Light Cycle Research Articles

THERAPEUTIC AND ANTAGONIST VILLI INSURGENCY OF GARCINIA KOLA ON ACETIC ACID INDUCED EROSIVE SMALL INTESTINAL ULCER OF WISTAR ALBINO RATS MODEL

The small bowel, also known as the small intestine, is a key component of the digestive system responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption from food. Positioned between the stomach and the large intestine, it receives digestive enzymes from bile and pancreatic juice via the pancreatic duct. The small intestine measures approximately 18 feet (6.5 meters) in length and is intricately folded to fit within the abdominal cavity. The Garcinia Kola plant was recognized by the Department of Pharmacology at Niger Delta University, located on Wilberforce Island, Amasomma, Bayelsa State. The seeds of this plant were collected from Amasomma and subjected to a drying process under natural sunlight for 14 days. Subsequently, they were ground into a fine powder and distributed into various beakers. After allowing the mixture to settle for three days, it was filtered using Watchman's No. 1 filter paper. For this research, thirty albino rats with weights ranging from 150g ± 3.5 to 205g ± 2.6 were utilized. These rats were sourced from the animal facility of the Pharmacology Department at Niger Delta University. They were kept in a controlled environment with temperatures maintained between 20°C and 27°C and a 12-hour cycle of light and darkness. The rats were grouped and provided with standard feed pellets from Guinea Feed Nigeria Plc and unlimited access to clean water for the duration of the study, which included a two-week acclimatization period. The handling of the animals adhered to the institution's guidelines for animal experimentation. The study spanned two months, with an initial four-week acclimatization phase. Post-acclimatization, the 30 rats were randomly assigned to seven groups (A to G). Group A (control) received a diet of pelleted growers feed (mash) and water. Group B (chronic exposure group) was given 1ml of 4% acetic acid orally, along with the standard diet, for 30 days. Group C (subchronic exposure group) received the same acetic acid treatment for 14 days. Groups D and E (sub-chronic exposure groups) were treated with acetic acid and varying doses of Garcinia Kola extract for 14 days. Groups F and G (chronic exposure groups) underwent a similar regimen with Garcinia Kola extract for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanized using chloroform anesthesia, and vital organs were harvested and preserved in 10% formalin. The tissues underwent standard histological processing and were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin at the Histopathology laboratory of the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) in Okolobiri. Histological examination revealed that the control group's villi and submucosal walls remained intact. However, plates 4.2 to 4.4 displayed erosion of the submucosal layer, interruption of the villi, and aggregation of white blood cells. Plate 4.5 indicated mild erosion of the mucosal layer and the presence of inflammatory cells. The findings suggest that oral ingestion of acetic acid for 30 days can cause inflammation and necrosis in the stomach tissues of lab animals. Additionally, it was noted that administering Garcinia Kola seed extract alone had minimal impact on the animals' histology.

Distribution, screening and biochemical characterization of indigenous microalgae for bio-mass and bio-energy production potential from three districts of Pakistan.

Trend of biofuel production from microalgal triacylglycerols is enhancing, because this substrate is a good sustainable and advantageous alternative to oil and gas fuel. In the present study, indigenous micro algal isolates were screened from water (n=30) and soil (n=30) samples collected from three districts of Punjab, Pakistan to evaluate their biofuel production potential. The samples were inoculated on BG - 11 agar medium plates by incubating at room temperature of 25°C providing 1000 lux for 16h light cycle followed by 8h of dark cycle for 15 d. Water samples were found to be rich in microalgae and 65.33% microalgae (49 isolates) were isolated from Faisalabad district. On the basis of microscopic morphology microalgal isolates (n=180) were selected and subjected to lipid detection by Nile red staining assay. Nile red positive isolates (n=23) were processed for biochemical (lipid, protein and carbohydrates) characterization. AIN63 isolate showed higher lipids (17.4%) content as detected by micro vanillin assay. Algal isolate AIN128 showed best protein contents (42.91%) detected by Bradford assay and AIN172 isolate showed higher carbohydrate contents (73.83%) as detected by anthrone assay. The selected algal isolates were also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for confirmation of carbohydrate, protein and lipid analysis. These indigenous algae have the potential for in-vitro biofuel production from agricultural waste.

