bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership perception in candidate faces: Scotland's unionists prefer dominant leaders, and so do nationalists – but only if they are economic pessimists
Authors: Knowles Kristen K. , Little Anthony C.
Published: October 2019

Voters rely on many cues to make decisions about who to vote for, and the appearance of a potential leader can play an important part in this decision-making process. When choosing leaders, it is thought that voters make ‘fit-to-task’ voting decisions, for example, exhibiting a preference for masculine-looking leaders in hypothetical wartime scenarios, when masculine behavioural characteristics would be most valued. Here, we examine face preferences within a sample of Scottish voters during the campaign for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. Subjects were presented with masculinised and feminised versions of faces in a forced-choice experimental task to select their preferred face in a hypothetical national election. No voters (those who voted to maintain the Union) chose more masculine-faced hypothetical leaders than Yes voters (those who voted in favour of an independent Scotland); effect sizes observed were medium. Within Yes voters, economic concern was related to a preference for masculine faces, but for No voters, economic outlook did not relate to face preferences. These findings underscore the importance of real-world socio-political contexts in psychology research, particularly that concerning the public perception of different leadership prototypes. Implications in the current Scottish context are discussed.
Fuel for the fire: tradition and the gender controversy in Lerwick's Up Helly Aa
Authors: Johnson Karl , Aa For Aa Up Helly
Published: October 2019

Shetland's world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa fire festival is a distinctive celebration of community and heritage. Recently media attention and local debate has begun to focus on an ongoing controversy surrounding the exclusion of women and girls from participating in certain roles in the town of Lerwick's Up Helly Aa event. This paper provides some insight into the developing situation and critically examines the claims of heritage and tradition in the face of accusations of locally sanctioned discrimination. With input from members of the grassroots organisation Up Helly Aa for Aa, who campaign for gender equality in the festival (and which the lead author is a member of), the opportunity is taken to provide the perspective of those challenging the status quo.
A NEW KIND OF INTERACTIVE CARTOGRAPHICAL WORKS
Authors: Lisitsky Dmitry , Kolesnikov Aleksey , Komissarova Elena , Kuznetsov Sergei
Published: October 2019

Presently there is no general method of creating and using traditional (paper) maps using mobile devices and QR codes. The article formulates the purpose and objectives of the research in the development of a new kind of interactive cartographic work. As a result of studying the features of QR codes, considering the possibilities of expanding the information capacity of traditional printed maps using mobile devices and QR codes, the basic possibilities of using them when creating a new type of map, advantages and disadvantages of using mobile devices and QR codes when creating and using a traditional paper map are highlighted.
DEFORMATION MONITORING OF MULTILEVEL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING DURING CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Dorogova Inna , Ilin Aleksandr , Iskandarov Rustam
Published: October 2019

The article describes the technology of deformation geodetic monitoring of a multi-storey res-idential building during construction. The description of the main stages of work: the choice of the location of the reference frames and the assessment of their stability, the placement of deformation marks on the observed structure, the location of leveling moves along deformation marks, the im-plementation of several cycles of geodetic measurements and the determination of deformation marks observed by their results
The analysis of the obtained results has been performed, which suggests that at the time of the measurements, the observed deformation processes are predictable. Recommendations on improve-ment of the measuring measures complex are given, and the possibility of forecasting is considered, and the predicted values of the sediment deformation marks are calculated, which practically coin-cide with the actual values obtained in the next observation cycle.
CARTOGRAPHIC AND SPACE MONITORING OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC PROCESSES AND PHENOMENA OF THE BAIKAL REGION
Authors: Plastinin Leonid , Stupin Vladimir , Olzoev Boris
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the substantiation of the programs of mapping and space monitoring of natural and anthropogenic processes and phenomena. The goals, objectives, composition and structure of the monitoring system are stated. The methodological and technological features of its organization are considered. The results of the practical implementation of the developed programs are briefly reviewed on the example of the Baikal Region. Prospects for the further development of the monitoring system of natural and anthropogenic processes and phenomena are outlined.
CREATION OF CADASTRAL ENGINEERING AND ECONOMIC MAPS OF MUNICIPALITIES: DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey , Plastinin Leonid
Published: October 2019

The composition and purpose of cadastral maps, the content of cadastral engineering and economic maps, maintaining 3D-cadastre and its prospects are considered, creation of cadastral engineering and economic maps is proposed.
USE OF ROAPGRAPH IN NAVIGATION SYSTEMS ON THE EXAMPLE OF A COMPANY HERE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Nikolaeva Olesia , Radchenko Lyudmila
Published: October 2019

The road graph is the main layer of a digital navigation map. With the development of geoinformation technologies it is possible to use the road graph to solve various tasks: route construction, analysis of the use of the road network, analysis of road congestion, geomarketing research, updating the database based on the discrepancy between the data in reality and in the application. The purpose of this research is to consider in detail the applied problems that are solved on the basis of the road graph of аn navigation application. These tasks are considered on the example of HERE Technologies, which has many years of experience in the creation and use of navigation applications.
MODERN TECHNIQUE OF HIGH-PRECISION GEOMETRIC LEVELING
Authors: Malkov Adolf , Bryskin Roman
Published: October 2019

