bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CADASTRAL INGENEERS SELF-REGULATION DYNAMICS IN RUSSIA
Authors: Parkhomenko Darya , Parkhomenko Ivan
Published: November 2019

The article analyzes cadastral engineers institute certain aspects development dynamics from its inception to the quality of a regulated decentralized, with the help of the institute of self-regulation, to the present.
Detection of Happiness Emotion on Images
Authors: Akça Beyza Nur , Çubukçu Burakhan , Yüzgeç Uğur
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, when computer usage is widespread, innovative studies on human-computer interaction have gained momentum. One of these innovations is the determination of the emotional states of the humans by computerized systems. In this study, it is aimed to develop a method other than learning algorithms, which is different from the literature. In this study, respectively; human face detection, detection of face markers, face markers based on the creation of attributes, attributes were made on various calculations. This study was performed using the Raspberry Pi 3 hardware and Python software language. The proposed method was tested in the original dataset including 27 different individuals (15 females, 12 males) and the performance of the system was determined as 96.3%.
AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA DA PRODUÇÃO DE BANANA NOS MUNICÍPIOS DE IGUATU E CARIÚS-CE
Authors: Dias Batista Pedro Henrique , Kariny Feitosa Anny , Pontes de Almeida Gledson Luiz , Pandorfi Héliton , De Oliveira Silva Douglas Alberto
Published: November 2019

A banana é uma das frutas mais importantes do mundo, tanto no que se refere à produção quanto à comercialização. O objetivo do estudo é analisar economicamente a produção de banana nos municípios de Iguatu e Cariús-CE. Utilizaram-se dados obtidos por meio de questionário aplicado a 20 produtores da região. Partindo da análise da receita mensal total, do custo mensal total, do lucro mensal médio e do investimento total, foram obtidas a rentabilidade e a lucratividade de 55,44%, 75,68 e 55,44% 65,98%, respectivamente para os municípios de Iguatu e Cariús-CE. Conclui-se que a atividade da produção de banana nos referidos municípios é rentável economicamente.
UTILIZAÇÃO DE UM JOGO DE TIRO AO ALVO PARA EVIDENCIAR CONCEITOS E PROPRIEDADES DO SISTEMA DE NUMERAÇÃO DECIMAL MOBILIZADOS POR ALUNOS DA ESCOLA ELEMENTAR
Authors: Silva Thaís Coelho do Nascimento , Freitas José Luiz Magalhães de
Published: November 2019

Neste artigo apresentamos uma discussão acerca de conhecimentos sobre o Sistema de Numeração Decimal (SND) por alunos do 4º ano do Ensino Fundamental com dificuldades de aprendizagem em atividades realizadas com o uso de jogos. Para tanto, analisamos conceitos e propriedades mobilizados pelos alunos, bem como as representações semióticas por eles utilizadas. Os sistemas de representação semiótica empregados foram o numérico e o da língua natural, assim como representações próprias desses alunos, sem regras claras e bem definidas. Para a pesquisa, apoiamonos na construção de uma sequência didática inspirada nos princípios da Engenharia Didática. Como um dos resultados, concluímos que os conhecimentos concernentes à estrutura e propriedades do SNDrevelados pelos alunos eram insuficientes, considerando o necessário para os conteúdos matemáticos do ano escolar que cursavam. Também observamos que o jogo de tiro ao alvo pode ser um recurso didático útil para o estudo de operações e propriedades do SND.
Study of the Utilisation of Almond Residues for Low-Cost Panels
Authors: Ferrandez-Villena Manuel , Ferrandez-Garcia Clara Eugenia , Garcia Ortuño Teresa , Ferrandez-Garcia Antonio , Ferrandez-Garcia Maria Teresa
Published: November 2019

A large amount of research is being carried out to increase the use of renewable and eco-friendly resources like plant fibres for manufacturing new products in order to reduce energy consumption and improve their environmental impact. The almond is a deciduous tree that is native to Mediterranean areas, although nowadays the United States is the world’s main almond producer. The almond fruit has three distinct parts: the inner core or flesh, the hard middle part or shell, and the outer covering of the shell, called the hull (exocarp and mesocarp). This work analyses the use of almond residues for producing eco-friendly particleboards. The ground hull of the almond has been used as a raw material, obtaining 4 different particle sizes. Eight type of board has been manufactured without using any kind of adhesive. The particle size influences some physical and mechanical properties. With particle sizes <0.25 mm it is possible to achieve greater strength in terms of modulus of rupture (MOR): 14.01 N/mm2, modulus of elasticity (MOE): 2295.32 N/mm2 and internal bonding strength (IB): 0.57 N/mm2. This study shows that it is technically possible to manufacture boards with this material without using adhesives.
Exploitation of Potentially New Antibiotics from Mangrove Actinobacteria in Maowei Sea by Combination of Multiple Discovery Strategies
Authors: Lu Qin-Pei , Ye Jing-Jing , Huang Yong-Mei , Liu Di , Liu Li-Fang , Dong Kun , Razumova Elizaveta A. , Osterman Ilya A. , Sergiev Petr V. , Dontsova Olga A. , Jia Shu-Han , Huang Da-Lin , Sun Cheng-Hang
Published: November 2019

