bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing Administrations in Palestine: Imperial Power and Settler Regimes in the British Empire
Authors: Hogan Adam
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the similarities between the British experiences with settlers in other instances of colonisation, and mandatory Palestine. It addresses the extent to which British officials were aware of, and understood the aims, intentions, and methods of the Zionist movement, as well as the consequences for the indigenous population. Utilising primarily British documents from the mandatory period, and the literature on settler-colonialism, this paper will address a gap in research on the imperial responsibility, and role in, the mandate's development. This examines the knowledge and intent of the British in the settler-colonial context, and British imperial history.
CREATION OF A QUASIGEOID MODEL ON A LOCAL SECTION BY GIS MEANS
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Ganagina Irina G. , Chelnokova Darya S. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Goldobin Denis N. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: November 2020

The capabilities of fully functional geographic information systems used in various fields make it possible to simulate the characteristics of the gravitational field, presenting measuring information in the form of continuous surfaces, thereby expanding the area of use of data on the Earth's gravitational field. An important stage of visualization is the choice of a method of interpolating data that provides the highest possible accuracy in creating a digital model of the studied characteristic of the gravitational field. The authors developed a technology for choosing the optimal method for interpolating the characteristics of the Earth's gravitational field in a GIS to create models with an assessment of their accuracy according to the initial data, presented in the form of a technological scheme. The possibilities of the Golden Software Surfer software product for creating a model of quasi-geoid heights from the unevenly presented satellite and geometric leveling data in the study area are considered. A method for interpolating the heights of a quasi-geoid in Golden Software Surfer is proposed, a model of a quasi-geoid in a local area is created. An assessment of the accuracy of the created model according to the initial data is performed.
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN METHODS OF SATELLITE IMAGES PROCESSING FOR OPERATIONAL MAPPING OF FOREST COVER DISTUBANCES
Authors:   Perm State University, Tarasov Andrey V.
Published: November 2020

Real-time mapping of forest disturbances is important for forest management. Detection of forest stands damaged by natural or human-induced factors allows making immediate necessary management decisions. To implement such a management strategy, it is necessary to use the methods of operational mapping. With the advent of the Earth remote sensing data (RSD), which have high spatial and temporal resolution (Planet Scope and Sentinel-2), it becomes possible to implement modern operational mapping methods for forest management operations (particularly, forest disturbance detection). Since the monitoring area and the number of images sharply increases, the need for automated image processing methods also rises. This paper provides an overview of “traditional methods” for identifying forest cover disturbances (vegetation indexes, Tasseled Cap, multiband and single band change detection etc), their basis, limitations, and experience of their application in Russia and in the world. Instead, algorithm based on machine learning methods and their classification are presented. Benefits and limitations of both groups of forest disturbances detection algorithms are noted. In addition, it was found out that there is limited experience of application of machine learning algorithms for RSD processing and such kind of research is relevant.
QUALITY ANALYSIS OF GNSS OBSERVATIONS OF REFERENCE STATIONS NETWORK WITH THE TEQC UTILITY
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Tereshchenko Vyacheslav E.
Published: November 2020

The measurements of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) obtained from different reference stations: Novosibirsk Region reference stations network, Russian state reference stations network ‒ Fundamental Astronomical and Geodetic Networks (FAGN) and stations of International GNSS service (IGS) are checked and analyzed. The relevance of the usage of regional (commercial or industrial) reference stations in state foundation geodetic framework for formation of a unified system of coordinate-time and navigation support is shown. The article describes quality analysis results of the GNSS measurements by the main criteria: number of rejected measurements, ionospheric delay, multipath effect, signal-to-noise ratio, receiver clock slips. The main errors affecting satellite measurements are estimated. The conclusions about the possibility of including the Novosibirsk Region reference stations network into one of the levels of the state foundation geodetic framework are drawn. The comparison of quality of the GNSS measurements showed that according to all criteria of quality the GNSS measurements of the Novosibirsk Region reference stations network are not worse than GNSS measurements of FAGN. According to all criteria the GNSS measurements of the Novosibirsk Region reference stations network approximately corresponds to GNSS measurements of IGS stations, except the signal-to-noise ratio criterion.
Covid-19 Transmission: Environmental Approach to Effective Control in Closed Indoor Environments
Authors: Dolgikh Serge
Published: November 2020

Closed indoor environments with prolonged contact are known to present heightened risk of Covid-19 transmission. While certain preventative measures have been proposed, they are not yet shown to be very effective. We propose a simple and potentially effective approach to mitigation of these risks in indoor environments based on possible correlation between the characteristics of the environment and the risk of transmission in the droplet and airborne channels.
Invention Evaluation Index Before Patent Application in Automotive Industry
Authors: Erkarataş Ender , Turan Seda Çimdiken , Işılak Cemil
Published: November 2020

