bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Evaluation of Liquid Mixing in a Serpentine Square Convergent-divergent Passive Micromixer
Authors: Rampalli Shasidhar , Dundi T. Manoj , Chandrasekhar S. , Raju V. R. K. , Chandramohan V. P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicromixers are crucial components to carry out chemical, biomedical and bio-chemical analyses on µTAS (micro total analysis system) or Lab-on-chips. Simple planar type passive mixers are always most desirable over three dimensional or complex geometries of passive mixers or active mixers as they are less expensive, easy to fabricate, and easy to integrate into complex miniaturized systems. However, at very low Reynolds numbers (0 to 100), due to the inherent laminar nature of the microfluidic flows, mixing remains challenging in passive mixers. Previous studies reported that serpentine square-wave micromixer is one of the simple and effective passive device for micromixing. In the present study, to further enhance the mixing efficiency of the device, horizontal straight portions of serpentine square wave mixer are replaced with convergent-divergent passages and the mixing performance of both mixers are evaluated in the Re range of 0 to 100. It is observed in the low Re (0 to 10), mixing in the square wave mixer with convergent-divergent portions (SQW-CD mixer) is governed completely by pure diffusion as in the case of square wave mixer with straight horizontal portions (SQW mixer). However, at high Re (Re > 10), the presence of convergent-divergent portions in the SQW-CD mixer considerably intensify the stretching and folding of samples in the mixing channel. Additionally, the extra recess available at the bends of SQW-CD mixer creates recirculation zones in the mixer. Therefore, a significant improvement in the mixing performance is achieved at high Re (Re > 10) for SQW-CD mixer as compared to conventional SQW mixer. This would allow shorter mixing lengths for SQW-CD mixer as compared to Sq wave mixer. However, with increase in Re, the rise in pressure drop is considerably high for SQW-CD mixer as compared to SQW mixer.
Design of Fractional Order PID Controller Using Genetic Algorithm Optimization Technique for Nonlinear System
Authors: Jaiswal Shivanky , Suresh Kumar Chiluka , Seepana Murali Mohan , Babu G. Uday Bhaskar 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper, fractional order PID controller, as well as integer order PID controller, is designed for non-linear system to enhance the system’s performance and gain the stability. The novelty of the work is achieved by the development of a new methodology for integer order PID and fractional order PID control tuning by optimizing the parameters of controllers using the Genetic Algorithms optimization technique. The performance of any system mainly depends upon how efficiently the controller will be working and hence that’s how most crucial part of the designing of FOPID controller or any controller is the tuning of its parameters. The uniquely designed and tuned parameters of the FOPID controller which is obtained by optimizing all the five parameters by using an evolutionary algorithm optimization technique i. e. a genetic algorithm which is a very powerful search tool and carrying heuristic characteristics. This method of tuning the FOPID controller which is designed and has been applied over the conical tank (nonlinear) system. The most important step in applying genetic algorithm is the selection of the fitness function and hence Integral of time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE) have been used here as the fitness function. Each chromosome comprised of all the five parameters of FOPID controller, which have been further optimised using above mentioned fitness function. From the simulation results, it can be observed that the solutions which are obtained optimally, presents an excellent performance for the system studied, by improving the behaviour of the system satisfactorily. Simulation results also show that the proposed FOPID controller gives improved performance over classical PID controller in terms of IAE and TV.
Benthic Diatoms as Valuable Indicators of Anthropogenic Eutrophication in Biomonitoring of Ribbon Lake
Authors: Messyasz Beata , Treska Ewa 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In Europe the monitoring of lakes with regard to benthic diatoms is still conducted in line with the European Water Framework Directive. Ribbon lakes are a special case as extremely steep slopes of the lake basin cause their littoral zone to be narrow. The Durowskie ribbon lake was chosen as a model for the assessment of the ecological status of waters based on its Diatom Index. Given its use in recreation, it is under heavy anthropogenic pressure. Physicochemical and biological parameters were monitored in the peak of the vegetational season (July, August) between 2010 and 2018 at 12 varied littoral sites across the full length of the shoreline. This long-term analysis of the Diatom Index, despite showing an improvement in the quality of water, demonstrated the ecological state of Lake Durowskie to be weak (southern, deep part) to moderate (north, shallow part). The taxonomic structure of diatoms (referral and indicator taxa) in phytobenthos communities allowed to show the changes in physicochemical parameters of the environment such as pH, oxygen dissolved in water and its trophic status. Research results are shown in relation to the anthropogenic changes to the lake’s direct catchment area and the results of the physicochemical monitoring of waters.
Trace Metal Concentrations in Pleurozium Schreberi and Taraxacum Officinale Along the Road No. 7
Authors: Korzeniowska Joanna , Panek Ewa 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is to test two plant species, the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale and moss Pleurozium schreberi, as bio monitors of trace metal pollution emitted by motor vehicles. The samples of the moss Pleurozium schreberi (green segments) and the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (leaves) were collected within 12 transects along the state road No. E77 near Chyzne, Sothern Poland. The transects were located on the eastern and western side of the road (downwind and upwind towards prevailing winds), at the following distances from the road: 5, 50, 100, 300 500 and 600 m. Total concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn in the plant material were determined. The studied species accumulated trace metals in the similar amounts. Statistically significant differences in metal concentrations between two plant species were observed only in the case of Cu and Pb. Copper concentrations were higher in the common dandelion, while the moss Pleurozium schreberi accumulated considerably higher amounts of Pb. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between the trace metal concentrations in plants and the distance to the road. There are also statistically significant differences in concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the common dandelion between the samples collected from the opposite sides of the road: upwind/downwind towards the prevailing wind direction at the distance up to 300 meters. The concentrations are higher on the downwind side of the road.
