bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLYI4 Plays A Role in Methylglyoxal Detoxification and Jasmonate-Mediated Stress Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Proietti Silvia , Falconieri Gaia Salvatore , Bertini Laura , Baccelli Ivan , Paccosi Elena , Belardo Antonio , Timperio Anna Maria , Caruso Carla
Published: October 2019

Plant hormones play a central role in various physiological functions and in mediating defense responses against (a)biotic stresses. In response to primary metabolism alteration, plants can produce also small molecules such as methylglyoxal (MG), a cytotoxic aldehyde. MG is mostly detoxified by the combined actions of the enzymes glyoxalase I (GLYI) and glyoxalase II (GLYII) that make up the glyoxalase system. Recently, by a genome-wide association study performed in Arabidopsis, we identified GLYI4 as a novel player in the crosstalk between jasmonate (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) hormone pathways. Here, we investigated the impact of GLYI4 knock-down on MG scavenging and on JA pathway. In glyI4 mutant plants, we observed a general stress phenotype, characterized by compromised MG scavenging, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), stomatal closure, and reduced fitness. Accumulation of MG in glyI4 plants led to lower efficiency of the JA pathway, as highlighted by the increased susceptibility of the plants to the pathogenic fungus Plectospherella cucumerina. Moreover, MG accumulation brought about a localization of GLYI4 to the plasma membrane, while MeJA stimulus induced a translocation of the protein into the cytoplasmic compartment. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that GLYI4 is a hub in the MG and JA pathways.
Tumor Cells Develop Defined Cellular Phenotypes After 3D-Bioprinting in Different Bioinks
Authors: Schmidt Sonja K. , Schmid Rafael , Arkudas Andreas , Kengelbach-Weigand Annika , Bosserhoff Anja K.
Published: October 2019

Malignant melanoma is often used as a model tumor for the establishment of novel therapies. It is known that two-dimensional (2D) culture methods are not sufficient to elucidate the various processes during cancer development and progression. Therefore, it is of major interest to establish defined biofabricated three-dimensional (3D) models, which help to decipher complex cellular interactions. To get an impression of their printability and subsequent behavior, we printed fluorescently labeled melanoma cell lines with Matrigel and two different types of commercially available bioinks, without or with modification (RGD (Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate)-sequence/laminin-mixture) for increased cell-matrix communication. In general, we demonstrated the printability of melanoma cells in all tested biomaterials and survival of the printed cells throughout 14 days of cultivation. Melanoma cell lines revealed specific differential behavior in the respective inks. Whereas in Matrigel, the cells were able to spread, proliferate and form dense networks throughout the construct, the cells showed no proliferation at all in alginate-based bioink. In gelatin methacrylate-based bioink, the cells proliferated in clusters. Surprisingly, the modifications of the bioinks with RGD or the laminin blend did not affect the analyzed cellular behavior. Our results underline the importance of precisely adapting extracellular matrices to individual requirements of specific 3D bioprinting applications.
Association of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Variant rs26232 with the Invasive Activity of Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Dorris Emma R , Linehan Eimear , Trenkmann Michelle , Veale Douglas J , Fearon Ursula , Wilson Anthony G.
Published: October 2019

rs26232, located in intron one of C5orf30, is associated with the susceptibility to and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we investigate the relationship between this variant and the biological activities of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). RASFs were isolated from the knee joints of 33 RA patients. The rs26232 genotype was determined and cellular migration, invasion, and apoptosis were compared using in vitro techniques. The production of adhesion molecules, chemokines, and proteases was measured by ELISA or flow cytometry. Cohort genotypes were CC n = 16; CT n = 14; TT n = 3. In comparison with the RASFs of the CT genotype, the CC genotype showed a 1.48-fold greater invasiveness in vitro (p = 0.02), 1.6-fold higher expression intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (p = 0.001), and 5-fold IFN-γ inducible protein-10 (IP-10) (p = 0.01). There was no association of the rs26232 genotype with the expression levels of either total C5orf30 mRNA or any of the three transcript variants. The rs26232 C allele, which has previously been associated with both the risk and severity of RA, is associated with greater invasive activity of RASFs in vitro, and with higher expression of ICAM-1 and IP-10. In resting RASFs, rs26232 is not a quantitative trait locus for C5orf30 mRNA, indicating a more complex mechanism underlying the genotype‒phenotype relationship.
Effect of Pulse Current Mode on Microstructure, Composition and Corrosion Performance of the Coatings Produced by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on AZ31 Mg Alloy
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Raeissi Keyvan , Toroghinejad Mohammad Reza , Hakimizad Amin , Santamaria Monica
Published: October 2019

