bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selectivity of Entomopathogenic Fungi to Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Mingotti Dias Pamella , de Souza Loureiro Elisângela , Amorim Pessoa Luis Gustavo , Reis Devoz Gabriel Luiz , Bárbaro Barbosa Junior Gilson , Macali Werner Allan , Navarrete Acacio Aparecido , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: October 2020

We aimed to evaluate the selectivity of entomopathogenic fungi to larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). For this purpose, Beauveria bassiana (strain ESALQ PL63), Metarhizium anisopliae (strain ESALQ E9) and Metarhizium rileyi (strain UFMS 03) were assessed at different concentrations (1 × 107, 1 × 108 and 1 × 109 conidia mL−1). The control treatment consisted of distilled water and Tween80 0.01. The treatments were applied with a Potter spray tower using two different methodologies: direct application (DA) and dry film (DF). Up to 96 h after application, no treatment provided a larval mortality above 3%. After 120 h, only B. bassiana induced significant mortality in all instars, with rates of 26%, 17% and 10% for first, second and third instar larval periods, respectively. There was no difference regarding to the application method or concentration of conidia. The percentage of individuals that revealed changes in the length of the larval and pupal periods varied among different treatments with entomopathogenic fungi and control treatments, application methodologies and concentrations. Despite B. bassiana revealing a higher mortality than M. anisopliae and M. rileyi on larvae of C. externa, these three entomopathogenic fungi may be used in association with C. externa for sustainable pest management.
IoT Network Security: Threats, Risks, and a Data-Driven Defense Framework
Authors: Wheelus Charles , Zhu Xingquan
Published: October 2020

The recent surge in Internet of Things (IoT) deployment has increased the pace of integration and extended the reach of the Internet from computers, tablets and phones to a myriad of devices in our physical world. Driven by the IoT, with each passing day, the Internet becomes more integrated with everyday life. While IoT devices provide endless new capabilities and make life more convenient, they also vastly increase the opportunity for nefarious individuals, criminal organizations and even state actors to spy on, and interfere with, unsuspecting users of IoT systems. As this looming crisis continues to grow, calls for data science approaches to address these problems have increased, and current research shows that predictive models trained with machine learning algorithms hold great potential to mitigate some of these issues. In this paper, we first carry out an analytics approach to review security risks associated with IoT systems, and then propose a machine learning-based solution to characterize and detect IoT attacks. We use a real-world IoT system with secured gate access as a platform, and introduce the IoT system in detail, including features to capture security threats/attacks to the system. By using data collected from a nine month period as our testbed, we evaluate the efficacy of predictive models trained by means of machine learning, and propose design principles and a loose framework for implementing secure IoT systems.
Activated Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Delta Syndrome 1: Clinical and Immunological Data from an Italian Cohort of Patients
Authors: Tessarin Giulio , Rossi Stefano , Baronio Manuela , Gazzurelli Luisa , Colpani Michael , Benvenuto Alessio , Zunica Fiammetta , Cardinale Fabio , Martire Baldassarre , Brescia Letizia , Costagliola Giorgio , Luti Laura , Casazza Gabriella , Menconi Maria Cristina , Saettini Francesco , Palumbo Laura , Girelli Maria Federica , Badolato Raffaele , Lanzi Gaetana , Chiarini Marco , Moratto Daniele , Meini Antonella , Giliani Silvia , Bondioni Maria Pia , Plebani Alessandro , Lougaris Vassilios
Published: October 2020

Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome 1 (APDS-1) is a recently described inborn error of immunity caused by monoallelic gain-of-function mutations in the PIK3CD gene. We reviewed for the first time medical records and laboratory data of eight Italian APDS-1 patients. Recurrent sinopulmonary infections were the most common clinical feature at onset of disease. Seven patients presented lymphoproliferative disease, at onset or during follow-up, one of which resembled hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Genetic analysis of the PIK3CD gene revealed three novel mutations: functional testing confirmed their activating nature. In the remaining patients, the previously reported variants p.E1021K (n = 4) and p.E525A (n = 1) were identified. Six patients were started on immunoglobulin replacement treatment (IgRT). One patient successfully underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with good chimerism and no GVHD at 21 months post-HSCT. APDS-1 is a combined immune deficiency with a wide variety of clinical manifestations and a complex immunological presentation. Besides IgRT, specific therapies targeting the PI3Kδ pathway will most likely become a valid aid for the amelioration of patients’ clinical management and their quality of life.
Scoring of Growth of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Juvela Seppo
Published: October 2020

