bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and Desorption Performance and Mechanism of Tetracycline Hydrochloride by Activated Carbon-Based Adsorbents Derived from Sugar Cane Bagasse Activated with ZnCl2
Authors: Cai Yixin , Liu Liming , Tian Huafeng , Yang Zhennai , Luo Xiaogang
Published: December 2019

Adsorption and desorption behaviors of tetracycline hydrochloride by activated carbon-based adsorbents derived from sugar cane bagasse modified with ZnCl2 were investigated. The activated carbon was tested by SEM, EDX, BET, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. This activated carbon exhibited a high BET surface area of 831 m2 g−1 with the average pore diameter and pore volume reaching 2.52 nm and 0.45 m3 g−1, respectively. The batch experimental results can be described by Freundlich equation, pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the intraparticle diffusion model, while the maximum adsorption capacity reached 239.6 mg g−1 under 318 K. The effects of flow rate, bed height, initial concentration, and temperature were studied in fixed bed adsorption experiments, and adsorption data were fitted with six dynamic adsorption models. The results of characterizations and the batch experiments were analyzed to study the adsorption and desorption mechanisms. Tetracycline hydrochloride and activated carbon were bonded together by π–π interactions and cation–π bonds. Ethanol was used as an eluent which bonded with 10 hydrogen bond acceptors on tetracycline hydrochloride to form a complex by hydrogen bonding to achieve recycling.
Lectin PLL3, a Novel Monomeric Member of the Seven-Bladed β-Propeller Lectin Family
Authors: Faltinek Lukáš , Fujdiarová Eva , Melicher Filip , Houser Josef , Kašáková Martina , Kondakov Nikolay , Kononov Leonid , Parkan Kamil , Vidal Sébastien , Wimmerová Michaela
Published: December 2019

The Photorhabdus species is a Gram-negative bacteria of the family Morganellaceae that is known for its mutualistic relationship with Heterorhabditis nematodes and pathogenicity toward insects. This study is focused on the characterization of the recombinant lectin PLL3 with an origin in P. laumondii subsp. laumondii. PLL3 belongs to the PLL family of lectins with a seven-bladed β-propeller fold. The binding properties of PLL3 were tested by hemagglutination assay, glycan array, isothermal titration calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance, and its structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. Obtained data revealed that PLL3 binds similar carbohydrates to those that the other PLL family members bind, with some differences in the binding properties. PLL3 exhibited the highest affinity toward l-fucose and its derivatives but was also able to interact with O-methylated glycans and other ligands. Unlike the other members of this family, PLL3 was discovered to be a monomer, which might correspond to a weaker avidity effect compared to homologous lectins. Based on the similarity to the related lectins and their proposed biological function, PLL3 might accompany them during the interaction of P. laumondii with both the nematode partner and the insect host.
The Role of Phosphatidylethanolamine Adducts in Modification of the Activity of Membrane Proteins under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Pohl Elena E. , Jovanovic Olga
Published: December 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their derivatives, reactive aldehydes (RAs), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disease. Understanding how RAs can modify the function of membrane proteins is critical for the design of therapeutic approaches in the above-mentioned pathologies. Over the last few decades, direct interactions of RA with proteins have been extensively studied. Yet, few studies have been performed on the modifications of membrane lipids arising from the interaction of RAs with the lipid amino group that leads to the formation of adducts. It is even less well understood how various multiple adducts affect the properties of the lipid membrane and those of embedded membrane proteins. In this short review, we discuss a crucial role of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and PE-derived adducts as mediators of RA effects on membrane proteins. We propose potential PE-mediated mechanisms that explain the modulation of membrane properties and the functions of membrane transporters, channels, receptors, and enzymes. We aim to highlight this new area of research and to encourage a more nuanced investigation of the complex nature of the new lipid-mediated mechanism in the modification of membrane protein function under oxidative stress.
Microscopic Characteristic and Chemical Composition Analysis of Three Medicinal Plants and Surface Frosts
Authors: Yu Da Qing , Han Xiao Jing , Shan Ting Yu , Xu Rui , Hu Jin , Cheng Wang Xing , Zha Liang Ping , Peng Hua Sheng
Published: December 2019

The accumulation of chemical constituents of some medicinal plants, such as Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang, Houpoëa officinalis (Rehder and E. H. Wilson) N. H. Xia and C. Y. Wu. and Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC, can precipitate on the surface and form frosts after natural or artificial intervention. The characteristics of these three medicinal plants and their frosts were analyzed by light microscope, polarizing microscope, stereomicroscope, and metalloscope. The results of ordinary Raman of P. ostii and H. officinalis showed that the frosts of P. ostii matched paeonol, while that of H. officinalis matched magnolol and honokiol. In P. ostii and its frost, 19 peaks were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, and the main component was paeonol. Eleven components were identified in H. officinalis and its frosts, and the main components were magnolol and honokiol. A. lancea and its frosts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 21 were identified, and its main components were hinesol and β-eudesmol. These three medicinal plants accumulate compounds and precipitate frosts on the surface. The results show that the components of the frosts provide a basis for quality evaluation and research on similar medicinal plants, and reveals the scientific connotation of “taking the medicinal materials’ precipitated frosts as the best” of P. ostii, H. officinalis, and A. lancea, to some extent.
Effect of Nano-SiOx/Chitosan Complex Coating on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Preservation Performance of Green Tomato
Authors: Zhu Yingjie , Li Dong , Belwal Tarun , Li Li , Chen Hangjun , Xu Tingqiao , Luo Zisheng
Published: December 2019

