage Therapy as a Novel Strategy in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Caused by E. Coli
Authors: Zalewska-Piątek Beata , Piątek Rafał
Published: June 2020

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are regarded as one of the most common bacterial infections affecting millions of people, in all age groups, annually in the world. The major causative agent of complicated and uncomplicated UTIs are uropathogenic E. coli strains (UPECs). Huge problems with infections of this type are their chronicity and periodic recurrences. Other disadvantages that are associated with UTIs are accompanying complications and high costs of health care, systematically increasing resistance of uropathogens to routinely used antibiotics, as well as biofilm formation by them. This creates the need to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of UTIs, among which phage therapy has a dominant potential to eliminate uropathogens within urinary tract. Due to the growing interest in such therapy in the last decade, the bacteriophages (natural, genetically modified, engineered, or combined with antibiotics or disinfectants) represent an innovative antimicrobial alternative and a strategy for managing the resistance of uropathogenic microorganisms and controlling UTIs.
HNP-1 and HBD-1 as Biomarkers for the Immune Systems of Elite Basketball Athletes
Authors: Pero Raffaela , Brancaccio Mariarita , Mennitti Cristina , Gentile Luca , Franco Adelaide , Laneri Sonia , De Biasi Margherita , Pagliuca Chiara , Colicchio Roberta , Salvatore Paola , D’Alicandro Giovanni , Terracciano Daniela , Cennamo Michele , La Civita Evelina , Liotti Antonietta , Mazzaccara Cristina , Frisso Giulia , Lombardo Barbara , Scudiero Olga
Published: June 2020

Acute or strenuous exercise is sometimes related to upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Practicing intense and regular exercise can lead to incorrect activation of the immune system, causing athletes to be excluded from training programs and competitions. Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system and dynamically involved in several biological activities. In this study, we highlight the role of human defensins in competitive basketball athletes. In particular, we consider the behavior of alpha- and beta-defensins together with white blood cells in a cohort of players. Moreover, we focus our attention on cortisol, a physiological indicator of stress, and testosterone, both of which are human hormones involved in muscle metabolism. The free-testosterone/cortisol ratio is considered to be an indicator of overtraining among athletes. This paper provides an up-to-date information of the role of human defensins as self-defense molecules during a continuous stressor such as long-term exercise, and it recognizes them as potential markers of infection.
Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Rifampin Pharmacokinetics in Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Thomas Levin , Sekhar Miraj Sonal , Surulivelrajan Mallayasamy , Varma Muralidhar , Sanju Chidananda S. V. , Rao Mahadev
Published: June 2020

Rifampin (RF) is metabolized in the liver into an active metabolite 25-desacetylrifampin and excreted almost equally via biliary and renal routes. Various influx and efflux transporters influence RF disposition during hepatic uptake and biliary excretion. Evidence has also shown that Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with tuberculosis (TB). Hence, genetic polymorphisms of metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters and/or their transcriptional regulators and VDR and its pathway regulators may affect the pharmacokinetics of RF. In this narrative review, we aim to identify literature that has explored the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes encoding drug transporters and their transcriptional regulators (SLCO1B1, ABCB1, PXR and CAR), metabolizing enzymes (CES1, CES2 and AADAC) and VDR and its pathway regulators (VDR, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1) on plasma RF concentrations in TB patients on antitubercular therapy. Available reports to date have shown that there is a lack of any association of ABCB1, PXR, CAR, CES1 and AADAC genetic variants with plasma concentrations of RF. Further evidence is required from a more comprehensive exploration of the association of SLCO1B1, CES2 and Vitamin D pathway gene variants with RF pharmacokinetics in distinct ethnic groups and a larger population to reach conclusive information.
Tiamulin-Resistant Mutants of the Thermophilic Bacterium Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Killeavy Erin E. , Jogl Gerwald , Gregory Steven T.
Published: June 2020

