bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
МЕТОДИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ КРИМІНАЛЬНО-ПРАВОВОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ ТА ЇЇ ФУНКЦІЙ
Authors: І. В. Козич
Published: August 2020

Будь-яка наукова розвідка в галузі юриспруденції зазвичай розпочинається із формулювання та окреслення наукової проблеми, яка підлягає розв'язанню в процесі дослідження. Проте самого розуміння проблеми, визначення її об’єкту та предмету, явно недостатньо, адже кожен науковець, усвідомивши ці питання та визначивши для себе відповідну мету й завдання, стикається з необхідністю вибору методів дослідження, які, на його погляд, є найбільш ефективними для вирішення того чи іншого завдання. Це обов’язкова складова сучасного наукового дослідження, яка визначає подальші способи отримання емпіричного матеріалу та його обробки для досягнення виправданих та науково обґрунтованих результатів. У статті автор розглядає особливості застосування загальнонаукових, групових та спе-ціально-наукових методів, виходячи зі специфіки дослідження кримінально-правової політики та її функцій.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ПРАВОВИХ ОСНОВ СИСТЕМИ ДРІБНОГО СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКОГО КООПЕРАТИВНОГО КРЕДИТУ В УКРАЇНІ ЗА ЧАСІВ СТОЛИПІНСЬКИХ РЕФОРМ (1906-1917 рр.)
Authors: Д. А. Селіхов
Published: August 2020

У статті досліджено процес формування правових основ системи дрібного сільськогосподарського кооперативного кредиту, початок якому було покладено «Зразковим статутом» ощадно-позичкових товариств, схваленим Міністерством фінансів Російської імперії 19 липня 1871 р. Згідно з цим правовим актом, основним завданням ощадно-позичкових товариств було формування обігових коштів, необхідних дрібним сільськогосподарським товаровиробникам з ряду непривілейованих станів для купівлі насіння, худоби, знарядь праці, без чого господарювати на землі практично неможливо. У наступні десятиліття імперський центр вжив цілу низку актів нормативного характеру, з тим щоб унеможливити масове розорення широких мас так званих «сільських станів», які, як відомо, були основними платниками податків і, відповідно, від яких залежало формування державного бюджету. Наступним, після 1871 року, ключовим етапом у становленні кооперативного кредиту на українських землях Російської імперії були: «Положення про установи дрібного кредиту» від 1 червня 1895 року та «Положення про установи дрібного кредиту» від 7 червня 1904 року. Останній законодавчій акт став своєрідним фундаментом цілої низки правових актів 1906–1917 років, результатом яких у тогочасній країні сформувалась чітка система кредитної кооперації, якою досить активно користувалися непривілейовані стани від початку столипінських перетворень і до відомих соціальних потрясінь 1917року.
Stek Menggunakan Dua Sumber Bibit Rumput Laut (Kappaphycus alvarezii) yang Berbeda
Authors: Armin Armin , M. Aslan La Ode , Patadjai Andi Besse
Published: August 2020

Metode stek merupakan salah satu metode yang dapat meningkatkan kualitas bibit rumput laut dengan menggunakan dua sumber bibit yang berbeda. Dua sumber bibit yang digunakan adalah bibit prof dan kultur jaringan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui persentase penempelan stek, rasio berat basah : berat kering, laju pertumbuhan harian (LPH), kadar karaginan, viskositas, dan kekuatan gel dari kombinas kombinasi dua sumber bibit tersebut menggunakan metode stek lurus. Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan di bulan Januari-Juni 2019. Rata-rata persentase penempelan mencapai 92,5%, berat basah (BB) : berat kering (BK) 7,07:1. Semua parameter menunjukkan kombinasi nilai tertinggi diperoleh pada perlakuan antara prof dan kutur jaringan. LPH (6,06%/hari±0.14), kandungan karaginan (58,74%±2.04), viskositas tertinggi (348,2cps±10,60) dan kekuatan gel tertinggi perlakuan (1.066,3 g/cm2±77,833). Kesimpulan, hasil stek bibit prof vs kultur jaringan menunjukkan kualitas yang lebih tinggi daripada perlakuan tanpa menggunakan sumber bibit yang berbeda (prof dan / atau kultur jaringan saja)Kata Kunci: metode stek, stek lurus, prof, kultur jaringan
Crisis Governance, Emergency Management, and the Digital Revolution
Authors: Roberts Patrick , Misra Shalini , Tang Joanne
Published: August 2020

Digital technologies have fundamentally altered emergency and crisis management work. This essay sketches the macro-environmental transformations wrought by digital technologies in emergency and crisis management and outlines their implications for managerial reasoning and decision-making. It proposes multi-level approaches to improve congruence between crisis managers and their environments to reduce cognitive and organizational barriers and improve decision-making. The future of crisis management lies in reducing the misalignment between personal, proximal, and distal environmental conditions.
RETRACTED: MicroRNA-34c Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation and Valvular Interstitial Cell Calcification via STC1-Mediated JNK Pathway in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Yang Lieming , Zhu Xinyuan , Ni Yingying , Wu Dawei , Tian Yikui , Chen Zhi , Li Mingbiao , Zhang Hao , Liang Degang
Published: August 2020

