bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of LAGEs Family Gene Signature and Prognostic Relevance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Khoa Ta Hoang Dang , Tang Wan-Chun , Phan Nam Nhut , Anuraga Gangga , Hou Sz-Ying , Chiao Chung-Chieh , Liu Yen-Hsi , Wu Yung-Fu , Lee Kuen-Haur , Wang Chih-Yang
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer (BRCA) is one of the most complex diseases and involves several biological processes. Members of the L-antigen (LAGE) family participate in the development of various cancers, but their expressions and prognostic values in breast cancer remain to be clarified. High-throughput methods for exploring disease progression mechanisms might play a pivotal role in the improvement of novel therapeutics. Therefore, gene expression profiles and clinical data of LAGE family members were acquired from the cBioportal database, followed by verification using the Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier method was applied to explore correlations between expressions of LAGE family members and prognoses of breast cancer patients. MetaCore, GlueGo, and GluePedia were used to comprehensively study the transcript expression signatures of LAGEs and their co-expressed genes together with LAGE-related signal transduction pathways in BRCA. The result indicated that higher LAGE3 messenger (m)RNA expressions were observed in BRCA tissues than in normal tissues, and they were also associated with the stage of BRCA patients. Kaplan-Meier plots showed that overexpression of LAGE1, LAGE2A, LAGE2B, and LAGE3 were highly correlated to poor survival in most types of breast cancer. Significant associations of LAGE family genes were correlated with the cell cycle, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interactions as indicated by functional enrichment analyses. Collectively, LAGE family members’ gene expression levels were related to adverse clinicopathological factors and prognoses of BRCA patients; therefore, LAGEs have the potential to serve as prognosticators of BRCA patients.
Refined Composite Multi-Scale Reverse Weighted Permutation Entropy and Its Applications in Ship-Radiated Noise
Authors: Li Yuxing , Geng Bo , Jiao Shangbin
Published: April 2021

Ship-radiated noise is one of the important signal types under the complex ocean background, which can well reflect physical properties of ships. As one of the valid measures to characterize the complexity of ship-radiated noise, permutation entropy (PE) has the advantages of high efficiency and simple calculation. However, PE has the problems of missing amplitude information and single scale. To address the two drawbacks, refined composite multi-scale reverse weighted PE (RCMRWPE), as a novel measurement technology of describing the signal complexity, is put forward based on refined composite multi-scale processing (RCMP) and reverse weighted PE (RWPE). RCMP is an improved method of coarse-graining, which not only solves the problem of single scale, but also improves the stability of traditional coarse-graining; RWPE has been proposed more recently, and has better inter-class separability and robustness performance to noise than PE, weighted PE (WPE), and reverse PE (RPE). Additionally, a feature extraction scheme of ship-radiated noise is proposed based on RCMRWPE, furthermore, RCMRWPE is combined with discriminant analysis classifier (DAC) to form a new classification method. After that, a large number of comparative experiments of feature extraction schemes and classification methods with two artificial random signals and six ship-radiated noise are carried out, which show that the proposed feature extraction scheme has better performance in distinguishing ability and stability than the other three similar feature extraction schemes based on multi-scale PE (MPE), multi-scale WPE (MWPE), and multi-scale RPE (MRPE), and the proposed classification method also has the highest recognition rate.
Performance of Portfolios Based on the Expected Utility-Entropy Fund Rating Approach
Authors: Chiew Daniel , Qiu Judy , Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Yang Jiping , Shi Chenxiao
Published: April 2021

Yang and Qiu proposed and reframed an expected utility–entropy (EU-E) based decision model. Later on, a similar numerical representation for a risky choice was axiomatically developed by Luce et al. under the condition of segregation. Recently, we established a fund rating approach based on the EU-E decision model and Morningstar ratings. In this paper, we apply the approach to US mutual funds and construct portfolios using the best rating funds. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of the fund ratings based on the EU-E decision model against Morningstar ratings by examining the performance of the three models in portfolio selection. The conclusions show that portfolios constructed using the ratings based on the EU-E models with moderate tradeoff coefficients perform better than those constructed using Morningstar. The conclusion is robust to different rebalancing intervals.
“Is This a Safe Space?”: Examining an Emotionally Charged Eruption in Critical Language Pedagogy
Authors: West Gordon Blaine
Published: April 2021