Günümüzde fikri mülkiyet hakları; sektörde bilgi odaklı çalışmaların ve bilgi ekonomisinin artışı sonucunda firmalar için bir farklılaşma adımı, rakiplerin önüne geçmek ve küresel piyasa koşullarında hayatta kalmak için olmazsa olmaz bir duruma gelmiştir. Birçok sektörde olduğu gibi, otomotiv sektöründe de sahip olunan maddi varlıkların yanı sıra maddi olmayan varlıklar giderek önem kazanmıştır. Maddi olmayan varlıkların başında ise fikri mülkiyet hakları; özellikle patent gündeme gelmektedir. Süreçlerini olumlu tamamlayan buluşlar için patent başvuruları yapılmakta ve belirli bir patent portföyü oluşmaktadır. Böylelikle tescil sayısının artması ve nitelikli patentler ile birlikte patentlerden kazanılacak faydalarda artış olması ön görülmektedir.
Smart Plant Support Rod And Mobile Application
Authors: Döner Duygu , Taş Gülçin , Bayram Utku , Bayram Vildan
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmamızda insan bitki arasındaki bağı kuvvetlendirmek adına bitki takip otomasyonu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Mevcut saksı bitkisinin toprağına sokulacak olan elektronik cihazımız vasıtasıyla bitkinin ihtiyaç duyduğu temel gereksinimleri sürekli ölçecek ve kullanıcıya mobil uygulamamız sayesinde bildirecek “Akıllı Bitki Destek Çubuğu” adında aygıt gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bitki destek çubuğu, bitkinin hayatta kalabilmesi ve daha sağlıklı gelişebilmesi için en uygun parametreleri kullanıcıya sunacaktır. Çalışma yöntemi olarak, gerekli sensör ve mikro denetleyici modülleri kullanılan elektronik bir aygıt ve eş zamanlı olarak mobil uygulama tasarlanmıştır. Projenin yaygın etkisi, bireysel kullanıcıların kullanımına açılmasının yanı sıra ticari maksatla saksı bitkileri yetiştiren veya satan kişiler tarafından da yüksek tercihli olarak kullanılabilecektir.
L Tipi Bir Kirişin Sayısal ve Deneysel Modal Analizi
Authors: Yılmaz Recep , Eldek Safa , Gülbahçe Erdi
Published: November 2020

Titreşim, makinelerde bağlantı parçalarına, ana yapılara ve eyleyici sistemlere büyük hasarlar verebilmektedir. Ayrıca mekanik titreşim ses ve gürültülere sebep olarak insan sağlığını ve konforunu olumsuz yönde etkileyebilmektedir. Bu sebeple titreşim, dinamik olarak çalışan sistemlerde istenmeyen bir durum olmakla beraber, titreşim ölçümleri ve analizleri mühendislik alanında önemli bir çalışma konusu olmuştur. Bu çalışmada L tipi bir kirişin sonlu elemanlar yöntemi kullanan sayısal analiz programlarından Solidworks Simulation ve Ansys programları ile modal analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ayrıca tasarlanan test düzeneğine iki adet gerinim ölçer uygulanarak serbest sönümlü titreşim analizi ile deneysel veriler elde edilmiştir. Hem sayısal hem de deneysel modal analizlerden elde edilen sonuçlar karşılaştırılmıştır.
Nesnelerin interneti teknolojileri kullanılarak Wi-Fi MAC Adresi tabanlı insan toplulukları izleme ve analiz sistemi
Authors: Bilgin Turgay Tugay , Aksakal Recep Tayyib
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmada, belirli bir konumdan geçen insan topluluklarının hareketlilik analizini yapmayı sağlayacak bir system geliştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada, amaç belirli bir lokasyondaki insan trafiğini ve yoğunluğunu tespit edebilmektir. Bu amacı, KVKK sınırlamalarını aşmadan Wi-Fi paketlerini yakalayarak ve analiz ederek gerçekleştirdik. ESP8266 mikrokontrol kartı kullanılarak kapsama alanındaki Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) trafiği dinlenmiştir. Yakalanan IEEE 802.11 paketlerinin MAC (Media Access Control) header kısmı alınarak, ortamdaki AP (Access Point) cihazlar ve STA (Station) cihazlar belirlenmiştir. Belirlenen STA cihazların MAC adresleri bir Wi-Fi ağına bağlanılarak Bulut Tabanlı API’ye (Application Programming Interface) gönderilmiş ve donanım üreticisi (vendor) tespiti yapılarak veritabanına kaydedilmiştir. Geliştirilen yönetim paneli sayesinde belirli bir konumdan geçen kalabalıklar Günlük, Haftalık, Aylık veya girilen zaman dilimine bağlı olarak analiz edilebilmektedir. Ayrıca Cihaz Sayısı/Vendor ve Cihaz Sayısı/Zaman grafikleri de çizdirilmiştir.
An Applıcatıon of Corporate Knowledge Management Model on A Transportatıon Company
Authors: Arslankaya Seher , Ozkurt Cem , Demir Zeynep
Published: November 2020

