bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Technology Adoption on Job Insecurity: A Case Study in Turkish Textile Sector
Authors: EREN Arif Selim , OZYASAR Kevser , TAŞLIYAN Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Due to the global changes in trade and economy, firms need to adopt new technologies in their production processes. This brings unending organizational changes and cause resistance and increase the anxiety on losing jobs. Employees think that they can lose their jobs as newer equipment requires less labor. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between technology adoption and job insecurity in a textile manufacturing factory which has adopted a new production infrastructure in Kahramanmaraş.In order to do so, initially a literature review is conducted and former studies are revised in terms of subject, context, methodology and findings. Later on a questionnaire is adopted from literature and applied to 96 participants (whole labor) from the factory. Statistical analyses are conducted via SPSS and AMOS and the results indicate that the labor of the factory are willing to use the new technology and perceive it useful, however they have the anxiety of losing their jobs. In conclusion some proposals for practitioners, researchers and policy makers are presented.
Bağımsız Denetçinin Eğitim Seviyesi ve Mesleki Tecrübesine Göre Mesleki Bağlılık ve Denetimde Kalite Algı Düzeyi
Authors: HATUNOĞLU Zeynep , KOCA Nurettin
Published: October 2020

Bağımsız denetimde kalite, gerçeğe ve ihtiyaca uygun karşılaştırılabilir finansal bilgilerin kullanıcılara iletilmesi şeklinde ifade edilmektedir. Bağımsız denetçinin mesleki bağlılığı, literatürde denetimde kaliteyi etkileyen faktörlerden biri olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bu çalışma, bağımsız denetçinin mesleki bağlılık ve denetimde kalite algı düzeyinin denetçinin eğitim seviyesi ve mesleki tecrübesine göre farklılık oluşturup oluşturmadığının tespit edilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma, aktif denetim çalışmalarını yürüten bağımsız denetçilere anket yapılması suretiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Anket 355 denetçiye uygulanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 24.0 programından yararlanılmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonucunda, bağımsız denetçinin mesleki bağlılık ve denetimde kalite algı düzeyinin denetçinin eğitim seviyesi ve mesleki tecrübesine göre anlamlı bir farklılık oluşturduğu görülmüştür.
Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca Şiirinde Mistisizm Ve Sezgi
Authors: ŞAMLIOĞLU Kemal
Published: October 2020

Batılılaşmanın önemli kavşak noktalarından biri olan Tanzimat süreci aydın profilin edebiyatçı kimliğiyle kendini sunmasının da zeminini oluşturur. Yüzyıllardır nesilden nesle aktarılan değerlerin yaşadığı kriz, edebiyat sahasına da sirayet etmiş, Tanzimat aydınındaki zihin bulanıklığı başta şiir olmak üzere edebiyat anlayışını da müphemleştirmiştir. Söz konusu müphemlik Batı’nın Doğu üzerindeki tahakküm araçlarından birinin edebiyat oluşundan kaynaklanır. Tanzimat aydını yeni, modern ve çağdaş gördüğü Fransız şiirine yönelirken geleneksel şiirden kolay vazgeçemeyecektir. Batı’dan yeni epistemik alan yüklemeleri yapılırken gelenekten de kendi kavramlarını koruyacak bir direnç alanı oluşur. Bütün bunlar yaşanırken Batı’ya özgü değerleri sahiplenmek belli düzeyde pozitivist bir refleksle ortaya çıkar, geleneği savunmak da onun karşı ucunda yer alan mistisizme sığınma refleksiyle kendini gösterir. İslâmî düşünceye ait kavramlar şiir geleneği üzerinden dağılırken Tanzimat aydınında bu durumun varlığı modern düşünüş tarzına uygun yeni kavramların kapısını aralar. Cumhuriyet dönemine gelindiğinde bu durum, kaynağına dönüş problemi olarak karşımıza çıkar. Modernitenin verileriyle problem yaşayan aydın, varoluşsal değerlere tekrar yönelim gösterir.Tanzimat’la başlayan batılılaşmanın hayatın her alanında başat ögeye dönüştüğü Cumhuriyet döneminin aydın sınıfıyla, mistik yönelim bağlamında ayrışma yaşayan önemli bir şair de Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca’dır. Fazıl Hüsnü şiirinin imge dünyasına ait temel izlekler; onun şiirinin mistik arka plandaki gönderimleri, bir takım felsefî metinler ve referanslarla karşılaştırma olanağı sunacaktır.
Adıyaman’da Bir Kültür Unsuru Olarak Çiğköfte
Authors: ALKAYIŞ M. Fatih , YERLİ Serdal
Published: October 2020

