bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress on Transition Metal Nitrides Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Dongil A.B.
Published: August 2019

This short review aims at providing an overview of the most recent literature regarding transition metal nitrides (TMN) applied in heterogeneous catalysis. These materials have received renewed attention in the last decade due to its potential to substitute noble metals mainly in biomass and energy transformations, the decomposition of ammonia being one of the most studied reactions. The reactions considered in this review are limited to thermal catalysis. However the potential of these materials spreads to other key applications as photo- and electrocatalysis in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Mono, binary and exceptionally ternary metal nitrides have been synthetized and evaluated as catalysts and, in some cases, promoters are added to the structure in an attempt to improve their catalytic performance. The objective of the latest research is finding new synthesis methods that allow to obtain smaller metal nanoparticles and increase the surface area to improve their activity, selectivity and stability under reaction conditions. After a brief introduction and description of the most employed synthetic methods, the review has been divided in the application of transition metal nitrides in the following reactions: hydrotreatment, oxidation and ammonia synthesis and decomposition.
Correction: Lu, D., et al. MoO3-Doped MnCo2O4 Microspheres Consisting of Nanosheets: An Inexpensive Nanostructured Catalyst to Hydrolyze Ammonia Borane for Hydrogen Generation. Nanomaterials 2019, 9, 21
Authors: Lu Dongsheng , Feng Yufa , Ding Zitian , Liao Jinyun , Zhang Xibin , Liu Hui-Ru , Li Hao
Published: August 2019

In the original version of our article [...]
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Brazilian Food Truck Food Handlers
Authors: Isoni Auad Lígia , Cortez Ginani Verônica , Stedefeldt Elke , Yoshio Nakano Eduardo , Costa Santos Nunes Aline , Puppin Zandonadi Renata
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to (i) compare the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices (KAP) and observed food safety practices of food truck (FT) food handlers, (ii) evaluate the microbiological quality of food and water samples collected from these vehicles, and (iii) establish a score classification for the KAP instrument according to the food contamination probability assessment. This study was conducted in three stages with 40 food truck food handlers conveniently sampled in the Federal District, Brazil, through structured interviews, application of an observational checklist for the assessment of handlers’ practices and the collection of food and water samples for determination of microbiological quality. FTs that are likely to exhibit food contamination and are at a high risk of foodborne diseases if at least one of the following situations occur: (1) if a food handler scores ≤6 in the knowledge section; (2) if a food handler scores ≤5 in the attitudes section; or (3) if a food handler scores ≤6 in the self-reported practices section. On the other hand, FTs in which handlers score higher than the cutoff points in all the sections are unlikely to exhibit food contamination and are at a low risk of foodborne diseases. The findings of this study are the first step to understand food handlers’ point of view and the initial diagnosis to guide educational strategies in the FT sector.
Dietary Micronutrients Intake Status among Chinese Elderly People Living at Home: Data from CNNHS 2010–2012
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhao Liyun , Man Qingqing , Wang Jingzhong , Zhao Wenhua , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the status of usual dietary micronutrient intakes among Chinese elderly living at home. The data was based on China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) 2010–2012. We analyzed data from the participants aged 60-year-old and more (n = 16,612) living at home, who provided dietary data on three days 24 h dietary survey combining with the household weighing method. The means and distribution percentiles for usual intakes of dietary micronutrients were estimated using the Multiple Source Method (MSM). The prevalence of inadequacy for the selected micronutrients was expressed using the proportion of individuals with usual intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). For vitamin E, sodium and potassium, the means and the distribution of intakes were compared to the Adequate Intake (AI) level. Usual dietary intakes of most micronutrients were inadequate in the participants, especially folate, calcium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B2, with the prevalence of inadequacy more than 90%. However, dietary sodium intake was extremely high with an average usual intake of 4702 mg/day. The usual dietary intakes of all selected micronutrients in old males were higher than females, and the prevalence of inadequacy of most micronutrients was higher in old women (p < 0.01). The subjects aged 60–74 years tended to have higher usual dietary micronutrient intakes and lower prevalence of inadequate micronutrients than those aged 75 years and over (p < 0.01). Higher usual dietary intakes and lower prevalence of inadequacy of most micronutrients were found in the elderly living in the southern region (p < 0.01). The average usual intakes of most micronutrients declined with socioeconomic status. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin A, B2, C, calcium and selenium below EAR increased with socioeconomic status (p < 0.01, p for trend < 0.01). Thus, essential micronutrients insufficient intake is a public health concern among Chinese community-dwelling old population, especially the females, older people, the elderly in undeveloped areas or living in northern regions. Nutrition education and appropriate approach should be undertaken to address these problems.
Self-Report Dieters: Who Are They?
Authors: Sares-Jäske Laura , Knekt Paul , Männistö Satu , Lindfors Olavi , Heliövaara Markku
Published: August 2019

