bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYNTHESIS OF MODYFIED FLUORESCEINE FOR CLICK REACTIONS
Authors: Selin Roman , Chernii Viktor , Mokhir Andriy
Published: April 2020

Reactions of azide-alkilic cycloaddition are well known since 1893. At the same time, with the elaboration of click chemistry, the techniques of labelling biological objects, particularly by fluorescent dyes, were widely developed. The use of fluorescent labels provides the ability to visually monitor the process streamlines hardware load and reduces research time. Fluorescein is among the fluorophores mostly used for labelling of biomolecules due to its high quantum yields and good stability in biological media. However, despite of commercial availability of fluorescein derivatives functionalized for use in click reactions, methods for their synthesis are virtually absent in the literature. Therefore, we have developed a reliable and effective methodic for the synthesis of functionalized fluoresceines for the use in the click reactions. Synthesis of diacetyl N-(4-azidobutyl)-fluoresceine-5(6)-carboxamide was performed in six stages, starting form resorcinol and trimellitic acid anhydride. The diacetylated analogue was synthesized for the click modifications in the “soft” conditions, since N-(4-azidobutyl)-fluorescein-5(6)-carboxamide is poorly soluble in the classic organic solvents. Proposed synthetic protocol allows to increase the yield of the final and intermediate compounds and to optimized the procedure of their isolation and purification.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of ACTN3 and AMPD1 Judokas Genes of ‘Vityaz’ Perm Sambo and Judo Sports School
Authors: Vostrikova A. , Boronnikova S. , Zakirov R.
Published: April 2020

The analysis of ACTN3 and AMPD1 genes polymorphisms associated with the development of speed-strength qualities for judo athletes was carried out. Overall, 71 judokas of the sambo and judo sports school “Vityaz” in Perm were tested. The heterozygous R/X genotype of the ACTN3 gene prevails with a frequency of 0.9 in the studied group. The carriers of this genotype are characterized by the average functional activity of α-actin-3. The most favorable homozygous R/R genotype, associated with the high functional activity of α-actin-3, is significantly less common (frequency of 0.1). Homozygous X/X genotype was not found in the surveyed sample. The AMPD1 gene polymorphism analysis revealed that the homozygous C/C genotype prevails with a frequency of 0,83. The genotype is favorable for the development of speed-strength qualities of athletes. The C/T heterozygous genotype occurs with a frequency of 0,17. The T/T genotype was not identified in the studied selection. Allelic variants of the ACTN3 and AMPD1 genes were analyzed in two groups of judokas with high and low qualifications A comprehensive research data analysis showed that athletes with the ACTN3 R/R and AMPD1 C/C genotypes are able to achieve outstanding sports success and sports-life longevity. These genotypes can be used as markers for determining the development of physical qualities when choosing sports specialization. Moreover, they could be helpful in predicting performance, as well as in regulating loads during training. Individual reports were compiled, trainers and athletes were given recommendations on the correction of the training process, taking into account the genetic profiles of examined athletes.
Seed Productivity of Some Leguminous Plants Studied at the Level of Cenopopulation in Azerbaijan
Authors: Mammadova Z.
Published: April 2020

During the study of seed productivity in species of leguminous plants Vicia sativa L., V. crocea Desf., V. alpestris Stev., V. sepium L., Medicago glutinosa Bieb., Astragalus glycyphyllus L., A. falcatus Lam., A. aduncus L., A. kubensis Grossh. and Trifolium caucasicum Tausch. Studied at the level of cenopopulation in the area of different botanical geographical districts of Azerbaijan Republic the highest value has been observed in Trifolium caucasicum Tausch. species (Cp=0.80), and the lowest values in Astragalus glycyphyllus L. (Cp=0.43) and A. aduncus L. (Cp=0.43). By studying seed productivity of leguminous crops, it is possible to achieve significant results in the development of animal husbandry in the country, including the provision of food security.
Glucagon-like Peptide 1, Brain, Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Modern View
Authors: Bulgakova  , Romanchuk  , Treneva
Published: April 2020

Glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone synthesized in the intestine, has attracted the attention of scientists with its connection with the brain. A number of studies have shown the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 on the functions of the nervous system, such as thermogenesis, blood pressure control, energy homeostasis, neurogenesis. In addition, modulation of glucagon-like peptide 1 activity may affect the aggregation of amyloid β-peptide in Alzheimer’s disease and dopamine in Parkinson’s disease. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have shown a beneficial effect on animal brain ischemia by reducing the area of brain infarction, reducing neurological deficit due to inhibition of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Their positive effect on cognitive function in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity has been proven, improving learning and memory. There is increasing evidence of the neuroprotective effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in animals with neurodegenerative diseases, regardless of the presence of T2DM. However, further clinical studies are needed to study the feasibility of using these drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of cognitive impairment in humans. The discussion of the above issues is the subject of this literature review.
Features of Medical Terminology Teaching in English Lessons
Authors: Abidova M. , Guzacheva N.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to consider issues related to the teaching of English for medical purposes in modern higher education. As you know, English is an integral part of a successful professional career in medicine. In addition, various international projects in the field of medicine are becoming more widespread, participation in which is also an important part of professional development for medical workers. In this article, the authors substantiates the importance of reviewing certain aspects of teaching English to medical students and offer their concept of an English course for medical purposes.
The Relevance of Integration of Modern Digital Technologies in Teaching Mathematics
Authors: Parpieva N. , Yakubova U. , Mirkhodjaeva N.
Published: April 2020

