bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
РЕЦЕПЦИЯ ВОЙНЫ И ХОЛОКОСТА В СОВЕТСКОЙ ПОСЛЕВОЕННОЙ ЛИТЕРАТУРЕ: ДОКУМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ ПОВЕСТЬ А. ЦЕССАРСКОГО «ЗАПИСКИ ПАРТИЗАНСКОГО ВРАЧА»
Authors: Sukovata Victoria
Published: April 2020

Статья посвящена анализу художественных рецепций Холокоста в советской литературе первых послевоенных десятилетий на примере документальной повести Альберта Цессарского «Записки партизанского врача» (1956). А. Цессарский был врачом в советском партизанском отряде «Победители», в котором против нацистов воевало много знаменитых советских чекистов, спортсменов и профессиональных диверсантов, которые благодаря книгам и фильмам о них впоследствии стали частью советской «массовой мифологии» (Д. Медведев, Н. Кузнецов). В предложенной статье повесть Цессарского проанализирована на нескольких уровнях: с  точки зрения ее жанрового, содержательного и тематического своеобразия; с позиций существующей традиции исторического исследования советского партизанского движения; в контексте стремления воевавших и выживших зафиксировать свой опыт войны и оккупации в текстах (как правило, в художественных), вследствие чего в советской литературе получает распространение жанр «военной повести», включающей, в том числе, тему Холокоста. В своей повести автор стремился отобразить все сферы военной и повседневной жизни советских партизан, в частности, уделяя особое внимание разным аспектам своей профессиональной деятельности врача, духовным и гендерным вопросам в партизанском отряде, отношению местного украинского и польского населения к советским партизанам, а также восприятию Холокоста и его жертв рядовыми партизанами, их командирами и местным населением. Ценность изучения повести Цессарского состоит в том, что в ней представлено одно из первых свидетельств Холокоста в Украине, а также осмысление этого геноцида. Новизна статьи обусловлена тем, что повесть Цессарского впервые стала предметом исследования как явление советской послевоенной культуры, как документальное свидетельство Холокоста на советской территории, а также как отображение опыта войны и сопротивления советского еврея-партизана в формате послевоенной литературы.
D-Galactose Induced Changes in Enzymatic Antioxidant Status in Rats of Different Ages
Authors: HADZI-PETRUSHEV N. , STOJKOVSKI V. , MITROV D. , MLADENOV M.
Published: April 2020

Considering the preexisting influence of the process of natural aging on antioxidant enzymes activity and the level of lipid peroxidation, the age of the rats at which D-galactose (D-gal) treatment is started could strongly impact the development of D-gal induced senescence. To evaluate this, we subjected 1, 3 and 15 months old rats to D-gal treatment in parallel with having appropriate placebos (0.9 % saline). Our results showed elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and no significant changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity or malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in relation to natural aging. In mature and aged senescent livers we observed positive correlation between increased ratio R=SOD/(GPx+CAT) and increased MDA concentration. MDA levels seemed to correlate positively with the age of the animals at which D-gal treatment had started. In the case of 3 and 15 months old rats there was D-gal induced decrease in SOD and GR activity, but this effect of the treatment was not observed in 1 month old rats. Our results imply that the changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities are not only under the influence of the D-gal overload, but also depend on the developmental stage of the rats. According to our results, with regard to enzymatic antioxidant capacity and the level of lipid peroxidation, the best age for induction of senescence is somewhere after the third month.
Regulation of Transepithelial Ion Transport in the Rat Late Distal Colon by the Sympathetic Nervous System
Authors: ZHANG X. , LI Y. , ZHANG X. , DUAN Z. , ZHU J.
Published: April 2020

The colorectum (late distal colon) is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, and many colorectal diseases are related to disorders of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic regulation of colorectal ion transport is rarely reported. The present study aims to investigate the effect of norepinephrine (NE) in the normal and catecholamine-depleted condition to clarify the regulation of the sympathetic adrenergic system in ion transport in the rat colorectum. NE-induced ion transport in the rats colorectum was measured by short-circuit current (Isc) recording; the expression of β-adrenoceptors and NE transporter (NET) were quantified by real-time PCR, and western blotting. When the endogenous catecholamine was depleted by reserpine, the baseline Isc in the colorectum was increased significantly comparing to controls. NE evoked downward ΔIsc in colorectum of treated rats was 1.8-fold of controls. The expression of β2-adrenoceptor protein in the colorectal mucosa was greater than the control, though the mRNA level was reduced. However, NET expression was significantly lower in catecholamine-depleted rats compared to the controls. In conclusion, the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in regulating basal ion transport in the colorectum. Disorders of sympathetic neurotransmitters result in abnormal ion transport, β-adrenoceptor and NET are involved in the process.
Proportions of Myosin Heavy Chain mRNAs, Protein Isoforms and Fiber Types in the Slow and Fast Skeletal Muscles Are Maintained After Alterations of Thyroid Status in Rats
Authors: SOUKUP T. , DIALLO M.
Published: April 2020

