bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies in Power Relations in a Fictional Work: A Foucauldian Analysis
Authors: Rahmasari Gartika , Nurhayati Iis Kurnia
Published: March 2020

In a family, power relations can be seen in a father-child relationship, where the father has the authority to control the life of the child and the child must approve the father's decision. Not only the father, however, the son might also have different objective that he wants to achieve. Here both parties will usually try to keep pursuing their own objectives. In other words, both parties will look for strategies of how to win their objective in the power relation by acting certain ways. Hence, strategy can be used as the means to obtain victory (Foucault, 2002). The purpose of this paper is to analyze power relations that occurred in a family in a fictional work, namely Family Matters novel by Rohinton Mistry, particularly between Nariman Vakeel and his father, Marzi Vakeel. Nariman’s objective is to acquire his father’s approval for his desire to marry his girlfriend, Lucy Braganza, who is a Catholic. This is the opposite of Marzi’s belief, that his family should marry a Parsi. Power relations and strategies used between Nariman and his father were examined using the theory of power relations from Michel Foucault. The findings show that each character implements different strategies in imposing power and confronting each other. As for Nariman, his strategies include persuading his father, and when this does not work, he started to show a clear insubordination every time. On the other hand, Marzi’s strategies include writing a letter to newspaper to let other people know his opposition to interfaith marriage, objecting Lucy’s presents in his house by rejecting Nariman’s suggestion to invite Lucy over for dinner, and being patience in confronting Nariman’s insubordination for eleven years. During these years, Marzi never utilized violence. In the end, Marzi succeeded in achieving his objective to make Nariman marry a Parsi woman when Nariman was finally tired of confronting his father, and let his father choose a Parsi woman. Nariman ended up having an arranged marriage.Keywords: Family, Foucault, power relation, strategies
Scaffolding in Narrative Learning: Appraisal Analysis in Teachers’ Talk
Authors: Cahyono Setyo Prasiyanto , Pribady Inggy Yuliani
Published: March 2020

Engagement is one of appraisal dimensions introduced by Martin and White (2005) that is used to analyze the stances which a teacher takes, both in relation to the students and the visual-verbal components in texts and the way of the teacher align or dis-align the students. This paper explores the interaction between a teacher and thirty-two junior high school students in learning narrative texts. The focus of this study is on the stages of scaffolding to help the students to cope with narrative texts. This study employs classroom discourse analysis particularly appraisal analysis on engagement elements in teacher’s talk. The findings of this study depict that in teaching the students, the teacher uses different kinds of engagement systems of heterogloss (contract and expand) to take particular stance to mediate the students with teaching materials. The heterogloss is also used to guide the students in exploring the learning materials. Practically, the result of the study is beneficial for the EFL teachers as a reference in teaching narrative texts.
IMUNITAS HUKUM BAGI NOTARIS YANG MEMBUKA RAHASIA DALAM PERSIDANGAN
Authors: Annisa Annisa
Published: March 2020

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk memaparkan mengenai konsep ideal imunitas hukum bagi notaris ditinjau dari segi peraturan perundang-undangan di Indonesia dan perlindungan hukum terhadap notaris yang membuka kerahasiaan isi akta di pengadilan. Konsep ideal imunitas bagi notaris yang didapat dalam penelitian ini adalah dimana notaris dapat perlindungan hukum dari kemungkinan terkena sanksi karena menjalankan kewajiban sebagai saksi dan melindungi notaris dari akta yang bermasalah, dengan konteks pembuatan akta yang secara administrative adalah benar namun dalam proses pengkonstantiran kedalam bentuk akta, terjadi manipulasi data oleh klien tanpa sepengetahuan notaris.Kata Kunci: imunitas hukum, perlindungan hukum, kerahasiaan This research aim to explain about ideal concept of legal immunity to a notary reviewed from legislation aspects in Indonesia and legal protection toward notary which reveal the secrecy of deed contents in the court. Ideal concept of immunity to a notary that has been found in this research is where the notary receive legal protection from the probability of given sanctions because of perform the duty as a witness and protect the notary from problematic deed, with the context that deed making administratively is right yet in process of to the deed form, there were data manipulation done by the client without notary known.Keywords: legal immunity, legal protection, secrecy
EFEKTIFITAS AKTA YANG MEMUAT KLAUSULA ACCESOIR DALAM UPAYA MEMBERIKAN PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM BAGI NOTARIS
Authors: Setiyawan Dudi
Published: March 2020

Kedudukan hukum terhadap akta yang memuat klausula accesoir dalam rangka memberikan perlindungan hukum bagi profesi Notaris merupakan akta yang autentik. Penambahan kalusula accesoir tersebut tidaklah bertentangan dengan peraturan manapun, termasuk UUJN. Penambahan kalusula accesoir dapat dimasukkan kedalam akta selama dibatas wajar (tidak berlebihan) dan diketahui serta disetujui oleh para pihak yang menghadap, sehingga kedudukan akta tersebut tetaplah menjadi akta yang autentik yang menjadikannya produk hukum yang sempurna sebagai alat bukti.Kata kunci: akta notaris, perlindungan hukum, efektifitasThe legal position of the act containing the accesoir clause in order to provide legal protection for the notary profession is an authentic act. The addition of the accesoir case is not contrary to any rules, including the UUJN. The addition of accesoir can be incorporated into the deed as long as it is reasonable (not exaggerated) and acknowledged and approved by the parties facing it, so the position of the act remains an authentic act which makes it a legal product perfect as a means of proof. Keywords: notary deed, legal protection, effectiveness
ANALISIS PENERAPAN AKAD PEMBIAYAAN MURABAHAH PADA LEMBAGA KEUANGAN SYARIAH
Authors: Adnina Rahmi Khoirinnisazzahra
Published: March 2020

