bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing effect of methylcellulose on the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in cementitious composites
Authors: Du Mingrui , Gao Yuan , Han Guansheng , Li Luan , Jing Hongwen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been added in the plain cementitious materials to manufacture composites with the higher mechanical properties and smart behavior. The uniform distributions of MWCNTs is critical to obtain the desired enhancing effect, which, however, is challenged by the high ionic strength of the cement pore solution. Here, the effects of methylcellulose (MC) on stabilizing the dispersion of MWCNTs in the simulated cement pore solution and the viscosity of MWCNT suspensions werestudied. Further observations on the distributions of MWCNTs in the ternary cementitious composites were conducted. The results showed that MC forms a membranous envelope surrounding MWCNTs, which inhibits the adsorption of cations and maintains the steric repulsion between MWCNTs; thus, the stability of MWCNT dispersion in cement-based composites is improved. MC can also work as a viscosity adjuster that retards the Brownian mobility of MWCNTs, reducing their re-agglomerate within a period. MC with an addition ratio of 0.018 wt.% is suggested to achieve the optimum dispersion stabilizing effect. The findings here provide a way for stabilizing the other dispersed nano-additives in the cementitious composites.
Involvement of green technology in microalgal biodiesel production
Authors: Verma Samakshi , Kuila Arindam 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAccording to the report of the renewable energy policy network for the 21st century published in 2014, biodiesel and bioethanol are the most used biofuels and are responsible for transportation worldwide. Biodiesel specially has shown an increase in production globally by 15 times by volume from 2002 to 2012. Promising feedstock of biodiesel are cyanobacteria and microalgae as they possess a shorter cultivation time (4 fold lesser) and high oil content (10 fold higher) than corn, jatropha and soybean (conventional oil-producing territorial plants). Various valuable natural chemicals are also produced from these organisms including food supplements such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), pigments, and vitamins. Additionally, cellular components of microalgae and cyanobacteria are connected with therapeutic characteristics such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and immune stimulating. Commercialization of algal biodiesel (or other products) can be achieved by isolating and identifying the high-yielding strains that possess a faster growth rate. Indigenous strains can be genetically engineered into high-yielding transgenic strains. The present article discusses about the use of nanotechnology and genetic engineering approach for improved lipid accumulation in microalgae for biodiesel production.
The Effect of Counterfactual Information on Outcome Value Coding in Medial Prefrontal and Cingulate Cortex: From an Absolute to a Relative Neural Code
Authors: Pischedda Doris , Palminteri Stefano , Coricelli Giorgio 
Published: March 2020

Adaptive coding of stimuli is well documented in perception, where it supports efficient encoding over a broad range of possible percepts. Recently, a similar neural mechanism has been reported also in value-based decision, where it allows optimal encoding of vast ranges of values in PFC: neuronal response to value depends on the choice context (relative coding), rather than being invariant across contexts (absolute coding). Additionally, value learning is sensitive to the amount of feedback information: providing complete feedback (both obtained and forgone outcomes) instead of partial feedback (only obtained outcome) improves learning. However, it is unclear whether relative coding occurs in all PFC regions and how it is affected by feedback information. We systematically investigated univariate and multivariate feedback encoding in various mPFC regions and compared three modes of neural coding: absolute, partially-adaptive and fully-adaptive.Twenty-eight human participants (both sexes) performed a learning task while undergoing fMRI scanning. On each trial, they chose between two symbols associated with a certain outcome. Then, the decision outcome was revealed. Notably, in one-half of the trials participants received partial feedback, whereas in the other half they got complete feedback. We used univariate and multivariate analysis to explore value encoding in different feedback conditions.We found that both obtained and forgone outcomes were encoded in mPFC, but with opposite sign in its ventral and dorsal subdivisions. Moreover, we showed that increasing feedback information induced a switch from absolute to relative coding. Our results suggest that complete feedback information enhances context-dependent outcome encoding.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study offers a systematic investigation of the effect of the amount of feedback information (partial vs complete) on univariate and multivariate outcome value encoding, within multiple regions in mPFC and cingulate cortex that are critical for value-based decisions and behavioral adaptation. Moreover, we provide the first comparison of three possible models of neural coding (i.e., absolute, partially-adaptive, and fully-adaptive coding) of value signal in these regions, by using commensurable measures of prediction accuracy. Taken together, our results help build a more comprehensive picture of how the human brain encodes and processes outcome value. In particular, our results suggest that simultaneous presentation of obtained and foregone outcomes promotes relative value representation.
Rapid Release of Ca2+from Endoplasmic Reticulum Mediated by Na+/Ca2+Exchange
Authors: Liu Che-Hsiung , Chen Zijing , Oliva Megan K. , Luo Junjie , Collier Simon , Montell Craig , Hardie Roger C. 
Published: March 2020

