bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SELECTION OF PLASTICIZERS FOR WELDING ELECTRODES COATINGS FROM THE ORE-MINERAL RAW MATERIALS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN
Authors: Saidov Rustam Mannapovich , Musaev Alisher Musaevich , Jumaniyazov Denis Ikromovich , Gafurov Bakhadir Khavizovich , Rakhimova Fatima Maratovna , Abralov Muzafar Makhmudovich
Published: April 2020

At this article presented the results of studies on the influence of wollastonite concentrate obtained from wollastonite ore of the Koytash deposit of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the properties of coatings of welding electrodes. The obtained results revealed the dependence of the pressing pressure of the electrodes on the content of wollastonite concentrate in the electrode coating, according to which the introduction of wollastonite concentrate in the coating of the base type is conducive to improving the plastic properties of the coating masses. Also, studies of the effect of wollastonite concentrate on the arc stability of the welding electrode, which showed an increase in the breaking length of the arc and increase the stability of its combustion when introduced into the electrode coatings of wollastonite concentrate. In addition, the favorable effect of wollastonite concentrate on the grinding of electrode metal droplets and the improvement of the formation of welds was revealed.
STUDY ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A-TIG WELDING OF STAINLESS STEELS USING INDIVIDUAL FLUX-OXIDES. PART 2. INFLUENCE OF THERMODYNAMIC AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FLUX-OXIDES
Authors: SAIDOV RUSTAM MANNAPOVICH , KOMILOVA DURDONA RUSTAMOVNA , KUSCH MARIO , MAYR PETER , HOEFER KEVIN
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the results of studies on the influence of thermodynamic and physico-chemical properties of individual flux-oxides on the energy efficiency of the arc A-TIG welding of stainless steel CrNi18-10. The obtained results of the research allowed to reveal the criteria for evaluating the energy efficiency of the arc A-TIG welding on the depth of penetration of the welded metal and to determine the impact of thermodynamic and physico-chemical properties of individual flux oxides on the energy efficiency of the penetration capability of the welding arc for different welding energies. The requirements to thermodynamic and physico-chemical properties of individual fluxes-oxides are also revealed, which provide high energy efficiency of arc penetration capability during A-TIG welding.
SYNTACTIC POLY MERIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS HIGHLY COMPLETED WITH GRANULATED FOAM GLASS
Authors: Ketov Iurii Alexandrovich , Slovikov Stanislav Vasilyevich
Published: April 2020

It is proposed to use granular foam glass as an alternative aggregate for syntactic composite materials. Studies have been carried out on the preparation and physical-mechanical properties of composite materials with aggregate made of granular foam glass and a high degree of filling. To create compositions, binders based on polyester and polyurethane matrices were used. During compression in the cylinder of granular foam glass, a mechanism for the destruction of granules was revealed and the conditions for producing highly filled composites were established. The influence of the nature of the binder and the pressing pressure of the workpiece on the apparent density and strength of the resulting composite materials was studied.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF INFORMATION SECURITY AUDITOBJECT
Authors: Voevodin Vladislav Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2020

The holder of information to protect the information must identify and manage numerous activities to ensure information security. The efficacy of decisions depends on the completeness, reliability and timeliness of information on the situation of information security, which is extracted in the course of the audit. Currently, the information security audit is carried out on the basis of generalization of empirical knowledge and experience, which are enshrined in practical recommendations and standards. However, the achievements of fundamental science for these purposes are not applied in full, in the absence of theoretical research in this area. The article presents a conceptual model of audit that contains aggregated and detailed diagrams and formal statement of task: conclusion of the audit evidence and the conversion of audit evidence in the audit report. Finally, it provides recommendations for the practical application of the results obtained and directions for further research.
PENEGAKAN HUKUM ADMINISTRASI LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DITINJAU DARI KONSEP NEGARA HUKUM
Authors: Thahira Atika
Published: April 2020

Indonesia, Indonesia is a nation of law that uses a rule of law country (rechtstaat) concept. The concept of rule of law Indonesia set forth in its Constitution, the 1945 Constitution, Article 1 paragraph (3). There is an important element of democracy stated on the Constitution, namely the protection of human rights, that every citizen has the right to enjoy it. One of the rights protected in the Constitution is right to access a good and healthy living environment. For this, the environment needs to be preserved and function through administrative law enforcement. The study uses normative juridical approach with descriptive-analytics, which describes the norms and associated with theories, and opinions of legal experts. The development of a democratic nations of law can be seen from the aspect of law enforcement in particular with environmental administration. In Indonesia, it can be reviewed through the theory of organic states and the theory of pluralist states. Based on the theory of an organic state and looking at the aspects of environmental administration law enforcement in Indonesia, the state has regulated the enforcement of environmental administrative sanctions whereby the state can regulate every activity and/or business in the environmental issues. Therefore, the pluralist state theory recognized a variety of diverse interests  in society that the state has accommodated all citizens rights to a good and healthy environment through pro-environment government policies.
PROBLEMATIKA DALAM PELAKSANAAN PEMUNGUTAN BEA PEROLEHAN HAK ATAS TANAH DAN BANGUNAN (BPHTB) DI KOTA PADANG
Authors: Susanti Eka
Published: April 2020

