bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Few-Layered MoS2 Nanoparticles Covering Anatase TiO2 Nanosheets: Comparison between Ex Situ and In Situ Synthesis Approaches
Authors: Santalucia Rosangela , Vacca Tiziano , Cesano Federico , Martra Gianmario , Pellegrino Francesco , Scarano Domenica
Published: December 2020

MoS2/TiO2 nanostructures made of MoS2 nanoparticles covering TiO2 nanosheets have been synthesized, either via ex situ or in situ approaches. The morphology and structure of the MoS2/TiO2 hybrid nanostructures have been investigated and imaged by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), while the vibrational and optical properties have been investigated by Raman, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and UV−visible (UV–vis) spectroscopies. Different stacking levels and MoS2 nanosheets distribution on TiO2 nanosheets have been carefully evaluated from HRTEM images. Surface sites on the main exposed faces of both materials have been established by means of in situ FTIR spectra of CO probe molecule adsorption. The results of the ex situ and in situ approaches are compared to underline the role of the synthesis processes affecting the morphology and structure of MoS2 nanosheets, such as curvature, surface defects, and stacking order. It will be shown that as a result of the in situ approach, the reactivity of the TiO2 nanosheets and hence, in turn, the MoS2–TiO2 nanosheets interaction are modified.
Experimental Study on Flexural Capacity of Corroded RC Slabs Reinforced with Basalt Fiber Textile
Authors: Fang Liang , Zhou Yun , Yi Duhang , Yi Weijian
Published: December 2020

This experimental study investigated the flexural performance of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened with basalt textile-reinforced mortar (BTRM) and basalt fiber-reinforced polymers (BFRP). Ten RC slabs were designed to achieve the expected corrosion levels (8% mass loss for moderate corrosion and 16% mass loss for severe corrosion) by accelerated corrosion methods. Two slabs served as reference specimens, and eight slabs were strengthened with BFRP or BTRM. The specimens were loaded to failure by the four-point bending method. The corrosion ratio, strengthening materials and the number of layers were tested for comparison. The failure modes, flexural capacities, load–deflection curves and deformation performances of the slabs were obtained from experiments. It was found that the use of BTRM layers was more effective in improving the flexural response than the use of the same amount of BFRP layers externally bonded with the corroded RC slabs under a state of serviceability. The results also showed that the strengthening effects of BFRP and BTRM were affected by the initial corrosion ratio and the number of textile layers. In a moderate state of corrosion, the flexural capacities and deflection capacities of RC slabs strengthened by BFRP and BTRM were increased substantially; the flexural capacities were increased by 27.81%~61.85%. In a severe corrosion state, the increase in flexural capacity of strengthened slabs is marginal but the increase in ductility indexes was 18% to 35% compared with the corresponding control slabs. By increasing the number of textile layers from three to five, the increments of the flexural capacity of strengthened slabs are almost doubled. Finally, the calculated results of the flexural capacity of the corroded RC slabs strengthened with BFRP and BTRM were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Solid State Sensors for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Patel Vinay , Kruse Peter , Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam Ravi
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key molecule in numerous physiological, industrial, and environmental processes. H2O2 is monitored using various methods like colorimetry, luminescence, fluorescence, and electrochemical methods. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of solid state sensors to monitor H2O2. The review covers three categories of sensors: chemiresistive, conductometric, and field effect transistors. A brief description of the sensing mechanisms of these sensors has been provided. All three sensor types are evaluated based on the sensing parameters like sensitivity, limit of detection, measuring range and response time. We highlight those sensors which have advanced the field by using innovative materials or sensor fabrication techniques. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current solid state sensors and the future directions for research and development in this exciting area.
Preferential Oxidation of CO over CoFe2O4 and M/CoFe2O4 (M = Ce, Co, Cu or Zr) Catalysts
Authors: Béjaoui Mehdi , Elmhamdi Abdelhakim , Pascual Laura , Pérez-Bailac Patricia , Nahdi Kais , Martínez-Arias Arturo
Published: December 2020

CoFe2O4 prepared by sol-gel has been examined with respect to its catalytic performance for preferential CO oxidation in a H2-rich stream. In turn, the promoting effects of incorporation of Ce, Co, Cu, and Zr by impregnation on the surface of CoFe2O4 on the process are examined as well. The catalysts have been characterized by N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), as well as diffuse reflectance infrared DRIFTS under reaction conditions with the aim of establishing structure/activity relationships for the mentioned catalyst/process. It is shown that while the presence of the various metals on CoFe2O4 hinders a low temperature CO oxidation process, it appreciably enhances the activity above 125 °C. This is basically attributed to the surface modifications, i.e. cobalt oxidation, induced in CoFe2O4 upon introduction of the metals. In turn, no methanation activity is observed in any case except for the copper-containing catalyst, in which achievement of reduced states of cobalt appears most favored.
Photocatalytic Methane Reforming: Recent Advances
Authors: Cho Yohei , Yamaguchi Akira , Miyauchi Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Methane reforming is an important potential technology for solving both environmental and energy problems. This technology is important because methane is counted as a greenhouse gas, but on the other hand, it can be reformed into industrially valuable compounds. More research has focused on photocatalytic methane reforming, which has a higher activity than thermal catalysts under dark conditions. The reaction selectivity toward specific products in photocatalytic methane reforming is sometimes different from thermal catalyst systems. Herein, we discuss recent advances in photocatalytic methane reforming to provide various strategies for reforming.
Trading-Off Machine Learning Algorithms towards Data-Driven Administrative-Socio-Economic Population Health Management
Authors: Panicacci Silvia , Donati Massimiliano , Profili Francesco , Francesconi Paolo , Fanucci Luca
Published: December 2020

