bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low Calorie Diet and Controlled Fasting on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism in Obese Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: MUSIL F. , ŠMAHELOVÁ A. , BLÁHA V. , HYŠPLER R. , TICHÁ A. , LESNÁ J. , ZADÁK Z. , SOBOTKA L.
Published: July 2020

Obesity in T1DM patients is associated with the components of metabolic syndrome. The influence of controlled fasting and low calorie diet (LCD) on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism was studied in 14 obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (42.6±9.4 years, BMI 32.4±2.1 kg m−2). Insulin sensitivity in obese T1DM patients was measured using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp before fasting, immediately after 7 days of fasting, and after 21 days of LCD. Glucose oxidation and non-oxidative glucose disposal were measured before and during the clamp by indirect calorimetry. In the control group of 13 of non-obese T1DM patients (36.9±13.9 years, BMI 22.6±2.1 kg m−2), only one hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed. Obese T1DM patients lost 6.1±1.1 kg after fasting and maintained reduction in body weight after 21 days of LCD. Fasting transiently reduced insulin-mediated glucose disposal in the clamp (from 9.69±1.48 to 6.78±1.21 mg min−1 kg−1, P<0.001). This was caused by reduced glucose oxidation after the fasting period (from 2.81±0.52 to 0.88±0.98 mg min−1 kg−1, P<0.001). We conclude that one week of fasting transiently decreased insulin-mediated glucose disposal in T1DM patients. This was caused by reduced glucose oxidation.
Hearing Function in Heterozygous Carriers of a Pathogenic GJB2 Gene Mutation
Authors: GROH D. , SEEMAN P. , JILEK M. , POPELÁŘ J. , KABELKA Z. , SYKA J.
Published: July 2020

The most frequent hereditary hearing loss is caused by mutations in the GJB2 gene coding for the gap junction beta 2 protein Connexin 26 (Cx26). In contrast to many studies performed in patients with bi-allelic mutations, audiometric studies on heterozygotes are sparse and often contradictory. To evaluate hearing function in heterozygous carriers of the GJB2 c.35delG mutation, audiometry over the extended frequency range and the recording of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), i.e., transient-evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) and distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs), were performed in a group of parents and grandparents of deaf children homozygous for the GJB2 c.35delG mutation. The comparison of audiograms between control and heterozygous subjects was enabled using audiogram normalization for age and sex. Hearing loss, estimated with this procedure, was found to be significantly larger in GJB2 c.35delG heterozygous females in comparison with controls for the frequencies of 8-16 kHz; the deterioration of hearing in heterozygous men in comparison with controls was not statisticaly significant. A comparison of TEOAE responses and DPOAE levels between GJB2 c.35delG heterozygotes and controls did not reveal any significant differences. The results prove the importance of using audiometry over the extended frequency range and audiogram normalization for age and sex to detect minor hearing impairments, even in a relatively small group of subjects of different ages.
SUCCESSFUL LUCERNE GROWING IN INLAND OTAGO
Authors: Douglas M.H. , Brash D.W. , Barratt B.I.P. , Keoghan J.M.
Published: July 2020

Although lucerne substantially outproduces pasture in the 350-800 mm rainfall environment of Central Otago, the area has only been maintained in two counties - Vincent & Lake. In the third, Maniototo, the area has declined. Impeded drainage with wet seasons is considered a cause. The identification of areas suitable for lucerne establishment is aided by a soluble aluminium test of the soil and profile examination. In Central Otago pest incidence is low and disease is only a problem on irrigated lucerne. Lenient management in the autumn and early spring will aid total production. Keywords: establishment, soil-test, pests, disease, management
BREEDING Lotus corniculatus FOR SOUTH ISLAND TUSSOCK COUNTRY
Authors: Widdup K.H. , Keoghan J.M. , Ryan D.L. , Chapman H.
Published: July 2020

Lotus corniculatus introductions and cultivars from Europe, the Mediterranean and North and South America were evaluated for herbage production and morphological characteristics at six sites in the South Island tussock country. The sites constitute a sequence of increasing altitude, soil acidity, infertility, rainfall and cold temperatures. In the dry intermontane basins of Central Otago and the McKenzie Country, material from Portugal, Yugoslavia, Italy and France performed best, with high yields, a wide seasonal spread of production and desirable growth habit. In contrast, on the cold and infertile soils of upland Otago, material from Holland, Sweden, Canada and Russia proved superior by concentrating growth into summer. South American material had some cool season activity, but an erect growth habit and susceptibility to frosting reduced the suitability of this material. The relative merits of Lotus corniculatus compared with red, white and alsike clover, lucerne and Lotus pedunculatus are discussed. Superior plants have been isolated and will be polycrossed to produce lines for progeny testing. Experimental cultivars will be produced by bulking these superior lines for establishment/management studies and on-farm trials. A co-operative effort between research organisations and farmers is envisaged. Keywords: Introductions, adaptation, selection, breeding programme.
SOIL RESOURCES OF CENTRAL OTAGO
Authors: Brash D.W. , Beecroft F.G.
Published: July 2020