One type of tax is the Cost of Acquisition of Land and Building Rights (BPHTB). In Padang City, based on Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2011 and Regulation of Mayor Number 27 of 2016, the BPHTB tax collection system is different where the BPHTB collection system is not cohorence with the implementation of basic tasks and is determined by the parties as regulated by the function of increasing development activities in all fields. The research problems in this article are: 1) How is the collection of BPHTB in Padang City 2) How the verification process the land and building and constraints was receipts from land and building rights to the certificate of together in Padang City? 3) Are efforts of the government of padang in obstacles as receipts from land and building rights to the certificate of together in Padang City ? The research uses empirical juridical research methods. Primary data and secondary data obtained through literature study and interviews with research subjects. The results shows that the implementation of BPHTB collection in Padang city was carried out based on the Mayor Regulation No. 27 of 2016 and there are differences in tax collection regulated by Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2011, namely in the Cost of Acquisition (NPOP) assessment and collection system based on market prices, not transaction prices regulated in Bylaw No. 1 of 2011. The differences create legal uncertainty for the community. The obstacle that arises in the collection of Padang city BPHTB is the lack of taxpayer knowledge about BPHTB.
Insubordination in English: a feature of speech?
Authors: Schroeder Daniela
Published: April 2020

This paper challenges the view that insubordination, the use of structurally dependent clauses as independent main clauses (Evans 2007), is primarily a feature of speech by providing a detailed case study of insubordinated exclamatives in English in different registers, making use of the British National Corpus (BNC). Spoken language was contrasted with two other genres, namely narrative fiction and academic prose, to test the hypothesis that insubordination predominantly occurs in speech. The results advocate that insubordination is almost non-existent in academic prose. More importantly, the results clearly indicate that in English, insubordination predominantly occurs in prose fiction and not in conversation. The finding can be explained by assuming that this structure is a suitable means for expressing exclamation in written text. If this is correct, insubordinated exclamatives could be analyzed as a stylistic marker of fiction prose.
Using a Spatially Explicit Approach to Assess the Contribution of Livestock Manure to Minnesota’s Agricultural Nitrogen Budget
Authors: Porter Sarah A. , James David E.
Published: April 2020

The size and density of concentrated animal feeding operations have grown significantly over the past twenty-five years, raising concern over the ability of the surrounding landscape to sustainably handle the byproducts of animal agriculture. A novel geographic information system program was developed to spatially model the application of manure nutrients to proximal agricultural fields. Nutrient losses during storage and field application were accounted for to determine the amount of manure sourced nitrogen available annually for land application. By-field nitrogen requirements were estimated using six-year crop rotations and commonly used guidelines on fertilizer recommendations for agronomic crops. Three different nitrogen fertilizer recommendation approaches, ranging from economically optimized rates on the low end to yield goal-driven rates on the high end, were modeled to gauge the sensitivity of the analysis approach to varying nitrogen application rates. For each fertilizer N rate, three manure haul distance scenarios were modeled, allowing for manure travel distance to be capped at distances unique to each livestock type. Lastly, commercial nitrogen fertilizer sales data were combined with manure sourced nitrogen estimates to assess statewide agricultural nitrogen application. Results indicated minimal (<5%) over-application from manure alone when applied at recommended rates and using the haul distances specified. However, regardless of which application rate guidelines were used, combined manure and commercial fertilizer nitrogen exceeded statewide crop requirements (110%–155%). This suggests that significant application of nitrogen above recommended rates is likely occurring. Information on commercial fertilizer application at the field level is sparse, precluding greater understanding of the relative contribution of manure and commercial sources. Despite this knowledge gap, additional focus should be placed on cumulative nitrogen application in areas with dense animal concentrations. Adequate crediting of all nitrogen sources, including the recognition of manure as a valuable fertilizer resource, presents the opportunity for substantial producer cost savings and potential widespread reduction in the contamination of water resources.
Container Color and Compost Substrate Affect Root Zone Temperature and Growth of “Green Giant” Arborvitae
Authors: Witcher Anthony L. , Pickens Jeremy M. , Blythe Eugene K.
Published: April 2020

