bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROSES KREATIF (STRUKTUR TEKNIK KARYA LUKISAN) DEWA MADE MUSTIKA
Authors: Syamsiar Syamsiar
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aims to describe the ceative process (techniques and structures) of Dewa Made Mustika’s paintings in 1994-2018. Dewa Made Mustika is a man born in Tegalalang, Gianyar, Bali, on August 25, 1974. He grew up in Bali and continued his art education at the Indonesian Institute of Arts Yogyakarta in 1994 and graduated in 2000. The creative process of Dewa Made Mustika, reflected in his paintings, is interesting because the energy that exists in the creative process is extraordinary over time. His work on display at the Cultural Park of Yogyakarta in 2017 showed a remarkable energy, not only big that reaches 2800 cm long and 280 cm wide but also with excellent expressive-figurative cultivation technique. If the work of Dewa Made Mustika has tremendous energy at this time, then what about-the works that were created at the beginning of the study at the Indonesian Institute of Arts Yogyakarta up to his present super jumbo works, how the shape structure, the coloring and the techniques used in order to give an idea of how the creative process takes place. This is important for artists from an arts institute to become inspiration in learning the progress of a successful artist in developing his career. The research technique used is descriptive research technique by collecting data based on the facts, summarizes the existing data and presenting it.Keywords: Creative Process, Structure, technique, Paintings, Dewa Made Mustika
BERGADA RAJAMALA SEMANGGI
Authors: Mulyadi Tubagus , Slamet Slamet
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTRajamala is a puppet character from Mahabarata story which represents an incarnation of Dewi Loroamis’ disease in a form of a small-giant little boy. Rajamala is a symbol of disaster that must be removed from human life. This event inspired Sultan HB X to create a ship Cantik Baito in the form of Rajamala’s face in order to get safety trip to Madura through Semanggianchorage at Bengawan Solo River. The Rajamala at Cantik Baito, then, became inspiration for the Semanggi community to create“Bergada Rajamala”, an army with Rajamala mask. This creation is related to the anchoragesite in Semanggi. The problem of this study is about how to brand Rajamala as an icon of Semanggi and why it is necessary to make “Bergada Rajamala” in Semanggi parade. This study uses the method of creation through observation, exploration, experimentation, reflection, and formation. The results obtained include the creation of the parade dance or “Bergada” dance that use Rajamala mask costumes that is called “BergadaRajamalaSemanggi.”KeyWords: Rajamala, Bergada, Semanggi.
TRANSFORMASI GARAP GENDING CUCUR BAWUK KE DALAM MUSIK CAMPURSARI KELOMPOK BALISA
Authors: Prasetyo Heri , Salim Muhammad Nur
Published: August 2020

The transformation of garap music into campursari music of the Balisa group in Sragen was motivated by the phenomenon of garap transfer from traditional musical karawitan into campursari musical form. This garap transition is a creative way for Balisa members to work on garap gending, one of which is Gendhing Cucur Bawuk into campursari music. The creative process that occurs in the elements of working on music is manifested in the stages in transforming the processing of gending. The transformation process of gending is influenced by several supporting factors. To answer this problem, the author uses the concept of garap and is supported by thoughts about transformation. This research uses a qualitative methodology, by conducting observations, interviews and literature studies so that information or related data are obtained. The purpose of this study was to determine the process of transformation of music production that occurred in the Balisa Campursari group. The results showed that the transformation of music production in the Campursaari Balisa group went through several stages such as instrument adjustment, laras adjustment, and style adjustment. The factors that support this transformation process are determined by the “penggarap”, garap determinant and garap consideration.Keywords: transformation, campursari music, garap gending.
Impact of Miniaturization on Early Outcome of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Adhikari Mahesh Bahadur , Karna Sumeet , Adhikari Kinju , Kasaju Atul , Baidya Jagdish Lal
Published: August 2020

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has become the standard procedure for large renal stones but still remains highly challenging due to complications such as bleeding and sepsis, even though it has high stone free rate (SFR). We report the early outcomes of more than 1000 percutaneous nephrolithotomys done in our center.Methods: A retrospective study of all patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy from January 2010 to December 2017 in single institution was conducted. All cases were stratified into three groups based on tract size; standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy with tract size ? 22 F, mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy with tract size 15 – 20 F and ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy with tract size ? 14 F. Age, gender, stone complexity using Guy’s stone score, stone size, operative time, hemoglobin drop, hospital stay, early major and minor complications were reviewed.Results: A total of 1074 patients had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy among which, 578 patients were standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 433 mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 63 had undergone ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy. There was even distribution of patients with Guy’s stone score 1 and 2 in all three groups. However, majority of patients with Guy’s stone score 3 underwent standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy or mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and no patients with Guy’s stone score 4 underwent ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Age group, gender and operative time were comparable between the groups; however, significant difference was noted in terms of less hemoglobin drop and shorter hospital stay (p-value < 0.05) in the miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy group. Complications were found to be fewer in mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy group in comparison to standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy.Conclusions: Miniaturization of tract size significantly decreases post-operative complication rates, blood loss and hospital stay while maintaining high stone free rates in well selected patients undergoing Percutaneous nephrolithotomy.Keywords: Endourology; percutaneous nephrolithotomy; PNL; urolithiasis.
Kajian Konsep Arsitektur Kontekstual pada Bangunan di Kawasan Kota Tua Jakarta
Authors: Thania Bella Mareta , Purwantiasning Ari Widyati
Published: August 2020