A novel nano-silicon oxides (SiOx)/chitosan complex film was prepared using ultrasonic assistant in the process of dissolving chitosan and silicon oxides (SiOx), and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Its effect on quality preservation of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Zheza 205) was investigated under ambient temperature. The results revealed that the nano-SiOx/chitosan complex (NSCC) film retarded weight loss and softness, delayed the titratable acids and total soluble solids loss, and thus markedly extended shelf life of green tomatoes. The antimicrobial activity of tomatoes coated with NSCC film was also recorded higher compared to chitosan (Ch) films and control. In addition, the NSCC film-coated tomatoes prevent the increase of malondialdehyde content and total polyphenol content. Moreover, the peroxidase activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, and polyphenoloxidase activity of tomatoes coated with NSCC film were found lower than that in other treatments. These data indicated that the beneficial effects of nano-SiOx/chitosan complex coating on postharvest quality were possibly associated with the lower rate of O2/CO2 transmission coefficient, limiting food-borne pathogenic bacterial growth, higher antioxidant activities, and also higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and anti-browning activities of related enzymes in the tomatoes. Further, the results of the study could be used to successfully develop a novel nano-SiOx/chitosan complex film for improving the postharvested quality of tomatoes and thus effectively utilized by the food packaging industry.
Anti-Biofilm Effects of Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides Against Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Planktonic Cells and Biofilm
Authors: Park Seong-Cheol , Lee Min-Young , Kim Jin-Young , Kim Hyeonseok , Jung Myunghwan , Shin Min-Kyoung , Lee Woo-Kon , Cheong Gang-Won , Lee Jung Ro , Jang Mi-Kyeong
Published: December 2019

Biofilm-associated infections are difficult to manage or treat as biofilms or biofilm-embedded bacteria are difficult to eradicate. Antimicrobial peptides have gained increasing attention as a possible alternative to conventional drugs to combat drug-resistant microorganisms because they inhibit the growth of planktonic bacteria by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane. The current study investigated the effects of synthetic peptides (PS1-2, PS1-5, and PS1-6) and conventional antibiotics on the growth, biofilm formation, and biofilm reduction of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of PS1-2, PS1-5, and PS1-6 were also tested in vivo using a mouse model. All peptides inhibited planktonic cell growth and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. They also reduced preformed biofilm masses by removing the carbohydrates, extracellular DNA, and lipids that comprised extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) but did not affect proteins. In vivo, PS1-2 showed the greatest efficacy against preformed biofilms with no cytotoxicity. Our findings indicate that the PS1-2 peptide has potential as a next-generation therapeutic drug to overcome multidrug resistance and to regulate inflammatory response in biofilm-associated infections.
Investigation of Five Organic Dyes in Ethanol and Butanol for Two-Color Laser-Induced Fluorescence Ratio Thermometry
Authors: Mishra Yogeshwar Nath , Yoganantham Ajeth , Koegl Matthias , Zigan Lars
Published: December 2019

In this article, we compare absorption and temperature-dependent fluorescence spectra of five organic dyes for 2c-LIF (two-color laser-induced fluorescence) thermometry in ethanol and butanol. The dyes fluorescein, eosin Y, rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G, and sulforhodamine 101 individually mixed in ethanol and butanol were studied at liquid temperatures of 25–65 °C. The self-absorption spectral bands are analyzed along with intensity ratios and the respective sensitivities for one-dye and two-dye 2c-LIF thermometry are deduced. For one-dye 2c-LIF, rhodamine B showed the highest sensitivity of 2.93%/°C and 2.89%/°C in ethanol and butanol, respectively. Sulforhodamine 101 and rhodamine 6G showed the least sensitivities of 0.51%/°C and 1.24%/°C in ethanol and butanol, respectively. For two-dye 2c-LIF, rhodamine B/sulforhodamine 101 exhibited the highest temperature sensitivities of 2.39%/°C and 2.54%/°C in ethanol and butanol, respectively. The dye pair eosin Y/sulforhodamine 101 showed the least sensitivities of 0.15%/°C and 0.27%/°C in ethanol and butanol, respectively.
Implementation of an Extended-Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam Dosing Protocol: Unexpected Findings when Monitoring Safety and Compliance with Smart Pump Technology
Authors: J. Rhodes Nathaniel , Lopez Jenna , K. Pham Cecilia , Brake Helga , Fotis Michael , E. Harpe Spencer , Avedissian Sean , H. Scheetz Marc
Published: December 2019