Container-grown nursery crops are commonly exposed to root zone stress due to inadequate moisture and supraoptimal root zone temperature (RZT). Compost substrates can improve water and nutrient retention but plant responses can vary due to physical and chemical properties. Dark color containers absorb solar radiation through the container side wall leading to excessive heat buildup in the substrate, yet white containers can reduce RZT. Compost substrates and container color were examined for effects on RZT and growth of “Green Giant” arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata “Green Giant”). “Green Giant” arborvitae were transplanted into white or black containers (11.3 L) filled with a pine bark substrate (PB) or PB mixed with compost (C) at two different proportions [PB:C (9:1) and PB:C (7:3)]. White containers reduced maximum RZT by up to 7 °C and RZT remained above 38 °C for only 3% of the time compared to 21% of the time in black containers. Shoot growth increased over 50% in white containers compared to black containers. Compost increased substrate volumetric water content (VWC), increased shoot growth by up to 24%, and reduced total irrigation volume by up to 40%. Utilizing white containers for minimizing RZT and compost-amended substrates to maintain adequate VWC can improve root and shoot growth and overall crop quality while reducing nursery production inputs.
Exogenous Brassinolide Enhances the Growth and Cold Resistance of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seedlings under Chilling Stress
Authors: Sun Yujun , He Yunhan , Irfan Ali Raza , Liu Xinmeng , Yu Qiaoqiao , Zhang Qian , Yang Deguang
Published: April 2020

This paper aims to elucidate the effects of exogenous brassinolide (BL) on maize germination and seedling growth under chilling stress. The cold-resistant maize hybrid Tiannong 9 and the cold-sensitive hybrid Tianhe 1 were soaked at the germination stage (6 °C) and leaves were sprayed at seedling stage (4 °C), with BL at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L. The germination rate of the maize seeds and the changes in seedling biomass, antioxidant, photosynthetic, and plant endogenous hormone systems and chloroplast ultrastructures were determined. The results showed that the optimum concentration of BL to alleviate chilling stress in maize seedlings was 0.1 mg/L. This rate effectively increased the germination rate and plant biomass of maize and significantly increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), and seedling auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA3) and trans zeatin nucleoside (t-ZR) contents under chilling stress. In addition, BL significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, abscisic acid (ABA) content, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci). In the comparison of mesophyll cells, the chloroplast membrane of the treatment group was tightly attached to the stroma, and some of the plasma membranes were dissolved, but the overall structure of the chloroplast was relatively complete, and the osmiophilic granules were relatively few. The exogenous application of BL can effectively alleviate the damage caused by a low temperature in maize, maintain the normal characteristics of seedlings in chilling environments, and ensure the development and growth of plant tissue in the later stage.
The Management of Agricultural Waste Biomass in the Framework of Circular Economy and Bioeconomy: An Opportunity for Greenhouse Agriculture in Southeast Spain
Authors: Duque-Acevedo Mónica , Belmonte-Ureña Luis J. , Plaza-Úbeda José A. , Camacho-Ferre Francisco
Published: April 2020

For decades, non-renewable resources have been the basis of worldwide economic development. The extraction rate of natural resources has increased by 113% since 1990, which has led to overexploitation and generation of vast amounts of waste. For this reason, it is essential that a sustainable development model is adopted—one which makes it possible to produce more food and energy with fewer fossil fuels, low pollutant gas emissions and minimal solid waste. Certain management policies and approaches, such as the strategy of a circular ecocomy or bioeconomy, are oriented towards sustainable production and consumption. The present study focuses on the importance of intensive horticulture in the Mediterranean region, specifically in the province of Almería (Spain). After having conducted a study of the main crops in this area, it was determined that the waste biomass generated presented strong potential for exploitation. With the proper regulatory framework, which promotes and prioritises the circularity of agricultural waste, there are several opportunities for improving the current waste management model. In the same way, the results of the economic evaluation demonstrate that the alternative of self-management of waste biomass is profitable, specifically from tomato crops. Compost and green fertilizer production also prove to be a key strategy in the transition towards a more circular and sustainable agricultural production model. As for the said transition, government support is vital in terms of carrying out awareness campaigns and training activities and providing financing for Research and Development (R&D).
Present Status and Perspective on the Future Use of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Products
Authors: Moral Juan , Garcia-Lopez Maria Teresa , Camiletti Boris X. , Jaime Ramon , Michailides Themis J. , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Aflatoxin contamination of important food and feed crops occurs frequently in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The contamination is caused mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination negatively affects health and trade sectors and causes economic losses to agricultural industries. Many pre- and post-harvest technologies can limit aflatoxin contamination but may not always reduce aflatoxin concentrations below tolerance thresholds. However, the use of atoxigenic (non-toxin producing) isolates of A. flavus to competitively displace aflatoxin producers is a practical strategy that effectively limits aflatoxin contamination in crops from field to plate. Biocontrol products formulated with atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients have been registered for use in the US, several African nations, and one such product is in final stages of registration in Italy. Many other nations are seeking to develop biocontrol products to protect their crops. In this review article we present an overview of the biocontrol technology, explain the basis to select atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients, describe how formulations are developed and tested, and describe how a biocontrol product is used commercially. Future perspectives on formulations of aflatoxin biocontrol products, along with other important topics related to the aflatoxin biocontrol technology are also discussed.
The Microbiology of Hemp Retting in a Controlled Environment: Steering the Hemp Microbiome towards More Consistent Fiber Production
Authors: Law Audrey , McNees C. , Moe Luke
Published: April 2020

