bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rozbudowa infrastruktury drogowej, a lokalizacja i rozwój przedsiębiorstw
Authors: Pawlak Piotr
Published: July 2020

Przedstawiona w artykule problematyka wiąże się z występowaniem luki badawczej w zakresie prowadzenia rachunku ekonomicznego skutków powstawania nowej infrastruktury drogowej na lokalizację działalności przedsiębiorstw. Temat został przeanalizowany przez autora ponieważ obecnie przedsiębiorstwa rzadko dokonują szczegółowych obliczeń kosztów transportu, nie mówiąc o określaniu redukcji kosztów danego przedsiębiorstwa związanych z modernizacją lub budową nowej infrastruktury drogowej. Celem badawczym przedstawionym w artykule jest określenie tego wpływu. Inwestycje infrastrukturalne są obecnie niezwykle istotne, zwłaszcza dla rozwoju poszczególnych regionów kraju i przedsiębiorstw tam działających. W prezentowanym artykule autor skupia się na przedsiębiorstwach zlokalizowanych na terenie Polski Wschodniej. Przy obecnym stanie rozwoju infrastruktury drogowej region ten jest nadal słabiej rozwinięty infrastrukturalnie względem pozostałych regionów kraju. Należy dążyć do tego aby jak najszybciej ukończyć szkielet podstawowej sieci infrastruktury drogowej, ponieważ domykanie sieci dróg ekspresowych i autostrad jest czynnikiem mnożnikowym gospodarczego rozwoju regionów. Pierwsza część artykułu przedstawia pokrótce kwestie związane z inwestycjami infrastrukturalnymi i znaczenie czynnika transportu. W drugim rozdziale zaprezentowano rozważania teoretyczne na temat metod rachunku ekonomicznego skutków inwestycji drogowych dla przedsiębiorstw. Ostatnia część artykułu to element empiryczny, w którym opisane zostały reprezentatywne przykłady trzech przedsiębiorstw. Przeprowadzone badania pokazują, że da się określić szczegółowe wartości redukcji kosztów, które są bezpośrednio związane z działalnością danego przedsiębiorstwa oraz budową lub modernizacją infrastruktury drogowej. Wykazana zależność pozwala na tworzenie indywidualnych rekomendacji praktycznych dotyczących działalności przedsiębiorstwa, jego rozwoju czy lokalizacji placówek w związku z rozszerzaniem bądź relokacją działalności.
M&A Post-merger integration – istota i rola dobrze przygotowanego przejęcia
Authors: Klimczak Dawid
Published: July 2020

Ponad połowa fuzji i przejęć kończy się zniszczeniem wartości (value destruction) dla akcjonariuszy. W długim okresie – ponad 5 lat – tylko niektóre fuzjei przejęcia wnoszą wartość dodaną dla obu stron transakcji. Integracja – spółki przejmowanej do aktywów nabywcy po połączeniu – jest jednym z problemów związanych z tworzeniem wartości (value creation) w transakcjach fuzji i przejęć. Większość członków kierownictwa zaangażowanych w proces M&A koncentruje się na procesie badania spółki (due dilligience) lub aspektach proceduralnych „zakupu”. Przygotowanie odpowiedniego planu integracji dla firmy często jest elementem odkładanym na później, a jest on jednym z kluczowych elementów procesu przejęcia. Należy podkreślić, że istnieje szereg kluczowych aspektów, które należy wziąć pod uwagę – od ustalenia celów i wskaźników efektywności dla kadry kierowniczej po zrozumienie „ekosystemu”, w którym działa firma i jej interesariuszy. Komunikacja jest także jednym z wiodących problemów w integracji po fuzji i przejęciach. W ostatnich latach pojawiła się nowa koncepcja tymczasowych menedżerów (interim manager). Osoba odpowiedzialna za projekt integracji bywa nazywana menedżerem integracji (post-M&A manager). Osoba taka może zostać oddelegowana zarówno na stanowisko członka zarządu ds. finansowych jak i operacyjnych czy handlowych. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest wyjaśnienie znaczenia procesu integracji po połączeniu, a także przybliżenie roli menedżera integracji.
TARI BANTENGAN DI DUSUN RANDEGAN, DESA JATIREJO, KABUPATEN MOJOKERTO
Authors: Anam Mohammad Choerul , Mulyatno F. Hari
Published: July 2020

Bantengan Dance is a dance depicting bull animals at war. The name of the Bantengan is taken because it adjusts to the bull animal as the main character in the Bantengan presentation. Based on the explanation above, the issue is formulated Related to the following problems: 1. How is the development of Bantengan dance at Dususn Randegan, Jatirejo village, Mojokerto Regency?, 2. How to form a Bantengan dance in the hamlet of Randegan, Jatirejo village in Mojokerto Regency?. This writing uses Sri Rochana’s opinion Widyastutieningrum that the development is an effort to package and make renewal of better direction and give new breath to the existing arts. The target of research is the issues related to the problems formulated above. This writing uses qualitative research methods that focus on the peculiarities and specificity of the object. This writing data is gathered with library studies, field observations, interviews, documentation, data analysis techniques. Results showed that the development of the form of dance presentation Bantengan want to show the presentation becomes more interesting and still enthused by the supporting community. The development of the Bantengan dance form is influenced by internal factors and external factors. Internal factors are the creativity of artists and leaders. External factors are government, technological developments, people’s outreach, social conditions and other performing arts competition. Keywords: Bantengan dance, development.
UPACARA RITUAL BELIENT SENTIU DAYAK BENUAQ DI KAMPUNG PONAK KECAMATAN SILUQ NGURAI KABUPATEN KUTAI BARAT, KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Nessy Nessy , Rokhim Nur
Published: July 2020

