bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 Laser Fabrication of PMMA Microfluidic Double T-Junction Device with Modified Inlet-Angle for Cost-Effective PCR Application
Authors: Nasser Gamal A. , Fath El-Bab Ahmed M.R. , Abdel-Mawgood Ahmed L. , Mohamed Hisham , Saleh Abdelatty M.
Published: October 2019

The formation of uniform droplets and the control of their size, shape and monodispersity are of utmost importance in droplet-based microfluidic systems. The size of the droplets is precisely tuned by the channel geometry, the surface interfacial tension, the shear force and fluid velocity. In addition, the fabrication technique and selection of materials are essential to reduce the fabrication cost and time. In this paper, for reducing the fabrication cost Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheet is used with direct write laser technique by VERSA CO2 laser VLS3.5. This laser writing technique gives minimum channel width of about 160   μ m , which limit miniaturizing the droplet. To overcome this, modification on double T-junction (DTJ) channel geometry has been done by modifying the channel inlets angles. First, a two-dimensional (2D) simulation has been done to study the effect of the new channel geometry modification on droplet size, droplets distribution inside the channel, and its throughput. The fabricated modified DTJ gives the minimum droplet diameter of 39 ± 2   μ m , while DTJ channel produced droplet diameter of 48 ± 4   μ m at the same conditions. Moreover, the modified double T-junction (MDTJ) decreases the variation in droplets diameter at the same flow rates by 4.5 – 13 % than DTJ. This low variation in the droplet diameter is suitable for repeatability of the DNA detection results. The MDTJ also enhanced the droplet generation frequency by 8 – 25 % more than the DTJ channel. The uniformity of droplet distribution inside the channel was enhanced by 3 – 20 % compared to the DTJ channel geometry. This fabrication technique eliminates the need for a photomask and cleanroom environment in addition shortening the cost and time. It takes only 20   min for fabrication. The minimum generated droplet diameter is within 40   μ m with more than 1000 droplets per second (at 10   mL / h . oil flow rate). The device is a high-throughput and low-cost micro-droplet formation aimed to be as a front-end to a dynamic droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform for use in resource-limited environment.
sRNA OsiA Stabilizes Catalase mRNA during Oxidative Stress Response of Deincoccus radiodurans R1
Authors: Chen Yun , Xue Dong , Sun Wenjie , Han Jiahui , Li Jiang , Gao Ruyu , Zhou Zhengfu , Zhang Wei , Chen Ming , Lin Min , Wang Jin , Zuo Kaijing
Published: October 2019

Deinococcus radiodurans adapts to challenging environments by modulating gene expression in response to oxidative stress. Recently, bacterial small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) have been presumed to participate in the transcriptional or translational regulation of stress-responsive genes. We found 24 sRNAs that may be involved in the oxidative stress response of D. radiodurans by deep RNA sequencing. Moreover, a typical stress-inducible sRNA, IGR_3053, named OsiA, was predicted to bind to the mRNA of katA, katE, and sodC by the bioinformatics method. An osiA knockout of D. radiodurans displayed increased sensitivity to H2O2 and the decreased catalase activity and total antioxidant activity, suggesting that OsiA probably serves as a regulator in the adaptation to oxidative environments. Further microscale thermophoresis results demonstrated that OsiA can directly bind to the mRNA of katA, sodC, and katE. The stability test result of katA mRNA showed that its half-life was 2 min in the osiA mutant compared with 5 min in the wildtype(wt) strain. Our results indicated that OsiA can enhance the stability of katA mRNA and the activity of KatA and consequently the oxidation resistance of D.radiodurans. We are the first one to explore the super-strong oxidative stress resistance of D.radiodurans at the level of post-transcriptional regulation, and found a new pathway that provides a new explanation for the long-term adaptability of D.radiodurans in extreme environments.
Association between Lipoprotein Levels and Humoral Reactivity to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bo Marco , Arru Giannina , Niegowska Magdalena , Erre Gian Luca , Manchia Piera Angela , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: October 2019

Environmental factors such as bacterial infections may play an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate pathogen of ruminants able to use the host’s cholesterol for survival into macrophages and has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a molecular mimicry mechanism. Here, we aimed at investigating the correlation between humoral reactivity against MAP and serum lipoprotein levels in subjects at T1DM risk (rT1DM) grouped by geographical background and in patients affected by MS or RA. Our results showed significant differences in HDL, LDL/VLDL and Total Cholesterol (TC) levels between patients and healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Patients positive to anti-MAP Abs (MAP+) had lower HDL levels in comparison with Abs negative (MAP-) subjects, while opposite trends were found for LDL/VLDL concentrations (p < 0.05). TC levels varied between MAP+ and MAP- patients in all three assessed diseases. These findings suggest the implication of anti-MAP Abs in fluctuations of lipoprotein levels highlighting a possible link with cardiovascular disease. Further studies will be needed to confirm these results in larger groups.
Geochemical Study of Detrital Apatite in Sediment from the Southern Okinawa Trough: New Insights into Sediment Provenance
Authors: Hu Siyi , Zeng Zhigang , Fang Xue , Qi Haiyan , Yin Xuebo , Chen Zuxing , Li Xiaohui , Zhu Bowen
Published: October 2019

