bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of Gene Knockouts in the Functional Study of MAMP-Triggered Immunity: A Review
Authors: Offor Benedict C. , Dubery Ian A. , Piater Lizelle A.
Published: April 2020

Plants depend on both preformed and inducible defence responses to defend themselves against biotic stresses stemming from pathogen attacks. In this regard, plants perceive pathogenic threats from the environment through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognise microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), and so induce plant defence responses against invading pathogens. Close to thirty PRR proteins have been identified in plants, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying MAMP perception by these receptors/receptor complexes are not fully understood. As such, knockout (KO) of genes that code for PRRs and co-receptors/defence-associated proteins is a valuable tool to study plant immunity. The loss of gene activity often causes changes in the phenotype of the model plant, allowing in vivo studies of gene function and associated biological mechanisms. Here, we review the functions of selected PRRs, brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1) associated receptor kinase 1 (BAK1) and other associated defence proteins that have been identified in plants, and also outline KO lines generated by T-DNA insertional mutagenesis as well as the effect on MAMP perception—and triggered immunity (MTI). In addition, we further review the role of membrane raft domains in flg22-induced MTI in Arabidopsis, due to the vital role in the activation of several proteins that are part of the membrane raft domain theory in this regard.
Trophectoderm-Specific Knockdown of LIN28 Decreases Expression of Genes Necessary for Cell Proliferation and Reduces Elongation of Sheep Conceptus
Authors: Ali Asghar , Stenglein Mark , Spencer Thomas , Bouma Gerrit , Anthony Russell , Winger Quinton
Published: April 2020

LIN28 inhibits let-7 miRNA maturation which prevents cell differentiation and promotes proliferation. We hypothesized that the LIN28-let-7 axis regulates proliferation-associated genes in sheep trophectoderm in vivo. Day 9-hatched sheep blastocysts were incubated with lentiviral particles to deliver shRNA targeting LIN28 specifically to trophectoderm cells. At day 16, conceptus elongation was significantly reduced in LIN28A and LIN28B knockdowns. Let-7 miRNAs were significantly increased and IGF2BP1-3, HMGA1, ARID3B, and c-MYC were decreased in trophectoderm from knockdown conceptuses. Ovine trophoblast (OTR) cells derived from day 16 trophectoderm are a useful tool for in vitro experiments. Surprisingly, LIN28 was significantly reduced and let-7 miRNAs increased after only a few passages of OTR cells, suggesting these passaged cells represent a more differentiated phenotype. To create an OTR cell line more similar to day 16 trophectoderm we overexpressed LIN28A and LIN28B, which significantly decreased let-7 miRNAs and increased IGF2BP1-3, HMGA1, ARID3B, and c-MYC compared to control. This is the first study showing the role of the LIN28-let-7 axis in trophoblast proliferation and conceptus elongation in vivo. These results suggest that reduced LIN28 during early placental development can lead to reduced trophoblast proliferation and sheep conceptus elongation at a critical period for successful establishment of pregnancy.
Recombinant Human Plasma Gelsolin Stimulates Phagocytosis while Diminishing Excessive Inflammatory Responses in Mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Piktel Ewelina , Wnorowska Urszula , Cieśluk Mateusz , Deptuła Piotr , Prasad Suhanya V. , Król Grzegorz , Durnaś Bonita , Namiot Andrzej , Markiewicz Karolina H. , Niemirowicz-Laskowska Katarzyna , Wilczewska Agnieszka Z. , Janmey Paul A. , Reszeć Joanna , Bucki Robert
Published: April 2020

Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is a highly conserved abundant circulating protein, characterized by diverse immunomodulatory activities including macrophage activation and the ability to neutralize pro-inflammatory molecules produced by the host and pathogen. Using a murine model of Gram-negative sepsis initiated by the peritoneal instillation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen 5, we observed a decrease in the tissue uptake of IRDye®800CW 2-deoxyglucose, an indicator of inflammation, and a decrease in bacterial growth from ascitic fluid in mice treated with intravenous recombinant human plasma gelsolin (pGSN) compared to the control vehicle. Pretreatment of the murine macrophage line RAW264.7 with pGSN, followed by addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen 5, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the proportion of macrophages with internalized bacteria. This increased uptake was less pronounced when cells were pretreated with pGSN and then centrifuged to remove unbound pGSN before addition of bacteria to macrophages. These observations suggest that recombinant plasma gelsolin can modulate the inflammatory response while at the same time augmenting host antibacterial activity.
Hearing with One Ear: Consequences and Treatments for Profound Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Snapp Hillary A. , Ausili Sebastian A.
Published: April 2020