Dieting attempts have become popular worldwide. Dieting, however, seems to have both positive and negative health-related consequences. So far, only a few studies have focused on the determinants of dieting in detail. This study explores the association between self-report dieting attempts and intentional weight loss (IWL) during the previous year and several demographic, lifestyle, health, and psychological factors in a cross-sectional study design using data from the representative Finnish Health 2000 Survey. The sample comprised 2147 men and 2378 women, aged 30–69. Information for potential determinants was assembled via health examinations, interviews, and questionnaires. Approximately 24% of the men and 39% of the women reported dieting attempts and 10% of the men and 15% of the women reported IWL. Dieting attempts were associated with younger age, education, BMI, formerly smoking, more favourable values in lifestyle variables, and unfavorable values in serum HDL and triglycerides, a worse sense of coherence, concerns about one’s appearance, and concerns about one’s health. Among men, diabetics and those sleeping ≤6 h a night more frequently reported dieting attempts and those with osteoarthritis reported IWL. Moreover, the gradient between BMI and dieting attempts was significantly stronger in men than in women. Men seem to attempt dieting when they have actual health-related reasons, while such reasons are not so strongly associated with dieting in women. These findings can be used for determining subpopulations with obesity and real weight-loss needs and, alternatively, subpopulations with normal weight unnecessarily attempting dieting.
Early Probiotic Supplementation and the Risk of Celiac Disease in Children at Genetic Risk
Authors: Uusitalo Ulla , Andren Aronsson Carin , Liu Xiang , Kurppa Kalle , Yang Jimin , Liu Edwin , Skidmore Jennifer , Winkler Christiane , Rewers Marian , Hagopian William , She Jin-Xiong , Toppari Jorma , Ziegler Anette-G. , Akolkar Beena , Norris Jill , Virtanen Suvi , Krischer Jeffrey , Agardh Daniel ,   on behalf of the TEDDY Study Group
Published: August 2019

Probiotics are linked to positive regulatory effects on the immune system. The aim of the study was to examine the association between the exposure of probiotics via dietary supplements or via infant formula by the age of 1 year and the development of celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA) and celiac disease among a cohort of 6520 genetically susceptible children. Use of probiotics during the first year of life was reported by 1460 children. Time-to-event analysis was used to examine the associations. Overall exposure of probiotics during the first year of life was not associated with either CDA (n = 1212) (HR 1.15; 95%CI 0.99, 1.35; p = 0.07) or celiac disease (n = 455) (HR 1.11; 95%CI 0.86, 1.43; p = 0.43) when adjusting for known risk factors. Intake of probiotic dietary supplements, however, was associated with a slightly increased risk of CDA (HR 1.18; 95%CI 1.00, 1.40; p = 0.043) compared to children who did not get probiotics. It was concluded that the overall exposure of probiotics during the first year of life was not associated with CDA or celiac disease in children at genetic risk.
Multi-Modulation of Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells by Poly(l-histidine)-Based Multifunctional Micelles
Authors: Jia Li , Jia Nan , Gao Yan , Hu Haiyang , Zhao Xiuli , Chen Dawei , Qiao Mingxi
Published: August 2019

Even though the reversal of multi-drug resistance (MDR) by numerous nanoparticles has been extensively studied, limited success has been achieved. To overcome this barrier, we report a rationally-designed pH-sensitive micelle, in which doxorubicin (Dox) and resveratrol (Res) were co-loaded. The micelle was based on methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide)-poly(l-histidine) (mPEG-PLA-PHis), which integrated passive targeting, endo-lysosomal escape and pH-responsive payloads release. At a physiological pH of 7.4 (slightly alkali), Dox and Res were incorporated into the micelles core using the thin-film hydration method (pH-endoSM/Dox/Res). After cellular uptake, the micelles exhibited an enhanced dissociation in response to the acidic endosomes, triggering the release of Res and Dox. Furthermore, Res was observed to synergistically improve the cytotoxicity of Dox by down-regulating the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression, decreasing the membrane potential of the mitochondrial and ATP level, as well as inducing cell apoptosis mediated by mitochondria. The pH-endoSM/Dox/Res showed a prominent ability to decrease the IC50 of Dox by a factor of 17.38 in cell cytotoxicity against the MCF-7/ADR cell line. In vivo distribution demonstrated the excellent tumor-targeting ability of the pH-endoSM/Dox/Res. All results indicated that pH-endoSM/Dox/Res held great potential for the treatment of Dox-resistance breast cancer cells.
fNIRS for Tracking Brain Development in the Context of Global Health Projects
Authors: Blasi Anna , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Katus Laura , Elwell Clare E.
Published: August 2019

Over the past 25 years, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a valuable tool to study brain function, and it is in younger participants where it has found, arguably, its most successful application. Thanks to its infant-friendly features, the technology has helped shape research in the neurocognitive development field by contributing to our understanding of the neural underpinnings of sensory perception and socio-cognitive skills. Furthermore, it has provided avenues of exploration for markers of compromised brain development. Advances in fNIRS instrumentation and methods have enabled the next step in the evolution of its applications including the investigation of the effects of complex and interacting socio-economic and environmental adversities on brain development. To do this, it is necessary to take fNIRS out of well-resourced research labs (the majority located in high-income countries) to study at-risk populations in resource-poor settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Here we review the use of this technology in global health studies, we discuss the implementation of fNIRS studies in LMICs with a particular emphasis on the Brain Imaging for Global Health (BRIGHT) project, and we consider its potential in this emerging field.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Waterlogging-Sensitive and Tolerant Zombi Pea (Vigna vexillata) Reveals Energy Conservation and Root Plasticity Controlling Waterlogging Tolerance
Authors: Butsayawarapat Pimprapai , Juntawong Piyada , Khamsuk Ornusa , Somta Prakit
Published: August 2019