Tiamulin is a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit A site and whose (((2-diethylamino)ethyl)thio)-acetic acid tail extends into the P site to interfere with peptide bond formation. We have isolated spontaneous tiamulin-resistant mutants of the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus, containing either single amino acid substitutions in ribosomal protein uL3 or single base substitutions in the peptidyltransferase active site of 23S rRNA. These mutations are consistent with those found in other organisms and are in close proximity to the crystallographically determined tiamulin binding site. We also conducted a cross-resistance analysis of nine other single-base substitutions in or near the peptidyltransferase active site, previously selected for resistance to structurally unrelated antibiotics. While some of the base substitutions in 23S rRNA are positioned to directly affect tiamulin-ribosome contacts, others are some distance from the tiamulin binding site, indicating an indirect mechanism of resistance. Similarly, amino acid substitutions in uL3 are predicted to act indirectly by destabilizing rRNA conformation in the active site. We interpret these observations in light of the available ribosome X-ray crystal structures. These results provide a more comprehensive profile of tiamulin resistance caused by mutations in the bacterial ribosome.
Activity of Specialized Biomolecules against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Tavares Tânia D. , Antunes Joana C. , Padrão Jorge , Ribeiro Ana I. , Zille Andrea , Amorim M. Teresa P. , Ferreira Fernando , Felgueiras Helena P.
Published: June 2020

The increased resistance of bacteria against conventional pharmaceutical solutions, the antibiotics, has raised serious health concerns. This has stimulated interest in the development of bio-based therapeutics with limited resistance, namely, essential oils (EOs) or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study envisaged the evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of selected biomolecules, namely LL37, pexiganan, tea tree oil (TTO), cinnamon leaf oil (CLO) and niaouli oil (NO), against four bacteria commonly associated to nosocomial infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibiotic vancomycin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used as control compounds for comparison purposes. The biomolecules were initially screened for their antibacterial efficacy using the agar-diffusion test, followed by the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), kill-time kinetics and the evaluation of the cell morphology upon 24 h exposure. All agents were effective against the selected bacteria. Interestingly, the AgNPs required a higher concentration (4000–1250 μg/mL) to induce the same effects as the AMPs (500–7.8 μg/mL) or EOs (365.2–19.7 μg/mL). Pexiganan and CLO were the most effective biomolecules, requiring lower concentrations to kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (62.5–7.8 μg/mL and 39.3–19.7 μg/mL, respectively), within a short period of time (averaging 2 h 15 min for all bacteria). Most biomolecules apparently disrupted the bacteria membrane stability due to the observed cell morphology deformation and by effecting on the intracellular space. AMPs were observed to induce morphological deformations and cellular content release, while EOs were seen to split and completely envelope bacteria. Data unraveled more of the potential of these new biomolecules as replacements for the conventional antibiotics and allowed us to take a step forward in the understanding of their mechanisms of action against infection-related bacteria.
Composition of Royal Jelly (RJ) and Its Anti-Androgenic Effect on Reproductive Parameters in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Animal Model
Authors: Ab Hamid Norhamidar , Abu Bakar Ainul Bahiyah , Mat Zain Anani Aila , Nik Hussain Nik Hazlina , Othman Zaidatul Akmal , Zakaria Zaida , Mohamed Mahaneem
Published: June 2020

Royal jelly (RJ) has been shown to contribute its positive effects upon imbalance in the reproductive system. However, it remains unknown as to whether RJ has an anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) animal model. Composition of RJ was assessed by phytochemical screening and the LC–MS method. Forty immature female rats (3 weeks, 40–50 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 per group), i.e., control, testosterone (T), T+100RJ (100 mg/kg/day), T+200RJ (200 mg/kg/day RJ), and T+400RJ (400 mg/kg/day RJ) groups. Hyperandrogenism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of T propionate for 3 weeks, followed by oral RJ for 4 weeks. The T+200RJ group had a significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone level, and significantly lower luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in comparison to the T group. Malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower, while total antioxidant capacity level was significantly higher in the T+200RJ group compared to the T group. Histologically, the T+200RJ group showed recovery of various stages of ovarian follicular development. RJ at 200 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks significantly improved reproductive parameters in PCOS rats partly due to its anti-androgenic effect through antioxidant action and probably due to modulation on estrogenic activity, which needs further study to evaluate its exact mechanism of action.
Copper Sources for Sod1 Activation
Authors: Boyd Stefanie D. , Ullrich Morgan S. , Skopp Amelie , Winkler Duane D.
Published: June 2020