Prediction of Water Quality in Riva River Watershed
Authors: Oz Nurtac , Topal Bayram , Uzun Halil Ibrahim 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The Riva River is a water basin located within the borders of Istanbul in the Marmara Region (Turkey) in the south-north direction. Water samples were taken for the 35 km drainage area of the Riva River Basin before the river flows into the Black Sea at 4 stations on the Riva River every month and analyses were carried out. Changes were observed in the quality of water from upstream to downstream. For this purpose, the spatial and temporal variations of water quality were investigated using 13 water quality variables with the ANOVA test. It was observed that COD, DO, S and BOD were important in determining the spatial variation. On the other hand, it was found out that all the variables were effective in determining the temporal variation. Moreover, the correlation analysis which was carried out in order to assess the relations between water quality variables showed that the variables of BOD-COD, BOD-EC, COD-EC, BOD-T and COD-T were correlated and the regression analysis showed that COD, TKN and NH4-N explained BOD and BOD, NH4-N, T and TSS explained COD by approximately 80 %. Consequently, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Decision Tree and Logistic Regression models were developed using the data of training set in order to predict the water quality classes of the variables of COD, BOD and NH4-N. Quality classes were predicted for the variables by inputting the data of testing set into the developed models. According to these results, it was seen that the ANN was the best prediction model for COD, the Decision Tree for BOD and the ANN and Decision Tree for NH4-N.
Biochar from Maize Hybrid Fermentation Residuelow Cost and Efficient Heavy Metals Sorbent
Authors: Tokarčíková Michaela , Seidlerová Jana , Motyka Oldřich , Šafaříková Mirka 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Biochar produced from fermentation residue of maize hybrid was used in untreated form as a sorbent for the removal of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution. The capability of biochar to immobilized ions was investigated by leaching test. Equilibrium between biochar sample and studied elements in solution was reached at a contact time 30 min for Zn(II) and 90 min for Pb(II) and Cd(II). The experimental data were described by pseudofirst-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, two- and three-parameter isotherms in non-linear form. The maximum sorption capacity achieved was 30.07 mg·g−1 in the case of Cd(II) ions, 99.44 mg·g−1 in the case of Pb(II) and 40.18 in the case of Zn(II). Biochar developed for this study is comparable to conventional biochar, low cost, non-toxic and experimental results show that is a suitable and efficient sorbent for Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) removal from aqueous solutions.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Dispersed Oil Sorption by Kapok Fiber
Authors: Quek Check Shyong , Ngadi Norzita , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This work was aimed at evaluating the sorption of dispersed oil by kapok fiber. The physicochemical characteristics of kapok fiber were investigated using BET, SEM, FTIR, XRD, contact angle and elemental analysis. The oil droplet size distribution at different temperatures was analysed using a Coulter counter, and its relationship with sorption was investigated. The effects of dosage, hydraulic retention time and temperature, on the sorption performance were studied. The result indicates that the sorption of dispersed oil by kapok fiber is spontaneous, endothermic and agreed with the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The amount of oil that could be removed is about 28.5 %, while that of water is less than 1 % of the original amount (0.5 dm3). Kapok is a promising natural hydrophobic fiber for dispersed oil removal from oily wastewater.
Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Essential Oils Derived from Different Pelargonium Species Leaves
Authors: Szutt Adriana , Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Sporek Monika 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Plants have been used for their aromatic and medicinal purposes for centuries. The genus Pelargonium contains about 250-280 species and cultivated around the world for the production of essential oils and absolutes. Pelargonium species are remarkable for their odour diversity, from fresh, lemon and minty scent, through floral, rose, fruity up to spicy and camphoreous smell as well as many health beneficial properties, that is why their essential oils are widely used in perfume, cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to determine variability in populations of Pelargonium genus by evaluating their differences in quantitative and qualitative essential oils compositions. This study determined that of all the examined essential oil, the one of P. graveolens indoor cultivar has the closest C:G ratio (1.16) which makes it a very valuable product. In comparison with available literature, beside the geographical region of plant growth, all essential oils from P. graveolens contain a diverse range of compounds, nevertheless, in every single one, geraniol and citronellol are present in the most significant fraction of the total oil. The examined P. roseum essential oil was characterized by the highest level of citronellol (44.62 % of total oil), but it can be due to the chemical reactions (conversion geraniol into citronellol) occurring in stored product.
In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activity of Citrullus colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds hydro-ethanolic extract
Authors: Ghauri Aymen Owais , Ahmad Saeed , Rehman Tayyeba 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is the one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Traditionally phytotherapy is widely being used for diabetes treatment and highly valued. Citrus colocynthis has known anti-diabetic potential. However, anti-diabetic potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds is not reported yet.