Rediscovery of known antibiotics from actinobacteria, especially Streptomyces, has become a bottleneck issue. Nowadays, more specific identification and dereplication could be acquired by a combination of modern analytic techniques with various databases. In this study, 261 actinobacterial strains were isolated from 8 mangrove soil samples by culture-dependent method. A total of 83 strains were selected to evaluate antibacterial activities and mechanisms by disc diffusion method and a unique double fluorescent protein reporter system (pDualrep2), respectively. Thirty-two strains exhibited antagonistic activity against at least one of the “ESKAPE” pathogens. Four Streptomyces strains (B475, B486, B353, and B98) showed strong inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria and induced DNA damage SOS response. One Micromonospora strain (B704) exhibited inhibitory activity against several pathogens and induced attenuation-based translational inhibitors reporter. Seven members of quinoxaline-type antibiotics including quinomycin A, quinomycin monosulfoxide, and other five putative new analogues were found from the culture broth of strain B475 by a combination of anti-MRSA guide, HPTLC, HPLC-UV, and UPLC-UV-HRESIMS/MS analysis, Chemspider searching, and MS/MS-based molecular networking analysis. In conclusion, this study not only demonstrated that mangrove is a rich source of actinobacteria with the potentially new antibiotics but showed rapid dereplication of known antibiotics in the early stage can improve efficiency for the discovery of new antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Resistance: We Must Pursue a Collaborative, Global Approach and Use a “One Health” Approach
Authors: Lonsdale Dagan O , Lipman Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

Treating infection is a key part of the work of most clinicians [...]
Low-Cost Activated Grape Seed-Derived Hydrochar through Hydrothermal Carbonization and Chemical Activation for Sulfamethoxazole Adsorption
Authors: Diaz Elena , Manzano Francisco Javier , Villamil John , Rodriguez Juan Jose , F. Mohedano Angel
Published: November 2019

Activated carbons were prepared by chemical activation with KOH, FeCl3 and H3PO4 of the chars obtained via hydrothermal carbonization of grape seeds. The hydrochars prepared at temperatures higher than 200 °C yielded quite similar proximate and ultimate analyses. However, heating value (24.5–31.4 MJ·kg−1) and energy density (1.04–1.33) significantly increased with carbonization temperatures between 180 and 300 °C. All the hydrochars showed negligible BET surface areas, while values between 100 and 845 m2·g−1 were measured by CO2 adsorption at 273 K. Activation of the hydrochars with KOH (activating agent to hydrochar ratio of 3:1 and 750 °C) led to highly porous carbons with around 2200 m2·g−1 BET surface area. Significantly lower values were obtained with FeCl3 (321–417 m2·g−1) and H3PO4 (590–654 m2·g−1), showing these last activated carbons important contributors to mesopores. The resulting materials were tested in the adsorption of sulfamethoxazole from aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity was determined by the porous texture rather than by the surface composition, and analyzed by FTIR and TPD. The adsorption equilibrium data (20 °C) fitted the Langmuir equation well. The KOH-activated carbons yielded fairly high saturation capacity reaching up to 650 mg·g−1.
Effects of Pore Structures of Different Maceral Compositions on Methane Adsorption and Diffusion in Anthracite
Authors: Zhao Jincheng , Qin Yong , Shen Jian , Zhou Binyang , Li Chao , Li Geng
Published: November 2019

The pore structure of coal reservoirs is the main factor influencing the adsorption–diffusion rates of coalbed methane. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), low-pressure nitrogen adsorption (LP-NA), low-pressure carbon dioxide adsorption (LP-CA), and isothermal adsorption experiments with different macerals were performed to characterize the comprehensive pore distribution and methane adsorption–diffusion of coal. On the basis of the fractal theory, the pore structures determined through MIP and LP-NA can be combined at a pore diameter of 100 nm to achieve a comprehensive pore structural splicing of MIP, LP-NA, and LP-CA. Macro–mesopores and micro-transitional pores had average fractal dimensions of 2.48 and 2.18, respectively. The Langmuir volume (VL) and effective diffusion coefficients (De) varied from 31.55 to 38.63 cm3/g and from 1.42 to 2.88 × 10−5 s−1, respectively. The study results showed that for super-micropores, a higher vitrinite content led to a larger specific surface area (SSA) and stronger adsorption capacity but also to a weaker diffusion capacity. The larger the average pore diameter (APD) of micro-transitional pores, the stronger the diffusion capacity. The diffusion capacity may be controlled by the APD of micro-transitional pores.
Predicting Compressive Strength of Cement-Stabilized Rammed Earth Based on SEM Images Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning
Authors: Narloch Piotr , Hassanat Ahmad , Tarawneh Ahmad S. , Anysz Hubert , Kotowski Jakub , Almohammadi Khalid
Published: November 2019

Predicting the compressive strength of cement-stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) using current testing machines is time-consuming and costly and may harm the environment due to the samples’ waste. This paper presents an automatic method using computer vision and deep learning to solve the problem. For this purpose, a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model is proposed, which was evaluated on a new in-house scanning electron microscope (SEM) image database containing 4284 images of materials with different compressive strengths. The experimental results show reasonable prediction results compared to other traditional methods, achieving 84% prediction accuracy and a small (1.5) oot Mean Square Error (RMSE). This indicates that the proposed method (with some enhancements) can be used in practice for predicting the compressive strength of CSRE samples.
A Shearlets-Based Method for Rain Removal from Single Images
Authors: Sun Guomin , Leng Jinsong , Cattani Carlo
Published: November 2019