Today, the greatest power that institutions have is knowledge. On an institutional basis, the value and use of knowledge has increased compared to previous ages, and became noticeable. Today, knowledge is the basics of everything that goes forward. So, people and institutions who do not know what they have about the knowledge are taking steps towards retrenchment. As a result, the management of the great and precious knowledge has come to face as one of the needs of today. There are many knowledge management models in the field of knowledge management. When we deal with corporate knowledge management, this situation is even more important. Institutions must have the knowledge of the staff (individual) working within them. Otherwise, they will have to maintain their existence as a human-dependent and inaccessible organization. It is necessary to manage institutional knowledge to improve the performance of the institution, in order to make the flow of knowledge between all levels clear to have available and understandable knowledge. An enterprise knowledge management model is used to manage corporate knowledge. In this study, a large transportation company operating in Istanbul was dealt with. Corporate Knowledge Management Model (Knowledge Tower) has been applied for all stages of the firm. The results of the implementation are assessed and scored for the institution and the missing parts for the company are presented as suggestions.
Egzoz Sistemi Soğuk Kısım Deplasman Hesabı
Authors: Pehlivan Orhan , Cibik Canberk
Published: November 2020

Egzoz sistemi esnek mafsal, egzos işleme parçaları, susturucular, elastik askı, askı destekleri ve borular içeren karmaşık bir sistemdir. Bu systemin NVH karakteristikleri hem parçaların dayanımları hem de müşteri memnuniyeti açısından önemlidir. Bu çalışma, egzos soğuk ucu yer değiştirmeleri ve çevre parçalara yakınlaşmayı elde etmek için yapılan büyük er değiştirme yarı static analizlerini içerir. İlk olarak, dizel motora sahip hafif bir ticari aracın egzos sistemi soğuk kısmının lineer olmayan statik analizi yapılmıştır. Bu analizde system, ALTAIR Hyperworks simülasyon araçlarında, motor yer değiştirmeleri ve ağırlık yüklerinin üst üste binmesi olarak çeşitli senaryolar ile tahrik edilmiştir. Sanal analizden sonra egzos sistemi soğuk taraf yer değiştirmeleri ve mekanik travers kolu ile esnek mafsal arasındaki yakınlık kaydedilmiştir. Bir sonraki adımda, en kritik senaryo çıkarılmış ve simülasyon ile gerçeklik arasındaki ilişkiyi kurmak adına testler yapılmıştır. Son olarak, sanal analiz ile test arasındaki korelasyon raporlanmıştır.
Effect of Cutting Parameters on Machinability of Hardened AISI 52100 Bearing Steel
Authors: Rafighi Mohammad
Published: November 2020

In this study, the effects of machining parameters, namely feed rate, cutting speed and depth of cut on the surface roughness was investigated experimentally in hard turning of AISI 52100 bearing steel using cubic boron nitride insert under dry cutting condition. Taguchi method was utilized to reduce the number of trials to 9 for saving the time and manufacturing cost. The significant factor on the surface roughness was determined using analysis of variance. Furthermore, the optimum cutting parameter for reducing the surface roughness was obtained. The findings showed that the feed rate has the highest impact on surface roughness among any other cutting parameters, with 88.32% contribution.
Social Customs and Practices Associated with Pregnancy and Child Bearing in Low Socio-Economic Communities
Authors: Shukla Sudha , Shukla Bhartendu
Published: November 2020

