bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid Hormone Response to Vitamin D Insufficiency in Elderly Males With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: BOZIC B. , LONCAR G. , PRODANOVIC N. , LEPIC T. , RADOJICIC Z. , CVOROVIC V. , DIMKOVIC S. , POPOVIC V.
Published: October 2020

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) may contribute to the systemic illness that accompanies chronic heart failure (CHF). Healthy elderly with vitamin D deficiency who did not develop hyperparathyroidism (functional hypoparathyroidism, FHPT) had lower mortality than those who did. This study was designed to examine determinants of the PTH response in the vitamin D insufficient CHF patients. Sixty five vitamin D insufficient males with NYHA class II and III and 20 control subjects age ≥ 55 years were recruited. Echocardiography, physical performance, NT-pro-BNP, PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), adiponectin and bone activity surrogate markers (OPG, RANKL, OC, β-CTx) were assessed. Increased NYHA class was associated with SHPT, while physical performance was inferior compared to FHPT. SHPT was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and flow mediated dilatation, but with higher left heart dimensions, left ventricular mass index and right ventricular systolic pressure. CHF patients with SHPT had increased NT-pro-BNP, adiponectin and bone markers, but decreased 25(OH)D compared to those with FHPT. Independent determinants for SHPT in CHF patients with vitamin D insufficiency were LVEF, adiponectin and β-CTx, irrespective of renal function and serum vitamin D levels. In conclusion, increased PTH levels, but not low vitamin D, demonstrated close relation to CHF severity.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE SCRAMBLE UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR FISIKA SISWA
Authors: Sukroyanti Baiq Azmi
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar fisika siswa dengan menerapkan pembelajaran kooperatif tipe scramble pada siswa kelas VIII SMPN 2 Sembalun tahun 2017/2018. Penilitian ini tindakan kelas yang dilakukan dalam dua siklus yang terdiri dari tahap perencanaan, pelaksanaan, observasi, evaluasi, dan refleksi. Masing-Masing siklus terdiri dari dua kali pertemuan. Instrumen yang digunakan motivasi siswa yang diperoleh melalui lembar angket motivasi belajar siswa. Test hasil belajar yang diberikan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa motivasi belajar siswa pada siklus I yaitu sebesar 63,68% (berkategori rendah), sedangkan pada siklus II terjadi peningkatan sebesar 78,91% (berarti berkategori cukup). Peningkatan motivasi pada siklus I dan II siswa sebesar 15,23%. Ketuntasan belajar siswa secara klasikal pada siklus I dan II masing-masing sebesar 48,28% dan sebesar 86,97%. Mengalami peningkatan secara klasikal, Disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe scramble dapat meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar fisika siswa
Analisis Kandungan Mineral Logam Besi (Fe) Batuan Dikawasan Pertambangan Emas Desa Sekotong dengan Menggunakan Metode AAS
Authors: Safitri Rina Amalia
Published: October 2020

Telah dilakukan penelitian dengan judul: “analisis kandungan mineral logam besi (Fe) batuan dikawasan pertambangan emas desa sekotong lombok barat dengan menggunakan metode AAS”. Yang bertujuan  untuk menentukan konsentrasi unsur logam besi (Fe) pada sampel batuan yang berada dikawasan pertambangan emas Desa sekotong Lombok barat. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu dengan metode Atomic Absorption Spectroskopi (AAS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sampel batuan memiliki konsentrasi unsur logam besi (Fe) sebesar 1,39 % dari 0,5 gram sampel batuan
Penentuan Efisiensi Sel Surya Merk Skytec Solar Model Sip-220 dengan Bantuan Software Logger Pro
Authors: Subhan M
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pembelajaran fisika tentang konversi energi terbarukan khususnya energi surya dan kurangnya informasi tentang materi ini siswa dan guru kurang memahami metode pengukuran untuk mengetahui kualitas pada suatu sel surya terkait efisiensi dan fill factor, sehingga dalam penelitian dibuat buku suplemen untuk memberi informasi dan pemahaman kepada siswa tentang merancang eksperimen dengan memanfaatkan rangkaian pembagi tegangan dan mampu menggunakan software LoggerPro guna mempermudah perhitungan efisiensi sel surya serta memberi informasi baru kepada siswa tetang konversi energi terbarukan khususnya energi surya.

Penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimen penentuan efisiensi sel surya merk Skytec Sollar Model Sip-220 dengan memanfaatkan rangkaian pembagi tegangan untuk meminimalkan tegangan maksimum dari sel surya supaya terbaca oleh alat sensor voltage probe dan current probe. Data diambil dari salah satu modul surya polikristal berjumlah 72 sel dengan dimensi 0,987 m x 1,637 m. Intensitas energi cahaya matahari pada saat penelitian 1052 watt. Arus maksimum (Im) dan tegangan maksimum (Vm) diperoleh dari hasil baca oleh software LoggerPro kemudian arus hubungan singkat (Isc) diperoleh dari intercept kurva sedangkan tegangan rangkaian terbuka (Voc) diperoleh dari titik potong kurva serhadap sumbu x, nilai (Isc) dan (Voc) merupakan hasil fitting data tegangan-arus (Vi, Ii) menurut persamaan linier y = ax + b pada Microsoft excel®.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa fill factor yang diperoleh dari masing-masing rangkaian dengan resistor (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 120 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,416), (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 122 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,624), (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 140 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,770), (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 155 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,777), R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 162 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,769), R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 169 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,773), (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 184 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,770), (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 191 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,735), dan (R1 = 47 Ω, dan R2 = 200 Ω hasilnya adalah 0,784), dan rata-rata nilai fill factor nya adalah 0,713 sehingga nilai efisiensi sel surya juga didapat secara berurutan 10,28 %, 13,19 %, 12,66 %, 11,60 %, 11,32 %, 10,78 %, 10,78 %, 10,00 % dan 9,31 % dan nilai rata-rata dari efisiensinya 11,1 %. Naik turunya nilai efisiensi kemungkinan besar sangat berpengaruh terhadap keadaan atau perubahan naik turunya suhu di sekitar modul akibat dari kecepatan angin dan mendung yang tiba-tiba
‘Body on the Wire’: Leontia Flynn on Living through Divided Politics
Authors: Obert Julia C.
Published: October 2020

Although Northern Irish poet Leontia Flynn's work has always been politically invested, her 2018 collection The Radio shifts its gaze from global pressures on the local to local lessons for global geopolitics. The poet of ‘the new North’, born and raised amidst sectarian fervour, can offer all of us a political survival strategy for bearing the weight of our deeply divided world. Despite the polarizing pull of Trump and Brexit, we must, Flynn suggests, resist the lure of extremism, and must instead cultivate a sense of lively betweenness – a position exemplified by the ‘body on the wire’ that appears in The Radio's ‘First Dialogue’. This tightrope walker is far from inert; she is rather paused, vibrating, perched energetically between two points. She therefore exemplifies the volume's broader conviction that we must be willing to hold ideas in tension and to dwell deeply with that tension – to find ways of remaining dynamic in the face of the deadening forces of dogmatism.
‘An endless procession of catastrophes’: Reading the War on Terror in Contemporary HIV Life Writing
Authors: Zapasnik Jonathon
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the shifting paradigms of language used in HIV/AIDS life writing. As a testimonial genre, military metaphors have played a crucial role in mobilising communities and revealing how discourses around chronic illness inscribe themselves on the body. Through a textual analysis of three memoirs, Douglas Wright's Ghost Dance (2004) and Terra Incognito (2006), and David Caron's The Nearness of Others (2014), I argue that these texts represent a shift that instead engage metaphors of terrorism and security to convey meaning of lived experience and negotiate the precariousness of ongoing survival. Simultaneously, Wright and Caron maintain their health through protease inhibitors and reflect on the national anxieties produced by the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America. Both writers draw on the language of terrorism, especially the images taken from the Abu Ghraib prison, to inform their own experiences as HIV-positive white, middle-upper class, gay men. The significance of these metaphors can be found in their individual struggles with depression. What this paper contributes to is an understanding of what it means to think about HIV after the pharmaceutical turn when HIV is no longer considered a death sentence in the Western world, how discourses of terror inform public and personal understandings of chronic illness and mental health, and how embodied experience informs autobiographical modes of expression, and vice versa.
The Bio/Necropolitics of ACTG 076: Lessons from Pregnant Women of Colour Living with HIV for Treatment for Prevention in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Manning Eli
Published: October 2020

Since the pharmaceutical turn, using HIV treatment to prevent transmission is increasingly common. Treatment as Prevention®, or TasP, has relied on HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission, targeting people living with HIV. However, TasP is predicated on troublesome heterosexist, classist, and racist medical practices borrowed from various times and spaces that enact biopolitical and necropolitical relations. This paper discusses the debate surrounding the first clinical trial that used HIV treatment to prevent transmission from woman-to-foetus. The 1994 landmark AIDS Clinical Trials Group 076 study laid the groundwork for using HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission, the essential precursor to TasP. By examining the concerns of HIV positive women of colour and other AIDS activists, we are able to understand the ethical dilemmas and practical consequences that still haunt today's game-changing uses of HIV treatment for prevention and to see how biopolitics and necropolitics persist in TasP.
Defensive Issue Linkage: Exploring the Origins of Environmental Content in Trade Agreements
Authors: Toenshoff Christina
Published: October 2020

This paper suggests a novel mechanism behind issue linkage in international relations: As the scope of an issue area expands, touching upon an increasing number of policies, previously uninterested actors mobilize due to worries of interference. These actors seek carve-outs from new rules, and attempt to exert more direct influence on the expanding issue area. To demonstrate this mechanism, I focus on the example of trade and environmental policy, where political linkages have risen sharply since the 1990s. Drawing on historical evidence from the U.S. and interviews in Europe, I show that environmental groups have been important drivers of the emerging political linkage. These groups mobilized when trade policy expanded in scope, out of a perception of threat. In addition, quantitative analysis of PTA content finds that the presence of environmental civil society groups is positively associated with environmental clauses and that this relationship is moderated by agreements' economic scope
Deep Learning Models in Irradiance Forecasting
Authors: Saha Swayamjit , Majumder Niladri , Sangani Devansh , Ghosal Susneha , Chowdhury Sohini
Published: October 2020

