bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology and Process Design for Phenols Recovery from Industrial Chicory (Chicorium intybus) Leftovers
Authors: Cova Camilla Maria , Boffa Luisa , Pistocchi Marco , Giorgini Silver , Luque Rafael , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: July 2019

Vegetal leftovers from the agro–food industry represent a huge source of primary and secondary metabolites, vitamin, mineral salts and soluble as well as insoluble fibers. Economic reports on the growth in the polyphenol market have driven us to focus our investigation on chicory (Chicorium intybus L.), which is one of the most popular horticultural plants in the world and a rich source of phenolic compounds. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and their simultaneous combination, using either ethanol/water or water alone (also sub-critical), have been investigated with the aim of designing a green and efficient extraction process. Higher total-polyphenol yields as well as dramatic reductions in extraction times and solvent consumption have been obtained under these conditions. ANOVA test for analyses of variance followed by the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc test of multiple comparisons was used in the statistical analysis. MAE experiments performed with sub-critical water, and MW/US experiments with an ethanol solution have shown polyphenol recovery values of up to ~3 g of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per kg of fresh material in only 15 min, while conventional extraction required 240 min to obtain the same result.
Minimal Structural Changes Determine Full and Partial Nicotinic Receptor Agonist Activity for Nicotine Analogues
Authors: Gonzalez-Gutierrez Juan Pablo , Hodar Martin , Viscarra Franco , Paillali Pablo , Guerra-Díaz Nicolás , Pessoa-Mahana Hernán , Hernández-Morantes Juan José , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Bermúdez Isabel , Reyes-Parada Miguel , Iturriaga-Vásquez Patricio
Published: July 2019

Neuronal α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels (LGIC) that have been implicated in nicotine addiction, reward, cognition, pain disorders, anxiety, and depression. Nicotine has been widely used as a template for the synthesis of ligands that prefer α4β2 nAChRs subtypes. The most important therapeutic use for α4β2 nAChRs is as replacement therapy for smoking cessation and withdrawal and the most successful therapeutic ligands are partial agonists. In this case, we use the N-methylpyrrolidine moiety of nicotine to design and synthesize new α4β2 nicotinic derivatives, coupling the pyrrolidine moiety to an aromatic group by introducing an ether-bonded functionality. Meta-substituted phenolic derivatives were used for these goals. Radioligand binding assays were performed on clonal cell lines of hα4β2 nAChR and two electrode voltage-clamp experiments were used for functional assays. Molecular docking was performed in the open state of the nAChR in order to rationalize the agonist activity shown by our compounds.
Fe-Containing MOFs as Seeds for the Preparation of Highly Active Fe/Al-SBA-15 Catalysts in the N-Alkylation of Aniline
Authors: Mhadmhan Sareena , Marquez-Medina Maria Dolores , Romero Antonio A. , Reubroycharoen Prasert , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2019

We have successfully incorporated iron species into mesoporous aluminosilicates (Al-SBA-15) using a simple mechanochemical milling method. The catalysts were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), pyridine (PY) and 2,6-dimethylpyridine (DMPY) pulse chromatography titration, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The catalysts were tested in the N-alkylation reaction of aniline with benzyl alcohol for imine production. According to the results, the iron sources, acidity of catalyst and reaction conditions were important factors influencing the reaction. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance, achieving 97% of aniline conversion and 96% of imine selectivity under optimized conditions.
Growth Mechanism of SmB6 Nanowires Synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition: Catalyst-Assisted and Catalyst-Free
Authors: Chu Yi , Cui Yugui , Huang Shaoyun , Xing Yingjie , Xu Hongqi
Published: July 2019

SmB6 nanowires, as a prototype of nanostructured topological Kondo insulator, have shown rich novel physical phenomena relating to their surface. Catalyst-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a common approach to prepare SmB6 nanowires and Ni is the most popular catalyst used to initiate the growth of SmB6 nanowires. Here, we study the effect of growth mechanism on the surface of SmB6 nanowires synthesized by CVD. Two types of SmB6 nanowires are obtained when using Ni as the catalyst. In addition to pure SmB6 nanowires without Ni impurity, a small amount of Ni is detected on the surface of some SmB6 nanowires by element analysis with transmission electron microscopy. In order to eliminate the possible distribution of Ni on nanowire surface, we synthesize single crystalline SmB6 nanowires by CVD without using catalyst. The difference between catalyst-assisted and catalyst-free growth mechanism is discussed.
Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of a Hexamethylenetetramine-Doped Cu-BDC Metal-Organic Framework with Enhanced CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Asghar Aisha , Iqbal Naseem , Noor Tayyaba , Ali Majid , Easun Timothy L.
Published: July 2019