Ada temuan di masyarakat yang dapat dikaji atau dipahami dengan pendekatan norma, bahwa akad murabahah di Bank Muamalat Kota Malang telah ditiadakan sejak tahun 2015 dikarenakan menurut evaluasi dari bank tidak lagi memenuhi prinsip akad murabahah. Nasabah mendatangi pihak supplier atau developer terlebih dahulu, melakukan kesepakatan harga dan membayar uang muka kepada pihak supplier atau developer kemudian mendatangi Bank Muamalat untuk mengajukan permohonan pembiayaan dengan akad murabahah, akan tetapi harga yang disampaikan bukan harga yang sebenarnya namun harga yang sudah dipotong uang muka. Kasus yang sering terjadi adalah kasus yang berkaitan dengan pembiayaan rumah KPR.Kata Kunci: perbankan,  pembiayaan, syariah,  nasabah, murabahahThere are findings in the society that can be studied or understood using the norm approach, that the murabahah contract at the Muamalat Bank in Malang has been abolished since 2015 because according to the evaluation of the bank it no longer meets the murabahah contract principle. The customer goes to the supplier or developer first, makes a price agreement and pays the advance payments to the supplier or developer then goes to Bank Muamalat to submit a financing request with the murabahah contract, but the price submitted is not the actual price but the price has been deducted by the advance payment. Cases that often occur are cases related to housing mortgages.Keywords: banking, financing, syariah, customers, murabahah
KEWENANGAN PENGADILAN NEGERI MENGELUARKAN SALINAN AKTA DARI PROTOKOL NOTARIS
Authors: Sari Ratna Dewi Nirwana
Published: March 2020

Ada kewenangan Pengadilan Negeri untuk mengeluarkan salinan akta dari protokol notaris yang minuta aktanya telah berumur 25 tahun dan perlindungan hukum terhadap notaris serta para pihak/ahli waris terkait minuta akta yang masih disimpan di Pengadilan Negeri. Sejak berlakunya Undang-Undang Jabatan Notaris (UUJN), Pengadilan Negeri tidak mempunyai wewenang untuk mengeluarkan salinan akta dari protokol notaris yang minuta aktanya sudah berumur 25 tahun. Adapun bentuk perlindungan hukum bagi notaris sudah diatur dalam UUJN yang antara lain: memiliki hak ingkar dan cara pemanggilan notaris oleh penegak hukum terkait akta yang dibuatnya. Sedangkan perkindungan hukum bagi para pihak/ahli warisnya belum tercapai karena tidak adanya kepastian hukum terkait pihak yang berwenang mengeluarkan Salinan akta dari minuta kata yang berumur 25 tahun dan masih disimpan di Pengadilan Negeri.Kata Kunci: kewenangan, akta, pengadilan, notaris, perlindungan There is the authority of the District Court to issue a copy of the deed from the notary protocol whose actuality is 25 years old and legal protection of the notary and parties / heirs related to the document deed that is still kept in the District Court. Since the entry into force of the Notary Position Act (UUJN), the District Court has no authority to issue a copy of the deed from the notary protocol whose the deed of a 25 years old. The form of legal protection for notaries has been regulated in UUJN, which among others: has the right to deny and how to summon a notary by law enforcers related to the deed he made. While legal protection for the parties / heirs has not been reached because there is no legal certainty related to the party authorized to issue a copy of the deed of a 25-year-old and still kept in the District Court.Keywords: authority, deed, court, notary, protection
Increase in phytoplankton production and consumption in response to a typhoon passing through the southern East China Sea
Authors: Tsai AY , Gong GC , Chiang KP
Published: March 2020

The northwestern Pacific Ocean and East China Sea (ECS) are frequently affected by typhoons during the summer period. To identify changes in production and consumption rates of phytoplankton (<20 and 20~200 µm) affected by Typhoon Maria (9-10 July 2018), 2 sampling periods were compared: a pre-typhoon cruise (4-9 July 2018) and a post-typhoon cruise (13-17 July 2018). Results showed that <20 and 20~200 µm phytoplankton production was 14- and 1.8-fold higher, respectively, in the post-typhoon period compared to the pre-typhoon. Accompanying this post-typhoon shift from pico- and nanophytoplankton to microphytoplankton, the consumption rate of microzooplankton on <20 µm phytoplankton was 11.6 mgC m-3 d-1 in the pre-typhoon period, and increased to 203.3 mgC m-3 d-1 after the typhoon. Furthermore, the ingestion fluxes were 4.9 and 8.0 mgC m-3 d-1 through mesozooplankton grazing on microzooplankton (ciliates and dinoflagellates) pre- and post-typhoon, respectively. Our findings show that organisms from the microbial food web (i.e. ciliates and dinoflagellates) may control the phytoplankton assemblage during the post-typhoon period of increased productivity, and thus represent an important trophic link between the classical and microbial food webs in the southern ECS.
Susceptibility of pike Esox lucius to VHSV and IHNV and potential transmission to rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Cabon J , Almeras F , Baud M , Pallandre L , Morin T , Louboutin L
Published: March 2020