Vigna vexillata (zombi pea) is an underutilized legume crop considered to be a potential gene source in breeding for abiotic stress tolerance. This study focuses on the molecular characterization of mechanisms controlling waterlogging tolerance using two zombi pea varieties with contrasting waterlogging tolerance. Morphological examination revealed that in contrast to the sensitive variety, the tolerant variety was able to grow, maintain chlorophyll, form lateral roots, and develop aerenchyma in hypocotyl and taproots under waterlogging. To find the mechanism controlling waterlogging tolerance in zombi pea, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using roots subjected to short-term waterlogging. Functional analysis indicated that glycolysis and fermentative genes were strongly upregulated in the sensitive variety, but not in the tolerant one. In contrast, the genes involved in auxin-regulated lateral root initiation and formation were expressed only in the tolerant variety. In addition, cell wall modification, aquaporin, and peroxidase genes were highly induced in the tolerant variety under waterlogging. Our findings suggest that energy management and root plasticity play important roles in mitigating the impact of waterlogging in zombi pea. The basic knowledge obtained from this study can be used in the molecular breeding of waterlogging-tolerant legume crops in the future.
TiO2-Doped Chitosan Microspheres Supported on Cellulose Acetate Fibers for Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Shi Xuejuan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Ma Liang , Xiang Chunhui , Li Lili
Published: August 2019

Chitosan/cellulose acetate (CS/CA) used as a biopolymer systema, with the addition of TiO2 as photocatalyst (C-T/CA) were fabricated by alternating electrospinning/electrospraying technology. The uniform dispersion of TiO2 and its recovery after the removal of methyl orange (MO) was achieved by incorporating TiO2 in CS electrosprayed hemispheres. The effects of pH values, contact time, and the amount of TiO2 on adsorption and photocatalytic degradation for MO of the C-T/CA were investigated in detail. When TiO2 content was 3 wt %, the highest MO removal amount for fiber membranes (C-T-3/CA) reached 98% at pH value 4 and MO concentration of 40 mg/L. According to the data analysis, the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm model were well fitted to kinetic and equilibrium data of MO removal. Especially for C-T-3/CA, the fiber membrane exhibited multiple layers of adsorption. All these results indicated that adsorption caused by electrostatic interaction and photocatalytic degradation were involved in the MO removal process. This work provides a potential method for developing a novel photocatalyst with excellent catalytic activity, adsorbing capability and recycling use.
On the Recovery of PLP-Molar Mass Distribution at High Laser Frequencies: A Simulation Study
Authors: Hamzehlou Shaghayegh , Aboudzadeh M. Ali , Reyes Yuri
Published: August 2019

Due to the inherent difficulties in determination of the degree of branching for polymers produced in pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) experiments, the behavior of the degree of branching and backbiting reaction in high laser frequency and relatively high reaction temperatures have not been well-established. Herein, through a simulation study, the validity of different explanations on the recovery of PLP-molar mass distribution at high laser frequencies is discussed. It is shown that the reduction of the backbiting reaction rate at high laser frequency, and consequent decrease in the degree of branching, is not a necessary condition for recovering the PLP-molar mass distribution. The findings of this work provide simulation support to a previous explanation about the possibility of using high laser frequency for reliable determination of the propagation rate coefficient for acrylic monomers.
Technoeconomic Evaluation of a Process Capturing CO2 Directly from Air
Authors: Wijesiri Romesh Pramodya , Knowles Gregory Paul , Yeasmin Hasina , Hoadley Andrew Forbes Alexander , Chaffee Alan Loyd
Published: August 2019

Capturing CO2 directly from air is one of the options for mitigating the effects global climate change, and therefore determining its cost is of great interest. A process model was proposed and validated using laboratory results for adsorption/desorption of CO2, with a branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) loaded mesocellular foam (MCF) silica sorbent. The model was subjected to a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) to evaluate the technoeconomic feasibility of the process and to identify the operating conditions which yielded the lowest cost. The objectives of the MOO were to minimize the cost of CO2 capture based on a discounted cash flow analysis, while simultaneously maximizing the quantity of CO2 captured. This optimization identified the minimum cost of capture as 612 USD tonne−1 for dry air entering the process at 25 °C, and 657 USD tonne−1 for air at 22 °C and 39% relative humidity. The latter represents more realistic conditions which can be expected for subtropical climates. The cost of direct air capture could be reduced by ~42% if waste heat was utilized for the process, and by ~27% if the kinetics of the sorbent could be improved by a factor of two. A combination of both would allow cost reductions of ~54%.
Towards Responsible Aggregate Mining in Vietnam
Authors: Schiappacasse Paulina , Müller Bernhard , Linh Le Thuy
Published: August 2019