The slides present a high-level knowledge of the accurate prediction of solar irradiance power from a particular location using hybrid machine learning models viz Stacked Stateless/ Stateful GRU, LSTM and Autoencoders, which can be proved to be viable if applied to prior installation of solar photovoltaic cells in a particular area. The project tries to save the cost prior to the installation of solar panels by accurately predicting the appropriate location from where power can be elicited to meet the desired electric power required for running industries. The analysis of the hybrid machine learning models is done to determine which model is best suited for prediction by feeding them with data such as geometrical coordinates, solar parameter like GHI and weather parameters like temperature and wind speed etc.
Germline Specific Expression of a vasa Homologue Gene in the Viviparous Fish Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) and Functional Analysis of the vasa 3′ Untranslated Region
Authors: Zhou Li , Wang Xueying , Du Shuran , Wang Yanfeng , Zhao Haixia , Du Tengfei , Yu Jiachen , Wu Lele , Song Zongcheng , Liu Qinghua , Li Jun
Published: October 2020

Germ cells play a key role in gonad development. As precursors, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are particularly important for germline formation. However, the origination and migration patterns of PGCs are poorly studied in marine fish, especially for viviparous economic species. The vasa gene has been widely used as a germ cell marker to identify a germline because vasa RNA is a component of germ plasm. In this study, we described the expression pattern of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) vasa (Ssvas) in gonadal formation and development by in situ hybridization. The results showed that Ssvas failed in localization at the cleavage furrows until the late gastrula stage, when PGCs appeared and migrated to the genital ridge and formed elongated gonadal primordia at 10 days after birth. This study firstly revealed the PGCs origination and migration characteristics in viviparous marine fish. Furthermore, we microinjected chimeric mRNA containing EGFP and the 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) of Ssvas into zebrafish (Danio rerio) and marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) fertilized eggs for tracing PGCs. We found that, although Sebastes schlegelii lacked early localization, similar to red seabream (Pagrus major) and marine medaka, only the 3′UTR of Ssvas vasa 3′UTR of black rockfish was able to label both zebrafish and marine medaka PGCs. In comparison with other three Euteleostei species, besides some basal motifs, black rockfish had three specific motifs of M10, M12, and M19 just presented in zebrafish, which might play an important role in labeling zebrafish PGCs. These results will promote germ cell manipulation technology development and facilitate artificial reproduction regulation in aquaculture.
The Mechanism of Aureusidin in Suppressing Inflammatory Response in Acute Liver Injury by Regulating MD2
Authors: Yang Yi , Han Chenyang , Sheng Yongjia , Wang Jin , Zhou Xiaohong , Li Wenyan , Guo Li , Ruan Shuiliang
Published: October 2020

Objective

In this study, we mainly explored the mechanism and target of the anti-inflammatory effects of Aureusidin (Aur) in acute liver injury.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammatory injury in Kupffer cells (KCs) in vitro. After Aur treatment with gradient concentration, flow cytometry, propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to detect the apoptotic level of KCs, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factors, including Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Western blot was used to detect the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD2), MyD88, and p-P65. Aur was labeled with biotin, followed by a pull-down assay to detect its binding with MD2. Moreover, D-GalN/LPS was used to induce acute liver injury in mice in vitro, followed by Aur treatment by gavage. H&E staining was used to detect the pathological changes of liver tissue, an IF assay was used to detect the expression of MD2, Western blot was used to detect the expression of relevant proteins.

Results

Aur pretreatment could significantly inhibit LPS-induced KC injury, downregulate the apoptotic level, inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, decrease the level of MDA, and downregulate the expression of MD2 in cells. Aur could inhibit the activation level of TLR4/MD2-NF-κB in a dose-dependent pattern, a high dose of Aur had a superior effect compared to low-dose Aur. In the case of MD2 deletion, the effects of Aur were suppressed. Additionally, pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays show that Aur can bind with the MD2 protein to inhibit the activation of TLR4/MD2-NF-κB. Results of mice experiments also showed that Aur could relieve liver injury, decrease the levels of ALT and AST, and simultaneously downregulate the levels of inflammatory factors in tissues and peripheral blood.