Determining the origin of recurrent outbreaks of fish diseases occurring on fish farms is essential for disease prevention and control measures. In this study, we investigated the potential reservoir role of wild fish species living near salmonid farms which were regularly found to be positive for viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). In addition to VHSV, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) was also isolated from several pike Esox lucius samples collected from a pond near the salmonid farms of interest. All isolates of VHSV and IHNV analyzed had 100% identical partial glycoprotein gene sequences. VHSV pike strain OO128-25 belonged to the Ia genotype and shared 99.1 to 99.5% nucleotide identity with strains recently isolated from the farms. IHNV pike strain OO121-8, European genotype, appeared to be different from strains from France characterized since the first isolation in 1987. Isolates representative of both viral species were highly virulent in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. OO128-25 induced 65% mortality in pike fingerlings, whereas only weak mortality was observed with OO121-8, despite characteristic symptoms in infected fish. High levels of specific antibodies to VHSV and IHNV were detected in adult pike in the absence of clinical signs. Infection of rainbow trout in contact with experimentally VHSV- or IHNV-infected pike fingerlings indicates possible horizontal transmission. These results suggest that pike could act as a reservoir for VHSV and IHNV in the wild, providing additional evidence to explain viral persistence and resurgence in certain areas.
Taxonomic composition of mobile epifaunal invertebrate assemblages on diverse benthic microhabitats from temperate to tropical reefs
Authors: Fraser KM , Stuart-Smith RD , Ling SD , Heather FJ , Edgar GJ
Published: March 2020

Anthropogenic drivers are flattening reef structure from 3-dimensional habitats composed of macroalgae and live branching corals towards low-profile turfing algae. Our current understanding of the consequences of widespread reef degradation currently fails to consider the responses of small mobile invertebrates (‘epifauna’) to patterns of change amongst reef structural elements (‘microhabitats’). Here, the taxonomic composition of 152 epifaunal assemblages was compared among 21 structurally diverse benthic microhabitats across an Australian temperate to tropical climatic gradient, spanning 28.6 degrees in latitude from Tasmania to the northern Great Barrier Reef. Epifauna varied consistently with different microhabitat types, and to a much lesser extent with latitude. Macroalgae, live branching coral and turfing algae represented 3 extremes for epifaunal community structure, with most microhabitats possessing epifaunal assemblages intermediate between these endpoints. Amongst structural characteristics, epifauna related primarily to the degree of branching and hardness of microhabitats. Mobile invertebrate communities are likely to transform in predictable ways with the collapse of large erect macroalgae and live coral towards low-lying turf-associated communities.
Hume's Missing Shade of Blue: A New Solution
Authors: Earp Brian D.
Published: March 2020

What to do with the missing shade of blue (MSB)? Some have argued that Hume's famous thought experiment undermines his central doctrine – the ‘copy principle’ – such that he should have revised his whole theory in light of it. Others contend that the MSB is not a true or actual counterexample to the copy principle, but merely an apparent or conceivable one, so that he had no such obligation to revise. In this essay, I argue that even if the MSB is a true counterexample, Hume would not have been obligated to revise his theory, given methodological resources he makes available to himself elsewhere in his work and his overarching empiricist aims. And I offer a new suggestion for why he might have included and even highlighted the MSB in his writings despite its being so very vexing and peculiar.
WEAK FINITELY DUAL QUASI-CONJUGATIVE RELATIONS
Authors: ROMANO Daniel A.
Published: March 2020

The concept of 'weak finitely regular relations' was introduced by Shuzhen Luo and Xiaoquan Xu in 2019 and applied to partially ordered sets.In this article, this idea is extended to weak finality of dually quasi-conjugative relations was introduced in 2013 by this author.
ON SOME NEW FK SPACES OBTAINED FROM SUMMABILITY MATRIX
Authors: KARAKUŞ Mahmut , BİLGİN Tunay
Published: March 2020

In this study, we give some new FK-spaces by means of an infinite matrix as an operator and define some new beta and gama type duality of sequence spaces [3, 4]. We also introduce some new sections and investigate some properties like AB-, FAK-, SAK- and AK- in an FK-space. By this way, we obtain some new distinguished subspaces of an FK- space [5]. Among other results, we prove that the sum of infinite numbers of FK-spaces and the intersection of a sequence of FK-spaces which have these new properties with corresponding paranorms have also these new properties. The reader can refer to [1], [2] and [11] for the main results and related topics in FK-space theory.
Identification of Wheat Cultivars for Low Nitrogen Tolerance Using Multivariable Screening Approaches
Authors: Tyagi Bhudeva S. , Foulkes John , Singh Gyanendra , Sareen Sindhu , Kumar Pradeep , Broadley Martin R. , Gupta Vikas , Krishnappa Gopalareddy , Ojha Ashish , Khokhar Jaswant S. , King Ian P. , Singh Gyanendra Pratap
Published: March 2020

