bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION
Authors: Setianingsih Tri
Published: October 2020

Reading comprehension is important skill to acquire information and knowledge from any kind sources. Difficulties in reading comprehension for students in learning English as EFL/ESL has forced teacher to apply appropriate principles and strategies. One strategy that believed can help to solve the problem in reading comprehension is assessment. Four Roles Model can be adapted for assessment and used as a framework to address the complex nature of reading comprehension difficulties by considering the reader as: (a) a code-breaker, (b) a text-participator, (c) a text-user, and (d) a text-analyser. Breaking the code emphasised decoding of the words, and encoding of information, understanding the conventions of written, spoken, and visual multimodal texts by recognising and using the surface features of print. There are two kinds table of assessment. Table 1 presents a flexible reading comprehension assessment matrix showing the four roles of the reader with the before, during and after reading phases. Table 2 shows the elements within the matrix can be adjusted to reflect appropriate items suited for different stages of reading development or with a particular focus in mind.
Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa Melalui Pembelajaran Portofolio pada Mata Pelajaran PKN di SD Negeri 2 Uekuli Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Moara Nirwan
Published: October 2020

This study aims to improve student learning outcomes through portfolio learning in Class II PKN subjects SDN 2 Uekuli. The research method used was classroom action research with 15 students of class II SDN 2 Uekuli as the research subjects. The research instrument used observation sheets, questionnaires and tests. The data analysis technique used in this research was qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that there is an increase in student activity and teacher performance in the learning process. The increase in the learning process has a positive effect on student learning outcomes, student outcomes have increased each cycle. Cycle I shows that classically students who have completed learning reached 25.58%, cycle II increased to 81.39%, then increased again in cycle III to 97.67%. The average learning outcomes also increased, in the first cycle was 53.05; cycle II increased to 73.49; and increased again in cycle III to 86.51. This shows an increase in students' understanding of learning material on children's rights at home and at school.
Hubungan Penguasaan Kalimat Efektif dan Persepsi Siswa Terhadap Cara Mengajar Guru dengan Kemampuan Mengembangkan Paragraf bagi Siswa SDN Towara Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Lapandio Wolter
Published: October 2020

This study aims to determine the correlation between effective sentence mastery and students' perceptions of teacher teaching methods and the ability to develop paragraphs in class V SDN Towara students. This research method uses a survey method through a correlational study. The research sample was taken by proportional random sampling technique with a total of 80 students from a total population of 120 students. The research instrument used tests and questionnaires. While the data analysis technique of this study uses simple correlation techniques and multiple correlation. The results of this study indicate that effective sentence mastery and student perceptions of the way teachers teach individually or collectively have a positive relationship with the ability to develop paragraphs. If we look at the value of the independent variable's contribution to the dependent variable, it is known that effective sentence mastery gives a greater contribution or contribution than students' perceptions of the way teachers teach.
A Readability Level of Reading Materials for Vocational High School Students in Lombok, NTB
Authors: Kamarudin Kamarudin , Sugianto Nanang
Published: October 2020

This study aims to find out a readability level of reading materials for the students in one of the Vocational High Schools in Lombok, NTB using Cloze procedure, Flesh formula, and Fry Graph formula for the 12th grade. This study is a descriptive quantitative research. The sample of the study were 32 students using English textbooks presented for 12th graders in one of Vocational High Schools in Lombok, NTB. There were three genres performed; descriptive, recount, and narrative text. For the Flesh formula, and Fry Graph, the researcher’s observations were as the instrument of the study, meanwhile, for Cloze procedure, a test was employed to collect the data needed. The data was analyzed quantitatively described in the form of numerical description and percentage. The result revealed that analyzing the readability level through Cloze procedure was 42%, designated that the reading materials were instructional/assisted to read, and Flesh formula was 82.7%, indicated that the reading materials were easily understandable by the students, and Fry Graph formula showed that the reading materials were readable for the students. Thus, reading materials for students in one of the Vocational High Schools in Lombok, NTB was readable for 12th graders to read.
Strategi Manajemen Akademik Pada Lembaga Pendidikan Tinggi Swasta
Authors: Fahmi Agus , Hakim Lukmanul
Published: October 2020

This study aims to analyze academic management strategies in private higher education institutions. This research method uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation. While the data analysis of this research uses descriptive analysis with an interactive model. The results of this study indicate that the academic management system at tertiary institutions is the core of the implementation of higher education activities that regulate everything including the effectiveness of administration, information, service quality, and efficient use of resources. Management strategy is a process or series of decision-making activities that are fundamental and comprehensive, accompanied by determining how to carry it out, which is made by the leadership and implemented by all levels in an organization to achieve goals. In the implementation of Private Higher Education it is imperative that the quality of academic services be carried out in a directed, disciplined, total quality manner, and ensure the realization of the quality of higher education properly.
Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Siswa dengan Menggunakan Metode Kerja Kelompok pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen di SMP Negeri I Totikum Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Papasi Jafarhari
Published: October 2020

