Stainless steel alloy SS-304 is widely used in many engineering applications primarily for its excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal. Many kitchen appliances are made from SS-304 all...Stainless steel alloy SS-304 is widely used in many engineering applications primarily for its excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal. Many kitchen appliances are made from SS-304 alloy because of its durability, ease of cleaning and beautiful finish. However, over the years of continuous usage and cleaning by detergent bar and abrasive clothes the initial brightness and shine of the plates and dishes undergo considerable degradation. In this work, we report the results of a thorough investigation of the physico-chemical characteristics of the surface regions of both new and old SS-304 plates of known history of continuous usage to identify the key physical and chemical factors that are responsible for the loss of shine. Several analytical techniques viz. SEM/EDX, AFM, XPS, XRD, Reflectance FTIR, Profilometry and Reflectance spectrometry in the visible region have been used for experimental investigation of surface structure, morphology, roughness profile, chemical composition and appearance measurements of several steel samples. In addition, glossmeter has been used to measure the gloss of the samples at certain specific angles. It seems that surface roughness is one of the key physical parameters that play an important role in the reduction of brightness and shine. The other parameter is the presence of a thin surface film on the steel surface. In order to analyze the experimental data and to predict the shine and brightness phenomena quantitatively, we have used Fresnel’s theory to compute first the reflectance from each component of SS-304 alloy assuming it to be a smooth surface and then extended it to compute the reflectance of the alloy surface (SS-304). In order to interpret the reflectance from old and used plates, we have further used Beckmann’s theory of light scattering from random rough surface to analyze and predict the appearance aspects of the alloy surface quantitatively. Both the experimental and computed results show good agreement, thus validating the reflectance model used for computing the reflectance from SS-304 alloy surface and the appropriateness of Beckmann’s model of random rough surface.展开更多
During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging ...During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging to the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds (n = 25 ). The study area was divided into monitoring quadrants (n = 16) where 96 transects for bird monitoring were conducted, recording 16,635 individuals of which only 32.9% were in the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds. The association betweenA. bairdiiand other species was estimated from the nonparametric statistical index of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and the p value, through permutation analysis (n = 10,000), finding positive and significant associations (p≤0.05) of the target species for study withSturnella magna,Passerculus sandwichensisandAmmodramus savannarum, species that share habitat preferences of natural grassland in good condition, slightly grazed and with little tolerance to the shrub cover. The association W ranged from 0.072 and 0.749. These results can recognize this region as an important area for the conservation of obligate grassland birds during winter, suggesting establish training programs to better utilize this resource by means of cattle activity.展开更多
This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxid...This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the recovered hydrolysates at different hydrolysis times were evaluated.Results showed that the recovery yield of enzymatic hydrolysis was above 89%for all grades of EBN and the degree of hydrolysis increased over time.Nitrite content(0.321-0.433 mg/L)was below the permissible tolerance level for all samples.Interestingly,the antioxidant activities(DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant powder(FRAP)activity)were significantly higher(P≤0.05)in hydrolysates recovered from EBN by-products(EBNhC and EBNhD)as compared to the high grade EBN hydrolysates(EBNhA and EBNhB).The in-vitro probiotic activity of EBN and its hydrolysates were examined using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.Evidently,EBN by-products hydrolysate(EBNhD)recorded the highest number of L.plantarum(1.1×1011 CFU/mL),indicating that low grade EBN has the potential as prebiotic material that promotes probiotic activity.This study demonstrated the concept of using EBN by-products hydrolysates for various applications,such as functional ingredients with enhanced bioactivities,to improve its economic value.展开更多
Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical...Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical cicadas in North America.In Europe,the Near East and North Africa,knowledge of cicada predation by birds is sparse.Methods:To help fill this gap,I consulted Cramp’s Birds of the Western Palearctic,conducted a search of online databases and used search engines to generate a database of Western Palearctic birds known to eat cicadas.Results:A total of 105 species(16%of those occurring in the region)belonging to 13 orders,and comprising 20 of the 33 passerine families,were found to consume cicadas.I estimated that 69 of these bird species are known to consume cicadas within the limits of the Western Palearctic.Many terrestrial birds predate on cicadas,preferably on adults.Avian predators include cuckoos,owls,bee-eaters,woodpeckers,falcons,reed-warblers,larks,crows and jays,buntings,shrikes,pipits and wagtails,flycatchers and chats,tits,sparrows,leaf-warblers,starlings,warblers and thrushes,but also terns and gulls.Nymphs are consumed by some passerines,owls and herons.Cicadas can make up as much as 70%of food items delivered to nestlings.Analysis of stomach contents and neck collar samples are the most common methods used in diet studies.Conclusions:Available knowledge is biased towards species that have been more intensively studied,and often lack proper quantification of prey items.More studies about the relative importance of cicadas as prey for birds in the Western Palearctic are needed.I suggest using non-invasive studies based on pellets and droppings and prioritizing declining bird species.展开更多
Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical lo...Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical location of Beijing is paramount to themigratory birds. The species of birds are rich in varietyand its quantity is large in scale. In addition, the birdmarket in old town Beijing has a long history - since theQing Dynasty, it has been the main bird market in thecity. Therefore, a survey of the major bird markets inthe city is highly representative. This study investigatedthe types, quantities, and prices of wild birds tradedin several major bird markets in Beijing from July16 to July 18, 2019. Data analysis and collation werealso conducted in this study. The results of the surveypresented 26 kinds of wild birds, with a total tradingvolume of an estimated 253. They are mainly birdsof the order of the passerine, 18 of which are underBeijing’s second-class protection, and one of them isunder first-class protection.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(M...[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(MI),cuckoo acoustic song,cricket acoustic song,single 400 Hz frequency sound wave,F5 and Fn sound waves composed of different frequencies were designed to investigate their effects on height and weight of cowpea seedling,and experimental data were statistically analyzed and multiple-compared by EXCEL.[Result] After treatment by sound waves with six different types and frequencies,the growth situations of cowpea were better than that in control.This indicated that sound waves could significantly promote height growth of plant.The treatments with good growth-promotion effect included 400 Hz frequency sound wave,cuckoo acoustic song and cricket acoustic song,followed by MI,Fn and F5.Cuckoo and cricket acoustic song treatment could promote the weight of cowpea seedling during seedling stage.[Conclusion] Sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics had significant growth-promotion effect on growth of cowpea during seedling stage,but their effects were different.展开更多
A 39-year-old patient with Crohn's disease (CD) was referred to our hospital for maintenance treatment of CD.He was diagnosed as having CD of the small and large intestines at 32 years old.He underwent partial res...A 39-year-old patient with Crohn's disease (CD) was referred to our hospital for maintenance treatment of CD.He was diagnosed as having CD of the small and large intestines at 32 years old.He underwent partial resection of the ileum at 35 years old because of ileal perforation.He had received enteral nutritional supplement (1200 kcal/d) and metronidazole preparation (500 mg/d),and was in remission Crohn's disease activity index 73.We performed a routine gastroduodenal endoscopic examination,which revealed the representative endoscopic findings of gastroduodenal lesions in CD,namely,bamboo-joint-like appearance of the gastric body and cardia and a notched sign in the duodenum.These findings were clearly observed by using indigo carmine dye spraying.In our patient,typical gastroduodenal findings were observed even in the remission stage,suggesting that these findings would contribute to the early diagnosis of CD not only in the active stage but also during remission.展开更多
In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convo...In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convolutional neural network(Faster R-CNN)is proposed.The bird’s nest on the high-voltage tower is taken as the research object.Firstly,we use the improved convolutional neural network ResNet101 to extract object features,and then use multi-scale sliding windows to obtain the object region proposals on the convolution feature maps with different resolutions.Finally,a deconvolution operation is added to further enhance the selected feature map with higher resolution,and then it taken as a feature mapping layer of the region proposals passing to the object detection sub-network.The detection results of the bird’s nest in UAV aerial images show that the proposed method can precisely detect small objects in aerial images.展开更多
This study looked into the efficacy of a modified titration protocol of intratympanic gentamicin injection(ITG) in the patients with unilateral intractable Ménière's disease(MD). Modified titration prot...This study looked into the efficacy of a modified titration protocol of intratympanic gentamicin injection(ITG) in the patients with unilateral intractable Ménière's disease(MD). Modified titration protocol of ITG at a low dose(20 mg/m L) was administered to 10 patients with definite unilateral intractable MD. After initial first two fixed ITGs on weekly basis,the patients might or might not be given any more injections,depending on the appearance of unilateral vestibular loss(UVL). ITG was terminated if the patients satisfied the criteria of UVL. All patients were followed-up for at least two years. The effects of ITG on the vertigo attack,functional level scores and postural balance were evaluated. Of the 10 cases,8 showed the sign of UVL after receiving initial two ITGs and were not given any more intratympanic injections,and the other 2 patients were administered three ITGs. A two-year follow-up revealed that complete and substantial vertigo control was achieved in 9 cases,and limited vertigo control in 1 patient. Hearing level was lowered in 2 patients. The posture stability and functional level scores were improved. Our study showed that the modified titration protocol of ITG at a low dose could effectively control vertigo in patients with unilateral intractable MD.展开更多
Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fun...Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fundamental diagnostic features for this new species are the very thin double-layered cortex in peridioles,exoperidium strongly hirsute,and a platinum bright endoperidium.Description,discussion and photographs of this new species are provided.展开更多
