In this effort we propose a data-driven learning framework for reduced order modeling of fluid dynamics. Designing accurate and efficient reduced order models for nonlinear fluid dynamic problems is challenging for many practical engineering applications. Classical projection-based model reduction methods generate reduced systems by projecting full-order differential operators into low-dimensional subspaces. However, these techniques usually lead to severe instabilities in the presence of highly nonlinear dynamics, which dramatically deteriorates the accuracy of the reduced-order models. In contrast, our new framework exploits linear multistep networks, based on implicit Adams-Moulton schemes, to construct the reduced system. The advantage is that the method optimally approximates the full order model in the low-dimensional space with a given supervised learning task. Moreover, our approach is non-intrusive, such that it can be applied to other complex nonlinear dynamical systems with sophisticated legacy codes. We demonstrate the performance of our method through the numerical simulation of a two-dimensional flow past a circular cylinder with Reynolds number Re = 100. The results reveal that the new data-driven model is significantly more accurate than standard projection-based approaches

In laser-assisted milling, higher temperature in shear zone softens the material potentially resulting in a shift of mean residual stress, which significantly affects the damage tolerance and fatigue performance of product. In order to guide the selection of laser and cutting parameters based on the preferred mean residual stress, inverse analysis is conducted by predicting residual stress based on guessed process parameters, which is defined as the forward problem, and applying iterative gradient search to find process parameters for next iteration, which is defined as the inverse problem. An analytical inverse analysis is therefore proposed for the mean residual stress in laser-assisted milling. The forward problem is solved by analytical prediction of mean residual stress after laser-assisted milling. The residual stress profile is predicted through the calculation of thermal stress, by treating laser beam as heat source, and plastic stress by first assuming pure elastic stress in loading process, then obtaining true stress with kinematic hardening followed by the stress relaxation. The variance-based recursive method is applied to solve inverse problem by updating process parameters to match the measured mean residual stress. Three cutting parameters including depth of cut, feed per tooth, and cutting speed, and two laser parameters including laser-tool distance and laser power, are updated with respected to the minimization of resulting residual stress and measurement in each iteration. Experimental measurements are referred on the laser-assisted milling of Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 and ELI. The percentage difference between experiments and predictions is less than 5% for both materials, and the selection is completed within 50 loops.

The EigenAnt algorithm has been proposed to find the shortest path between two nodes with a proof of convergence. Two novel features are noticeable in EigenAnt compared to the conventional ant colony optimization algorithms. Pheromone evaporation in the EigenAnt algorithm is done locally for the selected path and it does not use heuristic information in its selection phase. On the other hand, a simple version of ant colony optimization that also does not use heuristic information has been used for analyzing convergence, considering parameter impact analysis, in the problem of finding the shortest path for 1-node binary chain problems. In this paper, we propose to improve the EigenAnt algorithm by adding additional parameters in such a way as to be able to take advantage of the analysis developed for the simple ant colony optimization algorithm. We demonstrate through our analysis that since the Improved EigenAnt algorithm has one parameter more than ant colony optimization algorithms, tuning of convergence speed is decoupled from tuning of convergence features in the algorithm. Thus, IEigenAnt, which can be interpreted as having two uncorrelated intensification and diversification components, makes it possible to achieve a balance between intensification and diversification. In order to illustrate the advantages of this decoupling, we present experimental results for the routing network problem.

Over 55% of stoma patients suffer complications such as dehydration. Outcomes may be improved through communicating stoma output data to the patient and their clinical teams. Past artificial neural networks to improve accuracy in fluid level sensing were designed to account for ‘slosh’ caused by variable acceleration in one or two axes of movement. This paper describes the development of a novel sensor platform for non-invasive monitoring of stoma output in real time through incorporating a volumetric array consisting of thermistors and capacitive sensors into an ostomy appliance. Stoma output which exits the body at core temperature passes into a stoma appliance in a pattern which is dictated by water content, existing effluent within the bag and distortion of the usual bag shape. By using thermistors, a thermal boundary demarcates the accumulated level of fecal material as the effluent settles. A capacitive array allows the measurement of volume of output. The sensing components communicates via near field communication (NFC) and transmits data to a smartphone application by Bluetooth low energy (BLE). Testing of the device on 11 existing ileostomy patients with 51.6 bag hours of data found a correlation between measured volume and predictive value, supporting its use in this population.

The present work is a theoretical and experimental study of temperature effect on wavelength and threshold current. Since Semiconductor lasers are the type of lasers which uses semiconductor material as a gain medium to achieve stimulated emission of radiation. In this module, the type of semiconductor lasers use is VCSEL and laser diode. Temperature change cause Semiconductor lasers to shift its threshold current, this variation also causes a shift in output wavelength. The experimental results highly agreement with the theoretical calculations.

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) progression metrics indicate AGI will occur within decades. No proof exists that AGI will benefit humans and not harm or eliminate humans. I propose a set of logically distinct conceptual components that are necessary and sufficient to 1) ensure various AGI scenarios will not harm humanity and 2) robustly align AGI and human values and goals. By systematically addressing pathways to malevolent AI we can induce the methods/axioms required to redress them. Distributed ledger technology (DLT, ‘blockchain’) is integral to this proposal, e.g. ‘smart contracts’ are necessary to address evolution of AI that will be too fast for human monitoring and intervention. The proposed axioms: 1) Access to technology by market license. 2) Transparent ethics embodied in DLT. 3) Morality encrypted via DLT. 4) Behavior control structure with values at roots. 5) Individual bar-code identification of critical components. 6) Configuration Item (from business continuity/disaster recovery planning). 7) Identity verification secured via DLT. 8) ‘Smart’ automated contracts based on DLT. 9) Decentralized applications - AI software modules encrypted via DLT. 10) Audit trail of component usage stored via DLT. 11) Social ostracism (denial of resources) augmented by DLT petitions. 12) Game theory and mechanism design.

The article presents a mathematical model to investigate the operability envelopes for subsea production tress (SPT) installation using drill pipe. The finite differential method was used to solve the established governing equations in which the ocean conditions were considered. Based on the evaluations of the ocean wave, ocean current, water depth, specification of drill pipe and SPT weight that might dominate the mechanical behaviors of the pipe, the operability envelopes with permissible ocean conditions for SPT installation were obtained. The results indicate that changes of depths in deep water and SPT weight have few effects on the operation conditions and it would be better to choose smaller pipe to obtain larger permissible ocean conditions during SPT installation.

In Taiwan, farmers often apply excess compost to ensure adequate crop yield in highly frequent tillage, highly weathered, and lower fertility soils. The potential of biochar (BC) for diminishing soil C mineralization, and improving soil nutrient availability in compost over-fertilized soil is promising, but the study is still under-examined. To test the hypothesis, 434 days in vitro C mineralization kinetics of incubation experiment were conducted. Woody BC 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% (w/w) made of lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit) were added to an Oxisols, and two Inceptisols of Taiwan. In each treatment, 5% swine manure compost (2 times recommended amount) was added and served as the over-fertilized soil. The results indicated that soil type strongly influenced the impact of BC addition on soil carbon mineralization potential. Respiration per unit of total organic carbon (total mineralization coefficient, TMC) of three studied soils significantly decreased with BC addition increased. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that for retaining more plant nutrients in addition to the effects of carbon sequestration, it is recommended that farmer could use locally produced biochars and composts in highly weathered and highly frequent tillage soil. Adding 0.5%-1% woody BC in soil should be reasonable and appropriate.

The rapid development of multicopters has led to many security problems. In order to prevent multicopters from invading restricted areas or famous buildings, an Anti-UAV Defense System (AUDS) has been developed and become a research topic of interest. Topics under research in relation to this include electromagnetic interference guns for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-energy laser guns, US military net warheads, and AUDSs with net guns. However, these AUDSs use either manual aiming or expensive radar to track UAVs. This paper proposes a dual-axis rotary platform with UAV automatic tracking. The tracking platform uses visual image processing technology to track and lock the dynamic displacement of a UAV. When a target UAV is locked, the system uses a nine-axis attitude meter and laser rangefinders to measure its flight altitude and calculates its longitude and latitude coordinates through sphere coordinates to provide UAV monitoring for further defense or attack missions. Tracking tests of UAV flights in the air were carried out using a DJI MAVIC UAV at a height of 30 meters to 100 meters. It was set up for UAV image capture and visual recognition for tracking under various weather conditions by a thermal imager and a full-color camera respectively. When there was no cloud during the daytime, the images captured by the thermal imager and full-color camera provide a high-quality image recognition result. However, under dark weather, black clouds will emit radiant energy and seriously affect the capture of images by a thermal imager. When there is no cloud at night, the thermal imager performs well in UAV image capture. When the UAV is tracked and locked, the system can effectively obtain the flight altitude and longitude and latitude coordinate values.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically heterogenous disease that includes a subgroup of 10-15% of patients facing dismal survival despite most intensive treatment. The aim of this review article is to provide an integrated clinical and biological overview on the high-risk MM discussing the novel therapeutic perspectives aimed to target the neoplastic clone and its microenvironment. The dissection of the molecular determinants of the aggressive phenotypes and drug resistance can foster a better tailored clinical management of high-risk profile and refractoriness to therapy. Among the current clinical difficulties in MM, patient’s management manipulating the tumor niche represents a major challenge given the limited knowledge about the MM-milieu interaction. The angiogenesis and bystander infiltrate constitute pivotal mechanisms of mutual collaboration between MM and the non-tumoral counterpart. Immuno-modulatory and anti-angiogenic therapy hold great efficacy but variable and unpredictable responses in high-risk MM. Therefore, it would be worth to better select the population and the MM stage that could profit to a dual immune/vasculogenesis targeting. The comprehensive knowledge of the genetic heterogeneity and MM high-risk ecosystem enforce a systematic bench-to-bedside approach. Despite significant improvements in the biology knowledge, MM is still a chronic and incurable neoplasia and therapeutic options able to overcome the relapsing/refractory behavior represent an unmet clinical need. Here, we corroborate previous biological findings providing a synthetic outlook of novel druggable targets. We also summarize the existing multi-omics-based risk profiling tools, in order to better personalize the patient-oriented clinical management.

Typical modern information systems are required to process copious data. Conventional manual approaches can no longer effectively analyze such massive amounts of data, and thus humans resort to smart techniques and tools to complement human effort. Currently, network security events occur frequently, and generate abundant log and alert files. Processing such vast quantities of data particularly requires smart techniques. This study reviewed several crucial developments of existent data mining algorithms, including those that compile alerts generated by heterogeneous IDSs into scenarios and employ various HMMs to detect complex network attacks. Moreover, sequential pattern mining algorithms were examined to develop multi-step intrusion detection. These studies can focus on applying these algorithms in practical settings to effectively reduce the occurrence of false alerts. This article researched the application of data mining algorithms in network security. The academic community has recently generated numerous studies on this topic.

The results reveal CILSS as the most accurate data set with a Kappa coefficient of 68% and an overall accuracy of 83%. CILSS data shows a decrease of savanna and forest whereas an increase of cropland over the period 1975 to 2013. The increase of cropland area of 30.97% from 1975 to 2013 can be related to the increase in population and their food demand, while the losses of forest area and the decrease of savanna are further amplified by using wood as energy sources and the lack of forest management. The three datasets were used to simulate future LULC changes using the Terrset Land Change Modeler. The validation of the model using CILSS data for 2013 showed a quality of 50.94%, it is only 40.04% for ESA and 20.13% for Globeland30. CILSS data was utilized to simulate the LULC distribution for the years 2020 and 2027 because of its satisfactory performances. The results show that a high spatial resolution is not a guarantee of high quality. The results of this study can be used for impact studies and to develop management strategies for mitigating negative effects of land use and land cover change.