Conclusion

We found that Aur exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by directly targeting the MD2 protein, further inhibiting the expression of TLR4/MD2-NF-κB, thereby relieving acute liver injury. Therefore, Aur might be a potential inhibitor for MD2.
Antibiotic and Metal Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Pig Slaughterhouses in the United Kingdom
Authors: Yang Hongyan , Wei Shao-Hung , Hobman Jon L. , Dodd Christine E. R.
Published: October 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is currently an important concern, but there are few data on the co-presence of metal and antibiotic resistance in potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli entering the food chain from pork, which may threaten human health. We have examined the phenotypic and genotypic resistances to 18 antibiotics and 3 metals (mercury, silver, and copper) of E. coli from pig slaughterhouses in the United Kingdom. The results showed resistances to oxytetracycline, streptomycin, sulphonamide, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, ceftiofur, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, aztreonam, and nitrofurantoin. The top three resistances were oxytetracycline (64%), streptomycin (28%), and sulphonamide (16%). Two strains were resistant to six kinds of antibiotics. Three carried the blaTEM gene. Fifteen strains (18.75%) were resistant to 25 µg/mL mercury and five (6.25%) of these to 50 µg/mL; merA and merC genes were detected in 14 strains. Thirty-five strains (43.75%) showed resistance to silver, with 19 possessing silA, silB, and silE genes. Fifty-five strains (68.75%) were resistant to 8 mM copper or above. Seven contained the pcoE gene. Some strains were multi-resistant to antibiotics, silver, and copper. The results in this study, based on strains isolated between 2007 and 2010, will aid understanding about the effects of strategies to reduce resistance and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Modulatory Role of Vitamin C in Boldenone Undecylenate Induced Testicular Oxidative Damage and Androgen Receptor Dysregulation in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Behairy Amany , El-Sharkawy Nabela I. , Saber Taghred M. , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Metwally Mohamed M.M. , Abd El-Rahman Ghada I. , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , El Deib Maha M.
Published: October 2020

Background: This study explored the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) administration on the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats injected with boldenone undecylenate (BOL). Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into control, vehicle control, Vit-C (120 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), BOL (received 5 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and BOL+Vit-C-treated groups. After eight weeks, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and antioxidants biomarkers were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the androgen receptor (AR) expression were performed. Results: The results revealed that serum testosterone, acid phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, sperm abnormalities, and testicular malondialdehyde were significantly incremented in the BOL-treated group. Testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility together with serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, and testicular testosterone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione showed a significant decrease following BOL treatment. Besides, the AR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in testicular tissues. Vit-C co-administration with BOL significantly relieved the BOL-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm motility, testicular enzyme leakage, and oxidative damage. However, Vit-C could rescue neither BOL-induced hormonal disturbances nor AR down-regulation. Conclusions: The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of BOL-induced reproductive dysfunction and its partial recovery by Vit-C.
Trunk Posture Adaptations during Sitting on Dynamic Stool: A Validation Study
Authors: Picelli Alessandro , Mazzocco Giuliano , Smania Nicola
Published: October 2020

Back pain is a complex condition that results from multiple factors including sitting issues such as the chair type and spinal sitting posture. The physiological spinal curvature on the sagittal plane represents a typical feature of good body posture. Sitting postures matching the physiological shape of the spine on the sagittal plane during standing are deemed advantageous from a postural point of view. The aim of this study was to validate a novel dynamic stool by comparing trunk posture adaptations on the sagittal plane during dynamic sitting vs. conventional sitting (standard stool) in healthy people. In total, 100 healthy adults were included. Age, sex and body mass index were recorded. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured with the IncliMed® goniometer during standing posture, conventional sitting posture (standard stool) and dynamic sitting posture (novel dynamic stool). Sitting posture was maintained for 2 min before evaluation. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were significantly different between standing vs. sitting (dynamic and conventional) posture (p < 0.001) and between dynamic vs. conventional sitting posture (p < 0.001). Sitting on the novel dynamic stool tested in this study was shown to provide a greater match of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis with the physiological spinal curvature on the sagittal plane during standing than conventional sitting.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of La-Ca-Co Substituted M-Type Sr-Hexaferrites with Controlled Si Diffusion
Authors: Moon Kyoung-Seok , Yu Pyeong-yeol , Kang Young-Min
Published: October 2020

La-Ca-Co substituted M-type Sr-hexaferrites (Sr0.3Ca0.4La0.3Fe9.8Co0.2O19-δ) were prepared by a solid-state reaction using two different procedures, where the SiO2 additive was mixed either before calcination (pre-Si) or after calcination (post-Si). At the same sintering temperature, smaller cell volumes and reduced saturation magnetization (Ms) values were obtained for samples processed with the pre-Si method than those with the post-Si method. This implied that the pre-Si method resulted in a greater degree of Si substitution into the M-type lattice and increased Fe extrusion out of the lattice. The grain growth behavior was controlled by the SiO2 amount and sintering temperature. It was found that abnormal grains occur with a bimodal distribution in the 0.5 wt% SiO2 samples sintered at 1240 °C, due to the increased critical driving force for growth caused by an increased amount of SiO2 addition. The Ms and coercivity values were altered with the control of Si diffusion and abnormal grain growth. The control of the additive diffusion behavior is one of the important keys in the material design under same materials compositions.
Intensification of Dihydroxybenzenes Degradation over Immobilized TiO2 Based Photocatalysts under Simulated Solar Light
Authors: Malinowski Szymon , Presečki Ivana , Jajčinović Igor , Brnardić Ivan , Mandić Vilko , Grčić Ivana
Published: October 2020