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were grown on AZ31 Mg alloy in a silicate-based electrolyte containing KF using unipolar and bipolar (usual and soft-sparking) waveforms. The coatings were dual-layered consisting of MgO, MgF2 and Mg2SiO4 phases. Surface morphology of the coatings was a net-like (scaffold) containing a micro-pores network, micro-cracks and granules of oxide compounds. Deep pores were observed in the coating produced by unipolar and usual bipolar waveforms. The soft-sparking eliminated the deep pores and produced the lowest porosity in the coatings. It was found that the corrosion performance of the coatings evaluated using EIS in 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution is mostly determined by the inner layer resistance, because of its higher compactness. After 4 days of immersion, the inner layer resistances were almost the same for all coatings. However, the coatings produced by unipolar and usual bipolar waveforms showed sharp decays in inner layer resistances after 1 week and even the barrier effect of outer layer was lost for the unipolar-produced coating after 3 weeks. The low-frequency inductive loops appeared after a 3-week immersion for all coatings indicated that the substrate was under local corrosion attack. However, both coatings produced by soft-sparking waveforms provided the highest corrosion performance.
A Study on the Effect of Ceramic Polishing Powder on the Nucleation and Growth of Hydrates in Cement Paste
Authors: Wang Liquan , Liu Ziyang , Xu Shida , Ouyang Xiaowei , Ouyang Dong , Jiao Chujie , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2019

The production of cement leads to a large amount of CO2 emission. Using industrial waste slag, such as ceramic polishing powder (PP), to replace part of Portland cement can reduce the pollution caused by the cement industry and solid waste disposal. In order to use PP as a replacement for cement, its effects on the properties of cement paste need to be clarified. In this study, the effect of PP on the nucleation and growth of hydrates in cement paste at very early ages was investigated. Quartz was used as a reference. The interactions of their surface with various ions in cement paste solution, which has an important effect on the nucleation and growth of hydrates, were studied by using the zeta potential test. The morphology of the nucleus and crystal of hydrates was investigated by using SEM. The zeta potential measurements showed that the affinity of the surface of PP and quartz to ions in the pore solution of cement paste is similar. The image of SEM indicated that there is also not much difference in the crystallization of hydrates on the surfaces of PP and quartz. These evidences suggested that PP has similar surface charge properties as quartz, and its effects on the properties of cement paste are the same as that of quartz. From the viewpoint of the effect on very early hydration, PP can be used in cement paste, similar to quartz power.
Modified Technique of Parameter Identification of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with PWM Inverter in the Presence of Dead-Time Effect and Measurement Noise
Authors: Mamatov Aleksandr , Lovlin Sergey , Vaimann Toomas , Rassõlkin Anton , Vakulenko Sergei , Abramian Andrei
Published: October 2019

The paper considers the problem of parameter identification of the surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) with pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter in the presence of dead time of power switches and other nonlinear distortions. Parameter identification of the SPMSM is required for the tuning of the torque control loop, because in some cases, the exact values of phase resistances and inductances are not known. In the absence of nonlinear disturbances, the problem of SPMSM parameters estimation is not difficult. The influence of the dead-time effect, back electromotive force and measurements noise introduces distortions in experimental output data sets, which leads to incorrect parameter estimation. Thus, there is a need to develop new designs of identification experiments and methods of processing of the experimental data. A detailed mathematical model of SPMSM with a PWM inverter in the presence of dead-time effect is considered in the paper. The negative influence of the dead-time effect on the results of parameter estimation is shown. A modified technique of parameter identification of SPMSM based on the estimation of frequency response function is proposed. The applied design of identification experiments, the type of excitation input signal, and methods of data processing allow us to minimize the influence of nonlinear disturbances and to reduce the variance of estimation of frequency response function. These features provide a high performance of SPMSM parameters estimation.
Cluster Analysis of Distribution Grids in Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Rösch Tobias , Treffinger Peter
Published: October 2019

With the growing share of renewable energies in the electricity supply, transmission and distribution grids have to be adapted. A profound understanding of the structural characteristics of distribution grids is essential to define suitable strategies for grid expansion. Many countries have a large number of distribution system operators (DSOs) whose standards vary widely, which contributes to coordination problems during peak load hours. This study contributes to targeted distribution grid development by classifying DSOs according to their remuneration requirement. To examine the amendment potential, structural and grid development data from 109 distribution grids in South-Western Germany, are collected, referring to publications of the respective DSOs. The resulting data base is assessed statistically to identify clusters of DSOs according to the fit of demographic requirements and grid-construction status and thus identify development needs to enable a broader use of regenerative energy resources. Three alternative algorithms are explored to manage this task. The study finds the novel Gauss-Newton algorithm optimal to analyse the fit of grid conditions to regional requirements and successfully identifies grids with remuneration needs. It is superior to the so far used K-Means algorithm. The method developed here is transferable to other areas for grid analysis and targeted, cost-efficient development.
Impact of Sparse Benthic Life on Seafloor Roughness and High-Frequency Acoustic Scatter
Authors: Schönke Mischa , Wiesenberg Lars , Schulze Inken , Wilken Dennis , Darr Alexander , Papenmeier Svenja , Feldens Peter
Published: October 2019