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a common heart valve disease, is increasingly prevalent worldwide and causes high morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to investigate a possible role for miR-34c in the development of osteogenic differentiation during CAVD and to find out the underlying mechanisms. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) were isolated from the clinical aortic valve tissue samples of CAVD patients and patients with acute aortic dissection and collected. Then, RT-qPCR was performed to determine miR-34c expression and western blot analysis was applied to confirm the relevant protein expression in these VICs. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to confirm the relation between miR-34c and STC1. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining was performed to further confirm the degree of calcification in these samples. MiR-34c was lowly expressed and STC1 was highly expressed in the CAVD tissues. Furthermore, STC1 was the target of miR-34c and was negatively regulated by miR-34c. Overexpression of miR-34c in VICs was concomitant with suppression of both STC1 expression and phosphorylation level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, significant decrease of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and osteocalcin, as well as the decrease of calcification degree were also observed in VICs with miR-34c overexpressed. Taken together, miR-34c could inhibit osteogenic differentiation and calcification of VICs by suppressing the STC1/JNK signaling pathway in CAVD, making miR-34c a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of CAVD.
“Let’s Get Out of Here!”: Cognitive Motivation and Maximizing Help Teams Solving an Escape Room
Authors: Schei Vidar , Egeland Therese , Andvik Elisabeth
Published: August 2020

Contemporary teams often face complex problem-solving tasks. We theorized that two individual differences previously neglected in team research (cognitive motivation and maximizing) would be helpful for teams facing such situations. We tested this assertion on 81 teams participating in an escape-room simulation in which teams were locked into a pre-arranged room and had to solve various complex problems to escape the room as quickly as possible. The findings show that the average of the team members’ cognitive motivation had a positive direct relation to team performance, while maximizing had a positive indirect relation to team performance via cooperation.
Translational Pigeonpea Genomics Consortium for Accelerating Genetic Gains in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Saxena Rachit K. , Hake Anil , Hingane Anupama J. , Kumar C. V. Sameer , Bohra Abhishek , Sonnappa Muniswamy , Rathore Abhishek , Kumar Anil V. , Mishra Anil , Tikle A. N. , Sudhakar Chourat , Rajamani S. , Patil D. K. , Singh I. P. , Singh N. P. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: August 2020

Pigeonpea is one of the important pulse crops grown in many states of India and plays a major role in sustainable food and nutritional security for the smallholder farmers. In order to overcome the productivity barrier the Translational Pigeonpea Genomics Consortium (TPGC) was established, representing research institutes from six different states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh) of India. To enhance pigeonpea productivity and production the team has been engaged in deploying modern genomics approaches in breeding and popularizing modern varieties in farmers’ fields. For instance, new genetic stock has been developed for trait mapping and molecular breeding initiated for enhancing resistance to fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease in 11 mega varieties of pigeonpea. In parallel, genomic segments associated with cleistogamous flower, shriveled seed, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and seed protein content have been identified. Furthermore, 100 improved lines were evaluated for yield and desirable traits in multi-location trials in different states. Furthermore, a total of 303 farmers’ participatory varietal selection (FPVS) trials have been conducted in 129 villages from 15 districts of six states with 16 released varieties/hybrids. Additionally, one line (GRG 152 or Bheema) from multi-location trials has been identified by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigeonpea (AICRP-Pigeonpea) and released for cultivation by the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC). In summary, the collaborative efforts of several research groups through TPGC is accelerating genetics gains in breeding plots and is expected to deliver them to pigeonpea farmers to enhance their income and improve livelihood.
Cotton Genotypic Variability for Transpiration Decrease with Progressive Soil Drying
Authors: Devi Mura Jyostna , Reddy Vangimalla
Published: August 2020

Drought is a major abiotic stress factor limiting cotton yield. It is important to identify the genotypes that can conserve water under drought stress conditions and improve yield. The objective of the current study was to evaluate cotton genotypes for water conservation traits, i.e., high FTSW (Fraction of Transpirable Soil Water) threshold for transpiration. Plants utilize water slowly by declining transpiration at high FTSW and conserving soil water, which can be used by the plant later in the growing season to improve yield. Fifteen cotton varieties were selected based on their differences in transpiration response to elevated vapor pressure deficit (VPD) to study drought responses. Two pot experiments were carried out in the greenhouse to determine the FTSW threshold for the transpiration rate as the soil dried. A significant variation (p < 0.01) in the FTSW threshold values for transpiration decline was observed, ranging from 0.35 to 0.60 among cotton cultivars. Genotypes with high FTSW thresholds also displayed low transpiration under well-watered conditions. Further studies with four selected genotype contrasts in FTSW threshold values for transpiration showed differences (p < 0.05 to 0.001) in gas exchange parameters and water potentials. This study demonstrated that there are alternate traits among the cotton genotypes for enhancing soil water conservation to improve yield under water-limited conditions.
Plant Functional Diversity, Climate and Grazer Type Regulate Soil Activity in Natural Grasslands
Authors: Debouk Haifa , San Emeterio Leticia , Marí Teresa , Canals Rosa M. , Sebastià Maria-Teresa
Published: August 2020