Child birth is a very significant event in a married woman’s life. She is filled with fear and anxiety mixed with a feeling of joy and expectation of the coming child. Apart from physical care psychological care and assurance are equally important. Present study deals with the women of poor workers of the factories who have to undergo deliveries either at home or ill equipped hospitals causing much suffering and even mortality. Detailed history of such 250 women was taken in a questionnaire proforma prepared for the study. A history of age, caste, education, para, occupation, husband’s income and knowledge about pre and post-natal care was recorded. Thus 21 tables were made of each case and analyzed in detail. It is a practice to marry girls at an early age as they feel it ensures their safety. Husband’s income was quite low and 50% of them were uneducated. 30.8% could only read and only 8.8% were graduate. Illiteracy was a major problem in safe delivery of the child. Old traditional customs were followed some which were not hygienic. Only 19% were employed. Rest were only house wives. Ground delivery was preferred in 74% cases, squatting position in 71.2% and 56% preferred sand in place of mattress. All these are not preferred methods currently. In the second stage of labor birth canal was lubricated in only 8.8% cases. In 76% cases massage of abdomen was done to hasten the delivery. The cord was cut mainly by knife after delivery. Placentas were mainly buried after delivery (74.8%). 56% of women remained lying in for about a week after delivery. 78% mothers took their first bath 3 to 6 days after delivery.
FLASH Radiotherapy With Electrons: Issues Related to the Production, Monitoring, and Dosimetric Characterization of the Beam
Authors: Di Martino Fabio , Barca Patrizio , Barone Salvatore , Bortoli Eleonora , Borgheresi Rita , De Stefano Silvia , Di Francesco Massimo , Faillace Luigi , Giuliano Lucia , Grasso Luigi , Linsalata Stefania , Marfisi Daniela , Migliorati Mauro , Pacitti Matteo , Palumbo Luigi , Felici Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Various in vivo experimental works carried out on different animals and organs have shown that it is possible to reduce the damage caused to healthy tissue still preserving the therapeutic efficacy on the tumor tissue, by drastically reducing the total time of dose delivery (<200 ms). This effect, called the FLASH effect, immediately attracted considerable attention within the radiotherapy community, due to the possibility of widening the therapeutic window and treating effectively tumors which appear radioresistant to conventional techniques. Despite the experimental evidence, the radiobiological mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect and the beam parameters contributing to its optimization are not yet known in details. In order to fully understand the FLASH effect, it might be worthy to investigate some alternatives which can further improve the tools adopted so far, in terms of both linac technology and dosimetric systems. This work investigates the problems and solutions concerning the realization of an electron accelerator dedicated to FLASH therapy and optimized for in vivo experiments. Moreover, the work discusses the saturation problems of the most common radiotherapy dosimeters when used in the very high dose-per-pulse FLASH conditions and provides some preliminary experimental data on their behavior.
Temporal-Microclimatic Factors Affect the Phenology of Lipoptena fortisetosa in Central European Forests
Authors: Gałęcki Remigiusz , Jaroszewski Jerzy , Xuan Xuenan , Bakuła Tadeusz
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the correlations between the abundance of Lipoptena fortisetosa on new potential hosts and selected temporal-microclimatic conditions in a forest at the beginning of the host-seeking period. Louse flies were collected between 6 May and 15 July of 2019 and 2020 in a natural mixed forest in Poland. Keds were collected by three investigators walking along the same forest route during each sampling session. The number of captured keds and the date (time), temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), air pressure (hPa) and wind speed (km/h) were recorded. A total of five measurements were performed during each sampling session. The influence of temporal-microclimatic conditions on the number of collected ectoparasites was evaluated with the use of a Generalized Additive Model (GAM). A total of 1995 individuals were obtained during field surveys. The results of the GAM revealed a correlation between the number of host seeking L. fortisetosa vs. time, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. An increase in temperature was most highly correlated with the abundance of louse flies in the environment.
Association Analysis of Polymorphisms in the 5′ Flanking Region of the HSP70 Gene with Blood Biochemical Parameters of Lactating Holstein Cows under Heat and Cold Stress
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Hu Lirong , Fang Hao , Sammad Abdul , Kang Ling , Brito Luiz F. , Xu Qing , Wang Yachun
Published: November 2020

Thermal stress (heat and cold) has large economic and welfare implications for the worldwide dairy industry. Therefore, it is paramount to understand the genetic background of coping mechanism related to thermal stress for the implementation of effective genetic selection schemes in dairy cattle. We performed an association study between 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms having minor allelic frequency (MAF > 0.05) in the HSP70 gene with blood biochemical parameters. The concentrations of growth hormone (GH), lactate (LA), prolactin (PRL), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), c-reactive protein (CRP), potassium (K+), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxide (LPO), and norepinephrine (NE) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed animals as compared to the control group. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the concentrations of cortisol (COR), corticosterone (CORT), and potassium (K+) was observed (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), dopamine (DA), GH, LDH, NE, PRL, and SOD were significantly lower in cold-stressed animals as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SNP A-12G and C181T were significantly associated with LA (p < 0.05), while A72G was linked with LPO (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed animals. Moreover, the SNPs A-12G and SNP C131G were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with DA and SOD under cold stress condition, respectively. These SNPs markers significantly associated with fluctuations in blood biochemical parameters under thermal stress provide a better insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying climatic resilience in Holstein cattle.
Advances in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Recently Approved Therapies and Drugs in Development
Authors: Stanchina Michele , Soong Deborah , Zheng-Lin Binbin , Watts Justin M. , Taylor Justin
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous malignancy comprised of various cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities that has notoriously been difficult to treat with an overall poor prognosis. For decades, treatment options were limited to either intensive chemotherapy with anthracycline and cytarabine-based regimens (7 + 3) or lower intensity regimens including hypomethylating agents or low dose cytarabine, followed by either allogeneic stem cell transplant or consolidation chemotherapy. Fortunately, with the influx of rapidly evolving molecular technologies and new genetic understanding, the treatment landscape for AML has dramatically changed. Advances in the formulation and delivery of 7 + 3 with liposomal cytarabine and daunorubicin (Vyxeos) have improved overall survival in secondary AML. Increased understanding of the genetic underpinnings of AML has led to targeting actionable mutations such as FLT3, IDH1/2 and TP53, and BCL2 or hedgehog pathways in more frail populations. Antibody drug conjugates have resurfaced in the AML landscape and there have been numerous advances utilizing immunotherapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell engager antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy and the development of AML vaccines. While there are dozens of ongoing studies and new drugs in the pipeline, this paper serves as a review of the advances achieved in the treatment of AML in the last several years and the most promising future avenues of advancement
The Acidic Microenvironment: Is It a Phenotype of All Cancers? A Focus on Multiple Myeloma and Some Analogies with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Fais Stefano , Marunaka Yoshinori
Published: November 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis while with a long and progressive outcome. To date, the therapeutic options are restricted to few drugs, including thalidomide or its derivates and autologous transplantation including stem-cell transplantation. More recently, the use of both proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have been included in MM therapy, but the clinical results are still under evaluation. Unfortunately, death rates (within the 5-year overall survival rates) are still very high (45%), with no relevant improvement over the past 10 years. Here, we discuss data supporting a new therapeutic approach against MM, based on a common phenotype of tumor malignancies, which is the acidic microenvironment. Extracellular acidity drastically reduces the efficacy of both anti-tumor drugs and the immune reaction against tumors. Pre-clinical data have shown that anti-acidic drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), have a potent cytotoxic effect against human MM cells, thus supporting their use in the treatment of this malignancy. Here, we discuss also similarities between MM and type II diabetes mellitus (DM) with high risk of developing MM, suggesting that both anti-diabetic drugs and a hypocaloric diet may help in curing MM patients.
The Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents in Cutaneous Melanoma—A Nation-Wide Swedish Population-Based Retrospective Register Study
Authors: Katsarelias Dimitrios , Eriksson Hanna , Mikiver Rasmus , Krakowski Isabelle , Nilsson Jonas A. , Ny Lars , Olofsson Bagge Roger
Published: November 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated an anti-tumoral effect of beta-adrenergic blocking agents on cutaneous melanoma (CM). The aim of this study was to investigate if beta-adrenergic blocking agents have an impact on survival in Swedish patients with melanoma. A population-based retrospective registry study including all patients diagnosed with a primary invasive melanoma between 2009 and 2013 was performed. Data from the Swedish Melanoma Register were linked to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry and the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Cox regression analyses including competing risk assessments were performed. There were 12,738 patients included, out of which 3702 were exposed to beta-blockers vs. 9036 non-exposed patients. Age, male sex, Breslow thickness, ulceration, and nodal status were independent negative prognostic factors for melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Adding beta-blockers to the analysis did not add any prognostic value to the model (HR 1.00, p = 0.98), neither when adjusting for competing risks (HR 0.97, p = 0.61). When specifically analyzing the use of non-selective beta-blockers, the results were still without statistical significance (HR 0.76, p = 0.21). In conclusion, this population-based registry study could not verify that the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents improve survival in patients with melanoma.
Treatments of Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Charbel Darido
Published: November 2020

