bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic toxicity of the Iron (IV) clathrochelate complexes for white rats
Authors: Dukhnitsky V. B. , Derkach I. M. , Derkach S. S. , Fritsky I. O. , Plutenko M. O.
Published: November 2019

The article presents the results of studies of chronic toxicity of the Iron in the rare unconventional valence – IV. During long-term use of the Iron(IV) clathrochelate complexes for white rats we have established the dynamics of the body weight of rats, the relative coefficients of mass of the internal organs, the content of hemoglobin and morphological parameters of blood, biochemical parameters of blood serum of animals of this species. The daily drinking of solution of the Iron(IV) clathrochelate complexes at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. w. resulted in a decrease in body weight, an increase in the relative indices of masses of liver and kidney, and a decrease in the relative indices of masses of  spleen and heart on 30th day. The hemoglobin content in the blood of rats of the experimental group was less than the control indicator by 3–47% (P < 0.05), which is evidence of inhibition of its synthesis under the influence of the Iron (IV) clathrochelatе. Changes in the morphological composition of the blood were characterized by marked leukocytopenia. The use of rats of a solution of the Iron (IV) clathrochelate complexes at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. w. caused the development of hypoproteinemia, hypercreatinemia and hyperurinemia. Iron(IV) clathrochelate complexes reduced alaninaminotransferase activity in the serum of rats of both experimental groups by 15–80% (P < 0.05); aspartataminotransferase activity increased significantly by day 10 and decreased by day 30; the activity of alkaline phosphatase was independent of the doses of the drug during the experimental period. The content of Calcium total, Phosphor inorganic and Iron in the serum of rats of the experimental groups was at the level of indicators in the animals of the control group. Consequently, comprehensive studies of the effects of solution of the Iron (IV) clathrochelate complexes at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. w. were performed for the first time with long-term administration to white rats, which revealed the main patterns of metabolic disorders and physiological functions.
Backcalculated Modulus of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Islam Md Rashadul , Tarefder Rafiqul , Ahmed Mesbah U.
Published: November 2019

Asphalt Concrete (AC) is considered a spatially homogeneous material when analyzing and designing asphalt pavement. However, the modulus of AC along the wheel path and the middle of the wheel path may not be the same considering the continuous compaction by wheel loading. This study conducted monthly Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests to determine the AC modulus of a pavement section on Interstate 40 (I-40) in the state of New Mexico, USA from 2013 to 2015. The AC moduli on the wheel path, on the middle of the wheel path, on the shoulder with friction course, and on the shoulder without friction course are determined. It is mentionable that the driving lane and the shoulder have the same geometry, materials, and compaction effort. Results show that the modulus along the wheel path is almost the same as that of along the middle of the wheel path. The shoulder without friction course has a modulus greater than that of the lane AC modulus and the shoulder with the friction course. In addition, FWD backcalculated moduli at different temperatures are compared with the dynamic modulus values of the AC layer. It is found that the dynamic modulus at a loading frequency of 5 Hz is 1.7 to 1.9 times the backcalculated AC modulus.
A Model-Scale Investigation for Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation in Sand
Authors: Hafez Nehad M , Elmashad Mohie Eldin , Galaa Abdullah
Published: November 2019

New, exciting opportunities for utilizing biological processes to modify the engineering properties of the soil (e.g. strength, stiffness, permeability) have recently emerged. Enabled by interdisciplinary research at the confluence of microbiology, geochemistry, and civil engineering, this new field has the potential to meet society's ever-expanding needs for innovative treatment processes that improve soil supporting new and existing infrastructure. Ureolytic bacteria are one of the most efficient organisms in producing amounts of carbonate that easily react with the free calcium ions available in the environment. Sporosarcina pasteurii, a robust microbial alkaline environment was used in this work for its high potential in the biocementation process that involves the biomediated calcite precipitation. This study presents the results of a model-scale laboratory investigation conducted on bio-cemented siliceous sand. Chemicals used in this study are commercially available in order investigate the viability of implementing this technique in the field at larger scales. To make it more practical, the microbial cells are directly used with neither sterilization nor utilization of a centrifuge process for the growth medium. Blocks of the bio-treated soil were excavated from the model and were tested to examine the strength and durability parameters of the improved soil. The results show that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and slake durability index significant increased upon biological treatment. However, due to the downwards permeation of the fluid due to gravity, samples obtained from the bottom and the center of the treated column gave larger UCS and slake durability indices than those obtained from the top and the sides of the column.
The Status of Construction Safety in Bangladesh: Challenges, Benefits, Effects and Suggestions
Authors: Hossain Md. Mehrab , Ahmed Shakil
Published: November 2019

