bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Inoculation with the Mycorrhizae and Spray with FeSO4 and Anti-Transpirant on Some Growth Characters and Yield of Okra Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench
Authors: Hameed Abood Al-Umrany Hussein , Muastafa Abd-alhussein Al-ubaidy Ridha
Published: June 2019

The present experiment was carried out at one field of the research station (B) belongs to Horticulture Department/College of Agriculture/ Baghdad University during the summer season of 2017 in order to study the effect of the inoculation with the mycorrhizae and spray with FeSO4 and Anti-Transpirant (Armurox) on some growth characters and yield of okra Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench. The experiment was lay out as a factorial experiment (2x3x2) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The total number of treatments was twelve. The three factors of the experiment included; the inoculation with mycorrhizae (M) (0 and 10 g. plant-1), spray with FeSO4 (F) (0, 0.5, and 1g.L-1), and the Anti-Transpirant ‘Armurox’ (A) (0 and 5 ml.L-1). The results showed that the three factors and their interactions had significant effects on most of the growth characters measured. The inoculation with the mycorrhizae was superior in giving higher values of plant height, number of branches and total number of leaves per plant; 139.97 cm, 15.00 branch. plant-1 and 165.85 leaf. plant-1, respectively. The M1F0A0 combination treatment recorded the highest number of branches per plant (16.50) while the M1F2A1 treatment recorded the highest values of plant height (145.66 cm), total leaves number (170.33 leaf. plant-1), leaf area (731.36 dcm-2. plant-1), number of pods (19.20 pod. plant-1), and plant yield (809.40 g. plant-1).
Oligopolistic Competition among Providers in the Telecommunication Industry: The Case of Slovakia
Authors: Valaskova Katarina , Durica Marek , Kovacova Maria , Gregova Elena , Lazaroiu George
Published: June 2019

The issue of the paper is devoted to the oligopolistic market structure, which is a popular form of imperfect competition occurring in the current market economies. The main aim of the paper is to quantify the selected oligopolistic structure of the telecom industry in the Slovak market in the period 2013–2017. We subjected the oligopoly to concentration analysis of the market to quantify and assess the competitive environment in which mobile providers are operating. Market concentration was measured while using specific indicators of market concentration CR2, CR3, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and coefficient of variation, using the information on total revenues of operators, the share of mobile operators on total revenues, number of active customers, and the penetration of SIM cards. The calculated values of the selected market concentration indices in the telecom sector proved that the mobile operators market is highly concentrated. The services that are offered by operators are not identical, and they are differentiated based on price, quality, availability, or the target group of customers. We also identified the entry barriers, which can be categorized to strategic, economic, technical, and time barriers. The Slovak telecom sector is an oligopoly where competitors offer slightly differentiated products; however, the competitive environment in which they operate is highly concentrated and competition needs to be regulated to achieve the sustainable development of the telecommunication sector.
Effects of a Nutritional Supplement on Cognitive Function in Aged Dogs and on Synaptic Function of Primary Cultured Neurons
Authors: Pero Maria Elena , Cortese Laura , Mastellone Vincenzo , Tudisco Raffaella , Musco Nadia , Scandurra Anna , D’Aniello Biagio , Vassalotti Giuseppe , Bartolini Francesca , Lombardi Pietro
Published: June 2019

The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of DìSeniorTM, a nutraceutical formulated to improve cognitive functions in elderly dogs. To this purpose, some clinical and metabolic investigations and a spatial navigation test were performed in treated and untreated dogs. Moreover, the nutraceutical was also tested on primary hippocampal neuron cultures. Results showed no adverse effects on the dogs’ health and a positive effect on learning. In vitro effects on neuron cultures showed an increase in the level of cFOS in treated neurons compared with the vehicle, suggesting that DiSeniorTM has also a positive effect on neuronal functions. Overall, this study suggests that DiSeniorTM can exert a beneficial effect on aged dogs by preventing the negative effects of aging on cognition. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms by which it acts on neurons and the specific effect of the different components alone or combined.
HMT-Controlled Synthesis of Mesoporous NiO Hierarchical Nanostructures and Their Catalytic Role towards the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Ye Songzhong , Guan Xiangfeng
Published: June 2019