This article describes the method of creating a high-rise basis for solving various engineering problems by geometric leveling. The description, disadvantages and advantages of the existing methods of geometric leveling are given. The requirements for measurement accuracy in geometric leveling are presented. The authors propose a method of controling the measurement of excess at the leveling station using a crutch with two heads offset relative to each other by a fixed value. The practical step-by-step implementation of this method of geometric leveling is presented. The basic formulas used to obtain the measurement results are described.
GEOPHYSICAL MONITORING OF TECHNOGENIC HAZARDS ON ANTHROPOGENIC SOILS
Authors: Gordeev Vasily , Malyshkov Sergey , Polivach Vitaly
Published: October 2019

Rock stability estimation tasks on anthropogenic soils require both preliminary survey and on-going real-time monitoring providing alerts on possible cave-in threats. Using VLF monitoring data incorporated into software-hardware geodynamical processes automated surveillance system allows to accomplish that task. Authors describe a unique method, based on Earth’s natural pulsed electro-magnetic field (ENPEMF) recording and make conclusions on the efficiency of the solutions ap-plied for hazardous geodynamic processes monitoring on anthropogenic soils. The principle of the method is to distinguish spatial variations of ENPEMF signal against diurnal oscillations and tech-nogenic signals. Correlation between relative signal intensity and stress-strained state of the rocks is experimentally demonstrated.
ISSUES OFCREATION OF A LARGE-SCALE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL BASE MAP OF MONGOLIA
Authors: Ganbold Ulziisaikhan , Dash Oyuntsetseg
Published: October 2019

It is an alternative science, as the geomorphology plays out in a complex geographic, topo-graphic setting in which both the tectonic and climate processes responsible for driving evolution of the topography change in style and intensity. Geomorphology is a relatively young science, growing along with interest in other aspects of the earth sciences in the mid-19th century.
While geomorphological development continues to grow steadily today, there is a need to use some advanced theoretical and mapping techniques. This paper is issued to cover the creation of topographic maps with a scale of 1 : 50 000 of geodetic measurements by terrestrial a laser scanner and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for geomorphological map.
THE COMBINATION OF HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL INVERSION OF CYCLITES IN SEDIMENTARY BASINS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Authors: Beisel Alexander
Published: October 2019

The model of horizontal inversion of sedimentary cycles proposed by the author is supplemented by the provision on vertical inversion arising in large regional transgressions and regressions. The combination of these types of transformation of sedimentary cycles allows to explain the violation of the natural alternation of sand and clay strata at the level of regional horizons, adopted in the official stratigraphic schemes. It allows occurrence of sandy horizons on sandy, and clay – on clay within transition zones. The possibility of revision on this basis of the volume, stratigraphic position and correlation of some suites and horizons on the stratigraphic chart of the Jurassic of Western Siberia is shown.
FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE UPPER-JURASSIC SEAL ROCKS (YAMAL PETROLEUM AREA)
Authors: Nekhaev Aleksandr
Published: October 2019

The article discusses the structure of the upper Jurassic fluid trap in the Yamal petroleum area. On the correlation shemes constructed on the basis of well-logs, the change in the section of the seal rocks was traced from west to east and from north to south. A reduction in the thickness of the seal rocks and an increase in the proportion of sand and silt material in some areas was confirmed.
HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY OF THE ZAELTSOVSKY-MOCHISHCHE FIELD OF RADON WATERS
Authors: Novikov Dmitry , Derkachev Anton , Sukhorukova Anna
Published: October 2019

Results of the studies into the features of the geochemistry of radon waters from the Zaeltovsky-Mochishche zone of Novosibirsk city are reported. Radon waters are fracture, cold with the temperature of 6-10 оC, they occur at a depth of 50-200 m. In the hydrogeological section, neutral and weakly alkaline waters are developed, with рН from 6,9 to 7,8, mainly with the calcium hydrocarbonate and calcium-sodium hydrocarbonate composition, with total mineralization from 322 to 895 mg/dm3. The concentrations of 222Rn in water-saturated zones of granites vary from
308 to 1521 Bq/dm3, while in the wells drilled into hornstones radon content varies within the range 37-241 Bq/dm3. The concentrations of 238U and 226Ra do not exceed 0.098 mg/dm3 and 3.5∙10-7 mg/dm3, respectively.
CONTENT OF RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS IN GROUNDWATERS OF UPPER JURASSIC SEDIMENTS OF THE VERKH-TARSK OIL FIELD (WESTERN SIBERIA)
Authors: Novikov Dmitry , Chernykh Anatoly , Dultsev Fedor
Published: October 2019

The results of the analysis of rare earth elements distribution in groundwater of J1 reservoir of the Verkh-Tarka oil field are reported for the first time. It was established that groundwater with Cl Na composition are predominate, with a value of total mineralization from 24.7 up to 48.9 g/dm3. The content of REE ranges from 3.72 to 30.49 µg/dm3 with an average of 13.61 µg/dm3. The highest concentrations are observed (µg/dm3) in La (up to 20.8), Eu (up to 7.9), Gd (up to 1.8) and Dy (up to 0.65). The level of dissolved REE is determined by their distribution in the water-bearing sandstones. Migration of rare-earth elements is carried out in the form of free ions and hydroxide complexes.
FORMS OF THE MIGRATION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN THE THERMAL WATERS OF THE BANG DEPOSIT (CENTRAL VIETNAM)
Authors: Novikov Dmitry , Shokhin Andrey
Published: October 2019