Unexpected conflicts, or eruptions, in class during discussions of controversial issues are not uncommon in the field of English language teaching (ELT). This can be especially true for critical English language teachers who hope to address social justice issues in their classrooms. Existing literature of these events often mentions emotional responses of teachers and students, without fully analyzing the ways in which emotions are processed and constrained around these eruptions. This article examines a homophobic incident during an in-service English language teacher course taught by the author to illustrate ways in which emotions shaped the response to the incident, and how social justice aims can be achieved for critical language teachers in emotionally challenging environments, where there may be competing claims of injustice and narratives of oppression. Drawing on feminist theories of emotion, the case is made for a conceptualization of emotions not as private, individual experiences, but rather as public, socioculturally and materially mediated experiences. Social justice is theorized as an active fight against injustices that cannot be seen as an individual, isolated effort. Implications for critical language educators are shared.
Assessing Undergraduate Students’ e-Learning Competencies: A Case Study of Higher Education Context in Indonesia
Authors: Martha Ati Suci Dian , Junus Kasiyah , Santoso Harry Budi , Suhartanto Heru
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in early 2020 around the world has implications for Indonesia’s education sector. This pandemic led to the Indonesian government policy to study from home at all academic levels using a distance learning approach. Studies on e-learning preparedness in Indonesia involving more comprehensive samples of universities during the pandemic are still limited. This study extended samples from several public and private universities in Indonesia to get a broader picture of e-learning readiness in various faculties with diverse university online learning cultures. This study used Rasch analysis to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument and differential item functioning (DIF) analysis to identify responses based on students’ demographic profiles. The results show that most students were ready to study online, but a few were not ready. Moreover, the results show significant differences in students’ e-learning readiness based on the academic year at university, the field of study, the level of organizational e-learning culture of the university, gender, and region. This work provides an insight into student readiness to study online, especially in higher education in Indonesia. The article presents the implications of online learning practices in universities and recommendations for future e-learning research.
A Study to Resist Conduced Interference from GIS Bus-Charging Currents Switching for Electronic Current Transformer
Authors: Bai Shijun , Yue Fanding , Zeng Lincui , Li Yi , Wang Chuanchuan , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the conducted interference to an electronic current transformer introduced in the process of bus-charging currents which are caused by switching a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) disconnector. To cope with these issues, the EMTP-ATP and Matlab/Simulink software are used to carry out equivalent modeling simulations and experimental research, respectively. More specifically, the very fast transient current generated by disconnector switching (DS) is used as the input source of the equivalent simulation model of the Rogowski coil, and the characteristics of conducted interference waveforms of the Rogowski coil, the active integrator and filter outputs under single and multiple breakdowns are analyzed step by step. Moreover, several anti-interference methods are proposed to improve the resistance to the high-voltage and high-frequency conducted interference for the Rogowski coil, such as reducing the Rogowski cut-off frequency, increasing the transient voltage suppressor (TVS), active filter, and Cy capacitor. Besides, the study also reveals that the residual charge of the integral capacitor will discharge with a time constant τ = 1 s after arc quenching with the first-order discharge circuit, which is composed of the feedback resistance and the integral capacitor C. Lastly, the experimental results demonstrate the correctness of the modeling method proposed in this paper and the effectiveness of anti-interference measures.
Sheet Resistance Measurements of Conductive Thin Films: A Comparison of Techniques
Authors: Naftaly Mira , Das Satyajit , Gallop John , Pan Kewen , Alkhalil Feras , Kariyapperuma Darshana , Constant Sophie , Ramsdale Catherine , Hao Ling
Published: April 2021

Conductive thin films are an essential component of many electronic devices. Measuring their conductivity accurately is necessary for quality control and process monitoring. We compare conductivity measurements on films for flexible electronics using three different techniques: four-point probe, microwave resonator and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Multiple samples were examined, facilitating the comparison of the three techniques. Sheet resistance values at DC, microwave and terahertz frequencies were obtained and were found to be in close agreement.
Antennas and Propagation Aspects for Emerging Wireless Communication Technologies
Authors: Kaklamani Dimitra I. , Panagopoulos Athanasios D. , Gkonis Panagiotis K.
Published: April 2021

The increasing demand for high data rate applications and the delivery of zero-latency multimedia content drives technological evolutions towards the design and implementation of next-generation broadband wireless networks [...]
Design and Modeling of a Robust Sensorless Control System for a Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Mossa Mahmoud A. , Echeikh Hamdi , Ali Ziad M. , Ahmed Mahrous , Al-Gahtani Saad F. , Sultan Hamdy M.
Published: April 2021

The paper is concerned with designing an effective controller for a linear tubular homopolar (LT-H) motor type. The construction and operation of the LT-H motor are first described in detail. Then, the motor model is represented in the direct-quadrature (d-q) axes in order to facilitate the design of the control loops. The designed control system consists of two main loops: the current control loop and velocity adaptation loop. The determination of the regulator’s gains is accomplished through deriving and analyzing the transfer functions of the loops. To enhance the system’s robustness, a robust variable estimator is designed to observe the velocity and stator resistance. Different performance evaluation tests are performed using MATLAB/Simulink software to validate the controller’s robustness for variable-speed operation and load force changes as well. The obtained results reveal the appropriate dynamics of the motor thanks to the well-designed control system.
State-of-the-Art Optical Devices for Biomedical Sensing Applications—A Review
Authors: Kazanskiy N. L. , Khonina S. N. , Butt M. A. , Kaźmierczak A. , Piramidowicz R.
Published: April 2021