An analysis is presented of the possible existence of a second anomalous dipole moment of Dirac’s particle next to the angular one. It includes a discussion why, in spite of his own derivation, Dirac has denied its relevancy. It is shown why since then it has been overlooked and why it has vanished from leading textbooks. A critical survey is given on the reasons of its reject, including the failure of attempts to measure and its perceived violation of the CPT theorem. Moreover, by reference from literature, the possible impact is discussed in the nuclear domain and in the gravitational domain if it would exist.

An autonomous endogenous time-keeping is ubiquitous across many living organisms known as circadian clock when it has a period of about 24 hours. Interestingly, the fundamental design principle with a network of interconnected negative and positive feedback loops is conserved through evolution, although the molecular components differ. Filamentous fungus \textit{Neurospora crassa} is a well established chrono-genetics model organism to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The core negative feedback loop of the clock of \textit{Neurospora} is composed of the transcription activator White Collar Complex (WCC) (heterodimer of WC1 and WC2) and the inhibitory element called FFC complex which is made of FRQ (Frequency protein), FRH (Frequency interacting RNA Helicase) and CK1a (Casein kinase 1a). While exploring their temporal dynamics we investigate how limit cycle oscillations arise and how molecular switches support self-sustained rhythms. We develop a mathematical model of 10 variables with 26 parameters to understand the interactions and feedbacks among WC1 and FFC elements in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. We performed control and bifurcation analysis to show that our novel model produces robust oscillations with a wild-type period of 22.5 hrs. Our model reveals a switch between WC1 induced transcription and FFC assisted inactivation of WC1. Using the new model we also study possible mechanisms of glucose compensation. A fairly simple model with just 3 non-linearities helps to elucidate clock dynamics revealing a mechanism of rhythms production. The model can further be utilized to study entrainment and temperature compensation.

The fetal heart rate (FHR) is a screening signal for preventing fetal hypoxia during labor. When experts analyze this signal, they have to position a baseline and then identify decelerations and accelerations. These steps can potentially be automated and made more objective by signal processing analysis. Various methods have been described in the literature but there are no open-source programs for performing these steps. The MATLAB toolbox presented here comprises a standard signal pre-processing function, 11 re-coded literature methods for fetal heart rate analysis, a signal viewer (enabling annotation by an expert) and an evaluation procedure with various criteria measuring intrarater agreement.

In relation to organizational performance measurement, there is a growing concern about the creation of value for people, society and the environment. The traditional corporate reporting does not adequately satisfy the information needs of stakeholders for assessing an organization’s past and future potential performance. Practitioners and scholars have developed new non-financial reporting frameworks from a social and environmental perspective, giving birth to the field of Integrated Reporting (IR). The Economy for the Common Good (ECG) model and its tools to facilitate sustainability management and reporting can provide a framework to do it. The present study is the first one that empirically validates such metrics on a sample of 206 European firms. Consequently, it allows knowledge to advance as it checks their statistical validity and reliability.

The use of new developed high-strength steel in concrete members can reduce steel bars congestion and construction costs. This research aims to study the behavior of concrete columns reinforced with new developed high-strength steel under eccentric loading. Ten reinforced concrete columns were fabricated and tested. The test variables are transverse reinforcement amount and yield strength, eccentricity, and longitudinal reinforcement yield strength. The failure patterns are compression and tensile failure for columns subjected to small eccentricity and large eccentricity, respectively. The same level of post-peak deformability and ductility only can be obtained with lower amount of transverse reinforcement when high-strength transverse reinforcements are used in columns subjected to small eccentricity. The high-strength longitudinal reinforcement can improve bearing capacity and post-peak deformability of concrete columns. Besides, three different equivalent rectangular stress block (ERSB) parameters in predicting bearing capacity of columns with high-strength steel were discussed based on test and simulated results. It is concluded that the Code of GB 50010-2010 overestimates the bearing capacity of columns with high-strength steel, whereas bearing capacities computed using Codes of ACI 318-14 and CSA A23.3-04 agree well with test results.

In this paper, precise examination of multi-port antennas with large mutual coupling between the ports is studied. For this purpose, some vital parameters such as active reflection coefficients and realised gain are emphasized. The main motivation of this research is the ignorance of this issue in several recently published papers. Hence, corrections and criticisms to some recently reported results are presented. At first, a microstrip patch consisting of two inverted U-slots is re-examined, which has been proposed in a recently published paper for wideband applications. However, the authors did not present satisfactory results to indicate the performance of the proposed structure. In reverse, some important parameters such as the antenna gain appear to be incorrectly reported. In this paper, the characteristics of the antenna are compared with a simple 50 Ω microstrip line excited by two probes, indicating no significant differences. In the remainder of this paper, some corrections are provided on two examples of wide-beam circularly polarised multi-fed antennas for satellite applications. The first example is the multi-fed spiral antennas with folded arms, which have been proposed as the widebeam antennas at 435 MHz. It is indicated that the antenna height should be increased for better performance. The second example is the quadrifilar square helical antennas with folded arms, which have been proposed as the widebeam antennas for 435 MHz with minor responses at 145 MHz. Some corrections are presented on the previously reported minor responses at 145 MHz.

This work communicates laser-plasma experiments in a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen. Time-resolved spectroscopy measures the first four Balmer series hydrogen lines together with selected neutral and ionized nitrogen lines. Optical breakdown plasma is generated in a 1:1 hydrogen:nitrogen mixture at ambient temperature and 0.27-atm pressure. Time-resolved spectroscopy records emitted radiation with spatial resolution along the slit height for the H$_\upalpha$, H$_\upbeta$, H$_\upgamma$, and H$_\updelta$ lines. For 13 selected time delays from 0.25 $\upmu$s to 3.25 $\upmu$s and 0.025 $\upmu$ gate-widths, micro-plasma diagnostics is evaluated. Of interest are the peak-separation and width of H$_\updelta$ and width of H$_\upgamma$ for electron densities in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 $\times 10^{17} {\rm cm}^{-3}$, and comparisons with H$_\upbeta$ and H$_\upalpha$ diagnostics. Integral inversions interrogate spatial distributions of the plasma expansion. Applications include laboratory and stellar astrophysics plasma diagnosis.

After astrochemistry and astrobiology, astrotoxicology is a further subfield of astroscience. Despite growing space research, there are so far only a few pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic or toxicological investigations under conditions of microgravity and knowledge of toxicology under the extreme conditions in space in particular. Future studies will be the beginning of astrotoxicology, a previously unknown branch of toxicology.

The sentiment of a word varies based on its context of usage: the words used around it and the part-of-speech it is used as. This paper proposes a technique to suggest the sentiment of a word by combining its part-of-speech and the semantic similarities of its co-occurrences with both context-specific and pre-trained embeddings to achieve powerful and fast results. A study was conducted across domains and sub-domains to measure variance of sentiment by switching domains and switching context within the same domain. Re-scoring a commonly used polarity lexicon showed that 10% of words changed scores while switching domains and 8% changed scores within domains while switching context. Part of Speech analysis on 65,353 commonly used sentiment lexicons showed that 81% of sentiment bearing (non-neutral) lexicons were of the tags NN (Common Noun), JJ (Adjective) or NNS (Proper Noun).        

Mill scale is the by-product of iron and steel industry. It can be recycled via sinter plant or solid as sinter feed materials. 85 to 90% of the constituent particles are more than 0.008 inches. The iron content is near around 70 %, with a very small amount of alkaline compounds and non-ferrous metals. Mill scale is polluted and contaminated with lubricants, oils and greases from the equipment. In this experiment for recovering of oil from mill scale, it is treated with three different methods. Then all methods were compared according to the ability of oil elimination and iron recovered. After washing and boiling with surfactants, large amount of polluted waste water becomes a problem for environment so this wastewater was utilized for making of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), production of electricity in MFC depends on the biodegradation of organic materials, so different waste were added in wastewater for making MFC. The remaining of MFC was converted in bioethanol, biodiesel and biofertilizer. So this research is economical and environmentally friendly and fulfilled the important aspect of green environment with zero waste. It will be a mile stone in the research of metallurgy, environmental engineering, recycling technology and zero waste management.

This paper presents the design of a high frequency zero voltage switching (ZVS) full-bridge converter with a phase-shifted driving signal for photovoltaic applications. The resonant power converter can provide high-power capacity under high-frequency operation. The proposed power converter can also reduce the size of the transformer under the same power rating. The high-frequency transformer was developed by using the resonant and switching frequencies of the power converter to reduce the switching loss and to improve the system efficiency. Phase-shifted modulation was selected to drive the switches of a full-bridge power converter based on the switching loss minimization method. The desired output voltage was controlled using a closed-loop controller under a loop gain stability margin. The simulation results showed that the output voltage can be controlled to the desired constant when the input voltage changes from 30 VDC to 60 VDC. The desired output voltage of power converter is constant at 400 VDC. The power converter can transfer the DC supply to a 220 VAC household via grid-connected inverter. Therefore, the proposed study showed the effectiveness of the phase-shift ZVS full-bridge power converter with high-frequency transformer. This power converter can control the operation of the desired voltage system and has a small sizing of power converter system, low switching loss, and high system efficiency.

Recent observations of the dark energy density have demonstrated the fine-tuning problem, and the challenges faced by theoretical modeling. In this study, we apply the self-similar symmetry (SSS) model, describing the hierarchical structure of the universe based on the Dirac large numbers hypothesis, to Einstein's cosmological term. We introduce a new similarity dimension, D_B, in the SSS model. Using the D_B SSS model, the cosmological constant Λ is simply expressed as a function of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature. The result shows that both the gravitational constant G and Λ are coupled with the CMB temperature, which simplifies the solution of Einstein's field equations for the variable Λ-G model.

In this work the general problem of the characterization of the topological phase of an open quantum system is addressed. In particular, we study the topological properties of Kitaev chains and ladders under the perturbing effect of a current flux injected into the system using an external normal lead and derived from it via a superconducting electrode. After discussing the topological phase diagram of the isolated systems, using a scattering technique within the Bogoliubov-de Gennes formulation, we analyze the differential conductance properties of these topological devices as a function of all relevant model parameters. The relevant problem of implementing local spectroscopic measurements to characterize topological systems is also addressed by studying the system electrical response as a function of the position and the distance of the normal electrode (tip). The results show how the signatures of topological order affect the electrical response of the analyzed systems, a subset of such signatures being robust also against the effects of a moderate amount of disorder. The analysis of the internal modes of the nanodevices demonstrates that topological protection can be lost when quantum states of an initially isolated topological system are hybridized with those of the external reservoirs. The conclusions of this work could be useful in understanding the topological phases of nanowire-based mesoscopic devices.

Wnt pathway is involved in breast cancer (BC) progression. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of some components of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin, FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1) in order to detect potential associations with NHERF1 protein. In addition, we assessed their impact on patients’clinical outcome. We evaluated 220 primary BC samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and protein localization by immunofluorescence. We found a significant correlation between NHERF1 and FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1. Univariate analysis showed that β-catenin (p<0.0001), FZD4 (p=0.0001), LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1 over-expression (p<0.0001 respectively) was related to poor disease free survival (DFS). A Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed univariate data and showed a poor DFS for cNHERF1+/FZD4+ (p=0.0007), cNHERF1+/LRP5+ (p=0.0002), cNHERF1+/LRP6+ (p<0.0001) and cNHERF1+/TCF1+ phenotypes (p=0.0034). In multivariate analysis, TCF1 and β-catenin expression were independent prognostic variable of worse DFS (p=0.009 and p=0.027, respectively). In conclusion, we found that β-catenin, FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1 overexpression was associated to poor prognosis. Furthermore, we first identified TCF1 as independent prognostic factor of poor outcome, indicating it as a new potential biomarker for BC patients management. In addition, Wnt pathway proteins expression, both alone and in association with NHERF1, suggests original associations of biological significance for new studies.

