bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roll the Dice—Let’s See If Differences Really Matter! Accounting Judgments and Sustainable Decisions in the Light of a Gender and Age Analysis
Authors: Bogdan Victoria , Deliu Delia , Săveanu Tomina , Ban Olimpia Iuliana , Popa Dorina Nicoleta
Published: September 2020

This research aims to investigate whether gender and age of Professional Accountants influence their opinion upon accounting judgments and sustainable decision-making. Through a questionnaire, accountants were interrogated about their education, professional profile, age, gender, personality traits, and their perception on accounting judgment and professional behavior. On one hand, results showed that women accountants are more inclined to comply with accounting regulations and more interested in following an ethical behavior. Moreover, women tend to be more interested in fulfilling managers’ expectations and more willing to collaborate. On the other hand, men accountants proved to be more independent in judgments and more skeptical. Furthermore, men have a greater propensity to make accurate, sustainable judgments, considering the evaluation of goodwill as more important than women. However, no correlations were found between age, gender and accountants’ perception on the theoretical framework of professional accounting judgment. As the age of accountants grows, the compliance degree to regulations increases. This study adds value to gender accounting literature by the way it examines accountants’ behavior and perception towards accounting judgments and sustainable decisions in correlation to gender diversity and age.
How to Support the Effect of Transformational Leadership on Performance in Agricultural Enterprises
Authors: Jankelová Nadežda , Joniaková Zuzana , Némethová Ildikó , Blštáková Jana
Published: September 2020

The study published in this article contains the results of examining the relationship between transformational leadership and natural performance in agribusiness. For the purposes of the study, natural performance refers to performance that considers the natural results of agrarian plant and animal production. This research focuses on the influence of transformational leadership on business performance through job autonomy and job satisfaction. The study was conducted on a research sample of 757 respondents from 49 businesses. The study verifies a positive association between transformational leadership and business performance, which is mediated by job autonomy and job satisfaction. The research results have proven that transformational leadership has a positive effect on agribusiness performance mediated through job autonomy and job satisfaction. The study contains important knowledge on agribusiness sustainability, as it provides verifiable findings on the relationship between management styles and natural performance of business.
Poor Residents’ Perceptions of the Impacts of Tourism on Poverty Alleviation: From the Perspective of Multidimensional Poverty
Authors: Wang Kai , Gan Chang , Chen Lijun , Voda Mihai
Published: September 2020

Tourism plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty deprivations and achieving sustainable development. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature regarding evaluating poor residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism on poverty alleviation from the perspective of multidimensional poverty. Taking Fenghuang County, China, as the study area, this study established an evaluation framework by using the Delphi method based on multidimensional poverty theory. Moreover, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to identify the weight of each indicator and assess poor residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism on poverty alleviation. The results indicate that tourism economic development has been a momentous contributor to alleviating multidimensional poverty in study locations to a certain extent (3.180). However, there is still room for improvement and promotion. With respect to various dimensions, the mean of economic level is the highest (1.125), whilst the means of education training (0.420) and health care (0.819) are relatively lower than the other dimensions.
A Distributionally Robust Chance-Constrained Approach for Modeling Demand Uncertainty in Green Port-Hinterland Transportation Network Optimization
Authors: Dai Qian , Yang Jiaqi
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses a bi-objective programming of the port-hinterland freight transportation system based on intermodal transportation with the consideration of uncertain transportation demand for green concern. Economic and environmental aspects are integrated in order to obtain green flow distribution solutions for the proposed port-hinterland network. A distributionally robust chance constraint optimization model is then established for the uncertainty of transportation demand, in which the chance constraint is described such that transportation demand is satisfied under the worst-case distribution based on the partial information of the mean and variance. The trade-offs among different objectives and the uncertainty theory applied in the modeling both involve the notion of symmetry. Taking the actual port-hinterland transportation network of the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example, the results reveal that the railway-road intermodal transport is promoted and the change in total network CO2 emissions is contrary to that in total network costs. Additionally, both network costs and network emissions increase significantly with the growth of the lower bound of probability for chance constraint. The higher the probability level grows, the greater the trade-offs between two objectives are influenced, which indicates that the operation capacity of inland intermodal terminals should be increased to meet the high probability level. These findings can help provide decision supports for the green development strategy of the port-hinterland container transportation network, which meanwhile faces a dynamic planning problem caused by stochastic demands in real life.
An Effective Knowledge-Based Modeling Approach towards a “Smart-School Care Coordination System” for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Authors: Hafidh Rasha , Sharif Mhd Saeed , Al-Bayatti Ali H. , Alfakeeh Ahmed S. , Alassafi Madini O. , Alqarni Mohammed A.
Published: September 2020