Recently, we have established that slow soleus (SOL) and fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of euthyroid (EU) Lewis rats posses the same proportions between their four myosin heavy chain (MyHC) mRNAs, protein isoforms and fiber types as determined by real time RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and 2-D stereological fiber type analysis, respectively. In the present paper we investigated if these proportions are maintained in adult Lewis rats with hyperthyroid (HT) and hypothyroid (HY) status. Although HT and HY states change MyHC isoform expression, results from all three methods showed that proportion between MyHC mRNA-1, ‑2a, -2x/d, -2b, protein isoforms MyHC-1, -2a, -2x/d, -2b and to lesser extent also fiber types 1, 2A, 2X/D, 2B were preserved in both SOL and EDL muscles. Furthermore, in the SOL muscle mRNA expression of slow MyHC-1 remained up to three orders higher compared to fast MyHC transcripts, which explains the predominance of MyHC-1 isoform and fiber type 1 even in HT rats. Although HT status led in the SOL to increased expression of MyHC-2a mRNA, MyHC-2a isoform and 2A fibers, it preserved extremely low expression of MyHC-2x and -2b mRNA and protein isoforms, which explains the absence of pure 2X/D and 2B fibers. HY status, on the other hand, almost completely abolished expression of all three fast MyHC mRNAs, MyHC protein isoforms and fast fiber types in the SOL muscle. Our data present evidence that a correlation between mRNA, protein content and fiber type composition found in EU status is also preserved in HT and HY rats.
Antibiosis Effects of Rice Carrying Bph14 and Bph15 on the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Qiu Liangmiao , Wang Wuqi , Shi Longqing , Liu Qiquan , Zhan Zhixiong
Published: April 2020

The brown planthopper(BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is the most destructive insect pest in rice production worldwide. The development and cultivation of BPH-resistant varieties is the most economical and efficient strategy to overcome the destruction caused by BPH. The modified bulk seedling test method was used to identify the BPH resistance level and host feeding choice of rice lines of Liangyou8676(Bph14/Bph15), Bph68S(Bph14/Bph15), RHT(Bph3), Fuhui676, and TN1 on BPH. In the meantime, the population, survival and emergence rate, developmental duration, honeydew excretion, female ratio and brachypterous ratio of adults were used as indicators to detect the antibiosis effects of the different rice lines. The results showed that the resistance levels of RHT, Bph68S, Liangyou8676, Fuhui676, and TN1 to BPH were HR, R, MR, S and HS, respectively. The host choice implied that BPH was more inclined to feeding on rice plants with a lower resistance. An analysis of the antibiosis activity of rice lines RHT, BPh68S, and Liangyou8676 carrying resistance genes indicated a significant reduction in the population growth rate, survival and emergence rate of BPH nymphs, significant delay in the developmental duration of nymphs, reduced honeydew excretion of females, decreased female ratio, and a decreased brachypterous ratio of females and males, when compared with rice carrying no BPH-resistant genes.
Biocontrol Potential of Some Entomopathogenic Fungal Strains Against Bean Aphid Megoura japonica (Matsumura)
Authors: Trinh Duy Nam , Ha Thi Kim Lien , Qiu Dewen
Published: April 2020

This research reported the in vitro pathogenicity of Verticillium lecanii strains, L2 and L5, and Beauveria bassiana strains, B76 and B252, against Megoura japonica using leaf-dip method. The virulence potential of these four entomopathogenic fungal strains of V. lecanii and of B. bassiana were compared between fungi conidia (concentrations 1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1) and culture filtrate. Moreover, binary combination of four different fungal strains (L2 + B76, B76 + L5, L2 + B252, and L2 + B76 + B252 + L5) were evaluated against M. japonica under control condition. Aphid mortality was recorded after two, four, six, and eight days of post-treatment. In the conidial concentration bioassay, strain B76 showed maximal mortality (85.3%) against bean aphid, and strain L5 showed the lowest effect (60.0%) at the highest concentration (1 × 108 conidia mL−1) at eight days post-treatment. Whereas, binary combinations of B76 and L2 strains showed the highest effect against M. japonica (90.5%) than other combinations. Moreover, in comparison with the effect of filtrate and conidia bioassay, 91.4% and 84.1% were achieved in strain B76, and the lowest effect (63.8% and 55.1%) was recorded in strain L5.
RETRACTED: Effect of Plant Extracts and Metam Sodium on the Soilborne Fungal Pathogens, Meloidogyne spp., and Soil Microbial Community
Authors: Montiel-Rozas María , Díez-Rojo Miguel , Ros Margarita , Pascual José
Published: April 2020

In agreement with the Agronomy Editorial office, Editor-in-Chief and authors, due to legal issues this article has been removed from the public record and marked as retracted. Please refer to the retraction note.
Gibberellic Acid Can Improve Seed Germination and Ornamental Quality of Selected Cyclamen Species Grown Under Short and Long Days
Authors: Cornea-Cipcigan Mihaiela , Pamfil Doru , Sisea Cristian Radu , Mărgăoan Rodica
Published: April 2020

