bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yavru Gökkuşağı alabalıkları (Oncorhynchus mykiss, W.)’ndan Lactococcus garvieae’nin İzolasyonu ve Plazmit Profilleri Üzerine Bir Çalışma
Authors: Korun Jale , Kurtoğlu Mehtap
Published: July 2018

Bu çalışmada Fethiye bölgesindeki bazı gökkuşağı alabalığı (Oncorhynchus mykiss) işletmelerindeki hasta yavru balıklardan Lactococcus garvieae suşları izole ve identifiye edilmiştir. Hasta balıklarda durgunluk, iştahsızlık, gözlerde ekzoftalmi ve hemoraji, abdominal kısımda şişkinlik gözlenmiştir. İç bulgu olarak karaciğerde hemoraji, dalakta büyüme (splenomegali) ve karın boşluğunda asidik sıvı birikimi tespit edilmiştir. Lactococcus garvieae suşları ampisilin, eritromisin, kloramfenikol, sülfametoksazol, oksitetrasiklin, tetrasiklin ve trimetoprim’e duyarlılık, basitrasin, flumekuin, furazolidon, kanamisin, nalidiksik asit, oksalinik asit ve streptomisin’e direnç göstermiştir. Plazmit analiz sonuçlarına göre, suşların farklı boyutlarda plazmitleri içerdikleri bulunmuştur.
Interpretation of Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 Concentartions in Sheep with Naturally Occurring Sarcoptic Mange
Authors: URAL Kerem , TUNCA Recai , URAL Deniz Alıç , ÇAMKERTEN İlker , ERDOĞAN Hasan , AYAN Adnan , GÜLTEKİN Mehmet , HAYDARDEDEOGLU Ali Evren , AYSUL Nuran , ERDOĞAN Songül
Published: July 2018

Sarcoptes scabiei is probably the most common mite species in domestic animals. There is lack of evidence showing the current status of vitamin d reserves in sarcoptic mange infested sheep. Therefore the aim of the present study was to analyze serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration among sheep with scabies. Microscopical examination of deep skin scrapings to those of 28 sheep presenting alopecia, crusting, lichenification and scaling showed presence of sarcoptic mange.  Serum 25 OH D3 levels among infested sheep showed a statisticaly significant difference in sheep with sarcoptic mange (group I 25.53±13.30 mg/dl) in contrast to group II control sheep (84.70 ± 21.11 mg/dl). In conclusion vitamin d deficiency must be taken into consideration in scabeietic sheep which should requires vitamin d treatment promptly at correct dosages.
EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS AND PHYTOEXTRACTS ON GROWTH AND IMMUNOMODULATING PERFORMANCES OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Zuhra F. T. , Paul A. K. , Riad M. M. , Ahmed M. S.
Published: July 2018

An investigation was carried out to find out the effects of probiotics and phytoextracts (Korolla- bitter melon, Triphala-traditional three herbal components  and Safi-commercial polyherbal products) on growth, hemato-biochemical (TEC, TLC, ESR, Hb concentration, PCV, ALT, AST, Cholesterol, Tryglyceride, HDL and LDL) and immunomodulating performance of broiler chickens. The study was performed from February to April, 2017. A total of 150, seven-days-old broiler chicks were divided into five (05) groups using 30 chicks in each group. The group A was designated as control group (without probiotics and phytoextracts), with probiotics (Exolution®) Group B, with phytoextract (Korolla-bitter melon) Group C, Triphala-traditional three herbal components Group D and Safi Group E. Chicks were reared for 35 days and body weight were measured on weekly basis. Broilers were sacrificed at the end of 35 days and blood samples were taken for hematological analysis. Serum samples were also taken for biochemical tests. Broilers in all treatment groups were necropsied at the end of the experiment to observe and determine the weight of the gross lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricious). Both body weight gain, hematological parameters like TEC, TLC, Hb concentration and PCV values and size of lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, Bursa of Fabricious) were increased in birds supplemented with probiotics and phytoextracts as compared with control group. In biochemical parameters, AST and ALT values were decreased significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) in groups B, C, D, E from that of the control group. The findings of the experiment would help us to assess the use of proper feed additives as healthy growth promoter and immunomodulator in broiler chickens.
DETECTION OF MULTI–DRUG RESISTANT SALMONELLA FROM MILK AND MEAT IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman M. A. , Rahman A. K. M. A. , Islam M. A. , Alam M. M.
Published: July 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in milk, chicken meat and beef and to determine the multi-drug resistance (MDR) profile of Salmonella spp. in Mymensingh and Gazipur districts, Bangladesh. A total of 169 samples of milk (n=108), chicken meat (n=51) and beef (n=10) were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) dairy farm, American dairy farm, Gazipur and different  small dairy farms of municipal area during July 2016 to June 2017. Salmonella spp. were isolated on various selective agar media such as: Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar, Xylose-Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar, Eosine-Methylene Blue (EMB) agar. Identification of Salmonella spp. was done by colony characteristics, Gram staining, biochemical test and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Multi-drug resistant Salmonella spp. was detected by disc diffusion test using 10 commonly used antibiotics. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. in all food samples was 21.89%. A total of 29 (56.86%) chicken meat, 02 (1.85%) milk, and 06 (60%) beef samples were Salmonella spp. positive. Antibiogram study showed that an overall 89.19% of Salmonella spp. was found multi-drug resistant. Specifically 100%, 66.67% and 93.10% of the Salmonella spp. isolates originated from milk, beef and chicken meat respectively were multi-drug resistant. The result of this study suggests that MDR Salmonella spp. is prevalent in the milk and meat which might cause public health hazard if proper hygienic measures are not undertaken at farm and marketing level.
SEASONAL VARIATION OF GILL, SKIN, MUSCLE, LIVER AND KIDNEY PATHOLOGY OF MRIGAL (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) IN CULTURAL POND FISHERIES, MYMENSINGH, BANGLADESH
Authors: Das D. R. , Chandra K. J.
Published: July 2018