There is an increasing global recognition of the negative impact of hearing loss, and its association to many chronic health conditions. The deficits and disabilities associated with profound unilateral hearing loss, however, continue to be under-recognized and lack public awareness. Profound unilateral hearing loss significantly impairs spatial hearing abilities, which is reliant on the complex interaction of monaural and binaural hearing cues. Unilaterally deafened listeners lose access to critical binaural hearing cues. Consequently, this leads to a reduced ability to understand speech in competing noise and to localize sounds. The functional deficits of profound unilateral hearing loss have a substantial impact on socialization, learning and work productivity. In recognition of this, rehabilitative solutions such as the rerouting of signal and hearing implants are on the rise. This review focuses on the latest insights into the deficits of profound unilateral hearing impairment, and current treatment approaches.
Shear Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams Affected by Satisfactory Composite-Recycled Aggregates
Authors: Li Changyong , Liang Na , Zhao Minglei , Yao Kunqi , Li Jie , Li Xiaoke
Published: April 2020

This paper is the outcome of experiments on the shear performance of reinforced concrete beams with approved composite-recycled aggregates. The strength grade of composite-recycled aggregate concrete (CRAC) was between 30 MPa and 60 MPa. The shear span-to-depth ratio varied from 1 to 3. The adaptability of HRB400 rebar, with critical yield strength of 400 MPa, used as stirrups was also verified. As the composite technology overcame the shortcomings of recycled coarse aggregate, CRAC had similar mechanical properties with those of conventional concrete. Details on the shear behaviors of test beams under a four-point loading test are presented. The results indicated that the changes of CRAC strain, stirrup strain, and shear-crack width depended on the failure patterns, which are controlled by the shear-span to depth ratio. The stirrups yield at the failure of reinforced CRAC beams. The shear cracking resistance and the shear capacity of reinforced CRAC beams can be predicted by the statistical equations. Based on the design codes GB50010, ACI318-19, Model Code 2010 and DIN-1045-1-2008 for conventional reinforced concrete beams, the shear strengths provided by CRAC and stirrups are statistical analyzed. The rationality of the design equations is examined by the utilization level of shear strength provided by CRAC. The maximum shear-crack widths are extracted from the test data of reinforced CRAC beams at normal service state. Comparatively, by specifying the lower limit of shear strength provided by the CRAC with various shear-span to depth ratios, China code GB50010 gives a rational method for utilizing CRAC. Under the premise that the design of shear capacity would give considerations to meet the normal serviceability, the factored strength of HRB400 rebar should be 360 MPa for the calculation of shear strength provided by stirrups. The design methods in codes of GB50010, ACI318-19 and Model Code 2010 are conservative for the shear capacity of reinforced CRAC beams.
Behavior of the Energy Spectrum and Electric Conduction of Doped Graphene
Authors: Bellucci Stefano , Kruchinin Sergei , Repetsky Stanislav P. , Vyshyvana Iryna G. , Melnyk Ruslan
Published: April 2020

We consider the effect of atomic impurities on the energy spectrum and electrical conductance of graphene. As is known, the ordering of atomic impurities at the nodes of a crystal lattice modifies the graphene spectrum of energy, yielding a gap in it. Assuming a Fermi level within the gap domain, the electrical conductance diverges at the ordering of graphene. Hence, we can conclude about the presence of a metal–dielectric transition. On the other hand, for a Fermi level occurring outside of the gap, we see an increase in the electrical conductance as a function of the order parameter. The analytic formulas obtained in the Lifshitz one-electron strong-coupling model, describing the one-electron states of graphene doped with substitutional impurity atoms in the limiting case of weak scattering, are compared to the results of numerical calculations. To determine the dependence of the energy spectrum and electrical conductance on the order parameter, we consider both the limiting case of weak scattering and the case of finite scattering potential. The contributions of the scattering of electrons on a vapor of atoms to the density of states and the electrical conductance of graphene with an admixture of interstitial atoms are studied within numerical methods. It is shown that an increase in the electrical conductance with the order parameter is a result of both the growth of the density of states at the Fermi level and the time of relaxation of electron states. We have demonstrated the presence of a domain of localized extrinsic states on the edges of the energy gap arising at the ordering of atoms of the admixture. If the Fermi level falls in the indicated spectral regions, the electrical conductance of graphene is significantly affected by the scattering of electrons on clusters of two or more atoms, and the approximation of coherent potential fails in this case.
Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in North-East Poland
Authors: Matuszewski Wojciech , Baranowska-Jurkun Angelika , Stefanowicz-Rutkowska Magdalena M. , Modzelewski Robert , Pieczyński Janusz , Bandurska-Stankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: The global epidemic of diabetes, especially type 2 (DM2), is related to lifestyle changes, obesity, and the process of population aging. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most serious complication of the eye caused by diabetes. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in north-east Poland. Materials and Methods: The eye fundus was assessed on the basis of two-field 50 degrees color fundus photographs that showed the optic nerve and macula in the center after the pupil was dilated with 1% tropicamide. Results: The experimental group included 315 (26%) patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and 894 (74%) patients with DM2. DM1 patients were diagnosed with DR in 32.58% of cases, with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in 24.44% of cases, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 1.59% of cases, diabetic macular edema (DME) in 5.40% of cases, and PDR with DME in 0.95% of cases. DR was found in DM2 patients in 23.04% of cases, NPDR in 17.11% of cases, PDR in 1.01% of cases, DME in 4.81% of cases, and PDR with DME in 0.11% of cases. Conclusions: The presented study is the first Polish study on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy presenting a large group of patients, and its results could be extrapolated to the whole country. Diabetic retinopathy was found in 25.48% of patients in the whole experimental group. The above results place Poland within the European average, indicating the quality of diabetic care offered in Poland, based on the number of observed complications.
Ameliorating Chronic Kidney Disease Using a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
Authors: Adair Kathleen E. , Bowden Rodney G.
Published: April 2020