Contextual architecture is a field of science that discusses the relationship of a building with the surrounding environment that explains three things, namely, activities, environment, and visuals. The application of contextual architecture can be seen in a historical area that still maintains historical values. One of the historical areas that still maintains historical values in its buildings is the Jakarta Old Town Area. This study aims to explain how the application of the principles of contextual architecture in the Old City area of Jakarta particularly the shape of the building. Existing principles are contrast and harmony in terms of size, shape, and color, but in this research, it will discuss the shape of the building. The method used in examining contextual architecture in the Old Jakarta City area is a qualitative descriptive method that is, conducting observations to find out the contextual buildings in historic areas and then analyzing the principles of contextual architecture particularly the shape of the building. This research is expected to be able to identify and provide an understanding of the principles of contextual architecture in historic buildings in the Old City area of Jakarta, particularly the shape of the building.
Projects with People, Participant-Coercion and the Autoethnographical Invite.
Authors: Freeman John
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is twofold. It describes a long-term relationship with a not-for-profit organisation in the UK, focusing on a particular project that used drama as a tool for building self-confidence and employability. At the same time it reviews autoethnography as a research method, describing its distinctive features and questioning the relationship between empathy and exploitation, informed consent and coercive participant-manipulation. This aspect will be couched, at least in part, in terms of its own autoethnographical journey, one that interrogates the insider/outsider status of researchers whose work does not always sit comfortably within a context of identity, identification and the increasing pressure to develop work that takes place behind closed doors into public-facing outputs.
Using the Alpha Geodesic Distance in Shapes K-Means Clustering
Authors: Oikonomou F. D. , De Sanctis A.
Published: August 2020

This paper is based mainly on the relevant work [1]. In that paper the authors studied the problem of clustering of different shapes using Information Geometry tools including, among others, the Fisher Information and the resulting distance. Here we are using the same methods but for the geodesics of the alpha connection for three different values of the alpha parameter.
PENERAPAN KONSUMSI REBUSAN AIR SELEDRI DALAM MENURUNKAN NYERI KEPALA PADA PASIEN HIPERTENSI DI PANTI WREDA HARAPAN IBU SEMARANG
Authors: Safitri Nur , Pramono Wijanarko Heru
Published: August 2020

Hipertensi adalah kondisi seseorang mengalami peningkatan tekanan darah dalam tubuh, dimana tekanandarah diatas melebihi normal 140/90 mmHg yaitu fase sistolik 140 mmHg menunjukkan fase darah yangsedang dipompa oleh jantung dan diastolik 90 mmHg menunjukkan fase darah yang kembali ke jantung.Dari proses tersebut dapat menimbulkan berbagai macam gejala seperti nyeri kepala (pusing). Nyerimerupakan suatu sensori yang tidak menyenangkan dari suatu emosional disertai kerusakan jaringan secaraaktual ataupun potensial atau jaringan yang secara menyeluruh, sedangkan nyeri kepala juga merupakansakit atau nyeri, termasuk rasa tidak nyaman yang menyerang bagian tengkorak (kepala) mulai dari keningkearah atas dan belakang kepala dan bagian wajah. Tujuan studi kasus ini menyusun resume asuhankeperawatan (pengkajian, diagnose keperawatan, perencanaan, implementasi dan evaluasi) dalampenerapan konsumsi rebusan air seledri dalam menurunkan nyeri kepala pada pasien hipertensi. Dan studikasus ini dilaksanakan pada tanggal 5-11 Desember 2018 di Panti Wreda Harapan Ibu Semarang. Subjekpenelitian ini adalah 3 klien lansia dengan kriteria inklusi menderita hipertensi dengan nyeri kepala skala4-7, dan usia 60-80 tahun. Klien bersedia menjadi responden dengan menandatangani informed consent.Hasil studi menunjukkan ketiga responden didapatkan hasil penurunan intensitas nyeri dengan presentaserata-rata penurunan nyeri 5 setelah diberikan rebusan air seledri. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa rebusan airseledri dapat menurunkan nyeri kepala pada pasien hipertensi.
Financing of Entrepreneurial Firms in Canada: Some Patterns
Authors: Miglo Anton
Published: August 2020