Mathematics acts as the basic subject of higher education. Most students around the world, particularly in this study, in Uzbekistan, sometimes lack motivation to be good at mathematical disciplines. The work presented in this article is aimed to promote the development of new teaching and learning methods by using modern digital technologies, in order to encourage studying mathematics.
İşitme Engelli Öğrencilere Sunulan Eğitim Hizmetlerinin Değerlendirilmesine İlişkin Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: Deliveli Kısmet
Published: April 2020

İşitme
engelli çocuklar işitme duyarlıklarını kaybetme derecelerine bağlı olarak
konuşmayı edinmede, iletişim becerilerinde ve okul çağına geldiklerinde de
öğrenme sürecinde akademik sorunlar yaşayabilmektedir.  Bu nedenle temel eğitimde işitme engelli
öğrencinin bireysel özellikleri tanımlanarak gereksinimlerinin karşılanması
gerek okul ve gerekse okul dışı eğitsel hizmetlerin sağlanması gerekmektedir.
Bu çalışmanın amacı ilkokullarda farklı sınıf düzeylerinde görev yapan
öğretmenlerin işitme engellilerin eğitimini nasıl gerçekleştirdikleri, ne tür
sorunlarla karşılaştıkları ve işitme engelli öğrenciler için ne tür destekler aldıklarını
ortaya koymaktır. Nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından fenomenolojik yönteme göre
desenlenen araştırmanın çalışma grubunu ilkokullarda görev yapan 10 öğretmen
oluşturmuştur. Görüşmeler sırasında öğretmenlere görüşme formunda bulunan 11
açık uçlu soru uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ve betimsel
analize tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırmada bulgular araştırmanın alt amaçlarına da
bağlı olarak ‘öğretmenlerin işitme engelli öğrencilere sundukları eğitim
hizmetleri, uygulamalar sırasında karşılaşılan sorunlar, öğretmene sunulan
destek hizmetler ve öğrencilere daha nitelikli ortam sunulabilmesi için
geliştirilen öneriler’ olmak üzere dört temada değerlendirilmiştir.
Bir Ölçek Geliştirme Çalışması: Bilgisayar ve Öğretim Teknolojileri Eğitimi Bölümü Mezunları için Pedagojik Yeterlik Algısı Ölçeği
Authors: Kurtoğlu Erden Meltem , Seferoğlu Süleyman Sadi
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı,
Bilgisayar ve Öğretim Teknolojileri Eğitimi (BÖTE) Bölümü lisans mezunlarının
pedagojik yeterlik algılarının belirlenebilmesi için bir ölçek geliştirmektir.
Bu amaca uygun olarak ilk aşamada bölümde kazandırılan pedagojik yeterlikler
belirlenmiştir. Bu amaçla bölümün lisans programı ve bölümde kazandırılan
pedagojik yeterliklerle ilgili açık uçlu soruları içeren bir anket
oluşturulmuştur. Bu süreçte bölümün lisans programından pedagojik yeterlikleri
kazandırmayı hedefleyen “Eğitim Psikolojisi, Sınıf Yönetimi, Özel Öğretim
Yöntemleri, Eğitimde Materyal Tasarımı ve Kullanımı” gibi dersler incelenerek
mezunların bu derslerin kazandıracağı yeterlikleri kazanıp kazanmadıkları,
kazandılarsa hangilerini kazandırdıklarına dair açık uçlu sorular
hazırlanmıştır. Hazırlanan bu sorular BÖTE alanında uzman olan 3 akademisyenin
görüşüne sunulmuştur. Uzmanlardan gelen öneriler doğrultusunda, “BÖTE Mezunları
Pedagojik Yeterlikleri” anket formu oluşturulmuş ve pedagojik yeterlikleri
belirlemeye yönelik veri toplama sürecine geçilmiştir. Ölçek formunun ilk
taslağında 58 pedagojik yeterlik maddesi bulunmaktadır. Ölçek maddeleri
arasında ters kodlanan herhangi bir madde yoktur. Analiz aşamasında öncelikle
verilerin hatasız girilip girilmediği kontrol edilmiştir. Daha sonra ise
verilerin açımlayıcı faktör analizi için uygun olup olmadığı incelenmiştir.
Yapılan açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda 5 boyut ve 30 maddeden oluşan bir
ölçek ortaya çıkmıştır. Oluşan 5 boyut altındaki 30 maddenin varyansın
%68.5’ini açıkladığı görülmüştür. Ölçeğin Cronbach Alpha güvenirlik katsayısı,
.954 olarak bulunmuştur.
Öğretmen Performans Değerlendirmesine İlişkin Görüşlerin İncelenmesi
Authors: Karabatak Songül , Şengür Dönüş
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı
tarafından 2018 yılında yayımlanan Öğretmen Performans Değerlendirme ve Aday
Öğretmenlik İş ve İşlemleri Yönetmeliği taslağına ilişkin öğretmen görüşlerinin
betimsel olarak incelenmesidir. Çalışma, nitel yaklaşımla yapılandırılmış ve
durum çalışması olarak yürütülmüştür. Bu nedenle çalışmada amaçlı örneklem
kullanılmış ve Elazığ il merkezindeki çeşitli okullarda görev yapan 55
öğretmenin görüşü alınmıştır. Çalışmada katılımcıların görüşlerinin alınması
amacıyla yapılandırılmış bir soru kullanılmıştır. Veriler, betimsel ve içerik analiz
yöntemleri ile çözümlenmiştir. Çalışma sonunda öğretmenler, bu uygulamanın
öğretmen ile öğrenci arasındaki ilişkiyi zedeleyeceğini, öğretmenlik mesleğinin
prestijini daha çok kaybetmesine neden olacağını ve uygulamada çok fazla
aksaklığın ve haksızlığın meydana geleceğini belirtmişlerdir. Öğretmenler,
ayrıca daha objektif değerlendirme standartlarının belirlenmesi ve
değerlendirme yapan taraflar arasında veli, öğrenci ve meslektaşların yer
almaması gerektiğini dile getirmişlerdir. Çalışma sonunda, elde edilen
sonuçlara göre politika üretenlere, uygulayıcılara ve araştırmacılara çeşitli
önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Commodification of the Sexuality in Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Posts
Authors: Setiawan Adib Rifqi
Published: April 2020