The purpose was to obtain a reliable scoring for growth of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in a long-term follow-up study from variables known at baseline and to compare it with the ELAPSS (Earlier subarachnoid hemorrhage, Location of the aneurysm, Age > 60 years, Population, Size of the aneurysm, and Shape of the aneurysm) score obtained from an individual-based meta-analysis. The series consists of 87 patients with 111 UIAs and 1669 person-years of follow-up between aneurysm size measurements (median follow-up time per patient 21.7, range 1.2 to 51.0 years). These were initially diagnosed between 1956 and 1978, when UIAs were not treated in our country. ELAPSS scores at baseline did not differ between those with and those without aneurysm growth. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating curve (ROC) of the ELAPSS score for predicting long-term growth was fail (0.474, 95% CI 0.345–0.603), and the optimal cut-off point was obtained at ≥7 vs. <7 points for sensitivity (0.829) and specificity (0.217). In the present series UIA growth was best predicted by female sex (4 points), smoking at baseline (3 points), and age <40 years (2 points). The AUC for the ROC of the new scoring was fair (0.662, 95% CI 0.546–0.779), which was significantly better than that of ELAPSS score (p < 0.05). The optimal cut-off point was obtained at ≥4 vs. <4 points for sensitivity (0.971) and specificity (0.304). A new simple scoring consisting of only female sex, cigarette smoking and age <40 years predicted growth of an intracranial aneurysm in long-term follow-up, significantly better than the ELAPSS score.
Who Is Afraid of CRP? Elevated Preoperative CRP Levels Might Attenuate the Increase in Inflammatory Parameters in Response to Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Meyer Moritz Mecki , Brandenburg Leon , Hudel Helge , Agné Alisa , Padberg Winfried , Erdogan Ali , Nef Holger , Amati Anca-Laura , Dörr Oliver , Witte Biruta , Grau Veronika
Published: October 2020

During surgery, ATP from damaged cells induces the release of interleukin-1β, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that contributes to the development of postoperative systemic inflammation, sepsis and multi-organ damage. We recently demonstrated that C-reactive protein (CRP) inhibits the ATP-induced release of monocytic interleukin-1β, although high CRP levels are deemed to be a poor prognostic marker. Here, we retrospectively investigated if preoperative CRP levels correlate with postoperative CRP, leukocyte counts and fever in the context of anatomical lung resection and systematic lymph node dissection as first line lung cancer therapy. No correlation was found in the overall results. In men, however, preoperative CRP and leukocyte counts positively correlated on postoperative days one to two, and a negative correlation of CRP and fever was seen in women. These correlations were more pronounced in men taking statins and in statin-naïve women. Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of CRP on the ATP-induced interleukin-1β release was blunted in monocytes from coronary heart disease patients treated with atorvastatin compared to monocytes obtained before medication. Hence, the common notion that elevated CRP levels predict more severe postoperative inflammation should be questioned. We rather hypothesize that in women and statin-naïve patients, high CRP levels attenuate trauma-induced increases in inflammatory markers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphite Composite Foams for Oil Spill Recovery Application
Authors: Brancato Vincenza , Piperopoulos Elpida , Mastronardo Emanuela , Calabrese Luigi , Milone Candida , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is the synthesis and characterization of a composite silicone foam filled with expanded graphite (EG) for oil spill recovery applications. The EG foams were obtained using a foaming slurry consisting of a mixture of siloxane compounds as the matrix with an EG filler. The effect of the filler content’s performance on an innovative composite silicone-based foam was investigated. All the obtained samples exhibited an open cell morphology. Each foam was evaluated in four commonly used oils (kerosene, pump oil, naphtha and crude oil). Additionally, kinetics was studied in order to investigate the physical, chemical and mass transport mechanisms that act during the absorption phenomenon and uptake evolution of the contaminants. Foam filled with 3% of EG exhibited the highest absorption capacity, particularly with light oils kerosene and virgin naphtha (854 and 1016 wt.%, respectively). Furthermore, the kinetic study showed that pseudo-second order mechanisms better fitted the composite absorption performances, suggesting that the oil sorption into EG filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foams could be related to chemisorption mechanism. The results evidenced a good oil sorption capability and water/oil selectivity indicating this class of materials as a potentially applicable material for oil spill remediation.
An Automated Method for Quality Control in MRI Systems: Methods and Considerations
Authors: Epistatou Angeliki C. , Tsalafoutas Ioannis A. , Delibasis Konstantinos K.
Published: October 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop an automated method for performing quality control (QC) tests in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, investigate the effect of different definitions of QC parameters and its sensitivity with respect to variations in regions of interest (ROI) positioning, and validate the reliability of the automated method by comparison with results from manual evaluations. Materials and Methods: Magnetic Resonance imaging MRI used for acceptance and routine QC tests from five MRI systems were selected. All QC tests were performed using the American College of Radiology (ACR) MRI accreditation phantom. The only selection criterion was that in the same QC test, images from two identical sequential sequences should be available. The study was focused on four QC parameters: percent signal ghosting (PSG), percent image uniformity (PIU), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and SNR uniformity (SNRU), whose values are calculated using the mean signal and the standard deviation of ROIs defined within the phantom image or in the background. The variability of manual ROIs placement was emulated by the software using random variables that follow appropriate normal distributions. Results: Twenty-one paired sequences were employed. The automated test results for PIU were in good agreement with manual results. However, the PSG values were found to vary depending on the selection of ROIs with respect to the phantom. The values of SNR and SNRU also vary significantly, depending on the combination of the two out of the four standard rectangular ROIs. Furthermore, the methodology used for SNR and SNRU calculation also had significant effect on the results. Conclusions: The automated method standardizes the position of ROIs with respect to the ACR phantom image and allows for reproducible QC results.
Tidal and Storm Impacts on Hydrodynamics and Sediment Dynamics in an Energetic Ebb Tidal Delta
Authors: Xu Kehui , Wren P. Ansley , Ma Yanxia
Published: October 2020