A thermodynamic analysis of population dynamics and of sustainability provides rigor to many important issues. In this work, the “system Society” is analysed in connection with the “system Environment” using an exergy metric, and the method includes an internalization of the Externalities (Capital, Labour, Environmental effects) conducted on the basis of a “system+ environment” balance. In this perspective, this study investigates the Late Pleistocene extinction of the Homo Neandertalensis, which took place in a geologically short time and in the presence of a competing species, the Homo Sapiens. The case in study is not trivial, and its choice not casual: in those times, the only factor that could lead to an advantage of one group over the other was their respective resource use intensity. A specific indicator, the Exergy Footprint, is here applied to measure the total amount of primary resources required to produce a certain (material or immaterial) commodity, including the resources needed for the physical survival of the individuals. On the basis of the available data, the results show that the EF of the Neandertal was higher than that of the Sapiens, and that, both species sharing the same ecological niche in a time of dwindling resources, the less frugal was also more fragile in an evolutionary sense.

The identification and molecular characterization of cellular hierarchies in complex tissues is key to understanding both normal cellular homoeostasis and tumorigenesis. The mammary epithelium is a heterogeneous tissue consisting of two main cellular compartments, an outer basal layer containing myoepithelial cells and an inner luminal layer consisting of estrogen receptor negative (ER^-) ductal cells and secretory alveolar cells (in the fully functional differentiated tissue) and hormone responsive estrogen receptor positive (ER⁺) cells. Recent publications in Nature Communications used single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to decipher epithelial cell differentiation hierarchies in human (Nguyen et al., 2018) and murine (Pal et al., 2017) mammary glands and report the identification of new cell types based on the expression of the luminal progenitor cell marker KIT (c-Kit). However, there are several inaccuracies and unfortunate omissions in the citation of previous research in each of these studies. As a result, the overall conclusions on the significance of these reports, in particular the claimed identification of new cell types is not accurate. Here we discuss these studies in the context of our previous research (Regan et al., 2012), in which we identified c-Kit as a luminal progenitor cell marker and functionally characterized cellular subpopulations analogous to those reported in the recent scRNA-seq studies.

We present simple relations for nuclear stability and nuclear binding energy with respect to three gravitational constants associated with electroweak, strong and electromagnetic interactions.

Biowaste generated in the process of Oxytree cultivation and logging represents a potential source of energy. Torrefaction (a.k.a. low-temperature pyrolysis) is one of the methods proposed for the valorization of woody biomass. Still, energy is required for the torrefaction process during which the raw biomass becomes biochar with fuel properties similar to lignite coal. In this work, models describing the influence of torrefaction temperature and residence time on the resulting fuel properties (mass and energy yields, energy densification ratio, organic matter and ash content, combustible parts, lower and higher heating values, CHONS content, H:C and O:C ratios) were proposed according to the Akaike criterion. The degree of the models’ parameters matching the raw data expressed as the determination coefficient (R²) ranged from 0.52 to 0.92. Each model parameter was statistically significant (p<0.05). Estimations of the value and quantity of the produced biochar from 1 Mg of biomass residues were made based on two models and a set of simple assumptions. The value of torrefied biochar (€123.4·Mg^-1) was estimated based on the price of commercially available coal fuel and its lower heating value (LHV) for biomass moisture content of 50%, torrefaction for 20 min at 200 °C. This research could be useful to inform techno-economic analyses and decision-making process pertaining to the valorization of pruned biomass residues.

The human gut microbiome (GM) plays an important role in human health and diseases. However, while substantial progress has been made in understanding the role of bacterial inhabitants of the gut, much less is known regarding the viral component of the GM. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses attacking specific host bacteria and likely play important roles in shaping the GM. Although metagenomic approaches have led to the discoveries of many new viruses, they largely remain uncultured as their hosts have not been identified, which hampers our understanding of their biological roles. Existing protocols for isolation of viromes generally require relatively high input volumes and are generally more focused on extracting nucleic acids of good quality and purity for down-stream analysis and less on purification of still infective viruses. Here we report the development of an efficient protocol requiring low sample input yielding purified viromes containing still infective phages which also are of sufficient purity for genome sequencing. We validated the method through spiking of known phages followed by plaque assays, qPCR and metagenomic sequencing. The protocol should facilitate the culturing of novel viruses from the gut as well as large scale studies on gut viromes.

In this work, we study the weak gravitational lensing in the background of Kerr-Newman black hole with quintessential dark energy. Initially, we compute the deflection angle of light by charged black hole with quintessential dark energy by utilizing the Gauss-Bonnet theorem. Firstly, we suppose the light rays on the equatorial plane in the axisymmetric spacetime. In doing so, we first find the corresponding optical metrics and then calculate the Gaussian optical curvature to utilize in Gauss-Bonnet theorem. Consequently, we calculate the deflection angle of light for rotating charged black hole with quintessence. Additionally, we also find the deflection angle of light for Kerr-Newman black hole with quintessential dark energy. In order to verify our results, we derive deflection angle by using null geodesic equations which reduces to the deflection angle of Kerr solution with the reduction of specific parameters. Furthermore, we analyze the graphical behavior of deflection angle $\Theta$ w.r.t to quintessence parameter $\alpha$, impact parameter $b$, BH charge $Q$ and rotation parameter $a$. Our graphical analysis retrieve various results regarding to the deflection angle by the Kerr-Newman black hole with quintessential dark energy.

In the framework of a multiplicative metric space. We have discuss some Properties of convex structures in pseudo multiplicative metric space and have applied these properties toiobtain alfixed point results in complete pseudo. It would be interesting to prove some further results in such metric spaces with completeness property.

Music and language are hypothesized to share neural resources, particularly at the level of syntax processing. Recent reports suggest that attention modulates this sharing of neural resources, but the time-course of the effects of attention, and the degree to which attention operates similarly on music and language, are yet unclear. In this EEG study we manipulate the syntactic structure of simultaneously presented musical chord progressions and garden-path sentences in a modified rapid serial visual presentation paradigm, while varying top-down attentional demands to the two modalities. The Early Right Anterior Negativity (ERAN) was observed in response to both attended and unattended musical syntax violations. In contrast, an N400 was only observed in response to attended linguistic syntax violations, and a P3 only in response to attended musical syntax violations. Results show that top-down allocation of attention indeed affects the processing of syntax in both music and language, with different neural resources acting upon the two modalities particularly at later stages of cognitive processing. However, the processing of musical syntax at an earlier stage of the perceptual-cognitive pathway, as indexed by the ERAN, is partially automatic, and is strongly indicative of separate neural resources for music and language.

The present paper aims to increase knowlodge of the methods of resistance estimating of concrete in situ by means of non-destructive tests used to integrate the quantitative results from cylindrical specimens (core). The results of experimental investigations carried out on concrete conglomerate samples of a school building are shown. The experimental campaign then will be presented like a case study, conducted on a series of concrete beams and pillars of an existing building. The distructive tests on cores were conducted at the Civil Structures Laboratory of the Engineering Department of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli". The expression obtained through the calibration procedure of the values of non-destructive tests with those provided by the core drills allowed to estimate the average values of the compressive strength of the concrete. It is highlighted how this result was achieved with a very limited core number provided that they are extracted in selected points and that there was a proportionality link with the resistances obtained from non distructive tests.

Background and objectives: The appropriate use of antibiotics is the main strategy of Antimicrobial stewardship program. This study was planned to evaluate the quality of antibiotic prescriptions, its adherence with standard guidelines and surgeons’ perception regarding antibiotic use in surgeries. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational and survey-based study comprised of two sections: Phase 1; to investigate the antibiotic utilization in three most common abdominal surgical procedures during 9 months (January 2017 to September 2017). The appropriateness of antibiotics was compared with evidence-based guidelines. Phase 2; the surgeon’s perspectives were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire (13 items) during the next three months (October 2017 to December 2017). Descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests analysis were used through SPSS Statistical Package 21.0. Results: A total of 866 eligible surgical cases out of 1015 were investigated. An acute appendectomy (n= 418; 48.2%) was most common surgical intervention followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n= 278; 32.1%) and inguinal hernia (n= 170; 19.7%). About 97.5% of patients received antibiotics. Among these, 9.5% adhered according to guidelines with respect to correct choice, 40% for timing, 100% for dose and route (optimal value 100%). The ceftriaxone (J01XD04; n= 503; 59.5%) was most frequently prescribed antibiotic. A 200 participants (response rate 70.6%) filled out a validated questionnaire (internal consistency; α ≥ 0.7). One hundred and thirty-eight (69%) reported the overuse of antibiotics and most of them (97%) preferred broad-spectrum antibiotics instead of narrow-spectrum. The participants reported that non-availability hospital-based guidelines (n=193; 96.5%), prescribing of antibiotics without guidelines (n=186; 93%), underestimation of infection (n=177; 88.5%), lack of consensus (n=135; 67.5%) and poor awareness about guidelines (n=122; 61%) were the main determinants in their health care settings. Conclusions: The compliance of Surgical antibiotic was far below the recommendations of guidelines. The urgent needs of awareness among surgeons and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program were important recommended interventions for appropriate use antibiotics.

This study deals with computational analysis of dominant fatty acid ethyl esters characterized from the biodiesel produced from waste beef tallow by means of KOH catalyzed ethanol based transesterification. Ethyl palmitate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Stearate and Ethyl Myristate were identified as dominant fatty acid esters and were computed for molecular analysis in Gaussian 09 software using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP method) with 6-31G* as basis set. Geometric parameters were in accordance with existing experimental values and population analysis exhibited negative charge for oxygen atoms, both positive & negative charge for carbon atoms in all ester molecules. The molecular dipole moment was higher for unsaturated ester molecule and quadruple moment proposed electronic dislocation in X+Y direction. Also, energy gap decreased slightly with increasing carbon chain but reduced drastically with increase in unsaturation. Electrostatic potential mapping displayed negative electrostatic potential for oxygen atoms in ester linkage of all ester molecules.

The whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a crucial tool to understand genome structure and genetic variation. The MinION sequencing of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is an excellent approach for performing WGS and has advantages in comparison with other Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): It is relatively inexpensive, portable, has simple library preparation, can be monitored in real-time, and has no theoretical limits on read length. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is diploid (2n = 2x = 20) with a genome size of about 730 Mb, and its genome sequence information is released in the Phytozome database. Therefore, sorghum can be be used as a good reference. However, plant species have complex and large genomes compared to animals or microorganisms. As a result, complete genome sequencing is difficult for plant species. MinION sequencing that produces long-reads can be an excellent tool to overcome the weak assembly of short-reads generated from NGS by minimizing the generation of gaps or covering the repetitive sequence that appears on the plant genome. Here, we conducted the genome sequencing for S. bicolor cv. BTx623 using the MinION platform and obtained 895,678 reads and 17.9 gigabytes(Gb) (ca. 25X coverage of reference) from long-read sequence data. Through a de novo assembly using two different tools and mapped assembled contigs against the sorghum reference genome, a total of 6,124 contigs (covering 45.9%) were generated from Canu, and a total of 2,661 contigs (covering 50%) were generated from Minimap and Miniasm with a Racon pipeline. Our results provide a pipeline of long-read sequencing analysis for plant species using the MinION platform and a clue to determine the total sequencing scale for optimal coverage based on various genome sizes.

