bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La normativa legal como pilar de gestión en la economía social y solidaria del Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez Chávez Roberto Fabián , Basantes Silva Renato Daniel , Villacís Venegas Norma Yolanda , Moyano Cascante Marco Vinicio , Toledo Castillo Norma del Rocío Vinicio
Published: June 2019

El desarrollo de esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la aplicación de la normativa legal, en las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito Segmento 1 del Ecuador, con énfasis en el patrimonio técnico constituido y la solvencia. El desarrollo de este estudio tiene un alcance descriptivo, es decir, únicamente pretenden medir o recoger información de manera independiente o conjunta sobre los conceptos o las variables a las que se refieren, se usó diferentes métodos como el teórico, al igual que el método analítico- sintético para la revisión de la literatura y el histórico lógico mismo que es necesario para abordar el tema de la normativa legal como pilar de gestión en la economía social y solidaria del Ecuador. Se demostró con los resultados obtenidos que las cooperativas cumplen legalmente con los requerimientos establecidos en el artículo 190 del Código Orgánico Monetario y financiero lo que mediante resultados y valores se puede corroborar que las instituciones mencionadas, por su valor elevado en activos, tienen un indicador de solvencia muy elevada lo que indica que la gestión que no es favorable.
Performance of Weeder in Mechanically Transplanted Rice Cultivation
Authors: Islam AKMS , Hossen MA , Bhuiyan MKA , Islam MM , Rahman MA
Published: June 2019

Field performance of low land weeder was evaluated in mechanically transplanted rice fieldat Bahirbagh and Provakordi representing the silty loam soil under Gopalganj district of Bangladesh during the non-irrigated wet season (Aman) 2016. Twenty-one-day-old seedlings were transplanted by walk behind type 4-rows mechanical rice transplanter (DP480) at a pre-set spacing of 300 × 170 mm. Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with three replications was applied with weeding practices of BRRI weeder (BW) followed by (fb) one hand weeding (HW), BRRI power weeder (BPW) fb one HW, two HW, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (PSE) fb one HW, weedy check, weed free and mulching fb two HW (farmers’ practice) in two locations. The common weed species were observed in experimental sites. Weeding efficiency (WE) of BPW and BW was 67 and 44, respectively. Field capacity of BPW and BW was obtained 0.07 and 0.03 ha hr-1, respectively. Operator’s skill influenced the performance of weeder. During operation, BPW damaged 14-15% tillers in both the locations. However, damaged plants were revived after few days. The labour requirement in BW fb one HW, BPW fb one HW, PSE fb one HW and two HW were 380, 362, 243 and 616 man-hr ha-1 respectively. Except weedy check, weed management practices showed identical grain yield in both the locations. The BCR was accounted in PSE fb one HW (1.35), BW fb one HW (1.21), BPW fb one HW (1.20) whereas the lowest BCR was observed in weedy (0.83) and two HW (1.00). It can be concluded that pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, BRRI power weeder followed by one hand weeding and BRRI weeder followed by one hand weeding appeared as the cost effective weed control methods in mechanically transplanted Aman rice production.

Bangladesh Rice j. 2018, 22(1): 25-34
Agro-morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Similar Named Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MZ , Akter N , Chakrabarty T , Bhuiya A , Siddique MA , Khalequzzaman M
Published: June 2019

Thirty-six similar named aromatic rice landraces of Bangladesh were studied to assess the genetic variation for the agro-morphological traits through Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The landraces were grouped into four clusters, where no duplicate landrace was found. The inter-cluster distances were higher than intra-cluster distances indicating wider genetic diversity among the landraces of different clusters. The intra-cluster distances were lower in all the cases reflecting homogeneity of the landraces within the clusters. The principal component analysis showed that the first five components with vector values > 1 contributed 76.51% of the total variations. The highest number (13) of landraces was constellated in cluster III and the lowest (3) in cluster I. The intra- and inter-cluster distances were the maximum in cluster I (0.63) and between clusters I and IV (17.13), respectively and the minimum in cluster II (0.03) and between clusters III and IV (3.86), respectively. The maximum value of inter cluster distance indicated that the landraces belonging to cluster IV were far diverged from those of cluster I. So, it is expected in our results that parent’s selection for hybridization from the clusters IV and I may give the desirable heterosis for heterotic rice hybrids. Besides, the cluster mean revealed that the crosses between the genotypes of cluster I with those of clusters IV would exhibit high heterosis for maximum good characters. Hence, yield, grain breadth, days to maturity, culm diameter, ligule length had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. Besides, evaluation of agro-morphological characters demonstrated that the aromatic rice landraces under the present study possessed a considerable genetic diversity. Therefore, similar and duplicate named aromatic rice landraces need to be conserved in Genebank for future breeding programme.