An investigation on the seasonal variation of gill, skin muscle, liver and kidney pathology of Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) was carried out from four Government (Govt.) and four Private (Pvt.) fish farms, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during June, 2010 to May, 2012. Fish sampling and water quality parameters were monitored monthly basis. For histopathological studies skin, muscle, gill, liver and kidney were collected, processed and stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin.  Histologically, Mrigal of different fish farms were more affected in colder months. All the investigated organs of Mrigal were exhibited few abnormalities during summer, however, mild hyperplasia, haemorrhage, partial loss of secondary gill lamellae, marked and hypertrophy was observed during the rainy season. Several pathological changes like necrosis, fungal granuloma, protozoan and monogenean cyst, vacuolation, melanomacrophase, haemorrhage, hypertrophy, hyperplasia and clubbing were recorded in all the investigated organs. Among them fish gills and skin were more affected followed by liver and kidney. In some cases, large bacterial colony and protozoan cyst were observed in the secondary gill lamellae of Mrigal. The ectoparasites were very common in gills and skin of all fishes. Water quality parameters were taken and management practices were investigated fortnightly interval in different farms. These were almost similar for all experimental ponds. The risk of being infestation by parasites of carp significantly (p<0.001) increased when the water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, hardness, alkalinity, transparency and depth of water etc. were not maintained the optimum level.
Phenotypic Characterization of Jhum Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces Collected from Rangamati District in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MZ , Khalequzzaman M , Siddique MA , Akter N , Ahmed MS , Chowdhury MAZ
Published: July 2018

Genetic diversity of 30 Jhum rice landraces was studied under irrigated condition through Mahalanobis D2 statistic for agro-morphological characters. The landraces were grouped into five clusters. The intercluster distances were higher than intra-cluster distances indicating wider genetic diversity among the landraces of different clusters. The intra-cluster distances were lower in all the cases reflecting homogeneity of the genotypes within the clusters. The principal component analysis exposed that the first five components with vector values > 1 contributed 81.14% of the total variations. The highest number (8) of landraces was observed in cluster IV and the lowest (4) in cluster II. The intra-cluster distance was maximum in cluster III (1.62) containing six landraces and minimum in cluster I (0.57) having six landraces. The highest inter cluster value was 23.44 (between cluster II and V) and the lowest was 7.29 (between cluster III and IV). The highest flag leaf length, leaf area index, filled grains per panicle were found in cluster V while the lowest culm diameter, short duration, low yielding genotypes were clubbed into cluster II. Dwarf stature and lower flag leaf length were recorded into cluster I whereas the highest plant height and panicle length were obtained from cluster IV. Based on canonical vector analysis, culm diameter, days to flowering, days to maturity and length-breadth ratio had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. Selection of parents from the clusters II and V followed by hybridization would possibly result in desirable transgressive segregants. Finally, Jhum rice landraces need to be conserved in Genebank for future breeding programmeBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 47-57
The Gradient and the Hessian of the Distance between Point and Triangle in 3D
Authors: Gribanov Igor , Taylor Rocky , Sarracino Robert
Published: July 2018

Computation of the distance between point and triangle in 3D is a common task in numerical analysis. The input values of the algorithm are coordinates of three points of the triangle and one point from which the distance is determined. An existing algorithm is extended to compute the gradient and the Hessian of that distance with respect to coordinates of involved points. Derivation of exact expressions for gradient and Hessian is presented, and numerical accuracy is evaluated for various cases. The algorithm has O(1) time and space complexity. The included open-source code may be used in applications where derivatives of point-triangle distance are required.
Inhomogeneous Superconductivity in Organic and Related Superconductors
Authors: Agosta Charles
Published: July 2018

Evidence of inhomogeneous superconductivity, in this case superconductivity with a spatially modulated superconducting order parameter, has now been found in many materials and by many measurement methods. Although the evidence is strong, it is circumstantial in the organic superconductors, scant in the pnictides, and complex in the heavy Fermions. However, it is clear some form of exotic superconductivity exists at high fields and low temperatures in many electronically anisotropic superconductors. The evidence is reviewed in this article, and examples of similar measurements are compared across different families of superconductors. An effort is made to find a consistent way to measure the superconducting energy gap across all materials, and use this value to predict the Clogston–Chandrasakhar paramagnetic limit Hp. Methods for predicting the existence of inhomogeneous superconductivity are shown to work for the organic superconductors, and then used to suggest new materials to study.
Effects of High Frequency Acceleration Device on Aligner Treatment—A Pilot Study
Authors: Shipley Thomas
Published: July 2018