In the U.S. 44% of low-income households struggle to pay their utility bills, affecting their ability to afford necessities such as food and health expenses. Several government and utility funded energy efficiency programs exist to assist those experiencing energy insecurity. In Salt Lake City, Utah, there is a high demand for, but low availability of, energy efficiency services in underserved neighborhoods creating an opportunity for creative community-based programs to fill this inherent gap. This pilot project, involving the exchanging of LED bulbs in Salt Lake City, highlights the development of a community-based energy efficiency program that aims to bring energy savings to a uniquely targeted portion of the city and determines its feasibility in addressing energy insecurity at a larger scale. Through the 8-month project duration, 1,432 bulbs were exchanged at 23 events reaching 181 households in low-income areas. Through a year of use, these bulbs are estimated to save residents approximately 18,219 USD in electricity bills and reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by 122.23 metric tons, in addition to a savings of 4,400 USD in social cost of carbon as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since this pilot reached less than 1% of households, we extrapolated a reach of 2%, 5%, and 7.5% and found substantial potential decreases in power plant emissions and financial savings. As this project is ongoing and being expanded, we discuss relevant findings that will help shape future community-based models so that they are appropriately deployed and more effective in alleviating local energy insecurity.

One challenging problem is the representation of three-dimensional datasets that vary with time. These datasets can be though as a cloud of points that gradually deforms. But point-wise variations lack of information about the overall deformation pattern, and more importantly, about the extreme deformation locations inside the cloud. The present article applies a technique in computational mechanics to derive the strain-rate state of a time-dependent and three-dimensional data distribution, by which one can characterize its main trends of shift. Indeed, the tensorial analysis methodology is able to determine the global deformation rates in the entire dataset. With the use of this technique, one can characterize the significant fluctuations in a reduced multivariate description of an urban system and identify the possible causes of those changes: calculating the strain-rate state of a PCA-based multivariate description of an urban system, we are able to describe the clustering and divergence patterns between the districts of the city and to characterize the temporal rate in which those variations happen.

Project complexity is usually considered as one of main causes of cost overruns, resulting in poor performance and thus project failure. However, empirical studies focused on evaluating its effects on project cost remain lacking. Given this circumstance, this study attempts to develop the relationships between project cost and the multidimensional project complexity elements. We establish complexity as a multidimensional factor including the task, organization, market, legal, and environment complexities. This study uses an empirical evidence-based structural model to account for the relationships between project cost and project complexity. By doing so, a quantitative assessment of multi-dimensional project complexity has been developed. The findings suggest that task and organization complexities have direct effects on project cost, while market, legal and external environment complexities have indirect effects on project cost. The practical contribution is that the findings can improve the understanding of which dimension of complexity significantly influence project cost, and the need to focus efforts on strategically addressing that complexities.

Nowadays, environmental circumstances and business rules of organizations are complicate, active and uncertain, so, they cannot assurance their long- term survival through some actions such as, structural changes and methods or relying on creativity of some people in organization. Companies and organizations should prepare conditions to institutionalize entrepreneurial culture in their organization. Corporate entrepreneurship can improve the value of the organization. The entrepreneurial oriented organizations are more responsive for environment and market changes. Opportunity recognition is the base of being successful. The research is applied and in terms of method is descriptive. Data were analyzed, using Linear Regression and Multiple Moderated Regression (MMR) and SPSS software. In this research the effects of organizational entrepreneurship (innovation, proactiveness and risk-taking) on performance of the centers influenced by environmental factors (government’s strategies, competitiveness and technology) as moderating variables, were studied. Furthermore, the study presents that there is a significant positive relationship between organizational entrepreneurship and performance. Although the study does not show any significant moderating effect of environmental factors (Government’s strategies, competitiveness and technology) on the relationship between organizational entrepreneurship and performance, however, the result of the study manifests direct relationship between environmental factors and performance of such centers.

Porosity in plasma sprayed coatings is vital for most engineering applications. It is either advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the functionality of the coating and the immediate working environment. Consequently, the formation mechanisms and development of porosity has been extensively explored to find out modes of controlling porosity in plasma sprayed coatings. In this work, a comprehensive review of porosity on plasma sprayed coatings is established. The formation and development of porosity on plasma sprayed coatings are governed by set spraying parameters. Optimized set spraying parameters have been used to achieve the most favorable coatings with minimum defects. Even with the optimized set spraying parameters, defects like porosity still occur. Here, we discuss other ways that can be used to control porosity in plasma sprayed coating with emphasis to atmospheric plasma sprayed chromium oxide coatings. Techniques like multi-layer coatings, nano-structured coatings, doping with rare earth elements, laser surface re-melting and a combination of the above methods have been suggested in adjusting porosity. The influences of porosity on properties of plasma sprayed coatings and the measurement methods of porosity have also been reviewed.

Preparing high school students for engineering disciplines is crucial for sustainable scientific and technological developments in the USA. This paper discusses a pre-college program, which not only exposes students to various engineering disciplines but also enables them to consider engineering as the profession. The four-week long “Engineering Innovation (EI)” course is offered every year to high school students by the center of outreach, Johns Hopkins University. EI program is designed to develop problem-solving skills through extensive hands-on engineering experiments. A team consisting of an instructor, generally a PhD in Engineering, and a teaching fellow, generally a high school science teacher, closely work with students to pedagogically inculcate basics of core engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, materials, and chemical engineering. EI values independent problem-solving skills and simultaneously promote the team spirit among students. A number of crucial engineering aspects such as professional ethics, communications, technical writing, and understanding of common engineering principles are inculcated among high school students via well-designed individual and group activities. This paper discusses the model of EI program and its impact on students learning and their preparation for the engineering career.

In this paper, we present Binet's formulas, generating functions, and the summation formulas for generalized Pentanacci numbers, and as special cases, we investigate Pentanacci and Pentanacci-Lucas numbers with their properties. Also, we define Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers and as special cases, we investigate Gaussian Pentanacci and Gaussian Pentanacci-Lucas numbers with their properties. Moreover, we give some identities for these numbers. Furthermore, we present matrix formulations of generalized Pentanacci numbers and Gaussian generalized Pentanacci numbers.

We consider a four-dimensional Riemannian manifold M equipped with an additional tensor structure S, whose fourth power is minus identity and the second power is an almost complex structure. In a local coordinate system the components of the metric g and the structure S form skew-circulant matrices. Both structures S and g are compatible, such that an isometry is induced in every tangent space of M. By a special identity for the curvature tensor, generated by the Riemannian connection of g, we determine classes of an Einstein manifolds and an almost Einstein manifolds. For such manifolds we obtain propositions for the sectional curvatures of some special 2-planes in a tangent space of M. We consider an almost Hermitian manifold associated with the studied manifold and find conditions for g, under which it is a Kähler manifold. We construct some examples of the considered manifolds on Lie groups.

Modern gas turbines firing temperatures (1500-2000K) are well beyond the maximum allowable blade material temperatures. Continuous safe operation is made possible by cooling the HP turbine first stages -nozzle vanes and rotor blades- with a portion of the compressor discharge air, a practice that induces a penalty on the cycle thermal efficiency. Therefore, a current issue is to investigate the real advantage, technical and economical, of raising maximum temperatures much further beyond current values. In this paper, process simulations of a gas turbine are performed to assess HP turbine first-stage cooling effects on cycle performance. A new simplified and properly streamlined model is proposed for the non-adiabatic expansion of the hot gas mixed with the cooling air within the blade passage, which allows for a comparison of several cycle configurations at different TIT (turbine inlet temperature) and max (total turbine expansion ratio) with a realistically acceptable degree of approximation.. The calculations suggest that, at a given max, the TIT can be increased in order to reach higher cycle efficiency up to a limit imposed by the required amount and temperature of the cooling air. Beyond this limit, no significant gains in thermal efficiency are obtained by adopting higher max and/or increasing the TIT, so that it is convenient in terms of cycle performance to design at lower rather than higher max. The small penalty on cycle efficiency is compensated by lower plant cost. The results of our model agree with those of some previous much more complex and computationally expensive studies, so that the novelty of this paper lies in the original method adopted on which the proposed model is based, and in the fast, accurate and low resource intensity of the corresponding numerical procedure: all advantages that can be crucial for industry needs. The presented analysis is purely thermodynamic, with no investigation on the effects of the different configurations on plant costs, so that future work addressing a thermo-economic analysis of the air-cooled gas turbine power plant is the next logical step.

Ageing of the world population makes of dementia a challenge for health systems worldwide. The cognitive disturbance is a serious but not the only issue in dementia; behavioural and psychological syndromes known as neuropsychiatric or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia remarkably reduce the quality of life of patients. Rising evidence is unraveling the pathophysiology of these symptoms in which all the neurotransmitter systems in the Central Nervous System (CNS) are implicated, with a pivotal role of alterations of the glutamatergic neurotransmission. Pharmacological agents for the treatment of these disorders endowed with efficacy and safety are not available yet; aromatherapy provides the best evidence in the control of agitation, the most resistant symptom. Basic research effort demonstrates that the essential oil of bergamot induces anxyolitic-like effects, devoid of sedation, typical of benzodiazepines, with noteworthy advantage for demented patients. People suffering from dementia often cannot verbalize pain, thus resulting unrelieved and contributing to agitation. Bergamot essential oil provides extensive evidence of analgesic properties independent from the route of administration. Among other mechanisms, modulation of autophagy, a process involved in neuropathic pain, seems to be implicated in the analgesic activity of bergamot essential oil. These data, together with the reported safety profile form the rational basis for bergamot as a neurotherapeutic to be trialed for the control of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

The extent to which cheating occurs in the natural world has proved contentious. We suggest that viruses offer an exceptional opportunity for studying cheats, individuals that exploit the cooperative behaviour of others. In particular, we show that: (1) cheating is common in viruses; (2) there are many different types of viral cheat; (3) viral cheats offer novel problems for social evolution theory; (4) viruses offer excellent empirical opportunities for studying cheating; (5) cheating shows that viral populations experience substantial conflict, changing how we think about how viral infections evolve; (6) evolutionary theory about cheating could help us understand viral evolution; (7) a greater understanding of cheating in viruses could aid viral intervention strategies.

Spike shape and morphometric characteristics are among the key characteristics of cultivated cereals associated with their productivity. Identification of the genes controlling these traits requires morphometric data at harvesting and analysis of numerous plants, which could be automatically done using technologies of digital image analysis. A method for wheat spike morphometry utilizing 2D image analysis is proposed. Digital images are acquired in two variants: a spike on a table (one projection) or fixed with a clip (four projections). The method identifies spike and awns in the image and estimates their quantitative characteristics (area in image, length, width, circularity, etc.). Section model, quadrilaterals, and radial model are proposed for describing spike shape. Parameters of these models are used to predict spike shape type (spelt, normal, or compact) by machine learning. The mean error in spike density prediction for the images in one projection is 4.61 (~18%) versus 3.33 (~13%) for the parameters obtained using four projections.

The exact etiology of myopia remains elusive. The author proposes the particle property of photon in living tissue and the photon-electron theory in living tissue, if the frequency of the photon exceeds the threshold, the photon has enough energy to strike the electron away and forms a hole of a diameter in photon diameter scale in living tissue include the eye. Longer time of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation will cause more holes and a larger radius of holes. The visual light which passes through the radiated hole in the eye cannot be refracted on the macula, this is myopia symptom of blurred vision, shortening the distance of the eye and the object will include more visual light into cornea and lens, this is myopia another symptom of nearsightedness. The particle property of photon causes elongation of the eye and the macular holes.Blue light and X-ray are two kinds of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation which can shot holes in eye and cause myopia.