There is a significant need for a computer-aided modeling, effective information analysis and ontology knowledge base models to support both special needs children and care providers. As this research work correlated to the symmetry scope, it proposes an innovative generic smart knowledge-based “School Care Coordination System” (SCCS), which is established on a novel holistic six-layered data management model. The development of the Smart-SCCS adopts a methodology of ontology engineering to transform the given theoretical unstructured special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice into a comprehensive knowledge representation and reasoning system. The intended purpose is to deliver a system that can coordinate and bring together education, health and social care services into a single application to meet the needs of children and young people (CYP) with SEND. Moreover, it enables coordination, integration and monitoring of education, health and social care activities between different actors (formal, informal and CYP in the education sector) involved in the school care process network to provide personalized care interventions based on a predefined care plan. The developed ontology knowledge-based model has been proven efficient and solved the enormous difficulties faced by schools and local authorities on a daily basis. It enabled the coordination of care and integration of information for CYP from different departments in health, social care and education. The developed model has received significant attention with great feedback from all the schools and the local authorities involved, showing its efficiency and robustness.
The Influence of Calcium toward Order/Disorder Conformation of Repeat-in-Toxin (RTX) Structure of Family I.3 Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens AMS8
Authors: Ali Nur Shidaa Mohd , Salleh Abu Bakar , Leow Thean Chor , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad
Published: September 2020

Calcium-binding plays a decisive role in the folding and stabilization of many RTX proteins, especially for the RTX domain. Although many studies have been conducted to prove the contribution of Ca2+ ion toward the folding and stabilization of RTX proteins, its functional dynamics and conformational structural changes remain elusive. Here, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to analyze the contribution of Ca2+ ion toward the folding and stabilization of the RTX lipase (AMS8 lipase) structure. AMS8 lipase contains six Ca2+ ions (Ca1–Ca6). Three Ca2+ ions (Ca3, Ca4, and Ca5) were bound to the RTX parallel β-roll motif repeat structure (RTX domain). The metal ion (Ca2+) docking analysis gives a high binding energy, especially for Ca4 and Ca5 which are tightly bound to the RTX domain. The function of each Ca2+ ion is further analyzed using the MD simulation. The removal of Ca3, Ca4, and Ca5 caused the AMS8 lipase structure to become unstable and unfolded. The results suggested that Ca3, Ca4, and Ca5 stabilized the RTX domain. In conclusion, Ca3, Ca4, and Ca5 play a crucial role in the folding and stabilization of the RTX domain, which sustain the integrity of the overall AMS8 lipase structure.
Is a Central Sediment Sample Sufficient? Exploring Spatial and Temporal Microbial Diversity in a Small Lake
Authors: Weisbrod Barbara , Wood Susanna A. , Steiner Konstanze , Whyte-Wilding Ruby , Puddick Jonathan , Laroche Olivier , Dietrich Daniel R.
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Paleolimnological studies use sediment cores to explore long-term changes in lake ecology, including occurrences of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Most studies are based on single cores, assuming this is representative of the whole lake, but data on small-scale spatial variability of microbial communities in lake sediment are scarce. (2) Methods: Surface sediments (top 0.5 cm) from 12 sites (n = 36) and two sediment cores were collected in Lake Rotorua (New Zealand). Bacterial community (16S rRNA metabarcoding), Microcystis specific 16S rRNA, microcystin synthetase gene E (mcyE) and microcystins (MCs) were assessed. Radionuclide measurements (210Pb, 137Cs) were used to date sediments. (3) Results: Bacterial community, based on relative abundances, differed significantly between surface sediment sites (p < 0.001) but the majority of bacterial amplicon sequence variants (88.8%) were shared. Despite intense MC producing Microcystis blooms in the past, no Microcystis specific 16S rRNA, mcyE and MCs were found in surface sediments but occurred deeper in sediment cores (approximately 1950′s). 210Pb measurements showed a disturbed profile, similar to patterns previously observed, as a result of earthquakes. (4) Conclusions: A single sediment core can capture dominant microbial communities. Toxin producing Microcystis blooms are a recent phenomenon in Lake Rotorua. We posit that the absence of Microcystis from the surface sediments is a consequence of the Kaikoura earthquake two years prior to our sampling.
Consequences of Metabolic Interactions during Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Wong Fok Lung Tania , Prince Alice
Published: September 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is a metabolically flexible pathogen that causes infection in diverse settings. An array of virulence factors, including the secreted toxins, enables S. aureus to colonize different environmental niches and initiate infections by any of several discrete pathways. During these infections, both S. aureus and host cells compete with each other for nutrients and remodel their metabolism for survival. This metabolic interaction/crosstalk determines the outcome of the infection. The reprogramming of metabolic pathways in host immune cells not only generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to meet the cellular energy requirements during the infection process but also activates antimicrobial responses for eventual bacterial clearance, including cell death pathways. The selective pressure exerted by host immune cells leads to the emergence of bacterial mutants adapted for chronicity. These host-adapted mutants are often characterized by substantial changes in the expression of their own metabolic genes, or by mutations in genes involved in metabolism and biofilm formation. Host-adapted S. aureus can rewire or benefit from the metabolic activities of the immune cells via several mechanisms to cause persistent infection. In this review, we discuss how S. aureus activates host innate immune signaling, which results in an immune metabolic pressure that shapes S. aureus metabolic adaptation and determines the outcome of the infection.
[D-Leu1]MC-LR and MC-LR: A Small–Large Difference: Significantly Different Effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae) Growth and Phototropic Response after Single Contact during Imbibition with Each of These Microcystin Variants
Authors: Malaissi Luciano , Vaccarini Cristian Adrián , Hernández Marcelo Paulo , Ruscitti Marcela , Arango Cecilia , Busquets Federico , Arambarri Ana María , Giannuzzi Leda , Andrinolo Darío , Sedan Daniela
Published: September 2020