Optical sensors for biomedical applications have gained prominence in recent decades due to their compact size, high sensitivity, reliability, portability, and low cost. In this review, we summarized and discussed a few selected techniques and corresponding technological platforms enabling the manufacturing of optical biomedical sensors of different types. We discussed integrated optical biosensors, vertical grating couplers, plasmonic sensors, surface plasmon resonance optical fiber biosensors, and metasurface biosensors, Photonic crystal-based biosensors, thin metal films biosensors, and fiber Bragg grating biosensors as the most representative cases. All of these might enable the identification of symptoms of deadly illnesses in their early stages; thus, potentially saving a patient’s life. The aim of this paper was not to render a definitive judgment in favor of one sensor technology over another. We presented the pros and cons of all the major sensor systems enabling the readers to choose the solution tailored to their needs and demands.
Stakeholders of the Multimodal Freight Transport Ecosystem in Polish–Czech–Slovak Cross-Border Area
Authors: Kramarz Marzena , Knop Lilla , Przybylska Edyta , Dohn Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The research on the multimodal transport development within the cross-border area is a result of identified gaps in the system solutions and cooperation between stakeholders of three countries: Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Freight transport is an especially complex problem. It is an area that is not comprehensively recognized in the context of cross-border cooperation. The results of the research presented in this paper are the continuation of analyses performed within the scope of the international project framework TRANS TRITIA. At the moment, transport policy assumes the struggle for the utilization of multimodality within freight transport. This is justified by the need to reduce external transport costs. At the same time, this necessitates actions of a technical, organizational, and legislation nature as well as cooperation between stakeholders. The multimodal transport ecosystem is a vision of the transport within cross-border areas that assumes the increase in the flow dynamics within the multimodal transport. The main goal of this paper was the stakeholders’ analysis and identification of their roles in the ecosystem of multimodal freight transport within the Polish–Czech–Slovak cross-border area. The conceptualization of the multimodal freight transport ecosystem was essential to achieving the objective. To achieve the objective, a stakeholder analysis has been performed based on expert research. As a result of the research, organizational projects have been proposed to strengthen the idea of the coevolution of the multimodal transport ecosystem. The key conclusion from the performed research is the declaration that a holistic view of the multimodal transport ecosystem necessitates the appointment of a coordinator who will synchronize knowledge, business, and innovation ecosystems.
A New Soft-Switching Solution in Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Szular Zbigniew , Rozegnal Bartosz , Mazgaj Witold
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new soft-switching solution recommended for three-level neutral-point-clamped inverters. The operation principles of the proposed solution, working stages, selection of elements, and the control algorithm are comprehensively discussed herein. The control method of the inverter main switches is the same as that of the switches of an inverter operating according to the hard-switching technique. The correctness of the proposed solution was confirmed by the results of different tests using a laboratory neutral-point-clamped inverter with rated parameters of 3 kW, 2 × 150 V, 12 A, and 3 kHz. Numerical analyses were performed for the inverter of rated power 1.2 MW. The switching losses of the inverter operating with the proposed solution were compared with those of an inverter with hard-switching method. The proposed soft-switching solution increased the inverter efficiency and its competitiveness in relation to other proposals because there were no connections between switches and capacitors or inductors, which pose a risk of damaging the inverter when disturbances in the control system appear.
A Simulation Model for Providing Analysis of Wind Farms Frequency and Voltage Regulation Services in an Electrical Power System
Authors: Bialas Hubert , Pawelek Ryszard , Wasiak Irena
Published: April 2021

The article presents an original simulation model of a wind farm (WF) consisting of 30 wind turbine-generator units connected to the electrical power system (EPS) through power converters. The model is dedicated to the evaluation of the WF capabilities to participate in frequency and voltage regulation services in the power system. A system that allows for frequency and voltage control is proposed and implemented in the presented model. The system includes primary frequency regulation with synthetic inertia and secondary regulation available on request from the system operator. The concept of a reference power generation unit was introduced, according to which only one wind generator unit was modeled in detail, and the other units were replaced with simple current sources. Such a solution allowed for the reduction of size and complexity of the model as well as shortened the simulation time. Simulation tests were conducted in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment for an electrical power system composed of the wind farm, a synchronous generator, and a dummy load. The performance of the wind farm control system was analyzed in different operation conditions, and the control capabilities of the farm were assessed. Selected simulation results are presented and discussed in the paper. They illustrate the regulatory properties of the WF and confirm the correctness of the developed model.
Voltage Control-Based Ancillary Service Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Lukianykhin Oleh , Bogodorova Tetiana
Published: April 2021