The transfer of protein-encoding genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, a process formalized as the “Central Dogma of Molecular Biology”, has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. It was amended to account for the information flow from RNA to DNA, the reverse transcription, and for the information transfer from RNA to RNA, the RNA-dependent RNA synthesis. These processes, both potentially leading to protein production, were initially described only in viral systems, and although RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was shown to be present, and RNA-dependent RNA synthesisfound to occur, in mammalian cells, its function was presumed to be restricted to regulatory. However, recent results, obtained with multiple mRNA species in several mammalian systems, strongly indicate the occurrence of protein-encoding RNA to RNA information transfer in mammalian cells. It can result in the rapid production of the extraordinary quantities of specific proteins as was seen in cases of terminal cellular differentiation and during cellular deposition of extracellular matrix molecules. A malfunction of this process may be involved in pathologies associated either with the deficiency of a protein normally produced by this mechanism or with the abnormal abundanceof a protein or of its C-terminal fragment. It seems to be responsible for some types of familial thalassemia and may underlie the overproduction of beta amyloid in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the present article is to systematize the current knowledge and understanding of this pathway. The outlined framework introduces unexpected features of the mRNA amplification such as its ability to generate polypeptides non-contiguously encoded in the genome, its second Tier, a physiologically occurring intracellular polymerase chain reaction, iPCR, a Two-Tier Paradox and RNA Dark Matter. RNA-dependent mRNA amplification represents a new mode of genomic protein-encoding information transfer in mammalian cells. Its potential physiological impact is substantial, it appears relevant to multiple pathologies and its understanding opens new venues of therapeutic interference, it suggests powerful novel bioengineering approaches and its further rigorous investigations are highly warranted.

This paper discusses a cross-disciplinary, international collaboration aimed at researching a series of 15th century choir books at the abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore on the homonymous island in Venice. Produced for the abbey itself, the books have never left the island during their 500-years history, thereby allowing a unique opportunity to analyse historic artefacts, which have undergone little modification over time. Prompted by ongoing cataloguing work on the manuscripts, a week-long analytical campaign using a combination of non-invasive analytical methods used in portable configuration allowed the comprehensive characterisation of ten volumes. The manuscripts’ palette and painting techniques were analysed using near-infrared imaging, reflectance spectroscopy in the UV-vis-NIR range, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence mapping and digital microscopy. The paper will discuss the challenges linked to the fragility and the large dimensions of the volumes as well as the most interesting results of the investigation. These include the detection of unusual painting materials such as bismuth ink, as well as the discovery of a less homogeneous palette than originally expected, which prompted a partial revision of the attribution of the decoration in one of the volumes to a single artist.

The upsurge of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in the previous five years has led to advancements in unsupervised data manipulation, sourced feature translation, and precise input-output synthesis through a competitive optimization of the discriminator and generator networks. More specifically, the recent rise of cycle-consistent GANs enables style transfers from a discrete source (input A) to target domain (input B) by preprocessing object features for a multi-discriminative adversarial network. Traditionally, cyclical adversarial networks have been exploited for unpaired image-to-image translation and domain adaptation by determining mapped relationships between an input A graphic and an input B graphic. However, this integral mechanism of domain adaptation can be applied to the complex acoustical features of human speech. Although well-established datasets, such as the 2018 Voice Conversion Challenge repository, paved way for female-male voice transformation, cycle-GANs have rarely been re-engineered for voices outside the datasets. More critically, cycle-GANs have massive potential to extract surface-level and hidden feature to distort an input A source into a texturally unrelated target voice. By preprocessing, compressing, and packaging unique acoustical voice properties, CycleGANs can learn to decompose speech signals and implement new translation models while preserving emotion, the intent of words, rhythm, and accents. Due to the potential of CycleGAN’s autoencoder in realistic unsupervised voice-voice conversion/feature adaptation, the researchers raise the ethical implications of controlling source input A to manipulate target voice B, particularly in cases of defamation and sabotage of target B’s words. This paper analyzes the potential of cycle-consistent GANs in deceptive voice-voice conversion by manipulating interview excerpts of political candidates.

It is important for enterprises to decide their environmental policies after carefully examining their future paths based on the relationship between the environment and the economy. This study focused on Japanese minimum administrative divisions (municipalities) and attempted to quantify the annual environmental efficiency of production activities within each division according to the theory of life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA). This study leverages the assessment theory LIME2, which is an endpoint-type LCIA method developed in 2010 that integrates environmental loads for certain impact categories, such as global warming and land use into a simple indicator by monetary unit. First, annual environmental impact assessments were conducted for all Japanese municipalities based on statistical information that was reliable, verifiable, and comparable. Next, the environmental efficiency of productivity for each division was conceptualized by dividing the gross domestic product by the environmental damage amounts as calculated above. Assessment results for each municipality were placed on a map of Japan in order to visualize the regionality of each indicator. The findings revealed in this study will aid public administrators in their decision-making process with respect to environmental policies.

Flavonoids are major secondary metabolites in plants, which play important roles in maintaining the cellular redox balance in cells. Chalcone synthase (CHS) is the key enzyme in the flavonoids biosynthesis pathway, and has been proved to monitor the changes to drought stress tolerance. In this work, we overexpressed a CHS gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The transgenic tobacco plants were more tolerant than the control plants to drought stress. The transcription levels of the key genes involved in the flavonoids pathway and the contents of seven flavonoids were also significantly raised in the transgenic tobacco plants. In addition, overexpression of the CHS gene lead to a lower concentration of the oxidative stress product malondialdehyde. Overall, the NtCHS gene studied in this work was considered as a candidate gene for genetic engineering to enhance drought tolerance of plants and improve response to oxidative stress.

Consideration of climate change in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a rather novel topic, which became partly mandatory through the revised EU Directive on EIA. Through a mixed-methods approach involving key-actors from EIA practice, decision making and climate adaptation planning, this study presents a transdisciplinary point of view on barriers and opportunities to tackle climate change adaptation in environmental assessment of large-scale projects. It is based on both a retrospective ex-post evaluation of existing practices in Austria and Germany as well as prescriptive examination and development of outcomes for practice through the development of a climate-fit toolkit that supports the incorporation of climate change impacts into EIAs. The scenario analysis applied with a back casting approach provided the opportunity to look beyond limitations related to legal compliance and partly lack of data identified by previous research. Three scenario narratives were elaborated based on nine key impact factors based on literature review, content analysis of EIA documents and interviews with EIA actors. The groups of actors carried out a prioritization of actions towards consideration of climate change in EIA. Finally, the actors were involved in co-production of an online tool-kit for Austrian and German EIA practice.

In this paper, we are interested in a model of exact asymptotically flat charged hairy black holes in the background of dilaton potential. We study the weak gravitational lensing in the spacetime of hairy black hole in Einstein-Maxwell theory with a non-minimally coupled dilaton and its non-trivial potential. In doing so, we use the optical geometry of the flat charged hairy black hole for some range of parameter $\gamma$. For this purpose, by using Gauss-Bonnet theorem, we obtain the deflection angle of photon in a spherically symmetric and asymptotically flat spacetime. Moreover, we also investigate the impact of plasma medium on weak gravitational lensing by asymptotically flat charged hairy black hole with a  dilaton potential. Our analytically analyses show the effect of the hair on the deflection angle in weak field limits.

It is suggested that physical properties of common elementary particles can be associated with microscopic Primordial Black Holes (PBH) which is inferred to have formed between 10⁻²⁴ to 10⁻²⁰ seconds from Big bang in the early universe. This is also found to be related to the phenomenon of Hawking radiation from these PBH. We have revisited the properties of minimons and maximons introduced by Markov [1] in this context. Planck particles which is inferred to form near Planck time (3.857 ×10⁻⁴³ seconds) are identified as maximons with a mass √πm_p where m_p is the Planck mass. The minimons are associated with a PBH with Hawking temperature identical with the cosmic microwave background temperature of the universe. The mass of the minimons are found to be comparable to that of the lightest neutrinos (0.0185 eV). They also possess highest Compton wavelength (10⁻⁴ m) known for an elementary particle.

Over the last two decades, residential buildings have accounted for nearly 50 percent of total energy use in New Zealand. In order to reduce household energy use, the factors that influence energy use should be continuously monitored and managed. Building researchers and professionals have made efforts to investigate the factors that affect energy use. However, few have concentrated on the association between household energy use and the cost of residential buildings. This study examined the correlation between household energy use and residential building cost. Analysis of the correlation between energy use data and residential building cost indicated that residential building cost in the construction phase and energy use in the operation stage were significantly correlated. These findings suggest that correct monitoring of building costs can help to identify trends in energy use. Therefore, this study proposes a time series model for forecasting residential building costs of five categories of residential building (one-story house, two-story house, townhouse, apartment, retirement village) in New Zealand. The primary contribution of this paper is the identification of the close correlation between household energy use and residential building costs and provide a new area for optimize energy management.

Concrete beams built from individual segments connected to each other by special mechanism referred as segmental beam. The aim of this research is to exhibit a new technique for fabrication of small scale segmental beams from wedge shape unreinforced concrete segments and pultruded carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) in laminate form. Eight segmental beams including two parameters are tested experimentally. The first parameter is the area of CFRP and second is the adhesive material used to bond segments of the beams. The test shows that segmental beams have a higher ratio of CFRP area undergoes less deflection and sustain higher ultimate loading value of 38.4%. Moreover, the test of beams with concrete segments adhered by epoxy resin sustain a higher load than segments adhered by cementitious materials about 11.87%. Theoretically, segmental beams were analyzed by modified American Concrete Institute ACI 440.2R-17 report with slight modifications. The analysis results in an overestimation of flexural strength of segmental beams when compared with experimental outcomes.

Bottom-up systems biology entails the construction of kinetic models of cellular pathways by collecting kinetic information on the pathway components (e.g. enzymes) and collating this into a kinetic model, based for example on ordinary differential equations. This requires integration and data transfer between a variety of tools, ranging from data acquisition in kinetics experiments, to fitting and parameter estimation, to model construction, evaluation and validation. Here, we present a workflow that uses the Python programming language, specifically the modules from the SciPy stack, to facilitate this task. Starting from raw kinetics data, acquired either from spectrophotometric assays with microtitre plates or from NMR spectroscopy time courses, we demonstrate the fitting and construction of a kinetic model using scientific Python tools. The analysis takes place in a Jupyter notebook, which keeps all information related to a particular experiment together in one place and thus serves as an e-labbook, enhancing reproducibility and traceability. The Python programming language serves as an ideal foundation for this framework because it is powerful yet relatively easy to learn for the non-programmer, has a large library of scientific routines and active user community, is open-source and extensible, and many computational systems biology software tools are written in Python or have a Python API. Our workflow thus enables investigators to focus on the scientific problem at hand rather than worrying about data integration between disparate platforms.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of pharmaceutical drugs that contain paracetamol is investigated in air and argon atmospheres. Characteristic neutral and ionic spectral lines of various elements and molecular signatures of CN violet and C₂ Swan band systems are observed. The relative hardness of all drug samples is measured as well. Principal component analysis, a multivariate method, is applied in data analysis for demarcation purposes of the drug samples. The CN violet and C₂ Swan spectral radiances are investigated for evaluation of possible correlation of the chemical and molecular structures of the pharmaceuticals. Complementary Raman and Fourier-transform-infra-red spectroscopies are used record molecular spectra of the drug samples. The applicationof the above techniques for the drug screening are important for identification and mitigation of drugs that reveal additives that may cause adverse side-effects.

Lytic bacteriophages have the efficacy to act and eradicate pathogenic bacteria as an attractive tool in the near future. Bacteriophages specifically kill multidrug-resistant bacteria even which have the capacity to form biofilms. The present review mainly focused on the efficacy of bacteriophages and cocktails as therapeutic agents against predominate MDR-bacteria and their biofilms which are isolated from septic wound infections. The body of evidence includes data from studies investigating bacteriophages from sewage samples as novel antibacterial and antibiofilm agents against pathogenic bacteria. The goal of this review is to present an overview on predominant bacteria from septic wound infection, the biofilm-forming capacity of bacteria, lytic effect of bacteriophages and phage cocktails with an emphasis on the application of bacteriophages against septic wound causing bacteria.