Responsible mining is a new catchword of our times. However, in practice, there seem to be many barriers that hinder the successful implementation of the concept. This is especially true for countries with high urbanization speed, and it is even true for one-party states where its implementation could, in general, be taken for granted as soon as the central government has taken respective decisions and put appropriate stipulations and mechanisms formally in place. On this background, the article deals with barriers and possible solutions regarding responsible mining taking the case of Vietnam, and more especially the Province of Hoa Binh, neighboring Hanoi. Based on a literature review on responsible mining, a set of principles promoting this approach is developed. This is taken as a criteria set for the assessment of respective policies and their implementation on the different levels of authority in Vietnam. Finally, proposals are developed how to advance responsible mining in this case and in other comparable countries.
Mechanical and Control Design of an Industrial Exoskeleton for Advanced Human Empowering in Heavy Parts Manipulation Tasks
Authors: Mauri Alessandro , Lettori Jacopo , Fusi Giovanni , Fausti Davide , Mor Maurizio , Braghin Francesco , Legnani Giovanni , Roveda Loris
Published: August 2019

Exoskeleton robots are a rising technology in industrial contexts to assist humans in onerous applications. Mechanical and control design solutions are intensively investigated to achieve a high performance human-robot collaboration (e.g., transparency, ergonomics, safety, etc.). However, the most of the investigated solutions involve high-cost hardware, complex design solutions and standard actuation. Moreover, state-of-the-art empowering controllers do not allow for online assistance regulation and do not embed advanced safety rules. In the presented work, an industrial exoskeleton with high payload ratio for lifting and transportation of heavy parts is proposed. A low-cost mechanical design solution is described, exploiting compliant actuation at the shoulder joint to increase safety in human-robot cooperation. A hierarchic model-based controller with embedded safety rules is then proposed (including the modeling of the compliant actuator) to actively assist the human while executing the task. An inner optimal controller is proposed for trajectory tracking, while an outer safety-based fuzzy logic controller is proposed to online deform the task trajectory on the basis of the human’s intention of motion. A gain scheduler is also designed to calculate the inner optimal control gains on the basis of the performed trajectory. Simulations have been performed in order to validate the performance of the proposed device, showing promising results. The prototype is under realization.
Trends in International PISA Scores over Time: Which Countries Are Actually Improving?
Authors: Rowley Kristie J. , McNeill Shelby M. , Dufur Mikaela J. , Edmunds Chrisse , Jarvis Jonathan A.
Published: August 2019

Many countries attempt to increase their Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings and scores over time. However, despite providing a more accurate assessment of the achievement-based improvements across countries, few studies have systematically examined growth in PISA scores over multiple assessments. Using data from the 2006, the 2009, and the 2012 PISA, we analyzed which countries experienced significant increases in their country-level average PISA scores between 2006 and 2012. To facilitate improved policy decisions, we also examined what country-level conditions were associated with such increases. Contrary to expectations, we found that few countries significantly increased their PISA scores over time. Countries that did experience meaningful improvements in PISA scores were more likely to have had lower PISA scores in 2006 and experienced country-level foundational advancements more recently, such as advancing to a more democratic form of government and/or a higher income classification.
Biodegradation of Malachite Green in Milkfish Pond Sediments
Authors: Yang Chu-Wen , Chao Wei-Liang , Hsieh Chi-Yen , Chang Bea-Ven
Published: August 2019

Malachite green (MG) is usually applied as a biocide in aquaculture worldwide. The microbial degradation of MG and changes in the microbial community composition of milkfish (Chanos chanos) culture pond sediments were assessed in this study. Three MG-degrading bacteria strains—M6, M10, and M12—were isolated, identified, and characterized. Strains M6, M10, and M12 are closely related to Zhouia amylolytica, Tenacibaculum mesophilum, and Enterobacter cloacae, respectively. The bacterial strains M10 and M12 showed good ability to degrade MG in the sediment. The MG degradation rate was increased after adding MG three more times. The microbial community in the sediment changes with different treatments. The bacterial strains M10 and M12 provide a potential solution for the treatment of sediment of saline aquaculture ponds with MG contamination.
Principal Component Analysis of the Potential for Increased Rail Competitiveness in East-Central Europe
Authors: Duleba Szabolcs , Farkas Bálint
Published: August 2019

Increased rail competitiveness has been the objective of many countries around the world, including member states of the EU. Although railway market liberalization has always been accompanied by high expectations of increased efficiency and competitiveness, the overall impact of such decisions can be considered controversial. This paper aims to contribute to the scientific debate by conducting a factor analysis of some East-Central European countries from the aspect of rail freight competitiveness. Since many highly correlated factors influence competitiveness, its mathematical–statistical representation and analysis is difficult due to the high number of dimensions of the factor space. Moreover, competitiveness cannot be measured directly only as a latent variable which is a feature of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The introduced PCA, model by way of reducing the number of dimensions, can highlight the relations among the attributes and determine the most crucial issues capable of increasing rail competitiveness in the given countries and also of clustering those national railway markets. Recommendations for structural changes in national rail freight markets of the region are also supplied. Our results show that international rail competitiveness depends rather on market efficiency than on market liberalization due to the fact that the Global Competitiveness Index and Export/Import attributes did not significantly correlate with market concentration. As for the larger domestic rail freight sectors, small freight forwarders—spawned by liberalization—are shown to play a significant role in increasing competitiveness.
Social Cost Benefit Analysis of Operating Compressed Biomethane (CBM) Transit Buses in Cities of Developing Nations: A Case Study
Authors: Shanmugam Kavitha , Baroth Anju , Nande Sachin , Yacout Dalia M. M. , Tysklind Mats , Upadhyayula Venkata K. K.
Published: August 2019