A set of thirty-six wheat cultivars were grown for two consecutive years under low and high nitrogen conditions. The interactions of cultivars with different environmental factors were shown to be highly significant for most of the studied traits, suggesting the presence of wider genetic variability which may be utilized for the genetic improvement of desired trait(s). Three cultivars, i.e., RAJ 4037, DBW 39 and GW 322, were selected based on three selection indices, i.e., tolerance index (TOL), stress susceptibility index (SSI), and yield stability index (YSI), while two cultivars, HD 2967 and MACS 6478, were selected based on all four selection indices which were common in both of the study years. According to Kendall’s concordance coefficient, the consistency of geometric mean productivity (GMP) was found to be highest (0.778), followed by YSI (0.556), SSI (0.472), and TOL (0.200). Due to the high consistency of GMP followed by YSI and SSI, the three selection indices could be utilized as a selection tool in the identification of high-yielding genotypes under low nitrogen conditions. The GMP and YSI selection indices had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield, whereas TOL and SSI exhibited a significant but negative correlation with grain yield under both high and low nitrogen conditions in both years. The common tolerant genotypes identified through different selection indices could be utilized as potential donors in active breeding programs to incorporate the low nitrogen tolerant genes to develop high-yielding wheat varieties for low nitrogen conditions. The study also helps in understanding the physiological basis of tolerance in high-yielding wheat genotypes under low nitrogen conditions.
The Potential for Improving Rice Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study of Jiangsu, China
Authors: Xie Kailiu , Guo Junjie , Ward Katie , Luo Gongwen , Shen Qirong , Guo Shiwei
Published: March 2020

Closing yield (YG) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) gaps amongst smallholder farmers are critical to ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of a data set derived from farm-surveys and previously published studies in a typical high N input area of China. Using scenario analysis, farmers from both sources were divided into four rice production levels to assess the YG and NUE of smallholder farmers. Farm surveys showed that rice yield and partial factor productivity of applied N (PFPN) averaged 8273 kg ha−1 and 23.1 kg kg−1 at regional-scale, with a potential increase of 21–43% and 33–52%, respectively. A wide variation in yield and PFPN across different types of farmer was observed. Optimized N management significantly narrowed YGs by 3.7% and PFPN gap by 63.5% on average based on the published literature. Multiple factors, including excessive N rates, small rice planting area (0.33 ha), the aging (51 years old) and low education level (6 years of education) of the major labor force, can partly explain causes of yield and NUE gaps. These findings provide farm-based evidence that centralized management, good agronomy plus advances in knowledge and technologies are essential for future agricultural development.
Effect of Pterocladia capillacea Seaweed Extracts on Growth Parameters and Biochemical Constituents of Jew’s Mallow
Authors: Ashour Mohamed , El-Shafei Ahmed A. , Khairy Hanan M. , Abd-Elkader Doaa Y. , Mattar Mohamed A. , Alataway Abed , Hassan Shimaa M.
Published: March 2020

We performed field experiments to evaluate the influence of two extraction treatments, seaweed (Pterocladia capillacea S.G. Gmelin) water extraction (WE) and ultrasound-assisted water extraction (USWE) at three concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), as well as control NPK traditional mineral fertilizer on the growth, yield, minerals, and antioxidants of Jew’s Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) during the two seasons of 2016 and 2017 in Egypt. Plant height, number of leaves, and fresh weight of WE10 treatment were the highest (p < 0.05) as 59.67 cm, 10.67 and 2.41 kg m−2 in 2016, respectively, and 57.33 cm, 11.00 and 2.32 kg m−2 in 2017, respectively. WE10 and USWE5 treatments produced the highest dry matter (17.07%) in 2016 and (16.97%) in 2017, respectively. WE10 plants had an increased water productivity of 41.2% relative to control plants in both seasons. The highest chlorophyll ‘a’ was recorded after the WE10 treatment in 2016 and 2017 (17.79 μg g−1 and 17.84 μg g−1, respectively). The highest levels of total antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and total flavonoids were also recorded after the WE10 treatment. Application of WE10 boosted growth, yield, minerals, and antioxidants of Jew’s Mallow. The CROPWAT model was used to estimate the evapotranspiration, irrigation water requirements, and yield response to irrigation scheduling. Our data showed a yield reduction in the initial growth stage if a limited amount of water was provided. Therefore, irrigation water should be provided during the most important stages of crop development with the choice of effective irrigation practices to avoid water losses, as this helps to maximize yield.
Comparison of Greenhouse Energy Requirements for Rose Cultivation in Europe and North Africa
Authors: Cola Gabriele , Mariani Luigi , Toscano Stefania , Romano Daniela , Ferrante Antonio
Published: March 2020