Methods
The extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds was done by maceration method using 70% ethanol. To evaluate anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential of the seeded fruit in vitro, α-glucosidase and DPPH inhibition assays was done, respectively. In vivo study used streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes model of rats. Rats were randomized in five groups i. e. normal control, negative control, standard control, C. colocynthis 150 and 300 mg/kg. STZ was administered to all groups except normal control. After wards, plant extract and glibenclamide is continued for 14 days. Blood samples were collected from rat tail vein daily and from Cardiac puncture at the end of study. The blood glucose levels were monitored daily by using one-touch blood glucose monitoring system. The blood glucose level was monitored on 0, 1st, 5th, 8th, 11th, and 14th day of induction.

Results
Hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds was able to decolorize DPPH and therefore possess antioxidant potential, continuous administration for 14 days showed a marked decrease in serum glucose levels (p 0.01) it is found to be somewhat less effective as glibenclamide (standard control) (p 0.001). A time-dependent decrease in blood glucose levels was observed (351.3 ± 4 to 258 m/kg).

Conclusion
Hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds lowered the serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in diabetic rats significantly as compared to negative control. The hypoglycemic effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds is may be due to α-glucosidase inhibition potential.
Positive Solution to Singular Elliptic Problems with Subcritical nonlinearities
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we study the existence of a non-trivial weak solution to the following singular elliptic equations with subcritical nonlinearities:

{

-
d
i
v

(

|
x
|

-
2
β

∇
u

)

-
μ

f
(
x
)
u

|
x
|

2
(
β
+
1
)