Calculation results for the forms in which chemical elements migrate in the thermal waters of the Bang deposit (Central Vietnam) are reported for the first time. The studied waters are divided into two groups with respect to temperature: 24.3–34.5 оС for the first group and 62.1–97.1 оC for the second group. The first type relates to the waters of HCO3-Cl-Na-Mg composition, has very low mineralization (44–87 mg/dm3) and is characterized by рН from weakly acidic to weakly alkaline (5.71-7.84). The second type relates to the waters of HCO3-Na composition with total mineralization up to 256-659 mg/dm3 and рН from 8.03 to 8.51. Calculations of the forms of migration of chemical elements showed substantial differences in their behavior for two revealed groups. For example, in waters with the temperature of 24.3–34.5 оC, the dominating form is migration of free ions. For thermal waters with the temperature of 62.1–97.1 оC, migration of the elements in compounds with carbonates and sulfur is characteristic, as well as in the form of free ions.
NEW STRATIGRAPHIC UNITS OF THE UPPER ORDOVIKIN THE FUNDAMENTAL OF THE WESTERN SIBERIAN GEOSINELCLYSIS
Authors: Sennikov Nikolay , Kanygin Alexandr , Timokhin Alexandr , Izokh Nadezhda , Obut Olga , Philippov Yuri
Published: October 2019

Recent data on the Ordovician biostratigraphy of the West-Siberian Geosyncline are discussed. The new Regional unit - Pavlov Horizon and two new local sequences – Zapadno-Novogodnyaya Unit and Lekosskaya Unit were defined.
SIGNATURES OF PYRITIZATION OF TRANZITION ZONES FORM THE BAZHENOV FORMATION TO ENCLOSED DEPOSITS IN THE UPPER JURASSIC-LOWER CRETACEOUS WESTERN SIBERIAN BASIN
Authors: Eder Vika , Zamirailova Alvina
Published: October 2019

In the transitional zones from the Bazhenov Formation and to the enclosing deposits the complex of litological-geochemical researches, including the analysis of sections structure, distributions of C/S ratio and redox indicators (degree pyritization, authigenous uranium, Mn/Al) were made. It is defined that rocks on the borders with the Bazhenov Formation at the enclosing deposits are low carbonaceous with rather high content of pyrite; in the Bazhenov Formation near its roof in many cases rocks are characterized by approximately equal high contents of pyrite and kerogen. It is established that the pyritization of rocks on these intervals resulted by thermochemical sedimentation of iron from solutions on redox geochemical barriers without participation of bacterial activity.
GEOLOGY AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL OF NOVY PORT FIELD ON THE RESULTS OF THE INTERPRETATION OF 2D SEISMIC AND DEEP DRILLING
Authors: Surikova Ekaterina
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to build a set of structural and isopach maps of seismic sequences, seismic-geological sections, paleo-sections and correlation schemes; structural-tectonic and paleotectonic analysis of Novy Port shaft; to study the influence of tectonic processes and lithological factors on the oil and gas content of Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary sequences. It was concluded that the formation of the structural trap of Novy Port field began in Berrias-Aptian, the most intensive growth of the structure occurs in the post-Turonian time due to the upward movement of the basement block.
SEISMIC AND EOLOGICAL CRITERIA OF PETROLEUM POTENCIAL OF PRE-JURASSIC DEPOSITS OF THE OSTANIN AND THE NORTH-OSTANIN FIELDS (TOMSK REGION)
Authors: Kanakova Kseniya , Kanakov Mikhail
Published: October 2019

Despite the recent increased interest of researchers in the pre-Jurassic deposits of Western Siberia, this complex of rocks still remains relatively unexplored. In this paper, we consider fields that are in close proximity to each other, but have. fundamentally different geological structure and criteria for the oil and gas content of rocks that form the top of the pre-Jurassic complex.
NEW DATA ON THE PROBLEM OF THE ORIGIN OF A GRY RELIEF IN THE SOUTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA
Authors: Beisel Alexander , Sobolev Evgeny , Yan Petr
Published: October 2019

As a result of the field work carried out by the authors in 2018, an important factual material was collected to solve the problem. Two key sections were studied: on the Kazantsev Cape in the Northern part of the Chany Lake and in the area of the known location of the mammoth fauna of the Wolf Ridge in the Novosibirsk Region. The internal structure of the ridges (stratification), the lithological composition of the composing rocks were studied and paleontological remains – ostracods and mollusks – were collected. The data obtained indicate in favor of water, not aeolian origin of the ridges.
FACIAL ZONING OF MALYSHEV FORMATION (MIDDLE JURASSIC) IN WEST SIBERIAN BASIN
Authors: Kazanenkov Valery
Published: October 2019