This work focuses on the problem of rain removal from a single image. The directional multilevel system, Shearlets, is used to describe the intrinsic directional and structure sparse priors of rain streaks and the background layer. In this paper, a Shearlets-based convex rain removal model is proposed, which involves three sparse regularizers: including the sparse regularizer of rain streaks and two sparse regularizers of the Shearlets transform of background layer in the rain drops’ direction and the Shearlets transform of rain streaks in the perpendicular direction. The split Bregman algorithm is utilized to solve the proposed convex optimization model, which ensures the global optimal solution. Comparison tests with three state-of-the-art methods are implemented on synthetic and real rainy images, which suggests that the proposed method is efficient both in rain removal and details preservation of the background layer.
A Neuro-Prosthetic Device for Substituting Sensory Functions during Stance Phase of the Gait
Authors: Taghavi Nazita , Luecke Greg R. , Jeffery Nicholas D.
Published: November 2019

In this study, we present the experimental results demonstrating the functionality of our recently developed “balancing device” for walking restoration in patients with spinal cord injuries. Since we are preparing this device for testing on dogs, we program the analytical core of the device to recognize both stance and swing phases of the dog gait, the direction that the dog is falling, as well as selecting a suitable balancing strategy to prevent falling. The analytical core of the device is a commercial microcontroller, the Teensy, which is able to provide suitable stimulation commands and intensities as a voltage for delivery to the stimulation circuit and target muscles. We show the functional schematic of the device along with experimental results obtained by testing the device in a simulated robotic dog. Results show that the sensory system of the animal lost by spinal cord injury can be replaced by the sensing core of the device and the analytical core can provide appropriate stimulation control to balance the body of a dog. All test results are obtained using our robot test-bed and living animals are not involved in this study.
Estimation of the Induction Motor Stator and Rotor Resistance Using Active and Reactive Power Based Model Reference Adaptive System Estimator
Authors: Bednarz Szymon Antoni , Dybkowski Mateusz
Published: November 2019

In this paper an induction motor parameters estimator, based on the Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS), is presented and described. A comprehensive literature study on MRAS type parameters estimators for induction motors is also provided. The authors propose a novel PQ-MRAS estimator concept which enables the simultaneous calculation of stator and rotor resistances in the induction machine, which is its major advantage over previous investigations. The estimator employs the active (P) and reactive (Q) power of the machine which is calculated by the only measurable signals, such as stator voltage and current. The paper includes a detailed description of the proposed estimator. The PQ-MRAS was tested for various operating conditions of a drive system with the induction motor. The results obtained from computer simulation tests were verified on the laboratory set up with a DS1202 card.
Disease Resistant Bouquet Vine Varieties: Assessment of the Phenolic, Aromatic, and Sensory Potential of Their Wines
Authors: González-Centeno M. Reyes , Chira Kleopatra , Miramont Clément , Escudier Jean-Louis , Samson Alain , Salmon Jean-Michel , Ojeda Hernan , Teissedre Pierre-Louis
Published: November 2019

The search for grape varieties resistant to diseases and to climatic changes notably concerns the wine industry. Nine monovarietal wines from new red grape varieties resistant to cryptogamic diseases (downy and powdery mildews) were evaluated in terms of their total phenolic, anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin contents, anthocyanin profile, volatile composition, and sensory attributes. Thus, the question remains, will these hybrid grapes (≥97.5% of Vitis vinifera genome) lead to wines with organoleptic properties similar to those of Vitis vinifera wines that consumers are used to? Total phenolic (1547–3418 mg GA/L), anthocyanin (186–561 mg malvidin/L), and proanthocyanidin (1.4–4.5 g tannins/L) contents were in broad agreement with those previously described in the literature for monovarietal wines produced with well-known red grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah). With regard to fruity aroma, ethyl esters of straight-chain fatty acids (530–929 μg/L) stood out clearly as the major volatile components for all hybrid wines considered. Sensory analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) for visual aspect, aroma, flavor, global balance, astringency, and body. Overall, these new hybrid grape varieties are not only resistant to cryptogamic diseases, but also present enough potential to become quality wines, since their phenolic and volatile attributes are close to those of common red monovarietal wines.
Features of Media Multitasking in School-Age Children
Authors: Soldatova Galina , Chigarkova Svetlana , Dreneva Anna
Published: November 2019