Ancillary services rely on operating reserves to support an uninterrupted electricity supply that meets demand. One of the hidden reserves of the grid is in thermostatically controlled loads. To efficiently exploit these reserves, a new realization of control of voltage in the allowable range to follow the set power reference is proposed. The proposed approach is based on the deep reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm. Double DQN is utilized because of the proven state-of-the-art level of performance in complex control tasks, native handling of continuous environment state variables, and model-free application of the trained DDQN to the real grid. To evaluate the deep RL control performance, the proposed method was compared with a classic proportional control of the voltage change according to the power reference setup. The solution was validated in setups with a different number of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) in a feeder to show its generalization capabilities. In this article, the particularities of deep reinforcement learning application in the power system domain are discussed along with the results achieved by such an RL-powered demand response solution. The tuning of hyperparameters for the RL algorithm was performed to achieve the best performance of the double deep Q-network (DDQN) algorithm. In particular, the influence of a learning rate, a target network update step, network hidden layer size, batch size, and replay buffer size were assessed. The achieved performance is roughly two times better than the competing approach of optimal control selection within the considered time interval of the simulation. The decrease in deviation of the actual power consumption from the reference power profile is demonstrated. The benefit in costs is estimated for the presented voltage control-based ancillary service to show the potential impact.
CFD-DEM Simulation of Spouted Bed Dynamics under High Temperature with an Adhesive Model
Authors: Chen Zhao , Jiang Lin , Qiu Mofan , Chen Meng , Liu Rongzheng , Liu Malin
Published: April 2021

Particle adhesion is of great importance to coating processes due to its effect on fluidization. Currently, Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) has become a powerful tool for the study of multiphase flows. Various contact force models have also been proposed. However, particle dynamics in high temperature will be changed with particle surface properties changing. In view of this, an adhesion model is developed based on approaching-loading-unloading-detaching idea and particle surface change under high temperature in this paper. Analyses of the adhesion model are given through two particle collision process and validated by experiment. Effects of inlet gas velocity and adhesion intensity on spouted bed dynamics are investigated. It is concluded that fluidization cycle will be accelerated by adhesion, and intensity of fluidization will be marginally enhanced by slight adhesion. Within a certain range, increasing inlet gas velocity will lead to strong intensity of particle motion. A parameter sensitivity comparison of linear spring-damping model and Hertz-Mindlin Model is given, which shows in case of small overlaps, forces calculated by both models have little distinction, diametrically opposed to that of large overlaps.
Computational and Experimental Analysis of Axial Flow Cyclone Used for Intake Air Filtration in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Dziubak Tadeusz , Bąkała Leszek
Published: April 2021

The properties and advantages of axial flow cyclones are presented; several dozen of them are already widely used as the first stage of inlet air filtration in internal combustion motor vehicle engines, work machines and helicopters. The necessity to conduct research on cyclones to improve separation efficiency has been demonstrated. Using the commercial engineering software Ansys Fluent, at a constant inlet velocity of 10 m/s, an assessment was made on the effect of the separation length and inlet diameter of the outlet tube on changes in separation efficiency in axial flow cyclone. Each of the examined parameters was variable while maintaining other factors at a constant level. In the numerical calculations, test dust was used, which was the equivalent of AC fine dust, the particle size composition of which was taken into account using the Rosin–Rammler model. Increase in the separation efficiency was observed with an increase in the separation length and a decrease in the diameter of the cyclone inlet tube. For the cyclone model with an increased separation length and reduced diameter of the inlet pipe, numerical tests of separation efficiency and pressure drop were performed for various velocities at cyclone inlet in the range of 2.5–15 m/s. The obtained characteristics of modified axial flow cyclone were experimentally verified on a laboratory stand during cyclone prototype tests, the model of which was printed using the additive manufacturing technique.
Developing a Decision Tree Algorithm for Wind Power Plants Siting and Sizing in Distribution Networks
Authors: Ghimire Santosh , Alizadeh Seyed Morteza
Published: April 2021

The interconnection of wind power plants (WPPs) with distribution networks has posed many challenges concerned with voltage stability at the point of common coupling (PCC). In a distribution network connected WPP, the short-circuit ratio (SCR) and impedance angle ratio seen at PCC (X/RPCC) are the most important parameters, which affect the PCC voltage (VPCC) stability. Hence, design engineers need to conduct the WPP siting and sizing assessment considering the SCR and X/RPCC seen at each potential PCC site to ensure that the voltage stability requirements defined by grid codes are provided. In various literature works, optimal siting and sizing of distributed generation in distribution networks (DG) has been carried out using analytical, numerical, and heuristics approaches. The majority of these methods require performing computational tasks or simulate the whole distribution network, which is complex and time-consuming. In addition, other works proposed to simplify the WPP siting and sizing have limited accuracy. To address the aforementioned issues, in this paper, a decision tree algorithm-based model was developed for WPP siting and sizing in distribution networks. The proposed model eliminates the need to simulate the whole system and provides a higher accuracy compared to the similar previous works. For this purpose, the model accurately predicts key voltage stability criteria at a given interconnection point, including VPCC profile and maximum permissible wind power generation, using the SCR and X/RPCC values seen at that point. The results confirmed the proposed model provides a noticeable high accuracy in predicting the voltage stability criteria under various validation scenarios considered.
Profitability Using Second-Generation Bioethanol in Gasoline Produced in Mexico
Authors: Bautista-Herrera Adrián , Ortiz-Arango Francisco , Álvarez-García José
Published: April 2021