The work is focused on the assessment of possible methods for intensification of photocatalytic degradation of common water borne pollutants. Solar photocatalysis poses certain limitations for large scale application with several possible reactor designs which have shown an optimal performance. In the current study, a comparison between two types of pilot scale reactors was made: a flat-plate cascade reactor (FPCR) and tubular reactor with a compound parabolic collector (CPC). Apart from the reactor design, another aspect of possible intensification was a photocatalyst formulation. The efficiency of photocatalytic films that consisted of pure TiO2 nanoparticles was compared to the efficiency of films that consisted of TiO2/CNT composites. Intensification assessment was performed via detailed kinetic modelling, combining the optical properties of films, irradiation conditions and reactor mass balance. Intensification was expressed via intensification indices. Results showed the advantage of the CPC-based reactor design and an unbiased effect of sensitizing agent (CNT) in the photocatalytic film formulation.
Establishing the Digital Transformation Strategies for the Med-Tech Enterprises Based on the AIA-NRM Approach
Authors: Fang I-Ching , Chen Peng-Ting , Chiu Hsin-Hui , Lin Chia-Li , Su Fong-Chin
Published: October 2020

The medical technology (Med-Tech) industry turnover has reached a record high, attracting a great deal of capital investment, while mergers and acquisitions continually increase. In order to move to a higher value-added segment, traditional Med-Tech manufacturers have to transform into digital smart manufacturers. This development trend promotes industrial operators of Med-Tech to consider how to strengthen professional competence, expand their market, and determine the future direction. This study proposed the value-driving forces of Med-Tech enterprise, based on five aspects: Professional competence (PC), operation management (OM), critical resources (CR), regulatory system (RS), and market expansion (ME). Then, the acquisition and importance analysis (AIA) and the network relation map (NRM) approaches were proposed and implemented to find an optimal pathway for a Med-Tech enterprise to implement digital transformation. Our findings suggest that Med-Tech enterprises should treat RS as the priority in transformation. Finally, based on small- and medium-sized Med-Tech enterprise scenarios, we propose four development strategies (direct acquisition, strategic alliance, maintenance status, and in-house development) should be decided in the digital transformation process.
Special Issue on “Advances in Image Processing, Analysis and Recognition Technology”
Authors: Frejlichowski Dariusz
Published: October 2020

For many decades researchers have been trying to make computer analysis of images as effective as the human vision system is [...]
QoSComm: A Data Flow Allocation Strategy among SDN-Based Data Centers for IoT Big Data Analytics
Authors: Lozano-Rizk Jose E. , Nieto-Hipolito Juan I. , Rivera-Rodriguez Raul , Cosio-Leon Maria A. , Vazquez-Briseño Mabel , Chimal-Eguia Juan C.
Published: October 2020

When Internet of Things (IoT) big data analytics (BDA) require to transfer data streams among software defined network (SDN)-based distributed data centers, the data flow forwarding in the communication network is typically done by an SDN controller using a traditional shortest path algorithm or just considering bandwidth requirements by the applications. In BDA, this scheme could affect their performance resulting in a longer job completion time because additional metrics were not considered, such as end-to-end delay, jitter, and packet loss rate in the data transfer path. These metrics are quality of service (QoS) parameters in the communication network. This research proposes a solution called QoSComm, an SDN strategy to allocate QoS-based data flows for BDA running across distributed data centers to minimize their job completion time. QoSComm operates in two phases: (i) based on the current communication network conditions, it calculates the feasible paths for each data center using a multi-objective optimization method; (ii) it distributes the resultant paths among data centers configuring their openflow Switches (OFS) dynamically. Simulation results show that QoSComm can improve BDA job completion time by an average of 18%.
A Non-Volatile Memory Based on NbOx/NbSe2 Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Vu Van Tu , Vu Thi Thanh Huong , Phan Thanh Luan , Kim Young Rae , Kang Won Tae , Kim Kunnyun , Lee Young Hee , Yu Woo Jong
Published: October 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials have been receiving a huge interest due to atomically thin thickness, excellent optoelectronic properties, and free dangling bonds. Especially the metallic TMDs, such as MoTe2 (1T’ phase), NbS2, or NbSe2, have shown fascinating physical properties through various applications, such as superconductor and charge density wave. However, carrier transport of metallic TMDs would be degraded due to the poor stability in ambient conditions. To date, achieving both high device performance and long-term stability is still a huge challenge. Thus, an alternative way to develop both unavoidable native oxide and metallic TMDs is under consideration for new era research. In this respect, 2D metallic TMD materials have attracted high attention due to their great potential in neuromorphic-based devices with metal-insulator-metal structures, making it possible to produce scalable, flexible, and transparent memory devices. Herein, we experimentally demonstrated a synthesized metallic NbSe2 by a chemical vapor deposition method with a highly uniform, good shape distribution and layer controller ranging from 2–10 layers. Together, for the first time, we proposed the NbOx/NbSe2 heterostructure memristor device based on the native NbOx oxide on the interface of multi-layer NbSe2 flakes. The ultra-thin native NbOx oxide of 3 nm was formed after a period of oxidation time under air condition, which acts as a memristive surface in the Au-NbOx-Au lateral memristor device, in which oxygen vacancies form a conductive filament. Our NbOx/NbSe2 hetero-tructured memristor exhibits a stable memory window, a low-resistance-state/high-resistance-state ratio of 20, and stable endurance properties over 20 cycles at a low working voltage of 1 V. Furthermore, by the retention property test, non-volatile characteristics were confirmed after over 3000 s in our best data. Through a systematic study of the NbOx/NbSe2 heterostructured memristor device, this report will open new opportunities for next-generation memory devices application.
Economic Efficiency Assessment of Using Wood Waste in Cogeneration Plants with Multi-Stage Gasification
Authors: Marchenko Oleg , Solomin Sergei , Kozlov Alexander , Shamanskiy Vitaly , Donskoy Igor
Published: October 2020