Novel approaches to ameliorating chronic kidney disease (CKD) are warranted as most patients are undiagnosed until they begin displaying symptoms of kidney failure. There is increasing evidence that a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet may offer benefits that slow the progression of CKD, decrease the incidence cardiovascular disease, decrease rates of diabetes and obesity, and reduce inflammation and cholesterol, which in turn can delay kidney failure and the initiation of dialysis. While animal-based protein ingestion promotes an acidic environment, inflammation and renal hyperfiltration, study authors report plant-based protein can be alkaline-producing and anti-inflammatory and can contain renoprotective properties. Although there may be benefits to adopting a WFPB diet, macronutrient and micronutrient content should be carefully considered and adjusted to avoid malnutrition in CKD patients. Further research needs to be done in order to establish the biological plausibility and feasibility of a WFPB in individuals with diagnosed CKD.
Food Sources and Nutrient Intakes of Filipino Working Adults
Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , S. Custodio Ma. Rosel
Published: April 2020

Nutrition is an integral part of economic development, since it influences workers’ health and productivity. This study evaluated the usual nutrient intakes and food sources of working adults. We conducted a cross-sectional survey that involved 1264 selected working adults aged 19 to 59 years old from randomly selected job sectors. Quantitative dietary data was collected by a 2-day, non-consecutive 24 h recall, while a dietary diversity questionnaire was used to assess the types and frequency of foods consumed. Physical activity was measured using the World Health Organization global physical assessment questionnaire. The prevalence of inadequate intakes, defined as the percentage of adults with intakes less than the estimated average requirements (EAR) or acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR) were estimated using the PC—Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (PC-SIDE) program. The mean daily energy intake of working adults was 1768 kcal/day or 74% of the Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) for this age group. The percentage contribution to the total energy of fats (58%) and proteins (34%) were excessively high. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was only 30% and 40% of the recommended nutrient intake, respectively. Salt intake was 52% above the adequate intake. Nutrient inadequacy was high in almost all nutrients, including iron (99%), folate (97.9%), riboflavin (95.8%), calcium (94.7%), vitamin C (87.3%), and thiamin (76.6%). The top five food sources of energy included rice (35.6%), pork (15.1%), fats and oils (4.7%), chicken (4.4%), and bread (3.8%). Energy and nutrient intakes of working adults is extremely sub-optimal due to the consumption of few nutrient-dense foods. This may pose a triple burden of malnutrition if left unsolved.
Enhanced Intelligent Identification of Concrete Cracks Using Multi-Layered Image Preprocessing-Aided Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Fu Ronghua , Xu Hao , Wang Zijian , Shen Lei , Cao Maosen , Liu Tongwei , Novák Drahomír
Published: April 2020

Crack identification plays an essential role in the health diagnosis of various concrete structures. Among different intelligent algorithms, the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has been demonstrated as a promising tool capable of efficiently identifying the existence and evolution of concrete cracks by adaptively recognizing crack features from a large amount of concrete surface images. However, the accuracy as well as the versatility of conventional CNNs in crack identification is largely limited, due to the influence of noise contained in the background of the concrete surface images. The noise originates from highly diverse sources, such as light spots, blurs, surface roughness/wear/stains. With the aim of enhancing the accuracy, noise immunity, and versatility of CNN-based crack identification methods, a framework of enhanced intelligent identification of concrete cracks is established in this study, based on a hybrid utilization of conventional CNNs with a multi-layered image preprocessing strategy (MLP), of which the key components are homomorphic filtering and the Otsu thresholding method. Relying on the comparison and fine-tuning of classic CNN structures, networks for detection of crack position and identification of crack type are built, trained, and tested, based on a dataset composed of a large number of concrete crack images. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework involving the MLP and the CNN in crack identification are examined by comparative studies, with and without the implementation of the MLP strategy. Crack identification accuracy subject to different sources and levels of noise influence is investigated.
Analysis of Passive RFID Applicability in a Retail Store: What Can We Expect?
Authors: Škiljo Maja , Šolić Petar , Blažević Zoran , Perković Toni
Published: April 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has a lot to offer and contribute to the retail industry, from the innovations in retail store experience to the increased efficiency in the store management and supply chain optimization. On its way to real-world applications, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) became the main enabler for the final IoT deployment. However, to improve the technology performance even further, it is important to overcome the fundamental limitations of its physical layer and, consequently, to better understand how to use the technology in an optimal way. The analysis provided in this paper employs the simulation/measurement study on RFID technology advancement and the influence of radio propagation in a realistic model of the retail environment. The results are provided for different types of the retail layouts and materials that influence tag responsiveness.
Vulnerability Mining Method for the Modbus TCP Using an Anti-Sample Fuzzer
Authors: Lai Yingxu , Gao Huijuan , Liu Jing
Published: April 2020