Construction industry is an important part of the economy in many countries and often seen as a driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. As construction industry is less mechanized and more labor intensive, construction workers are backbone of this industry. So the major consideration is ensuring workers safety during construction. This paper is aimed to examine the current safety status, identify the main causes for not practicing safety measures which termed as challenges of construction safety, identify the benefits of considering safety measures, effects for not practicing safety measures and suggestions to overcome the challenges in the construction sites in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in three stages. Firstly the existing rules and regulations of construction safety were studied. Secondly physical survey was conducted among the ongoing construction sites. Thirdly 20 causes and 14 effects for not practicing safety measures that influence the safety performance in construction sites, 16 benefits for practicing safety measures were identified from literature review and ranked them based on Factor Index (FI) by conducting questionnaire survey. According to the physical survey data, it was obvious that workers were working without PPE and fall protective system. From the data analysis, the main causes for not practicing safety rules and measures are lack of enforcement of safety rules and regulations, lack of safety awareness among the construction stakeholder and lack of safety training respectively. The main benefits for practicing safety measures and rules are reduced administrative costs, the potential for reduced insurance and liability costs and improving safety is usually a competitive advantage, because of reduced costs respectively. The main effects for not practicing safety measures and rules are payment for settlement of injury/death claims, negative impact on reputation of firms and increase in project cost respectively. Finally significant suggestions to overcome the challenges were identified from the stakeholder of this industry. The survey results may help the authorities to increase the awareness of practicing safety measures and enforce the construction safety rules in the next project approach.
Jamaican Spices as Food Preservatives
Authors: Porter Roy , Williams Lawrence , Junor Grace-Ann , Green Cheryl
Published: November 2019

The present review is a compilation of the spices commonly used in Jamaica for preserving foods especially meats. These include: Allium cepa L. (onion), Allium fistulosum L. (Escallion), Allium sativum L. (Garlic), Capsicum annum L. (Scoth bonnet), Capsicum frutescens L. (Bird pepper), Curcuma domestica Valeton (Turmeric), Cinnamomum zelanicum Nees (Cinnamon), Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (Pimenta), Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Launert (French thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary), Thymus vulgaris L. (Thyme) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger).
Performance of Growing Lambs as Influenced by Liquid Acid Whey Supplementation
Authors: Poliquit Angie , Sanchez Serena
Published: November 2019

Twelve male growing lambs were used in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of feeding liquid acid whey (LAW) on the performance of the animal, its dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, weight gain and ruminal pH. Animals received a diet consisting of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schumacher). Treatments were Napier grass plus concentrate, Napier grass plus LAW and Napier grass plus concentrate plus LAW. Individual dry matter intake (DMI), biweekly weight gain (WG) and ruminal pH were measured. Diet digestibility was determined using the total collection method. Results showed that LAW increased (p<0.05) WG and diet digestibility (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein). Liquid acid whey had an average digestibility of 54.41% for dry matter, 83.94% for organic matter and 87.56% for crude protein. Ruminal pH two hours after feeding was stable for animals with LAW alone. However, DMI was similar (p>0.05) among treatments. It can be concluded that including LAW in the diet significantly improved WG, diet digestibility and ruminal pH without affecting DMI.
The Influence of the Characteristics of Whistleblower to Whistleblowing Intentions
Authors: Djamal Venessa Angelin Yermia , Pikir Toto Warsoko , Wardani Rr. Puruwita
Published: November 2019

Auditors have an important role both for companies and other parties who rely on audited financial information to make decisions. Cases involving the Public Accountant Firm (PAF) raise doubts about the auditor's performance. Therefore, efforts that can be made to increase that trust are by whistleblowing action, but it is not an easy action. The characteristics of whistleblower factors that influence a person's intention to conduct whistleblowing are attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioral control, and commitment of professional. This study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior concept as a theoretical basis. The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence about the effect of attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioral control, and the auditor's professional commitment to whistleblowing intentions. The study was conducted using primary data. The respondents in this study are an auditor who works in PAF in Surabaya. The sample in this study is 54 people with sampling techniques using convenience sampling. The analysis technique uses multiple linear regression analysis models. The results showed that attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, and professional commitment were related to whistleblowing intentions, while perceived behavioral control did not conflict with whistleblowing intentions. This shows that auditors feel there will be difficulties and few opportunities in the process of disclosing known fraud, so that perceived behavioral control has no effect.
Visibilidad de la información en redes sociales: los algoritmos de Facebook y su influencia en el clickbait
Authors: Jiménez Palomares Patricia , Gomes-Franco e Silva Flávia
Published: November 2019