Herein we report a facile, efficient, low cost, and easily scalable route for an amine-functionalized MOF (metal organic framework) synthesis. Cu-BDC⊃HMTA (HMTA = hexamethylenetetramine) has high nitrogen content and improved thermal stability when compared with the previously reported and well-studied parent Cu-BDC MOF (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate). Cu-BDC⊃HMTA was obtained via the same synthetic method, but with the addition of HMTA in a single step synthesis. Thermogravimetric studies reveal that Cu-BDC⊃HMTA is more thermally stable than Cu-BDC MOF. Cu-BDC⊃HMTA exhibited a CO2 uptake of 21.2 wt % at 273 K and 1 bar, which compares favorably to other nitrogen-containing MOF materials.
Postprandial Effects of a Proprietary Milk Protein Hydrolysate Containing Bioactive Peptides in Prediabetic Subjects
Authors: Sartorius Tina , Weidner Andrea , Dharsono Tanita , Boulier Audrey , Wilhelm Manfred , Schön Christiane
Published: July 2019

Milk proteins have been hypothesized to protect against type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by beneficially modulating glycemic response, predominantly in the postprandial status. This potential is, amongst others, attributed to the high content of whey proteins, which are commonly a product of cheese production. However, native whey has received substantial attention due to its higher leucine content, and its postprandial glycemic effect has not been assessed thus far in prediabetes. In the present study, the impact of a milk protein hydrolysate of native whey origin with alpha-glucosidase inhibiting properties was determined in prediabetics in a randomized, cross-over trial. Subjects received a single dose of placebo or low- or high-dosed milk protein hydrolysate prior to a challenge meal high in carbohydrates. Concentration–time curves of glucose and insulin were assessed. Incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) of glucose as the primary outcome were significantly reduced by low-dosed milk peptides compared to placebo (p = 0.0472), and a minor insulinotropic effect was seen. A longer intervention period with the low-dosed product did not strengthen glucose response but significantly reduced HbA1c values (p = 0.0244). In conclusion, the current milk protein hydrolysate of native whey origin has the potential to modulate postprandial hyperglycemia and hence may contribute in reducing the future risk of developing T2DM.
Optimization of Rheological Behaviour and Skin Penetration of Thermogelling Emulsions with Enhanced Substantivity for Potential Application in Treatment of Chronic Skin Diseases
Authors: Schmidberger Markus , Nikolic Ines , Pantelic Ivana , Lunter Dominique
Published: July 2019

Topical formulations are an important pillar in the therapy of skin diseases. Nevertheless, after application the formulation will be exposed to environmental effects. Contact with other surfaces will reduce the available amount of formulation and drug substance. The resulting consequences for therapy range from reduced effects to therapeutic failure. The removed active ingredient also contaminates patients’ environment. The aim of this work was to develop preparations that remain at the application site. These will enhance safety and efficiency and thus improve of skin disease therapies. Therefore, we developed polymer-stabilised emulsions that show thermogelling properties. Emulsions with different methyl cellulose concentrations and macrogols of different molecular weights were investigated. The dispersed phase consisted of nonivamide as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, dissolved in medium-chain triglycerides. Rheological properties, droplet size, substantivity and ex vivo penetration experiments were performed to characterise the developed formulations. Droplet size and rheological parameters were affected by the composition of the preparations. The tested formulations showed benefits in their substantivity compared to a conventional semi-solid cream. We found a residual amount of up to 100% at the application site. The drug levels in viable epidermis were in a therapeutic range. The developed emulsions are a promising vehicle to improve therapy for chronic skin diseases.
Oxytetracycline versus Doxycycline Collagen Sponges Designed as Potential Carrier Supports in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tihan Graţiela Teodora , Rău Ileana , Zgârian Roxana Gabriela , Ungureanu Camelia , Barbaresso Răzvan Constantin , Kaya Mădălina Georgiana Albu , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina , Ghica Mihaela Violeta
Published: July 2019

Many research studies are directed toward developing safe and efficient collagen-based biomaterials as carriers for drug delivery systems. This article presents a comparative study of the properties of new collagen sponges prepared and characterized by different methods intended for biomedical applications. The structural integrity is one of the main properties for a biomaterial in order for it to be easily removed from the treated area. Thus, the effect of combining a natural polymer such as collagen with an antimicrobial drug such as oxytetracycline or doxycycline and glutaraldehyde as the chemical cross-linking agent influences the cross-linking degree of the material, which is in direct relation to its resistance to collagenase digestion, the drug kinetic release profile, and in vitro biocompatibility. The enzymatic degradation results identified oxytetracycline as the best inhibitor of collagenase when the collagen sponge was cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde. The drug release kinetics revealed an extended release of the antibiotic for oxytetracycline-loaded collagen sponges compared with doxycycline-loaded collagen sponges. Considering the behavior of differently prepared sponges, the collagen sponge with oxytetracycline and 0.5% glutaraldehyde could represent a viable polymeric support for the prevention/treatment of infections at the application site, favoring tissue regeneration.
Alternative Options to Glyphosate for Control of Large Echinochloa colona and Chloris virgata Plants in Cropping Fallows
Authors: Davidson Bill , Cook Tony , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: July 2019