Vulnerability mining technology is used for protecting the security of industrial control systems and their network protocols. Traditionally, vulnerability mining methods have the shortcomings of poor vulnerability mining ability and low reception rate. In this study, a test case generation model for vulnerability mining of the Modbus TCP based on an anti-sample algorithm is proposed. Firstly, a recurrent neural network is trained to learn the semantics of the protocol data unit. The softmax function is used to express the probability distribution of data values. Next, the random variable threshold and the maximum probability are compared in the algorithm to determine whether to replace the current data value with the minimum probability data value. Finally, the Modbus application protocol (MBAP) header is completed according to the protocol specification. Experiments using the anti-sample fuzzer show that it not only improves the reception rate of test cases and the ability to exploit vulnerabilities, but also detects vulnerabilities of industrial control protocols more quickly.
Alliances of Change Pushing Organizational Transformation Towards Sustainability across 13 Universities
Authors: Bohunovsky Lisa , Radinger-Peer Verena , Penker Marianne
Published: April 2020

Universities are expected to play a leading role in developing and maintaining sustainability. To contribute to a systemic and dynamic understanding of organizational change that is necessary in order to play such a role, we comparatively analyzed processes of organizational changes towards sustainability across thirteen universities in Austria. This comparative analysis is based on data from guided interviews and document analysis and on validation of preliminary results via group discussion and individual comments. The results show that all universities embedded sustainability in most of their areas of activity (research, teaching, operations, organizational culture, societal engagement), but the depth of integration and the type of structural embedding varies. Especially for early changes dating back to the 1990s, academics working in the broader field of sustainability studies were those agents of change, who—without formal mandate—skillfully and proactively initiated and drove organizational transformations following an idealistic and intrinsic motivation. A timeline analysis illustrates peaks of sustainability-related changes in the years of the foundation of inter-university networks in 2011 and 2017, which acted as alliances of change. Ministry intervention in 2015 helped to bring sustainability on the agenda of those universities with less change agency. In summary, sustainability transformations across the fields of teaching, research, operations, organizational culture, and societal engagement were driven by a fruitful interplay of change agency and change alliances and to a minor degree by top-down interventions.
The Mechanisms of Endogenous Fires Occurring in Extractive Waste Dumping Facilities
Authors: Gogola Krzysztof , Rogala Tomasz , Magdziarczyk Małgorzata , Smoliński Adam
Published: April 2020

The processes of hard coal extraction and processing are accompanied by the generation of a considerable amount of post-mining extractive waste, which in most cases is deposited on the ground surface. In the past, such waste was disposed of by deposition in bings and spoil piles of various kinds. The application of modern technologies makes it possible to recycle, reuse or reclaim extractive waste in engineering works or as a substitute of natural aggregates used for the construction of different kinds of banks and embankments. Regardless of whether the waste is deposited or reused, the basic target method of waste management consists of depositing it on the ground surface. This form of extractive waste management is always associated with the risk of the occurrence of coal self-heating phenomena, which may consequently lead to an endogenous fire. Therefore, it is of critical importance to apply appropriate technologies for the construction of coal waste embankments on the one hand, and on the other hand to recognize the mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of fires in extractive waste dumps, which constitutes the subject matter of this paper.
Adaptation and Validation of the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior Scale in Sports for the Spanish Context
Authors: Navarro Noelia , Trigueros Rubén , Cangas Adolfo J. , Aguilar-Parra José M.
Published: April 2020

The sporting context favors exchange and promotes social relations. Although there are various tools for measuring social behavior, most of them are not adapted to the Spanish context. The aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the Scale of Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sports (PABSS) for that context. The sample was made up of 732 athletes between the ages of 18 and 38 (M = 22.9; SD = 7.3). Statistical analyses allowed us to confirm their appropriate psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of two factors (antisocial behavior and prosocial behavior). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the internal structure of the questionnaire. In addition, the scale was invariant with respect to gender. Cronbach’s Alpha values above 0.70 were found in the different subscales, as well as adequate temporal stability. Therefore, the scale provides a very useful tool in clarifying behavioral processes at the base of prosocial and antisocial behavior in adults towards teammates or rivals in the context of sports competitions in Spain.
How High-Quality Urbanization Affects Utilization Efficiency of Agricultural Water Resources in the Yellow River Basin under Double Control Action?
Authors: Zhang Xiling , Kong Yusheng , Ding Xuhui
Published: April 2020

