bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of collection matrix, platelet depletion, and storage conditions on plasma extracellular vesicles and extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs measurements
Authors: Faraldi Martina , Gomarasca Marta , Perego Silvia , Sansoni Veronica , Banfi Giuseppe , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The interest around circulating extracellular vesicles and their cargo in diagnostics has greatly increased; however, several pre-analytical variables affect their determination. In this study, we investigated the effects of sample matrix, processing, and plasma storage delay and temperature on extracellular vesicles and their miRNA content.

Methods

Blood was collected from 10 male volunteers in dipotassium ethylendiaminotetraacetate-coated tubes (K2EDTA), either with plasma-preparation tube (PPT) or without (K2E) gel separator. A stepwise centrifugation was applied to K2E aliquots to obtain platelet-poor plasma (PPP). K2E, PPP and PPT plasma, stored under different conditions, were assayed for extracellular vesicles concentration and size distribution, through dynamic laser light scattering, and microRNAs content, by qPCR.

Results

PPP samples were characterized by the lowest extracellular vesicles count and miRNA detectability. Although having no effects on extracellular vesicles total concentration, storage conditions influenced microRNAs detectability, mainly in PPP and PPT samples. Extracellular vesicles-associated miRNAs levels in K2E were, in general, higher than in PPP and to a very limited extent to PPT. Storage temperature and delay did not affect their profile in K2E samples.

Conclusions

Extracellular vesicles count and extracellular vesicles miRNA profile changed under the analyzed pre-analytical variables, showing the greatest stability in K2E samples. Since pre-analytical variables differently affected extracellular vesicles and their miRNA content, they should be considered in each experimental setting and clinical routine.
Non-invasive determination of uric acid in human saliva in the diagnosis of serious disorders
Authors: Vernerová Andrea , Kujovská Krčmová Lenka , Melichar Bohuslav , Švec František
Published: November 2020

This review summarizes and critically evaluates the published approaches and recent trends in sample pre-treatment, as well as both separation and non-separation techniques used for the determination of uric acid (UA) in saliva. UA is the final product of purine nucleotide catabolism in humans. UA concentrations in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, and urine represent an important biomarker of diseases including gout, hyperuricemia, or disorders associated with oxidative stress. Previous studies reported correlation between UA concentrations detected in saliva and in the blood. The interest in UA has been increasing during the past 20 years from a single publication in 2000 to 34 papers in 2019 according to MEDLINE search using term “uric acid in saliva”. The evaluation of salivary UA levels can contribute to non-invasive diagnosis of many serious diseases. Increased salivary UA concentration is associated with cancer, HIV, gout, and hypertension. In contrast, low UA levels are associated with Alzheimer disease, progression of multiple sclerosis, and mild cognitive impairment.
(Meta-)Ground Viewpoint Space and structurally-framed irony: A case study of the mobile game Liyla and the Shadows of War
Authors: Kwon Iksoo , Kim Eunsong
Published: November 2020

Within the framework of Viewpoint Spaces (Dancygier, Barbara. 2012. The language of stories: A cognitive approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), this paper investigates viewpoint interactions in a mobile game’s plot to show how the game’s structural framing leads to meaning construction, specifically the construal of irony. The notion of (meta-)Ground Viewpoint Space is proposed not only to provide a generalized account of a global mental space where local spaces and viewpoints relate to one another, but also to elucidate how the invoked genre-specific expectation makes a significant meaning contribution to the player’s overall construal of the game. This study presents a case study of the mobile game Liyla and the Shadows of War (Abueideh, Rasheed. 2016. Liyla and the Shadows of War) as a viewpoint phenomenon whose construal involves the interaction of multiple viewpoints. The game depicts the consequences of the 2014 Gaza conflict from the perspective of an unnamed Palestinian father struggling to escape the war zone with his daughter Liyla. It deviates from prototypical games in that it is impossible to complete the expected narrative, regardless of the player’s skill, although its ostensible goal is to let the protagonists survive and escape to a safer place. The mismatch between the player’s goal to clear all the stages, the character’s goal to survive, and the developer’s goal to convey a message is a source of ironic meaning, and this study focuses on how the network of multiple viewpoints – of the game developer, the character, and the player – constructs the intended meaning for players.
Did Moses Mendelssohn Lack Historical Thinking?
Authors: Goldenbaum Ursula
Published: November 2020

There is widespread agreement in scholarship that Moses Mendelssohn lacked historical thinking, an opinion accepted even among Mendelssohn experts. This misjudgment is based on a remark in his Jerusalem against Lessing’s Education of Humankind and surely ignores Mendelssohn’s historical work. I will question the misjudgment by a detour: first, I will ask for whom Lessing wrote his Education of Humankind. Then I will turn to the usually celebrated origin of historical thinking in Semler and Herder and question the historicity of their views. It is only in the 3rd section that I will focus directly on Mendelssohn’s historical work and his truly historical understanding of religion, in agreement with Lessing.
Electrochemical studies of the synergistic combination effect of thymus mastichina and illicium verum essential oil extracts on the corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel in dilute acid solution
Authors: Loto Roland Tolulope , Ororo Samuel Keme
Published: November 2020