This paper describes the Ritual Belient Dayak Benuaq Ritual Ceremony in Kampung Ponak, Siluq Ngurai District, West Kutai Regency. This writing originated from the writer’s attention to the arts in East Kalimantan, especially in the village of Ponak, especially in the Benuaq Dayak tribe which still holds close to customs amidst the advancing era and rapidly developing medical science. BelientSentiu ritual ceremony in Ponak village is held when there are people who experience pain outside the medical. Rituals are carried out at night before midnight, according to the community if the ritual is carried out before midnight, the presence of ancestral spirits is more easily felt, and allows ritual performers to be able to communicate well with the spirits of the ruler of the upper world and the ruling spirit of the underworld. has a function that can meet the needs of the Benuaq Dayak community. In this ritual there is the Belient Sentiu dance which is a description of ceremonial activities related to the prevailing customary norms and belief in ancestral spirits. Tonyoi Dayak tribe and Benuaq Dayak tribe.ȱ Keywords:ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱǰȱȱǯ
Estrategias de afrontamiento en apoderados durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19
Authors: Mella-Morambuena Javier , López-Angulo Yaranay , Sáez-Delgado Yenniffer , Del Valle Milenko
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN. El brote de COVID-19 ha provocado el autoaislamiento a nivel mundial, producto del período de cuarentena recomendado por instituciones internacionales como la Organización Mundial de la Salud. En consecuencia, la salud mental de las personas podría estar siendo afectada. Para hacer frente a la situación de confinamiento, las estrategias de afrontamiento se vuelven un posible mecanismo. OBJETIVO. Describir el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento en apoderados durante el confinamiento debido a la Pandemia COVID-19. MÉTODO. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo transversal. Los participantes fueron 118 apoderados (responsable legal del estudiante) y se utilizó el instrumento COPE-28 el que fue digitalizado para ser aplicado. RESULTADOS. De las 11 estrategias de afrontamiento medidas, las que destacaron por una mayor frecuencia de uso fueron el apoyo emocional y el desahogo. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES. Este estudio exploratorio se considera un aporte en el contexto nacional y la región latinoamericana, dado que medir e identificar las estrategias de afrontamiento durante la COVID-19 en apoderados pueden ayudar a las instituciones educativas e investigadores a comprender las posibles consecuencias del COVID-19 entre los miembros de las comunidades escolares. Se orientan futuras investigaciones en el área.
A Large-Scale European Union Study of Aircrew Fatigue During Long Night and Disruptive Duties
Authors: Sallinen Mikael , van Dijk Henk , Aeschbach Daniel , Maij Anneloes , Åkerstedt Torbjörn
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: We examined aircrew fatigue during the following flight duty periods (FDPs) mentioned in the European Union (EU) Flight Time Limitations (FTLs): night FDPs longer than 10 h and FDPs typical of disruptive schedules (early starts, late finishes, and nights). An alternative
way of classifying night FDPs was also examined to reveal possible subcategories that warrant special attention.METHODS: A total of 392 aircrew members (96 women) representing 24 airlines participated in the study. Their FDPs were measured by a diary, sleep by the diary and wrist-actigraphy,
and fatigue by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) over 14 consecutive days. The KSS ratings given at top of descent (TOD) served as the main outcome.RESULTS: The probability of high fatigue (KSS ≥ 7) at TOD was 0.41 and 0.32 during long (>10 h) and short night (≤10 h)
FDPs, respectively. The corresponding value was 0.19 for early starts, 0.31 for late finishes, 0.34 for night FDPs, and 0.15 for day FDPs (reference). The main predictors of high fatigue were FDP’s encroachment on the window of circadian low (WOCL, 02:00 h–05:59 h) and prior sleep.
Within the night category, FDPs fully covering the WOCL showed the highest probability of high fatigue at TOD (0.42).DISCUSSION: Late finish and night FDPs warrant special attention in fatigue management. Within the night category, the same holds for FDPs that fully cover the WOCL.
To manage fatigue, adjustments of the FTLs seem to be a limited strategy and therefore other measures, including maximizing preflight sleep, are needed.Sallinen M, van Dijk H, Aeschbach D, Maij A, Åkerstedt T. A large-scale European Union study of aircrew fatigue during long
night and disruptive duties. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):628–635.
The Effect of Using the Lower Limit of Normal 2.5 in Pulmonary Aeromedical Assessments
Authors: Wingelaar-Jagt Yara Q. , Wingelaar Thijs T. , Bülbül Metin , vd Bergh Pijke P. , Frijters Erik , Staudt Erik
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: Many regulations for aeromedical assessments state that a ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) of < 0.7 should be evaluated by a pulmonary specialist. The Global Lung Initiative (GLI) reference
values introduced the lower limit of normal (LLN 2.5), in which the lowest 2.5% of the population is regarded as abnormal, instead of a fixed ratio. This study assesses the impact of adopting GLI reference values on aeromedical evaluation and referrals.METHODS: The Royal Netherlands
Air Force performed 7492 aeromedical assessments between February 2012 and April 2017. Cases with FEV1/FVC < 0.7 from three groups were selected: 1) men < 25 yr; 2) men > 40 yr; and 3) women, with twice as many matched controls. Pearson's Chi-squared and Fisher’s
exact tests were used to analyze the data.RESULTS: From the database, 23 (group 1), 62 (group 2), and 7 (group 3) cases were selected, with 184 controls. Respectively, 17%, 84%, and 29% would not be referred using the GLI. In the controls, this would lead to one additional referral
(group 1). Qualitative analysis of the cases who would not be referred using the GLI showed that no significant diagnoses would have been missed.DISCUSSION: Using the GLI LLN 2.5 reference values for pulmonary function tests leads to significantly fewer referrals to a pulmonary
specialist without missing relevant pulmonary pathology in our aircrew. This would reduce resources spent on the assessment of aircrew without compromising flight safety.Wingelaar-Jagt YQ, Wingelaar TT, Bülbül M, vd Bergh PP, Frijters E, Staudt E. The effect of using the
lower limit of normal 2.5 in pulmonary aeromedical assessments. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):636–640.
Aviation and the Microbiome
Authors: Davis Joshua T. , Uyhelji Hilary A.
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature
review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus,
cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended
consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential
future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally.
Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research
into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.
Reversible Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy During Airplane Travel
Authors: Mikuš Kristina , Tudor Katarina Ivana , Pavliša Goran , Petravić Damir
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Facial baroparesis is reversible palsy of the facial nerve that may occur due to a pressure change in the middle ear when ascending in an airplane or during scuba diving. The objective is to present a rare case of facial paresis during airplane travel.CASE
REPORT: We report a 49-yr-old female patient who presented with a 30-min episode of transient right facial paresis with loss of taste during airplane travel. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small left parietal developmental venous anomaly, extensive inflammation of the
paranasal sinuses, which were almost completely obstructed with thickened mucosa and mastoid cell secretion bilaterally. Nasal decongestants and antibiotics were prescribed. No new neurological signs or symptoms were noticed.DISCUSSION: Reversible facial baroparesis due to the pressure
change in the middle ear should be considered in cases where present medical history includes ascent/airplane takeoff or prolonged diving and should not be mistaken for transitory ischemic attack.Mikuš K, Tudor KI, Pavliša G, Petravić D. Reversible peripheral
facial nerve palsy during airplane travel. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):679–681.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF LONG-TERM MULTI-CUT USE OF GRASS STAND WITH DIFFERENT RIPENING TIMES
Authors: Zhezmer Natalya
Published: July 2020