Adıyaman ilinin kültürünü yansıtan belli başlı unsurlar vardır. Bunlardan önde geleni çiğköftedir. Adıyaman’da çiğköfte için aslında “etliköfte” tabiri kullanılmaktadır. Bunun yanında “çiküfţe” şeklinde ağız söyleyişi de mevcuttur. Günümüzde etsiz olarak yapılan ve ticari amaçla satılan çiğköfte türü sonradan ortaya çıkmış olup, gerçek Adıyaman çiğköftesinin tadını vermemektedir. Bu çalışmada, çiğköftenin Adıyaman toplumu nezdindeki yerini, önemini, köklü mazisini ve tüketim sıklığını görsellerle birlikte ortaya koyarken, aynı zamanda bunun yöre için ne denli önemli bir kültür unsuru hâline geldiğini de gözler önüne sermiş olacağız. Çalışmada kullandığımız görseller, Adıyaman’da öteden beri oluşmuş olan çiğköfte kültürünün sarsılmaz önemini tasvir etmesi açısından büyük değer taşımaktadır. Çalışmamızın kapsamı Adıyaman il merkezi ile sınırlıdır. Adıyaman’da çiğköftenin yoğrulması, yenmesi ve arta kalanının değerlendirilmesi birer geleneğe tabi olup, bu durumlarla ilgili özel kavramlar ve ritüeller geliştirilmiştir. Adıyaman’da hemen her önemli gün ve olayda çiğköfteye yer verilmesi, çiğköftenin önemli bir kültür unsuru hâlini aldığını, insanların bu kültürden vazgeçemediklerini ve çiğköftenin Adıyaman insanının yaşantısına yön verdiğini göstermektedir.
Revitalisasi Dan Pelestarian Sumberdaya Air Pada Masyarakat Desa
Authors: Fuady Anies , Amirulloh Andy , Yuspriyono Yuspriyono , Aryanto Andri , Basyiruddin Moh. , Abidin Zainul , Meidiansyah Muhamad Yuma , Maliya Isvaro Amna , Maisyaroh Iud , La Dana Nurlaila , Khoirini Nurul
Published: October 2020

Kearifan lokal sedang menghadapi tantangan yang mengancam eksistensi dikarenakan perkembangan teknologi yang semakin berkembang. Memahami kearifan secara menyeluruh akan menumbuhkan kesadaran bahwa kearifan lokal sangat penting dalam mengelola SDA dan melestarikan lingkungan. Tujuan pengabdian ini adalah untuk merevitalisasi dan melestarikan kearifan lokal masyarakat adat di Desa Tlogosari Kec.Tirtoyudo Jawa Timur. Manfaat pengabdian ini akan digunakan untuk revitalisasi pelestarian kearifan lokal, merevitalisasi nilai-nilai dan norma-norma budaya agar dapat menata kehidupan masyarakat. Model revitalisasi dan pelestarian kearifan lokal dalam mengelola sumberdaya air pada masyarakat yang dilakukan melalui pencarian mata air dan pendukung kearifan local sebagai bagian dari warisan budaya. Revitalisasi dan pelestarian kearifan lokal dalam mengelola sumberdaya air pada masyarakat yang menghasilkan pengelolaan dan pemanfaatan sumberdaya air sebagai urat nadi yang dapat menjamin keberlangsungan kehidupan masyarakatnya.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa Dalam Pembuatan Taman Sebagai Media Pengembangan Desa Wisata
Authors: Cahyanto Bagus , Khasanah Siti Asfirotul , Khausumah Nuril , Rukhoyah Siti Nur , Miftahunnikmah Miftahunnikmah , Diky Kurniyanto Muhamad Irfan , Brata Reza Dewa , Kapsir Kapsir , Taranggana Aji Dinar Supraba , Harianto Harianto , Sabdogati Seto Dhutomangkoro
Published: October 2020

Sumber daya manusia merupakan salah satu faktor penting dalam berbagai bidang, termasuk dalam hal pengelolaan dan pengembangan obyek wisata. Peningkatan sumber daya manusia yang ada didaerah kawasan wisata dapat meningkatkan kemampuan dalam pengelolaan dan pengembangan potensi yang ada didaerah tersebut. Peningkatan sumber daya manusia dapat dilakukan melalui berbagai kegiatan dan program. Oleh karena itu melalui program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini, melakukan pelatihan dan dan pendampingan kepada dua kelompok yaitu karang tarunan dan PKK. Tujuan kegiatan ini yaitu untuk meningkatkan kualitas SDM desa Jogomulyan. Hasil kegiatan peningkatan sumber daya manusia dilakukan melalui pelatihan dan pendampingan kepada dua kelompok karang tarunan dan PKK dengan fokus dan pokok materi tentang: desa wisata. Kegiatan ini mendapat sambutan yang sangat yang baik, dapat dilihat dari antusiasme dan keaktifan peserta. Selain itu keberhasilan kegiatan ini dapat di lihat dari produk taman yang dihasilkan oleh peserta dengan cukup indah dan siap dikunjungi oleh wisatawan.
History of the medical education accreditation system in Korea: implementation and activities in the early stages
Authors: Meng Kwang-ho
Published: October 2020

Following the opening of 12 new medical schools in Korea in the 1980s, standardization and accreditation of medical schools came to the forefront in the early 1990s. To address the medical community’s concerns about the quality of medical education, the Korean Council for University Education and Ministry of Education conducted a compulsory medical school evaluation in 1996 to see whether medical schools were meeting academic standards or not. This evaluation was, however, a norm-referenced assessment, rather than a criterion-referenced assessment. As a result, the Accreditation Board for Medical Education in Korea (ABMEK) was founded in 1998 as a voluntary organization by the medical community. With full support of the Korean medical community, ABMEK completed its 1st cycle of evaluations of all 41 medical schools from 2000 to 2004. In 2004, ABMEK changed its name to the Korean Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation (KIMEE) as a corporate body. After that, the Korean government paid closer attention to its voluntary accreditation activities. In 2014, the Ministry of Education officially recognized the KIMEE as the 1st professional institute for higher education evaluation accreditation. The most important lesson learned from ABMEK/KIMEE is the importance of collaboration among all medical education-related organizations, including the Korean Medical Association.
The Church as a Sacrament in a Time of Pandemic: The Philippine Experience
Authors: Abellanosa Rhoderick John Suarez
Published: October 2020

The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipinos is an essential element in moving forward and surviving in a time of pandemic. Predominantly Roman Catholic in religious affiliation, seeking the face of God has been part of Filipinos' lives whenever a serious disaster would strike.