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production is increasing dramatically in the US due to recent changes which lift restrictions on the growth and sale of hemp products; however, due to the decades-long prohibition of hemp, there is a lack of current research with respect to varieties and best agricultural practices for the many uses of this versatile crop. Natural fiber production relies on retting, a microbially-mediated process necessary for the separation of fibers from the plant which can occur unevenly in the field environment and result in inconsistent fiber quality and lower processing efficiency. In this study, the microbiome of hemp stalks is investigated throughout the retting process using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Field retting conditions were simulated in a controlled greenhouse environment in order to determine the effects of different moisture levels and soil contact on the retting process. Samples were taken over six time points, reflecting the community of freshly cut stalks to optimally-retted material, and finally over-retted material showing degraded fibers. The results show a very consistent population throughout retting, dominated primarily by Proteobacteria, but showing an increase in the abundance of the Bacteroidetes, namely Chryseobacterium, in time points corresponding to optimally-retted and over-retted stalks in treatments receiving higher moisture levels, but not in the low-moisture treatment. Soil application did not appear to influence the microbial community throughout retting, indicating a resilient population present in and on the hemp stalks at harvest.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions as Affected by Fertilization Type (Pig Slurry vs. Mineral) and Soil Management in Mediterranean Rice Systems
Authors: Moreno-García Beatriz , Guillén Mónica , Quílez Dolores
Published: April 2020

The great increase in livestock production in some European areas makes it necessary to recycle organic slurries and manures and to integrate them in crop production. In Northeast Spain, the application of pig slurry (PS) is being extended to alternative crops such as rice due to the great increase in pig production. However, there is a lack of information of the effect of substitution of synthetic fertilizers with pig slurry on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice crop, and this information is key for the sustainability of these agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the substitution of mineral fertilizers by PS on GHG emissions in Mediterranean flooded rice cultivation conditions under optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization. Two field experiments were carried out in two different (contrasting) soil types with different land management. Site 1 had been cultivated for rice in the previous three years with no puddling practices. Site 2 had been cultivated for rice for more than 15 years with puddling tillage practices and had higher organic matter content than site 1. The cumulative nitrous oxide emissions during the crop season were negative at both sites, corroborating that under flooded conditions, methane is the main contributor to global warming potential rather than nitrous oxide. The substitution of mineral fertilizer with PS before seeding at the same N rate did not increase emissions in both sites. However, at site 1 (soil with lower organic matter content), the higher PS rate applied before seeding (170 kg N ha−1) increased methane emissions compared to the treatments with lower PS rate and mineral fertilizer before seeding (120 kg N ha−1) and complemented with topdressing mineral N. Thus, a sustainable strategy for inclusion of PS in rice fertilization is the application of moderate PS rates before seeding (≈120 kg N ha−1) complemented with mineral N topdressing.
Geospatial Response for Innovation in the Wine Industry: Knowledge Creation through Institutional Mobility in China
Authors: Choi HaeOk , Gu Chaolin
Published: April 2020

Thus far, knowledge network research has been quantitative research, emphasizing that in limited industries, knowledge creation increasingly strengthens through geographical proximity or institutional connections. Although it has been suggested that knowledge networks should be researched using dynamic rather than static methods, the dynamic process of knowledge networks according to spatiotemporal changes has not been sufficiently researched. This paper uses the Chinese wine industry case to conduct related research. The results show that, first of all, wine-related knowledge creation activities were carried out in the big cities that formed the early market in the mid-2000s, and the geographical conditions in which the spatial scope was expanded were in the places that gradually developed over time. Second, although the spatial scope of knowledge creation activities is expanding with the active participation of private enterprise networks, private enterprises and the overall knowledge creation process are relatively isolated. Finally, in terms of the process of knowledge creation related to wine, in the development of regional linkages organizations relate to the knowledge providers who provide the required information, and have little to do with the geographically close knowledge providers.
Influence of Exogenous Hydrogen Peroxide on Plant Physiology, Leaf Anatomy and Rubisco Gene Expression of the Ficus deltoidea Jack var. Deltoidea
Authors: Jamaludin Rosnah , Mat Nashriyah , Suryati Mohd Khamsah , Afiza Badaluddin Noor , Mahmud Khairil , Hailmi Sajili Mohammad , Khandaker Mohammad Moneruzzaman
Published: April 2020