Este artículo propone un análisis de los titulares clickbait publicados desde las cuentas oficiales de los medios y que se reflejan en el Feed de noticias de sus seguidores en Facebook. A través de un análisis descriptivo con base en una observación estructurada de las publicaciones de los medios en esta red, se estudian la estructura y las principales características de estos titulares, así como el uso que hacen los medios del clickbait. Se observa una tendencia a la modificación del titular original cuando este es publicado en Facebook, omitiendo información esencial y empleando recursos lingüísticos como los signos de puntuación, mayúsculas, números o adjetivos para llamar la atención de los lectores y motivarles a que hagan clic en el enlace. A menudo el usuario es atraído por un contenido que crea falsas expectativas respecto a lo que finalmente se encuentra publicado en la web del medio.
Video Surveillance System with a Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Lestari Puji , Manik David Hamonangan D. , Br Sihotang Nurseve Lina , Husein Amir Mahmud
Published: November 2019

Abstract— The application of in-depth learning methods has been successfully applied in computer vision task with the ability to learn the features of differences in real world images by directly from the original image by passing layer after layer to get the high dimensions image, in this study we applied the YOLO method approach with network adaptation features based on Darknet-53 on a video dataset recorded by the activities of University of Indonesia Prima (UNPRI) students with are conditions of video with different objects as a surveillance system, based on the results of research into object classification produces an overall accuracy of 93%, but for the classification of objects bikes, buses, and cars have the lowest accuracy of 30% for bikes, 54% of cars and buses by 40% so it is necessary to develop methods to improve accuracy.
The south Caucasus and NATO’S defence education enhancement programme. Retrospective analysis
Authors: Iskandarov Khayal , Gawliczek Piotr
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to review NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) and to highlight the challenges and implications of its implementation and to examine the extent to which this initiative contribute to the cooperation in the field of education in the South Caucasus region. The importance of DEEP has been underscored in increasing interoperability between the South Caucasus countries and NATO. The functions of DEEP have been defined, their value for the nations in the South Caucasus have been highlighted. The retrospective analysis has been conducted in order to measure the effectiveness of DEEP in enhancing interoperability with NATO. Current and future perspectives of DEEP have been introduced to enhance the South Caucasus – NATO cooperation. The aim of the paper is to point out the importance of DEEP as a new potential for improving professional military education (PME) and building better integrated forces in the South Caucasus. At the same time, the aim is to identify factors that will lead towards the enhancement of the relations amongst the South Caucasus nations themselves.
Ways to improve reconnaissance in the interests of missile forces and artillery
Authors: Shuliakov Sergey , Dorofeev Nikolai
Published: November 2019

The article describes the experience of creating automated control systems by foreign countries. Experience in controlling fire weapons and reconnaissance assets. The analysis of their interaction. Considered in detail the automated control system of field artillery of the United States of America Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFTDS).

This is an experience of creating a system of foreign countries. Experience in controlling fire weapons and reconnaissance assets. The analysis of their interaction. Considered in detail is the United States of America Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFTDS). This is a multipurpose tactical information system of field artillery using mobile technology. It provides automated decision making for the functional subsystem, support for the ground forces and marines, as well as integrated operational units and united types of troops. The article describes the entire sector of the capabilities of this automated combat control system.

The article also discusses ADLER (Artillerie Daten Lage and Einsatz Rechnerverbund) Germany’s automated field artillery control system. This automated field artillery control system provides all the field artillery control capabilities from the division to the gun (mortar, MLRS, reconnaissance equipment). The unified information network unites target detection facilities, combat (fire) and fire weapons control centers (points). it makes it possible not only to process the data, but also to control the detection mode and hit targets, including the evaluation of intermediate results. Integrated systems of reconnaissance, surveillance, target definitions and their destruction are considered by military experts of the leading, militarily, countries of the world as a critical element for achieving information superiority over the enemy.

Analysis of the interaction of artillery reconnaissance forces and weapons and armaments of the leading military countries of the world provides an opportunity to study the development of weapons and military equipment to ensure the creation of an intelligence-information subsystem of artillery.
Compliance control of conflict of interests in the general system of internal control and resource management
Authors: Loishyna Natalia , Kustrich Kostyantyn , Tkach Mykola , Levchenko Sergey , Getmanskii Vitalii
Published: November 2019

The results of the research published in the article will be useful to professionals directly or indirectly involved in the process of identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, to managers at all levels and to internal control and compliance professionals. The article summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the specificity and peculiarities of the concept of conflict of interest, its nature and not identical with the concept of corruption. The article deals with the conceptual apparatus of the conflict of interest problem and defines the main approaches to the resolution of conflicts of interest and summarizes the research results in this area. Based on the analysis of legal acts and other sources, it is determined that the existence of a conflict of interest is not a necessary prerequisite for the occurrence of a corruption offense. The results of the monitoring of compliance with the legislation on conflict of interests and other restrictions on the prevention of corruption are clearly illustrated, information on the functioning of the system of prevention and detection of corruption in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine is presented.