Gasoline produced in Mexico by the productive company of the state Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) mainly uses oil-derived ethers as oxygenators to reach the Mexican Regulatory ‘Framework’s octane number. An alternative to complying with these regulations could be to use bioethanol as an oxygenate. However, as a gasoline component, this could affect ‘Mexico’s food markets since sugar cane, and grains are the primary inputs for local production. The main objective of this study is to evaluate whether the use of bioethanol, produced from corn stubble, as an additive in gasoline produced by Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) is profitable in Mexico, from the perspective of the evaluation of the supply chain and the finances. The purpose of this work is to contribute to the definition of the advantages and limitations for the existence of a second-generation bioethanol market produced from Lignocellulosic corn biomass and integrated into the gasoline market of national production in Mexico. The work starts with theoretical research to define the use of corn stubble as raw material, set up on its availability and feasibility determined based on a geographic information system (GIS), through the use of the agricultural production forecast approach, as well as the integration of costs and financial analysis. The results show that corn stubble bioethanol production is technically viable, but the production cost is not competitive yet. Although its price is not yet competitive compared to the imported price, using a fiscal incentive scheme and considering the decrease in energy dependence, it would be feasible to produce it in Mexico.
Effects of Occupants and Local Air Temperatures as Sources of Stochastic Uncertainty in District Energy System Modeling
Authors: Mosteiro-Romero Martín , Schlueter Arno
Published: April 2021

Input uncertainty is one of the major obstacles urban building energy models (UBEM) must tackle. The aim of this paper was to quantify the effects of two of the main sources of stochastic uncertainty, namely building occupants and urban microclimate, on electrical and thermal supply system sizing at the district scale. In order to analyze the effects of the former, three different methods of occupant modeling were implemented in a UBEM. The effects of the urban heat island on system sizing were studied through the use of measured temperature data from a weather station in the case study district compared to measured data from a national weather station. The methods developed were used to assess the sizing and costs of centralized and decentralized technologies for a case study in central Zurich, Switzerland. The choice of occupant modeling approach was found to affect the district’s total annualized costs for space heating and cooling by ±5%, whereas for the costs of electricity the variation was ±8%. Regarding outdoor temperature, the effects on the heating demands proved be negligible, however the costs of the cooling alternatives were found to vary by about 4% at the district scale due to the effect of urban climate, for individual buildings this deviation was as high as 40%.
An Adaptive Synchronous Rectification Driving Strategy for Bidirectional Full-Bridge LLC Resonant Converter
Authors: Liu Chun-Yu , Liu Yi-Hua , Wang Shun-Chung , Yang Zong-Zhen , Ye Song-Pei
Published: April 2021

In this study, an adaptive driving method for synchronous rectification in bidirectional full-bridge LLC resonant converters used in railway applications is proposed. The drain to source voltage of the synchronous rectifier is utilized to detect the conduction of the body diode, and a suitable driving signal for synchronous rectification is generated accordingly. The proposed driving scheme is simple and can be realized using a low-cost digital signal processor (DSP). According to the experimental results, which averaged 0.4625% and 1.097%, improvement can be observed under charging and discharging mode, respectively.
Bisphenols and the Development of Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of the Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Ahmed Fozia , Pereira Maria , Aguer Céline
Published: April 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are environmental contaminants that have been associated with the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Two organs that are often implicated in the development of insulin resistance are the skeletal muscle and the adipose tissue, however, seldom studies have investigated the effects of bisphenols on their metabolism. In this review we discuss metabolic perturbations that occur in both the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue affected with insulin resistance, and how exposure to BPA or BPS has been linked to these changes. Furthermore, we highlight the possible effects of BPA on the cross-talk between the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Factors on Soil Microbial Biomass in Robinia pseudoacacia Plantations in the Loess Hilly Region
Authors: Xue Wenyan , Chen Yunming , Dong Congguo , Qiao Yuning
Published: April 2021

