bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming with trees on sand country
Authors: Hocking Denis
Published: July 2020

The property has been owned and operated by a collection of family members for 34 years, having been brought with a keen eye for its forestry potential. My father was in the New Zealand Forest Service, and was a keen advocate of farm forestry. Thus the property has been developed as a sheep and cattle and also as a forestry operation, with production forestry being concentrated on the Foxton and Motuiti soils, i.e., the dunes, along with shelter and woodlot/shelter plantings on the flats. Recently a further 80 ha have been added with the same objectives in mind.
Mechanical Properties and Rapid Sintering of WC-BN-Al Composites
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Hong Su-Hwan , Shon In-Jin
Published: July 2020

Tungsten carbides are quite attractive for their superior properties, e.g., high melting point, high hardness, high thermal and electrical conductivities, and relatively high chemical stability. Tungsten carbides with a binder metal, for example Co or Ni, are mainly used to produce cutting tools, nozzles and molds in the composite form. But these binder materials show inferior chemical characteristics compared to the tungsten carbide phase. There has been enormous interest recently in finding alternative binder phases because of the low corrosion resistance and the high cost of Ni or Co. Al has been reported as an alternative binder for WC and TiC, since Al is less expensive and shows a higher oxidation resistance than Ni or Co. Nanostructured WC-BN-Al composites were rapidly sintered using high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS). The microstructure and mechanical properties (fracture toughness and hardness) were investigated by Vickers hardness tester and FE-SEM. The HFIHS method induced very fast densification, nearly at the level of theoretical density, and successfully prohibited grain growth, resulting in nano-sized grains. The fracture toughness was improved by consolidation facilitated by adding Al to the WC-BN matrix. The 5vol % Al added WC-BN composites showed higher mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness than the WC-BN composite.
Assessment of H2O Adsorption Characteristics Based on Zeolite Type
Authors: Kim Kwangbae , Lim Yesol , kim Eunseok , Jin Saera , Lee Hyunjun , Kim Seonghoon , Noh Yunyoung , Song Ohsung
Published: July 2020

The properties and H2O adsorption characteristics of two types of zeolites (3A and 13X) with the same shape but different element composition were identified. These zeolites are used in gas purification processes to manufacture 9N ultra-pure inert gases for semiconductor process applications. To analyze the shape and microstructure of the zeolites, an optical microscope and FE-SEM were used. EDS, micro-Raman, and XRD analysis were conducted to analyze their compositions and properties. BET analysis was performed to identify their specific surface areas. Finally, a breakthrough analysis was conducted at room temperature. Based on the results of the optical and microstructure analyses, the cylindrical shaped 3A and 13X were determined to be composed of 2.5-um polyhedrons and 1.4-um massive shapes, respectively. The results of the compositional analysis showed that the main components of both zeolites were Si and Al, whereas K and Na existed in 3A and 13X, respectively. The results of the specific surface area analysis demonstrated that the surface area of 13X was 32 times larger than that of 3A. Specifically, the total specific surface areas were 22.42 and 720.33 m2/g for 3A and 13X, respectively. The results of the H2O adsorption characteristic analysis showed that the H2O concentration of 13X was 1.33 times higher than that of 3A. Therefore, with respect to using zeolite for gas purification process applications, 13X might be more suitable to achieve excellent specific surface area and remarkable H2O adsorption.
ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN SOFTWARE ACOSYS PADA PT LADFANID KONSULTINDO BATAM
Authors: Prima Argo Putra , Akbar Jefri
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of an accounting system using Microsoft Excel, the reliability of the accounting system used previously as well as the factors that influence the successful implementation of the Acosys software-based accounting information system at PT Ladfanid Konsultindo Batam. In implementation, in Microsoft Excel presenting financial statements, especially for trading and manufacturing companies in the calculation of cost of goods sold, there must be a classification beforehand because Microsoft Excel does not have a special menu in the presentation of purchases and sales so that there are several classifications in different sheets. The accounting system used today is Acosys, which is an accounting system that is more adequate and reliable than using Microsoft Excel. Acosys can be categorized as a complex system in preparing financial statements because it has features that can be used according to company needs. every transaction that has been inputted automatically all kinds of reports relating to finance can be accessed quickly as needed. What is rarely owned by other software but owned by Acosys is that Acosys software can be used forever without additional costs for updating.
Strategi Meningkatkan Loyalitas Pelanggan Pada PT Golden Batam Raya
Authors: Herman Hendri
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to look at customer loyalty in terms of price. The study was conducted at PT Golden Batam Raya with total sample of 92 respondents. The results of this study that price has a significant effect on customer loyalty. The percentage of price effect on customer loyalty is 45,1%. This value is large enough so that it is important fot the object of research to pay attention to the policies taken in setting the selling price of the product
Mindfulness Model Using Polariton Oscillation in Plasmonic Circuit for Human Performance Management
Authors: Suwandee Senee , Arumona Arumona Edward , Ray Kanad , Youplao Phichai , Yupapin Preecha
Published: July 2020