The broad soil pattern of Central Otago is outlined. Four soil zones are identified and their climate, vegetation and landscape characteristics given. The paper reviews causes of variation in soil properties at the detailed, farm scale. The highly variable soil pattern on many farms is caused by the wide variations in climate and topography which often occur within short distances in Central Otago. Farmers need to understand the soil pattern on their property to enable them to use soil resources efficiently, particularly with respect to fertiliser use and year-round integration of stock management between different soils of varying agricultural potential. The paper uses a local example to show how important soil chemical, morphological and physical properties can be measured and the resulting information used as the basis of achieving more efficient land use. Keywords: Soil pattern, agricultural production potential, brown-grey earth soils, yellow-grey earth soils, yellow-brown earth soils.
ON-FARM APPLICATIONS OF SOFTWARE IN PLANNING GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Authors: Baars J.A.
Published: July 2020

The microcomputer has sigmficant potential for enhancing farm deciston making in grazing management. The avallability of pasture models in conjunction with feed planning software makes it possible to calculate pasture production characteristics of dllferent areas on the farm. With this Information, and with performance monitoring, each unit can be put to best use as part of the total farm area. With a knowledge of limiting factors production can be increased, or the utilization of resources improved. Implementation of this innovation must occur within the framework of the information system for each farm. An example is given from the Waikato where this informatlon has been used successfully to improve stocking rates and grazing management on the farm. Advantages and limitations of microcomputer technology for implementing these systems are discussed. Keywords: Microcomputers, models, decision making aids, pasture production
NATURAL RESEEDING IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS/WHITE CLOVER DAIRY PASTURES
Authors: L'Huillier P.J. , Aislabie D.W.
Published: July 2020

The extent to which propagation of perennial ryegrass from seed can contribute to sward stability and the influence on this of spring pasture management (seedling competition and seed viability and losses was examined in a replicated plot experiment. Under hard grazing in late spring less than 5% of reproductive tillers reached flowering. Where grazing was restricted during reproductive tiller development to allow reseeding, 80-90% of tillers flowered. Subsequent seedling densities were 20-50 times higher and herbage accumulation during late summer-early winter was 33% greater on plots reseeded than those hard grazed in spring. Farm practices such as hard grazing, topping and possibly silage conservation which remove reproductive tillers before flowering will greatly reduce ryegrass reseeding and may contribute to the poor persistence of ryegrass swards under intensive dairy cattle grazing. Keywords: grassland management, propagation, botanical composition, herbage accumulation, soil, seed dynamics.
COSTS OF SOME WEEDS OF DAIRY PASTURE AND THEIR CONTROL
Authors: Popay I. , Barlow N.
Published: July 2020

Scotch thistle and ragwort are weeds of dairy pastures and are commonly controlled wth broadcast herbicides. Information on the growth habits of populations of these weeds was used to estimate seasonal pasture shading and recovery of populations following herbicide application. These data were then integrated by a Computer model to provlde estimates of the effects of the weeds on milkfat production The economics of using broadcast herbicides for controlling these weeds could then be calculated, taking into account possible harmful effects of some herbicides on pasture clover content. Assuming that lost pasture production is directly proportional to the area covered by weeds, control of Scotch thistle is economic when populations reach one flowering plant per 6 sq m, using MCPB for control in spring. Ragwort is also economic to control but because its control is difficult with pasture-selective herbicides much higher populations can be tolerated. In this work, no account is taken of the poisonous nature of ragwort. Keywords: Scotch thistle. ragwort, MCPB, 2,4-D. weed economics, dairy production. Cirsium vulgare, Senecio jacobaea, dairy model.
THE USE OF SEED PROTEIN BANDING PATTERNS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF PASTURE CULTIVARS
Authors: Forde M.B. , Gardiner S.E.
Published: July 2020

Because of the growing number of pasture cultivars used in NZ and the difficulty of reliably separating cultivars of the same species by morphological characters, seed protein banding patterns have become a useful supplementary means of cultivar identification for the purposes of seed certification and plant variety rights applications. Sodium dodecylsufphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins extracted from ground seed samples produces distinctive patterns of bands representing seed storage proteins of different molecular weights. The procedure can be carried out in two days using viable or dead seed, and the results are not affected by site and season of growth. Although individual seeds of outbreeding species such as perennial ryegrass and white clover produce different banding patterns, the combined population representing the cultivar remains constant unless there has been genetic shift during seed multiplication. Speckes for whrch this procedure is being successfully used include the ryegrasses and fescues, browntop, cocksfoot, bromes, red and white clovers, subterranean clover, serradella and lotus. Even cultrvars as closely related as Nui and Ellett ryegrasses and Huia and Pitau white clovers can be separated by careful work. Because of minor technical differences between runs, all cultivars to be compared must be run on the same gel. Keywords: Seed certification, Plant variety rights, sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW PASTURES ON A WAIKATO DAIRY FARM
Authors: Edgecombe G.A.
Published: July 2020