Cities in developing nations have to deal with two significant sustainability challenges amidst rampant urbanization. First, consumer-generated food waste is increasing monumentally since open dumping is still followed as a predominant practice, the negative environmental externalities associated with food waste disposal are growing beyond manageable proportions. Second, the dependency on conventional fuels like diesel to operate transit buses, which is one of the major causes for deteriorating urban air quality. A nexus established between food waste management and operation of transit buses can improve the sustainable performance of cities in developing nations. In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supported Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) is performed by considering a hypothetical scenario of establishing a large food waste treating biomethanation plant in Mumbai, India. The food waste from the city is transported to a biomethanation plant where it is subjected to an anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The biogas produced as a byproduct is upgraded to compressed biomethane (CBM) and used as a vehicle fuel to operate transit buses within the city. The LCA results suggest that CBM buses can reduce greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions by 60% compared to diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. Fossil depletion potential of CBM buses is 98% lower than diesel, suggesting CBM’s importance in decoupling developing nations dependency on imported crude oil. The SCBA considers: (a) costs to stakeholders, i.e., fees for open dumping of food waste and cost of fuel for operating transit buses; and (b) social costs incurred by negative environmental externalities (obtained by monetizing LCA results) resulting from both, open dumping as well as fuel combustion. SCBA results indicate that the food waste-based CBM model can save 6.86 billion Indian rupees (USD 99.4 million) annually for Mumbai. The savings are made due to a reduction in stakeholder’s costs (fuel) coupled with societal, i.e., environmental externality costs if entire transit bus fleet operates on CBM fuel instead of conventional fuel mix (33:67 diesel to CNG) currently used. Although the study is performed for Mumbai, the results will be replicable to any city of developing nations facing similar issues.
Symmetrical Patterns of Ainu Heritage and Their Virtual and Physical Prototyping
Authors: Tashi  , Ullah AMM Sharif
Published: August 2019

This article addresses virtual and physical prototyping of some symmetrical patterns collected from the Ainu cultural heritage. The indigenous people living in the northern part of Japan (e.g., Hokkaido), known as Ainu, often decorate their houses, clothing, ornaments, utensils, and spiritual goods using some unique patterns. The patterns carry their identity as well as their sense of aesthetics. Nowadays, different kinds of souvenirs and cultural artifacts crafted with Ainu patterns are cherished by many individuals in Japan and abroad. Thus, the Ainu patterns carry both cultural and commercial significance. A great deal of craftsmanship is needed to produce the Ainu patterns precisely. There is a lack of human resources having such craftsmanship. It will remain the same in the foreseeable future. Thus, there is a pressing need to preserve such craftsmanship. Digital manufacturing technology can be used to preserve the Ainu pattern-making craftsmanship. From this perspective, this article presents a methodology to create both virtual and physical prototypes of Ainu patterns using digital manufacturing technology. In particular, a point cloud-based approach was adopted to model the patterns. A point cloud representing a pattern was then used to create a virtual prototype of the pattern in the form of a solid CAD model. The triangulation data of each solid CAD model were then used to run a 3D printer to produce a physical prototype (replica of the pattern). The virtual and physical prototypes of both basic (Hokkaido) Ainu motifs and some synthesized patterns were reproduced using the presented methodology. The findings of this study will help those who want to digitize the craftsmanship of culturally significant artifacts without using a 3D scanner or image processing.
A Novel Method of Using Vision System and Fuzzy Logic for Quality Estimation of Resistance Spot Welding
Authors: Alghannam Essa , Lu Hong , Ma Mingtian , Cheng Qian , Gonzalez Andres A. , Zang Yue , Li Shuo
Published: August 2019

Finding a reliable quality inspection system of resistance spot welding (RSW) has become a very important issue in the automobile industry. In this study, improvement in the quality estimation of the weld nugget’s surface on the car underbody is introduced using image processing methods and training a fuzzy inference system. Image segmentation, mathematical morphology (dilation and erosion), flood fill operation, least-squares fitting curve and some other new techniques such as location and value based selection of pixels are used to extract new geometrical characteristics from the weld nugget’s surface such as size and location, shape, and the numbers and areas of all side expulsions, peaks and troughs inside and outside the fusion zone. Topography of the weld nugget’s surface is created and shown as a 3D model based on the extracted geometrical characteristics from each spot. Extracted data is used to define input fuzzy functions for training a fuzzy logic inference system. Fuzzy logic rules are adopted based on knowledge database. The experiments are conducted on a 6 degree of freedom (DOF) robotic arm with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to collect pictures of various RSW locations on car underbodies. The results conclude that the estimation of the 3D model of the weld’s surface and weld’s quality can reach higher accuracy based on our proposed methods.
Analysis of Mycotoxins Contamination in Poultry Feeds Manufactured in Selected Provinces of South Africa Using UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Mokubedi Sharon Maphala , Phoku Judith Zanele , Changwa Rumbidzai Naledi , Gbashi Sefater , Njobeh Patrick Berka
Published: August 2019