Detrital apatite is a promising accessory mineral for reliable fingerprinting of the protolith composition of detrital sediment. Here, we present the geochemical compositions of detrital apatites from four sections of a high-resolution (~140 cm/kyr) sedimentary archive from the southern Okinawa Trough (SOT) for constraining sediment source rock types and establishing changes in provenance. A series of diagrams based on the geochemical data show that apatites in Section 1 derived mainly from mafic/intermediate rocks, while apatites in the three younger sections largely originated from mafic/intermediate rocks and acid rocks. Further, the four sections included a few contributions of apatites from alkaline rocks and metamorphic rocks. Through a comprehensive analysis of controlling factors and regional stratigraphy in the study area, we concluded that sediments in the SOT are the weathering/erosion products of sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks in the western and northeastern Taiwan Island, with ultimate sources containing a wide variety of rock types. The sediment from rivers in eastern Taiwan did not significantly contribute to deposition in the SOT. Apatites in Sections 2–4 showed strong geochemical similarity but differed from those in Section 1, indicating that the types of weathered/eroded sedimentary rocks in the weathering profile of river drainage basins of Taiwan Island changed in Section 2 (2010–1940 cal. yr BP) and have remained stable since then.
The Albitization of K-Feldspar in Organic- and Silt-Rich Fine-Grained Rocks of the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation in the Southwestern Upper Yangtze Region, China
Authors: Min Huajun , Zhang Tingshan , Li Yong , Zhao Shaoze , Li Jilin , Lin Dan , Wang Jincheng
Published: October 2019

The albitization of K-feldspar is a common diagenetic process that has thus far received little attention and is not fully understood in fine-grained sedimentary rocks. To better understand the albitization of K-feldspar, studies in organic- and silt-rich fine-grained rocks of the lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation in the southwestern Upper Yangtze region, China, were carried out via X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results show that five types of albitized K-feldspar textures have developed: microcrystal albite replacement, irregular blocky replacement along margins, cleavage planes or microcracks of K-feldspars, complete pseudomorphic replacement, albite overgrowth, and albite pore filling. Organic- and silt-rich fine-grained rocks differ from sandstones and mudstones in terms of the rock structure and mineral assemblage, which results in differences in the textures and degree of albitization of K-feldspar. Illitization of clay has an impact on the albitization of K-feldspar. In provenance analyses using feldspar, fine-grained rocks, especially those that underwent mesogenesis, should be treated with caution because detrital feldspars have been destroyed. Theoretically, the albitization of K-feldspar could increase the porosity of reservoirs, although, from our observations, most of the related secondary pores are cancelled out or became isolated pores due to other diagenetic processes (compaction, cementation, etc.) in organic- and silt-rich fine-grained rocks.
Partial Melting and Crustal Deformation during the Early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai Orogeny: Insights from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Structural Analysis of the Fuhuling Migmatites in the Yunkai Region, South China
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Liu Weiliang , Yakymchuk Chris , Sa Rina , Zeng Zhen , Ding Ruxin , Tang Gongjian , Liu Hanqi , Xu Qingyan , Wang Yong
Published: October 2019

Migmatites record crucial information about the rheology and tectonothermal evolutionof the deep crust during orogenesis. In the Wuyi–Yunkai orogen in South China, migmatites at Fuhuling record Early Paleozoic high temperatures and associated partial melting. However, the absolute timing and implications for the rheology of the deep crust during orogenesis are poorly constrained. In this contribution, we used spatial analysis of migmatitic leucosomes, structural analysis, and U-Pb geochronology of zircon to elucidate the absolute timing of crustal partial melting, the degree of partial melting, and the role of partial melting on the rheology of the crust during the Wuyi–Yunkai orogeny. Partial melting of the Fuhuling migmatites occurred at c. 440 Ma during Early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai orogenesis. Subsequent lower temperature metamorphism associated with Indosinian movement that caused minor zircon recrystallization was temporally associated with the crystallization of nearby biotite monzogranites, but it did not influence the morphology of the Fuhuling migmatites. The migmatites preserve a morphological transition from metatexite to diatexite with an increasing proportion of leucosome. This transition preserves different structural characteristics that represent the response of the solid framework and melt network to variable melt fractions during partial melting. The large proportion of in situ or in source leucosome in the Fuhuling migmatites suggests that it was a melt-rich crustal horizon during orogenesis, and that a substantial proportion of anatectic melt was retained in the deep crust. The rheological transition documented in the Fuhuling migmatites was caused by changes in the melt fraction, and it is an analogue for the rheological transition characteristics of melt-rich crustal horizons in the Yunkai region during Early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai orogenesis and subsequent orogenic collapse.
The Influence of Feedback Type in Robot-Assisted Training
Authors: Akalin Neziha , Kristoffersson Annica , Loutfi Amy
Published: October 2019