Bottom-mounted instrumentation was deployed at two sites on a large sandy shoal of an ebb tidal delta offshore of the Port Royal Sound of South Carolina of USA to collect hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics data. One site (“borrow site”) was 2 km offshore in a dredge pit for nearby beach nourishment and the other site (“reference site”) was 10 km offshore. In situ time-series data were collected during two periods after the dredging: 15 March–12 June (spring) and 18 August–18 November (fall) of 2012. Data at the reference site indicated active migrating bedforms from centimeters to decimeters tall, and sediment concentrations were highly associated with semidiurnal and fortnightly tidal cycles. In the fall deployment, waves at the reference site were higher than those at the shallow borrow site. Both Tropical Storm Beryl and Hurricane Sandy formed high waves and strong currents but did not generate the greatest sediment fluxes. The two sites were at different depths and distances offshore, and waves contributed more to sediment mobility at the reference site whereas tidal forcing was the key controlling factor at the borrow site. This study provides valuable datasets for the selection of sites, prediction of pit infilling, and the modeling of storm impact in future beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects.
Coastal Boulders on the SE Coasts of Cyprus as Evidence of Palaeo-Tsunami Events
Authors: Evelpidou Niki , Zerefos Christos , Synolakis Costas , Repapis Christos , Karkani Anna , Polidorou Miltiadis , Saitis Giannis
Published: October 2020

Cyprus has a long history of tsunami events, as noted by archaeological and geological records. At Cape Greco (southeastern Cyprus) large boulders have been noted, however, no detailed geomorphological research has taken place so far and the related high energy event was undated until now. Our research aims to record in detail and interpret these large boulders deposits. The boulders, located between ≈3 and 4.5 m a.m.s.l., are fragments of an upper Pleistocene aeolianite, which is overlaying unconformly a lower Pleistocene calcarenite. Dimensions and spatial distribution of 272 small, medium, and large boulders were documented, while their precise distance from the coastline was recorded by field mapping and remote sensing, using Differential GPS (DGPS), drone, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technics. Field data were subsequently combined with hydrodynamic equations, in order to determine the extreme event(s) that caused their transport inland, and radiocarbon dating was accomplished on three samples of Vermetus sp. to determine the chronological context. Our findings appear to broadly correlate with the 1303 AD tsunami, which has displaced at least part of the studied boulders, and one other undocumented event at AD 1512-1824. The large number of boulders and sizes in our study area further indicate that their dislocation is most likely owed to multiple events from various sources.
Insights into the Gryllus bimaculatus Immune-Related Transcriptomic Profiling to Combat Naturally Invading Pathogens
Authors: Hussain Abid , Ali Muhammad Waqar , AlJabr Ahmed Mohammed , AL-Kahtani Saad Naser
Published: October 2020

Natural pathogen pressure is an important factor that shapes the host immune defense mechanism. The current study primarily aimed to explore the molecular basis of the natural immune defense mechanism of a sporadic pest, Gryllus bimaculatus, during swarming by constructing cDNA libraries of the female mid-gut, male mid-gut, testes, and ovaries. The Illumina HiSeq platform generated an average of 7.9 G, 11.77 G, 10.07 G, and 10.07 G bases of outputs from the male mid-gut, female mid-gut, testes, and ovaries and libraries, respectively. The transcriptome of two-spotted field crickets was assembled into 233,172 UniGenes, which yielded approximately 163.58 million reads. On the other hand, there were 43,055 genes in common that were shared among all the biological samples. Gene Ontology analysis successfully annotated 492 immune-related genes, which comprised mainly Pattern Recognition Receptors (62 genes), Signal modulators (57 genes), Signal transduction (214 genes), Effectors (36 genes), and another immune-related 123 genes. In summary, the identified wide range of immune-related genes from G. bimaculatus indicates the existence of a sophisticated and specialized broad spectrum immune mechanism against invading pathogens, which provides, for the first time, insights into the molecular mechanism of disease resistance among two-spotted field crickets.
Empirical Evidence of a Changing Operating Cost Structure and Its Impact on Banks’ Operating Profit: The Case of Germany
Authors: Diener Florian
Published: October 2020