The direct participants of anti-corruption activities in the system of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine were identified, considerable attention was paid to the issue of conflicts of interest in the structural units of the defense department, namely to authorized persons for the prevention of corruption. Also, a certain algorithm of implementation of the process of identification of risks related to the presence of conflicts of interest in the system of internal control and compliance is formulated. An example is given of preventing and avoiding conflicts of interest through the use of specific tools. The study empirically confirms and theoretically proves that the identification of existing conflicts of interest in a separate structural unit must be taken into account when identifying and assessing risks in the functioning of the internal control system.

Methodical tools of the study were methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction, deduction. The study period is from 2014 to the present.
Methodological aspects of construction of methods of modeling and analytical processing of databases and knowledge management system of armament and military equipment
Authors: Holovin Oleksii
Published: November 2019

It is suggested to manage the development of weapons and military equipment in a single network environment of the relevant information and analytical system by coordinating the mechanisms of interaction of information resources, which reflect different descriptions of the armament and military equipment. Such interaction should be built on the basis of transdisciplinary integration procedures, which will ensure synchronization of activities of all participants of the process and semantic and temporal synchronization of all categories and concepts of information resources and digital assets. Formation of many concepts, as the structure of semantic units-concepts and formal model of subject knowledge is ensured by the use of ontological methods. The management of information processing processes is built on the use of taxonomies that reflect the properties of information processes. As a corporate high-performance information-analytical search platform, the core of which is a two-tier system of indexing information resources, the use of semantic control and ontological interface IT-TODOS is proposed. The main linguistic functions, tasks, word processing, data preparation to preserve the database structure, function monitoring and administration implemented in the linguistic subsystem. 

The formation of the model of the problem of choice and its solution on the basis of ontology is carried out in the information-analytical system, which includes: ontological interface, modules of basic program integration, module of creation of digital document collection, indexing tools, polymic synonymic zone, module of interactive interaction multicriteria benchmarking and forecasting module.

The approach presented in the article will allow for a powerful monitoring of the processes of development, operation and modernization of armament and military equipment by analyzing the content, aggregating and rating huge amounts of information contained in file electronic collections of text documents.
Strategic communication in the modern hybrid warfare
Authors: Salnikova Olha , Sivokha Igor , Ivashchenko Andrii
Published: November 2019

In today’s world, the combination of propaganda, disinformation, psychological pressure, and attacks on information and communication systems pose a danger no less than conventional armament. Productive scenarios for counteracting hybrid threats are based on the use of modern technologies of strategic communications, management of subjects of military conflicts, and information processing.

This article is aimed at analyzing the basic concepts of modern hybrid warfare and finding place, purpose, objectives, and features of strategic communications.

An integrated use of strategic communications and reflexive control technologies is proposed to develop hybrid warfare scenarios.
PENGARUH COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT) TERHADAP PENINGKATAN BODY IMAGE SATISFACTION PADA REMAJA
Authors: Agustiningsih Nia
Published: November 2019

Adanya pemikiran yang salah terhadap body image akan menyebabkan seorang remaja melakukan perilaku yang maladaptif untuk meningkatkan body image satisfaction. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut maka remaja yang mengalami penurunan body image satisfaction bisa diberikan cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui body image satisfaction sebelum dan setelah diberikan cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Penelitian ini merupakan merupakan Quasy Experimental Pre – Post Test. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh remaja di SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Kepanjen dengan tehnik pengambilan sampel simple random sampling dengan besar sampel 50 orang.  Tahapan penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah terdiri dari tahap persiapan, tahap pelaksanaan yang terdiri dari pre test, pemberian intervensi cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) dan post test. Instrument yang digunakan untuk pre test dan post test adalah kuesioner tentang body image satisfaction. Penelitian dilakukan di SMK 5 Muhammadiyah Kepanjen pada bulan Mei 2019. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan paired t-test. Data hasil penelitian disajikan dalam bentuk tabel distribusi frekuensi dan narasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata – rata body image satisfaction (pre test) yaitu 93,7 dan body image satisfaction (post test) yaitu 108,74 dengan rata – rata selisih adalah 15,04. Hasil analisis data didapatkan bahwa nilai p-value 0,000 < 0,05 yang artinya ada perbedaan bermakna pada body image satisfaction antara sebelum dan sesudah diberikan cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Dari hasil tersebut bahwa cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) bisa digunakan sebagai alternatif pemberian psikoterapi pada remaja yang mengalami penurunan terhadap body image satisfaction.
Division of Roles in Homeschooling: Desire and Ability to Change Places
Authors: Edri Avishag , Dahan-Kalev Henriette
Published: November 2019