Global change modifies vegetation composition in grasslands with shifts in plant functional types (PFT). Although changes in plant community composition imply changes in soil function, this relationship is not well understood. We investigated the relative importance of environmental (climatic, management and soil) variables and plant functional diversity (PFT composition and interactions) on soil activity and fertility along a climatic gradient. We collected samples of soil and PFT biomass (grasses, legumes, and non-legume forbs) in six extensively managed grasslands along a climatic gradient in the Northern Iberian Peninsula. Variation Partitioning Analysis showed that abiotic and management variables explained most of the global variability (96.5%) in soil activity and fertility; soil moisture and grazer type being the best predictors. PFT diversity accounted for 27% of the total variability, mostly in interaction with environmental factors. Diversity-Interaction models applied on each response variable revealed that PFT-evenness and pairwise interactions affected particularly the nitrogen cycle, enhancing microbial biomass nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen, total nitrogen, urease, phosphatase, and nitrification potential. Thus, soil activity and fertility were not only regulated by environmental variables, but also enhanced by PFT diversity. We underline that climate change-induced shifts in vegetation composition can alter greenhouse gas—related soil processes and eventually the feedback of the soil to the atmosphere.
Maize Kernel Abortion Recognition and Classification Using Binary Classification Machine Learning Algorithms and Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Chipindu Lovemore , Mupangwa Walter , Mtsilizah Jihad , Nyagumbo Isaiah , Zaman-Allah Mainassara
Published: August 2020

Maize kernel traits such as kernel length, kernel width, and kernel number determine the total kernel weight and, consequently, maize yield. Therefore, the measurement of kernel traits is important for maize breeding and the evaluation of maize yield. There are a few methods that allow the extraction of ear and kernel features through image processing. We evaluated the potential of deep convolutional neural networks and binary machine learning (ML) algorithms (logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), AdaBoost (ADB), Classification tree (CART), and the K-Neighbor (kNN)) for accurate maize kernel abortion detection and classification. The algorithms were trained using 75% of 66 total images, and the remaining 25% was used for testing their performance. Confusion matrix, classification accuracy, and precision were the major metrics in evaluating the performance of the algorithms. The SVM and LR algorithms were highly accurate and precise (100%) under all the abortion statuses, while the remaining algorithms had a performance greater than 95%. Deep convolutional neural networks were further evaluated using different activation and optimization techniques. The best performance (100% accuracy) was reached using the rectifier linear unit (ReLu) activation procedure and the Adam optimization technique. Maize ear with abortion were accurately detected by all tested algorithms with minimum training and testing time compared to ear without abortion. The findings suggest that deep convolutional neural networks can be used to detect the maize ear abortion status supplemented with the binary machine learning algorithms in maize breading programs. By using a convolution neural network (CNN) method, more data (big data) can be collected and processed for hundreds of maize ears, accelerating the phenotyping process.
Anti-Tubercular Properties of 4-Amino-5-(4-Fluoro-3- Phenoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thiol and Its Schiff Bases: Computational Input and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Kandeel Mahmoud , Pillay Melendhran , Deb Pran Kishore , Abdallah Hassan H. , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Chopra Deepak
Published: August 2020

In the present investigation, the parent compound 4-amino-5-(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (1) and its Schiff bases 2, 3, and 4 were subjected to whole-cell anti-TB against H37Rv and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) by resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) plate method. Test compound 1 exhibited promising anti-TB activity against H37Rv and MDR strains of MTB at 5.5 µg/mL and 11 µg/mL, respectively. An attempt to identify the suitable molecular target for compound 1 was performed using a set of triazole thiol cellular targets, including β-ketoacyl carrier protein synthase III (FABH), β-ketoacyl ACP synthase I (KasA), CYP121, dihydrofolate reductase, enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase, and N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. MTB β-ketoacyl ACP synthase I (KasA) was identified as the cellular target for the promising anti-TB parent compound 1 via docking and molecular dynamics simulation. MM(GB/PB)SA binding free energy calculation revealed stronger binding of compound 1 compared with KasA standard inhibitor thiolactomycin (TLM). The inhibitory mechanism of test compound 1 involves the formation of hydrogen bonding with the catalytic histidine residues, and it also impedes access of fatty-acid substrates to the active site through interference with α5–α6 helix movement. Test compound 1-specific structural changes at the ALA274–ALA281 loop might be the contributing factor underlying the stronger anti-TB effect of compound 1 when compared with TLM, as it tends to adopt a closed conformation for the access of malonyl substrate to its binding site.
A Localized Phage-Based Antimicrobial System: Effect of Alginate on Phage Desorption from β-TCP Ceramic Bone Substitutes
Authors: Ismail Rached , Dorighello Carareto Natalia D. , Hornez Jean-Christophe , Bouchart Franck
Published: August 2020