文摘Stainless steel alloy SS-304 is widely used in many engineering applications primarily for its excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal. Many kitchen appliances are made from SS-304 alloy because of its durability, ease of cleaning and beautiful finish. However, over the years of continuous usage and cleaning by detergent bar and abrasive clothes the initial brightness and shine of the plates and dishes undergo considerable degradation. In this work, we report the results of a thorough investigation of the physico-chemical characteristics of the surface regions of both new and old SS-304 plates of known history of continuous usage to identify the key physical and chemical factors that are responsible for the loss of shine. Several analytical techniques viz. SEM/EDX, AFM, XPS, XRD, Reflectance FTIR, Profilometry and Reflectance spectrometry in the visible region have been used for experimental investigation of surface structure, morphology, roughness profile, chemical composition and appearance measurements of several steel samples. In addition, glossmeter has been used to measure the gloss of the samples at certain specific angles. It seems that surface roughness is one of the key physical parameters that play an important role in the reduction of brightness and shine. The other parameter is the presence of a thin surface film on the steel surface. In order to analyze the experimental data and to predict the shine and brightness phenomena quantitatively, we have used Fresnel’s theory to compute first the reflectance from each component of SS-304 alloy assuming it to be a smooth surface and then extended it to compute the reflectance of the alloy surface (SS-304). In order to interpret the reflectance from old and used plates, we have further used Beckmann’s theory of light scattering from random rough surface to analyze and predict the appearance aspects of the alloy surface quantitatively. Both the experimental and computed results show good agreement, thus validating the reflectance model used for computing the reflectance from SS-304 alloy surface and the appropriateness of Beckmann’s model of random rough surface.
文摘During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging to the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds (n = 25 ). The study area was divided into monitoring quadrants (n = 16) where 96 transects for bird monitoring were conducted, recording 16,635 individuals of which only 32.9% were in the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds. The association betweenA. bairdiiand other species was estimated from the nonparametric statistical index of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and the p value, through permutation analysis (n = 10,000), finding positive and significant associations (p≤0.05) of the target species for study withSturnella magna,Passerculus sandwichensisandAmmodramus savannarum, species that share habitat preferences of natural grassland in good condition, slightly grazed and with little tolerance to the shrub cover. The association W ranged from 0.072 and 0.749. These results can recognize this region as an important area for the conservation of obligate grassland birds during winter, suggesting establish training programs to better utilize this resource by means of cattle activity.
基金funded by the Research Excellence Consortium(Konsortium Kecemerlangan Penyelidikan)(KKP/2020/UKMUKM/5/1)(JPT(BKPI)1000/016/018/25(21))the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2019/WAB01/UKM/02/1)。
文摘This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the recovered hydrolysates at different hydrolysis times were evaluated.Results showed that the recovery yield of enzymatic hydrolysis was above 89%for all grades of EBN and the degree of hydrolysis increased over time.Nitrite content(0.321-0.433 mg/L)was below the permissible tolerance level for all samples.Interestingly,the antioxidant activities(DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant powder(FRAP)activity)were significantly higher(P≤0.05)in hydrolysates recovered from EBN by-products(EBNhC and EBNhD)as compared to the high grade EBN hydrolysates(EBNhA and EBNhB).The in-vitro probiotic activity of EBN and its hydrolysates were examined using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.Evidently,EBN by-products hydrolysate(EBNhD)recorded the highest number of L.plantarum(1.1×1011 CFU/mL),indicating that low grade EBN has the potential as prebiotic material that promotes probiotic activity.This study demonstrated the concept of using EBN by-products hydrolysates for various applications,such as functional ingredients with enhanced bioactivities,to improve its economic value.
基金supported by grant CGL2014-54094-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness。
文摘Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical cicadas in North America.In Europe,the Near East and North Africa,knowledge of cicada predation by birds is sparse.Methods:To help fill this gap,I consulted Cramp’s Birds of the Western Palearctic,conducted a search of online databases and used search engines to generate a database of Western Palearctic birds known to eat cicadas.Results:A total of 105 species(16%of those occurring in the region)belonging to 13 orders,and comprising 20 of the 33 passerine families,were found to consume cicadas.I estimated that 69 of these bird species are known to consume cicadas within the limits of the Western Palearctic.Many terrestrial birds predate on cicadas,preferably on adults.Avian predators include cuckoos,owls,bee-eaters,woodpeckers,falcons,reed-warblers,larks,crows and jays,buntings,shrikes,pipits and wagtails,flycatchers and chats,tits,sparrows,leaf-warblers,starlings,warblers and thrushes,but also terns and gulls.Nymphs are consumed by some passerines,owls and herons.Cicadas can make up as much as 70%of food items delivered to nestlings.Analysis of stomach contents and neck collar samples are the most common methods used in diet studies.Conclusions:Available knowledge is biased towards species that have been more intensively studied,and often lack proper quantification of prey items.More studies about the relative importance of cicadas as prey for birds in the Western Palearctic are needed.I suggest using non-invasive studies based on pellets and droppings and prioritizing declining bird species.