The paper addresses the phenomenon of media multitasking that is being widely spread among children and adolescents in the context of digital socialization. The previous research has revealed its strong connection with cognitive control, executive functions, and academic performance, yet the specificity and efficacy of media multitasking performance, especially among children while they carry out usual activities, remains insufficiently studied. A quasi-experimental study, including digital tasks of various types on a computer and smartphone, the dots task for executive functions, and a socio-psychological questionnaire, was conducted with the participants of three age groups: 7–10, 11–13, and 14–16 years old (N = 154). The results indicate that media multitasking is connected not with sex, but age; the older the participants are, the more likely they tend to work in a multitasking mode. Furthermore, preference for multitasking has been found to be positively related to higher user activity. Although the total task performance rate is insignificantly lower in the multitasking group as compared to the non-multitasking one, a significant negative effect of media multitasking on total performance time was revealed. The results of the study that indicate a strong connection of media multitasking with the intensity of Internet usage, cognitive functions, and performance time, suggest its considerable role in social and cognitive functioning of children and adolescents.
Development of a Four-Enzyme Magnetic Nanobiocatalyst for Multi-Step Cascade Reactions
Authors: Giannakopoulou Archontoula , Patila Michaela , Spyrou Konstantinos , Chalmpes Nikolaos , Zarafeta Dimitra , Skretas Georgios , Gournis Dimitrios , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: November 2019

We report the preparation, characterization and application of a novel magnetic four-enzyme nanobiocatalyst prepared by the simultaneous covalent co-immobilization of cellulase (CelDZ1), β-glucosidase (bgl), glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto the surface of amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). This nanobiocatalyst was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The co-immobilization process yielded maximum recovered enzymatic activity (CelDZ1: 42%, bgl: 66%, GOx: 94% and HRP: 78%) at a 10% v/v cross-linker concentration, after 2 h incubation time and at 1:1 mass ratio of MNPs to total enzyme content. The immobilization process leads to an increase of Km and a decrease of Vmax values of co-immobilized enzymes. The thermal stability studies of the co-immobilized enzymes indicated up to 2-fold increase in half-life time constants and up to 1.5-fold increase in their deactivation energies compared to the native enzymes. The enhanced thermodynamic parameters of the four-enzyme co-immobilized MNPs also suggested increment in their thermal stability. Furthermore, the co-immobilized enzymes retained a significant part of their activity (up to 50%) after 5 reaction cycles at 50 °C and remained active even after 24 d of incubation at 5 °C. The nanobiocatalyst was successfully applied in a four-step cascade reaction involving the hydrolysis of cellulose.
Carbon Dioxide Photoreduction on the Bi2S3/MoS2 Catalyst
Authors: Kim Raeyeong , Kim Junyeong , Do Jeong Yeon , Seo Myung Won , Kang Misook
Published: November 2019

The photocatalytic activity of a material is contingent on efficient light absorption, fast electron excitation, and control of the recombination rate by effective charge separation. Inorganic materials manufactured in unique shapes via controlled synthesis can exhibit significantly improved properties. Here, n-type Bi2S3 nanorods (with good optical activity) were wrapped with two-dimensional (2D) p-type MoS2 sheets, which have good light absorption properties. The designed p-n junction Bi2S3/MoS2 composite exhibited enhanced light absorption over the entire wavelength range, and higher carbon dioxide adsorption capacity and photocurrent density compared to the single catalysts. Consequently, the activity of the 1Bi2S3/1MoS2 composite catalyst for the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide was more than 20 times higher than that of the single catalysts under visible-light irradiation at ≤400 nm, with partial selectivity for CO conversion. This is attributed to the p-n heterojunction Bi2S3/MoS2 composite designed in this study, the high light absorption of n-Bi2S3, accelerated electron excitation, and the electron affinity of the 2D sheet-p-MoS2, which quickly absorbed excited electrons, resulting in effective charge separation. This ultimately improved the catalytic performance by continuously supplying catalytically active sites to the heterojunction interfaces.
Photoelectrochemical Behavior of the Ternary Heterostructured Systems CdS/WO3/TiO2
Authors: Murashkina Anna A. , Bakiev Tair V. , Artemev Yurii M. , Rudakova Aida V. , Emeline Alexei V. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: November 2019

In this article, we report the results of comparative studies of photoelectrochemical behavior of the binary CdS/TiO2 and WO3/TiO2 and ternary CdS/WO3/TiO2 heterostructures based on titania nanotube and planar structures. Physical–chemical characterization by XRD, XPS, and electron microscopy methods together with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirm a successful formation of heterostructured electrodes, both nanotube-based and planar. The results of photoelectrochemical studies of the heterostructures demonstrate a significant difference in their behavior depending on the structure geometry and the character of the formed heterojunctions. It is concluded that nanotube-based heterostructure electrodes can be characterized by a stochastic set of different heterojunctions while planar systems demonstrate well-ordered heterojunctions with a strictly defined electron transfer direction. Particularly, we demonstrate the possibility of the realization of Z-scheme of photoexcitation and charge separation in ternary planar systems under visible light irradiation.
New Information on the Madagascan Middle Jurassic Sauropod Lapparentosaurus madagascariensis
Authors: Raveloson Miky Lova Tantely , Clark Neil D. L. , Rasoamiaramana Armand H.
Published: November 2019

The systematic position of the Middle Jurassic sauropod Lapparentosaurus madagascariensis is not fully understood due to a lack of useful anatomical detail. Despite many new bone fragments from the axial skeleton, post-cranial skeleton, and a hind limb having been previously unearthed, its systematic position has not yet been satisfactorily established. Although this Malagasy taxon is only recognised by two autapomorphies located in the scapula and coracoid, two features of the neural spine, which are reported here, provide additional information on the common autapomorphies shared with the British genus Cetiosaurus. A full description of the femur and neural spine helps to determine some aspects of its relationship to other similar taxa. Remains of Lapparentosaurus madagascariensis have been recovered from mixed facies that may have been deposited in a shallow water lagoon during a transgressive period in the Isallo IIIb subunit in the Majunga Basin.
Evaluation of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems’ Lidar Data Quality
Authors: Babbel Benjamin J. , Olsen Michael J. , Che Erzhuo , Leshchinsky Ben A. , Simpson Chase , Dafni Jake
Published: November 2019