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a prosthetic material commonly used as a bone substitute to repair osteoarticular diseases and injuries. In this type of bone reconstruction surgery, antibiotics remain the common preventive and therapeutic treatment for bacterial infection. Nevertheless, the emergence of multi-resistant strains requires complimentary or alternative treatments. Today, one of the promising alternative approaches is phage therapy. Phages are bacterial viruses that have several advantages over chemotherapy, such as the specificity of bacterial strain, the absence of side effects, and a rapid response. In this work, we studied the impact of alginate hydrogels for overlaying λvir-phage-loaded β-TCP ceramic bone substitutes, delaying the phage desorption. The results show that the use of a 1% alginate–CaCl2 hydrogel overlapping the β-TCP ceramic pellets leads to higher initial phage concentration on the material and extends the released time of phages to two weeks when compared with control pellets. These alginate-coated biomaterials also generate faster bacterial lysis kinetics and could therefore be a good practical prosthetic device for bone and joint surgeries by allowing local treatment of bacterial infections with phage therapy for a longer period of time.
Levers to Improve Antibiotic Treatment of Lambs via Drinking Water in Sheep Fattening Houses: The Example of the Sulfadimethoxine/Trimethoprim Combination
Authors: Ferran Aude A. , Lacroix Marlène Z. , Bousquet-Mélou Alain , Duhil Ivain , Roques Béatrice B.
Published: August 2020

To limit the spread of bacterial diseases in sheep fattening houses, antibiotics are often administered collectively. Collective treatments can be delivered by drinking water but data on the drug’s solubility in water or on plasma exposure of the animals are lacking. We first assessed the solubility of products containing sulfadimethoxine (SDM), associated or not with trimethoprim (TMP), in different waters. We then compared in lambs the SDM and TMP pharmacokinetic profiles after individual intravenous (IV) and oral administrations of SDM-TMP in experimental settings (n = 8) and after a collective treatment by drinking water with SDM-TMP or SDM alone in a sheep fattening house (n = 100 for each treatment). The individual water consumption during the collective treatments was also monitored to characterize the ingestion variability. We showed that TMP had a short terminal half-life and very low oral bioavailability, demonstrating that it would be unable to potentiate SDM by oral route. Conversely, SDM had a long terminal half-life of 18 h and excellent oral bioavailability. However, delivery by drinking water resulted in a very high interindividual variability of SDM plasma concentrations, meaning that although disease spread could be controlled at the group level, some individuals would inevitably be under- or over-exposed to the antibiotic.
Adverse Effects of Methylglyoxal on Transcriptome and Metabolic Changes in Visceral Adipose Tissue in a Prediabetic Rat Model
Authors: Hüttl Martina , Markova Irena , Miklankova Denisa , Makovicky Pavol , Pelikanova Terezie , Šeda Ondrej , Šedová Lucie , Malinska Hana
Published: August 2020

Excessive methylglyoxal (MG) production contributes to metabolic and vascular changes by increasing inflammatory processes, disturbing regulatory mechanisms and exacerbating tissue dysfunction. MG accumulation in adipocytes leads to structural and functional changes. We used transcriptome analysis to investigate the effect of MG on metabolic changes in the visceral adipose tissue of hereditary hypetriglyceridaemic rats, a non-obese model of metabolic syndrome. Compared to controls, 4-week intragastric MG administration impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.05) and increased glycaemia (p < 0.01) and serum levels of MCP-1 and TNFα (p < 0.05), but had no effect on serum adiponectin or leptin. Adipose tissue insulin sensitivity and lipolysis were impaired (p < 0.05) in MG-treated rats. In addition, MG reduced the expression of transcription factor Nrf2 (p < 0.01), which controls antioxidant and lipogenic genes. Increased expression of Mcp-1 and TNFα (p < 0.05) together with activation of the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway can promote chronic inflammation in adipose tissue. Transcriptome network analysis revealed the over-representation of genes involved in insulin signaling (Irs1, Igf2, Ide), lipid metabolism (Nr1d1, Lpin1, Lrpap1) and angiogenesis (Dusp10, Tp53inp1).
Parametric and Nonparametric PID Controller Tuning Method for Integrating Processes Based on Magnitude Optimum
Authors: Kos Tomaž , Huba Mikuláš , Vrančić Damir
Published: August 2020