In this work, mesoporous nickel oxide (NiO) hierarchical nanostructures were synthesized by a facile approach by hydrothermal reaction and subsequent calcination. The phase structure, microstructure, element composition, surface area, and pore size distribution of the as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique. The precursor of Ni3(NO3)2(OH)4 nanosheet, Ni3(NO3)2(OH)4 microsphere, and Ni(HCO3)2 sub-microsphere was obtained by hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 4 h when the ratio of Ni2+/HMT (hexamethylenetetramine) was 2:1, 1:2, and 1:3, respectively. After calcination at 400 °C for 2 h, the precursors were completely transformed to mesoporous NiO hierarchical nanosheet, microsphere, and sub-microsphere. When evaluated as additives of the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), these NiO nanostructures significantly reduce the decomposition temperature of AP, showing obvious catalytic activity. In particular, NiO sub-microsphere have the best catalytic role, which can reduce the high temperature decomposition (HTD) and low temperature decomposition (LTD) temperature by 75.2 and 19.1 °C, respectively. The synthetic approach can easily control the morphology and pore structure of the NiO nanostructures by adjusting the ratio of Ni2+/HMT in the reactants and subsequent calcination, which avoids using expensive templates or surfactant and could be intended to prepare other transition metal oxide.
Design and Evaluation of a Deformable Sensor for Interstitial Pore Pressure Measurement in Concrete under Very High Stress Level
Authors: Accary Abdallah , Malecot Yann , Daudeville Laurent
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have shown the strong influence of free water saturation ratio on the triaxial behavior of concrete at high confinement. This influence of the free water is usually attributed to a pore pressure effect. This article presents an experimental method aiming at measuring the pore pressure of free water into concrete samples under very high mean stress. Two types of deformable pressure sensors were designed and tested. The first one works in hydrostatic compression while the second one acts as a flexible membrane. The two sensors give comparable results and show that pore pressure may reach several hundred MPa in saturated concrete sample under a maximum 400 MPa hydrostatic compression. Such levels of pressure may explain the loss of shear strength and increase in volumetric stiffness observed on the macroscopic behavior of concrete due to the presence of free water.
Heightened JNK Activation and Reduced XIAP Levels Promote TRAIL and Sunitinib-Mediated Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Models
Authors: Mahalingam Devalingam , Carew Jennifer S. , Espitia Claudia M. , Cool Robbert H. , Giles Francis J. , de Jong Steven , Nawrocki Steffan T.
Published: June 2019

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potent inducer of apoptosis that may be a promising agent in cancer therapy due to its selectivity toward tumor cells. However, many cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL due to defects in apoptosis signaling or activation of survival pathways. We hypothesized that a disruption of pro-survival signaling cascades with the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib would be an effective strategy to enhance TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that sunitinib significantly augments the anticancer activity of TRAIL in models of colon cancer. The therapeutic benefit of the TRAIL/sunitinib combination was associated with increased apoptosis marked by enhanced caspase-3 cleavage and DNA fragmentation. Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic factor B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) in HCT116 cells reduced TRAIL/sunitinib-mediated apoptosis, further supporting that sunitinib enhances the anticancer activity of TRAIL via augmented apoptosis. Analysis of pro-survival factors identified that the combination of TRAIL and sunitinib significantly downregulated the anti-apoptotic protein X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) through a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated mechanism. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of JNK confirmed its key role in the regulation of sensitivity to this combination as cells with suppressed JNK expression exhibited significantly reduced TRAIL/sunitinib-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, the therapeutic benefit of the TRAIL/sunitinib combination was validated in the HCT116-Luc and HCT15 colon cancer xenograft models, which both demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in response to combination treatment. Collectively, our data demonstrate that sunitinib enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by heightened JNK activation, diminished XIAP levels, and augmented apoptosis.
miRNA Predictors of Pancreatic Cancer Chemotherapeutic Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Madurantakam Royam Madhav , Ramesh Rithika , Shanker Ritika , Sabarimurugan Shanthi , Kumarasamy Chellan , Ramesh Nachimuthu , Gothandam Kodiveri Muthukalianan , Baxi Siddharta , Gupta Ajay , Krishnan Sunil , Jayaraj Rama
Published: June 2019

Background: pancreatic cancer (PC) has increasing incidence and mortality in developing countries, and drug resistance is a significant hindrance to the efficacy of successful treatment. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between miRNAs and response to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: the systematic review and meta-analysis was based on articles collected from a thorough search of PubMed and Science Direct databases for publications spanning from January 2008 to December 2018. The articles were screened via a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Data was extracted, collated and tabulated in MS Excel for further synthesis. Hazard ratio (HR) was selected as the effect size metric to be pooled across studies for the meta-analysis, with the random effects model being applied. Subgroup analysis was also conducted, and the presence of publication bias in the selected studies was assessed. Publication bias of the included studies was quantified. Findings: of the 169 articles screened, 43 studies were included in our systematic review and 13 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Gemcitabine was observed to be the principal drug used in a majority of the studies. A total of 48 miRNAs have been studied, and 18 were observed to have possible contributions to chemoresistance, while 15 were observed to have possible contributions to chemosensitivity. 41 drug-related genetic pathways have been identified, through which the highlighted miRNA may be affecting chemosensitivity/resistance. The pooled HR value for overall survival was 1.603; (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2–2.143; p-value: 0.01), with the subgroup analysis for miR-21 showing HR for resistance of 2.061; 95% CI 1.195–3.556; p-value: 0.09. Interpretation: our results highlight multiple miRNAs that have possible associations with modulation of chemotherapy response in pancreatic cancer patients. Further studies are needed to discover the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations before they can be suggested for use as biomarkers of response to chemotherapeutic interventions in pancreatic cancer.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Shaping Air Holes on Atomization Performance in Pneumatic Atomizers
Authors: Li Wentao , Qian Lijuan , Song Shaobo , Zhong Xiaokai
Published: June 2019

In pneumatic atomizers, the shaping air holes play an important role in the spraying system. The pressure and intersection of shaping air holes are the two most important parameters in engineering. In this paper, the Euler–Lagrangian method is used to describe the two-phase spray flow. The spraying process of the pneumatic nozzle is simulated numerically, and the experiment is designed to verify this simulation. By setting different air pressures and distances between the intersection and the paint hole, target surface pressure and droplet size distribution are investigated in detail, in order to explore the relationship between shaping air holes in pneumatic nozzles and overspray. From the results of the numerical simulation, it is found that an increase in the distance between the intersection and the paint hole increases the gas velocity at the central axis of the nozzle and the central pressure of the target surface, the droplet size becomes larger, and the distribution of droplets is more concentrated on the target surface, which easily leads to overspray. With the increase in the pressure of the shaping air holes, the central pressure of the target surface decreases, and the ovality of the spraying pattern on the target surface increases.
A Novel Fabrication of Spherical Fe50Ni50 Alloy Powders via in-Situ De-Wetting of Liquid Solid Interface
Authors: Song Xueyin , Lei Chenglong , Zhong Wei
Published: June 2019

Spherical Fe50Ni50 alloy powders were fabricated via a novel route based on in-situ interface de-wetting between liquid Fe-Ni alloy and alumina. The obtained Fe50Ni50 alloy particles exhibit very good spherical shape according to SEM images. Furthermore, the cross-sectional SEM images show that there are no pores and bulk inclusions in the internal region of the spherical particles. The XRD results show a trace amount of the impurity alumina phase appearing in taenite phase. The size distribution agreed well with the SEM observation confirms that the alumina powders successfully segregated pre-alloy powders. As an incidental benefit, the surface alumina particles were treated as the electrical insulation coatings. The magnetic character shows that spherical Fe50Ni50 powders exhibit a good soft magnetic property even though with a slightly decreasing of saturation magnetization due to non-magnetic coatings. Our strategies provide a method to in-situ fabricate insulation coated Fe-Ni spherical alloy powders as magnetic powder core.
Preparation of Theophylline-Benzoic Acid Cocrystal and On-Line Monitoring of Cocrystallization Process in Solution by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Yaohui , Zhou Ling , Yang Wenchao , Li Yang , Yang Yongfan , Zhang Zaixiang , Wang Chang , Zhang Xia , Yin Qiuxiang
Published: June 2019

Pure theophylline-benzoic acid cocrystal was prepared via slurry and cooling crystallization in solution to overcome the disadvantages of existing preparation methods. The target cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy. The slurry and cooling cocrystallization process in solution was monitored via on-line Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained from on-line Raman monitoring can exhibit the transformation process from raw materials (theophylline and benzoic acid) to cocrystal and show the cocrystal formation rate. Comparing each transformation process under different conditions in slurry crystallization, we found that suspension density of raw materials and temperature both have an impact on the theophylline-benzoic acid cocrystal formation rate. It could be concluded that the cocrystal formation rate increased with the increase of suspension density of raw materials. Further under the same suspension density, higher temperature will accelerate theophylline-benzoic acid cocrystal formation. Meanwhile, various data from the cocrystallization process in cooling crystallization, including nucleation time, nucleation temperature and suitable cooling ending point can be gained from results of on-line Raman monitoring.
Numerical CFD Simulations and Indicated Pressure Measurements on a Sliding Vane Expander for Heat to Power Conversion Applications
Authors: Bianchi Giuseppe , Rane Sham , Fatigati Fabio , Cipollone Roberto , Kovacevic Ahmed
Published: June 2019