We have proposed that human life is formed on a space and time function relationship basis, which is distorted after fertilization in the ovum, from which growth is generated by a space–time distortion against the universe’s gravity. A space–time distortion’s reduction can be managed by space and time separation, which is known as mindfulness. A space–time distortion in human cells is configured by a polariton traveling in a gold grating film, which can be employed to investigate mindfulness characteristics. Mindfulness is the steady state of the time function of energy after the separation. Energy levels of mindfulness based on polariton aspects are categorized by a quantum number (n), which can be reduced to be a two-level system called Rabi oscillation by a successive filtering method. We have assumed a cell space–time distortion can reduce to reach the original state, which is the stopping state. Mindfulness with a certain frequency energy level of n = 2 was achieved. Several techniques in the practice of mindfulness based on successive filtering called meditation are given and explained, where the required levels of the mindfulness state can be achieved. The criteria of the proposed method are a low energy level (n) and high frequency (f) outputs, which can apply to having a working performance improvement.
On t-Conorm Based Fuzzy (Pseudo)metrics
Authors: Grigorenko Olga , Miñana Juan Jose , Šostak Alexander , Valero Oscar
Published: July 2020

We present an alternative approach to the concept of a fuzzy (pseudo)metric using t-conorms instead of t-norms and call them t-conorm based fuzzy (pseudo)metrics or just CB-fuzzy (pseudo)metrics. We develop the basics of the theory of CB-fuzzy (pseudo)metrics and compare them with “classic” fuzzy (pseudo)metrics. A method for construction CB-fuzzy (pseudo)metrics from ordinary metrics is elaborated and topology induced by CB-fuzzy (pseudo)metrics is studied. We establish interrelations between CB-fuzzy metrics and modulars, and in the process of this study, a particular role of Hamacher t-(co)norm in the theory of (CB)-fuzzy metrics is revealed. Finally, an intuitionistic version of a CB-fuzzy metric is introduced and applied in order to emphasize the roles of t-norms and a t-conorm in this context.
Coffee Flavor: A Review
Authors: Seninde Denis Richard , Chambers Edgar
Published: July 2020

Flavor continues to be a driving force for coffee’s continued growth in the beverage market today. Studies have identified the sensory aspects and volatile and non-volatile compounds that characterize the flavor of different coffees. This review discusses aspects that influence coffee drinking and aspects such as environment, processing, and preparation that influence flavor. This summary of research studies employed sensory analysis (either descriptive and discrimination testing and or consumer testing) and chemical analysis to determine the impact aspects on coffee flavor.
Underground Pumped-Storage Hydropower (UPSH) at the Martelange Mine (Belgium): Underground Reservoir Hydraulics
Authors: Kitsikoudis Vasileios , Archambeau Pierre , Dewals Benjamin , Pujades Estanislao , Orban Philippe , Dassargues Alain , Pirotton Michel , Erpicum Sebastien
Published: July 2020

The intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources requires their coupling with an energy storage system, with pumped storage hydropower (PSH) being one popular option. However, PSH cannot always be constructed due to topographic, environmental, and societal constraints, among others. Underground pumped storage hydropower (UPSH) has recently gained popularity as a viable alternative and may utilize abandoned mines for the construction of the lower reservoir in the underground. Such underground mines may have complex geometries and the injection/pumping of large volumes of water with high discharge could lead to uneven water level distribution over the underground reservoir subparts. This can temporarily influence the head difference between the upper and lower reservoirs of the UPSH, thus affecting the efficiency of the plant or inducing structural stability problems. The present study considers an abandoned slate mine in Martelange in Southeast Belgium as the lower, underground, reservoir of an UPSH plant and analyzes its hydraulic behavior. The abandoned slate mine consists of nine large chambers with a total volume of about 550,000 m3, whereas the maximum pumping and turbining discharges are 22.2 m3/s. The chambers have different size and they are interconnected with small galleries with limited discharge capacity that may hinder the flow exchange between adjacent chambers. The objective of this study is to quantify the effect of the connecting galleries cross-section and the chambers adequate aeration on the water level variations in the underground reservoir, considering a possible operation scenario build upon current electricity prices and using an original hydraulic modelling approach. The results highlight the importance of adequate ventilation of the chambers in order to reach the same equilibrium water level across all communicating chambers. For fully aerated chambers, the connecting galleries should have a total cross-sectional area of at least 15 m2 to allow water flow through them without significant restrictions and maintain similar water level at all times. Partially aerated chambers do not attain the same water level because of the entrapped air; however, the maximum water level differences between adjacent chambers remain relatively invariant when the total cross-sectional area of the connecting galleries is greater than 8 m2. The variation of hydraulic roughness of the connecting galleries affects the water exchange through small connecting galleries but is not very influential on water moving through galleries with large cross-sections.
Comparative Analysis on Urban Flood Countermeasures Based on Life Cycle Thinking: A Comparison between Enhancing of Drainage Capacity Project and Sponge City
Authors: Fan Xuezhou , Matsumoto Toru
Published: July 2020