Evaluation of the effect of a high frequency acceleration device (HFA) on clear aligner exchange intervals and treatment time required to achieve prescribed tooth movements. Sixteen subjects with similar Class I malocclusions, ≤5 mm crowding, and treated with aligner orthodontic therapy (Invisalign) were divided into two groups. Group 1 (experimental; n = 8) underwent aligner treatment in conjunction with daily use of the HFA device and exchanged aligners every five days. Group 2 (controls; n = 8) underwent aligner treatment without use of the device and exchanged aligners every 14 days according to the manufacturer’s recommended interval. All subjects were treated by one investigator, and results—total number of aligners used, and number of refinements required—were evaluated by both prior to final mobile retention (Vivera) scan. A significant decrease in both treatment time and number of aligners required to complete treatment was observed by HFA subjects vs. controls. In addition, no refinements were required by HFA subjects, whereas six of eight control subjects required one or more refinements. The results of the present preliminary report showed that the use of the HFA device in conjunction with aligner orthodontic treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the length of treatment. Moreover, the number of patients requiring refining treatment was significantly lower.
The Entropy of Deep Eutectic Solvent Formation
Authors: Marcus Yizhak
Published: July 2018

The standard entropies S298°E of deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which are liquid binary mixtures of a hydrogen bond acceptor component and a hydrogen bod donor one, are calculated from their molecular volumes, derived from their densities or crystal structures. These values are compared with those of the components—pro-rated according to the DES composition—to obtain the standard entropies of DES formation ΔfS. These quantities are positive, due to the increased number and kinds of hydrogen bonds present in the DESs relative to those in the components. The ΔfS values are also compared with the freezing point depressions of the DESs ΔfusT/K, but no general conclusions on their mutual relationship could be drawn.
A Review of Projected Power-to-Gas Deployment Scenarios
Authors: Eveloy Valerie , Gebreegziabher Tesfaldet
Published: July 2018

Technical, economic and environmental assessments of projected power-to-gas (PtG) deployment scenarios at distributed- to national-scale are reviewed, as well as their extensions to nuclear-assisted renewable hydrogen. Their collective research trends, outcomes, challenges and limitations are highlighted, leading to suggested future work areas. These studies have focused on the conversion of excess wind and solar photovoltaic electricity in European-based energy systems using low-temperature electrolysis technologies. Synthetic natural gas, either solely or with hydrogen, has been the most frequent PtG product. However, the spectrum of possible deployment scenarios has been incompletely explored to date, in terms of geographical/sectorial application environment, electricity generation technology, and PtG processes, products and their end-uses to meet a given energy system demand portfolio. Suggested areas of focus include PtG deployment scenarios: (i) incorporating concentrated solar- and/or hybrid renewable generation technologies; (ii) for energy systems facing high cooling and/or water desalination/treatment demands; (iii) employing high-temperature and/or hybrid hydrogen production processes; and (iv) involving PtG material/energy integrations with other installations/sectors. In terms of PtG deployment simulation, suggested areas include the use of dynamic and load/utilization factor-dependent performance characteristics, dynamic commodity prices, more systematic comparisons between power-to-what potential deployment options and between product end-uses, more holistic performance criteria, and formal optimizations.
One-Log Call Iterative Solution of the Colebrook Equation for Flow Friction Based on Padé Polynomials
Authors: Praks Pavel , Brkić Dejan
Published: July 2018

The 80 year-old empirical Colebrook function ξ, widely used as an informal standard for hydraulic resistance, relates implicitly the unknown flow friction factor λ, with the known Reynolds number Re and the known relative roughness of a pipe inner surface ε*; λ=ξ(Re,ε*,λ). It is based on logarithmic law in the form that captures the unknown flow friction factor λ in a way that it cannot be extracted analytically. As an alternative to the explicit approximations or to the iterative procedures that require at least a few evaluations of computationally expensive logarithmic function or non-integer powers, this paper offers an accurate and computationally cheap iterative algorithm based on Padé polynomials with only one log-call in total for the whole procedure (expensive log-calls are substituted with Padé polynomials in each iteration with the exception of the first). The proposed modification is computationally less demanding compared with the standard approaches of engineering practice, but does not influence the accuracy or the number of iterations required to reach the final balanced solution.
Aerodynamic Design Optimization of a Micro Radial Compressor of a Turbocharger
Authors: Atac Omer , Yun Jeong-Eui , Noh Taehyun
Published: July 2018