In Israel, like the rest of Western society, women are still largely responsible for childcare and housework. In homeschooling families, this division is even more prominent. This article explores homeschooling mothers’ perspective on role division. Using the auto-ethnographic-phenomenological approach to qualitative research of individual perceptions and experiences, I recruited a purpose-focused sample of 27 homeschooling mothers. Using interviews and personal logs (or diaries), I obtained data that underwent thematic analysis. The study findings indicate that mothers like being with their kids and that most of them would not want to change places with their partner, but the question arises as to whether there is a real possibility of choosing.
Leaf Clipping and Population Density Effects on Green Fodder and Grain Yield for Hybrid Maize (Zea mays) in Bangladesh
Authors: Rokon Golam M. , Khan Md.Mahmudul H. , Bahadur Md.Maniruzzaman , Shanto Maruf H. , Alam Md.Khairul , Hussain Jahid , Hasan Gazi N. , Islam Md.Mainul , Halder Juwel
Published: November 2019

Smallholder farmers having fragmented lands need fodder and grains simultaneously for earning food security for their families. A study was conducted in Crop Physiology and Ecology Research Field and Laboratory at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh during the period of March to July-2013 to investigate the effect of leaf clipping and population density on fodder and grain yield in maize. Three population densities (D1= 75 cm × 25 cm, D2= 60 cm × 20 cm and D3= 50 cm × 20 cm) and three clipping treatments (C1 = no clipping, C2 = removal of all leaf blades below the lowermost cob and C3 = removal of all leaf blades above the uppermost cob) at the silking stage were included as experimental treatments. The experiment was laid out in a two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that D1 required the maximum days to attain most of the phenological stages of maize. Higher population density (D3) with C3 clipping treatment gave the highest plant height, whereas D1 with non-clipping treatment gave the lowest. Highest total dry matter (TDM) was found in D2 with C1 and the lowest was found in D1 with C1 treatment. The highest yield (8.88 t ha-1) and harvest index (36.2%) were found in D3 treatment whereas the lowest yield (5.92 t ha-1) in D1 population density but harvest index (32.6 %) was lowest in D2. The highest yield (8.33 t ha-1) and harvest index (35.5 %) were obtained from C1 treatment and the lowest yield (6.55 t ha-1) and harvest index (33.5 %) were obtained from C3 treatment. The highest fodder yield (3.33 t ha-1) was obtained from D3 treatment and the lowest (2.11 t ha-1) in D1 treatment. In C2 treatment, the highest amount of fodder (4.67 t ha-1) was obtained. The interaction between population density and leaf clipping treatment showed a significant variation among the yield and yield attributes in maize. It is indicated that D3 and C1 combination showed the best performance in respect of grain yield (9.67 t ha-1) and harvest index (38.3 %) of maize. But for both grain and fodder yield, D3 with C2 showed the best performance.
Combining ability analysis and gene action for yield and yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under saline conditions
Authors: Kargbo Sieh S. , Showemimo Francis , Akintokun Pius , Porbeni Justina
Published: November 2019