The financial sector is undergoing extensive changes and challenges that affect the entire market and infrastructure of financial service providers. Technological development leads to increased digitalisation and allows new business models to emerge. With regard to the banking sector, it is evident that this sector is characterized by employees and associated services. However, due to changing conditions, a decline in personnel has been recorded for many years. This raises the question as to what extent—based on contrary assumptions of the principle agency theory and the expense preference hypothesis—personnel changes influence the operational success of banks. On this basis, six hypotheses were formulated and tested. The principal component analysis method was applied to prepare the data. Afterwards, the actual analysis was carried out using a mixed method approach. The results on the basis of the years 2013–2017 showed a negative personnel development, which contributed to the improvement of the operating results of banks. Hereby it becomes evident that the business model design of savings and cooperative banks is of secondary importance.
Glass–Adhesive–Steel Joint Inspection Using Mechanic and High Frequency Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Kowalczyk Jakub , Lopato Przemyslaw , Psuj Grzegorz , Ulbrich Dariusz
Published: October 2020

The utilization of a glass–adhesive–steel joint in modern machine and vehicle production is constantly growing. Despite the technological regime during the production process, various defects in the adhesive joints may occur. One of the major problems is lack of adhesive between joined materials. Due to the widespread use of non-transparent layers increasing adhesion, it is frequently not possible to conduct simple visual inspections. Hence, it is important to develop a non-destructive adhesive path continuity examination procedure. In that process, the different physical properties of the joint materials must be taken into account. Therefore, in this paper various testing methods were used, including ultrasound, thermographic and electromagnetic methods operating in the microwave and terahertz frequency range. Different physical phenomena of the methods allowed for examination of the joint in a wide context. In order to verify the information brought by each method, the results were transferred into common coordinate space, compared and finally integrated. Various opinion pooling strategies were conducted to fuse data, which allowed us to emphasize convergent and complementary information on adhesive continuity. The obtained results are promising and constitute the basis for further work on an integrated system for automatic evaluation of a wide range of possible defects in glass–adhesive–steel joints.
Deep Red Tunability and Output Power Performances of Visible Laser Emission in a Pr:Ba(Y1−xLux)2F8 Single Crystal
Authors: Damiano Eugenio , Cittadino Giovanni , Di Lieto Alberto , Tonelli Mauro
Published: October 2020

The demand for tunable visible laser sources with high power and high beam quality, for application ranging from metrology to remote sensing, is constantly increasing. In this work, we report on the details of crystal growth, via the Czochralski method, and laser characterization of a Pr-doped Ba(Y1−xLux)2F8 (BYLF) single crystal, which is a promising candidate for fulfilling these requirements, both in terms of tunability and high-power capabilities. We measured for the first time the laser tunability curve in the deep red region obtaining a continuous range of 17 nm. The laser emission of the three main Pr3+ lines in the visible (orange, red, and deep red) was tested under increased pump power with respect to previous studies on this material, demonstrating output powers of more than 360 mW and no thermal rolloff, up to 1.9 W of absorbed power.
Analysis of the Rock Failure Cone Size Relative to the Group Effect from a Triangular Anchorage System
Authors: Jonak Józef , Karpiński Robert , Siegmund Michał , Wójcik Andrzej , Jonak Kamil
Published: October 2020

This study employs the numerical analysis and experimental testing to analyze the fracturing mechanics and the size of rock cones formed in the pull-out of a system of three undercut anchors. The research sets out to broaden the knowledge regarding: (a) the potential of the undercut anchor pull-out process in mining of the rock mass, and (b) estimating the load-carrying capacity of anchors embedded in the rock mass (which is distinctly different from the anchorage to concrete). Undercut anchors are most commonly applied as fasteners of steel components in concrete structures. The new application for undercut anchors postulated in this paper is their use in rock mining in exceptional conditions, such as during mining rescue operations, which for safety considerations may exclude mechanical mining techniques, mining machines, or explosives. The remaining solution is manual rock fracture, whose effectiveness is hard to assess. The key issue in the analyzed aspect is the rock fracture mechanics, which requires in-depth consideration that could provide the assistance in predicting the breakout prism dimensions and the load-displacement behavior of specific anchorage systems, embedment depth, and rock strength parameters. The volume of rock breakout prisms is an interesting factor to study as it is critical to energy consumption and, ultimately, the efficiency of the process. Our investigations are supported by the FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis, and the developed models have been validated by the results from experimental testing performed in a sandstone mine. The findings presented here illuminate the discrepancies between the current technology, test results, and standards that favor anchorage to concrete, particularly in the light of a distinct lack of scientific and industry documentation describing the anchorage systems’ interaction with rock materials, which exhibit high heterogeneity of the internal structure or bedding. The Concrete Capacity Design (CCD) method approximates that the maximum projected radius of the breakout cone on the free surface of concrete corresponds to the length of at the most three embedment depths (hef). In rock, the dimensions of the breakout prism are found to exceed the CCD recommendations by 20–33%. The numerical computations have demonstrated that, for the nominal breakout prism angle of approx. 35% (CCD), the critical spacing for which the anchor group effect occurs is ~4.5 (a cross-section through two anchor axes). On average, the observed spacing values were in the range of 3.6–4.0.
Chestnut-Derived Activated Carbon as a Prospective Material for Energy Storage
Authors: Januszewicz Katarzyna , Cymann-Sachajdak Anita , Kazimierski Paweł , Klein Marek , Łuczak Justyna , Wilamowska-Zawłocka Monika
Published: October 2020