Inhibition effect of the synergistic combination of thymus mastichina and illicium verum oil extracts (TMAV) on the corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel in 0.5 M H2SO4and HCl solution was studied by weight loss analysis, potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential measurement, ATF-FTIR spectroscopy, and optical microscopy and macroscopic characterization. Results from weight loss shows TMAV performed more effectively in H2SO4solution compared to HCl with optimal inhibition efficiency of 81.24% and 68.33%. Effective inhibition performance was observed at all TMAV concentration in H2SO4compared to HCl where TMAV performed poorly until 5% concentration. The optimal inhibition performances from potentiodynamic polarization are 80.85% and 70.43%. The corresponding corrosion current density and polarization resistance are 7.16 × 105A/cm2and 8.01 × 105A/cm2, and 331.73 and 284 Ω. TMAV exhibited mixed type inhibition effect in both acid solutions, strongly influencing the anodic-cathodic plot configurations with respect to concentration. Open circuit potential plots without TMAV were significantly electronegative compared to the plots at 1% and 5% TMAV concentration which were relative electropositive due to decreased thermodynamic tendency of the carbon steel to corrode. The corresponding plots at 1% and 5% TMAV concentration from HCl solution were thermodynamically unstable with significant active-passive corrosion behaviour. TMAV inhibited through chemisorption adsorption according to Langmuir and Freudlich adsorption isotherms in H2SO4solution, and Frumkin and Freundlich adsorption isotherms in HCl solution with correlation coefficient values between 0.7 and 0.9. FTIR spectroscopic analysis exposed the functional groups and atomic bonds responsible for corrosion inhibition.
Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of a Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply Options for University Buildings in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tazay Ahmad
Published: November 2020

This study presents a detailed feasibility analysis of technical and financial assessment for grid-connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) configurations by including grid-only, HRES-only and grid-HRES at four different provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), namely; (Al Baha University, University of Jeddah, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, and Tabuk University). The objective of this paper is to search the possibility of supplying the load demand with the optimum system that has the lowest net present cost (NPC) and greenhouse emission CO2. The simulation results show that NPC of a proposed grid/PV system, at the current grid’s tariff, is more sufficient than other configurations with a result in a renewable fraction of more than 50%, a payback time of 17 years, and 54.3% reduction in CO2. The results also show that the integration of 62 kW PV array with the main grid is the best configuration that leads to the minimum cost of energy (COE) of 0.0688 $/kWh and the sell back energy of 9.16% of total energy consumption at Al Baha University. Besides, optimization modeling addresses that HRES-only system can supply the full load demand without power shortage (<0.1%) with a major contribution from solar PV by 78.5%, wind energy shares 11.3% of load demand, and 10.2% from battery banks. The developed analysis concludes that the objective function is feasible for the selected locations. The study has three novelties. Firstly, the required load at different locations of the university’s buildings at KSA is supplied by minimizing COE. The objective function is achieved by considering a combination of HRES. Then, it applies the sensitivity analysis for several cases such as payback time, gird’s tariff variation, and load demand change. Finally, the current analyses are applicable to any university at KSA and around the world.
Analysis of EMG Signals during Stance and Swing Phases for Controlling Magnetorheological Brake applications
Authors: Nazmi Nurhazimah , Azizi Abdul Rahman Mohd , Amri Mazlan Saiful , Adiputra Dimas , Bahiuddin Irfan , Kashfi Shabdin Muhammad , Afifah Abdul Razak Nurul , Hatta Mohammed Ariff Mohd
Published: November 2020

The development of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) for lower limb rehabilitation have received significant attention over the past decades. Recently, passive AFO equipped with magnetorheological brake had been developed based on ankle angle and electromyography (EMG) signals. Nonetheless, the EMG signals were categorized in stance and swing phases through visual observation as the signals are stochastic. Therefore, this study aims to classify the pattern of EMG signals during stance and swing phases. Seven-time domains features will be extracted and fed into artificial neural network (ANN) as a classifier. Two different training algorithms of ANN namely Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) and Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) will be applied. As number of inputs will affect the classification performance of ANN, different number of input features will be employed. In this study, three participants were recruited and walk on the treadmills for 60 seconds by constant the speed. The ANN model was designed with 2, 10, 12, and 14 inputs features with LM and SCG training algorithms. Then, the ANN was trained ten times and the performances of each inputs features were measured using classification rate of training, testing, validation and overall. This study found that all the inputs with LM training algorithm gained more than 2% average classification rate than SCG training algorithm. On the other hand, classification accuracy of 10, 12 and 14 inputs were 5% higher than 2 inputs. It can be concluded that LM training algorithm of ANN was performed better than SCG algorithm with at least 10 inputs.
Lower bounds for regular genus and gem-complexity of PL 4-manifolds with boundary
Authors: Basak Biplab , Binjola Manisha
Published: November 2020