This study presents an aerodynamic design optimization of a micro radial compressor impeller on a turbocharger used in a 0.8 L two-cylinder gasoline engine. In the conventional design optimization of the impeller, the hub and shroud curve of the main blade is commonly parameterized with a beta distribution, and splitter blades are generally considered short versions of the full blade. However, geometrical parameterizations in our study mainly focus on the beta distribution of a full blade, and it is parameterized differently from the conventional way. Eight parameters are selected as design variables for the beta distribution. To maximize the isentropic efficiency, design points that are created by Design of Experiment (DOE) are evaluated through single-objective optimization coupled with a non-parametric regression surrogate model. Furthermore, the splitter leading edge location on the meridional plane is investigated to enhance the performance of the impeller after the optimization process. The results show that total efficiency enhancement of approximately 2.2% is achieved. Furthermore, the findings show that a full blade beta distribution and the splitter leading edge location are sufficient parameters to optimize the impeller, and, with the proposed optimization, splitter blades are no longer copies of the full blade for each application.
Adaptive-MPPT-Based Control of Improved Photovoltaic Virtual Synchronous Generators
Authors: Yan Xiangwu , Li Jiajia , Wang Ling , Zhao Shuaishuai , Li Tie , Lv Zhipeng , Wu Ming
Published: July 2018

The lack of inertia and damping mechanism of photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected systems controlled by maximum power point tracking (MPPT) poses a challenge for the safety and stability of the grid. Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) technology has attracted wide attention, since it can make PV grid-connected inverter present the external characteristics of a synchronous generator (SG). Nevertheless, traditional PV-VSG is generally equipped with an energy storage device, which leads to many problems, such as increased costs, space occupation, and post-maintenance. Thus, this paper proposes a two-stage improved PV-VSG control method based on an adaptive-MPPT algorithm. When PV power is adequate, the adaptive-MPPT allows the PV to change the operating point within a stable operation area to actualize system supply-demand, matching in accordance to the load or dispatching power demand; when PV power is insufficient, PV achieves traditional MPPT control to reduce power shortage; simultaneously, improved VSG control prevents the DC bus voltage from falling continuously to ensure its stability. The proposed control approach enables the two-stage PV-VSG to supply power to loads or connect to the grid without adding additional energy storage devices, the effectiveness of which in off-grid and grid-connected modes is demonstrated by typical simulation conditions.
Sisters on the Soapbox: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and Her Female Free Speech Allies’ Lessons for Contemporary Women Labor Activists
Authors: Trasciatti Mary Anne
Published: July 2018

At a moment when U.S. labor seems its most weak and vulnerable, a wave of teacher strikes and demonstrations led and carried out primarily by women shows promise of revitalizing the movement. Critics allege the strikes and demonstrations are “unseemly,” but popular support for them appears to be growing. Historically, militant strikes and demonstrations have met with significant and sometimes violent resistance from corporate and political entities hostile to labor, and contemporary women in the movement should prepare for pushback. In the past, anti-labor forces have used the law and physical aggression to squeeze labor activists out of public space. Labor has a history of fighting back, beginning with the free speech fights of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in the early twentieth century. These campaigns were the first in U.S. history to claim a First Amendment right to use public space. IWW organizer Elizabeth Gurley Flynn led several of these free speech fights. She and other women free speech fighters played an essential if often overlooked role in popularizing the idea that ordinary people have right to public space. Their tactics and experiences can inform and inspire women at the forefront of a contemporary labor militancy.
Effect of a Positive Photo Appreciation Program on Depressive Mood in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ishihara Masumi , Saito Tami , Sakurai Takashi , Shimada Hiroyuki , Arai Hidenori
Published: July 2018

Safer and more effective programs are required to cope with an increasing number of older people with depression. Hence, we developed the Positive Photo Appreciation (PPA) program. A three-month pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with healthy Japanese individuals aged 65–84 years, assigned to a PPA group (n = 28) or Photo Correspondence Education (PCE) (control group) (n = 27). We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures, among others, were cognitive function and positive emotion. Data collected at baseline and post-intervention were analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model. Over 80% of the participants in the PPA group completed and were satisfied with the program. Compared with the PCE group, the CES-D score in the PPA group significantly improved (main effect of group: t = −4.30, p < 0.001; interaction effect of group by time: t = 4.39, p < 0.001), with an effect size of d = 1.23. Additionally, a positive significant interaction effect of group by time was found in the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (t = −2.33, p = 0.024). The PPA program might be promising for mitigating depressive mood in older adults.
Process Evaluation of an eHealth Intervention Implemented into General Practice: General Practitioners’ and Patients’ Views
Authors: Poppe Louise , Plaete Jolien , Huys Nele , Verloigne Maïté , Deveugele Myriam , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Crombez Geert
Published: July 2018