To promote the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin, the total amount and intensity of agricultural water must be controlled. Further speaking, an urbanization development system should be established that is compatible with water resources and the water environment. We adopted the stochastic frontier analysis model to measure the agricultural water utilization efficiency of the Yellow River Basin from 2007 to 2017. We also adopted the dynamic panel difference generalized method of moments (GMM) and system GMM models to verify the driving factors, in which population urbanization, economic urbanization, and equilibrium urbanization levels were selected as the key variables. The results show that the overall efficiency of agricultural water utilization maintained a steady upward trend during the research period. The spatial differentiation was generally characterized by higher efficiency levels in the eastern region and lower levels in the western region. The variation coefficient of water utilization efficiency showed a downward trend in general, which indicates a space spillover effect. Agricultural water utilization efficiency continued to converge from 2007 to 2017, and the upper reaches area converged relatively more quickly. Regarding the influencing factors, the population urbanization, economic urbanization, balanced urbanization, crop planting ratio, and rice planting ratio had negative effects on agricultural water utilization efficiency. Urbanization did not positively affect agricultural water use efficiency as the related theories, so urbanization quality and urban–rural integration should be paid more attention. However, technology innovation was significantly positive in agricultural water utilization efficiency. The influencing factors of per capita water availability and annual precipitation did not pass the significance test. Therefore, the government should vigorously promote the development of high-quality new-type urbanization, scientifically formulate the scale and speed of urbanization, strengthen the urban, rural, and industrial integration, and promote the adjustment of planting structures and agricultural deep processing.
Using Virtual Reality to Assess Landscape: A Comparative Study Between On-Site Survey and Virtual Reality of Aesthetic Preference and Landscape Cognition
Authors: Shi Jiaying , Honjo Tsuyoshi , Zhang Kaixuan , Furuya Katsunori
Published: April 2020

In recent years, research on landscape perception has been generally overoptimistic about the use of virtual reality (VR); however, few have questioned the validity of VR. It is necessary to examine whether on-site stimulation can be substituted by VR. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of agreement between on-site survey and VR for landscape perception. The sample included 11 representative landscapes from Tsuchiura city and Tsukuba city, Japan. On-site survey data was collected for 17 items related to aesthetic preference and landscape cognition. The same scenes were produced by VR and same survey data as on-site was collected. The agreement of both the overall mean of all landscapes and the ratings of all individuals in each landscape confirmed the high level of concordance of most cognitive attributes between the two stimuli. The findings support immersive VR as a reliable tool for assessing landscape cognition.
Failure Mechanisms of Rheological Coal Roadway
Authors: Sun Yuantian , Li Guichen , Zhang Junfei , Xu Jiahui
Published: April 2020

The roadway instability in deep underground conditions has attracted constant concerns in recent years, as it seriously affects the efficiency of coal mining and the safety of personnel. The large rheological deformations normally occur in deep roadway with soft coal mass. However, the failure mechanism of such roadways is still not clear. In this study, based on a typical soft coal roadway in the field, the in-situ measurements and rock mass properties were obtained. The rheological deformation of that roadway was revealed. Then a time-dependent 3D numerical model was established and verified. Based on the verified model, the deformation properties and evolutionary failure mechanism of deep coal roadway were investigated in detail. The results showed that the deformation of the soft coal roadway demonstrated rheological behavior and the applied support structures failed completely. After roadway excavation, the maximum and minimum stresses around the roadway deteriorated gradually with the increase of time. The failure zones in soft coal mass expanded increasingly over time, which had a negative effect on roadway stability in the long-term. According to the findings, helpful suggestions were further presented to control the rheological deformation in the roadway. This research systematically reveals the instability mechanism of the deep coal roadway and provides some strategies for maintaining roadway stability, which can significantly promote the sustainability of mining in deep underground coal mines.
Gaze Point in the Evacuation Drills: Analysis of Eye Movement at the Indoor Wayfinding
Authors: Bae Young-Hoon , Kim Young-Chan , Oh Ryun-Seok , Son Jong-Yeong , Hong Won-Hwa , Choi Jun-Ho
Published: April 2020

Signage systems are the main means of resolving the wayfinding problem in an emergency evacuation. However, recent literature has proven that signage systems are often not effective in an indoor wayfinding decision-making situation. Many studies that attempted to solve the problem did not consider the interaction between the optimal location of signage systems and gaze characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to provide basic database to determine the optimal location of signage by analysing the characteristics of eye movements according to the type of junction. To achieve this, we conducted evacuation experiments in a maze set composed of eight junctions that we created ourselves and analysed the eye movement data of participants with 5196 gaze points and duration of 895,581.49 ms. The result showed that participants most often look between 100 cm and 150 cm (vertical height) in the corridor and in junctions. In addition, the gaze points of the evacuees are quantified by the horizontal and vertical directions according to the type of junction where the wayfinding decisions occur. This investigation showed that there are marked differences depending on the type.
Efficient Deployment Design of Wireless Charging Electric Tram System with Battery Management Policy
Authors: Ko Young Dae , Oh Yonghui
Published: April 2020