This study was carried out to investigate the regulatory effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the growth, photosynthesis, biochemical properties, leaf anatomy and Rubisco gene expression in Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea, a slow-growing medicinal herb. Results showed that 20-mM H2O2 treatment increased plant height, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content of the plants by 10%, 20%, 127% and 57%, respectively, than a control plant. In addition, 20 mM H2O2 treatment significantly increased the carotene, total phenolic, total flavonoid and total sugar content than the control plant. The applications of H2O2 did not produce any negative effects on the leaf area, chlorophyll fluorescence, quantum yield or antioxidant activity of F. deltoidea plants. In regard to leaf anatomy, it was observed that the applications of H2O2 at 15 mM significantly improved cellular structure, leaf veins and promoted cell proliferation. Treated leaves developed a palisade layer, thickened leaf surface, the widest stomatal openings and a well-developed vascular bundle when compared to the control plant. Employing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the study showed that the Rubisco gene was expressed at a higher level in 15 mM H2O2 treatments than in 20 mM H2O2 treatments. The results indicate that H2O2 increased the Rubisco expression ratio up to 16-fold when compared to the untreated plants. It was conclusive that spraying 15 mM and 20 mM H2O2 twice a week enhanced growth, photosynthesis, the stomatal aperture, improved leaf anatomy and helped to regulate the expression of the Rubisco gene.
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) Is the Main Driver of Nocturnal Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) Foraging in Urban Areas
Authors: Leveau Lucas M.
Published: April 2020

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of the most extreme environmental alterations in urban areas, which drives nocturnal activity in diurnal species. Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica), a common species in urban centers worldwide, has been observed foraging at night in urban areas. However, the role of ALAN in the nocturnal activity of this species is unknown. Moreover, studies addressing the relationship between ALAN and nocturnal activity of diurnal birds are scarce in the Southern Hemisphere. The objective of this study is to assess the environmental factors associated with nocturnal activity of the Feral Pigeon in Argentinian cities. Environmental conditions were compared between sites where pigeons were seen foraging and randomly selected sites where pigeons were not recorded foraging. Nocturnal foraging by the Feral Pigeon was recorded in three of four surveyed cities. ALAN was positively related to nocturnal foraging activity in Salta and Buenos Aires. The results obtained suggest that urbanization would promote nocturnal activity in Feral Pigeons. Moreover, nocturnal activity was mainly driven by ALAN, which probably alters the circadian rhythm of pigeons.
Sirt3 Exerts Its Tumor-Suppressive Role by Increasing p53 and Attenuating Response to Estrogen in MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Pinterić Marija , Podgorski Iva I. , Hadžija Marijana Popović , Filić Vedrana , Paradžik Mladen , Proust Bastien Lucien Jean , Dekanić Ana , Ciganek Ivan , Pleše Denis , Marčinko Dora , Balog Tihomir , Sobočanec Sandra
Published: April 2020

Estrogen (E2) is a major risk factor for the initiation and progression of malignancy in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers, whereas sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), a major mitochondrial NAD+-dependent deacetylase, has the inhibitory effect on the tumorigenic properties of ER positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Since it is unclear if this effect is mediated through the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling pathway, in this study, we aimed to determine if the tumor-suppressive function of Sirt3 in MCF-7 cells interferes with their response to E2. Although we found that Sirt3 improves the antioxidative response and mitochondrial fitness of the MCF-7 cells, it also increases DNA damage along with p53, AIF, and ERα expression. Moreover, Sirt3 desensitizes cells to the proliferative effect of E2, affects p53 by disruption of the ERα–p53 interaction, and decreases proliferation, colony formation, and migration of the cells. Our observations indicate that these tumor-suppressive effects of Sirt3 could be reversed by E2 treatment only to a limited extent which is not sufficient to recover the tumorigenic properties of the MCF-7 cells. This study provides new and interesting insights with respect to the functional role of Sirt3 in the E2-dependent breast cancers.
Sesamol Alleviates Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Oxidative Stress in Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Liou Chian-Jiun , Chen Ya-Ling , Yu Ming-Chin , Yeh Kuo-Wei , Shen Szu-Chuan , Huang Wen-Chung
Published: April 2020