Robot-assisted training, where social robots can be used as motivational coaches, provides an interesting application area. This paper examines how feedback given by a robot agent influences the various facets of participant experience in robot-assisted training. Specifically, we investigated the effects of feedback type on robot acceptance, sense of safety and security, attitude towards robots and task performance. In the experiment, 23 older participants performed basic arm exercises with a social robot as a guide and received feedback. Different feedback conditions were administered, such as flattering, positive and negative feedback. Our results suggest that the robot with flattering and positive feedback was appreciated by older people in general, even if the feedback did not necessarily correspond to objective measures such as performance. Participants in these groups felt better about the interaction and the robot.
Nitric Oxide Enhances Cytotoxicity of Lead by Modulating the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Is Involved in the Regulation of Pb2+ and Ca2+ Fluxes in Tobacco BY-2 Cells
Authors: Wu Jiaye , Zhang Yue , Hao Ruizhi , Cao Yuan , Shan Xiaoyi , Jing Yanping
Published: October 2019

Lead is a heavy metal known to be toxic to both animals and plants. Nitric oxide (NO) was reported to participate in plant responses to different heavy metal stresses. In this study, we analyzed the function of exogenous and endogenous NO in Pb-induced toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cells, focusing on the role of NO in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as Pb2+ and Ca2+ fluxes using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). Pb treatment induced BY-2 cell death and rapid NO and ROS generation, while NO burst occurred earlier than ROS accumulation. The elimination of NO by 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) resulted in a decrease of ROS, and the supplementation of NO by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) caused an increased accumulation of ROS. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous NO stimulated Pb2+ influx, thus promoting Pb uptake in cells and aggravating Pb-induced toxicity in cells, whereas the removal of endogenous NO produced the opposite effect. Moreover, we also found that both exogenous and endogenous NO enhanced Pb-induced Ca2+ effluxes and calcium homeostasis disorder. These results suggest that exogenous and endogenous NO played a critical regulatory role in BY-2 cell death induced by Pb stress by promoting Pb2+ influx and accumulation and disturbing calcium homeostasis.
Self-Assembly and Enzyme Responsiveness of Amphiphilic Linear-Dendritic Block Copolymers Based on Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and Dendritic Phenylalanyl-lysine Dipeptides
Authors: Wei Junwu , Lin Feng , You Dan , Qian Yangyang , Wang Yujia , Bi Yunmei
Published: October 2019

In this study, we present the synthesis, self-assembly, and enzyme responsive nature of a unique class of well-defined amphiphilic linear-dendritic block copolymers (PNVP-b-dendr(Phe-Lys)n, n = 1–3) based on linear poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) and dendritic phenylalanyl-lysine (Phe-Lys) dipeptides. The copolymers were prepared via a combination ofreversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)/xanthates (MADIX) polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone and stepwise peptide chemistry. The results of fluorescence spectroscopy, 1H NMR analyses, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and particle size analysis demonstrated that the copolymers self-assemble in aqueous solution into micellar nanocontainers that can disassemble and release encapsulated anticancer drug doxorubicin or hydrophobic dye Nile red by trigger of a serine protease trypsin under physiological conditions. The disassembly of the formed micelles and release rates of the drug or dye can be adjusted by changing the generation of dendrons in PNVP-b-dendr(Phe-Lys)n. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility of the copolymers have been confirmed using human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and human liver cancer cells (SMMC-7721). Due to the fact of their enzyme responsive properties and good biocompatibility, the copolymers may have potential applicability in smart controlled release systems capable of site-specific response.
A New PID Controller Design with Constraints on Relative Delay Margin for First-Order Plus Dead-Time Systems
Authors: Wu Zhenlong , Li Donghai , Xue Yali
Published: October 2019

The maximum sensitivity function as the conventional robustness index is often used to test the robustness and cannot be used to tune the controller parameters directly. To reduce analytical difficulties in dealing with the maximum sensitivity function and improve the control performance of the proportional-integral-derivative controller, the relative delay margin as a good alternative is proposed to offer a simple robust analysis for the proportional-integral-derivative controller and the first-order plus dead-time systems. The relationship between the parameters of the proportional-integral-derivative controller and the new pair, e.g., the phase margin and the corresponding gain crossover frequency, is derived. Based on this work, the stability regions of the proportional-integral-derivative controller parameters, the proportional gain and the integral gain with a given derivative gain, are obtained in a simple way. The tuning of the proportional-integral-derivative controller with constraints on the relative delay margin is simplified into an optimal disturbance rejection problem and the tuning procedure is summarized. For convenience, the recommended parameters are also offered. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methodology has better tracking and disturbance rejection performance than other comparative design methodologies of the proportional-integral/proportional-integral-derivative controller. For example, the integrated absolute errors of the proposed proportional-integral-derivative controller for the tracking performance and disturbance rejection performance are less than 91.3% and 91.7% of the integrated absolute errors of other comparative controllers in Example 3, respectively. The proposed methodology shows great potential in industrial applications. Besides, the proposed method can be applied to the design of the proportional-integral-derivative controller with filtered derivative which is recommended for practical applications to weaken the adverse influence of the high-frequency measurement noise.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Novel Synthesized Neodymium-Substituted Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application
Authors: Rehman Suriya , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Alzohairy Mohammad A. , Alomary Mohammad N. , Jermy B. Rabindran , Shahzad Raheem , Tashkandi Neda , Alsalem Zainab Hassan
Published: October 2019