Kim Kardashian is the most famous people on the Earth that is worshipped by many people, including teenage girls, although she has no particular talent to justify her fame, she is entertaining in some way. This research discuss Instagram posts of Kim Kardashian through Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen social semiotics for visual texts, Michael Halliday’s transitivity system for written texts, Michael Foucault’s panopticon concept in poststructuralism, and Jean Baudrillard’s hyperreality. It reveals that Kim Kardashian’s Instagram posts represent the discipline of body and sexuality when her portrayals began to be evaluated based on normative standard of society nor selling value of capitalist system.
Deterministic Coresets for k-Means of Big Sparse Data
Authors: Barger Artem , Feldman Dan
Published: April 2020

Let P be a set of n points in R d , k ≥ 1 be an integer and ε ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) be a constant. An ε-coreset is a subset C ⊆ P with appropriate non-negative weights (scalars), that approximates any given set Q ⊆ R d of k centers. That is, the sum of squared distances over every point in P to its closest point in Q is the same, up to a factor of 1 ± ε to the weighted sum of C to the same k centers. If the coreset is small, we can solve problems such as k-means clustering or its variants (e.g., discrete k-means, where the centers are restricted to be in P, or other restricted zones) on the small coreset to get faster provable approximations. Moreover, it is known that such coreset support streaming, dynamic and distributed data using the classic merge-reduce trees. The fact that the coreset is a subset implies that it preserves the sparsity of the data. However, existing such coresets are randomized and their size has at least linear dependency on the dimension d. We suggest the first such coreset of size independent of d. This is also the first deterministic coreset construction whose resulting size is not exponential in d. Extensive experimental results and benchmarks are provided on public datasets, including the first coreset of the English Wikipedia using Amazon’s cloud.
Microbial β-glucan Incorporated into Muffins: Impact on Quality of the Batter and Baked Products
Authors: Żbikowska Anna , Kupiec Milena , Szymanska Iwona , Osytek Klaudia , Kowalska Małgorzata , Marciniak-Lukasiak Katarzyna , Rutkowska Jaroslawa
Published: April 2020

Microorganisms can be a promising source of bioactive food ingredients derived from unconventional agricultural farms. The quality of batter and final products in which 20%–80% of the fat has been replaced by β-glucan, obtained from microorganisms, was analyzed. The instrumental texture measurements showed that β-glucan batter and muffins were harder than the control sample. Fat substitution over 40%, while enriching muffins with yeast β-glucan (over 2%), led to a decrease in the quality of products after baking and during 14-day storage. The incorporation of 3% or more β-glucan into the composition increased the hardness of the batter and deteriorated the quality of the muffin crumb, after baking and during storage. The sensory study revealed that fat replacement up to 40% with β-glucan provided acceptable biscuits, but higher replacement decreased the overall acceptability.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Analyze the Concentration of Ferulic Acid, Deoxynivalenol, and Nivalenol in Winter Wheat Grain
Authors: Niedbała Gniewko , Kurasiak-Popowska Danuta , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga , Nawracała Jerzy
Published: April 2020

Biotic stress, which includes infection by pathogenic fungi, causes losses of wheat yield in terms of quantity and quality. Ear Fusarium is caused by strains of F. graminearum and F. culmorum, which can produce mycotoxins—deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). One of the wheat’s defense mechanisms against stressors is the activation of biosynthesis pathways of antioxidant compounds, including ferulic acid. The aim of the study was to conduct pilot studies on the basis of which neural models were created that would examine the impact of the variety and weather conditions on the concentration of ferulic acid, and link its content with the concentration of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. The plant material was 23 winter wheat genotypes with different Fusarium resistance. The field experiment was conducted in 2011–2013 in Poland in three experimental combinations, namely: with full chemical protection; without chemical protection, but infested with natural disease (control); and in the absence of fungicidal protection, with artificial inoculation by genus Fusarium fungi. As a result of the pilot studies, three neural models—FERUANN analytical models (ferulic acid content), DONANN (deoxynivalenol content) and NIVANN (nivalenol content)—were produced. Each model was based on 14 independent features, 12 of which were in the form of quantitative data, and the other two were presented as qualitative data. The structure of the created models was based on an artificial neural network (ANN) of the multilayer perceptron (MLP) with two hidden layers. The sensitivity analysis of the neural network showed the two most important features determining the concentration of ferulic acid, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol in winter wheat seeds. These are the experiment variant (VAR) and winter wheat variety (VOW).
An Assessment of Wildlife Use by Northern Laos Nationals
Authors: Davis Elizabeth Oneita , Glikman Jenny Anne
Published: April 2020