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) with integrated light detection and ranging (lidar) technology are becoming an increasingly popular and efficient remote sensing method for mapping. Due to its quick deployment and comparatively inexpensive cost, uncrewed laser scanning (ULS) can be a desirable solution to conduct topographic surveys for areas sized on the order of square kilometers compared to the more prevalent and mature method of airborne laser scanning (ALS) used to map larger areas. This paper rigorously assesses the accuracy and quality of a ULS system with comparisons to terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data, total station (TS) measurements, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) check points. Both the TLS and TS technologies are ideal for this assessment due to their high accuracy and precision. Data for this analysis were collected over a period of two days to map a landslide complex in Mulino, Oregon. Results show that the digital elevation model (DEM) produced from the ULS had overall vertical accuracies of approximately 6 and 13 cm at 95% confidence when compared to the TS cross-sections for the road surface only and road and vegetated surfaces, respectively. When compared to the TLS data, overall biases of −2.4, 1.1, and −2.7 cm were observed in X, Y, and Z with a 3D RMS difference of 8.8 cm. Additional qualitative and quantitative assessments discussed in this paper show that ULS can provide highly accurate topographic data, which can be used for a wide variety of applications. However, further research could improve the overall accuracy and efficiency of the cloud-to-cloud swath adjustment and calibration processes for georeferencing the ULS point cloud.
Analysis of Bird Flyways in 3D
Authors: Tattoni Clara , Ciolli Marco
Published: November 2019

Bird migration is a long studied phenomenon that involves animals moving back and forth from wintering sites and to reproductive grounds. Several studies have focused on identifying the timing, physiology and evolution of migration, but a spatial approach to understand the migratory routes is still an open challenge. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can provide the tools to explore such a complicated issue. Birds usually move from the wintering sites to spring breeding grounds in multiple flights, stopping at intermediate sites to rest and refuel, being unable to cover the distance in a single travel. The choice of stopover sites by birds depends not only on their ecological features but also on their position and visibility along main migratory flyways. In this work, we calculated the possible migratory routes that minimize the distance covered or the elevation gaps for birds crossing the Southern Alps, simulating the flight within a network connecting potential stopover sites and other relevant point of passage, using the shortest path computation. Subsequently, we performed a visibility analysis along the identified flyways to understand which stopover sites, belonging to the Natura2000 network, were visible for a bird in an area with complex morphology. Data available from ringing stations confirm the selection or avoidance of some stopover sites based on their en route visibility. The knowledge of bird flyways and stopover sites has implications for conservation as well as for planning, especially for wind farms or other infrastructures.
The ε-Approximation of the Time-Dependent Shortest Path Problem Solution for All Departure Times
Authors: Kolovský František , Ježek Jan , Kolingerová Ivana
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the shortest paths search for all departure times (profile search) are discussed. This problem is called a time-dependent shortest path problem (TDSP) and is suitable for time-dependent travel-time analysis. Particularly, this paper deals with the ε -approximation of profile search computation. The proposed algorithms are based on a label correcting modification of Dijkstra’s algorithm (LCA). The main idea of the algorithm is to simplify the arrival function after every relaxation step so that the maximum relative error is maintained. When the maximum relative error is 0.001, the proposed solution saves more than 97% of breakpoints and 80% of time compared to the exact version of LCA. Furthermore, the runtime can be improved by other 15% to 40% using heuristic splitting of the original departure time interval to several subintervals. The algorithms we developed can be used as a precomputation step in other routing algorithms or for some travel time analysis.
Association of Maternal Weight and Gestational Weight Gain with Maternal and Neonate Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bouvier Damien , Forest Jean-Claude , Dion-Buteau Emilie , Bernard Nathalie , Bujold Emmanuel , Pereira Bruno , Giguère Yves
Published: November 2019

We investigated the association of outcomes with pre-pregnancy body mass index (ppBMI), Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations about gestational weight gain, and weight gain trajectories during pregnancy. A prospective cohort of 7866 pregnant women was recruited. ppBMI and weight gain at each follow up visit were collected. The outcomes were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), caesarean delivery, macrosomia, small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age, neonatal hypoglycemia. Group-based multi-trajectory modelling was used for weight kinetics during pregnancy. In the third trimester, 53.8% of women were above IOM recommendations, with an increased relative risk (RR) of HDP (1.91 (1.40–2.61)), caesarean (1.34 (1.15–1.56)), macrosomia (2.17 (1.77–2.67)), LGA (2.26 (1.83–2.80)), and hypoglycemia (1.89 (1.12–3.18)). Women with a weight gain above IOM recommendations in the second trimester who normalized their weight gain in third trimester had, compared to those who remained above IOM recommendations, fewer events of HDP (2.8% versus 5.3%, p = 0.008), caesarean delivery (16.9% versus 22%, p = 0.006), macrosomia (8.3% versus 14.2%, p < 0.001), and LGA (7% versus 13.2%, p < 0.001). Multi-trajectory modelling identified three profiles with continued variation in RR of complications, including GDM. Weight gain above IOM recommendations increased the risk of perinatal complications. A correction of excessive weight gain in the second trimester reduces these risks.
An Investigation of the Influence of a Micro-Textured Ball End Cutter’s Different Parameters on the Surface Residual Stress of a Titanium Alloy Workpiece
Authors: Yang Shucai , Yu Song , Liu Xianli , Su Shuai , Zhou Yongzhi
Published: November 2019

