bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações como fonte para estudos bibliométricos do campo da Educação Profissional
Authors: Martins Jessica Souza , Medeiros Neta Olivia Morais de , Nascimento Francinaide de Lima Silva
Published: June 2019

Esta pesquisa demonstra como podem ser realizados estudos bibliométricos a partir do Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações (CTD), da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), com auxílio do Software Iramuteq. Caracteriza-se por uma abordagem descritiva, com a utilização dos princípios de coleta dados – uma ação previamente planejada, em consonância com análise documental e orientações estatísticas para a representação quantitativa. Respalda-se nos direcionamentos teóricos de Bardin (1977), Bourdieu (1994), Vanti (2002), Vieira (2008), dentre outros. Utiliza-se para a sistematização dos dados não estruturados o Software Livre Iramuteq, que vislumbra demonstrar as recorrências e as relações entre as Expressões de Busca. Pretende-se representar um procedimento de características aplicáveis na elaboração de estudos bibliométricos para a Educação Profissional. Este campo se configura no diálogo entre a educação e o trabalho. Apresenta Programas de Pós-Graduação stricto sensu, regulamentados pela CAPES, a qual se utiliza da Plataforma Sucupira, composta pela agregação de ferramentas de coleta de dados e de controle gerencial-operacional para o acompanhamento das atividades dos programas. Dentre estas, o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações (CTD), o qual tem a finalidade de disseminar informações acerca das produções defendidas nos cursos mestrados e doutorados reconhecidos, apresentando os resumos e a referência das obras. Conclui-se que, além de pertinente e viável, o procedimento utilizado demonstrou um viés de elaboração de pesquisas bibliométricas da Educação Profissional. A reunião das dissertações e teses na plataforma em destaque permitiu recuperar as produções científicas e a criação de um panorama do campo científico da Área da Educação Profissional.
Critical Stability of the Negatively Charged Positronium-Like Ions with Yukawa Potentials and Varying Z
Authors: Kar Sabyasachi , Wang Yu-Shu , Wang Yang , Ho Yew Kam
Published: June 2019

The question of stability of a given quantum system made up of charged particles is of fundamental interest in atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. In this work, the stability for the negatively charged positronium (Ps)-like ions or the three-body system ( Z e + , e − , e − ) with Yukawa potentials is studied using correlated exponential wavefunctions based on the Ritz variational method. We obtained the critical screening parameter μ C as a function of the continuously varied nuclear charge Z , the critical nuclear charge Z C as a function of the screening parameter μ , and the ionization energies in terms of the screening parameter μ and Z . The critical nuclear charge for the bare Coulomb system ( Z e + , e − , e − ) obtained using 700-term correlated exponential wavefunctions is in accord with the reported results. The ionization energy, μ C , and Z C for the Yukawa system ( Z e + , e − , e − ) exhibit interesting behaviors. The present study describes the possible nonexistence of Borromean binding as well as Efimov states. The possible existence of quasi-bound resonances states for the negatively charged screened Ps-like ions is briefly discussed.
Model-Based Investigation of Porosity Profiles in Graphite Anodes Regarding Sudden-Death and Second-Life of Lithium Ion Cells
Authors: Müller Daniel , Dufaux Thomas , Birke Kai Peter
Published: June 2019

The second-life concept helps to reduce the cost for electric vehicles by adding monetary value to disused automotive batteries. However, the sudden-death effect, a change in ageing behaviour limits the total lifetime and might reduce the second-life timespan. In this paper, we utilize a common pseudo two-dimensional (P2D) cell model to investigate the influence of different porosity profiles in the graphite electrode on the battery’s ageing. Ageing is modeled by two irreversible side reactions at the anode, the formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and lithium plating. We use parameters of a high-energy cell with thick electrodes. A constant initial anode porosity as a reference is compared with two optimized porosity profiles. Simulation results show that by using a layered anode, a two-stage porosity profile with higher porosity at the separator side, the cycle count until sudden-death and especially the cycles for second-life applications can both almost be doubled.
Computer Vision Method in Beer Quality Evaluation—A Review
Authors: Lukinac Jasmina , Mastanjević Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir , Nakov Gjore , Jukić Marko
Published: June 2019

Beers are differentiated mainly according to their visual appearance and their fermentation process. The main quality characteristics of beer are appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Important visual attributes of beer are foam appearance (volume and persistence), as well as the color and clarity. To replace manual inspection, automatic, objective, rapid and repeatable external quality inspection systems, such as computer vision, are becoming very important and necessary. Computer vision is a non-contact optical technique, suitable for the non-destructive evaluation of the food product quality. Currently, the main application of computer vision occurs in automated inspection and measurement, allowing manufacturers to keep control of product quality. This paper presents an overview of the applications and the latest achievements of the computer vision methods in determining the external quality attributes of beer.
The Relationship between Adult Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Criminogenic Cognitions
Authors: Engelhardt Paul E. , Nobes Gavin , Pischedda Sophie
Published: June 2019

