COMPARISON OF SPHERICAL CUBE MAP PROJECTIONS USED IN PLANET-SIZED TERRAIN RENDERING

A wide variety of projections from a planet surface to a two-dimensional map are known, and the correct choice of a particular projection for a given application area depends on many factors. In the computer graphics domain, in particular in the field of planet rendering systems, the importance of that choice has been neglected so far, and inadequate criteria have been used to select a projection. In this paper, we derive evaluation criteria, based on texture distortion, suitable for this application domain, and apply them to a comprehensive list of spherical cube map projections to demonstrate their properties

Dissecting a wheat QTL for yield present in a range of environments: from the QTL to candidate genes

Previous studies with 95 bread wheat doubled haploid lines (DHLs) from the cross Chinese Spring (CS)xSQ1 trialled over 24 yearxtreatmentxlocations identified major yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in homoeologous locations on 7AL and 7BL, expressed mainly under stressed and non-stressed conditions, respectively. SQ1 and CS contributed alleles increasing yield on 7AL and 7BL, respectively. The yield component most strongly associated with these QTLs was grains per ear. Additional results which focus on the 7AL yield QTL are presented here. Trials monitoring agronomic, morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits revealed that the 7AL yield QTL was not associated with differences in flowering time or plant height, but with significant differences in biomass at maturity and anthesis, biomass per tiller, and biomass during tillering. In some trials, flag leaf chlorophyll content and leaf width at tillering were also associated with the QTL. Thus, it is likely that the yield gene(s) on 7AL affects plant productivity. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) for the 7AL yield QTL with CS or SQ1 alleles in an SQ1 BACKGROUND: showed the SQ1 allele to be associated with > 20% higher yield per ear, significantly higher flag leaf chlorophyll content, and wider flag leaves. Epidermal cell width and distance between leaf vascular bundles did not differ significantly between NILs, so the yield-associated gene may influence the number of cell files across the leaf through effects on cell division. Interestingly, comparative mapping with rice identified AINTEGUMENTA and G-protein subunit genes affecting lateral cell division at locations homologous to the wheat 7AL yield QTL

Effects of the toluene and methanol extract of Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl) on viability and proliferation HeLa cells

Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) is used in food and pharmaceutical technologies as officinal drugs and natural laxative. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of toluene and methanol Senna extracts on the viability and proliferation of HeLa cells. The senna leaves were extracted in Soxhlet's extractor and obtained toluene and methanolic extracts were used for determination of effects on viability and proliferation. Cytotoxic effect of different concentrations (0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% and 0.0001%) extracts was investigated in HeLa cells in vitro. MTT test showed significant cytotoxic activity for toluene extract, especially the concentration of 0.1%, while the tested concentrations metanolic extract did not show cytotoxic activity

Strong spin-orbit interaction and gg-factor renormalization of hole spins in Ge/Si nanowire quantum dots

The spin-orbit interaction lies at the heart of quantum computation with spin qubits, research on topologically non-trivial states, and various applications in spintronics. Hole spins in Ge/Si core/shell nanowires experience a spin-orbit interaction that has been predicted to be both strong and electrically tunable, making them a particularly promising platform for research in these fields. We experimentally determine the strength of spin-orbit interaction of hole spins confined to a double quantum dot in a Ge/Si nanowire by measuring spin-mixing transitions inside a regime of spin-blockaded transport. We find a remarkably short spin-orbit length of $\sim$65 nm, comparable to the quantum dot length and the interdot distance. We additionally observe a large orbital effect of the applied magnetic field on the hole states, resulting in a large magnetic field dependence of the spin-mixing transition energies. Strikingly, together with these orbital effects, the strong spin-orbit interaction causes a significant enhancement of the $g$-factor with magnetic field.The large spin-orbit interaction strength demonstrated is consistent with the predicted direct Rashba spin-orbit interaction in this material system and is expected to enable ultrafast Rabi oscillations of spin qubits and efficient qubit-qubit interactions, as well as provide a platform suitable for studying Majorana zero modes