This study aims to increase student learning motivation by using group work methods in Christian religious education subjects. This research method uses classroom action research. Subjects in this study were 18 grade students of SMP Negeri I Totikum. The research instrument used tests and observations. While the data analysis technique used qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that the learning process using work methods can increase student motivation so that it has a positive impact on the final grades obtained by students. Based on the results of observations in cycle I and cycle II through observing student activity in the learning process and student learning outcomes, it was obtained data that all students liked the way of learning and were motivated to learn using the group work method on the grounds that the learning process was fun and did not make it saturated.
Pengaruh Konseling Kelompok Terhadap Perilaku Agresif Siswa di SMKN 4 Mataram
Authors: Gunawan I Made , Hartati Aluh , Mulachela Fatimah Sahil
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the application of group counseling in reducing students' aggressive behavior. The research method used is the experimental method. The population in this study amounted to 76 students and the sample used to obtain data was 8 students who had a high score of aggressive behavior (purposive sampling). The data collection techniques used were questionnaires, observation, interviews and documentation. While the data analysis technique of this research uses the t-test formula. The results of this study indicate that the data analysis t count is 5.401 with a t table value at the 5% significance level with db (N-1) = 7 of 2.365. Thus the t value is greater than the t value in the table (5.401> 2.365), so it can be concluded that there is an effect of group counseling on aggressive behavior of class XI students in hospitality accommodation at SMKN 4 Mataram.
Peningkatan Keterampilan Menulis Kreatif Puisi Bebas Melalui Media Batu bagi Siswa SMPN 15 Mataram
Authors: Sahra Sahra
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to improve the creative writing skills of free poetry through stone media by applying the Jigsaw cooperative learning model. This research method is a classroom action research consisting of two cycles with the research subject, namely students of class VIII A SMPN 15 Mataram. The research instrument used observation and tests. The research data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative and quantitative techniques. The results showed that the use of stone media could improve the creative writing skills of free poetry. The improvement of the quality of the learning process in cycle I showed an average value of 67.5 and 80.5 in cycle II. The average student assessment results were 4.2 with 85% activeness of the total students.
Penerapan Media Permainan Sosiology Shot Traditional (SOSIS –T) untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Sosiologi Siswa MAN 1 Lombok Timur
Authors: Surodiana Siti
Published: October 2020

This study aims to increase student motivation in sociology subjects through the application of the Sosis-T game media. This research method used classroom action research methods with research subjects namely students of class XII IPS 2 MAN 1 East Lombok. The research instrument used observation and tests. The research data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative and quantitative techniques. The results showed that the learning media Sosiology Shot Traditional (SOSIS-T) was more effective in increasing the learning motivation and grades of students in the classroom. Through the application of the Sosiology Shot Traditional (SOSIS-T) media it is very fun for students when used during learning. Students are very motivated and enthusiastic to follow it. Students actively move, ask, answer, and respond so that class conditions become more dynamic.
Peningkatan Aktivitas dan Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Biologi Melalui Model Pembelajaran Make and Match Berbasis Media Karu Pintar
Authors: Rosidha Ainur
Published: October 2020

This study aims to improve student activity and learning outcomes in biology subjects through the "Make and Match" learning model with Smart Card media. This research method uses classroom action research. This research was conducted on 21 students of class X-ATU-1 SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Batu. The research instrument used tests, interviews, and observations. The data analysis technique used qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate an increase in activity and student learning outcomes in the post test cycle I and post test cycle II. It can be seen from the observation that student activity has increased in each cycle, namely 73% in cycle I and increased again to 93% in cycle 2, students become more active in participating in learning with smart card-based make and match models and complete student learning outcomes. and student learning outcomes also experienced an increase in each cycle, namely 62.5% of students completed with an average score of 68.5 in the post-test cycle I, and increased again to 82% of students completed with an average score of 83 in the post-test cycle II.
Facets of Lü Dongbin in Korean Painting and Literature
Authors: Georgieva-Russ Nelly
Published: October 2020

This paper explores the representation of Lü Dongbin, a celebrated scholar and poet of the Tang dynasty, in painting and literature of the Chosǒn period. He was recognized not only as a member of the Eight Immortals assembly, but also as a symbolic figure in his own right, and was depicted as a separate painting subject. By taking an interdisciplinary approach and analyzing the ways his figure was treated as a theme in visual arts and reminisced in literature, the present study aims to cast light on the multiple facets of perception of Lü Dongbin by Korean intellectuals and painters.
Vasyl Stus and Osyp Mandelstam: on crossroads of poetic worlds
Authors: Mykhailova Tetiana
Published: October 2020