The present strategy for achieving our production goals consists of growing more total annual DM especially over the critical winter and spring periods. To this end we are undersowing older pastures with high-producing species and converting the extra growth into milkfat, using high quality cows over a 280- to 300-day lactation period. Calving date has been moving earlier to capitalise on the higher winter growth rates recorded from the newer pastures. The choice of renewal method will continue to be made according to the amount of paspalum present in the older pastures with spray being used if the paspalum content exceeds 10%. Glyphosate will also continue to be used if new clover cultivars are included in the seed mixture of the new pastures. Maize silage will continue to be grown, or purchased, to fill feed deficit periods while it is profitable to do so. However, our experience to date, has been that undersowing, even if it has to be repeated annually, is presently the cheapest form of providing additional feed for the cows. Even assuming that the best managements are practised to produce high quality pastures for the lactating cows, I believe that the breeders of new pasture cultivars must place more emphasis on palatibility and digestibility, to enable tomorrow's farmers to achieve still higher milkfat yields (profitably) from fewer and fewer, genetically superior cows. Should these plants perform and persist under the current management abuses to which present-day pastures are subjected, then we are well on the way to a profitable future.
SPECIES, AND FERTILISER EFFICIENCY - A HIGH COUNTRY EXAMPLE
Authors: Scott D. , Robertson J.S. , Burgess R.
Published: July 2020

Species dominance and sheep grazing days relative to fertiliser costs are given for the first 6 years of 2 trials at Lake Tekapo. Both were sown in a multiple species mixture. Trial I examined 27 different annual P and S levels; Trial II examined 30 combinations of 5 superphosphate levels, 3 sheep grazing intensities and 2 stocking methods. Pastures were mostly legume dominant, and species differences were related to P fertiliser and stocking method. Perennial (Russell) lupin (Lupinus poflyphyllus) dominated at all low to medium fertiliser rates, alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) at intermediate rates, and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and white clover (T repens) at high ferttliser rates. The stocking rate achieved was related to both S and P rates. Greatest fertiliser efficiency (returns v. costs) was at low annual rates of 4-5 kg P plus 16-25 kg S/ha. Keywords: lupin, cost-benefit, cocksfoot, alsike clover, phosphate, sulphur, sheep grazing management, fertiltser efficiency.
PERAN PENDIDIKAN DAN PELATIHAN KEPEMIMPINAN BADAN KEPEGAWAIAN DAERAH DALAM RANGKA PENINGKATAN KINERJA PEJABAT STRUKTURAL DI KABUPATEN BANDUNG BARAT PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Adiwilaga Rendy
Published: July 2020

Abstrak

Peningkatan kualitas sumber daya manusia dalam sistem birokrasi pemerintahan, adalah merupakan sebuah keniscayaan demi mendorong mutu pelayanan ke arah yang lebih baik. hadirnya kepemimpinan yang matang, berwawasan dan berpengalaman diharapkan juga mampu mendorong kesatuan birokrasi menuju kinerja yang diharapkan oleh pengguna aparatur. Oleh karena itu Badan Kepegawaian Daerah melalui Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Kepemimpinan mendorong pelaksanaan pembimbingan demi terciptanya sumber daya manusia yang handal. Metode yang digunakan ialah penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif, dimana metode yang digunakan ialah interview secara terstruktur. Penelitian ini kemudian menggunakan pisau analisis teori peran Horoeputri, Arimbi, dan Santosa. Hasilnya, melalui pengkajian peran dari aspek kebijakan, strategi, komunikasi, dan penyelesaian sengketa, dapat di lihat bahwa nyatanya Diklat Kepemimpinan kurang maksimal menjalankan perannya karena ketiadaan produk hukum yang melandasinya, namun peran dalam aspek strategi dan komunikasi telah dijalankan melalui proses koordinasi antar lini yang cukup terstruktur. Hanya sayang, campur tangan dan intervensi lembaga legislatif dalam penempatan Pegawai Negeri Sipil (PNS) untuk menduduki jabatan struktural mencederai mekanisme yang sudah tersusun rapi. Maka dari itu, diharapkan selain diperlukannya inisiatif dari Pemerintah Daerah untuk menelurkan produk hukum, pemerintah daerah juga perlu lebih berani melawan politik transaksional dari oknum legislatif yang terus mendorong lestarinya patologi birokrasi.

Kata kunci: peran, kinerja, pejabat struktural, PNS
Ankara İli Aspir Alanlarında Yeşilkurt [Heliothis peltigera Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]’un Yaygınlığı, Yoğunluğu ve Bulaşma Oranı
Authors: AYTEN Sevgi , ÜLGENTÜRK Selma
Published: July 2020

Ankara ili aspir alanlarında 2018 ve 2019 yıllarında zararlı olan yeşilkurt türünün Heliothis peltigera Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ankara’nın aspir yetiştirilen sekiz ilçesinde, 2018 yılında 1709 da alan 2019 yılında ise 3487 da alanda H. peltigera’ nın yaygınlığı, yoğunluğu ve bulaşma oranı araştırılmıştır. Survey yapılan aspir alanlarından Çubuk ilçesi hariç olmak üzere Haymana, Polatlı, Ayaş, Beypazarı, Gölbaşı, Bala, Elmadağ, Şereflikoçhisar ilçelerindeki aspir tarlalarının tamamında zararlının yaygın olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ankara aspir alanlarında 2018-2019 yıllarında sırasıyla H. peltigera’ nın %96- 98,7 yaygınlık, 0,57- 1,017 adet larva/bitki yoğunluk, %2,5- %79,80 bulaşma oranına sahip olduğu saptanmıştır.
Research on perennial grasses in the field land All-Russian Fodder Research Institute
Authors: Truzina Lyudmila
Published: July 2020