The ecological productivity of the Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RP) widely cultivated on the Loess hilly region has been widely questioned with its aging. Soil microbial biomass (SMB) plays a key role in soil nutrient dynamics and productivity of the ecosystems. Understanding the main ecological drivers of SMB is supposed to be of importance for ecosystem functioning of RP in the Loess hilly region. In this study, we identified the most influential factors affecting SMB at 2 layers (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm) using forward selection in terms of plant characteristics (forest age, tree height, diameter at breast height, tree canopy, crown base height, herb height, herb number, herb coverage, herb ground diameter and herb diversity), soil physiochemical characteristics (soil bulk density, pH, water content, soil organ carbon, soil total and available nutrient content) and topographical properties (elevation, aspect and slope). We also analyzed individual and interactive effects (plant–soil, plant–topography, soil–topography, plant–soil–topography) using general linear model (GLM) analysis. Among all plant variables, tree canopy and understory richness had the greatest impact on SMB. The soil variables with the greatest impact on SMB were bulk density and available phosphorus. Elevation was the most important topographic factor affecting SMB. When we considered the interactive effects among plant, soil physicochemical and topographical variables on SMB, a significant interaction effect occurred at a depth of 10–30 cm soil layer. We concluded that individual effects of abiotic and biotic factors significantly affect SMB at 0–10 cm, while the interaction of these factors mainly played roles at 10–30 cm. These results provide a basis for maintaining soil health and productivity using efficient SMB by providing suitable abiotic and biotic habitats.
Competition Restricts the Growth, Development, and Propagation of Carpinus tientaiensis: A Rare and Endangered Species in China
Authors: Yao Liangjin , Xu Yuanke , Jiang Bo , Wu Chuping , Yuan Weigao , Zhu Jinru , Li Tingting , Wang Zhigao
Published: April 2021

The protection and propagation of rare and endangered species are key to the preservation of their population development; however, due to the scarcity of individuals, the potential effects and status of rare and endangered species in the whole forest ecosystem are still poorly understood. Using data from a 60 × 140 m forest dynamic monitoring sample of the Carpinus tientaiensis (Betulaceae) species in Zhejiang of Southeast China. We assessed the population distribution and diameter at breast height (DBH) structure of the Carpinus tientaiensis species, which was a rare and endangered species, as well as intra- and interspecific correlation with other species. The results show that saplings (1 cm ≤ DBH < 5 cm) and juveniles (5 cm ≤ DBH < 10 cm) were more aggregated than larger individuals (DBH ≥ 20 cm) of Carpinus tientaiensis. The DBH size structure of all the trees shows an obvious inverted “J” distribution. With an increase in the DBH size category, the number of individuals gradually decreases. Due to the diffusion limitation, the spatial distribution patterns of all the tree individuals and roof geese in the sample land are increased at a small spatial scale, and as the spatial scale increases, the degree of aggregation decreases gradually. The relationship between different diameter stages of the population of Carpinus tientaiensis showed a consistent general trend. The spatial distribution of individuals with a large diameter on a small scale was significantly positively correlated (p < 0.001). With an increase in the scale, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between individuals with a large diameter and individuals with a small diameter. There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between the population of Carpinus tientaiensis and other species in the sample, and the strong unidirectional competition of other species in the sample can be seen by the competition index. We found that interspecific competition restricts the growth and expansion of Carpinus tientaiensis, and it has adopted different ecological strategies to coexist with a population of common tree species occupying a similar living space.
Using Direct and Indirect Methods to Assess Changes in Riparian Habitats
Authors: Halarewicz Aleksandra , Pruchniewicz Daniel , Kawałko Dorota
Published: April 2021

Hydrological regime disturbances in riparian ecosystems affect the interactions between soil properties and vegetation. The proper assessment of changes occurring in river valley forests is a basis for planning in sustainable forest management. The existing habitat conditions in plant communities can be assessed by both direct and indirect measurements. The aim of the study was to compare the results obtained with direct and indirect methods of data collection. We also evaluated the validity of the studied variables. Our study was based on data from plots established in 90-year-old forests in the Odra river valley (SW Poland). Habitat features, such as soil moisture (F), nitrogen (N), and soil reaction (R), were expressed directly using field measurements and indirectly using Ellenberg’s indicator values, calculated based on the presence/absence of species in a plot (aEIVs) as well as on species cover (wEIVs). Only in the case of nitrogen did the use of both methods of estimating habitat features give the same results for selected riverside forests. In ordination and regressive analyses, use of direct or indirect methods strongly influences the results of calculations. Analyses conducted on the basis of selected parameters indicate a significant decrease in soil moisture and a change in soil reaction in the riparian forest located on the edge of the floodplain, which indicates that the habitat transformation has already begun. We concluded that the use of Ellenberg’s indicator values (EIVs) for monitoring riparian habitats has numerous disadvantages, and therefore data based on direct measurement should be preferred.
Response of Temperate Forest Ecosystems under Decreased Nitrogen Deposition: Research Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Gilliam Frank S.
Published: April 2021