Production of Fuel Oil from Blends of Refinery Products for Powering Heat Exchanger

Fuel oil, also known as furnace oil is a fraction of crude oil obtained when distillation processing is carried out in the refinery. Due to the high viscous of the heavy fuel oil, that makes it difficult to be pump throughout the pipework of the power plant, it is necessary to produce a fuel oil that will meet up the required standard. The aim of this study was to produce fuel oil from the blend of refinery intermediate product which meet certain European fuel specifications outlined in the EN 590:2009 standard alongside NMDPRA Standards. The blending stocks obtained from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) were first filtered to remove some particulate impurities before they were analyzed to determine their properties after which, they were introduced into a mixed-tank that has an agitator connected and the blending was done using the blending ratio obtained from literature. The fuel oil produced was eventually analyzed for properties such as: Specific Gravity, API Gravity, Density, Viscosity, Kinematic Viscosity, Moisture Content, Flash Point, Cloud Point, Pour Point and Sulphur content. The sample with a composition of 33.3% of Decant oil (DCO), 33.3% Heavy gas oil (HGO), 33.3% light cycle oil (LCO) produced fuel oil of specific gravity 0.916, API Gravity 22.95, Density 0.896, Viscosity 40, Kinematic viscosity 4.7, pour point -6.5 and flash point 109, The analysis of the fuel oil meet the standard for blended fuel oil, according to the ISO 8217:2017 Standard. The results confirmed that blending of decant oil with conventional petroleum diesel (heavy and light gas oil) has a highly significant effect on the properties of the resulting fuel blend. The results show that by increasing the heavy gas oil content of the blend, the flash point of the blend increases; while increasing the decant oil content of the blend results in a decrease in Cloud point. The results of the analysis of the produced fuel oil confirms that its properties fall within the acceptable range for Fuel Oil and can be used as fuel for fired heaters and furnaces of the refinery and other process plants.

Dominant role of zeolite in coordination between metal and acid sites on an industrial catalyst for tetralin hydrocracking

An effective approach for upgrading light cycle oil (LCO) is the targeted conversion of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons to valuable monoaromatic hydrocarbons.

Organizational complexity and road safety: dialectical contradiction and its behavioural interpretation

The main organizational and technical idea implemented in recent years in Russia in the field of road safety is to reduce the conflict of traffic and pedestrian flows. This is realised through the use of multiphase traffic light cycle modes. The consequence of this is a sharp increase in the duration of the traffic light cycle (up to 180-200 sec) and a decrease in the capacity of the street and road network. However, more surprisingly, it does not lead to an increase in road safety. The article presents the author’s view on the non-obvious effectiveness of such attempts to reduce the conflict of traffic and pedestrian flows and the author’s reflections on the dialectical contradiction between the organizational complexity of traffic light cycles and the behaviour of road users.

Effect of temperature, hydrogen donor, and zeolites on light cycle oil cracking: thermodynamic, experimental, and DFT analyses

Experimental, thermodynamic, and DFT analyses determine optimal conditions for maximizing BTX yields from LCO and provide mechanistic insights.

Impacts of aging on circadian rhythm and related sleep disorders

Circadian rhythm is an essential component of biology that organizes the internal synchrony of the organism in response to the environment. Aging significantly impacts circadian rhythm and is also associated with specific sleep complaints in mammals, including earlier awakening and decreased sleep consolidation at the end of the night. However, the regulation mechanism of aging on the circadian rhythm is far from clear. To further understand the impact of aging, we use an existing mathematical model of circadian rhythm combined with the aging system to explore the effects of aging on circadian rhythm and two kinds of sleep disorders, familial late sleep syndrome (FASPS) and delayed sleep syndrome (DSPS). We get a few intriguing findings from numerical simulations. Aging weakens rhythmicity by reducing the amplitude of circadian rhythm. Aging exacerbates the sleep pattern of being early to bed and early to rise by shortening the period of circadian rhythm and advancing the entrainment phase. Aging reduces the ability of the circadian rhythm to respond to light. The elderly need stronger light to get entrainment with the environmental light cycle. It is more difficult for the elderly to recover from disturbed light. Especially elderly people take a longer time to overcome jet lag. Aging worsens the “morningness” of FASPS disorder patients and improves the symptoms of DSPS disorder patients. This study helps to better understand the impacts of aging on circadian rhythm and sleep disorders and provides theoretical support for the treatment of circadian disorders in the elderly.