Unsustainable wildlife trade is a well-publicized area of international concern in Laos. Historically rich in both ethnic and biological diversity, Laos has emerged in recent years as a nexus for cross-border trade in floral and faunal wildlife, including endangered and threatened species. However, there has been little sustained research into the scale and scope of consumption of wildlife by Laos nationals themselves. Here, we conducted 100 semistructured interviews to gain a snapshot of consumption of wildlife in northern Laos, where international and in some cases illegal wildlife trade is known to occur. We found that although bear bile for medicine was the most common product consumed, individuals also used a variety of other products, including animals considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN. The majority of animals we found consumed are classified as “Vulnerable” or “Least Threatened” by the IUCN; however, sufficient demand for a species can cause increased, rapid decline in the species’ population and significantly increase the challenge of conserving them. These results therefore illuminate where conservation priorities should shift towards, so that stable-yet-consumed species do not mirror the fate of highly trafficked animals.
Cup-To-Neck Contact and Range of Motion after Total Hip Arthroplasty with Large Head Diameters: An Original Three-Dimensional Combined Gait and Videofluoroscopy Analysis
Authors: Belvedere Claudio , Lullini Giada , Ortolani Maurizio , Ensini Andrea , Durante Stefano , Ruberto Francesco , Turner Emma , Leardini Alberto
Published: April 2020

After a total hip arthroplasty, a limited range of motion and lower-limb disability continue to be observed, with these being mainly associated with the implant design and the head-to-neck ratio. Larger diameters of the head bearings were assumed to provide better stability, a larger range of motion, and smaller risks of dislocation and stem-to-liner impingement. However, these claims have never been demonstrated in real patients. The specific aim of this study was to assess, via multi-instrumental analysis, whether the range of motion of a replaced hip is limited by the stem-to-liner contact in patients with large femoral head diameters. Twenty-three patients with a total hip arthroplasty were evaluated at their one-year follow-ups using clinical and instrumental examinations. A combined three-dimensional gait analysis of the full body and videofluoroscopy analysis of the replaced hip were performed during the execution of standard, i.e., daily living, and more demanding motor tasks. The latter were meant to reach the extreme range of motion at the replaced hip site, thus revealing possible stem-to-liner contact. An original technique based on imaging and computer-aided design (CAD) models of the prosthesis components was developed to calculate the stem-to-liner distance. Excellent clinical scores were observed in the study. The gait analysis showed that the range of motion of the replaced hip in the sagittal plane, averaged over all patients, ranged from 28° to 78° in standard activities. In more demanding tasks, single peaks were as high as 110°, 39°, and 60° in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse anatomical planes, respectively. In all motor tasks, the stem-to-liner distances ranged from 8.7 to 13.0 mm on average, with one outlier minimum distance being 2.2 mm. This study shows that, even in demanding motor tasks and with an extreme range of motion, the hip joint replaced with large femoral head diameters did not experience impingement between the prosthesis components.
Influence of Occlusal Thickness and Radicular Extension on the Fracture Resistance of Premolar Endocrowns from Different All-Ceramic Materials
Authors: Haralur Satheesh B. , Alamri Alaa Ali , Alshehri Shatha Abdulrahman , Alzahrani Danyah Saeed , Alfarsi Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Endocrowns are primarily recommended in a molar region with a standardized preparation design. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different occlusal preparation depths, pulp chamber-radicular extension, and all-ceramic materials on the fracture resistance of premolar endocrowns. Ninety human premolar teeth were root canal treated, randomly divided into three main groups according to all-ceramic material used for fabrication as Lithium Disilicate (LD) ceramic, Polymer infiltrated ceramic (PIC) and High translucency zirconia (HTZ). They were further subdivided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to preparation design of 2 mm occlusal reduction, 4.5 mm occlusal reduction and 4.5 mm occlusal reduction with 2 mm radicular extension. The endocrowns from respective restorative materials were fabricated, surface conditioned, and cemented with self-adhesive resin cement. All samples were thermocycled for 5000 cycles and subjected to compressive static load at 45° angluation with the cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute until the fracture. The mean fracture resistance of LD ceramic at 2 mm, 4.5 mm thickness and radicular extension was 62.55 MPa, 45.80 MPa, 74.27 MPa respectively. The corresponding values for the PIC and HTZ ceramics were 26.30 MPa, 21.65 MPa, 25.66 Mpa and 23.47 MPa, 27.30 MPa, 37.29 MPa respectively. The LD ceramic and greater extension inside the pulp chamber had higher fracture resistance.
Analytical-Numerical Model for Temperature Prediction of a Serpentine Belt Drive System
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Behdinan Kamran
Published: April 2020