[D-Leu1]MC-LR and MC-LR, two microcystins differing in one amino acid, constitute a sanitary and environmental problem owing to their frequent and concomitant presence in water bodies of the Americas and their association with human intoxication during recreational exposure to cyanobacterial bloom. Present in reservoirs used for irrigation as well, they can generate problems in the development of crops such as Phaseolus vulgaris, of nutritional and economic interest to the region. Although numerous works address the toxic effects of MC-LR, information on the toxicity of [D-Leu1]MC-LR is limited. Our objective was to study the toxic effects of [D-Leu1]MC-LR and MC-LR (3.5 µg/ml) on P. vulgaris after a single contact at the imbibition stage. Our findings indicate that 10 days post treatment, [D-Leu1]MC-LR generates morphological and physiological alterations more pronounced than those caused by MC-LR. In addition to the alterations produced by [D-Leu1]MC-LR in the development of seedlings and the structure of the leaves, roots and stems, we also found alterations in leaf stomatal density and conductivity, a longer delay in the phototropic response and a decrease in the maximum curvature angles achieved with respect to that observed for MC-LR. Our findings indicate that these alterations are linked to the greater inhibition of phosphatase activity generated by [D-Leu1]MC-LR, rather than to oxidative damage. We observed that 30 days after treatment with MC-LR, plants presented better development and recovery than those treated with [D-Leu1]MC-LR. Further studies are required on [D-Leu1]MC-LR and MC-LR toxicity and their underlying mechanisms of action.
Trim24 and Trim33 Play a Role in Epigenetic Silencing of Retroviruses in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Margalit Liad , Strauss Carmit , Tal Ayellet , Schlesinger Sharon
Published: September 2020

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the ability to epigenetically silence endogenous and exogenous retroviral sequences. Trim28 plays an important role in establishing this silencing, but less is known about the role other Trim proteins play. The Tif1 family is a sub-group of the Trim family, which possess histone binding ability in addition to the distinctive RING domain. Here, we have examined the interaction between three Tif1 family members, namely Trim24, Trim28 and Trim33, and their function in retroviral silencing. We identify a complex formed in ESC, comprised of these three proteins. We further show that when Trim33 is depleted, the complex collapses and silencing efficiency of both endogenous and exogenous sequences is reduced. Similar transcriptional activation takes place when Trim24 is depleted. Analysis of the H3K9me3 chromatin modification showed a decrease in this repressive mark, following both Trim24 and Trim33 depletion. As Trim28 is an identified binding partner of the H3K9 methyltransferase ESET, this further supports the involvement of Trim28 in the complex. The results presented here suggest that a complex of Tif1 family members, each of which possesses different specificity and efficiency, contributes to the silencing of retroviral sequences in ESC.
Improved Short-Term Microbial Degradation in Circulating Water Reducing High Stagnant Atrazine Concentrations in Subsurface Sediments
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Hui Nan , Kontro Merja H.
Published: September 2020