The article focuses on the coincidences in V. Stus’s and O. Mandelstam’s biographies and notes the psychological and typological similarities of their personalities as well as their fascination with the German language and natural sciences (biology, chemistry). Both writers’ literary interests were alike, they were especially focused on the works of such Russian authors as A. Pushkin, A. Herzen, A. Blok, B. Pasternak, N. Gumilyov, M. Lermontov, F. Tyutchev, and others). Among world classical writers, Stus loved the works of J. W. von Goethe most of all, and Mandelstam admired the works by Dante Alighieri. The paper also deals with Stus’s translations from R. M. Rilke and Mandelstam’s translations from F. Petrarca. The critical activity of Stus and Mandelstam is also mentioned, in particular, O. Mandelstam’s essay “Conversation about Dante” and V. Stus’s paper about P. Tychyna “Phenomenon of the Age (Ascension on Calvary of Glory)”.

Stus’s letters and manuscripts reveal his attitude to the works of O. Mandelstam, whose poetry appeared in Stus’s life at crucial points. Stus referred to it during his imprisonment in the Soviet camps and tried to understand the problem of “poet and power”. A comparative analysis of the fragments from Mandelstam’s poems, cited in the works by the Ukrainian poet, and the original texts written by Mandelstam revealed сertain deviations. Stus used repetitions instead of the ‘forgotten’ words, which is a general characteristic of his own poetics.

At the textual level, the poems of Stus and Mandelstam are future-oriented. It can be observed in the appeals to the reader used by each of them in a specific way: the Ukrainian poet speaks as a ‘son’, while the Russian one as a ‘teacher’, echoing the practice of Pushkin. Both poets loved their homelands very much and were attached to it; both of them could not imagine their life outside the motherland. In their texts, Mandelstam and Stus created the images of a dead city, a prison state, emphasizing the impossibility of the poet’s existence in his own country.
“Phenomenon of dual face”: Yurii Kosach at intersection of myth and ideology
Authors: Vasylenko Vadym
Published: October 2020

The paper offers an analysis of Yurii Kosach’s literary heritage in the context of the Ukrainian literary process of the 20th century. The main subject is biographical, ideological, aesthetic, and ethical factors that influenced the formation of the writer’s self-identity. Special attention is paid to the ambivalence of Kosach’s worldview, the duality of his status, which was reflected in his literary self-representation.

The views of Yurii Kosach on the historical role, cultural and social aims of the emigrants have been clarified. The paper discusses the history of the conflict between Yurii Kosach and the circle of the post-war Ukrainian emigrants, the theme of Kosach’s collaboration with Soviet totalitarian political and literary environments. Yurii Kosach’s engagement in the Soviet literary process is considered in the context of myth about Faust and Mephistopheles, which serves as a political metaphor covering the entire totalitarian history of Ukrainian literature and culture. The writer’s split between various totalitarian ideologies is considered as one of the symbolic plots of his time and interpreted psychologically.

One of the main plots in Kosach’s prose, realized in his various works, is a symbolic meeting of Ukraine and Europe. The paper considers his understanding of Europeanism, the crisis of Ukrainian literature, the problem of the writer’s self-sufficiency, etc. Such issues as mythological thinking of Yurii Kosach, the influence of the neo-baroque and neo-romantic traditions on his work, the appeal to Panteleimon Kulish’s idea of Ukrainian Europe, the writer’s participation in the ideological discussion about the national and cultural identity of Mykola Gogol have been outlined as well.

The author of the paper marks out Yurii Kosach’s critical heritage of the Art Ukrainian Movement period and issues of ideological, aesthetic, and stylistic modernization of Ukrainian literature, which have been considered in the context of ideological discussions and philosophical searches of his contemporaries.
Huntington, Janowitz, or None of the Above? Conceptions of Professional Norms by Future Army Officers
Authors: Brooks Risa , Robinson Michael , Urben Heidi
Published: October 2020

Through a survey of 1,470 cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, we measure the strength of civil-military norms in the midst of their socialization to civil-military values. In addition, we use an embedded list experiment to measure true preferences to controversial questions in civil-military affairs, such as competing loyalties to democratic governance. To analyze cadet adherence to norms we first articulate a framework of various conceptions of professionalism. While cadets do not exhibit adherence to one particular framework, we find limited adherence to a purist Huntington model, and more of a conflicted reading of Huntington, as well as selectivity and superficiality in their commitment to norms, largely driven by their own partisan preferences. Lastly, we find concerning evidence that a significant number of cadets prioritize following orders over upholding democratic traditions, justifying Janowitz’s concerns that a military separate from society could breed attitudes among military personnel antithetical to democracy.
Putting Babies First: Supportive Choices for Mother and Baby Units
Authors: Crewe Helen
Published: October 2020