Quantitative acoustic marine habitat mapping needs to consider the impact of macrobenthic organisms on backscatter data. However, the sensitivity of hydroacoustic systems to epibenthic life is poorly constrained. This study explores the impact of a benthic community with sparse abundance on seafloor microroughness and acoustic backscatter at a sandy seafloor in the German North Sea. A multibeam echo sounder survey was ground-truthed by lander measurements combining a laser line scanner with sub-mm resolution and broad-band acoustic transducers. Biotic and abiotic features and spatial roughness parameters were determined by the laser line scanner. At the same locations, acoustic backscatter was measured and compared with an acoustic scatter model utilizing the small-roughness perturbation approximation. Results of the lander experiments show that a coverage with epibenthic features of 1.6% increases seafloor roughness at spatial wavelengths between 0.005–0.03 m, increasing both spectral slope and intercept. Despite the fact that a strong impact on backscatter was predicted by the acoustic model based on measured roughness parameters, only a minor (1.1 dB) change of backscatter was actually observed during both the lander experiments and the ship-based acoustic survey. The results of this study indicate that benthic coverage of less than 1.6% is insufficient to be detected by current acoustic remote sensing.
‘Teflon Basin’ or Not? A High-Elevation Catchment Transit Time Modeling Approach
Authors: Schmieder Jan , Seeger Stefan , Weiler Markus , Strasser Ulrich
Published: October 2019

We determined the streamflow transit time and the subsurface water storage volume in the glacierized high-elevation catchment of the Rofenache (Oetztal Alps, Austria) with the lumped parameter transit time model TRANSEP. Therefore we enhanced the surface energy-balance model ESCIMO to simulate the ice melt, snowmelt and rain input to the catchment and associated δ18O values for 100 m elevation bands. We then optimized TRANSEP with streamflow volume and δ18O for a four-year period with input data from the modified version of ESCIMO at a daily resolution. The median of the 100 best TRANSEP runs revealed a catchment mean transit time of 9.5 years and a mobile storage of 13,846 mm. The interquartile ranges of the best 100 runs were large for both, the mean transit time (8.2–10.5 years) and the mobile storage (11,975–15,382 mm). The young water fraction estimated with the sinusoidal amplitude ratio of input and output δ18O values and delayed input of snow and ice melt was 47%. Our results indicate that streamflow is dominated by the release of water younger than 56 days. However, tracers also revealed a large water volume in the subsurface with a long transit time resulting to a strongly delayed exchange with streamflow and hence also to a certain portion of relatively old water: The median of the best 100 TRANSEP runs for streamflow fraction older than five years is 28%.
Utilising Digital Health Technology to Support Patient-Healthcare Provider Communication in Fragility Fracture Recovery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yadav Lalit , Haldar Ayantika , Jasper Unyime , Taylor Anita , Visvanathan Renuka , Chehade Mellick , Gill Tiffany
Published: October 2019

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital health supported targeted patient communication versus usual provision of health information, on the recovery of fragility fractures. The review considered studies including older people, aged 50 and above, with a fragility fracture. The primary outcome was prevention of secondary fractures by diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, and its adherence. This review considered both experimental and quasi-experimental study designs. A comprehensive search strategy was built to identify key terms including Medical subject headings (MeSH) and applied to the multiple electronic databases. An intention to treat analysis was applied to those studies included in the meta-analysis and odds ratio was calculated with random effects. Altogether, 15 studies were considered in the final stage for this systematic review. Out of these, 10 studies were Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and five were quasi experimental studies, published between the years 2003 and 2016 with a total of 5037 participants. Five Randomised control trails were included in the meta-analysis suggesting that digital health supported interventions were overall, twice as effective when compared with the usual standard care (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.30–3.48), despite the population sample not being homogeneous. Findings from the remaining studies were narratively interpreted.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Urban and Environmental Factors as Respiratory Disease Predictors in Italian Adolescents
Authors: Bellisario Valeria , Piccioni Pavilio , Bugiani Massimiliano , Squillacioti Giulia , Levra Stefano , Gulotta Carlo , Mengozzi Giulio , Perboni Alberto , Grignani Elena , Bono Roberto
Published: October 2019

Risk monitoring in childhood is useful to estimate harmful health effects at later stages of life. Thus, here we have assessed the effects of tobacco smoke exposure and environmental pollution on the respiratory health of Italian children and adolescents using spirometry and the forced oscillation technique (FOT). For this purpose, we recruited 188 students aged 6–19 years living in Chivasso, Italy, and collected from them the following data: (1) one filled out questionnaire; (2) two respiratory measurements (i.e., spirometry and FOT); and (3) two urine tests for Cotinine (Cot) and 15-F2t-Isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) levels. We found a V-shape distribution for both Cotinine and 15-F2t-IsoP values, according to age groups, as well as a direct correlation (p = 0.000) between Cotinine and tobacco smoke exposure. These models demonstrate that tobacco smoke exposure, traffic, and the living environment play a fundamental role in the modulation of asthma-like symptoms (p = 0.020) and respiratory function (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the results from the 11–15-year group indicate that the growth process is a protective factor against the risk of respiratory disease later in life. Lastly, the FOT findings highlight the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke exposure and urbanization and traffic on respiratory health and asthma-like symptoms, respectively. Overall, monitoring environmental and behavioral factors in childhood can provide valuable information for preventing respiratory diseases in adulthood.
Estimating the Responses of Hydrological and Sedimental Processes to Future Climate Change in Watersheds with Different Landscapes in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Li Xue , Sha Jian , Zhao Yue , Wang Zhong-Liang
Published: October 2019

This study concerned the sediment issue of the Yellow River basin. The responses of hydrological and sedimental processes to future climate change in two upland watersheds with different dominant landscapes were estimated. Four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios with different radiative forcing levels were considered. The outputs of eleven Global Climate Models (GCMs) were used to represent the future climate status of the 2050s and 2070s, and an ensemble means was achieved to avoid uncertainty. The Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG) was employed to downscale the outputs of GCMs for future site-scale daily weather data estimations. The Generalized Watershed Loading Functions (GWLF) model was employed to model the streamflow and sediment yields under various scenarios and periods. The results showed that there would be generally hotter and wetter weather conditions in the future. Increased erosion and sediment yields could be found in the study area, with lesser increments in sediment in woodland than in cultivated field. The peak of sediment would appear in the 2050s, and integrated measures for sediment control should be implemented to reduce erosion and block delivery. The multi-model approach proposed in this study had reliable performance and could be applied in other similar areas with modest data conditions.
Sewer Pipes Condition Prediction Models: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Malek Mohammadi Mohammadreza , Najafi Mohammad , Kaushal Vinayak , Serajiantehrani Ramtin , Salehabadi Nazanin , Ashoori Taha
Published: October 2019

Wastewater infrastructure systems deteriorate over time due to a combination of aging, physical, and chemical factors, among others. Failure of these critical structures cause social, environmental, and economic impacts. To avoid such problems, infrastructure condition assessment methodologies are developing to maintain sewer pipe network at desired condition. However, currently utility managers and other authorities have challenges when addressing appropriate intervals for inspection of sewer pipelines. Frequent inspection of sewer network is not cost-effective due to limited time and high cost of assessment technologies and large inventory of pipes. Therefore, it would be more beneficial to first predict critical sewers most likely to fail and then perform inspection to maximize rehabilitation or renewal projects. Sewer condition prediction models are developed to provide a framework to forecast future condition of pipes and to schedule inspection frequencies. The objective of this study is to present a state-of-the-art review on progress acquired over years in development of statistical condition prediction models for sewer pipes. Published papers for prediction models over a period from 2001 through 2019 are identified. The literature review suggests that deterioration models are capable to predict future condition of sewer pipes and they can be used in industry to improve the inspection timeline and maintenance planning. A comparison between logistic regression models, Markov Chain models, and linear regression models are provided in this paper. Artificial intelligence techniques can further improve higher accuracy and reduce uncertainty in current condition prediction models.
Numerical Analysis of Sandwich Composite Deep Submarine Pressure Hull Considering Failure Criteria
Authors: Helal Mahmoud , Huang Huinan , Wang Defu , Fathallah Elsayed
Published: October 2019

The pressure hull is the primary element of submarine, which withstands diving pressure and provides essential capacity for electronic systems and buoyancy. This study presents a numerical analysis and design optimization of sandwich composite deep submarine pressure hull using finite element modeling technique. This study aims to minimize buoyancy factor and maximize deck area and buckling strength factors. The collapse depth is taken as a base in the pressure hull design. The pressure hull has been analyzed using two composite materials, T700/Epoxy and B(4)5505/Epoxy, to form the upper and lower faces of the sandwich composite deep submarine pressure hull. The laminated control surface is optimized for the first ply failure index (FI) considering both Tsai–Wu and maximum stress failure criteria. The results obtained emphasize an important fact that the presence of core layer in sandwich composite pressure hull is not always more efficient. The use of sandwich in the design of composite deep submarine pressure hull at extreme depths is not a safe option. Additionally, the core thickness plays a minor role in the design of composite deep submarine pressure hull. The outcome of an optimization at extreme depths illustrates that the upper and lower faces become thicker and the core thickness becomes thinner. However, at shallow-to-moderate depths, it is recommended to use sandwich composite with a thick core to resist the shell buckling of composite submarine pressure hull.
An Exploratory Study of ASL Demonstratives
Authors: Morford Jill P. , Shaffer Barbara , Shin Naomi , Twitchell Paul , Petersen Bettie T.
Published: October 2019

American Sign Language (ASL) makes extensive use of pointing signs, but there has been only limited documentation of how pointing signs are used for demonstrative functions. We elicited demonstratives from four adult Deaf signers of ASL in a puzzle completion task. Our preliminary analysis of the demonstratives produced by these signers supports three important conclusions in need of further investigation. First, despite descriptions of four demonstrative signs in the literature, participants expressed demonstrative function 95% of the time through pointing signs. Second, proximal and distal demonstrative referents were not distinguished categorically on the basis of different demonstrative signs, nor on the basis of pointing handshape or trajectory. Third, non-manual features including eye gaze and facial markers were essential to assigning meaning to demonstratives. Our results identify new avenues for investigation of demonstratives in ASL.
Effects of Fineness and Chemical Composition of Blast Furnace Slag on Properties of Alkali-Activated Binder
Authors: Humad Abeer M. , Habermehl-Cwirzen Karin , Cwirzen Andrzej
Published: October 2019

The effects of fines and chemical composition of three types of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on various concrete properties were studied. Those studied were alkali activated by liquid sodium silicate (SS) and sodium carbonate (SC). Flowability, setting times, compressive strength, efflorescence, and carbonation resistance and shrinkage were tested. The chemical composition and microstructure of the solidified matrixes were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDX analyser. The results showed that the particle size distribution of the slags and the activator type had significantly stronger effects on all measured properties than their chemical composition. The highest compressive strength values were obtained for the finest slag, which having also the lowest MgO content. SC-activated mortar produced nearly the same compressive strength values independently of the used slag. The most intensive efflorescence and the lowest carbonation resistance developed on mortars based on slag containing 12% of MgO and the lowest fineness. The slag with the highest specific surface area and the lowest MgO content developed a homogenous microstructure, highest reaction temperature and lowest drying shrinkage. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the presence of C-(A)-S-H, hydrotalcite HT, and carbonate like-phases in all studied mortars.
Application-Specific Oxide-Based and Metal–Dielectric Thin-Film Materials Prepared by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Nur-E-Alam Mohammad , Lonsdale Wade , Vasiliev Mikhail , Alameh Kamal
Published: October 2019

We report on the development of several different thin-film functional material systems prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at Edith Cowan University nanofabrication labs. While focusing on the RF sputtering process optimizations for new or the previously underexplored material compositions and multilayer structures, we disclose several unforeseen material properties and behaviours. Among these are an unconventional magnetic hysteresis loop with an intermediate saturation state observed in garnet trilayers, and an ultrasensitive magnetic switching behaviour in garnet-oxide composites (GOC). We also report on the unusually high thermal exposure stability observed in some nanoengineered metal–dielectric multilayers. We communicate research results related to the design, prototyping, and practical fabrication of high-performance magneto-optic (MO) materials, oxide-based sensor components, and heat regulation coatings for advanced construction and solar windows.
An Examination of the Low Strain Rate Sensitivity of Additively Manufactured Polymer, Composite and Metallic Honeycomb Structures
Authors: Lam Quoc , Patil Dhiraj , Le Thao , Eppley Trevor , Salti Ziyad , Goss Derek , Grishin Alex , Bhate Dhruv
Published: October 2019

The characterization of additively manufactured cellular materials, such as honeycombs and lattices, is crucial to enabling their implementation in functional parts. One of the characterization methods commonly employed is mechanical testing under compression. This work focuses specifically on the dependence of these tests to the applied strain rate during the test over low strain rate regimes (considered here as 10−6 to 10−1 s−1). The paper is limited to the study of strain the rate dependence of hexagonal honeycomb structures manufactured with four different additive manufacturing processes: one polymer (fused deposition modeling, or material extrusion with ABS), one composite (nylon and continuous carbon fiber extrusion) and two metallic (laser powder bed fusion of Inconel 718 and electron beam melting of Ti6Al4V). The strain rate sensitivities of the effective elastic moduli, and the peak loads for all four processes were compared. Results show significant sensitivity to strain rate in the polymer and composite process for both these metrics, and mild sensitivity for the metallic honeycombs for the peak load. This study has implications for the characterization and modeling of all mechanical cellular materials and makes the case for evaluation and if appropriate, inclusion, of strain rate effects in all cellular material modeling.
APD Compressible Aerogel-Like Monoliths with Potential Use in Environmental Remediation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Fan , Bai Ruixi , Zhao Zhigang , Li Jianguo , Zeng Xian , Zhang Xuesong
Published: October 2019

Ambient pressure dried (APD) silica-based aerogel-like monoliths are prepared using vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) as the sole silicon source by a rare-earth-assisted process. The APD method avoids the processes of solvent exchange and surface modification, is cost-effective, and reduces the preparation period from several days or weeks to 30 h. By controlling the solvent proportions, products with excellent mechanical properties, including exceptional mechanical strength and elasticity, can be synthesized. The monoliths also exhibit the outstanding characteristics of high hydrophobicity and lipophilicity and can rapidly absorb 13.5 times their weight in chloroform, showing great potential as reusable materials for application toward the separation/extraction of organic pollutants and oils.
Analysis of Robot Selection Based on 2-Tuple Picture Fuzzy Linguistic Aggregation Operators
Authors: Khan Arshad Ahmad , Qiyas Muhammad , Abdullah Saleem , Luo Jianchao , Bano Mahwish
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to propose the 2-tuple picture fuzzy linguistic aggregation operators and a decision-making model to deal with uncertainties in the form of 2-tuple picture fuzzy linguistic sets; 2-tuple picture fuzzy linguistic operators have more flexibility than general fuzzy set. We proposed a number of aggregation operators, namely, 2-TPFLWA, 2-TPFLOWA, 2-TPFLHA, 2-TPFLWG, 2-TPFLOWG, and 2-TPFLHG operators. The distinguished feature of the developed operators are studied. At that point, we used these operators to design a model to deal with multiple attribute decision-making issues under the 2-tuple picture fuzzy linguistic information. Then, a practical application of robot selection by manufacturing unit is given to prove the introduced technique and to show its practicability and effectiveness. Besides this, a systematic comparison analysis with other existent approaches is conducted to reveal the advantage of our developed method. Results indicate that the proposed method is suitable and effective for decision-making problems.
Statistical Properties and Different Methods of Estimation for Type I Half Logistic Inverted Kumaraswamy Distribution
Authors: ZeinEldin Ramadan A. , Chesneau Christophe , Jamal Farrukh , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we introduce and study a new three-parameter lifetime distribution constructed from the so-called type I half-logistic-G family and the inverted Kumaraswamy distribution, naturally called the type I half-logistic inverted Kumaraswamy distribution. The main feature of this new distribution is to add a new tuning parameter to the inverted Kumaraswamy (according to the type I half-logistic structure), with the aim to increase the flexibility of the related inverted Kumaraswamy model and thus offering more precise diagnostics in data analyses. The new distribution is discussed in detail, exhibiting various mathematical and statistical properties, with related graphics and numerical results. An exhaustive simulation was conducted to investigate the estimation of the model parameters via several well-established methods, including the method of maximum likelihood estimation, methods of least squares and weighted least squares estimation, and method of Cramer-von Mises minimum distance estimation, showing their numerical efficiency. Finally, by considering the method of maximum likelihood estimation, we apply the new model to fit two practical data sets. In this regards, it is proved to be better than recent models, also derived to the inverted Kumaraswamy distribution.
Chemical Enhancement for Retrofitting Moving Bed Biofilm and Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge Systems into Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Maletskyi Zakhar , Zigta Dawit K. , Kulesha Olga , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: October 2019

Positive effects of retrofitting MBBR and IFAS systems into MBRs can be exploited by introducing chemical enhancement applying coagulants in the membrane separation step. The current study reports basic principles of chemical enhancement with aluminium sulphate coagulant in biofilm-MBR (Bf-MBR) based on results of total recycle tests performed at different dosages of the chemical enhancer and properties characterization of filtrates, supernatants and sediments. It demonstrates a possibility to achieve lower membrane fouling rates with dosing of aluminium sulphate coagulant into MBBR and IFAS mixed liquors by extending operational cycles by 20 and 80 time respectively as well as increasing operating permeability of membrane separation by 1.3 times for IFAS. It has been found that charge neutralization is the dominating mechanism of aluminium sulphate action as a chemical enhancer in Bf-MBR, however, properties of the membrane surface influencing charge repulsion of foulants should be considered together with the secondary ability of the coagulant to improve consolidation of sediments.
Taking Advantage of Bacterial Adaptation in Order to Optimize Industrial Production of Dry Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Authors: Gaucher Floriane , Gagnaire Valérie , Rabah Houem , Maillard Marie-Bernadette , Bonnassie Sylvie , Pottier Sandrine , Marchand Pierre , Jan Gwénaël , Blanc Philippe , Jeantet Romain
Published: October 2019

Propionibacterium freudenreichii is a beneficial bacterium, used both as a probiotic and as a cheese starter. Large-scale production of P. freudenreichii is required to meet growing consumers’ demand. Production, drying and storage must be optimized, in order to guarantee high P. freudenreichii viability within powders. Compared to freeze-drying, spray drying constitutes the most productive and efficient, yet the most stressful process, imposing severe oxidative and thermal constraints. The aim of our study was to provide the tools in order to optimize the industrial production of dry P. freudenreichii. Bacterial adaptation is a well-known protective mechanism and may be used to improve bacterial tolerance towards technological stresses. However, the choice of bacterial adaptation type must consider industrial constraints. In this study, we combined (i) modulation of the growth medium composition, (ii) heat-adaptation, and (iii) osmoadaptation, in order to increase P. freudenreichii tolerance towards technological stresses, including thermal and oxidative constraints, using an experimental design. We further investigated optimal growth and adaptation conditions, by monitoring intracellular compatible solutes accumulation. Glucose addition, coupled to heat-adaptation, triggered accumulation of trehalose and of glycine betaine, which further provided high tolerance towards spray drying and storage. This work opens new perspectives for high quality and fast production of live propionibacteria at the industrial scale.
Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots from Lignocellulosic Waste
Authors: Abdullah Issa Mohammed , Z. Abidin Zurina , Sobri Shafreeza , Rashid Suraya , Adzir Mahdi Mohd , Azowa Ibrahim Nor , Y. Pudza Musa
Published: October 2019

The current research mainly focuses on transforming low-quality waste into value-added nanomaterials and investigating various ways of utilising them. The hydrothermal preparation of highly fluorescent N-doped carbon dots (N–CDs) was obtained from the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) of oil palm empty fruit bunches and linear-structured polyethyleneimines (LPEI). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that the obtained N–CDs had an average size of 3.4 nm. The N–CDs were monodispersed in aqueous solution and were strongly fluorescent under the irradiation of ultra-violet light. A detailed description of the morphology and shape was established using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was shown that LPEI were successfully tuned the fluorescence (PL) properties of CDs in both the intrinsic and surface electronic structures, and enhanced the quantum yield (QY) up to 44%. The obtained N–CDs exhibited remarkable PL stability, long lifetime and pH-dependence behaviour, with the excitation/emission maxima of 350/465.5 nm. Impressively, PL enhancement and blue-shifted emission could be seen with the dilution of the original N–CDs solution. The obtained N–CDs were further applied as fluorescent probe for the identification of Cu2+ in aqueous media. The mechanism could be attributed to the particularly high thermodynamic affinity of Cu2+ for the N-chelate groups over the surface of N–CDs and the fast metal-to-ligand binding kinetics. The linear relationship between the relative quenching rate and the concentration of Cu2+ were applied between 1–30 µM, with a detection limit of 0.93 µM. The fluorescent probe was successfully applied for the detection of Cu2+ in real water. Moreover, a solid-state film of N–CDs was prepared in the presence of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer and found to be stable even after 72-h of continuous irradiation to UV-lamp. In contrast to the aqueous N–CDs, the composite film showed only an excitation independent property, with enhanced PL QY of around 47%. Due to the strong and stable emission nature of N–CDs in both aqueous and solid conditions, the obtained N–CDs are ideal for reducing the overall preparation costs and applying them for various biological and environmental applications in the future.
Effect of Freezing on Photosystem II and Assessment of Freezing Tolerance of Tea Cultivar
Authors: Shi Yun-Long , Cai Zhuo-Yu , Li Da , Lu Jian-Liang , Ye Jian-Hui , Liang Yue-Rong , Zheng Xin-Qiang
Published: October 2019

Freezing tolerant tea cultivars are urgently needed. The tea cultivars with highly freezing tolerance showed resistance to freezing stress induced photoinhibition. Freezing sensitivity index (H) of 47 tea clonal cultivars was investigated after severe freezing winter in 2016. To develop instrumental methods for freezing tolerance selection, the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) and leaf color indicator a on the Hunter color scale were determined on control group (non-frozen) and frozen group (being frozen at −15 °C for 2 h and then stood at 20 °C for 5 h) of the cultivars. When the two indicators were expressed as the ratios (RFv/Fm and Ra) of frozen group to control group, linear regression of the freezing sensitivity index (H) upon the RFv/Fm and Ra produced significant relationship respectively, i.e., H = 60.31 − 50.09 RFv/Fm (p < 0.01) and H = 30.03 − 10.82 Ra (p < 0.01). Expression of gene psbA encoding D1 protein and gene psbD encoding D2 protein in PSII showed that the frezzing tolerant tea cultivars maintained a high expression level of psbA after freezing stress, which is considered to be beneficial to de novo synthesis of D1 protein and sustaining PSII activity. These findings can provide instrumental tools for assessing freezing tolerance of tea cultivars in tea breeding program.
Potassium in Root Growth and Development
Authors: Sustr Marek , Soukup Ales , Tylova Edita
Published: October 2019

Potassium is an essential macronutrient that has been partly overshadowed in root science by nitrogen and phosphorus. The current boom in potassium-related studies coincides with an emerging awareness of its importance in plant growth, metabolic functions, stress tolerance, and efficient agriculture. In this review, we summarized recent progress in understanding the role of K+ in root growth, development of root system architecture, cellular functions, and specific plant responses to K+ shortage. K+ transport is crucial for its physiological role. A wide range of K+ transport proteins has developed during evolution and acquired specific functions in plants. There is evidence linking K+ transport with cell expansion, membrane trafficking, auxin homeostasis, cell signaling, and phloem transport. This places K+ among important general regulatory factors of root growth. K+ is a rather mobile element in soil, so the absence of systemic and localized root growth response has been accepted. However, recent research confirms both systemic and localized growth response in Arabidopsis thaliana and highlights K+ uptake as a crucial mechanism for plant stress response. K+-related regulatory mechanisms, K+ transporters, K+ acquisition efficiency, and phenotyping for selection of K+ efficient plants/cultivars are highlighted in this review.
Comparison of Temperature Control and Temperature Difference Control for a Kaibel Dividing Wall Column
Authors: Qian Xing , Liu Rui , Huang Kejin , Chen Haisheng , Yuan Yang , Zhang Liang , Wang Shaofeng
Published: October 2019