The relationship between ADHD—in particular hyperactivity—and criminal behavior is well documented. The current study investigated the role of criminogenic cognitions in the explanation of this relationship by examining which symptoms of ADHD are associated with criminogenic cognitions. Community-recruited adults (N = 192) completed self-report questionnaires for symptoms of ADHD and criminogenic cognitions. Symptoms of inattention were consistently and strongly related to criminogenic cognitions. In particular, inattention was significantly related to cutoff, cognitive indolence, and discontinuity. There was also evidence that impulsivity was positively related to criminogenic cognitions, and specifically, to the power orientation subscale. In contrast, and contrary to expectations, symptoms of hyperactivity were not related to criminogenic cognitions. These results indicate that in community-recruited adults, inattention rather than hyperactivity is related to criminogenic cognitions. We discuss the implications of these findings contrasting with those of previous studies that used forensic and clinical samples.
Purinergic Calcium Signals in Tumor-Derived Endothelium
Authors: Scarpellino Giorgia , Genova Tullio , Avanzato Daniele , Bernardini Michela , Bianco Serena , Petrillo Sara , Tolosano Emanuela , de Almeida Vieira Joana Rita , Bussolati Benedetta , Fiorio Pla Alessandra , Munaron Luca
Published: June 2019

Tumor microenvironment is particularly enriched with extracellular ATP (eATP), but conflicting evidence has been provided on its functional effects on tumor growth and vascular remodeling. We have previously shown that high eATP concentrations exert a strong anti-migratory, antiangiogenic and normalizing activity on human tumor-derived endothelial cells (TECs). Since both metabotropic and ionotropic purinergic receptors trigger cytosolic calcium increase ([Ca2+]c), the present work investigated the properties of [Ca2+]c events elicited by high eATP in TECs and their role in anti-migratory activity. In particular, the quantitative and kinetic properties of purinergic-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ entry from extracellular medium were investigated. The main conclusions are: (1) stimulation of TECs with high eATP triggers [Ca2+]c signals which include Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores (mainly ER) and Ca2+ entry through the plasma membrane; (2) the long-lasting Ca2+ influx phase requires both store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and non-SOCE components; (3) SOCE is not significantly involved in the antimigratory effect of high ATP stimulation; (4) ER is the main source for intracellular Ca2+ release by eATP: it is required for the constitutive migratory potential of TECs but is not the only determinant for the inhibitory effect of high eATP; (5) a complex interplay occurs among ER, mitochondria and lysosomes upon purinergic stimulation; (6) high eUTP is unable to inhibit TEC migration and evokes [Ca2+]c signals very similar to those described for eATP. The potential role played by store-independent Ca2+ entry and Ca2+-independent events in the regulation of TEC migration by high purinergic stimula deserves future investigation.
Pulmonary Carcinoid Surface Receptor Modulation Using Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Guenter Rachael E. , Aweda Tolulope , Carmona Matos Danilea M. , Whitt Jason , Chang Alexander W. , Cheng Eric Y. , Liu X. Margaret , Chen Herbert , Lapi Suzanne E. , Jaskula-Sztul Renata
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary carcinoids are a type of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) accounting for 1–2% of lung cancer cases. Currently, Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT based on the radiolabeled sugar analogue [18F]-FDG is used to diagnose and stage pulmonary carcinoids, but is suboptimal due to low metabolic activity in these tumors. A new technique for pulmonary carcinoid imaging, using PET/CT with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs that specifically target somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), is becoming more standard, as many tumors overexpress SSTR2. However, pulmonary carcinoid patients with diminished SSTR2 expression are not eligible for this imaging or any type of SSTR2-specific treatment. We have found that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can upregulate the expression of SSTR2 in pulmonary carcinoid cell lines. In this study, we used a non-cytotoxic dose of HDAC inhibitors to induce pulmonary carcinoid SSTR2 expression in which we confirmed in vitro and in vivo. A non-cytotoxic dose of the HDAC inhibitors: thailandepsin A (TDP-A), romidepsin (FK228), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), AB3, and valproic acid (VPA) were administered to promote SSTR2 expression in pulmonary carcinoid cell lines and xenografts. This SSTR2 upregulation technique using HDAC inhibitors could enhance radiolabeled somatostatin analog-based imaging and the development of potential targeted treatments for pulmonary carcinoid patients with marginal or diminished SSTR2 expression.
bHLH Transcription Factor Math6 Antagonizes TGF-β Signalling in Reprogramming, Pluripotency and Early Cell Fate Decisions
Authors: Divvela Satya Srirama Karthik , Nell Patrick , Napirei Markus , Zaehres Holm , Chen Jiayu , Gerding Wanda Maria , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Gao Shaorong , Brand-Saberi Beate
Published: June 2019