Harnessing diurnal dynamics: Deciphering the interplay of light cycles on algal-bacterial membrane bioreactors

Light profoundly modulates the algal-bacterial membrane bioreactor (algal-bacterial MBR) performance. Yet, its outdoor deployment grapples with the inherent diurnal cycle of sunlight, engendering suboptimal light conditions. The adaptability of such systems to these fluctuating light conditions and their implications for practical outdoor applications remained an under-explored frontier. In response, this study meticulously scrutinized two laboratory-scale algal-bacterial MBRs under varying light regimes: a 24-h continuous and a 12-h cyclic illumination. Over 70 days, continuous illumination was observed to yield superior biomass production and total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies compared to its cyclic counterpart. Contrarily, when focusing on membrane fouling, the 12-h cyclic illumination exhibited lower membrane fouling. The spectral analyses coupled with adhesion ability evaluation, traced the enhanced membrane fouling under continuous illumination to the elevated organics and heightened adhesive properties of the flocs. Given the tangible benefits of reduced membrane fouling and the potential harnessing of solar radiation, the 12-h cyclic illumination emerges as an economically astute operational paradigm for algal-bacterial MBRs. The significance of this study is to promote the application of algal-bacterial MBR in sewage treatment and provide robust support for the development of green technology in the future.

Artificial Intelligence for Hybrid Modeling in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)

This study reports a novel hybrid model for the prediction of six critical process variables of importance in an industrial-scale FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) riser reactor: vacuum gas oil (VGO) conversion, outlet riser temperature, light cycle oil (LCO), gasoline, light gases, and coke yields. The proposed model is developed via the integration of a computational particle-fluid dynamics (CPFD) methodology with artificial intelligence (AI). The adopted methodology solves the first principle model (FPM) equations numerically using the CPFD Barracuda Virtual Reactor 22.0® software. Based on 216 of these CPFD simulations, the performance of an industrial-scale FCC riser reactor unit was assessed using VGO catalytic cracking kinetics developed at CREC-UWO. The dataset obtained with CPFD is employed for the training and testing of a machine learning (ML) algorithm. This algorithm is based on a multiple output feedforward neural network (FNN) selected to allow one to establish correlations between the riser reactor feeding conditions and its outcoming parameters, with a 0.83 averaged regression coefficient and an overall RMSE of 1.93 being obtained. This research underscores the value of integrating CPFD simulations with ML to optimize industrial processes and enhance their predictive accuracy, offering significant advancements in FCC riser reactor unit operations.

Optimization of Realistic Accelerated Stress Tests for PEM Fuel Cells Using Standardized Automotive Driving Cycles