It is now clear that the most common solid cancer is squamous cell cancer (SCC) [...]
Acetylenic Carbon-Containing Stable Five-Membered Metallacycles
Authors: Hu Bowen , Li Chunxiang
Published: November 2020

Due to the linear property around an acetylenic carbon, the introduction of such an atom to a small cycle would result in high ring strain. Currently, the smallest isolated rings are five-membered, including metallacycloalkynes and metallapentalynes. Both types contain at least one unusual small bond angle around the acetylenic carbon, thus exhibiting abnormal reactivities. This feature article gives a comprehensive overview on these two kind complexes. The synthesis and reactivities are extensively described, the source of stability is presented, and the future prospect is discussed. The article aims to provide a better development for the chemical diversity of five-membered metallacycloalkynes and metallapentalynes.
Advances and Prospects in Vaccine Development against Enterococci
Authors: Kalfopoulou Ermioni , Huebner Johannes
Published: November 2020

Enterococci are the second most common Gram-positive pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. Due to the limited number of new antibiotics that reach the medical practice and the resistance of enterococci to the current antibiotic options, passive and active immunotherapies have emerged as a potential prevention and/or treatment strategy against this opportunistic pathogen. In this review, we explore the pathogenicity of these bacteria and their interaction with the host immune response. We provide an overview of the capsular polysaccharides and surface-associated proteins that have been described as potential antigens in anti-enterococcal vaccine formulations. In addition, we describe the current status in vaccine development against enterococci and address the importance and the current advances toward the development of well-defined vaccines with broad coverage against enterococci.
Mechanical Properties of 2Y-TZP Fabricated from Detonation Synthesized Powder
Authors: Kern Frank , Gommeringer Andrea
Published: November 2020

Yttria stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) is frequently used in dental and engineering applications due to its high strength and fracture resistance. In this study, 2Y-TZP samples were manufactured from commercially available powder produced by detonation synthesis. Tests of the mechanical properties exhibited an unusual combination of both very high strength and toughness. The materials show a very weak correlation between toughness and grain size. The transformability, measurable by XRD, cannot explain the high toughness. Fractographic analysis revealed a broad transformation affected zone with secondary cracks and shear bands on the tensile side of bending bars which can be made responsible for the high toughness and non-linear stress–strain curves.
Defects and Calcium Diffusion in Wollastonite
Authors: Nimasha Sumudu , Ganeshalingam Sashikesh , Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Davazoglou Konstantinos , Chroneos Alexander
Published: November 2020