Neodymium (Nd)-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (NPs), i.e., CoNdxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) NPs, were synthesized by the sonochemical method. The compositional characterization was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antistaphylococcal activity was found to be enhanced, i.e., survival rate was 50%, 45%, 40%, and 30% with the increase in the ratio of Nd (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2), whereas anticandidal activity was found efficient, i.e., 9%, 20%, 22%, and 40% survival rate at all the four ratios. The morphogenesis studies indicated that the synthesized metal–ligand, improves the antimicrobial capacity by binding them strongly to the microbial walls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which demonstrates the series of CoNdxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) NPs being active towards Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and encourages its potential candidature for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes.
Production Process and Optimization of Solid Bioethanol from Empty Fruit Bunches of Palm Oil Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nurfahmi  , Mofijur M. , Ong Hwai Chyuan , Jan Badrul Mohamed , Kusumo Fitranto , Sebayang Abdi Hanra , Husin Hazlina , Silitonga Arridina Susan , Mahlia Teuku Meurah Indra , Rahman S. M. Ashrafur
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to observe the potential of solid bioethanol as an alternative fuel with high caloric value. The solid bioethanol was produced from liquid bioethanol, which was obtained from the synthesis of oil palm empty fruit bunches (PEFBs) through the delignification process by using organosolv pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted using enzyme (60 FPUg−1 of cellulose) at a variety of temperatures (35 °C, 70 °C, and 90 °C) and reaction times (2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h) in order to obtain a high sugar yield. The highest sugars were yielded at the temperature of 90 °C for 48 h (152.51 mg/L). Furthermore, fermentation was conducted using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The bioethanol yield after fermentation was 62.29 mg/L. Bioethanol was extracted by distillation process to obtain solid bioethanol. The solid bioethanol was produced by using stearic acid as the additive. In order to get high-quality solid bioethanol, the calorific value was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) model. This model provided the factor variables of bioethanol concentration (vol %), stearic acid (g), and bioethanol (mL) with a minus result error. The highest calorific value was obtained with 7 g stearic acid and 5 mL bioethanol (43.17 MJ/kg). Burning time was tested to observe the quality of the solid bioethanol. The highest calorific value resulted in the longest burning time. The solid bioethanol has a potential as solid fuel due to the significantly higher calorific value compared to the liquid bioethanol.
Influence of Particle Contact Number on Triboelectric Separation Selectivity
Authors: Landauer Johann , Foerst Petra
Published: October 2019

Triboelectric separation is a promising technology to separate fine powders. To enable triboelectric separation for its application in industry, the impact of the process and product parameters must be examined. In this study, with regards to different wall materials in the charging step (PTFE, POM, PE, PVC, and PMMA), the influence of the powder composition of a binary starch-protein mixture with a protein content of 15 wt.%, 30 wt.% and 45 wt.% was studied. By increasing the protein content in the feed, the separation selectivity increased. No dependency of the empirical triboelectric series was determined for all powder compositions. The variation in the protein content of the initial powder and turbulent flow profiles results in a variation in the contact number of particles calculated. An increase in the contact number of particles leads to an increase in the protein content separated on the cathode, whereas the protein content on the anode is only slightly affected. These findings underpin the assumption that particle-particle interaction plays a decisive role in triboelectric charging of fine powders.
Variability of Major Aerosol Types in China Classified Using AERONET Measurements
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Jing
Published: October 2019

Aerosol type is a critical piece of information in both aerosol forcing estimation and passive satellite remote sensing. However, the major aerosol types in China and their variability is still less understood. This work uses direct sun measurements and inversion derived parameters from 47 sites within the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) in China, with more than 39,000 records obtained between April 1998 and January 2017, to identify dominant aerosol types using two independent methods, namely, K means and Self Organizing Map (SOM). In total, we define four aerosol types, namely, desert dust, scattering mixed, absorbing mixed and scattering fine, based on their optical and microphysical characteristics. Seasonally, dust aerosols mainly occur in the spring and over North and Northwest China; scattering mixed are more common in the spring and summer, whereas absorbing aerosols mostly occur in the autumn and winter during heating period, and scattering fine aerosols have their highest occurrence frequency in summer over East China. Based on their spatial and temporal distribution, we also generate seasonal aerosol type maps that can be used for passive satellite retrieval. Compared with the global models used in most satellite retrieval algorithms, the unique feature of East Asian aerosols is the curved single scattering albedo spectrum, which could be related to the mixing of black carbon with dust or organic aerosols.
Visible and Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Analysis of a Coastal Soil Chronosequence
Authors: Zheng Guanghui , Ryu Dongryeol , Jiao Caixia , Xie Xianli , Cui Xuefeng , Shang Gang
Published: October 2019