A total of 105 different types of poultry feed samples from South Africa were simultaneously analysed for the presence of 16 mycotoxins using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS). The data revealed the presence of 16 mycotoxins in the various poultry feed samples. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) was the most dominant recovered from 100% of samples analysed at concentrations ranging between 38.7 and 7125.3 µg/kg. This was followed by zearalenone (ZEN) (range: 0.1–429 µg/kg) and deoxynivalenol (DON) (range: 2.5–154 µg/kg). Samples were also found to be contaminated with fumonisin B2 (FB2) (range: 0.7–125.1 µg/kg), fumonisin B3 (FB3) (range: 0.1–125.1 µg/kg), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) (range: 0.6–20 µg/kg ), β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) (range: 0.2–22.1 µg/kg), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) (range: 0.1–12.9 µg/kg) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) (range: 1.7–41.9 µg/kg). Alternaria mycotoxin, i.e., Alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) was recovered in 100% of samples at concentrations that ranged from 0.3–155.5 µg/kg. Aflatoxins (AFs) had an incidence rate of 92% with generally low concentration levels ranging from 0.1–3.7 µg/kg. Apart from these metabolites, 2 type A trichothecenes (THs), i.e., HT-2 toxin (HT-2) (range: 0.2–5.9 µg/kg) and T-2 toxin (T-2) (range: 0.1–15.3 µg/kg) were also detected. Mycotoxin contamination in South African poultry feed constitutes a concern as correspondingly high contamination levels, such as those observed herein are likely to affect birds, which can be accompanied by severe health implications, thus compromising animal productivity in the country. Such exposures, primarily to more than one mycotoxin concurrently, may elicit noticeable synergistic and or additive effects on poultry birds.
Assessing Surface Sediment Contamination by PBDE in a Recharge Point of Guarani Aquifer in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Raissa S. , de Souza Alecsandra O. , Annunciação Daniel L. R. , Sodré Fernando F. , Dorta Daniel J.
Published: August 2019

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in several products, although they can act as neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and endocrine disruptors in organisms. In Brazil, their levels in aquatic sediments are poorly known; thus, concerns about the degree of exposure of the Brazilian population to PBDEs have grown. This study aimed to quantify the presence of PBDEs in sediment samples from an important groundwater water supply in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, and to contribute to studies related to the presence of PBDEs in Brazilian environments. Gas chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detection (GC-ECD) was used for quantification after submitting the samples to ultrasound-assisted extraction and clean-up steps. Results showed the presence of six PBDE, BDE-47 being the most prevalent in the samples, indicating a major contamination of the penta-PBDE commercial mixture. The concentration of ΣPBDEs (including BDE-28, -47, -66, -85, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154 and -209) varied between nd (not detected) to 5.4 ± 0.2 ng g−1. Although preliminary, our data show the anthropic contamination of a direct recharge area of the Aquifer Guarani by persistent and banned substances.
Electrolysis-Assisted Mn(II)/Sulfite Process for Organic Contaminant Degradation at Near-Neutral pH
Authors: Jia Lixin , Pei Xingwang , Yang Fei
Published: August 2019

Manganese-catalyzed sulfite activation (i.e., Mn(II)/sulfite) has emerged as an advanced oxidation process to produce sulfate radical (SO4•−) for water treatment. However, to maintain the catalytic activity of Mn(II) ion, solution acidity has to be kept below pH 4, which is difficult to maintain in practice. Moreover, Mn(II)/sulfite reaction is a strongly oxygen-dependent process, and purging air into reaction solution is another extra cost. To solve the above issues, we devised to implement electrolysis into Mn(II)/sulfite (i.e., electro/Mn(II)/sulfite process) for organic compound (bisphenol A, BPA) oxidation. It was revealed that, under near-neutral conditions (pH 6), the removal rate of 10 μM BPA was increased from 46.3%, by Mn(II)/sulfite process, to 94.2% by electro/Mn(II)/sulfite process. The enhancement of BPA removal after implementation of electrolysis to Mn(II)/sulfite process was investigated, and concluded to be a result of several pathways. In detail, the produced oxygen from water electrolysis, direct sulfite oxidation on anode, and local acidic pH at anode vicinity together play a role in promoting SO4•− production and, therefore, contaminant removal. Radical-scavenging assays confirmed the dominant role of SO4•− in electro/Mn(II)/sulfite process.
Aprendizaje significativo relacionado con la formación académica en la Educación Superior
Authors: Castro Chávez Narcisa Cecilia , García Estupiñán Silvia Beatriz
Published: August 2019