The triazine herbicide atrazine easily leaches with water through soil layers into groundwater, where it is persistent. Its behavior during short-term transport is poorly understood, and there is no in situ remediation method for it. The aim of this study was to investigate whether water circulation, or circulation combined with bioaugmentation (Pseudomonas sp. ADP, or four isolates from atrazine-contaminated sediments) alone or with biostimulation (Na-citrate), could enhance atrazine dissipation in subsurface sediment–water systems. Atrazine concentrations (100 mg L−1) in the liquid phase of sediment slurries and in the circulating water of sediment columns were followed for 10 days. Atrazine was rapidly degraded to 53–64 mg L−1 in the slurries, and further to 10–18 mg L−1 in the circulating water, by the inherent microbes of sediments collected from 13.6 m in an atrazine-contaminated aquifer. Bioaugmentation without or with biostimulation had minor effects on atrazine degradation. The microbial number simultaneously increased in the slurries from 1.0 × 103 to 0.8–1.0 × 108 cfu mL−1, and in the circulating water from 0.1–1.0 × 102 to 0.24–8.8 × 104 cfu mL−1. In sediments without added atrazine, the cultivable microbial numbers remained low at 0.82–8.0 × 104 cfu mL−1 in the slurries, and at 0.1–2.8 × 103 cfu mL−1 in the circulating water. The cultivated microorganisms belonged to the nine genera Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Methylobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Sphingomonas, Streptomyces, Variovorax and Williamsia; i.e., biodiversity was low. Water flow through the sediments released adsorbed and complex-bound atrazine for microbial degradation, though the residual concentration of 10–64 mg L−1 was high and could contaminate large groundwater volumes from a point source, e.g., during heavy rain or flooding.
The Fate of Anthropogenic Nanoparticles, nTiO2 and nCeO2, in Waste Water Treatment
Authors: Lange Thomas , Schneider Petra , Schymura Stefan , Franke Karsten
Published: September 2020

Wastewater treatment is one of the main end-of-life scenarios, as well as a possible reentry point into the environment, for anthropogenic nanoparticles (NP). These can be released from consumer products such as sunscreen or antibacterial clothing, from health-related applications or from manufacturing processes such as the use of polishing materials (nCeO2) or paints (nTiO2). The use of NP has dramatically increased over recent years and initial studies have examined the possibility of toxic or environmentally hazardous effects of these particles, as well as their behavior when released. This study focuses on the fate of nTiO2 and nCeO2 during the wastewater treatment process using lab scale wastewater treatment systems to simulate the NP mass flow in the wastewater treatment process. The feasibility of single particle mass spectroscopy (sp-ICP-MS) was tested to determine the NP load. The results show that nTiO2 and nCeO2 are adsorbed to at least 90 percent of the sludge. Furthermore, the results indicate that there are processes during the passage of the treatment system that lead to a modification of the NP shape in the effluent, as NP are observed to be partially smaller in effluent than in the added solution. This observation was made particularly for nCeO2 and might be due to dissolution processes or sedimentation of larger particles during the passage of the treatment system.
The Benthic Quality Index to Assess Water Quality of Lakes May Be Affected by Confounding Environmental Features
Authors: Boggero Angela , Zaupa Silvia , Bettinetti Roberta , Ciampittiello Marzia , Fontaneto Diego
Published: September 2020

To assess if environmental differences other than water quality may affect the outcome of the Benthic Quality Index, a comparison of the application of four different methods (Benthic Quality Index—BQIES, Lake Habitat Modification Score—LHMS, Lake Habitat Quality Assessment—LHQA and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development—OECD) used to classify the lake ecological and hydro-morphological status of 10 Italian lakes was performed. Five lakes were natural and five were reservoirs belonging to both Alpine and Mediterranean Ecoregions. The 10 lakes were sampled using the Water Framework Directive compliant standardized national protocol, which includes sampling soft sediment in the littoral, sublittoral and deep layers along transects with a grab of 225 cm2 during spring and autumn. The application of Generalised Linear Mixed Effect Models both at the lake level and at the single station of each lake highlighted that, at the lake level, no significant correlations existed between any couple of hydro-morphological, ecological and trophic status assessments, with each metric representing a different facet of human impact on the environment. At the single site level, we found significant effects of depth on the metrics of biodiversity. The best approximation of single-site macroinvertebrates diversity among the metrics of overall lake quality was with the LHMS, but not with the BQIES. Our hypotheses that lake macroinvertebrates assemblages depend also on other potential confounding variables of habitat degradation and intrinsic differences between lakes were confirmed, with depth playing a major role. Therefore, the assessment of lakes with different depths may produce different whole-lake BQIES values, only because of the effect of depth gradient and not because of differences in lake quality.
Seasonal Variations of the Depletion Factor during Recession Periods in the Senegal, Gambia and Niger Watersheds
Authors: Bader Jean-Claude , Dacosta Honoré , Pouget Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2020