The facial zoning of the Malyshevsky horizon in Western Siberia was proposed. It was based on the unification of well log sections. Furthermore, all the possible macro- and microfauna, spore-pollen complexes, floristic residues and microphytoplankton data from this stratigraphic interval are taken into account during the plotting of the facial scheme. As well the results of the paleogeographic reconstructions at the Malyshev time were considered.
Numerical Simulations of the Nonlinear Interaction of a Bubble Cloud and a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Field
Authors: Vanhille Christian , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: October 2019

We studied the effects of a small bubble cloud located at the pre-focal area of a high-intensity focused ultrasound field. Our objective is to show that bubbles can modify the bioeffects of an ultrasound treatment in muscle tissue. We model a three-dimensional ultrasound field in an idealized configuration of real operating conditions. Simulations are performed using a combined method based on the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov equation, describing the ultrasound propagation, and a Rayleigh-Plesset equation, modeling the bubble oscillations. The nonlinear interaction of the ultrasound field and the bubble oscillations is considered. Results with and without bubbles for different void fractions of the cloud and different acoustic powers are compared. The cloud induces scattering, nonlinear distortion, and shielding of ultrasound, which increase the mechanical index in the pre-focal zone, shift the location, reduce the size, and modify the shape of the volume of tissue of high mechanical index values, and lower the pressure at the intended focus considerably. Although some hypothesis and parameters used in the models do not fit the real HIFU situations, the simulation results suggest that the effects caused by a bubble cloud located in the pre-focal area should be considered and monitored to ensure the safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments.
Screening of Provitamin-A Maize Inbred Lines for Drought Tolerance: Beta-Carotene Content and Secondary Traits
Authors: Kondwakwenda Aleck , Sibiya Julia , Zengeni Rebecca , Musvosvi Cousin , Tesfay Samson
Published: October 2019

Provitamin A maize (Zea mays L.) biofortification is an ideal complementary means of combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in sub-Saharan Africa where maize consumption is high coupled by high VAD incidences. However, drought remains a major abiotic constraint to maize productivity in this region. Comprehensive drought screening of initial breeding materials before advancing them is important to achieve genetic gain. In this study, 46 provitamin-A inbred lines were screened for drought tolerance in the greenhouse and field under drought and optimum conditions using β-carotene content (BCC), grain yield (GY), and selected morphophysiological and biochemical traits. The results revealed that BCC, morphophysiological and biochemical traits were effective in discriminating among genotypes. Number of ears per plant (EPP), stomatal conductance (Gs), delayed leaf senescence (SEN), leaf rolling (RL), chlorophyll content (CC) and free proline content (PC) proved to be ideal traits to use when indirectly selecting for GY by virtue of having relative efficiency of indirect selection values that are greater than unity and considerable genetic variances under either or both conditions. The findings of this study form the basis of initial germplasm selection when improving provitamin A maize for drought tolerance.
Modeling Water and Nitrogen Balance of Different Cropping Systems in the North China Plain
Authors: Leghari Shah Jahan , Hu Kelin , Liang Hao , Wei Yichang
Published: October 2019

The North China Plain (NCP) is experiencing serious groundwater level decline and groundwater nitrate contamination due to excessive water pumping and application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. In this study, grain yield, water and N use efficiencies under different cropping systems including two harvests in 1 year (winter wheat–summer maize) based on farmer (2H1Y)FP and optimized practices (2H1Y)OPT, three harvests in 2 years (winter wheat–summer maize–spring maize, 3H2Y), and one harvest in 1 year (spring maize, 1H1Y) were evaluated using the water-heat-carbon-nitrogen simulator (WHCNS) model. The 2H1YFP system was maintained with 100% irrigation and fertilizer, while crop water requirement and N demand for other cropping systems were optimized and managed by soil testing. In addition, a scenario analysis was also performed under the interaction of linearly increasing and decreasing N rates, and irrigation levels. Results showed that the model performed well with simulated soil water content, soil N concentration, leaf area index, dry matter, and grain yield. Statistically acceptable ranges of root mean square error, Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency, index of agreement values close to 1, and strong correlation coefficients existed between simulated and observed values. We concluded that replacing the prevalent 2H1YFP with 1H1Y would be ecofriendly at the cost of some grain yield decline. This cropping system had the highest average water use (2.1 kg m−3) and N use efficiencies (4.8 kg kg–1) on reduced water (56.64%) and N (81.36%) inputs than 2H1YFP. Whereas 3H2Y showed insignificant results in terms of grain yield, and 2H1YFP was unsustainable. The 2H1YFP system consumed a total of 745 mm irrigation and 1100 kg N ha–1 in two years. When farming practices were optimized for two harvests in 1 year system (2H1Y)OPT, then grain yield improved and water (18.12%) plus N (61.82%) consumptions were minimized. There was an ample amount of N saved, but water conservation was still unsatisfactory. However, considering the results of scenario analyses, it is recommended that winter wheat would be cultivated at <200 mm irrigation by reducing one irrigation event.
Optimal Dietary Fiber Intake to Retain a Greater Ovarian Follicle Reserve for Gilts
Authors: Cao Meng , Zhuo Yong , Gong Lechan , Tang Lianchao , Li Zipeng , Li Yang , Yang Min , Xu Shengyu , Li Jian , Che Lianqiang , Lin Yan , Feng Bin , Fang Zhengfeng , Wu De
Published: October 2019