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Math6 (Atonal homolog 8; Atoh8) plays a crucial role in a number of cellular processes during embryonic development, iron metabolism and tumorigenesis. We report here on its involvement in cellular reprogramming from fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells, in the maintenance of pluripotency and in early fate decisions during murine development. Loss of Math6 disrupts mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition during reprogramming and primes pluripotent stem cells towards the mesendodermal fate. Math6 can thus be considered a regulator of reprogramming and pluripotent stem cell fate. Additionally, our results demonstrate the involvement of Math6 in SMAD-dependent TGF beta signalling. We furthermore monitor the presence of the Math6 protein during these developmental processes using a newly generated Math6Flag-tag mouse. Taken together, our results suggest that Math6 counteracts TGF beta signalling and, by this, affects the initiating step of cellular reprogramming, as well as the maintenance of pluripotency and early differentiation.
Investigation of Thermal Behavior of Layered Double Hydroxides Intercalated with Carboxymethylcellulose Aiming Bio-Carbon Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Magri Vagner R. , Duarte Alfredo , Perotti Gustavo F. , Constantino Vera R.L.
Published: June 2019

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a polymer derived from biomass, was intercalated into layered double hydroxides (LDH) composed by M2+/Al3+ (M2Al-CMC, M = Mg or Zn) and evaluated as precursors for the preparation of biocarbon-based nanocomposites by pyrolysis. M2Al-CMC hybrids were obtained by coprecipitation and characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational spectroscopies, chemical analysis, and thermal analysis coupled to mass spectrometry. Following, pyrolyzed materials obtained between 500–1000 °C were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Above 600 °C, Raman spectra of all samples showed the presence of graphitic carbon, which plays a role in the degree of crystallinity of produced inorganic phases (for comparison purposes, M2Al-CO3 materials were investigated after calcination in the same experimental conditions). XRD patterns of Mg2Al-CMC pyrolyzed between 600–1000 °C showed poorly crystallized MgO and absence of spinel reflections, whereas for Zn2Al-CMC, it was observed well crystallized nanometric ZnO at 800 °C, and ZnAl2O4 and γ-Al2O3 phases at 1000 °C. Above 800 °C, the carbothermic reaction was noticed, transforming ZnO to zinc vapour. This study opens perspectives for nanocomposites preparation based on carbon and inorganic (mixed) oxides through precursors having organic-inorganic interactions at the nanoscale domain.
KLa Determination Using the Effectiveness-NTU Method: Application to Countercurrent Absorbers in Operation Using Viscous Solvents for VOCs Mass Transfer
Authors: Dumont Éric
Published: June 2019

In this study, the Effectiveness-NTU method, which is usually applied to heat exchanger design, was adapted to gas–liquid countercurrent absorbers to determine the overall mass transfer coefficient, KLa, of the apparatus in operation. It was demonstrated that the ε-NTU method could be used to determine the KLa using the Henry coefficient of the solute to be transferred (HVOC), the gas flow-rate (QG), the liquid flow-rate (QL), the scrubber volume (V), and the effectiveness of the absorber (ε). These measures are calculated from the gaseous concentrations of the solute measured at the absorber inlet (CGin) and outlet (CGout), respectively. The ε-NTU method was validated from literature dedicated to the absorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by heavy solvents. Therefore, this method could be a simple, robust, and reliable tool for the KLa determination of gas–liquid contactors in operation, despite the type of liquid used, i.e., water or viscous solvents.
Children’s Physical Activity Levels Following Participation in a Classroom-Based Physical Activity Curriculum
Authors: Goh Tan Leng , Leong Chee Hoi , Brusseau Timothy A , Hannon James
Published: June 2019

A classroom-based physical activity curriculum offers an opportunity for students to be active during the school day to combat declining physical activity levels among this population. The effects of classroom-based physical activity curriculum on children of different weight categories is relatively unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in physical activity levels between male and female students, and between students of different weight categories following participation in a classroom-based physical activity curriculum intervention. A total of 210 3rd to 5th grade (age = 9.1 ± 0.1) students from one U.S. elementary school participated in a 4-week intervention. Students’ physical activity levels were measured using pedometers, quantified by step counts pre- and post-intervention. Results from the study indicated that students’ physical activity levels increased after participation in the intervention; male students’ physical activity levels were higher than female students. Additionally, there was an increase in physical activity levels regardless of weight categories, with students of healthy weight exhibiting the most increase following participation in the intervention. In view of the improvement of children’s physical activity levels following their participation in a classroom-based physical activity curriculum, it is recommended that training and resources be provided for teachers to easily implement the curriculum during the school day.
Deformation and Cracking Mechanism in CrN/TiN Multilayer Coatings
Authors: Azizpour Ahmad , Hahn Rainer , Klimashin Fedor F. , Wojcik Tomasz , Poursaeidi Esmaeil , Mayrhofer Paul Heinz
Published: June 2019