The recent increase in rainstorm waterlogging disasters has acutely threatened sustainable urban development in China. Traditional strategy to solve this problem is drainage capacity enhancing projects, which aims at enlarging the discharge of water. Recently, there is a new countermeasure emerged in Chinese cities: ‘Sponge City’, which aims at enlarging the absorption of water by increasing the curves of urban land. This article endeavours to make a comparison between these two countermeasures by building a framework to design and analyze the private or social costs of two projects which have the same rainwater control capacity. Finally, we have come to the conclusion that only considering initial cost, Sponge City unit cost is much more than drainage capacity enhancing project unit cost; considering external cost, Sponge City is not only competitive from an economical perspective, from an environmental perspective Sponge City is also competitive.
The People of K’Gari/Fraser Island: Working through 250 Years of Racial Double Coding
Authors: Foley Fiona
Published: July 2020

Genealogy is important to Aboriginal societies in Australia because it lets us know who has a right to speak for country. Our genealogy binds us to our traditional country as sovereign nations—clans with distinct languages, ceremony, laws, rights and responsibilities. Since the Native Title Act 1993 was passed by the Keating government, hundreds of Native Title claims have been lodged. The first Native Title claim to be lodged on Badtjala/Butchulla country was in 1996 by my great aunty, Olga Miller, followed by the Butchulla People #2 and the Butchulla People (Land & Sea Claim #2). Consent determination was awarded for K’gari (Fraser Island) in 2014 and for the mainland claim in 2019. As a sovereign nation, we have undergone many decades of deprivational longing—physically separated from our island, but in plain view. This article is written from a Badtjala lens, mapping generations of my Wondunna clan family through the eyes of an artist-academic who has created work since 1986 invested in cultural responsibility. With the accompanying film, Out of the Sea Like Cloud, I recenter the Badtjala history from a personal and local perspective, that incorporates national and international histories.
Use of In Situ Soil Solution Electric Conductivity to Evaluate Mineral N in Commercial Orchards: Preliminary Results
Authors: Baldi Elena , Quartieri Maurizio , Muzzi Enrico , Noferini Massimo , Toselli Moreno
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurement as a fast tool to assess mineral nitrogen (N) in orchards, in order to define precise N inputs that can help farmers to reduce useless fertilizer application. During one vegetative season, seven orchards of different species, supplied with mineral or organic fertilization, were monitored. Nitrate soil concentration was measured monthly by laboratory analyses, while soil EC and moisture were recorded continuously by soil probes. Nitrate and EC were positively correlated, laying the foundation for the identification of a fast and reliable index. However, while some dates showed a high Pearson correlation coefficient, no correlation was found for others. The correlation was not affected by type of fertilizer, and was higher in silty-clay-loam than in loam soils. Pooling all of the data, a significant correlation with a Pearson coefficient of 0.75 was found. The soil optimal nitrate N availability was defined by an EC in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 mS cm−1. Although these are only preliminary results, our data are promising, showing a good suitability of soil EC measurement as a means to monitor soil mineral N availability.
Health Care and Health Service Digital Revolution
Authors: Lo Giudice Roberto , Famà Fausto
Published: July 2020

The digital revolution has changed many aspects of the medical profession. Medical doctors and doctors in the dental sciences have been pushed to modify their workflow using new instruments such as decisional software, intraoral and extraoral scanners, and CAD-CAM technologies, which have improved diagnostics and the clinical/surgical phase of treatment and follow-up, and nowadays it is clear that medical professional life will continue in the era of digital medicine.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Checchi Vittorio , Maravic Tatjana , Bellini Pierantonio , Generali Luigi , Consolo Ugo , Breschi Lorenzo , Mazzoni Annalisa
Published: July 2020

This review provides a detailed description of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), focusing on those that are known to have critical roles in bone and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process initiated by anaerobic bacteria, which promote the host immune response in the form of a complex network of molecular pathways involving proinflammatory mediators such as cytokines, growth factors, and MMPs. MMPs are a family of 23 endopeptidases, collectively capable of degrading virtually all extracellular matrix (ECM) components. This study critically discusses the available research concerning the involvement of the MMPs in periodontal disease development and progression and presents possible therapeutic strategies. MMPs participate in morphogenesis, physiological tissue turnover, and pathological tissue destruction. Alterations in the regulation of MMP activity are implicated in the manifestation of oral diseases, and MMPs comprise the most important pathway in tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. MMPs can be considered a risk factor for periodontal disease, and measurements of MMP levels may be useful markers for early detection of periodontitis and as a tool to assess prognostic follow-ups. Detection and inhibition of MMPs could, therefore, be useful in periodontal disease prevention or be an essential part of periodontal disease therapy, which, considering the huge incidence of the disease, may greatly improve oral health globally.
Colonoscopy Screening Behaviour and Associated Factors Amongst First-Degree Relatives of People with Colorectal Cancer in China: Testing the Health Belief Model Using a Cross-Sectional Design
Authors: Bai Yang , Wong Cho Lee , Peng Xiaolin , So Winnie K. W.
Published: July 2020