Integrating systems are frequently encountered in power plants, paper-production plants, storage tanks, distillation columns, chemical reactors, and the oil industry. Due to the open-loop instability that leads to an unbounded output from a bounded input, the efficient control of integrating systems remains a challenging task. Many researchers have addressed the control of integrating processes: Some solutions are based on a single closed-loop controller, while others employ more complex control structures. However, it is difficult to find one solution requiring only a simple tuning procedure for the process. This is the advantage of the magnitude optimum multiple integration (MOMI) tuning method. In this paper, we propose an extension of the MOMI tuning method for integrating processes, controlled with a two-degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller. This extension allows for calculations of the controller parameters from either time domain measurements or from a process transfer function of an arbitrary order with a time-delay, when both approaches are exactly equivalent. The user has the option to emphasise disturbance-rejection or tracking with the reference weighting factor b or apply two different reference filters for the best overall response. The proposed extension was also compared to other tuning methods for the control of integrating processes and tested on a charge-amplifier drift-compensation system. All closed-loop responses were relatively fast and stable, all in accordance with the magnitude optimum criteria.
Energy-Efficiency Improvement and Processing Performance Optimization of Forging Hydraulic Presses Based on an Energy-Saving Buffer System
Authors: Yan Xiaopeng , Chen Baijin
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes an energy-saving system based on a prefill system and a buffer system to improve the energy efficiency and the processing performance of hydraulic presses. Saving energy by integrating such systems into the cooling system of a hydraulic press has not been previously reported. A prefill system, powered by the power unit of the cooling system, is used to supply power simultaneously with the traditional power unit during the pressurization stage, thus reducing the usage of pumps and installed power of the hydraulic press. In contrast to the traditional prefill system, the proposed energy-saving system is controlled by a servo valve to adjust flow according to the load profile. In addition, a buffer system is employed to the cooling system to absorb the hydraulic shock generated at the unloading stage, store those shares of hydraulic energy as a recovery accumulator, and then release this energy to power the prefill system and the hydraulic actuator in the subsequent productive process. Finally, through a series of comparative experiments, it was preliminarily validated that the proposed system could reduce the installed power and pressure shock by up to 22.85% and 41%, respectively, increase energy efficiency by up to 26.71%, and provide the same processing characteristics and properties as the traditional hydraulic press.
Optimum Design of High-Speed Single-Phase Flux Reversal Motor with Reduced Torque Ripple
Authors: Dmitrievskii Vladimir , Prakht Vladimir , Kazakbaev Vadim , Golovanov Dmitry
Published: August 2020

Single-phase motors are used in low-power, cost-effective, variable-speed applications. As a replacement to traditional single-phase synchronous motors with magnets on the rotor, single-phase flux reversal motors (FRMs) with a rugged and reliable toothed rotor are considered for the high-speed applications. However, torque pulsations of single-phase motors are high. The aim of this work is to minimize the torque ripple and increase its minimum instantaneous value, as well as to reduce FRM losses. To solve this problem, an asymmetric rotor is used, and an objective function is proposed, which includes parameters characterizing the pulsations of the torque and the loss of FRM for two load conditions. To optimize the single-phase FRM and minimize the objective function, the Nelder–Mead method was applied. The optimization criterion was selected to maximize the efficiency, to reduce the torque ripple, and to the avoid the negative torque in a wide range of powers at the fan load (quadric dependence of torque on speed). Two operating loading modes are considered. After two stages of optimization, the peak-to-peak torque ripple in the FRM in the rated loading mode decreased by 1.7 times, and in the mode with reduced load by 2.7 times. In addition, in the FRM before optimization, the torque has sections with negative values, and in the FRM after optimization, the torque is positive over the entire period. Although losses in the rated mode increased by 4%, when underloaded, they decreased by 11%, which creates an additional advantage for applications that work most of the time with underload.
Large-Amplitude Vibrations of Spider Web Structures
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Ngamkhanong Chayut , Yang Tianyu
Published: August 2020

Spider silk, as a natural material, shows exceptional performance in its properties. The combination of the superior properties of spider silk and the geometry of spider structures make the spider web very resilient. A spider web structure can be considered as a cable-like structure with inappreciable torsional, bending and shear rigidities. An investigation emphasising on natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes with and without the consideration of geometric nonlinearity is presented in this paper. This study is the world’s first discovery of large amplitude free vibration behaviours of spider web structures. Large deformable finite element 3D models of spider web structures have been developed and validated. By using the energy method, the variational model of the spider web structures have been established to further extend the finite element model, consisting of the strain energy due to axial deformation, kinetic energy due to the spider web movement and the virtual work caused by the self-weight per unit unstretched length. The emphasis of this study is placed on the linear and geometric nonlinear behaviour of the spider web structures considering different structural patterns and material properties. To determine the large-amplitude free vibrational behaviours, a series of pretension load is applied to the first step in Abaqus to initiate the nonlinear strain-displacement relationships enabling a precursor to free vibrations. The parametric studies stemming from structural patterns (the number of radial and capture threads), elastic modulus, density, and inertia moment have been highlighted. The insight will help engineers and scientists to adapt the concept of spider webs, their geometric properties, and damage patterns for the design of any structural membranes, preventing any failure from dynamic resonances and nonlinear phenomena.
Research for Nonlinear Model Predictive Controls to Laterally Control Unmanned Vehicle Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Zhao Kegang , Wang Chengxia , Xiao Guoquan , Li Haolin , Ye Jie , Liu Yanwei
Published: August 2020