Compliance with recommended infusion rates was evaluated before, during, and after the implementation of extended-infusion (EI) piperacillin-tazobactam at an academic medical center. Software-controlled infusion-pump alert data were studied for piperacillin-tazobactam administrations before and after implementation of a four-hour EI protocol. Compliance was analyzed 16 weeks before (pre-EI), two weeks after (peri-EI), and an additional 16 weeks after (post-EI) protocol implementation. We defined potential harm as a programmed infusion rate exceeding the recommended rate, possible harm as a programmed infusion aborted by the user, and compliance as reversion to recommended rates. Potential and possible harm were standardized to 1000 patient days. Overall, 3110 alerts were identified during the period. Potential harm per 1000 patient days for pre-, peri-, and post-EI were 0, 6.12, and 1.05 (p < 0.001). Possible harm per 1000 patient days for the pre-, peri-, and post-EI were 0.33, 21.9, and 5.02 (p < 0.001). Compliance after an initial potential harm alert occurred more often post-EI (0.4 per 1000 patient days vs. 0 per 1000 patient days for pre- and peri-EI; p < 0.001), while alerts remaining in non-compliance were more prevalent if they initially occurred during the peri- and post-EI vs. pre-EI (6.1 and 0.6 per 1000 patient days vs. 0 per 1000 patient days; p < 0.001) period. Piperacillin-tazobactam infusions were administered faster than recommended during implementation (i.e., peri-EI) despite standardized orders.
An Optoelectronic Targeting System for Measuring the Distribution of Projectile Motion Based on the Subdivision of a Light Screen
Authors: Chu Wenbo , Zhang Bin , Liu Baowei , Gui Zhiguo , Zhao Donge
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a cost-effective, compact, noncontacting optoelectronic targeting system for measuring the distribution of projectile motion. The major elements of this system include a light emitting diode (LED) array, photodiode detecting array, double-layered aperture arrays, adaptive threshold circuit, and date acquisition. Through cooperating with double-layered aperture arrays, the system effectively reduces the radiation width of the light source to the photodiode detecting surface, and filters out the influence of incident light from the adjacent apertures on both sides above each photodiode to the corresponding photodiode detecting surface. It realizes that the response of the photodiode array corresponds to the coordinates of the light screen one by one. Through the sensitivity analysis of the light screen of the system, the system detecting threshold when the projectile passes through the light screen is calculated, and the corresponding adaptive threshold circuit is designed to prevent misjudgment when the system works. The measuring error of the system can reach ±2 mm by experimental verification. Compared with other projectile’s distribution measuring systems, the proposed system has the advantages of having high precision, convenient debugging, is nondestructive, and is a noncontact system.
Comparative Analysis of Combustion Stability of Diesel/Ethanol Utilization by Blend and Dual Fuel
Authors: Tutak Wojciech , Jamrozik Arkadiusz
Published: December 2019

The aim of the work is a comparison of two combustion systems of fuels with different reactivity. The first is combustion of the fuel mixture and the second is combustion in a dual-fuel engine. Diesel fuel was burned with pure ethanol. Both methods of co-firing fuels have both advantages and disadvantages. Attention was paid to the combustion stability aspect determined by COVIMEP as well as the probability density function of IMEP. It was analyzed also the spread of the maximum pressure value, the angle of the position of maximum pressure. The influence of ethanol on ignition delay time spread and end of combustion process was evaluated. The experimental investigation was conducted on 1-cylinder air cooled compression ignition engine. The test engine operated with constant rpm equal to 1500 rpm and constant angle of start of diesel fuel injection. The engine was operated with ethanol up to 50% of its energy fraction.
Diffusion in Binary Aqueous Solutions of Alcohols by Molecular Simulation
Authors: Klinov Alexander , Anashkin Ivan
Published: December 2019

Based on the molecular dynamics method, the calculations for diffusion coefficients were carried out in binary aqueous solutions of three alcohols: ethanol, isopropanol, and tert-butanol. The intermolecular potential TIP4P/2005 was used for water; and five force fields were analyzed for the alcohols. The force fields providing the best accuracy of calculation were identified based on a comparison of the calculated self-diffusion coefficients of pure alcohols with the experimental data for internal (Einstein) diffusion coefficients of alcohols in solutions. The temperature and concentration dependences of the interdiffusion coefficients were determined using Darken’s Equation. Transport (Fickian) diffusion coefficients were calculated using a thermodynamic factor determined by the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) and Willson models. It was demonstrated that for adequate reproduction of the experimental data when calculating the transport diffusion coefficients, the thermodynamic factor has to be 0.64. Simple approximations were obtained, providing satisfactory accuracy in calculating the concentration and temperature dependences of the transport diffusion coefficients in the studied mixtures.
Research on the Dynamic Behaviors of the Jet System of Adaptive Fire-Fighting Monitors
Authors: Yuan Xiaoming , Zhu Xuan , Wang Chu , Zhang Lijie , Zhu Yong
Published: December 2019