Cyclamen species (swinebread spp.) are perennial herbaceous plants which belong to the Primulaceae family, widely used as medicinal or ornamental plants. Currently, gibberellic acid (GA3), an environmentally friendly bioregulator is widely used to enhance the productivity and phenotypic characteristics of multiple ornamental crops. A dual experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of gibberellic acid (50, 100 or 150 mg/L), on germination earliness of seeds, along with growth and ornamental quality of selected Cyclamen species. Additionally, a greenhouse experiment with long and short sunlight photoperiod was conducted to evaluate its importance in the development of Cyclamen plants. Our results indicated that under short sunlight exposure, seeds germinated earlier than those kept in long sunlight photoperiod. Plants treated with foliar applications of GA3 exhibited higher plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, root length and tuber development. Significant differences were found in germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and seedling vigor index (SVI), within different GA3 supplementation and greenhouse sunlight intensity (short and long days). In conclusion, our study suggests that seedling vigor and ornamental quality can be increased by GA3 application, an economic strategy for enhancing germination and growth of selected Cyclamen species.
Benzamide Derivatives Targeting the Cell Division Protein FtsZ: Modifications of the Linker and the Benzodioxane Scaffold and Their Effects on Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Straniero Valentina , Suigo Lorenzo , Casiraghi Andrea , Sebastián-Pérez Victor , Hrast Martina , Zanotto Carlo , Zdovc Irena , De Giuli Morghen Carlo , Radaelli Antonia , Valoti Ermanno
Published: April 2020

Filamentous temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) is a prokaryotic protein with an essential role in the bacterial cell division process. It is widely conserved and expressed in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. In the last decade, several research groups have pointed out molecules able to target FtsZ in Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and other Gram-positive strains, with sub-micromolar Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs). Conversely, no promising derivatives active on Gram-negatives have been found up to now. Here, we report our results on a class of benzamide compounds, which showed comparable inhibitory activities on both S. aureus and Escherichia coli FtsZ, even though they proved to be substrates of E. coli efflux pump AcrAB, thus affecting the antimicrobial activity. These surprising results confirmed how a single molecule can target both species while maintaining potent antimicrobial activity. A further computational study helped us decipher the structural features necessary for broad spectrum activity and assess the drug-like profile and the on-target activity of this family of compounds.
Citrus × Clementina Hort. Juice Enriched with Its By-Products (Peels and Leaves): Chemical Composition, In Vitro Bioactivity, and Impact of Processing
Authors: Leporini Mariarosaria , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Sicari Vincenzo , Pellicanò Teresa Maria , Reitano Antonella , Dugay Annabelle , Deguin Brigitte , Tundis Rosa
Published: April 2020

This work investigated a model for the reuse of Citrus × clementina Hort. by-products for the development of a functional drink able to exert antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Juice obtained from fruits collected in three different areas of Calabria (Italy) was analysed. C. × clementina juice from Corigliano Calabro (JF), characterized by the highest content of bioactive compounds and bioactivity, was chosen as a matrix to be enrichment with hydroalcoholic ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina leaf from Corigliano Calabro (CO2) and ethanol ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina peel from Cetraro (BC3) extracts at different concentrations. The highest phytochemical content and bioactivities were found in juice enriched with leaf and leaf + peel extracts, with particular reference to antioxidant activity. In order to estimate the effects of pasteurization, 20% (mg/100 mL) enriched juice was subjected to this process. Based on obtained data of bioactivity and sensorial analysis, C. × clementina by-products could be proposed as a promising source of bioactive compounds useful for the formulation of a functional drink for preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Power-Balancing Software Implementation to Mitigate Side-Channel Attacks without Using Look-Up Tables
Authors: Kim HanBit , Kim HeeSeok , Hong Seokhie
Published: April 2020

With the increasing number of side-channel attacks, countermeasure designers continue to develop various implementations to address such threats. Power-balancing (PB) methods hold the number of 1s and/or transitions (i.e., Hamming weight/distance) of internal processes constant to ensure side-channel safety in an environment in which it is difficult to use random numbers. Most existing studies employed look-up tables (LUTs) to compute those operations, except for XOR and NOT operations. However, LUT-based schemes exhibit some side-channel issues in the address bits of LUTs. In this paper, we propose the application of AND and ADD operations to PB methods based on a rule that encodes 8-bit data into a 32-bit codeword without using LUTs. Unlike previous studies that employed LUTs, our proposals overcome side-channel vulnerabilities associated with the address bits and memory wastage. In addition, we evaluate the side-channel security ensured by the proposed method in comparison with that ensured by other methods. Finally, we apply our methods to SIMON/SPECK ciphers and analyze their performance by comparing them with older schemes.
Seasonal and Long-Term Trend of on-Road Gasoline and Diesel Vehicle Emission Factors Measured in Traffic Tunnels
Authors: Li Xiang , Dallmann Timothy R. , May Andrew A. , Presto Albert A.
Published: April 2020

Emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants from on-road gasoline and diesel vehicles were measured in a traffic tunnel under real-world driving conditions. Emission factors were attributed to gasoline and diesel vehicles using linear regression against the fraction of fuel consumed by diesel vehicles (% fuelD). We measured 67% higher NOx emissions from gasoline vehicles in winter than in spring (2 versus 1.2 g NO2 kg fuel−1). Emissions of CO, NOx, and particulate matter from diesel vehicles all showed impacts of recent policy changes to reduce emissions from this source. Comparison of our measurements to those of a previous study ~10 years prior in a nearby traffic tunnel on the same highway showed that emission factors for both gasoline and diesel vehicles have fallen by 50–70%. To further confirm this long-term trend, we summarized emission factors measured in previous tunnel studies in the U.S. since the 1990s. More restrictive emission standards are effective at reducing emissions from both diesel and gasoline vehicles, and decreases in observed emissions can be mapped to specific vehicle control policies. The trend of diesel-to-gasoline emission factor ratios revealed changes in the relative importance of vehicle types, though fuel-specific emission factors of NOx and elemental carbon (EC) are still substantially larger (~5–10 times) for diesel vehicles than gasoline vehicles.
Multi-Criteria Efficiency Analysis of Using Waste-Based Fuel Mixtures in the Power Industries of China, Japan, and Russia
Authors: Vershinina Ksenia , Dorokhov Vadim , Romanov Daniil , Nyashina Galina , Kuznetsov Geniy
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the results of analyzing the efficiency of the following five fuel types: dry coal, wet coal processing waste, coal–water slurry, and two waste-derived slurries. In the calculations, we employed 16 criteria related to the energy industry, economy, social aspects, safety at plants, and environmental protection. We used the experimental data, obtained from the combustion of the fuels under study at three heating temperatures (700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C). Three countries were analyzed, where all of them have a high share of using fossil fuels in the energy industry: Japan, China, and Russia. The total performance indicator was calculated using three multiple-criteria decision analysis techniques (weighted sum method, weighted product method, and analytic hierarchy process). The choice of weight coefficients was confirmed for each method. We found that coal and coal–water slurry had the lowest integral efficiency indicators (0.016–0.535 and 0.045–0.566, respectively). The maximum effect was achieved when using waste-derived slurry with used turbine oil (0.190–0.800) and coal processing waste (0.535–0.907). There were, on average, 3%–60% differences in the integral efficiency indicator for the same fuel in different countries. The difference in the efficiency indicator of the same fuel in different countries was on average 3%–60%; with changes in temperature, the difference in efficiency was 5%–20%; and when changing the calculation procedure, the difference was 10%–90%.
Rainfall Induced Landslide Studies in Indian Himalayan Region: A Critical Review
Authors: Dikshit Abhirup , Sarkar Raju , Pradhan Biswajeet , Segoni Samuele , Alamri Abdullah M.
Published: April 2020

Landslides are one of the most devastating and recurring natural disasters and have affected several mountainous regions across the globe. The Indian Himalayan region is no exception to landslide incidences affecting key economic sectors such as transportation and agriculture and often leading to loss of lives. As reflected in the global landslide dataset, most of the landslides in this region are rainfall triggered. The region is prone to 15% of the global rainfall-induced landslides, and thereby a review of the studies in the region is inevitable. The high exposure to landslide risk has made the Indian Himalayas receive growing attention by the landslides community. A review of landslides studies conducted in this region is therefore important to provide a general picture of the state-of-the-art, a reference point for researchers and practitioners working in this region for the first time, and a summary of the improvements most urgently needed to better address landslide hazard research and management. This article focuses on various studies ranging from forecasting and monitoring to hazard and susceptibility analysis. The various factors used to analyze landslide are also studied for various landslide zones in the region. The analysis reveals that there are several avenues where significant research work is needed such as the inclusion of climate change factors or the acquisition of basic data of highest quality to be used as input data for computational models. In addition, the review reveals that, despite the entire region being highly landslide prone, most of the studies have focused on few regions and large areas have been neglected. The aim of the review is to provide a reference for stakeholders and researchers who are currently or looking to work in the Indian Himalayas, to highlight the shortcomings and the points of strength of the research being conducted, and to provide a contribution in addressing the future developments most urgently needed to obtain a consistent advance in landslide risk reduction of the area.
Automatic Staff Reconstruction within SIMSSA Project
Authors: Tardón Lorenzo J. , Barbancho Isabel , Barbancho Ana M. , Fujinaga Ichiro
Published: April 2020