Let 𝑀 be a connected compact PL 4-manifold with boundary.
In this article, we give several lower bounds for regular genus and gem-complexity of the manifold 𝑀.
In particular, we prove that if 𝑀 is a connected compact 4-manifold with ℎ boundary components, then its gem-complexity

k
⁢

(
M
)

k(M)

satisfies the inequalities

k
⁢

(
M
)

≥

3
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

7
⁢
m

+

7
⁢
h

-
10

k(M)\geq 3\chi(M)+7m+7h-10

and

k
⁢

(
M
)

≥

k
⁢

(

∂
⁡
M

)

+

3
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

4
⁢
m

+

6
⁢
h

-
9

k(M)\geq k(\partial M)+3\chi(M)+4m+6h-9

, and its regular genus

G
⁢

(
M
)

\mathcal{G}(M)

satisfies the inequalities

G
⁢

(
M
)

≥

2
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

3
⁢
m

+

2
⁢
h

-
4

\mathcal{G}(M)\geq 2\chi(M)+3m+2h-4

and

G
⁢

(
M
)

≥

G
⁢

(

∂
⁡
M

)

+

2
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

2
⁢
m

+

2
⁢
h

-
4

\mathcal{G}(M)\geq\mathcal{G}(\partial M)+2\chi(M)+2m+2h-4

, where 𝑚 is the rank of the fundamental group of the manifold 𝑀.
These lower bounds enable to strictly improve previously known estimations for regular genus and gem-complexity of a PL 4-manifold with boundary.
Further, the sharpness of these bounds is also shown for a large class of PL 4-manifolds with boundary.
Conical dielectric resonator antenna for terahertz applications
Authors: Yaduvanshi Rajveer S. , Nishtha
Published: November 2020

Conical Terahertz DRA (dielectric resonator antenna) have been designed and investigated at terahertz spectrum i.e. 10 THz. Lower terahertz frequency band is useful for high data speed communication and upper band is used for optical sensors and free space wireless communications. Novelty in this work is to open up research in. terahertz. A unique geometry based dual band terahertz DRA with mathematical formulations has been proposed. The comprehensive analysis in terahertz regime have been worked out with S11, VSWR, radiation pattern and efficiency using conical TDRA. The conical terahertz DRA is designed at 10 THz frequency with 4.9 dBi, gain with bore sight radiation pattern. The equivalent circuit of conical terahertz DRA have been evaluated for dynamic impedance showing frequency dependence nature.
Optical spherical dielectric resonator antenna for sensing and wireless communication
Authors: Yaduvanshi Rajveer S. , Yadav Rama Krishna , Katiyar Saurabh , Kumar Suresh , Parthasarathy Harish
Published: November 2020

In this article, Terahertz spherical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is mathematically formulated and simulated at 511 THz for LiDAR and retinal photoreceptor applications. Titanate DR element is used at optical design frequency. It is validated with good S11, radiation pattern and 5.6 dBi gain plots using HFSS simulator. Unique mathematical formulation on super directivity and radiated states is formulated for the first time. The proximity coupled feed is used with laser Gaussian beam excitation. The silver nano waveguides is used to provide feed mechanism to terahertz DRA. This DR design at optical frequency can be used for wireless sensing and communication applications. It has novel geometry.
The relationship between heat flow and seismicity in global tectonically active zones
Authors: Cheng Changxiu , Hui Chun , Yang Jing , Shen Shi
Published: November 2020

This study aims to analyze the complex relationship between heat flow and seismicity in tectonically active zones worldwide. The problem was quantitatively analyzed by using a geographic detector method, which is well suited for analyzing nonlinear relationships in geography. Moreover,β-value that describes the frequency-magnitude distribution is used to represent the seismicity. The results showed that heat flow (HF) = 84 mW/m2is a critical point for the relevant mechanisms of heat flow with seismicity in these zones. When HF < 84 mW/m2, the heat flow correlates negatively with theβ-value, with a correlation degree of 0.394. Within this interval, buoyant is a primary control on the stress state and earthquake size distribution. Large earthquakes occur more frequently in subduction zones with younger slabs that are more buoyant. Due to zones with a high ratio of large earthquake corresponds to lowβ-values, high heat flow values correspond to lowβ-values. When HF > 84 mW/m2, the heat flow correlates positively with theβ-value, with a correlation degree of 0.463. Within this interval, the increased heat flow decreases the viscosity of the rock plate and then reduces the stress. Lower stress would correspond to a smaller earthquake and then a higherβ-value. Therefore, high heat flow values correspond to highβ-values. This research would be conducive to understand the geologic activity and be helpful to determine the accuracy and timeliness of seismic hazard assessment.
Agriculture and land use in the North of Russia: Case study of Karelia and Yakutia
Authors: Naumov Alexey , Akimova Varvara , Sidorova Daria , Topnikov Mikhail
Published: November 2020

