bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generated rules for AIDS and e-learning classifier using rough set approach
Authors: Sulaiman Sarina , Rahim Nor Amalina Abdul , Pranolo Andri
Published: July 2017

The emergence and growth of internet usage has accumulated an extensive amount of data. These data contain a wealth of undiscovered valuable information and problems of incomplete data set may lead to observation error. This research explored a technique to analyze data that transforms meaningless data to meaningful information. The work focused on Rough Set (RS) to deal with incomplete data and rules derivation. Rules with high and low left-hand-side (LHS) support value generated by RS were used as query statements to form a cluster of data. The model was tested on AIDS blog data set consisting of 146 bloggers and E-Learning@UTM (EL) log data set comprising 23105 URLs. 5-fold and 10-fold cross validation were used to split the data. Naïve algorithm and Boolean algorithm as discretization techniques and Johnson’s algorithm (Johnson) and Genetic algorithm (GA) as reduction techniques were employed to compare the results. 5-fold cross validation tended to suit AIDS data well while 10-fold cross validation was the best for EL data set. Johnson and GA yielded the same number of rules for both data sets. These findings are significant as evidence in terms of accuracy that was achieved using the proposed model
Forecasting electricity load demand using hybrid exponential smoothing-artificial neural network model
Authors: Sulandari Winita , Subanar Subanar , Suhartono Suhartono , Utami Herni
Published: July 2017

Short-term electricity load demand forecast is a vital requirements for power systems. This research considers the combination of exponential smoothing for double seasonal patterns and neural network model. The linear version of Holt-Winter method is extended to accommodate a second seasonal component. In this work, the Fourier with time varying coefficient is presented as a means of seasonal extraction. The methodological contribution of this paper is to demonstrate how these methods can be adapted to model the time series data with multiple seasonal pattern, correlated non stationary error and nonlinearity components together. The proposed hybrid model is started by implementing exponential smoothing state space model to obtain the level, trend, seasonal and irregular components and then use them as inputs of neural network. Forecasts of future values are then can be obtained by using the hybrid model. The forecast performance was characterized by root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error. The proposed hybrid model is applied to two real load series that are energy consumption in Bawen substation and in Java-Bali area. Comparing with other existing models, results show that the proposed hybrid model generate the most accurate forecast
Non-Native Speakers of the Language of Instruction: Self-Perceptions of Teaching Ability
Authors: Samuel Carolyn
Published: July 2017

Given the linguistically diverse instructor and student populations at Canadian universities, mutually comprehensible oral language may not be a given. Indeed, both instructors who are non-native speakers of the language of instruction (NNSLIs) and students have acknowledged oral communication challenges. Little is known, though, about how the NNSLI population perceives its ability to teach in a second language (L2). This paper presents results pertaining to one part of a larger, exploratory study that investigated how NNSLI instructors perceive their ability to teach in their L2. Teachers’ perceptions of themselves as able classroom teachers, referred to as teachers’ sense of efficacy (Bandura, 1997; Woolfolk Hoy & Burke-Spero, 2005), are important for their potential positive impact on student learning. To examine how NNSLIs perceive their language ability to shape their classroom teaching, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 14) from English- and French-medium Canadian universities. Thematic analyses of the interview data revealed that self-perceptions of language ability influence instructional strategy choices. In addition, NNSLIs described going to great lengths to prepare their language for teaching and emphasized that this extra layer of teaching preparation is especially time-consuming. Results and implications are discussed.
Relating French Immersion Teacher Practices to Better Student Oral Production
Authors: Haj-Broussard Michelle , Beal Heather K. Olson , Boudreaux Nicole
Published: July 2017

This study examined seven Louisiana kindergarten immersion teachers’ practices to evaluate students’ oral target language production and compare the oral production elicited when different instructional practices were used over a single semester. Three rounds of three 20-minute observations in three different contexts – circle time, direct instruction, and centre time – were conducted in seven kindergarten teachers’ classrooms at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester. Using the Association canadienne des professeurs d’immersion (ACPI) accepted language proficiency levels, the researchers focused on students’ global capacity to communicate. Findings suggest that teacher practices influenced student oral language production and help identify specific, practical suggestions for improving language immersion teaching practices and immersion teacher training.
Development of a Duty Cycle for the Design and Optimization of Advanced, Heavy-Duty Port Drayage Trucks
Authors: Amar Pascal , Desai Parthav , Kailas Aravind , Gallo Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2017