Salinity is a major abiotic constrain faced by farmers in most rice cultivating areas of the world and improving grain yield in rice is the most important breeding objective. Twenty seven hybrids were generated in a line x tester mating design and were evaluated with their parents in a Randomized Complete Block Design at the Fadama site of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 cropping season. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference (P0.01) among testers and lines for all traits except panicle length and a number of effective tillers per plant, respectively. Variances of Specific Combining Ability (SCA) were higher in magnitude than the corresponding General Combining Ability (GCA). The lines FARO 60 (P7), OG300315 (P10), NERICA L53 (P4) including a tester ITA 212 (P1) were the best general combiners for yield per plant. POKKALI (P3) was the best general combiner for reduced vegetative growth and ITA 212 (P1) and ITA 222 (P2) were the best general combiners for plant height. The best specific combiner for yield per plant was P1 x P4. P3 x P11 was the best specific combiner for reduced duration characters and P2 x P7 was the best specific combiner for plant height.  Estimates of narrow sense heritability (0.00 – 0.03) for all the traits under study were low which indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action governing these traits. Therefore, inter-mating among selected segregants followed by recombination breeding in an advanced generation might be advocated for improvement of the studied traits under salinity.
Genotype X Environment Interaction and Yield Stability of Bread Wheat Genotypes in central Ethiopia
Authors: Wardofa Gadisa A. , Mohammed Hussein , Asnake Dawit , Alemu Tesfahun
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted to interpret Genotype main effect and GEI obtained by AMMI analysis and group the genotype having similar response pattern over all environments. Fifteen bread wheat genotypes were evaluated by RCBD using four replications at six locations in Ethiopia. The main effect differences among genotypes, environments, and the interaction effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) for the total variance of grain yield. Results of AMMI analysis of mean grain yield for the six locations showed significant differences (P0.001) among the genotypes, environments and GEI. The environment had the greatest effect with the environmental sum of squares (35.28%) than the genotypes (33.46%) and GEI (31.45%) effect. The AMMI analysis for the IPCA1 captured 46.1% and the IPCA2 explained 28.6%. The two IPC cumulatively captured 74.7% of the sum of square the GEI of bread wheat genotypes, when the IPCA1 was plotted against IPCA2. The genotype ETBW8075, ETBW8070 and ETBW9470 were unstable as they are located far apart from the other genotypes in the biplot when plotted on the IPCA1 and IPCA2 scores. The ETBW8078, ETBW8459, Hidase and ETBW8311 were genotype located near to the origin of the biplot which implying that it was stable bread wheat genotypes across environments. There is closer association between Lemu and ETBW8065 which indicate similar response of the genotypes to the environment. The best genotype with respect to location Kulumsa was ETBW9470, ETBW8075 was the best genotype for Dhera, ETBW8070 was the best genotype for Holeta while ETBW9466 was the best genotype for Arsi Robe. Arsi Robe and Kulumsa is the most favorable environment for all genotypes with nearly similar yield response for grain yield.
Test-Retest Reliability of Kinematic Parameters of Timed Up and Go in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dominguez-Muñoz Francisco J. , Hernández-Mocholi Miguel A. , Manso Luis J. , Collado-Mateo Daniel , Villafaina Santos , Adsuar Jose C. , Gusi Narcis
Published: November 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease defined as a state of hyperglycaemia in fasting or postprandial states. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often show reduced physical function, including low levels of strength, balance or mobility. In this regard, the timed up and go (TUG) is a widely used physical fitness test in people with T2DM. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the properties TUG in this population. The present study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of kinetic and kinematic parameters obtained from TUG in the diabetic population with different levels of diabetic neuropathy. A total of 56 patients with T2DM participated in the study. They were divided into three groups according to the vibration threshold: (a) severe neuropathy, (b) moderate neuropathy and (c) normal perception. The TUG was performed using two force platforms to assess kinematic measurements. The results show that both kinetic and kinematic variables had good to excellent reliability. The reliability of TUG was excellent for the whole sample and the groups with non-severe neuropathy. However, it was just good for the group with severe neuropathy.
Economic Optimization of the Energy Supply for a Logistics Center Considering Variable-Rate Energy Tariffs and Integration of Photovoltaics
Authors: Ximenes Naves Alex , Tulus Victor , Garrido Vazquez Elaine , Jiménez Esteller Laureano , Naked Haddad Assed , Boer Dieter
Published: November 2019

The energy supplied by photovoltaic (PV) panels connected to the grid creates more flexibility for energy management; however, oversizing the PV system may result in an energy surplus, an essential factor to be considered during energy efficiency optimization. The economic analysis of energy supply systems for buildings and industry should include a detailed feasibility analysis and a life cycle perspective. Simulations were performed to quantify the potential savings when the excess of PV energy (surplus) is supposed to be exported to the grid by considering the net metering and net billing approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the electrical demand of a logistics center with pre-design modeling and simulation, and determine the adequate system configurations by considering the life cycle costing (LCC). We established a baseline and three alternative economic scenarios for optimization. Combining the use of TRNSYS 180 Simulation Studio and its optimization library component, GenOp (Generic Optimization Program), we simulated different options of grid energy contracts considering the variable tariffs and the integration with PVs. Based on the LCC, a single-objective optimization (SOO) process was performed. This approach allowed us to envisage possible configurations, reducing up to a quarter of annual grid energy consumption that represents savings of around 21% for the LCC in a timeframe of 20 years, reaching up to 39% when the export of the PV surplus energy is considered. The payback period of investments is below six years for the optimal scenarios.
TYK2: An Upstream Kinase of STATs in Cancer
Authors: Wöss Katharina , Simonović Natalija , Strobl Birgit , Macho-Maschler Sabine , Müller Mathias
Published: November 2019