The over-reliance on the herbicide glyphosate for knockdown weed control in fallows under minimum and zero-till cropping systems has led to an increase in populations of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Echinochloa colona and Chloris virgata are two major grass weeds in the cropping regions of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, that have become harder to kill due to a steady rise in the occurrence of glyphosate-resistant weed populations. Therefore, to help growers contain these hard to kill fallow weeds, an alternate approach to glyphosate application is needed. With this purpose in mind, a pot study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Tamworth, NSW, Australia, to evaluate the efficacy of tank mixtures and sequential applications of Group H (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor), Group C (inhibitors of photosynthesis at photosystem II), Group A (ACCase inhibitors) and Group L (photosystem I inhibitor) herbicides on late tillering E. colona and C. virgata plants. These herbicide groups are a global classification by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee. Highly effective results were achieved in this study using combinations of Groups H, C, A and L herbicides applied as tank mixtures for controlling large E. colona plants. Additionally, sequential applications of Group H, C and A herbicides followed by (fb) paraquat were shown to be very effective on large E. colona plants. Late tillering C. virgata plants were generally well controlled by tank mixtures, and sequential applications proved to be highly effective on this grass weed as well. Haloxyfop in combination with paraquat as a tank mixture, via sequential application or as a stand-alone treatment, was highly effective for C. virgata control; however, using combinations of herbicide groups is the preferred choice when combating herbicide resistant weed populations. There was a clear synergy shown using Group H, Group C and Group A herbicides in combination with the Group L herbicide paraquat in this study for controlling advanced E. colona and C. virgata plants. These combinations were shown to be successful on plants grown under glasshouse conditions; however; these treatments would need to be tested on plants grown in a field situation to show whether they will be a useful solution for farmers who are trying to control these weeds in fallow.
Impermeable and Compliant: SIBS as a Promising Encapsulant for Ionically Electroactive Devices
Authors: Ebrahimi Takalloo Saeedeh , Fannir Adelyne , Nguyen Giao T. M. , Plesse Cedric , Vidal Frederic , Madden John D. W.
Published: July 2019

Metals and glass are excellent for containing electrolytes and liquids in general, but their rigid mechanics limits their application for mechanically active ionic actuators or flexible/ stretchable electrochemical devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. In this study, we evaluate the performance of spray-coated poly (styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) as a stretchable encapsulant, which suggests that it offers a better combination of compliance and impermeability than any other barrier. We examined the drying time of 360-µm thick encapsulated tri-layer conducting polymer (CP) actuators, comprised of poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as the CP electrode and an interpenetrated polymer network of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) as the separator layer, which operates with a 1 M solution of Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li+TFSI−) in propylene carbonate (PC). A 100-µm thick SIBS encapsulation layer is anticipated to help these devices to retain 80% of stored PC for more than 1000 times longer compared to when there is no encapsulation (from less than 0.5 days to over 1.5 years). This low permeability combined with the low Young’s modulus of the SIBS film, its biocompatibility, biostability, and FDA approval, as well as ease of fabrication, make this thermoplastic elastomer a promising candidate as an encapsulant for flexible ionic devices such as flexible batteries and supercapacitors, ionic-electrode capacitive sensors, and ionically electroactive actuators. This paves the way for using these devices in implantable and in vivo applications.
RPAS Forensic Validation Analysis Towards a Technical Investigation Process: A Case Study of Yuneec Typhoon H
Authors: Salamh Fahad E. , Karabiyik Umit , Rogers Marcus K.
Published: July 2019

The rapid pace of invention in technology and the evolution of network communication has produced a new lifestyle with variety of opportunities and challenges. Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) technology, which includes drones, is one example of a recently invented technology that requires the collection of a solid body of defensible and admissible evidence to help eliminate potential real-world threats posed by their use. With the advent of smartphones, there has been an increase in digital forensic investigation processes developed to assist specialized digital forensic investigators in presenting forensically sound evidence in the courts of law. Therefore, it is necessary to apply digital forensic techniques and procedures to different types of RPASs in order to create a line of defense against new challenges, such as aerial-related incidents, introduced by the use of these technologies. Drone operations by bad actors are rapidly increasing and these actors are constantly developing new approaches. These criminal operations include invasion of privacy, drug smuggling, and terrorist activities. Additionally, drone crashes and incidents raise significant concerns. In this paper, we propose a technical forensic process consisting of ten technical phases for the analysis of RPAS forensic artifacts, which can reduce the complexity of the identification and investigation of drones. Using the proposed technical process, we analyze drone images using the Computer Forensics Reference Datasets (CFReDS) and present results for the Typhoon H aerial vehicle manufactured by Yuneec, Inc. Furthermore, this paper explores the availability and value of digital evidence that would allow a more practical digital investigation to be able to build an evidence-based experience. Therefore, we particularly focus on developing a technical drone investigation process that can be applied to various types of drones.
Design of the Squared Daisy: A Multi-Mode Energy Harvester, with Reduced Variability and a Non-Linear Frequency Response
Authors: Gratuze Mathieu , Alameh Abdul Hafiz , Nabki Frederic
Published: July 2019

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the ever-increasing number of integrated sensors, the question of powering these devices represents an additional challenge. The traditional approach is to use a battery; however, harvesting energy from the environment seems to be the most practical approach. To that end, the use of piezoelectric MEMS energy has been proven as a potential power source in a wide range of applications. In this work, a proof of concept for a new architecture for MEMS energy harvesters is presented. The influence of the dimensions and different characteristics of these designs is discussed. These designs have been proven to be resilient to process variation thanks to their unique architecture. This work presents the use of vibration enhancement petals in order to widen the bandwidth of the energy harvester and provide a non-linear frequency response. The use of these vibration enhancement petals has allowed the fabrication of three design variations, each using an area of 1700 µm by 1700 µm. These designs have an operating bandwidth between 3.9 kHz and 14.5 kHz and can be scaled to achieve other targeted resonant frequencies.
Laboratory Calibration of D-dot Sensor Based on System Identification Method
Authors: Wang Ke , Duan Yantao , Shi Lihua , Qiu Shi
Published: July 2019

D-dot sensors can realize the non-contact measurement of transient electric fields, which is widely applied to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) measurements with characteristics of the wide frequency band, high linearity, and good stability. In order to achieve accurate calibration of D-dot sensors in the laboratory environment, this paper proposed a new calibration method based on system identification. Firstly, the D-dot sensor can be considered as a linear time-invariant (LTI) system under corner frequency, thus its frequency response can be characterized by the transfer function of a discrete output error (OE) model. Secondly, based on the partial linear regression of the transfer function curve, the sensitivity coefficient of the D-dot sensor is obtained. By increasing the influence weight of low-frequency components, this proposed method has better calibration performance when the waveform is distorted in the time domain, and can artificially adapt to the operating frequency range of the sensor at the same time.
5.8 GHz High-Efficiency RF–DC Converter Based on Common-Ground Multiple-Stack Structure
Authors: Bae Jongseok , Yi Sang-Hwa , Choi Woojin , Koo Hyungmo , Hwang Keum Cheol , Lee Kang-Yoon , Yang Youngoo
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a 5.8 GHz RF–DC converter for high conversion efficiency and high output voltage based on a common-ground and multiple–stack structure. An RF isolation network (RFIN) for the multiple-stack RF–DC converter is proposed to combine the DC output voltage of each stack without separating its RF ground from the DC ground. The RFIN is designed using micro-strip transmission lines on a single-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with a common ground for the bottom plate. A 4-stack RF–DC converter based on a class-F voltage doubler for each stack was implemented to verify the proposed RFIN for the multiple-stack and common-ground structure. The performances of the implemented 4-stack RF–DC converter were evaluated in comparison to the single-stack converter that was also implemented. The size of the implemented 4-stack RF–DC converter using bare-chip Schottky diodes is 24 mm × 123 mm on a single-layer PCB. For an input power of 21 dBm for each stack of the RF–DC converter with a load resistance of 4 kΩ, a high efficiency of 73.1% and a high DC output voltage of 34.2 V were obtained.
A Framework of Human-Motion Based Structural Dynamics Simulation Using Mobile Devices
Authors: Yoon Hyungchul , Han Kevin , Ham Youngjib
Published: July 2019

Due to the nature of real-world problems in civil engineering, students have had limited hands-on experiences in structural dynamics classes. To address this challenge, this paper aims to bring real-world problems in structural dynamics into classrooms through a new interactive learning tool that promotes physical interaction among students and enhances their engagement in classrooms. The main contribution is to develop and test a new interactive computing system that simulates structural dynamics by integrating a dynamic model of a structure with multimodal sensory data obtained from mobile devices. This framework involves integrating multiple physical components, estimating students’ motions, applying these motions as inputs to a structural model for structural dynamics, and providing students with an interactive response to observe how a given structure behaves. The mobile devices will capture dynamic movements of the students in real-time and take them as inputs to the dynamic model of the structure, which will virtually simulate structural dynamics affected by moving players. Each component of synchronizing the dynamic analysis with motion sensing is tested through case studies. The experimental results promise the potential to enable complex theoretical knowledge in structural dynamics to be more approachable, leading to more in-depth learning and memorable educational experiences in classrooms.
Smart Interactive Education System Based on Wearable Devices
Authors: Liang Jia-Ming , Su Wei-Cheng , Chen Yu-Lin , Wu Shih-Lin , Chen Jen-Jee
Published: July 2019

Due to the popularity of smart devices, traditional one-way teaching methods might not deeply attract school students’ attention, especially for the junior high school students, elementary school students, or even younger students, which is a critical issue for educators. Therefore, we develop an intelligent interactive education system, which leverages wearable devices (smart watches) to accurately capture hand gestures of school students and respond instantly to teachers so as to increase the interaction and attraction of school students in class. In addition, through multiple physical information of school students from the smart watch, it can find out the crux points of the learning process according to the deep data analysis. In this way, it can provide teachers to make instant adjustments and suggest school students to achieve multi-learning and innovative thinking. The system is mainly composed of three components: (1) smart interactive watch; (2) teacher-side smart application (App); and (3) cloud-based analysis system. Specifically, the smart interactive watch is responsible for detecting the physical information and interaction results of school students, and then giving feedback to the teachers. The teacher-side app will provide real-time learning suggestions to adjust the teaching pace to avoid learning disability. The cloud-based analysis system provides intelligent learning advices, academic performance prediction and anomaly learning detection. Through field trials, our system has been verified that can potentially enhance teaching and learning processes for both educators and school students.
Monocular Vision-Based Pose Determination in Close Proximity for Low Impact Docking
Authors: Liu Gangfeng , Xu Congcong , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2019

Pose determination in close proximity is critical for space missions in which monocular vision is one of the most promising solutions. Although numerous approaches such as using artificial beacons or specific shapes on spacecrafts have proved to be effective, the high individuation and the large time delay limit their use in low impact docking. This paper proposes a unified framework to determinate the relative pose between two docking mechanisms by treating their guide petals as measurement objects. Fusing the pose information of one docking mechanism to simplify image processing and creating an intermediate coordinate system to solve the perspective-n-point problem greatly improve the real-time performance and the robustness of the method. Experimental results show that the position measurement error is within 3.7 mm, while the rotation error around docking direction is less than 0.16°, corresponding to a measurement time reduction of 85%.
Systematic Literature Review of Food-Intake Monitoring in an Aging Population
Authors: Moguel Enrique , Berrocal Javier , García-Alonso José
Published: July 2019

The dietary habits of people directly impact their health conditions. Especially in elder populations (in 2017, 6.7% of the world’s population was over 65 years of age), these habits could lead to important-nutrient losses that could seriously affect their cognitive and functional state. Recently, a great research effort has been devoted to using different technologies and proposing different techniques for monitoring food-intake. Nevertheless, these techniques are usually generic but make use of the most innovative technologies and methodologies to obtain the best possible monitoring results. However, a large percentage of elderly people live in depopulated rural areas (in Spain, 28.1% of the elderly population lives in this type of area) with a fragile cultural and socioeconomic context. The use of these techniques in these environments is crucial to improving this group’s quality of life (and even reducing their healthcare expenses). At the same time, it is especially challenging since they have very specific and strict requirements regarding the use and application of technology. In this Systematic Literature Review (SLR), we analyze the most important proposed technologies and techniques in order to identify whether they can be applied in this context and if they can be used to improve the quality of life of this fragile collective. In this SLR, we have analyzed 326 papers. From those, 29 proposals have been completely analyzed, taking into account the characteristics and requirements of this population.
Perfectionism, Body Satisfaction and Dieting in Athletes: The Role of Gender and Sport Type
Authors: Prnjak Katarina , Jukic Ivan , Tufano James J.
Published: July 2019

Athletes are often at a greater risk for disordered eating development due to their perfectionistic tendencies, as well as physical performance- and appearance-related demands of various sports in which they compete. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of independent contributions of perfectionism and body satisfaction on dieting behaviour among male and female athletes. Two-hundred-eighty (192 male; 88 female) athletes provided their answers on the Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26), Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale (PANPS) and modified Body Image Satisfaction Scale from Body Image and Body Change Inventory. No gender or sport type differences were observed in dieting behaviour and body satisfaction was the only significant predictor of dieting for female athletes. Mediation analysis demonstrated that body satisfaction is a mediator between both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and dieting. These findings emphasize the important role that body satisfaction has in disordered eating development in female athletes.
Exploring the Role of Boundary Spanning towards Service Ecosystem Expansion: A Case of Careem in Pakistan
Authors: Javaid Ahson , Javed Amna , Kohda Youji
Published: July 2019

The sharing economy has the potential to innovate new markets by making the reuse of idle resources globally. The practices of sharing culture vary among developed and developing countries because of the un-stabilized economic situation and bad infrastructure. (1) This research is based on a case study of transportation network company (TNC) that has the capability to change the conventional transportation system because of its agile nature; (2) the study analyzes the data conducted from Careem (TNC) in Pakistan by using a qualitative approach; (3) the results show that to find a solution for scarcity of products/services in developing countries caused by limited and scattered resources, a learning climate is created by Careem which enables Careem to understand social issues in Pakistan and to use these insights to further develop its business model. Under learning climate, Careem promotes the culture of respect towards collaboration; (4) overall, Careem plays a facilitative leadership role and brings together different stakeholders on one platform for contributing to a common goal to achieve sustainability. Further, with the joint efforts of all stakeholders, an extended service ecosystem has been formed through boundary-spanning activities. Careem acts as a core boundary spanner and supports other organizations to become a second level boundary spanner. Finally, Careem has made a substantial contribution to resolve the problem of unsustainability in Pakistan.
Health-Promoting Properties of Fresh and Processed Purple Cauliflower
Authors: Kapusta-Duch Joanna , Szeląg-Sikora Anna , Sikora Jakub , Niemiec Marcin , Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Kuboń Maciej , Leszczyńska Teresa , Borczak Barbara
Published: July 2019

Plant-based foods should be fresh, safe, and natural, with nutritional value and processed in sustainable ways. Among all consumed vegetables, Brassica vegetables are considered to be the most important ones. As they are eaten in large quantities and frequently, they may constitute an important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds in a daily diet. This work is aimed at assessing the effect of technological processing (blanching and traditional cooking in water and in a convection steam oven) as well as the method of frozen storage (in PE-LD zipper bags and vacuum packing) on the content of selected components in purple cauliflower. The material was examined for the content of dry matter, vitamin C, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, thiocyanates, nitrates, and nitrites, as well as antioxidant activity. All technological processes caused significant changes in the contents of examined nutritive and non-nutritive compounds as well as in antioxidant activity or the level of selected chemical pollutions. A trend was also observed towards lower constituents’ losses as a result of convection steaming, compared to traditional cooking in water. Moreover, the reduction in the content of examined compounds was smaller in vacuum-packed and frozen-stored vegetables then in those stored in zipper PE-LD bags.
Vinasse as a Sustainable Medium for the Production of Chlorella vulgaris UTEX 1803
Authors: Quintero-Dallos Viviana , García-Martínez Janet B. , Contreras-Ropero Jefferson E. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Barajas-Ferrerira Crisostomo , Lavecchia Roberto , Zuorro Antonio
Published: July 2019

This study investigates distillery wastewater, commonly known as vinasse, as a potential culture medium for the production of Chlorella vulgaris and its most relevant metabolites. The effect of vinasse concentration on the composition of the biomass (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) was evaluated in treatments performed in 6-L tubular air-lift reactors. The reactors were operated at 25 °C for 18 days, in total darkness, under a continuous flow of air. Results showed a rapid growth of microalgae in the first ten days, when an average production of 0.87 g/L was reached. Then, the daily biomass productivity began to decrease, up to an average value of 11.8 g/L at the 16th day. For all treatments, there was a significant reduction in the concentration of most metabolites in the first eight days. This was likely due to the adaptation of the biomass to the new conditions, with a transition from autotrophic to heterotrophic metabolism. From the 10th day, the concentration of metabolites in the biomass began to increase, reaching a nearly constant value at the 16th day. The observed maximum concentrations (%w/w) were: 48.95% proteins, 2.88% xylose, 7.82% glucose, 4.54% arabinose, 8.28% fructose, and 4.82% lipids. These values were only marginally affected by the type of treatment. Overall, the results obtained suggest that vinasse is a promising and sustainable medium for the growth of C. vulgaris and the production of valuable metabolites.
Towards Economic Land Evaluation at the Farm Scale Based on Soil Physical-Hydrological Features and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Priori Simone , Barbetti Roberto , Meini Luca , Morelli Annalisa , Zampolli Andrea , D’Avino Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

The economic evaluation of a land parcel is mainly based on the local economy, as well as on the topography, distance to the main streets, distance to the river, and presence of irrigation. Spatial variability of soil features and functionalities are often left behind during economic land evaluation, probably due to a scarce awareness of soil function’s economic value. The paper shows an approach for economic land evaluation of irrigated croplands in the Po River plain (Northern Italy), based on spatial variability of soil functions, namely biomass production and carbon sequestration, as well as taking into account the river flood risk. The soil spatial variability was mapped using proximal sensing technology and few calibration points (one every 5 hectares). Biomass production of the main crops of the area, namely maize, soybean, and sorghum, was monitored and mapped for three years (2016, 2017, and 2018) using precision agriculture technologies. The results showed that the available water capacity (AWC) reached the highest correlation with biomass production, additionally, soil texture and cation exchange capacity were significantly correlated. Economic evaluation of the land parcels was computed considering the mean land market value of the area, the site-specific deviations due to the spatial variability of the biomass production by capitalization rate, and carbon sequestration soil functions, applying a natural capital approach by the mean annual value of the carbon market. This site-specific methodology could be applied to many other arable lands.
Legionella pneumophila as a Health Hazard to Miners: A Pilot Study of Water Quality and QMRA
Authors: Madera-García Valerie , Mraz Alexis L. , López-Gálvez Nicolás , Weir Mark H. , Werner James , Beamer Paloma I. , Verhougstraete Marc P.
Published: July 2019

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila), the causative agent of legionellosis, is an aquatic bacterium that grows in warm water. Humans are only presented with a health risk when aerosolized water containing L. pneumophila is inhaled. In mining operations, aerosolized water is used as dust control and as part of the drilling operations, a currently ignored exposure route. This study characterized L. pneumophila concentrations in the mine’s non-potable water and the relationship between L. pneumophila and chlorine concentrations. These concentrations informed a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to estimate the infection risk to miners exposed to aerosolized water containing L. pneumophila. Fourteen water samples were collected from seven locations at a mine and analyzed for temperature, pH, chlorine, and L. pneumophila serogroup. Most samples (93%) tested positive for L. pneumophila cells. The faucet from the sprinkler system on the adit level (entrance to the underground mine levels) showed the highest concentration of L. pneumophila (8.35 × 104 MPN/L). Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated in the QMRA model and showed that the risk for all miners was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) with the ventilation system on than when the system was off. Our study showed that the use of a ventilation system at the adit level of the mine reduced the risk of infection with aerosolized L. pneumophila.
Flood Risk Analysis of Different Climatic Phenomena during Flood Season Based on Copula-Based Bayesian Network Method: A Case Study of Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Luo Yun , Dong Zengchuan , Guan Xike , Liu Yuhuan
Published: July 2019

We propose a flood risk management model for the Taihu Basin, China, that considers the spatial and temporal differences of flood risk caused by the different climatic phenomena. In terms of time, the probability distribution of climatic phenomenon occurrence time was used to divide the flood season into plum rain and the typhoon periods. In terms of space, the Taihu Basin was divided into different sub-regions by the Copula functions. Finally, we constructed a flood risk management model using the Copula-based Bayesian network to analyze the flood risk. The results showed the plum rain period occurs from June 24 to July 21 and the typhoon period from July 22 to September 22. Considering the joint distribution of sub-region precipitation and the water level of Taihu Lake, we divided the Taihu Basin into three sub-regions (P-I, P-II, and P-III) for risk analysis in the plum rain period. However, the Taihu Basin was used as a whole for flood risk analysis in the typhoon period. Risk analysis indicated a probability of 2.4%, and 0.8%, respectively, for future adverse drainage during the plum rain period and the typhoon period, the flood risk increases rapidly with the rising water level in the Taihu Lake.
PERCEPÇÃO DE AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE SOBRE VISITA DOMICILIÁRIA APÓS APERFEIÇOAMENTO EM SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Ferreira do Nascimento Vagner , Pereira Terças Ana Cláudia , Yuri Hattori Thalise , Fernandes Cabral Juliana , Souza Gleriano Josué , Pereira Borges Angélica , Machado de Souza Ribeiro Graziela Regina , Glecias Marçal da Silva Rulio
Published: July 2019

O Agente Comunitário de Saúde tem suas ações pautadas na prevenção e promoção da saúde da comunidade, portanto, investir na sua qualificação e formação técnica resulta no fortalecimento da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e do Sistema Único de Saúde. Objetivou-se com o estudo conhecer as percepções de agentes comunitários de saúde sobre visita domiciliária após aperfeiçoamento em saúde da família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em novembro de 2015, com 21 agentes comunitários de saúde pertencentes a estratégias de saúde da família localizadas num município da região médio norte de Mato Grosso. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado, do tipo autoaplicável. As análises foram apoiadas no Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Evidenciou-se que os agentes comunitários de saúde reconhecem a importância e necessidade de realizarem visitas domiciliárias e o aperfeiçoamento oportuniza um processo crítico-reflexivo, podendo impactar diretamente sobre os resultados de suas ações diárias. Expressam também, que para qualificar a visita domiciliária é necessário o planejamento prévio das atividades, pautado no discurso da sistematização ou até mesmo perante a inquietação provocada pelo curso de aperfeiçoamento que despertou novas possibilidades de atuação. Os discursos reforçaram a necessidade de investimentos na educação permanente da equipe de saúde, pois viabiliza uma abordagem terapêutica centrada no indivíduo/família/comunidade com vistas a construção de confiança, vínculo e comprometimento, de modo a atenuar os problemas sociais que impactam diretamente na saúde.
DIREITO E SAÚDE NO BRASIL: AVANÇOS E LIMITES A LUZ DA LITERATURA
Authors: Santos Wallison Pereira dos , Lima Gigliola Marcos Bernardo de , Dantas Gisele Dias , Guedes Silvia Tainá Barroso , Rolim Myldrad Soares Marques
Published: July 2019

A saúde no Brasil é resultado de diversas lutas, disputas e reivindicações populares. Por meio da lei de número 8.080 de 19 de Setembro de 1990 foi criado o Sistema Único de Saúde com princípios e diretrizes que garantem a população o acesso gratuito aos serviços de saúde. A pesquisa é do tipo revisão integrativa realizada em bases de dados virtuais. Tem como objetivo realizar um levantamento dos avanços e limites que as políticas públicas de saúde sofreram nos últimos dez anos. Foram encontrados 103 artigos, porém após aplicação dos critérios de exclusão e inclusão, restaram 48 artigos no total. Ficou evidente que o Sistema Único de Saúde sofreu modificações positivas e negativas, como a judicialização do direito ao acesso aos serviços de saúde, a participação e controle social, a disseminação de conhecimentos e a dificuldade na efetivação dos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde, respectivamente. Portanto, após determinar tais circunstâncias é possível dizer que a saúde do Brasil encontra-se limitada, devendo-se atentar para uma qualificação e incentivo aos profissionais, um maior investimento na saúde pública e na reeducação dos usuários, para que dessa forma os limites possam ser superados.
RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA SOBRE EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE EM IDOSOS: PERCEPÇÃO DOS DISCENTES
Authors: Santos Sandna Larissa Freitas dos , Alves Hérick Hebert da Silva , De Oliveira Rainne Almeida , Paiva Carlos Eduardo Quirino , Pessoa Cinara Vidal , Nogueira Torres Barros Karla Bruna
Published: July 2019

Trata-se de um relato de experiência da percepção de discentes sobre ações educativas em saúde voltadas com idosos da casa de acolhida Remanso da Paz, Quixadá-CE. Foi desenvolvido pelos acadêmicos do curso de Farmácia do Centro Universitário Católica de Quixadá realizado durante o mês de maio 2016.  As experiências foram baseadas em orientação e aconselhamento sobre as medidas diárias frente às doenças crônicas, por meio de palestras, rodas de conversas, discussões, além da execução de teste de glicemia e verificação de pressão arterial para averiguação da terapia medicamentosa. Dentre os temas abordados destacam-se: uso racional de medicamentos, alimentação saudável, uso de preparações caseiras de plantas medicinais, diabetes e hipertensão e sedentarismo. Dessa forma, a promoção da saúde é tida como um processo que abrange a participação de toda a população no contexto do cotidiano do idoso e não apenas das pessoas sob risco de adoecer, evidenciando que as ações desenvolvidas são essenciais na melhoria da qualidade de vida do idoso.
CONHECIMENTO, ATITUDES E PRÁTICAS EM LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL: REFLEXÕES PARA UMA ATUAÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL EM MUNICÍPIO ENDÊMICO
Authors: Nogueira Barbosa Miriam , Ferraz Carmo Rose , Profeta da Luz Zélia Maria
Published: July 2019

A participação da população é fundamental para efetividade das medidas de prevenção e controle da leishmaniose visceral (LV), sobretudo aquelas relacionadas ao manejo ambiental. A partir do levantamento de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas (CAP) de moradores residentes em município endêmico para LV, o estudo buscou identificar possíveis caminhos que contribuam para efetividade e sustentabilidade dessas medidas. Entre outubro de 2010 e dezembro de 2013, agentes comunitários de saúde visitaram domicílios localizados em regiões com e sem notificação de casos humanos de LV, observaram as condições ambientais e aplicaram um questionário semi-estruturado que abordava fontes de informação sobre a doença, aspectos epidemiológicos, além de atitude adotada. As respostas foram classificadas em “adequado” ou “inadequado” considerando a orientação do Ministério da Saúde. Nas duas regiões as principais fontes de informação sobre a LV citadas foram rádio e TV, apenas 6% dos entrevistados relataram os agentes de saúde. Foram identificadas fragilidades no conhecimento, especialmente, sobre sinais e sintomas da LV; uso de adubos orgânicos nas residências e presença de animais dentro dos domicílios. Os resultados apontaram que um possível caminho para superação das lacunas encontradas envolve a interação entre agentes de saúde e comunidade norteada por uma proposta pedagógica contextualizada e dialógica.
ASPECTOS EPIDEMIOLÓGICOS DO EXCESSO DE PESO EM CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES: TENDÊNCIA SECULAR NAS PERSPECTIVAS MUNDIAL E BRASILEIRA
Authors: Neves Felipe Silva , Oliveira Renata Maria Souza , Cândido Ana Paula Carlos
Published: July 2019

O estilo de vida contemporâneo – delineado por ingestão excessiva de alimentos ultraprocessados e hábitos sedentários acarretou um panorama de saúde-doença desafiador para os gestores da Saúde Pública/Coletiva devido à concomitância de rápidas transformações nutricionais e epidemiológicas, que se traduzem em prevalências alarmantes de sobrepeso, obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.
Estado e capital nos governos Lula e Dilma: o caso do megaempreendimento COMPERJ
Authors: Lima Sonia Lucio Rodrigues de , Piccoli Ariana da Silva Campos
Published: July 2019

Este texto visa demonstrar que a construção do megaempreendimento Complexo Petroquímico do Rio de Janeiro é ilustrativa da relação entre o poder público e o capital durante os governos de LULA e o primeiro governo de Dilma Rousseff. Essa relação assegurou às frações da burguesia o alcance de vultuosos lucros, à custa de um exponencial repasse do fundo público para financiar a acumulação e do aumento da exploração do trabalho. Todavia, as terríveis repercussões dessa relação sobre as condições de vida dos trabalhadores não foram aceitas passivamente pelos operários do COMPERJ, como demonstram as inúmeras manifestações de protesto e as greves organizadas por estes contra as imposições do patronato e a orientação da direção sindical.