Bangladesh Rice j. 2018, 22(1): 45-56
Modified measles with an atypical presentation
Authors: Uren Alexandra M , Vasant Bhakti R , Judd Deborah , Looke David FM , Henderson Andrew J , Jarvinen Kari AJ
Published: June 2019

We report symptomatic confirmed modified measles infection in a person with one documented MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination and travel to Indonesia. No secondary cases were identified, consistent with other case reports of modified measles infection. The infectivity of modified measles for contact tracing requirements requires further elucidation.
UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN PADA GANGGANG COKELAT ( Sargassum polycystum ) DAN GANGANG HIJAU (Euchema cottoni) PADA PERAIRAN DAHI’ AE
Authors: Kore Melkianus Mola , Nitsae Merpiseldin , Nge Sonya T. M
Published: June 2019

Rumput laut merupakan tumbuhan yang hidup di laut dan merupakan jenis makroalga. Tanaman ganggang ini adalah ganggang multiseluler devisi Thallophyta. Rumput laut tidak termaksud tumbuhan sejati karena tidak memiliki akar, batang dan daun. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aktivitas antioksidan pada ganggang cokelat jenis Sargassum polycystum dan ganggang hijau jenis Eucheuma cottonii pada perairan Dahi’Ae. Penelitian ini bersifat eksperimental dengan mengunakan metode 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), dengan mengunakan 3 variasi konsentrasi (50 ppm, 75 pm, dan 100 ppm) dan 5 kali ulangan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis untuk mendaptkan nilai % IC50. Dari plot tersebut akan diperoleh persamaan regresi linear y = ax + b. Berdasarkan persamaan ini aktivitas antioksidan secara berturut-turut pada Sargassum polycystum adalah 242,02 ppm dan Euchema cottoni adalah 169,06 ppm. Kedua sampel tersebut tergolong dalam aktivitas antioksidan sedang, sehingga perlu dianalisis aktivitas antioksidan untuk S. polycystum pada konsentrasi tinggi sedangkan E.cottoni pada konsentrasi rendah.
Spectral Theory, Jacobi Matrices, Continued Fractions and Difference Operators
Authors: LESFARİ Ahmed
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to describe some connections between spectral theory in infinite dimensional Lie algebras, deformation theory and linearization of nonlinear dynamical systems. We explain how results from isospectral deformations, cohomology groups and algebraic geometry can be used to obtain insight into integrable systems. Another part will be dedicated to the study of infinite continued fractions and isospectral deformation of periodic Jacobi matrices and general difference operators from an algebraic geometrical point of view. Also, the notion of algebraically completely integrable systems is explained and techniques to solve such systems are presented. Several nonlinear problems in mathematical physics illustrate these results.
On Simultaneously and Approximately Simultaneously Diagonalizable $m$-tuples of Matrices
Authors: GARCİA-PLANAS Maria İsabel
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the problem of simultaneous diagonalization of $m$-tuples of $n$-order square complex matrices, is analyzed and some necessary and some necessary and sufficient conditions for this property to be fulfilled are presented. This study has an interest in its applications in different areas as for example in engineering and physical sciences. For example, they appear founding when we must give the instanton solution of Yang-Mills field presented in an octonion form, and it can be represented by triples of traceless matrices. In the case where the $m$-tuple does not simultaneously diagonalize, the possibility of to find near of the given $m$-tuple, an m-tuple that diagonalize simultaneously is studied.
ADOÇÃO DA OPEN PEER REVIEW NO PORTAL DE PERIÓDICOS DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA PARAÍBA
Authors: Garcia Joana Coeli , Targino Maria das Graças , Silva Kleisson Lainnon
Published: June 2019

A avaliação por pares, seja ela blind ou open review configura-se como procedimento que concede aos manuscritos o status de confiabilidade tornando-os aptos à divulgação a acesso do público. Sendo assim, a  avaliação aberta, foco desse estudo, ergue-se como um mecanismo inovador que possibilita aos protagonistas do enredo editorial, tomarem conhecimento não apenas das identidades, mas dos pareceres emitidos ao longo do fluxo avaliativo, o que fomenta o debate, a transparência e a construção colaborativa da ciência. Neste sentido tem-se como objetivo primordial analisar a viabilidade de adoção da open peer review nas revistas alojadas no Portal de periódicos da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. A fim de alcançar os objetivos propostos, utilizou-se survey como método de investigação para o universo da pesquisa, composto por 45 periódicos classificados de A1 a B5 de acordo com a avaliação trienal da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, sendo enviado o questionário, via e-mail, aos respectivos editores a cada dez dias entre os meses de fevereiro e março de 2018. Ao final a amostra agrupou 14 editores (31,11%). Quanto aos resultados, é válido ressaltar que boa parte dos editores (57%) tem interesse em adotar a avaliação aberta em seu métier.
Analyzing Habermas: Conservative Post-Marxism and New Model of Social Development
Authors: Ivanov Dmitry
Published: June 2019

The article is dedicated to J. Habermas' 90th birthday and to analysis of his contribution to sociological theorizing with special focus on his conception of the modern society development. The neo-Marxist and post-Marxist phases in his intellectual career have been characterized. Habermas' integrative paradigm and his two-level theory of society are interpreted as a new perspective on goals and indicators of social development. Being presented as foundations of sociality, communicative rationality and communicative action correspond to current processes of social development, but in Habermas' theory they are used to deter social changes and to defend values and institutions of the previous centuries. from the past. Conception of the life-world defense against the system expansion is a kind of conservative utopia. Under today's virtualization and postvirtualization conditions the life-world is not conservative reality of everyday routine but augmented reality constructed by creative and mobile communications and supported by network and flow structures. In such augmented social reality, communicative action creates meanings, symbolic structures legitimating purposive-rational action and the system.
Students about Pushkin
Authors: Ille Mikhail
Published: June 2019