In this work, we present the preparation and characterization of biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) in view of its application as electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. Porous carbons are prepared by pyrolysis of chestnut seeds and subsequent activation of the obtained biochar. We investigate here two activation methods, namely, physical by CO2 and chemical using KOH. Morphology, structure and specific surface area (SSA) of synthesized activated carbons are investigated by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical studies show a clear dependence between the activation method (influencing porosity and SSA of AC) and electric capacitance values as well as rate capability of investigated electrodes. It is shown that well-developed porosity and high surface area, achieved by the chemical activation process, result in outstanding electrochemical performance of the chestnut-derived porous carbons.
Analysis on the Efficiency of Risk Management in the Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Huang Chien-Ming , Yang Wei , Zeng Ren-Qing
Published: October 2020

Since a firm’s profitability is associated with a degree of risk taking, risk indicators have been extensively treated as exogenous variables and affected firm performance. The level of risk taking should be determined through internal control quality and firm-specific characteristics to effectively understand the relationship between risk management and firm performance. This study aims to investigate the effects of risk management efficiency on the production efficiency of Chinese listed companies from 2002 to 2016 using the two-step data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. Empirical results indicate that risk management differs from traditional financial theory, which means that high-level risk would earn high expected returns. Firms with a low efficiency index of enterprises risk management will have low performance. In particular, internal controls were significantly improved after the 2008 financial crisis. Our overall results also suggest that information asymmetry is still a problem in financial markets. To achieve maximum benefits for shareholders and improve the quality of information disclosure, methods for enacting market regulations are still very important issues in China.
A Note on the Solutions for a Higher-Order Convective Cahn–Hilliard-Type Equation
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , di Ruvo Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

The higher-order convective Cahn-Hilliard equation describes the evolution of crystal surfaces faceting through surface electromigration, the growing surface faceting, and the evolution of dynamics of phase transitions in ternary oil-water-surfactant systems. In this paper, we study the H3 solutions of the Cauchy problem and prove, under different assumptions on the constants appearing in the equation and on the mean of the initial datum, that they are well-posed.
An Approach for Mathematical Modeling and Investigation of Computer Processes at a Macro Level
Authors: Romansky Radi
Published: October 2020

In the digital age, the role of information technology and computer processes is growing. This requires refining the development of software by optimizing the communications between program components and seeking effective interaction in the implementation of processes. Complex module structures are usually developed, which require high compatibility between components and their proper functioning. The purpose of this article is to propose an approach for investigation of a set of connected computer processes executed on a macro level by using deterministic modelling. A formal technological procedure for conducting a deterministic investigation of the interaction between processes was developed. It allows for the transition from the object-original to an adequate mathematical model with its program realization. The core of the constructed procedure is the phases “mathematical formalization”, “mathematical description”, and “program realization”. The goal was to present an application of the procedure to investigate all possible realizations of connected processes, presented as nodes in a directed graph scheme of algorithms by determining the reachability. The program language APL2 was used as a tool for program description of the defined mathematical models, which were realized in the software system TryAPL2 for research automation. A preliminary mathematical formalization of interacting processes was made by presenting an example graph scheme and its transformation into an ordered structure. On the basis of the mathematical description, we developed two program models for automation of the transition to an ordered graph scheme and determination of all possible paths in it for activation of sequences of processes. The proposed models are part of a generalized environment for program investigation of the computer processing organization.
Principle of Duality in Cubic Smoothing Spline
Authors: Du Ruixue , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Fitting a cubic smoothing spline is a typical smoothing method. This paper reveals a principle of duality in the penalized least squares regressions relating to the method. We also provide a number of results derived from them, some of which are illustrated by a real data example.
Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of a Cube Robot
Authors: Liao Teh-Lu , Chen Sian-Jhe , Chiu Cheng-Chang , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: October 2020

The paper aims to solve problems of the mathematical modeling and realization of a cube robot capable of self-bouncing and self-balancing. First, the dynamic model of the cube robot is derived by using the conservation of the angular momentum and the torque equilibrium theory. Furthermore, the controllability of the cube robot is analyzed and the angle of the cube robot is derived from the attitude and heading reference system (AHRS). Then the parallel proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is proposed for the balancing control of the self-designed cube robot. As for the bounce control of the cube robot, a braking system triggered by the servo motor is designed for converting the kinetic energy to the potential energy. Finally, the experimental results are included to demonstrate that the cube robot can complete the actions of self-bouncing and self-balancing with good robustness to external disturbances.
Understanding Factors Affecting Innovation Resistance of Mobile Payments in Taiwan: An Integrative Perspective
Authors: Chung Kuo Cheng , Liang Silvia Wan-Ju
Published: October 2020