In this review we concentrate on the recent findings describing the oncogenic potential of the protein tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). The overview on the current understanding of TYK2 functions in cytokine responses and carcinogenesis focusses on the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 and 5. Insight gained from loss-of-function (LOF) gene-modified mice and human patients homozygous for Tyk2/TYK2-mutated alleles established the central role in immunological and inflammatory responses. For the description of physiological TYK2 structure/function relationships in cytokine signaling and of overarching molecular and pathologic properties in carcinogenesis, we mainly refer to the most recent reviews. Dysregulated TYK2 activation, aberrant TYK2 protein levels, and gain-of-function (GOF) TYK2 mutations are found in various cancers. We discuss the molecular consequences thereof and briefly describe the molecular means to counteract TYK2 activity under (patho-)physiological conditions by cellular effectors and by pharmacological intervention. For the role of TYK2 in tumor immune-surveillance we refer to the recent Special Issue of Cancers “JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway in Cancer”.
Polynomial and Wavelet-Type Transfer Function Models to Improve Fisheries’ Landing Forecasting with Exogenous Variables
Authors: Vivas Eliana , Allende-Cid Héctor , Salas Rodrigo , Bravo Lelys
Published: November 2019

It is well known that environmental fluctuations and fishing efforts modify fishing patterns in various parts of the world. One of the most affected areas is northern Chile. The reduction of the gaps in the implementation of national fisheries’ management policies and the basic knowledge that supports the making of such decisions are crucial. That is why in this research, a transfer function method with variable coefficients is proposed to forecast monthly disembarkation of anchovies and sardines in northern Chile, taking into account the incidence of large-scale climatic variables on landings. The method uses a least squares procedure and wavelets to expand the coefficients of the transfer function. Linear estimators of the time varying coefficients are proposed, followed by a truncation of the wavelet expansion up to an appropriate scale. Finally, the estimators for the transfer function coefficients are obtained by using the inverse wavelet transformation. Research results suggest that the transfer function models with variable coefficients fit the behavior of the anchovies’ landing with great accuracy, while the use of transfer function models with constant coefficients fits sardines’ landings better. Both fisheries’ landings could be explained to a large extent from the large scale climatic variables.
A Novel Nonlinearity Correction Algorithm for FMCW Radar Systems for Optimal Range Accuracy and Improved Multitarget Detection Capability
Authors: Toker Onur , Brinkmann Marius
Published: November 2019

Frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars are an important class of radar systems, and they are quite popular because of their simpler architecture and lower cost. A fundamental problem in FMCW radars is the nonlinearity of the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), which results in a range of measurement errors, problems in multitarget detection, and degradation in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. In this paper, we first introduce a novel upsampling theory, then propose new algorithms to improve range accuracy and multitarget detection capability. These improvements are demonstrated both by simulations and actual lab experiments on a 2.4 GHz radar system. There are several techniques reported in the literature for VCO nonlinearity correction, but what makes the proposed approach different is that we focus on real-time processing on low-cost hardware and optimize the design subject to this constraint. We first developed an optimal upsampling theory which is based on almost-causal finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Compared to the sinc-based noncausal interpolation-based upsamplers, the proposed approach is based on using interpolation filters with few number of coefficients. Furthermore, interpolators are trained for a specific class of signals rather than a highly general signal set. Therefore, the proposed approach can be implemented on lower-cost hardware and perform quite well compared to more expensive systems.
Functionalized Surface Layer on Poplar Wood Fabricated by Fire Retardant and Thermal Densification. Part 2: Dynamic Wettability and Bonding Strength
Authors: Chu Demiao , Mu Jun , Avramidis Stavros , Rahimi Sohrab , Liu Shengquan , Lai Zongyuan
Published: November 2019