When machining titanium alloy parts, aside from accuracy, the other key concern when evaluating their quality is the integrity of the machined surface. Residual stress can have a significant impact upon this. A certain amount of residual stress can help to strengthen the workpiece, but excessive residual stress can lead to its deformation. In this paper, we report on an experimental study of the surface integrity of titanium alloy after milling with a microtextured ball-end cutter. Tests were conducted to assess the residual stresses on the surface of titanium alloy workpieces according to the direction of feed and milling. The impact of different micro-texture parameters was also assessed; namely, the diameter, depth, spacing and distance from the cutting edge of the individual pits. Range analysis, which is an orthogonal test, was used to analyze the results of the experiments and a prediction model of surface residual stress was established for the milling of titanium alloy with micro-textured ball-end cutters. This model can provide theoretical support for the optimization of the parameters involved in future milling processes.
Naturally Occurring and Experimentally Induced Rhesus Macaque Models for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Translational Gateways to Clinical Application
Authors: Abbott David H. , Rogers Jeffrey , Dumesic Daniel A. , Levine Jon E.
Published: November 2019

Indian rhesus macaque nonhuman primate models for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) implicate both female hyperandrogenism and developmental molecular origins as core components of PCOS etiopathogenesis. Establishing and exploiting macaque models for translational impact into the clinic, however, has required multi-year, integrated basic-clinical science collaborations. Paradigm shifting insight has accrued from such concerted investment, leading to novel mechanistic understanding of PCOS, including hyperandrogenic fetal and peripubertal origins, epigenetic programming, altered neural function, defective oocytes and embryos, adipogenic constraint enhancing progression to insulin resistance, pancreatic decompensation and type 2 diabetes, together with placental compromise, all contributing to transgenerational transmission of traits likely to manifest in adult PCOS phenotypes. Our recent demonstration of PCOS-related traits in naturally hyperandrogenic (High T) female macaques additionally creates opportunities to employ whole genome sequencing to enable exploration of gene variants within human PCOS candidate genes contributing to PCOS-related traits in macaque models. This review will therefore consider Indian macaque model contributions to various aspects of PCOS-related pathophysiology, as well as the benefits of using macaque models with compellingly close homologies to the human genome, phenotype, development and aging.
Time Integrated Flux Analysis: Exploiting the Concentration Measurements Directly for Cost-Effective Metabolic Network Flux Analysis
Authors: Portela Rui M. C. , Richelle Anne , Dumas Patrick , von Stosch Moritz
Published: November 2019

Background: Flux analyses, such as Metabolic Flux Analysis (MFA), Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), Flux Variability Analysis (FVA) or similar methods, can provide insights into the cellular metabolism, especially in combination with experimental data. The most common integration of extracellular concentration data requires the estimation of the specific fluxes (/rates) from the measured concentrations. This is a time-consuming, mathematically ill-conditioned inverse problem, raising high requirements for the quality and quantity of data. Method: In this contribution, a time integrated flux analysis approach is proposed which avoids the error-prone estimation of specific flux values. The approach is adopted for a Metabolic time integrated Flux Analysis and (sparse) time integrated Flux Balance/Variability Analysis. The proposed approach is applied to three case studies: (1) a simulated bioprocess case studying the impact of the number of samples (experimental points) and measurements’ noise on the performance; (2) a simulation case to understand the impact of network redundancies and reaction irreversibility; and (3) an experimental bioprocess case study, showing its relevance for practical applications. Results: It is observed that this method can successfully estimate the time integrated flux values, even with relatively low numbers of samples and significant noise levels. In addition, the method allows the integration of additional constraints (e.g., bounds on the estimated concentrations) and since it eliminates the need for estimating fluxes from measured concentrations, it significantly reduces the workload while providing about the same level of insight into the metabolism as classic flux analysis methods.
Effect of the Titanium Isopropoxide:Acetylacetone Molar Ratio on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Spiridonova Jekaterina , Katerski Atanas , Danilson Mati , Krichevskaya Marina , Krunks Malle , Oja Acik Ilona
Published: November 2019