The type of tail of sheep is an important economic trait. However, the candidate genes associated with the tail type are uncertain. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic region and genotype responsible for the tail type phenotype. Here we perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 40 large tailed Han sheep and 40 Altay sheep as case and 40 Tibetan sheep as control. The results indicated that a total 31 genome-wide significant SNPs associated with type of tail traits were detected. For significant SNPS loci, determine its physical location, and screening of candidate genes within section. By combining information of previously reported and annotated biological functional genes, we identified SPAG17, Tbx15, VRTN, NPC2, BMP2 and PDGFD as the most promising candidate genes for type of tail traits. Based on the above identified candidate genes on type of tail traits, we selected BMP2 and PDGFD to conduct the genetic effect analysis in a large Altay sheep and Tibetan sheep population. Rs119 T>C in the exon1 of BMP2 gene and 1 SNPs in the exon4 (rs69 C>A) of PDGFD gene were detected, rs119 that located on exon1 of BMP2 gene was TT genotype in Altay sheep, while with CC genotype in Tibetan sheep. On rs69 of PDGFD gene, Altay sheep with CC genotype, however, Tibetan sheep with AA genotype. These results indicated that the significant associations of SNPs detected in GWAS were indirectly caused by the genetic effects of BMP2 and PDGFD on sheep tail fat deposition.

This manuscript examines from the diurnal convection cycle (CDC) to the interdecadal variability in the region of the Peruvian Altiplano (RAP). Currently, estimating precipitation using satellites is an alternative which can be used to study the spatio-temporal evolution of precipitation systems. Herein CPC data Morphing technique - CMORPH (Joyce et al, 2004) was used between 2002 and 2014 to analyze the CDC in RAP. The CMOPRH data were compared with rainfall data series measured by rain gauges of meteorological stations (EMS) in the RAP. The results indicate that the CDC shows high variability in the Titicaca Basin and is associated with patterns of lake breeze (day), land breeze (night) and mountain - valley circulation. The CDC starts at 1800 HL (local time) in the northern region of Lake Titicaca, lasting between 2 h and 6 h, and most of 2000 HL. The CDC over the dry surface (ST) of Titicaca Basin starts early at around 1200 HL, lasting 4 h to 7 h, and maximum at 1800 HL.

Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacterium with promising applications to the food industry and agriculture and probiotic properties. So far, bacteriophages of this bacterium have been moderately addressed. We examined the diversity of five new L. plantarum phages via whole genome shotgun sequencing and in silico protein predictions. Moreover, we looked into their phylogeny and their potential genomic similarities to other complete phage genome records through extensive nucleotide and protein comparisons. These analyses revealed a high degree of similarity among the five phages, which extended to the vast majority of predicted virion-associated proteins. Based on these, we selected one of the phages as a representative and performed transmission electron microscopy and structural protein sequencing tests. Overall, the results suggested that the five phages belong to the family Myoviridae, they have a long genome of 137.973-141.344 bp, a G/C content of 36,3-36,6% that is quite distinct from their host’s, and, surprisingly, seven to 15 tRNAs. Only an average 41/174 of their predicted genes were assigned a function. The comparative analyses unraveled considerable genetic diversity for the five L. plantarum phages of this study. Hence, the new genus “Semelevirus” was proposed, which comprises exclusively the five phages. This novel lineage of Lactobacillus phages provides further insight into the genetic heterogeneity of phages infecting Lactobacillus sp.. The five new Lactobacillus phages have a potential value for the development of more robust starters through, for example, the selection of mutants insensitive to phage infections. The five phages could also form part of phage cocktails, which producers would apply in different stages of L. plantarum fermentations in order to create a range of organoleptic outputs.

Natural products from plants such as, chemopreventive agents attract huge attention because of their low toxicity and high specificity. The rational drug design in combination with structure based modeling and rapid screening methods offer significant potential for identifying and developing lead anticancer molecules. Thus, the molecular docking method plays an important role in screening a large set of molecules based on their free binding energies and proposes structural hypotheses of how the molecules can inhibit the target. Several peptide based therapeutics have been developed to combat several health disorders including cancers, metabolic disorders, heart-related, and infectious diseases. Despite the discovery of hundreds of such therapeutic peptides however, only few peptide-based drugs have made it to the market. Moreover, until date the activities of cyclic peptides towards molecular targets such as protein kinases, proteases, and apoptosis related proteins have never been explored. In this study we explore the in silico kinase and protease inhibitor potentials of cyclosaplin as well as study the interactions of cyclosaplin with other cancer-related proteins. Previously, the structure of cyclosaplin was elucidated by molecular modeling associated with dynamics that was used in the current study. Docking studies showed strong affinity of cyclosaplin towards cancer-related proteins. The binding affinity closer to 10 indicated efficient binding. Cyclosaplin showed strong binding affinities towards protein kinases such as EGFR, VEGFR2, PKB and p38 indicating its potential role in protein kinase inhibition. Moreover, it displayed strong binding affinity to apoptosis related proteins and revealed the possible role of cyclosaplin in apoptotic cell death. The protein-ligand interactions using LigPlot displayed some similar interactions between cyclosaplin and peptide-based ligands especially in case of protein kinases and a few apoptosis related proteins. Thus, the in silico analyses gave an insight of cyclosaplin as a potential apoptosis inducer and protein kinase inhibitor.

Health of migrant is a widely studied topic. It has been argued that migrant health may deteriorate over time. Though migrants are ‘a hard to reach’ population in survey data, this paper builds on a unique dataset provided by Médecins du Monde from five countries. We study self perceived health (SPH) in connection with socio-economic and demographic factors and length of stay. Results show different results for men and women. Asylum seekers compared to other documented migrants have a worse health. Migrants with better living conditions tend to be in better health. Employment and stable accommodation has a positive effect on SPH. Women from poorer countries have a better physical SPH after 3 months of residing in the host country. This paper contributes widely to knowledge of health of migrants. Contrarily to other evidence, health of migrants tends to improve for some migrants.

In this paper, it is proved that s-iteration with error and Picard-Mann iteration with error iterative processes converge strongly to the unique fixed point of Lipschitzian strongly pseudo-contractive map. This convergence is almost -stable and -stable. Applications of these results to the operator equations, where  is a strongly accretive and accretive mappings of  into itself. 

Both ricin and R. communis agglutinin (RCA120), belonging to the type II ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs-Ⅱ), are derived from the seeds of castor bean plant. They share very similar amino acid sequences, but ricin is much more toxic than RCA120. It is urgently necessary to distinguish ricin and RCA120 in response to public safety. Currently, mass spectrometric assays are well established for unambiguous identification of ricin by accurate analysis of differentiated amino acid residues after trypsin digestion. However, diagnostic peptides are relatively limited for unambiguous identification of trace ricin, especially in complex matrices. Here, we demonstrate a digestion strategy of multiple proteinases to produce novel peptide markers for unambiguous identification of ricin. LC-HRMS was used to verified the resulting peptides, among which only the peptides with uniqueness and good MS response were selected as peptide markers. Seven novel peptide markers were obtained from tandem digestion of trypsin and endoproteinase Glu-C in PBS buffer. From the chymotrypsin digestion under reduction and non-reduction conditions, eight and seven novel peptides were selected respectively. Using pepsin under pH 1~2 and proteinase K digestion, 6 and 5 peptides were selected as novel peptide markers. In conclusion, the obtained novel peptides from the established digestion methods can be recommended for the unambiguous identification of ricin during the investigation of illegal use of the toxin.

This paper describes an $\sim {\cal O}(n)$ pre-compute technique to speed up the Karatsuba algorithm for multiplying two numbers.

Introduction and objectives: a close association between metabolic syndrome among subjects with erectile dysfunction has been addressed, since mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome compromise the blood flow to the penis in numerous ways. This study aims to analyze the relationship between erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome in a group of Mexican patients, to study the influence of other morbidity factors on erectile dysfunction, and to define the specific metabolic syndrome components most associated with erectile dysfunction severity. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was completed in a group of 86 adult Mexican patients with previous diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. Participants were classified as with or without metabolic syndrome. Erectile dysfunction severity, alcohol or tobacco consumption, and depressive behavior were identified through validated questionnaires and compared between both groups, as well as anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical parameters. Results: anthropometric measures, laboratory values, clinical characteristics and the Beck Depression Inventory score were significantly different among both groups. Additionally, more patients affected by severe and moderate erectile dysfunction were identified in the group with metabolic syndrome. Among the metabolic syndrome components, HbA1c >5.7% and fasting glucose >110 mg/dl were significantly associated to the development of erectile dysfunction (p = 0.004 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: metabolic syndrome components aggravate erectile dysfunction, particularly the lack of glycemic control manifested by Hb1Ac >5.7% and/or fasting glucose >110 mg/dL. The inclusion of fasting glucose and HbA1c as a complementary biochemical screening among patients with erectile dysfunction should be assessed.

H9N2 avian influenza viruses have become globally widespread in poultry over the last two decades and represent a genuine threat both to the global poultry industry but also humans through their high rates of zoonotic infection and pandemic potential. H9N2 viruses are generally hyperendemic in effected countries and have been found in poultry in many new regions in recent years. In this review we examine the current global spread of H9N2 avian influenza viruses as well as their host range, tropism, transmission routes and the risk posed by these viruses to human health.

Considering the manufacturing of automotive components, there exists a dilemma around the substitution of traditional Cast Iron (CI) with lighter metals. Nowadays, aluminium alloys, being lighter compared to traditional materials, are considered as a more environmentally friendly solution. However, the energy required for the extraction of the primary materials and manufacturing of components is usually not taken into account in this debate. In this study, an extensive literature review has been performed to estimate the overall energy required for the manufacturing of an engine cylinder block using (a) cast iron and (b) aluminium alloys. Moreover, data from over 100 automotive companies, ranging from mining companies to consultancy firms, have been collected in order to support the soundness of this investigation. The environmental impact of the manufacturing of engine blocks made of these materials is presented with respect to the energy burden; the “cradle-to-grave approach” has been implemented to take into account the energy input of each stage of the component lifecycle starting from the resource extraction and reaching to the end-of-life processing stage. Our results indicate that although aluminium components contribute towards reduced fuel consumption during their use phase, the vehicle distance needed to be covered in order to compensate for the up-front energy consumption related to the primary material production and manufacturing phases is very high. Thus, the substitution of traditional materials with lightweight ones in the automotive industry should be very thoughtfully evaluated.

The shortage of donor organs is a major global concern. Organ failure requires the transplantation of functional organs. Organ donors are preserved in warm or cold ischemia. Ischemia and reperfusion damage the organs, due to the lack of oxygen during the ischemia step and the oxidative stress during the reperfusion step. Different methodologies were developed to prevent or diminish the level of injuries. Preservation solutions were first developed, followed by the addition of chemical compounds. In addition of inhibitors of mitogen activated protein kinase, inhibitors of the proteasome, mesenchymal stem cells started to be used 13 years ago to prevent or diminish the organ’s injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (e.g bone marrow stem cells, adipose derived stem cells) have proven to be powerful tools in repairing damaged organs. This review will focus on the use of some bone marrow stem cells, adipose derived stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells on preventing or decreasing the injuries due to ischemia-reperfusion.

Kondo and collaborators recently reported the absence of Hox temporal collinearity in Xenopus tropicalis. They found none in the initiation of accumulation of  Hox transcripts (detected via RNA seq). And none in the initial expression sequence of primary unprorocessed transcripts (Identified by using qRT-PCR against introns or intron-exon boundaries).  Nor in the initial acquisition by Hox gene DNA of a mark for active chromatin.  These findings are in conflict with the idea that temporal collinearity has to do with the initiation of Hox gene transcription or with the opening of and a progression from repressed to active states in Hox chromatin.  But collinear acquisition of the same active chromatin mark has been shown by others in murine 5’ Hoxd cluster genes.The reason for this difference is unknown . This careful study thus indicated that the initiation phase of Hox expression shows no temporal collinearity in X. tropicalis. A previous study in X. laevis from the same group also showed   that the sequence of times for reaching (normalised) half maximal Hox expression showed no temporal collinearity. These conclusions are likely to be correct. These authors do however also conclude that “experimental evidence for the temporal collinearity hypothesis is not strong” There is however strong evidence that Hox temporal collinearity does occur in early vertebrate embryos.   Below. I present and discuss 3 lines of evidence to resolve the present conflict   I argue that Hox temporal collinearity actually does exist and that it is part of a central mechanism in early development.