The aim of this work is to assess the effectiveness of biomass gasification power plants in Russia (Irkutsk region) and compare them with other types of electricity and heat cogeneration systems. Biomass, which is waste from logging and wood processing, is considered as fuel for gasification plants. As a criterion, the cost of energy is used. Analytical relations are obtained for the cost of electric energy at a given cost of thermal energy and vice versa, thermal energy at a given cost of electric energy. These relationships are applied to assess the economic efficiency and compare small-power plants (up to 200–500 kW) such as mini-combined heat and power (CHP) on fuel chips and fuel pellets, coal-fired CHP and gas and liquid fuel power plants (gas-piston and diesel power plants). The latter are equipped with heat recovery boilers and supply consumers with heat and the electric power simultaneously. The calculation results show that the cost of electricity when using wood fuel is significantly less than the cost of electricity from a diesel power plant due to the use of cheaper fuel. In this regard, for autonomous energy systems of small power, especially near logging points, energy supply from biomass gasification power plants is a preferable solution than the use of diesel power plants. Wood fired energy cogeneration systems (mini-CHP) can also successfully compete with coal and gas power plants if they have cheap wood fuel at their location. With the introduction of carbon dioxide emissions charges, the use of not only wood chips, but also pellets becomes competitive in comparison with coal and gas.
Effect of Acetone Content on the Preparation Period and Curing/Pyrolysis Behavior of Liquid Polycarbosilane
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Liu Xu , Hu Ping
Published: October 2020

A novel approach was proposed to increase the compactness, shorten the preparation period, and reduce the preparation cost by introducing acetone to optimize the polycarbosilane impregnation process. The porosity in internally derived SiC ceramics decreased and pore size was limited by using this new method, which led to higher compactness. Meanwhile, with the increase in acetone content, the viscosities of polycarbosilane and the wetting angles of polycarbosilane/graphite decreased appreciably, and the viscosity was 6.0 mPa·s with 40 wt.% acetone added—a factor of about 30 lower than that of original polycarbosilane. The wetting angle between polycarbosilane and graphite significantly decreased by 40%, which resulted in an enhancement in the impregnation efficiency of liquid polycarbosilane and a much shorter preparation period. This work provides a convenient and efficient method that is assistant during the practical production process of carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs).
Tropical Wood Dusts—Granulometry, Morfology and Ignition Temperature
Authors: Vandličková Miroslava , Marková Iveta , Makovická Osvaldová Linda , Gašpercová Stanislava , Svetlík Jozef , Vraniak Jozef
Published: October 2020

The article considers the granulometric analysis of selected samples of tropical wood dust from cumaru (Dipteryx odorata), padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), ebony (Diospyros crassiflora), and marblewood (Marmaroxylon racemosum) using a Makita 9556CR 1400 W grinder and K36 sandpaper, for the purpose of selecting the percentages of the various fractions (<63; 63; 71; 200; 315; 500 μm) of wood dust samples. Tropical wood dust samples were made using a hand orbital sander Makita 9556CR 1400 W, and sized using the automatic mesh vibratory sieve machine Retsch AS 200 control. Most dust particles (between 50–79%) from all wood samples were under 100 μm in size. This higher percentage is associated with the risk of inhaling the dust, causing damage to the respiratory system, and the risk of a dust-air explosive mixture. Results of granulometric fractions contribution of tropical woods sanding dust were similar. Ignition temperature was changed by particle sizes, and decreased with a decrease in particle sizes. We found that marblewood has the highest minimum ignition temperature (400–420 °C), and padauk has the lowest (370–390 °C).
A Coordination Technique for Improving Scalability of Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Consensus
Authors: Seo Jungwon , Ko Deokyoon , Kim Suntae , Park Sooyong
Published: October 2020

Among various consensus algorithms, the Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT)-based consensus algorithms are broadly used for private blockchain. However, as BFT-based consensus algorithms are structured for all participants to take part in a consensus process, a scalability issue becomes more noticeable. In this approach, we introduce a consensus coordinator to execute a conditionally BFT-based consensus algorithm by classifying transactions. Transactions are divided into equal and unequal transactions. Moreover, unequal transactions are divided again and classified as common and trouble transactions. After that, a consensus algorithm is only executed for trouble transactions, and BFT-based consensus algorithms can achieve scalability. For evaluating our approach, we carried out three experiments in response to three research questions. By applying our approach to PBFT, we obtained 4.75 times better performance than using only PBFT. In the other experiment, we applied our approach to IBFT of Hyperledger Besu, and our result shows a 61.81% performance improvement. In all experiments depending on the change of the number of blockchain nodes, we obtained the better performance than original BFT-based consensus algorithms; thus, we can conclude that our approach improved the scalability of original BFT-based consensus algorithms. We also showed a correlation between performance and trouble transactions associated with transaction issue intervals and the number of blockchain nodes.
Disproportionate Changes in the CH4 Emissions of Six Water Table Levels in an Alpine Peatland
Authors: Yan Liang , Zhang Xiaodong , Wu Haidong , Kang Enze , Li Yong , Wang Jinzhi , Yan Zhongqing , Zhang Kerou , Kang Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