TiO2 thin films with different titanium isopropoxide (TTIP):acetylacetone (AcacH) molar ratios in solution were prepared by the chemical spray pyrolysis method. The TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in spray solution varied from 1:3 to 1:20. TiO2 films were deposited onto the glass substrates at 350 °C and heat-treated at 500 °C. The morphology, structure, surface chemical composition, and photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2 films were investigated. TiO2 films showed a transparency of ca 80% in the visible spectral region and a band gap of ca 3.4 eV irrespective of the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in the spray solution. TiO2 films consist of the anatase crystalline phase with a mean crystallite size in the range of 30–40 nm. Self-cleaning properties of the films were estimated using the stearic acid (SA) test. A thin layer of 8.8-mM SA solution was spin-coated onto the TiO2 film. The degradation rate of SA as a function of irradiation time was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An increase in the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio from 1:4 to 1:8 resulted in a ten-fold increase in the photodegradation reaction rate constant (from 0.02 to the 0.2 min−1) under ultraviolet light and in a four-fold increase under visible light.
Antibiotics Versus Natural Biomolecules: The Case of In Vitro Induced Bacteriospermia by Enterococcus Faecalis in Rabbit Semen
Authors: Duracka Michal , Lukac Norbert , Kacaniova Miroslava , Kantor Attila , Hleba Lukas , Ondruska Lubomir , Tvrda Eva
Published: November 2019

Male subfertility is a global issue in human reproduction as well as in animal reproduction. Bacterial infection and semen contamination are still widely overlooked. As the collection of ejaculates is not a sterile process, it is necessary to add antimicrobial agents to avoid a possible depreciation of semen samples. As traditionally used antibiotics have been questioned because of an ever-increasing bacterial resistance, natural bioactive molecules could offer an alternative because of their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. As such, we decided to compare the effects of selected natural biomolecules (resveratrol-RES, quercetin-QUE and curcumin-CUR) with routinely used antibiotics in animal biotechnologies (penicillin-PEN, gentamicin-GEN and kanamycin-KAN) on the rabbit sperm vitality in the presence of Enterococcus faecalis. Changes in the sperm structural integrity and functional activity were monitored at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used for the assessment of spermatozoa motility. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using chemiluminiscence, while the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was examined using the JC-1 dye. Finally, the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test was used to assess DNA fragmentation, and changes to the membrane integrity were evaluated with the help of annexin V/propidium iodide. The motility assessment revealed a significant sperm motility preservation following treatment with GEN (p < 0.001), followed by PEN and CUR (p < 0.01). QUE was the most capable substance to scavenge excessive ROS (p < 0.001) and to maintain ΔΨm (p < 0.01). The SCD assay revealed that the presence of bacteria and antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, all bioactive compounds readily preserved the DNA integrity (p < 0.05). In contrast to the antibiotics, the natural biomolecules significantly maintained the sperm membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The microbiological analysis showed that GEN (p < 0.001), KAN (p < 0.001), PEN (p < 0.01) and CUR (p < 0.01) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. In conclusion, all selected biomolecules provided protection to rabbit spermatozoa against deleterious changes to their structure and function as a result of Enterococcus faecalis contamination. Therefore, administration of RES, QUE and/or CUR to rabbit semen extenders in combination with a carefully selected antibacterial substance may be desirable.
PpNAC187 Enhances Lignin Synthesis in ‘Whangkeumbae’ Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) ‘Hard-End’ Fruit
Authors: Li Mingtong , Cheng Chenxia , Zhang Xinfu , Zhou Suping , Wang Caihong , Ma Chunhui , Yang Shaolan
Published: November 2019

A disorder in pears that is known as ‘hard-end’ fruit affects the appearance, edible quality, and market value of pear fruit. RNA-Seq was carried out on the calyx end of ‘Whangkeumbae’ pear fruit with and without the hard-end symptom to explore the mechanism underlying the formation of hard-end. The results indicated that the genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway affecting lignification were up-regulated in hard-end fruit. An analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified three NAC transcription factors, and RT-qPCR analysis of PpNAC138, PpNAC186, and PpNAC187 confirmed that PpNAC187 gene expression was correlated with the hard-end disorder in pear fruit. A transient increase in PpNAC187 was observed in the calyx end of ‘Whangkeumbae’ fruit when they began to exhibit hard-end symptom. Concomitantly, the higher level of PpCCR and PpCOMT transcripts was observed, which are the key genes in lignin biosynthesis. Notably, lignin content in the stem and leaf tissues of transgenic tobacco overexpressing PpNAC187 was significantly higher than in the control plants that were transformed with an empty vector. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco overexpressing PpNAC187 had a larger number of xylem vessel elements. The results of this study confirmed that PpNAC187 functions in inducing lignification in pear fruit during the development of the hard-end disorder.
Chromatographic Fingerprinting of the Old World Lupins Seed Alkaloids: A Supplemental Tool in Species Discrimination
Authors: Święcicki Wojciech , Czepiel Katarzyna , Wilczura Paulina , Barzyk Paweł , Kaczmarek Zygmunt , Kroc Magdalena
Published: November 2019