Copper ions (i.e., copper) are a critical part of several cellular processes, but tight regulation of copper levels and trafficking are required to keep the cell protected from this highly reactive transition metal. Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) protects the cell from the accumulation of radical oxygen species by way of the redox cycling activity of copper in its catalytic center. Multiple posttranslational modification events, including copper incorporation, are reliant on the copper chaperone for Sod1 (Ccs). The high-affinity copper uptake protein (Ctr1) is the main entry point of copper into eukaryotic cells and can directly supply copper to Ccs along with other known intracellular chaperones and trafficking molecules. This review explores the routes of copper delivery that are utilized to activate Sod1 and the usefulness and necessity of each.
Structure-Dependent Effects of Bisphosphonates on Inflammatory Responses in Cultured Neonatal Mouse Calvaria
Authors: Suzuki Keiko , Takeyama Sadaaki , Murakami Shinobu , Nagaoka Masahiro , Chiba Mirei , Igarashi Kaoru , Shinoda Hisashi
Published: June 2020

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are classified into two groups, according to their side chain structures, as nitrogen-containing BPs (NBPs) and non-nitrogen-containing BPs (non-NBPs). In this study, we examined the effects of NBPs and non-NBPs on inflammatory responses, by quantifying the inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), in cultured neonatal mouse calvaria. All examined NBPs (pamidronate, alendronate, incadronate, risedronate, zoledronate) stimulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PGE2 and NO production by upregulating COX-2 and iNOS mRNA expression, whereas non-NBPs (etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate) suppressed PGE2 and NO production, by downregulating gene expression. Additionally, [4-(methylthio) phenylthio] methane bisphosphonate (MPMBP), a novel non-NBP with an antioxidant methylthio phenylthio group in its side chain, exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory activity among non-NBPs. Furthermore, results of immunohistochemistry showed that the nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 and tyrosine nitration of cytoplasmic protein were stimulated by zoledronate, while MPMBP inhibited these phenomena, by acting as a superoxide anion (O2−) scavenger. These findings indicate that MPMBP can act as an efficacious agent that causes fewer adverse effects in patients with inflammatory bone diseases, including periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Carotenoids and Chlorophylls as Antioxidants
Authors: Pérez-Gálvez Antonio , Viera Isabel , Roca María
Published: June 2020

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are natural pigments that are present in our daily diet, especially with the increasing tendency towards more natural and healthy behaviors among consumers. As disturbed antioxidant homeostasis capacities seem to be implicated in the progress of different pathologies, the antioxidant properties of both groups of lipophilic compounds have been studied. The objective of this review was to analyze the state-of-the-art advances in this field. We conducted a systematic bibliographic search (Web of Science™ and Scopus®), followed by a comprehensive and critical description of the results, with special emphasis on highly cited and more recently published research. In addition to an evaluative description of the methodologies, this review discussed different approaches used to obtain a physiological perspective, from in vitro studies to in vivo assays using oxidative biomarkers. From a chemical viewpoint, many studies have demonstrated how a pigment’s structure influences its antioxidant response and the underlying mechanisms. The major outcome is that this knowledge is essential for interpreting new data in a metabolic networks context in the search for more direct applications to health. A promising era is coming where the term “antioxidant” is understood in terms of its broadest significance.
An Enhanced Adaptive Perturb and Observe Technique for Efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking Under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Mahmod Mohammad Altwallbah Neda , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Azis Norhafiz , Shafie Suhaidi , Atiqi Mohd Zainuri Muhammad Ammirrul
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose enhanced adaptive step size Perturb and Observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with properly organized comparison sequences which lead to achieving the actual maximum power point (MPP) effectively in the presence of partial shading conditions, taking into account the optimization of all aspects of high-performance MPPT to be novel, simpler, fast, and accurate, with the best efficiency reaching up to almost 100%. In this study, the proposed algorithm, along with a boost converter, was designed and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink to validate the performance of the suggested technique. Four different levels of partial shading conditions were considered for system examination: weak, moderate, and two different levels of strong shading. Each case was applied separately first and then combined in a sequence arrangement to provide robust and comprehensive testing which can provide a guaranteed assessment of the proposed algorithm. The performance of the suggested technique is discussed and compared with that of conventional P&O and conventional incremental conductance (IC) MPPT techniques. The failure of the conventional techniques to work efficiently in the presence of partial shading conditions was observed from the simulation results. Meanwhile, the success of the proposed technique and its high performance were clearly confirmed under partial shading conditions with no increase in complexity or convergence time.
Thermodynamics of Uranium Tri-Iodide from Density-Functional Theory
Authors: Söderlind Per , Perron Aurélien , Moore Emily E. , Landa Alexander , Heo Tae Wook
Published: June 2020