The Zoige alpine peatlands are one of the highest and largest alpine peatlands in the world and play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Drainage is the main disturbance at Zoige, and the drawdown of the water table level changes CH4 emissions. There is still much uncertainty relating to how CH4 emissions respond to multiple water table levels. Here, we simulated six gradients (−30 cm, −20 cm, −10 cm, 0 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm) of the water table level through a mesocosm manipulation experiment in the Zoige peatlands. The water table level had a significant effect on CH4 emissions. CH4 emissions did not change with water table levels from −30 cm to −10 cm, but significantly increased as the water table level increased above −10 cm. A significant log-linear relationship (R2 = 0.44, p < 0.001) was found between CH4 emissions and a water table level range from −10 to 20 cm. This study characterized the responses of CH4 emissions to multiple water table levels and provide additional data for accurately evaluating CH4 emissions. The results of this study also have several conservation implications for alpine peatlands.
Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kwan Celia , Gitimoghaddam Mojgan , Collet Jean-Paul
Published: October 2020

Loneliness and social isolation have negative consequences on physical and mental health in both adult and pediatric populations. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are often excluded and experience more loneliness than their typically developing peers. This scoping review aims to identify the type of studies conducted in children with NDD to determine the effects of loneliness and/or social isolation. Three electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO) were searched from inception until 5 February 2019. Two independent reviewers screened the citations for inclusion and extracted data from the included articles. Quantitative (i.e., frequency analysis) and qualitative analyses (i.e., content analysis) were completed. From our search, 5768 citations were screened, 29 were read in full, and 12 were included. Ten were case-control comparisons with cross-sectional assessment of various outcomes, which limited inference. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder were the most commonly studied NDD. This review showed that loneliness among children with NDD was associated with negative consequences on mental health, behaviour, and psychosocial/emotional development, with a likely long-term impact in adulthood. Lack of research in this area suggests that loneliness is not yet considered a problem in children with NDD. More studies are warranted using prospective designs and a larger sample size with a focus on the dynamic aspect of loneliness development.
In Situ Synthesis of Sn-Beta Zeolite Nanocrystals for Glucose to Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)
Authors: Saenluang Kachaporn , Thivasasith Anawat , Dugkhuntod Pannida , Pornsetmetakul Peerapol , Salakhum Saros , Namuangruk Supawadee , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: October 2020

The Sn substituted Beta nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized by in-situ hydrothermal process with the aid of cyclic diquaternary ammonium (CDM) as the structure-directing agent (SDA). This catalyst exhibits a bifunctional catalytic capability for the conversion of glucose to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The incorporated Sn acting as Lewis acid sites can catalyze the isomerization of glucose to fructose. Subsequently, the Brønsted acid function can convert fructose to HMF via dehydration. The effects of Sn amount, zeolite type, reaction time, reaction temperature, and solvent on the catalytic performances of glucose to HMF, were also investigated in the detail. Interestingly, the conversion of glucose and the HMF yield over 0.4 wt% Sn-Beta zeolite nanocrystals using dioxane/water as a solvent at 120 °C for 24 h are 98.4% and 42.0%, respectively. This example illustrates the benefit of the in-situ synthesized Sn-Beta zeolite nanocrystals in the potential application in the field of biomass conversion.
Low Energy Beta Emitter Measurement: A Review
Authors: Kang Hara , Min Sujung , Seo Bumkyung , Roh Changhyun , Hong Sangbum , Cheong Jae Hak
Published: October 2020

The detection and monitoring systems of low energy beta particles are of important concern in nuclear facilities and decommissioning sites. Generally, low-energy beta-rays have been measured in systems such as liquid scintillation counters and gas proportional counters but time is required for pretreatment and sampling, and ultimately it is difficult to obtain a representation of the observables. The risk of external exposure for low energy beta-ray emitting radioisotopes has not been significantly considered due to the low transmittance of the isotopes, whereas radiation protection against internal exposure is necessary because it can cause radiation hazard to into the body through ingestion and inhalation. In this review, research to produce various types of detectors and to measure low-energy beta-rays by using or manufacturing plastic scintillators such as commercial plastic and optic fiber is discussed. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art beta particle detectors using plastic scintillators and other types of beta-ray counters were elucidated with regard to characteristics of low energy beta-ray emitting radioisotopes. Recent rapid advances in organic matter and nanotechnology have brought attention to scintillators combining plastics and nanomaterials for all types of radiation detection. Herein, we provide an in-depth review on low energy beta emitter measurement.
Correction: Zhou et al. Effect of Zirconium Doping on Electrical Properties of Aluminum Oxide Dielectric Layer by Spin Coating Method with Low Temperature Preparation. Coatings 2020, 10, 620
Authors: Zhou Yue , Liang Zhihao , Yao Rihui , Zuo Wencai , Zhou Shangxiong , Zhu Zhennan , Wang Yiping , Qiu Tian , Ning Honglong , Peng Junbiao
Published: October 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Influence of DLC Coatings Deposited by PECVD Technology on the Wear Resistance of Carbide End Mills and Surface Roughness of AlCuMg2 and 41Cr4 Workpieces
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Volosova Marina A. , Fedorov Sergey V. , Mosyanov Mikhail
Published: October 2020