Colonoscopy is the best screening choice for at-risk persons, because it offers prevention through the removal of preneoplastic lesions in addition to early detection. This study aims to report the participation rate of colonoscopy screening and examine its associated factors amongst Chinese first-degree relatives of people with colorectal cancer based on the health belief model (HBM). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen, China from March to May 2019. Demographic characteristics, family history, variables derived from the HBM and colonoscopy screening behaviours were measured through online surveys as the independent variables of interest. A total of 186 online surveys were returned, with a final response rate of 57.0%. The participation rate of colonoscopy was 15.6%. Univariate analysis (independent t-test/chi-square test/Fisher test) was applied first to identify the candidate independent variables. Then, multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between independent variables and uptake of colonoscopy. Perceived barriers and cues to action were identified as factors associated with undergoing colonoscopy. The participation rate of colonoscopy in the study population was low. Health communication to promote colonoscopy screening for the Chinese at-risk population should include components in reducing barriers to colonoscopy tests, family history information and health professional recommendations on screening. Future studies with large sample size are suggested to examine perceived susceptibility, fatalism and other characteristics considering family history (treatment and outcome of patients) and their potential impacts on cancer screening behaviours for Chinese at-risk populations due to family history.
Bone Mineral Reference Values for Athletes 11 to 20 Years of Age
Authors: Kalabiska Irina , Zsakai Annamária , Malina Robert M. , Szabo Tamas
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Training for sport is associated with the development of bone minerals, and the need for reference data based on athletes is often indicated. The purpose of this study was to develop a reference for bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) specific for youth athletes of both sexes participating in several sports. Methods DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) was used for total body measurements of bone minerals in 1385 athletes 11 to 20 years, 1019 males and 366 females. The athletes were training in several sports at Hungarian academies. Reference values for total bone mineral density and bone mineral content, and also BMD excluding the head (total body less head, TBLH) were developed using the LMS chartmaker pro version 2.3. Results. The centile distributions for BMD and BMC of the athletes differed significantly from those of the age- and sex-specific references for the general population. The youth athletes had higher BMD and BMC than those of the reference for the general population. Conclusion. The potential utility of the DEXA reference for male and female youth athletes may assist in monitoring changes in the BMC and BMD associated with normal growth and maturation, and perhaps more importantly, may be useful in monitoring changes specific to different phases of sport-specific training protocols.
Comparative Analysis, Structural Insights, and Substrate/Drug Interaction of CYP128A1 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ngcobo Nokwanda Samantha , Chiliza Zinhle Edith , Chen Wanping , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Nelson David R. , Tuszynski Jack A. , Preto Jordane , Syed Khajamohiddin
Published: July 2020

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s) are well known for their role in organisms’ primary and secondary metabolism. Among 20 P450s of the tuberculosis-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, CYP128A1 is particularly important owing to its involvement in synthesizing electron transport molecules such as menaquinone-9 (MK9). This study employs different in silico approaches to understand CYP128 P450 family’s distribution and structural aspects. Genome data-mining of 4250 mycobacterial species has revealed the presence of 2674 CYP128 P450s in 2646 mycobacterial species belonging to six different categories. Contrast features were observed in the CYP128 gene distribution, subfamily patterns, and characteristics of the secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster (BGCs) between M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and other mycobacterial category species. In all MTBC species (except one) CYP128 P450s belong to subfamily A, whereas subfamily B is predominant in another four mycobacterial category species. Of CYP128 P450s, 78% was a part of BGCs with CYP124A1, or together with CYP124A1 and CYP121A1. The CYP128 family ranked fifth in the conservation ranking. Unique amino acid patterns are present at the EXXR and CXG motifs. Molecular dynamic simulation studies indicate that the CYP128A1 bind to MK9 with the highest affinity compared to the azole drugs analyzed. This study provides comprehensive comparative analysis and structural insights of CYP128A1 in M. tuberculosis.
PRPS-Associated Disorders and the Drosophila Model of Arts Syndrome
Authors: Delos Santos Keemo , Kwon Eunjeong , Moon Nam-Sung
Published: July 2020