Ovarian follicle activation and survival were recently found to be controlled by nutrient sensors AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and apoptosis related markers Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2, yet their expression as regulated by dietary fiber remained uncertain for gilts. To investigate the effects of dietary fiber levels on ovarian follicle development, and the cellular molecular components related to follicle activation and survival of gilts, 76 gilts with similar bodyweight and age were fed four diets, including a corn-soybean meal based control diet, or other three diets to consume 50%, 75%, and 100% more dietary fiber than the control gilts at different experimental phases. Inulin and cellulose (1:4) were added to the corn-soybean meal basal diet to increase dietary fiber content. The growth traits, and the age, bodyweight, and backfat thickness at puberty were not affected by diets. The number of primordial follicles and total follicles per cubic centimeter of ovarian tissue linearly increased with dietary fiber level at day 30 of the experiment and at the 19th day of the 3rd estrous cycle, without negatively affecting the formation of antral follicle with diameter between 1–3 mm or larger than 3 mm. These changes were associated with altered phosphorylation of mTOR, S6, Extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AMPK, and mRNA expression of Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissues. Collectively, this study demonstrated a beneficial effect of dietary fiber on the ovarian follicle reserve in gilts, which provides a basis for enhancing reproduction in the short- or long-term.
Vitamin C in Plants: From Functions to Biofortification
Authors: Paciolla Costantino , Fortunato Stefania , Dipierro Nunzio , Paradiso Annalisa , De Leonardis Silvana , Mastropasqua Linda , de Pinto Maria Concetta
Published: October 2019

Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) is an excellent free radical scavenger, not only for its capability to donate reducing equivalents but also for the relative stability of the derived monodehydroascorbate radical. However, vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, since it is also a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in plant and human metabolism. In humans, vitamin C takes part in various physiological processes, such as iron absorption, collagen synthesis, immune stimulation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the functional loss of the gene coding for l-gulonolactone oxidase, humans cannot synthesize vitamin C; thus, they principally utilize plant-based foods for their needs. For this reason, increasing the vitamin C content of crops could have helpful effects on human health. To achieve this objective, exhaustive knowledge of the metabolism and functions of vitamin C in plants is needed. In this review, the multiple roles of vitamin C in plant physiology as well as the regulation of its content, through biosynthetic or recycling pathways, are analyzed. Finally, attention is paid to the strategies that have been used to increase the content of vitamin C in crops, emphasizing not only the improvement of nutritional value of the crops but also the acquisition of plant stress resistance.
Syntaxin-17-Dependent Mitochondrial Dynamics Is Essential for Protection against Oxidative-Stress-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Binran , Xiao Xiaoyue , Huang Fanwei , Liu Rong
Published: October 2019

In this study, cell death induced by the oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBH) was observed in U2OS cells; this phenotype was rescued by Syntaxin 17 (STX17) knockout (KO) but the mechanism is unknown. STX17 plays dual roles in autophagosome–lysosome fusion and mitochondrial fission. However, the contribution of the two functions of STX17 to apoptosis has not been extensively studied. Here, we sought to dissect the dual roles of STX17 in oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis by taking advantage of STX17 knockout cells and an autophagosome–lysosome fusion defective mutant of STX17. We generated STX17 knockout U2OS cells using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and the STX17 knockout cells were reconstituted with wild-type STX17 and its autophagosome–lysosome fusion defective mutant. Autophagy was assessed by autophagic flux assay, Monomer red fluorescent protein (mRFP)–GFP–LC3 assay and protease protection assay. Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/ER–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and mitochondrial dynamics were examined by staining the different indicator proteins. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase cleavage assay. The general reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. In STX17 complete knockout cells, sealed autophagosomes were efficiently formed but their fusion with lysosomes was less defective. The fusion defect was rescued by wild-type STX17 but not the autophagosome–lysosome fusion defective mutant. No obvious defects in Golgi, ERGIC or ER dynamics were observed. Mitochondria were significantly elongated, supporting a role of STX17 in mitochondria fission and the elongation caused by STX17 KO was reversed by the autophagosome–lysosome fusion defective mutant. The clearance of protein aggregation was compromised, correlating with the autophagy defect but not with mitochondrial dynamics. This study revealed a mixed role of STX17 in autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress response. STX17 knockout cells were highly resistant to oxidative stress, largely due to the function of STX17 in mitochondrial fission rather than autophagy.
“Shutdown” of the Proton Exchange Channel Waveguide in the Phase Modulator under the Influence of the Pyroelectric Effect
Authors: Ponomarev Roman Sergeevitch , Shevtsov Denis Igorevitch , Karnaushkin Pavel Victorovitch
Published: October 2019

It is shown that the termination of the channeling of the fundamental radiation mode in the waveguide can be observed upon heating of an optical integrated circuit based on proton exchange channel waveguides formed in a lithium niobate single crystal. This process is reversible, but restoration of waveguide performance takes tens of minutes. The effect of the waveguide disappearance is observed upon rapid heating (5 K/min) from a low temperature (minus 40 °C). This effect can lead to a temporary failure of navigation systems using fiber optic gyroscopes with modulators based on a lithium niobate crystal.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Drought in Pakistan Using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index
Authors: Jamro Shoaib , Dars Ghulam Hussain , Ansari Kamran , Krakauer Nir Y.
Published: October 2019