Hybrid electric and electric trucks are potential technology solutions for reducing emissions at ports. However, developing an advanced, low-emission technology driveline entails thoroughly understanding typical truck operations in the real-world environment. This paper presents the work performed to develop a novel, more representative drayage duty cycle that characterizes drayage truck operations in the ports of San Pedro Bay in California. Unlike a conventional vehicle, an optimized hybrid driveline requires detailed understanding not only of torque requirements and vehicle speeds but also of the potential recovery of dynamic brake energy, charging opportunities, stopping and idling times, and many other operational requirements. Keeping this in mind, the duty cycle presented in this paper incorporated real-world, near-dock activities of Class 8 drayage trucks such as daily hours of operation, mileage, altitude profiles of routes, and idling and key-off patterns. The empirical duty cycle model was subsequently integrated with a complete vehicle simulation to explore the best solutions to minimize energy consumption for drayage applications in and around the ports. The analysis presented indicates that trucks spent most of the generated power in overcoming aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of tires for a complete drayage shift and that electrical auxiliary loads dominated for near-dock operations because of idling and low-speed profiles. Therefore, achieving zero-emission near-dock operations entails focusing on auxiliary loads and rolling resistance. By using simulations, it was estimated that a hybrid truck with electrical power limited to about 100 kW could deliver a greenhouse gas emission reduction of about 30%.
Balancing Goods Movement and Livability with Freight Roadway Design Considerations
Authors: Hardy Daniel , Hunter Brian
Published: July 2017

Freight Roadway Design Considerations (FRDC), the document described in this paper, was developed by the Florida Department of Transportation District 7 to provide guidance to transportation planning and engineering practitioners for balancing livability and the needs of goods movement in a context-sensitive manner. The FRDC implemented one recommended element of the 2012 Tampa Bay Regional Strategic Freight Plan to develop a new approach to the roadway design process. This approach takes into consideration the analysis of freight activity and land use compatibility in the Tampa Bay plan. The FRDC benefited from a literature review of current practices and guidance from an internal review group and interagency coordination and commentary on draft materials throughout its development. The FRDC provides guidance on identifying roadway context, understanding and clarifying design intent, and selecting from a series of design strategies to help integrate goods movement into the development of complete streets.
Safety-Based Left-Turn Phasing Decisions for Signalized Intersections
Authors: Amiridis Kiriakos , Stamatiadis Nikiforos , Kirk Adam
Published: July 2017

The efficient and safe movement of traffic at signalized intersections is the primary objective of any signal-phasing and signal-timing plan. Accommodation of left turns is more critical because of the higher need for balancing operations and safety. The objective of this study was to develop models to estimate the safety effects of the use of left-turn phasing schemes. The models were based on data from 200 intersections in urban areas in Kentucky. For each intersection, approaches with a left-turn lane were isolated and considered with their opposing through approach to examine the left-turn–related crashes. This combination of movements was considered to be one of the most dangerous in intersection safety. Hourly traffic volumes and crash data were used in the modeling approach, along with the geometry of the intersection. The models allowed for the determination of the most effective type of left-turn signalization that was based on the specific characteristics of an intersection approach. The accompanying nomographs provide an improvement over existing methods and warrants and allow for a systematic and quick evaluation of the left-turn phase to be selected. The models used the most common variables that were already known during the design phase, and they could be used to determine whether a permitted or protected-only phase would suit the intersection when safety performance was considered.
Framework for Evaluating the Severity of Cybervulnerability of a Traffic Cabinet
Authors: Ernst Joseph M. , Michaels Alan J.
Published: July 2017

The increasing connectivity in transportation infrastructure is driving a need for additional security in transportation systems. For security decisions in a budget-constrained environment, the possible effect of a cyberattack must be numerically characterized. The size of an effect depends on the level of access and the vehicular demand on the intersections being controlled. This paper proposes a framework for better understanding of the levels of access and the effect that can be had in scenarios with varying demand. Simulations are performed on a simplistic corridor to provide numerical examples of the possible effects. The paper concludes that the possibility of some levels of cyberthreat may be acceptable in locations where traffic volumes would not be able to create an unmanageable queue. The more intimate levels of access can cause serious safety concerns by modifying the settings of the traffic controller in ways that encourage red-light running and accidents. The proposed framework can be used by transportation professionals and cybersecurity professionals to prioritize the actions to be taken to secure the infrastructure.
Estimating Lives Saved and Injuries Reduced by Motorcycle Helmet Use in Colorado, 2006–2014
Authors: Janson Bruce N.
Published: July 2017

Many rigorous studies have shown the effectiveness of helmet use in reducing severe injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists. NHTSA reports estimates of lives saved by U.S. motorcyclists wearing or potentially wearing helmets. This calculation uses a statistically derived estimate of helmet effectiveness in preventing deaths to motorcyclists involved in crashes. Two parts of the estimate of lives saved are ( a) deaths prevented assuming crashes occurred that did not kill helmeted motorcyclists in proportion to those that did kill helmeted motorcyclists and ( b) deaths that may have been prevented if unhelmeted motorcyclists killed in crashes had been helmeted. Similar estimates can be made for injuries. More readily available crash data enable analysts to investigate whether crashes in their jurisdictions support the inherent assumptions of these estimates. Moreover, the estimates can be stratified to include other crash characteristics such as crash type and rider gender and age. This study compared estimates of potential fatality and injury reductions based on NHTSA averages with estimates with the use of all reported crashes on Colorado state and federal roads in the years 2006 to 2014. Helmet effectiveness is found to depend on crash characteristics in Colorado and does vary from national averages.
Latest Urban Rail Demand Forecast Model System in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Authors: Kato Hironori , Fukuda Daisuke , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Iwakura Seiji , Yai Tetsuo
Published: July 2017