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have so far not achieved the targeted lifetime necessary to be an economical alternative for automotive applications. This is mainly caused by their high degradation rates. To better understand the degradation mechanisms, the use of accelerated stress tests (ASTs) at the component level is widespread. However, it is still a challenge to transfer their results to real-world applications.To address this problem, the approach of this work is to derive load profiles from standardized driving cycles for passenger cars. In combination with a fuel cell system model that is used to define the operating conditions of the media, such as temperature or pressure, a test procedure is obtained that results in a realistic degradation of the fuel cell. The proposed test procedure exposes the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) to the most important degradation conditions in mobile applications. Dynamic operation is responsible for deterioration processes within the PEMFC and is the underlying cause of typical hygrothermal and voltage cycling events. Such cycling also occurs during start-stop operations, causing severe damage to the PEMFC catalysts. In addition, idling conditions may prompt open-circuit voltage (OCV) conditions in the PEMFC, resulting in dissolution of the Pt catalyst and subsequent chemical degradation of the PEM. Additionally, high load operation may also lead to catalyst degradation. Finally, the inertia of the auxiliary components, such as the humidifier, during load changes causes not ideal conditions, such as relative humidity changes, resulting in further mechanical stress on the membrane.Due to the targeted PEMFC lifetime of up to 8,000 hours for automotive applications [1], realistic degradation test procedures have a very long test duration, making them particularly challenging and costly to conduct. To overcome this hurdle, the load profile of the proposed test procedure is shortened by using an in-house developed optimization algorithm. For this purpose, four operation modes are defined as degradation-accelerating: voltage cycling, relative humidity (RH) cycling, OCV/idling, and high load operation. Based on state-of-the-art AST procedures, a sub-algorithm is developed for each operating mode. Such sub-algorithms are capable of identifying all occurrences within a given test procedure that may lead to accelerated fuel cell degradation. For each sub-algorithm, the degradation parameters (namely upper and lower potential limits for voltage cycling, membrane tensile stress for RH cycling, fluoride emission rate for OCV/idling, and voltage degradation rate for high load) are specified by the user. This allows the comparison of different fuel cells in terms of their resistance to conventional degradation mechanisms.The developed algorithm can be used to optimize various driving cycles such as the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC) for various mobile applications. All cycle events identified as accelerating degradation are connected with a point connector function based on the fuel cell polarization curve. This ensures moderate voltage steps between the identified phases and thus prevents the algorithm from inducing further degradation of the fuel cell.The optimization algorithm obtained can reduce the test duration by up to 40%. The method can be repeated frequently during AST operation by repeatedly measuring the polarization curve to consider the continuous degradation in the test procedure. Decreasing fuel cell performance leads to more severe voltage drops during load changes and thus an increase of degradation-accelerating phases over the test period. Furthermore, start-stop ASTs developed by Bisello et al. [2] are also included due to their strong contribution to fuel cell degradation in automotive applications.Finally, the optimized cycles are analyzed using two simulation tools to evaluate the degradation. The first tool by Ao et al. [3] uses the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) to quantify the proceeding degradation during cycle operation. A characteristic voltage and the voltage change rate are extracted from the driving cycle. For both values, the resulting decrease in ECSA is modeled and aging is defined as the ECSA loss rate. The second tool by Pei et al. [4] examines the driving cycle according to the four degradation-inducing conditions and combines them with experimentally determined degradation rates. Both tools allow an analysis of the degradation derivative between the initial and optimized test procedures. By adjusting the degradation rate for the different degradation mechanisms, the AST procedure is improved in terms of its representativeness for real-world applications.

Chemogenetic inhibition of locus coeruleus to rostromedial tegmental nucleus noradrenergic pathway increases light cycle ethanol drinking in male and female mice and blunts ethanol-induced CTA

We recently showed that chemogenetic activation of the locus coeruleus (LC) to the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) noradrenergic (NE) pathway significantly blunted binge-like ethanol drinking and induced aversive-like behaviors in mice. The aim of the present study is to determine if silencing this TH + LC → RMTg noradrenergic pathway promotes increased levels of binge-like ethanol intake and reduced ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA). To this end, both male and female TH-ires-cre mice on a C57BL/6 J background were cannulated in the RMTg and injected in the LC with rAVV viruses that encode cre-dependent Gi-expressing designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), or its control, to directly control the activity of NE neurons. Inhibition of the LC to RMTg pathway had no effect on the binge-ethanol drinking in a “drinking-in-the-dark” (DID) paradigm. However, when using this paradigm during the light cycle, silencing of this circuit significantly increased ethanol intake without altering sucrose drinking. Moreover, we found that inhibition of this circuit significantly attenuated an ethanol-induced CTA. In addition, when compared to control animals, pairing RMTg-directed Clozapine N-oxide (CNO) with an i.p. injection of 1.5 g/kg ethanol reduced c-Fos activation in the LC, and increased c-Fos expression in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in Gi-expressing mice. Our data show that inhibition of the TH + LC to the RMTg pathway significantly increased ethanol drinking as well as attenuated ethanol-induced CTA, supporting the involvement of the LC to RMTg noradrenergic circuit as an important protective mechanism against excessive ethanol consumption.