The automatic analysis of scores has been a research topic of interest for the last few decades and still is since music databases that include musical scores are currently being created to make musical content available to the public, including scores of ancient music. For the correct analysis of music elements and their interpretation, the identification of staff lines is of key importance. In this paper, a scheme to post-process the output of a previous musical object identification system is described. This system allows the reconstruction by means of detection, tracking and interpolation of the staff lines of ancient scores from the digital Salzinnes Database. The scheme developed shows a remarkable performance on the specific task it was created for.
Local Feature-Aware Siamese Matching Model for Vehicle Re-Identification
Authors: Wang Honglie , Sun Shouqian , Zhou Lunan , Guo Lilin , Min Xin , Li Chao
Published: April 2020

Vehicle re-identification is attracting an increasing amount of attention in intelligent transportation and is widely used in public security. In comparison to person re-identification, vehicle re-identification is more challenging because vehicles with different IDs are generated by a unified pipeline and cannot only be distinguished based on the subtle differences in their features such as lights, ornaments, and decorations. In this paper, we propose a local feature-aware Siamese matching model for vehicle re-identification. A local feature-aware Siamese matching model focuses on the informative parts in an image and these are the parts most likely to differ among vehicles with different IDs. In addition, we utilize Siamese feature matching to better supervise our attention. Furthermore, a perspective transformer network, which can eliminate image deformation, has been designed for feature extraction. We have conducted extensive experiments on three large-scale vehicle re-ID datasets, i.e., VeRi-776, VehicleID, and PKU-VD, and the results show that our method is superior to the state-of-the-art methods.
Variable Dampers to Mitigate Structural Demand to Wind Turbines: The Role of the Monitoring System Features for the Effectiveness of the Control Strategy
Authors: Caterino Nicola , Pugliano Giovanni , Spizzuoco Mariacristina , Robustelli Umberto
Published: April 2020

In the last decade, some researchers and professionals have been engaged in the study of methods and techniques that can build high wind turbines while containing construction costs within the limits of economic convenience. Among the most promising solutions is that of using innovative devices to mitigate the structural demand for the towers. The reduction in the stress demand in the foundation makes the strategy particularly interesting for the repowering of existing plants, where it is convenient not to demolish and rebuild the foundation, but rather to reuse the existing one for the new plant. A semi-active vibration control strategy, based on the adoption of controllable dissipative devices, is presented herein. The proposed technique requires the tower to be equipped with a measurement system suitable for the real time monitoring of structural response. Performing reliable high-frequency measurements of the horizontal displacement of points located at heights of tens of meters is not simple. With the purpose of assessing the efficiency and feasibility of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based systems for the control of wind turbine structures, the proposed paper tries to investigate the characteristics and data processing techniques that are able to make the GNSS useful for such applications. Several numerical simulations were carried out with reference to a case-study wind turbine to quantitatively assess how the performance of the control system changes as the features of the monitoring system worsen, and finally to draw conclusions and suggestions for the minimum performance that monitoring devices must have for an effective reduction in structural demand.
Effect of Salinity on the Gut Microbiome of Pike Fry (Esox lucius)
Authors: Dulski Tomasz , Kujawa Roman , Godzieba Martyna , Ciesielski Slawomir
Published: April 2020

The increasing popularity of pike in angling and fish farming has created a need to increase pike production. However, intensive pike farming is subject to limitations due to diseases and pathogens. Sodium chloride (NaCl) could be a good alternative to chemotherapeutics, especially for protecting the fish against pathogens and parasites at early life stages. However, the impact of high salinity on the symbiotic bacteria inhabiting freshwater fish is still unclear. Therefore, our objective was to analyze the gut microbiome to find possible changes caused by salinity. In this study, the influence of 3‰ and 7‰ salinity on pike fry was investigated. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to profile the gut microbiome of the fish. It was found that salinity had a statistically significant influence on pike fry mortality. Mortality was highest in the 7‰ salinity group and lowest in the 3‰ group. Microbiological analysis indicated that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria predominated in the pike gut microbiome in all examined groups, followed by lower percentages of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. There were no statistically significant differences in the percent abundance of bacterial taxa between the control group and groups with a higher salinity. Our results suggest that salinity influences the gut microbiome structure in pike fry, and that 3‰ salinity may be a good solution for culturing pike at this stage in their development.
Reciprocating Compressor Multi-Fault Classification Using Symbolic Dynamics and Complex Correlation Measure
Authors: Cerrada Mariela , Macancela Jean-Carlo , Cabrera Diego , Estupiñan Edgar , Sánchez René-Vinicio , Medina Ruben
Published: April 2020