Based on the principles of nonlinear dynamics, a dynamic model of the jet system for adaptive fire-fighting monitors was established. The influence of nonlinear fluid spring force on the dynamic model was described by the Duffing equation. Results of numerical calculation indicate that the nonlinear action of the fluid spring force leads to the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the jet system and fluid gas content, fluid pressure, excitation frequency, and excitation amplitude are the key factors affecting the dynamics of the jet system. When the excitation frequency is close to the natural frequency of the corresponding linear dynamic system, a sudden change in vibration amplitude occurs. The designed adaptive fire-fighting monitor had no multi-cycle, bifurcation, or chaos in the range of design parameters, which was consistent with the stroboscopic sampling results in the dynamic experiment of jet system. This research can provide a basis for the dynamic design and optimization of the adaptive fire-fighting monitor, and similar equipment.
In-Situ Characterization by High-Energy X-ray Diffraction of the Phase Transformations Leading to Transformation-Induced Plasticity-Aided Bainitic Steel
Authors: Tournoud Zélie , De Geuser Frédéric , Renou Gilles , Huin Didier , Donnadieu Patricia , Deschamps Alexis
Published: December 2019

The phase transformations occurring during the heat treatments leading to transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-aided bainitic steel have been investigated in-situ by high-energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) conducted with synchrotron light at 90 keV. Direct microstructure characterization has been performed by electron microscopy using electron backscatter diffraction and orientation and phase mapping in a transmission electron microscope. HEXRD data allow the quantification of the evolution of the austenite phase fraction with the heat treatments, as well as its carbon content and the fraction of carbides, from the lattice parameter evolution. It is shown that different combinations of austenite fraction and carbon content can be reached by adjusting the heat treatment temperature.
Performance Evaluation of a Full-Duplex Relaying-Enabled Satellite Sensor Network
Authors: Xia Xigang , Yang Bo , Liu Zhiyu , An Kang , Guo Kefeng
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the performance of a full-duplex (FD) relaying-enabled satellite sensor network under residual loop interference, where the satellite uplink and the downlink transmissions simultaneously occur over the same frequency band. Specifically, the closed-form expressions for the outage probability and ergodic capacity of the FD relaying satellite sensor network are derived by considering residual loop interference, channel statistical property, propagation loss, geometric satellite antenna pattern, and terminal elevation angle. Simulation results show the achieved performance gains of a full-duplex relaying satellite sensor network over traditional half-duplex relaying, and highlight the impact of key system parameters on the performance of the considered FD relaying satellite sensor network.
An UWB Physical Optics Approach for Fresnel-Zone RCS Measurements on a Complex Target at Non-Normal Incidence
Authors: Mihai Ilie Valentin , Tamas Razvan , Sharaiha Ala
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a fast method for measuring the radar cross section of a complex target at non-normal incidences and Fresnel region antenna-to-target distances. The proposed method relies both on the physical optics approach and on averaging the field distribution over the transmitting and receiving antenna apertures. The ratio between the analytical expression of the radar cross section at far-field and Fresnel region results in a field-zone extrapolation factor. The RCS resulting from the scattering parameters measured at Fresnel region distances is then corrected with that field-zone extrapolation factor. The method is suitable to be used in a perturbed, multipath environment by applying the distance averaging technique, coupling subtraction or time gating. Our technique requires a very simple measuring configuration consisting of two horn antennas and a vector network analyzer. The experimental validation of the proposed technique demonstrates reasonable agreement with simulated radar cross section at non-normal incidence.
Hydrophobic Paper-Based SERS Sensor Using Gold Nanoparticles Arranged on Graphene Oxide Flakes
Authors: Lee Dong-Jin , Kim Dae Yu
Published: December 2019

Paper-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors have garnered much attention in the past decade owing to their ubiquity, ease of fabrication, and environmentally friendly substrate. The main drawbacks of a paper substrate for a SERS sensor are its high porosity, inherent hygroscopic nature, and hydrophilic surface property, which reduce the sensitivity and reproducibility of the SERS sensor. Here, we propose a simple, quick, convenient, and economical method for hydrophilic to hydrophobic surface modification of paper, while enhancing its mechanical and moisture-resistant properties. The hydrophobic paper (h-paper) was obtained by spin-coating diluted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solution onto the filter paper, resulting in h-paper with an increased contact angle of up to ≈130°. To complete the h-paper-based SERS substrate, gold nanoparticles arranged on graphene oxide (AuNPs@GO) were synthesized using UV photoreduction, followed by drop-casting of AuNPs@GO solution on the h-paper substrate. The enhancement of the SERS signal was then assessed by attaching a rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecule as a Raman probe material to the h-paper-based SERS substrate. The limit of detection was 10 nM with an R2 of 0.966. The presented SERS sensor was also tested to detect a thiram at the micromolar level. We expect that our proposed AuNPs@GO/h-paper-based SERS sensor could be applied to point-of-care diagnostics applications in daily life and in spacecraft.
Feasibility Study of Enhancing Microwave Brain Imaging Using Metamaterials
Authors: Razzicchia Eleonora , Sotiriou Ioannis , Cano-Garcia Helena , Kallos Efthymios , Palikaras George , Kosmas Panagiotis
Published: December 2019