Sesamol, isolated from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), was previously shown to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Sesamol also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammatory response in rats. However, it remains unclear how sesamol regulates airway inflammation and oxidative stress in asthmatic mice. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of sesamol on oxidative stress and airway inflammation in asthmatic mice and tracheal epithelial cells. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, and received oral sesamol on days 14 to 27. Furthermore, BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with sesamol to investigate inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative responses in vitro. Our results demonstrated that oral sesamol administration significantly suppressed eosinophil infiltration in the lung, airway hyperresponsiveness, and T helper 2 cell-associated (Th2) cytokine expressions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the lungs. Sesamol also significantly increased glutathione expression and reduced malondialdehyde levels in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also found that sesamol significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and eotaxin in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, sesamol alleviated reactive oxygen species formation, and suppressed intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, which reduced monocyte cell adherence. We demonstrated that sesamol showed potential as a therapeutic agent for improving asthma.
Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine: Metabolic and Homeostatic Properties beyond the Extracellular Matrix Structure
Authors: Ghanemi Abdelaziz , Yoshioka Mayumi , St-Amand Jonny
Published: April 2020

An extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of numerous macromolecules that represents the cellular structural support involved in key biofunctions such as signal transduction and cellular adhesion. In addition, ECM-associated proteins interact with ECM and with other endogenous structures and molecules to control cellular growth, structural modifications, cellular migration, etc. Among the ECM-associated proteins, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a protein that is known to be expressed when tissues change. Herein, we put a spotlight on selected, metabolic and homeostatic properties beyond the known properties of ECM and SPARC. Importantly, the synchronization of the metabolic and structural implications of SPARC and the ECM would indicate an adaptation of the metabolism to meet the needs of the changes that the tissues undergo. Highlighting such properties would have important applications in diverse fields that include therapeutics, metabolics, and pathogenesis.
Detection of Anomaly in a Pretensioned Bolted Beam-to-Column Connection Node Using Digital Image Correlation and Neural Networks
Authors: Ziaja Dominika , Turoń Barbara , Miller Bartosz
Published: April 2020

Bolted connections, commonly applied in civil engineering structures, have many advantages. According to current trends, bolted connections in steel structures are designed as prestressed ones. Unfortunately, precise control of the prestressing forces is difficult, while the loosening (due to, e.g., dynamic interactions) may be dangerous for the entire structure. There are many control methods applied in the determination of the tightening level, among which are vision-based methods. The methods described so far enable—thanks to image processing—damage detection in connections with visible connectors. The level of the considered loosening was significant—in many cases, changes in connectors were visible with the naked eye, whereas the procedure presented here enables the detection of very small changes, impossible to detect without manual inspection of every single connector. It is not necessary to observe the connectors directly, but the near surrounding of the node should be visible. As a measurement technique, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was used. The applied measurement method and the high sensitivity of the presented procedure makes the presented research original. The currently presented procedure, employing Artificial Neural Networks, based on the laboratory examination of an example of one selected beam-to-column connection of a two-story steel portal frame, was perfect in the detection of a change and in the determination of the number of loosened rows, 95%, and their location, 94%, with the number of false alarms below 1%.
Automatic Classification of Web Images as UML Static Diagrams Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Moreno Valentín , Génova Gonzalo , Alejandres Manuela , Fraga Anabel
Published: April 2020

Our purpose in this research is to develop a method to automatically and efficiently classify web images as Unified Modeling Language (UML) static diagrams, and to produce a computer tool that implements this function. The tool receives a bitmap file (in different formats) as an input and communicates whether the image corresponds to a diagram. For pragmatic reasons, we restricted ourselves to the simplest kinds of diagrams that are more useful for automated software reuse: computer-edited 2D representations of static diagrams. The tool does not require that the images are explicitly or implicitly tagged as UML diagrams. The tool extracts graphical characteristics from each image (such as grayscale histogram, color histogram and elementary geometric forms) and uses a combination of rules to classify it. The rules are obtained with machine learning techniques (rule induction) from a sample of 19,000 web images manually classified by experts. In this work, we do not consider the textual contents of the images. Our tool reaches nearly 95% of agreement with manually classified instances, improving the effectiveness of related research works. Moreover, using a training dataset 15 times bigger, the time required to process each image and extract its graphical features (0.680 s) is seven times lower.
Functional Beverages in Selected Countries of Asia Pacific Region: A Review
Authors: Cong Lei , Bremer Phil , Mirosa Miranda
Published: April 2020