A model system to forecast urban rail travel demand technically supported the formulation of the Tokyo Urban Rail Development Master Plan for 2016. The model system was included in the forthcoming 15-year urban rail investment strategy for Tokyo and was used to make a quantitative assessment of urban rail projects, including 24 new rail development projects that had been proposed in response to expected changes in sociodemographic patterns, land use markets, and the government’s latest transportation policy goals. The system covered the entire urban rail network within the Tokyo metropolitan area, with approximately a 50-km radius and a population of more than 34 million. The system would have to have handled more than 80 million trips per day. Three demand models were used to predict daily rail passenger link flows: urban rail, airport rail access, and high-speed rail access. These practical models had unique characteristics, such as incorporating differences in behavior between older and younger travelers, reflecting expected influences of urban redevelopment on trip generation and distribution, highlighting urban rail access to airports or high-speed-rail stations, examining effects of in-vehicle crowding on rail route choice, and deploying mode choice models for urban rail station access–egress for rail route choice. The authors concluded that the model system would be well calibrated with observed data for reproducing travel patterns, identifying potential problems, assessing proposed projects, presenting results with high accuracy, and assisting decision making of urban rail planners.
Effects of drain depth of vertisols, nitrogen source and time of application on nutrient uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Debele Tadesse , Iticha Birhanu
Published: July 2017

Nitrogen is the most limiting plant nutrient in Vertisols in western Ethiopia. Vertisols properties and management factors as well as fertilizer source and time of application could influence nutrient uptake by crops. With this view, a field study was conducted at Ambo Agriculture Research Centre experimental site during the main cropping season of 2013- 2014, with the aim to determine interactive effects of drain depth of Vertisols, N source and time of N application on nutrient uptake by maize. Treatments comprised five drain depths (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm), two N sources (urea and ammonium sulfate) and two timings of N applications (twice and thrice). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result showed that there was significant interactions effect of drain depths, N source and time of application on the concentration of nutrients in the grain and stover. The NH4-N uptake by maize was found to be significantly better than NO3-N utilization by maize. Grain and stover uptake of N, P and K by maize increased with drain depth and thrice split application of ammonium sulfate. It is concluded that draining off excess soil water from the rhizosphere is the key factor in improving nutrient uptake by maize in Vertisols in Ambo area.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 7 (1): 1-7, June, 2017
Changes in homestead biodiversity with modernization in the rural areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MR , Baten MA , Hossain SMA , Afroz SM , Naher K
Published: July 2017

A study was carried out at selected villages in Gazipur district of Bangladesh during 2008- 2009 with a view to assess the changes in homestead biodiversity with degree of modernization in the rural areas. Three villages were selected purposively considering their degree of modernization e.g. traditional, semi-modern and modern village and biodiversity at 40 randomly selected homesteads from each of the three villages were studied. Species richness, interspecies diversity (Shannon-Wiener diversity index) and species evenness were considered for measuring the biodiversity. A total of 188 plant species belonging to 75 different families were identified in the homesteads of three study villages. The highest proportion (11%) of species found under the family Gramineae followed by Cucurbitaceae (6%), Compositae (5%), Solanaceae (5%), Leguminosae (4%), Amaranthaceae (4%), Rutaceae (3%), Euphorbiaceae (3%), Convolvulaceae (3%), and Cyperaceae (3%) and so on. Among the 188 plant species, 15% fruits species, 9% timber, 11% ornamental and medicinal, 14% vegetables, 4% spices and 47% weed species. The highest number (172) of species was found in traditional village and the lowest (126) in the modern village. Diversity index (H) value for traditional village (1.652) was statistically similar to semi-modern village (1.373) but significantly higher (t = 2.47*) than that of modern village (1.029). So, it can be said that plant biodiversity is decreasing with increase in modernization and/or urbanization. The diversity (H) decreased with decrease in farm size, in other words, species diversity increased with increase in farm size but there was no significant difference among the farm categories in this regard. The total evenness values against the three villages (0.741, 0.630 and 0.491 in Bhawal Gazipur, Hatiyabo and Mariali, respectively) indicate that the abundance of different species was very dissimilar and decreased with increase in modernization.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 7 (1): 32-37, June, 2017
Effect of faecal sludge on cabbage production
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Hasan Monjur
Published: July 2017