The ornamental plant production in greenhouses is widespread. A quantitative assessment of greenhouse energy consumption and its variability in space and time is strategic to improve the sustainability of the cultivation. The specific environmental features of the cultivation areas can strongly affect the sustainability of the production. A dynamic simulation model of greenhouse energy balance with an hourly time step was developed and parameterized for a state-of-the-art greenhouse to evaluate the heating requirements for cut-flower roses. This ornamental crop has been used as model species for its high energy requirement for flower production. The energy demand for rose production has been analyzed with an energy balance model with an hourly time step. After a preliminary analysis on the period 1973–2019, the final analysis was carried out on the 30-year period (1990–2019), representative of the current climate. Results show a gradient southwest–northeast of energy needs with relevant effects on economic and environmental sustainability. More specifically, four large sub-areas are identified, namely the central-southern Mediterranean (yearly requirements below 600 MJ m−2 year), the northern Mediterranean, and the area influenced by the mitigating effect of the Atlantic Ocean (600–1200), the central-European area (requirements of 1200–1800), and the Northern European area (above 1800).
Biofumigation for Fighting Replant Disease- A Review
Authors: Hanschen Franziska S. , Winkelmann Traud
Published: March 2020

Replant disease is a soil (micro-) biome-based, harmfully-disturbed physiological and morphological reaction of plants to replanting similar cultures on the same sites by demonstrating growth retardation and leading to economic losses especially in Rosaceae plant production. Commonly, replant disease is overcome by soil fumigation with toxic chemicals. With chemical soil fumigation being restricted in many countries, other strategies are needed. Biofumigation, which is characterized by the incorporation of Brassicaceae plant materials into soil, is a promising method. We review the potential of biofumigation in the fight against replant disease. Biofumigation using optimized Brassicaceae seed meal compositions in combination with replant disease tolerant plant genotypes shows promising results, but the efficacy is still soil and site-dependent. Therefore, future studies should address the optimal timing as well as amount and type of incorporated plant material and environmental conditions during incubation in dependence of the soil physical and chemical characteristics.
Novel Approaches to Detect and Treat Biofilms within the Root Canals of Teeth: A Review
Authors: Walsh Laurence J.
Published: March 2020

Biofilms located within the root canals of teeth are a unique and pressing concern in dentistry and in medical microbiology. These multispecies biofilms, which include fungi as well as bacteria, form in a protected site with low shear stress and low oxygen tension. Systemic antibiotics are of limited value because of the lack of blood flow of the site, and issues with innate and acquired resistance. Physical disruption using hand or rotary powered instruments does not reach all locations in the root canal system where biofilms are present. Alternative strategies including agitated irrigation fluids, continuous chelation, materials with highly alkaline pH, and antimicrobial nanoparticles are being explored to meet the challenge. Detection and quantification of biofilms using fluorescence-based optical methods could provide an indication of successful biofilm removal and an endpoint for physical and chemical treatments.
Human Heme Oxygenase-1 Induced by Interleukin-6 via JAK/STAT3 Pathways Is a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Chiang Kun-Chun , Chang Kang-Shuo , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Sung Hsin-Ching , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Chao Mei , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: March 2020

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has several important roles in hepatocytes in terms of anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antioxidant properties. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine associated with liver regeneration and protection against injury. The aim of this study was to determine the potential crosstalk between HO-1 and IL-6, and to elucidate the signaling pathways involved in the induction of HO-1 by IL-6 in human hepatoma cells. Ectopic overexpression of HO-1 not only attenuated cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, but also blocked the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H2O2 and the pyocyanin in HepG2 or Hep3B cells. IL-6 expression was negatively regulated by HO-1, while IL-6 induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and HO-1 gene expression in HepG2 cells. The co-transfected HO-1 reporter vector and a protein inhibitor of the activated STAT3 (PIAS3) expression vector blocked the IL-6-induced HO-1 reporter activity. Both interferon γ and interleukin-1β treatments induced STAT1 but not STAT3 phosphorylation, which had no effects on the HO-1 expression. Treatments of AG490 and luteolin blocked the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways which attenuated IL-6 activation on the HO-1 expression. Our results indicated that HO-1 is the antitumor gene induced by IL-6 through the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathways; moreover, a feedback circuit may exist between IL-6 and HO-1 in hepatoma cells.
Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Potential Exerted by Millet Grain Varieties
Authors: Ofosu Fred Kwame , Elahi Fazle , Daliri Eric Banan-Mwine , Chelliah Ramachandran , Ham Hun Ju , Kim Joong-Hark , Han Sang-Ik , Hur Jang Hyun , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: March 2020