Henry Kable Junior born in Norwich Castle Gaol in 1786. The problem persists that babies are living within prisons. Mother and baby units are presented as a solution; however, these living arrangements are not always in the best interests of children. There are no internationally consistent conditions, agreement on the age of separation or discussion about the possible choices for those who are supporting infants living in mother and baby units. It is difficult to conceive that there could be any other way of dealing with women who have young babies and this difficulty has led to the longevity of mother and baby units. The first section of this article provides an overview of the most salient representations of babies in prison during the current year and its Covid-19 pandemic. I will explain how a theory called, ‘supportive choices’, can be applied by prison administrations, criminal justice institutions and activists.
The concept of civil military relations in the management of African political affairs.
Authors: Matthew Mare , Chingono Fortunate , Mangezi Simbarashe , Mbazangi Spencer
Published: October 2020

A fundamental feature of the pattern of civil-military relations hereinafter CMR in most of Africa has been the historical trading of places between the military and the civilian population. This study was motivated by the fact that, post independent military structure are colonial legacies and the Police, Army and Intelligence security Acts are yet to be amended and reformed for them to be able to meet the prevailing demands. The research problem was premised on the desktop evidence that, the civilian populace, whose constitutional duty and right is to supervise the military, themselves became subjects, hostages and victims of the military hegemony. This reversal of roles has had disastrous consequences for political stability and national development (Ebo: et al). Political instability, kleptomania, manipulation of ethno-religious cleavages, economic malaise, systemic and brutal human rights abuses have been the net effect of poorly managed civil-military relations.
Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Medical Students
Authors: Böcek Aker Esra , Doğaner Yusuf Çetin , Aydoğan Ümit
Published: October 2020

Aim: The aim of our study is to examine the life quality of medical students and to evaluate the factors associated with quality of life.

Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was planned; a total of 309 people were surveyed. The first part of questionnaire consists of 29 questions, which includes sociodemographic information; and the second part consists of WHO Quality of Life-BREF Turkish version.

Results: The average age was 22.47±2.31 years, 34,3% (n=106) participants were women. Differences between the genders in the physical health score, and between the classes in the physical health and psychological score were statistically significant. The psychological score of the students living with their family was found statistically lower. Quality of Life scores were significantly higher in students who have suitable space for studying at the place they live and students participating in social activities.

Conclusion: We determined that the place of residance, having suitable space for studying and participations in social activities affect the quality of life. This situation makes us think that the biopsychosocial approach to improve students’ quality of life will be effective.

Keywords: medical students, quality of life, medical education
Nutrition and microRNAs: Novel Insights to Fight Sarcopenia
Authors: Barbiera Alessandra , Pelosi Laura , Sica Gigliola , Scicchitano Bianca Maria
Published: October 2020

Sarcopenia is a progressive age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which may result in increased physical frailty and a higher risk of adverse events. Low-grade systemic inflammation, loss of muscle protein homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced number and function of satellite cells seem to be the key points for the induction of muscle wasting, contributing to the pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia. While a range of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors has been reported to contribute to the onset of sarcopenia, dietary interventions targeting protein or antioxidant intake may have a positive effect in increasing muscle mass and strength, regulating protein homeostasis, oxidative reaction, and cell autophagy, thus providing a cellular lifespan extension. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs, which control gene expression in different tissues. In skeletal muscle, a range of miRNAs, named myomiRNAs, are involved in many physiological processes, such as growth, development, and maintenance of muscle mass and function. This review aims to present and to discuss some of the most relevant molecular mechanisms related to the pathophysiological effect of sarcopenia. Besides, we explored the role of nutrition as a possible way to counteract the loss of muscle mass and function associated with ageing, with special attention paid to nutrient-dependent miRNAs regulation. This review will provide important information to better understand sarcopenia and, thus, to facilitate research and therapeutic strategies to counteract the pathophysiological effect of ageing.
Modelling of a Three-Body Hinge-Barge Wave Energy Device Using System Identification Techniques
Authors: Jaramillo-Lopez Fernando , Flannery Brian , Murphy Jimmy , Ringwood John V.
Published: October 2020