The soil chronosequence is a useful method for investigating pedological theories. Soil chemical, physical and mineralogical properties in chronosequences change over time and exhibit systematic and time-dependent trends, which can be used to analyze the rates and directions of pedogenic changes. The potential of soil spectroscopy as an emerging, rapid and cost-effective technique for predicting soil properties has been widely accepted and has motivated the application of spectroscopic techniques to the analysis of soil chronosequence. We present a soil chronosequence derived from 1000-year-old calcareous marine sediments and examine changes in six soil properties over this period. We evaluated the utility of a soil spectroscopic method to detect soil property changes and to predict the pedogenic properties and soil ages of the chronosequence. The results show that some soil pedogenic processes, such as soil organic matter accumulation, CaCO3 leaching and clay migration, can be identified in the millennium chronosequence. Power chronofunctions are formulated for soil organic matter (SOM) and Logarithmic chronofunctions are fitted for clay, CaCO3 and pH. These pedogenic processes are identified in the reflectance intensity and absorption features of soil spectroscopy, and pedogenic properties can be calibrated via soil reflectance spectroscopy. Profile ages can also be predicted via pseudo multi-depth spectra of soil profiles, and soil spectral curves for 0–30 cm generated the best prediction results (RPD = 1.85). We conclude that soil properties, changing due to weathering and soil formation, act as a bridge linking spectroscopy and weathering levels/pedogenic processes. The results imply that applying spectroscopy techniques to chronosequence study and mapping the degree of soil development in certain areas should be possible.
Regional Atmospheric Aerosol Pollution Detection Based on LiDAR Remote Sensing
Authors: Ma Xin , Wang Chengyi , Han Ge , Ma Yue , Li Song , Gong Wei , Chen Jialin
Published: October 2019

Atmospheric aerosol is one of the major factors that cause environmental pollution. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is an effective remote sensing tool for aerosol observation. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aerosol pollution from the physical perspective, this study investigated regional atmospheric aerosol pollution through the integration of measurements, including LiDAR, satellite, and ground station observations and combined the backward trajectory tracking model. First, the horizontal distribution of atmospheric aerosol wa obtained by a whole-day working scanning micro-pulse LiDAR placed on a residential building roof. Another micro-pulse LiDAR was arranged at a distance from the scanning LiDAR to provide the vertical distribution information of aerosol. A new method combining the slope and Fernald methods was then proposed for the retrieval of the horizontal aerosol extinction coefficient. Finally, whole-day data, including the LiDAR data, the satellite remote sensing data, meteorological data, and backward trajectory tracking model, were selected to reveal the vertical and horizontal distribution characteristics of aerosol pollution and to provide some evidence of the potential pollution sources in the regional area. Results showed that the aerosol pollutants in the district on this specific day were mainly produced locally and distributed below 2.0 km. Six areas with high aerosol concentration were detected in the scanning area, showing that the aerosol pollution was mainly obtained from local life, transportation, and industrial activities. Correlation analysis with the particulate matter data of the ground air quality national control station verified the accuracy of the LiDAR detection results and revealed the effectiveness of LiDAR detection of atmospheric aerosol pollution.
Automation of µ-SPE (Smart-SPE) and Liquid-Liquid Extraction Applied for the Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Althoff Marc André , Bertsch Andreas , Metzulat Manfred
Published: October 2019

Existing autosamplers are frequently applied only for subjecting the samples to the instruments for injection. In our study, we have set up a TriPlusRSH autosampler mounted on a GC-FID-MS/MS system using the new Method Composer and Script Editor software to automatize all necessary sample preparation steps and subsequent injection of samples in the field of chemical disarmament. Those include but are not limited to: liquid-liquid extraction, drying steps, solvent exchange, and µ-SPE. Tedious and error prone off-line steps are eliminated. In particular, when investigating highly toxic substances like chemical warfare agents or anticancer drugs, automation can help to minimize health risks for lab personnel. The setup engaged features brand new prototype equipment, e.g., a centrifuge to assist in phase separation for liquid-liquid extraction. Efficiency and accuracy of the automated methods were carefully evaluated and proven to outperform the respective manual steps after optimization, e.g., the processing time is up to 60% faster and recovery rates are doubled. The developed workflows can easily be adapted to other sample preparation protocols, e.g., determination of octanol/water partition coefficients, and be used amongst different instruments and chromatography data handling systems.
Transport Accessibility of Warsaw: A Case Study
Authors: Mościcka Albina , Pokonieczny Krzysztof , Wilbik Anna , Wabiński Jakub
Published: October 2019