As an alternative to the environmental pollution problem of transportation means, the application of electric tram is considered in urban areas. However, due to the aesthetic problems occurs by the electric supply line for an electric tram, the wireless charging electric tram may be regarded as an alternative. It can be supplied electricity wirelessly from the wireless charging infrastructure installed on the railways even while moving. For a successful application, it is important to install and operate the overall systems with minimum investment cost. In this study, a mathematical model-based optimization technique, one of the methods of operations research, is adopted to derive the decision-making elements such as capacity and management of battery and allocation of the wireless charging infrastructure. Numerical example shows the optimal capacity and management of battery for a wireless charging electric tram and the ideal installation locations of the wireless charging infrastructures.
Carbon Mineralization under Different Saline—Alkali Stress Conditions in Paddy Fields of Northeast China
Authors: Wang Sining , Tang Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Liu Yuqing , Zhou Zihao , Wang Jingjing , Qu Yunke , Dai Zhenxue
Published: April 2020

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization (conversion of carbonaceous material to carbon dioxide) plays a central role in global carbon cycle. However, the effects of SOC mineralization under different saline–alkali stress conditions are poorly understood. In order to understand the carbon mineralization processes, four paddy fields with different saline and alkali degrees were chosen as the experimental samples and the soil CO2 emission fluxes at nine different time steps of the whole simulation experiment were observed. The physical and chemical properties of soils of four field conditions were compared for the dynamic changes of CO2 flux in the progress of paddy field cultivation simulations. The results showed that the first three fields (P1, P2, and P3) were weakly alkaline soils and the last one (P4) was strongly alkaline soil. The SOC content of each plot was significantly different and there was a near-surface enrichment, which was significantly negatively correlated with the degree of alkalization. The accumulation process of the SOC mineralization during the incubation time was consistent with the first-order kinetic model. In the initial stage of mineralization, the amount of CO2 released massively, and then the release intensity decreased rapidly. The mineralization rate decreased slowly with time and finally reached a minimum at the end of the incubation period. This study indicates that the SOC mineralization process is affected by a variety of factors. The main factors influencing SOC mineralization in the saline–alkaline soils are the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), followed by enzyme activities. Salinization of the soils inhibits the rate of soil carbon cycle, which has a greater impact on the carbon sequestration than on the carbon source process. The intensity and completeness of the SOC mineralization reactions increase with increasing SOC contents and decrease with increasing ESP levels.
An Assessment of Age and Gender Characteristics of Mixed Traffic with Autonomous and Manual Vehicles: A Cellular Automata Approach
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad , Kashmiri Faizan Ahmad , Naeem Hassan , Yan Huimin , Qi Xin , Rizvi Syed Muzammil Abbas , Wang Tianshi , Lu Huapu
Published: April 2020

Traffic congestion has become increasingly prevalent in many urban areas, and researchers are continuously looking into new ways to resolve this pertinent issue. Autonomous vehicles are one of the technologies expected to revolutionize transportation systems. To this very day, there are limited studies focused on the impact of autonomous vehicles in heterogeneous traffic flow in terms of different driving modes (manual and self-driving). Autonomous vehicles in the near future will be running parallel with manual vehicles, and drivers will have different characteristics and attributes. Previous studies that have focused on the impact of autonomous vehicles in these conditions are scarce. This paper proposes a new cellular automata model to address this issue, where different autonomous vehicles (cars and buses) and manual vehicles (cars and buses) are compared in terms of fundamental traffic parameters. Manual cars are further divided into subcategories on the basis of age groups and gender. Each category has its own distinct attributes, which make it different from the others. This is done in order to obtain a simulation as close as possible to a real-world scenario. Furthermore, different lane-changing behavior patterns have been modeled for autonomous and manual vehicles. Subsequently, different scenarios with different compositions are simulated to investigate the impact of autonomous vehicles on traffic flow in heterogeneous conditions. The results suggest that autonomous vehicles can raise the flow rate of any network considerably despite the running heterogeneous traffic flow.
Infection with Toxocara canis Inhibits the Production of IgE Antibodies to α-Gal in Humans: Towards a Conceptual Framework of the Hygiene Hypothesis?
Authors: Hodžić Adnan , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Fréalle Emilie , Román-Carrasco Patricia , Alberdi Pilar , Pichavant Muriel , Risco-Castillo Veronica , Le Roux Delphine , Vicogne Jérôme , Hemmer Wolfgang , Auer Herbert , Swoboda Ines , Duscher Georg , de la Fuente José , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: April 2020