The paper presents an extensive investigation of a small-scale sliding vane rotary expander operating with R245fa. The key novelty is in an innovative operating layout, which considers a secondary inlet downstream of the conventional inlet port. The additional intake supercharges the expander by increasing the mass of the working fluid in the working chamber during the expansion process; this makes it possible to harvest a greater power output within the same machine. The concept of supercharging is assessed in this paper through numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations which are validated against experimental data, including the mass flow rate and indicated pressure measurements. When operating at 1516 rpm and between pressures of 5.4 bar at the inlet and 3.2 bar at the outlet, the supercharged expander provided a power output of 325 W. The specific power output was equal to 3.25 kW/(kg/s) with a mechanical efficiency of 63.1%. The comparison between internal pressure traces obtained by simulation and experimentally is very good. However, the numerical model is not able to account fully for the overfilling of the machine. A comparison between a standard and a supercharged configuration obtained by CFD simulation shows that the specific indicated power increases from 3.41 kW/(kg/s) to 8.30 kW/(kg/s). This large power difference is the result of preventing overexpansion by supercharging. Hence, despite the greater pumping power required for the increased flow through the secondary inlet, a supercharged expander would be the preferred option for applications where the weight of the components is the key issue, for example, in transport applications.
Stationary-State Statistics of a Binary Neural Network Model with Quenched Disorder
Authors: Fasoli Diego , Panzeri Stefano
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study the statistical properties of the stationary firing-rate states of a neural network model with quenched disorder. The model has arbitrary size, discrete-time evolution equations and binary firing rates, while the topology and the strength of the synaptic connections are randomly generated from known, generally arbitrary, probability distributions. We derived semi-analytical expressions of the occurrence probability of the stationary states and the mean multistability diagram of the model, in terms of the distribution of the synaptic connections and of the external stimuli to the network. Our calculations rely on the probability distribution of the bifurcation points of the stationary states with respect to the external stimuli, calculated in terms of the permanent of special matrices using extreme value theory. While our semi-analytical expressions are exact for any size of the network and for any distribution of the synaptic connections, we focus our study on networks made of several populations, that we term “statistically homogeneous” to indicate that the probability distribution of their connections depends only on the pre- and post-synaptic population indexes, and not on the individual synaptic pair indexes. In this specific case, we calculated analytically the permanent, obtaining a compact formula that outperforms of several orders of magnitude the Balasubramanian-Bax-Franklin-Glynn algorithm. To conclude, by applying the Fisher-Tippett-Gnedenko theorem, we derived asymptotic expressions of the stationary-state statistics of multi-population networks in the large-network-size limit, in terms of the Gumbel (double exponential) distribution. We also provide a Python implementation of our formulas and some examples of the results generated by the code.
Wind Farm Layout Upgrade Optimization
Authors: Abdulrahman Mamdouh , Wood David
Published: June 2019

The problem of optimally increasing the size of existing wind farms has not been investigated in the literature. In this paper, a proposed wind farm layout upgrade by adding different (in type and/or hub height) commercial turbines to an existing farm is introduced and optimized. Three proposed upgraded layouts are considered: internal grid, external grid, and external unstructured. The manufacturer’s power curve and a general representation for thrust coefficient are used in power and wake calculations, respectively. A simple field-based model is implemented and both offshore and onshore conditions are considered. A genetic algorithm is used for the optimization. The trade-off range between energy production and cost of energy is investigated by considering three objective functions, individually: (1) annual energy production; (2) cost of added energy; and (3) cost of total energy. The proposed upgraded layouts are determined for the Horns Rev 1 offshore wind farm. The results showed a wide range of suitable upgrade scenarios depending on the upgraded layout and the optimization objective. The farm energy production is increased by 190–336% with a corresponding increase in the total cost by 147–720%. The external upgrade offers more energy production but with much more cost. The unstructured layouts showed clear superiority over the grid ones by providing much lower cost of energy.
Research and Application of a Novel Hybrid Model Based on a Deep Neural Network for Electricity Load Forecasting: A Case Study in Australia
Authors: Ni Kailai , Wang Jianzhou , Tang Guangyu , Wei Danxiang
Published: June 2019

Electricity load forecasting plays an essential role in improving the management efficiency of power generation systems. A large number of load forecasting models aiming at promoting the forecasting effectiveness have been put forward in the past. However, many traditional models have no consideration for the significance of data preprocessing and the constraints of individual forecasting models. Moreover, most of them only focus on the forecasting accuracy but ignore the forecasting stability, resulting in nonoptimal performance in practical applications. This paper presents a novel hybrid model that combines an advanced data preprocessing strategy, a deep neural network, and an avant-garde multi-objective optimization algorithm, overcoming the defects of traditional models and thus improving the forecasting performance effectively. In order to evaluate the validity of the proposed hybrid model, the electricity load data sampled in 30-min intervals from Queensland, Australia are used as a case to study. The experiments show that the new proposed model is obviously superior to all other traditional models. Furthermore, it provides an effective technical forecasting means for smart grid management.
Investigation of Temperature Effect on Start-Up Operation from Anaerobic Digestion of Acidified Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Hamzah Muhammad Arif Fikri , Jahim Jamaliah Md , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Asis Ahmad Jaril
Published: June 2019