The daily depletion factor K describes the discharge decrease of rivers only fed by groundwater in the absence of rainfall. In the Senegal, Gambia and Niger river basins in West Africa, the flow recession can exceed 6 months and the precise knowledge of K thus allows discharge forecasts to be made over several months, and is hence potentially interesting for hydraulic structure managers. Seasonal flow recession observed at 54 gauging stations in these basins from 1950 to 2016 is represented by empirical and usual conceptual models that express K. Compared to conventional conceptual models, an empirical model representing K as a polynomial of the decimal logarithm of discharge Q gives better representations of K and better discharge forecasting at horizons from 1 to 120 days for most stations. The relationship between specific discharge Qs and K, not monotonous, is highly homogeneous in some sub-basins but differs significantly between the Senegal and Gambia basins on the one hand and the Niger basin on the other. The relationship K(Q) evolves slightly between three successive periods, with values of K generally lower (meaning faster discharge decrease) in the intermediate period centered on the years 1970–1980. These climate-related interannual variations are much smaller than the seasonal variations of K.
Effects of Combined High Temperature and Waterlogging Stress at Booting Stage on Root Anatomy of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhen Bo , Li Huizhen , Niu Qinglin , Qiu Husen , Tian Guangli , Lu Hongfei , Zhou Xinguo
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the alternating occurrence of high temperature and waterlogging disasters in South China has seriously reduced the yield of single cropping rice. Studying the changes in anatomical structure of the rice root system could provide theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of high temperature and waterlogging stress. To examine interactions between temperature and waterlogging stress, an experiment was set up in a growth chamber consisting of two temperatures (moderate, 30–34 °C and high, 35–38 °C) with three depths of flooding (0–5, 10 and 15 cm). Treatments commenced at the booting stage and lasted five days, after which all treatments were returned to a 0–5 cm flooding depth and the same temperature regime. Observations were made immediately after cessation of treatments, then after 5, 10 and 20 d to test the effect of treatments on subsequent root anatomical development. The low-stress control (0–5 cm, medium temperature) showed no change with time in aerenchyma area, thickness of the outer root, stele diameter, and the number nor diameter of xylem vessels. Root diameter and stele diameter under the high-stress control (0–5 cm, high temperature) were decreased by 29.09% and 15.28%, respectively, at the booting stage, whereas the high stress control (15 cm, high temperature) affected only the vessel diameter, reducing it by 14.11% compared with that in the low-stress control (0–5 cm, medium temperature). Compared to the high-stress control (0–5 cm, high temperature), the interaction of high temperature and waterlogging stress alleviated the inhibiting effect of the changes in the root system, especially after the end of the stress. We thought that waterlogging could reduce the damage of high temperature on rice root growth. Low water depth waterlogging has little effect on rice root system and aerenchyma area root diameter at 0, 5, 10 and 20 d after the stress ended, and the thickness of the outer root, stele diameter and the number and diameter of vessels at 0 d under M15 (15 cm, medium temperature) had no significant difference compared with M5 (0–5 cm, medium temperature). However, the increase in rice root diameter, stele diameter, thickness of the outer root cortex depth and vessel diameter were inhibited under high temperature stress at the booting stage. Root diameter and stele diameter under H5 (0–5 cm, high temperature) were decreased by 29.09% and 15.28%, respectively, at the booting stage, whereas H15 (15 cm, high temperature) affected only the vessel diameter, reducing it by 14.11% compared with that in the M5. Compared to H5, the interaction of high temperature and waterlogging stress alleviated the inhibiting effect of the changes in the root system, especially after the end of the stress. We thought that waterlogging could lighten the damage of high temperature on rice root growth.
Pollutant Concentration Patterns of In-Stream Urban Stormwater Runoff
Authors: Christian Laurel , Epps Thomas , Diab Ghada , Hathaway Jon
Published: September 2020

Although a number of studies have investigated pollutant transport patterns in urban watersheds, these studies have focused primarily on the upland landscape as the point of interest (i.e., prior to stormwater entering an open stream channel). However, it is likely that in-stream processes will influence pollutant transport when the system is viewed at a larger scale. One initial investigation that can be performed to characterize transport dynamics in urban runoff is determining a pollutant’s temporal distribution. By borrowing from urban stormwater literature, the propensity of a pollutant within a system to be more heavily transported in the initial portion of the storm can be quantified (i.e., the “first flush”). Although uncommon for use in stream science, this methodology allows direct comparison of results to previous studies on smaller urban upland catchments. Multiple methods have been proposed to investigate the first flush effect, two of which are applied in this study to two streams in Knoxville, TN, USA. The strength of the first flush was generally corroborated by the two unique methods, a new finding that allows a more robust determination of first flush presence for a given pollutant. Further, an “end flush” was observed and quantified for nutrients and microbes in one stream, a novel outcome that shows how the newer methodology that was employed can provide greater insight into transport processes and pollutant sources. Explanatory variables for changes in each pollutant’s inter-event first flush strength differed, but notable relationships included the influence of flow rate on microbes and influence of rainfall on Cu2+. The results appear to support the hypothesis that in-stream processes, such as resuspension, may influence pollutant transport in urban watersheds, pointing toward the need to consider in-stream processes in models developed to predict urban watershed pollutant export.
Real-Time Estimation of Disinfection By-Products through Differential UV Absorbance
Authors: Stéphanie Guilherme , Caetano Dorea
Published: September 2020