Density-functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the thermodynamic and ground-state properties of bulk uranium tri-iodide, UI3. The theory is fully relativistic and electron correlations, beyond the DFT and generalized gradient approximation, are addressed with orbital polarization. The electronic structure indicates anti-ferromagnetism, in agreement with neutron diffraction, with band gaps and a non-metallic system. Furthermore, the formation energy, atomic volume, crystal structure, and heat capacity are calculated in reasonable agreement with experiments, whereas for the elastic constants experimental data are unavailable for comparison. The thermodynamical properties are modeled within a quasi-harmonic approximation and the heat capacity and Gibbs free energy as functions of temperature agree with available calculation of phase diagram (CALPHAD) thermodynamic assessment of the experimental data.
Development of Seismic Response Simulation Model for Building Structures with Semi-Active Control Devices Using Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Kim Hyun-Su
Published: June 2020

A structural analysis model to represent the dynamic behavior of building structure is required to develop a semi-active seismic response control system. Although the finite element method (FEM) is the most widely used method for seismic response analysis, when the FEM is applied to the dynamic analysis of building structures with nonlinear semi-active control devices, the computational effort required for the simulation for optimal design of the semi-active control system can be considerable. To solve this problem, this paper used recurrent neural network (RNN) to make a time history response simulation model for building structures with a semi-active control system. Example structures were selected of an 11-story building structure with a semi-active tuned mass damper (TMD), and a 27-story building having a semi-active mid-story isolation system. A magnetorheological damper was used as the semi-active control device. Five historical earthquakes and five artificial ground motions were used as ground excitations to train the RNN model. Two artificial ground motions and one historical earthquake, which were not used for training, were used to verify the developed the RNN model. Compared to the FEM model, the developed RNN model could effectively provide very accurate seismic responses, with significantly reduced computational cost.
Technology Mapping of FSM Oriented to LUT-Based FPGA
Authors: Kubica Marcin , Kania Dariusz
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of the paper is to present technology mapping of FSM (finite state machine) oriented to LUT (look-up table)-based FPGA (field-programmable gate array). The combinational part of an automaton, which consists of a transition block and an output block, was mapped in LUT-based logic blocks. In the paper, the idea of carrying out the combinational part of FSM was presented and leads to the reduction of the number of LUTs needed to carry out an automaton. The essence of this method is a simultaneous synthesis of the whole combinational block described in the form of multi-output function. The proposed idea makes it possible to conduct decomposition that may enable to share logic blocks, which can lead to the reduction of using resources of FPGA. The decomposition process was conducted using the analyzed DECOMP system. The effectiveness of the proposed idea of the FSM description was also confirmed by conducting decomposition with the usage of the ABC system. The obtained results prove the efficiency of the proposed synthesis method of FSM in comparison with the separate synthesis of a transition block and an output block.
An Abstraction Technique for Verifying Shared-Memory Concurrency
Authors: Oortwijn Wytse , Gurov Dilian , Huisman Marieke
Published: June 2020