Prognostics and Health Management technologies are useful for early fault detection and optimization of reliability in mechanical systems. Reciprocating compressors units are commonly used in industry for gas pressurization and transportation, and the valves in compressors are considered vulnerable parts susceptible to failure. Then, early detection of faults is important for avoiding catastrophic accidents. A feasible approach for fault detection consists in measuring the vibration signal for extracting useful features enabling fault detection and classification. In this research, a test-bed composed by two-stage reciprocating compressor was used for simulating a set of 13 different conditions of combined faults in valves and roller bearings. Three accelerometers were used for collecting the vibration signals for extracting three different types of features. These features were analyzed furthermore by using two random forest models to classifying the different faults. The first set of features was obtained by applying the symbolic dynamics algorithm, which provides the histogram of a set of symbols. This set of symbols was obtained by subdividing a 2D Poincaré plot into angular regions and counting the intersection of the phase trajectories on each of regions. The second type of features corresponds to the complex correlation measure which is calculated as the addition of the areas of triangles belonging to a Poincaré plot. Additionally, a small set of classical statistical features was also used for comparing their classification abilities to the new set of proposed features. The three sets of features enable highly accurate classification of the set of faults when used with random forest classification models. Notably, the ensemble subspace k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm provides classification accuracies higher than 99%.
Late 21st Century Projected Changes in the Relationship between Precipitation, African Easterly Jet, and African Easterly Waves
Authors: Kebe Ibourahima , Diallo Ismaila , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , De Sales Fernando , Diedhiou Arona
Published: April 2020

The present study utilizes three high-resolution simulations from the Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4) to examine the late 21st century changes (2080–2099) in the West African Monsoon (WAM) features. A set of three Earth System Models are utilized to provide initial and lateral boundary conditions to the RegCM4 experiments. Our analysis focuses on seasonal mean changes in WAM large-scale dynamical features, along with their connections with the summer monsoon precipitation. In the historical period, the simulation ensemble means mimic reasonably well the intensity and spatial distribution of the WAM rainfall as well as the WAM circulation patterns at different scales. The future projection of the WAM climate exhibits warming over the whole West Africa leading to precipitation reduction over the Sahel region, and a slight increase over some areas of the Guinea Coast. The position of the African Easterly Jet (AEJ) is shifted southward and the African Easterly Waves (AEWs) activities are reduced, which affect in turn the WAM rainbelt characteristics in terms of position and strength. Overall the changes in simulated AEJ and AEWs contribute substantially to reduce the seasonal summer mean precipitation in West Africa by the late 21st century, with prevailing negative changes in the Savanna-Sahel region. To further explore the robustness of the relationships revealed in this paper, future studies using different high-resolution regional climate models with large ensemble are recommended.
Dietary Supplementation with Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Reduces Abdominal Adiposity in FVB/n Mice: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro , Ferreira Tiago , Nascimento-Gonçalves Elisabete , Seixas Fernanda , Gil da Costa Rui Miguel , Martins Tânia , Neuparth Maria João , Pires Maria João , Lanzarin Germano , Félix Luís , Venâncio Carlos , C.F.R. Ferreira Isabel , M.S.M. Bastos Margarida , Medeiros Rui , Gaivão Isabel , Rosa Eduardo , Oliveira Paula A.
Published: April 2020

The production of chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) is mostly concentrated in Europe. Chestnut is recognized by its high content of antioxidants and phytosterols. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary chestnut consumption over physiological variables of FVB/n mice. Eighteen FVB/n male 7-month-old mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 6): 1 (control group) fed a standard diet; 2 fed a diet supplemented with 0.55% (w/w) chestnut; and 3 supplemented with 1.1% (w/w) chestnut. Body weight, water, and food intake were recorded weekly. Following 35 days of supplementation, the mice were sacrificed for the collection of biological samples. Chestnut supplementation at 1.1% reduced abdominal adipose tissue. Lower serum cholesterol was also observed in animals supplemented with chestnut. There were no significant differences concerning the incidence of histological lesions nor in biochemical markers of hepatic damage and oxidative stress. These results suggest that chestnut supplementation may contribute to regulate adipose tissue deposition.
Polymerized Selenium Nanoparticles for Folate-Receptor-Targeted Delivery of Anti-Luc-siRNA: Potential for Gene Silencing
Authors: Maiyo Fiona , Singh Moganavelli
Published: April 2020

The development of a biocompatible and nontoxic gene delivery vehicle remains a challenging task. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have the potential to increase delivery efficiency, to reduce side effects, and to improve therapeutic outcomes. In this study, chitosan (Ch) functionalized folate (FA)-targeted SeNPs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their potential to bind, protect, and safely deliver Fluc-siRNA in vitro. SeNPs of less than 100 nm were successfully synthesised and further confirmed using UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cell viability studies were conducted in vitro in selected cancer and non-cancer cell lines. Folate receptor (FOLR1) targeted and nontargeted luciferase gene silencing studies were assessed in the transformed Hela-tat-Luc cell line expressing the luciferase gene. Targeted and nontargeted SeNP nanocomplexes showed minimal toxicity in all cell lines at selected w/w ratios. Maximum gene silencing was achieved at optimum w/w ratios for both nanocomplexes, with Selenium-chitosan-folic acid (SeChFA) nanocomplexes showing slightly better transgene silencing, as supported by results from docking studies showing that SeChFA nanocomplexes interacted strongly with the folate receptor (FOLR1) with high binding energy of −4.4 kcal mol−1.
Atropine Differentially Modulates ECM Production by Ocular Fibroblasts, and Its Ocular Surface Toxicity Is Blunted by Colostrum
Authors: Cristaldi Martina , Olivieri Melania , Pezzino Salvatore , Spampinato Giorgia , Lupo Gabriella , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela , Rusciano Dario
Published: April 2020