A dividing wall column (DWC) effectively intensifies the distillation process with a reduced energy consumption, capital investment, and space. The three-product DWC has been investigated intensively and extensively; however, the four-product Kaibel DWC has received scarce attention. This study aimed to propose feasible control structures for the Kaibel DWC using only temperature sensors in order to promote its industrialization. Two temperature control structures, two temperature difference control structures, and two double temperature difference control structures were studied. The feasibility of the six proposed control structures was verified with a wide variety of feed disturbances. In most cases, temperature difference control was better than temperature control to maintain product purities. The dynamic performances proved that the inserted feed disturbances were handled well. These results help to promote the industrialization of the Kaibel DWC.
ATD Biodynamics During Lateral Impact for USAF Neck Injury Criteria
Authors: Perry Chris , Buhrman John , Pirnstill Casey , McIntire John
Published: October 2019

Research was conducted involving a series of lateral impact tests on a horizontal sled facility by scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The purpose of the research was to conduct an assessment of the biodynamic response of an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to support the development of AFRL neck injury criteria. Impacts were completed using a 50th male Hybrid III aerospace ATD due to this ATD being used by the USAF to qualify and evaluate ejection systems. A test matrix was developed to assess ATD response as a function of various seat configurations which were an approximation of the seat configurations used by the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) for previously conducted lateral impact tests of PMHS subjects (post-mortem human subjects). The specially fabricated seat configurations were a rigid seat fixture with a 5-point harness and a padded rigid seat with a 3-point harness. The input acceleration pulses were trapezoidal in shape and varied in peak magnitude from 8.5 to 17 G. The rigid and padded seat configurations both generated fairly linear ATD responses across the input acceleration range. The ATD’s response with the padded seat and the 3-point restraint was greater than the ATD’s response with the rigid seat and the 5-point restraint with the upper neck. The My torque showed the greatest increase from the rigid seat configuration to the padded seat configuration. This highlights the importance of a proper restraint and the importance of controlling the motion of the torso since it could reduce the loads and torques of the unrestrained head and neck, resulting in a lower probability of injury. The lateral impact program with the ATD provided critical impact data to fill data gaps that support the development of the ATD-to-human transfer functions for AFRL’s Multi-Axial Neck Injury Criteria (MANIC) for lateral impact or MANICy calculation. The program also highlighted gaps in human and PMHS head response data in identical lateral impact configurations that would not only improve the current MANICy transfer function but would allow the investigation of the efficacy of using the 6F-MANICy to replace the current MANICy.
Homicide Rates and the Multiple Dimensions of Urbanization: A Longitudinal, Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Pino Nathan W. , Blaustein Jarrett
Published: October 2019

Sustainability scholars frame urbanization as a multidimensional concept with divergent environmental impacts. Through synthesizing recent quantitative studies of urbanization in criminology, we evaluated this multidimensional framework in a longitudinal, cross-national analysis of homicide rates for 217 countries between 2000 and 2015. For the analysis, we also highlighted the issue of missing data, a common concern for cross-national scholars in a variety of disciplines. While controlling for other relevant factors, we compared results from panel models that use the common technique of listwise deletion (n = 113) and from structural equation models (SEM) that handle missing values with full information maximum likelihood (n = 216). While the estimates for the control variables are non-significant in the SEM approach, the findings for the urbanization variables were robust and multidimensional. In particular, while the proportion of the population that is urban is positively related to homicide, the proportion of the population living in large cities of at least one million inhabitants is significantly and negatively related to homicide in all models. Given our focus on urbanization, we outline our contribution not only in the context of criminology but also the cross-national sustainability literature, which often uses similar variables with missing values.
Lipophilic Toxins in Galicia (NW Spain) between 2014 and 2017: Incidence on the Main Molluscan Species and Analysis of the Monitoring Efficiency
Authors: Blanco Juan , Arévalo Fabiola , Correa Jorge , Moroño Ángeles
Published: October 2019

Galicia is an area with a strong mussel aquaculture industry in addition to other important bivalve mollusc fisheries. Between 2014 and 2017, 18,862 samples were analyzed for EU regulated marine lipophilic toxins. Okadaic acid (OA) was the most prevalent toxin and the only single toxin that produced harvesting closures. Toxin concentrations in raft mussels were generally higher than those recorded in other bivalves, justifying the use of this species as an indicator. The Rías of Pontevedra and Muros were the ones most affected by OA and DTX2 and the Ría of Ares by YTXs. In general, the outer areas of the Rías were more affected by OA and DTX2 than the inner ones. The OA level reached a maximum in spring, while DTX2 was almost entirely restricted to the fall–winter season. YTXs peaked in August–September. The toxins of the OA group were nearly completely esterified in all the bivalves studied except mussels and queen scallops. Risk of intoxication with the current monitoring system is low. In less than 2% of cases did the first detection of OA in an area exceed the regulatory limit. In no case, could any effect on humans be expected. The apparent intoxication and depuration rates were similar and directly related, suggesting that the rates are regulated mainly by oceanographic characteristics.