Wollastonite (CaSiO3) is an important mineral that is widely used in ceramics and polymer industries. Defect energetics, diffusion of Ca ions and a solution of dopants are studied using atomistic-scale simulation based on the classical pair potentials. The energetically favourable defect process is calculated to be the Ca-Si anti-site defect cluster in which both Ca and Si swap their atomic positions simultaneously. It is calculated that the Ca ion migrates in the ab plane with an activation energy of 1.59 eV, inferring its slow diffusion. Favourable isovalent dopants on the Ca and Si sites are Sr2+ and Ge4+, respectively. Subvalent doping by Al on the Si site is a favourable process to incorporate additional Ca in the form of interstitials in CaSiO3. This engineering strategy would increase the capacity of this material.
The Effects of Ethanol Concentration and of Ionic Strength on the Zeta Potential of Titania in the Presence of Sodium Octadecyl Sulfate
Authors: Kosmulski Marek , Mączka Edward
Published: November 2020

Sodium octadecyl sulfate (C18H37SO4Na) induces a negative zeta potential of metal oxides at very low surfactant concentrations as compared with shorter-chained sodium alkyl sulfates. The problem of low solubility of sodium octadecyl sulfate in water was solved by the addition of the surfactant to dispersions as ethanolic stock solution, but then the presence of ethanol in dispersions was inevitable. We demonstrate that the concentration of ethanol (up to 5% by mass) in a dispersion containing titania (TiO2) and sodium octadecyl sulfate has an insignificant effect on the zeta potential of particles. We further demonstrate that the shifts in the IEP of titania induced by the presence of sodium octadecyl sulfate are independent of the NaCl concentration. The results obtained in this study can be generalized for 1-1 salts other than NaCl, for metal oxides other than titania, for organic co-solvents other than ethanol, and for sparingly soluble ionic surfactants other than sodium octadecyl sulfate.
Characterization, Stability Assessment, Antioxidant Evaluation and Cell Proliferation Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil-based Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Loaded with Ficus deltoidea Extract
Authors: Azmi Nor Azrini Nadiha , Hasham Rosnani , Ariffin Farah Diana , Elgharbawy Amal A. M. , Salleh Hamzah Mohd
Published: November 2020

In this study, the Ficus deltoidea extract loaded nanostructured lipid carrier was prepared by using the melt emulsification homogenization method. Virgin coconut oil is used as liquid lipid, while glyceryl monostearate is the solid lipid. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading and morphology of the obtained nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) were measured. The size of the nanostructured lipid carrier incorporated with Ficus deltoidea (FDNLC) is 158.0 ± 1.3 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.15 ± 0.02. The zeta potential obtained is −42.3 ± 1.5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and active ingredient loading capacity for FDNLC is 87.4% ± 1.3% and 8.5% ± 1.2%, respectively. The shape of FDNLC is almost spherical and the stability assessment showed that the obtained formulation is at least stable for 40 days. When compared with the positive controls, which are Trolox and ascorbic acid, FDNLC shows the highest antioxidant value. Cell proliferation activity study indicates that FDNLC is not toxic to cells, and FDNLC could potentially treat damage by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.
Co-Electrodeposition of Au–TiO2 Nanocomposite and the Micro-Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chien Yu-An , Chang Tso-Fu Mark , Chen Chun-Yi , Yamane Daisuke , Ito Hiroyuki , Machida Katsuyuki , Masu Kazuya , Sone Masato
Published: November 2020

Strengthening of electrodeposited Au-based materials is achieved by co-electrodeposition with TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in a sulfide-based gold electrolyte. TiO2 content in the composite film is adjusted by concentration of the TiO2 in the gold electrolyte. Effects of the TiO2 content on surface morphology, crystalline structure and microstructure of the composite film are investigated. Mechanical properties of the Au–TiO2 composite films are evaluated by micro-Vickers hardness and micro-compression tests. The hardness increases from 135 to 207 HV when the TiO2 content is increased from 0 to 2.72 wt%. Specimens used in the micro-compression test are micro-pillars fabricated from the composite film, and the yield strength reaches 0.84 GPa by incorporating 2.72 wt% TiO2 into the film.
Cold-Hardy Grape Cultivar Winter Injury and Trunk Re-Establishment Following Severe Weather Events in North Dakota
Authors: Svyantek Andrej , Köse Bülent , Stenger John , Auwarter Collin , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene
Published: November 2020

Extreme winter temperatures during the 2018–2019 dormant season contributed to trunk collapse and complete trunk death of numerous genotypes throughout a diverse grapevine planting in eastern North Dakota, USA. Through the early portion of the dormant season, 12 genotypes were screened to identify lethal temperature exotherms of primary buds; from these results, none were anticipated to be fully prepared to survive the −37 °C minimum temperature recorded in the region. Trunk collapse, death, and survival were monitored for 35 replicated genotypes. New trunks were retrained from suckers and monitored for growth following trunk removal. Only five genotypes exceeded 50% trunk survival at the end of the 2019 growing season, ‘Valiant’, ‘King of the North’, ‘John Viola’, ‘Baltica’, and ‘Bluebell’. Following re-establishment, ‘La Crescent’ was the most vigorous genotype with the largest sucker circumference, sucker length, and internode length. Nearly all genotypes evaluated produced suckers with lengths approaching the high-wire trellis height (1.8 m), designating their potential for cordon retraining in 2020. Cumulatively, however, the lethal temperature exotherm results and the trunk survival examination indicate a harrowing need for investigation of new management practices (such as protected training systems) and the generation of new cold-hardy genotypes to enhance productivity under standard unprotected systems.
Verification of the Mediating Effect of Social Support on Physical Activity and Aging Anxiety of Korean Pre-Older Adults
Authors: Oh Ahra , Kim Jiyoun , Yi Eunsurk , Shin Jongseob
Published: November 2020