Together with population ageing, the number of people suffering from multimorbidity is increasing, up to more than half of the population by 2035. This part of the population is composed by the highest-risk patients, who are, at the same time, the major users of the healthcare systems. The early identification of this sub-population can really help to improve people’s quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. In this paper, we describe a population health management tool based on state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms, starting from administrative and socio-economic data, for the early identification of high-risk patients. The study refers to the population of the Local Health Unit of Central Tuscany in 2015, which amounts to 1,670,129 residents. After a trade-off on machine learning models and on input data, Random Forest applied to 1-year of historical data achieves the best results, outperforming state-of-the-art models. The most important variables for this model, in terms of mean minimal depth, accuracy decrease and Gini decrease, result to be age and some group of drugs, such as high-ceiling diuretics. Thanks to the low inference time and reduced memory usage, the resulting model allows for real-time risk prediction updates whenever new data become available, giving General Practitioners the possibility to early adopt personalised medicine.
Electrodeposition of Ni-Co Alloys and Their Mechanical Properties by Micro-Vickers Hardness Test
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Chen Chun-Yi , Chang Tso-Fu Mark , Luo Xun , Yamane Daisuke , Sone Masato
Published: December 2020

Nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloy deposits with grain sizes less than 30 nm were produced by electrodeposition with a direct current in a sulfamate bath. Surfaces of the Ni-Co alloy deposits showed granular morphology. The size of the granular particles and the Co content decreased when a lower current density was applied. Addition of NiBr2 and a surface brightener (NSF-E) into the bath resulted in the grain refinement effect and an increase of Co content in the deposit. The grain size reached roughly 14 nm and 60 at.% of Co content in Ni-Co alloys electrodeposited with the bath containing the two additives. Ni-Co alloys obtained in this study showed higher microhardnesses than those of pure Ni and Co deposits prepared under the same condition, which revealed the solid solution strengthening effect. With a decrease in the grain size, the microhardness further increased, and this trend followed the Hall–Petch relationship well. The maximum microhardness value of 862.2 Hv was obtained owing to both the grain boundary and solid solution strengthening effects.
Determination of Critical Reynolds Number for the Flow Near a Rotating Disk on the Basis of the Theory of Stochastic Equations and Equivalence of Measures
Authors: Dmitrenko Artur
Published: December 2020

The determination of the flow regime of liquid and gas in power plants is the most important design task. Performing the calculations based on modern calculation methods requires a priori knowledge of the initial and boundary conditions, which significantly affect the final results. The purpose of the article is to present the solution for the critical Reynolds number for the flow near a rotating disk on the basis of the theory of stochastic equations of continuum laws and equivalence of measures between random and deterministic motions. The determination of the analytical dependence for the critical Reynolds number is essential for the study of flow regimes and the thermal state of disks and blades in the design of gas and steam turbines. The result of the calculation with using the new formula shows that for the flow near a wall of rotating disk, the critical Reynolds number is 325,000, when the turbulent Reynolds is 5 ÷ 10 and the degree of turbulence is 0.01 ÷ 0.02. Therefore, the result of solution shows a satisfactory correspondence of the obtained analytical dependence for the critical Reynolds number with the experimental data.
Distribution of Trace Elements Controlled by Sector and Growth Zonings in Zircon from Feldspathic Pegmatites (Ilmen Mountains, the Southern Urals)
Authors: Levashova Ekaterina V. , Skublov Sergey G. , Popov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2020