The paper analyzes students' essays about works of Alexander S. Pushkin. These essays clarify students' perceptions of the poet heritage in their life. The article provides the list of the most kept in mind strophes. Author emphasizes the role of parents and the school in children and teenagers' acquaintance with Pushkin's legacy. The values and meanings extracted by young people from Pushkin's poetry are also considered. The main conclusion is that to some extend Pushkin's heritage is present in the life of students.
Educação escolar em prisões: brechas, apostas e possibilidades
Authors: Onofre Elenice Maria Cammarosano
Published: June 2019

Esta sistematização ancora-se em inquietação que tem conduzido nossos estudos ao longo dos anos: o que pode fazer a educação de jovens e adultos nas prisões? Tomam-se, como material reflexivo, dados coletados em observações, conversas informais, discussões e vivências como mediadora de cursos de formação de educadores em estados brasileiros no período de 2013-2016, e em registros de visitas a espaços de privação de liberdade para jovens e adultos. Os dados que foram organizados em diários de campo nos permitem ousar estar no mundo de forma propositiva, pois indicam que as sistematizações podem se constituir em instrumental pedagógico para a produção de conhecimentos e anunciar possibilidades de uma virada pedagógica no campo da EJA em prisões.
“Multiperspectividade” e controvérsias no documentário “Guerra do Paraguai – a nossa grande guerra”
Authors: Souza Eder Cristiano de , Benítez Alba Beatriz Salinas
Published: June 2019

O documentário “Guerra do Paraguai: a nossa grande guerra” (RUAS, 2015) aborda a história da Guerra do Paraguai, mesclando depoimentos de intelectuais e figuras públicas com a narração dos fatos, ilustrados pela dramatização/reconstituição das cenas narradas. Ao analisar esta produção, o presente artigo visa refletir sobre as formas pelas quais a indústria cultural difunde produções que se apropriam de questões históricas e constituem noções e sentidos que são partilhados socialmente. O conceito central é a multiperspectividade expressa na obra e o problema identificado relaciona-se ao fato desta inclinar-se a um relativismo simplista e criar uma visão negativa da nação paraguaia no processo histórico em questão, explicitando também inclinações ideológicas no debate historiográfico.
Experimental Investigation of 400 Gb/s Data Center Interconnect Using Unamplified High-Baud-Rate and High-Order QAM Single-Carrier Signal
Authors: Yue Yang , Wang Qiang , Anderson Jon
Published: June 2019

In this article, we review the latest progress on data center interconnect (DCI). We then discuss different perspectives on the 400G pluggable module, including form factor, architecture, digital signal processing (DSP), and module power consumption, following 400G pluggable optics in DCI applications. Next, we experimentally investigate the capacity-reach matrix for high-baud-rate and high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) single-carrier signals in the unamplified single-mode optical fiber (SMF) link. We show that the 64 GBd 16-QAM, and 64-QAM signals can potentially enable 400 Gb/s and 600 Gb/s DCI application for 40 km and beyond of unamplified fiber link.
New Research in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Major Depression
Authors: Aouizerate Bruno , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: June 2019

Major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are among the most frequent psychiatric disorders in the general population [...]
Catalytic Activity of Nickel and Ruthenium–Nickel Catalysts Supported on SiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, and MgAl2O4 in a Dry Reforming Process
Authors: Wysocka Izabela , Hupka Jan , Rogala Andrzej
Published: June 2019

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an eco-friendly method of syngas production due to the utilization of two main greenhouse gases—methane and carbon dioxide. An industrial application of methane dry reforming requires the use of a catalyst with high activity, stability over a long time, and the ability to catalyze a reaction, leading to the needed a hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of support and noble metal particles on catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity in the dry reforming process. Ni and Ni–Ru based catalysts were prepared via impregnation and precipitation methods on SiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, and MgAl2O4 supports. The obtained catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, and elemental carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen-sulphur analysis (CHNS) techniques. The catalytic activity was investigated in the carbon dioxide reforming of a methane process at 800 °C. Catalysts supported on commercial Al2O3 and spinel MgAl2O4 exhibited the highest activity and stability under DRM conditions. The obtained results clearly indicate that differences in catalytic activity result from the dispersion, size of an active metal (AM), and interactions of the AM with the support. It was also found that the addition of ruthenium particles enhanced the methane conversion and shifted the H2/CO ratio to lower values.
Melanin and Neuromelanin Fluorescence Studies Focusing on Parkinson’s Disease and Its Inherent Risk for Melanoma
Authors: Leupold Dieter , Szyc Lukasz , Stankovic Goran , Strobel Sabrina , Völker Hans-Ullrich , Fleck Ulrike , Müller Thomas , Scholz Matthias , Riederer Peter , Monoranu Camelia-Maria
Published: June 2019