While a plethora of genetic techniques have been developed over the past century, modifying specific sequences of the fruit fly genome has been a difficult, if not impossible task. clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 truly redefined molecular genetics and provided new tools to model human diseases in Drosophila melanogaster. This is particularly true for genes whose protein sequences are highly conserved. Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in nucleotide metabolism whose missense mutations are found in several neurological disorders, including Arts syndrome. In addition, PRPS is deregulated in cancer, particularly those that become resistant to cancer therapy. Notably, Drosophila PRPS shares about 90% protein sequence identity with its human orthologs, making it an ideal gene to study via CRISPR/Cas9. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on PRPS mutations in human diseases including cancer and on the molecular mechanisms by which PRPS activity is regulated. We will also discuss potential applications of Drosophila CRISPR/Cas9 to model PRPS-dependent disorders and other metabolic diseases that are associated with nucleotide metabolism.
Nutraceuticals in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Sánchez-Gloria José L. , Osorio-Alonso Horacio , Arellano-Buendía Abraham S. , Carbó Roxana , Hernández-Díazcouder Adrián , Guzmán-Martín Carlos A. , Rubio-Gayosso Ivan , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by the loss and obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary arterial wall, causing a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which is responsible for right heart failure, functional decline, and death. Although many drugs are available for the treatment of this condition, it continues to be life-threatening, and its long-term treatment is expensive. On the other hand, many natural compounds present in food have beneficial effects on several cardiovascular conditions. Several studies have explored many of the potential beneficial effects of natural plant products on PAH. However, the mechanisms by which natural products, such as nutraceuticals, exert protective and therapeutic effects on PAH are not fully understood. In this review, we analyze the current knowledge on nutraceuticals and their potential use in the protection and treatment of PAH, as well as whether nutraceuticals could enhance the effects of drugs used in PAH through similar mechanisms.
Simultaneous FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy in Endometrial Atypical Hyperplasia and Cancer
Authors: Barnas Edyta , Skret-Magierlo Joanna , Skret Andrzej , Kaznowska Ewa , Depciuch Joanna , Szmuc Kamil , Łach Kornelia , Krawczyk-Marć Izabela , Cebulski Jozef
Published: July 2020

Currently, endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common genital cancer in high-income countries. Some types of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) may be progressing to this malignancy. The diagnosis of EC and EH is based on time consuming histopathology evaluation, which is subjective and causes discrepancies in reassessment. Therefore, there is a need to create methods of objective evaluation allowing the diagnosis of early changes. The study aimed to simultaneously asses Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy combined with multidimensional analysis to identify the tissues of endometrial cancer, atypical hyperplasia and the normal control group, and differentiate them. The results of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed quantitative and qualitative changes in the nucleic acid and protein in the groups of cancer and atypical hyperplasia, in comparison with the control group. Changes in the lipid region were also observed in Raman spectra. Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between Raman spectra for the cancer and atypical hyperplasia groups (0.747, p < 0.05) and for atypical hyperplasia and the controls (0.507, p < 0.05), while FTIR spectra demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation for the same group as in Raman data and for the control and cancer groups (0.966, p < 0.05). To summarize, the method of spectroscopy enables differentiation of atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer tissues from the physiological endometrial tissue.
Comprehensive Identification of Drought Tolerance QTL-Allele and Candidate Gene Systems in Chinese Cultivated Soybean Population
Authors: Wang Wubin , Zhou Bin , He Jianbo , Zhao Jinming , Liu Cheng , Chen Xianlian , Xing Guangnan , Chen Shouyi , Xing Han , Gai Junyi
Published: July 2020

Drought is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth and productivity. The previous results on drought tolerance (DT) genetic system in soybean indicated a complex of genes not only few ones were involved in the trait. This study is featured with a relatively thorough identification of QTL-allele/candidate-gene system using an efficient restricted two-stage multi-locus multi-allele genome-wide association study, on two comprehensive DT indicators, membership index values of relative plant weight (MPW) and height (MPH), instead of a single biological characteristic, in a large sample (564 accessions) of the Chinese cultivated soybean population (CCSP). Based on 24,694 multi-allele markers, 75 and 64 QTL with 261 and 207 alleles (2–12/locus) were detected for MPW and MPH, explaining 54.7% and 47.1% of phenotypic variance, respectively. The detected QTL-alleles were organized into a QTL-allele matrix for each indicator, indicating DT is a super-trait conferred by two (even more) QTL-allele systems of sub-traits. Each CCSP matrix was separated into landrace (LR) and released cultivar (RC) sub-matrices, which showed significant differentiation in QTL-allele constitutions, with 58 LR alleles excluded and 16 new ones emerged in RC. Using the matrices, optimal crosses with great DT transgressive recombinants were predicted. From the detected QTL, 177 candidate genes were annotated and validated with quantitative Real-time PCR, and grouped into nine categories, with ABA and stress responders as the major parts. The key point of the above results is the establishment of relatively full QTL-allele matrices composed of numerous gene functions jointly conferring DT, therefore, demonstrates the complexity of DT genetic system and potential of CCSP in DT breeding.
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Kuwanon C from Cudrania tricuspidata Are Mediated by Heme Oxygenase-1 in HT22 Hippocampal Cells, RAW264.7 Macrophage, and BV2 Microglia
Authors: Ko Wonmin , Yoon Chi-Su , Kim Kwan-Woo , Lee Hwan , Kim Nayeon , Woo Eun-Rhan , Kim Youn-Chul , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub , Oh Hyuncheol , Lee Dong-Sung
Published: July 2020