We present an approach to enhance microwave brain imaging with an innovative metamaterial (MM) planar design based on a cross-shaped split-ring resonator (SRR-CS). The proposed metasurface is incorporated in different setups, and its interaction with EM waves is studied both experimentally and by using CST Microwave Studio® and is compared to a “no MM” case scenario. We show that the MM can enhance the penetration of the transmitted signals into the human head when placed in contact with skin tissue, acting as an impedance-matching layer. In addition, we show that the MM can improve the transceivers’ ability to detect useful “weak” signals when incorporated in a headband scanner for brain imaging by increasing the signal difference from a blood-like dielectric target introduced into the brain volume. Our results suggest that the proposed MM film can be a powerful hardware advance towards the development of scanners for brain haemorrhage detection and monitoring.
Energy and Delay Aware Data Aggregation in Routing Protocol for Internet of Things
Authors: Sennan Sankar , Balasubramaniyam Sathiyabhama , Luhach Ashish Kr. , Ramasubbareddy Somula , Chilamkurti Naveen , Nam Yunyoung
Published: December 2019

Energy conservation is one of the most critical problems in Internet of Things (IoT). It can be achieved in several ways, one of which is to select the optimal route for data transfer. IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is a standardized routing protocol for IoT. The RPL changes its path frequently while transmitting the data from source to the destination, due to high data traffic in dense networks. Hence, it creates data traffic across the nodes in the networks. To solve this issue, we propose Energy and Delay Aware Data aggregation in Routing Protocol (EDADA-RPL) for IoT. It has two processes, namely parent selection and data aggregation. The process of parent selection uses routing metric residual energy (RER) to choose the best possible parent for data transmission. The data aggregation process uses the compressed sensing (CS) theory in the parent node to combine data packets from the child nodes. Finally, the aggregated data transmits from a downward parent to the sink. The sink node collects all the aggregated data and it performs the reconstruction operation to get the original data of the participant node. The simulation is carried out using the Contiki COOJA simulator. EDADA-RPL’s performance is compared to RPL and LA-RPL. The EDADA-RPL offers good performance in terms of network lifetime, delay, and packet delivery ratio.
Application of GNSS/INS and an Optical Sensor for Determining Airplane Takeoff and Landing Performance on a Grassy Airfield
Authors: Pytka Jaroslaw , Budzyński Piotr , Józwik Jerzy , Michałowska Joanna , Tofil Arkadiusz , Łyszczyk Tomasz , Błażejczak Dariusz
Published: December 2019

The performance of a PZL 104 Wilga 35A airplane was determined and analyzed in this work. Takeoff and landing distances were determined by means of two different methods: one which utilized a Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Navigation System (GNSS/INS) sensor and another in which airplane ground speed was measured with the use of an optical non-contact sensor. Based on the airfield measurements, takeoff and landing distances as well as rolling resistance coefficients were determined for the used airplane on a grassy runway at the Radawiec airfield, located near Lublin, southeast Poland. The study was part of the “GARFIELD” project that is expected to deliver an online information system on grassy airfield conditions. It was concluded that both sensors were suitable for the aimed research. The results obtained in this study showed the effects of high grass upon the takeoff and landing performances of the test airplane. Also, the two methods were compared against each other, and the final results were compared to calculations of ground distances by means of the chosen analytical models.
OCT-Based Periodontal Inspection Framework
Authors: Lai Yu-Chi , Chiu Chia-Hsing , Cai Zhong-Qi , Lin Jin-Yang , Yao Chih-Yuan , Lyu Dong-Yuan , Lee Shyh-Yuan , Chen Kuo-Wei , Chen I-Yu
Published: December 2019

Periodontal diagnosis requires discovery of the relations among teeth, gingiva (i.e., gums), and alveolar bones, but alveolar bones are inside gingiva and not visible for inspection. Traditional probe examination causes pain, and X-ray based examination is not suited for frequent inspection. This work develops an automatic non-invasive periodontal inspection framework based on gum penetrative Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which can be frequently applied without high radiation. We sum up interference responses of all penetration depths for all shooting directions respectively to form the shooting amplitude projection. Because the reaching interference strength decays exponentially with tissues’ penetration depth, this projection mainly reveals the responses of the top most gingiva or teeth. Since gingiva and teeth have different air-tissue responses, the gumline, revealing itself as an obvious boundary between teeth and gingiva, is the basis line for periodontal inspection. Our system can also automatically identify regions of gingiva, teeth, and alveolar bones from slices of the cross-sectional volume. Although deep networks can successfully and possibly segment noisy maps, reducing the number of manually labeled maps for training is critical for our framework. In order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of training and classification, we adjust Snake segmentation to consider neighboring slices in order to locate those regions possibly containing gingiva-teeth and gingiva–alveolar boundaries. Additionally, we also adapt a truncated direct logarithm based on the Snake-segmented region for intensity quantization to emphasize these boundaries for easier identification. Later, the alveolar-gingiva boundary point directly under the gumline is the desired alveolar sample, and we can measure the distance between the gumline and alveolar line for visualization and direct periodontal inspection. At the end, we experimentally verify our choice in intensity quantization and boundary identification against several other algorithms while applying the framework to locate gumline and alveolar line in vivo data successfully.
Road Surface Damage Detection Using Fully Convolutional Neural Networks and Semi-Supervised Learning
Authors: Chun Chanjun , Ryu Seung-Ki
Published: December 2019