Modern concurrent and distributed software is highly complex. Techniques to reason about the correct behaviour of such software are essential to ensure its reliability. To be able to reason about realistic programs, these techniques must be modular and compositional as well as practical by being supported by automated tools. However, many existing approaches for concurrency verification are theoretical and focus primarily on expressivity and generality. This paper contributes a technique for verifying behavioural properties of concurrent and distributed programs that balances expressivity and usability. The key idea of the approach is that program behaviour is abstractly modelled using process algebra, and analysed separately. The main difficulty is presented by the typical abstraction gap between program implementations and their models. Our approach bridges this gap by providing a deductive technique for formally linking programs with their process-algebraic models. Our verification technique is modular and compositional, is proven sound with Coq, and has been implemented in the automated concurrency verifier VerCors. Moreover, our technique is demonstrated on multiple case studies, including the verification of a leader election protocol.
Phenolic Profile Characterization of ‘Galega Vulgar’ and ‘Cobrançosa’ Portuguese Olive Cultivars along the Ripening Stages
Authors: Ferro Miguel D. , Lopes Elsa , Afonso Marta , Peixe Augusto , Rodrigues Francisco M. , Duarte Maria F.
Published: June 2020

The phenolic composition of olive fruits represents a vast and unique source of health beneficial molecules due to the presence of specific phenolic compounds (PCs), such as verbascoside (VERB), oleuropein (OLE) and its derivative molecules. Despite of being some of the most critical compounds regarding olive oil quality, these PCs are mostly abundant in olive fruits and leafs due to their hydrophilic nature. In olives, the phenolic profile suffers a deep and constant change along fruit ripening being the phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol (HT), mainly formed by OLE, and/or OLE aglycone molecules degradation. The present work aims to study the maturation evolution of olive fruits from two major traditional Portuguese cultivars, ‘Galega Vulgar’ and ‘Cobrançosa’, in regard to their specific phenolic profile, as well as caliber (C), moisture (H), fat content in dry matter (OPDW) and maturity index (MI). Results show that both cultivars present distinct phenolic profiles along their ripening, with ‘Galega Vulgar’ reaching a high MI and OPDW at a much earlier ripening stage (S3), in agreement with the moment when a maximum OLE accumulation was registered. On the other hand, ‘Cobrançosa’ cultivar reached its higher MI and OPDW at S6 (harvest period), coinciding also with high OLE concentrations. MI may be used as a prediction tool for ’Galega Vulgar’ optimal harvesting time evaluation, associated with higher OLE and VERB concentrations, which will confer an additional protection towards diseases, that normally affect olive orchards.
Analytic Hierarchy Process and Multilayer Network-Based Method for Assembly Line Balancing
Authors: Nagy László , Ruppert Tamás , Abonyi János
Published: June 2020

Assembly line balancing improves the efficiency of production systems by the optimal assignment of tasks to operators. The optimisation of this assignment requires models that provide information about the activity times, constraints and costs of the assignments. A multilayer network-based representation of the assembly line-balancing problem is proposed, in which the layers of the network represent the skills of the operators, the tools required for their activities and the precedence constraints of their activities. The activity–operator network layer is designed by a multi-objective optimisation algorithm in which the training and equipment costs as well as the precedence of the activities are also taken into account. As these costs are difficult to evaluate, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique is used to quantify the importance of the criteria. The optimisation problem is solved by a multi-level simulated annealing algorithm (SA) that efficiently handles the precedence constraints. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by a case study from wire harness manufacturing.
A Fast Self-Learning Subspace Reconstruction Method for Non-Uniformly Sampled Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Tu Zhangren , Liu Huiting , Zhan Jiaying , Guo Di
Published: June 2020

Multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most crucial detection tools for molecular structure analysis and has been widely used in biomedicine and chemistry. However, the development of NMR spectroscopy is hampered by long data collection time. Non-uniform sampling empowers rapid signal acquisition by collecting a small subset of data. Since the sampling rate is lower than that of the Nyquist sampling ratio, undersampling artifacts arise in reconstructed spectra. To obtain a high-quality spectrum, it is necessary to apply reasonable prior constraints in spectrum reconstruction models. The self-learning subspace method has been shown to possess superior advantages than that of the state-of-the-art low-rank Hankel matrix method when adopting high acceleration in data sampling. However, the self-learning subspace method is time-consuming due to the singular value decomposition in iterations. In this paper, we propose a fast self-learning subspace method to enable fast and high-quality reconstructions. Aided by parallel computing, the experiment results show that the proposed method can reconstruct high-fidelity spectra but spend less than 10% of the time required by the non-parallel self-learning subspace method.
A Memetic Algorithm for the Cumulative Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem Including Priority Indexes
Authors: Nucamendi-Guillén Samuel , Flores-Díaz Diego , Olivares-Benitez Elias , Mendoza Abraham
Published: June 2020