Despite harsh climate, agriculture on the northern margins of Russia still remains the backbone of food security. Historically, in both regions studied in this article – the Republic of Karelia and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) – agricultural activities as dairy farming and even cropping were well adapted to local conditions including traditional activities such as horse breeding typical for Yakutia. Using three different sources of information – official statistics, expert interviews, and field observations – allowed us to draw a conclusion that there are both similarities and differences in agricultural development and land use of these two studied regions. The differences arise from agro-climate conditions, settlement history, specialization, and spatial pattern of economy. In both regions, farming is concentrated within the areas with most suitable natural conditions. Yet, even there, agricultural land use is shrinking, especially in Karelia. Both regions are prone to being affected by seasonality, but vary in the degree of its influence. Geographical location plays special role, and weaknesses caused by remoteness to some extent become advantage as in Yakutia. Proximity effect is controversial. In Karelia, impact of neighboring Finland is insignificant compared with the nearby second Russian city – Saint Petersburg.
Parabolic trough solar collectors: A general overview of technology, industrial applications, energy market, modeling, and standards
Authors: Tagle-Salazar Pablo D. , Nigam Krishna D.P. , Rivera-Solorio Carlos I.
Published: November 2020

Many innovative technologies have been developed around the world to meet its energy demands using renewable and nonrenewable resources. Solar energy is one of the most important emerging renewable energy resources in recent times. This study aims to present the state-of-the-art of parabolic trough solar collector technology with a focus on different thermal performance analysis methods and components used in the fabrication of collector together with different construction materials and their properties. Further, its industrial applications (such as heating, cooling, or concentrating photovoltaics), solar energy conversion processes, and technological advancements in these areas are discussed. Guidelines on commercial software tools used for performance analysis of parabolic trough collectors, and international standards related to performance analysis, quality of materials, and durability of parabolic trough collectors are compiled. Finally, a market overview is presented to show the importance and feasibility of this technology. We believe the compilation of reviews related to the above aspects will further provide impetus for the development of this technology in the near future.
Characterizations and analysis of the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dye reduction ability of green synthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Ismail Muhammad , Ahmad Bashir , Zahid Nafeesa , Jabbour Ghassan , Khan Muhammad Shafiq , Mutreja Vishal , Sareen Shweta , Rafiq Aftab , Faheem Muhammad , Shah Muhammad Musaddiq , Khan M. I. , Bukhari Syed Ali Imran , Park Jeongwon
Published: November 2020

The current study was conducted to assess the potential of ginger rhizome extract (Zingiber officinale) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through the green method and its mitigating activity against pathogenic bacterial strains. AgNPs were synthesized through a simple one-step approach and characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-rays spectroscopy (EDS). PXRD and TEM results of AgNPs showed the face central cubic structures and predominantly spherical structures with a size of 6.5 nm. EDS analysis confirms the elemental silver in nanoparticles. Moreover, the impact of the pH, as well as temperature, during the synthesis of AgNPs has also been investigated. At 25°C and pH 5, there was no significant peak for AgNPs in the absorption spectra. However, with an increase in temperature from 25°C to 85°C and pH 5 to pH 11, particles started attaining the spherical shape of different sizes due to an increase in the reduction rate. The AgNPs displayed effective results against selected pathogenic strains,Pseudomonas aeruginosa(MTCC 424), Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(ATCC 43300), and fungusCandida albicans(KACC 30003). The prepared AgNPs exhibited excellent antioxidant activity and catalytic reduction of methyl orange with the pseudo-first-order rate constant of 3.9 × 10−3.
Effectiveness of six different methods in green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using propolis extract: Screening and characterization
Authors: Hatami Roghayeh , Javadi Afshin , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda
Published: November 2020

Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were fabricated with propolis hydro-alcoholic extract and six different methods, namely, hydrothermal, microwave irradiation, ultrasonication, UV radiation, self-assembling, and conventional heating. Results indicated that antioxidant activity, turbidity, pH, and brix values of the provided hydroalcoholic propolis extract were 85.8%, 2.235% a.u., 4.1, and 3.2°Bx, respectively. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that approximately 38 bioactive compounds were detected in the provided extract within 40 min of retention time, including chalcone. Results also revealed that each method had advantage in fabrication of Se NPs compared to others, but spherical Se NPs with overall appropriate physicochemical attributes of particle size (50–60 nm), polydispersity index (0.362), zeta potential (−41.8 mV), maximum broad absorption peak (321 nm), and antioxidant activity (12.4%) were synthesized using the ultrasonication method with a frequency of 20 kHz and a power of 300 W for 10 min.
Effect of different types of soil tillage for sunflower on some soil physical characteristics. Part II: bulk density and soil temperature
Authors: Peter Yankov , Miglena Drumeva
Published: November 2020