The total contents and qualitative compositions of alkaloids in seeds of 10 Old World lupin species (73 accessions) were surveyed using gas chromatography. The obtained results, combined with those for three lupin crops, Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus albus, and Lupinus luteus, provide the most complete and up-to-date overview of alkaloid profiles of 13 lupin species originating from the Mediterranean Basin. The qualitative alkaloid compositions served as useful supplementary tools of species discrimination. On the basis of the most abundant major alkaloids, lupanine, lupinine, and multiflorine, the Old World lupin species were divided into four groups. Those containing lupanine (L. angustifolius, L. albus, and Lupinus mariae-josephi), containing lupinine (Lupinus luteus, Lupinus hispanicus, and Lupinus × hispanicoluteus), containing lupinine and multiflorine (Lupinus atlanticus, Lupinus palaestinus, Lupinus anatolicus, Lupinus digitatus, Lupinus pilosus, and Lupinus cosentinii), and containing multiflorine (Lupinus micranthus). Within a given group, certain species can be, in most cases, further distinguished by the presence of other major alkaloids. The discrimination of species based on the total alkaloid content was found to be less reliable because of the significant intra-species variations, as well as the influences of environmental factors on the seed alkaloid content.
A Numerical Study on Influent Flow Rate Variations in a Secondary Settling Tank
Authors: Su Junwei , Wang Le , Zhang Yumin , Gu Zhaolin
Published: November 2019

The secondary settling tank is an essential unit for the biochemical treatment of domestic sewage, and its operational effect influences the quality of effluent. Under the influence of the confluence of rainwater and sewage, wastewater use habits, etc., the inflow of the secondary sedimentation tank changes over time. In this paper, OpenFOAM, an open-source computational fluid dynamics package, was used to study the dynamic behaviors of solid–liquid two-phase flow in the tank under influent flow rate variations. A coupled method including a mixture model, drift equation and a dynamic boundary method is proposed. Numerical investigations were carried out for a 2D axisymmetric sedimentation tank using 12 cases. With increasing influent flow rate, sludge accumulates continuously in the bottom left side of the tank, sludge hopper, and inlet; the sludge blanket thickness near the right end of the tank increases continuously; and the sludge concentration in the tank approximately linearly increases with time, with a low slope. The developed framework is generic and is, therefore, expected to be applicable for modelling sludge sedimentation processes.
Temporal Changes in the Efficiency of Biochar- and Compost-Based Amendments on Copper Immobilization in Vineyard Soils
Authors: Pump Christina , Keiblinger Katharina M. , Scheiblauer Elisabeth , Johnen Simone , Lehto Niklas J. , Soja Gerhard , Zehetner Franz
Published: November 2019

Copper (Cu)-based fungicides have been an important tool against disease in viticulture since the 19th century. However, their prolonged use can lead to Cu accumulation in the soil and negatively affect soil microbiology and plant growth. The application of biochar (BC)-based amendments is a promising mitigation strategy, due to BC’s longevity in the soil and its potential to complex Cu. This study investigated temporal changes in the efficiency of various compost- and BC-based amendments to immobilize Cu in a calcareous and a slightly acidic Austrian vineyard soil. The immobilization of both historically accumulated Cu and freshly spiked Cu (250 mg kg−1) was studied. The soils were treated with six combinations of amendments containing compost and BC, with and without surface modification, as well as an additional lime treatment for the acidic soil. After treatment, the soils were incubated for 6 weeks and 3 years, after which the 0.01 M CaCl2-extractable Cu was measured. The amendments were not effective in reducing the mobility of the historically accumulated Cu in the calcareous soil, with pure compost doubling the soluble Cu. Pure wood-chip BC was the only organic amendment that led to a reduction (by 20%) of soluble Cu after 6 weeks in the acidic soil; however, after 3 years, the same amendment reduced soluble Cu by 40% and all other tested amendments were also effective in reducing the mobility of the historically accumulated Cu. The lime treatment achieved the greatest reduction in Cu mobility (56%). Freshly spiked Cu was strongly immobilized in both unamended soils, with 0.06% and 0.39% extractable after 6 weeks in the calcareous and slightly acidic soil, respectively. The amendments did not effectuate additional Cu immobilization in the calcareous soil, but in the acidic soil, the soluble Cu was further reduced to between 25% and 50% of the unamended control by the tested organic amendments and to 6% by the lime treatment after 6 weeks of incubation. Overall, the acidic soil exhibited a stronger response to the amendments than did the calcareous soil, suggesting the amendments’ effect on the soil pH was an important factor for Cu immobilization in this study. These results show the importance of developing site-specific remediation strategies for Cu accumulation in agricultural soils.
Analysis of the Sustainable Use of Geothermal Waters and Future Development Possibilities—A Case Study from the Opole Region, Poland
Authors: Boguniewicz-Zabłocka Joanna , Łukasiewicz Ewelina , Guida Domenico
Published: November 2019

To achieve future energy policy goals, efficient energy systems based on geothermal water should be used more widely. The presented case study from the Opole region in Poland shows that there is great potential for investors interested in recovering geothermal energy in new facilities, for example to heat the domestic districts. The geological structure of the Opolskie Voivodship demonstrates the presence of rich geothermal water resources. Currently, these resources are not used for power engineering in the Opole Region, except for in a few passive houses. The existing boreholes have waters which reach temperatures ranging from 20 to 90 °C and prove that the region displays a high energy potential. The results from the calculations here show that the use of three low temperature geothermal intakes could be possible in three locations, namely in Grabin, in the area of Nysa, and in Wołczyn. This could generate thermal energy at a level of 34 GWh/year. This corresponds to the heat demand of approximately 1150 detached houses with an area of 150 square meters. The results show that thermal energy for a medium size housing district can be supplied from a single borehole. The temperatures of water in the analyzed intakes determine their method of use as a lower heat source for heat pumps.