Mobile payment is a new payment method that provides opportunities for the financial services industry and involves various payment mediums. There are numerous drivers and barriers that influence customers’ willingness to use mobile payment. Previous studies have focused upon the motivations which facilitate its usage, but this study takes the opposite viewpoint and seeks to understand and classify the resistance to mobile payment from the customer perspective. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. More specifically, due to the small sample size, the study employed the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. A total of 348 valid samples were collected. Self-determination is an antecedent of innovation resistance theory and further affects the intention to use the mobile payment approach. The conclusion is that resistance to new products will reduce as consumers’ psychological needs are fulfilled. Several theoretical and practical implications are discussed for the mobile payment resistance.
Clinical Impact of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Singeap Ana-Maria , Cojocariu Camelia , Girleanu Irina , Huiban Laura , Sfarti Catalin , Cuciureanu Tudor , Chiriac Stefan , Stanciu Carol , Trifan Anca
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives: The most frequent indications for small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield (DY) of SBCE in overt and occult OGIB, as well as its impact on the clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively included all cases of OGIB investigated by SBCE in a tertiary care referral center, between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2018. OGIB was defined by overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, with negative upper and lower endoscopy. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding was either proved by a fecal test or presumptively incriminated as a cause for IDA. DY was defined as the detection rate for what were thought to be clinically significant findings. DYs for overt and occult bleeding were assessed and compared. Gender, age, hemoglobin levels, NSAID consumption and the use of anticoagulants were recorded. Following SBCE results, individual therapeutic decisions were made, and follow-up data were recorded. Results: 224 SBCE examinations were performed for OGIB, of which 148 were for overt OGIB, and 76 for unexplained IDA. Positive findings were found in 139 patients, resulting in an overall DY for OGIB of 62%, higher in overt OGIB (75%) compared to IDA (37%). The most frequent findings were small bowel angioectasias (62.2% in overt OGIB and 78.5% in IDA). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only hemoglobin level <10 g/dL and anticoagulants were the variables independently associated with positive findings. All patients received medical, endoscopic or surgical treatment and had good clinical outcome during follow-up. Conclusion: SBCE has a high diagnostic yield and a positive impact on management of patients with OGIB.
The Role of Surfactant Structure on the Development of a Sustainable and Effective Cutting Fluid for Machining Titanium Alloys
Authors: Benedicto Elisabet , Rubio Eva María , Carou Diego , Santacruz Coral
Published: October 2020

In cutting operations of titanium alloys, most of the problems are related to the high consumption of cutting tools due to excessive wear. An improvement of metalworking fluid (MWF) technology would increase the productivity, sustainability, and quality of machining processes by lubricating and cooling. In this research article, the authors varied the surfactant’s charge, the hydrocarbon chain length, and the ethoxylation degree. Surfactants were dispersed at 1.2 mM in water and trimethylolpropane oleate to produce water-based MWF. Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and total organic carbon analysis were used to study the influence of surfactant structure on the film forming ability of the emulsion and performance was studied on Ti6Al4V using tapping torque test. The results showed that by changing the molecular structure of the surfactant, it is possible to vary the affinity between the ester and the substrate and reach an optimal combination, which improves the formation of a tribofilm. The mixture with anionic surfactants has good tribology performance, while non-ionic surfactants shorten the tool’s life. Moreover, the increase in the hydrocarbon chain length and the number of ethoxylations of surfactants promotes the adhesion of ester onto the metal surface, improving the lubricity properties of environmentally friendly MWF.
Evolution of the Fretting Wear Damage of a Complex Phase Compound Layer for a Nitrided High-Carbon High-Chromium Steel
Authors: Duan Yong , Qu Shengguan , Jia Siyu , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the X210CrW12 steel was subjected to gas nitriding to obtain a complex phase compound layer with limited porosity. The nitrided layer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The fretting wear behavior and the evolution of fretting wear damage of the compound layer were studied, and the worn surfaces were characterized by SEM/EDS and 3D optical profilometry. The results indicated that the compound layer showed superior fretting wear resistance and sufficient load-carrying capacity in the low loading case of 35 N, but the fracture of coarse nitrides (transformed primary carbides) was obviously detrimental to wear resistance. For the high loading case of 70 N, the low toughness of the compound layer led to the occurrence of brittle cracks, and the decrease in the thickness of the compound layer due to wear resulted in the cracking and spalling of the compound layer.
The Peptide Chain Release Factor Methyltransferase PrmC Influences the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 Endo- and Exometabolome
Authors: Depke Tobias , Häussler Susanne , Brönstrup Mark
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens and understanding its virulence is the key to effective control of P. aeruginosa infections. The regulatory network governing virulence factor production in P. aeruginosa is exceptionally complex. Previous studies have shown that the peptide chain release factor methyltransferase PrmC plays an important role in bacterial pathogenicity. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanism is incompletely understood. In this study, we used untargeted liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to characterise the metabolome of a prmC defective P. aeruginosa PA14 strain in comparison with the corresponding strain complemented with prmC in trans. The comprehensive metabolomics data provided new insight into the influence of prmC on virulence and metabolism. prmC deficiency had broad effects on the endo- and exometabolome of P. aeruginosa PA14, with a marked decrease of the levels of aromatic compounds accompanied by reduced precursor supply from the shikimate pathway. Furthermore, a pronounced decrease of phenazine production was observed as well as lower abundance of alkylquinolones. Unexpectedly, the metabolomics data showed no prmC-dependent effect on rhamnolipid production and an increase in pyochelin levels. A putative virulence biomarker identified in a previous study was significantly less abundant in the prmC deficient strain.
Metabolite Transporters as Regulators of Immunity
Authors: Weiss Hauke J. , Angiari Stefano
Published: October 2020