The serpentine belt drive system is used in the auto industry. To avoid thermal destruction inside the belt drive and improve the thermal fatigue life of pulley materials under a variety of operating conditions, the temperature information for each load case must be determined within only a few seconds. To this end, this paper proposes an advanced thermal model to calculate the temperature distribution of a serpentine belt drive at static state operating conditions in an efficient manner. In this model, using analytical and numerical methods, a set of equations is developed according to the thermal flows and heat exchanges occurring in the system. After calculating the thermal flows of each pulley and the belt temperature, the baseline numerical simulations are modified to output the temperature distribution for each pulley. In this manner, the time-consuming numerical calculations for each pulley are performed only once and then analytically modified to provide the temperature predictions for various designed load cases, which dramatically reduces the computational time while maintaining the accuracy. Furthermore, experiments were performed to obtain the temperature data, and the results exhibited a good agreement with the corresponding calculated results. The proposed model can thus be effectively utilized for several types of belt systems and the material development of pulleys.
Plasmonics Induced Multifunction Optical Device via Hoof-Shaped Subwavelength Structure
Authors: Wen Kui , Zhang Zhaojian , Jiang Xinpeng , He Jie , Yang Junbo
Published: April 2020

The electromagnetic spectrum includes the frequency range (spectrum) of electromagnetic radiation and its corresponding wavelength and energy. Due to the unique properties of different frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, a series of functional devices working in each frequency rang have been proposed. Here, we propose a periodic subwavelength hoof-shaped structure array, which contains a variety of geometric configurations, including U-shaped and rectangle structures. The results show that the enhanced optical transmission (EOT) effect of the surface plasmon excited by the hoof-shaped structure is highly sensitive to the polarization of the incident light, which leads to the peak’s location shift and the amplitude intensity variety of transmission peaks of U-shaped structure in the case of coupling based on the surface plasmon of rectangle structure. In addition, take advantage of the EOT effect realized in the periodic hoof-shaped structure array, we propose a multifunctional plasmon optical device in the infrared range. By adjusting the polarization angle of the incident light, the functions of the optical splitter in the near-infrared range and the optical switch in the mid-infrared range are realized. Moreover, with the changes of the polarization angle, different proportions of optical intensities split are realized. The device has theoretically confirmed the feasibility of designing multifunctional integrated devices through a hoof-shaped-based metamaterial nanostructure, which provides a broad prospect for the extensive use of multiple physical mechanisms in the future to achieve numerous functions in simple nanostructures.
Some Applications of a Field Programmable Gate Array Based Time-Domain Spectrometer for NMR Relaxation and NMR Cryoporometry
Authors: Webber J. Beau W.
Published: April 2020

NMR Relaxation (NMRR) is an extremely useful quantitative technique for material science, particularly for studying polymers and porous materials. NMR Cryoporometry (NMRC) is a powerful technique for the measurement of pore-size distributions and total porosities. This paper discusses the use, capabilities and application of a newly available compact NMR time-domain relaxation spectrometer, the Lab-Tools Mk3 NMR Relaxometer & Cryoporometer [Lab-Tools (nano-science), Ramsgate, Kent, UK (2019)]. Being Field Programmable Gate Array based means that it is unusually compact, which makes it particularly suitable for the lab bench-top, in the field and also mobile use. Its use with a variable-temperature NMR probe such as the Lab-Tools Peltier thermo-electrically cooled variable-temperature (V-T) probe is also discussed. This enables the NMRC measurement of pore-size distributions in porous materials, from sub-nano- to over 1 micron sized pores. These techniques are suitable for a wide range of porous materials and also polymers. This instrument comes with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for control, which also enables both online and offline analysis of the measured data. This makes it is easy to use for material science studies both in the field and in university, research institute, company and even school laboratories. The Peltier cooling gives the precision temperature control and smoothness needed by NMR Cryoporometry, particularly near the probe liquid bulk melting point. Results from example NMR Relaxation and NMR Cryoporometric measurements are given.
Foams in Wastewater Treatment Plants: From Causes to Control Methods
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Baldi Marco , Abbà Alessandro , Caccamo Francesca Maria , Carnevale Miino Marco , Rada Elena Cristina , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: April 2020

The formation of persistent foams can be a critical problem in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as it could lead to a series of operational problems, especially the reduction of the overall system performance. To date, the effects of foaming in the WWTPs are a problem that is currently very common and shared, but which to date is treated mainly only at the management level and still too little studied through a globally shared scientific method: the complexity of the phenomenon and the systems have led to numerous partially contradictory descriptions and hypotheses over the years. The goal must be to suggest future research directions and indicate promising strategies to prevent or control the formation of foams in WWTPs. This study examines and investigates the problem of foams by a methodological approach of research through a review on the state of the art: the factors influencing the formation of foams are described first (such as surfactants and/or extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs)), then the known methods for the evaluation of foaming, both direct and indirect, are presented, with the aim of identifying the correct and best (from the management point of view) control and/or prevention strategies to be applied in the future in WWTPs.
Learning, Improving, and Generalizing Motor Skills for the Peg-in-Hole Tasks Based on Imitation Learning and Self-Learning
Authors: Cho Nam Jun , Lee Sang Hyoung , Kim Jong Bok , Suh Il Hong
Published: April 2020