(1) Background: It has been shown that online interventions can be enhanced by providing additional support; accordingly, we developed an implementation plan for the use of an eHealth intervention targeting physical activity and healthy nutrition in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs). In this study, GPs and patients evaluated the actual implementation; (2) Methods: Two hundred and thirty two patients completed the feasibility questionnaire regarding the implementation of “MyPlan 1.0” in general practice. Individual interviews were conducted with 15 GPs who implemented “MyPlan 1.0” into their daily work flow; (3) Results: The majority of the patients indicated that general practice was an appropriate setting to implement the online intervention. However, patients were not personally addressed by GPs and advice/action plans were not discussed with the GPs. The GPs indicated that this problem was caused by the severe time restrictions in general practice. GPs also seemed to select those patients who they believed to be able to use (e.g., highly educated patients) and to benefit from the intervention (e.g., patients with overweight); (4) Conclusions: Although GPs were involved in the development of the online intervention and its implementation plan, the programme was not used in general practice as intended.
Thermal Properties of Multilayer Nanocomposites Based on Halloysite Nanotubes and Biopolymers
Authors: Bertolino Vanessa , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Parisi Filippo , Lazzara Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

This paper reports a novel procedure to fabricate multilayer composite biofilms based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and sustainable polymers. Among the biopolymers, the non-ionic (hydroxypropyl cellulose) and cationic (chitosan) molecules were selected. The nanocomposites were prepared by the sequential casting of ethanol solutions of hydroxypropyl cellulose and aqueous dispersions of chitosan/HNTs. The composition of the bio-nanocomposites was systematically changed in order to investigate the effect of the hydroxypropyl cellulose/HNTs ratio on the thermal properties of the films, which were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). DSC studies were conducted in the static air (oxidative atmosphere), while TG measurements were carried out under nitrogen flow (inert atmosphere). The analysis of DSC data provided the enthalpy and the temperature for the oxidative degradation of the bio-nanocomposites. These results were helpful to estimate the efficacy of the well-compacted middle layer of HNTs as a flame retardant. TG experiments were performed at a variable heating rate and the collected data were analyzed by the Friedman’s method (non-isothermal thermogravimetric approach) with the aim of studying the kinetics of the hydroxypropyl cellulose degradation in the multilayer nanocomposites. This work represents an advanced contribution for designing novel sustainable nanocomposites with excellent thermal behavior as a consequence of their peculiar multilayer structure.
Laser Irradiation Effects in Simulated Laser-Assisted Machining of Type 316L SS
Authors: Maurotto Agostino , Scenini Fabio , Kraemer Bjoern
Published: July 2018

Laser surface heating allows for the thermal treating of clearly defined surface areas thanks to the ability to focus the laser beam to a specific point. Thus, the rapid heating and subsequent rapid cooling when the beam is moved away, typically associated with laser light, is used as an in-machine process to improve the machinability of hard- or difficult-to-machine alloys. In laser-assisted machining (LAM), laser irradiation occurs simultaneously with materials removal; however, it is difficult to ensure a complete removal of the irradiated areas. In the present work, the two processes were decoupled to investigate the interaction effects of laser radiation type 316L. The surface residual stress, hardness, and microstructure of milled flat specimens were measured prior to and after diode-generated laser beam irradiation. Laser exposure of samples was conducted under protective gas shielding (Argon) using heating parameter combinations that would limit or avoid laser surface melting. Conversely, when the surface underwent melting, the formation of a fast solidification layer resulted in the removal of the cold-worked effect and the significant softening of the surface layers. Beam power density in-homogeneities and incomplete machining of the treated areas in LAM have the potential to introduce significant undesired changes on components’ surface integrity.
Improving the Catalytic Performance of Keggin [PW12O40]3− for Oxidative Desulfurization: Ionic Liquids versus SBA-15 Composite
Authors: Ribeiro Susana O. , Duarte Beatriz , De Castro Baltazar , Granadeiro Carlos M. , Balula Salete S.
Published: July 2018

Different methodologies were used to increase the oxidative desulfurization efficiency of the Keggin phosphotungstate [PW12O40]3− (PW12). One possibility was to replace the acid proton by three different ionic liquid cations, forming the novel hybrid polyoxometalates: [BMIM]3PW12 (BMIM as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium), [BPy]3PW12 (BPy as 1-butylpyridinium) and [HDPy]3PW12 (HDPy as hexadecylpyridinium. These hybrid Keggin compounds showed high oxidative desulfurization efficiency in the presence of [BMIM]PF6 solvent, achieving complete desulfurization of multicomponent model diesel (2000 ppm of S) after only 1 h, using a low excess of oxidant (H2O2/S = 8) at 70 °C. However, their stability and activity showed some weakness in continuous reused oxidative desulfurization cycles. An improvement of stability in continuous reused cycles was reached by the immobilization of the Keggin polyanion in a strategic positively-charged functionalized-SBA-15 support. The PW12@TM–SBA-15 composite (TM is the trimethylammonium functional group) presented similar oxidative desulfurization efficiency to the homogeneous IL–PW12 compounds, having the advantage of a high recycling capability in continuous cycles, increasing its activity from the first to the consecutive cycles. Therefore, the oxidative desulfurization system catalyzed by the Keggin-type composite has high performance under sustainable operational conditions, avoids waste production during recycling and allows catalyst recovery.
Study of the Effect of Curing Residual Stress on the Bonding Strength of the Single Lap Joint Using a High-Temperature Phosphate Adhesive
Authors: Ma Chengkun , Tian Yuan , Gong Yan , Zhang Jifeng , Qi Hui , Wang Chao
Published: July 2018