Parkinson’s disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma (and vice versa). Several hypotheses underline this link, such as pathways affecting both melanin and neuromelanin. For the first time, the fluorescence of melanin and neuromelanin is selectively accessible using a new method of nonlinear spectroscopy, based on a stepwise two-photon excitation. Cutaneous pigmentation and postmortem neuromelanin of Parkinson patients were characterized by fluorescence spectra and compared with controls. Spectral differences could not be documented, implying that there is neither a Parkinson fingerprint in cutaneous melanin spectra nor a melanin-associated fingerprint indicating an increased melanoma risk. Our measurements suggest that Parkinson’s disease occurs without a configuration change of neuromelanin. However, Parkinson patients displayed the same dermatofluorescence spectroscopic fingerprint of a local malignant transformation as controls. This is the first comparative retrospective fluorescence analysis of cutaneous melanin and postmortem neuromelanin based on nonlinear spectroscopy in patients with Parkinson’s disease and controls, and this method is a very suitable diagnostic tool for melanoma screening and early detection in Parkinson patients. Our results suggest a non-pigmentary pathway as the main link between Parkinson’s disease and melanoma, and they do not rule out the melanocortin-1-receptor gene as an additional bridge between both diseases.
Intranasal Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates the Abnormal Dopamine Transmission System and Inflammatory Reaction in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington Disease
Authors: Yu-Taeger Libo , Stricker-Shaver Janice , Arnold Katrin , Bambynek-Dziuk Patrycja , Novati Arianna , Singer Elisabeth , Lourhmati Ali , Fabian Claire , Magg Janine , Riess Olaf , Schwab Matthias , Stolzing Alexandra , Danielyan Lusine , Nguyen Hoa Huu Phuc
Published: June 2019

Intrastriatal administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown beneficial effects in rodent models of Huntington disease (HD). However, the invasive nature of surgical procedure and its potential to trigger the host immune response may limit its clinical use. Hence, we sought to evaluate the non-invasive intranasal administration (INA) of MSC delivery as an effective alternative route in HD. GFP-expressing MSCs derived from bone marrow were intranasally administered to 4-week-old R6/2 HD transgenic mice. MSCs were detected in the olfactory bulb, midbrain and striatum five days post-delivery. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated littermates, MSC-treated R6/2 mice showed an increased survival rate and attenuated circadian activity disruption assessed by locomotor activity. MSCs increased the protein expression of DARPP-32 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and downregulated gene expression of inflammatory modulators in the brain 7.5 weeks after INA. While vehicle treated R6/2 mice displayed decreased Iba1 expression and altered microglial morphology in comparison to the wild type littermates, MSCs restored both, Iba1 level and the thickness of microglial processes in the striatum of R6/2 mice. Our results demonstrate significantly ameliorated phenotypes of R6/2 mice after MSCs administration via INA, suggesting this method as an effective delivering route of cells to the brain for HD therapy.
Induction of Fibrosis and Autophagy in Kidney Cells by Vinyl Chloride
Authors: Hsu Yung-Ho , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Lee Yu-Hsuan , Lin Yuh-Feng , Chiu Yu-Jhe , Wang Yung-Li , Wu Mai-Szu , Chiu Hui-Wen
Published: June 2019

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a noninfective occupational risk factor. It is found in industrial chemicals, volatile organic compounds, cigarette smoke ingredients, etc. It is a kind of toxic gas that causes many diseases. VC exposure causes an increased risk of liver fibrosis and can result in angiosarcoma of the liver. Previous studies have shown that high-doses of VC exposure in mice resulted in acute death with marked tubular necrosis of the renal cortex. In this study, we assessed the nephrotoxicity of VC in vitro and in vivo. As a result, we demonstrated that VC induced fibrosis-associated protein expression, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and collagen 1, and autophagy-associated protein expression, such as Beclin 1 and LC3-II, in kidney cells. The beclin1 siRNA experiments found that autophagy inhibited VC-induced fibrosis. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were increased after VC treatment. Furthermore, VC caused glomerulosclerosis and tubular injury in mouse kidney tissues. Kidney tissue sections showed that VC induced fibrosis and autophagy in mouse kidney tissues. In summary, the results of VC-induced fibrosis suggest that autophagy plays an important role in kidney damage. VC may cause nephrotoxicity, and the results illustrate the importance of considering the toxicological hazards of VC in kidney cells.
The Role of Micronutrients in the Infection and Subsequent Response to Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Gupta Sunil , Read Scott A. , Shackel Nicholas A. , Hebbard Lionel , George Jacob , Ahlenstiel Golo
Published: June 2019