There is a lack of research on Korean prospective elderly persons. In particular, there is little research regarding whether social support has a mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. Accordingly, this study investigated how social support affected physical activity and aging anxiety in 778 prospective senior citizens (55 to 65 years old) out of a total of 1447 senior citizens who participated in the Embrain Panel Power and Panel Marketing Interactive. Participants completed the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaires), Social Support Scale, and Aging Anxiety Scale. Physical activity in these Korean pre-older adults affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001), with a fixed effect of physical activity on social support (p < 0.001). Further, social support affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001). Social support was also an important parameter in the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. In conclusion, high physical activity of pre-older Korean persons lowered their anxiety regarding aging. Social support acted as a mediator that lowered anxiety regarding aging in the most active pre-older persons.
Culture of Sustainability and Marketing Orientation of Indian Agribusiness in implementing CSR Programs—Insights from Emerging Market
Authors: Raj Anup , Kuznetsov Andrei , Arun Thankom Gopinath
Published: November 2020

The debate regarding the suitability of market orientation or culture of sustainability for corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation and economic sustainability deserve much more scholarly attention as globalization and competition in emerging markets increases. Using qualitative content analysis of interviews with 28 senior managers of large agribusiness firms in India, this empirical article explores how market orientation or culture of sustainability affects CSR implementation, or vice versa? The findings of the study identify factors such as the nature of a firm’s business, sensitivity, commitment towards sustainable development, and pressure on profitability that prompt firms to adopt sustainability dominant, market dominant, and sustainability–market mixed corporate culture. Culture of sustainability dominant firms are likely to implement CSR more smoothly and effectively compared to firms that are driven by market orientation. Moreover, firms committed to substantial and consistent CSR are likely to induce culture of sustainability in firms. Finally, the study offers a framework that provides insights into how CSR program implementation and a culture of sustainability are complementary and could strengthen the economic sustainability of firms in emerging markets.
A Planar Ultrawideband Patch Antenna Array for Microwave Breast Tumor Detection
Authors: Hossain Amran , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Islam Md. Tarikul , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Rmili Hatem , Samsuzzaman Md.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a compact planar ultrawideband (UWB) antenna and an antenna array setup for microwave breast imaging are presented. The proposed antenna is constructed with a slotted semicircular-shaped patch and partial trapezoidal ground. It is compact in dimension: 0.30λ × 0.31λ × 0.011λ, where λ is the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency. For design purposes, several parameters are assumed and optimized to achieve better performance. The prototype is applied in the breast imaging scheme over the UWB frequency range 3.10–10.60 GHz. However, the antenna achieves an operating bandwidth of 8.70 GHz (2.30–11.00 GHz) for the reflection coefficient under–10 dB with decent impedance matching, 5.80 dBi of maximum gain with steady radiation pattern. The antenna provides a fidelity factor (FF) of 82% and 81% for face-to-face and side-by-side setups, respectively, which specifies the directionality and minor variation of the received pulses. The antenna is fabricated and measured to evaluate the antenna characteristics. A 16-antenna array-based configuration is considered to measure the backscattering signal of the breast phantom where one antenna acts as transmitter, and 15 of them receive the scattered signals. The data is taken in both the configuration of the phantom with and without the tumor inside. Later, the Iteratively Corrected Delay and Sum (IC–DAS) image reconstructed algorithm was used to identify the tumor in the breast phantom. Finally, the reconstructed images from the analysis and processing of the backscattering signal by the algorithm are illustrated to verify the imaging performance.
Buildability and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Concrete
Authors: Joh Changbin , Lee Jungwoo , Bui The Quang , Park Jihun , Yang In-Hwan
Published: November 2020

Recently, 3D concrete printing has progressed rapidly in the construction industry. However, this technique still contains several factors that influence the buildability and mechanical properties of the printed concrete. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the nozzle speed, the interlayer interval time, the rotations per minute (RPMs) of the screw in the 3D printing device, and the presence of lateral supports on the buildability of 3D concrete printing. In addition, this paper presents the results of the mechanical properties, including the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural tensile strengths of 3D printed concrete. The buildability of 3D printed structures was improved with an extended interlayer interval time of up to 300 s. The printing processes were interrupted because of tearing of concrete filaments, which was related to excessive RPMs of the mixing screw. The test results also showed that a lateral support with a wide contact surface could improve the resistance to buckling failure for 3D printed structures. The test results of the mechanical properties of the 3D printed concrete specimens indicated that the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural tensile strengths significantly depended on the bonding behavior at the interlayers of the printed specimens. In addition, although metal laths were expected to improve the tensile strength of the printed specimens, they adversely affected the tensile performance due to weak bonding between the reinforcements and concrete filaments.
The Optimal Shape Parameter for the Least Squares Approximation Based on the Radial Basis Function
Authors: Zheng Sanpeng , Feng Renzhong , Huang Aitong
Published: November 2020