This study evaluated the potential antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in vitro of four millet grain varieties cultivated in South Korea. The free fractions were tested for their total antioxidant capacity using 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS+) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, followed by α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) formation inhibition assays. The total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in the free fractions ranged from 107.8 to 136.4 mg ferulic acid equivalent (FAE)/100 g, 101.3 to 115.8 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g, and 17.65 to 59.54 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g, respectively. Finger Italian millet had the highest total phenolic content (136.4 mg FAE/100 g) and flavonoid content (115.8 mg CE/100 g). Barnyard and finger Italian millet showed the highest DPPH (IC50 = 359.6 µg/mL and 436.25 µg/mL, respectively) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 362.40 µg/mL and 381.65 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, finger Italian millet also exhibited significantly lower IC50 values for the percentage inhibition of α-glucosidase (18.07 µg/mL) and α-amylase (10.56 µg/mL) as compared with acarbose (IC50 = 59.34 µg/mL and 27.73 µg/mL, respectively) and AGEs formation (33.68 µg/mL) as compared with aminoguanidine (AG) (52.30 µg/mL). All eight phenolic compounds identified in finger Italian millet were flavonoids, with flavanols being the predominant subclass. Taken together, millet flavonoids play important roles in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, and hence finger Italian millet has the potential to be developed as a functional food.
Rosemary Diterpenes and Flavanone Aglycones Provide Improved Genoprotection against UV-Induced DNA Damage in a Human Skin Cell Model
Authors: Sánchez-Marzo Noelia , Pérez-Sánchez Almudena , Barrajón-Catalán Enrique , Castillo Julián , Herranz-López María , Micol Vicente
Published: March 2020

Overexposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of a variety of cutaneous disorders, including sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancers. UVB radiation (290–320 nm) causes multiple forms of DNA damage, p53 induction, protein and lipid oxidation, and the generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). In recent years, botanicals containing polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as skin photoprotective agents have emerged. This study evaluated the protective effects of two formulations against UVB-induced damage in a skin cell model. One of the formulations (F2) contained a combination of citrus and olive extracts and the other one (F1) also contained a rosemary extract. The antioxidant capacity of both formulations was estimated by different in vitro methods, and the cell viability, intracellular ROS generation, mitochondrial depolarization, and DNA damage were studied in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes. Both formulations exerted photoprotective effects on skin cells and decreased mitochondrial depolarization and DNA damage. F1 which contained iridoids, rosemary diterpenes, glycosides and aglycones of citrus flavanones, and monohydroxylated flavones exhibited higher cellular photoprotective effects and mitochondrial membrane potential restoration, as well as an enhanced capacity to decrease DNA double strand breaks and the DNA damage response. In contrast, F2, which contained mostly iridoids, citrus flavanone aglycones, and mono- and dihydroxylated flavones, exhibited a higher capacity to decrease intracellular ROS generation and radical scavenging capacity related to metal ion chelation. Both formulations showed a similar capability to decrease the number of apoptotic cells upon UVB radiation. Based on our results and those of others, we postulate that the stronger capacity of F1 to protect against UVB-induced DNA damage in human keratinocytes is related to the presence of rosemary diterpenes and citrus flavanone aglycones. Nevertheless, the presence of the dihydroxylated flavones in F2 may contribute to inhibiting the generation of metal-related free radicals. To confirm the efficacy of these formulations as potential candidates for oral/topical photoprotection, human trials are required to circumvent the limitations of the cellular model.
Exploiting Multi-Verse Optimization and Sine-Cosine Algorithms for Energy Management in Smart Cities
Authors: Ullah Ibrar , Hussain Irshad , Uthansakul Peerapong , Riaz M. , Khan M. Naeem , Lloret Jaime
Published: March 2020

Due to the rapid increase in human population, the use of energy in daily life is increasing day by day. One solution is to increase the power generation in the same ratio as the human population increase. However, that is usually not possible practically. Thus, in order to use the existing resources of energy efficiently, smart grids play a significant role. They minimize electricity consumption and their resultant cost through demand side management (DSM). Universities and similar organizations consume a significant portion of the total generated energy; therefore, in this work, using DSM, we scheduled different appliances of a university campus to reduce the consumed energy cost and the probable peak to average power ratio. We have proposed two nature-inspired algorithms, namely, the multi-verse optimization (MVO) algorithm and the sine-cosine algorithm (SCA), to solve the energy optimization problem. The proposed schemes are implemented on a university campus load, which is divided into two portions, morning session and evening session. Both sessions contain different shiftable and non-shiftable appliances. After scheduling of shiftable appliances using both MVO and SCA techniques, the simulations showed very useful results in terms of energy cost and peak to average ratio reduction, maintaining the desired threshold level between electricity cost and user waiting time.
Compact and Accurate Scene Text Detector
Authors: Jeon Minjun , Jeong Young-Seob
Published: March 2020