The investigation was carried out during 2014–2016 in the land of General Toshevo, the South Dobrudzha region of Bulgaria on slightly leached chernozem soil type. The effect of the types of soil tillage for sunflower given bellow was followed: ploughing at 24–26 cm, chisel-plough at 24–26 cm, disking with disk harrow at 10–20 cm and direct sowing (no-tillage) on the bulk density, the moisture content and the temperature of soil. The additional soil tilths of the areas subjected to ploughing, chisel-ploughing and disking with disc harrow included double spring pre-sowing cultivation with harrowing. To destroy the emerging weeds in the variant with direct sowing, a total herbicide was applied. The investigated physical parameters of soil were followed during three main stages of sunflower development: emergence, flowering and technical maturity. The bulk density of soil was determined by soil samples taken from the 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm layers. The soil temperature was read at 800, 1200 and 1600 h to depth 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm with classical soil thermometer. For evaluation of the results dispersion and regression analyses were used. In the slightly leached chernozem soil type, the conventional ploughing leads to lower bulk density in the cultivated soil profile. Under minimal tillage, slight increase of bulk density of the layer underlying the cultivated one was observed over time. The bulk density under tillage without turning of the soil layer and no-tillage was changed and formed primarily under the influence of physical and climatic factors, and under minimal tillage – under the cultivated layer. Under all investigated types of soil tillage, bulk density increased down the soil profile. Replacing ploughing with tillage without turning of the soil layer, minimal and no-tillage lead to decrease of soil temperature. The most significant differences were observed in the 0–10 layer, which, on its part, conditioned accumulation and transfer of thermal energy along the soil profile. The soil temperature decreased with the reduction of the number and depth of the soil tillage operations. The temperature amplitudes between the surface layer and the underlying soil horizons in the areas with ploughing, chisel ploughing minimal and no-tillage were lower. The results concerning the values of the investigated physical properties of soil under different types of soil tillage were statistically significant at different levels of P.
Thiol-based redox switches in the major pathogen Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Linzner Nico , Loi Vu Van , Fritsch Verena Nadin , Antelmann Haike
Published: November 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen, which encounters reactive oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, electrophile and sulfur species (ROS, RNS, RCS, RES and RSS) by the host immune system, during cellular metabolism or antibiotics treatments. To defend against redox active species and antibiotics, S. aureus is equipped with redox sensing regulators that often use thiol switches to control the expression of specific detoxification pathways. In addition, the maintenance of the redox balance is crucial for survival of S. aureus under redox stress during infections, which is accomplished by the low molecular weight (LMW) thiol bacillithiol (BSH) and the associated bacilliredoxin (Brx)/BSH/bacillithiol disulfide reductase (YpdA)/NADPH pathway. Here, we present an overview of thiol-based redox sensors, its associated enzymatic detoxification systems and BSH-related regulatory mechanisms in S. aureus, which are important for the defense under redox stress conditions. Application of the novel Brx-roGFP2 biosensor provides new insights on the impact of these systems on the BSH redox potential. These thiol switches of S. aureus function in protection against redox active desinfectants and antimicrobials, including HOCl, the AGXX® antimicrobial surface coating, allicin from garlic and the naphthoquinone lapachol. Thus, thiol switches could be novel drug targets for the development of alternative redox-based therapies to combat multi-drug resistant S. aureus isolates.
Reactor engineering calculations with a detailed reaction mechanism for the oxidative coupling of methane
Authors: Rivera Sonya , Molla Andrin , Pera Phillip , Landaverde Michael , Barat Robert
Published: November 2020

The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a potential option for conversion of excess natural gas to higher value products or useful feedstocks. The preferred or ideal OCM stoichiometry is: 2CH4 + O2 → C2H4 + 2H2O, but real OCM produces a variety of species. Using a detailed mechanism from the literature for OCM over a La2O3/CeO2 catalyst that combines coupled elementary gas phase and surface reactions, a reactor engineering study has been done. Adiabatic packed bed reactor (PBR, modeled as plug flow) and continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR, perfect mixing) simulations using this mechanism are presented. Each reactor simulation used the same total number of catalyst sites. Process variables included CH4/O2 feed ratio (7, 11), feed temperature (843–1243 K), and feed rate. All runs were conducted at 1.01E5 Pa pressure. The results show the CSTR produces high conversions at much lower feed temperatures than those required by the PBR. Once full PBR “light off” occurs, however, its CH4 conversions exceed CSTR. The simulations reveal OCM over this catalyst at these conditions gives a mixture of synthesis gas (CO, H2) and C2Hx (primarily C2H4 plus small quantities of C2H6 and C2H2). The CSTR favors the production of synthesis gas, while the PBR favors C2Hx. Within the suite of CSTR cases, C2Hx is favored at the lowest feed temperature and highest CH4/O2 feed ratio.
Development and scaled-up simulation of an automated electrical energy management system for passageway illumination
Authors: Odetoye Oyinlolu Ayomidotun , Afolabi Akindele Segun , Akinola Olubunmi Adewale
Published: November 2020