Although past increases in emissions and atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen (Nr) provided the impetus for extensive research investigating the effects of excess N in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the Clean Air Act and associated rules have led to decreases in emissions and deposition of oxidized N, especially in the eastern U.S., but also in other regions of the world. Thus, research in the near future must address the mechanisms and processes of recovery for impacted forests as they experience chronically less N in atmospheric depositions. Recently, a hysteretic model was proposed to predict this recovery. By definition, hysteresis is any phenomenon in which the state of a property depends on its history and lags behind changes in the effect causing it. Long-term whole-watershed additions of N at the Fernow Experimental Forest allow for tests of the ascending limb of the hysteretic model and provide an opportunity to assess the projected changes following cessation of these additions. A review of 10 studies published in the peer-reviewed literature indicate there was a lag time of 3–6 years before responses to N treatments became apparent. Consistent with the model, I predict significant lag times for recovery of this temperate hardwood ecosystem following decreases in N deposition.
Euler’s Equation of Continuity: Additional Terms of High Order of Smallness—An Overview
Authors: Ovsyannikov Vladislav M.
Published: April 2021

Professor N.E. Zhukovsky was a famous Russian mechanic and engineer. In 1876 he defended his master’s thesis at Moscow University. At a careful reading of N.E. Zhukovsky’s master’s thesis in 1997, V.A. Bubnov—a professor at the Moscow City Pedagogical University—discovered terms of the second order of smallness in the continuity equation for an incompressible fluid. Zhukovsky calculated them, but did not use the amount of substance in the balance. Ten years later, the author found high-order terms in Euler’s derivation of the 1752 continuity equation for an incompressible fluid. The physical meaning of the additional terms became clear after the derivation in 2006 of the continuity equation with terms of high order of smallness for a compressible gas. The higher order terms of the smallness of the continuity equation penetrate into the inhomogeneous part of the wave equation and lead to the generation of self-oscillations, vibrations, sound, and the initial stage of turbulent pulsations. The stochastic approach ensured success in modeling turbulent flows. The use of high-order terms of smallness of the Euler continuity equation makes it possible to transfer the description of some part of the motions from the stochastic part of the equation to the deterministic part. The article contains a review of works with the derivation of the inhomogeneous wave equation. These works use additional terms of a high order of smallness in the continuity equation.
Development of a New Deodorization Method of Herring Milt Hydrolysate: Impacts of pH, Stirring with Nitrogen and Deaerator Treatment on the Odorous Content
Authors: Todeschini Sarah , Perreault Véronique , Goulet Charles , Bouchard Mélanie , Dubé Pascal , Boutin Yvan , Bazinet Laurent
Published: April 2021

Herring milt hydrolysate (HMH) presents the disadvantage of being associated with an unpleasant smell limiting its use. Thus, to develop a new effective and easy-to-use deodorization method, this research aimed to deepen the knowledge regarding the impacts of pH (pH 7 vs. pH 10), overnight stirring with nitrogen (+N vs. −N) and deaerator treatment (+D vs. −D) on the odorous content of HMH. This latter included dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) and the most potent odor-active compounds of HMH. Results showed that pH had a huge impact on the targeted compounds resulting in higher detected concentrations of DMA, TMA and TMAO at pH 10 than at pH 7 (p < 0.05) while the opposite trend was observed for the most potent odor-active compounds of HMH (p < 0.05). Moreover, independently of the pH condition, the overnight stirring with or without nitrogen had no impact (p > 0.05). Finally, the deaerator treatment was more effective to remove TMA and DMA at pH 10 than at pH 7 (p < 0.05) while the opposite trend was observed for the most potent odor-active compounds (p < 0.05). Sensory analysis confirmed that the application of pH 10 −N +D and pH 7 −N +D + alkalization pH 10 conditions led to the least odorous products (p < 0.05).
Effect of Serving Plate Types and Color Cues on Liking and Purchase Intent of Cheese-Flavored Tortilla Chips
Authors: Gurdian Cristhiam E. , Torrico Damir D. , Li Bin , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: April 2021

Foods’ overall liking (OL) and purchase intent (PI) are influenced by visual inputs, such as color cues and serving plate types. Cheese-flavored tortilla chips (CFTC) from two formulations (A and B) with a noticeable color difference (∆E = 4.81) were placed on different serving plates (plastic, foam, and paper) and presented monadically to N = 83 consumers using a randomized/balanced block design in two sessions. Consumers evaluated likings of overall visual quality, color, crunchiness, saltiness, overall flavor (OF), and OL using a 9-point-hedonic scale, attribute appropriateness on a 3-point-just-about-right (JAR) scale, and PI using a binomial (Yes/No) scale. Color differences between A and B influenced crunchiness and saltiness liking and perception, which together with OF liking and formulation, mainly determined OL of CFTC. Although having similar fracturability (N) and sodium content, formulation A had higher crunchiness and saltiness likings. PI was influenced by crunchiness, saltiness, and OF liking with 37, 49, and 60% increases in PI odds per liking-unit increase, respectively. Plate type had minimal effect on the sensory liking of CFTC. The brighter and less-yellow color of CFTC could positively influence liking of crunchiness and saltiness, which significantly contributed to OL and PI. These findings are useful to understand consumers’ acceptability and perception of foods when varying visual inputs.
Transmission of Major and Minor Serum Proteins during Microfiltration of Skim Milk: Effects of Pore Diameters, Concentration Factors and Processing Stages
Authors: Li Zhibin , Liu Dasong , Xu Shu , Zhang Wenjin , Zhou Peng
Published: April 2021