The autonomous driving is rapid developing recently and model predictive controls (MPCs) have been widely used in unmanned vehicle trajectory tracking. MPCs are advantageous because of their predictive modeling, rolling optimization, and feedback correction. In recent years, most studies on unmanned vehicle trajectory tracking have used only linear model predictive controls to solve MPC algorithm shortcomings in real time. Previous studies have not investigated problems under conditions where speeds are too fast or trajectory curvatures change rapidly, because of the poor accuracy of approximate linearization. A nonlinear model predictive control optimization algorithm based on the collocation method is proposed, which can reduce calculation load. The algorithm aims to reduce trajectory tracking errors while ensuring real-time performance. Monte Carlo simulations of the uncertain systems are carried out to analyze the robustness of the algorithm. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and actual vehicle experiments were also conducted. Experiment results show that under i7-8700, the calculation time is less than 100 ms, and the mean square error of the lateral deviation is maintained at 10−3 m2, which proves the proposed algorithm can meet the requirement of real time and accuracy in some particular situations. The unmanned vehicle trajectory tracking method provided in this article can meet the needs of real-time control.
An External Client-Based Approach for the Extract Class Refactoring: A Theoretical Model and an Empirical Approach
Authors: Alzahrani Musaad , Alqithami Saad
Published: August 2020

A commonly observed ambiguity of a class is simply a reflection of multiple methods’ implementation within an individual class. The process of Extract Class refactoring is, therefore, used to separate the different responsibilities of a class into different classes. A major limitation in existing approaches of the Extract Class refactoring is based on factors that are internal to the class, i.e., structural and semantic relationships between methods, in order to identify and separate the responsibilities of the class which are inadequate in many cases. Thus, we propose a novel approach that exploits the clients of the class to support the Extract Class refactoring. The importance of this approach lies in its usefulness to support existing approaches since it involves factors external to the class, i.e., the clients. Moreover, an extensive empirical evaluation is presented to support the proposed method through the utilization of real classes selected from two open source systems. The result shows the potential of our proposed approach and usefulness that leads to an improvement in the quality of the considered classes.
Private Label and Macroeconomic Indexes: An Artificial Neural Networks Application
Authors: Gil-Cordero Eloy , Cabrera-Sánchez Juan-Pedro
Published: August 2020

Retail companies operate with a private label assortment of 40–45% of their total assortment, which has led to a significant growth of private labels in recent years in their countries of origin; however, when retail companies decide to internationalize, it is important to know which macroeconomic indicators are more relevant when entering a new country or continent. For that reason, in this study we have as a main objective to establish which are the most transcendental macroeconomic variables for the volume and value of the private label. For this purpose, we have analyzed a total of 1400 samples, creating an artificial neural network (ANN). The results show that the most important macroeconomic indicator that must be taken into consideration above other macroeconomic indicators for retail companies to be successful within a country is the per capita debt. In addition, we have considered in this research that unemployment is not the most important primary indicator for the volume of the private label.
Organic Compounds and Suspended Particulate Matter in Snow of High Latitude Areas (Arctic and Antarctic)
Authors: Nemirovskaya Inna A. , Shevchenko Vladimir P.
Published: August 2020

Long-term studies of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and organic compounds (OCs)—Corg, lipids, hydrocarbons (aliphatic—AHCs and polycyclic aromatic—PAHs), and chlorophyll a in the snow cover of the Arctic (Franz Victoria Trough, Mendeleev Rise, White Sea) and Antarctica (in the coastal waters on fast ice and on the mainland near Russian stations) were generalized. It was shown that in the Arctic, the influence of continental air masses leads to an increase in OCs in snow. Therefore, despite the fact that the Franz Victoria Trough and the Mendeleev Rise are at the same latitude (82° N), the OCs content in the snow in the region of the Mendeleev Rise was lower for aliphatic hydrocarbons 5 and 14–18 μg/L. In the White Sea, the AHC content in the snow and the upper layers of the ice in the mouth of the Severnaya Dvina River and in the Kandalaksha Bay was higher than that in the lower layers of the ice and sharply decreased with distance from the emission sources. As a result, the snow was supplied mainly by pyrogenic PAHs. In the Antarctica, the lowest OCs levels in atmosphere were found in areas where coastal hills are covered with snow. The maximum SPM and AHCs concentration was found in the sludge (SPM—to 4.37 mg/L, AHC—to 33 μg/L). An increase in the concentration of OCs and SPM in snow sampled on the continent took place in the areas of stations and oases (St. Novolazarevskaya) where the predominance of mineral particles in the SPM was registered. In the area of the operating stations, mainly low molecular weight PAHs with the dominance of petroleum PAHs were found in the SPM of snow and in mosses.
Molecular Detection of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus 5′ Long Terminal Repeat Integration in the Genome of Avipoxvirus Field Strains from Different Avian Species in Egypt
Authors: Mosad Samah M. , El-Tholoth Mohamed , El-Kenawy Ali A. , Abdel-Hafez Lina Jamil M. , El-Gohary Fatma A. , El-Sharkawy Hanem , Elsayed Mona Mohieldin , Saleh Ayman A. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: August 2020