Industrial wastewater monitoring in the public health institutions in Serbia

Wastewater disposal is recognized by the public health sector for its potential negative environmental health impact. This paper is a cross-sectional study, for an observational period from 2015-2017, with an aim to present the scope of involvement of public health institutions in monitoring of industrial wastewaters. Wastewaters were sampled from industrial facilities of chemical, food-processing, mining-smelting and energy, transport, service, wood-processinga and textile production origin. As a study tool we used a data-base of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, being filled-in with data from the local IPHs, analyzing wastewater quality on contract basis. In total, summing results from three consecutive years, 13392 wastewater samples were collected and analyzed, of which 44.79% (5999) did not comply to the adopted national standards. By observing wastewater treatment dynamics, generating from the legal entities whose samples were analyzed, it appears that it is insufficiently implemented. In all three monitoring years treatment persisted in less than 50% of facilities, which can be linked to the fact that parameters burdening samples at its most are: suspended and sediment matter, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, ammonia, fats and oils, etc. The fact that most of the effluents are disposed of directly into natural watercourses indicates the constantly present risk for both environment and health

Metamizole: Current status of the safety and efficacy

Metamizole is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with analgesic, antipyretic, spasmolytic, and weak anti-inflammatory properties. The analgesic effect of metamizole seems to be based on the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme activity and stimulation of cannabinoid receptors. Its use is still controversial, mainly due to agranulocytosis, metamizole-induced serious adverse reaction. While in many countries it is withdrawn from the market, in some countries metamizole is available as a medication prescribed for strictly defined indications, while in the others like Mexico, Brazil and China it can be obtained as an Over-The-Counter drug. The most common adverse effects of metamizole are the skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Metamizole appears to be of similar efficacy to analgesics which are frequently used in the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain

Protection of Digital Elevation Model - One Approach

The quality of DEMs is especially being considered based on the spatial resolution of the created digital models and the type of terrain of the interest area. DEM analysis was performed specifically for LiDAR-based DEMs, as well as a comparison with results obtained using the radar recording method (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission). The application of DEM data for security-sensitive systems requires the fulfillment of security requirements, such as authenticity, integrity, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. For this purpose, the authors have developed a model for non-repudiation and protecting DEM data. The model simulation shows it is possible to detect even the smallest changes made in the transmission or the DEM location, as well as proving the data authenticity and non-repudiation of the sender. DEM data security testing has shown that DEM data is effectively protected from the source of origin to the end entity location

Optimization of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate synthesis process (ziram)

This work presents an optimized laboratory procedure for the synthesis of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram) by the reaction of the sodium salt of dimethyl dithiocarbamic acid and zinc sulfate. The reaction of synthesis of the sodium salt of dimethyl-dithiocarbamic acid takes place starting from dimethylamine, carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide solution. To the prepared acidified aqueous solution of zinc sulphate, a solution of the sodium salt of dimethyl dithiocarbamic acid was added, whereby zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate is formed in the form of a suspension. The suspension is filtered, the filter cake is washed with water to remove the sulfate ion and dried. The structure of the obtained Ziram was confirmed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and MS instrumental methods, and the purity was determined by the classical analytical method. The obtained product zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate was ground, formulated and used in pomiculture as fungicide under the trade name Ziram

Overview of carotenoids distribution among wild plant species of the Balkan Peninsula

The Balkan Peninsula is characterized by a great diversity of flora and vegetation. Moreover, it is native to a large number of wild plant species containing carotenoids, biologically active compounds, beneficial for human health. Carotenoid pigments exhibit a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, in addition to beneficial impact on eye health, heart, blood vessels, cognitive function and antiaging. Nevertheless, their role has been scientifically proven in prevention and treatment of cancer. The aim of the research was to form a database on carotenoid plants of Serbia and the Balkans that is set up electronically for easy access, management and updating. The research included the analysis and organization of information on collected plants, as well as literature data related to the traditional use and storage of plants and plant parts and products rich in carotenoids in fresh, dried or canned state. Sixty wild plants from more than ten plant families were registered to contain these antioxidant pigments. Among them three endemic species namely Lilium bosniacum (Beck) Fritsch (lily native to Bosnia and Herzegovina), Ramonda nathaliae Pančić & Petrović and R. serbica Pančić were inscribed, of which the last two are Tertiary relicts. The type and level of carotenoids varied depending on the plant species and organs including leaves, petals, immature and ripe fruits, pulp, seeds, etc. According to database, fruits were the richest source of these pigments. Reported carotenoid content, included both xanthophylls and carotenes, whereas lutein and β-carotene were predominantly major compounds in berries and flowers respectively. Total carotenoid content, determined by HPLC method, was the highest in fresh berries of Rubus fruticosus L. (440 μg/100g