The radial basis function (RBF) is a class of approximation functions commonly used in interpolation and least squares. The RBF is especially suitable for scattered data approximation and high dimensional function approximation. The smoothness and approximation accuracy of the RBF are affected by its shape parameter. There has been some research on the shape parameter, but the research on the optimal shape parameter of the least squares based on the RBF is scarce. This paper proposes a way for the measurement of the optimal shape parameter of the least squares approximation based on the RBF and an algorithm to solve the corresponding optimal parameter. The method consists of considering the shape parameter as an optimization variable of the least squares problem, such that the linear least squares problem becomes nonlinear. A dimensionality reduction is applied to the nonlinear least squares problem in order to simplify the objective function. To solve the optimization problem efficiently after the dimensional reduction, the derivative-free optimization is adopted. The numerical experiments indicate that the proposed method is efficient and reliable. Multiple kinds of RBFs are tested for their effects and compared. It is found through the experiments that the RBF least squares with the optimal shape parameter is much better than the polynomial least squares. The method is successfully applied to the fitting of real data.
Performance Analysis of Hybrid MTS/MTO Systems with Stochastic Demand and Production
Authors: Fiems Dieter , De Cuypere Eline , De Turck Koen , Claeys Dieter
Published: November 2020

We present a comprehensive numerical approach with reasonably light complexity in terms of implementation and computation for assessing the performance of hybrid make-to-stock (MTS)/make-to-order (MTO) systems. In such hybrid systems, semi-finished products are produced up front and stored in a decoupling inventory. When an order arrives, the products are completed and possibly customised. We study this system in a stochastic setting: demand and production are modelled by random processes. In particular, our model includes two coupled Markovian queues: one queue represents the decoupling inventory and the other the order backlog. These queues are coupled as order processing can only occur when both queues are non-empty. We rely on matrix analytic techniques to study the performance of the MTO/MTS system under non-restrictive stochastic assumptions. In particular, we allow for arrival correlation and non-exponential setup and MTS and MTO processing times, while the hybrid MTS/MTO system is managed by an (s,S)-type threshold policy that governs switching from MTO to MTS and back. By some numerical examples, we assess the impact of inventory control, irregular order arrivals, setup and order processing times on inventory levels and lead times.
An Efficient Framework for Multi-Objective Risk-Informed Decision Support Systems for Drainage Rehabilitation
Authors: Cai Xiatong , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Shirkhani Hamidreza
Published: November 2020

Combining multiple modules into one framework is a key step in modelling a complex system. In this study, rather than focusing on modifying a specific model, we studied the performance of different calculation structures in a multi-objective optimization framework. The Hydraulic and Risk Combined Model (HRCM) combines hydraulic performance and pipe breaking risk in a drainage system to provide optimal rehabilitation strategies. We evaluated different framework structures for the HRCM model. The results showed that the conventional framework structure used in engineering optimization research, which includes (1) constraint functions; (2) objective functions; and (3) multi-objective optimization, is inefficient for drainage rehabilitation problem. It was shown that the conventional framework can be significantly improved in terms of calculation speed and cost-effectiveness by removing the constraint function and adding more objective functions. The results indicated that the model performance improved remarkably, while the calculation speed was not changed substantially. In addition, we found that the mixed-integer optimization can decrease the optimization performance compared to using continuous variables and adding a post-processing module at the last stage to remove the unsatisfying results. This study (i) highlights the importance of the framework structure inefficiently solving engineering problems, and (ii) provides a simplified efficient framework for engineering optimization problems.
Comprehensive Dipeptide Analysis Revealed Cancer-Specific Profile in the Liver of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis
Authors: Ozawa Hitoshi , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Shoji Futaba , Maruyama Midori , Suzuki Kumi , Yamanaka-Okumura Hisami , Tatano Hiroshi , Morine Yuji , Soga Tomoyoshi , Shimada Mitsuo , Tomita Masaru
Published: November 2020

As the physical properties and functionality of dipeptides differ from those of amino acids, they have attracted attention in metabolomics; however, their functions in vivo have not been clarified in detail. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and its major cause is chronic hepatitis. This study was conducted to explore tumor-specific dipeptide characteristics by performing comprehensive dipeptide analysis in the tumor and surrounding nontumor tissue of patients with HCC. Dipeptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis tandem mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis using 236 detected dipeptides showed differences in the dipeptide profiles between nontumor and tumor tissues; however, no clear difference was observed in etiological comparison. In addition, the N- and C-terminal amino acid compositions of the detected dipeptides significantly differed, suggesting the substrate specificity of enzyme proteins, such as peptidase. Furthermore, hepatitis-derived HCC may show a characteristic dipeptide profile even before tumor formation. These results provide insight into HCC pathogenesis and may help identify novel biomarkers for diagnosis.