We propose a framework based on imitation learning and self-learning to enable robots to learn, improve, and generalize motor skills. The peg-in-hole task is important in manufacturing assembly work. Two motor skills for the peg-in-hole task are targeted: “hole search” and “peg insertion”. The robots learn initial motor skills from human demonstrations and then improve and/or generalize them through reinforcement learning (RL). An initial motor skill is represented as a concatenation of the parameters of a hidden Markov model (HMM) and a dynamic movement primitive (DMP) to classify input signals and generate motion trajectories. Reactions are classified as familiar or unfamiliar (i.e., modeled or not modeled), and initial motor skills are improved to solve familiar reactions and generalized to solve unfamiliar reactions. The proposed framework includes processes, algorithms, and reward functions that can be used for various motor skill types. To evaluate our framework, the motor skills were performed using an actual robotic arm and two reward functions for RL. To verify the learning and improving/generalizing processes, we successfully applied our framework to different shapes of pegs and holes. Moreover, the execution time steps and path optimization of RL were evaluated experimentally.
Entropy Generation in MHD Second-Grade Nanofluid Thin Film Flow Containing CNTs with Cattaneo-Christov Heat Flux Model Past an Unsteady Stretching Sheet
Authors: Shah Zahir , O. Alzahrani Ebraheem , Dawar Abdullah , Alghamdi Wajdi , Zaka Ullah Malik
Published: April 2020

Entropy generation plays a significant role in several complex processes, extending from cosmology to biology. The entropy generation minimization procedure can be applied for the optimization of mechanical systems including heat exchangers, elements of nuclear and thermal power plants, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. In order to present our analysis, entropy generation in a thin film flow of second grade nanofluid holding single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model is studied in this article. The flow is considered passing a linearly extending surface. A variable magnetic field with aligned angle ε is functioned along the extending sheet. With the aid of the homotopy analysis method (HAM), the fluid flow model is elucidated. The impressions of embedded factors on the flow are obtainable through figures and discussed in detail. It is observed that the velocity profile escalated with the increasing values of volume fraction of nanoparticles and second grade fluid parameter. The higher values of volume fraction of nanoparticles, second grade fluid parameter, non-linear heat source/sink, and thermal radiation parameter intensified the temperature profile. Surface drag force escalated with heightening values of nanoparticles volume fraction, unsteadiness, film thickness, magnetic, and second grade fluid parameters. Entropy generation increased with enhancing values of magnetic parameter, Brinkman number, and Reynolds number.
Review: Mathematical Modeling of Prostate Cancer and Clinical Application
Authors: Phan Tin , Crook Sharon M. , Bryce Alan H. , Maley Carlo C. , Kostelich Eric J. , Kuang Yang
Published: April 2020

We review and synthesize key findings and limitations of mathematical models for prostate cancer, both from theoretical work and data-validated approaches, especially concerning clinical applications. Our focus is on models of prostate cancer dynamics under treatment, particularly with a view toward optimizing hormone-based treatment schedules and estimating the onset of treatment resistance under various assumptions. Population models suggest that intermittent or adaptive therapy is more beneficial to delay cancer relapse as compared to the standard continuous therapy if treatment resistance comes at a competitive cost for cancer cells. Another consensus among existing work is that the standard biomarker for cancer growth, prostate-specific antigen, may not always correlate well with cancer progression. Instead, its doubling rate appears to be a better indicator of tumor growth. Much of the existing work utilizes simple ordinary differential equations due to difficulty in collecting spatial data and due to the early success of using prostate-specific antigen in mathematical modeling. However, a shift toward more complex and realistic models is taking place, which leaves many of the theoretical and mathematical questions unexplored. Furthermore, as adaptive therapy displays better potential than existing treatment protocols, an increasing number of studies incorporate this treatment into modeling efforts. Although existing modeling work has explored and yielded useful insights on the treatment of prostate cancer, the road to clinical application is still elusive. Among the pertinent issues needed to be addressed to bridge the gap from modeling work to clinical application are (1) real-time data validation and model identification, (2) sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification for model prediction, and (3) optimal treatment/schedule while considering drug properties, interactions, and toxicity. To address these issues, we suggest in-depth studies on various aspects of the parameters in dynamical models such as the evolution of parameters over time. We hope this review will assist future attempts at studying prostate cancer.
Rock Material Recycling in Tunnel Engineering
Authors: Voit Klaus , Kuschel Erik
Published: April 2020