High-temperature phosphate adhesives are widely used in the aerospace and nuclear power industries. However, complex residual stresses can result when the curing temperature parameters are unreasonable due to the brittleness of the adhesive. To reveal the curing temperature mechanism affecting the bonding strength of the phosphate adhesives, several curing temperature curves (CT-1~6) were designed for the single lap joint (SLJ) using phosphate adhesive. The residual stress helped to reveal the relationship between the curing temperature parameters and the bonding performance. In this process, the residual stress of the silicon carbide joint was measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the tensile strength of the joint was tested. A cohesive zone model (CZM) was established with Abaqus® to verify the results, and the numerical results from the model agreed well with the experimental values. The residual stress and adhesive strength were obviously affected by curing temperature. The reasonable curing temperature curves have the benefits of reducing the residual stress and improving the bonding strength.
Mechanical Response and Shear-Induced Initiation Properties of PTFE/Al/MoO3 Reactive Composites
Authors: Huang Junyi , Fang Xiang , Wu Shuangzhang , Yang Li , Yu Zhongshen , Li Yuchun
Published: July 2018

Polytetrafluoroethylene/aluminum/molybdenum oxide (PTFE/Al/MoO3) reactive composites of a volume ratio of 60:16:24 were studied in this research. Quasi-static compression, dynamic compression and drop-weight experiments were performed to explore the mechanical response and the shear-induced initiation properties of the composites. Mesoscale images of the specimens after sintering demonstrate that PTFE, Al and MoO3 powders were evenly mixed and no chemical reaction occurred after the materials were stirred, pressed and sintered. The yield stress and compressive strength of PTFE/Al/MoO3 specimens are sensitive to strain rate within the range of 10−3~3 × 103 s−1, and the yield stress shows a bilinear dependence on the logarithm values of strain rate. The established Johnson-Cook constitutive model based on the experimental data can describe the mechanical response of PTFE/Al/MoO3 material well. Drop-weight tests show that the PTFE/Al/MoO3 specimens can react violently when impacted, with the characteristic drop height (H50) calculated as 51.57 cm. The recovered specimens show that the reaction started from the outer edge of the specimen with the largest shear force and the most concentrated shear deformation, indicating a shear-induced initiation mechanism. The reaction products of PTFE/Al/MoO3 specimens were AlF3, Al2O3, Mo and C, demonstrating that redox reaction occurred between PTFE and Al, and between Al and MoO3.
Influences of Compression Ratios on Sound Absorption Performance of Porous Nickel–Iron Alloy
Authors: Bai Panfeng , Shen Xinmin , Zhang Xiaonan , Yang Xiaocui , Yin Qin , Liu Anxin
Published: July 2018

The improvement of sound absorption performance of porous metal is a focus of research in the field of noise reduction. Influences of compression ratios on sound absorption performance of a porous nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) alloy were investigated. The samples were compressed with ratios from 10% to 80% at an interval of 10%. Based on the standing wave method, sound absorption coefficients of compressed samples with different thicknesses were obtained. It could be found that with the same compression ratio, sound absorption performance was improved with the increase of thickness. Based on the modified Johnson-Allard model with a correction factor, the sound absorption coefficient of the porous Ni-Fe with a thickness of 20 mm for different compression ratios was derived, whose aim was to quantificationally analyze influences of the compression ratio. The results indicated that the sample with a compression ratio of 70% exhibited optimal sound absorption performance, and its average sound absorption coefficient reached 88.97% in a frequency range of 1000–6000 Hz. Meanwhile, the section morphologies of compressed samples were investigated by a scanning electron microscope, which studied the sound absorption performance by analyzing structures of the porous Ni-Fe samples with different compression ratios. The obtained achievements will promote the application of the porous Ni-Fe alloy in the field of acoustics.
Simultaneous Determination of Chrysin and Tectochrysin from Alpinia oxyphylla Fruits by UPLC-MS/MS and Its Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Normal and Dementia Rats
Authors: Zhao Xu , Su Xin , Liu Chunmei , Jia Ying
Published: July 2018

A simple and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) coupled with a one-step liquid-liquid extraction method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of two flavonoids (chrysin, tectochrysin) from Alpinia oxyphylla fruits extract in rat plasma. Plasma samples were extracted with diethyl ether and separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) using gradient elution consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and methanol (B). The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode was used for detection. The linear range was 0.1 ng/mL to 50 ng/mL for chrysin and tectochrysin, respectively. The accuracy (relative error, RE%) ranged from −8.8% to 7.5% and the intra-day and inter-day precision were within 15% and had a mean extraction recovery rate of 80.3% to 86.7%. The validated method was applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Alpinia oxyphylla fruit ethanol extract between normal rats and dementia rats. The area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of the two constituents were remarkably increased in dementia rats than in normal rats.
Resveratrol Chemosensitizes TNF-β-Induced Survival of 5-FU-Treated Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Buhrmann Constanze , Yazdi Mina , Popper Bastian , Shayan Parviz , Goel Ajay , Aggarwal Bharat B. , Shakibaei Mehdi
Published: July 2018

Objective: Resveratrol, a safe and multitargeted natural agent, has been linked with inhibition of survival and invasion of tumor cells. Tumor Necrosis Factor-β (TNF-β) (Lymphotoxin α) is known as an inflammatory cytokine, however, the underlying mechanisms for its pro-carcinogenic effects and whether resveratrol can suppress these effects in the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. Methods: We investigated whether resveratrol modulates the effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and TNF-β on the malignant potential of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT116) and their corresponding isogenic 5-FU-chemoresistant derived clones (HCT116R) in 3D-alginate tumor microenvironment. Results: CRC cells cultured in alginate were able to migrate from alginate and the numbers of migrated cells were significantly increased in the presence of TNF-β, similar to TNF-α, and dramatically decreased by resveratrol. We found that TNF-β promoted chemoresistance in CRC cells to 5-FU compared to control cultures and resveratrol chemosensitizes TNF-β-induced increased capacity for survival and invasion of HCT116 and HCT116R cells to 5-FU. Furthermore, TNF-β induced a more pronounced cancer stem cell-like (CSC) phenotype (CD133, CD44, ALDH1) and resveratrol suppressed formation of CSC cells in two different CRC cells and this was accompanied with a significant increase in apoptosis (caspase-3). It is noteworthy that resveratrol strongly suppressed TNF-β-induced activation of tumor-promoting factors (NF-κB, MMP-9, CXCR4) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition-factors (increased vimentin and slug, decreased E-cadherin) in CRC cells. Conclusion: Our results clearly demonstrate for the first time that resveratrol modulates the TNF-β signaling pathway, induces apoptosis, suppresses NF-κB activation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), CSCs formation and chemosensitizes CRC cells to 5-FU in a tumor microenvironment.
Serving Size and Nutrition Labelling: Implications for Nutrition Information and Nutrition Claims on Packaged Foods
Authors: Kliemann Nathalie , Kraemer Mariana , Scapin Tailane , Rodrigues Vanessa , Fernandes Ana , Bernardo Greyce , Uggioni Paula , Proença Rossana
Published: July 2018

The presentation of nutrition information on a serving size basis is a strategy that has been adopted by several countries to promote healthy eating. Variation in serving size, however, can alter the nutritional values reported on food labels and compromise the food choices made by the population. This narrative review aimed to discuss (1) current nutrition labelling legislation regarding serving size and (2) the implications of declared serving size for nutrition information available on packaged foods. Most countries with mandatory food labelling require that serving size be presented on food labels, but variation in this information is generally allowed. Studies have reported a lack of standardisation among serving sizes of similar products which may compromise the usability of nutrition information. Moreover, studies indicate that food companies may be varying serving sizes as a marketing strategy to stimulate sales by reporting lower values of certain nutrients or lower energy values on nutrition information labels. There is a need to define the best format for presenting serving size on food labels in order to provide clear and easily comprehensible nutrition information to the consumer.
Investigation of a Multiple-Timescale Turbulence-Transport Coupling Method in the Presence of Random Fluctuations
Authors: Parker Jeffrey , LoDestro Lynda , Campos Alejandro
Published: July 2018

One route to improved predictive modeling of magnetically confined fusion reactors is to couple transport solvers with direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulence, rather than with surrogate models. An additional challenge presented by coupling directly with DNS is the inherent fluctuations in the turbulence, which limit the convergence achievable in the transport solver. In this article, we investigate the performance of one numerical coupling method in the presence of turbulent fluctuations. To test a particular numerical coupling method for the transport solver, we use an autoregressive-moving-average model to generate stochastic fluctuations efficiently with statistical properties resembling those of a gyrokinetic simulation. These fluctuations are then added to a simple, solvable problem, and we examine the behavior of the coupling method. We find that monitoring the residual as a proxy for the error can be misleading. From a pragmatic point of view, this study aids us in the full problem of transport coupled to DNS by predicting the amount of averaging required to reduce the fluctuation error and obtain a specific level of accuracy.
Mid-Chain Radical Migration in the Radical Polymerization of n-Butyl Acrylate
Authors: Ballard Nicholas , Veloso Antonio , Asua José M.
Published: July 2018

The occurrence of intramolecular transfer to polymer in the radical polymerization of acrylic monomers has been extensively documented in the literature. Whilst it has been largely assumed that intramolecular transfer to polymer leads to short chain branches, there has been some speculation over whether the mid-chain radical can migrate. Herein, by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) of poly(n-butyl acrylate) synthesized by solution polymerization under a range of conditions, it is shown that this mid-chain radical migration does occur in the radical polymerization of acrylates conducted at high temperatures, as is evident from the shape of the molecular weight distribution. Using a mathematical model, an initial approximation of the rate at which migration occurs is made and the distribution of branching lengths formed in this scenario is explored. It is shown that the polymerizations carried out under a low monomer concentration and at high temperatures are particularly prone to radical migration reactions, which may affect the rheological properties of the polymer.
Impacts of Agricultural Expansion (1910s–2010s) on the Water Cycle in the Songneng Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wang Cuizhen , Li Xiaxiang , Zhang Hongwen , Li Wenliang , Jiang Lanqi
Published: July 2018