Background: The etiology and the mechanism behind atropine treatment of progressive myopia are still poorly understood. Our study addressed the role of scleral and choroidal fibroblasts in myopia development and atropine function. Methods: Fibroblasts treated in vitro with atropine or 7-methylxanthine were tested for ECM production by Western blotting. Corneal epithelial cells were treated with atropine in the presence or absence of colostrum or fucosyl-lactose, and cell survival was evaluated by the MTT metabolic test. Results: Atropine and 7-methyl-xanthine stimulated collagen I and fibronectin production in scleral fibroblasts, while they inhibited their production in choroidal fibroblasts. Four days of treatment with atropine of corneal epithelial cells significantly decreased cell viability, which could be prevented by the presence of colostrum or fucosyl-lactose. Conclusions: Our results show that atropine may function in different ways in different eye districts, strengthening the scleral ECM and increasing permeability in the choroid. The finding that colostrum or fucosyl-lactose attenuate the corneal epithelial toxicity after long-term atropine treatment suggests the possibility that both compounds can efficiently blunt its toxicity in children subjected to chronic atropine treatment.
Language across the Lifespan in Fragile X Syndrome: Characteristics and Considerations for Assessment
Authors: Hoffmann Anne , Wang Angel , Berger Natalie , Cordeiro Lisa , Shaffer Rebecca , Tartaglia Nicole , Erickson Craig , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

While it is widely acknowledged that language development is delayed for the majority of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), there has been limited research into how best to assess this area. This study aimed to deepen the understanding of standardized language assessment in FXS by addressing the three following objectives: (1) Examine the feasibility and validity of widely-used, standardized assessments in participants with FXS; (2) describe linguistic and cognitive profiles for a large sample of individuals with FXS; and (3) Compare results obtained from objective testing in clinic to those obtained using caregiver report. Results indicate that previous results indicating strong correlations between cognition and language results hold true across a wide range of ages as well as across multiple assessments, with an exception in very young children. Caregiver report tended to give lower estimates of language ability than what was found using an objectively administered assessment. Appropriate assessments remain difficult to find as a significant percentage of individuals scored at floor when scaled scores were calculated. Further, a sub-group of participants were coded for behavioral response to testing demands, the majority being able to complete a standardized assessment. These results speak to the need for assessments that provide a wider range of items so individuals can both achieve a valid score and demonstrate progress in their attainment of language skills.
Adolescent Awkwardness: Alterations in Temporal Control Characteristics of Posture with Maturation and the Relation to Movement Exploration
Authors: Wachholz Felix , Tiribello Federico , Mohr Maurice , van Andel Steven , Federolf Peter
Published: April 2020

A phenomenon called adolescent awkwardness is believed to alter motor control, but underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Since adolescents undergo neurological and anthropometrical changes during this developmental phase, we hypothesized that adolescents control their movements less tightly and use a different coordinative structure compared to adults. Moreover, we tested if emerging differences were driven by body height alterations between age groups. Using 39 reflective markers, postural movements during tandem stance with eyes open and eyes closed of 12 adolescents (height 168.1 ± 8.8 cm) and 14 adults were measured, in which 9 adults were smaller or equal than 180 cm (177.9 ± 3.0 cm) and 5 taller or equal than 190 cm (192.0 ± 2.5 cm). A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the first nine principal movement components (PMk). The contribution of each PMk to the overall balancing movement was determined according to their relative variance share (rVARk) and tightness of motor control was examined using the number of times that the acceleration of each PMk changed direction (Nk). Results in rVARk did not show significant differences in coordinative structure between adolescents and adults, but Nk revealed that adolescents seem to control their movements less tightly in higher-order PMk, arguably due to slower processing times and missing automatization of postural control or potential increases in exploration. Body height was found to not cause motor control differences between age groups.
An Assessment of the Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Blood Pressure among Polokwane Private School Children
Authors: Sebati Betty , Monyeki Kotsedi , Makgae Phuti
Published: April 2020