In the construction industry, especially in tunneling or large-scale earthworks projects, huge quantities of excavation material are generated as a by-product. Although at first glance such material is undesirable, in many cases this material, if suitably treated and processed, can be recycled and reused on the construction site and does not necessarily need to be removed and deposited as waste at a landfill. In the simplest case, the material can be used as filling material with the least demanding requirements with regard to rock quality. Material of better quality often can be recycled as aggregate and be used as a substitute for conventional mineral aggregates. This approach generates numerous benefits regarding the costs for material procurement, storage and transport. In addition, reduction in environmental impact and demand for landfill volume can be achieved. The challenge lies in the fact that excavation material is not a standard aggregate in terms of geometric, physical and chemical characteristics and is subject to quality deviations during tunnel driving, mainly depending on the varying geology and applied excavation method. Therefore, preliminary research and experimental testing as well as specific evaluation and continuous examination of the rock quality during tunnel driving is necessary as well as ongoing adjustment of the rock processing plant to finally accomplish a high-quality level of recycled aggregates. This article illustrates the material investigations and treatment processes for the specific example of the Brenner Base Tunnel, the longest underground railway line in the world that is currently under construction. There, material recycling has already been successfully implemented.
Optical and Galvanomagnetic Properties of Bi1-xSbx Thin Films in the Terahertz Frequency Range
Authors: Zaitsev Anton D. , Demchenko Petr S. , Zykov Dmitry V. , Korotina Ekaterina A. , Makarova Elena S. , Tkhorzhevskiy Ivan L. , Tukmakova Anastasiia S. , Kablukova Natallya S. , Asach Aleksei V. , Novotelnova Anna V. , Khodzitsky Mikhail K.
Published: April 2020

We report results of galvanomagnetic and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements on thin films of Bi 1 − x Sb x on polyimide and mica substrates with various antimony concentrations (x from 0 to 15 %) and film thickness (70, 150 nm). The resistivity, Hall coefficient and magnetoresistivity of the films were measured experimentally in the magnetic field of 0.65 T at room temperature. Mobility and concentration of electrons and holes in the film plane were calculated using the transport coefficients. The terahertz time-domain spectroscopy is used to measure the complex conductivity and permittivity of Bi 1 − x Sb x thin films on the dielectric substrates in the frequency range from 0.2 to 1 THz. The plasma frequency, relaxation time, DC conductivity and effective carrier mass were extracted from these data and evaluated as functions of the Sb concentration for different film thickness and substrate. We observed that the film magnetoresistivity decreases with increasing the Sb concentration and for most of the films the Hall coefficient is negative and depends on the external factors insignificantly. We show that the mobility of charge carriers weakly depends on Sb concentration, which confirms the assertion about the scattering of carriers on themselves and not on defects in the structure. It was revealed that film static and dynamic resistivity (conductivity) as well as dielectric permittivity depend on Sb content and the film thickness. The results may be used for development of various thermoelectric, electronic and optical devices, such as THz detectors or components which can control the properties of THz radiation.
Coupled Numerical Model of Vibration-Based Harvester
Authors: Zukal Jiří , Fiala Pavel , Szabó Zoltán , Dědková Jamila , Pernica Roman
Published: April 2020

Herein, the authors publish the complex design of a numerical coupled model of a vibration-based harvester that transforms mechanical vibrations into electric energy. A numerical model is based on usage of the finite element method, connecting analysis of the damped mechanical oscillation, electromagnetic field and electrical circuit. The model was demonstrated on the design of a microgenerator (MG), and then experimentally tested. The numerical model allows us to execute optimization of the design with many degrees of freedom. The transformation of the wave spreading in the form of mechanical vibrations was solved in the area of resonance of the electromechanical system.
Kinematic and Dynamic Response of a Novel Engine Mechanism Design Driven by an Oscillation Arm
Authors: Itu Călin , Scutaru Maria-Luminiţa , Pruncu Cătălin Iulian , Muntean Radu
Published: April 2020

The goal of this paper is to highlight the advantage fulfilled by a novel engine mechanism, the concept of which is based on an oscillating arm relative to the classical engine mechanism. Further, the results of this paper demonstrate the benefits of a novel type of mechanism and the major advantages in terms of functioning parameters of an engine. Their performances highly depend on the joint positions of the oscillating arm. The increases in the functional performances rate of success (i.e., piston stroke, volume of the combustion chamber or compression ratio) enable a superior engine power parameter (higher power, torque) and bring some additional improvement on the eco parameters of the engine related to consumption, emission, etc.
Probability Density Functions in Homogeneous and Isotropic Magneto-Hydrodynamic Turbulence
Authors: Friedrich Jan
Published: April 2020

We derive a hierarchy of evolution equations for multi-point probability density functions in magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. We discuss the relation to the moment hierarchy in MHD turbulence formulated by Chandrasekhar (S. Chandrasekhar, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 1951, 204, 435–449) and derive a functional equation for a joint characteristic functional, which can be considered as the analogon to the Hopf functional in hydrodynamic turbulence. Furthermore, we develop a closure method for the evolution equation of the single-point magnetic field probability density function, which is based on a joint Gaussian assumption for unclosed terms. It is explicitly shown that this closure, together with the assumptions of homogeneity and isotropy, leads to vanishing nonlinear terms. We discuss the implications of this finding for magnetic field generation and give a brief outlook on an axisymmetric theory, which includes a mean magnetic field.
Online Chemical Characterization and Source Identification of Summer and Winter Aerosols in Măgurele, Romania
Authors: Mărmureanu Luminiţa , Vasilescu Jeni , Slowik Jay , Prévôt André S. H. , Marin Cristina Antonia , Antonescu Bogdan , Vlachou Athanasia , Nemuc Anca , Dandocsi Alexandru , Szidat Sönke
Published: April 2020