Buildings account for much of the world’s energy consumption; thus, it is important to develop ways, not just to harness more of the energy in the universe, but also to make system of devices in buildings more energy-efficient. Occupancy-based illumination is an emerging trend in energy management, but research in this field has mostly been focused on illumination of rooms and workspaces in building interiors. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is virtually no literature on the energy optimisation of depersonalised spaces such as passageways. This paper explores the development and evaluation of a controller-based model for illumination of passageways in buildings, where relatively-large number of depersonalized luminaires are usually found and automation might prove especially beneficial. After development, testing and scaled-up simulations, results show that occupancy-based illumination of exterior corridors and semi-covered passages in buildings is feasible, economical, has significant energy savings, and is worthy of consideration for modern buildings.
Effects of phenolic compounds from blueberry leaves on the thermal decomposition of trimethylamine oxide in squid extract
Authors: Li Yingchang , Du Fengxia , Song Suzhen , Li Shuangyan , Yang Xianqing , Yi Shumin
Published: November 2020

The effects of chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside on the decomposition of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in squid extract and the main mechanism of inhibition of thermal decomposition were studied. The results indicated that chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside could inhibit decomposition of TMAO in squid extract. The amount of TMAO was increased by 11.79 and 15.76% in squid extract treated with chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside from 0 and 2.5 g/L, respectively. The contents of trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and formaldehyde (FA) were significantly decreased with increasing contents of chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside. There were many free radicals in squid extract at high temperatures; however, the free radical signals were weakened after the addition of chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside therein. This implied that chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-D-galactoside could inhibit the thermal decomposition of TMAO in squid extract, which was associated with the scavenging of their free radicals. This result provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of blueberry leaf extract as an efficient FA inhibitor for aquatic products.
The Impact of Paying for Milk Solids on the Performance of the Dairy Supply Chain and Consumers
Authors: Pinha Lucas Campio , Braga Marcelo José , Carvalho Glauco Rodrigues
Published: November 2020

An important particularity of the dairy chain is that many times the main interest of the dairy industry relies on milk components, the so-called milk solids. Paying for milk solids content is a way of trying to create incentives for farms to invest in improving the solids content. However, little is known about the effects of this type of payment on the dairy supply chain. The paper proposes a microeconomic model to analyze the effects of paying for milk solids content on the performance of farms, dairy processors and consumer welfare. Based on the model, we find that this mechanism improves the yield of milk in producing dairy products and benefits farms, processor and consumers simultaneously. Extensions demonstrate the robustness of results and provide a generalized model and conditions for which these results are valid.
Problems and Challenges of the Modern Historiography of the Zwinglian Reformation
Authors: Opitz Peter
Published: November 2020

Critical research into the Zwinglian Reformation arose in the period of historicism and liberalism in the 19th century. The pioneers of this research accomplished important achievements, especially by publishing critical editions of Zwingli’s works. At the same time, they interpreted Zwingli as a liberator and educator of the people rather than as a theologian. In the twentieth century, research perspectives multiplied. Zwingli has been taken more seriously as a theologian, and the tight alliance between the Reformation and politics has been emphasized. The intricate political structure and the Republican mentality of the Confederation deeply shaped the character of the Swiss Reformation. Zwingli was its central figure, but the Swiss Reformation should be called a Communal Reformation (Gemeindereformation). Having many similarities to the Wittenberg Reformation, it is nevertheless an independent variety within the pan-European Reformation movements. We must, therefore, study the Swiss Reformation with its own distinct development and dynamics, as well as within its interconnected European-wide network.
On null arguments and phi-features in second language acquisition
Authors: Miyamoto Yoichi , Yamada Kazumi
Published: November 2020

Saito, Mamoru. 2007. Notes on East Asian argument ellipsis.Language Research43. 203–227 argues thatargument ellipsis(AE) is available only in languages that lack phi-feature agreement. Accordingly, Japanese, but not English, permits AE. Under Saito’s theoretical framework, this paper compares experimental data from L1 Japanese learners of L2 English (J-EFL) and L1 English learners of L2 Japanese (E-JFL). Given that sloppy and quantificational reading arises from an ellipsis operation (Hankamer, Jorge & Sag, Ivan. 1976. Deep and surface anaphora.Linguistic Inquiry7. 391–426, Takahashi, Daiko. 2008. Noun phrase ellipsis. In Miyagawa, Shigeru & Saito, Mamoru (eds.),The Oxford handbook of Japanese linguistics, 394–422. Oxford: Oxford University Press, among others), we hypothesize that J-EFL learners, but not E-JFL learners, allow the reading in point with null arguments: AE is available only in the grammar of J-EFL learners, forced by the lack of phi-features in their L2 English grammar, due to L1 transfer. The results from our main study adopting a truth value judgement task supported the hypothesis. Based on our finding, we suggest that correct L2 phi-feature specification can ultimately be obtained when no phi-features are present in L1 (Ishino, Nao. 2012.Feature transfer and feature learning in universal grammar: A comparative study of the syntactic mechanism for second language acquisition. Doctoral dissertation: Kwansei Gakuin University, Miyamoto, Yoichi. 2012.Dainigengo-ni okeru hikenzaiteki-na yōso-ni kansuru Ichikōsatsu[A study on null elements in second language acquisition]. Paper presented at the 84th ELSJ annual general meeting: Senshu University, 26 May).
On the (ir)regularity of Dunan verbal morphophonology
Authors: de Chene Brent
Published: November 2020