This essay presents how the clergy, religious and lay communities in the Philippines have innovatively and creatively sustained treasured religious celebrations as a sign of communion and an expression of faith. In addition to online Eucharistic celebrations that are more of a privilege for some, culturally contextualised efforts were made during the Lenten Season and even on Sundays after Easter.

This endeavour ends with a reflection on the Church as the sacrament of God in a time of pandemic. Pushed back to their homes, deprived of life's basic necessities and facing threats of social instability, unemployment and hunger, Filipinos through their innovative celebrations find in their communion with their Church the very presence of God acting significantly in their lives.
Longing for Home: The Impact of COVID-19 on Cambodian Evangelical Life
Authors: Wong Briana
Published: October 2020

In Cambodia, the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis intersected with religious practice this year, as April played host both to the Christian Holy Week and the Cambodian New Year holiday, rooted in Cambodian Buddhism and indigenous religions. Typically, the Cambodian New Year celebration involves the near-complete shutting down of Phnom Penh, allowing for residents of the capital city to spend the New Year with their families in the countryside. Many Christians stay with their parents or other relatives, who remain primarily Theravada Buddhist, in the rural provinces throughout Holy Week, missing Easter Sunday services to participate in New Year's festivities at their ancestral homes. In light of the government's precautionary cancellation of the all-encompassing festivities surrounding the Cambodian New Year this spring, Christians who have previously spent Easter Sunday addressing controversial questions of interreligious interaction notably focused this year, through online broadcasting, on the resurrection of Jesus. In the United States, the near elimination of in-person gatherings has blurred the boundaries between the ministry roles of recognised church leaders and lay Christians, often women, who have long been leading unofficial services and devotionals over the phone and internet. In this article, I argue that the COVID-19 crisis, with its concomitant mass displacement of church communities from the physical to the technological realm, has impacted transnational Cambodian evangelicalism by establishing greater liturgical alignment between churches in Cambodia and in the diaspora, democratising spiritual leadership and increasing opportunities for interpersonal connectedness within the Cambodian evangelical community worldwide.
İklim Değişikliği Çerçevesinde Ankara İli Ana Su Havzaları Gelecek Projeksiyonu: Sakarya ve Batı Karadeniz Havzaları
Authors: KALE Mustafa Murat
Published: October 2020

Bu çalışmada; Sakarya ve Batı Karadeniz havzalarında yer alan Ankara ili su kaynaklarının, küresel iklim değişikliğinden ne düzeyde etkileneceği sorusuna yanıt aranmıştır. Çalışmada IPPC AR4 ve AR5 kapsamında geliştirilmiş senaryo çıktıları ile birlikte uzun dönem yağış ve sıcaklık veri setleri bir arada kullanılmıştır. Regülatör ve barajların yer aldıkları alt havzalarda akışa geçen suyun ana kaynağı özellikle kış ve ilkbahar mevsimlerinde düşen yağışlardır. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre projeksiyon döneminin sonunda, regülatörün yer aldığı alt havzada kış yağışlarında %10’ a varan, ilkbahar yağışlarında ise -%20 ile %10 aralığında değişen anomaliler beklenmektedir. Projeksiyon döneminin sonunda, barajların yer aldığı alt havzalarda kış mevsimi beklenen yağışlarında %10’a varan anomali gerçekleşmesi öngörülmektedir. İlkbahar mevsiminde ise SRESA2 çıktılarına göre %10’a varan, diğer senaryo çıktılarına göre değişen oranlarda negatif yönlü yağış anomalileri beklenmektedir. Projeksiyon döneminin sonunda, gerek regülatörün gerekse barajların yer aldığı alt havzada kış ve ilkbahar mevsimlerine ait ortalama sıcaklıklarda, referans dönem verilerine göre 2°C ila 6°C aralığında anomalilerin gerçekleşmesi öngörülmektedir.
Social Cohesion and Community Displacement in Armed Conflict: Evidence from Palestinian Villages in the 1948 War
Authors: Arnon Daniel , McAlexander Richard , Rubin Michael
Published: October 2020

Why do some communities flee their homes during armed conflict, while others remain and risk exposure to violence? This article investigates whether and how whole communities are forcibly displaced during armed conflict, which we refer to as evacuation. We focus on the form of forced displacement, differentiating between preemptive evacuation (prior to violence exposure) and violent evacuation (in response to violence exposure). We theorize that community social cohesion, by facilitating collective action, enhances communities’ ability to preemptively evacuate and escape violence. We test the theory in the context of the 1948 war in Mandate Palestine. We measure village evacuation drawing upon historical accounts of population displacement during the war and measure community social cohesion using an original village-level dataset based on new archival material from a survey of Arab Palestinian villages during the early 1940s. The findings shed new light on civilian agency in conflict and displacement processes and outcomes.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE USE OF OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) AT E-LEARNING UNIVERSITY AND FACE-TO-FACE UNIVERSITY IN YOGYAKARTA (A CASE STUDY AT UT AND UNY)
Authors: Syafrony Andre
Published: October 2020

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menemukan dan membandingkan tingkat penggunaan Open Educational Resources (OER). Penekanannya adalah pada yang mempengaruhi penggunaan OER dan persepsi tentang penggunaan OER dari dosen E-learning University dan Konvensional (Face To Face teaching) Universitas di kota Yogyakarta. Fokus studi murni melibatkan dua universitas negeri: Universitas Terbuka (UT) sebagai Universitas E-learning dan Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) sebagai Universitas Pembelajaran Tatap Muka. Data dikumpulkan dari sampel 30 responden dari masing-masing universitas menggunakan metode kuesioner. Hasil data menunjukkan bahwa dosen di kedua universitas memiliki keterampilan teknologi ahli, dan keduanya menggunakan sumber daya digital dan OER. Para dosen UT, bagaimanapun, menunjukkan persepsi yang lebih positif tentang penggunaan OER berbeda dengan kuliah sebagai bahan pendukung daripada UNY.
The Strategy for Marker-Assisted Breeding of Anthocyanin-Rich Spring Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars in Western Siberia
Authors: Gordeeva Elena , Shamanin Vladimir , Shoeva Olesya , Kukoeva Tatyana , Morgounov Alexey , Khlestkina Elena
Published: October 2020

In wheat, anthocyanin pigments can be accumulated in pericarp tissues (under control of the Pp genes) resulting in purple-colored grain. In the current study, a strategy, based on the use of molecular and morphological markers, was applied to create purple-grained bread wheat cultivars adapted to the West Siberian region. The breeding scheme started from crossing of recipients (elite cultivars and lines) with donor lines carrying dominant alleles of the complementary genes Pp3 and Pp-D1. The F2 hybrids passed three-step marker-assisted selection, and those having dominant Pp-D1Pp-D1Pp3Pp3 genotypes were backcrossed with the recurrent parents. The desired BC1F2-3 progenies were selected using morphological marker, while BC1F3 also passed through field evaluation. At this stage, 120 lines were selected and planted in individual 1 m2 “breeding nursery (BN) plots” for assessment of heading dates, duration of vegetation period, resistance to powdery mildew, stem and leaf rusts, protein and gluten content, as well as productivity. After these investigations, a total of 17 promising anthocyanin-rich purple-grained lines characterized by multiple resistance and having best yield/quality characteristics were finally candidates for selection of commercial cultivars adapted to the West Siberian climate and suitable for functional food production.
Root and Agro-Morphological Traits Performance in Cowpea under Drought Stress
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Carvalho Márcia , Rosa Eduardo , Carnide Valdemar , Castro Isaura
Published: October 2020

Drought is responsible for major yield losses in many worldwide crops and is expected to occur more frequently due to climate change. Cowpea, one of the most drought tolerant legumes, stands as a promising crop in the future climatic context. The screening for genotypes well adapted to this constraint is an essential step to improve cowpea production. A collection of 29 cowpea genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) from the Iberian Peninsula and 11 other countries from worldwide regions was grown and submitted to drought stress using pipes with 30 cm (control) and 90 cm (stress) of height in which water was supplied through the bottom. A set of root and agro-morphological parameters were evaluated, including shoot and root dry weight, root:shoot ratio and stem greenness. Overall, results show that under drought stress, plants seem to invest in root development and reduce shoot biomass. Higher root dry weight under drought conditions could be related to a higher drought tolerance in cowpea. Based on the evaluated traits, it was possible to identify genotypes, particularly C47 (Iran), C56 and C11 (Portugal), which might represent promising cowpea genetic resources for improved drought tolerance breeding.
Route Planning for Agricultural Machines with Multiple Depots: Manure Application Case Study
Authors: Vahdanjoo Mahdi , Zhou Kun , Sørensen Claus Aage Grøn
Published: October 2020

Capacitated field operations involve input/output material flows where there are capacity constraints in the form of a specific load that a vehicle can carry. As such, a specific normal-sized field cannot be covered in one single operation using only one load, and the vehicle needs to get serviced (i.e., refilling) from out-of-field facilities (depot). Although several algorithms have been developed to solve the routing problem of capacitated operations, these algorithms only considered one depot. The general goal of this paper is to develop a route planning tool for agricultural machines with multiple depots. The tool presented consists of two modules: the first one regards the field geometrical representation in which the field is partitioned into tracks and headland passes; the second one regards route optimization that is implemented by the metaheuristic simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. In order to validate the developed tool, a comparison between a well-known route planning approach, namely B-pattern, and the algorithm presented in this study was carried out. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the B-pattern by up to 20.0% in terms of traveled nonworking distance. The applicability of the tool developed was tested in a case study with seven scenarios differing in terms of locations and number of depots. The results of this study illustrated that the location and number of depots significantly affect the total nonworking traversal distance during a field operation.
Chemical and Biological Properties of Sandy Loam Soil in Response to Long-Term Organic–Mineral Fertilisation in a Warm-Summer Humid Continental Climate
Authors: Jaskulska Iwona , Lemanowicz Joanna , Breza-Boruta Barbara , Siwik-Ziomek Anetta , Radziemska Maja , Dariusz Jaskulski , Białek Mateusz
Published: October 2020

In 2019, 71 years after the establishment of a static fertiliser experiment, the chemical and biological properties of Luvisol soil with sandy-loam grain-size composition were determined. Soil samples were taken from six fertilised treatments: half-dose nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in mineral fertilisers (½ NPK); full-dose nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK); manure fertilisation + nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and liming (FYM NPK Mg Ca); manure + mineral fertilisers without magnesium and liming (FYM NPK); manure + nitrogen and phosphorus (FYM NP); manure + nitrogen and potassium (FYM NK). The soil was tested in two layers at depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm. Soil samples were tested for: pH in 1 M KCl (pH); electrical conductivity (EC); organic carbon content (OC); content of available phosphorus (Pa), potassium (Ka), magnesium (Mga) and sulphate sulphur (S-SO4); total number of bacteria (Bt), cellulolytic microorganisms (Bc), fungi (Ff) and actinomycetes (Ac); and alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and arylsulphatase (ArS) activity. The fertilisation that most favourably affected the chemical and biological properties of the soil was FYM NPK Mg Ca. This fertilisation increased: pH and EC; OC, Ka and Mga contents; Bt and Bc abundance; and AlP activity relative to all the methods of mineral and organic–mineral fertilisation that did not include all the ingredients of mineral fertilisers. On the other hand, the least favourable soil properties were formed by ½ NPK fertilisation in the 0–20 cm layer, and by the long-term use of mineral fertilisers only in the 20–40 cm layer.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)
Authors: Hinarejos Isabel , Machuca Candela , Sancho Paula , Espinós Carmen
Published: October 2020

The syndromes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) encompass a group of invalidating and progressive rare diseases that share the abnormal accumulation of iron in the basal ganglia. The onset of NBIA disorders ranges from infancy to adulthood. Main clinical signs are related to extrapyramidal features (dystonia, parkinsonism and choreoathetosis), and neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Ten NBIA forms are widely accepted to be caused by mutations in the genes PANK2, PLA2G6, WDR45, C19ORF12, FA2H, ATP13A2, COASY, FTL1, CP, and DCAF17. Nonetheless, many patients remain without a conclusive genetic diagnosis, which shows that there must be additional as yet undiscovered NBIA genes. In line with this, isolated cases of known monogenic disorders, and also, new genetic diseases, which present with abnormal brain iron phenotypes compatible with NBIA, have been described. Several pathways are involved in NBIA syndromes: iron and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and autophagy. However, many neurodegenerative conditions share features such as mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, given the bioenergetics requirements of neurons. This review aims to describe the existing link between the classical ten NBIA forms by examining their connection with mitochondrial impairment as well as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Particle Swarm Optimization of a Passivity-Based Controller for Dynamic Positioning of Ships
Authors: Ryalat Mutaz , Salim Damiri Hazem , ElMoaqet Hisham
Published: October 2020

Dynamic positioning (DP) control system is an essential module used in offshore ships for accurate maneuvering and maintaining of ship’s position and heading (fixed location or pre-determined track) by means of thruster forces being generated by controllers. In this paper, an interconnection and damping assignment-passivity based control (IDA-PBC) controller is developed for DP of surface ships. The design of the IDA-PBC controller involves a dynamic extension utilizing the coordinate transformation which adds damping to some coordinates to ensure asymptotic stability and adds integral action to enhance the robustness of the system against disturbances. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is one of the the population-based optimization methods that has gained the attention of the control research communities and used to solve various engineering problems. The PSO algorithm is proposed for the optimization of the IDA-PBC controller. Numerical simulations results with comparisons illustrate the effectiveness of the new PSO-tuned dynamic IDA-PBC controller.
Reverse Electrodialysis: Potential Reduction in Energy and Emissions of Desalination
Authors: Tristán Carolina , Fallanza Marcos , Ibáñez Raquel , Ortiz Inmaculada
Published: October 2020

Salinity gradient energy harvesting by reverse electrodialysis (RED) is a promising renewable source to decarbonize desalination. This work surveys the potential reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions gained from RED integration in 20 medium-to-large-sized seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants spread worldwide. Using the validated RED system’s model from our research group, we quantified the grid mix share of the SWRO plant’s total energy demand and total emissions RED would abate (i) in its current state of development and (ii) if captured all salinity gradient exergy (SGE). Results indicate that more saline and warmer SWRO brines enhance RED’s net power density, yet source availability may restrain specific energy supply. If all SGE were harnessed, RED could supply ~40% of total desalination plants’ energy demand almost in all locations, yet energy conversion irreversibility and untapped SGE decline it to ~10%. RED integration in the most emission-intensive SWRO plants could relieve up to 1.95 kg CO2-eq m−3. Findings reveal that RED energy recovery from SWRO concentrate effluents could bring desalination sector sizeable energy and emissions savings provided future advancements bring RED technology closer to its thermodynamic limit.
A Study of High-Efficiency Laser Headlight Design Using Gradient-Index Lens and Liquid Lens
Authors: Fang Yi-Chin , Tzeng Yih-Fong , Wen Chan-Chuan , Chen Chao-Hsien , Lee Hsiao-Yi , Chang Shun-Hsyung , Su Yi-Lun
Published: October 2020

In the field of vehicle lighting, due to the diode laser, its small size and high energy conversion efficiency, it can be effectively used as the headlight source of high beam. In recent years, it was adopted by European advanced car manufacturers as a new generation of automotive headlight lighting products. The current mature technology on the market is to extend the laser beam by means of reflection and to use a single high-power laser as the light source to meet the needs of surface lighting. In this research, we propose a new integrated optical design for an automotive headlight system with the rod lens, gradient-index lens (GRIN lens) and freeform lens to expand the laser beam. With regard to the diffusion of the beam by reflection and refraction, the liquid lens is used as a switch for the high beam and low beam lights to meet the needs of vehicle lighting functions and to use low-power diode lasers to synthesize the array light source. Compared with the 24-W LED headlight module available in the current market, the energy saved by this proposed optical design can increase efficiency by an average of 33%. The maximum illuminance is 56.6 lux in the high-beam mode, which is 18% higher than the standard value. Let the laser light meet the lighting requirements of regulatory standard values even beyond.
Power Flow Analysis on the Dual Input Transmission Mechanism of Small Wind Turbine Systems
Authors: Lin Ah-Der , Hung Tsung-Pin , Kuang Jao-Hwa , Tsai Hsiu-An
Published: October 2020