This paper studies the Cumulative Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem, including Priority Indexes, a variant of the classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem, which serves the customers according to a certain level of preference. This problem can be effectively implemented in commercial and public environments where customer service is essential, for instance, in the delivery of humanitarian aid or in waste collection systems. For this problem, we aim to minimize two objectives simultaneously, the total latency and the total tardiness of the system. A Mixed Integer formulation is developed and solved using the AUGMECON2 approach to obtain true efficient Pareto fronts. However, as expected, the use of commercial software was able to solve only small instances, up to 15 customers. Therefore, two versions of a Memetic Algorithm with Random Keys (MA-RK) were developed to solve the problem. The computational results show that both algorithms provided good solutions, although the second version obtained denser and higher quality Pareto fronts. Later, both algorithms were used to solve larger instances (20–100 customers). The results were mixed in terms of quality but, in general, the MA-RK v2 consistently outperforms the first version. The models and algorithms proposed in this research provide useful insights for the decision-making process and can be applied to solve a wide variety of business situations where economic, customer service, environmental, and social concerns are involved.
High-Efficiency Simulation Framework to Analyze the Impact of Exhaust Air from COVID-19 Temporary Hospitals and its Typical Applications
Authors: Gu Donglian , Zheng Zhe , Zhao Pengju , Xie Linlin , Xu Zhen , Lu Xinzheng
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in severe pressure on the existing medical infrastructure in China. Several Chinese cities began to construct temporary hospitals for the centralized treatment of COVID-19 patients. The harmful exhaust air from the outlets of these hospitals may have a significant adverse impact on the fresh-air intakes and surrounding environment. Owing to the need to rapidly construct these hospitals within 6–10 days, just a few hours are allowed for the analysis of the impact of this exhaust air on the environment. To overcome this difficulty, a high-efficiency simulation framework is proposed in this study. Based on the open-source computational fluid dynamics software, FDS, the proposed framework is adaptive and incorporates building information with different levels of detail during various design phases of the hospital, and has been applied in the design of the Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital, the first typical COVID-19 temporary hospital in China. According to the simulation results, neither the fresh-air intakes nor the surrounding buildings would be polluted by the harmful air discharged from the air outlets of the Huoshenshan hospital. The proposed simulation framework can provide a reference for the design and overall planning of similar hospitals in China and other affected countries.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Porcine Liver Hydrolysates Using Flavourzyme
Authors: Borrajo Paula , López-Pedrouso María , Franco Daniel , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: June 2020

Oxidative stress is implicated in human diseases including cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, lipid and microbial spoilage are the main issues of food degradation. Bioactive peptides with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity could solve both problems and create an opportunity to improve the sustainability of the meat industry. Recently, meat by-products are subject of numerous studies to produce antioxidant peptides, highlighting pork liver as a potential source of hydrolysates. To achieve this purpose, pork liver was digested with Flavourzyme at four reaction times (4, 6, 8, and 10 h) and filtered with cut-offs of 5, 10, and 30-kDa molecular weight. Monitoring hydrolysis with SDS-PAGE showed that the reaction was almost complete. Free amino acid profile exhibited that aliphatic and aromatic amino acids were released in a higher amount at longer reaction times. Heat map analysis demonstrated that a hydrolysis time beyond 6 h, displayed a differential amino acid pattern enabling us to optimize the enzymatic reaction. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC tests, while antimicrobial assay was carried out against Gram-positive and Gram-negative. ABTS and DPPH values revealed that hydrolysates showed a high antioxidant capacity, as well as an inhibition of growth of Brochothrix thermosphata particularly 30 kDa hydrolysates.
An Experimental Approach for the Direct Measurement of Temperatures in the Vicinity of the Keyhole Front Wall during Deep-Penetration Laser Welding
Authors: Pordzik Ronald , Woizeschke Peer
Published: June 2020