The various defects that occur on asphalt pavement are a direct cause car accidents, and countermeasures are required because they cause significantly dangerous situations. In this paper, we propose fully convolutional neural networks (CNN)-based road surface damage detection with semi-supervised learning. First, the training DB is collected through the camera installed in the vehicle while driving on the road. Moreover, the CNN model is trained in the form of a semantic segmentation using the deep convolutional autoencoder. Here, we augmented the training dataset depending on brightness, and finally generated a total of 40,536 training images. Furthermore, the CNN model is updated by using the pseudo-labeled images from the semi-supervised learning methods for improving the performance of road surface damage detection technique. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, 450 evaluation datasets were created to verify the performance of the proposed road surface damage detection, and four experts evaluated each image. As a result, it is confirmed that the proposed method can properly segment the road surface damages.
Reliability and Structural Validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 in Croatian Preschool Children
Authors: Serbetar Ivan , Loftesnes Jan Morten , Mamen Asgeir
Published: December 2019

Monitoring and assessment of the development of motor skills is an important goal for practitioners in many disciplines as well as researchers interested in motor development. A well-established tool for such purpose is the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (MABC-2) which covers three age ranges and contains eight motor items in each range related to the manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance. The main aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the MABC-2 age band one in a sample of Croatian preschool children. Structural validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measures of relative and absolute reliability were established by computing the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of the measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC). About 17% of the children of the total sample fall into the categories of motor impairment and risk for impairment, respectively, while 83% were found to be in the category of normally developing children. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the total standard score was 0.79 while individual items, all except one, ranged from 0.70 to 0.83. Drawing trail, but also throwing beanbag and one-leg balance items presented large SEM and SDC values. CFA initially yielded a model with questionable fit to the data. After re-specification, excellent model fit was attained confirming the proposed three-factor model. Satorra–Bentler χ2(26) reached 38.56 (p = 0.054), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.028, non-normed fit index (NNFI) was 0.98, adjusted goodness of fit (AGFI) was 0.97, and standardized root mean residual (SRMR) was 0.030. All the variables loaded significantly, and only two significant standardized residuals have been found. Correlations between the factors were weak, supporting discriminant validity of the test. We found MABC-2 to be an appropriate instrument to assess the development of motor competences of preschool children.
Museum Tourism 2.0: Experiences and Satisfaction with Shopping at the National Gallery in London
Authors: Shao Jun , Ying Qinlin , Shu Shujin , Morrison Alastair M. , Booth Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

The tourist shopping experience is the sum of the satisfaction or dissatisfaction from the individual attributes of purchased products and services. With the popularity of the Internet and travel review websites, more people choose to upload their tour experiences on their favorite social media platforms, which can influence another’s travel planning and choices. However, there have been few investigations of social media reviews of tourist shopping experiences and especially of satisfaction with museum tourism shopping. This research analyzed the user-generated reviews of the National Gallery (NG) in London written in the English language on TripAdvisor to learn more about tourist shopping experience in museums. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model was used to discover the underlying themes of online reviews and keywords related to these shopping experiences. Sentiment analysis based on a purpose-developed dictionary was conducted to explore the dissatisfying aspects of tourist shopping experiences. The results provide a framework for museums to improve shopping experiences and enhance their future development.
Sub-Daily Rainfall Intensity Extremes: Evaluating Suitable Indices at Australian Arid and Wet Tropical Observing Sites
Authors: Dunkerley David
Published: December 2019

Rainfall intensity extremes are relevant to many aspects of climatology, climate change, and landsurface processes. Intensity is described and analysed using a diversity of approaches, reflecting its importance in these diverse areas. The characteristics of short-interval intensity extremes, such as the maximum 5-min intensity, are explored here. It is shown that such indices may have marked diurnal cycles, as well as seasonal variability. Some indices of intensity, such as the SDII (simple daily intensity index), provide too little information for application to landsurface processes. Upper percentiles of the intensity distribution, such as the 95th and 99th percentiles (Q95 and Q99) are used as indices of extreme intensity, but problematically are affected by changes in intensity below the nominated threshold, as well as above it, making the detection of secular change, and application to sites with contrasting rainfall character, challenging. For application to landsurface processes, a new index is introduced. This index (RQ95), is that intensity or rainfall rate above which 5% of the total rainfall is delivered. This index better reflects intense rainfall than does Q95 of even 5-min accumulation duration (AD) rainfall depths. Such an index is helpful for detecting secular change at an observing station, but, like Q95, remains susceptible to the effects of change elsewhere in the distribution of intensities. For understanding impacts of climate and climate change on landsurface processes, it is argued that more inclusive indices of intensity are required, including fixed intensity criteria.
Cidades e Periferias no Mundo Antigo
Authors: Beatriz Borba Florenzano Maria
Published: December 2019