A parallel planetary gear train design is proposed to construct the wind turbine system that has double inputs and one output. The proposed system is flexible for the application, which may use a combination of two rotors, as used for horizontal axis or vertical axis wind turbines. The proposed transmission mechanism merges the dual time varied input wind powers to a synchronous generator. The effect of the gear train parameters on the dynamic power flow variation is modeled and simulated for the proposed wind turbine system. Results indicate the proposed planetary gear train system is a feasible and efficient design for its application to wind turbine systems. The dynamic torque equilibrium equations between meshed gear pairs are employed to analyze the dynamic power flow. The nonlinear behavior of a synchronous generator is also included in the modeling. The dynamic responses of the dual input transmission mechanism are simulated using the 4th order Runge–Kutta method. The study also investigates the effect of system parameters used in this wind turbine system (i.e., the wind speed, the magnetic flux synchronous generator, and the inertia of flywheels) on variations in electrical power output.
Effect of Cu, Cr, S Doped TiO2 for Transparent Plastic Bar Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Seo Seung-Hoon , Kim Byoung-Il
Published: October 2020

In this study, after firing and powdering Cu, Cr, and S with NP-400 TiO2, an NOx removal rate test was performed according to the ISO test method to analyze the photocatalytic reactivity in visible light. The distribution of the photocatalyst and visible light reactivity on the surface of the test specimen were confirmed through SEM (Scanning electron microscope), EDS (Energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), UV-visible absorption spectrum and energy band gap tests. The flowability of UHPC (Ultra high performance concrete) slightly decreased due to the increase in the photocatalyst mixing rate, but both J-Ring and L-Box test results showed that there is no problem when concrete is placed. As a result of SEM and EDS tests, good microstructure and peak values were confirmed in the test specimens doped with Cu, and as a result of the XRD test, anatase and rutile peaks were confirmed in the Cu, Cr, and S specimens. In the UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis, it was confirmed that only the specimen doped with Cu maintains a high absorption power of 0.8 up to 700 nm, and the inherent band gaps are reduced to 2.9 eV, thereby increasing the possibility of reaction in visible light. Finally, as a result of the NOx removal test by the ISO test method, about 15.8% was removed for 5 h in the specimen doped with Cu, and the removal efficiency is estimated to be possible up to about 25% when applied with the TPBRC (transparent plastic bar reinforced concrete).
Monitoring Land Cover Change on a Rapidly Urbanizing Island Using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Lin Lili , Hao Zhenbang , Post Christopher J. , Mikhailova Elena A. , Yu Kunyong , Yang Liuqing , Liu Jian
Published: October 2020

Island ecosystems are particularly susceptible to climate change and human activities. The change of land use and land cover (LULC) has considerable impacts on island ecosystems, and there is a critical need for a free and open-source tool for detecting land cover fluctuations and spatial distribution. This study used Google Earth Engine (GEE) to explore land cover classification and the spatial pattern of major land cover change from 1990 to 2019 on Haitan Island, China. The land cover classification was performed using multiple spectral bands (RGB, NIR, SWIR), vegetation indices (NDVI, NDBI, MNDWI), and tasseled cap transformation of Landsat images based on the random forest supervised algorithm. The major land cover conversion processes (transfer to and from) between 1990 and 2019 were analyzed in detail for the years of 1990, 2000, 2007, and 2019, and the overall accuracies ranged from 88.43% to 91.08%, while the Kappa coefficients varied from 0.86 to 0.90. During 1990–2019, other land, cultivated land, sandy land, and water area decreased by 30.70%, 13.63%, 3.76%, and 0.95%, respectively, while forest and built-up land increased by 30.94% and 16.20% of the study area, respectively. The predominant land cover was other land (34.49%) and cultivated land (26.80%) in 1990, which transitioned to forest land (53.57%) and built-up land (23.07%) in 2019. Reforestation, cultivated land reduction, and built-up land expansion were the major land cover change processes on Haitan Island. The spatial pattern of forest, cultivated land, and built-up land change is mainly explained by the implementation of a ‘Grain for Green Project’ and ‘Comprehensive Pilot Zone’ policy on Haitan Island. Policy and human activities are the major drivers for land use change, including reforestation, population growth, and economic development. This study is unique because it demonstrates the use of GEE for continuous monitoring of the impact of reforestation efforts and urbanization in an island environment.
Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Relation to Consumption of Chickpeas and Hummus in the U.S. Population
Authors: Frankenfeld Cara L. , Wallace Taylor C.
Published: October 2020