Efforts to control of unwanted disinfection by-products (DBPs) can be hindered by the relatively low-frequency data that is generated from DBP monitoring for regulatory purposes. Differential UV absorbance (DUVA) has the potential to overcome some of these difficulties as a relatively simple and low-cost technique for the estimation of regulated DBPs (i.e., trihalomethanes, THMs, and haloacetic acids, HAAs). DUVA is based on the principle that differences in UV absorbance at specific wavelengths before and after chlorination can be correlated to DBP occurrence. This project sought to assess a lab-based protocol for the determination of a site-specific linear calibration curve for in situ real-time estimations of DBPs from DUVA measurement in water treatment plants (WTPs). A field spectrophotometer probe capable of high frequency scans within the UV light wavelength spectra with light paths of 100 mm was used. Models were developed to estimate DBP levels, at a scale representative of DUVA and DBP levels that actually occur in the WTP under study. Results showed that level of uncertainty on DBP levels estimation is relatively low (23% for HAAs and 32% for THMs). Although DBP estimations through DUVA are not of regulatory value, they can be used for real-time estimation of DBP levels to better inform operational decision making in water treatment plants and management of DBPs in distribution systems.
Formulation and evaluation of lansoprazole loaded enteric coated microspheres
Authors: SK. Haneesha  , M. Venkataramana  , N. Ramarao
Published: September 2020

The research focuses on the development of multiparticulate delivery system for acid-labile Lansoprazole to prevent its degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach and enhance its bioavailability via intestinal absorption. This problem can be solved by enteric coating. In this project, cellulose acetate phthalate a polymer usually utilized for gastrointestinal film coating of tablets, was used to prepare enteric microspheres of lansoprazole with solvent evaporation technique in various formulations such as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 with drug: polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 respectively. FTIR study indicated compatibility between drug and polymer. Increase in concentration of polymer increased spheriocity and mean diameter of the microspheres. The drug entrapment efficiency was in the range of 72.23% to 88.64%. SEM revealed that microspheres were found spherical and porous. In-vitro study proves that drug release slowly increases as the pH of the medium increased and prevents degradation of drug in acidic pH. In-vitro drug release was found to be 92.80%, 94.55%, 92.72%, 96.34%, 98.65% in all 5 formulations. All 5 formulations showed gastric resistance around 80-90%. So it is concluded that the developed enteric coated microspheres of Lansoprazole prevented drug release in the stomach which would lead to significant improvement in its bioavailability through enhanced intestinal absorption.
Analysis of Selected Assets against the Extraordinary Loads
Authors: Ivančo Matúš , Erdélyiová Romana , Figuli Lucia , Zvaková Zuzana
Published: September 2020

The current security situation in the world creates pressure to improve the pro-tection of critical infrastructure assets against negative events, such as bomb attacks, industrial accidents, explosions, or fire. The research at the Faculty of Security Engineer-ing is focusing on such extraordinary loads. The present paper analyses selected assets against extraordinary load and describes their experimental testing.
Experimental Investigation of Sustainable Low-Cost Thermal Energy Storage Materials for Solar Water Heating
Authors:   PhD student, Elassoued* Rihab ,   Energy, National School of Engineering of Gabes, Gabes University, Road Omar ibn el khatteb, Gabes,Tunisia, Slama Romdhane Ben ,   Professor, Energy, National School of Engineering of Gabes, Gabes University, Road Omar
Published: September 2020

An experimental study was carried out under climatic conditions of Gabes, Tunisia to evaluate the thermal performance of four innovative materials (sand, clay, concrete, PCM) as storage meduim integrated in a solar water heater. The four solar water heaters prototypes are realized then installed on site. The parameters followed in this study are the outlet water and the ambient temperature and the solar flux received according to two different inclinaison angle. A various temperature and thermal performance curves show the experimental results obtained during the measurement day (summer period). The vertical position of the solar collector shows positive results that ensure the hot water needs in the winter and avoid the overheating in the summer. All tested materials give an acceptable thermal effeciencies above 50% similar to that of the conventional system and reach a high water temperature value of 80°C. More than their thermal performance, clay and concrete have other advantages. Clay can be recycled and concrete can be integrated into the facades of a building. Whence, this investigation proves that the thermal storage materials tested during this work present a promising alternative offering the simplicity of manufacture and using low cost, local and available materials.
Fire Recognition based on Image Processing using Raspberry pi
Authors:   Department of Biomedical Engineering, AVIT, Chennai, India., Sandhiya* R. , Arulvallal Santhoshini ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, AVIT, Chennai, India., B Lakshmi Shree. ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, AVIT, Chennai, India., Dhina D. ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, AVIT, Chennai, India
Published: September 2020