The data on the economic efficiency of long-term (12–37th years) use of cereal grass stands with different ripening times are presented. With three-cutting technology, the conditionally net income amounted to 17.8–23.7 thousand rubles/hectare, the cost of 1 feed unit was 5.4–6.0 rubles.
The state of knowledge concerning the relationship to knowing in teacher training
Authors: Santos Marquise Meneses , Nascimento Marilene Batista da Cruz , Guedes Josevânia Teixeira
Published: July 2020

This state of knowledge research aims to map the scientific production on the relationship to knowing in teacher training in Brazil, as well as categorize the multiple approaches and perspectives of publications on this theme. Data has been collected from the following academic databases: CAPES (a Brazilian federal government agency that stands for Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), Scopus, SciELO and REPERES (Network of Research on the Relationship to Knowing). This study has originated from skimming titles and abstracts of articles, dissertations and theses whose data have been processed in the light of discursive textual analysis, which involves a cycle of operations that deconstruct a corpus so as to categorize the analysis units. At the end of this stage, the following categories have emerged: school learning, school experience, knowledges (in the plural form) and formative processes. The results disclose the relevance of teachers in the pursuit of a career path with inquisitive attitudes that valorize the Other through a humanistic, dialogic and knowledge-sharing perspective. There is an emergence of Professors/Researchers who reconstruct knowledge, and therefore providing meaning to different knowledges, regardless if these are curricular, disciplinary, professional or experiential. All in all, it has been concluded that the relationship to knowing in teacher training leads to accounting not only for existing difficulties in the process of “learning to learn”, but also for the teacher’s role as mediator between knowledges, the world, his Self and the Other.
Age-Friendly Approaches and Old-Age Exclusion: A Cross-City Analysis
Authors: Buffel Tine , Rémillard-Boilard Samuèle , Walsh Kieran , McDonald Bernard , Smetcoren An-Sofie , De Donder Liesbeth
Published: July 2020