Functional beverages have gained increasing market share over the last decade. As the Asia Pacific region is one of the largest and most important markets for functional foods, it is critical when developing and promoting new products that food manufacturers/marketers have a good understanding of the Asia Pacific market, including the legislative requirements and consumers’ perceptions of functional beverages. A literature review was undertaken to elucidate legislation criteria and consumers’ perceptions of functional beverages in Asia Pacific countries. Topics reviewed included the origin and definitions of functional foods and beverages; the legislative criteria for functional foods and beverages in four representative countries—Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan; and consumers’ perceptions of functional beverages. There was no concrete definition of “functional food” or “functional beverage” region-wide and correspondingly, the legislative terms and regulatory frameworks for functional foods and beverages varied from country to country and showed divergence due to cultural differences. The systematic review of consumer perceptions of functional beverages showed that product acceptance and purchase intention for different functional beverages was heterogeneous among consumers in the Asian Pacific Region, with many factors playing a role including product attributes (e.g., functional attributes, sensory attributes, and product form) and consumer perceptions (e.g., health motivation, trust in food industry, and food neophobia). The findings from this review will help guide product development and inform marketing strategies for functional beverages targeting the Asia Pacific region by providing information on legislation and consumers’ perceptions.
Embolotherapeutic Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 2020 Update
Authors: Kishore Sirish A. , Bajwa Raazi , Madoff David C.
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality with increasing incidence in both developing and developed countries. Embolotherapy as a locoregional therapeutic strategy consists of trans-arterial or “bland” embolization (TAE), trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). Trans-catheter arterial therapies can be applied along all stages of HCC, either as an alternative or neoadjuvant to surgical resection/transplantation in very early and early stage HCC or as a palliative option for local disease control in unresectable and advanced stage HCC. In advanced stage HCC, SIRT did not demonstrate superiority in comparison to systemic treatment options in several recent large prospective trials, though for carefully selected patients, may confer improved tolerability with similar disease control rates. The latest embolotherapeutic techniques and literature as they pertain to the management of HCC, as well as future directions, are reviewed in this article.
Potential Risks of Plant Invasions in Protected Areas of Sri Lanka under Climate Change with Special Reference to Threatened Vertebrates
Authors: Kariyawasam Champika , Kumar Lalit , Ratnayake Sujith
Published: April 2020

There is substantial global concern over the potential impacts of plant invasions on native biodiversity in protected areas (PAs). Protected areas in tropical island countries that host rich biodiversity face an imminent risk from the potential spread of invasive alien plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to gain a general understanding of the potential risks of multiple plant invasions in PAs located in the tropical island of Sri Lanka under projected climate change. We conducted a further analysis of a multi-species climate suitability assessment, based on a previous study using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach, and tested how species invasion may change in protected areas under climate change. We evaluated how the climate suitability of 14 nationally recognized invasive alien plant species (IAPS) will vary within PAs and outside PAs by 2050 under two climate change scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5. Our findings suggest that there will be increased risks from multiple IAPS inside PAs and outside PAs in Sri Lanka in the future; however, the potential risk is comparatively less in PAs. We provide an overview of the species richness of selected threatened vertebrate groups, which can be potentially impacted by IAPS in PAs. The findings of this study highlight important implications for the strategic management of plant invasions in PAs in order to safeguard native biodiversity, with special reference to vertebrates.
Changes of Conformation in Albumin with Temperature by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Weber Piotr , Bełdowski Piotr , Domino Krzysztof , Ledziński Damian , Gadomski Adam
Published: April 2020

This work presents the analysis of the conformation of albumin in the temperature range of 300 K – 312 K , i.e., in the physiological range. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we calculate values of the backbone and dihedral angles for this molecule. We analyze the global dynamic properties of albumin treated as a chain. In this range of temperature, we study parameters of the molecule and the conformational entropy derived from two angles that reflect global dynamics in the conformational space. A thorough rationalization, based on the scaling theory, for the subdiffusion Flory–De Gennes type exponent of 0 . 4 unfolds in conjunction with picking up the most appreciable fluctuations of the corresponding statistical-test parameter. These fluctuations coincide adequately with entropy fluctuations, namely the oscillations out of thermodynamic equilibrium. Using Fisher’s test, we investigate the conformational entropy over time and suggest its oscillatory properties in the corresponding time domain. Using the Kruscal–Wallis test, we also analyze differences between the root mean square displacement of a molecule at various temperatures. Here we show that its values in the range of 306 K – 309 K are different than in another temperature. Using the Kullback–Leibler theory, we investigate differences between the distribution of the root mean square displacement for each temperature and time window.
Short Circuit Characteristics of PEM Fuel Cells for Grid Integration Applications
Authors: Grumm Florian , Schumann Marc , Cosse Carsten , Plenz Maik , Lücken Arno , Schulz Detlef
Published: April 2020