In this study, the effects of the microstructural properties on the deformation and damage mechanism of CrN/TiN multilayer coatings deposited on Custom 450 steel using the unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering PVD process were studied. All coatings were fabricated with an overall thickness of 1.5 µm, but different bilayer periods (Λ). Structural and mechanical properties of coatings were investigated by XRD analysis and nanoindentation experiment, respectively. Indentation tests at three loads of 100, 300, and 450 mN were performed on the coatings’ surface and then, cross-sections of fractured imprints were analyzed with SEM and TEM. Measuring the length of the cracks induced by indentation loads and analyzing the load-displacement curves, apparent fracture energy values of multilayer coatings were calculated. We observed that multilayer systems with bilayer periods of 4.5–15 nm possess superlattice structure, which also results in higher values for Young’s modulus and hardness as well as higher fracture energy. Comparison of cross-sectional SEM and TEM observations showed that coatings with smaller bilayer periods tend to deform by shear sliding mechanism due to the existence of the long-grown columns, while short dispersed grains—growing in the coatings with a larger bilayer period—led to deformation via local grain boundary sliding and grain rotation.
Multiphase Flow Effects in a Horizontal Oil and Gas Separator
Authors: Frank Michael , Kamenicky Robin , Drikakis Dimitris , Thomas Lee , Ledin Hans , Wood Terry
Published: June 2019

An oil and gas separator is a device used in the petroleum industry to separate a fluid mixture into its gaseous and liquid phases. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study aiming to identify key design features for optimising the performance of the device, is presented. A multiphase turbulent model is employed to simulate the flow through the separator and identify flow patterns that can impinge on or improve its performance. To verify our assumptions, we consider three different geometries. Recommendations for the design of more cost- and energy-effective separators, are provided. The results are also relevant to broader oil and gas industry applications, as well as applications involving stratified flows through channels.
A Novel Approach to Arcing Faults Characterization Using Multivariable Analysis and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Morales John , Muñoz Eduardo , Orduña Eduardo , Idarraga-Ospina Gina
Published: June 2019

Based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard C37.104-2012 Power Systems Relaying Committee report, topics related to auto-reclosing in transmission lines have been considered as an imperative benefit for electric power systems. An important issue in reclosing, when performed correctly, is identifying the fault type, i.e., permanent or temporary, which keeps the faulted transmission line in service as long as possible. In this paper, a multivariable analysis was used to classify signals as permanent and temporary faults. Thus, by using a simple convolution process among the mother functions called eigenvectors and the fault signals from a single end, a dimensionality reduction was determined. In this manner, the feature classifier based on the support vector machine was used for acceptably classifying fault types. The algorithm was tested in different fault scenarios that considered several distances along the transmission line and representation of first and second arcs simulated in the alternative transients program ATP software. Therefore, the main contribution of the analysis performed in this paper is to propose a novel algorithm to discriminate permanent and temporary faults based on the behavior of the faulted phase voltage after single-phase opening of the circuit breakers. Several simulations let the authors conclude that the proposed algorithm is effective and reliable.
Disruption of Broad Epigenetic Domains in PDAC Cells by HAT Inhibitors
Authors: Gerrard Diana L. , Boyd Joseph R. , Stein Gary S. , Jin Victor X. , Frietze Seth
Published: June 2019

The spreading of epigenetic domains has emerged as a distinguishing epigenomic phenotype for diverse cell types. In particular, clusters of H3K27ac- and H3K4me3-marked elements, referred to as super-enhancers, and broad H3K4me3 domains, respectively, have been linked to cell identity and disease states. Here, we characterized the broad domains from different pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines that represent distinct histological grades. Our integrative genomic analysis found that human derived cell line models for distinct PDAC grades exhibit characteristic broad epigenetic features associated with gene expression patterns that are predictive of patient prognosis and provide insight into pancreatic cancer cell identity. In particular, we find that genes marked by overlapping Low-Grade broad domains correspond to an epithelial phenotype and hold potential as markers for patient stratification. We further utilize ChIP-seq to compare the effects of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors to detect global changes in histone acetylation and methylation levels. We found that HAT inhibitors impact certain broad domains of pancreatic cancer cells. Overall, our results reveal potential roles for broad domains in cells from distinct PDAC grades and demonstrate the plasticity of particular broad epigenomic domains to epigenetic inhibitors.
Jovian Vortices and Jets
Authors: Flierl Glenn R. , Morrison Philip J. , Vilasur Swaminathan Rohith
Published: June 2019

We explore the theory of isolated vortices in strongly sheared, deep zonal flows and the stability of these banded jets, as occur in Jupiter’s atmosphere This is done using the standard 2-layer quasigeostrophic model with the lower layer depth becoming infinite; however, this model differs from the usual layer model because the lower layer is not assumed to be motionless but has a steady configuration of alternating zonal flows. Steady state vortices are obtained by a simulated annealing computational method as generalized to fluid problems with constraints and also used in the used in the context of magnetohydrodynamics. Various cases of vortices with a constant potential vorticity anomaly atop zonal winds and the stability of the underlying winds are considered using a mix of computational and analytical techniques.
Valorizations of Sweet Cherries Skins Phytochemicals by Extraction, Microencapsulation and Development of Value-Added Food Products
Authors: Milea Adelina Ștefania , Vasile Aida Mihaela , Cîrciumaru Adrian , Dumitrașcu Loredana , Barbu Vasilica , Râpeanu Gabriela , Bahrim Gabriela Elena , Stănciuc Nicoleta
Published: June 2019