The present study contains the detailed ion microprobe data on trace and rare earth elements distribution in the large zircon crystal about 10 × 6 mm in size with distinct growth and sector zonings from Ilmen Mountains feldspathic pegmatite. The zircon crystal morphology is a combination of a prism {110} and a dipyramid {111}. It is found out that the growth sector of the prism {110} generally contains higher concentrations of Th, U, REE, Y, and Nb and exhibits a more gently sloping HREE distribution pattern and a steeper LREE distribution pattern, in contrast to zircon from the growth sector of the dipyramid {111} development. Such a sector zoning pattern was formed at a late stage in crystal growth, when the prism {110} began to prevail over the dipyramid {111}. The zircon studied displays the growth zoning formed of alternating bands in back-scattered electron (BSE) image: wide dark and thin light bands. The last ones contain elevated Th, U, REE, Y, Nb, and Ti concentrations, Th/U ratio and Ce/Ce*. This growth zoning is most probably due to simultaneous crystallization of other minerals that concentrate trace elements, e.g., apatite and monazite, and the lack of equilibrium between zircon and fluid (melt).
Take-Home Messages from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strengths and Pitfalls of the Italian National Health Service from a Medico-Legal Point of View
Authors: Bolcato Matteo , Aurilio Marco Trabucco , Aprile Anna , Di Mizio Giulio , Della Pietra Bruno , Feola Alessandro
Published: December 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection a pandemic on 11 March 2020. As of the end of October 2020, there were 50 million cases of infection and over one million deaths recorded worldwide, over 45,000 of which occurred in Italy. In Italy, the demand for intensive care over the course of this pandemic crisis has been exceptionally high, resulting in a severe imbalance between the demand for and availability of the necessary resources. This paper focuses on elements of preventive medicine and medical treatments in emergency and non-emergency situations which, based on the international scientific literature, may prove to be useful to physicians on a behavioral level and avert professional liability problems. In order to achieve this objective, we have performed a search on MEDLINE to find published articles related to the risks associated with the pandemic that contain useful suggestions and strategies for mitigating risks and protecting the safety of the population. The results have been collocated in line with these specific study areas.
Quantifying Air Movement Induced by Natural Forces in an Isolated Structure in the Subsurface Infrastructure
Authors: McManus Thomas Neil , Rosa Ana , Haddad Assed
Published: December 2020

This article describes the development and demonstration of a non-intrusive method for the quantitative determination of speed of air movement along the ground and inside an isolated subsurface structure, a type of confined space. Natural ventilation occurs continuously and reduces risk to entrants from contact with a hazardous atmosphere. One of the most important parameters still undetermined was the speed of air movement during the process. Small puffs of artificial “smoke” were used to visualize air movement. Tracker, an open-source physics program, provided the capability to analyze this movement. Measurement of air speed requires access to individual frames in the video, capability to move forward and backward, and the means to manipulate the image to highlight the “smoke”. Background subtraction, control of brightness and contrast, and conversion of color to greyscale were essential for obtaining these measurements. Measurements for a single opening indicated that flow along the ground was borderline turbulent (Reynolds number ~3000) and in the opening and inside the airspace, within the bounds of laminar flow (Reynolds number <2250). Video obtained during this work showed behavior observable in laboratory studies of Helmholtz resonators. Results provide the basis for a larger study of the ventilation process to facilitate design improvements.
Left Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta: A Case Report and Review of Published Cases
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Aiello Salvatore , Tretter Justin T. , Gaffar Maira , Reppucci Jennifer , Brock Michael A. , Spicer Diane , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2020

The left pulmonary artery arising from the ascending aorta is an infrequent finding. It may be found isolated or with intracardiac anomalies. We present a new case of the left pulmonary artery arising from the ascending aorta and pool these findings with those of previously reported cases. Associated cardiac, extracardiac, and syndromic findings are discussed along with the implications of these in the evaluation and management of this condition.
Endoscopic Skull Base Repair Strategy for CSF Leaks Associated with Pneumocephalus
Authors: Gâta Anda , Toader Corneliu , Trombitaș Veronica Elena , Ilyes Annamaria , Albu Silviu
Published: December 2020

Background: Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid leaks with associated pneumocephalus (PNC) represent a condition bearing serious risks for the patient, with little data available in the literature. Reported success rates of endoscopic skull base repair are lower when PNC is associated than in the case of simple CSF leaks. The present study represents an analysis of our experience with endoscopic management of this condition. Methods: Records of patients with pneumocephalus and associated CSF leaks, who underwent endoscopic skull base repair, were reviewed. Demographics, history, etiology of PNC, size of defect, surgical approach, reconstruction technique and complications were evaluated. Results: Twenty patients with CSF leaks and PNC underwent endonasal repair by the senior author between 2005 and 2019. Defect size was larger than 15 mm in all cases. All patients presented either worsening of PNC under conservative treatment or tension PNC. First-attempt closure of the defect was successful in all patients (100%), with resolution of the pneumocephalus. One patient developed a synechia in the proximity of the frontal ostium, as a postoperative complication. The mean follow-up was 39 months (range: 15–94 months). Conclusion: The present study represents a proposed argument for earlier endoscopic endonasal treatment in patients presenting CSF leaks and pneumocephalus.
Delay Cournot Duopoly Game with Gradient Adjustment: Berezowski Transition from a Discrete Model to a Continuous Model
Authors: Matsumoto Akio , Szidarovszky Ferenc , Nakayama Keiko
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the asymptotical behavior of the equilibrium of linear classical duopolies by reconsidering the two-delay model with two different positive delays. In a two-dimensional analysis, the stability switching curves were first analytically determined. Numerical studies verified and illustrated the theoretical results. In the sensitivity analysis it was demonstrated that the inertia coefficient has a twofold effect: enlarges the stability region as well as simplifies the complicated dynamics with period-halving cascade. In contrary, the adjustment speed contracts the stability region and complicates simple dynamics with period-doubling bifurcation. In addition, for various values of τ1 and τ2, a wide variety of dynamics appears ranging from simple cycle via a Hopf bifurcation to chaotic oscillations.
Mathematical Approach to Improve the Thermoeconomics of a Humidification Dehumidification Solar Desalination System
Authors: Tariq Rasikh , Jimenez Jacinto Torres , Ahmed Sheikh Nadeem , Khan Sohail
Published: December 2020