Malaysia is one of the largest palm oil producers worldwide and its most abundant waste, palm oil mill effluent (POME), can be used as a feedstock to produce methane. Anaerobic digestion is ideal for treating POME in methane production due to its tolerance to high-strength chemical oxygen demand (COD). In this work, we compared the culture conditions during the start-up of anaerobic digestion of acidified POME between thermophilic (55 °C) and mesophilic (37 °C) temperatures. The pH of the digester was maintained throughout the experiment at 7.30 ± 0.2 in a working volume of 1000 mL. This study revealed that the thermophilic temperature stabilized faster on the 44th day compared to the 52nd day for the mesophilic temperature. Furthermore, the thermophilic temperature indicated higher biogas production at 0.60 L- CH 4 /L·d compared to the mesophilic temperature at 0.26 L- CH 4 /L·d. Results from this study were consistent with the COD removal of thermophilic temperature which was also higher than the mesophilic temperature.
O&M Models for Ocean Energy Converters: Calibrating through Real Sea Data
Authors: Bloise Thomaz Tianna , Crooks David , Medina-Lopez Encarni , van Velzen Leonore , Jeffrey Henry , Lopez Mendia Joseba , Rodriguez Arias Raul , Ruiz Minguela Pablo
Published: June 2019

Of the cost centres that combine to result in Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE), O&M costs play a significant part. Several developers have calculated component costs, demonstrating how they can become commercially competitive with other forms of renewable energy. However, there are uncertainties relating to the O&M figures that can only be reduced through lessons learned at sea. This work presents an O&M model calibrated with data from real sea experience of a wave energy device deployed at the Biscay Marine energy Platform (BiMEP): the OPERA O&M Model. Two additional case studies, utilising two other O&M calculation methodologies, are presented for comparison with the OPERA O&M Model. The second case study assumes the inexistence of an O&M model, utilising a Simplified Approach. The third case study applies DTOcean’s (a design tool for ocean energy arrays) O&M module. The results illustrate the potential advantages of utilising real sea data for the calibration and development of an O&M model. The Simplified Approach was observed to overestimate LCOE when compared to the OPERA O&M Model. This work also shows that O&M models can be used for the definition of optimal maintenance plans to assist with OPEX reduction.
Robust Optimal Allocation of Decentralized Reactive Power Compensation in Three-Phase Four-Wire Low-Voltage Distribution Networks Considering the Uncertainty of Photovoltaic Generation
Authors: Lin Shunjiang , He Sen , Zhang Haipeng , Liu Mingbo , Tang Zhiqiang , Jiang Hao , Song Yunong
Published: June 2019

Due to the unbalanced three-phase loads, the single-phase distributed photovoltaic (PV) integration, the long feeders, and the heavy loads in a three-phase four-wire low voltage distribution network (LVDN), the voltage unbalance factor (VUF), the network loss and the voltage deviation are relatively high. Considering the uncertain fluctuation of the PV output and the load power, a robust optimal allocation of decentralized reactive power compensation (RPC) devices model for a three-phase four-wire LVDN is proposed. In this model, the uncertain variables are described as box uncertain sets, the three-phase simultaneous switching capacity and single-phase independent switching capacity of the RPC devices are taken as decision variables, and the objective is to minimize the total power loss of the LVDN under the extreme scenarios of uncertain variables. The bi-level optimization method is used to transform the robust optimization model with uncertain variables into bi-level deterministic optimization models, which could be solved alternately. The nonlinear programming solver IPOPT in the mature commercial software GAMS is adopted to solve the upper and lower deterministic optimization models to obtain a robust optimal allocation scheme of decentralized RPC devices. Finally, the simulation results for an actual LVDN show that the obtained decentralized RPC scheme can ensure that the voltage deviation and the VUF of each bus satisfied the secure operation requirement no matter how the PV output and load power changed within their own uncertain sets, and the network loss could be effectively reduced.
Investigate on a Simplified Multi-Port Interline DC Power Flow Controller and Its Control Strategy
Authors: Wu Wen , Wu Xuezhi , Jing Long , Yin Jingyuan
Published: June 2019

A DC power flow controller (DCPFC) can help to facilitate power flow routing in the multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. Realizing its multi-port output can effectively improve the device regulate range and capability. Based on analysis of the traditional multi-port interline DC power flow controller (MI-DCPFC), this paper presents a switches reduced topology of MI-DCPFC. In addition, for solving the problem of coupling of the port-output voltage of the traditional MI-DCPFC, a novel control strategy based on carrier phase shifting pulse width modulation (CPS-PWM) is proposed. It implements the decoupling of the port-output voltage of MI-DCPFC, which can ensure completely independent tracking of the power flow regulating commands for different controlled lines. Moreover, key relationships between the system state variables are also analyzed and detailed in this study. Finally, the performance of the proposed controller and control strategy are confirmed with the simulation and experiment studies under different conditions.
Combined Environmental and Economic Assessment of Energy Efficiency Measures in a Multi-Dwelling Building
Authors: Ramírez-Villegas Ricardo , Eriksson Ola , Olofsson Thomas
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to assess how different renovation scenarios affect the environmental and economic impacts of a multi-dwelling building in a Nordic climate, how these aspects are correlated and how different energy carriers affect different environmental impact categories. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union has set an agenda in order to reduce energy use in buildings. New buildings on the European market have a low replacement rate, which makes building renovation an important factor for achieving the European Union goals. In this study, eight renovation strategies were analyzed following the European Committee for Standardization standards for life cycle assessment and life cycle costs of buildings. This study covers all life cycle steps from cradle to grave. The renovation scenarios include combinations of photovoltaics, geothermal heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and improved building envelopes. Results show that, depending on the energy carrier, reductions in global warming potential can be achieved at the expense of an increased nuclear waste disposal. It also shows that for the investigated renovation strategies in Sweden there is no correlation between the economic and the environmental performance of the building. Changing energy carriers in Sweden in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can be a good alternative, but it makes the system more dependent on nuclear power.
The Effect of Surface Fire in Savannah Systems in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, on the Backscatter of C-Band Sentinel-1 Images
Authors: Mathieu Renaud , Main Russell , Roy David P. , Naidoo Laven , Yang Hannah
Published: June 2019