La práctica educativa actual debe promover el desarrollo de los ámbitos motriz, cognitivo, socio afectivo y lenguaje de los niños de 3 a 6 años y enlazarse emocionalmente al mundo exterior con el que se relaciona el niño. El currículo de educación inicial, promociona el trabajo en los ambientes de aprendizajes, pero la falta de creatividad y desconocimiento de la metodología para trabajar con los espacios de acción y aventura hacen que los objetivos estipulados para el desarrollo del ámbito de vinculación emocional, descubrimiento del medio natural y cultural, expresión artística, expresión del lenguaje verbal y no verbal, identidad y autonomía, convivencia, relaciones lógico matemáticos, expresión corporal y motricidad no se cumplan y se convierta en una simple rutina de aprendizajes que fácilmente se olvidan. La propuesta de crear estrategias de aprendizaje en espacios de acción y aventura en la que se realicen juegos de ejercicios, juegos de reglas y juegos simbólicos en conjunto con una dinámica de interacción entre los niños y el adulto favorecen el ejercicio funcional, la comunicación interpersonal y el desarrollo de competencias. Los niños serán capaces de establecer su propio ritmo de descubrimiento en un medio, material y humano, para ampliar progresivamente sus aprendizajes en número y complejidad. Las estrategias de acción y aventura como propuesta educativa garantizan a la docente seguridad durante la sesión y los niños puedan manifestar su espontaneidad y actualizar sus potencialidades en un marco de organizada libertad, que repercutirá en el clima general del aula y el ambiente de aprendizaje. Palabras clave: Educación inicial; didáctica; ambientes de aprendizajes.
Efecto residual de la adición de dos abonos orgánicos en un Andisol y un Ultisol sobre la concentración de macronutrientes en sorgo (Sorghum Bicolor), bajo invernadero1
Authors: Durango Cabanilla Wuellins , Uribe Lorío Lidieth , Henríquez Henríquez Carlos , Mata Chinchilla Rafael
Published: August 2019

En este trabajo después de incubar durante 90 días, suelo tomado del horizonte A, de un Andisol y un Ultisol con los abonos orgánicos (compost y vermicompost), se determinó el efecto residual sobre el peso seco y la concentración de macro nutrientes en (Sorghum bicolor). Los datos fueron sometidos a un diseño completamente al azar y las medias se analizaron mediante Tukey (p<0,05). Los resultados mostraron que el peso seco de la biomasa aérea del sorgo sembrado en el Andisol se incrementó significativamente con la aplicación de 2 t ha-1 de los dos abonos orgánicos. En tanto que el peso seco de la biomasa aérea del sorgo sembrado en el Ultisol se incrementó significativamente con la aplicación de vermicompost, con las dosis de 10 t ha-1 y 15 t ha-1. En cuanto a la concentración de macronutrimentos en el sorgo, en el Andisol, se tuvo incrementos a partir de la dosis de 2 t ha-1 de los dos abonos orgánicos, mientras que en el Ultisol aumentó con las dosis de 10 y 15 t ha-1 de vermicompost. Además se determinó correlación positiva entre el peso seco de la biomasa aérea con los contenidos de macronutrimentos. Por las respuestas encontradas tanto por las plantas en los suelos y por los abonos orgánicos en cada suelo, es importante considerar que no se debe generalizar el uso de un mismo abono orgánico para todos los suelos.
Desde la hermenéutica filosófica de Martin Heidegger al ser docente militar
Authors: Zerpa Higuera Janett J.
Published: August 2019

El estudio se enfoca en el ser docente militar a partir de la pregunta del ser de Martin Heidegger. Se hace necesario preguntarse por el “Es”: quién es ese sujeto y objeto del conocimiento y cómo se devela ante sí y ante los otros. Heidegger, a través de su hermenéutica filosófica y los estudios fenomenológico -hermenéuticos del “Ser” abren el camino para adentrarse en ese mundo que determina al Ser, que en este caso busca su autodefinición como pedagogo, y especialmente el docente militar. El docente construye conocimiento, y se encamina no sólo a su búsqueda, sino que es agente de su transmisión y transformación. Por ello, es inminente preguntarse por su ser, qué lo determina, cuál es su esencia y cómo fluye e influye ese ser en su develación ante sí y ante los otros, cómo muestra ese conocimiento al desocultar ese ser innato. Martin Heidegger (1993) en Ser y Tiempo aborda el estudio ontológico del ser donde sostiene que el pensamiento en tanto una reflexión meditativa y consciente, no busca al Ser porque pensar y Ser es de hecho lo mismo. Señala que la pregunta por el sentido del Ser, se aborda a partir de la pregunta por el SER, en la que el hombre es tanto el preguntador como el preguntado y acontece en la analítica de la existencia humana, pues en ella se llega a la luz. La pregunta, el conocimiento previo (producto del existir en un mundo del ser - ahí) y la respuesta dan como resultante la definición del ser que se hace aparente ante el ente y es fuente del conocimiento. Es la búsqueda, a través del preguntar por el ser del docentemilitar, es a su vez, la búsqueda también de la identificación de la pedagogía militar, su comprensión y cómo construye el conocimiento. El ser docente entoncesenvuelve no sólo el determinarse a sí mismo sino comprenderse para ser, conocer y hacer.
Consideraciones estipuladas a la práctica de los videojuegos como actividad lúdica
Authors: Rodríguez Arias Raúl Eustace
Published: August 2019