Fire is a procedure of ignition that brings calamity. It becomes unsafe when fire loses control and spreads out. The fire detection becomes more and more important with the rapid development of image and video processing, the fire detection technology based on video processing is becoming the focal point of some research due to its advantages of high intuitive, speed and anti-jamming capability. This method uses colour and motion information extracted from video sequences to detect fire. It can work both indoor and outdoor environments. Moreover, it detects fire at the beginning of the burning process. The method performs the region growing segmentation to identify colour pixels in the scene and then identify moving pixels based on the ratio of height and width of suspected fire region. This method can get low false alarm rate by eliminating the fire-like colours because it just needs a fire pixel as the seed pixel.
5V’s of Big Data Attributes and their Relevance and Importance across Domains
Authors:   Research Student, Department of Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India., Keskar* Vinaya , Yadav Dr. Jyoti Y. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Kumar Dr. Ajay H. ,   Research Guide, Department of Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Published: September 2020

“Data is an ocean of Universal Facts”. Big data once an emergent technology of study is in its prime with immense potential for future technological advancements. A formal study in the attributes of data is essential to build robust systems of the future. Data scientists need a basic foot hold when studying data systems and their applications in various domains. This paper intends to be THE go-to resource for every student and professional desirous to make an entry in the field of Big Data. This paper has two focus areas. The first area of focus is the detailing of the 5 V attributes of data i.e. Volume, Variety, Velocity, Veracity and Value. Secondly, we will endeavor to present a domain wise independent as well as comparative of the correlation between the 5 V’s of Big Data. We have researched and collected information from various market watch dogs and concluded by carrying out comparatives which are highlighted in this publication. The domains we will mention are Wholesale Trade Domain, Retail Domain, Utilities Domain, Education Domain, Transportation Domain, Banking and Securities Domain, Communication and Media Domain, Manufacturing Domain, Government Domain, Healthcare Domain, etc. This is invaluable information for Big Data system designers as well as future researchers.
Stabilization of MSW by using Cowurine
Authors:   Department of Environmental Engineering, NCET, Nagpur, India., Chavhan* Aboli , Khan Dr. Arif ,   Principal, NCET, Nagpur, India.
Published: September 2020

This paper inspected the fluctuation which happens in key boundaries like pH, temperature, dampness content, natural carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and so on during the 30 days standard observing of fertilizing the soil process.5 kg of city strong waste, old fertilizer, straw and soil, was blended in with 5%, 10%, 15% of cow urine of 3 kg civil strong waste for treating the soil. Treating the soil was finished by utilizing sixteenth containers model composter made up with legitimate air circulation and waste office and was kept in semi sun beams condition. Ph running 7.6 to 8.9 in the main stage, Temperature ascends from the primary day of process and become 55°C on18 day. Dampness content in manure was insecure all through the procedure because of changing microbial populace. The NPK substance of conclusive fertilizer are discover after finding the aftereffects of NPK got from fertilizing the soil treatment given to MSW and Cow urine are demonstrate that consolidated fertilizing the soil are an appealing technique for the executives of city strong waste.
Network Performance Comparison of Fat-Tree and BCube Data Center Architecture: Case Study on Government Office Network
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, BINUS Graduate Program-Master of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Indonesia., Zulardi* Indra , Surantha Nico ,   Department of Computer Science, BINUS Graduate Program-Master of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Indonesia.
Published: September 2020

The internet now plays crucial roles such as streaming videos, social networking, managing large scientific data. There is a need for high-speed Internet. The volume of data handled by the data centers is increasing very rapidly. Hence, the need to handle data center traffic effectively becomes inevitable. At present, the government office network uses a data center network design based on Fat-Tree that employs high-end IP switches. Unfortunately, the resulting network performance has delays of more than 0.06 ms, throughput of about 500 kbps, and packet loss rate is 2. This research introduces BCube to re-design and improve network performance (i.e., delay, throughput, and packet loss). Through this research, we propose a new data center design in the government office that improves the network performance significantly, with delays less than 0.004 ms, throughput more than 515 kbps, and packet loss rate 0, two–three percent better compared to the Fat-Tree data center network design that contributes significantly to the data center operations in the government office and its overall business performance through the data center network design.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Carpolobia Lutea Stem on Some Reproductive Parameters in Adult Male Wistar
Authors: Akintunde Wasiu O. , Abdulfatai Abdulrahman , Adeleke Maruph T.
Published: September 2020