Systematic traders employ algorithmic strategies to manage their investments. As a result of the deterministic nature of such strategies, it is possible to determine their exact responses to any conceivable set of market conditions. Consequently, sensitivity analysis can be conducted to systematically uncover undesirable strategy behavior and enhance strategy robustness by adding controls to reduce exposure during periods of poor performance / unfavorable market conditions or increase exposure during periods of strong performance / favorable market conditions. In this study, we formulate both a simple systematic trend-following strategy (i.e., trading model) to simulate investment decisions, and a market model to simulate the evolution of instrument prices. We then map the relationship between market model parameters under various conditions and strategy performance. We focus, in particular, on identifying the performance impact of changes in both serial dependence in price variability and changes in the trend. The long-range serial dependence of the true range worsens performance of the simple classic trend-following strategy. During periods of strong performance, the dispersion of trading outcomes increases significantly as long-range serial dependence increases.

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is a major leading cause of death worldwide. Immunomodulators that target several immune mechanisms have proven to reduce tumor burden in experimental models through induction of the immune microenvironment. We hypothesized that other biological mechanisms may also favor tumor burden reduction in lung cancer-bearing mice treated with immunomodulators. Methods: Tumor weight, area, and immune cells (T, B, macrophages, and TNF-alpha levels, immunohistochemistry) and tumor growth, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and sirtuin-1 markers were analyzed (immunoblotting) in subcutaneous tumor of BALB/c mice injected with LP07 adenocarcinoma cells treated with monoclonal antibodies (CD-137, CTLA-4, PD-1, and CD-19, N=9/group) and non-treated control animals. Results: Compared to non-treated cancer mice, in tumors of monoclonal-treated animals, tumor area and weight and ki-67 significantly reduced, while T cell counts, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and sirtuin-1 marker increased. Conclusion: Immunomodulators elicited a reduction in tumor burden (reduced tumor size and weight) through decreased tumor proliferation and increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and sirtuin-1 levels, which may have interfered with the immune profile of the tumor microenvironment. Future research should be devoted to the elucidation of the specific contribution of each biological mechanism to the reduced tumor burden.

Nowadays the positive immune involvement in the eradication of tumor cells is assigned to the adaptive immune response. By awakening of in vivo responding T cells that are suppressed by the tumor and prevents immunological cure of the cancer. The adaptive immune response is a complex of different cells and protein molecules. Normally activated T cells are well-ordered by several late occurring inhibitors to contain the response to the unknown invaders and spare the normal cells. The tumor strengthens this inhibitory response to escape from immune elimination. Immunotherapy is to unleash the full capacity of the adaptive immune system by blocking this inhibitor response by monoclonal antibodies but with the potential drawback of autoimmune phenomena. Seen the success of the immunotherapy another feature of the immune system is overlooked. Cytokines and chemokines became in oblivion after their suspected necrosis of the tumor (TNF) did not fulfil their initial hope. When patients seek help for their complaints the ovarian cancer is in most cases already metastasized to the peritoneum and omentum. Here, we show that on the one hand chemokines produced by Th2, CD8 and NK cells inhibit cancer spreading and thus leads to a better operability and thus better survival. On the other hand, chemokine receptors are expressed by the tumor that are a decoy by binding chemokines that normally should attract antigen cross-presenting dendritic cells, which start an adaptive T cell response.

The spatial formation of coherent random laser modes in strongly scattering disordered random media is a central feature in the understanding of the physics of random lasers. We derive a quantum field theoretical method for random lasing in disordered samples of complex amplifying Mie resonators which is able to provide self-consistently and free of any fit parameter the full set of transport characteristics at and above the laser phase transition. The coherence length and the correlation volume respectively is derived as an experimentally measurable scale of the phase transition at the laser threshold. We find that the process of stimulated emission in extended disordered arrangements of active Mie resonators is ultimately connected to time-reversal symmetric multiple scattering in the sense of photonic transport while the diffusion coefficient is finite. A power law is found for the random laser mode diameters in stationary state with increasing pump intensity.

Abstract: Metal-air batteries provide a most promising battery technology given their outstanding potential energy densities, which are desirable for both stationary and mobile applications in a ‘beyond lithium-ion’ battery market. Silicon- and iron-air batteries underwent less research and development compared to lithium- and zinc-air batteries. Nevertheless, in the recent past, the two also-ran battery systems made considerable progress and attracted rising research interest due to the excellent resource-efficiency of silicon and iron. Silicon and iron are among the top five of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust, which ensures almost infinite material supply of the anode materials, even for large scale applications. Furthermore, primary silicon-air batteries are set to provide one of the highest energy densities among all batteries, while iron-air batteries are frequently considered as a highly rechargeable system with decent performance characteristics. Considering fundamental aspects for the anode materials, i.e., the metal electrodes, in this review, we will first outline the challenges, which explicitly apply to silicon- and iron-air batteries and prevented them from a broad implementation so far. Afterwards, we provide an extensive literature survey regarding state-of-the-art experimental approaches, which are set to resolve the aforementioned challenges and might enable the introduction of silicon- and iron-air batteries into the battery market in the future.

In mitosis, faithful chromosome segregation is orchestrated by the dynamic interactions between the spindle microtubules (MTs) emanating from the opposite poles and the kinetochores of chromosomes. However, the precise mechanism that coordinates the coupling of kinetochore components to dynamic MTs has been a long-standing question. Microtubule (MT) associated proteins (MAPs) regulate MT nucleation, dynamics, MT-mediated transport and MT cross-linking in cells. Especially during mitosis, MAPs play an essential role not only in determining the spindle length, position and orientation but also in facilitating robust kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) attachments by linking the kinetochores to spindle MTs efficiently. MT-stability imparted by the MAPs is critical to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. This review primarily focuses on the specific function of non-motor kinetochore MAPs, their recruitment to kinetochores and their MT-binding properties. We also attempt to synthesize and strengthen our understanding of how these MAPs work in coordination with the kinetochore-bound Ndc80 complex (the key component of the MT-binding interface in metaphase and anaphase) to establish stable kMT attachments and control accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.

In this study, the decision-making process management of forest tending in the forestry business is decentralized, and forest tending decision-making activities at different points in time are integrated by decision makers at different geographical locations. The decision-making process was analyzed and optimized from a system perspective. Based on the optimized decision-making process, a forest tending business group decision support system (FTGDSS) was established. We first reviewed and discussed the characteristics and development of the forest tending business and forestry decision support system. Business Process Modeling Notation was used to draw a current state flow chart of the forest tending business, to identify and discover important decision points in the process of tending decision-making. We also analyzed the content and attributes of each decision point, and described the system structure, functional framework, knowledge base structure, and reasoning algorithm of FTGDSS in detail. Finally, FTGDSS was evaluated from the two dimensions of the technology adoption model. FTGDSS integrates different levels of time-space decision-making activities, historical tending data, business plans, decision-makers' management tendencies into the decision-making process and automatically extracts decision-making data from the forest business process management enterprise resource planning system (Smartforest) that improves the ease of use of the decision support system (DSS). It also improves the quality of forest tending decisions, and enables the DSS to better support multi-target management strategies.

Penicillium digitatum is the major postharvest pathogen of citrus fruit under Mediterranean climate conditions. In the present work, we have addressed the study of the role of P. digitatum’s proteases in virulence following two complementary approaches. In a first approach, we have undertaken the functional characterization of the P. digitatum prtT gene, which codes for a transcription factor previously shown to regulate extracellular proteases in other filamentous fungi. Deletion of prtT caused a significant loss in secreted protease activity during in vitro growth assays. However, there was no effect on virulence. Gene expression of the two major secreted acid proteases was barely affected in the ΔprtT deletant during infection of citrus fruit. Hence, no conclusion could be drawn on the role of these secreted acidic proteases on the virulence of P. digitatum. In a second approach, we have studied the effect of different protease inhibitors and chelators in virulence. Co-inoculation of citrus fruit with P. digitatum conidia and a cocktail of protease inhibitors resulted in almost a complete absence of disease development. Analysis of individual inhibitors revealed that the metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline was responsible for the observed effect. The application of metal ions reverted the protective effect caused by the metallopeptidase inhibitor. These results may set the basis for the development of new alternative treatments to combat this important postharvest pathogen.

Selective laser melting is an emerging Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology for metals. Intricate three-dimensional parts can be generated from the powder bed by selectively melting the desired location of the powders. The process is repeated for each layer until the part is built. The necessary heat is provided by a laser. Temperature magnitude and history during SLM directly determine the molten pool dimensions, thermal stress, residual stress, balling effect, and dimensional accuracy. Laser-matter interaction is a crucial physical phenomenon in the SLM process. In this paper, five different heat source models are introduced to predict the three-dimensional temperature field analytically. These models are known as steady state moving point heat source, transient moving point heat source, semi-elliptical moving heat source, double elliptical moving heat source, and uniform moving heat source. The analytical temperature model for all of the heat source models are solved using three-dimensional differential equation of heat conduction with different approaches. The Steady state and transient moving heat source are solved using separation of variables approach. However, the rest of models are solved by employing the Green’s functions. Due to the high magnitude of the temperature in the presence of the laser, the temperature gradient is usually high which has a substantial impact on thermal material properties. Consequently, the temperature field is predicted by considering the temperature sensitivity thermal material properties. Moreover, due to the repeated heating and cooling, the part usually undergoes several melting and solidification cycles, this physical phenomenon is considered by modifying the heat capacity using latent heat of melting. Furthermore, the multi-layer aspect of metal AM process is considered by incorporating the temperature history from the previous layer since the interaction of the layers have an impact on heat transfer mechanisms. The proposed temperature field models based on different heat source approaches are validated using experimental measurement of melt pool geometry from independent experimentations. The detailed explanation of the comparison of models is also provided. Moreover, the effect of process parameters on the balling effect is also discussed.

We analyze real telematics information for a sample of drivers with usage-based insurance policies. We examine the statistical distribution of distance driven above the posted speed limit – which presents a strong positive asymmetry – using quantile regression models. We find that, at different percentile levels, the distance driven at speeds above the posted limit depends on total distance driven and, more generally, on such factors as the percentages of urban and nighttime driving and on the driver’s gender. However, the impact of these covariates differs according to the percentile level. We stress the importance of understanding telematics information, which should not be limited to simply characterizing average drivers, but can be useful for signaling dangerous driving by predicting quantiles associated with specific driver characteristics. We conclude that the risk of driving long distances above the speed limit is heterogeneous and, moreover, we show that prevention campaigns should target primarily male, non-urban drivers, especially if they present a high percentage of nighttime driving.

Animal terminalia represent some of the most diverse and rapidly evolving structures in the animal kingdom, and for this reason have been a mainstay in the taxonomic description of species. The terminalia of Drosophila melanogaster, with its wide range of experimental tools, have recently become the focus of increased interest in the fields of development, evolution, and behavior. However, studies from different disciplines have often used discrepant terminologies for the same anatomical structures. Consequently, the terminology of genital parts has become a barrier to integrating results from different fields, rendering it difficult to determine what parts are being referenced. We formed a consortium of researchers studying the genitalia of D. melanogaster to help establish a set of naming conventions. Here, we present a detailed visual anatomy of male genital parts, including a list of synonymous terms, and suggest practices to avoid confusion when referring to anatomical parts in future studies. The goal of this effort is to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and help newcomers orient themselves within the exciting field of Drosophila genitalia.