Phototransduction inDrosophilais mediated by phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca2+-permeable TRP channels, but the function of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+stores in this important model for Ca2+signaling remains obscure. We therefore expressed a low affinity Ca2+indicator (ER-GCaMP6-150) in the ER, and measured its fluorescence both in dissociated ommatidia andin vivofrom intact flies of both sexes. Blue excitation light induced a rapid (tau ∼0.8 s), PLC-dependent decrease in fluorescence, representing depletion of ER Ca2+stores, followed by a slower decay, typically reaching ∼50% of initial dark-adapted levels, with significant depletion occurring under natural levels of illumination. The ER stores refilled in the dark within 100–200 s. Both rapid and slow store depletion were largely unaffected in InsP3receptor mutants, but were much reduced intrpmutants. Strikingly, rapid (but not slow) depletion of ER stores was blocked by removing external Na+and in mutants of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger, CalX, which we immuno-localized to ER membranes in addition to its established localization in the plasma membrane. Conversely, overexpression ofcalxgreatly enhanced rapid depletion. These results indicate that rapid store depletion is mediated by Na+/Ca2+exchange across the ER membrane induced by Na+influx via the light-sensitive channels. Although too slow to be involved in channel activation, this Na+/Ca2+exchange-dependent release explains the decades-old observation of a light-induced rise in cytosolic Ca2+in photoreceptors exposed to Ca2+-free solutions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPhototransduction inDrosophilais mediated by phospholipase C, which activates TRP cation channels by an unknown mechanism. Despite much speculation, it is unknown whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+stores play any role. We therefore engineered flies expressing a genetically encoded Ca2+indicator in the photoreceptor ER. Although NCX Na+/Ca2+exchangers are classically believed to operate only at the plasma membrane, we demonstrate a rapid light-induced depletion of ER Ca2+stores mediated by Na+/Ca2+exchange across the ER membrane. This NCX-dependent release was too slow to be involved in channel activation, but explains the decades-old observation of a light-induced rise in cytosolic Ca2+in photoreceptors bathed in Ca2+-free solutions.
A Novel Variation in the FRIZZLE PANICLE (FZP) Gene Promoter Improves Grain Number and Yield in Rice
Authors: Wang Sheng-Shan , Chung Chia-Lin , Chen Kai-Yi , Chen Rong-Kuen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Secondary branch number per panicle plays a crucial role in regulating grain number and yield in rice. Here, we report the positional cloning and functional characterization for SECONDARY BRANCH NUMBER7 (qSBN7), a quantitative trait locus affecting secondary branch per panicle and grain number. Our research revealed that the causative variants of qSBN7 are located in the distal promoter region of FRIZZLE PANICLE (FZP), a gene previously associated with the repression of axillary meristem development in rice spikelets. qSBN7 is a novel allele of FZP that causes an ∼56% decrease in its transcriptional level, leading to increased secondary branch and grain number, and reduced grain length. Field evaluations showed that qSBN7 increased grain yield by 10.9% in a temperate japonica variety, TN13, likely due to its positive effect on sink capacity. Our findings suggest that incorporation of qSBN7 can increase yield potential and improve the breeding of elite rice varieties.
Toward an Evolutionarily Appropriate Null Model: Jointly Inferring Demography and Purifying Selection
Authors: Johri Parul , Charlesworth Brian , Jensen Jeffrey D 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe relative evolutionary roles of adaptive and non-adaptive processes remain a central question in population genetics. Resolution of this debate has been difficult as an appropriate null model incorporating...The question of the relative evolutionary roles of adaptive and nonadaptive processes has been a central debate in population genetics for nearly a century. While advances have been made in the theoretical development of the underlying models, and statistical methods for estimating their parameters from large-scale genomic data, a framework for an appropriate null model remains elusive. A model incorporating evolutionary processes known to be in constant operation, genetic drift (as modulated by the demographic history of the population) and purifying selection, is lacking. Without such a null model, the role of adaptive processes in shaping within- and between-population variation may not be accurately assessed. Here, we investigate how population size changes and the strength of purifying selection affect patterns of variation at “neutral” sites near functional genomic components. We propose a novel statistical framework for jointly inferring the contribution of the relevant selective and demographic parameters. By means of extensive performance analyses, we quantify the utility of the approach, identify the most important statistics for parameter estimation, and compare the results with existing methods. Finally, we reanalyze genome-wide population-level data from a Zambian population of Drosophila melanogaster, and find that it has experienced a much slower rate of population growth than was inferred when the effects of purifying selection were neglected. Our approach represents an appropriate null model, against which the effects of positive selection can be assessed.
Some inequalities for homogeneous $B_n$-potential type integrals on $H^{p}_{\Delta_{\nu}}$ Hardy spaces
Authors: KESKİN Cansu , EKİNCİOĞLU İsmail 
Published: March 2020