Water desalination presents a need to address the growing water-energy nexus. In this work, a literature survey is carried out, along an application of a mathematical model is presented to enhance the freshwater productivity rate of a solar-assisted humidification-dehumidification (HDH) type of desalination system. The prime novelty of this work is to recover the waste heat by reusing the feedwater at the exit of the condenser in the brackish water storage tank and to carry out the analysis of its effectiveness in terms of the system’s yearly thermoeconomics. The developed mathematical model for each of the components of the plant is solved through an iterative procedure. In a parametric study, the influence of mass flow rates (MFRs) of inlet air, saline water, feedwater, and air temperature on the freshwater productivity is shown with and without the waste heat recovery from the condensing coil. It is reported that the production rate of water is increased to a maximum of 15% by recovering the waste heat. Furthermore, yearly analysis has shown that the production rate of water is increased to a maximum of 16% for June in the location of Taxila, Pakistan. An analysis is also carried out on the economics of the proposed modification, which shows that the cost per litre of the desalinated water is reduced by ~13%. It is concluded that the water productivity of an HDH solar desalination plant can be significantly increased by recovering the waste heat from the condensing coil.
Development and Validation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Rapid Detection of Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis
Authors: Pilchová Veronika , Seinige Diana , Hennig-Pauka Isabel , Büttner Kathrin , Abdulmawjood Amir , Kehrenberg Corinna
Published: December 2020

Glaesserella parasuis is a fastidious pathogen that colonizes the respiratory tract of pigs and can lead to considerable economic losses in pig production. Therefore, a rapid detection assay for the pathogen, preferably applicable in the field, is important. In the current study, we developed a new and improved detection method using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This assay, which targets the infB gene, was tested on a collection of 60 field isolates of G. parasuis comprising 14 different serovars. In addition, 63 isolates from seven different closely related species of the family Pasteurellaceae, including A. indolicus, A. porcinus, and A. minor, and a species frequently found in the respiratory tract of pigs were used for exclusivity experiments. This assay showed an analytical specificity of 100% (both inclusivity and exclusivity) and an analytical sensitivity of 10 fg/µL. In further steps, 36 clinical samples were tested with the LAMP assay. An agreement of 77.1 (95% CI: 59.9, 89.6) and 91.4% (95% CI: 75.9, 98.2) to the culture-based and PCR results was achieved. The mean limit of detection for the spiked bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was 2.58 × 102 CFU/mL. A colorimetric assay with visual detection by the naked eye was tested to provide an alternative method in the field and showed the same sensitivity as the fluorescence-based LAMP assay. Overall, the optimized LAMP assay represents a fast and reliable method and is suitable for detecting G. parasuis in the laboratory environment or in the field.
Short-Lived Resonances as Probes of the Medium Produced in Heavy-Ion Collisions
Authors: Riabov Victor
Published: December 2020

Hadronic resonances play an important role in the study of the physics of heavy-ion collisions. In these proceedings, we discuss how the resonances can probe the reaction dynamics, the strangeness production and the properties of the hadronic phase in heavy-ion collisions at center-of-mass energies of sNN = 4–11 GeV. The resonance properties predicted by the general-purpose event generators are found to be very sensitive to the properties and space-time evolution of the medium produced in heavy-ion collisions.
Natural Plant-Derived Chemical Compounds as Listeria monocytogenes Inhibitors In Vitro and in Food Model Systems
Authors: Kawacka Iwona , Olejnik-Schmidt Agnieszka , Schmidt Marcin , Sip Anna
Published: December 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen, sporadically present in various food product groups. An illness caused by the pathogen, named listeriosis, has high fatality rates. Even though L. monocytogenes is resistant to many environmental factors, e.g., low temperatures, low pH and high salinity, it is susceptible to various natural plant-derived antimicrobials (NPDA), including thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, carvone S, linalool, citral, (E)-2-hexenal and many others. This review focuses on identifying NPDAs active against L. monocytogenes and their mechanisms of action against the pathogen, as well as on studies that showed antimicrobial action of the compounds against the pathogen in food model systems. Synergistic action of NDPA with other factors, biofilm inhibition and alternative delivery systems (encapsulation and active films) of the compounds tested against L. monocytogenes are also summarized briefly.
Convolutional Neural Network for Automatic Identification of Plant Diseases with Limited Data
Authors: Afifi Ahmed , Alhumam Abdulaziz , Abdelwahab Amira
Published: December 2020