Savannahs are mixed woody-grass communities where low-intensity surface fires are common, affecting mostly the grass layer and rarely damaging trees. We investigated the effect of surface fires in a savannah system in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, on the backscatter of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) C-band Sentinel-1A images. Pre-fire and post-fire dual polarized (VH, VV) C-band backscatter values were examined for 30 burn events. For all events, a systematic backscatter decrease from pre-fire to post-fire conditions was observed, with mean backscatter decreases of 1.61 dB and 0.99 dB for VH and VV, respectively. A total of 90% and 75% of the burn events showed a decrease in VH and VV backscatter greater than 0.43 dB, the overall absolute radiometric of Sentinel-1A products. The VH data were, overall, 1.7 times more sensitive to surface fire effects than the VV data. C-band data are likely sensitive to a reduction in grass biomass typical of surface fires, as well as in grass/soil moisture levels. Early season fires had higher backscatter decreases due to greater early season moisture conditions. For region with more than 30% woody cover, the effect of fire on the C-band backscatter was reduced. Denser woody communities tend to produce lower grass fuel load and less intense surface fires, and limit the penetration of C-band microwaves to the ground where most savannah fires and associated effects occur. This research provides evidence that C-band space-borne SAR is sensitive to the effects of surface-level fires in southern African savannahs. The unique availability of frequent and spatially detailed C-band data from the Sentinel-1 SAR constellation provide new opportunities for burned area mapping and systematic monitoring in savannahs systems, for instance, for fine-scale fire propagation studies.
Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae Preparations after Removing the Hydrophobic Fraction Are Effective Alternatives to Fish Meal in Aquaculture Feed for Red Seabream (Pagrus major)
Authors: Hashizume Atsushi , Ido Atsushi , Ohta Takashi , Thiaw Serigne Thierno , Morita Ryusaku , Nishikawa Munenori , Takahashi Takayuki , Miura Chiemi , Miura Takeshi
Published: June 2019

Insects are an attractive alternative to fish meal (FM) as a sustainable protein source in aquaculture feed that does not negatively impact the marine ecosystem. Despite housefly (Musca domestica) larvae having adequacy of amino acid profiles, they have sometimes been reported to be inferior to FM, especially for marine carnivorous fish species. Here, we report that the removal of the hydrophobic fractions from housefly larvae enables significant replacement of FM in the diet of the red seabream (Pagrus major). In a feeding trial, housefly (HF) larvae that had the hydrophobic fraction removed as a complete substitution for 70% FM produced satisfactory growth. However, HF larvae that were supplemented with the hydrophobic fraction resulted in significant growth reduction. Growth recovery was incomplete by supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to undefatted HF larvae, being equivalent to that of fatty acid content with a control diet. Moreover, fish with a dietary intake of catechol identified from the hydrophobic fraction of the HF showed growth reduction and morphological alterations in the intestine. Our findings indicate that the hydrophobic fraction from HF larvae contains a negative factor for fish growth and eliminating the fraction from HF larvae is thought to be an important process for sustainable aquaculture.
Teach Second Law of Thermodynamics via Analysis of Flow through Packed Beds and Consolidated Porous Media
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: June 2019

The second law of thermodynamics is indispensable in engineering applications. It allows us to determine if a given process is feasible or not, and if the given process is feasible, how efficient or inefficient is the process. Thus, the second law plays a key role in the design and operation of engineering processes, such as steam power plants and refrigeration processes. Nevertheless students often find the second law and its applications most difficult to comprehend. The second law revolves around the concepts of entropy and entropy generation. The feasibility of a process and its efficiency are directly related to entropy generation in the process. As entropy generation occurs in all flow processes due to friction in fluids, fluid mechanics can be used as a tool to teach the second law of thermodynamics and related concepts to students. In this article, flow through packed beds and consolidated porous media is analyzed in terms of entropy generation. The link between entropy generation and mechanical energy dissipation is established in such flows in terms of the directly measurable quantities such as pressure drop. Equations are developed to predict the entropy generation rates in terms of superficial fluid velocity, porous medium characteristics, and fluid properties. The predictions of the proposed equations are presented and discussed. Factors affecting the rate of entropy generation in flow through packed beds and consolidated porous media are identified and explained.
The Challenge of the Sponge Suberites domuncula (Olivi, 1792) in the Presence of a Symbiotic Bacterium and a Pathogen Bacterium
Authors: Le Pennec Gaël , Gardères Johan
Published: June 2019