This article analyzes the patterns of financing for entrepreneurial firms in Canada. We compare the predictions of major theories of entrepreneurial finance and some more recent ideas (e.g., crowdfunding-related ideas/theories) with empirical evidence. Regression and correlation analyses were used to analyze the connections between firms’ financing choices (e.g., debt/equity ratio) and different variables such as firm age, firm owner origin, and the fraction of intangibles assets. We found strong evidence that the financing choices of entrepreneurial firms in Canada are consistent with flexibility theory and credit rationing theory. We did not find evidence that taxes play a significant role in explaining these choices. We also found that the likelihood of using crowdfunding is consistent with local bias ideas and internet access. We also provide an overview of literature related to entrepreneurial financing in Canada and discuss its major challenges and directions for future research.
Effect of Season and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Agronomic Traits and Efficiency of Piatã Grass in Brazilian Savanna
Authors: Zanine Anderson , Farias Lorraine , Ferreira Daniele , Farias Lorran , Ribeiro Marinaldo , Souza Alexandre , Rodrigues Rosane , Santos Edson , Oliveira Juliana , Sousa Luciano , Negrão Fagton , Pinho Ricardo , Nascimento Thiago
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agronomic traits in the pre- and post-grazing and the nitrogen use efficiency of Piatã grass that was subjected to nitrogen fertilization throughout the seasons of the year. The experiment was performed in a randomized block design with four treatments (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha−1 N). Grazing was performed with sheep when the forage canopy reached 95% light interception up to 20 cm height of post-grazing. The pre-grazing forage mass of the Piatã grass showed a behavior (p < 0.05) linear to nitrogen fertilization, with higher and lower values in spring and winter, respectively. The post-grazing forage mass responded linearly (p < 0.05) to nitrogen fertilization, with an increase of 43.12% for the dose of 450 kg ha−1 N in relation to pastures without nitrogen fertilization. When the non-fertilized pasture was compared with the highest nitrogen dose, a reduction of 21.79% dead tissue was observed in the post-grazing forage mass. The highest nitrogen use efficiency was obtained with the dose of 450 kg ha−1 N. The forage mass production of the Piatã grass in the pre- and post-grazing conditions are positively influenced by nitrogen fertilization and the seasons of the year, with lower values in winter.
Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Gold–Chitosan and Carbon Nanoparticles on Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Lipșa Florin-Daniel , Ursu Elena-Laura , Ursu Cristian , Ulea Eugen , Cazacu Ana
Published: August 2020

Nanoparticles are implemented in different biotechnological fields, and there is interest in their use in plant biology. Nanotechnology can help overcome the persistent limitations of using conventional fungicides in the management of plant diseases, contributing to a safer environment. Hence, this study is focused on evaluating the behavior of nanoparticles on two different strains of Fusarium oxysporum, which have a wide-ranging occurrence in tomato production and account for important economic losses. Fusarium oxysporum is an ascomycetous fungus that is well-known as a soilborne plant pathogen, adapted to any soil type, and it lives in different forms on organic materials. Gold–chitosan and carbon nanoparticles were suspended in potato dextrose agar growth media, and their antifungal activity was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after incubation by measuring the diameter of fungal colonies. The results showed that the nanoparticles have antifungal properties against F. oxysporum, the fungal colony growth diameter being reduced. Likewise, it was observed that the colony diameter was smaller when the nanoparticle concentration increased. However, in the case of one F. oxysporum strain, the highest nanoparticle concentration applied during the experiment’s execution was not able to completely inhibit fungal growth.
Assessment of the Suitability of 10 Winter Triticale Cultivars (x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) for Organic Agriculture: Polish Case Study
Authors: Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata , Nakielska Małgorzata , Jończyk Krzysztof , Berbeć Adam Kleofas , Kopiński Jerzy
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to compare 10 winter triticale varieties according to their traits useful for cultivation in organic farming. The study was carried out in the years 2014–2017 in the experimental organic farm of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation–State Research Institute in Pulawy (Poland). The highest-yielding varieties under organic conditions were Pizarro and Subito. Borowik cultivar showed the highest competitive ability against weeds. The highest number of weeds was found in the Leontyno cultivar, which was connected to the lowest plant density, the lowest weight of the above-ground parts of the canopy and smaller value of tillering coefficient. The most affected by the fungal pathogens Drechslera tritici-repentis (Died.) Shoem. and Puccinia striiformis Schwein. were Fredro and Algoso. Cluster analyses indicated that the most useful cultivars for cultivation in the organic system were: Borowik, Subito, and Tomko, which all showed higher yielding potential, bigger competitiveness against weeds, and average resistance against fungal pathogens. Pizarro, Tulus, and Twingo, which showed high resistance to fungal pathogens with lower competitiveness to weeds, were classified to the second group of usefulness. The least useful for the organic system were: Algoso, Fredro, Grenado, and Leontyno.
Response of Switchgrass Grown for Forage and Bioethanol to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium on Semiarid Marginal Land
Authors: Tang Chao-Chen , Han Li-Pu , Xie Guang-Hui
Published: August 2020