Scene text detection is the task of detecting word boxes in given images. The accuracy of text detection has been greatly elevated using deep learning models, especially convolutional neural networks. Previous studies commonly aimed at developing more accurate models, but their models became computationally heavy and worse in efficiency. In this paper, we propose a new efficient model for text detection. The proposed model, namely Compact and Accurate Scene Text detector (CAST), consists of MobileNetV2 as a backbone and balanced decoder. Unlike previous studies that used standard convolutional layers as a decoder, we carefully design a balanced decoder. Through experiments with three well-known datasets, we then demonstrated that the balanced decoder and the proposed CAST are efficient and effective. The CAST was about 1.1x worse in terms of the F1 score, but 30∼115x better in terms of floating-point operations per second (FLOPS).
Design of Optical Tunnel Switching Networks for Big Data Applications
Authors: Cheng Yuh-Jiuh , Chen Bor-Tauo , Wu Cheng-Ping , Lee Yu-Yun
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we proposed large-scale optical tunnel switching networks based on the Torus topology network with WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch) for future big data applications. All nodes of the large-scale optical tunnel switching networks use WSS switch modules, and the communications between nodes use multiple λs (wavelengths), where a tunnel is established with a wavelength which can be reused. The widely used MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technologies are all millisecond-level switching speeds, so the frame size of the optical frame switch is very large, and this will reduce switching performance. Therefore, they are only suitable for optical tunnel switching networks design, but are not suitable for optical frame switch design. This multi-plane Torus topology network architecture not only increases network throughput, but also has fault tolerance to increase network reliability. When the traffic is changed, the number of tunnels between nodes can be scheduled in time to balance the load traffic and avoid traffic loss. Therefore, it can not only schedule the number of tunnels in time to balance the load traffic, in order to avoid traffic loss, but also because the channel is fixedly established, this does not generate any buffer delay, and this because of the transmission using optical transmission unlimited speed, so it is a good choice for future big data applications that require high speed, high bandwidth and low latency.
Evaluation of Power Insulator Detection Efficiency with the Use of Limited Training Dataset
Authors: Tomaszewski Michał , Michalski Paweł , Osuchowski Jakub
Published: March 2020

This article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of object detection in digital images with the application of a limited quantity of input. The possibility of using a limited set of learning data was achieved by developing a detailed scenario of the task, which strictly defined the conditions of detector operation in the considered case of a convolutional neural network. The described solution utilizes known architectures of deep neural networks in the process of learning and object detection. The article presents comparisons of results from detecting the most popular deep neural networks while maintaining a limited training set composed of a specific number of selected images from diagnostic video. The analyzed input material was recorded during an inspection flight conducted along high-voltage lines. The object detector was built for a power insulator. The main contribution of the presented papier is the evidence that a limited training set (in our case, just 60 training frames) could be used for object detection, assuming an outdoor scenario with low variability of environmental conditions. The decision of which network will generate the best result for such a limited training set is not a trivial task. Conducted research suggests that the deep neural networks will achieve different levels of effectiveness depending on the amount of training data. The most beneficial results were obtained for two convolutional neural networks: the faster region-convolutional neural network (faster R-CNN) and the region-based fully convolutional network (R-FCN). Faster R-CNN reached the highest AP (average precision) at a level of 0.8 for 60 frames. The R-FCN model gained a worse AP result; however, it can be noted that the relationship between the number of input samples and the obtained results has a significantly lower influence than in the case of other CNN models, which, in the authors’ assessment, is a desired feature in the case of a limited training set.
Fluidic Oscillators, the Effect of Some Design Modifications
Authors: Baghaei Masoud , Bergada Josep M.
Published: March 2020

The number of applications where fluidic oscillators are expected to be used in the future, is raising sharply, then their ability of interacting with the boundary layer to modify forces on bluff bodies, enhancing heat transfer or decreasing noise generation, are just few of the applications where fluidic oscillators can be used. For each application a particular pulsating frequency and amplitude are required to minimize/maximize the variable under study, force, Nusselt number, etc. For a given range of Reynolds numbers, fluidic oscillators present a linear relationship between the output frequency and the incoming fluid flow, yet it appears the modification of the internal fluidic oscillator geometry may affect this relation. In the present paper and for a given fluidic oscillator, several performance parameters will be numerically evaluated as a function of different internal modifications via using 3D-CFD simulations. The paper is also evaluating the relation between the momentum applied to the mixing chamber incoming jet and the oscillator output characteristics. The evaluation is based on studying the output mass flow frequency and amplitude whenever several internal geometry parameters are modified. The geometry modifications considered were: the mixing chamber inlet and outlet widths, and the mixing chamber inlet and outlet wall inclination angles. The concept behind this paper is, to evaluate how much the fluidic oscillator internal dimensions affect the device main characteristics, and to analyze which parts of the oscillator produce a higher impact on the fluidic oscillator output characteristics. For the different internal modifications evaluated, special care is taken in studying the forces required to flip the jet. The entire study is performed for three different Reynolds numbers, 8711, 16034 and 32068. Among the conclusions reached it is to be highlighted that, for a given Reynolds number, modifying the internal shape affects the oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. Any oscillator internal modification generates a much relevant effect as Reynolds number increases. Under all conditions studied, it was observed the fluidic oscillator is pressure driven.
Orientation of the Head and Trunk During Functional Upper Limb Movement
Authors: Roby-Brami Agnès , Lefèvre Colau Marie-Martine , Parry Ross , Acapo Sessi , Rannou Francois , Roren Alexandra
Published: March 2020