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of anaphylactic reaction to mammalian meat characterized by an immunoglobulin (Ig)E immune response to the oligosaccharide α-Gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R). Tick bites seems to be a prerequisite for the onset of the allergic disease in humans, but the implication of non-tick parasites in α-Gal sensitization has also been deliberated. In the present study, we therefore evaluated the capacity of helminths (Toxocara canis, Ascaris suum, Schistosoma mansoni), protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii), and parasitic fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus) to induce an immune response to α-Gal. For this, different developmental stages of the infectious agents were tested for the presence of α-Gal. Next, the potential correlation between immune responses to α-Gal and the parasite infections was investigated by testing sera collected from patients with AGS and those infected with the parasites. Our results showed that S. mansoni and A. fumigatus produce the terminal α-Gal moieties, but they were not able to induce the production of specific antibodies. By contrast, T. canis, A. suum and T. gondii lack the α-Gal epitope. Furthermore, the patients with T. canis infection had significantly decreased anti-α-Gal IgE levels when compared to the healthy controls, suggesting the potential role of this nematode parasite in suppressing the allergic response to the glycan molecule. This rather intriguing observation is discussed in the context of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. Taken together, our study provides new insights into the relationships between immune responses to α-Gal and parasitic infections. However, further investigations should be undertaken to identify T. canis components with potent immunomodulatory properties and to assess their potential to be used in immunotherapy and control of AGS.
Strategi Mencapai Penghidupan Berkelanjutan Pada Sektor Pariwisata Suku Tengger di Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru
Authors: Irsyad Muhammad , Irwan Siti Nurul Rofiqo , Budiani Sri Rahayu
Published: April 2020

Sustainable livelihood is a concept achieved through strategies for utilizing livelihood assets natural, human, social, physical, and financial (DFID, 2001; Scoones, 2009; and Ellis, 2000). The Tengger tribe of Ngadas Village in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area (TNBTS) earns income from the agriculture and tourism sectors. Vulnerability due to natural disasters, trend changes in tourist arrivals, and climate change affect the five livelihood assets and livelihood strategies. The objective of this study is to analyze the five livelihood assets owned and to identify livelihood strategies. The descriptive qualitative method is used to assess five livelihoods by weighting and scaling. Livelihood strategies are analyzed by using interactive analysis method with primary and secondary data obtained. The results reveal that natural asset provides the highest value of financial asset, supported by social asset and physical asset. Human asset has the lowest value compared to other assets. The consolidation strategy is the dominant strategy done by dividing works between family members, hiring laborers, and using financial reserves. Other strategies are also carried out through opening a tourism business, planting new agricultural crops, maintaining the environment and culture from damaging external influences.
Mannose Binding Lectin Is Hydroxylated by Collagen Prolyl-4-hydroxylase and Inhibited by Some PHD Inhibitors
Authors: Bhute Vijesh J. , Harte James , Houghton Jack W. , Maxwell Patrick H.
Published: April 2020

Background

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of innate immune defense. MBL undergoes oligomerization to generate high mol weight (HMW) forms which act as pattern recognition molecules to detect and opsonize various microorganisms. Several post-translational modifications including prolyl hydroxylation are known to affect the oligomerization of MBL. Yet, the enzyme(s) which hydroxylate proline in the collagen-like domain residues have not been identified and the significance of prolyl hydroxylation is incompletely understood.

Methods

To investigate post-translational modifications of MBL, we stably expressed Myc-DDK tagged MBL in HEK293S cells. We used pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of 2-oxoglutarate–dependent dioxygenases (2OGDD) to identify the enzyme required for prolyl hydroxylation of MBL. We performed mass spectrometry to determine the effects of various inhibitors on MBL modifications.

Results

Secretion of HMW MBL was impaired by inhibitors of the superfamily of 2OGDD, and was dependent on prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit α1. Roxadustat and vadadustat, but not molidustat, led to significant suppression of hydroxylation and secretion of HMW forms of MBL.

Conclusions

These data suggest that prolyl hydroxylation in the collagen-like domain of MBL is mediated by collagen prolyl-4-hydroxylase. Reduced MBL activity is likely to be an off-target effect of some, but not all, prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) inhibitors. There may be advantages in selective PHD inhibitors that would not interfere with MBL production.
Lingual Lymphangioma Ablation With High Power Diode Laser: A Case Report
Authors: Aires Amanda Vieira , Kato Camila de Nazaré Alves de Oliveira , Silva Leni Verônica de Oliveira , Andrade Rodrigo Soares de , Martelli Júnior Hercílio , Ferreira Marcus Vinicius Lucas , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Lymphangioma is a rare vascular anomaly that affects the lymphatic vessels. Its etiology is not yet clear and it usually occurs in the head and neck region. This pathology is commonly diagnosed in childhood and there is no consensus about the most effective treatment of it. Case Report: We report a case of lymphangioma located on the dorsum of the tongue in a 9-year-old boy, with the clinical appearance of small transparent vesicles similar to "frog-eggs". The diagnosis was defined according to the clinical aspect and ultrasound images. The treatment performed consisted of two sessions of ablation with a high-power diode laser. Conclusion: High-intensity diode laser ablation was a safe and effective tool for the treatment of this lesion in the tongue, which provided the patient with a faster, efficient transoperative period and a more comfortable postoperative period.
Artificial Intelligence Based Strategic Human Resource Management (AISHRM) For Industry 4.0
Authors: Samarasinghe K R , Medis Dr. Ajith
Published: April 2020