High blood pressure (HBP) among children and adolescents has been associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and blood pressure among Polokwane private school children. Mean body fat % was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in girls (23.74) than the boys (16.77). There was a significant (P < 0.05) association between systolic blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC) unadjusted (OR = 1.125) and adjusted (OR = 1.097) for age and gender. This study included a total of 1665 children and adolescents (846 boys and 819 girls) aged 5 to 15 years old. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, hip circumference (HC) and waist circumference (WC) were taken according to standard procedures. Descriptive statistics were done to determine the prevalence of hypertension and mean of all the variables. Pearson correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were all done to determine the association between blood pressure (BP) and the anthropometric measurements. All statistical analysis were done using SPSS. There was a significant association between body composition and blood pressure among Polokwane Private School children. Lowering the risk factors of high BP in children and adolescents will lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.
Performance Characterization of Waterborne Epoxy Resin and Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Latex Composite Modified Asphalt Emulsion (WESAE)
Authors: Yang Jianhua , Zhang Zhengqi , Fang Ying , Luo Yaofei
Published: April 2020

Neat asphalt emulsions have poor physicochemical properties. In order to endow neat asphalt emulsions with excellent physicochemical properties and broaden their application as pavement, this study adopted the composite modification method using waterborne epoxy resin (WER) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex. Firstly, a waterborne-epoxy–SBR composite modified asphalt emulsions (WESAEs) with different amounts of WER were prepared, and the storage stability, workability, and residual properties were characterized with a series of tests. Then, the performance of the WESAEs was comprehensively evaluated by multiobjective gray target decision-making method, through which the optimal amount of WER in WESAE was determined. Lastly, the modification mechanism of WER was revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy test. The results show that the incorporation of WER improves the high-temperature performance, thermal stability, rheological property, and adhesion of the SBR modified asphalt emulsion (SBRAE) residues. However, an excessive amount of WER will adversely affect the storage stability, particle distribution uniformity, and workability of the WESAE binder. The WESAE with 3% WER showed the best comprehensive performance; thus, the optimal amount of WER is 3% of the weight of the WESAE. Additionally, modification of the SBRAE by WER is a physical blending process, meaning no chemical reaction occurs in the blending process.
A Spatial Analysis of Intensity in Tourism Accommodation: An Application for Extremadura (Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez Rangel María Cristina , Sánchez Rivero Marcelino , Ramajo Hernández Julián
Published: April 2020

There is a general belief that the distribution of tourist activity in space does not respond to a random pattern, so having a thorough knowledge of said activity will require analyzing and understanding its distribution pattern. At the same time, the adequate planning of this sector requires exhaustive knowledge, on the one hand to be able to enhance the positive effects of concentrations in the space, and on the other hand to avoid those possible adverse effects. Therefore, various studies focus on providing information on the random pattern of these activities, especially in developing destinations with a great interest in generating a model of sustainable tourism development. This paper aims to contrast the results achieved by previous studies at the destination while describing the pattern identified through the use of alternative statistical techniques rather than those commonly used. In particular, an intensity function is estimated using three different methods: quadrant counting, K-function, and kernel smoothing. The results achieved allow the identification of the areas with the greatest tourist intensity while describing the practical implications of the results achieved.
Dual-Mode FPGA-Based Triple-TDC With Real-Time Calibration and a Triple Modular Redundancy Scheme
Authors: Chen Yuan-Ho
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a triple time-to-digital converter (TDC) for a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platform with dual operation modes. First, the proposed triple-TDC employs the real-time calibration circuit followed by the traditional tapped delay line architecture to improve the environmental effect for the application of multiple TDCs. Second, the triple modular redundancy scheme is used to deal with the uncertainty in the FPGA device for improving the linearity for the application of a single TDC. The proposed triple-TDC is implemented in a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA platform and has a time resolution of 40 ps root mean square for multi-mode operation. Moreover, the ranges of differential nonlinearity and integral nonlinearity can be improved by 56 % and 37 % , respectively, for single-mode operation.
Structural Health Monitoring System for Snow and Wind Load Measurement
Authors: Dziadak Bogdan
Published: April 2020

This article presents a system for monitoring the load caused by strong winds and snow on buildings’ roofs. An estimation of the total load on the structure is obtained by measuring the strain on the main roof girders. The system is based on a wireless sensor network structure. The measurement node uses metal strain gauges and strain sensors based on conductive carbon polymers. The application of such sensors allowed us to achieve a measurement resolution of 5.5 ustrain. The node is managed by an Atmeg8A microcontroller. The use of energy saving modes allows for a battery life of 6 months.
Corinthian Echoes: Gaiman, Kiernan, and The Dreaming as Sadomodernist Gothic Memoir
Authors: Moreland Sean
Published: April 2020

This article examines Caitlín R. Kiernan’s writing for the DC/Vertigo comic series The Dreaming, a spin-off of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman. It places Kiernan’s writing for the series in the wider context of both her prose fictional writings and representations of LGBTQI+ characters in American comics. It uses Moira Weigel’s concept of “sadomodernism” to characterize Kiernan’s writings, demonstrating how Kiernan’s use of this mode in The Dreaming anticipated signature characteristics of her later fictions. Close reading of selected excerpts from the published comics, as well as Kiernan’s scripts, emails, and editorial remarks alongside the work of queer and trans theorists, including Judith Butler and Jack Halberstam, reveal how groundbreaking Kiernan’s unsettling work with the series was and remains.