Background: The use of medicinal plants as fertility enhancer in human is now on the increase because of the shifting of attention from synthetic drug to natural plants. Carpolobia lutea (CL) is a popular aphrodisiac herbal medicine, known for curing male sterility; increasing libido; induction of penile erection; enhancement of aphrodisiac prowess; enhancement of virility and male fertility; and augmentation of male sexual functions. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the fertility enhancement ability and possible side effect(s) of CL in male rats and also to provide insight and added to the existing knowledge available in the society on the usage of CL.
Methods: A total of 20 Wistar rats with average weight of 162g were randomly grouped into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats per group, with group A served as the control and was administered normal saline. The remaining 3 groups (B-D) were orally administered 47mg/kgbw, 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw of Carpolobia lutea (CL) respectively for 60 days before sacrifice by cervical dislocation method.
Results: The results obtained show ed that the blood testosterone of the treated rats reduced significantly. The morphometric result was good with significant increase in cross sectional area and luminal diameters in rats exposed to 141mg/kgbw and germinal epithelial diameter in rats exposed to 47mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. Semen parameters showed that the sperm count was significantly increased at the high doses of 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. The percentage of motile sperm also increased significantly while the morphological grading showed no changes at all. The experimental rats testes showed no visible lesions or the lesion was very mild (20%), seminiferous tubules were normal and concentric with intact basal membrane and lumen containing matured sperm cells together with the interstitial spaces which are well delineated and defined.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the consumption of CL stem in any form can enhance the normal anatomy and physiology of testes at moderate dose and may account in part for the rationale behind its use in the management of sexual dysfunction.
Determinants of Land Access and Utilization for Agricultural Activities among Farming Households in Surulere Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Afusat A. , Orimafo Kayode P. , Idris-Adeniyi Modupe K. , Oke Olatooke O.
Published: September 2020

Background: Land is the most important asset necessary for agriculture and factor of production for households in Nigeria. 85% of rural residents in the country depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The present study therefore analyse the determinants of land access and utilization for agricultural activities among farming households in Surulere Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Methods: Population under the present study comprises of all peasant farmers in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State. The sampling procedure employed was multistage random sampling technique leading to the selection of 90 farmers. Data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire while the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tool such as logistic regression model.
Results: Majority (85.6%) of the respondents w er e m ale, had a mean age of 43 years, were married
(74.4%) and have an average household size of 8 members. Most (86.7%) of the respondents engaged primarily in farming with an average experience of 19 years and cultivated an average farm size of 2.4ha. Family inheritance (61.1%) was the major mode of land access. Majority (63.3%) of the respondents used their land for agricultural purposes alone. The average land size was between 1.80-10.50ha with an average distance of 1.11km-5.0km from homestead. Result of probit regression model showed that income level (Z = 2.71) and farming experience (Z = 1.80) were significantly related to land access. Also, household size (Z = 2.39), farm right (Z = 2.10) and scale of production (Z= 4.06) were significantly related to land utilization
Conclusion: Income level and farming experience influenced land access for agricultural activities
while household size, farm land right and scale of production are determinants of land utilization
Toxicity and Sedative Effect of Voacanga Africana Ethanolic Leaf Extract
Authors: Omotayo Ahmed I. , Ojomo Qudus A. , Hassan Subair , Olatunbosun Mutolib , Fakayode Monsurat
Published: September 2020

Background: Traditional plants have been good sources of alternatives for conventional drugs in recent years. The search for alternatives for conventional drugs becomes imperative most especially because of their high cost demand and side effects. The search for alternatives from traditional medicinal plants sources has been fruitful for many ailments and this has led to intense research on the potentials of many other plants that are used traditionally in different part of the world. This study assessed the sedative potentials of ethanol extract of Voacanga africana leaf (VAEE) as well as its toxicity.
Methods: Toxicity of the Voacanga africana leaf was examined using Lorke’s method while its sedative activity was evaluated using phenobarbitone and ketamine-induced sleeping time models in mice. The doses used in this study were 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, administered intra-peritoneal.
Results: Results revealed that the LD50 of VAEE was greater than 5 g/kg. Using phenobarbitone-induced sedation, the sleep latency was found to be dose dependent and significantly decreased at higher dose when compared with normal saline while the total sleeping time was found to be significantly in-creased (p<0.05) as dosage increases.
Conclusion: The increase in total sleeping time using the two models showed that VAEE possesses marked sedative ability and can serve as a good alternative to conventional sedatives.
Biomedical Applications of Green Synthesized-Metallic Nanoparticles: A Review
Authors: Agbaje Lateef , Elegbede Joseph A. , Akinola Paul O. , Ajayi Victoria A.
Published: September 2020

Advances in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology to modulate materials at nanoscale level has continued to have great impact on different disciplines of science and engineering as well as agriculture and medical fields. The surge in the utilization of benign and non-toxic biomolecules to engineer enhanced biocompatible nanomaterials has contributed to a large extent to the applications of nanomaterials in healthcare; an emerging sub-discipline termed nanomedicine. Among the several nanomaterials that have been produced, metallic nanoparticles occupy prime position owing to their optical, catalytic and biological characteristics. These nanoparticles, which are of different types existing singly as mono-metallic nanoparticles or in two or more metals as alloys have found extremely useful applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents amongst others. In this review, an attempt is made to project the different applications of green synthesized metallic nanoparticles in diverse areas of biomedicine, including the discussion of issues of toxicity and prospects of nanotechnology in biomedical field.