Avipoxviruses (APVs) are among the most complex viruses that infect a wide range of birds’ species. The infection by APVs is often associated with breathing and swallowing difficulties, reduced growth, decreased egg production, and high mortalities in domestic poultry. In the present study, 200 cutaneous nodular samples were collected from different avian species (chicken, pigeon, turkey, and canary) suspected to be infected with APVs from Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Pooled samples (n = 40) were prepared and inoculated in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs). APVs were then identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of the APV P4b gene. Furthermore, the forty strains of APVs were screened for the presence of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV)-5′LTR in their genomes. Interestingly, the phylogenic tree of the APV P4b gene was separated into 2 clades: clade 1, in which our fowlpox virus (FWPV), turkeypox virus (TKPV), and canarypox virus (CNPV) isolates were grouped, along with reference FWPVs and TKPVs retrieved from GenBank, whereas, in clade2, the pigeonpox virus (PGPV) isolate was grouped with PGPVs retrieved from GenBank. Likewise, REV-5′LTR was amplified from 30 strains isolated from chicken, turkey, and canary, while PGPV strains were free from REV-5′LTR integration. To the best of our knowledge, this study involved the detection and characterization of REV-5′LTR insertions in the APVs field isolates in Egypt for the first time. Given the above information, further future research seems recommended to understand the impact of the resulting REV-5′LTR insertions on the pathogenesis, virulence, and inadequate vaccine protection against APVs.
Role of Sodium/Calcium Exchangers in Tumors
Authors: Chovancova Barbora , Liskova Veronika , Babula Petr , Krizanova Olga
Published: August 2020

The sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) is a unique calcium transport system, generally transporting calcium ions out of the cell in exchange for sodium ions. Nevertheless, under special conditions this transporter can also work in a reverse mode, in which direction of the ion transport is inverted—calcium ions are transported inside the cell and sodium ions are transported out of the cell. To date, three isoforms of the NCX have been identified and characterized in humans. Majority of information about the NCX function comes from isoform 1 (NCX1). Although knowledge about NCX function has evolved rapidly in recent years, little is known about these transport systems in cancer cells. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about NCX functions in individual types of cancer cells.
Immunoglobulins or Antibodies: IMGT® Bridging Genes, Structures and Functions
Authors: Lefranc Marie-Paule , Lefranc Gérard
Published: August 2020

IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics® information system founded in 1989 by Marie-Paule Lefranc (Université de Montpellier and CNRS), marked the advent of immunoinformatics, a new science at the interface between immunogenetics and bioinformatics. For the first time, the immunoglobulin (IG) or antibody and T cell receptor (TR) genes were officially recognized as ‘genes’ as well as were conventional genes. This major breakthrough has allowed the entry, in genomic databases, of the IG and TR variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) genes and alleles of Homo sapiens and of other jawed vertebrate species, based on the CLASSIFICATION axiom. The second major breakthrough has been the IMGT unique numbering and the IMGT Collier de Perles for the V and constant (C) domains of the IG and TR and other proteins of the IG superfamily (IgSF), based on the NUMEROTATION axiom. IMGT-ONTOLOGY axioms and concepts bridge genes, sequences, structures and functions, between biological and computational spheres in the IMGT® system (Web resources, databases and tools). They provide the IMGT Scientific chart rules to identify, to describe and to analyse the IG complex molecular data, the huge diversity of repertoires, the genetic (alleles, allotypes, CNV) polymorphisms, the IG dual function (paratope/epitope, effector properties), the antibody humanization and engineering.
Social Cognition and Socioecological Predictors of Home-Based Physical Activity Intentions, Planning, and Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kaushal Navin , Keith NiCole , Aguiñaga Susan , Hagger Martin S.
Published: August 2020

‘Shelter in place’ and ‘lockdown’ orders implemented to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have reduced opportunities to be physically active. For many, the home environment emerged as the only viable option to participate in physical activity. Previous research suggests that availability of exercise equipment functions as a determinant of home-based physical activity participation among the general adult population. The purpose of this study was to use a socioecological framework to investigate how the availability of exercise equipment at home predicts behavioral decisions, namely, intention, planning, and habits with respect to participation in physical activity. Participants (n = 429) were adults recruited in U.S. states subject to lockdown orders during the pandemic who completed measures online. A structural equation model indicated that availability of cardiovascular and strength training equipment predicted physical activity planning. Social cognition constructs mediated the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and intentions. Autonomous motivation and perceived behavioral control were found to mediate the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and habit. The availability of large cardiovascular and strength training equipment demonstrated significant predictive effects with intention, planning, habit, and autonomous motivation. Facilitating these constructs for home-based physical activity interventions could be efficacious for promoting physical activity.
Achieving Climate Targets via the Circular Carbon Economy: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammari Yousef M.
Published: August 2020