Developing ‘Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC)’ has become a key part of policies aimed at improving the quality of life of older people in urban areas. Despite this development, there is evidence of rising inequalities among urban elders, and little known about the potential and limitations of the age-friendly model to reduce old-age exclusion. This article addresses this research gap by comparing how Brussels, Dublin, and Manchester, as three members of the Global Network of AFCC, have responded to social exclusion in later life. The article combines data from document analysis and stakeholder interviews to examine: first, the age-friendly approach and the goal of reducing social exclusion; and second, barriers to developing age-friendly policies as a means of addressing exclusion. The paper suggests that there are reciprocal benefits in linking age-friendly and social exclusion agendas for producing new ways of combatting unequal experiences of ageing in cities.
Deep Learning Application in Plant Stress Imaging: A Review
Authors: Gao Zongmei , Luo Zhongwei , Zhang Wen , Lv Zhenzhen , Xu Yanlei
Published: July 2020

Plant stress is one of major issues that cause significant economic loss for growers. The labor-intensive conventional methods for identifying the stressed plants constrain their applications. To address this issue, rapid methods are in urgent needs. Developments of advanced sensing and machine learning techniques trigger revolutions for precision agriculture based on deep learning and big data. In this paper, we reviewed the latest deep learning approaches pertinent to the image analysis of crop stress diagnosis. We compiled the current sensor tools and deep learning principles involved in plant stress phenotyping. In addition, we reviewed a variety of deep learning applications/functions with plant stress imaging, including classification, object detection, and segmentation, of which are closely intertwined. Furthermore, we summarized and discussed the current challenges and future development avenues in plant phenotyping.
Evaluating Biochar-Microbe Synergies for Improved Growth, Yield of Maize, and Post-Harvest Soil Characteristics in a Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Ahmad Maqshoof , Wang Xiukang , Hilger Thomas H. , Luqman Muhammad , Nazli Farheen , Hussain Azhar , Zahir Zahir Ahmad , Latif Muhammad , Saeed Qudsia , Malik Hina Ahmed , Mustafa Adnan
Published: July 2020

Arid and semi-arid regions are characterized by high temperature and low rainfall, leading to degraded agricultural soils of alkaline calcareous nature with low organic matter contents. Less availability of indigenous nutrients and efficacy of applied fertilizers are the major issues of crop production in these soils. Biochar application, in combination with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria with the ability to solubilize nutrients, can be an effective strategy for improving soil health and nutrient availability to crops under these conditions. Experiments were planned to evaluate the impact of biochar obtained from different sources in combination with acid-producing, nutrient-solubilizing Bacillus sp. ZM20 on soil biological properties and growth of maize (Zea mays L.) crops under natural conditions. Various biochar treatments, viz. wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw biochar, Egyptian acacia (Vachellia nilotica L.) biochar, and farm-yard manure biochar with and without Bacillus sp. ZM20, were used along with control. Soil used for pot and field trials was sandy loam in texture with poor water holding capacity and deficient in nutrients. Results of the pot trial showed that fresh and dry biomass, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield was significantly improved by application of biochar of different sources with and without Bacillus sp. ZM20. Application of biochar along with Bacillus sp. ZM20 also improved soil biological properties, i.e., soil organic matter, microbial biomass carbon, ammonium, and nitrate nitrogen. It was also observed that a combined application of biochar with Bacillus sp. ZM20 was more effective than a separate application of biochar. The results of wheat straw biochar along with Bacillus sp. ZM20 were better as compared to farm-yard manure biochar and Egyptian acacia biochar. Maximum increase (25.77%) in grain yield was observed in the treatment where wheat straw biochar (0.2%) was applied in combination with Bacillus sp. ZM20. In conclusion, combined application of wheat straw biochar (0.2%) inoculated with Bacillus sp. ZM20 was the most effective treatment in improving the biological soil properties, plant growth, yield, and quality of maize crop as compared to all other treatments.
Evaluation of Preemergence and Postemergence Herbicide Programs on Weed Control and Weed Seed Suppression in Mississippi Peanut (Arachis hypogea)
Authors: Seale John W. , Bararpour Taghi , Bond Jason A. , Gore Jeffrey , Golden Bobby R.
Published: July 2020