In order to increase the prevalence of wave energy converters (WECs), they must provide energy at competitive prices, especially when compared with other renewable energy sources. Thus, it is imperative to develop control system technologies that are able to maximize energy extraction from waves, such that the delivered energy cost is reduced. An important part of a model-based controller is the model that it uses. System identification techniques (SITs) provide methodologies to get accurate dynamic models from input-output data. However, even though these techniques are well developed in other application areas, they are seldom used in the context of WECs. This paper proposes several strategies based on SIT to get a linear time-invariant model for a three-body hinge-barge wave energy device using experimental data. The main advantage of the model obtained with this methodology, against other methods such as linear potential theory, is that this model remains valid even for relatively large waves and WEC displacements. Other advantages of this model are its simplicity and the low computational resources that it needs. Numerical simulations are carried out to show the validation of the obtained model against recorded experimental data.
Optimisation of Control Input Allocation Maps for Electric Vehicle Heat Pump-based Cabin Heating Systems
Authors: Cvok Ivan , Ratković Igor , Deur Joško
Published: October 2020

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system negatively affects the electric vehicle (EV) driving range, especially under cold ambient conditions. Modern HVAC systems based on the vapour-compression cycle can be rearranged to operate in the heat pump mode to improve the overall system efficiency compared to conventional electrical/resistive heaters. Since such an HVAC system is typically equipped with multiple actuators (compressor, pumps, fans, valves), with the majority of them being controlled in open loop, an optimisation-based control input allocation is necessary to achieve the highest efficiency. This paper presents a genetic algorithm optimisation-based HVAC control input allocation method, which utilises a multi-physical HVAC system model implemented in Dymola/Modelica. The considered control inputs include the cabin inlet air temperature reference, blower and radiator fan air mass flows and secondary coolant loop pumps’ speeds. The optimal allocation is subject to specified, target cabin air temperatures and heating power. Additional constraints include actuator hardware limits and safety functions, such as maintaining the superheat temperature at its reference level. The optimisation objective is to maximise the system efficiency defined by the coefficient of performance (COP). The optimised allocation maps are fitted by proper mathematical functions to facilitate the control strategy implementation and calibration. The overall control strategy consists of superimposed cabin air temperature controller that commands heating power, control input allocation functions, and low-level controllers that ensure cabin inlet air and superheat temperature regulation. The control system performance is verified through Dymola simulations for the heat pump mode in a heat-up scenario. Control input allocation map optimisation results are presented for air-conditioning (A/C) mode, as well.
Power, Efficiency, Power Density and Ecological Function Optimization for an Irreversible Modified Closed Variable-Temperature Reservoir Regenerative Brayton Cycle with One Isothermal Heating Process
Authors: Chen Lingen , Tang Chenqi , Feng Huijun , Ge Yanlin
Published: October 2020

One or more isothermal heating process was introduced to modify single and regenerative Brayton cycles by some scholars, which effectively improved the thermal efficiency and significantly reduced the emissions. To analyze and optimize the performance of this type of Brayton cycle, a regenerative modified Brayton cycle with an isothermal heating process is established in this paper based on finite time thermodynamics. The isothermal pressure drop ratio is variable. The irreversibilities of the compressor, turbine and all heat exchangers are considered in the cycle, and the heat reservoirs are variable-temperature ones. The function expressions of four performance indexes; that is, dimensionless power output, thermal efficiency, dimensionless power density and dimensionless ecological function are obtained. With the dimensionless power density as the optimization objective, the heat conductance distributions among all heat exchangers and the thermal capacitance rate matching among the working fluid and heat reservoir are optimized. Based on the NSGA-II algorithm, the cycle’s double-, triple- and quadruple-objective optimization are conducted with the total pressure ratio and the heat conductance distributions among heat exchangers as design variables. The optimal value is chosen from the Pareto frontier by applying the LINMAP, TOPSIS and Shannon entropy methods. The results show that when the pressure ratio in the compressor is less than 12.0, it is beneficial to add the regenerator to improve the cycle performance; when the pressure ratio is greater than 12.0, adding the regenerator will reduce the cycle performance. For single-objective optimization, the four performance indexes could be maximized under the optimal pressure ratios, respectively. When the pressure ratio is greater than 9.2, the cycle is simplified to a closed irreversible simple modified Brayton cycle with one isothermal heating process and coupled to variable-temperature heat reservoirs. Therefore, when the regenerator is used, the range of pressure ratio is limited, and a suitable pressure ratio should be selected. The triple objective (dimensionless power output, dimensionless power density and dimensionless ecological function) optimization’ deviation index gained by LINMAP or TOPSIS method is the smallest. The optimization results gained in this paper could offer some new pointers for the regenerative Brayton cycles’ optimal designs.
Comparative Analysis of Optical Radiation Emitted by Electric Arc Generated at AC and DC Voltage
Authors: Nagi Łukasz , Kozioł Michał , Zygarlicki Jarosław
Published: October 2020