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is a detoxifying phase II enzyme that plays a role in both inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Curdrania tricuspidata is widespread throughout East Asia and is used as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicine. We investigated whether treatment with sixteen flavonoid or xanthone compounds from C. tricuspidata could induce HO-1 expression in HT22 hippocampal cells, RAW264.7 macrophage, and BV2 microglia. In these compounds, kuwanon C showed the most remarkable HO-1 expression effects. In addition, treatment with kuwanon C reduced cytoplasmic nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression and increased Nrf2 expression in the nucleus. Significant inhibition of glutamate-induced oxidative injury and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurred when HT22 hippocampal cells were pretreated with kuwanon C. The levels of inflammatory mediator and cytokine, which increased following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, were suppressed in RAW264.7 macrophage and BV2 microglia after kuwanon C pretreatment. Kuwanon C also attenuated p65 DNA binding and translocation into the nucleus in LPS-induced RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. The anti-inflammatory, anti-neuroinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of kuwanon C were reversed when co-treatment with HO-1 inhibitor of tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP). These results suggest that the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of kuwanon C are regulated by HO-1 expression.
Magnetic Pulse Welding and Spot Welding with Improved Coil Efficiency—Application for Dissimilar Welding of Automotive Metal Alloys
Authors: Khalil Chady , Marya Surendar , Racineux Guillaume
Published: July 2020

Lightweight structures in the automotive and transportation industry are increasingly researched. Multiple materials with tailored properties are integrated into structures via a large spectrum of joining techniques. Welding is a viable solution in mass scale production in an automotive sector still dominated by steels, although hybrid structures involving other materials like aluminum are becoming increasingly important. The welding of dissimilar metals is difficult if not impossible, due to their differential thermo mechanical properties along with the formation of intermetallic compounds, particularly when fusion welding is envisioned. Solid-state welding, as with magnetic pulse welding, is of particular interest due to its short processing cycles. However, electromagnetic pulse welding is constrained by the selection of processing parameters, particularly the coil design and its life cycle. This paper investigates two inductor designs, a linear (I) and O shape, for the joining of sheet metals involving aluminum and steels. The O shape inductor is found to be more efficient both with magnetic pulse (MPW) and magnetic pulse spot welding (MPSW) and offers a better life cycle. Both simulation and experimental mechanical tests are presented to support the effect of inductor design on the process performance.
Estimation of Settling Velocity and Floc Distribution through Simple Particles Sedimentation Experiments
Authors: Lee Uk-Jae , Hyeong Ki-Seong , Cho Hong-Yeon
Published: July 2020

The tailings that remain after the collection and screening of Mn nodules are directly discharged into the ocean and are anticipated to influence the ocean environment and marine organisms. The primary factors determining the influence (diffusion) range are the ocean currents and the settling velocity of the tailings; the latter is directly correlated with the time that the tailings remain in the water column. Flocculation is affected by the actual tailing discharge conditions. The settling velocity of the tailings is expected to increase as a result of flocculation; therefore, data on the size distribution of flocs are needed to compute the settling velocity of the tailings. In this study, a method for estimating the floc size distribution of the tailings is proposed, and the general flocculation process is analyzed using the apparent settling velocity, which is readily estimated by simple settling experiments conducted with standard tailings at different concentrations. The apparent falling time-curve followed a power function, and the flocculated grain size was 3–4 times larger than that before flocculation. In addition, flocculation and falling were significantly inhibited by the time required for flocculation. The method suggested in this study was validated by using a numerical particle-tracking model based on the autoencoder concept, which estimates the apparent settling velocity using the flocculated grain size distribution. The computed time-velocity curve agreed well with the apparent time curve obtained in the experiment, with an error of approximately 5–10% except in the initial time range (0–30 s), despite the qualitative nature of the assumptions.
The Potential Sex Determination Genes, Sox9a and Cyp19a, in Walleye Pollock (Gadus Chalcogrammus) Are Influenced by Water Temperature
Authors: Kim So-Sun , Kim David Nahm-Joon , Lee Chang-Ju , Yoo Hae-Kyun , Byun Soon-Gyu , Lim Hyun-Jeong , Choi Jin , Park Jang-Su
Published: July 2020