In the past decade, the rise of immunometabolism has fundamentally reshaped the face of immunology. As the functions and properties of many (immuno)metabolites have now been well described, their exchange among cells and their environment have only recently sparked the interest of immunologists. While many metabolites bind specific receptors to induce signaling cascades, some are actively exchanged between cells to communicate, or induce metabolic reprograming. In this review, we give an overview about how active metabolite transport impacts immune cell function and shapes immunological responses. We present some examples of how specific transporters feed into metabolic pathways and initiate intracellular signaling events in immune cells. In particular, we focus on the role of metabolite transporters in the activation and effector functions of T cells and macrophages, as prototype adaptive and innate immune cell populations.
Relationships between Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Adiponectin in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Huang Wan-Yu , Chen Dar-Ren , Kor Chew-Teng , Chen Ting-Yu , Lin Po-Te , Tseng Joseph Ta Chien , Wu Hung-Ming
Published: October 2020

Beyond fertility, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may exert action on adipocytes, which are the major source of adiponectin and leptin, linking to insulin resistance. Therefore, we evaluated the relationships between FSH and adipocyte-derived hormones. This cross-sectional study enrolled postmenopausal women aged 40–65 years. The variables measured in this study included clinical parameters, fasting levels of sex hormones, glucose, insulin, and adipokines. A total of 261 women without breast cancer, 88 women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen, and 59 women with breast cancer receiving additional gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs were enrolled in this study. Significant differences in the levels of adiponectin, leptin, and FSH were observed between the non-breast cancer group and the breast cancer groups. Spearman’s rank test revealed significant associations of FSH with either body mass index (BMI) or homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values in the non-breast cancer group. After adjusting for BMI, age, and menopause duration, FSH levels were significantly associated with adiponectin (p < 0.001) and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (p = 0.008) in the non-breast cancer group, but they were only significantly associated with adiponectin (p = 0.001) in the breast cancer group receiving tamoxifen. Our data show that FSH levels are independently associated with adiponectin levels in postmenopausal women, suggesting that adiponectin may link FSH to metabolic relationships in postmenopausal female.
A Flexible, Microfluidic, Dispensing System for Screening Drug Combinations
Authors: Davies Mark , Abubaker Mannthalah , Bible Lorraine
Published: October 2020

It is known that in many cases a combination of drugs is more effective than single-drug treatments both for reducing toxicity and increasing efficacy. With the advent of organoid screens, personalised medicine has become possible for many diseases. Automated pipetting to well plates is the pharmaceutical industry standard for drug screening, but this is relatively expensive and slow. Here, a rotary microfluidic system is presented that can test all possible drug combinations at speed with the use of droplets. For large numbers of combinations, it is shown how the experimental scale is reduced by considering drug dilutions and machine learning. As an example, two cases are considered; the first is a three-ring and three radii configuration and the second is a four ring and forty-eight radii configuration. Between these two, all other cases are shown to be possible. The proposed commercial instrument is shown to be flexible, the user choosing which wells to fill and which driver-computational sub-routine to select. The major issues addressed here are the programming theory of the instrument and the reduction of droplets to be generated by drug dilutions and machine learning.
Damping Asymmetry Trimming Based on the Resistance Heat Dissipation for Coriolis Vibratory Gyroscope in Whole-Angle Mode
Authors: Guo Kechen , Wu Yulie , Zhang Yongmeng , Sun Jiangkun , Xiao Dingbang , Wu Xuezhong
Published: October 2020