Against claims of Yamada, Pellard, and Shimoji (Yamada, Masahiro, Thomas Pellard & Michinori Shimoji. 2015. Dunan grammar (Yonaguni Ryukyuan). In Patrick Heinrich, Shinshō Miyara & Michinori Shimoji (eds.),Handbook of the Ryukyuan languages, 449–478. Berlin: de Gruyter and Pellard, Thomas & Masahiro Yamada. 2017. Verb morphology and conjugation classes in Dunan (Yonaguni). In Ferenc Kiefer, James P. Blevins & Huba Bartos (eds.),Perspectives on morphological organization: Data and analyses, 31–49. Leiden: Brill), I argue that the verbal morphophonology of Dunan (Yonaguni) is in most respects systematic and rule-governed. I first identify the relatively low-level rules that govern the resolution of hiatus at stem boundary and then review stem and suffix alternations, showing that in each case there is only a limited amount of lexically listed allomorphy. After summarizing the proposed analysis and displaying representative derivations, I propose a set of principles on the basis of which the central elements of that analysis could be attained by language learners. Finally, I consider the reasons for the divergence between the conclusions reached here and those of Yamada, Pellard, and Shimoji, suggesting that an even more important factor than the unreceptiveness of those authors to the postulation of phonological rules is their skepticism about the concept of the morpheme.
Acceleration of nonlinear solvers for natural convection problems
Authors: Pollock Sara , Rebholz Leo G. , Xiao Mengying
Published: November 2020

This paper develops an efficient and robust solution technique for the steady Boussinesq model of non-isothermal flow using Anderson acceleration applied to a Picard iteration. After analyzing the fixed point operator associated with the nonlinear iteration to prove that certain stability and regularity properties hold, we apply the authors’ recently constructed theory for Anderson acceleration, which yields a convergence result for the Anderson accelerated Picard iteration for the Boussinesq system. The result shows that the leading term in the residual is improved by the gain in the optimization problem, but at the cost of additional higher order terms that can be significant when the residual is large. We perform numerical tests that illustrate the theory, and show that a 2-stage choice of Anderson depth can be advantageous. We also consider Anderson acceleration applied to the Newton iteration for the Boussinesq equations, and observe that the acceleration allows the Newton iteration to converge for significantly higher Rayleigh numbers that it could without acceleration, even with a standard line search.
Performance comparison of all-optical logic gates using electro-optic effect in MZI-based waveguide switch at 1.46 µm
Authors: Kaur Sehajpal , Singh Maninder Lal , Priyanka  , Singh Mandeep
Published: November 2020

Nowadays to process information on high speed and to reduce the complexity of digital devices, optical digital computational techniques are required. Many complex signal processing functions such as multiplexing, optical switching, addressing, coding/decoding are implemented using optical digital computational techniques. Optical logic gates are one of the most essential computational elements to design combinational and sequential circuits in optical signal processing. In this paper, all optical logic gates are designed with optimized structure of 2 × 2 Mach–Zehnder interferometer optical switch using Ti:LiNbO3 based waveguide at 1.46 µm employing electro-optic effect. Different design structures to realize all-optical logic gates are presented and compared with the previously designed optical logic gates. The mathematical description of all optical logic gates using cascaded structure of Mach–Zehnder interferometer switch is also defined. The performance parameters of designed optical logic gates have been analyzed by beam propagation method and the obtained results are verified by MATLAB.
Combination of sleep duration, TV time and body mass index is associated with cardiometabolic risk moderated by age in youth
Authors: Sehn Ana P. , Gaya Anelise R. , Brand Caroline , Dias Arieli F. , Kelishadi Roya , Franke Silvia I. R. , Renner Jane D. P. , Reuter Cézane P.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The combination of sleep duration, television (TV) time and body mass index (BMI) may be related to the alteration of cardiometabolic risk. However, there are few studies that use these variables grouped, and showing the moderating role of age. This study aimed to verify if the combination of sleep duration, TV time and BMI is associated with cardiometabolic risk and the moderating role of age in this relationship in youth.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted with 1411 adolescents (611 male), aged 10–17 years. Sleep duration, TV time and BMI were assessed and grouped into eight categories. Cardiometabolic risk was assessed by a continuous metabolic risk score, including the following variables: low HDL-cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, dysglycemia, high systolic blood pressure, high waist circumference and low cardiorespiratory fitness. Generalized linear models were used to test moderation of age in the relationship between the eight categories of sleep duration/television time/BMI with cardiometabolic risk.

Results

Cardiometabolic risk factor showed association with all overweight or obesity independent of sleep time and TV time. Age moderated the relationship between sleep duration/television time/BMI with cardiometabolic risk. This association was stronger in younger adolescents (11 and 13 years), indicating that individuals with inadequate sleep, prolonged TV time and overweight/obesity present higher cardiometabolic risk values when compared to 15-year-old adolescents.