Pakistan is among the top ten countries adversely affected by climate change. More specifically, there is concern that climate change may cause longer and severer spells of droughts. To quantify the change in the characteristics of droughts in Pakistan over the years, we have evaluated spatio-temporal trends of droughts in Pakistan over the period 1902–2015 using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Additionally, the Spatial “K” luster Analysis using Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method was employed to regionalize droughts into five contiguous zones. The run theory was then applied to each zone to identify drought events and characterize them in terms of duration, severity, intensity, and peak. Moreover, the Modified Mann–Kendall trend test was applied to identify statistically significant trends in SPEI and drought characteristics in each zone. It was found that the southern areas of Pakistan, encompassing Sindh and most of Baluchistan, have experienced a decrease in SPEI, indicating a drying trend. Central Pakistan has witnessed a wetting trend as demonstrated by an increase in SPEI over time, whereas no statistically significant trend was observed for the northern areas of Pakistan. On a zonal basis, the longest duration drought to occur in Pakistan lasted 22 months in zone 5 (Sindh) from 1968 to 1970. In addition, the droughts of 1920 and 2000 can be said to be the worst drought in the history of the region as it affected all the zones and lasted for more than 10-months in three zones.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission and Lasing in Lead Halide Perovskites: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: De Giorgi Maria Luisa , Anni Marco
Published: October 2019

Lead halide perovskites are currently receiving increasing attention due to their potential to combine easy active layers fabrication, tunable electronic and optical properties with promising performance of optoelectronic and photonic device prototypes. In this paper, we review the main development steps and the current state of the art of the research on lead halide perovskites amplified spontaneous emission and on optically pumped lasers exploiting them as active materials.
Experimental and Theoretical Determination of the Frost-Heave Cracking Law and the Crack Propagation Criterion of Slab Track with Water in the Crack
Authors: Tong Fengzhuang , Gao Liang , Cai Xiaopei , Zhong Yanglong , Zhao Wenqiang , Huang Yichen
Published: October 2019

Crack propagation produced by frost heave affects the durability of slab-track structures in high-humidity and cold regions in China. This work is intended to reveal the evolution laws of frost-heave crack propagation, establish evaluation criteria for crack propagation, and investigate factors involved in frost-heave crack propagation. Firstly, by preparing slab-track specimens with initial cracks, an experiment of frost-heave crack propagation was designed. The process of frost-heave crack propagation was carried out by means of digital image correlation (DIC) technology and acoustic emission (AE) technology, respectively. These experiments revealed the evolution laws of generalized strain and AE events’ location during crack initiation and propagation, respectively, and the key parameters of micro-crack initiation strain and unstable propagation strain were obtained. By using theoretical and experimental analysis, a double-strain criterion for frost-heave crack propagation was proposed. Finally, factors involved in frost-heave crack propagation were investigated. The results show that crack initiation can be reflected by the crack-tip strain. The average micro-crack initiation strain and unstable propagation strain were found to be 224 με and 243 με, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the frost-heave crack propagation was caused by an ice plug which formed at the crack opening. When the crack width is larger than 2.7 mm and the external temperature is lower than −6.6 °C, cracks propagate easily under the frost-heave force.
Development of Two Novel Hybrid Prediction Models Estimating Ultimate Bearing Capacity of the Shallow Circular Footing
Authors: Moayedi Hossein , Kalantar Bahareh , Dounis Anastasios , Tien Bui Dieu , Foong Loke Kok
Published: October 2019

In the present work, we employed artificial neural network (ANN) that is optimized with two hybrid models, namely imperialist competition algorithm (ICA) as well as particle swarm optimization (PSO) in the case of the problem of bearing capacity of shallow circular footing systems. Many types of research have shown that ANNs are valuable techniques for estimating the bearing capacity of the soils. However, most ANN training models have some drawbacks. This study aimed to focus on the application of two well-known hybrid ICA–ANN and PSO–ANN models to the estimation of bearing capacity of the circular footing lied in layered soils. In order to provide the training and testing datasets for the predictive network models, extensive finite element (FE) modelling (a database includes 2810 training datasets and 703 testing datasets) are performed on 16 soil layer sets (weaker soil rested on stronger soil and vice versa). Note that all the independent variables of ICA and PSO algorithms are optimized utilizing a trial and error method. The input includes upper layer thickness/foundation width (h/B) ratio, footing width (B), top and bottom soil layer properties (e.g., six of the most critical soil characteristics), vertical settlement of circular footing (s), where the output was taken ultimate bearing capacity of the circular footing (Fult). Based on coefficient of determination (R2) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), amounts of (0.979, 0.076) and (0.984, 0.066) predicted for training dataset and amounts of (0.978, 0.075) and (0.983, 0.066) indicated in the case of the testing dataset of proposed PSO–ANN and ICA–ANN models of prediction network, respectively. It demonstrates a higher reliability of the presented PSO–ANN model for predicting ultimate bearing capacity of circular footing located on double sandy layer soils.
Amplitude Distribution of Partial Discharge Signals on Tunnel-Installed High-Voltage Cables
Authors: Qian Yong , Chen Xiaoxin , Zang Yiming , Wang Hui , Sheng Gehao , Jiang Xiuchen
Published: October 2019