Upper limb activities imply positioning of the head with respect to the visual target and may impact trunk posture. However, the postural constraints imposed on the neck remains unclear. We used kinematic analysis to compare head and trunk orientation during arm movements (pointing) with isolated movements of the head (heading). Ten right-handed healthy adults completed both experimental tasks. In the heading task, subjects directed their face toward eight visual targets placed over a wide frontal workspace. In the pointing task, subjects pointed to the same targets (each with their right arm). Movements were recorded using an electromagnetic spatial tracking system. Both orientation of the head and trunk in space (Euler angles) and orientation of the head relative to the trunk were extracted. The orientation of the head in space was closely related to target direction during both tasks. The trunk was relatively stable during heading but contributed to pointing, with leftward axial rotation. These findings illustrate that the neck compensates for trunk rotation during pointing, engaging in specific target-dependent 3D movement in order to preserve head orientation in space. Future studies may investigate neck kinematics of people experiencing neck pain in order to identify and correct inefficient movement patterns, particularly in athletes.
Smooth Fractional Order Sliding Mode Controller for Spherical Robots with Input Saturation
Authors: Zhou Ting , Xu Yu-gong , Wu Bin
Published: March 2020

This study considers the control of spherical robot linear motion under input saturation. A fractional sliding mode controller that combines fractional order calculus and the hierarchical sliding mode control method is proposed for the spherical robot. Employing this controller, an auxiliary system in which a filter was used to gain smooth control performance was designed to overcome the input saturation. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, the closed-loop system was globally stable and the desired state was achieved using the fractional sliding mode controller. The advantages of the proposed controller are illustrated by comparing the simulation results from the fractional order sliding mode controllers and the integer order controller.
Non-Invasive Identification of Vulnerability Elements in Existing Buildings and Their Visualization in the BIM Model for Better Project Management: The Case Study of Cuccagna Farmhouse
Authors: Garavaglia Elsa , Anzani Anna , Maroldi Fabio , Vanerio Fabio
Published: March 2020

Due to the conjunction between the European and African plates, complex tectonic phenomena take place in the Mediterranean basin. These phenomena cause more or less violent seismic resentments in the countries facing the basin itself. The diffused built historical heritage, characteristic of villages in the Mediterranean countries, is the most vulnerable toward seismic action, and in case of a catastrophic event can cause the loss of human lives. In Italy, the protection of historic buildings is a significant issue, and many regions promoted policies to ensure the safety of the diffused built heritage. Research groups work in synergy to develop procedures for the vulnerability assessment of existing buildings and to define appropriate action plans. This research presents a little or not at all invasive procedure for investigating vulnerability. This procedure is easily replicable and able to support techniques already in use with innovative aspects such as laser scanning of the entire complex and visual identification of vulnerable elements through the BIM (building information modeling) methodology. The procedure applicability is shown in the study of a Milanese farmhouse that has been financed by Fondazione CARIPLO, Bandi 2017 Arte e Cultura-Beni culturali a rischio, Project PRE.CU.R.S.OR.
Nonlinear Model and Dynamic Behavior of Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter
Authors: Liao Zhi-Xian , Luo Dan , Luo Xiao-Shu , Li Hai-Sheng , Xiang Qin-Qin , Huang Guo-Xian , Li Ting-Hui , Jiang Pin-Qun
Published: March 2020

A photovoltaic grid-connected inverter is a strongly nonlinear system. A model predictive control method can improve control accuracy and dynamic performance. Methods to accurately model and optimize control parameters are key to ensuring the stable operation of a photovoltaic grid-connected inverter. Based on the nonlinear characteristics of photovoltaic arrays and switching devices, we established a nonlinear model of photovoltaic grid-connected inverters using the state space method and solved its model predictive controller. Then, using the phase diagram, folded diagram, and bifurcation diagram methods, we studied the nonlinear dynamic behavior under the influence of control parameters on both fast and slow scales. Finally, we investigated the methods of parameter selection based on the characteristics of nonlinear dynamic behavior. Our research shows that the predictive controller parameters are closely related to the bifurcation and chaos behaviors of the grid-connected photovoltaic inverter. The three-dimensional bifurcation diagram can be used to observe the periodic motion region of the control parameters. After selecting the optimization target, the bifurcation diagram can be used to guide the selection of control parameters for inverter design. The research results can be used to guide the modeling, stability analysis, and optimization design of photovoltaic grid-connected inverters.
Parallelization of the Honeybee Search Algorithm for Object Tracking
Authors: Perez-Cham Oscar E. , Puente Cesar , Soubervielle-Montalvo Carlos , Olague Gustavo , Aguirre-Salado Carlos A. , Nuñez-Varela Alberto S.
Published: March 2020

Object tracking refers to the relocation of specific objects in consecutive frames of a video sequence. Presently, this visual task is still considered an open research issue, and the computer science community attempted solutions from the standpoint of methodologies, algorithms, criteria, benchmarks, and so on. This article introduces a GPU-parallelized swarm algorithm, called the Honeybee Search Algorithm (HSA), which is a hybrid algorithm combining swarm intelligence and evolutionary algorithm principles, and was previously designed for three-dimensional reconstruction. This heuristic inspired by the search for food of honeybees, and here adapted to the problem of object tracking using GPU parallel computing, is extended from the original proposal of HSA towards video processing. In this work, the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) criteria is used as the fitness function. Experiments using 314 video sequences of the ALOV benchmark provides evidence about the quality regarding tracking accuracy and processing time. Also, according to these experiments, the proposed methodology is robust to high levels of Gaussian noise added to the image frames, and this confirms that the accuracy of the original NCC is preserved with the advantage of acceleration, offering the possibility of accelerating latest trackers using this methodology.