=

λ
g
(
x
)

u

θ

+
h
(
x
)

u

p

i
n

Ω
,

u
>
0

i
n

Ω
,

u
=
0

o
n

∂
Ω
,

\left\{ {\matrix{ { - div\left( {{{\left| x \right|}^{ - 2\beta }}\nabla u} \right) - \mu {{f(x)u} \over {{{\left| x \right|}^{2(\beta + 1)}}}} = {{\lambda g(x)} \over {{u^\theta }}} + h(x){u^p}\,\,\,\,in\,\,\,\Omega ,} \hfill \cr {u > 0\,\,\,in\,\,\Omega ,} \hfill \cr {u = 0\,\,on\,\,\partial \Omega ,} \hfill \cr } } \right.

where Ω ⊂ℝ
N
is an open bounded domain with C
1 boundary, θ, λ > 0,

0
<
β
<

N
−
2

2

0 < \beta < {{N - 2} \over 2}

0< p< 1,

0
<
μ
<

(

N
-
2
(
β
+
1
)

2

)

2

0 < \mu < {\left( {{{N - 2(\beta + 1)} \over 2}} \right)^2}

, N ≥ 3, 0 ∈ Ω and 0 ≤ f, g, h ∈ L
∞ (Ω). We show that there exists a solution

u
∈

H

0
1

(

Ω
,

|
x
|

-
2
β

)

∩

L

∞

(
Ω
)

u \in H_0^1\left( {\Omega ,{{\left| x \right|}^{ - 2\beta }}} \right) \cap {L^\infty }(\Omega )

to this problem.
Ser y deber ser de la comunicación de las mujeres reclusas en las prisiones de Sinaloa, México: una propuesta socioeducativa.
Authors: Coronel Cabanillas Ana Imelda , Gastélum Escalante Jorge Antonio 
Published: January 2020