For 110 kV and above tunnel-installed high-voltage (HV) cross-linked poly-ethylene (XLPE) cable systems, it is a normal procedure to adopt a cross-bonding scheme. The high-frequency current method is frequently used in the cross-bonded cable systems for on-site or online partial discharge (PD) detection by monitoring the signals on the cross-bonding wires. To further study the amplitude distribution characteristics of the PD signals, a parametric characteristic admittance model of a three-phase cable system in a tunnel is established based on Tylavsky’s formulas. The model is used to calculate the amplitude distribution formula of the PD pulse current on the cross-bonding wires. In addition, the influence of cable laying and tunnel environment on the amplitude distribution is also studied. Finally, the correctness of the model and the conclusion are verified by simulation experiments and on-site tests. The results show that the signal amplitude distribution is determined by the ratio of the characteristic admittances. As the distance between the cables and the distance from the inner wall of the tunnel increase, the amplitude difference gradually decreases.
Direct Under-Sampling Compressive Sensing Method for Underwater Echo Signals and Physical Implementation
Authors: Sun Tongjing , Li Ji , Blondel Philippe
Published: October 2019

Compressive sensing can guarantee the recovery accuracy of suitably constrained signals by using sampling rates much lower than the Nyquist limit. This is a leap from signal sampling to information sampling. The measurement matrix is key to implementation but limited in the acquisition systems. This article presents the critical elements of the direct under-sampling—compressive sensing (DUS–CS) method, constructing the under-sampling measurement matrix, combined with a priori information sparse representation and reconstruction, and we show how it can be physically implemented using dedicated hardware. To go beyond the Nyquist constraints, we show how to design and adjust the sampling time of the A/D circuit and how to achieve low-speed random non-uniform direct under-sampling. We applied our method to data measured with different compression ratios (volume ratios of collected data to original data). It is shown that DUS-CS works well when the SNR is 3 dB, 0 dB, −3 dB, and −5 dB and the compression ratio is 50%, 20%, and 10%, and this is validated with both simulation and actual measurements. The method we propose provides an effective way for compressed sensing theory to move toward practical field applications that use underwater echo signals.
Comparative Kinetic Analysis of CaCO3/CaO Reaction System for Energy Storage and Carbon Capture
Authors: Fedunik-Hofman Larissa , Bayon Alicia , Donne Scott W.
Published: October 2019

The calcium carbonate looping cycle is an important reaction system for processes such as thermochemical energy storage and carbon capture technologies, which can be used to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with the energy industry. Kinetic analysis of the reactions involved (calcination and carbonation) can be used to determine kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and the reaction model), which is useful to translate laboratory-scale studies to large-scale reactor conditions. A variety of methods are available and there is a lack of consensus on the kinetic parameters in published literature. In this paper, the calcination of synthesized CaCO3 is modeled using model-fitting methods under two different experimental atmospheres, including 100% CO2, which realistically reflects reactor conditions and is relatively unstudied kinetically. Results are compared with similar studies and model-free methods using a detailed, comparative methodology that has not been carried out previously. Under N2, an activation energy of 204 kJ mol−1 is obtained with the R2 (contracting area) geometric model, which is consistent with various model-fitting and isoconversional analyses. For experiments under CO2, much higher activation energies (up to 1220 kJ mol−1 with a first-order reaction model) are obtained, which has also been observed previously. The carbonation of synthesized CaO is modeled using an intrinsic chemical reaction rate model and an apparent model. Activation energies of 17.45 kJ mol−1 and 59.95 kJ mol−1 are obtained for the kinetic and diffusion control regions, respectively, which are on the lower bounds of literature results. The experimental conditions, material properties, and the kinetic method are found to strongly influence the kinetic parameters, and recommendations are provided for the analysis of both reactions.
How to Extract Meaningful Insights from UGC: A Knowledge-Based Method Applied to Education
Authors: Saura Jose Ramon , Reyes-Menendez Ana , Bennett Dag R.
Published: October 2019

New analysis and visualization techniques are required to glean useful insights from the vast amounts of data generated by new technologies and data sharing platforms. The aim of this article is to lay a foundation for such techniques so that the age of big data may also be the age of knowledge, visualization, and understanding. Education is the keystone area used in this study because it is deeply affected by digital platforms as an educational medium and also because it deals mostly with digital natives who use information and communication technology (ICT) for all manner of purposes. Students and teachers are therefore a rich source of user generated content (UGC) on social networks and digital platforms. This article shows how useful knowledge can be extracted and visualized from samples of readily available UGC, in this case the text published in tweets from the social network Twitter. The first stage employs topic-modeling using LDA (latent dirichlet allocation) to identify topics, which are then subjected to sentiment analysis (SA) using machine-learning (developed in Python). The results take on meaning through an application of data mining techniques and a data visualization algorithm for complex networks. The results obtained show insights related to innovative educational trends that practitioners can use to improve strategies and interventions in the education sector in a short-term future.
Development of a SnS Film Process for Energy Device Applications
Authors: Choi Hyeongsu , Lee Namgue , Park Hyunwoo , Choi Yeonsik , Kim Keunsik , Choi Yeongtae , Kim Jongwoo , Song Seokhwi , Yuk Hyunwoo , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: October 2019