Sponges, which are in close contact with numerous bacteria in prey/predator, symbiotic and pathogenic relationships, must provide an appropriate response in such situations. This starts with a discriminating recognition of the partner either by a physical contact or through secreted molecules or both. We investigated the expression of the Toll-like receptor, Caspase 3/7, Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor-associated factor 6, Bcl-2 homology protein-2 and macrophage expressed genes of axenic sponge cells in the presence of a symbiotic bacterium (Endozoicomonas sp. Hex311), a pathogen bacterium (Pseudoalteromonas sp. 1A1), their exoproducts and lipopolysaccharides. The vast majority of answers are in line with what could be observed with the symbiotic bacterium. The pathogenic bacterium seems to profit from the eukaryotic cell: suppression of the production of the antibacterial compound, inhibition of the apoptosis caspase-dependent pathway, deregulation of bacterial recognition. This work contributes new scientific knowledge in the field of immunology and apoptosis in early branching metazoan harboring within its tissue and cells a large number of symbiotic bacteria.
The Genome of the Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
Authors: Kwan Harwood H. , Culibrk Luka , Taylor Gregory A. , Leelakumari Sreeja , Tan Ryan , Jackman Shaun D. , Tse Kane , MacLeod Tina , Cheng Dean , Chuah Eric , Kirk Heather , Pandoh Pawan , Carlsen Rebecca , Zhao Yongjun , Mungall Andrew J. , Moore Richard , Birol Inanc , Marra Marco A. , Rosen David A.S. , Haulena Martin , Jones Steven J. M.
Published: June 2019

The Steller sea lion is the largest member of the Otariidae family and is found in the coastal waters of the northern Pacific Rim. Here, we present the Steller sea lion genome, determined through DNA sequencing approaches that utilized microfluidic partitioning library construction, as well as nanopore technologies. These methods constructed a highly contiguous assembly with a scaffold N50 length of over 14 megabases, a contig N50 length of over 242 kilobases and a total length of 2.404 gigabases. As a measure of completeness, 95.1% of 4104 highly conserved mammalian genes were found to be complete within the assembly. Further annotation identified 19,668 protein coding genes. The assembled genome sequence and underlying sequence data can be found at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the BioProject accession number PRJNA475770.
A Problem-Based Learning Approach Enhancing Students’ Awareness of Natural Risks and Hazards in Italian Schools
Authors: Occhipinti Susanna
Published: June 2019

The goal of the present research is to contribute to spreading in Italian schools greater awareness of the dangers derived from natural phenomena, such as landslides, floods or earthquakes. The essential steps are: developing the understanding of the territory’s inevitable evolution (derived from natural geological phenomena that normally concern it); raising the awareness of dynamics regarding the territory in which one lives (through geological and historical analysis of the context); and finally recognizing the speed and frequency with which different natural phenomena occur, and the surface they might affect. Thereafter, the research’s next step is gaining the awareness that these phenomena may become actual risks and cause damage, in relation to the territory’s use and vulnerability. Finally, its last step is realizing that knowledge on such dynamics is needed for risk-prevention and reduction in vulnerable contexts. In fact, it seems that, until these natural manifestations remain far from students’ everyday lives, they are not adequately acknowledged. Moreover, since it has been proven that the usual transmissive approach to the subject is not effective, a problem-based learning approach was experimented. The path was defined through disciplinary objectives and through developing and monitoring specific skills. During experimentation, investigative and practical activities showed an interesting growth of the involved students’ skills and competences. The research’s double aim of raising greater awareness of environmental dynamics and risks, and of developing greater technical skills and sense of citizenship among students (also concerning the observation and recognition of relationships) seems to have been achieved.
Work-Related Intervention Needs and Potential Occupational Outcomes among Medical Assistants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Scharf Jessica , Vu-Eickmann Patricia , Li Jian , Müller Andreas , Angerer Peter , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: June 2019