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo conocer las necesidades y obstáculos que las mujeres presas en Sinaloa enfrentan para comunicarse al interior y al exterior del reclusorio. El enfoque metódico es mixto o qualimétrico. En lo cuantitativo se aplicó una encuesta de 37 ítems agrupados en siete dimensiones de la vida personal, familiar, legal, de salud, seguridad, educativa y laboral de las reclusas. En lo cualitativo se les entrevistó a fin de conocer sus necesidades comunicativas con su familia, amigos, abogado, autoridad penitenciaria y visita conyugal, así como los medios usados para comunicarse.Los procesos comunicativos no se completan; son visibles los déficits al respecto, lo que contradice el deber ser teórico y jurídico referente: más del 50% de ellas no reciben visita de sus familiares, cónyuges o novios, y quienes son frecuentadas por sus parejas no disponen de áreas exclusivas para el caso; asimismo, menos del 10 % son visitadas por sus amistades. Sin embargo, las mujeres reclusas minimizan esta carencia afectiva comunicándose con su familia a través de sus teléfonos celulares que poseen de manera clandestina, ya que las casetas telefónicas de los reclusorios no pueden usarlas porque generalmente están descompuestas. En general conocen sus derechos y la obligación estatal de proporcionarles abogado defensor, sin embargo, su representante de oficio no les informa ni atiende ni en tiempo ni en forma y con las autoridades penitenciarias no establecen ningún tipo de comunicación. En razón de la problemática de comunicación de estas mujeres, se propone humanizar las cárceles para mujeres de Sinaloa.
The Unique Antimicrobial Recognition and Signaling Pathways in Tardigrades with a Comparison Across Ecdysozoa
Authors: Mapalo Marc A , Arakawa Kazuharu , Baker Caitlin M , Persson Dennis K , Mirano-Bascos Denise , Giribet Gonzalo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals known to withstand unfavorable abiotic conditions. These animals are also constantly exposed to biotic stresses, including parasites and internal microbiomes. However, the tardigrade immune mechanisms against these biotic stresses are largely uncharacterized. Due to the contentious phylogenetic position of tardigrades, it is not intuitive whether they possess an immune system more similar to that of arthropods (e.g., Toll, Imd, and JNK pathways of the Drosophila melanogaster antimicrobial response) or to that of nematodes (e.g., the Tir-1/Nsy-1/Sek-1/Pmk-1/Atf-7 signaling cassette [called Tir-1 pathway here]) in Caenorhabditis elegans). In this study, comparative genomic analyses were conducted to mine homologs of canonical D. melanogaster and C. elegans immune pathway genes from eight tardigrades (Echiniscoides cf. sigismundi, Echiniscus testudo, Hypsibius exemplaris, Mesobiotus philippinicus, Milnesium tardigradum, Paramacrobiotus richtersi, Richtersius cf. coronifer, and Ramazzottius varieornatus) and four non-arthropod ecdysozoans (two onychophorans: Epiperipatus sp. and Opisthopatus kwazululandi; one nematomorph: Paragordius varius; and one priapulan: Priapulus caudatus) in order to provide insights into the tardigrade antimicrobial system. No homologs of the intracellular components of the Toll pathway were detected in any of the tardigrades examined. Likewise, no homologs of most of the Imd pathway genes were detected in any of the tardigrades or any of the other non-arthropod ecdysozoans. Both the JNK and Tir-1 pathways, on the other hand, were found to be conserved across ecdysozoans. Interestingly, tardigrades had no detectable homologs of NF-κB, the major activator of antimicrobial response gene expression. Instead, tardigrades appear to possess NF-κB distantly related NFAT homologs. Overall, our results show that tardigrades have a unique gene pathway repertoire that differs from that of other ecdysozoans. Our study also provides a framework for future studies on tardigrade immune responses.
Chromosome-Level Assembly of Drosophila bifasciata Reveals Important Karyotypic Transition of the X Chromosome
Authors: Bracewell Ryan , Tran Anita , Chatla Kamalakar , Bachtrog Doris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The Drosophila obscura species group is one of the most studied clades of Drosophila and harbors multiple distinct karyotypes. Here we present a de novo genome assembly and annotation of D. bifasciata, a species which represents an important subgroup for which no high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly currently exists. We combined long-read sequencing (Nanopore) and Hi-C scaffolding to achieve a highly contiguous genome assembly approximately 193 Mb in size, with repetitive elements constituting 30.1% of the total length. Drosophila bifasciata harbors four large metacentric chromosomes and the small dot, and our assembly contains each chromosome in a single scaffold, including the highly repetitive pericentromeres, which were largely composed of Jockey and Gypsy transposable elements. We annotated a total of 12,821 protein-coding genes and comparisons of synteny with D. athabasca orthologs show that the large metacentric pericentromeric regions of multiple chromosomes are conserved between these species. Importantly, Muller A (X chromosome) was found to be metacentric in D. bifasciata and the pericentromeric region appears homologous to the pericentromeric region of the fused Muller A-AD (XL and XR) of pseudoobscura/affinis subgroup species. Our finding suggests a metacentric ancestral X fused to a telocentric Muller D and created the large neo-X (Muller A-AD) chromosome ∼15 MYA. We also confirm the fusion of Muller C and D in D. bifasciata and show that it likely involved a centromere-centromere fusion.
Comparison of pain levels in patients treated with 3 different orthodontic appliances - a randomized trial
Authors: Diddige Rajasri , Negi Gunjan , Kiran Kanamarlapudi Venkata Sai , Chitra Prasad 
Published: January 2020

Background and aims. To compare pain levels experienced during initial alignment with three different orthodontic appliance types and to correlate pain with male and female differences, if any.
Methods. A prospective, randomized 3- arm parallel trial allocated 36 adult orthodontic patients into three appliance groups: MBT 0.022” slot (Mini Twin, Ormco, Glendora, USA), self ligating 0.022" slot Damon 3MX (Ormco, Glendora, USA) and clear aligners (Smile align, Mumbai, India). The level of discomfort was assessed through a questionnaire based on the visual analogue scale at four hours, twenty four hours, third and seventh day after appliance placement.
Results. Patients treated with clear aligners reported less pain than patients treated with conventional and self ligating fixed appliances. Patients treated with MBT conventional appliances showed greater pain levels than Damon appliances. A significantly higher visual analogue scale score was observed at 24 hours and the least visual analogue scale scores on the seventh day post appliance placement.
Conclusion. During the first week of orthodontic treatment, patients treated with clear aligners reported lower pain than those treated with conventional and self-ligating appliances.