Effects of LED Light Colors on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations and Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to explore the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light colors on growth, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers. A total of 360 healthy male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers with similar weights were selected and divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and 15 broilers in each replicate: LED white light (W), LED green light (G), LED blue light (B), and LED blue–green composite light (BG). The experimental period was 42 d, the light cycle of each treatment group was 23L:1D (23 h of light, one hour of darkness) from 1 to 3 d, and the light cycle from 4 to 42 d was 16L:8D; light intensity was 20 Lux. The results showed that the average daily feed intake and final weight of broilers receiving the B group were the highest in 21 d and 42 d compared with other groups. The average daily feed intake of the BG group was lower than that of the B group. In the same light color, small intestine villus height grows with age. On days 21 and 42, compared with other groups, the ileal villus height was higher, the crypt depth was lower, and the V/C ratio (villus to crypt ratio) was higher in the BG group. The combination of blue–green composite light was beneficial to increase the content of propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate in the cecum of 21-day-old broilers and the content of isobutyrate in the cecum of 42-day-old broilers, and a decrease in cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations with age. The B group and the BG group had higher abundances of Bacteroidetes at day 21 of age and lower abundances of Phascolarctobacterium at day 42. However, no cecal microbiota differences were detected by the Bonferroni-corrected test. In general, our research results showed that light color could promote the growth of broilers by affecting intestinal morphology, microbiota abundance (needs to be validated by further experiments), and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. And blue and blue–green composite lights are more suitable for broiler growth.

The role of Kir6.2‐KATP channels in modulating sleep, brain metabolism, and neuronal excitability in AD

AbstractBackgroundATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels act as metabolic sensors to regulate cellular excitability. We recently demonstrated that neuronal KATP channels are composed of Kir6.2 subunits, are highly expressed on excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and are differentially expressed in the Alzheimer’s brain (Grizzanti et al. 2022). Mechanistically, we demonstrated that KATP channels couple changes in cerebral metabolism with neuronal activity and amyloid‐beta (Aβ) release, suggesting a role for KATP channels in Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we extend these studies to explore how KATP channels contribute to excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the brain to impact sleep and Alzheimer’s pathology. How KATP channels coordinate sleep, metabolism, and neuronal activity was examined using the Kir6.2‐/‐ mice, a mouse model lacking neuronal KATP channel activity.MethodIntracranial biosensors measuring interstitial fluid (ISF) glucose and ISF lactate concurrent with EEG/EMGs were implanted into the hippocampus of wild type (WT) and Kir6.2‐/‐ mice. Diurnal rhythms of ISF glucose, ISF lactate, and EEG/EMG were recorded for 72 hours. Mice were injected with saline, glucose, or glibenclamide to determine effects of metabolic challenges on ISF glucose, ISF lactate, and sleep/wake cycles. Quantitative EEG analysis and sleep staging was performed and correlated with ISF glucose and lactate over the 24 hour light/dark period.ResultWildtype mice have diurnal fluctuations in ISF glucose and lactate, with increases during the dark cycle when mice are awake and decreases in the light cycle when mice are asleep. In Kir6.2‐/‐ mice lacking neuronal KATP channel activity, diurnal fluctuations in ISF glucose and lactate are lost. Kir6.2‐/‐ mice spent more time in NREM sleep and less time awake than WT mice. Furthermore, reductions in absolute EEG power suggest changes in the brain’s E/I balance. Lastly, Kir6.2‐/‐ mice were unresponsive to metabolic challenges, demonstrating that ISF lactate, a metabolic trigger for wakefulness, is controlled by KATP channels.ConclusionWe describe the role of neuronal KATP channels as metabolic sensors in coordinating sleep/wake architecture in mice. Ongoing studies are exploring the impact of KATP channels on sleep and brain excitability in AD.

Modeling and simulation of astaxanthin production from Chlorella zofingiensis

Chlorella zofingiensis microalgae are highly regarded for their astaxanthin production, but understanding its kinetics is currently constrained. This study utilized yeast-based kinetics models (Monod and Contois) to scrutinize astaxanthin biosynthesis in C. zofingiensis. This research explored diverse light conditions, including low-high, cyclic, and continuous light assessments. In this investigation, MATLAB R2021a simulations were employed to systematically evaluate the impact of varying initial substrate concentrations and light treatments on biomass and astaxanthin production. Using the Contois-based modified model denoted as Model 2, optimal yields occurred with initial glucose concentrations at 30 g∙L−1 and 15 g∙L−1 under continuous light, resulting in the attainment of final biomass and astaxanthin concentrations of 8.37 g∙L−1 and 19.19 g∙L−1, respectively. Increasing the initial glucose concentration from 5 g∙L−1 to 25 g∙L−1 led to a remarkable 236.8 % enhancement in astaxanthin production.