The reduction of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions is a major issue in modern society. Therefore, environmentally friendly technologies like fuel cells should replace conventional energy generation plants. Today, fuel cells are used in households for CHP (combined heat and power) applications, for emergency power supply in many stationary applications and for the power supply of cars, buses and ships and emergency power supply of aircrafts. A significant challenge is the optimal electrical grid integration and selection of the appropriate grid protection mechanism for fuel cell applications. For this, the short circuit capability and behavior needs to be known. This paper gives a mathematical estimation of the short circuit behavior of fuel cells. Five main transient and dynamic phenomena are investigated. The impact of the main transient effect for the provision of additional short circuit energy is simulated, and the simulation is experimentally validated. For this purpose, a 25 c m 2 single cell consisting of a NafionTM 212 membrane and carbon cloth electrodes with a catalyst loading of 0 . 5 m g / c m 2 Pt is analyzed. The magnitude of the transient short circuit current depends on the operating point right before the short circuit occurs, whereas the stationary short circuit current of fuel cells is invariably about twice the operational current. Based on these results, a novel fuel cell model for the estimation of the short circuit behavior is proposed.
An Insight into Practical Solutions for Electric Vehicle Charging in Smart Grid
Authors: Deilami Sara , Muyeen S. M.
Published: April 2020

The electrification of transportation has been developed to support energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. As a result, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more popular in the current transport system to create more efficient energy. In recent years, this increase in EVs as well as renewable energy resources (RERs) has led to a major issue for power system networks. This paper studies electrical vehicles (EVs) and their applications in the smart grid and provides practical solutions for EV charging strategies in a smart power system to overcome the issues associated with large-scale EV penetrations. The research first reviews the EV battery infrastructure and charging strategies and introduces the main impacts of uncontrolled charging on the power grid. Then, it provides a practical overview of the existing and future solutions to manage the large-scale integration of EVs into the network. The simulation results for two controlled strategies of maximum sensitivity selection (MSS) and genetic algorithm (GA) optimization are presented and reviewed. A comparative analysis was performed to prove the application and validity of the solution approaches. This also helps researchers with the application of the optimization approaches on EV charging strategies. These two algorithms were implemented on a modified IEEE 23 kV medium voltage distribution system with switched shunt capacitors (SSCs) and a low voltage residential network, including EVs and nonlinear EV battery chargers.
Monte Carlo-Based Procedure for Determining the Maximum Energy at the Output of Accelerometers
Authors: Tomczyk Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

The solutions presented in this paper can be the basis for mutual comparison of different types of accelerometers produced by competing companies. An application of a procedure based on the Monte Carlo method to determine the maximum energy at the output of accelerometers is discussed here. The fixed-point algorithm controlled by the Monte Carlo method is used to determine this energy. This algorithm can only be used for the time-invariant and linear measurement systems. Hence, the accelerometer nonlinearities are not considered here. The mathematical models of the accelerometer and the special filter, represented by the relevant transfer functions, are the basis for the above procedure. Testing results of the voltage-mode accelerometer of type DJB A/1800/V are presented here as an example of an implementation of the solutions proposed. Calculation of the energy was executed in Mathcad 14 program with the built-in Programming Toolbar. The value of the maximum output energy determined for a specified time interval corresponds to the maximum integral-square error of the accelerometer. Such maximum energy can be a comparative ratio just like the accuracy class in the case of instruments used for the static measurements. Hence, the main analytical and technical contributions of this paper concern the development of theoretical procedures and the presentation of their application on the example of a real type of accelerometer.
Temperature-Dependent Analysis of Solid-State Photon-Enhanced Thermionic Emission Solar Energy Converter
Authors: Yang Yang , Cao Wei , Xu Peng , Zhu Bing , Bai Yong , Wang Bo , Qin Jun , Bai Xiao
Published: April 2020

Solid-state photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE) solar energy converters are newly proposed devices that can directly convert solar energy into electrical power at high temperatures. An analytical model based on a one-dimensional steady-state equation is developed to analyze the temperature-dependent performance of the solid-state PETE converter. The treatment used to derive the reverse saturation current density ( J 0 ) and open-circuit voltage ( V o c ) of the solid-state PETE converter is similar to that used in photovoltaic cells. Thus, their performances at elevated temperatures can be compared. Analysis results show that J 0 of the solid-state PETE converter with a GaAs absorption layer is approximately three orders of magnitude lower, and the decrease rate of open-circuit voltage ( − d V o c / d T ) is smaller than that of a practical GaAs photovoltaic cell. The improved performance of the solid-state PETE converter at high temperatures is attributed to the simultaneous use of diffusion and ballistic transport to harvest photo-generated electrons. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that, besides using wide bandgap materials and increasing doping density, harvesting solar energy via PETE effect can effectively improve the performance of solar cells at elevated temperatures.