A two-year nutrient omission trial was conducted on semiarid wasteland to determine the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on the chemical composition and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The fertilizer treatments were the following: NPK, PK, NK, NP, and no nutrient inputs (CK). Results indicated that the crude protein (CP) content and protein yield of switchgrass aboveground biomass decreased significantly in the PK treatment (N omission) and the CK, compared with the NPK treatment. The omission of N, P, or K did not significantly affect the other feed and energy quality indicators. When averaged across the two years, the neutral- and acid-detergent fiber contents were lower in the NPK and NP treatments, but the CP, dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients, net energy for lactation, and relative feed value were higher, indicating that the suitable application with combination of N and P was helpful to improve the forage quality of switchgrass. In PK and CK treatments, the contents of soluble sugar, cellulose, and hemicellulose were higher but that of ash was lower than that in other three treatments, indicating that no N application meant better quality of switchgrass aboveground biomass for bioethanol production. The TEY at NPK was 2532 L ha−1 in 2015 and 2797 L ha−1 in 2016; in particular, the TEY decreased significantly by 15.1% in PK, 14.7% in NK, 10.5% in NP, and 29.9% in CK in 2016. To conclude, N was the most limiting factor in switchgrass productivity and the combined N, P, and K nutrient supply management strategy is recommended based on the consideration of quality and quantity of switchgrass as forage and bioenergy feedstock on semiarid marginal land.
Seeding Time Affects Bermudagrass Establishment in the Transition Zone Environment
Authors: Giolo Maurizio , Pornaro Cristina , Onofri Andrea , Macolino Stefano
Published: August 2020

Bermudagrass is becoming increasingly popular in the Mediterranean transition zone of Europe for establishing new sports and recreational turfgrasses. In these regions, the quality and winter hardiness of bermudagrass turf is influenced by the establishment. It has been demonstrated that an early establishment of bermudagrass results in a longer growing season with a greater stolon and rhizome production, which favors cold hardiness and a quicker green up after the first winter. Dormant seeding is reported to be beneficial for an early establishment. However, the response to early seeding depends on local environmental conditions. A field study was conducted in northeastern Italy during spring 2018 and 2019. Four bermudagrass cultivars (“Transcontinental”, “Jackpot”, “SR9554”, and “La Paloma”) were compared under three seeding times from March to May to evaluate whether early spring seeding allows anticipating the establishment of bermudagrass compared with late spring seeding which generally benefits of better temperatures for germination and growth. The number of days from seeding to the emergence and from seeding to the full establishment were determined, and the number of seedlings was counted in each plot. Late March seeding assured the earliest establishment. This result could be due to the quick lateral spreading of seedlings as the emergence occurred about 15 days later in the late March seeding compared with April and May seedings. Results also displayed that the speed of establishment was positively related to the number of emerged seedlings. “Transcontinental”, “Jackpot”, and “SR9554” performed similarly, whereas “Jackpot” showed a slower establishment.
Genetic Structure Analysis of the Pura Raza Español Horse Population through Partial Inbreeding Coefficient Estimation
Authors: Perdomo-González Davinia I. , Sánchez-Guerrero María J. , Molina Antonio , Valera Mercedes
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work was to analyze genetic parameters such as the inbreeding coefficient (F), relatedness coefficient (AR) and partial inbreeding coefficient (Fij) of the whole PRE population, and the ancestors which account for 50% of the total genetic variability of the current population, from genealogical information. The average F of the whole PRE population (328,706 animals) has decreased from 8.45% to 7.51% in the least 20 years. The Fij was estimated for the whole PRE population, resulting in a database of 58,772,533 records containing one record for each Fij that each animal receives from a certain common ancestor (CA). A total of 10,244 CAs contributed to the Fij with an average of 5370 descendants, with each descendant having an average of 170 CAs. Over the generations, the number of CAs has increased, while the proportion of Fij by each one has decreased. In addition, the contributions of the more influential ancestors have changed. The increased census, the limited use of artificial insemination and our increased knowledge about inbreeding depression and the animals’ breeding values allow breeders to select horses more for their functionality and conformation than for their pedigree reputation, which is the cause of all these changes.
Impact of Colistin Dosing on the Incidence of Nephrotoxicity in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairy Reem , Aljrarri Waad , Noor Afnan , Elsamadisi Pansy , Shamas Nour , Qureshi Mohammad , Ismail Sherine
Published: August 2020

Colistin therapy is associated with the development of nephrotoxicity. We examined the incidence and risk factors of nephrotoxicity associated with colistin dosing. We included adult hospitalized patients who received intravenous (IV) colistin for >72 h between January 2014 and December 2015. The primary endpoint was the incidence of colistin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). The secondary analyses were predictors of nephrotoxicity, proportions of patients inappropriately dosed with colistin according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Garonzik formula and clinical cure rate. We enrolled 198 patients with a mean age of 55.67 ± 19.35 years, 62% were men, and 60% were infected with multidrug-resistant organisms. AKI occurred in 44.4% (95% CI: 37.4–51.7). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that daily colistin dose per body weight (kg) was associated with AKI (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08–2.30; p = 0.02). Other significant predictors included serum albumin level, body mass index (BMI), and severity of illness. None of the patients received loading doses, however FDA-recommended dosing was achieved in 70.2% and the clinical cure rate was 13%. The incidence of colistin-associated AKI is high. Daily colistin dose, BMI, serum albumin level, and severity of illness are independent predictors of nephrotoxicity.
Unsupervised Deep Learning-Based RGB-D Visual Odometry
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhang Haidong , Xu Yiming , Wang Li
Published: August 2020