Tin monosulfide (SnS) is a promising p-type semiconductor material for energy devices. To realize the device application of SnS, studies on process improvement and film characteristics of SnS is needed. Thus, we developed a new film process using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to produce SnS films with high quality and various film characteristics. First, a process for obtaining a thick SnS film was studied. An amorphous SnS2 (a-SnS2) film with a high growth rate was deposited by ALD, and a thick SnS film was obtained using phase transition of a-SnS2 film by vacuum annealing. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of seed layer on formation of SnS film to verify the applicability of SnS to various devices. Separately deposited crystalline SnS and SnS2 thin films were used as seed layer. The SnS film with a SnS seed showed small grain size and high film density from the low surface energy of the SnS seed. In the case of the SnS film using a SnS2 seed, volume expansion occurred by vertically grown SnS grains due to a lattice mismatch with the SnS2 seed. The obtained SnS film using the SnS2 seed exhibited a large reactive site suitable for ion exchange.
Microbial Ecology Evaluation of an Iberian Pig Processing Plant through Implementing SCH Sensors and the Influence of the Resident Microbiota on Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Hascoët Anne-Sophie , Ripolles-Avila Carolina , Guerrero-Navarro Alfons Eduard , Rodríguez-Jerez José Juan
Published: October 2019

There is a whole community of microorganisms capable of surviving the cleaning and disinfection processes in the food industry. These persistent microorganisms can enhance or inhibit biofilm formation and the proliferation of foodborne pathogens. Cleaning and disinfection protocols will never reduce the contamination load to 0; however, it is crucial to know which resident species are present and the risk they represent to pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, as they can be further used as a complementary control strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resident surface microbiota in an Iberian pig processing plant after carrying out the cleaning and disinfection processes. To do so, surface sensors were implemented, sampled, and evaluated by culture plate count. Further, isolated microorganisms were identified through biochemical tests. The results show that the surfaces are dominated by Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., different enterobacteria, Mannheimia haemolytica, Rhizobium radiobacter, Staphylococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds. Moreover, their probable relationship with the presence of L. monocytogenes in three areas of the plant is also explained. Further studies of the resident microbiota and their interaction with pathogens such as L. monocytogenes are required. New control strategies that promote the most advantageous profile of microorganisms in the resident microbiota could be a possible alternative for pathogen control in the food industry. To this end, the understanding of the resident microbiota on the surfaces of the food industry and its relation with pathogen presence is crucial.
Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of a Mechanical-Electromagnetic Vibration System with Rubbing
Authors: Li Yiming , Huang Zhilong , Li He , Song Guiqiu
Published: October 2019

In this study, a rotor-bearing-runner system (RBRS) considering multiple nonlinear factors is established, and the complex nonlinear dynamic behavior of the coupling system is studied. The effects of excitation current, radial stiffness, and friction coefficient on dynamic characteristics are analyzed by numerical simulation. The research results show that the dynamic properties of the coupling system caused by different nonlinear factors are interactional. With the changes of different parameters, the RBRS presents multiple motion states, including periodic-n, quasi-periodic, and chaotic motion. The increase of the excitation current Ij has a certain inhibitory effect on the response amplitude of the system and makes the motion state of the system more complex, the chaotic motion wider, and the jump discontinuity enhanced. With the increase of radial stiffness kr, the motion complexity of the coupling system increases, the chaotic region increases, the response amplitude increases, and the vibration intensity increases. With the increase of the friction coefficient μ, the chaotic region increases first and decreases, the different motions alternate frequently, and the response amplitude gradually increases. This study can not only help to understand the dynamic characteristics of RBRS, but also help the stable operation of the generator set.
Design and Optimization of Origami-Inspired Orthopyramid-Like Core Panel for Load Damping
Authors: Feng Yixiong , Li Kangjie , Gao Yicong , Qiu Hao , Liu Jiatian
Published: October 2019

Core panels inspired by origami have the advantages of force allocation and energy dissipation. Used as a sandwich core, the three-dimensional panels could be created using various origami patterns. The panel is composed of the element whose structure is inspired by origami. The orthopyramid-like origami element has a tip of joined-together side triangles. Through shape deformation, it could exhibit potential mechanical performances. Owing to its deformation when collision occurs, the structure could be employed for load damping conditions. This study focuses on nine different orthopyramid-like core panels through changing the similarity parameter value and the number of edges. The experiment and numerical simulation of compression and impact tests are carried out to perform the parametric study on the influences of the similarity parameter and the number of edges. The results show that with the increase of these two parameters, the panel tends to be softer, greatly influencing the load damping ability. Moreover, the structure parameters are optimized by the Genetic Algorithm integrated with the finite element analysis model.