La investigación tuvo como objetivo indagar el significado que tiene para los adolescentes caraqueños el uso de los videojuegos de salón. El estudio se realizóen cuatro salas de videojuegos ubicadas estratégicamente en el área metropolitana. La investigación se abordó desde una perspectiva metodológica cuali-cuantitativa, el método fue el estudio de caso, el tipo de investigación fue descriptiva y la modalidad de campo. Las unidades fueron 44 adolescentes que acuden a estos centros de esparcimiento. Las técnicas de análisis fueron la observación participante y la entrevista, ésta última de carácter semi-estructurada. Como conclusiones se determinó que para los adolescentes resultó muy significativo el hecho de jugar videojuegos ya que lo ven como una fase de sus vidas que ofrece distracción y entretenimiento, de igual forma prefieren los videojuegos de combate por las luchas y la carga de violencia que poseen, características que están presentes en estos adolescentes quienes los prefieren.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTEMPORARY TURKISH LITERATURE IN MACEDONIA
Authors: Yusufi Imer , Celik Mahmut , Liman Fatime
Published: August 2019

The withdrawal of the Ottoman state from Macedonia had a negative effect on the Turkish literature and culture. Nevertheless, in the period between 1918 and 1941, the Turks managed to publish eleven newspapers, such as: „Rehber“, „Uhuvvet“, „Hak“, „Hak Yolu“, „Mücahede“, „Sosyalist Fecri“, „Yeni Vakit“, „Birlik“, „Seda-yı Millet“, „Işık“ и „Doğru Yol“. However, many newspapers were abolished by the regime, like the newspaper "Hak", which was abolished after a total of 956 issues printed up to 11 December 1924 and which strongly criticized the demolition of the Burmali mosque in Skopje, can be cited as an example.During the reign with Macedonia - which after the occupation by the Germans was handed over to the Bulgarians - the activity in the field of publishing and organizing the Turks, whose national identity was not recognized, comes to a complete standstill. After the Second World War, in the second Yugoslavia which was elevated based on new dynamics, based on the few cultural rights that were recognized to the minorities, in 1944 the education and publishing in Turkish language, was undergoing an expansion.The founders of Turkish literature in the Republic of Macedonia, who are the founders of the children’s short stories in Turkish language in the Republic of Macedonia, as well, are Hussein Suleiman, Mustafa Karahasan, Sukri Ramo, Necati Zekeriya, Fahri Kaya, Mahmut Kirtali, Sureya Yusuf and Ilhami Emin. They were later joined by other storytellers, that is, the first postwar generation of Turkish writers in the Republic of Macedonia, among who, Rexhep Murat - Bugaric, Esad Bajram and Nusret Diso Ulku.On December 23, 1944, the publishing of the newspaper "Birlik" was initiated, which is the first Turkish newspaper in Macedonia, printed in Latin letters. However, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper was appointed by the state, its costs were also covered by the state and it was issued by the Joint Stock Company Nova Makedonija. Therefore, the newspaper "Birlik" can not be said to be a Turkish newspaper published by the Turks in Macedonia, but a newspaper that was published for the Turks. Despite this important detail, the newspaper still has great credit in strengthening the national consciousness and the ability to hear the voice of Turkish literary writers in Macedonia.
Effect of cleanliness and hygiene on occurence of mastitis in crossbred cows in West Bengal
Authors: Bhakat Champak
Published: August 2019

Milk quality and quantity, Jersey crossbred, somatic cell count, Intra-mammary Infection, Farmers, Mastitis, Clean milk, subclinical mastitis, milk composition, Milk production, Mastitis management
Influence of clean milk production on incidence of sub-clinical mastitis in cows at lower Gangetic regions
Authors: Bhakat Champak
Published: August 2019

Milk quality and quantity, Jersey crossbred, somatic cell count, Intra-mammary Infection, Farmers, Mastitis, Clean milk, subclinical mastitis, milk composition, Milk production, Mastitis management
Aplikasi Prediksi Kelulusan Mahasiswa Berbasis K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN)
Authors: Hakim Lalu Abd Rahman , Rizal Ahmad Ashril , Ratnasari Dwi
Published: August 2019

Students are important assets for an educational institution and for this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the student's graduation rate on time. Presentation of the ups and downs of students' ability to complete their studies on time is one of the elements of campus accreditation assessment. Based on data from the Study Program Section in the last 3 years the student graduation presentation is only 25% of the total students who can complete their studies on time. In this study using the K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm which aims to be able to identify student graduation in new cases by adapting solutions from previous cases that have closeness to new cases. This algorithm has the role to get the value of the closeness of the new case to the old case, which in turn the most population in area K with the closest value obtained by the student is predicted whether to pass on time or not on time. This study uses Roger S. Pressman's waterfalll method, namely Communication, Planning, Modeling, and Construction. Based on the tests carried out using K-Fold Cross Validation, the highest accuracy in the third model was 80% when folded 4th and 61% when the K value = 1. While testing using the Confusion Matrix obtained the highest accuracy of 98% at K = 1 for classification "Timely", and 98% at K = 2 for classification "Not Timely"