Our aim was to study the relationship between the sex-determining genes, sox9a and cyp19a, and water temperature in Gadus chalcogrammus. We assessed the sex ratio based on the expression levels of sox9a and cyp19a at different water temperatures (5, 8, 11, and 14 °C) and at different stages of walleye pollock development (embryos, larvae, and juveniles). Next, we used immature walleye pollock to assess sox9a expression in males and cyp19a and vitellogenin (VTG) expression in females at different water temperatures. Males expressed sox9a in the gonadal tissues, while females expressed cyp19a in the gonadal tissues and VTG in the blood plasma. In the first experiment, cyp19a expression was higher at 5 °C and 8 °C, and sox9a expression was higher at 11 and 14 °C. In the second experiment, sox9a expression remained relatively stable, but cyp19a expression decreased with increasing temperature, decreasing significantly after 14 °C. Similar patterns were also observed for VTG expression. These results indicate that lower water temperatures increase cyp19a expression, which increases the female ratio. Higher water temperatures increase sox9a expression, which increases the male ratio. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of the sex-determining genes and the influence of water temperature.
Expression of Talaromyces marneffei acuM and acuK Genes in Gluconeogenic Substrates and Various Iron Concentrations
Authors: Pongpom Monsicha , Amsri Artid , Sukantamala Panwarit , Suwannaphong Phimchat , Jeenkeawpieam Juthatip
Published: July 2020

Talaromyces marneffei is an opportunistic, dimorphic fungal pathogen that causes a disseminated infection in people with a weakened immunological status. The ability of this fungus to acquire nutrients inside the harsh environment of the macrophage phagosome is presumed to contribute to its pathogenicity. The transcription factors AcuM and AcuK are known to regulate gluconeogenesis and iron acquisition in Aspergillus fumigatus. This study demonstrated that they are also involved in both of these processes in the dimorphic fungus T. marneffei. Expression of acuM and acuK genes was determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the cells grown in media containing gluconeogenic substrates and various iron concentrations. We found that the acuM and acuK transcript levels were sequentially reduced when growing the fungus in increasing amounts of iron. The acuM transcript was upregulated in the gluconeogenic condition, while the acuK transcript showed upregulation only in the acetate medium in the yeast phase. These results suggest the involvement of acuM and acuK in gluconeogenesis and iron homeostasis in T. marneffei.
The Criteria of Optimal Training Cost Allocation for Sustainable Value in Aesthetic Medicine Industry
Authors: Lin Tyrone T. , Yen Hui-Tzu
Published: July 2020

Medical disputes that result in medical compensation and losses affect the financial management and sustainable operational risks of enterprises. Employee training plays an important role in the sustainable growth of human resource management and also can help avoid any potential risks to enterprises’ operating revenue. Based on data of a company, this study’s model aims to establish a mathematical model to find the most suitable decision variables in order to provide decision-making analysis and judgment of a company’s individual economic behaviors. From the second-order differential modeling method, where the functional training time of the aesthetic medicine industry (including medical errors/dispute incidences, functional training costs, and medical benefits) links to a specific functional relationship, the optimal decision-making model and evaluation criteria for the proportion of this training time under the concept of sustainable management can be constructed. The method proposed herein reduces medical errors or disputes, strengthens risk and financial management, provides customers with the best service quality, and serves as the basis for decision-making evaluation of the maximum benefits of sustainable operations.
Memetic Cuckoo-Search-Based Optimization in Machining Galvanized Iron
Authors: Kalita Kanak , Ghadai Ranjan Kumar , Cepova Lenka , Shivakoti Ishwer , Bhoi Akash Kumar
Published: July 2020

In this article, an improved variant of the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm named Coevolutionary Host-Parasite (CHP) is used for maximizing the metal removal rate in a turning process. The spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut are considered as the independent parameters that describe the metal removal rate during the turning operation. A data-driven second-order polynomial regression approach is used for this purpose. The training dataset is designed using an L16 orthogonal array. The CHP algorithm is effective in quickly locating the global optima. Furthermore, CHP is seen to be sufficiently robust in the sense that it is able to identify the optima on independent reruns. The CHP predicted optimal solution presents ±10% deviations in the optimal process parameters, which shows the robustness of the optimal solution.
Microstructure, Texture and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Fabricated by High Strain Rate Biaxial Forging
Authors: Wu Yuanzhi , Liu Jizhao , Deng Bin , Ye Tuo , Li Qingfen , Zhou Xiaotao , Zhang Hongji
Published: July 2020