We prove the norm inequalities for potential operators and fractional integrals related to generalized shift operator defined on spaces of homogeneous type. We show that these operators are bounded from $H^{p}_{\Delta_{\nu}}$ to $H^{q}_{\Delta_{\nu}}$, for $\frac{1}{q}=\frac{1}{p}-\frac{\alpha}{Q}$, provided $0&lt;\alpha&lt;\frac{1}{2}$, and $\alpha&lt;\beta\leq 1$ and $\frac{Q}{Q+\beta}&lt;p\leq\frac{Q}{Q+\alpha}$. By applying atomic-molecular decomposition of $H^{p}_{\Delta_{\nu}}$ Hardy space, we obtain the boundedness of homogeneous fractional type integrals which extends the Stein-Weiss and Taibleson-Weiss's results for the boundedness of the $B_n$-Riesz potential operator on $H^{p}_{\Delta_{\nu}}$ Hardy space.
The Business Opportunities and Constraints within the Printing and Graphic Arts Industry: A Study on Sylhet City
Authors: Muzib Md. Moniruzzaman , Rahman Md. Mizanur 
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the growing competitive printing and graphic arts industry in Sylhet focusing on the investment process, employment opportunity, government support, and the others crucial factors of market that are responsible in determining the industry volume through some statistical analysis. By looking on the opportunity and constraints of this industry, it addresses the preference of the customers as well as the limitation and potential for growth. Statistical significant association was tested by tools like descriptive analysis through the primary data, SWOT analysis etc. to examine the relationship of the considered variables and the prospect and constrictions of this industry has been analyzed with recommendation. JEL Classification Code: M00
The Role of Social Business in Environmental Protection through Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Alam Md. Wahidul , Shakil Mohammad Hassan , Azam Md. Kazi Golam , Tasnia Mashiyat 
Published: March 2020

Social Business runs for the welfare of people rather to profit maximization. In the economic system of Bangladesh there are mainly two types of organization models. Companies of private sector sell products or services to make profit while non-profit organizations are financed by the government. When both the governments and private sector reach their limits, charity organizations fill up the deficiency. Nowadays, we have forgotten to involve the poor into the economy. And exactly that target group is full of potential but has never had a real opportunity. Only such opportunities can be provided to them through social business. The study is of analytical and theoretical in nature and based on secondary data. It encompasses the fact that success of social business sector in Bangladesh is noteworthy as Bangladesh is taking various successful steps to go ahead in poverty alleviation and environmental protection through new alternative arrangement named Social Business. The paper depicts that Social Businesses of Bangladesh is trying to contribute in environmental protection through poverty alleviation by its different extensive programs. Various new integrated model and new Social Business idea will support in this regard. The Social Business can easily overcome the impediments in environmental protection and poverty alleviation by implementing policy formulated in this study.
A Comparative Study of Interactive Segmentation with Different Number of Strokes on Complex Images
Authors: Goh Kok Luong , Ng Giap Weng , Hamzah Muzaffar , Chai Soo See 
Published: March 2020

Interactive image segmentation is the way to extract an object of interest with the guidance of the user. The guidance from the user is an iterative process until the required object of interest had been segmented. Therefore, the input from the user as well as the understanding of the algorithms based on the user input has an essential role in the success of interactive segmentation. The most common user input type in interactive segmentation is using strokes. The different number of strokes are utilized in each different interactive segmentation algorithms. There was no evaluation of the effects on the number of strokes on this interactive segmentation. Therefore, this paper intends to fill this shortcoming. In this study, the input strokes had been categorized into single, double, and multiple strokes. The use of the same number of strokes on the object of interest and background on three interactive segmentation algorithms: i) Nonparametric Higher-order Learning (NHL), ii) Maximal Similarity-based Region Merging (MSRM) and iii) Graph-Based Manifold Ranking (GBMR) are evaluated, focusing on the complex images from Berkeley image dataset. This dataset contains a total of 12,000 test color images and ground truth images. Two types of complex images had been selected for the experiment: image with a background color like the object of interest, and image with the object of interest overlapped with other similar objects. This can be concluded that, generally, more strokes used as input could improve image segmentation accuracy.
Methods for Software Visualization of Large Graph Data Structures
Authors: Kralev Velin , Kraleva Radoslava 
Published: March 2020