The formation of defects such as pores during deep-penetration laser welding processes is governed by the melt pool dynamics and the stability of the vapor capillary, also referred to as the keyhole. In order to gain an insight into the dynamics of the keyhole, the temperature in the transition region from the liquid to the gaseous phase, i.e., near the keyhole wall, is a physical value of fundamental importance. In this paper, a novel method is presented for directly measuring temperatures in the close vicinity of the keyhole front wall during deep-penetration laser welding. The weld samples consist of pure aluminum with a boiling point of 2743 K. The measurement is performed using high-speed pyrometry with a refractory tantalum probe capable of detecting temperatures that significantly exceed the boiling point of the sample material. Temperature curves are recorded from the beginning of the welding process until the moment the probe is finally destroyed through direct laser-tantalum interaction. With an effective spatial resolution up to 0.3 µm in the welding direction, a detailed investigation into the temperature ranging from the prerunning melt pool front to the keyhole center is possible, exhibiting temperatures of up to 3300 K in the vicinity of the keyhole front wall.
Novel Deep Level Image State Ensemble Enhancement Method for M87 Imaging
Authors: Taylor Timothy Ryan , Chao Chun-Tang , Chiou Juing-Shian
Published: June 2020

Standard spatial domain filters fail to adequately denoise and enhance the contrast of an image. These filters have drawbacks like oversmoothing, diminished texture, and lack of generative capabilities. This paper proposes a new method of image reconstruction, Image State Ensemble Enhancement (ISEE), based on our previous work, Image State Ensemble Decomposition (ISED). Deep level ISEE and ISED have been developed to produce a class of filters that can address these issues. Full-reference and no-reference quality metrics are used to assess the image, and the full reference metrics showed a marked improvement, while the no-reference metrics were often better than the test image. The test image was taken from the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), and ISEE reconstruction yielded improved structural detail over that of ISED and the original test image. Glare and noise were reduced in a narrow bandwidth, which led to the discovery of a vortex-shaped structure and an outburst in M87′s dusty infrared core. The vortex is located over M87′s visible core and black hole. This is verified with an SST and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) overlay, ISEE processed image. A counter-jet channel was also discovered, and it appears to be the path of the unobservable superluminal counter-jet.
Classification of Refrigerant Flow Noise of Air Conditioners Based on Continuous Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Jeong Un-Chang
Published: June 2020

This study proposes a classification method that uses the continuous wavelet transform and the support vector machine approach to classify refrigerant flow noises generated in an air conditioner. The air conditioning noise was identified as an abnormal signal by the use of the first- and second-order moments. The start and end times of refrigerant flow noises were identified by detecting the singularities of the continuous wavelet transform coefficient in the time domain and by means of listening to the measured sounds. Further, the time-frequency characteristics of refrigerant flow noise were analyzed with the continuous wavelet transform. For the support vector machine-based classification of refrigerant flow noise in an air conditioner, the grid search method was used to determine kernel hyperparameters. Five-fold cross validation was employed for the application of the support vector machine to the classification of air conditioner refrigerant noise. In addition, measured sound sources were modified based on classified refrigerant flow noise to compare the classification accuracy of a jury test with the results of the support vector machine.
The Hybrid Joints between an FRP Panel and a Steel Panel through Tubular Reinforcements: A Methodology for Interlaminar Stress Calculations
Authors: Domínguez Franklin , Carral Luis
Published: June 2020

The advantages of laminates in terms of the chemical properties and mechanical properties/weight relationship have motivated several applications of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites in naval constructions due to the reduction in structural weight. This weight advantage has motivated multiple investigations dedicated to dissimilar material joints. We present a methodology for the interlaminar stress calculations of a tubular hybrid joint between an FRP panel and a steel panel through tubular reinforcements. The proposed formulas allow the estimation of the shear and normal stresses on the adhesive, which are generated in the bonding angle of the tubular hybrid joint. The stresses generated at the adhesive bonding ends influence on the adherent’s adjacent layer. A failure criterion is shown to check the accomplishment of the resulting stresses in the adherent laminate. Finally, the proposed formulas are validated using the finite element method and compared with the obtained interlaminar stresses.