Micronutrient deficiencies develop for a variety of reasons, whether geographic, socioeconomic, nutritional, or as a result of disease pathologies such as chronic viral infection. As micronutrients are essential for a strong immune response, deficiencies can significantly dampen both the innate and the adaptive arms of antiviral immunity. The innate immune response in particular is crucial to protect against hepatitis C virus (HCV), a hepatotropic virus that maintains chronic infection in up to 80% of individuals if left untreated. While many micronutrients are required for HCV replication, an overlapping group of micronutrients are also necessary to enact a potent immune response. As the liver is responsible for the storage and metabolism of many micronutrients, HCV persistence can influence the micronutrients’ steady state to benefit viral persistence both directly and by weakening the antiviral response. This review will focus on common micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin E. We will explore their role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection and in the response to antiviral therapy. While chronic hepatitis C virus infection drives deficiencies in micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin A and B12, it also stimulates copper and iron excess; these micronutrients influence antioxidant, inflammatory and immune responses to HCV.
Impact of Fiscal Policy on Consumption and Labor Supply under a Time-Varying Structural VAR Model
Authors: Shaheen Rozina
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the impact of fiscal policy on private consumption and labor supply in the UK economy using time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) with stochastic volatility for the period Q2 1987 to Q2 2017. It considers fiscal variables such as government expenditure and net tax revenue and evaluates their impact on private consumption and average hours worked per week. Three sample periods were selected and two approaches were used to identify impulse responses, first taking the average of stochastic volatility over the sample period, and then allowing for sign restrictions based on contemporaneous relationships among the selected variables. The study found a negative wealth effect of public spending on private consumption and a positive effect on hours worked, as people tend to work more hours to maintain the same standard of living. Similarly, a tax shock generates negative effects on consumption but the impact on worked hours remains unclear over a three-year time horizon. These findings are almost consistent across sample periods and alternative specifications of impulse responses. This is one of only a few studies to determine the linkages between fiscal policy and the labor market using a macroeconomic framework.
Exploring Economic Criteria for Energy Storage System Sizing
Authors: Liu Jichun , Chen Zhengbo , Xiang Yue
Published: June 2019

This paper presents two economic criteria for guiding the energy storage system (ESS) sizing in grid-connected microgrids. The internal power output model and the economic operation model of ESS are firstly established. Then, the combination of heuristic adjustment strategy and hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm are introduced to solve the optimal operation model of ESS. Then according to the ESS life model and cost-benefit analysis, a static investment economic criterion which is easy and simple to be calculated is proposed to demonstrate the economic feasibility of ESS investment programs in the short term. Considering the time value of currency, a dynamic investment economic criterion is proposed later for long-term investment projects. Furthermore, the ESS sizing boundary of achieving profits could be also obtained according to the criteria which can indicate the economic attractiveness or resistance to ESS investors in the microgrid. A case study has verified its effectiveness. At the same time, sensitivity analysis is given to show the impact on key parameters, such as investment unit price and electricity purchase price on ESS investment.
Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Linear–Nonlinear Combination Optimization Model
Authors: Sun Wei , Gao Qi
Published: June 2019

Wind power, one of renewable energy resources, is a fluctuating source of energy that prevents its further participation in the power market. To improve the stability of the wind power injected into the power grid, a short-term wind speed predicting model is proposed in this work, named VMD-P-(ARIMA, BP)-PSOLSSVM. In this model, variational mode decomposition (VMD) is combined with phase space reconstruction (P) as data processing method to determine intrinsic mode function (IMF) and its input–output matrix in the prediction model. Then, the linear model autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) and typical nonlinear model back propagation neural network (BP) are adopted to forecast each IMF separately and get the prediction of short-term wind speed by adding up the IMFs. In the final stage, particle swarm optimization least squares support vector machine (PSOLSSVM) uses the prediction results of the two separate models from previous step for the secondary prediction. For the proposed method, the PSOLSSVM employs different mathematical principles from ARIMA and BP separately, which overcome the shortcoming of using just single models. The proposed combined optimization model has been applied to two datasets with large fluctuations from a northern China wind farm to evaluate the performance. A performance comparison is conducted by comparing the error from the proposed method to six other models using single prediction techniques. The comparison result indicates the proposed combined optimization model can deliver more accurate and robust prediction than the other models; meanwhile, it means the power grid dispatching work can benefit from implementing the proposed predicting model in the system.
Effect of the Type of Gas-Permeable Membrane in Ammonia Recovery from Air
Authors: Soto-Herranz María , Sánchez-Báscones Mercedes , Antolín-Rodríguez Juan , Conde-Cid Diego , Vanotti Matias
Published: June 2019

Animal production is one of the largest contributors to ammonia emissions. A project, “Ammonia Trapping”, was designed to recover gaseous ammonia from animal barns in Spain. Laboratory experiments were conducted to select a type of membrane most suitable for gaseous ammonia trapping. Three types of gas-permeable membranes (GPM), all made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), but with different diameter (3.0 to 8.6 mm), polymer density (0.45 to 1.09), air permeability (2 to 40 L·min−1·cm2), and porosity (5.6 to 21.8%) were evaluated for their effectiveness to recover gas phase ammonia. The ammonia evolved from a synthetic solution (NH4Cl + NaHCO3 + allylthiourea), and an acidic solution (1 N H2SO4) was used as the ammonia trapping solution. Replicated tests were performed simultaneously during a period of 7 days with a constant flow of acidic solution circulating through the lumen of the tubular membrane. The ammonia recovery yields were higher with the use of membranes of greater diameter and corresponding surface area, but they were not affected by the large differences in material density, porosity, air permeability, and wall thickness in the range evaluated. A higher fluid velocity of the acidic solution significantly increased—approximately 3 times—the mass NH3–N recovered per unit of membrane surface area and time (N-flux), from 1.7 to 5.8 mg N·cm−2·d−1. Therefore, to optimize the effectiveness of GPM system to capture gaseous ammonia, the appropriate velocity of the circulating acidic solution should be an important design consideration.
Influence of Canopy Interception and Rainfall Kinetic Energy on Soil Erosion under Forests
Authors: Li Guijing , Wan Long , Cui Ming , Wu Bin , Zhou Jinxing
Published: June 2019

Afforestation is a widely accepted measure to control soil erosion around the world. A large area of forest has been built to prevent slope soil erosion in the red soil region of southern China since the 1980s. The vegetation coverage has significantly increased; however, there is still moderate or severe soil erosion under the forest. In order to improve the situation, it is necessary to study the effects of canopy on soil erosion under the forest. Standard runoff plots were established on two typical sites, which represented pure Pinus massoniana Lamb. forest and bare land, respectively. Precipitation redistribution and throughfall indices including raindrop size, raindrop velocity, and the kinetic energy (KE) of raindrops were quantified. The results showed that 29.3% of the precipitation was directly prevented from reaching the forest land surface. The canopy interception effect was better under low rainfall intensity than high rainfall intensity. Compared with open rainfall, throughfall raindrops were 16.3% fewer in number, larger in size, and the range of throughfall drop size distribution (DSD) was enlarged. The volume ratio of large drops was larger with higher rainfall intensity. When the rainfall intensity was less than 14 mm h−1, throughfall kinetic energy (TKE) was higher than open rainfall kinetic energy (OKE) owing to the higher volume ratio of large raindrops. When the rainfall intensity was more than 14 mm h−1, TKE was smaller owing to the large raindrops failing to reach their final velocities: their mean velocity was 80% of their final velocity. The sediment yield was the largest under high rainfall intensity and the effect of sediment reduction was the largest under moderate rainfall intensity. Therefore, the largest KE did not lead to the maximum sediment yield; canopy interception was also an important factor affecting sediment yield.
Equation Discovery Using Fast Function Extraction: a Deterministic Symbolic Regression Approach
Authors: Vaddireddy Harsha , San Omer
Published: June 2019

Advances in machine learning (ML) coupled with increased computational power have enabled identification of patterns in data extracted from complex systems. ML algorithms are actively being sought in recovering physical models or mathematical equations from data. This is a highly valuable technique where models cannot be built using physical reasoning alone. In this paper, we investigate the application of fast function extraction (FFX), a fast, scalable, deterministic symbolic regression algorithm to recover partial differential equations (PDEs). FFX identifies active bases among a huge set of candidate basis functions and their corresponding coefficients from recorded snapshot data. This approach uses a sparsity-promoting technique from compressive sensing and sparse optimization called pathwise regularized learning to perform feature selection and parameter estimation. Furthermore, it recovers several models of varying complexity (number of basis terms). FFX finally filters out many identified models using non-dominated sorting and forms a Pareto front consisting of optimal models with respect to minimizing complexity and test accuracy. Numerical experiments are carried out to recover several ubiquitous PDEs such as wave and heat equations among linear PDEs and Burgers, Korteweg–de Vries (KdV), and Kawahara equations among higher-order nonlinear PDEs. Additional simulations are conducted on the same PDEs under noisy conditions to test the robustness of the proposed approach.
Full-Length Hairpin RNA Accumulates at High Levels in Yeast but Not in Bacteria and Plants
Authors: Zhong Chengcheng , Smith Neil A. , Zhang Daai , Goodfellow Simon , Zhang Ren , Shan Weixing , Wang Ming-Bo
Published: June 2019

Hairpin-structured (hp) RNA has been widely used to induce RNA interference (RNAi) in plants and animals, and an in vivo expression system for hpRNA is important for large-scale RNAi applications. Bacterial expression systems have so far been developed for in vivo expression of hpRNA or double-stranded (ds) RNA, but the structure of the resulting RNAi molecules has remained unclear. Here we report that long hpRNAs expressed in the bacteria Escherichia coli and Sinorhizobium meliloti were largely processed into shorter dsRNA fragments with no or few full-length molecules being present. A loss-of-function mutation in the dsRNA-processing enzyme RNase III, in the widely used E. coli HT115 strain, did not prevent the processing of hpRNA. Consistent with previous observations in plants, the loop sequence of long hpRNA expressed in Agrobacterium-infiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves was excised, leaving no detectable levels of full-length hpRNA molecule. In contrast to bacteria and plants, long hpRNAs expressed in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae accumulated as intact, full-length molecules. RNA extracted from hpRNA-expressing yeast cells was shown to be capable of inducing RNAi against a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in tobacco leaves when applied topically on leaf surfaces. Our results indicate that yeast can potentially be used to express full-length hpRNA molecules for RNAi and perhaps other structured RNAs that are important in biological applications.
Structural and Functional Impact of Seven Missense Variants of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase
Authors: Pecimonova Martina , Kluckova Daniela , Csicsay Frantisek , Reblova Kamila , Krahulec Jan , Procházkova Dagmar , Skultety Ludovit , Kadasi Ludevit , Soltysova Andrea
Published: June 2019

The molecular genetics of well-characterized inherited diseases, such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) predominantly caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, is often complicated by the identification of many novel variants, often with no obvious impact on the associated disorder. To date, more than 1100 PAH variants have been identified of which a substantial portion have unknown clinical significance. In this work, we study the functionality of seven yet uncharacterized PAH missense variants p.Asn167Tyr, p.Thr200Asn, p.Asp229Gly, p.Gly239Ala, p.Phe263Ser, p.Ala342Pro, and p.Ile406Met first identified in the Czech PKU/HPA patients. From all tested variants, three of them, namely p.Asn167Tyr, p.Thr200Asn, and p.Ile406Met, exerted residual enzymatic activity in vitro similar to wild type (WT) PAH, however, when expressed in HepG2 cells, their protein level reached a maximum of 72.1% ± 4.9%, 11.2% ± 4.2%, and 36.6% ± 7.3% compared to WT PAH, respectively. Remaining variants were null with no enzyme activity and decreased protein levels in HepG2 cells. The chaperone-like effect of applied BH4 precursor increased protein level significantly for p.Asn167Tyr, p.Asp229Gly, p.Ala342Pro, and p.Ile406Met. Taken together, our results of functional characterization in combination with in silico prediction suggest that while p.Asn167Tyr, p.Thr200Asn, and p.Ile406Met PAH variants have a mild impact on the protein, p.Asp229Gly, p.Gly239Ala, p.Phe263Ser, and p.Ala342Pro severely affect protein structure and function.
Special Issue on DNA Replication Stress: Summary of Topics Covered
Authors: Brosh Robert M.
Published: June 2019

A Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) is dedicated to mechanisms mediated at the molecular and cellular levels to respond to adverse genomic perturbations and DNA replication stress (https://www [...]
Mosquitoes of Etiological Concern in Kenya and Possible Control Strategies
Authors: Karungu Samuel , Atoni Evans , Ogalo Joseph , Mwaliko Caroline , Agwanda Bernard , Yuan Zhiming , Hu Xiaomin
Published: June 2019

Kenya is among the most affected tropical countries with pathogen transmitting Culicidae vectors. For decades, insect vectors have contributed to the emergence and distribution of viral and parasitic pathogens. Outbreaks and diseases have a great impact on a country’s economy, as resources that would otherwise be used for developmental projects are redirected to curb hospitalization cases and manage outbreaks. Infected invasive mosquito species have been shown to increasingly cross both local and global boarders due to the presence of increased environmental changes, trade, and tourism. In Kenya, there have been several mosquito-borne disease outbreaks such as the recent outbreaks along the coast of Kenya, involving chikungunya and dengue. This certainly calls for the implementation of strategies aimed at strengthening integrated vector management programs. In this review, we look at mosquitoes of public health concern in Kenya, while highlighting the pathogens they have been linked with over the years and across various regions. In addition, the major strategies that have previously been used in mosquito control and what more could be done to reduce or combat the menace caused by these hematophagous vectors are presented.
Antibacterial Activity of TiO2- and ZnO-Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Van , Vu Viet , Nguyen The , Nguyen Tuan , Tran Van , Nguyen-Tri Phuong
Published: June 2019

This work emphasizes the use of the silver decorative method to enhance the antibacterial activity of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. These silver-decorated nanoparticles (hybrid nanoparticles) were synthesized using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, with the weight ratio of Ag precursors/oxide nanoparticles = 1:30. The morphology and optical properties of these hybrid nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, with or without light irradiation. The TEM images indicated clearly that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 5–10 nm) were well deposited on the surface of nano-TiO2 particles (30–60 nm). In addition to this, bigger AgNPs (<20 nm) were dispersed on the surface of nano-ZnO particles (30–50 nm). XRD patterns confirmed the presence of AgNPs in both Ag-decorated TiO2 and Ag-decorated ZnO nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectra confirmed that the hybridization of Ag and oxide nanoparticles led to a shift in the absorption edge of oxide nanoparticles to the lower energy region (visible region). The antibacterial tests indicated that both oxide pure nanoparticles did not exhibit inhibitory effects against bacteria, with or without light irradiation. However, the presence of AgNPs in their hybrids, even at low content (<40 mg/mL), leads to a good antibacterial activity, and higher inhibition zones under light irradiation as compared to those in dark were observed.
Effect of Cyclic Stretch on Tissue Maturation in Myoblast-Laden Hydrogel Fibers
Authors: Bansai Shinako , Morikura Takashi , Onoe Hiroaki , Miyata Shogo
Published: June 2019

Engineering of the skeletal muscles has attracted attention for the restoration of damaged muscles from myopathy, injury, and extraction of malignant tumors. Reconstructing a three-dimensional muscle using living cells could be a promising approach. However, the regenerated tissue exhibits a weak construction force due to the insufficient tissue maturation. The purpose of this study is to establish the reconstruction system for the skeletal muscle. We used a cell-laden core-shell hydrogel microfiber as a three-dimensional culture to control the cellular orientation. Moreover, to mature the muscle tissue in the microfiber, we also developed a custom-made culture device for imposing cyclic stretch stimulation using a motorized stage and the fiber-grab system. As a result, the directions of the myotubes were oriented and the mature myotubes could be formed by cyclic stretch stimulation.
Identification and Functional Analysis of NLP-Encoding Genes from the Postharvest Pathogen Penicillium expansum
Authors: Levin Elena , Raphael Ginat , Ma Jing , Ballester Ana-Rosa , Feygenberg Oleg , Norelli John , Aly Radi , Gonzalez-Candelas Luis , Wisniewski Michael , Droby Samir
Published: June 2019