In this paper, three different methods for software visualization of large graph structures, respectively Rectangle, Intersection and Combined are presented. The basic concepts for using software development environments are outlined. Their capabilities for visual designing and event-oriented programming are discussed. A brief analysis of the basic features of the environment used to develop the ClipRect Monitor application is made. The main functions of this software are also presented. All experimental results in this study are generated with this application. According to the methodology, six graphs are prepared to determine the effectiveness of the three methods. The number of vertices and the edges of these graphs are proportional to the size of the drawing area (canvas). The drawing areas are also six and have different sizes, such that each subsequent area has a height and width twice the size of the previous one. Besides, for all areas, the width/height ratio is exactly 16:9. This ratio is widely used in monitors as well as laptops, mobile phones and tablets. The largest drawing area that the ClipRect Monitor application scanned during the experiments is 128 000 x 72 000 pixels. This scan is performed for graph G_6 with 1 415 vertices and 100 000 edges. The visualization area is diagonally positioned relative to the drawing area. For each visualization area, each of the three methods, respectively Rectangle, Intersection and Combined is performed. The Combined method executes the Rectangle method first and then the Intersection method. The results show that the Intersection method was the slowest compared to the other two methods in terms of the number of edges of the graph that are analyzed. When the visualization area is internal to the drawing area, the Rectangle method performs better than the Combined method. The Rectangle method gives the best result in terms of time for analysis and drawing of the edges of the graph. The Combined method combines the characteristics of the other two methods. This method is optimal in terms of the time of analysis of the need to draw the edges of the graph relative to the number of drawn edges.
Effects of Ripening Level and Processing Delay on the Characteristics of Oil Palm Fruit Bunches
Authors: Ruswanto Adi , Handono Ramelan Ari , Praseptiangga Danar , Bagus Banyuro Partha Ida 
Published: March 2020

Palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) are raw materials used in CPO mills and produced by palm oil plants. The nature and quality of these raw materials considerably affect the characteristics of the crude palm oil (CPO). The characteristic of crude palm oil (CPO) can be affected by freshness level, ripening of palm fruit bunches, growing sites, poor transportation and harvest and postharvest systems. Amongst the aforementioned factors, the major problems that occur frequently are the ripening level and processing delay of palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) and also brondolan (loose fruits from bunches). Harvested FFBs must be optimally ripened to achieve high oil content and must be immediately taken to the factory for processing. Accordingly, the present study aims to evaluate the characteristics of palm oil produced at different ripening levels and processing delay times of palm fruit bunches from oil palm plantations in Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia. The objects of this research are ripening level (underripe, ripe, overripe and brondolan) and processing delay time (12, 36 and 60 h). Results show that the ripening level and length of processing delay of palm fruit bunches can affect the deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI) value, free fatty acid (FFA) content, oil content, peroxide value (Î± = 0.05) and profile of fatty acid composition. A long processing delay increases FFA content and peroxide value, but decreases DOBI value and oil content. From the observed parameters, the best results are found on ripe FFBs with a processing delay time of 12 h. The results are still good at 36 h but deteriorated after 60 h.
Effects of Organic Materials and Rainfall Intensity on the Productivity of Oil Palm Grown under Sandy Soil Condition
Authors: Gunawan Sri , Theresia Sri Budiastuti Maria , Sutrisno Joko , Wirianata Herry 
Published: March 2020

Oil palm plantations in Indonesia are cultivated on various types of land, ranging from very suitable to unsuitable types. This cultivation method is increasingly vulnerable to drought caused by climate change. Climate change due to global warming negatively affects the management of oil palm plantations in the long term. The upper-temperature limit for efficient photosynthesis in oil palm leaves is >38 °C. The increase in temperature (2°C above the optimum) and rainfall by 10% is projected to cause a yield decline of up to 30%. The water shortage is also a major limiting factor for palm oil production. Such vulnerability is predicted to worsen, and thus its negative effects should be explored. The purpose of this study is to reveal the role of organic matter applied as empty bunches (EFB) and the management of Nephrolepis bisserata vegetation in reducing the adverse effects of rainfall on palm oil production on sandy soils. The survey method and observations were carried out for over 3 years on plants aged 14-16 years on blocks. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) of 40 tons/ha/year was applied to each block, and Nephrolepis biserrata was used as ground cover which planted in path. The parameters observed included the number and average weight of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). The relationship between fluctuations in the conditions of monthly rainfall intensity on oil palm production was determined through regression analysis. Rainfall strongly influenced the number of FFB, whereas the average weight of FFB remained relatively constant. The application of EFB and management of Nephrolepis biserrata vegetation facilitates the reduction of drought impacts and increase in oil palm production (15%) as shown in bunch weight and bunch number. EFB and Nephrolepis biserrata vegetation can increase soil organic matter content and improve soil water holding capacity.