The nondestructive testing of reinforced concrete chimneys, especially the high ones, is an important element of the assessment of their condition, making it possible to forecast their safe service lifespan. Industrial chimneys are often exposed to the strong action of acidic substances – they are adversely affected by the flue gas condensate on the inside and by acid precipitation on the outside. Initially, this results in the corrosion of the shell concrete and then in the corrosion of the reinforcing steel. During the service life of such chimneys their condition should monitored in order to prevent structural failures and indicate the most endangered parts of the structure. Owing to thermographic surveys one can monitor the hazards leading to the degradation of the chimney structure, which is particularly vital when due to the character of the production process the chimney cannot be put out of operation. The methods for the interpretation of results from thermovision studies to determine the safety and durability of industrial chimneys are shown.

An increasing number of aircraft is equipped with wing tip devices, which either are installed by the aircraft manufacturer at the production line or are retrofitted after the delivery of the aircraft to its operator. Installation of wing tip devices has not been a popular choice for regional turboprop aircraft and the novelty of the current study is to investigate the feasibility of retrofitting the British Aerospace (BAe) Jetstream 31 with an appropriate wing tip device (or winglet) to increase its cruise range performance, taking also into account the aerodynamic and structural impact of the implementation. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, no previous study exists which has attempted to assess the winglet retrofit of an existing aircraft type of similar size and operating profile. The optimal winglet design achieved a 2.38% increase of the maximum range by reducing the total drag by 1.19% at a mass penalty of 3.25%, as compared with the baseline aircraft configuration. Other designs were found to be more effective in reducing the total drag, but the structural reinforcement required for their implementation outweighed the achieved performance improvements. Since successful winglet retrofit programs for typical short to medium range narrow body aircraft report even more than 3% of block fuel improvements, undertaking the project of installing an optimal winglet design to the BAe Jetstream 31, should also consider a Direct Operating Cost (DOC) assessment on top of the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the retrofit.

Existing methods for detecting magnetic leakage signals from damaged wire ropes require axial saturation magnetisation, and the accuracy of the detection equipment depends on the saturation degree of magnetisation. Moreover, the expected magnetisation effect is usually difficult to achieve owing to the special characteristics of the rope structure, diameter, and operating environment of the wire rope. Consequently, in addition to other issues, the detection accuracy and versatility of the equipment are low. In this study, a method based on spatial multidimensional orthogonal array loop magnetisation for detecting mine wire rope defects is proposed. Firstly, a new sensor excitation structure model is developed. Then a method of radiant magnetic flux of permanent magnet array is analysed, and the influence law of the number of permanent radiant magnetic blocks on the magnetisation effect is studied. In addition, a method of wire rope detection based on the principle of clustering is investigated, according to which the influence law of the shape, structure, and size of the polyurethane device on the effect of magnetisation is discussed. Finally, through laboratory experiments, the test model and proposed method are verified. The results show that the magnetisation effect is better and more cost-effective when the number of permanent magnet radiation magnetic block is n=8, and the proposed detection method can effectively distinguish damaged wire rope joints. Furthermore, the proposed equipment achieved signal-to-noise ratio of the signals, improving the reliability of damage detection.

Plant trichomes are specialized unicellular structures that originate and project from above ground epidermal tissues on the surfaces of leaves, petals, stems, petioles, peduncles, and seed coats depending on species. Trichomes (also called ‘hairs’) play well-recognized roles in defense against insect herbivores, both as a physical barrier that obstructs herbivore movement and by mediating chemical defenses. By virtue of their physical properties (size, density), trichome hairs can directly operate to protect buds of plants from insect damage, reduce leaf temperature, increase light reflectance, prevent water loss, and decrease leaf abrasion. Great variety of trichomes and their accessibility makes them a useful model for studying the molecular processes of cell fate determination, cell cycle control and cellular morphogenesis. In leaves, the developmental control of the trichomatous complement has highlighted a regulatory network based on four fundamental elements: (i) genes that activate and/or modify the normal cell cycle of epidermal cells (i.e. endoreduplication cycles); (ii) transcription factors that create activator/repressor complexes with a central role in determining cell fate, initiation and differentiation of an epidermal cell in trichome; (iii) evidences that point out the interplay of the aforesaid complexes with various phytohormones; (iv) epigenetic mechanisms involved in trichome development. Here, we describe trichome development in leaves, commonly subjected to environmental injury, and where most genetic regulators have been characterized.

Parasitic infections are often not the direct cause of death of fish but the presence of wounds in the fish's body due to parasitic attacks is a trigger factor for secondary infection. Secondary infections can be caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses, which ultimately cause the death of fish. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of parasites and fungi that infected eel (Anguilla sp.) in the waters of Poso, Buol, Toli-toli and Donggala, Central Sulawesi as an important part of the diagnosis of fish disease in the framework of teraupetic strategies. Eel were taken as many as 30 individuals / location for observation of parasites and fungi. Parasitological examination was carried out for external and internal parasites on the mucous layer of the body, gills, intestines and stomach, while fungal isolations were carried out on muscles, skin and tissues that have abnormalities. After identification, the prevalence and intensity were carried out. The results showed that the highest prevalence of parasites were Camallanus sp (70%), Proteacephalus sp (50%) and Gyrodactylus sp (40%), and the nematode Camallanus sp the tapeworm Proteocephalus sp had the highest intensity of 57.5 and 30.8 respectively. Fungal prevalence were found highest in Saprolegnia sp (36%), and Fusarium sp (32%).

Current study aims to evaluate the possibilities to increase part strength by optimizing the FFF process parameters. Five different CAD models of parts with same coupling dimensions but different shape inherited from a recent study were converted into test samples with Ultimaker 2 3D printer. The main measure of success was the sample strength, defined as the load at which the first crack in the stressed area of the part appeared. Three different modifications to the FFF process with verified positive effect on interlayer bonding were applied. First modification included raising the extrusion temperature and disabling printed part cooling. Second modification consisted in reduction of the layer thickness. Third modification combined the effects of the first and the second ones. For four out of five shapes tested applied process modifications resulted in significant strengthening of the part. The shape that exhibited the best results was subject to further research by creating special printing mode. The mode included fine-tuning of three technological parameters on different stages of the part fabrication. As result it was possible to increase the part strength by 108% only by tuning printing parameters of the best shape designed with increasing its weight by 8%.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing L-isoleucine (L-Ile) on milk protein synthesis, using an immortalized bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cell line. In this case, the cells were treated with 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 mM of supplemental Isoleucine (Ile), and the most efficient time for protein synthesis for each amino acid was determined by measuring the cell, medium and total protein at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Confirmatory tests showed that 48h incubation time and 0.6 mM dosage of L-Ile are considered as the optimal time and dosage. The mechanism of milk protein synthesis was elucidated through proteomics analysis to clarify the metabolic pathway. When the L-Ile was supplemented, extracellular protein (medium protein) reached a peak at 48h, whereas in the case of the intracellular cell protein, it was shown to have reached to its peak at 24h in all L-Ile dosage treatments. In total, it is noted that there were 63 upregulated and 52 downregulated proteins. The results of the protein pathway analysis showed that the L-Ile group stimulated insulin/IGF pathway-mitogen activated protein kinase kinase/MAP kinase cascade, insulin/IGF pathway-protein kinase B signaling cascade, p53 pathway, de novo purine biosynthesis, Wnt signaling pathway, glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and ATP synthesis which are pathways involved and related to protein and energy metabolism. Together, these results demonstrate that L-Ile supplementation was effective in stimulating β-casein synthesis by stimulating genes and pathways which are significantly related to protein and energy metabolism.

The increasing spatial and spectral resolution of hyperspectral imagers yields detailed spectroscopy measurements from both space-based and airborne platforms. Machine learning algorithms have achieved state-of-the-art material classification performance on benchmark hyperspectral data sets; however, these techniques often do not consider varying atmospheric conditions experienced in a real-world detection scenario. To reduce the impact of atmospheric effects in the at-sensor signal, atmospheric compensation must be performed. Radiative Transfer (RT) modeling can generate high-fidelity atmospheric estimates at detailed spectral resolutions, but is often too time-consuming for real-time detection scenarios. This research utilizes machine learning methods to perform dimension reduction on the transmittance, upwelling radiance, and downwelling radiance (TUD) data to create high accuracy atmospheric estimates with lower computational cost than RT modeling. The utility of this approach is investigated using the instrument line shape for the Mako long-wave infrared hyperspectral sensor. This study employs physics-based metrics and loss functions to identify promising dimension reduction techniques. As a result, TUD vectors can be produced in real-time allowing for atmospheric compensation across diverse remote sensing scenarios.

A new sulbatamol sulphate SBS membrane electrode was prepared that utilizing for its determination ; depend on the forming of the association complex ion of sulbatamol sulphate by the phosphotungstate counter anion deposed in poly vinyl chloride PVC polymer, by use a (Di-n- Octyl Phenyl Phthalate)(Dopp) as the plastizier substance, in membrane.The features properties as well as the behavior of it .The new electrode have been elaborated. The concentrations of medicine by utillizing This sensor show a fast, stable, near-Nernstian response in the range (1x10^-1-1x10^-6) mol/ L were determined with correlation coefficient of about (r = 0.9991) and with of a relative standard about 0.416 additionally deviation relative standard error of 1.710  %.^pot The nernast linearity slop was founded and it is equal to 28.9 mV/decade and the detection limit was 4.1 x 10^-6 mol/ L.The electrode selectivity coefficient K_i,j was calculated, in the existence of several interferences cations with confirmed medicine solutions. It was found the pH range response is in the range of (3 -7), with the response time of (30 – 116) sec. for various  concentrations at room temperture , the lifetime for  electrode was found to be more than 21 days. The electrode was successfully used for potentiometric limitation of sulbatamol sulphate in several pharmaceutical drugs by using direct potentiometry.

Smartphone devices, particularly android devices used by billions of people everywhere in the world. Similarly, this increasing rate attracts mobile botnet attackers that is a network of interconnected nodes operated by command and control (C&C) method to expand malicious activities. At present, mobile botnet attacks carried Distributed denial of services (DDoS) that causes to steal sensitive data, remote access, spam generation, etc. Consequently, various approaches are defined in the literature to detect mobile botnet using static or dynamic analysis. In this paper, we have proposed a novel hybrid model, which is a combination of static and dynamic method that relies on machine learning to identify android botnet applications having C&C capability. The results evaluated through machine learning classifiers in which Random forest classifier outperform other ML techniques, i.e. Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, and Simple logistics. Our proposed framework can achieve 97.48% accuracy in detecting such harmful applications. Furthermore, we highlight some research directions and possible solutions regarding botnet attacks for the entire community.

While some researchers have suggested that the self-employment (SE) sector is a haven during a financial Crisis, others believe that SE is not necessarily the desired outcome, but an indicator that the labor market is tightening for some groups. Few researchers have compared the SE sector before and after the occurrence of a significant financial Crisis, especially in developed countries. This paper analyzes the determinants of entry into self-employment during the 2008 Spanish Crisis. Using data from the Encuesta de Presupuesto Familiar (EPF), results show that although the rate of SE did not experience a significant change during this time the Crisis affected people differently based on gender, with being females more affected than males. Results also suggest differences between Comunidades Autonomas in how the self-employment sector behaved during the Crisis.

The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in the context of outdoor physical activities. In order to do this, we carried out a research in some Primary and Secondary school l located in western Andalucía (Spain), with kids aged 9-12 years old [M= 11.22; SD= 1.07), therefore a sample of 455 students (228 boys= 50.1% 227 girls = 49.9% = 50.1) was used]. Descriptive, exploratory and confirmatory analyses were conducted. We also analyzed several factors such as internal consistency, composite reliability, average variance extracted and convergent validity. Afterwards, differences by gender and school year were also studied. Data showed the need to eliminate many of the items from the original scale, giving as a result a model of 5 items with satisfactory fit in the confirmatory analysis. The ANOVA statistical test carried out in terms of sex and school year didn’t show any tangible difference between the target groups.