Recently, deep learning frameworks have been deployed in visual odometry systems and achieved comparable results to traditional feature matching based systems. However, most deep learning-based frameworks inevitably need labeled data as ground truth for training. On the other hand, monocular odometry systems are incapable of restoring absolute scale. External or prior information has to be introduced for scale recovery. To solve these problems, we present a novel deep learning-based RGB-D visual odometry system. Our two main contributions are: (i) during network training and pose estimation, the depth images are fed into the network to form a dual-stream structure with the RGB images, and a dual-stream deep neural network is proposed. (ii) the system adopts an unsupervised end-to-end training method, thus the labor-intensive data labeling task is not required. We have tested our system on the KITTI dataset, and results show that the proposed RGB-D Visual Odometry (VO) system has obvious advantages over other state-of-the-art systems in terms of both translation and rotation errors.
Featuring the State of the Art of Nanosciences in Belgium
Authors: Lambin Philippe
Published: August 2020

Like in many countries, research devoted to nanosciences in Belgium grew up after high-resolution electron microscopy and local probe microscopic tools became available [...]
Interval Feature Transformation for Time Series Classification Using Perceptually Important Points
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Liu Yanshen , Liu Yi
Published: August 2020

A novel feature reconstruction method, referred to as interval feature transformation (IFT), is proposed for time series classification. The IFT uses perceptually important points to segment the series dynamically into subsequences of unequal length, and then extract interval features from each time series subsequence as a feature vector. The IFT distinguishes the best top-k discriminative feature vectors from a data set by information gain. Utilizing these discriminative feature vectors, transformation is applied to generate new k-dimensional data which are lower-dimensional representations of the original data. In order to verify the effectiveness of this method, we use the transformed data in conjunction with some traditional classifiers to solve time series classification problems and make comparative experiments to several state-of-the-art algorithms. Experiment results verify the effectiveness, noise robustness and interpretability of the IFT.
Study on the Effect of Contrast Agent on Biofilms and Their Visualization in Porous Substrate Using X-ray μCT
Authors: Shastry Abhishek , Villanueva Xabier , Steenackers Hans , Cnudde Veerle , Robles Eric , Boone Matthieu N.
Published: August 2020

Investigation of biofilms and visualization using non-destructive imaging techniques like X-ray μCT has recently gained interest. Biofilms are congregations of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and comprise of microbial cells embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). They are ubiquitous entities that are commonly found in any non-sterile setting and have direct implications on human health. Methods to visualize them in-situ are highly needed to understand their behaviour (attachment and detachment) inside a substrate. Contrast-enhanced X-ray μCT is a 3D imaging technique that is capable of visualising objects that have very low attenuation contrast. The use of contrast agents in X-ray μCT has been an evolving process, however, the possible toxic effect of these chemical compounds against biofilms has not been studied in detail. In this study, we focus on the toxic effect of contrast agents and study the diffusion and drainage of contrast agents in biofilms. We propose using water-soluble potassium bromide (KBr) as a suitable contrast agent for enhancement of the attenuation coefficient of a monoculture of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms inside a porous substrate. At the given concentration, KBr proved to be less bactericidal compared to other commonly used contrast agents and at 5% w/v concentration we were able to clearly distinguish between the biofilm and the porous substrate.
Reinforcement Effect of a Concrete Mat to Prevent Ground Collapses Due to Buried Pipe Damage
Authors: Park Jeongjun , Chung Yoonseok , Hong Gigwon
Published: August 2020

This study described a ground reinforcement effect of a concrete mat, in order to apply a concrete mat for ground subsidence restoration of an open cut. A concrete mat can prevent the expansion of a cavity and relaxation area underground due to buried pipe damage when the buried pipe is in use. An experimental study was conducted to analyze the stress distribution characteristics of an underground area by ground reinforcement of a concrete mat. In addition, a numerical analysis was performed to estimate the range of underground reinforcement of a concrete mat. As an experiment results, the maximum stress reduction ratio of the concrete mat in the underground was 28.5% to 30.9%, which means the reinforcement effect of the concrete mat, according to the installation depth of the concrete mat. The finite element analysis (FEA) results showed that the installation depth of the concrete mat differed in various scenarios, in order to secure the reinforcement effect of the concrete mat according to the load conditions (point and uniform load). Therefore, the reinforced depth of a concrete mat should be determined by the load type on the surface.
Determination of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Animal Urine Samples by Ultrasound Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Coupled to Ion Trap-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Avino Pasquale , Notardonato Ivan , Passarella Sergio , Russo Mario Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