Weed control and reducing weed seed deposition to the soil seedbank is a challenging issues for Mississippi peanut producers. Research was established during 2017 and 2018 at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi, to evaluate herbicide programs for weed control and reducing weed seed production in Mississippi peanut production. Treatments were combinations of acetochlor, clethodim, flumioxazin, lactofen, paraquat, and S-metolachlor with their respective adjuvants if needed. Treatments were applied PRE, two to three weeks after emergence (EPOST), and/or four to five weeks after emergence (MPOST). All treatments included a PRE application followed by (fb) application of EPOST and/or MPOST application. Flumioxazin PRE fb lactofen plus clethodim MPOST provided greater than or equal to (≥) 88% control of barnyardgrass, hemp sesbania, Palmer amaranth, pitted morningglory, and prickly sida. Additionally, this treatment reduced total weed seed production 88% compared to the nontreated control. Flumioxazin PRE fb lactofen plus clethodim EPOST fb acetochlor MPOST provided similar weed control and peanut yield as flumioxazin PRE fb lactofen plus clethodim MPOST. This treatment reduced total weed seed production 93%. Treatments containing PRE, EPOST, and MPOST herbicide applications provided the best season-long control of weeds and weed seed suppression in Mississippi peanut.
Analytica—A Journal of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
Authors: Locatelli Marcello , Mandrioli Roberto , Samanidou Victoria , Bocklitz Thomas W.
Published: July 2020

Back in 1894, Wilhelm Ostwald defined analytical chemistry as “the art of recognizing different substances and determining their constituents”, which “occupies a prominent position among the applications of science, since the questions it allows us to answer arise wherever chemical processes are used for scientific or technical purposes” [...]
Review of Livestock Welfare Indicators Relevant for the Australian Live Export Industry
Authors: Fleming Patricia A. , Wickham Sarah L. , Dunston-Clarke Emma J. , Willis Renee S. , Barnes Anne L. , Miller David W. , Collins Teresa
Published: July 2020

Animal welfare is an important issue for the live export industry (LEI), in terms of economic returns, community attitudes and international socio-political relations. Mortality has traditionally been the main welfare measure recorded within the LEI; however, high mortality incidents are usually acted upon after adverse events occur, reducing the scope for proactive welfare enhancement. We reviewed 71 potential animal welfare measures, identifying those measures that would be appropriate for use throughout the LEI for feeder and slaughter livestock species, and categorised these as animal-, environment- and resource-based. We divided the live export supply chain into three sectors: (1) Australian facilities, (2) vessel and (3) destination country facilities. After reviewing the relevant regulations for each sector of the industry, we identified 38 (sector 1), 35 (sector 2) and 26 (sector 3) measures already being collected under current practice. These could be used to form a ‘welfare information dashboard’: a LEI-specific online interface for collecting data that could contribute towards standardised industry reporting. We identified another 20, 25 and 28 measures that are relevant to each LEI sector (sectors 1, 2, 3, respectively), and that could be developed and integrated into a benchmarking system in the future.
Historical Changes and Description of the Current Hungarian Hucul Horse Population
Authors: Posta János , Somogyvári Enikő , Mihók Sándor
Published: July 2020

Gene conservation and management of small populations requires proper knowledge of the background and history of the breed. The aim of the study was the evaluation of population structure and changes of the Hungarian Hucul horse population. Population changes were described for the actual breeding stock as well as for groups of 10-year epochs reflecting major periods of change in the breed. Pedigree data of the registered population were analyzed using Endog and GRain software. The average value of equivalent complete generations was above nine for the actual breeding population. The longest generation interval was the sire-to-daughter pathway. The fe/f ratio had smaller changes than fa/fe ratio across the population history. Inbreeding and average relatedness as well as ancestral coefficients had increased during history. Kalinowski’s decomposition of inbreeding showed that present inbreeding is smaller than it was done earlier during the last 20 years. Due to the continuous imports from other breeder countries, the genetic variability increased during the evaluated time periods.
Redox Imbalances in Ageing and Metabolic Alterations: Implications in Cancer and Cardiac Diseases. An Overview from the Working Group of Cardiotoxicity and Cardioprotection of the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC)
Authors: Mercurio Valentina , Cuomo Alessandra , Cadeddu Dessalvi Christian , Deidda Martino , Di Lisi Daniela , Novo Giuseppina , Manganaro Roberta , Zito Concetta , Santoro Ciro , Ameri Pietro , Spallarossa Paolo , Arboscello Eleonora , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Penna Claudia
Published: July 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a well established risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In addition, several studies indicate that MetS correlates with the increased risk of cancer in adults. The mechanisms linking MetS and cancer are not fully understood. Several risk factors involved in MetS are also cancer risk factors, such as the consumption of high calorie-food or high fat intake, low fibre intake, and sedentary lifestyle. Other common aspects of both cancer and MetS are oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, some anticancer treatments can induce cardiotoxicity, including, for instance, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure (HF), endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. In this review, we analyse several aspects of MetS, cancer and cardiotoxicity from anticancer drugs. In particular, we focus on oxidative stress in ageing, cancer and CV diseases, and we analyse the connections among CV risk factors, cancer and cardiotoxicity from anticancer drugs.
Unraveling the Lipidome and Antioxidant Activity of Native Bifurcaria bifurcata and Invasive Sargassum muticum Seaweeds: A Lipid Perspective on How Systemic Intrusion May Present an Opportunity
Authors: Santos Fábio , Monteiro João P. , Duarte Daniela , Melo Tânia , Lopes Diana , da Costa Elisabete , Domingues Maria Rosário
Published: July 2020