Effects of Different Stress Applications on Some Reproductive Hormones, Sperm Parameters, Lipid Profile, Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Markers

The current study assessed how 5 stress protocols applied affected sperm parameters, lipid profile, and some reproductive hormones. Live materials of the study consisted of 50 rats. The number of rats in the groups was equal and they were randomly assigned. Each group consisted of 10 rats. No stress application was conducted in the control group. The rats in the psychological stress group were subjected to a cycle of 4-hour light and 20-hour dark per day. The rats in the physical stress group were deprived of feed and water for two hours per day. In the psychological stress + physical stress group, the psychological and physical stress protocol was conducted. In the first 4 groups, all the applications were conducted for 14 days. A different stress application was applied to the rats in the depression group every day. It was determined that the abnormal sperm rate was high in the stress and depression groups, but the highest rate was in the depression group. In addition, sperm motility and sperm concentration were the lowest in the depression group. While the stress and depression groups had significantly lower serum triglyceride and HDL levels and LH and FSH levels, cholesterol and LDL values were significantly higher. Bax expression and 8 OHdG expression were severe in psychological stress+physical stress group and depression group. When the findings are evaluated collectively; it was determined that stress negatively affected sperm parameters, lipid profile, reproductive hormones, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical parameters.

Cloning, tissue distribution, and effects of different circadian rhythms on the mRNA expression levels of circadian clock genes Per1a and Per1b in Phoxinus lagowskii

This study describes the cloning and characterization of Period 1a and Period 1b genes and the analysis of their mRNA and protein expression in Amur minnow (Phoxinus lagowskii) after exposure to different light cycles. The full-length P. lagowskii Per1a and Per1b genes encode proteins consisting of 1393 and 1409 amino acids, and share high homology with the per1 genes of other freshwater fish species. The Per1a and Per1b genes were widely expressed within the brain, eye, and peripheral tissues. The acrophase of the Per1a gene in the pituitary gland occurred during the dark phase at ZT15 (zeitgeber time 15, 12 L: 12 D) and ZT18 (8 L, 16 D), whereas the acrophase of the Per1b gene in the pituitary gland was observed during the light phase. Our study suggests that the expression of Per1a and Per1b in P. lagowskii varied depending on differences in circadian rhythm patterns. The results of our dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the P. lagowskii Per1b gene enhances the activation of NF-κB. This study is the first to examine the circadian clock gene Per1a and Per1b in the high-latitude fish P. lagowskii, offering valuable insights into the effects of different light periods on this fish species.

Training and Applying Artificial Neural Networks in Traffic Light Control: Improving the Management and Safety of Road Traffic in Tyumen (Russia)

The article presents the initial experience (spring-summer 2023) of using artificial neural networks (ANN) to improve traffic management in the large Russian city of Tyumen. Using the example of one of the intersections of the city's road network, it is shown how much transport delays are reduced when the duration of the traffic light cycle phases is quickly adjusted to the actual traffic intensity when compared with the usual previously used traffic light predictive mode. For the specific intersection of Odesskaya and Kotovskogo streets in Tyumen, considered in this article, the traffic light control mode using an ANN can significantly (by 20.6 ... 22.4%) reduce the average delay time of vehicles. It is also important that the reduction in traffic delays, which is possible with the regulation of traffic using ANN, helps to reduce stress for road users and improve road safety. The article presents historical data illustrating the dynamics of changes in the field of traffic management and road safety in Tyumen. This information confirms the thesis about the dialectic of systemic development and the need for a gradual increase in the intellectual component of traffic management in large cities. The Applications (Appendix A and Appendix B) present the code of the auxiliary procedures and functions module and the code of the main data collection module used to optimize the traffic light control mode at the experimental intersection of the Tyumen road network. The main conclusion of the study is that the use of an ANN allows for taking into account a much larger number of factors and optimizing the control of the entire object, consisting of several intersections, which is not achievable using predictive modes and local adaptive control.