Clean hydrocarbon technologies have a key role to play in achieving the circular carbon economy while meeting climate targets in many countries around the world. The aim of this work is to assess which technology, or combination of technologies, is the most cost-effective in achieving climate targets by 2030 leading to a quick and smooth transition to a low carbon energy system in Saudi Arabia and similar oil-based economies. We find that low carbon policy support by banning crude oil in power generation, leads to accelerated underground oil gasification, in the absence of carbon prices. We also find that setting a policy for carbon reduction targets leads to a more flexible energy system transition enabling more technologies in the mix with an increasing transition period. Our results also show that clean hydrocarbon technologies may be sufficient to achieve new climate targets, as shown by the stabilised emissions in scenario 3 by 2025, without the implementation of renewable sources of energy which most studies do not include. We propose that by investing in clean hydrocarbon technologies over the short term, the transition towards a low carbon economy will be accelerated while developing renewable sources of energy over the long term.
Decoding the Role of CD271 in Melanoma
Authors: Vidal Anna , Redmer Torben
Published: August 2020

The evolution of melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, is triggered by driver mutations that are acquired in the coding regions of particularly BRAF (rat fibrosarcoma serine/threonine kinase, isoform B) or NRAS (neuroblastoma-type ras sarcoma virus) in melanocytes. Although driver mutations strongly determine tumor progression, additional factors are likely required and prerequisite for melanoma formation. Melanocytes are formed during vertebrate development in a well-controlled differentiation process of multipotent neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). However, mechanisms determining the properties of melanocytes and melanoma cells are still not well understood. The nerve growth factor receptor CD271 is likewise expressed in melanocytes, melanoma cells and NCSCs and programs the maintenance of a stem-like and migratory phenotype via a comprehensive network of associated genes. Moreover, CD271 regulates phenotype switching, a process that enables the rapid and reversible conversion of proliferative into invasive or non-stem-like states into stem-like states by yet largely unknown mechanisms. Here, we summarize current findings about CD271-associated mechanisms in melanoma cells and illustrate the role of CD271 for melanoma cell migration and metastasis, phenotype-switching, resistance to therapeutic interventions, and the maintenance of an NCSC-like state.
Circular RNAs: A New Piece in the Colorectal Cancer Puzzle
Authors: Artemaki Pinelopi I. , Scorilas Andreas , Kontos Christos K.
Published: August 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most fatal type of malignancy, worldwide. Despite the advances accomplished in the elucidation of its molecular base and the existing CRC biomarkers introduced in the clinical practice, additional research is required. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a new RNA type, formed by back-splicing of primary transcripts. They have been discovered during the 1970s but were characterized as by-products of aberrant splicing. However, the modern high-throughput approaches uncovered their widespread expression; therefore, several questions were raised regarding their potential biological roles. During the last years, great progress has been achieved in the elucidation of their functions: circRNAs can act as microRNA sponges, transcription regulators, and interfere with splicing, as well. Furthermore, they are heavily involved in various human pathological states, including cancer, and could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in several diseases. Particularly in CRC, aberrant expression of circRNAs has been observed. More specifically, these molecules either inhibit or promote colorectal carcinogenesis by regulating different molecules and signaling pathways. The present review discusses the characteristics and functions of circRNA, prior to analyzing the multifaceted role of these molecules in CRC and their potential value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Synergistic Effect of Dietary Betaines on SIRT1-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cal 27
Authors: D’Onofrio Nunzia , Mele Luigi , Martino Elisa , Salzano Angela , Restucci Brunella , Cautela Domenico , Tatullo Marco , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Campanile Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Betaines are food components widely distributed in plants, animals, microorganisms, and dietary sources. Among betaines, δ-valerobetaine (N,N,N-trimethyl-5-aminovaleric acid, δVB) shares a metabolic pathway common to γ-butyrobetaine (γBB). The biological properties of δVB are particularly attractive, as it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Here, we investigated the possible synergism between δVB and the structurally related γBB, to date unexplored, by testing the in vitro anticancer activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, FaDu, UM-SCC-17A and Cal 27. Among cell lines tested, results indicated that betaines showed the highest effect in reducing Cal 27 cell proliferation up to 72 h (p < 0.01). This effect was enhanced when betaines were administered in combination (δVB plus γBB) (p < 0.001). Inhibition of cell growth by δVB plus γBB involved reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, upregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and apoptosis (p < 0.001). SIRT1 gene silencing by small interfering RNA decreased the apoptotic effect of δVB plus γBB by modulating downstream procaspase-3 and cyclin B1 (p < 0.05). These findings might have important implications for novel prevention strategies for tongue squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SIRT1 with naturally occurring betaines.