Brown seaweeds are known to present components with appealing bioactive properties eliciting great interest for industrial applications. However, their lipid content is generally disregarded beyond their fatty acid (FA) composition. This study thoroughly characterized the lipid profile of two brown seaweeds collected from Portuguese coast, the native Bifurcaria bifurcata and the invasive Sargassum muticum species, and bioprospecting for antioxidant activity. An integrated state-of-the-art approach including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HILIC–ESI-MS/MS), allowed a comprehensive picture of FA and polar lipid content. Polar lipid profile of B. bifurcata and S. muticum included 143 and 217 lipid species respectively, distributed between glycolipids, phospholipids, and betaine lipids. Some of the lipid species found have been assigned biological activity and contain of n-3 and n-6 FA. Sargassum muticum presented the highest n-3 FA content. Low concentrations of extracts of both seaweeds displayed antioxidant activity, with S. muticum presenting more promising results. These findings contribute to the nutritional and industrial exploitation of both seaweeds, highlighting their relevance as viable sources of bioactive and added-value compounds. Sargassum muticum presented interesting lipid composition and bioactivity, which may represent an accessible opportunity for the exploitation of this invasive seaweed, especially taking advantage of Sargassum blooms.
Lycopene Protects against Smoking-Induced Lung Cancer by Inducing Base Excision Repair
Authors: Cheng Junrui , Miller Baxter , Balbuena Emilio , Eroglu Abdulkerim
Published: July 2020

Background: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in lung cancer progression. Carotenoids are efficient antioxidants. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and carotenoids in cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress within A549 human lung cancer epithelial cells. Methods: A549 cells were pretreated with 1-nM, 10-nM, 100-nM, 1-μM and 10-μM ATRA, β-carotene (BC) and lycopene for 24 h, followed by exposure to cigarette smoke using a smoking chamber. Results: The OxyBlot analysis showed that smoking significantly increased oxidative stress, which was inhibited by lycopene at 1 nM and 10 nM (p < 0.05). In the cells exposed to smoke, lycopene increased 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) expression at 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, and 1 μM (p < 0.05), but not at 10 μM. Lycopene at lower doses also improved Nei like DNA glycosylases (NEIL1, NEIL2, NEIL3), and connexin-43 (Cx43) protein levels (p < 0.05). Interestingly, lycopene at lower concentrations promoted OGG1 expression within the cells exposed to smoke to an even greater extent than the cells not exposed to smoke (p < 0.01). This may be attributed to the increased SR-B1 mRNA levels with cigarette smoke exposure (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Lycopene treatment at a lower dosage could inhibit smoke-induced oxidative stress and promote genome stability. These novel findings will shed light on the molecular mechanism of lycopene action against lung cancer.
A Discrete Hidden Markov Model for SMS Spam Detection
Authors: Xia Tian , Chen Xuemin
Published: July 2020

Many machine learning methods have been applied for short messaging service (SMS) spam detection, including traditional methods such as naïve Bayes (NB), vector space model (VSM), and support vector machine (SVM), and novel methods such as long short-term memory (LSTM) and the convolutional neural network (CNN). These methods are based on the well-known bag of words (BoW) model, which assumes documents are unordered collection of words. This assumption overlooks an important piece of information, i.e., word order. Moreover, the term frequency, which counts the number of occurrences of each word in SMS, is unable to distinguish the importance of words, due to the length limitation of SMS. This paper proposes a new method based on the discrete hidden Markov model (HMM) to use the word order information and to solve the low term frequency issue in SMS spam detection. The popularly adopted SMS spam dataset from the UCI machine learning repository is used for performance analysis of the proposed HMM method. The overall performance is compatible with deep learning by employing CNN and LSTM models. A Chinese SMS spam dataset with 2000 messages is used for further performance evaluation. Experiments show that the proposed HMM method is not language-sensitive and can identify spam with high accuracy on both datasets.
Study on Reverse Logistics Focused on Developing the Collection Signal Algorithm Based on the Sensor Data and the Concept of Industry 4.0
Authors: Sung Si-Il , Kim Young-Sun , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: July 2020

Reverse logistics include all operations related to the reuse of products and materials. In this study, we focus on collection, which is the first operation of reverse logistics, and on the strength of using the sensor data and the concept of Industry 4.0. Previously, the collection activities of electronic wastes (e-wastes) was conducted by a fixed schedule without consideration of the fulfillment level of the collection boxes. However, due to the progress of IoT(internet of things) technology and sensor technology, it is possible to consider the fulfillment level of the collection boxes in order to make the collection schedule. To utilize the sensor data and IoT technology in reverse logistics, a collection signal algorithm is required to treat the rate of fulfilment of collection boxes. However, the collection signal algorithm for the disposal of small and medium (S&M)-sized e-wastes have not yet been developed in South Korea. This study uses a collection box to develop the collection algorithm based on an experimental design method with multiple sensors. The proposed algorithm can be utilized to solve the current collection problems and to save logistics costs. Furthermore, proper collection of e-wastes will lead to more recycling activities, which can further create and sustain a safer environment on Earth.
The Impact of Thermal Treatment on Structural Changes of Teak and Iroko Wood Lignins
Authors: Kačíková Danica , Kubovský Ivan , Ulbriková Nikoleta , Kačík František
Published: July 2020

Thermal modification is an environmentally friendly method to improve dimensional stability, durability, and aesthetic properties of wood. Changes in lignin as one of the main wood components markedly influence wood product properties and recycling possibilities of thermowood at the end of its life cycle. Teak and iroko wood samples were thermally treated at the temperatures of 160 °C, 180 °C and 210 °C following the Thermowood process. Dioxane lignin was isolated from treated and untreated wood and analysed by nitrobenzene oxidation (NBO), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The yields of both acid-insoluble and dioxane lignins increased with an increasing treatment temperature. Dioxane lignins are GS-types containing more guaiacyl units compared to syringyl ones with S/G ratios of 0.91 and 0.84, respectively. In the process of thermal modification, several degradation and condensation reactions were observed. The cleavage of methoxyl groups and side chains, oxidation reactions, cleavage of the β-O-4 ether linkage and cross-linking radicals arising at higher temperatures were all confirmed. However, during the thermal treatment, teak lignin changed in a different way than iroko lignin, e.g., the molecular weight of iroko lignin decreased at all applied temperatures while it increased at 180 °C and 210 °C in teak lignin, and the change in S/G ratio and the cleavage of alkyl-aryl bonds are different in both wood species.
Flat Cross-Shaped Piezoelectric Rotary Motor
Authors: Čeponis Andrius , Mažeika Dalius , Vasiljev Piotr
Published: July 2020

A numerical and experimental investigation of a flat, cross-shaped piezoelectric rotary motor is presented. The design and configuration of the motor allow it to be mounted directly to the printed circuit board or integrated into the other system where mounting space is limited. The design of the motor is based on the cross-shaped stator with 16 piezo ceramic plates, which are glued on it. The rotor is placed at the center of the stator and consists of two hemispheres, a shaft, and a preloading spring. Special clamping of the stator was developed as well. It consists of four V-shaped beam structures that allow it to rigidly clamp the stator with reduced damping effect to vibrations. The operation principle of the motor is based on the first in-plane bending mode of the cross-shaped stator. The motor excitation is performed through four harmonic signals, which have a phase difference of π/2. A numerical investigation of the motor was conducted to optimize the geometrical parameters of the stator and to analyze the displacement characteristics of the contacting point. The prototype of the motor was made, and the electrical, as well as rotation speed characteristics of the motor, were measured. The results of the experimental investigation showed that the motor is able to provide a maximum rotation speed of 972.62 RPM at 200 Vp-p when the preload force of 22.65 mN was applied.
New Software Tool for Modeling and Control of Discrete-Event and Hybrid Systems Using Timed Interpreted Petri Nets
Authors: Kučera Erik , Haffner Oto , Drahoš Peter , Cigánek Ján , Leskovský  Roman , Štefanovič Juraj
Published: July 2020

For the development of modern complex production processes in Industry 4.0, it is appropriate to effectively use advanced mathematical models based on Petri nets. Due to their versatility in modeling discrete-event systems, Petri nets are an important support in creating new platforms for digitized production systems. The main aim of the proposed article is to design a new software tool for modeling and control of discrete-event and hybrid systems using Arduino and similar microcontrollers. To accomplish these tasks, a new tool called PN2ARDUINO based on Petri nets is proposed able to communicate with the microcontroller. Communication with the microcontroller is based on the modified Firmata protocol hence, the control algorithm can be implemented on all microcontrollers that support this type of protocol. The developed software tool was successfully verified in control of laboratory systems. In addition, it can be used for education and research purposes as it offers a graphical environment for designing control algorithms for hybrid and mainly discrete-event systems. The proposed software tool can improve education and practice in cyber-physical systems (Industry 4.0).
Resonant Coupling Effects in a Double-Layer THz Bandpass Filter
Authors: Gao Tao , Huang Feng , Chen Yanqing , Zhu Weilin , Ju Xuewei , Wang Xiangfeng
Published: July 2020

Cascading similar frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) improves the roll-off rate and frequency selectivity of THz bandpass filters. However, resonant coupling between FSS layers causes anomalous transmission peaks. In this work, we have employed an equivalent circuit model to analyze a double-layer FSS structure with periodic cross apertures at different interlayer spacing. We found that the anomalous peaks can be attributed to the resonant coupling between the upper and lower layer FSSs, and their periodic appearance with changing interlayer spacing is related to the half-wavelength repeatability of the circuit. We have fabricated a double-layer FSS sample using femtosecond laser micromachining and measured it using time-domain THz spectroscopy. The results using the equivalent circuit model agree with the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) and experimental results.
An Adaptive Generative Adversarial Network for Cardiac Segmentation from X-ray Chest Radiographs
Authors: Wu Xiaochang , Tian Xiaolin
Published: July 2020