A low solvent consumption method for the determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in animal urine samples is studied. The NSAIDs were extracted with CH2Cl2 by the ultrasound vortex assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (USVA-DLLME) method from urine samples, previously treated with β-glucuronidase/acrylsulfatase. After centrifugation, the bottom phase of the chlorinated solvent was separated from the liquid matrix, dried with Na2SO4, and derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) + trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) (99 + 1). After cooling at room temperature, the solution was concentrated under nitrogen flow, and 1 µL of solution was analyzed in gas chromatography/ion trap-mass spectrometry (GC-IT-MS). The enrichment factor was about 300–450 times and recoveries ranged from 94.1 to 101.2% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of ≤4.1%. The USVA-DLLME process efficiency was not influenced by the characteristics of the real urine matrix; therefore, the analytical method characteristics were evaluated in the range 1–100 ng mL−1 (R2 ≥ 0.9950). The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 0.1 and 0.2 ng mL−1 with RSD ≤4.5% and between 4.1 and 4.7 ng mL−1 with RSD ≤3.5%, respectively, whereas inter- and intra-day precision was 3.8% and 4.5%, respectively. The proposed analytical method is reproducible, sensitive, and simple.
Pose Estimation of Primitive-Shaped Objects from a Depth Image Using Superquadric Representation
Authors: Hachiuma Ryo , Saito Hideo
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a method for estimating the six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) pose of texture-less primitive-shaped objects from depth images. As the conventional methods for object pose estimation require rich texture or geometric features to the target objects, these methods are not suitable for texture-less and geometrically simple shaped objects. In order to estimate the pose of the primitive-shaped object, the parameters that represent primitive shapes are estimated. However, these methods explicitly limit the number of types of primitive shapes that can be estimated. We employ superquadrics as a primitive shape representation that can represent various types of primitive shapes with only a few parameters. In order to estimate the superquadric parameters of primitive-shaped objects, the point cloud of the object must be segmented from a depth image. It is known that the parameter estimation is sensitive to outliers, which are caused by the miss-segmentation of the depth image. Therefore, we propose a novel estimation method for superquadric parameters that are robust to outliers. In the experiment, we constructed a dataset in which the person grasps and moves the primitive-shaped objects. The experimental results show that our estimation method outperformed three conventional methods and the baseline method.
Characterizing Subsurface Rectangular Tilted Heat Sources Using Inductive Thermography
Authors: Mendioroz Arantza , Fuggiano Lorenzo , Venegas Pablo , de Ocáriz Idurre Sáez , Galietti Umberto , Salazar Agustín
Published: August 2020

In this study, we characterize the lateral dimension, depth, and inclination of buried tilted rectangular heat sources from time domain temperature data measured at the surface. The heat sources are representative for planar defects that emit heat in thermographic tests with internal burst excitation. We present a semi-analytical expression for the evolution of the surface temperature distribution. The emitted flux, dimensions and inclination of the heat source are determined by fitting the model to two perpendicular surface temperature profiles and the temperature history at one point of the surface. We show that the sensitivity of the data to the geometrical parameters of the heat source decreases as the angle it makes with the surface increases. The study also shows that the optimum duration of the excitation corresponds to a thermal diffusion length covering the distance from the surface to the deepest end of the heat source. The accuracy and precision of the results for different noise levels and inclinations have been tested by fitting the model to synthetic data with added noise. Fittings of experimental induction thermography data on 3D printed photo-polymeric resin samples containing calibrated Cu slabs confirm that it is possible to characterize tilted rectangular heat sources from surface temperature data.
Enabling “Untact” Culture via Online Product Recommendations: An Optimized Graph-CNN based Approach
Authors: Shafqat Wafa , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is swiftly changing our behaviors toward online channels across the globe. Cultural patterns of working, thinking, shopping, and use of technology are changing accordingly. Customers are seeking convenience in online shopping. It is the peak time to assist the digital marketplace with right kind of tools and technologies that uses the strategy of click and collect. Session-based recommendation systems have the potential to be equally useful for both the customers and the service providers. These frameworks can foresee customer’s inclinations and interests, by investigating authentic information on their conduct and activities. Various methods exist and are pertinent in various situations. We propose a product recommendation system that uses a graph convolutional neural network (GCN)-based approach to recommend products to users by analyzing their previous interactions. Unlike other conventional techniques, GCN is not widely explored in recommendation systems. Therefore, we propose a variation of GCN that uses optimization strategy for better representation of graphs. Our model uses session-based data to generate patterns. The input patterns are encoded and passed to embedding layer. GCN uses the session graphs as input. The experiments on data show that the optimized GCN (OpGCN) was able to achieve higher prediction rate with around 93% accuracy as compared with simple GCN (around 88%).
SHFuzz: Selective Hybrid Fuzzing with Branch Scheduling Based on Binary Instrumentation
Authors: Mi Xianya , Wang Baosheng , Tang Yong , Wang Pengfei , Yu Bo
Published: August 2020