The article presents a comparison of the spectra of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an electric arc. The spectrum ranges from ultraviolet through visible light to near infrared. Spectra from electric arcs were compared for different frequencies of generating current and for direct current. Characteristic peaks for each measurement were described, and the percentage of individual components of light emitted through the arc was presented. An electric arc is an undesirable phenomenon in many areas, and its detection and control depends largely on its source. There are also areas where an electric arc is used. A better understanding of the physical phenomena involved in different arcs can help optimize the use of the electric arc. Safety and economy through the elimination of parasitic energy shares i.e., in the welding arc can be based on the control of the arc by controlling its optical spectrum. The optical method used in this study is one of the methods of electrical discharge detection in electrical devices and systems.
Interface Compositions as Determinants of Resveratrol Stability in Nanoemulsion Delivery Systems
Authors: Mora-Gutierrez Adela , Attaie Rahmat , Núñez de González Maryuri T. , Jung Yoonsung , Marquez Sixto A.
Published: October 2020

The incorporation of hydrophobic ingredients, such as resveratrol (a fat-soluble phytochemical), in nanoemulsions can increase the water solubility and stability of these hydrophobic ingredients. The nanodelivery of resveratrol can result in a marked improvement in the bioavailability of this health-promoting ingredient. The current study hypothesized that resveratrol can bind to caprine casein, which may result in the preservation of the biological properties of resveratrol. The fluorescence spectra provided proof of this complex formation by demonstrating that resveratrol binds to caprine casein in the vicinity of tryptophan amino acid residues. The caprine casein/resveratrol complex is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Hence, to study the rate of resveratrol degradation during processing/storage, resveratrol losses were determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) in nanoemulsions stabilized by bovine and caprine caseins individually and in combination with polysorbate-20. At 48 h oxidation, 88.33% and 89.08% was left of resveratrol in the nanoemulsions stabilized by caprine casein (αs1-I)/polysorbate-20 complex and caprine (αs1-II)/polysorbate-20 complex, while there was less resveratrol left in the nanoemulsions stabilized by bovine casein/polysorbate-20 complex, suggesting that oxygen degradation was involved. The findings of this study are crucial for the food industry since they imply the potential use of caprine casein/polysorbate-20 complex to preserve the biological properties of resveratrol.
Novel Technologies Based on Supercritical Fluids for the Encapsulation of Food Grade Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Klettenhammer Stefan , Ferrentino Giovanna , Morozova Ksenia , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: October 2020

In recent years, the demand for nutritive, functional and healthy foods has increased. This trend has induced the food industry to investigate novel technologies able to produce ingredients with enhanced functional and physicochemical properties. Among these technologies, one of the most promising is the encapsulation based on supercritical fluids. Thanks to the inherent absence of organic solvent, the low temperature of the process to reach a supercritical state and the capacity to dissolve lipid soluble bioactives, the encapsulation with supercritical carbon dioxide represents a green technology to produce several functional ingredients, with enhanced stability, high load and tailored protection from environmental factors. Furthermore, from the fine-tuning of the process parameters like temperature, pressure and flow rate, the resulting functional ingredient can be easily designed to tailor the controlled release of the bioactive, or to reach specific levels of taste, odor and color. Accordingly, the aim of the present review is to summarize the state of the art of the techniques based on supercritical carbon dioxide for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds of food interest. Pros and cons of such techniques will be highlighted, giving emphasis to their innovative aspects that could be of interest to the food industry.
A Rapid Method for the Identification of Fresh and Processed Pagellus erythrinus Species against Frauds
Authors: Ceruso Marina , Mascolo Celestina , De Luca Pasquale , Venuti Iolanda , Smaldone Giorgio , Biffali Elio , Anastasio Aniello , Pepe Tiziana , Sordino Paolo
Published: October 2020

The commercialization of porgies or seabreams of the family Sparidae has greatly increased in the last decade, and some valuable species have become subject to seafood substitution. DNA regions currently used for fish species identification in fresh and processed products belong to the mitochondrial (mt) genes cytochrome b (Cytb), cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S. However, these markers amplify for fragments with lower divergence within and between some species, failing to provide informative barcodes. We adopted comparative mitogenomics, through the analysis of complete mtDNA sequences, as a compatible approach toward studying new barcoding markers. The intent is to develop a specific and rapid assay for the identification of the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus, a sparid species frequently subject to fraudulent replacement. The genetic diversity analysis (Hamming distance, p-genetic distance, gene-by-gene sequence variability) between 16 sparid mtDNA genomes highlighted the discriminating potential of a 291 bp NAD2 gene fragment. A pair of species-specific primers were successfully designed and tested by end-point and real-time PCR, achieving amplification only in P. erythrinus among several fish species. The use of the NAD2 barcoding marker provides a rapid presence/absence method for the identification of P. erythrinus.
Leptonic and Hadronic Radiative Processes in Supermassive-Black-Hole Jets
Authors: Cerruti Matteo
Published: October 2020

Supermassive black holes lying in the center of galaxies can launch relativistic jets of plasma along their polar axis. The physics of black-hole jets is a very active research topic in astrophysics, owing to the fact that many questions remain open on the physical mechanisms of jet launching, of particle acceleration in the jet, and on the radiative processes. In this work I focus on the last item, and present a review of the current understanding of radiative emission processes in supermassive-black-hole jets.
Quality of Life in Romanian Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey Using an Interdisciplinary Healthcare Intervention
Authors: Urzeală Constanta , Bota Aura , Teodorescu Silvia , Vlăiculescu Mihaela , Baker Julien S ,   The Kidscreen Group Europe
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life in Romanian type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children attending an early interdisciplinary healthcare intervention. Hypothesis: engaging T1DM children in leisure sports leads to a better quality of life. Methods: This research embeds a cross-sectional observational study, incorporating some clinical characteristics relevant for diabetes management. The Kidscreen 27 questionnaire was issued to 100 T1DM children aged between 7 and 17 years. Parents completed the questionnaire. All subjects received interdisciplinary healthcare in the previous year. Statistics were performed using SPSS, v20. The required sample size of 100 subjects was obtained with a confidence interval of 95% and a sampling error of 0.009. The tests were two-sided, with a type I error set at 0.05. Results: Subjects reached an increased level of physical well-being, psychological well-being, autonomy, parent relationships, peer and social support, and school inclusion. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between children who practice leisure activities and children who only participated in physical education (PE) classes, regarding their physical well-being (t = 2.123). ANOVA demonstrated significant differences between age groups regarding physical well-being. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary healthcare intervention increased the efficiency of T1DM management with positive effects on life quality.
The Existence of rG Family and tG Family, and Their Geometric Invariants
Authors: Ejiri Norio , Shoda Toshihiro
Published: October 2020

In the 1990s, physicists constructed two one-parameter families of compact oriented embedded minimal surfaces in flat three-tori by using symmetries of space groups, called the rG family and tG family. The present work studies the existence of the two families via the period lattices. Moreover, we will consider two kinds of geometric invariants for the two families, namely, the Morse index and the signature of a minimal surface. We show that Schwarz P surface, D surface, Schoen’s gyroid, and the Lidinoid belong to a family of minimal surfaces with Morse index 1.
Computed Tomography Diagnostic of Uncommon Case of Osteopetrosis in 80-Year-Old Man—Case Report
Authors: Krupski Witold , Kruk-Bachonko Joanna , Tatara Marcin R.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: During osteopetrosis course, impaired bone remodeling induces skeletal osteosclerosis and abnormally dense bones, which, however, are brittle and susceptible to low-energy fractures. In this study, radiological evaluation and densitometric measurements of several bones of the skeleton in one of the oldest patients in the world suffering from osteopetrosis was presented. Materials and Methods: Volumetric bone mineral density measurements of the examined bones in an 80-year-old man were performed using two different quantitative computed tomography techniques. Results: The obtained results show higher values of the volumetric bone mineral density of the trabecular bone in lumbar spine than in the cortical bone compartment. T-score and Z-score in this patient reached values of 27–28 and 31–32, respectively. Conclusions: The obtained densitometric data may serve for further diagnostic purposes of osteopetrosis. As documented, the severity of the osteosclerotic changes of bones were higher in this patient than in most other described cases. Moreover, radiological signs diagnosed in this patient were characteristic for all types of osteopetrosis making this case very uncommon.
Crash Characteristics of Partially Quenched Curved Products by Three-Dimensional Hot Bending and Direct Quench
Authors: Tomizawa Atsushi , Soedjatmiko Hartanto Sanny , Uematsu Kazuo , Shimada Naoaki
Published: October 2020

Recently, improvement of hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, equipped with batteries, continues to solve energy and environmental problems. Lighter weight and crash safety are required in these vehicles body. In order to meet these requirements, three-dimensional hot bending and direct quench (3DQ) technology, which enables to form hollow tubular automotive parts with a tensile strength of 1470 MPa or over, has been developed. In addition, this technology enables to produce partially quenched automotive parts. In this study, the crash characteristics of 3DQ partially quenched products were investigated as the fundamental research of the design for improving the energy absorption. Main results are as follows: (1) for partially quenched straight products in axial crash test, buckling that occurs at nonquenched portion can be controlled; (2) for the nonquenched conventional and overall-quenched curved products, buckling occurs at the bent portion at the initial stage in axial crash tests, and its energy absorption is low; (3) by optimizing partially quench conditions, buckling occurrence can be controlled; and (4) In this study, the largest energy absorption was obtained from the partially quenched curved product, which was 84.6% larger than the energy absorption of the conventional nonquenched bent product in crash test.
Physiological Stress Mediated by Corticosterone Administration Alters Intestinal Bacterial Communities and Increases the Relative Abundance of Clostridium perfringens in the Small Intestine of Chickens
Authors: Zaytsoff Sarah J. M. , Uwiera Richard R. E. , Inglis G. Douglas
Published: October 2020

A model of physiological stress mediated by the administration of corticosterone (CORT) was used to investigate the impact of stress on the intestinal microbiota of chickens. Birds were administered CORT in their drinking water at 0, 10 (low dose CORT; LDC), and 30 (high dose CORT; HDC) mg/L. Digesta from the small intestine and ceca were examined after 1, 5, and 12 days post-initiation of CORT administration by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A decrease in phylogenetic diversity and altered composition of bacteria were observed for HDC in the small intestine. Analysis by ANOVA-Like Differential Expression 2 (ALDEx2) showed that densities of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 bacteria were increased in the small intestine for LDC and HDC. Quantitative PCR confirmed that CORT administration increased densities of Clostridium perfringens in the small intestine, but only HDC was associated with increased densities of the bacterium in ceca. Predictive functional analysis by Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States 2 (PICRUSt2) showed pathways of carbohydrate metabolism to be enriched with CORT, and amino acid synthesis to be enriched in control birds in the small intestine. In conclusion, physiological stress mediated by CORT modulated bacterial communities in the small intestine and increased densities of C. perfringens. This implicates stress as an important mediator of this important enteric pathogen in poultry.
Metabolism and Functions of Inositol Pyrophosphates: Insights Gained from the Application of Synthetic Analogues
Authors: Shears Stephen B. , Wang Huanchen
Published: October 2020

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) comprise an important group of intracellular, diffusible cellular signals that a wide range of biological processes throughout the yeast, plant, and animal kingdoms. It has been difficult to gain a molecular-level mechanistic understanding of the actions of these molecules, due to their highly phosphorylated nature, their low levels, and their rapid metabolic turnover. More recently, these obstacles to success are being surmounted by the chemical synthesis of a number of insightful PP-InsP analogs. This review will describe these analogs and will indicate the important chemical and biological information gained by using them.
Immunomodulative Effects of Chamaecyparis obtusa Essential Oil in Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Shin Seung-Heon , Ye Mi-Kyung , Lee Dong-Won , Che Mi-Hyun
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa (EOCO) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and stimulated with OVA. From day 22 to 35, 0.01% and 0.1% ECOC was intranasally administered 1 h before OVA stimulation. Nasal symptoms, as well as serum total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, were measured. Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) and their production by activated splenocytes were measured. Histological changes in the sinonasal mucosa were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining procedure. Th cytokines and their transcription factor mRNA expressions were determined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Intranasal EOCO administration significantly suppressed allergic symptoms, OVA-specific IgE level, sinonasal mucosal inflammatory cell infiltration, and mucus-producing periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive cell count. EOCO also significantly inhibited IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in NLF and activated splenocytes. Th2 and Treg related cytokines and their transcription factors in sinonasal mucosa were significantly suppressed through intransal EOCO instillation. In conclusion, repetitive EOCO intranasal instillation showed anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects by suppressing nasal symptoms and inhibiting the production and expression of inflammatory mediators in the OVA-induced AR mouse model.
Effect of Ligilactobacillus salivarius and Other Natural Components against Anaerobic Periodontal Bacteria
Authors: Kucia Marzena , Wietrak Ewa , Szymczak Mateusz , Kowalczyk Paweł
Published: October 2020

In this present study, the bacteriostatic effect of Salistat SGL03 and the Lactobacillus salivarius strain contained in it was investigated in adults in in vivo and in vitro tests on selected red complex bacteria living in the subgingival plaque, inducing a disease called periodontitis, i.e., chronic periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the gums, root cementum, periodontium, and alveolar bone. Anaerobic bacteria, called periopathogens or periodontopathogens, play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. The most important periopathogens of the oral microbiota are: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and others. Our hypothesis was verified by taking swabs of scrapings from the surface of the teeth of female hygienists (volunteers) on full and selective growth media for L. salivarius. The sizes of the zones of growth inhibition of periopathogens on the media were measured before (in vitro) and after consumption (in vivo) of Salistat SGL03, based on the disk diffusion method, which is one of the methods of testing antibiotic resistance and drug susceptibility of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, each of the periopathogens analyzed by the reduction inoculation method, was treated with L. salivarius contained in the SGL03 preparation and incubated together in Petri dishes. The bacteriostatic activity of SGL03 preparation in selected periopathogens was also analyzed using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests. The obtained results suggest the possibility of using the Salistat SGL03 dietary supplement in the prophylaxis and support of the treatment of periodontitis—already treated as a civilization disease.