Medical image segmentation is a classic challenging problem. The segmentation of parts of interest in cardiac medical images is a basic task for cardiac image diagnosis and guided surgery. The effectiveness of cardiac segmentation directly affects subsequent medical applications. Generative adversarial networks have achieved outstanding success in image segmentation compared with classic neural networks by solving the oversegmentation problem. Cardiac X-ray images are prone to weak edges, artifacts, etc. This paper proposes an adaptive generative adversarial network for cardiac segmentation to improve the segmentation rate of X-ray images by generative adversarial networks. The adaptive generative adversarial network consists of three parts: a feature extractor, a discriminator and a selector. In this method, multiple generators are trained in the feature extractor. The discriminator scores the features of different dimensions. The selector selects the appropriate features and adjusts the network for the next iteration. With the help of the discriminator, this method uses multinetwork joint feature extraction to achieve network adaptivity. This method allows features of multiple dimensions to be combined to perform joint training of the network to enhance its generalization ability. The results of cardiac segmentation experiments on X-ray chest radiographs show that this method has higher segmentation accuracy and less overfitting than other methods. In addition, the proposed network is more stable.
Additive Manufacturing and Textiles—State-of-the-Art
Authors: Sitotaw Dereje Berihun , Ahrendt Dustin , Kyosev Yordan , Kabish Abera Kechi
Published: July 2020

The application of additive manufacturing, well known as 3D printing, in textile industry is not more totally new. It allows is giving significant increase of the product variety, production stages reduction, widens the application areas of textiles, customization of design and properties of products according to the type of applications requirement. This paper presents a review of the current state-of-the-art, related to complete process of additive manufacturing. Beginning with the design tools, the classical machinery building computer-aided design (CAD) software, the novel non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) based software and parametric created models are reported. Short overview of the materials demonstrates that in this area few thermoplastic materials become standards and currently a lot of research for the application of new materials is going. Three types of 3D printing, depending on the relation to textiles, are identified and reported from the literature—3D printing on textiles, 3D printing of flexible structures and 3D printing with flexible materials. Several applications with all these methods are reported and finally the main advantages and disadvantages of the 3D printing in relation to textile industry are given.
Validation of Five Gas Analysers for Application in Ammonia Emission Measurements at Livestock Houses According to the VERA Test Protocol
Authors: Zhuang Shaojie , Brusselman Eva , Sonck Bart , Demeyer Peter
Published: July 2020

Ammonia emissions are an important issue in livestock production. Many mitigation measures have been proposed in order to reduce the environmental impact of livestock farms, and reliable field measurements are required to evaluate the amount of released or reduced ammonia while applying these measures. Following the guideline of the Verification of Environmental Technologies for Agricultural Production test protocol, five commercially available gas analysers, i.e., INNOVA 1314, Picarro G2103, Rosemount CT5100, Gasmet CX4000, and Axetris LGD F200-A, were validated as alternative methods to the wet-chemistry method (reference method) for measuring ammonia in livestock houses. High correlations ( r > 0.99 ) were found between the analysers and the reference method. The measurement errors of the tested analysers were below 2 ppmv or 10%. Equivalence to the wet-chemistry method was demonstrated for the INNOVA and Rosemount analysers without a recalibration and for the Picarro and Axetris analysers with a recalibration. The Gasmet analyser was seemingly subjected to an interference from carbon-dioxide and, after compensating for the cross-sensitivity, the equivalence to the wet-chemistry method could also be demonstrated. Calibration curves that were based on a certified gas cylinder were inconsistent with that based on wet-chemistry measurements, which suggested that field calibration might be necessary for optimal measurement accuracy.
Investigating Future Urbanization’s Impact on Local Climate under Different Climate Change Scenarios in MEGA-urban Regions: A Case Study of the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Yeung Pak Shing , Fung Jimmy Chi-Hung , Ren Chao , Xu Yong , Huang Kangning , Leng Jiye , Wong Michael Mau-Fong
Published: July 2020

Urbanization is one of the most significant contributing factors to anthropogenic climate change. However, a lack of projected city land use data has posed significant challenges to factoring urbanization into climate change modeling. Thus, the results from current models may contain considerable errors in estimating future climate scenarios. The Pearl River Delta region was selected as a case study to provide insight into how large-scale urbanization and different climate change scenarios impact the local climate. This study adopts projected land use data from freely available satellite imagery and applies dynamic simulation land use results to the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). The simulation periods cover the summer periods in 2010 and 2029–2031, the latter of which is averaged to represent the year 2030. The WRF simulation used the observed local climate conditions in 2010 to represent the current scenario and the projected local climate changes for 2030 as the future scenario. Under all three future climate change scenarios, the warming trend is prominent (around 1–2 °C increase), with a widespread reduction in wind speed in inland areas (1–2 ms−1). The vulnerability of human health to thermal stress was evaluated by adopting the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT). The results from the future scenarios suggest a high public health risk due to rising temperatures in the future. This study provides a methodology for a more comprehensive understanding of future urbanization and its impact on regional climate by using freely available satellite images and WRF simulation tools. The simulated temperature and WBGT results can serve local governments and stakeholders in city planning and the creation of action plans that will reduce the potential vulnerability of human health to excessive heat.