Sweet cherries are processed in various ways, leading to significant amounts of underutilized by-products that can potentially be used as a source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. The present study focuses on identifying ways to exploit bioactive compounds from sweet cherry skins, namely the extraction, microencapsulation, and functionalizing of some food product to obtain added value. The anthocyanins from skins were extracted and encapsulated in a combination of whey proteins isolate and chitosan by freeze-drying, with an encapsulation efficiency of 77.68 ± 2.57%. The powder showed a satisfactory content in polyphenols, of which anthocyanins content was 14.48 ± 1.17 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g dry weight (D.W.) and antioxidant activity of 85.37 ± 1.18 µM Trolox/100 g D.W. The powder was morphologically analyzed, revealing the presence of coacervates, ranging in size from 12–54 μm, forming large spheresomes (up to 200 μm). The powder was used as a functional ingredient to develop two value-added food products, namely yoghurt and marshmallows. The powder was tested for its prebiotic effect on L. casei 431® in the yoghurt samples during 21 days at 4 °C, when a decrease in viability was found, up to 6 log CFU·g−1. The anthocyanins and antioxidant activity decreased in yoghurt and increased in marshmallows during storage time. The obtained results support the potential use of extracts from underutilized sources in the development of functional ingredients and value-added food products.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Sugar Beet Pectin-Sodium Caseinate Conjugates via Different Interaction Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Juyang , Wolf Bettina
Published: June 2019

Polysaccharides and proteins are frequently conjugated through electrostatic attraction, enzymatic cross-linking, and heat treatment (Maillard reaction) to obtain food structuring ingredients, mostly for their application as emulsifiers. The conjugate partners and their interaction type affect performance at acidic or neutral pH and during thermal processing, thus requiring careful selection. Here, the aggregate properties (particle size, conjugate charge, shear viscosity) of three types of sugar beet pectin (SBP)-sodium caseinate (SC) 1:1 conjugates, at acidic and neutral pH (4.5; 7), as well as their thermal processing stability (80 °C), were investigated. The enzymatically cross-linked SBP:SC was more acid tolerant than the electrostatically interacting conjugates. Maillard cross-linked conjugates aggregated at pH 4.5, suggesting poor emulsifier performance in acidic conditions. At pH 7, the three conjugate types showed similar aggregate properties. The results are discussed in terms of structural re-arrangement.
Performance and Hydroponic Tomato Crop Quality Characteristics in a Novel Greenhouse Using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Technology for Covering Material
Authors: Ntinas Georgios K. , Kadoglidou Kalliopi , Tsivelika Nektaria , Krommydas Konstantinos , Kalivas Apostolos , Ralli Parthenopi , Irakli Maria
Published: June 2019

In this study, we evaluated crop productivity and physiology during the hydroponic cultivation of medium-sized and cherry tomato crops, using two experimental greenhouses. Of the greenhouses, one used dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technology for covering material, whilst the other, a conventional one (CONV), was covered using diffusion glass as a control. The effect of the colored lighting that resulted from the DSSC glass filtering on the physiological response of the crops was examined by measuring the plant transpiration rate and leaf chlorophyll content. Furthermore, we evaluated potential differences in the concentration of phytochemical compounds, such as ascorbic acid, lycopene, and quality characteristics. Tomato plants in the DSSC greenhouse presented lower early and total yields, as well as lower chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate values, especially in the medium-sized fruits, as compared to the CONV greenhouse. The DSSC greenhouse showed significantly higher values of bioactive compounds for both the cherry and medium-sized tomato, with increases in the ascorbic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, and total carotenoids concentration, which ranged from 6% to 26%. Finally, for both the hybrids, the 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests showed circa 10% and 5% increase, respectively, in the DSSC greenhouse.
The Compared Efficiency of the Traditional Method, Radiography without Contrast and Radiography with Contrast in the Determination of Infestation by Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) in Maize Seeds
Authors: Moreira de Carvalho Maria Laene , Rezende Leite Eva , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade , França-Silva Fabiano , Bernardes de Andrade Dayliane , Marques Elizabeth Rosemeire
Published: June 2019