Hybrid fuzzing is a popular software testing technique that combines random fuzzing with concolic execution. It is widely used in the security domain known for its ability to find deeply hidden vulnerabilities and reach high code coverage. Hybrid fuzzing is based on negating branches in the execution path of a specific input to generate new test cases. However, due to numerous inputs and related branches, it does not show the best of its effectiveness without input and branch selection methods. In this paper, we systematically analyze the branch scheduling problem in the internal attributes of hybrid fuzzing, focusing on the synchronization mechanism. To solve the problems, we propose the Selective Hybrid Fuzzing (SHF) approach with branch scheduling based on binary instrumentation. There are two major parts to the SHF approach: (1) we propose a critical branch selection algorithm to select critical branches by three metrics: hit accuracy, solvability, and complexity; (2) we propose a priority score calculation algorithm to select inputs by the number of critical branches. With the SHF approach, we choose only the branches that can be negated to generate new coverage, instead of repeatedly executing the same branches and generating duplicates of inputs. We implement a hybrid fuzzer called SHFuzz with our SHF approach and compare it with the state-of-the-art hybrid fuzzer QSYM. In the evaluation, SHFuzz outperforms QSYM in 20 real-world applications from the Google Fuzzer Test Suite and other program suites in a 12 h test. On average, SHFuzz achieves 8.40% more code coverage and 100 more unique crashes in each application. Our work also finds existing vulnerabilities 7.85× faster than QSYM. We also find new bugs by SHFuzz, which QSYM fails to find. Our evaluation shows that the selective hybrid fuzzing approach can reduce the number of branches executed in concolic execution, enhancing hybrid fuzzing on code coverage and bug finding capabilities.
Investigation of Pellet Properties Produced from a Mix of Straw and Paper Sludge
Authors: Nosek Radovan , Werle Sebastian , Borsukiewicz Aleksandra , Żelazna Agnieszka , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

Global energy consumption is increasing every year, and, despite their many negative impacts, fossil fuels are a major source of energy, but their reserves are gradually depleting. One of the promising but underutilized resources is plant biomass (phytomass). The main problem of plant biomass combustion is the low melting temperature of ash, but there are also problems with corrosion of heat exchangers and clogging of heat-exchanging surfaces. This work is concerned with the production of straw pellets in order to increase the melting temperature of ash by adding an additive. The paper sludge contains substances that can increase the melting point of ash and was therefore added to the pellet samples. This additive was mixed with straw in ratios from 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 (straw/paper sludge). The use of paper sludge showed positive effects on increasing the melting temperature of the ash samples. The deformation temperature of the ash has already risen from 1020 to 1260 °C after the addition of 10% sludge, which is comparable to wood pellets.
Spatio-Temporal Variations of Water Vapor Budget over the Tibetan Plateau in Summer and Its Relationship with the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool
Authors: Meng Deli , Dong Qing , Kong Fanping , Yin Zi , Li Yanyan , Liu Jingyi
Published: August 2020

The water vapor budget (WVB) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is closely related to the large-scale atmospheric moisture transportation of the surrounding mainland and oceans, especially for the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP). However, the procession linkage between the WVBs over the TP and its inner basins and IPWP has not been sufficiently elucidated. In this study, the relationship between the summer WVB over the TP and the IPWP was quantitatively investigated using reanalysis datasets and satellite-observed sea surface temperature (SST). The results show that: (1) the mean total summer vapor budget (WVBt) over the TP in the period of 1979–2018 was 72.5 × 106 kg s−1. Additionally, for the 13 basins within the TP, the summer WVB has decreased from southeast to northwest; the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin had the highest WVB (33.7%), followed by the Upper Yangtze River Basin, Ganges River Basin and Qiangtang Plateau. (2) For the past several decades, the WVBt over the TP has experienced an increasing trend (3.81 × 106 kg s−1 decade−1), although the southern boundary budget (WVBs) contributed the most and is most closely related with the WVBt, while the eastern boundary budget (WVBe) experienced a decreasing trend (4.21 × 106 kg s−1 decade−1) which was almost equal to the interdecadal variations of the WVBt. (3) For the IPWP, we defined a new warm pool index of surface latent heat flux (WPI-slhf), and found that an increasing WPI-slhf would cause an anticyclone anomaly in the equatorial western Indian Ocean (near 70° E), resulting in the increased advent of water vapor to the TP. (4) On the interdecadal scale, the correlation coefficients of the variation of the summer WVBt over the TP with the WPI-slhf and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) signal were 0.86 and 0.85, respectively (significant at the 0.05% level). Therefore, the warming and the increasing slhf of the IPWP would significantly contribute to the increasing WVB of the TP in recent decades.
Mechanisms of the Osteogenic Switch of Smooth Muscle Cells in Vascular Calcification: WNT Signaling, BMPs, Mechanotransduction, and EndMT
Authors: Tyson John , Bundy Kaylee , Roach Cameron , Douglas Hannah , Ventura Valerie , Segars Mary Frances , Schwartz Olivia , Simpson C. LaShan
Published: August 2020