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity, independently of sleep duration and TV time, is the main risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders in adolescence. When moderated by age, younger adolescents that presented the combination of risk factors had higher cardiometabolic risk.
Kant’s Critical Objection to the Rationalists in the B-Deduction
Authors: Tai Terence Hua
Published: November 2020

According to a familiar reading of Kant, he denies the possibility alleged by the rationalists of our having non-sensible or intellectual intuition. I argue in this article that he simply holds the possibility to be groundless. To put the contrast in terms of a distinction Kant makes in the A-Paralogisms, he raises a “dogmatic” objection to the rationalists in the former case, and a “critical” one in the latter. By analyzing the two-step argument in the B-Deduction, I defend the “critical” reading, which may, I hope, shed light on how Kant can justify his claim – which may be regarded as a second-order, methodological one pivotal to his Critical project – that possible experience serves as the only guideline for proving that we can cognize objects a priori.
The Gestures ofproskynēsisin the Achaemenid Empire
Authors: Rung Eduard V.
Published: November 2020

In October of 2018 a new trilingual Achaemenid inscription from Naqsh-e Rostam was discovered and in March of 2019 a detailed investigation of it with linguistic and historical commentary was published online in ARTA. The inscription includes a previously unknown Old Persian verb, a-f-r-[?]-a-t-i-y, which the first publishers Soheil Delshad and Mojtaba Doroodi read as *ā-fra-yāti(perhaps “he comes forward to”) or *ā-fra-θāti(“he speaks forth to”). They conclude that “an Old Persian verb with the meaning ‘to greet, to bless’ (etc.) seems to be called for”. It is clear that as a result of this discovery we get an Old Persian verb which could refer to an act which the Greek verb προσκυνεῖν may have described relating to the Persians. This new evidence stimulates further discussion about the practice and meaning ofproskynēsisat the royal court in the Achaemenid Empire. My article shows that all literary and pictorial evidences onproskynēsismay be divided into two groups: 1) Greek authors’ information that representsproskynēsismainly as prostration before the King; 2) Persian bas-reliefs that depict the scenes withproskynēsisas a hand-kissing gesture. It is supposed that the previously unknown Old Persian verb (like προσκυνεῖν in Ancient Greek usage) refers not only to specific gestures, but relates to a model of behaviour (‘salutation’, ‘obeisance’, ‘greeting’, ‘worship’, ‘respect’ etc.). It is argued that Achaemenid officials performedproskynēsisbefore the King as hand-kissing, while the rest of the people bowed down, kneeled or prostrated. Exceptions were made only for members of the royal family who did not performproskynēsis, but kissed the King and got a kiss from him.
Why Octavian Married Scribonia
Authors: Berdowski Piotr
Published: November 2020

This article revises the existing explanations for the marriage between Octavian and Scribonia, which emphasised the young Caesar’s desire for an accommodation with Sextus Pompeius, including a mutual normalization of relations and even an alliance. In reality, such actions were never on the agenda of either politician. The marriage to Scribonia was primarily a message addressed by Octavian to Antonius during a period of tense relations in the year 40 BCE, but also to the Roman plebs and to the veterans.
Reference limits of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T indirectly estimated by a new approach applying data mining. A special example for measurands with a relatively high percentage of values at or below the detection limit
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Torge Antje , Junker Ralf
Published: November 2020

A new model for the indirect estimation of reference limits (RLs) has been proposed recently and was coined TMC approach (truncated minimum chi-square estimation) which can be performed with R statistic. A spline function is applied to the RLs to get a continuous function if age is graphically presented vs. the RLs avoiding artificial “jumps” between different age groups. Most indirect models assume a power normal distribution and fail if this assumption is not fulfilled as e.g. if a relatively high percentage of measured values is below the detection limit and the data are distributed extremely skewed. This problem is handled by the TMC model. High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs cTnT) was chosen as an example. The hs cTnT concentration in serum or plasma is well accepted as a valuable marker in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Currently, the 99th percentile derived from a “healthy” subpopulation is the decision limit recommended by consensus groups. However, this decision limit is questioned by several authors for many reasons. In the present report, the 97.5th and the 99th percentile limits were reinvestigated by the TMC model with different subpopulations stratified according to age and sex and were finally compared to presently recommended decision limits. In summary, the generally recommended 99th percentile as a fixed decision limit should be reconsidered. It is suggested to apply more specific reference limits stratified for age and sex instead of a fixed decision limit.
Wörterbücher mit Slowenisch. Historische, kulturelle und sprachpolitische Aspekte
Authors: Jesenšek Vida
Published: November 2020

Lexicography is traditionally associated with its significant social and cultural role and consequently corresponding tasks and functions. Dictionaries have several, partially overlapping functions: they serve practical lexicography to satisfy various individual needs of the speakers, hence at the same time they also serve the language documentation which addresses national, language policy, administrative, economic as well as educational and scientific needs of a language community. This basic attitude to the social-cultural status of dictionaries, although simplified, is the starting point for considerations of historically significant milestones in the development of lexicography with Slovenian. Following Hausmann (1989) and his presentation of approaches to the social status of lexicography and its products, Slovenian lexicography is viewed from the perspective of the cultural-historical development of Slovenian-speaking society.