INTERSECTION ARRANGEMENT DESIGN ON SULTAN HAMID II ROAD - GUSTI SITUT MAHMUD ROAD – 28 OKTOBER ROAD – SELAT PANJANG ROAD PONTIANAK DUE TO THE OPERATION OF THE LANDAK PARALLEL BRIDGE

The signalized intersection on Sultan Hamid II Road - Gusti Situt Mahmud Road – 28 Oktober Road – Selat Panjang Road is an intersection in Pontianak city with high traffic problems. The construction of the Landak parallel bridge initially aimed to reduce congestion, but this created an imbalance that caused congestion. This research analyses the performance of the intersection using the 1997 Indonesian Road Capacity Manual method and VISSIM software simulation. Data was collected in the form of intersection geometric data, traffic light cycle time, vehicle speed, and traffic volume taken for three days with a survey tool in the form of CCTV as a recorder at 06.00 - 18.00 WIB. Then, the data collected is processed into the basis of research to calculate the performance of the intersection in existing conditions and develop alternative improvement plans using MKJI 1997 and VISSIM software simulations. In the analysis with the MKJI 1997 method, the North road's service level is LOS C; the East road is LOS C; the South road is LOS B; the West road is LOS F, and the highest degree of saturation is 1.56. Analysis with VISSIM software simulation obtained the level of service of the intersection LOS C. After making alternative changes in cycle time, geometrics, and restrictions on the time of prohibition of passing obtained in alternative 15 with changes from signalized intersections to roundabouts and geometric changes.

Precise Phase Measurement for Fringe Reflection Technique through Optimized Camera Response

The Fringe Reflection is a robust and non-contact technique for optical measurement and specular surface characterization. The periodic alternation between dark and light cycles of the fringe patterns encodes the geometric information and provides a non-contact method of spatial measurement through phase extraction. Precisely expressing the positions of the points of the fringe pattern is a fundamental requirement for an accurate fringe reflection measurement. However, the nonlinear processes, both in generating the fringe pattern on a screen and capturing it using pixel values, cause inevitable errors in the phase measurement and eventually reduce the system’s precision. Aiming at reducing these nonlinear errors, we focus on constructing a new quantity from the pixel values of the photos of the fringe patterns that could linearly respond to the ideal fringe pattern. To this end, we hypothesize that the process of displaying the fringe pattern on a screen using a control function is similar to the process of capturing the pattern and converting the illuminating information into pixel values, which can be described using the camera’s response function. This similarity allows us to build a scaled energy quantity that could have a better linear relation with the control function. We optimize the extracted camera response function using an objective to increase the precision and reduce the quoted error. Experiments designed to determine the positions of points along the quartile lines verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving fringe reflection measurement precision.

Singlet oxygen induces cell wall thickening and stomatal density reducing by transcriptome reprogramming

Singlet oxygen (1O2) has a very short half-life of 10-5s; however, it is a strong oxidant that causes growth arrest and necrotic lesions on plants. Its signaling pathway remains largely unknown. The Arabidopsis flu (fluorescent) mutant accumulates a high level of 1O2 and shows drastic changes in nuclear gene expression. Only two plastid proteins, EX1 (executer 1) and EX2 (executer 2), have been identified in the singlet oxygen signaling. Here, we found that the transcription factor abscisic acid insensitive 4 (ABI4) binds the promoters of genes responsive to 1O2-signals. Inactivation of the ABI4 protein in the flu/abi4 double mutant was sufficient to compromise the changes of almost all 1O2-responsive-genes and rescued the lethal phenotype of flu grown under light/dark cycles, similar to the flu/ex1/ex2 triple mutant. In addition to cell death, we reported for the first time that 1O2 also induces cell wall thickening and stomatal development defect. Contrastingly, no apparent growth arrest was observed for the flu mutant under normal light/dim light cycles, but the cell wall thickening (doubled) and stomatal density reduction (by two-thirds) still occurred. These results offer a new idea for breeding stress tolerant plants.