The primary purpose of this work was to study the effectiveness of using diamond-like coatings (DLC) to increase the wear resistance of carbide end mills and improve the surface quality of the processed part when milling aluminum alloy and low-carbon steel. The functional role of forming an adhesive sublayer based on (CrAlSi)N immediately before the application of the external DLC film by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology in the composition of a multicomponent gas mixture containing tetramethylsilane was established in the article. The article shows the degree of influence of the adhesive sublayer on important physical, mechanical, and structural characteristics of DLCs (hardness, modulus of elasticity, index of plasticity, and others). A quantitative assessment of the effect of single-layer DLCs and double-layer (CrAlSi)N/DLCs on the wear rate of end mills during operation and the surface roughness of machined parts made of aluminum alloy AlCuMg2 and low-carbon steel 41Cr4 was performed.
Preparation of MgAl2O4-Coated Al2O3np and Migration of Ceramic Nanoparticles during Ultrasonic Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hui , Xiao Chuncai , Li Jinbo
Published: October 2020

Composites reinforced by nano-ceramic particles typically result in the formation of clustering and a weak interface. The spatial distribution of particles and the wetting behavior remarkably affect the targeted properties. Here, a surface modification combined spatial control solution was demonstrated to prepare nanocomposites with homogeneous micro-structures. Poly-crystalline nano-MgAl2O4 particles that possess a good crystallographic orientation relationship with Al were coated on the surface of ceramic particles, and they were macro- and then microscopically dispersed in the melt by ultrasonic vibration with variable frequency. The reason this is that the acoustic pressure distributed in the Al melt can induce the acoustic streaming and cavitation. A model for calculating equilibrium particle migration velocity was proposed, based on which the distribution of particles could be controlled by adjusting the solidification rate and the size of particle clustering. The experimental results were validated by the prediction of the model. In addition, it was found that the relationship of the maximum radius angle with the contact angle was ω0=180°−θ, and ultrasonic vibration could provide enough energy for the later stage entering of particles to overcome the energy barrier.
The Photocatalytical Properties of RGO/TiO2 Coated Fabrics
Authors: Olak-Kucharczyk Magdalena , Szczepańska Grażyna , Kudzin Marcin H. , Pisarek Marcin
Published: October 2020

The aim of this work was to immobilize reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the surface of selected fibrous structures. Textile fabrics made of cotton (CO) and polyamide (PA) were used as a carrier. The following modification methods were applied: coating for modification of PA and dip-coating for modification of CO. In the dip-coating method, no auxiliaries were used, which is a huge advantage. The RGO/TiO2 coated fabrics were characterized using several techniques: ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The obtained results showed the immobilization of RGO and TiO2 on the fabrics. Raw fabrics absorb much less radiation than coated ones, which is associated with strong absorption of radiation by applied modifiers (RGO and TiO2). Photocatalytic activity of functionalized textiles was determined using aqueous phenol solutions. Phenol removal efficiency obtained for RGO/TiO2 coated CO and RGO/TiO2 coated PA was 51% and 46%, respectively. The hydroxyl radicals play a major role in the phenol photocatalytic degradation. The phenol removal efficiency in the fifth cycle was higher (about 14% and 8% for RGO/TiO2 coated CO and RGO/TiO2 coated PA, respectively) compared to the first cycle.
Erosion-Corrosion Protection Due to Cr3C2-NiCr Cermet Coating on Stainless Steel
Authors: Selvam Kevin Panneer , Tiwari Abhishek , Seman Saravanan , Beer Mohamed Syed Ali , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy
Published: October 2020

Cr3C2–NiCr coatings have been used extensively to combat the erosion corrosion of hydro power turbine blades made of stainless steel. Cr3C2–NiCr coatings are also used in aqueous corrosive environments due to the high corrosion resistance rendered by the NiCr binder. In this investigation, both erosion and corrosion environments are introduced to cermet coating to study corrosion behavior using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The cermet coatings are useful for reducing the risk of deterioration of mechanical properties of hydro power turbines due to the continuous exposure to the erosive and corrosive action of the corrosive environment containing silt. It was observed that Cr3C2–NiCr coating offered a reasonable improvement in corrosion resistance when compared to bare substrate. The corrosion behavior of the coating was studied in a 150 mL solution of 0.1 M NaCl with 2 gms of quartz particles (0.2–0.8 mm) at various rotation speeds (3000, 4500, 6000 rpm) of the solution over a 1 h immersion using potentiodynamic polarization and EIS studies in a specifically designed experimental set-up for erosion corrosion. When compared to the bare stainless steel samples at 3000 rpm and 6000 rpm, the coating showed the highest improvement at 6.57 times and the least improvement at 3.79 times, respectively.