2.7 billion people worldwide rely on onsite sanitation and it is a big problem in developing countries. Faecal sludge is a good source of micro/macronutrients of plant besides its richness in organic matter. Two consecutive field experiments was conducted in BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre, Gazipur during Rabi 2015-16 and rabi 2016-17 aimed to determine the effect of faecal sludge on crop production and how much dosage need for maximum yield. Cabbage was the test crop. It was observed that harvesting time was significantly shortened and 25.51% curd weight and 26.55% yield was increase with addition of faecal and chemical fertilizer. No significant differences were found on the dosage of faecal on head formation and head diameter. In the addition of full dosage of faecal with chemical fertilizer, 41.04% and 8.61% curd weight increase than only faecal and chemical fertilizer. Application of full dosage of faecal with full dosages of chemical increases yield 7.28%, 10.66%, 6.88% and 38.75 % than application of half faecal, three-fourth faecal, only chemical fertilizer and only faecal. So addition of full dosage of faecal with chemical fertilizer gives the highest yield on crop. In Bangladesh, faecal might be recycled into agricultural soils as a supplement to commercial fertilizer and thereby enrich the general fertility of the soils and increase crop production.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 7 (1): 43-45, June, 2017
Development of the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire in the United States
Authors: Wormley Michelle E. , Romney Wendy , Greer Anna E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a valid measure for assessing clinical teaching effectiveness within the field of physical therapy.Methods: The Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire (CTEQ) was developed via a 4-stage process, including (1) initial content development, (2) content analysis with 8 clinical instructors with over 5 years of clinical teaching experience, (3) pilot testing with 205 clinical instructors from 2 universities in the Northeast of the United States, and (4) psychometric evaluation, including principal component analysis.Results: The scale development process resulted in a 30-item questionnaire with 4 sections that relate to clinical teaching: learning experiences, learning environment, communication, and evaluation.Conclusion: The CTEQ provides a preliminary valid measure for assessing clinical teaching effectiveness in physical therapy practice.
Deleuze, Freud and the Three Syntheses
Authors: Somers-Hall Henry
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to provide a close reading of Deleuze's complex account of Freud's Beyond the Pleasure Principle in Difference and Repetition. The first part provides a reading of Beyond the Pleasure Principle itself, showing why Freud feels the need to develop a transcendental account of repetition. In the second, I show the limitations of Freud's account, drawing on the work of Weismann to argue that Freud's transcendental model mischaracterises repetition. In the third part, I show how Freud's account of the death drive is shadowed by Deleuze's own non-representational transcendental account.
Prediction of Ultimate Strain and Strength of FRP-Confined Concrete Cylinders Using Soft Computing Methods
Authors: Mansouri Iman , Kisi Ozgur , Sadeghian Pedram , Lee Chang-Hwan , Hu Jong
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates the effectiveness of four different soft computing methods, namely radial basis neural network (RBNN), adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with subtractive clustering (ANFIS-SC), ANFIS with fuzzy c-means clustering (ANFIS-FCM) and M5 model tree (M5Tree), for predicting the ultimate strength and strain of concrete cylinders confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. The models were compared according to the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute relative error (MARE) and determination coefficient (R2) criteria. Similar accuracy was obtained by RBNN and ANFIS-FCM, and they provided better estimates in modeling ultimate strength of confined concrete. The ANFIS-SC, however, performed slightly better than the RBNN and ANFIS-FCM in estimating ultimate strain of confined concrete, and M5Tree provided the worst strength and strain estimates. Finally, the effects of strain ratio and the confinement stiffness ratio on strength and strain were investigated, and the confinement stiffness ratio was shown to be more effective.
Vibration Characteristics and Damping Analysis of the Blisk-Deposited Hard Coating Using the Rayleigh-Ritz Method
Authors: Gao Feng , Sun Wei
Published: July 2017

For the purpose of improving the working reliability of the blisk (integrally-bladed disk) under severe environment, a passive vibration reduction method by depositing a hard coating on both sides of blades is developed and then investigated systematically. Firstly, an analytical model of the blisk-deposited hard coating is taken into account. Secondly, by using the Oberst beam theory and axial symmetry property, the composite hard-coated blade is equivalent to a special homogeneous blade possessing the equivalent material parameters. Then, energy equations of the blisk with hard-coated blades are derived by using the complex-valued modulus, and then substituted into the Lagrange equations. Additionally, eigenvalue equations of the blisk with hard-coated blades are acquired by taking advantage of Rayleigh-Ritz method, and its natural characteristics are obtained subsequently. Further, the frequency response functions of the blisk with hard-coated blades are formulated by using proportional damping to achieve its damping matrix. Finally, a stainless-steel blisk with deposited NiCoCrAlY + YSZ hard coating on both sides of the blades is chosen as the study case to conduct numerical calculations, and the results are compared with those obtained by experimental tests in terms of natural frequencies and mode shapes. The variation of natural frequencies, modal loss factors and frequency response functions of the blisk generated by hard coating are studied, respectively, and the influence of the coating thickness on the damping capacity are further discussed.
Review of PV Generator as an Input Source for Power Electronic Converters
Authors: Suntio Teuvo , Messo Tuomas , Aapro Aapo , Kivimäki Jyri , Kuperman Alon
Published: July 2017

Voltage-type sources have dominated as an input source for power electronics converters for a long type. The existence of duality implies that there are also current-type sources. The growing application of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy has evidently shown that the current-type input sources exist in reality such as photovoltaic (PV) generator or the feedback technique used in controlling the power electronics converters in the renewable energy systems changes the power electronic converters to behaving as such. The recent research on renewable energy systems has indicated that the current-type input sources are very challenging input sources affecting the dynamics of the interfacing converters profoundly. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the effects of the PV generator on the dynamic behavior of the corresponding interfacing power electronic converters.
Real-Time Analysis of a Modified State Observer for Sensorless Induction Motor Drive Used in Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Krishna S. Mohan , Daya J.L. Febin , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this work is to present an adaptive sliding mode Luenberger state observer with improved disturbance rejection capability and better tracking performance under dynamic conditions. The sliding hyperplane is altered by incorporating the estimated disturbance torque with the stator currents. In addition, the effects of parameter detuning on the speed convergence are observed and compared with the conventional disturbance rejection mechanism. The entire drive system is first built in the Simulink environment. Then, the Simulink model is integrated with real-time (RT)-Lab blocksets and implemented in a relatively new real-time environment using OP4500 real-time simulator. Real-time simulation and testing platforms have succeeded offline simulation and testing tools due to their reduced development time. The real-time results validate the improvement in the proposed state observer and also correspond to the performance of the actual physical model.
Nonlinear Observer-Based Robust Passive Control of Doubly-Fed Induction Generators for Power System Stability Enhancement via Energy Reshaping
Authors: Dong Jun , Li Shengnan , Wu Shuijun , He Tingyi , Yang Bo , Shu Hongchun , Yu Jilai
Published: July 2017

The large-scale penetration of wind power might lead to degradation of the power system stability due to its inherent feature of randomness. Hence, proper control designs which can effectively handle various uncertainties become very crucial. This paper designs a novel robust passive control (RPC) scheme of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for power system stability enhancement. The combinatorial effect of generator nonlinearities and parameter uncertainties, unmodelled dynamics, wind speed randomness, is aggregated into a perturbation, which is rapidly estimated by a nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) in real-time. Then, the perturbation estimate is fully compensated by a robust passive controller to realize a globally consistent control performance, in which the energy of the closed-loop system is carefully reshaped through output feedback passification, such that a considerable system damping can be injected to improve the transient responses of DFIG in various operation conditions of power systems. Six case studies are carried out while simulation results verify that RPC can rapidly stabilize the disturbed DFIG system much faster with less overshoot, as well as supress power oscillations more effectively compared to that of linear proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control and nonlinear feedback linearization control (FLC).
Effect on Quality Characteristics of Tomatoes Grown Under Well-Watered and Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: Klunklin Warinporn , Savage Geoffrey
Published: July 2017

Tomatoes are one of the most nutritionally and economically important crops in New Zealand and around the world. Tomatoes require large amounts of water to grow well and are adversely affected by drought stress. However, few studies have evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of commercial tomatoes grown under water stress conditions. Four tomato cultivars (Incas, Marmande, Scoresby Dwarf, and Window Box Red) were grown in a greenhouse under well-watered and drought stress conditions and the tomatoes were harvested when ripe. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant contents of the fruits were compared. There were significant differences between cultivars in quality characteristics—such as dry matter, total soluble solids, and pH parameters—but there were no differences in the quality characteristics between the two treatments of the fruits (p > 0.05); however, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the antioxidant compositions (lycopene, total phenolics, and flavonoids) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) of the fruits of both cultivars and treatments. Overall, these results indicated that tomatoes increased their bioactive compounds without changing any quality characteristics when exposed to water stress conditions.
The AGPase Family Proteins in Banana: Genome-Wide Identification, Phylogeny, and Expression Analyses Reveal Their Involvement in the Development, Ripening, and Abiotic/Biotic Stress Responses
Authors: Miao Hongxia , Sun Peiguang , Liu Qing , Liu Juhua , Xu Biyu , Jin Zhiqiang
Published: July 2017

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is the first rate-limiting enzyme in starch biosynthesis and plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes. Despite its importance, AGPase is poorly studied in starchy fruit crop banana (Musa acuminata L.). In this study, eight MaAGPase genes have been identified genome-wide in M. acuminata, which could be clustered into the large (APL) and small (APS) subunits. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis revealed temporal and spatial expression variations of MaAPLs and MaAPSs and their differential responses to abiotic/biotic stresses in two banana genotypes, Fen Jiao (FJ) and BaXi Jiao (BX). MaAPS1 showed generally high expression at various developmental and ripening stages and in response to abiotic/biotic stresses in both genotypes. MaAPL-3 and -2a were specifically induced by abiotic stresses including cold, salt, and drought, as well as by fungal infection in FJ, but not in BX. The presence of hormone-related and stress-relevant cis-acting elements in the promoters of MaAGPase genes suggests that MaAGPases may play an important role in multiple biological processes. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the complex transcriptional regulation of AGPases, underlying their key roles in promoting starch biosynthesis and enhancing stress tolerance in banana.
The Pharmaceutical Device Prisma® Skin Promotes in Vitro Angiogenesis through Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition during Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Belvedere Raffaella , Bizzarro Valentina , Parente Luca , Petrella Francesco , Petrella Antonello
Published: July 2017

Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix supporting skin wound closure. Mesoglycan is a mixture of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin-, dermatan-, heparan-sulfate and heparin and is the main component of Prisma® Skin, a pharmaceutical device developed by Mediolanum Farmaceutici S.p.a. Here, we show the in vitro effects of this device in the new vessels formation by endothelial cells, since angiogenesis represents a key moment in wound healing. We found a strong increase of migration and invasion rates of these cells treated with mesoglycan and Prisma® Skin which mediate the activation of the pathway triggered by CD44 receptor. Furthermore, endothelial cells form longer capillary-like structures with a great number of branches, in the presence of the same treatments. Thus, the device, thanks to the mesoglycan, leads the cells to the Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, suggesting the switch to a fibroblast-like phenotype, as shown by immunofluorescence assays. Finally, we found that mesoglycan and Prisma® Skin inhibit inflammatory reactions such as nitric oxide secretion and NF-κB nuclear translocation in endothelial cells and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α production by macrophages. In conclusion, based on our data, we suggest that Prisma® Skin may be able to accelerate angiogenesis in skin wound healing, and regulate inflammation avoiding chronic, thus pathological, responses.
Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Bladder Cancer Cells via Modulation of STAT3-CCL2 Signaling
Authors: Huang Sung-Ying , Chang Shu-Fang , Liao Kuan-Fu , Chiu Sheng-Chun
Published: July 2017

Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is an extract from the widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and has been found to attenuate the proliferation of bladder cancer (BCa) cells (The IC50 were: 5637, 2.6 μg/mL; BFTC, 2 μg/mL; T24, 2.7 μg/mL, respectively.). However, the mechanism of the effect of Tan-IIA on migration inhibition of BCa cells remains unclear. This study investigates the anti-metastatic effect of Tan-IIA in human BCa cells and clarifies its molecular mechanism. Three human BCa cell lines, 5637, BFTC and T24, were used for subsequent experiments. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell assays. Real-time RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression. The enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) was evaluated by zymography assay. Tan-IIA inhibited the migration and invasion of human BCa cells. Tan-IIA suppressed both the protein expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-9/-2 in human BCa cells. Tan-IIA up-regulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin and down-regulated mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin and Vimentin, along with transcription regulators such as Snail and Slug in BCa cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanism dissection revealed that Tan-IIA-inhibited BCa cell invasion could function via suppressed chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) expression, which could be reversed by the addition of CCL2 recombinant protein. Furthermore, Tan-IIA could inhibit the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (Tyr705), which cannot be restored by the CCL2 recombinant protein addition. These data implicated that Tan-IIA might suppress EMT on BCa cells through STAT3-CCL2 signaling inhibition. Tan-IIA inhibits EMT of BCa cells via modulation of STAT3-CCL2 signaling. Our findings suggest that Tan-IIA can serve as a potential anti-metastatic agent in BCa therapy.
Fuzzy Color Clustering for Melanoma Diagnosis in Dermoscopy Images
Authors: Almubarak Haidar , Stanley R. , Stoecker William , Moss Randy
Published: July 2017

A fuzzy logic-based color histogram analysis technique is presented for discriminating benign skin lesions from malignant melanomas in dermoscopy images. The approach extends previous research for utilizing a fuzzy set for skin lesion color for a specified class of skin lesions, using alpha-cut and support set cardinality for quantifying a fuzzy ratio skin lesion color feature. Skin lesion discrimination results are reported for the fuzzy clustering ratio over different regions of the lesion over a data set of 517 dermoscopy images consisting of 175 invasive melanomas and 342 benign lesions. Experimental results show that the fuzzy clustering ratio applied over an eight-connected neighborhood on the outer 25% of the skin lesion with an alpha-cut of 0.08 can recognize 92.6% of melanomas with approximately 13.5% false positive lesions. These results show the critical importance of colors in the lesion periphery. Our fuzzy logic-based description of lesion colors offers relevance to clinical descriptions of malignant melanoma.
Isogroup Selection to Optimize Biocontrol Increases Cannibalism in Omnivorous (Zoophytophagous) Bugs
Authors: Dumont François , Réale Denis , Lucas Eric
Published: July 2017

Zoophytophagous insects can substitute animals for plant resources when prey is scarce. Many arthropods feed on conspecifics to survive in these conditions. An individual’s tendency for cannibalism may depend on its genotype along with its diet specialization, in interaction with the availability of alternative food resources. We compared two isogroup lines of the zoophytophagous mullein bug, either specialized on animal or on plant diets, that were generated to improve biocontrol. We predicted that: (1) bugs from the prey-specialized line would show higher levels of cannibalism than bugs from the pollen-specialized line, and (2) both lines would decrease cannibalism levels in the presence of their preferred resource. Under laboratory conditions, large nymphal instars had 24 hours to feed on smaller instars, in the absence of additional resources, or with either spider mites or pollen present. Cannibalism was reduced by the availability of both prey and pollen, although prey had a lower effect than pollen. The intensity of cannibalism was always higher in the prey-specialized line than in the pollen-specialized line, regardless of the availability of supplemented resources. The pollen-specialized line had decreased cannibalism levels only when pollen was available. These results indicate that cannibalism is a potentially regulating force in the prey-specialized line, but not in the pollen-specialized line.
The Bionomics of the Cocoa Mealybug, Exallomochlus hispidus (Morrison) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), on Mangosteen Fruit and Three Alternative Hosts
Authors: Indarwatmi Murni , Dadang Dadang , Ridwani Sobir , Sri Ratna Endang
Published: July 2017

The cocoa mealybug, Exallomochlus hispidus Morrison (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is known to attack mangosteen, an important fruit export commodity for Indonesia. The mealybug is polyphagous, so alternative host plants can serve as a source of nourishment. This study aimed to record the bionomics of E. hispidus on mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and three alternative hosts, kabocha squash (Cucurbita maxima L.), soursop (Annona muricata, L.), and guava (Psidium guajava L.). First-instar nymphs of the E. hispidus were reared at room temperature on mangosteen, kabocha, soursop, and guava fruits until they developed into adults and produced nymphs. Female E. hispidus go through three instar stages before adulthood. The species reproduces by deuterotokous parthenogenesis. Exallomochlus hispidus successfully developed and reproduced on all four hosts. The shortest life cycle of the mealybug occurred on kabocha (about 32.4 days) and the longest was on guava (about 38.3 days). The highest fecundity was found on kabocha (about 100 nymphs/female) and the lowest on mangosteen (about 46 nymphs/female). The shortest oviposition period was 10 days on mangosteen and the longest, 10 days, on guava. These findings could be helpful in controlling E. hispidus populations in orchards.
Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Fused Deposition Modelling Natural Fiber Recycled Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Milosevic M. , Stoof D. , Pickering K.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this investigation was to characterize the performance of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in fused deposition modelling (FDM). Composite filaments comprising of pre-consumer recycled polypropylene with varying contents of hemp or harakeke fibers were extruded from which tensile test specimens were made using FDM. Filament and test specimens were tensile tested and properties were compared with plain polypropylene samples; the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of reinforced filament increased by more than 50% and 143%, respectively, for both 30 wt % hemp or harakeke compared to polypropylene filament. However, the same degree of improvement was not seen with the FDM test specimens, with several compositions having properties lower than for unfilled polypropylene. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces revealed uniform fiber dispersion and reasonable fiber alignment, but porosity and fiber pull-out were also observed. Fiber reinforcement was found to give benefit regarding dimensional stability during extrusion and FDM, which is of major importance for its implementation in FDM. Recommendations for optimization of processing in order to enhance build quality and improve mechanical properties are provided.
Mechanical Characterization of a Nano-ODS Steel Prepared by Low-Energy Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Sanctis Massimo , Fava Alessandra , Lovicu Gianfranco , Montanari Roberto , Richetta Maria , Testani Claudio , Varone Alessandra
Published: July 2017

An oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steel with nanometric grain size has been produced by low-energy mechanical alloying (MA) of steel powder (Fe-14Cr-1W-0.4Ti) mixed with Y2O3 particles (0.3 wt %) and successive hot extrusion (HE). The material exhibits superior mechanical properties with respect to the unreinforced steel up to 400 °C; then such differences tend to progressively decrease and at 700 °C yield stress (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values are very close. The microstructure and mechanical behaviour have been compared with those of ODS steels prepared by the most common process, high-energy MA, consolidation through hot isostatic pressing (HIP) or hot extrusion (HE), annealing around 1100 °C for 1–2 h. The main strengthening mechanisms have been examined and discussed to explain the different behaviour. In addition, heat treatments in the range 1050–1150 °C were carried out and a microstructural evolution with a relevant hardness decrease has been observed. TEM observations evidenced defect recovery and partial grain coarsening owing to the not perfectly homogeneous distribution of oxide particles.
Should Research on the Nutritional Potential and Health Benefits of Fermented Cereals Focus More on the General Health Status of Populations in Developing Countries?
Authors: Laurent-Babot Caroline , Guyot Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2017

Cereal foods fermented by lactic acid bacteria are staples in many countries around the world particularly in developing countries, but some aspects of the nutritional and health benefits of traditional fermented foods in developing countries have not been sufficiently investigated compared to fermented foods in high-income countries. Today, malnutrition worldwide is characterized by a double burden, excess leading to non-communicable diseases like obesity or diabetes alongside micronutrient deficiencies. In addition, populations in developing countries suffer from infectious and parasitic diseases that can jeopardize the health benefits provided by their traditional fermented foods. Using examples, we argue that research on traditional fermented cereals in developing countries should focus more on their effect on inflammation and oxidative stress under conditions including infectious or non-infectious gut inflammation.
Chalcone Derivatives: Promising Starting Points for Drug Design
Authors: Gomes Marcelo , Muratov Eugene , Pereira Maristela , Peixoto Josana , Rosseto Lucimar , Cravo Pedro , Andrade Carolina , Neves Bruno
Published: July 2017

Medicinal chemists continue to be fascinated by chalcone derivatives because of their simple chemistry, ease of hydrogen atom manipulation, straightforward synthesis, and a variety of promising biological activities. However, chalcones have still not garnered deserved attention, especially considering their high potential as chemical sources for designing and developing new effective drugs. In this review, we summarize current methodological developments towards the design and synthesis of new chalcone derivatives and state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry strategies (bioisosterism, molecular hybridization, and pro-drug design). We also highlight the applicability of computer-assisted drug design approaches to chalcones and address how this may contribute to optimizing research outputs and lead to more successful and cost-effective drug discovery endeavors. Lastly, we present successful examples of the use of chalcones and suggest possible solutions to existing limitations.
Application of Nanosize Zeolite Molecular Sieves for Medical Oxygen Concentration
Authors: Pan Mingfei , Omar Hecham , Rohani Sohrab
Published: July 2017

The development of a portable oxygen concentrator is of prime significance for patients with respiratory problems. This paper presents a portable concentrator prototype design using the pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) cycle with a deep evacuation step (−0.82 barg) instead of desorption with purge flow to simplify the oxygen production process. The output of the oxygen concentrator is a ~90 vol % enriched oxygen stream in a continuous adsorption and desorption cycle (cycle time ~90 s). The size of the adsorption column is 3 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length. A Li+ exchanged 13X nanosize zeolite is used as the adsorbent to selectively adsorb nitrogen from air. A dynamic model of the pressure and vacuum swing adsorption units was developed to study the pressurization and depressurization process inside the microporous area of nanosized zeolites. The describing equations were solved using COMSOL Multiphysics Chemical Engineering module. The output flow rate and oxygen concentration results from the simulation model were compared with the experimental data. Velocity and concentration profiles were obtained to study the adsorption process and optimize the operational parameters.
Role of Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum in Taurine-Deficiency-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Jong Chian , Ito Takashi , Prentice Howard , Wu Jang-Yen , Schaffer Stephen
Published: July 2017

Taurine is a ubiquitous sulfur-containing amino acid found in high concentration in most tissues. Because of its involvement in fundamental physiological functions, such as regulating respiratory chain activity, modulating cation transport, controlling inflammation, altering protein phosphorylation and prolonging lifespan, taurine is an important nutrient whose deficiency leads to severe pathology and cell death. However, the mechanism by which taurine deficiency causes cell death is inadequately understood. Therefore, the present study examined the hypothesis that overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by complex I of the respiratory chain triggers mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in hearts of taurine transporter knockout (TauTKO) mice. In support of the hypothesis, a 60% decrease in mitochondrial taurine content of 3-month-old TauTKO hearts was observed, which was associated with diminished complex I activity and the onset of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Oxidative damage to stressed mitochondria led to activation of a caspase cascade, with stimulation of caspases 9 and 3 prevented by treatment of 3-month-old TauTKO mice with the mitochondria specific antioxidant, MitoTempo. In 12 month-old, but not 3-month-old, TauTKO hearts, caspase 12 activation contributes to cell death, revealing a pathological role for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in taurine deficient, aging mice. Thus, taurine is a cytoprotective nutrient that ensures normal mitochondrial and ER function, which is important for the reduction of risk for apoptosis and premature death.