In continuation of our former study on a novel combined treatment of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant and thermomechanical densification on wood, this study focuses on the dynamic wettability and the bonding strength. The contact angle was measured using the sessile drop method and the surface energy was calculated according to the van Oss method. Water surface penetrating and spreading is analyzed by both the Shi and Gardner model and the droplet volume changing model. The results reveal that the combined treatment increased the surface energy, especially the acid–base component. The contact angle declined and the water droplet spread more easily on the surface. Meanwhile, the rate of relative droplet volume decreased by 32.6% because the surface layer was densified and stabilized by the combined process. Additionally, the surface possesses the lowest roughness and highest abrasion resistance on the tangential section. Thus, the bonding strength of the combined treated poplar decreased by 29.7% compared to that of untreated poplar; however, it is still 53.3% higher than that of 220 °C heat-treated wood.
Circulating-Free DNA Analysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Strategy to Improve Patients’ Management and Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Mezzalira Silvia , De Mattia Elena , Guardascione Michela , Dalle Fratte Chiara , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. HCC genetic characterization at the tumor level has been recently completed, highlighting how a number of genes are frequently mutated in this pathology. Actionable somatic mutations found in a HCC tumor may represent targets for innovative drugs as well as prognostic/predictive markers. Nonetheless, surgical or bioptic tissue is hardly accessible in HCC and a single tumor sample is poorly representative of the tumor genetic heterogeneity. In this context, analyzing the circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) and its tumor-derived fraction (ctDNA) could represent a promising strategy of liquid biopsy. Recent data suggested that the fluctuation of the ccfDNA quantity in the plasma of HCC patients could anticipate the detection of tumor progression. The presence of somatic mutations in p53 signaling, Wnt/β-catenin, chromatin remodeling, response to oxidative stress and telomerase maintenance pathways can also be studied in ccfDNA bypassing the need to perform a tumor biopsy. The profiling of ccfDNA fragmentation and the methylation pattern could further improve the clinical management of HCC patients. Performing a dynamic monitoring in the course of systemic treatment with sorafenib or regorafenib is a possible way to provide insights into the resistance mechanism, and to identify predictive and prognostic genetic alterations, helping the clinicians in terms of treatment decision making. This review will discuss the most recent literature data about the use of ccfDNA to monitor and improve the treatment of HCC.
Biological Features Implies Potential Use of Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells in Wound Repair and Regenerations for the Patients with Lipodystrophy
Authors: Suzuki Keiji , Akita Sadanori , Yoshimoto Hiroshi , Ohtsuru Akira , Hirano Akiyoshi , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: November 2019

A paradigm shift in plastic and reconstructive surgery is brought about the usage of cell-based therapies for wound healing and regeneration. Considering the imitations in the reconstructive surgeries in restoring tissue loss and deficiency, stem cell-based therapy, in particular, has been expected to pave the way for a new solution to the regenerative approaches. Limitations in the reconstructive surgeries in restoring tissue loss and deficiency have paved the way for new regenerative approaches. Among them, adipose-derived stem/progenitor cells (ADSCs)-based therapy could be the most promising clue, since ADSCs have pluripotent differentiation capabilities not only in adipocytes but also in a variety of cell types. Accumulating evidences have indicated that the unfavorable development of adipose-tissue damage, namely, lipodystrophy, is a systemic complication, which is closely related to metabolic abnormality. Considering ADSC-based regenerative medicine should be applied for the treatment of lipodystrophy, it is inevitable to ascertain whether the ADSCs obtained from the patients with lipodystrophy are capable of being used. It will be very promising and realistic if this concept is applied to lipoatrophy; one form of lipodystrophies that deteriorates the patients’ quality of life because of excessive loss of soft tissue in the exposed areas such as face and extremities. Since lipodystrophy is frequently observed in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the present study aims to examine the biological potentials of ADSCs isolated from the HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy associated with the HAART treatment. Growth properties, adipogenic differentiation, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were examined in ADSCs from HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. Our results clearly demonstrated that ADSCs from both patients showed indistinguishable growth properties and potentials for adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Thus, although the number of cases were limited, ADSCs isolated from the patients with lipodystrophy retain sufficient physiological and biological activity for the reconstitution of adipose-tissue, suggesting that ADSCs from the patients with lipodystrophy could be used for autologous ADSC-based regenerative therapy.
Analysis of the Differential Exosomal miRNAs of DC2.4 Dendritic Cells Induced by Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Li Dong-Liang , Zou Wei-Hao , Deng Sheng-Qun , Peng Hong-Juan
Published: November 2019

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals. Exosomes are endocytic-derived vesicles released by cells, representing an important mode of intercellular communication. In exosomes, specific molecules of proteins, lipids, and mRNAs or miRNAs have been detected, some of which are capable of transferring biologically active molecules to recipient cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the only antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that activate the initial immune response. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the exosomal miRNA profile of DC2.4 cells infected with Toxoplasma gondii for 28 h, compared with those of uninfected DC2.4 cells. Differential exosomal miRNAs (DEmiRs) from these two cell groups were analyzed. Through high-throughput sequencing, 3434 DEmiRs were obtained, and 12 stably enriched DEmiRNAs were verified by Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and selected for further analysis. The target genes of these 12 miRNAs were predicted with online analysis software and subjected to bioinformatics analyses including protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, key driver analysis (KDA), gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. These DEmiRs were found to be associated with a variety of biological processes and signaling pathways involved in host ubiquitin system, innate immunity, biosynthesis, and transferase activity and could be potential biomarkers for T. gondii infection.