Chickpeas, a commonly consumed legume, are the main ingredient in traditional hummus. U.S. dietary guidelines recommend consuming 1–1.5 cups of legumes per week. This study aimed to evaluate temporal changes in hummus and chickpea consumption and describe diet and biomarkers of health in U.S. consumers versus non-consumers. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2016) data were used. Dietary intake was collected using two 24-h recalls; age, gender, and poverty-to-income ratio were adjusted in statistical analyses. The proportion of the population who consumed chickpeas or hummus increased significantly over time. Hummus and chickpea consumers were more likely to obtain recommended legume intake. Consumers had significantly increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and decreased added sugars intakes versus non-consumers. Consumers also had lower concentrations of urinary iodine and higher concentrations of serum 4-pyridoxic acid, total vitamin B6, and red blood cell folate. Adults who consumed chickpeas and hummus were 48% and 62% less likely to have metabolic syndrome, respectively. Consuming chickpeas or hummus may be a practical means of improving diet quality and nutritional status. Future work should evaluate whether chronic disease incidence is reduced by chickpea and hummus consumption through better nutrition or lower metabolic syndrome incidence.
Evaluating Land Suitability and Potential Climate Change Impacts on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Production in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Sintayehu , Ayana Essayas K. , Dile Yihun T. , Demissie Teferi , Yimam Yohannes , Girvetz Evan , Aynekulu Ermias , Solomon Dawit , Worqlul Abeyou W.
Published: October 2020

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa with 35 million tropical livestock units. The livestock system relies on natural open grazing which is affected by frequent droughts. However, little research exists that studies the suitability of the biophysical environment for fodder production and the risks due to climate change. The main objectives of the study are to evaluate the potential effects of climate change on land suitability for alfalfa production in Ethiopia and to assess the extent of irrigation requirements for alfalfa growing under the adverse climate change projections. The impact of climate change on land suitability for alfalfa was evaluated using projected changes in rainfall and temperature based on three global circulation models (CCSM4, HadGEM2-AO, and MIROC5). A multi-criteria evaluation in GIS that uses biophysical, climatic and topography factors was applied to identify the suitable land. The highly suitable area under current climate scenarios covered ~472,000 km2, while moderately suitable and marginally suitable covered ~397,000 km2 and ~16,200 km2, respectively. The projected climate alters the suitable land for fodder production across Ethiopia. Expansion of suitable land occurred in the highlands where climate scenarios predict an increase in temperature and precipitation. Dryland regions showed a rainfall deficit for the three model projections. The research provides guidelines for growing alfalfa in Ethiopia considering ecological and climatic variability.
From Classical to Unconventional: The Immune Receptors Facilitating Platelet Responses to Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Gautam Iluja , Storad Zachary , Filipiak Louis , Huss Chadwick , Meikle Claire K. , Worth Randall G. , Wuescher Leah M.
Published: October 2020

Platelets have long been recognized for their role in maintaining the balance between hemostasis and thrombosis. While their contributions to blood clotting have been well established, it has been increasingly evident that their roles extend to both innate and adaptive immune functions during infection and inflammation. In this comprehensive review, we describe the various ways in which platelets interact with different microbes and elicit immune responses either directly, or through modulation of leukocyte behaviors.
Activated Carbons from Fast Pyrolysis Biochar as Novel Catalysts for the Post-Treatment of Pyrolysis Vapors, Studied by Analytical Pyrolysis
Authors: Ohra-aho Taina , Lindfors Christian , Lehtonen Juha , Tamminen Tarja , Siipola Virpi
Published: October 2020

Biochars are attractive materials for carbon catalysts since their carbon content and surface area are relatively high and minerals present in biochar can act as active sites for catalytic reactions. In this study, biochars from the fast pyrolysis of birch, pine, and unbarked willow were activated and acid washed. These materials were tested as catalysts for a post-treatment of pine wood pyrolysis vapors, aiming at stabilizing the vapors before their condensation. All the unmodified biochars had high content of minerals, those being highest in willow due to the bark. After the activation treatments, the surface areas and pore volumes of all biochars significantly increased. All studied biochars and activated carbon catalysts reduced the oxygen content of the pyrolysis degradation products. This effect was more pronounced for compounds derived from polysaccharides vs. lignin. The most promising catalyst for vapor upgrading was unwashed activated carbon from willow, having high surface areas and pore volumes together with high mineral contents. These properties together promoted the high conversion of polysaccharide-derived products (anhydrosugars, acids, and pyrans) into CO2. Release of highly oxidized degradation products may indicate that reductive stabilization takes place via hydrogen migration from the polysaccharide-derivatives to lignin derivatives, mediated by the carbon catalyst.
Rare Germline Genetic Variants and the Risks of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pavanello Marina , Chan Isaac HY , Ariff Amir , Pharoah Paul DP , Gayther Simon A. , Ramus Susan J.
Published: October 2020

A family history of ovarian or breast cancer is the strongest risk factor for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Germline deleterious variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer EOC risks by age 80, of 44% and 17% respectively. The mismatch repair genes, particularly MSH2 and MSH6, are also EOC susceptibility genes. Several other DNA repair genes, BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D, and PALB2, have been identified as moderate risk EOC genes. EOC has five main histotypes; high-grade serous (HGS), low-grade serous (LGS), clear cell (CCC), endometrioid (END), and mucinous (MUC). This review examines the current understanding of the contribution of rare genetic variants to EOC, focussing on providing frequency data for each histotype. We provide an overview of frequency and risk for pathogenic variants in the known susceptibility genes as well as other proposed genes. We also describe the progress to-date to understand the role of missense variants and the different breast and ovarian cancer risks for each gene. Identification of susceptibility genes have clinical impact by reducing disease-associated mortality through improving risk prediction, with the possibility of prevention strategies, and developing new targeted treatments and these clinical implications are also discussed.
CO2 and H2O Coadsorption and Reaction on the Low-Index Surfaces of Tantalum Nitride: A First-Principles DFT-D3 Investigation
Authors: Dzade Nelson Y.
Published: October 2020