Industry 4.0, known as industry revolution 4.0, is going to be a business environment in which the labor market will get replaced by machines that can think like humans. Value chains of companies will get interconnected with data. Robots with artificial intelligence will be performing operations that were previously done by humans. Further, those will achieve more accuracy and efficiency in such activities. With this revolution, companies require to focus more on strategic human resource management, as human capital is going to be a much more valuable asset in industry 4.0 where organizations will be able to create sustainable competitive advantage through human capital. Artificial intelligence (AI) is going to be the fuel in industry 4.0. AI based machines will represent the majority of the labor force. This paper is to introduce AISHRM conceptual model which stands for the use of “Artificial Intelligence based Strategic Human Resource Management for industry 4.0”. This conceptual model developed based on the strategic human resource management theory of “resource-based view of a firm” or “resource advantage theory”.
Bibliometry about Forest Fires
Authors: SANTANA OTACILIO ANTUNES
Published: April 2020

This research was motivated by the annual increase in forest fires worldwide. The guiding question was ‘Did the increase in the frequency of forest fires cause the scientific community to write more articles about this theme?’ Thus, my hypothesis was ‘the increased the number of publications about forest fires over the years was correlated with the increase in forest fires.’ The objective was to analyze the evolution of scientific production about forest fires over the years (1900-2020).
Special equation from Binomial transform and nth order finite difference
Authors: Shah Balram A
Published: April 2020

Using numerical analysis and tables, nth order backward difference of exponential function is obtained. Further analyzing the obtained equation yields a special identity given as \[\sum\limits_{k\, = \,0}^n {{{( - 1)}^k}\,\frac{{{{(x - \,k)}^{n\,\, - m}}}}{{(n\, - \,k - m)!\,k!}}\,} \, = \,\,\sum\limits_{k\, = \,0}^{n\, - m} {{{( - 1)}^k}\,\frac{{{{(x - \,k)}^{n\, - m}}}}{{(n\, - \,k - m)!\,k!}}\,} = \,\,1\,\,\,\,\,\,:\,\,\,\,\,\,\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,x \in R\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,}\\{n \in \,W{\rm{ }}}\\{m\, \in \,W\,\,{\rm{:}}\,\,m \le \,n}\end{array}} \right.\]This equation yields the value of negative integer factorial, zero factorial and zero to the power zero which is currently indeterminate forms along with other unknown values. With this equation, we also conclude the product of zero and infinity is unity within certain parameters.
Mineral Inclusions in Platinum Grains from the Kazan Placer (South Urals)
Authors: Zaykova E.V. , Blinov I.A. , Kotlyarov V.A.
Published: April 2020

Platinum grains from the Kazan placer in the South Urals contain inclusions of native metals (gold, osmium group alloys), as well as PGe chalcogenides: sulfides (laurite, erlichmanite, bauite), sulfoarsenides (irarsite and hollingworthite), stibiopalladinite, telluride (merenskiite) and selenides.
Figures 5. Tables 7. References 13.
Key words: Kazan player, platinum, native gold, alloys of the osmium group elements,
tellurides, selenides, sulfides PGe.
Tourmaline from Late Quartz Veins of the Murtykty Gold Deposit, Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Rassomakhin M.A. , Belogub E.V. , Novoselov K.A. , Khvorov P.V.
Published: April 2020

Tourmaline, an intermediate member of the oxyschorl–oxydravite–oxymagnesio-foitite-bosiite series with a predominance of the oxy-dravite-bosiite end-member, was studied from late calcite-quartz veins in the eastern zone of the Murtykty gold deposit (Republic of Bashkortostan). Sulfide mineralization in veins includes rare chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Accessory minerals are xenotime-(Y), vanadium-containing rutile and fine high-fineness gold. Supergene mineralization resulted from decomposition of carbonates, sulfides and rock-forming silicates includes kaolinite, hydroxides of Mn (chalcophanite, psilomelane) and Fe (goethite and limonite ochers), mainly developed in vein cavities ; chalcopyrite is replaced by cuprite and malachite. The composition of tourmaline is close to metamorphic dravite of orogenic gold deposits and tourmaline of gold-porphyry deposits, transitioning from porphyry to epithermal. Two possible B sources for the formation of tourmaline are considered: sedimentary rocks of the paleoisland-arc complex and granodiorites of the Mansurovo pluton.
Figures 9. Table 1. References 36.
Key words: tourmaline, boron, gold, xenotime-(Y), Murtykty deposit, Republic of Bashkortostan.
ФРАНКІАНА У МИСТЕЦТВІ ХУДОЖНЬОГО СЛОВА УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ДІАСПОРИ ІІ ПОЛ. ХХ–ХХІ СТОРІЧЧЯ
Authors: Кукуруза Надія
Published: April 2020

Розглянуто втілення франкіани в сценічному мистецтві української діаспори ІІ пол. ХХ – початку ХХІстоліття. Розкрито їхню програмну мету як важливий чинник формування моральних і національно-ідеологічних засад різних поколінь діаспори. На основі проведеного аналізу зроблено висновок, що твори Івана Франка мають різне жанрове втілення як у творчості професійних митців, так і митців-аматорів: театральні постановки, поетичний театр, читецьке виконання.