Characterized by the hardening of arteries, vascular calcification is the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in the arterial tissue. Calcification is now understood to be a cell-regulated process involving the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells into osteoblast-like cells. There are various pathways of initiation and mechanisms behind vascular calcification, but this literature review highlights the wingless-related integration site (WNT) pathway, along with bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and mechanical strain. The process mirrors that of bone formation and remodeling, as an increase in mechanical stress causes osteogenesis. Observing the similarities between the two may aid in the development of a deeper understanding of calcification. Both are thought to be regulated by the WNT signaling cascade and bone morphogenetic protein signaling and can also be activated in response to stress. In a pro-calcific environment, integrins and cadherins of vascular smooth muscle cells respond to a mechanical stimulus, activating cellular signaling pathways, ultimately resulting in gene regulation that promotes calcification of the vascular extracellular matrix (ECM). The endothelium is also thought to contribute to vascular calcification via endothelial to mesenchymal transition, creating greater cell plasticity. Each of these factors contributes to calcification, leading to increased cardiovascular mortality in patients, especially those suffering from other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney failure. Developing a better understanding of the mechanisms behind calcification may lead to the development of a potential treatment in the future.
Induction of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells from In Vitro Grown Human Mononuclear Cells by Sparteine Sulfate and Harpagoside
Authors: Atwany Nour Z. , Hashemi Seyedeh-Khadijeh , Jayakumar Manju Nidagodu , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash , Hassuneh Mona Rushdi
Published: August 2020

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key players in the regulation of inflammatory responses. In this study, two natural molecules, namely, sparteine sulfate (SS) and harpagoside (Harp), were investigated for their ability to induce Tregs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were isolated from healthy volunteers and grown in the presence or absence of ConA, with TGF-beta, SS or Harp. Expression of the mRNA of FoxP3, TGF-beta, IL-10 and GAPDH was assessed via q-PCR. The expression of Treg markers including CD4, CD25, CD127 and FoxP3 was measured via flow cytometry. The secretion of IL-10 and TGF-beta by cultured cells was assessed by ELISA. Furthermore, the suppressive role of SS and Harp on PBMCs in vitro was tested via allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Data obtained show that both compounds increased the expression of FoxP3, TGF-beta and IL-10 mRNA in resting PBMCs but to a lesser extent in activated cells. Moreover, they significantly increased the percent of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD127− Tregs in activated and naïve PBMCs. Functionally, both compounds caused a significant reduction in the stimulation index in allogeneic MLR. Together, our data demonstrate for the first time that SS and Harp can induce human Tregs in vitro and therefore have great potential as anti-inflammatory agents.
Hormonal Regulation of Mammalian Adult Neurogenesis: A Multifaceted Mechanism
Authors: Jorgensen Claudia , Wang Zuoxin
Published: August 2020

Adult neurogenesis—resulting in adult-generated functioning, integrated neurons—is still one of the most captivating research areas of neuroplasticity. The addition of new neurons in adulthood follows a seemingly consistent multi-step process. These neurogenic stages include proliferation, differentiation, migration, maturation/survival, and integration of new neurons into the existing neuronal network. Most studies assessing the impact of exogenous (e.g., restraint stress) or endogenous (e.g., neurotrophins) factors on adult neurogenesis have focused on proliferation, survival, and neuronal differentiation. This review will discuss the multifaceted impact of hormones on these various stages of adult neurogenesis. Specifically, we will review the evidence for hormonal facilitation (via gonadal hormones), inhibition (via glucocorticoids), and neuroprotection (via recruitment of other neurochemicals such as neurotrophin and neuromodulators) on newly adult-generated neurons in the mammalian brain.
Not So Slim Anymore—Evidence for the Role of SUMO in the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Sapir Amir
Published: August 2020

One of the basic building blocks of all life forms are lipids—biomolecules that dissolve in nonpolar organic solvents but not in water. Lipids have numerous structural, metabolic, and regulative functions in health and disease; thus, complex networks of enzymes coordinate the different compositions and functions of lipids with the physiology of the organism. One type of control on the activity of those enzymes is the conjugation of the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) that in recent years has been identified as a critical regulator of many biological processes. In this review, I summarize the current knowledge about the role of SUMO in the regulation of lipid metabolism. In particular, I discuss (i) the role of SUMO in lipid metabolism of fungi and invertebrates; (ii) the function of SUMO as a regulator of lipid metabolism in mammals with emphasis on the two most well-characterized cases of SUMO regulation of lipid homeostasis. These include the effect of SUMO on the activity of two groups of master regulators of lipid metabolism—the Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein (SERBP) proteins and the family of nuclear receptors—and (iii) the role of SUMO as a regulator of lipid metabolism in arteriosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver, cholestasis, and other lipid-related human diseases.