The main directions of research on perennial grasses in the field feed production of the Institute of Feed are disclosed. The analysis was carried out on the main perennial herbs: clover, alfalfa, goat's and cereals.
Crop rotations with clover and their productivity
Authors: Gladysheva Ol'ga , Artyuhova Oksana , Svirina Vera
Published: July 2020

The results of long-term research in experiments with crop rotations with different clover saturation are presented. It is shown that the cluster has a positive effect on the main indicators of vegetation of dark-gray forest soil. The introduction of two fields of perennial grasses into the six-field crop rotation significantly increases both the humus reserves and increases the productivity of arable land by 1.5–2 times compared to the crop rotation with a field of pure steam.
Numerical Investigation of Influence of Entropy Wave on the Acoustic and Wall Heat Transfer Characteristics of a High-Pressure Turbine Guide Vane
Authors: Hu Keqi , Fang Yuanqi , Zheng Yao , Wang Gaofeng , Moreau Stéphane
Published: July 2020

As an indirect noise source generated in the combustion chamber, entropy waves are widely prevalent in modern gas turbines and aero-engines. In the present work, the influence of entropy waves on the downstream flow field of a turbine guide vane is investigated. The work is mainly based on a well-known experimental configuration called LS89. Two different turbulence models are used in the simulations which are the standard k-ω model and the scale-adaptive simulation (SAS) model. In order to handle the potential transition issue, Menter’s ð-Reθ transition model is coupled with both models. The baseline cases are first simulated with the two different turbulence models without any incoming perturbation. Then one forced case with an entropy wave train set at the turbine inlet at a given frequency and amplitude is simulated. Results show that the downstream maximum Mach number is rising from 0.98 to 1.16, because the entropy waves increase the local temperature of the flow field; also, the torque of the vane varies as the entropy waves go through, the magnitude of the oscillation is 7% of the unforced case. For the wall (both suction and pressure side of the vane) heat transfer, the entropy waves make the maximum heat transfer coefficient nearly twice as the large at the leading edge, while the minimum heat transfer coefficient stays at a low level. As for the averaged normalized heat transfer coefficient, a maximum difference of 30% appears between the baseline case and the forced case. Besides, during the transmission process of entropy waves, the local pressure fluctuates with the wake vortex shedding. The oscillation magnitude of the pressure wave at the throat is found to be enhanced due to the inlet entropy wave by applying the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method. Moreover, the transmission coefficient of the entropy waves, and the reflection and transmission coefficients of acoustic waves are calculated.
Oxytetracycline Pharmacokinetics After Intramuscular Administration in Cows with Clinical Metritis Associated with Trueperella Pyogenes Infection
Authors: Mileva Rositsa , Karadaev Manol , Fasulkov Ivan , Petkova Tsvetelina , Rusenova Nikolina , Vasilev Nasko , Milanova Aneliya
Published: July 2020

Systemic therapy with oxytetracycline is often used for treatment of clinical metritis although data about its penetration into the uterus and uterine secretion are lacking. Uterine secretions and milk from six cows with clinical metritis were collected for microbiological assay. The animals were treated intramuscularly with long-acting oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) and samples of plasma, milk and uterine secretions were collected for determination of the antibiotic concentrations by HPLC-PDA analysis. Pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic and in silico prediction of its penetration into the uterus were described. Trueperella pyogenes with MIC values of 16–64 µg mL−1 was isolated (n of cows = 4) from uterine secretions. Oxytetracycline showed fast absorption and penetration in the uterine secretions and milk. No change of withdrawal time for milk was necessitated in cows with clinical metritis. Maximum levels in uterine secretions and predicted concentrations of oxytetracycline in the uterus were lower than MIC values. Systemic administration of long-acting oxytetracycline did not guarantee clinical cure and was not a suitable choice for treatment of clinical metritis associated with Trueperella pyogenes. The appropriate approach to antibiotic treatment of uterine infections of cows requires knowledge on penetration of the antibiotics at the site of infection and sensitivity of pathogens.
Advances in Materials Design for All-Solid-state Batteries: From Bulk to Thin Films
Authors: Yang Gene , Abraham Corey , Ma Yuxi , Lee Myoungseok , Helfrick Evan , Oh Dahyun , Lee Dongkyu
Published: July 2020

All-solid-state batteries (SSBs) are one of the most fascinating next-generation energy storage systems that can provide improved energy density and safety for a wide range of applications from portable electronics to electric vehicles. The development of SSBs was accelerated by the discovery of new materials and the design of nanostructures. In particular, advances in the growth of thin-film battery materials facilitated the development of all solid-state thin-film batteries (SSTFBs)—expanding their applications to microelectronics such as flexible devices and implantable medical devices. However, critical challenges still remain, such as low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes, interfacial instability and difficulty in controlling thin-film growth. In this review, we discuss the evolution of electrode and electrolyte materials for lithium-based batteries and their adoption in SSBs and SSTFBs. We highlight novel design strategies of bulk and thin-film materials to solve the issues in lithium-based batteries. We also focus on the important advances in thin-film electrodes, electrolytes and interfacial layers with the aim of providing insight into the future design of batteries. Furthermore, various thin-film fabrication techniques are also covered in this review.
MOBDA: Microservice-Oriented Big Data Architecture for Smart City Transport Systems
Authors: Asaithambi Suriya Priya R. , Venkatraman Ramanathan , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi
Published: July 2020

Highly populated cities depend highly on intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) for reliable and efficient resource utilization and traffic management. Current transportation systems struggle to meet different stakeholder expectations while trying their best to optimize resources in providing various transport services. This paper proposes a Microservice-Oriented Big Data Architecture (MOBDA) incorporating data processing techniques, such as predictive modelling for achieving smart transportation and analytics microservices required towards smart cities of the future. We postulate key transportation metrics applied on various sources of transportation data to serve this objective. A novel hybrid architecture is proposed to combine stream processing and batch processing of big data for a smart computation of microservice-oriented transportation metrics that can serve the different needs of stakeholders. Development of such an architecture for smart transportation and analytics will improve the predictability of transport supply for transport providers and transport authority as well as enhance consumer satisfaction during peak periods.
Assessment of Cytocompatibility and Anti-Inflammatory (Inter)Actions of Genipin-Crosslinked Chitosan Powders
Authors: Dimida Simona , Santin Matteo , Verri Tiziano , Barca Amilcare , Demitri Christian
Published: July 2020

Chitosan is a polysaccharide commonly used, together with its derivatives, in the preparation of hydrogel formulations, scaffolds and films for tissue engineering applications. Chitosan can be used as such, but it is commonly stabilized by means of chemical crosslinkers. Genipin is one of the crosslinkers that has been considered that is a crystalline powder extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides and processed to obtain an aglycon compound. Genipin is gaining interest in biological applications because of its natural origin and anti-inflammatory actions. In this paper, the ability of chitosan-based materials crosslinked with genipin to exert anti-inflammation properties in applications such as bone regeneration was studied. Powders obtained from chitosan–genipin scaffolds have been tested in order to mimic the natural degradation processes occurring during biomaterials implantation in vivo. The results from osteoblast-like cells showed that specific combinations of chitosan and genipin stimulate high permissiveness towards cells, with higher performance than the pure chitosan. In parallel, evidences from monocyte-like cells showed that the crosslinker, genipin, seems to promote slowing of the monocyte-macrophage transition at morphological level. This suggests a sort of modularity of pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory behavior of our chitosan-based biomaterials. Being both the cell types exposed to microscale powders, as an added value our results bring information on the cell–material interactions in the degradative dynamics of chitosan scaffold structures during the physiological resorption processes.
Potential of Ceria-Zirconia-Based Materials in Carbon Soot Oxidation for Gasoline Particulate Filters
Authors: Aneggi Eleonora , Trovarelli Alessandro
Published: July 2020

ZrO2 and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 mixed oxides were prepared and tested in the oxidation of carbon soot at different oxygen partial pressures and degrees of catalyst/soot contact to investigate their activity under typical gasoline direct injection (GDI) operating conditions. Under reductive atmospheres, generation of oxygen vacancies occurs in Ce0.8Zr0.2O2, while no reduction is observed on ZrO2. Both materials can oxidize carbon under high oxygen partial pressures; however, at low oxygen partial pressures, the presence of carbon can contribute to the reduction of the catalyst and formation of oxygen vacancies, which can then be used for soot oxidation, increasing the overall performance. This mechanism is more efficient in Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 than ZrO2, and depends heavily on the interaction and the degree of contact between soot and catalyst. Thus, the ability to form oxygen vacancies at lower temperatures is particularly helpful to oxidize soot at low oxygen partial pressures, and with higher CO2 selectivity under conditions typically found in GDI engine exhaust gases.
First Insights into Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE and LDPE Microplastics by a Mesoporous N–TiO2 Coating: Effect of Size and Shape of Microplastics
Authors: Llorente-García Brenda Estefanía , Hernández-López Juan Manuel , Zaldívar-Cadena Antonio Alberto , Siligardi Cristina , Cedillo-González Erika Iveth
Published: July 2020

Microplastics (MPs), which are small plastic debris of ≤5 mm size, are polluting the oceans with negative consequences for their biota. In this work, visible-light photocatalysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs in aqueous medium using a mesoporous N–TiO2 coating is proposed as an alternative for fighting MP pollution. Spherical primary HDPE MPs were extracted from commercially available facial scrubs, while film-shaped secondary LDPE MPs were obtained from a plastic bag. For each plastic, two different sizes were tested. Degradation was measured by mass-loss and carbonyl-index (CI) calculation. The results obtained reveal that the photocatalytic degradation of HDPE and LDPE MPs using an N–TiO2 coating was affected by the size and shape of the MPs. Smaller MPs led to higher degradation, while film-shaped MPs led to lower degradation that was related to a poorly illuminated and oxygenated reaction medium. These results set the basis for further investigation on the on the design of more effective photocatalytic-reaction systems for decreasing MP inputs to the environment.
Biocrystals in Plants: A Short Review on Biomineralization Processes and the Role of Phototropins into the Uptake of Calcium
Authors: Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra , Pérez Karina Sandra , Mendoza María Eugenia , Moreno Abel
Published: July 2020

The biomineralization process is a mechanism inherent to all organisms of the Earth. Throughout the decades, diverse works have reported that the origin of life is tied to crystals, specifically to biominerals of silica that catalyzed RNA, and had some influence in the homochirality. Although the mechanism by which crystals surfaces (minerals) gave origin to life has not yet been proven, the truth is that, up to the present, biominerals are being synthetized by the organisms of different kingdoms in two basic ways: biologically induced and biologically controlled biomineralization. Paradoxically, this fact makes a fundamental difference between inorganic materials and those formed by living organisms, as the latter are associated with macromolecules that are bound to the mineral phase. Conserving growth and formation of these biogenic organic crystals inside cells is a fascinating subject that has been studied mainly in some of the kingdoms, like Monera (bacteria), Fungi (yeasts), and Animalia (Homo sapiens). Notwithstanding in the Plantae kingdom, the formation, conservation, and functions of crystals has not yet been completely elucidated and described, which is of particular relevance because life on Earth, as we know it, would not be possible without plants. The aim of the present work is to revise the different crystals of calcium oxalate synthetized inside the cells of plants, as well as to identify the mechanism of their formation and their possible functions in plants. The last part is related to the existence of certain proteins called phototropins, which not only work as the blue-light sensors, but they also play an important role on the accumulation of calcium in vacuoles. This new trend is shortly reviewed to explain the characteristics and their plausible role in the calcium uptake along with the biomineralization processes.
Library of UV-Visible Absorption Spectra of Rare Earth Orthophosphates, LnPO4 (Ln = La-Lu, except Pm)
Authors: Sharma Suchinder K. , Behm Thomas , Köhler Thomas , Beyer Jan , Gloaguen Richard , Heitmann Johannes
Published: July 2020

In recent times, rare earth orthophosphates ( L n PO 4 ) have shown great potential as efficient optical materials. They possess either m o n a z i t e or x e n o t i m e –type structures. These light or heavy rare earth bearing orthophosphates also exhibit an extraordinary stability over geological time scale in nature, ∼10 9 years. In the present contribution, we measure, collect, and present a library of absorption spectra of all the L n PO 4 hosts ( L n = La–Lu, except Pm) using their single crystal samples, to conclude that the observed spectral features for wavelengths longer than 200 nm were attributable to either Ln- or defect related centers, which corroborate the fact that they have a bandgap higher than 8.0 eV. The absorption band around wavelength, 275 nm, corresponds to defect absorption related to PO 3 centers and/or oxygen vacancies. The hosts can potentially be used to study and interpret unperturbed rare earth emissions due to absence of host related absorption above 300 nm. The information presented herein is expected to serve as a library of absorption spectra for geologists, physicists, material scientists, and chemists working in the field of rare earths.
A 100 Gb/s Quad-Lane SerDes Receiver with a PI-Based Quarter-Rate All-Digital CDR
Authors: Hwang Heejae , Kim Jongsun
Published: July 2020

A 100 Gb/s quad-lane SerDes receiver with a phase-interpolator (PI)-based quarter-rate all-digital clock and data recovery (CDR) is presented. The proposed CDR utilizes a multi-phase multiplying delay-locked loop (MDLL) to generate the eight-phase reference clocks, which achieves multi-phase frequency multiplication with a small area and less power consumption. The shared MDLL generates and distributes eight-phase clocks to each CDR. The proposed CDR uses a new initial phase tracker that uses a preamble to achieve a fast lock time of about 12 ns and to provide a constant output data sequence. The CDR utilizes quarter-rate 2x-oversampling architecture, and the PI controller is designed full custom to minimize the loop latency. To improve the dithering jitter performance of the recovered clock, the decimation factor of the CDR can be adjustable. Also, a new continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) receiver was adopted to reduce power consumption and achieved a data rate of 25 Gb/s/lane. The proposed SerDes receiver with a digital CDR is implemented in 40 nm CMOS technology. The 100 Gb/s four-channel SerDes receiver (4 CTLEs + 4 CDRs + MDLL) occupies an active area of only 0.351 mm2 and consumes 241.8 mW, which achieves a high energy efficiency of 2.418 pJ/bit.
Lasers in Passive Optical Networks and the Activation Process of an End Unit: A Tutorial
Authors: Horvath Tomas , Munster Petr , Bao Ning-Hai
Published: July 2020

It is 21 years since the first passive optical network (PON) was standardized as an asynchronous transfer mode passive optical network (APON) with same optical distribution network scheme as we know in current networks. A lot of PON networks were standardized in the following years and became an important part of telecommunication. The general principles of these PON networks are described in many papers and books, but only a little information about used lasers is available. The aim of this tutorial is to describe lasers used in PON networks and principles of their operation. The paper describes the principles of single longitudinal mode (SLM), multi longitudinal mode (MLM), distributed-feedback (DFB), and Fabry–Pérot (FP) lasers. Furthermore, the lasers are compared by their usage in optical line termination (OLT) for passive optical networks. The second part of this tutorial deals with activation process of optical network unit. The described principle is the same for connection of a new customer or blackout scenario. The end unit is not able to communicate until reach the operational state; each state is defined with physical layer operation and administration and maintenance (PLOAM) messages sequence and their processing.
Using Mixed Integer Goal Programming in Final Yield Harvest Planning: A Case Study from the Mediterranean Region of Turkey
Authors: Demirci Mehmet , Yeşil Ahmet , Bettinger Pete
Published: July 2020

A mixed integer goal programming model is developed to address the regeneration planning problems of even-aged forests in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The unique aspect of the goal programming formulation is to minimize deviations in scheduled wood product volumes and the size of harvest areas within each time period, as these are important goals for the management area. About 98% of the forests in Turkey are considered even-aged, and 2% are uneven-aged. Therefore, an age class method is used for the planning of even-aged forests. For the areas where this method is applied, reaching the optimal age class structure is the first priority. This involves implementing final harvests (clearcuts) to regenerate an amount of forest area into each age class. To meet the local market’s needs, forest enterprises also require the final yield to be fairly equal each year. Further, it is desired that the harvest area (regeneration area) is relatively equal each year, to address operational considerations. A linear goal programming model is developed to address the problem. The minimization of deviations from both the harvest area and harvest volume targets are incorporated as goals in the objective function of the model. Several scenarios are solved using the extended version of Lingo 16. A scenario with weights of 0.8 for area and 0.2 for volume produces the best results. Here, the total deviation for 20 years is 3.8 ha in area and 2889 m3 in volume. In the actual regeneration plan, the area deviation for 10 years is 54.72 ha (6.2% of total regeneration area), and the volume deviation is 20,472 m3 (9.8% of harvest volume). The model described through this study can be developed further and integrated into forest management planning software and processes used for the planning of even-aged forests in the Mediterranean region.
Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Selected Properties of Lime (Tilia Cordata Mill.) Wood
Authors: Kusiak Władysław , Majka Jerzy , Ratajczak Izabela , Górska Marta , Zborowska Magdalena
Published: July 2020

The external and internal factors in the tree development process affect wooden structures and properties. They depend on, for example, a plant species, its age, part and growth conditions. The present study investigated the chemical structure and physical properties of the common urban tree species: small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). The properties of trees growing in an urban agglomeration, by a roadside and in a forest, i.e., areas varying in degrees of an environmental stress impact, were compared. Tree-ring width and density, selected hygroscopic properties (sorption hysteresis and isotherms), wood chemical content (percentage content of: holocellulose, cellulose, pentosanes, lignin and substances soluble in 1% NaOH and EtOH) as well as the content of selected chemical elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, K, Na, Mg and Ca) were studied. The analysis of the case shows no impact of the environmental stress on the growth patterns characterized by ring width index (RWI). Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed impact significance of growth environment and cambial age on the content of each of the investigated components and chemical elements. There was a relationship demonstrated that for a tree growing in an agglomeration with the highest environmental stress the content of cellulose and lignin was the lowest, whereas the content of substances soluble in NaOH and EtOH was the highest. For mature wood growing under the same conditions, the results corresponded to the highest Zn, Cu, K, Na, Mg and Ca content. It was also shown that the environmental stress affected hygroscopicity which was the consequence of chemical component percentage content. The research proved that Tilia cordata Mill. responded to environmental stress with alternations in its chemical or/and physical properties.
Recent Crown Thinning in a Boreal Black Spruce Forest Does Not Reduce Spread Rate nor Total Fuel Consumption: Results from an Experimental Crown Fire in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Thompson Dan K. , Schroeder Dave , Wilkinson Sophie L. , Barber Quinn , Baxter Greg , Cameron Hilary , Hsieh Rex , Marshall Ginny , Moore Brett , Refai Razim , Rodell Chris , Schiks Tom , Verkaik Gregory J. , Zerb Jessica
Published: July 2020

A 3.6 ha experimental fire was conducted in a black spruce peatland forest that had undergone thinning the year prior. After 50 m of spread in a natural stand at 35–60 m min−1, the crown fire (43,000 kW m−1 intensity using Byram’s method) encountered the 50% stem removal treatment; spread rates in the treatment were 50–60 m min−1. Fuel consumption in the control (2.75 kg m−2) was comparable to the treatment (2.35 kg m−2). Proxy measurements of fire intensity using in-stand heat flux sensors as well as photogrammetric flame heights had detected intensity reductions to 30–40% of the control. Crown fuel load reductions (compensated by higher surface fuel load) appear to be the most significant contributor to the decline in intensity, despite drier surface fuels in the treatment. The burn depth of 5 cm in moss and organic soil did not differ between control and treatment. These observations point to the limited effectiveness (likely reductions in crown fire intensity but not spread rate) of stem removal in boreal black spruce fuel types with high stem density, low crown base height and high surface fuel load. The observed fire behaviour impacts differ from drier conifer forests across North America.
Stochastic Modelling of Turbulent Flows for Numerical Simulations
Authors: Cintolesi Carlo , Mémin Etienne
Published: July 2020

Numerical simulations are a powerful tool to investigate turbulent flows, both for theoretical studies and practical applications. The reliability of a simulation is mainly dependent on the turbulence model adopted, and improving its accuracy is a crucial issue. In this study, we investigated the potential for an alternative formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations, based on the stochastic representation of the velocity field. The new approach, named pseudo-stochastic simulation (PSS), is a generalisation of the widespread classical eddy–viscosity model, where the contribution of the unresolved scales of motion is expressed by a variance tensor, modelled following different paradigms. The PSS models were compared with the classical ones mathematically and numerically in the turbulent channel flow at R e τ = 590 . The PSS and the classical models are equivalent when the variance tensor is shaped through a molecular dissipation analogy, while it is more accurate when the tensor is defined by the way of a local variance model. A near-wall damping function derived from recent advancement in the field is also proposed and was successfully validated. The analyses demonstrate the relevance of the approach proposed and provide a basis for the development of an alternative turbulence model.
Source to Subject: Fiona Foley’s Evolving Use of Archives
Authors: Tyquiengco Marina
Published: July 2020

Since the 1980s, multidisciplinary artist Fiona Foley has created compelling art referencing her history, Aboriginal art, and her Badtjala heritage. In this brief essay, the author discusses an early series of Foley’s work in relation to ethnographic photography. This series connects to the wider trend of Indigenous artists creating art out of 19th century photographs intended for distribution to non-Indigenous audiences. By considering this earlier series of her work, this text considers Foley’s growth as a truly contemporary artist who uses the past as inspiration, invoking complicated moments of encounter between Europeans and Aboriginal Australians and their afterimages.
Fungal Contaminants in Energy Efficient Dwellings: Impact of Ventilation Type and Level of Urbanization
Authors: Niculita-Hirzel Hélène , Yang Shen , Hager Jörin Corinne , Perret Vincent , Licina Dusan , Goyette Pernot Joëlle
Published: July 2020

The presence of growing fungi in the indoor environment has been associated with the development of respiratory problems such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, as well as the worsening of respiratory pathologies. Their proliferation indoors could be a result of water leakage or inadequate ventilation. Although the factors promoting mould growth have been widely investigated in traditional dwellings, little work has been done in energy efficient dwellings. Here, the effectiveness of ventilation type, i.e., natural or mechanical, in influencing mould development was estimated in 44 recent and 105 retrofitted energy efficient dwellings. Fungi growing on surfaces were investigated in the dwellings situated in rural, peri-urban, and urban regions of Switzerland. The presence of these fungi was also investigated in bedroom settled dust. Information on building characteristics and owners’ lifestyle were collected. Significant associations were found with the level of urbanisation, the location of mouldy area in dwellings, and the diversity of fungal taxa. Dwellings in peri-urban zones showed the most frequent fungal contamination in the owners’ bedroom and the highest diversity of fungal genera among dwellings. While the urbanisation level or the ventilation type favoured no specific genus, we found marked disparities in the diversity of fungi growing on surfaces in naturally ventilated versus mechanically ventilated dwellings. Aspergillus, in particular, was a frequent surface contaminant in bedrooms with natural ventilation, but not in those mechanically ventilated. We observed a strong association between fungal growth on surfaces and the number of fungal particles counted in the settled dust of owners’ bedrooms. These results demonstrate the importance of ventilation systems in energy efficient dwellings in controlling fungal proliferation in living areas.
Basic Psychological Needs, Burnout and Engagement in Sport: The Mediating Role of Motivation Regulation
Authors: De Francisco Cristina , Sánchez-Romero Elisa Isabel , Vílchez Conesa María Del Pilar , Arce Constantino
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the present research was to analyze the mediating role of motivational regulation between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and burnout and engagement in athletes. From different sports 1011 young Spanish athletes participated in the study. Participants completed several measurement instruments concerning: the Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale, Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire and Athlete Engagement Questionnaire. The results of structural equation modeling showed that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs has direct effects on burnout and engagement: a negative effect on athlete burnout (–0.49, p < 0.001) and a positive effect on engagement (0.54, p < 0.001). In addition, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs has a partial indirect effect over these variables in the same direction mediated by the self-determined degree of motivation. Thus, low levels of self-regulated motivation are positively related to burnout, but high levels of self-determined motivation are not. The same was observed with engagement, but vice versa: high levels of self-determined motivation are positively related to athlete engagement, but low levels of self-determined motivation are not. The proposed model explained 37% of the variance of burnout and 51% of the variance of engagement.