Medical assistants’ (MAs) working conditions have been characterized as precarious, and workplace-related intervention needs have been identified. However, strategies to change the MAs adverse working conditions are mostly seen on an individual level, including leaving the employer or even the profession. Since such intentions are antecedents of actual turnover, we aimed to quantify the potential link of reported unmet intervention needs with unfavorable occupational outcomes. Data were collected by means of a nationwide survey among medical assistants (n = 994) in Germany (September 2016–April 2017). The three subscales working conditions, reward from the supervisor, and task-related independence were derived from a 12-item instrument regarding work-related interventions needs (the independent variables). We used subscale-specific z-scores and a total needs z-score. The four outcome variables (i.e., intention to leave the employer, intention to leave the MA profession, choosing MA profession again, and recommending MA profession to young people) were dichotomized, and logistic regression analyses were performed and limited to MAs in employment (n = 887). We found that increasing needs according to the categorized total needs score were associated with increasing odds of all occupational outcomes. Needs pertaining to working conditions and reward from the supervisor were the strongest determinants of MAs’ consideration of leaving their employer or profession (Odds ratios: 1.55–2.61). In summary, our study identified unmet work-related intervention needs that are associated with unfavorable occupational outcomes. In light of staffing shortage in health care, the identified needs should be addressed to ensure that sufficient recruitment of junior staff in the profession of medical assistants remains feasible and that experienced staff is retained.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Seedlings Exposed to Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) and Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)
Authors: Khan Imran , Raza Muhammad Ali , Khalid Muhammad Hayder Bin , Awan Samrah Afzal , Raja Naveed Iqbal , Zhang Xinquan , Min Sun , Wu Bing Chao , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Huang Linkai
Published: June 2019

A rapid and continuous growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via their precursor “silver nitrate” (AgNO3) has increased their environmental risk because of their unsafe discharge into the surrounding environment. Both have damaging effects on plants and induce oxidative stress. In the present study, differential responses in the morpho-physiological and biochemical profiles of P. glaucum (L.) seedlings exposed to various doses of AgNPs and AgNO3 were studied. Both have forms of Ag accelerated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which adversely affected the membrane stability as a result of their enhanced accumulation, and resulted in a significant reduction in growth, that is, root length, shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, and relative water content. AgNO3 possessed a higher degree of toxicity owing to its higher accumulation than AgNPs, and induced changes in the antioxidants’ enzyme activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalases (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, as well as proline content, total phenolic, and total flavonoids contents (TFCs) under all tested treatments (mM). A decline in photosynthetic pigments such as total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content and alterations in quantum yield (Fv/Fm), photochemical (qP), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) indicated the blockage of the electron transport chain (ETC), which led to a significant inhibition of photosynthesis. Interestingly, seedlings exposed to AgNPs showed less damaging effects on P. glaucum (L.) seedlings, resulting in relatively lower oxidative stress in contrast to AgNO3. Our results revealed that AgNO3 and AgNPs possessed differential phytotoxic effects on P. glaucum (L.) seedlings, including their mechanism of uptake, translocation, and action. The present findings may be useful in phytotoxic research to design strategies that minimize the adverse effects of AgNPs and AgNO3 on crops, especially in the agriculture sector.
Physical Status and Parent-Child Feeding Behaviours in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome in The United Arab Emirates
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Attlee Amita , Naveed Hira , Maklai Huda , Mahmoud Menna , Hamadeh Noor , Asif Tooba , Hasan Hayder , Obaid Reyad S.
Published: June 2019

The prevalence of Down syndrome (DS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is high in comparison to the global statistics. The aim of this study is to assess the physical status, feeding problems, parent-child feeding relationship and weight outcome in children and adolescents with DS in the UAE. In this cross-sectional study, 83 individuals aged between 2–19 years with DS were recruited from three humanitarian centres for differently abled in the Emirates of Sharjah and Dubai, UAE. Socio-demographic characteristics; height, weight, BMI and body composition; feeding problems (STEP-CHILD screening tool); and parent-child feeding relationship (child feeding questionnaire—CFQ) were assessed. Correlations and regression analyses were used to determine the relationships and the best predictor of weight outcome (BMI) in DS participants. The median age of the participants was 9 (8) years. Fifty-five (66.3%) males and twenty-eight (33.7%) females constituted a sex ratio of 1.96:1. Five (6.2%) participants were short for their age, and 20.6% were overweight/obese compared to the growth charts for DS population. Body composition of females showed significantly higher percent body fat than males (25.5 (14.3)% vs. 18.2 (4.0)%, p = 0.03; 29.9 (2.8)% vs. 16.3 (12.2)%, p = 0.006) in 5–8.99 years and 12–19.99 years, respectively. The most common feeding difficulties on STEP-CHILD tool were food selectivity (62.2%), continued eating in the presence of food (57.7%) and swallowing without sufficient chewing (50%). Median score of total-CFQ for the parent-child feeding behaviour was 3.2 (1.9); parental restriction 3.3 (1.0); pressure to eat 3.0 (0.8); concern about child weight 3.7 (2.3). Parent-child feeding relationship was significantly positively correlated with feeding problems, and body weight of the participants. The best predictor for BMI was the parental concern about child weight (OR: 1.4, p = 0.02). The findings can be valuable for the health care professionals, parents and caretakers of children and adolescents with DS in emphasizing the need for regular monitoring of their physical status, and feeding behaviours. In addition, it reinforces the role of parents in mindfully managing their child feeding relationship in promoting healthy eating behaviours and weight of their youth with DS.