A comprehensive mechanistic insight into the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by H2O is indispensable for the development of highly efficient and robust photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis. This work presents first-principles mechanistic insights into the adsorption and activation of CO2 in the absence and presence of H2O on the (001), (010), and (110) surfaces of tantalum nitride (Ta3N5), a photocatalysts of significant technological interest. The stability of the different Ta3N surfaces is shown to dictate the strength of adsorption and the extent of activation of CO2 and H2O species, which bind strongest to the least stable Ta3N5(001) surface and weakest to the most stable Ta3N5(110) surface. The adsorption of the CO2 on the Ta3N5(001), (010), and (110) surfaces is demonstrated to be characterized by charge transfer from surface species to the CO2 molecule, resulting in its activation (i.e., forming negatively charged bent CO2−δ species, with elongated C–O bonds confirmed via vibrational frequency analyses). Compared to direct CO2 dissociation, H2O dissociates spontaneously on the Ta3N5 surfaces, providing the necessary hydrogen source for CO2 reduction reactions. The coadsorption reactions of CO2 and H2O are demonstrated to exhibit the strongest attractive interactions on the (010) surface, giving rise to proton transfer to the CO2 molecule, which causes its spontaneous dissociation to form CO and 2OH− species. These results demonstrate that Ta3N5, a narrow bandgap photocatalyst able to absorb visible light, can efficiently activate the CO2 molecule and photocatalytically reduce it with water to produce value-added fuels.
Involvement of NDPK-B in Glucose Metabolism-Mediated Endothelial Damage via Activation of the Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway and Suppression of O-GlcNAcase Activity
Authors: Chatterjee Anupriya , Eshwaran Rachana , Poschet Gernot , Lomada Santosh , Halawa Mahmoud , Wilhelm Kerstin , Schmidt Martina , Hammes Hans-Peter , Wieland Thomas , Feng Yuxi
Published: October 2020

Our previous studies identified that retinal endothelial damage caused by hyperglycemia or nucleoside diphosphate kinase-B (NDPK-B) deficiency is linked to elevation of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and the activation of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). Herein, we investigated how NDPK-B is involved in the HBP in endothelial cells (ECs). The activities of NDPK-B and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) were measured by in vitro assays. Nucleotide metabolism and O-GlcNAcylated proteins were assessed by UPLC-PDA (Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with Photodiode array detection) and immunoblot, respectively. Re-expression of NDPK-B was achieved with recombinant adenoviruses. Our results show that NDPK-B depletion in ECs elevated UDP-GlcNAc levels and reduced NDPK activity, similar to high glucose (HG) treatment. Moreover, the expression and phosphorylation of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) were induced, whereas OGA activity was suppressed. Furthermore, overall protein O-GlcNAcylation, along with O-GlcNAcylated Ang-2, was increased in NDPK-B depleted ECs. Pharmacological elevation of protein O-GlcNAcylation using Thiamet G (TMG) or OGA siRNA increased Ang-2 levels. However, the nucleoside triphosphate to diphosphate (NTP/NDP) transphosphorylase and histidine kinase activity of NDPK-B were dispensable for protein O-GlcNAcylation. NDPK-B deficiency hence results in the activation of HBP and the suppression of OGA activity, leading to increased protein O-GlcNAcylation and further upregulation of Ang-2. The data indicate a critical role of NDPK-B in endothelial damage via the modulation of the HBP.
Identification of and Associations among Low, Middle, and High Body Composition Trajectories from Age 5- to 17-Years
Authors: Marshall Teresa A. , Curtis Alexandra M. , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Warren John J. , Levy Steven M.
Published: October 2020

Our objective was to identify sex-specific age 5- to 17-year body composition (body mass index (BMI), % body fat, fat mass index, fat-free mass index) trajectories, compare trajectories assigned using age 5 (AGE5) data to those assigned using all available (ALL) data, and compare BMI assignments to other body composition assignments. Cluster analysis was used to identify low, medium, and high trajectories from body composition measures obtained from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 years in a birth cohort followed longitudinally (n = 469). Moderate agreement was observed for comparisons between AGE5 data and ALL data cluster assignments for each body composition measure. Agreement between cluster assignments for BMI and other body composition measures was stronger using ALL data than using AGE5 data. Our results suggest that BMI, % body fat, fat mass index, and fat free mass index trajectories are established during early childhood, and that BMI is a reasonable predictor of body composition appropriate to track obesity in public health and clinical settings.
Application of X-rays Diffraction for Identifying Thin Oxide Surface Layers on Zinc Coatings
Authors: Vourlias George
Published: October 2020

Structural characterization of compound material coatings is usually achieved using time-consuming and destructive techniques such as optical and electrical microscopy, which require the use of grinding processes not always compatible with the material. This paper reports on the effective use of a theoretical model based on X-ray diffraction to calculate the thickness and composition of thin oxide films formed on the surface of zinc coatings. Zinc coatings are widely used in industrial application as protective layers against the atmospheric corrosion of steel substrates. The thickness of single- and multi-layer coatings is estimated using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and various incidence angles. The coatings were grown using hot-dip, pack cementation and thermal spray techniques, and their experimental characteristics were compared to the theoretically predicted values of thickness and composition. The results indicate the formation of a thin zinc oxide film on top of each coating, which acts as an isolation layer and protects the surface of the sample against the environmental corrosion. Finally, the penetration depth of the X-rays into the zinc-based coatings for grazing incidence and Bragg–Brentano X-ray diffraction geometries were calculated using theoretical equations and experimentally confirmed.