Agricultural expansion is one of the primary land use changes on the Earth’s surface. The Songnen Plain in Northeast China is renowned for its Black Soil and is one of the most important agricultural regions of this country. In the last century, its population increased 20-fold and excessive areas of grassland were cultivated. Based on a series of decadal land use/land cover data sets in the plain (1910s–2010s), this study simulated the water balance in each decade using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and assessed the water effects of centurial agricultural expansion. Six variables were simulated to explain the land-atmosphere interaction: precipitation, total evapotranspiration, canopy transpiration, canopy interception evaporation, land evaporation and land surface runoff and infiltration. Agreeing with historical climate reanalysis data, the simulated precipitation in the plain did not have a significant trend. However, the total evapotranspiration significantly increased in the study region. The canopy transpiration and interception evaporation increased and the runoff and infiltration decreased, both indicating a drought effect in soil. The drying trend varied spatially with the strongest pattern in the central plain where large areas of wetlands remain. As a consequence of agricultural expansion, the centurial drying process in the fertile Black Soil may put strong pressure on the crop productivity and food safety of this important agricultural region.
An Automated Model to Classify Barrier Island Geomorphology Using Lidar Data and Change Analysis (1998–2014)
Authors: Halls Joanne N. , Frishman Maria A. , Hawkes Andrea D.
Published: July 2018

Previous research has documented the usefulness of Lidar data to derive a variety of topographic products (e.g., DEM, DTM, canopy and forest structure, and urban infrastructure). Lidar has been used to map coastal environments and geomorphology; however, there is no comprehensive model to derive coastal geomorphology. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to build on existing research and develop an automated modeling approach to classify coastal geomorphology across barrier islands. The model was developed and tested at four sites in North Carolina including two undeveloped and two developed islands. Barrier island geomorphology is shaped by natural coastal processes, such as storms and longshore sediment transport, as well as human influences, such as beach nourishment and urban development. The model was developed to classify ten geomorphic features over four time-steps from 1998 to 2014. Model results were compared to compute change through time and derived the rate and direction of feature movement. Tropical storms and hurricanes had the most influence in geomorphic change and movement. On the developed islands, there was less influence of storms due to the inability of features to move because of coastal infrastructure. From 2005 to 2010, beach nourishment was the dominant influence on developed beaches because this activity ameliorated the natural tendency for an island to erode. Understanding how natural and anthropogenic processes influence barrier island geomorphology is critical to predicting an island’s future response to changing environmental factors such as sea-level rise. The development of an automated model enables it to be replicated in other locations where policy makers and coastal managers may use this information to make development and conservation decisions.
Quantification of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Concentration in San Francisco Bay Using Satellite Imagery
Authors: Hilton Annette E. , Bausell Jesse T. , Kudela Raphael M.
Published: July 2018

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 1979, due to the high environmental and public health risks with which they are associated. However, PCBs continue to persist in the San Francisco Bay (SFB), often at concentrations deemed unsafe for humans. In situ PCB monitoring within the SFB is extremely limited, due in large part to the high monetary costs associated with sampling. Here we offer a cost effective alternative to in situ PCB monitoring by demonstrating the feasibility of indirectly quantifying PCBs in the SFB via satellite remote sensing using a two-step approach. First, we determined the relationship between in situ PCB concentrations and suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in the SFB. We then correlated in situ SSC with spatially and temporally consistent Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A reflectances. We demonstrate strong relationships between SSC and PCBs in all three SFB sub-embayments (R2 > 0.28–0.80, p < 0.01), as well as a robust relationship between SSC and satellite measurements for both Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A (R2 > 0.72, p < 0.01). These relationships held regardless of the atmospheric correction regime that we applied. The end product of these relationships is an empirical two-step relationship capable of deriving PCBs from satellite imagery. Our approach of estimating PCBs in the SFB by remotely sensing SSC is extremely cost-effective when compared to traditional in situ techniques. Moreover, it can also be utilized to generate PCB concentration maps for the SFB. These maps could one day serve as an important tool for PCB remediation in the SFB, as they can provide valuable insight into the spatial distribution of PCBs throughout the bay, as well as how this distribution changes over time.
The Impact of the Comprehensive Rural Village Development Program on Rural Sustainability in Korea
Authors: Hwang Jaehee , Park Jonghoon , Lee Seongwoo
Published: July 2018

An imperative challenge emerges from the demand to apply the scientific method in the assessment of recent agricultural and rural policies throughout the world. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ex-post quantitative evaluation of the Comprehensive Rural Village Development Program (CRVDP), a representative rural development policy operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, a central government agency in South Korea. The primary purpose of this program is to ensure sustainable rural society. This study found a moderate but significant positive impact of the policy in enhancing the standard of living in rural areas. The present paper concludes with suggesting some policy implications, limitations and future directions of policy evaluation studies.