文摘Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical location of Beijing is paramount to themigratory birds. The species of birds are rich in varietyand its quantity is large in scale. In addition, the birdmarket in old town Beijing has a long history - since theQing Dynasty, it has been the main bird market in thecity. Therefore, a survey of the major bird markets inthe city is highly representative. This study investigatedthe types, quantities, and prices of wild birds tradedin several major bird markets in Beijing from July16 to July 18, 2019. Data analysis and collation werealso conducted in this study. The results of the surveypresented 26 kinds of wild birds, with a total tradingvolume of an estimated 253. They are mainly birdsof the order of the passerine, 18 of which are underBeijing’s second-class protection, and one of them isunder first-class protection.
基金Supported by Major Scientific and Technological Special Projects in Zhejiang Province(2008C12056)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(MI),cuckoo acoustic song,cricket acoustic song,single 400 Hz frequency sound wave,F5 and Fn sound waves composed of different frequencies were designed to investigate their effects on height and weight of cowpea seedling,and experimental data were statistically analyzed and multiple-compared by EXCEL.[Result] After treatment by sound waves with six different types and frequencies,the growth situations of cowpea were better than that in control.This indicated that sound waves could significantly promote height growth of plant.The treatments with good growth-promotion effect included 400 Hz frequency sound wave,cuckoo acoustic song and cricket acoustic song,followed by MI,Fn and F5.Cuckoo and cricket acoustic song treatment could promote the weight of cowpea seedling during seedling stage.[Conclusion] Sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics had significant growth-promotion effect on growth of cowpea during seedling stage,but their effects were different.
基金Supported by Health and Labour Sciences Research Grants for research on intractable diseases from Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare of Japan,in part
文摘A 39-year-old patient with Crohn's disease (CD) was referred to our hospital for maintenance treatment of CD.He was diagnosed as having CD of the small and large intestines at 32 years old.He underwent partial resection of the ileum at 35 years old because of ileal perforation.He had received enteral nutritional supplement (1200 kcal/d) and metronidazole preparation (500 mg/d),and was in remission Crohn's disease activity index 73.We performed a routine gastroduodenal endoscopic examination,which revealed the representative endoscopic findings of gastroduodenal lesions in CD,namely,bamboo-joint-like appearance of the gastric body and cardia and a notched sign in the duodenum.These findings were clearly observed by using indigo carmine dye spraying.In our patient,typical gastroduodenal findings were observed even in the remission stage,suggesting that these findings would contribute to the early diagnosis of CD not only in the active stage but also during remission.
基金National Defense Pre-research Fund Project(No.KMGY318002531)。
文摘In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convolutional neural network(Faster R-CNN)is proposed.The bird’s nest on the high-voltage tower is taken as the research object.Firstly,we use the improved convolutional neural network ResNet101 to extract object features,and then use multi-scale sliding windows to obtain the object region proposals on the convolution feature maps with different resolutions.Finally,a deconvolution operation is added to further enhance the selected feature map with higher resolution,and then it taken as a feature mapping layer of the region proposals passing to the object detection sub-network.The detection results of the bird’s nest in UAV aerial images show that the proposed method can precisely detect small objects in aerial images.
基金supported by the National Science&Technology Pillar Program during the 12th Five-year Plan of China(No.2012BAI12B02)the 11th Five-year Plan of China(No.2007BAI18B13)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30872865)
文摘This study looked into the efficacy of a modified titration protocol of intratympanic gentamicin injection(ITG) in the patients with unilateral intractable Ménière's disease(MD). Modified titration protocol of ITG at a low dose(20 mg/m L) was administered to 10 patients with definite unilateral intractable MD. After initial first two fixed ITGs on weekly basis,the patients might or might not be given any more injections,depending on the appearance of unilateral vestibular loss(UVL). ITG was terminated if the patients satisfied the criteria of UVL. All patients were followed-up for at least two years. The effects of ITG on the vertigo attack,functional level scores and postural balance were evaluated. Of the 10 cases,8 showed the sign of UVL after receiving initial two ITGs and were not given any more intratympanic injections,and the other 2 patients were administered three ITGs. A two-year follow-up revealed that complete and substantial vertigo control was achieved in 9 cases,and limited vertigo control in 1 patient. Hearing level was lowered in 2 patients. The posture stability and functional level scores were improved. Our study showed that the modified titration protocol of ITG at a low dose could effectively control vertigo in patients with unilateral intractable MD.
文摘Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fundamental diagnostic features for this new species are the very thin double-layered cortex in peridioles,exoperidium strongly hirsute,and a platinum bright endoperidium.Description,discussion and photographs of this new species are provided.