In this study, we detected which means of transportation is beneficial from a travel time perspective in specific districts of Warsaw, Poland. To achieve this goal, we proposed a framework to perform a spatial analysis to describe the as-is situation in the city (the state that the situation is in at the present time). The framework contains the following elements: attractiveness analysis, travel time and speed analysis, and potential accessibility analysis. The relationship between the averaged nominal travel speed and the number of residents was also investigated. We used data from a journey planner, as well as land use and population statistics, and employed descriptive analytics. The results are presented as maps of travel times, travel speed, and potential accessibility, as well as scatter plots of dependencies between travel speed and number of residents. Unfortunately, public transportation ranks behind car and bike transport in terms of travel time, speed, and potential accessibility. The largest positive influence on effectiveness of traveling by public transportation is the metro and railway system; also, bikes can perfectly complement the public transportation system. The obtained results can be used to indicate directions of changes in the transportation system of Warsaw.
Thermal Performances of Three Old Houses: A Comparative Study of Heterogeneous Vernacular Traditions in Taiwan
Authors: Chiou Yun-Shang , Elizalde Joan Stephanie
Published: October 2019

The paper presents a comparative study of the climate responsive design strategies and indoor thermal performance of three vernacular houses in Guanshan Township of eastern Taiwan by building survey and instrument measurements. These houses are all about 80 years old. They are of Chinese style, Japanese style, and a mixture of both styles. All three houses are popular building types in the region. Key findings include: (1) Space buffer, thermal insulation, ground exposure, and natural ventilation are the key elements of climate responsive design strategies. (2) The climate responsive design strategies of the three buildings, while using similar building material, are not the same. They are strongly associated with the buildings’ cultural roots as well as the buildings’ use patterns. (3) The Chinese-style house is a heat rejecter. It is comfortable in spring and summer. The mixed-style house is a heat keeper. It is comfortable in winter and spring. The Japanese-style house is well-ventilated and has equal thermal comfort level at around 50% in all seasons. It is uncommon that vernacular buildings from different cultural traditions coexist in the same region. This study provides detail appraisals of their respective sustainable design strategies in hot and humid climate.
Romanian Business Leaders’ Perceptions of Business-to-Business Corruption: Leading More Responsible Businesses?
Authors: Burduja Sebastian I. , Zaharia Rodica Milena
Published: October 2019

Business-to-business (B2B) corruption, also known as private corruption, refers to unethical or illicit activities between private parties, without the direct participation of the state. Existing literature on the topic, while still limited, has taken several avenues, from qualitative studies to perception-based surveys and research experiments. Upon reviewing key studies and their findings, this article concentrates on research questions related to: business people’s perceptions on the determinants that favor B2B corruption in Romania, consequences of the phenomenon, and potential solutions. Findings are based on primary data collected through a 2019 questionnaire administered to 120 business leaders in Romania. Results confirm earlier studies’ findings that general context, malfunction of the institutions, and mentality favor B2B corruption, and that there is a lack of consensus among the business community on how to recognize and deal with various forms of B2B corruption, despite the widely spread belief that B2B corruption negatively affects business activities. Also, both internal and external solutions are considered to work against B2B corruption. The current article also opens new avenues in the literature, showing that: the probability to face B2B corruption increases with business leaders’ professional experience; preferences on how to deal with corruption cases vary based on a firm’s capital structure (domestic vs. foreign), reflecting the importance of organizational culture; and business leaders overwhelmingly want to fight against B2B corruption through both internal and external measures. Substantial progress, however, will require a proper common understanding by the private sector of what constitutes B2B corruption, including its causes, consequences, and remedies.
Education for Sustainable Leadership: Fostering Women’s Empowerment at the University Level
Authors: Segovia-Pérez Mónica , Laguna-Sánchez Pilar , de la Fuente-Cabrero Concepción
Published: October 2019

Education is imperative to driving sustainability and gender equity. Moreover, it is extremely important to develop initiatives in sustainable leadership education for women in order for them to acquire skills and competencies in leadership and to improve their self-perception of their capabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess a Women’s Leadership Program for university students. The sample consisted of 50 students enrolled in the program. A mixed-method approach was applied. Quantitative methods with a survey were conducted to evaluate the training and attainment of leadership skills. In the data analysis, a descriptive statistics variance analysis, using a Welch statistic and T2 Dunnett test, was applied. Qualitative research methods were conducted through three focus groups to evaluate changes in their perceptions of themselves and their self-confidence. The results suggest that the female students in the program obtained a level of leadership knowledge with practical tools for their future. The program inspired them and confirmed changes in their self-confidence and view of their personal capacities, including reflection on facing challenges in the work environment. The findings support the effectiveness of specific education in breaking two barriers, identified in the literature, for women in managerial positions: lack of training and self-confidence.
Experimental Study on Plasma Flow Control of Symmetric Flying Wing Based on Two Kinds of Scaling Models
Authors: Xie Like , Liang Hua , Han Menghu , Niu Zhongguo , Wei Biao , Su Zhi , Tang Bingliang
Published: October 2019

The symmetric flying wing has a simple structure and a high lift-to-drag ratio. Due to its complicated surface design, the flow field flowing through its surface is also complex and variable, and the three-dimensional effect is obvious. In order to verify the effect of microsecond pulse plasma flow control on the symmetric flying wing, two different sizes of scaling models were selected. The discharge energy was analyzed, and the force and moment characteristics of the two flying wings and the particle image velocimetry (PIV) results on their surface flow field were compared to obtain the following conclusions. The microsecond pulse surface dielectric barrier discharge energy density is independent of the actuator length but increases with the actuation voltage. After actuation, the stall angle of attack of the small flying wing is delayed by 4°, the maximum lift coefficient is increased by 30.9%, and the drag coefficient can be reduced by 17.3%. After the large flying wing is actuated, the stall angle of attack is delayed by 4°, the maximum lift coefficient is increased by 15.1%, but the drag coefficient is increased. The test results of PIV in the flow field of different sections indicate that the stall separation on the surface of the symmetric flying wing starts first from the outer side, and then the separation area begins to appear on the inner side as the angle of attack increases.
Tripartite Entanglement: Foundations and Applications
Authors: M. Cunha Márcio , Fonseca Alejandro , O. Silva Edilberto
Published: October 2019

We review some current ideas of tripartite entanglement. In particular, we consider the case representing the next level of complexity beyond the simplest (though far from trivial) one, namely the bipartite case. This kind of entanglement plays an essential role in understanding the foundations of quantum mechanics. It also allows for implementing several applications in the fields of quantum information processing and quantum computing. In this paper, we review the fundamental aspects of tripartite entanglement focusing on Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger and W states for discrete variables. We discuss the possibility of using it as a resource to execute quantum protocols and present some examples in detail.
Study of Very Forward Neutrons with the CMS Zero Degree Calorimeter
Authors: Surányi Olivér
Published: October 2019

Forward neutrons are studied in proton-lead collisions at the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC. They provide information on the centrality and event plane of collisions and provide an opportunity to study nuclear breakup. At the CMS experiment they are detected by the Zero Degree Calorimeters (ZDCs) in the | η | > 8.5 pseudorapidity range. The ZDCs are quartz fiber Cherenkov calorimeters using tungsten as absorber. Test beam data and events with a single spectator neutron are used for the calibration of these detectors. A Fourier-based method is used correct for the effect of multiple pPb collisions. The corrected ZDC energy distribution is used to calculate centrality percentiles and unfold the neutron multiplicity distribution.
Dilemmas in and Pathways to Transboundary Water Cooperation between China and India on the Yaluzangbu-Brahmaputra River
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Wenling , Liu Jiang
Published: October 2019

The Yaluzangbu-Brahmaputra River is a hotspot for the discussions on regional security. The interactions on water between China and India are key to realizing water-related 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets in the basin. Using a series of secondary literature information, and the method of event studies, we created a timeline of the Sino-Indian relation events since the 1950s, analyzed the correlations among the contents, the duties by each side, the events of water cooperation, and the diplomatic events between them. We found the following dilemmas hamper water cooperation: (1) The scopes of, and steps towards, transboundary water cooperation are hampered by patchy Sino-Indian diplomatic relations; and (2) there is a lack of motivation for China to cooperate with India without benefits sharing, given that China has undertaken more duties and has often received negative feedback. However, we also found the following pathways toward improving water cooperation: (1) A national cooperation mechanism on transboundary rivers has been established, which may be beneficial for further water cooperation; and (2) a channel for interdisciplinary dialogue should be encouraged to bridge the disparate outlooks and improve interactions between policymakers and scientific experts.
Adolescentes, desenvolvimento humano e cibercultura
Authors: Gomes de Almeida Júnior Sebastião
Published: October 2019

Pesquisa piloto de doutorado em curso com adolescentes no contexto da cultura digital. No estudo são abordadas questões relativas às tecnologias digitais em interface com o desenvolvimento humano. Tendo como referencial teórico-metodológico a abordagem histórico-cultural, a investigação se fundamenta no conceito de vivência (perejivanie), de Lev Semionovitch Vigotski. Busca-se compreender de que modo os adolescentes potencializam seu desenvolvimento na apropriação de instrumentos e signos culturais, mediados pelos dispositivos tecnológicos da cibercultura. Mediante entrevistas semi-estruturadas em uma perspectiva dialógica, são explorados “mapas vivenciais” com quatro sujeitos com idades entre 12 e 16 anos. As formulações teóricas de pesquisa se articulam com autores que abordam as redes sociotécnicas na atualidade.
Leitura, letramentos e escola
Authors: Fernanda Costa Míriam
Published: October 2019

O presente trabalho apresenta um recorte de uma pesquisa de pós-graduação que expõe reflexões acerca de concepções e estratégias relacionadas ao ensino de leitura. Em vista disso, a pesquisa objetiva-se, investigar as concepções de leitura que estão presentes na escola, assim como analisar as estratégias de leitura tratadas nos ambientes escolares. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica com base em alguns autores, como Soares (2004); Kleiman (1995); Solé (1998); Cafiero (2005), entre outros. Também foi empregada uma pesquisa exploratória com professoras dos anos inicias da rede municipal de Juiz de Fora. O que se pode observar é que as concepções de leitura que os professores abarcam são essenciais para fomentar o nível de letramento dos alunos.
O tratamento dado à multimodalidade em planos de aulas
Authors: Ferreira Helena Maria , Bacha Ferreira Isabella
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho busca analisar o tratamento dado à multimodalidade em planos de aulas disponibilizados no Portal do Professor - espaço em ambiente virtual com recursos educacionais voltados para professores da Educação Básica. Esta pesquisa se pauta nos fundamentos da Teoria da Multimodalidade (KRESS; VAN LEEUWEN, 2006) e nos estudos sobre os multiletramentos (ROJO, 2009) e sobre os gêneros textuais/discursivos (MARCUSCHI, 2003). Para a análise, foram selecionados 10 (dez) planos de aulas, a partir de indicadores previamente determinados. Evidencia-se a relevância das discussões sobre o planejamento de aulas como estratégia para uma formação docente reflexiva, uma vez que possibilita não somente sinalizações para a implementação de metodologias, mas também uma articulação entre teoria e prática.
Formação inicial de professores de espanhol/LE no contexto PIBID
Authors: Henschel Pobbe de Carvalho Kelly Cristiane
Published: October 2019

Neste trabalho, temos como objetivo investigar, a partir do contexto de supervisão do subprojeto PIBID Letras/Espanhol, as representações discursivas que emergem da relação de parceria universidade/escola e suas implicações na formação inicial e no ensino de espanhol/LE. Para a análise dos dados, oriundos das reuniões e diários reflexivos, nos pautamos nos pressupostos teóricos da Análise do Discurso Crítica (FAIRCLOUGH, 2001). A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa, de caráter socioconstrutivista, uma vez que todos os participantes trabalham engajados na produção de sentidos sobre a prática pedagógica (TELLES, 2002). Com essa proposta, buscamos construir um espaço de ensino e aprendizagem dialógico, contribuir para a formação reflexiva de professores e incentivar o papel educativo do ensino do espanhol.
A produção oral e escrita na escola basica
Authors: de Oliveira Barbosa Gisele
Published: October 2019

0 presente trabalho relata uma experiéncia de elabora§ao de uma revista nas aulas de Lingua Portuguesa (LP) em turmas dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental. Realizada em duas escolas publicas das redes Estadual e Municipal, a proposta teve o objetivo de tornar as aulas de LP mais dinamicas, trazendo para o ambiente escolar situa§oes concretas de produ§ao e circula§ao de textos, associadas a contextos discursivos. Incorporando inovagoes relacionadas a uma concepggo discursiva de linguagem, o projeto foi pautado na perspectiva do Interacionismo Sociodiscursivo (Bronckart 2010 [2006]), na Teoria dos Géneros Textuais (Dolz e Schneuwly, 2011) e em Projetos de letramento (Kleiman, 2007). Como resultados, pudemos observar a ampliagao das capacidades de linguagem dos alunos, amplia§go de seus letramentos, bem como a produ§go de material didatico na escola a partir de conhecimentos adquiridos antes, durante e depois da passagem da autora por experiéncias de forma§ao continuada como o Profletras e o PIBID.
La ventilation fonctionnelle des dépenses des administrations de 1955 à 1960
Authors: Lequéret Pierre
Published: October 2019

Le Service des Études Économiques et Financières a procédé pour les années 1955 à 1960 à une expérience de ventilation fonctionnelle des dépenses des administrations. Ce travail a permis de mettre en relief les lignes fondamentales de l'évolution des fonctions au cours de la période considérée ; il a conduit à s'interroger sur la valeur et la portée des méthodes de ventilation fonctionnelle.

On a pu constater que la structure fonctionnelle des dépenses des administrations ne s'était, au cours de ces six années, que légèrement déformée. Il est apparu en outre que, pour les opérations de répartition (subventions, prestations, assistance) les renseignements qu'on pouvait tirer de cette ventilation fonctionnelle n'étaient le plus souvent pas plus intéressants que ceux obtenus en se bornant à appliquer le système classique de comptabilité nationale française. Pour les opérations sur biens et services et pour les salaires, par contre , les travaux de ventilation fonctionnelle ont permis de faire apparaître pour la première fois, d'une façon explicite et détaillée, une série de coefficients techniques indispensables aux projections à long terme. C'est pourquoi il a été décidé dorénavant de ne procéder à l'analyse fonctionnelle des dépenses des administrations que pour trois opérations : la consommation, les salaires, et la formation brute de capital fixe.