A entrevista com a professora Maria Beatriz Borba Florenzano, do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MAE-USP), aborda sua carreira profissional e acadêmica e a transição de seu objeto de estudo entre a numismática e a cidade antiga. Na entrevista se destaca a história e importância do laboratório Labeca na consecução dos objetivos da pesquisa. Igualmente a entrevista centra-se em as novas perspectivas e contribuições da História e da Arqueologia que mostram a complexidade e a diversidade das cidades antigas gregas, além do atenocentrismo e dos conceitos de pólis, Cidade-Estado, colônia e periferia. Por fim, Maria Beatriz Borba Florenzano considera a relação e importância desses debates no Brasil contemporâneo, tratando também sobre a recepção da exposição do MAE “A Pólis: viver na cidade grega”.
Celtic “deer”
Authors: Blažek Václav
Published: December 2019

Le nom celtique du «cerf »

La monnaie lépontique avec figuration de cerf et légende segedu livre peut-être l’étymon du nom celtique du cerf, vieil-irlandais ség, séd, et gallois hydd. Au même groupe se rattache le nom gaulois d’un chien de chasse, segus[t] ios.
The location of the Celts according to Hecataeus, Herodotus, and other Greek writers
Authors: Sims-Williams Patrick
Published: December 2019

La localisation des Celtes d’après Hécatée, Hérodote et d’autres auteurs grecs

C’est par erreur que l’on a compris le texte d’Hécatée et d’Hérodote, deux contemporains des premières inscriptions celtiques du Nord de l’Italie et du Sud de la Suisse, comme des documents localisant les Celtes en Autriche et dans le Sud-Ouest de l’Allemagne, ce qui a eu pour résultat malheureux de conférer l’étiquette celtique à la culture halstattienne de cette région. En réalité, Hécatée et Hérodote renvoient à une localisation en Gaule – comme il a été confirmé plus tard par Timagète, Pythéas et Apollonius de Rhodes –, ainsi que, peut-être, dans une partie de la péninsule Ibérique, comme il a été affirmé par Éphore au IVe siècle. L’aire ou les aires celtiques de la péninsule auxquelles se réfèrent Hérodote et Éphore ne peuvent pas aujourd’hui être définies, mais il n’est pas nécessaire de les faire s’étendre à l’ouest de la Celtibérie – au centre de l’Espagne –, d’où proviennent, plus tard, les plus anciennes inscriptions celtiques de la péninsule. Au milieu du IVe siècle, le Pseudo-Scylax fait mention de l’installation de Celtes en Italie dans la plaine du Pô, de même peut-être que Apollonius au siècle suivant. À l’époque d’Apollonius, les Celtes étaient déjà engagés dans des migrations vers l’Ouest, si bien que tous les témoignages postérieurs concernant leur localisation, même les données toponymiques, sont d’une valeur incertaine comparée à celles des premiers auteurs, notamment Hécatée et Hérodote, malgré leurs limites et leur point de vue méditerranéen. Certes, les premiers auteurs sont eux-mêmes trop tardifs pour nous indiquer la région où sont apparus les Celtes et la langue celtique. Cependant, nous pouvons dire négativement qu’ils ne permettent d’appuyer ni une localisation à l’Est, en Allemagne ou en Autriche, ni une localisation à l’Ouest sur le rivage atlantique. Ce qu’ils nous disent s’accorde certainement avec une origine des Celtes située en Gaule, mais cette hypothèse ne peut être développée sans attribuer des identifications ethniques spéculatives aux données archéologiques préhistoriques.
«Têtes jumelées» et jumeaux divins : essai d’iconographie celtique
Authors: Kruta Venceslas
Published: December 2019

“Twin Heads” and the divine Twins : essay in Celtic iconography.

The theme of the “Twin Heads” – generally two human faces, opposed, juxtaposed, superposed or associated in other modes on the same object – is frequent in the Celtic art from the 5th century B. C. It probably represents the Celtic Dioscuroi, descendants of the Indo-European “Sons of the diurnal Heavens”, mentioned in the written sources. The most important and famous of these two brothers was Lug, principal divinity of the ancient Celts. His face is often represented alone, crowned with the palmette or “double mistletoe-leaf”, like the Master of the “Universe Axis” or “Tree of Life”, associated with the two monsters in permanent struggle in the cyclic season change.
ANALYSIS OF LOCAL SITE EFFECTS ON SEISMIC RESPONSE OF FRAME STRUCTURES SUPPORTED BY FOUNDATIONS AT DIFFERENT ELEVATIONS
Authors: Tang Yangyang , Li Yingmin , Huang Zongming , Liu Liping , Ding Yishun , Zhu Hui
Published: December 2019