Aerosols and organic source apportionment were characterized using data collected during two measurement campaigns. These campaigns were conducted during the summer and winter seasons at Măgurele, a site located southwest of Bucharest, the capital of Romania and one of the largest cities in southeastern Europe (raking seven in Europe based on population). The summer campaign was conducted between 7 June–18 July 2012, and the winter campaign from 14 January–6 February 2013. Approximately 50% of the organic fraction contribution to the total submicron particulate matter sampled by aerosol mass spectrometer was evidenced during both seasons. Submicronic organic aerosol sources were quantified using the positive matrix factorization approach. For warm (summer) and cold (winter) seasons, more than 50% from total organics was represented by oxidized factors. For the summer season, separate analyses were conducted on data influenced by urban and non-urban sources. The influence of pollution from Bucharest on the measurement site was observed in aerosol concentration and composition. The primary organic aerosols have different contribution percentage during summer, depending on their main origin. The influence of Bucharest, during summer, included cooking contribution of 13%. The periods with more regional influence were characterized by lower contribution from traffic and biomass burning in a total proportion of 28%. In winter, the influence of local non-traffic sources was dominant. For more than 99% of the measurements, the biomass burning indicator, f 60 , exceeded the background value, with residential heating being an important source in this area. Fossil fuel contribution was confirmed for one week during the winter campaign, when 14 C analysis of total and elemental carbon revealed the presence of 17% fossil contributions to total carbon. Mass spectrometry, 14 C and absorption data suggest biomass burning as the predominant primary source of organic aerosols for the winter season.
Analysis of Emission of Greenhouse Gases from Road Transport in Poland between 1990 and 2017
Authors: Bebkiewicz Katarzyna , Chłopek Zdzisław , Lasocki Jakub , Szczepański Krystian , Zimakowska-Laskowska Magdalena
Published: April 2020

The paper provides the results of the inventory of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from road transport in Poland over the period 1990–2017. To estimate GHGs’ emission from road transport, a standardized methodology was applied, consistent with 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and EEA/EMEP Emission Inventory Guidebook 2019, as well as the COPERT 5 software. In the analysis, emissions of fossil carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide were taken into account. Emissions of all considered GHGs were converted to equivalent carbon dioxide. Throughout the subsequent years of emission inventory, emissions of all GHGs revealed an increasing trend, except for methane. The main cause underlying this increase is the dynamic development of motorization in Poland. Thus, GHGs’ emissions were analyzed, taking into account the number of road vehicles and the intensity of their use. An increase in the average specific distance emission was found for fossil carbon dioxide (by ca. 5%) and for nitrous oxide (by ca. 10%), while for methane, there was a decrease (by more than 150%). The GHGs’ emissions from road transport in Poland could be significantly lower if more emphasis was placed on the use of fuels from renewable energy sources.
Examining the Direct and Indirect Effects of Climatic Variables on Plague Dynamics
Authors: Yue Ricci P.H. , Lee Harry F.
Published: April 2020

Climate change can influence infectious disease dynamics both directly, by affecting the disease ecology, and indirectly, through altering economic systems. However, despite that climate-driven human plague dynamics have been extensively studied in recent years, little is known about the relative importance of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on plague outbreak. By using Structural Equation Modeling, we estimated the direct influence of climate change on human plague dynamics and the impact of climate-driven economic change on human plague outbreak. After studying human plague outbreak in Europe during AD1347–1760, we detected no direct climatic effect on plague dynamics; instead, all of the climatic impacts on plague dynamics were indirect, and were operationalized via economic changes. Through a series of sensitivity checks, we further proved that temperature-induced economic changes drove plague dynamics during cold and wet periods, while precipitation-induced economic changes drove plague dynamics during the cold periods. Our results suggest that we should not dismiss the role of economic systems when examining how climate change altered plague dynamics in human history.
Atmospheric Trace Metal Deposition near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Strzelec Michal , Proemse Bernadette C. , Gault-Ringold Melanie , Boyd Philip W. , Perron Morgane M. G. , Schofield Robyn , Ryan Robert G. , Ristovski Zoran D. , Alroe Joel , Humphries Ruhi S. , Keywood Melita D. , Ward Jason , Bowie Andrew R.
Published: April 2020

Aerosols deposited into the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) contain iron (Fe) and other trace metals, which may act as micronutrients or as toxins to this sensitive marine ecosystem. In this paper, we quantified the atmospheric deposition of Fe and investigated aerosol sources in Mission Beach (Queensland) next to the GBR. Leaching experiments were applied to distinguish pools of Fe with regard to its solubility. The labile Fe concentration in aerosols was 2.3–10.6 ng m−3, which is equivalent to 4.9%–11.4% of total Fe and was linked to combustion and biomass burning processes, while total Fe was dominated by crustal sources. A one-day precipitation event provided more soluble iron than the average dry deposition flux, 0.165 and 0.143 μmol m−2 day−1, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy indicated that alumina-silicates were the main carriers of total Fe and samples affected by combustion emissions were accompanied by regular round-shaped carbonaceous particulates. Collected aerosols contained significant amounts of Cd, Co, Cu, Mo, Mn, Pb, V, and Zn, which were mostly (47.5%–96.7%) in the labile form. In this study, we provide the first field data on the atmospheric delivery of Fe and other trace metals to the GBR and propose that this is an important delivery mechanism to this region.