Penicillium expansum is a major postharvest pathogen that infects different fruits, mainly through injuries inflicted during harvest or subsequent handling after harvest. Several effectors were suggested to mediate pathogenicity of P. expansum in fruit tissue. Among these effectors Nep1-like proteins (NLPs), produced by various microorganisms with different lifestyles, are known for their ability to induce necrosis in dicot plants and were shown to be involved in virulence of several plant-related pathogens. This study was aimed at the identification and functional characterization of two NLP genes found in the genome of P. expansum. The genes were designated Penlp1 and Penlp2 and were found to code type1 and type3 NLP respectively. Necrosis-inducing activity of the two proteins was demonstrated by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. While Penlp1 expression was induced during apple infection and in liquid culture, the highest level of Penlp2 expression was found in ungerminated spores. Deletion of Penlp1, but not Penlp2, resulted in reduced virulence on apples manifested by reduced rate of lesion development (disease severity).
Editorial for the Special Issue “Platinum-Group Minerals: New Results and Advances in PGE Mineralogy in Various Ni-Cu-Cr-PGE Ore Systems”
Authors: Barkov Andrei Y. , Zaccarini Federica
Published: June 2019

The platinum-group minerals (PGM) consist of a group of accessory minerals that concentrate the six platinum-group elements (PGE): osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd) [...]
Metabolic Effect of Dietary Taurine Supplementation on Grouper (Epinephelus coioides): A 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Study
Authors: Shen Guiping , Wang Shenghao , Dong Jiyang , Feng Jianghua , Xu Jingjing , Xia Feng , Wang Xuexi , Ye Jidan
Published: June 2019

Taurine is an indispensable amino acid for many fish species and taurine supplementation is needed when plant-based diets are used as the primary protein source for these species. However, there is limited information available to understand the physiological or metabolic effects of taurine on fish. In this study, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis was conducted to identify the metabolic profile change in the fish intestine with the aim to assess the effect of dietary taurine supplementation on the physiological and metabolomic variation of fish, and reveal the possible mechanism of taurine’s metabolic effect. Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) were divided into four groups and fed diets containing 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% taurine supplementation for 84 days. After extraction using aqueous and organic solvents, 25 significant taurine-induced metabolic changes were identified. These metabolic changes in grouper intestine were characterized by differences in carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid and nucleotide. The results reflected both the physiological state and growth of the fish, and indicated that taurine supplementation significantly affects the metabolome of fish, improves energy utilization and amino acid uptake, promotes protein, lipid and purine synthesis, and accelerates fish growth.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of DOTA-Conjugates of Ursolic Acid
Authors: Kahnt Michael , Hoenke Sophie , Fischer Lucie , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Csuk René
Published: June 2019

In this study, we report the synthesis of several amine-spacered conjugates of ursolic acid (UA) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). Thus, a total of 11 UA-DOTA conjugates were prepared holding various oligo-methylene diamine spacers as well as different substituents at the acetate units of DOTA including tert-butyl, benzyl, and allyl esters. Furthermore, three synthetic approaches were compared for the ethylenediamine-spacered conjugate 29 regarding reaction steps, yields, and precursor availability. The prepared conjugates were investigated regarding cytotoxicity using SRB assays and a set of human tumor cell lines. The highest cytotoxicity was observed for piperazinyl spacered compound 22. Thereby, EC50 values of 1.5 µM (for A375 melanoma) and 1.7 µM (for A2780 ovarian carcinoma) were determined. Conjugates 22 and 24 were selected for further cytotoxicity investigations including fluorescence microscopy, annexin V assays and cell cycle analysis.
Preparation, Characterization and Adsorption Potential of Grainy Halloysite-CNT Composites for Anthracene Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kamińska Gabriela , Dudziak Mariusz , Kudlek Edyta , Bohdziewicz Jolanta
Published: June 2019

Grainy Hal-CNT composites were prepared from powder halloysite nanoclay (Hal) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effect of the amount and type of CNTs, as well as calcination temperature on morphology and properties of Hal-CNT composites and their adsorption capacity of anthracene (ANT), were studied. The surface topography of granules was heterogenous, with cracks and channels created during granulation of powder clay and CNTs. In FTIR, spectra were exhibited only in the bands arising from halloysite, due to its dominance in the granules. The increase in the heating temperature to 550 °C resulted in mesoporosity/macroporosity of the granules, the lowest specific surface area (SSA) and poorest adsorption potential. Overall, SSA of all Hal-CNT composites were higher than raw Hal, and by itself, heated halloysite. The larger amount of CNTs enhanced adsorption kinetics due to the more external adsorption sites. The equilibrium was established with the contact time of approximately 30 min for the sample Hal-SWCNT 85:15, while the samples with loading 96:4, it was 60–90 min. Adsorption isotherms for ANT showed L1 type, which is representative for the sorbents with limited adsorption capacity. The Langmuir model described the adsorption process, suggesting a monolayer covering. The sample Hal-SWCNT 85:15 exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of ANT, due to its highest SSA and microporous character.