Technologies that increase safety and efficiency, while facilitating and streamlining the work of seed analysts, are increasingly required by the seed industry. X-ray image analysis is a technique that has been used in the analysis of grain and seeds because it is fast, accurate and non-destructive. The traditional method to verify the presence of insect damage in seeds involves manual cutting of the seeds, which endangers the safety of the analyst and is time-consuming and repetitive work that leads to visual fatigue. The objective of this study was to compared the efficiency of radiographic analysis with and without contrast in the determination of infestation by Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), at different stages of development, in maize seeds, compared to the traditional method required by seed legislation, which consists of cutting and visual evaluation. Seeds were evaluated regarding the presence of eggs/oviposition signs, larvae, pupae, adult insects, insect damage in five infestation periods (5, 18, 33 and 35 days after infestation), while evaluating the total number of seeds infested, comparing the three methods. For characterization of the oviposition stage, the use of contrast was best at all times of infestation. For the larval stage, there was no difference between the evaluation methods; however, at 18 days, larger infestations were observed by the traditional method. At 5 days, the identification of pupae was better by the traditional method and radiography without contrast, while for the identification of adult insects the best method was the use of radiography without contrast. The characterization of the level of infestation with maize weevil damage was best verified using contrast radiography. Radiographic analysis is efficient in the detection of damage caused by S. zeamais in maize seeds. This method of radiographic analysis (with or without contrast) is thus an auxiliary tool to assess the damage and presence of S. zeamais in maize seeds.
Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) Bundles: Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Ramezani Majid G. , Golchinfar Behnoush
Published: June 2019

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is a promising biodegradable nanomaterial with outstanding physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for many applications. Although aligned CNCs can self-assemble into bundles, their mechanical performance is reduced by interfacial strength between CNCs and a twisted structure. In this paper, we employ developed coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to investigate the influence of twist and interface energy on the tensile performance of CNC bundles. CNC bundles of different sizes (number of particles) are tested to also include the effect of size on mechanical performance. The effect of interfacial energy and twist on the mechanical performance shows that elastic modulus, strength, and toughness are more sensitive to twisted angle than interfacial energy. In addition, the effect of size on the bundle and twist on their mechanical performance revealed that both size and twist have a significant effect on the results and can reduce the strength and elastic modulus by 75% as a results of covalent bond dissociation. In addition, a comparison of the broken regions for different values of twist shows that by increasing the twist angle the crack propagates in multiple locations with a twisted shape.
Scour Effects on the Lateral Behavior of a Large-Diameter Monopile in Soft Clay: Role of Stress History
Authors: He Ben , Lai Yongqing , Wang Lizhong , Hong Yi , Zhu Ronghua
Published: June 2019

Scouring of soil around large-diameter monopile will alter the stress history, and therefore the stiffness and strength of the soil at shallow depth, with important consequence to the lateral behavior of piles. The existing study is mainly focused on small-diameter piles under scouring, where the soil around a pile is analyzed with two simplified approaches: (I) simply removing the scour layers without changing the strength and stiffness of the remaining soils, or (II) solely considering the effects of stress history on the soil strength. This study aims to investigate and quantify the scour effect on the lateral behavior of monopile, based on an advanced hypoplastic model considering the influence of stress history on both soil stiffness and strength. It is revealed that ignorance about the stress history effect (due to scouring) underestimates the extent of the soil failure wedge around the monopile, while overestimates soil stiffness and strength. As a result, a large-diameter pile (diameter D = 5 m) in soft clay subjected to a souring depth of 0.5 D has experienced reductions in ultimate soil resistance and initial stiffness of the p-y curves by 40% and 26%, and thus an increase of pile head deflection by 49%. Due to the inadequacy to consider the stress history effects revealed above, the existing approach (I) has led to non-conservative estimation, while the approach (II) has resulted in an over-conservative prediction.
The Biotechnological Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Marine Bacteria
Authors: Andryukov Boris , Mikhailov Valery , Besednova Nataly
Published: June 2019

Marine habitats are a rich source of molecules of biological interest. In particular, marine bacteria attract attention with their ability to synthesize structurally diverse classes of bioactive secondary metabolites with high biotechnological potential. The last decades were marked by numerous discoveries of biomolecules of bacterial symbionts, which have long been considered metabolites of marine animals. Many compounds isolated from marine bacteria are unique in their structure and biological activity. Their study has made a significant contribution to the discovery and production of new natural antimicrobial agents. Identifying the mechanisms and potential of this type of metabolite production in marine bacteria has become one of the noteworthy trends in modern biotechnology. This path has become not only one of the most promising approaches to the development of new antibiotics, but also a potential target for controlling the viability of pathogenic bacteria.
Gaze as a Window to the Process of Novel Adjective Mapping
Authors: Yoshida Hanako , Patel Aakash , Burling Joseph
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated two explanations for how learning of novel adjectives is facilitated when all the objects are from the same category (e.g., exemplar and testing objects are all CUPS) and the object category is a known to the children. One explanation (the category knowledge account) focuses on early knowledge of syntax–meaning correspondence, and another (the attentional account) focuses on the role of repeated perceptual properties. The first account presumes implicit understanding that all the objects belong to the same category, and the second account presumes only that redundant perceptual experiences minimize distraction from irrelevant features and thus guide children’s attention directly to the correct item. The present study tests the two accounts by documenting moment-to-moment attention allocation (e.g., looking at experimenter’s face, exemplar object, target object) during a novel adjective learning task with 50 3-year-olds. The results suggest that children’s attention was guided directly to the correct item during the adjective mapping and that such direct attention allocation to the correct item predicted children’s adjective mapping performance. Results are discussed in relation to their implication for children’s active looking as the determinant of process for mapping new words to their meanings.
Quasi Semi-Border Singularities
Authors: Alharbi Fawaz , Alsaeed Suliman
Published: June 2019