Damping asymmetry is one of the most important factors that determines the performance of Coriolis Vibratory Gyroscope. In this paper, a novel damping tuning method for the resonator with parallel plate capacitors is presented. This damping tuning method is based on resistance heat dissipation and the tuning effect is characterized by the control force in Whole-Angle mode. As the damping tuning and stiffness tuning in the resonator with parallel plate capacitors are coupled with each other, a corresponding tuning system is designed. To verify the tuning effects, experiments are conducted on a hemispherical resonator gyroscope with Whole-Angle mode. The damping tuning theories is demonstrated by the testing results and 87% of the damping asymmetry is reduced by this tuning method with a cost of 3% decaying time. Furthermore, the angle-dependent drift in rate measurement after tuning is only 15.6% of the one without tuning and the scale factor nonlinearity decreases from 5.49 ppm to 2.66 ppm. The method can be further applied on the damping tuning in other resonators with symmetrical structure.
Combined Comparative Genomics and Gene Expression Analyses Provide Insights into the Terpene Synthases Inventory in Trichoderma
Authors: Vicente Isabel , Baroncelli Riccardo , Morán-Diez María Eugenia , Bernardi Rodolfo , Puntoni Grazia , Hermosa Rosa , Monte Enrique , Vannacci Giovanni , Sarrocco Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Trichoderma is a fungal genus comprising species used as biocontrol agents in crop plant protection and with high value for industry. The beneficial effects of these species are supported by the secondary metabolites they produce. Terpenoid compounds are key players in the interaction of Trichoderma spp. with the environment and with their fungal and plant hosts; however, most of the terpene synthase (TS) genes involved in their biosynthesis have yet not been characterized. Here, we combined comparative genomics of TSs of 21 strains belonging to 17 Trichoderma spp., and gene expression studies on TSs using T. gamsii T6085 as a model. An overview of the diversity within the TS-gene family and the regulation of TS genes is provided. We identified 15 groups of TSs, and the presence of clade-specific enzymes revealed a variety of terpenoid chemotypes evolved to cover different ecological demands. We propose that functional differentiation of gene family members is the driver for the high number of TS genes found in the genomes of Trichoderma. Expression studies provide a picture in which different TS genes are regulated in many ways, which is a strong indication of different biological functions.
An Alcohol Dehydrogenase 3 (ADH3) from Entamoeba histolytica Is Involved in the Detoxification of Toxic Aldehydes
Authors: König Constantin , Meyer Martin , Lender Corinna , Nehls Sarah , Wallaschkowski Tina , Holm Tobias , Matthies Thorben , Lercher Dirk , Matthiesen Jenny , Fehling Helena , Roeder Thomas , Reindl Sophia , Rosenthal Maria , Metwally Nahla Galal , Lotter Hannelore , Bruchhaus Iris
Published: October 2020

Recently, a putative alcohol dehydrogenase 3, termed EhADH3B of the Entamoeba histolytica isolate HM-1:IMSS was identified, which is expressed at higher levels in non-pathogenic than in pathogenic amoebae and whose overexpression reduces the virulence of pathogenic amoebae. In an in silico analysis performed in this study, we assigned EhADH3B to a four-member ADH3 family, with ehadh3b present as a duplicate (ehadh3ba/ehadh3bb). In long-term laboratory cultures a mutation was identified at position 496 of ehadh3ba, which codes for a stop codon, which was not the case for amoebae isolated from human stool samples. When using transfectants that overexpress or silence ehadh3bb, we found no or little effect on growth, size, erythrophagocytosis, motility, hemolytic or cysteine peptidase activity. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant EhADH3Bb revealed that this protein forms a dimer containing Ni2+ or Zn2+ as a co-factor and that the enzyme converts acetaldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of NADPH. A catalytic activity based on alcohols as substrates was not detected. Based on the results, we postulate that EhADH3Bb can reduce free acetaldehyde released by hydrolysis from bifunctional acetaldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase-bound thiohemiacetal and that it is involved in detoxification of toxic aldehydes produced by the host or the gut microbiota.
Improved Geotechnical Behavior of an Expansive Soil Amended with Tire-Derived Aggregates Having Different Gradations
Authors: Soltani Amin , Taheri Abbas , Deng An , O’Kelly Brendan C.
Published: October 2020

This experimental laboratory study examines the potential use of tire-derived aggregate (TDA) products as an additive to alleviate the inferior geotechnical properties of a subgrade deposit of clay soil with high expansivity. A total of ten mix designs—the unamended soil and nine soil–TDA blends prepared at 5%, 10% and 20% TDA contents (by dry mass) using three different TDA gradations/sizes—were examined. The experiments included standard Proctor compaction, oedometer swell and unconfined compression tests. The TDA materials’ lower specific gravity, hydrophobic character and higher energy absorption capacity compared with the soil solids led to notable reductions in the soil compaction characteristics. The amendment of the soil with TDA resulted in notable decreases in the rate and magnitude of swelling—the observed reductions were in favor of higher TDA contents, with larger TDA particle size being a secondary factor. Further, for any given TDA size, the variations of strength and toughness with respect to TDA content exhibited rise–fall relationships, peaking at 5% TDA and then decreasing for higher TDA contents. The stiffness and ductility parameters, however, were found to monotonically decrease and increase with the TDA content, respectively. Finally, TDA contents of up to 10%, with gradations equivalent to those of medium and coarse sands, were found to reduce the soil’s swelling potential from high to moderate expansivity, while simultaneously improving its strength-related features, and thus can be deemed as optimum mix design choices from a geotechnical perspective.