High strain rate biaxial forging (HSRBF) was performed on AZ31 magnesium alloy to an accumulated strain of ΣΔε = 1.32, the related microstructure, texture and mechanical properties were investigated. It was found that the microstructure evolution can be divided into two steps during HSRBF. In the early forging processes, the refinement of the grain is obvious, the size of ~10 μm can be achieved; this can be attributed to the unique mechanisms including the formation of high density twins ({1012} extension twin and {1011}-{1012} secondary twin) and subsequently twining induced DRX (dynamic recrystallization). The thermal activated temperature increases with the increase of accumulated strain and results in the grain growth. Rolling texture is the main texture in the high strain rate biaxial forged (HSRBFed) alloys, the intensity of which decreases with the accumulated strain. Moreover, the basal pole rotates towards the direction of forging direction (FD) after each forging pass, and a basal texture with basal pole inclining at 15–20° from the rolling direction (RD) is formed in the full recrystallized HSRBFed alloys. The grain refinement and tiled texture are attributed to the excellent strength and ductility of HSRMBFed alloys with full recrystallized structure. As the accumulated strain is ΣΔε = 0.88, the HSRMBFed alloy displays an outstanding combination of mechanical properties, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is 331.2 MPa and the elongation is 25.1%.
The Effect of a Taper Angle on Micro-Compression Testing of Mo-B-C Coatings
Authors: Zábranský Lukáš , Bernátová Katarína , Dluhoš Jiří , Váňa Rostislav , Souček Pavel , Vašina Petr , Buršíková Vilma
Published: July 2020

This research was devoted to studying the influence of the taper angle on the micro-compression of micro-pillars fabricated from near-amorphous and nanocrystalline Mo-B-C coatings. A series of micro-pillars with a taper angle between 4–14° was fabricated by focused ion beam technique. The deformation mechanism was found to be dependent on the taper and, also, on the crystallinity of the coating. In order to obtain correct values of yield strength and Young’s modulus, three empirical models of stress correction were experimentally tested, and the results were compared with nanoindentation measurements. It was shown that the average stress correction model provided comparable results with nanoindentation for the yield strength for taper angles up to ~10°. On the other hand, the average radius or area model gave the most precise results for Young’s modulus if the taper angle was <10°.
Floating Ni Capping for High-Mobility p-Channel SnO Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Shin Min-Gyu , Bae Kang-Hwan , Cha Hyun-Seok , Jeong Hwan-Seok , Kim Dae-Hwan , Kwon Hyuck-In
Published: July 2020

We utilized Ni as a floating capping layer in p-channel SnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) to improve their electrical performances. By utilizing the Ni as a floating capping layer, the p-channel SnO TFT showed enhanced mobility as high as 10.5 cm2·V−1·s−1. The increase in mobility was more significant as the length of Ni capping layer increased and the thickness of SnO active layer decreased. The observed phenomenon was possibly attributed to the changed vertical electric field distribution and increased hole concentration in the SnO channel by the floating Ni capping layer. Our experimental results demonstrate that incorporating the floating Ni capping layer on the channel layer is an effective method for increasing the field-effect mobility in p-channel SnO TFTs.
In Vitro Mechanical and Biological Properties of 3D Printed Polymer Composite and β-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Cao Shuaishuai , Han Jonghyeuk , Sharma Neha , Msallem Bilal , Jeong Wonwoo , Son Jeonghyun , Kunz Christoph , Kang Hyun-Wook , Thieringer Florian M.
Published: July 2020

3D printed biomaterials have been extensively investigated and developed in the field of bone regeneration related to clinical issues. However, specific applications of 3D printed biomaterials in different dental areas have seldom been reported. In this study, we aimed to and successfully fabricated 3D poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-tricalcium phosphate (3D-PLGA/TCP) and 3D β-tricalcium phosphate (3D-TCP) scaffolds using two relatively distinct 3D printing (3DP) technologies. Conjunctively, we compared and investigated mechanical and biological responses on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Physicochemical properties of the scaffolds, including pore structure, chemical elements, and compression modulus, were characterized. hDPSCs were cultured on scaffolds for subsequent investigations of biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Our findings indicate that 3D printed PLGA/TCP and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds possessed a highly interconnected and porous structure. 3D-TCP scaffolds exhibited better compressive strength than 3D-PLGA/TCP scaffolds, while the 3D-PLGA/TCP scaffolds revealed a flexible mechanical performance. The introduction of 3D structure and β-TCP components increased the adhesion and proliferation of hDPSCs and promoted osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, 3D-PLGA/TCP and 3D-TCP scaffolds, with the incorporation of hDPSCs as a personalized restoration approach, has a prospective potential to repair minor and critical bone defects in oral and maxillofacial surgery, respectively.
Starlikness Associated with Cosine Hyperbolic Function
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah , Arif Muhammad , Alghamdi Mohammed A. , Hussain Shehzad
Published: July 2020

The main contribution of this article is to define a family of starlike functions associated with a cosine hyperbolic function. We investigate convolution conditions, integral preserving properties, and coefficient sufficiency criteria for this family. We also study the differential subordinations problems which relate the Janowski and cosine hyperbolic functions. Furthermore, we use these results to obtain sufficient conditions for starlike functions connected with cosine hyperbolic function.