Automated identification of plant diseases is very important for crop protection. Most automated approaches aim to build classification models based on leaf or fruit images. These approaches usually require the collection and annotation of many images, which is difficult and costly process especially in the case of new or rare diseases. Therefore, in this study, we developed and evaluated several methods for identifying plant diseases with little data. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are used due to their superior ability to transfer learning. Three CNN architectures (ResNet18, ResNet34, and ResNet50) were used to build two baseline models, a Triplet network and a deep adversarial Metric Learning (DAML) approach. These approaches were trained from a large source domain dataset and then tuned to identify new diseases from few images, ranging from 5 to 50 images per disease. The proposed approaches were also evaluated in the case of identifying the disease and plant species together or only if the disease was identified, regardless of the affected plant. The evaluation results demonstrated that a baseline model trained with a large set of source field images can be adapted to classify new diseases from a small number of images. It can also take advantage of the availability of a larger number of images. In addition, by comparing it with metric learning methods, we found that baseline model has better transferability when the source domain images differ from the target domain images significantly or are captured in different conditions. It achieved an accuracy of 99% when the shift from source domain to target domain was small and 81% when that shift was large and outperformed all other competitive approaches.
A Bioinformatics Pipeline to Identify a Subset of SNPs for Genomics-Assisted Potato Breeding
Authors: Selga Catja , Koc Alexander , Chawade Aakash , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: December 2020

Modern potato breeding methods following a genomic-led approach provide means for shortening breeding cycles and increasing breeding efficiency across selection cycles. Acquiring genetic data for large breeding populations remains expensive. We present a pipeline to reduce the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to lower the cost of genotyping. First, we reduced the number of individuals to be genotyped with a high-throughput method according to the multi-trait variation as defined by principal component analysis of phenotypic characteristics. Next, we reduced the number of SNPs by pruning for linkage disequilibrium. By adjusting the square of the correlation coefficient between two adjacent loci, we obtained reduced subsets of SNPs. We subsequently tested these SNP subsets by two methods; (1) a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for marker identification, and (2) genomic selection (GS) to predict genomic estimated breeding values. The results indicate that both GWAS and GS can be done without loss of information after SNP reduction. The pipeline allows for creating custom SNP subsets to cover all variation found in any particular breeding population. Low-throughput genotyping will reduce the genotyping cost associated with large populations, thereby making genomic breeding methods applicable to large potato breeding populations by reducing genotyping costs.
Phytotoxic Effects of Plant Essential Oils: A Systematic Review and Structure-Activity Relationship Based on Chemometric Analyses
Authors: Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , El Gendy Abd El-Nasser G. , Assaeed Abdulaziz M. , Al-Rowaily Saud L. , Alharthi Abdullah S. , Mohamed Tarik A. , Nassar Mahmoud I. , Dewir Yaser H. , Elshamy Abdelsamed I.
Published: December 2020

Herbicides are natural or synthetic chemicals used to control unwanted plants (weeds). To avoid the harmful effects of synthetic herbicides, considerable effort has been devoted to finding alternative products derived from natural sources. Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are auspicious source of bioherbicides. This review discusses phytotoxic EOs and their chemical compositions as reported from 1972 to 2020. Using chemometric analysis, we attempt to build a structure-activity relationship between phytotoxicity and EO chemical composition. Data analysis reveals that oxygenated terpenes, and mono- and sesquiterpenes, in particular, play principal roles in the phytotoxicity of EOs. Pinene, 1,8 cineole, linalool, and carvacrol are the most effective monoterpenes, with significant phytotoxicity evident in the EOs of many plants. Caryophyllene and its derivatives, including germacrene, spathulenol, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, are the most effective sesquiterpenes. EOs rich in iridoids (non-terpene compounds) also exhibit allelopathic activity. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of these compounds in pure forms, determine their activity in the field, evaluate their safety, and assess their modes of action.
Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum
Authors: Jafarova Mehriban , Vannini Andrea , Monaci Fabrizio , Loppi Stefano
Published: December 2020

This study investigated whether moderate soil contamination by Cd and Pb may negatively affect seed germination, photosynthesis and foliar accumulation in the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum. Seeds were incubated with Cd and Pb solutions of 10 and 100 µM, and two-month-old plants were watered weekly for three weeks with the same solutions. Control samples were treated with deionized water. The percentage of seed germination and seedling length, as well as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence and foliar reflectance, were measured, along with the foliar Cd and Pb concentrations. The results indicated that seed germination is not affected, while seedling length is decreased by approximately 81% by high Cd levels. Cadmium was subjected to foliar translocation from the soil depending on the supplied concentration, thus causing reductions in the chlorophyll content (−24%). It is of interest that foliar Cd levels in Cd-treated plants were close to or above the limit for the European Pharmacopoeia. Negative effects of Pb were not detected, but accumulation and blockage of this metal at the root level, although not approached experimentally, cannot be ruled out.
Lumped Kinetic Modeling of Polypropylene and Polyethylene Co-Pyrolysis in Tubular Reactors
Authors: Lechleitner Andreas E. , Schubert Teresa , Hofer Wolfgang , Lehner Markus
Published: December 2020

The recycling rates, especially those from plastic packaging waste, have to be increased according to the European Union directive in the next years. Besides many other technologies, the pyrolysis of plastic wastes seems to be an efficient supplementary opportunity to treat mixed and unpurified plastic streams. For this reason, a pyrolysis process was developed for the chemical recycling of hydrocarbons from waste polyolefins. The obtained products can be further processed and upgraded in crude oil refineries, so that also monomers can be recovered, which are used for the plastic polymerization again. However, to achieve a scale up to a demo plant, a kinetic model for predicting the yields of the plastic pyrolysis in a tubular reactor is needed. For this reason, a pilot plant was built, in which different plastics and carrier fluids can be tested. Based on the data generated at the pilot plant, a very practical and suitable model was found to describe the plastic co-pyrolysis of the carrier fluid with polypropylene (PP) and low density and high density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), respectively. The physical and chemical mechanisms of the co-pyrolysis in the tubular reactor are successfully investigated.
Smart City Strategies—Technology Push or Culture Pull? A Case Study Exploration of Gimpo and Namyangju, South Korea
Authors: Myeong Seunghwan , Kim Younhee , Ahn Michael J.
Published: December 2020

This study aims to address strategies, models, and the motivation behind smart cities by analyzing two smart city project cases in medium-sized cities, i.e., Gimpo and Namyangju in South Korea. The case of Smartopia Gimpo represents a top-down, infrastructure-focused smart city innovation that invested in building state-of-the-art big data infrastructure for crime prevention, traffic alleviation, environmental preservation, and disaster management. On the other hand, Namyangju 4.0 represents a strategy focused on internal process innovation through extensive employee training and education regarding smart city concepts and emphasizing data-driven (rather than infrastructure-driven) policy decision making. This study explores two smart city strategies and how they resulted in distinctively different outcomes. We found that instilling a culture of innovation through the training of government managers and frontline workers is a critical component in achieving a holistic and sustainable smart city transformation that can survive leadership changes.
The Effects of Consumer Readiness on the Adoption of Self-Service Technology: Moderating Effects of Consumer Traits and Situational Factors
Authors: Shim Hyeon-Sook , Han Sang-Lin , Ha Joseph
Published: December 2020

Self Service Technology (SST] refers to technological interfaces that enable customers to produce a service independently, without service employees’ direct involvement. Because of the recent technological evolution and rising labor costs, most companies in the retail and service industries tend to use more technology-based SST options. This study tried to investigate the effects of technology readiness and consumer readiness on SST service quality, attitude toward using SST, and intention to use SST in the restaurants. This study verified that consumer readiness as well as technology readiness is a significant leading variable that influences perceived SST service quality that previous studies have not dealt with. The results of this study can provide various suggestions regarding the recent technology-based customer services from the practical point of view.
Social Innovation in the Built Environment: The Challenges Presented by the Politics of Space
Authors: Horgan Donagh , Dimitrijević Branka
Published: December 2020

This paper reports on social innovation systems for building resilient communities within different social and political contexts across four continents. It considers how social innovation in the built environment occurs over phases of network, framework and architecture and explores the linkages with the study of sustainability and resilience. It tracks the emergence of social innovation in response to social, economic and environmental challenges through nine case studies, using ethnography to probe the barriers and enablers of social innovation. Findings reveal the role that politics and ideological governance levers play in planning for sustainable, inclusive communities. An overview of the role of architecture in the politics of space from literature review is provided based both on historical and contemporary sources. Modern commentators who build on concepts such as the ‘Right to the city’ are considered, in the study of how networks can collaborate on frameworks for change that enable social equity in the built environment. Political themes have laid a foundation for both the literature review and investigation in the field—looking to enlightened policy, such as that based around the Right to the city, which may offer a theoretical framework for communities to effect planning and decision-making.
Film journalism and film criticism of the USSR during the years of Perestroika on the example of the magazine «Cinema Art»
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Dmitrieva Anastasia Romanovna
Published: December 2020

Perestroika is considered one of the most interesting periods in Russian history in terms of cultural reforms. The article analyzes the content of the issues of the magazine «Cinema Art» published in the period from 1985 to 1991 in order to identify the characteristic features of film journalism and film criticism of the USSR during the period of Perestroika.
FIRE RESISTACE OF SHEAR CONNECTORS FOR COMPOSITE BEAMS
Authors:   FSBI ", TONKIH G.P. ,   All-Russian research institute for civil defense and emergencies of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia", CHESNOKOV D.A. ,   FSBEI HE "National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering" (NRU MGSU)
Published: December 2020

Most of Russian research about composite structure fire resistance are dedicated to the composite slab behavior. The composite beams fire resistance had been never investigated in enough volume: the temperature evaluation within the scope of the actual Russian design codes leads to the significant reduction in the shear connection strength. Meanwhile, there no correlation between the strength decreasing and type of the shear connection. The article provides an overview of the relevant researches and offers some approaches which could take into account bearing capacity reduction of the shear connectors within composite structures design.
Aynü'l-Kudât-ı Hemedânî'ye Göre Kur'ân'ın Hakîkati ve Temel Mânevi Özellikleri
Authors: ALKIŞ Abdurrahim
Published: December 2020

İslâm dîninin mukaddes kitâbı Kur’ân-ı Kerîm ve Allah’ın elçisi Hz. Muhammed, içerisinde yaşadığımız âleme hitapları bakımından zâhir ve bâhir iken neş’et ve nebeân ettikleri menbâ’ bakımından gaybî, batınî ve mânevî varlıklardır. Hz. Peygamber’in şahsında âleme nâzil olan Kur’ân’ın bir yönü zâhir iken bir yönü de bâtındır. Kur’ân’ın farklı boyutları bulunduğundan dolayı İslâm tarihinin ilk yıllarından îtibâren Kur’ân’ın âyetleri hakkında farklı yorumlar yapılmıştır. Bu farklı yorumların oluşu kadar tabiî bir şey yoktur. Zîrâ her insanın idrâk ve görme seviyesi, mertebesi ve makāmı aynı değildir. İslâm dîninin mânevî boyutunu oluşturan tasavvuf düşüncesinin mümessilleri olan Sûfî çevreler de tabîatiyle Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’i kendi bakış açılarından yola çıkarak farklı yorumlara tâbî tutmuşlardır. Filhakîka İslâm târihinde Kur’ân’ı farklı yorumlamaktan dolayı ortaya çıkan çetin mücâdeleler vukû bulmuştur. Biz bu çalışmamızda sûfîlerin Kur’ân’a bakışı, Kur’ân’ı yorumlama metodları hakkında bilgiler sunacağız ve bu konuda çarpıcı tespitleri bulunan Aynü’l-Kudât-ı Hemedânî’nin (v. 525/1331) söylediklerinden yola çıkarak Kur’ân’ın mânevî, bâtınî ve gaybî cihetini ele alacağız. Hemedânî’nin nazarından yola çıkarak Kur’ân’ın temel mânevî özelliklerini başlıklar hâlinde işleyip değerlendirmeye tâbî tutacağız.
Improving the Design Efficiency of Complex Systems Based on Reducing the Power of Many Generated Alternatives
Authors:   Sevastopol state university, Doronina J.V.
Published: December 2020

The article proposes an approach to the structural synthesis of elements of a system-technical complex, which consists in using a modified genetic algorithm and a method for narrowing the cardinality of the sets of alternatives. The modification of the genetic algorithm is implemented as part of a directed mutation operation for three types of the initial elemental composition of the alternative and is used for objects with a given (limited) duration of their life cycle. Application of the proposed approach made it possible to both reduce efforts in obtaining alternatives at the stage of designing elements of a system-technical complex, and to reduce labor intensity in the formation of the appearance of the system.
Project Activities in Solving Product Quality Problems in the Automotive Industry
Authors:   Samara State Technical University, Kozlovsky V.N. , Blagoveshchensky D.I. ,   Federal Budgetary Institution «State regional center for standardization, metrology and testing in the Tula Region», Aidarov D.V. ,   Samara State Technical University, Gafarov R.R. ,   Samara State Technical University
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of the development and implementation of design approach tools for solving quality problems of new cars in operation.
Hz. Peygamber'in Hayatının Dinamik Bir Tezahürü Olarak İnanç-Eylem Bütünlüğü
Authors: ÇİL Halit
Published: December 2020

İnanç, aksiyon, zaman ve mekân bilincinde günümüzde Müslümanlar büyük problemler yaşamaktadırlar. İnanç ile amel arasındaki uçurum, İslâm’ın enerjik yönünü söndürüyor ve dinin diriltici soluğunu boğuyor. Kur’an ve Peygamber yaşantısıyla ortaya çıkmış olan dinamizmi yakalayabilmek için iman ve amel birlikteliğini tekrar keşfetmek zorundayız. “İman edenler ve salih amel işleyenler” şeklinde birçok ayetle formülleştirilen misyon, Hz. Peygamber’in hayatıyla ortaya konmuştur.İman ve eylemin terbiyesiyle ortaya çıkan ahlak, birey ve toplumları erdemli ve faziletli hale getirir. Her türlü fazilet mücadelesini ifade eden cihad kavramını çok boyutlu olarak hayata aksettirmenin neticesinde ortaya çıkan enerji ve sinerji, Müslüman birey ve devlet için tükenmez bir kaynaktır. Daha çok “amelin imanın parçası olup olmadığı” çerçevesinde ele alınan iman-amel ilişkisi, bu çalışmada iman ve amel bütünlüğü dinamizminin Hz. Peygamber’in hayatındaki yansıması tarihi bir yaklaşımla incelenecektir.Anahtar kelimeler: İman, amel, söz, eylem, Hz. Peygamber
Kestane Ahşap Elemanlarının Yüzey Özellikleri Üzerine Doğal Yaşlanmanın Etkisi
Authors: TOPALOĞLU Elif , USTAÖMER Derya
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı; Doğu Karadeniz Bölgesi, Giresun ilinde bulunan ve kentsel sit alanı olarak tescil edilmiş Zeytinlik Mahallesinde rastgele belirlenen örnek evlerin farklı kısımlarından alınan ve herhangi bir koruyucu kimyasalla emprenye edilmemiş ahşap elemanların bazı yüzey özelliklerinin (renk parametreleri, parlaklık ve yüzey pürüzlülüğü) araştırılmasıdır. Eski ahşap elemanlar ve günümüz odun örneğinin (kontrol örneği) yüzey özellikleri ölçümleri ilgili standartlara göre gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda; tüm eski ahşap elemanların dış yüzeylerinin renk parametrelerinde (L, a ve b değerleri) kontrol örneğine kıyasla azalma olduğu, doğal yaşlanmanın etkisiyle gerek ışığa gerekse rutubete maruz kalan dış yüzeylerin zamanla parlaklığını kaybettiği ve yüzey pürüzlülük değerlerinde genel olarak bir artışın olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Asef Bayat Bağlamında Türkiye'de Madunlar ve Madun Siyaseti
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Gürbüz
Published: December 2020

Sanayi Devrimi sonrası Batı’da yaşanan göçler, şehirlerde işsizlik, yoksulluk, dışlanma gibi sorunları beraberinde getirmiştir. Bu durum, Batıyla sınırlı kalmamış ve kapitalizmin gittikçe ağırlaşan yansıması olarak sosyal adalet, sosyal güvenlik vb. politikaları terk eden özellikle küresel güneydeki ülkelerde daha yoğun yaşamış ve şehir yoksulluğunu (maduniyet) ortaya çıkarmıştır. 1960’lardaki kalkınma çabasının sonucu olarak yaşanan göç, İran’da da bir sosyal değişim başlatmış ve şehir yoksulluğuna zemin hazırlamıştır. Bu süreç İran’da, Asef Bayat’ın ‘sokak siyaseti’ kavramıyla açıkladığı yeni bir siyaset tarzını ortaya çıkarmıştır. Bayat, şehir yoksullarının (madunlar) yürüttüğü bu siyasetin kodlarını ararken özgün bir siyaset teorisi geliştirmiştir. Bayat’ın tespitleri sadece İran’da değil, yoğunluk dereceleri farklı olsa da Türkiye’de de kendisini göstermiş ve madunların hayatta kalma çabaları, madun siyasetini Türkiye’de şekillendirmiştir.
Çalışmamda; Bayat bağlamında Türkiye’de madunlar ve madun siyaseti incelenmiştir. Öncelikle, Bayat’ın teorisindeki kavramlar açıklanmıştır. Ardından, Türkiye’de şehir yoksulluğu ele alınmış ve son olarak Türkiye’deki madun siyasetine dair değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır.
DEBATES EM EDUCAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS: desafios e possibilidades – Vol. 1
Authors: Soares Jeferson Rosa , Robaina José Vicente Lima , Gallon Mônica da Silva , Mezalira Sandra Mara
Published: December 2020

O GPEEC NATUREZA é um grupo de pesquisa que iniciou seu trabalho em março de 2018, com a realização de seu primeiro grupo. Atualmente o grupo de pesquisa está composto por vários pesquisadores, professores da Universidade e do PPGQVS, mestrandos, doutorandos, pós doutorandos bem como de alunos da graduação de diversos cursos da UFRGS. O GPEEC NATUREZA está propondo a publicação de seu primeiro livro que retrata as pesquisas que estão sendo realizadas por seus membros que se encontram num crescente de produção científica bem como de professores, pesquisadores que solicitam o seu ingresso no referido grupo. Dentro deste contexto, GPEEC NATUREZA lança o projeto de publicização de suas pesquisas através do Volume 1 do Livro DEBATES EM EDUCAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS: desafios e possibilidades.
The Effect of Salam Leaf Extract (Syzygium polianthum) Against Cholesterol Regulation in Hypercholesterolemic Model White Rats
Authors: Hayati Lusia , Rachmat Hidayat
Published: December 2020

Cholesterol is an important precursor that plays a role in the production andregulation of various sterol group compounds, especially steroid hormonecompounds, androgen hormone compounds, cortisol compounds and estrogencompounds. This herb is known to have the effect of improving glucose regulationby increasing glucose intake into cells and tissues. Its ability to improve cell andtissue metabolism is mediated by the content of secondary metabolite compounds.This ability is believed to have the potential to improve cholesterol regulation. Bayleaf extract is effective in lowering cholesterol levels through regulation of Acetyl CoAproduction.
Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Sediaan Sabun Cair Ekstrak Daun Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) Terhadap Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Noviyanto Fajrin , Nuriyah Siti , Susilo Hadi
Published: December 2020

The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus are round bacteria that are shaped like a cocci, and are Gram-positive. These bacteria can be found on the skin, genitals, nasal cavity, mouth and around the anus. One of the pharmaceutical products that can maintain skin health and protect the skin is soap. The leaves of noni (M. citrifolia L.) contain various compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids which are capable of being antibacterial. This study aims to make a liquid soap formulation from M. citrifolia L. leaf extract and its activity as an antibacterial to S aureus. The leaves of M. citrifolia L. were extracted using 96% ethanol solvent by maceration method until a thick extract was obtained. Soap formulations are made with a concentration of 20% 40% and 60%. Evaluation of soap quality includes organoleptic test, high foam test and pH test. The method of antibacterial testing is carried out in vitro by means of well diffusion. The results on the quality test of the liquid soap formulation showed that the pH and height of the foam had good results and had met the SNI 1996 Standards. From the results showed that formulation III with an extract content of 60% had a large antimicrobial activity with a value of 16.83 mm which was categorized as strong. In positive control (Dettol) 60% antimicrobial activity showed a value of 14.83 mm. The results of statistical tests were carried out by One-Way ANOVA analysis followed by LSD analysis Post hoc, liquid soap extract of M. citrifolia L. had greater antimicrobial potential than the positive control (Dettol).