Effects of pore diameters (100, 50, and 20 nm), concentration factors (1–8) and processing stages (1–5) on the transmission of major serum proteins (β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin) and minor serum proteins (immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, IgM, lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LPO), xanthine oxidase (XO)) during ceramic microfiltration (MF) of skim milk were studied. Holstein skim milk was microfiltered at a temperature of 50 °C, a transmembrane pressure of 110 kPa and a crossflow velocity of 6.7 m/s, using a tubular single stainless steel module that consisted of three ceramic tubes, each with 19 channels (3.5 mm inner diameter) and a length of 0.5 m. For MF with 100 nm and 50 nm pore diameters, the recovery yield of major serum proteins in permeate was 44.3% and 44.1%, while the recovery yield of minor serum proteins was slightly less by 0%–8% than 50 nm MF. MF with 20 nm pore diameters showed a markedly lower (by 12%–45%) recovery yield for both major and minor serum proteins, corresponding with its lower membrane flux. Flux sharply decreased with an increasing concentration factor (CF) up to four, and thereafter remained almost unchanged. Compared to the decrease (88%) of flux, the transmission of major and minor serum proteins was decreased by 4%–15% from CF = one to CF = eight. With increasing processing stages, the flux gradually increased, and the recovery yield of both major and minor proteins in the permeate gradually decreased and reached a considerably low value at stage five. After four stages of MF with 100 nm pore diameter and a CF of four for each stage, the cumulative recovery yield of major serum proteins, IgG, IgA, IgM, LF, LPO, and XO reached 95.7%, 90.8%, 68.5%, 34.1%, 15.3%, 39.1% and 81.2% respectively.
Characterization and Action Mechanism Analysis of VvmiR156b/c/d-VvSPL9 Module Responding to Multiple-Hormone Signals in the Modulation of Grape Berry Color Formation
Authors: Su Ziwen , Wang Xicheng , Xuan Xuxian , Sheng Zilu , Jia Haoran , Emal Naseri , Liu Zhongjie , Zheng Ting , Wang Chen , Fang Jinggui
Published: April 2021

In recent years, more and more reports have shown that the miR156-SPL module can participate in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in plants. However, little is known about how this module responds to hormonal signals manipulating this process in grapes. In this study, exogenous GA, ABA, MeJA, and NAA were used to treat the ‘Wink’ grape berries before color conversion, anthocyanin and other related quality physiological indexes (such as sugar, aroma) were determined, and spatio-temporal expression patterns of related genes were analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d showed a gradually rising trend with the ripening and color formation of grape berries, and the highest expression levels were detected at day 28 after treatment, while the expression level of VvSPL9 exhibited an opposite trend as a whole, which further verifies that VvmiR156b/c/d can negatively regulate VvSPL9. Besides, VvmiR156b/c/d was positively correlated with anthocyanin content and related genes levels, while the expression pattern of VvSPL9 showed a negative correlation. Analysis of promoter cis-elements and GUS staining showed that VvmiR156b/c/d contained a large number of hormone response cis-elements (ABA, GA, SA, MeJA, and NAA) and were involved in hormone regulation. Exogenous ABA and MeJA treatments significantly upregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes in the early stage of color conversion and made grape berries quickly colored. Interestingly, GA treatment downregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes in the early color-change period, but significantly upregulated in the middle color-change and ripening stages, therefore GA mainly modulated grape berry coloring in the middle- and late-ripening stages. Furthermore, NAA treatment downregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes and delayed the peak expression of genes. Meanwhile, to further recognize the potential functions of VvmiR156b/c/d, the mature tomato transient trangenetic system was utilized in this work. Results showed that transient overexpression of VvmiR156b/c/d in tomato promoted fruit coloring and overexpression of VvSPL9 inhibited fruit coloration. Finally, a regulatory network of the VvmiR156b/c/d-VvSPL9 module responsive to hormones modulating anthocyanin synthesis was developed. In conclusion, VvmiR156b/c/d-mediated VvSPL9 participated in the formation of grape color in response to multi-hormone signals.