We obtain a list of simple classes of singularities of function germs with respect to the quasi m-boundary equivalence relation, with m ≥ 2 . The results obtained in this paper are a natural extension of Zakalyukin’s work on the new non-standard equivalent relation. In spite of the rather artificial nature of the definitions, the quasi relations have very natural applications in symplectic geometry. In particular, they are used to classify singularities of Lagrangian projections equipped with a submanifold. The main method that is used in the classification is the standard Moser’s homotopy technique. In addition, we adopt the version of Arnold’s spectral sequence method, which is described in Lemma 2. Our main results are Theorem 4 on the classification of simple quasi classes, and Theorem 5 on the classification of Lagrangian submanifolds with smooth varieties. The brief description of the main results is given in the next section.
Joint Inventory and Pricing Policy for an Online to Offline Closed-Loop Supply Chain Model with Random Defective Rate and Returnable Transport Items
Authors: Sarkar Biswajit , Ullah Mehran , Choi Seok-Beom
Published: June 2019

Environmental deterioration is one of the current hot topics of the business world. To cope with the negative environmental impacts of corporate activities, researchers introduced the concept of closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) management and remanufacturing. This paper studies joint inventory and pricing decisions in a multi-echelon CLSC model that considers online to offline (O2O) business strategy. An imperfect production process is examined with a random defective rate that follows a probability distribution. The results show that the O2O channel increases the profit of the system. For the defective rate, three different distributions are considered and three examples are solved. The results of the three examples conclude that the highest profit is generated when the defective rate follows a uniform distribution. Furthermore, based on the salvage value of defective items, two cases were studied. Results and sensitivity analysis show that the increase in defective rate does not reduce total profit in every situation, as perceived by the existing literature. Sensitivity analysis and numerical examples are given to show robustness of the model and draw important managerial insights.
A Bayesian Equal Part Regression Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Taiwanese People’s Regime Acceptance of Mainland China and U.S. Governments
Authors: Wu Shianghau
Published: June 2019

This study utilized the newly-designed Bayesian equal part regression (BEPR) model to analyze the Taiwan National Security surveyed data from 2015 in order to construct a model of Taiwanese people’s regime acceptance of Mainland China and U.S governments. The study also used the Bayesian Regression model to make a comparison with the BEPR model results and attempted to explore the fluctuations of post mean and post probability of non-zero coefficients for each independent variable in the BEPR model. The major findings are as follows: First, the first equal part of respondents who believe that China would coerce Taiwan to make concessions have the lesser negative level of the regime acceptance of Mainland China, while the second equal part of the respondents who have the same attitude have the higher negative regime acceptance level. The second equal part of respondents who deem the higher possibility of unification have the lesser positive view on the regime acceptance level. Additionally, the first equal part of respondents who have higher evaluation of cross-strait relations have lesser positive impact on the regime acceptance of Mainland China. Second, we obtain the results that the second-third of Taiwanese respondents who have the optimistic household economic outlook or agree to reduce the purchase of U.S. military weapons if Mainland China withdraws its missiles have a higher negative impact on the regime acceptance of the U.S. However, the third equal part of Taiwanese respondents who agree with the current “R.O.C.” country name have a higher negative regime acceptance level of the U.S.
Mixed Boundary Value Problems for the Elasticity System in Exterior Domains
Authors: Matevossian Hovik A.
Published: June 2019

We study the properties of solutions of the mixed Dirichlet–Robin and Neumann–Robin problems for the linear system of elasticity theory in the exterior of a compact set and the asymptotic behavior of solutions of these problems at infinity under the assumption that the energy integral with weight | x | a is finite for such solutions. We use the variational principle and depending on the value of the parameter a, obtain uniqueness (non-uniqueness) theorems of the mixed problems or present exact formulas for the dimension of the space of solutions.
Modulation of Fatty Acid Composition of Aspergillus oryzae in Response to Ethanol Stress
Authors: Ma Long , Fu Lijun , Hu Zhihong , Li Yongkai , Zheng Xing , Zhang Zhe , Jiang Chunmiao , Zeng Bin
Published: June 2019