Frame structures supported by foundations with different elevations (such as a structure on the slope) undergo different ground motions because of the local site effect. Seismic response of the structure under non-uniform excitation of ground motion is different from that under uniform excitation on upper embedding end or lower embedding end. Sites with the same height difference and different soil conditions were set up in this paper to subject them to ground motions related to different positions and the seismic response of structures built on the sites under uniform and non-uniform strong seismic excitation were compared. The results show that the predominant period and amplitude of ground motions on upper embedding end and lower embedding end are different and affected by soil conditions. The extent and law of amplification of shear force, displacement and storey drift of structures under non-uniform excitation differ from those under uniform excitation when soil changes from soft to medium-hard soil. In addition, the position and degree of plastic hinges change under non-uniform excitation compared to uniform excitation. The uniform excitation using the ground motion on the upper embedding end is not always safe for the frame structure supported by foundations at different elevations.
SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR SAN FRANCISCO TEMPLE IN MORELIA, MEXICO
Authors: Martinez Guillermo , Castillo David , Jara José , Olmos Bertha
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a first approximation of the seismic vulnerability of a sixteenth century building which is part of the historical center of Morelia, Mexico. The city was declared World Heritage by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1991. The modeling and analysis of the building was carried out using a three-dimensional elastic tetrahedral finite elements model which was subjected to probabilistic seismic demands with recurrences of 500 yrs and 1000 yrs in addition to real seismic records. The model was able to correctly identify cracking pattern in different parts of the temple due to gravitational forces. High seismic vulnerability of the arched window and the walls of the middle part of the bell tower of the temple was indicated by the seismic analysis of the model.
Variasi Basis Salep Minyak Kemiri (Aleurites moluccana) dan Uji Daya Penyembuhannya Pada Luka Kelinci
Authors: Yamlean Paulina Veronika , Queljoe Edwin De , Bodhi Widdhi
Published: December 2019

Kemiri di Indonesia masih terbatas penggunaannyasecara tradisional seperti bumbu masak dan obat tradisional. Penelitian tentang minyak Kemiri belum banyak dilakukan.Tujuan penelitian ini ialah membuat variasi Basis Salep terhadap mutu sediaan salep minyak Kemiri 12,5% dan Uji daya penyembuhannya terhadap luka terbuka pada kelinci yang terinfeksi bakteri Staphylococcus aureus. Metode penelitian ini ialah eksperimen laboratorium menggunakan 3 variasi basis salep yaitu basis hidrokarbon, basis absorpsi dan basis larut air dengan larutan uji minyak Kemiri 12,5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan uji mutu salep dengan tiga variasi basis salep memenuhi syarat uji organoleptik, uji homogenitas, dan uji pH, tetapi Salep minyak Kemiri 12,5% dengan basis hidrokarbon tidak memenuhi syarat daya sebar. Hasil uji Anova menunjukan tidak ada perbedaan signifikan antara variasi basis salep dan besar luka penyembuhan. Hal ini menunjukan bahwa ketiga variasi basis salep minyak Kemiri 12,5% dapat digunakan dalam penyembuhan luka terbuka pada kelinci (Oryctolagus cuniculus) yang terinfeksi bakteri Staphylococcus aureus.
Consumer – State – Business – Culture: The Problem, Trends, and Novelties in Tourism Development
Authors: Myasnikova Lyudmila , Golomidova Olga
Published: December 2019

The paper declares the relevance of scientific and theoretical analysis
of contemporary tourism due to the growing role of tourism in the global economy,
politics, social sphere and culture. The paper aims to analyze the main problems,
trends and prospects of the tourism industry in the context of drastic changes in the
contemporary world. The authors rely on statistical indicators of tourism industry
development within the interdisciplinary approach, analyze economical and political
context where Russian and global tourism is developing, and apply cultural studies
methods, taking into account urban studies and regional studies. A series of industryspecific
problems is identified: tourism is “held hostage” by the political situation,
which eventually has a negative impact on tourism market players and end
consumers of the tourism product; the high risk level in the tourism business
combined with the imperfect legal framework also destabilizes the market, while
managerial and technological decisions adopted along with adjustments introduced
in the industry law demonstrate insufficient efficiency. The authors note the need
for drastic changes in the system of industry regulation and the fact that, besides
the economic and political context, it is crucial to take into account tourism’s social
and cultural aspects. At the same time the authors focus on one of the most indicative
of these – tourism’s relation with the urban culture. The conclusion is made that
tourism development has a contradictory effect. In certain cases, we face its negative
side, which causes “tourism phobia” among the local population and other problems.
But correct approach may turn “cons” into “pros”. That said, innovations related
to social and cultural aspects of the tourism field demonstrate the pressing need for
its reformation once again.
From Advertisement Integration to Co-Branding: Marketing Alliances Development in Digital Environment
Authors: Agenosov Alexander , Khmelkova Natalya
Published: December 2019

The paper provides a methodological explanation of the essence of
shifting from the native advertising format (advertisement integration) to co-branding
(brand alliance) involving companies and influencers (opinion leaders) that interact
in the digital environment. Such a shift is interpreted by the authors as a process of
strategic development of marketing cooperation in the digital environment, since
co-branding involves launching new products to the market and is accompanied by
creating new markets and needs. The authors propose their own approach to the
issue in hand from the perspective of marketing alliance typology based on the
marketing complex model. Differences between advertisement integrations and
co-branding are conceptualized following this model. The need to consider
influencers’ role in forging brand alliances is explained from the branding theory
perspective. Differences between celebrity endorsements marketing and influencer
marketing are identified. The proposed methodology is applied to study actual cases
of co-branding in the digital environment involving Russian and foreign companies
that are associated with shaping a new market of gender-neutral cosmetics. Eventually,
a conclusion is made on the need for further study of marketing alliances in
the digital space to establish a comprehensive theoretical and methodology foundation
and accumulate empirical material on the issue in hand.