The koji mold Aspergillus oryzae is widely adopted for producing rice wine, wherein koji mold saccharifies rice starch and sake yeast ferments glucose to ethanol. During rice wine brewing, the accumulating ethanol becomes a major source of stress for A. oryzae, and there is a decline in hydrolysis efficiency. However, the protective mechanisms of A. oryzae against ethanol stress are poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that ethanol adversity caused a significant inhibition of mycelium growth and conidia formation in A. oryzae, and this suppressive effect increased with ethanol concentration. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that ethanol uptake triggered internal cellular perturbations, such as irregular nuclei and the aggregation of scattered vacuoles in A. oryzae cells. Metabolic analysis uncovered an increase in fatty acid unsaturation under high ethanol conditions, in which a large proportion of stearic acid was converted into linoleic acid, and the expression of related fatty acid desaturases was activated. Our results therefore improve the understanding of ethanol adaptation mechanisms in A. oryzae and offer target genes for ethanol tolerance enhancement via genetic engineering.
The Role of Minocycline in the Treatment of Nosocomial Infections Caused by Multidrug, Extensively Drug and Pandrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
Authors: Fragkou Paraskevi , Poulakou Garyfallia , Blizou Andromachi , Blizou Myrto , Rapti Vasiliki , Karageorgopoulos Drosos , Koulenti Despoina , Papadopoulos Antonios , Matthaiou Dimitrios , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: June 2019

Treatment options for multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains (MDR-AB) are limited. Minocycline has been used alone or in combination in the treatment of infections associated with AB. A systematic review of the clinical use of minocycline in nosocomial infections associated with MDR-AB was performed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. PubMed-Medline, Scopus and Web of Science TM databases were searched from their inception until March 2019. Additional Google Scholar free searches were performed. Out of 2990 articles, 10 clinical studies (9 retrospective case series and 1 prospective single center trial) met the eligibility criteria. In total, 223 out of 268 (83.2%) evaluated patients received a minocycline-based regimen; and 200 out of 218 (91.7%) patients with available data received minocycline as part of a combination antimicrobial regimen (most frequently colistin or carbapenems). Pneumonia was the most common infection type in the 268 cases (80.6% with 50.4% ventilator-associated pneumonia). The clinical and microbiological success rates following minocycline treatment were 72.6% and 60.2%, respectively. Mortality was 20.9% among 167 patients with relevant data. In this systematic review, minocycline demonstrated promising activity against MDR-AB isolates. This review sets the ground for further studies exploring the role of minocycline in the treatment of MDR-AB associated infections.
Exploring Castellaniella defragrans Linalool (De)hydratase-Isomerase for Enzymatic Hydration of Alkenes
Authors: Engleder Matthias , Müller Monika , Kaluzna Iwona , Mink Daniel , Schürmann Martin , Leitner Erich , Pichler Harald , Emmerstorfer-Augustin Anita
Published: June 2019

Acyclic monoterpenes constitute a large and highly abundant class of secondary plant metabolites and are, therefore, attractive low-cost raw materials for the chemical industry. To date, numerous biocatalysts for their transformation are known, giving access to highly sought-after monoterpenoids. In view of the high selectivity associated with many of these reactions, the demand for enzymes generating commercially important target molecules is unabated. Here, linalool (de)hydratase-isomerase (Ldi, EC 4.2.1.127) from Castellaniella defragrans was examined for the regio- and stereoselective hydration of the acyclic monoterpene β-myrcene to (S)-(+)-linalool. Expression of the native enzyme in Escherichia coli allowed for identification of bottlenecks limiting enzyme activity, which were investigated by mutating selected residues implied in enzyme assembly and function. Combining these analyses with the recently published 3D structures of Ldi highlighted the precisely coordinated reduction–oxidation state of two cysteine pairs in correct oligomeric assembly and the catalytic mechanism, respectively. Subcellular targeting studies upon fusion of Ldi to different signal sequences revealed the significance of periplasmic localization of the mature enzyme in the heterologous expression host. This study provides biochemical and mechanistic insight into the hydration of β-myrcene, a nonfunctionalized terpene, and emphasizes its potential for access to scarcely available but commercially interesting tertiary alcohols.
Oxygen Evolution Reaction at IrO2/Ir(Ni) Film Electrodes Prepared by Galvanic Replacement and Anodization: Effect of Precursor Ni Film Thickness
Authors: Touni Aikaterini , Papaderakis Athanasios , Karfaridis Dimitrios , Vourlias Georgios , Sotiropoulos Sotiris
Published: June 2019

IrO2/Ir(Ni) film electrodes of variable Ni content have been prepared via a galvanic replacement method, whereby surface layers of pre-deposited Ni are replaced by Ir, followed by electrochemical anodization. Electrodeposition of Ni on a glassy carbon electrode support has been carried out at constant potential and the charge of electrodeposited Ni controlled so as to investigate the effect of precursor Ni layer thickness on the electrocatalytic activity of the corresponding IrO2/Ir(Ni)/GC electrodes for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). After their preparation, these electrodes were characterized by microscopic (SEM) and spectroscopic (EDS, XPS) techniques, revealing the formation of Ir deposits on the Ni support and a thin IrO2 layer on their surfaces. To determine the electroactive surface area of the IrO2 coatings, cyclic voltammograms were recorded in the potential range between hydrogen and oxygen evolution and the charge under the anodic part of the curves, corresponding to Ir surface oxide formation, served as an indicator of the quantity of active IrO2 in the film. The electrocatalytic activity of the coatings for OER was investigated by current–potential curves under steady state conditions, revealing that the catalysts prepared from thinner Ni films exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance.