bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenolics and anthocyanins in berries of European cranberry and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Česonienė Laima , Jasutienė Ina , Šarkinas Antanas
Published: June 2018

European cranberry is a berry plant rich in biologically active substances, making it valued by both the phyto-pharmaceutical and food industries. The aim of this study was to examine the accumulation of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins in berries of European cranberry and to assess their antibacterial activity. Material and methods. Different wild clones of European cranberry were investigated according to berry weight and the amounts of total phenolics and anthocyanins. Anthocyanin profiles of extracts were evaluated by HPLC, whereas the antimicrobial properties were determined by the agar well diffusion method. A strong negative correlation between berry weight and the amount of anthocyanins was found. The amount of total phenolics among different cranberry clones in the field collection ranged from 224.0 mg/100 g to 498.0 mg/100 g, and the amount of total anthocyanins ranged from 40.7 mg/100 g to 207.3 mg/100 g. Quantitative HPLC-UV analysis revealed six anthocyanins in the berries of European cranberry, among which the anthocyanin peonidin-3-galactoside was most prevalent. Conclusions. Investigation of the antimicrobial properties showed that European cranberry extracts inhibited the growth of wide range of human pathogenic bacteria, both gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis).
Associations between mortality and alcohol consumption in Lithuanian population
Authors: Grabauskas Vilius , Prochorskas Remigijus , Veryga Aurelijus
Published: June 2018

The objective of the study was to assess alcohol-related mortality that potentially might explain an increasing trend in overall mortality of Lithuanian population, which started after 2000 and peaked in 2005. Material and methods. An empiric analysis of national mortality and other statistical data as well as their international comparisons. Results. An analysis of available data clearly indicates that a decline in mortality in 1998–2000, i.e. during the beginning of the National Programme of Health, as well as its increase in 2001 and 2005 were predominantly determined by cause-specific deaths of two groups: deaths from diseases of the circulatory system (mainly ischemic heart disease) and alcohol consumption-related deaths (liver cirrhosis, accidental poisoning by alcohol, accidents, etc.). A certain proportion of deaths, which were caused by alcohol, were wrongly assigned to the deaths from diseases of the circulatory system due to uncertainties in filling-in death certificates. By approximate estimates, at least one-quarter of increase in all-cause mortality between 2002–2004 and 2005–2007 could be explained by an increase in alcohol consumption, accounting for additional 880 deaths on average per year. In the year 2007, 12.6% (n=5760) of all deaths were somehow related to alcohol consumption. A comparative analysis demonstrated that mortality and alcohol consumption trends were going in parallel over the last decade. The systemic decline in mortality observed in Lithuania from 1995 stopped in 2000 after a decrease in alcohol taxes, which resulted in an increase in alcohol accessibility and consumption. An average annual increase in alcohol consumption over the period of 2001–2004 was 7%; it increased up to 17% in 2005 and accounted for 12% annual increase on average within 2005–2007. Conclusions. Negative trends in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality in Lithuanian population most notably registered in 2001 and 2005 were largely influenced by uncontrollable increase in alcohol consumption over the last decade. Economic and commercial arguments in decision-making process that neglected health interest of Lithuanian population (decrease of alcohol taxes in 1999, other factors increasing alcohol accessibility and consumption) were those counteracting the implementation of balanced health policy in the country.
Large-Scale 3D Modeling and Inversion of Multiphysics Airborne Geophysical Data: A Case Study from the Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zhdanov Michael S. , Alfouzan Fouzan A. , Cox Leif , Alotaibi Abdulrahman , Alyousif Mazen , Sunwall David , Endo Masashi
Published: June 2018

Recent developments in large-scale geophysical inversions made it possible to invert the results of entire airborne geophysical surveys over large areas into 3D models of the subsurface. This paper presents the methods for and results of the interpretation of the data acquired by a multiphysics airborne geophysical survey in Saudi Arabia. The project involved the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of airborne electromagnetic, gravity, and magnetic geophysical data over an 8000 square kilometer area. All the collected data were carefully analyzed and inverted in 3D models of the corresponding physical properties of the subsurface, including 3D density, magnetization vector, and conductivity models. This paper summarizes the interpretation of all geophysical data sets collected during the field airborne survey. The goal of the paper is to demonstrate how the advanced 3D modeling and inversion methods can be effectively used for interpretation of multiphysics airborne survey data and to study and analyze the potential of the survey area for natural resource exploration in Saudi Arabia.
Insights into Structure-Activity Relationships of 3-Arylhydrazonoindolin-2-One Derivatives for Their Multitarget Activity on β-Amyloid Aggregation and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Purgatorio Rosa , De Candia Modesto , De Palma Annalisa , De Santis Francesco , Pisani Leonardo , Campagna Francesco , Cellamare Saverio , Altomare Cosimo Damiano , Catto Marco
Published: June 2018

Despite the controversial outcomes of clinical trials executed so far, the prevention of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and neurotoxicity by small molecule inhibitors of Aβ aggregation remains a target intensively pursued in the search of effective drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegeneration syndromes. As a continuation of previous studies, a series of new 3-(2-arylhydrazono)indolin-2-one derivatives was synthesized and assayed, investigating the effects of substitutions on both the indole core and arylhydrazone moiety. Compared with the reference compound 1, we disclosed equipotent derivatives bearing alkyl substituents at the indole nitrogen, and fairly tolerated bioisosteric replacements at the arylhydrazone moiety. For most of the investigated compounds, the inhibition of Aβ40 aggregation (expressed as pIC50) was found to be correlated with lipophilicity, as assessed by a reversed-phase HPLC method, through a bilinear relationship. The N1-cyclopropyl derivative 28 was tested in cell-based assays of Aβ42 oligomer toxicity and oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, showing significant cytoprotective effects. This study confirmed the versatility of isatin in preparing multitarget small molecules affecting different biochemical pathways involved in AD.
Process Optimization, Characterization and Antioxidant Capacity of Oat (Avena Sativa L.) Bran Oil Extracted by Subcritical Butane Extraction
Authors: Guan Xiao , Jin Shengye , Li Sen , Huang Kai , Liu Jing
Published: June 2018

Oat bran is a traditional agricultural byproduct and rarely used in edible oil processing. In this paper, oat bran oil (OBO) was firstly extracted by subcritical butane extraction (SBE) and the extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology. Three variables involving liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature were studied. The optimum conditions for extraction of OBO were obtained as follows: liquid-to-solid ratio 4.30, extraction time 48.15 min, and extraction temperature 46.52 °C. Based on this, an alternative method (SBE-e) for cosolvent (ethanol) was proposed to improve SBE method. Compared to conventional hexane extraction (CHE), the SBE-e had significant effect on yield, bioactive compounds (phytosterols and phenols) and antioxidant capacity (AC) in the extracted OBO. The results indicated that the proposed methods were appropriate for OBO extraction. Additionally, OBO had the potential to be an acceptable substitute for edible oil, owing to its desirable physicochemical characteristics, a balanced fatty acids composition and high antioxidant capacity.
Magnetic Porous Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based on Surface Precipitation Polymerization and Mesoporous SiO2 Layer as Sacrificial Support for Efficient and Selective Extraction and Determination of Chlorogenic Acid in Duzhong Brick Tea
Authors: Peng Mijun , Li Huan , Long Ruiqing , Shi Shuyun , Zhou Hanjun , Yang Shuping
Published: June 2018

Magnetic porous molecularly imprinted polymers (MPMIPs) for rapid and efficient selective recognition of chlorogenic acid (CGA) were effectively prepared based on surface precipitation polymerization using CGA as template, 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) as functional monomer, and mesoporous SiO2 (mSiO2) layer as sacrificial support. A computational simulation by evaluation of electronic binding energy is used to optimize the stoichiometric ratio between CGA and 4-VP (1:5), which reduced the duration of laboratory trials. The porous MIP shell and the rid of solid MIPs by magnet gave MPMIPs high binding capacity (42.22 mg/g) and fast kinetic binding (35 min). Adsorption behavior between CGA and MPMIPs followed Langmuir equation and pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the obtained MPMIPs as solid phase adsorbents coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed for selective extraction and determination of CGA (2.93 ± 0.11 mg/g) in Duzhong brick tea. The recoveries from 91.8% to 104.2%, and the limit of detection (LOD) at 0.8 μg/mL were obtained. The linear range (2.0–150.0 μg/mL) was wide with R2 > 0.999. Overall, this study provided an efficient approach for fabrication of well-constructed MPMIPs for fast and selective recognition and determination of CGA from complex samples.
Isolation of β-1,3-Glucanase-Producing Microorganisms from Poria cocos Cultivation Soil via Molecular Biology
Authors: Wu Qiulan , Dou Xin , Wang Qi , Guan Zhengbing , Cai Yujie , Liao Xiangru
Published: June 2018

β-1,3-Glucanase is considered as a useful enzymatic tool for β-1,3-glucan degradation to produce (1→3)-linked β-glucan oligosaccharides with pharmacological activity properties. To validly isolate β-1,3-glucanase-producing microorganisms, the soil of Wolfiporia extensa, considered an environment rich in β-1,3-glucan-degrading microorganisms, was subjected to high throughput sequencing. The results demonstrated that the genera Streptomyces (1.90%) and Arthrobacter (0.78%) belonging to the order Actinomycetales (8.64%) in the phylum Actinobacteria (18.64%) were observed in soil for P. cocos cultivation (FTL1). Actinomycetes were considered as the candidates for isolation of glucan-degrading microorganisms. Out of 58 isolates, only 11 exhibited β-1,3-glucan-degrading activity. The isolate SYBCQL belonging to the genus Kitasatospora with β-1,3-glucan-degrading activity was found and reported for the first time and the isolate SYBC17 displayed the highest yield (1.02 U/mg) among the isolates. To check the β-1,3-glucanase contribution to β-1,3-glucan-degrading activity, two genes, 17-W and 17-Q, encoding β-1,3-glucanase in SYBC17 and one gene QLK1 in SYBCQL were cloned and expressed for verification at the molecular level. Our findings collectively showed that the isolates able to secrete β-1,3-glucanase could be obtained with the assistance of high-throughput sequencing and genes expression analysis. These methods provided technical support for isolating β-1,3-glucanase-producing microorganisms.
Analysis of Metabolites in White Flowers of Magnolia Denudata Desr. and Violet Flowers of Magnolia Liliiflora Desr.
Authors: Park Chang Ha , Park Soo-Yun , Lee Sook Young , Kim Jae Kwang , Park Sang Un
Published: June 2018

A total of seven phenolics and 44 metabolites was profiled in white flowers of Magnolia denudata and violet flowers of Magnolia liliiflora using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). Seven phenylpropanoid compounds were identified in white flowers by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). An HPLC analysis showed that phenylpropanoid accumulation in violet flowers was 1.48 times higher than that in white flowers. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were determined to investigate the antioxidant properties of secondary metabolites in different flowers. Violet flowers showed higher SOD-like and DPPH activity than white flowers. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity measured using a nitric oxide assay was higher in violet flowers than in white flowers. Our results provide valuable information on the relationship between primary and secondary metabolites, and synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties derived from phenolic compounds in different colored flowers.
In-Vitro Activity of Silybin and Related Flavonolignans against Leishmania infantum and L. donovani
Authors: Olías-Molero Ana Isabel , Jiménez-Antón María Dolores , Biedermann David , Corral María J. , Alunda José María
Published: June 2018

Flavonolignans from the seeds of the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) have been extensively used in folk medicine for centuries. Confirmation of their properties as hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anticancer has been obtained using standardized extracts and purified flavonolignans. Information on their potential effect on Leishmania is very scarce. We have investigated the effect of silymarin, silybin and related flavonolignans on the multiplication of promastigotes in vitro and ex vivo on intracellular amastigotes of L. infantum (Li) and L. donovani (Ld), causative agents of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In addition, the potential synergistic effect of the most active molecule and well-established antileishmanial drugs against promastigotes was explored. Dehydroisosilybin A elicited the highest inhibition against Ld and Li promastigotes with an approximate IC50 of 90.23 µM. This molecule showed a moderate synergism with amphotericin B (AmB) but not with SbIII or paromomycin, although it was ineffective against amastigotes. Antileishmanial activity on intracellular amastigotes of the two diastereoisomers of dehydrosilybin (10 µM) was comparable to that elicited by 0.1 µM AmB. Antiproliferative activity and safety of flavonolignans suggest the interest of exploring their potential value in combination therapy against VL.
Facile Synthesis of Novel CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 Composites with Efficient Performance for Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Xu Siyu , Dai Jun , Yang Juan , You Jun , Hao Jingyi
Published: June 2018

A series of novel and efficient heterostructured composites CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. XRD patterns indicate the as-prepared catalysts are two-phase composites of cubic phase CaIn2S4 and hexagonal phase ZnIn2S4. FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope) images display that the synthesized composites are composed of flower-like microspheres with wide diameter distribution. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) show that the optical absorption edges of the CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 composites shift toward longer wavelengths with the increase of the CaIn2S4 component. The photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized composites are investigated by using the aqueous-phase Cr(VI) reduction under simulated sunlight irradiation. This is the first report on the application of the CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 composites as stable and efficient photocatalysts for the Cr(VI) reduction. The fabricated CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 composites possess higher photocatalytic performance in comparison with pristine CaIn2S4 or ZnIn2S4. The CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 composite with a CaIn2S4 molar content of 30% exhibits the optimum photocatalytic activity. The primary reason for the significantly enhanced photoreduction activity is proved to be the substantially improved separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons/holes caused by forming the CaIn2S4/ZnIn2S4 heterostructured composites. The efficient charge separation can be evidenced by steady-state photoluminescence spectra (PLs) and transient photocurrent response. Based on the charge transfer between CaIn2S4 and ZnIn2S4, an enhancement mechanism of photocatalytic activity and stability for the Cr(VI) reduction is proposed.
Thermodynamic, Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of AgSbTe2 Thick Films Developed by Melt Spinning
Authors: Du Baoli , Liu Ming , Xu Jian , Hu Baofu , Liu Bingguo , Su Taichao , Wang Jian
Published: June 2018

Cubic AgSbTe2 compound is a metastable phase within Ag2Te-Sb2Te3 pseudo-binary phase diagram and theoretically rapid cooling molten elements to room temperature may be an effective way to obtain it. In this work, thick films composed of 5–10 nm fine grains were developed by a melt spinning technique. The formation mechanism of the nanostructure and its influences on the thermoelectric properties have been studied and correlated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis shows that the as-prepared films exhibit distinct thermodynamic properties when prepared under different cooling rates and doping element. A small amount of Se doping is effectively capable of inhibiting the emergence of the Ag2Te impurity and optimizing the electrical transport properties. All films have positive large Seebeck coefficient, but rather small positive or negative Hall coefficient, indicating a multicarrier nature of transport consisting of both holes and electrons. A power factor of ~1.3 was achieved at 500 K for Se-doped film for its excellent electrical conductivities. This result confirms that a combination of Se doping and melting spinning technique is an effective way to obtain high phase-pure AgSbTe2 compound and reveal its intrinsic transport properties routinely masked by impurities in sintering or slow-cooling bulk samples.
Antiobesity Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice Mediated by AMPK
Authors: Liu Huimin , Wang Jing , Liu Meihong , Zhao Hongyu , Yaqoob Sanabil , Zheng Mingzhu , Cai Dan , Liu Jingsheng
Published: June 2018

Ginsenosides Rg1 is one of the major pharmacologically active saponins in ginseng, which as an antioxidant reduces oxidative damage in the liver and can also be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, there is no research targeting the effect of lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of Rg1 in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells and HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Administration of Rg1 to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased body weight, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels. In addition to effects in 3T3-L1 cells, Rg1 reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Rg1 exhibits an anti-adipogenic effect via regulation of the expression of the transcriptional factors and lipid metabolism-related genes in vivo and in vitro. We observed that Rg1 administration significantly increased the phosphorylation level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in both epididymal white adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicated that Rg1 works both in an anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity manner through inducing AMPK activation, inhibiting lipogenesis, and decreasing intracellular lipid content, adipocyte size, and adipose weight.
Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review
Authors: Rahman Sajid , Huang Yingying , Zhu Lei , Feng Shibin , Khan Ibrar , Wu Jinjie , Li Yu , Wang Xichun
Published: June 2018

Sperm cells are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during cellular oxidation. In normal cell biology, ROS levels increase with a decreasing antioxidant response, resulting in oxidative stress which threatens sperm biology. Oxidative stress has numerous effects, including increased apoptosis, reduced motion parameters, and reduced sperm integrity. In this regard, green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) have been reported to possess properties that may increase the quality of male and female gametes, mostly via the capability of catechins to reduce ROS production. GrTPs have antioxidant properties that improve major semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage, fertility rate, and gamete quality. These unique properties of green tea catechins could improve reproductive health and represent an important study area. This exploratory review discusses the therapeutic effects of GrTPs against infertility, their possible mechanisms of action, and recommended supportive therapy for improving fertility in humans and in animals.
CFTR Deletion Confers Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disrupts Lipid Homeostasis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kleme Marie L. , Sané Alain , Garofalo Carole , Seidman Ernest , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Berthiaume Yves , Levy Emile
Published: June 2018

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease in which the intestine exhibits oxidative and inflammatory markers. As mitochondria are the central source and the main target of reactive oxygen species, we hypothesized that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect leads to the disruption of cellular lipid homeostasis, which contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods. Mitochondrial functions and lipid metabolism were investigated in Caco-2/15 cells with CFTR knockout (CFTR-/-) engineered by the zinc finger nuclease technique. Experiments were performed under basal conditions and after the addition of the pro-oxidant iron-ascorbate (Fe/Asc) complex. Results. Mitochondria of intestinal cells with CFTR-/-, spontaneously showed an altered redox homeostasis characterised by a significant decrease in the expression of PPARα and nuclear factor like 2. Consistent with these observations, 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase, responsible for repair of ROS-induced DNA lesion, was weakly expressed in CFTR-/- cells. Moreover, disturbed fatty acid β-oxidation process was evidenced by the reduced expression of CPT1 and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long-chain in CFTR-/- cells. The decline of mitochondrial cytochrome c and B-cell lymphoma 2 expression pointing to magnified apoptosis. Mitochondrial respiration was also affected as demonstrated by the low expression of respiratory oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes and a high adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio. In contrast, the FAS and ACC enzymes were markedly increased, thereby indicating lipogenesis stimulation. This was associated with an augmented secretion of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in CFTR-/- cells. The addition of Fe/Asc worsened while butylated hydroxy toluene partially improved these processes. Conclusions: CFTR silencing results in lipid homeostasis disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction in intestinal epithelial cells. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the marked abnormalities in response to CFTR deletion.
In-Situ pH-Sensitive Fibers via the Anchoring of Bromothymol Blue on Cellulose Grafted with Hydroxypropyltriethylamine Groups via Adsorption
Authors: Cao Lele , Liang Tieqiang , Zhang Xipeng , Liu Wenbo , Li Jian , Zhan Xianxu , Wang Lijuan
Published: June 2018

In-situ pH-sensitive cellulose fibers (IS-pH-SCF) were prepared by anchoring bromothymol blue (BTB) onto cellulose fibers (CF) modified with hydroxypropyltriethylamine (HPTTL) groups. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectrum analyses demonstrated that the HPTTL groups were grafted onto the CF. X-ray diffraction proved that cellulose I in the CF transformed into cellulose II after quaternization. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that the quaternized CF (QCF) surface was clean and uniformly ridged. The adsorption of BTB onto QCF was carried out via batch adsorption experiments. A kinetic study illustrated that the adsorption was a spontaneous process and described well by pseudo-second-order, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. The activation energy for the BTB adsorption onto QCF was 52.89 kJ/mol, which proved that the BTB adsorption onto QCFs was chemically controlled. The pH response demonstrated that the IS-pH-SCF was highly sensitive to pH, with an obvious color change for pH 4 to 8. The release tests showed that BTB was anchored on QCFs and that no BTB was released. IS-pH-SCF has a potential use for indicating pH changes in food.
Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Sensor with a Small-Gap Quartz Tuning Fork
Authors: Ma Yu-Fei , Tong Yao , He Ying , Long Jin-Hu , Yu Xin
Published: June 2018

A highly sensitive quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensor based on a custom quartz tuning fork (QTF) with a small-gap of 200 μm was demonstrated. With the help of the finite element modeling (FEM) simulation software COMSOL, the change tendency of the QEPAS signal under the influence of the laser beam vertical position and the length of the micro-resonator (mR) were calculated theoretically. Water vapor (H2O) was selected as the target analyte. The experimental results agreed well with those of the simulation, which verified the correctness of the theoretical model. An 11-fold signal enhancement was achieved with the addition of an mR with an optimal length of 5 mm in comparison to the bare QTF. Finally, the H2O-QEPAS sensor, which was based on a small-gap QTF, achieved a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 1.3 ppm, indicating an improvement of the sensor performance when compared to the standard QTF that has a gap of 300 μm.
Detection of Cattle Using Drones and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Rivas Alberto , Chamoso Pablo , González-Briones Alfonso , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: June 2018

Multirotor drones have been one of the most important technological advances of the last decade. Their mechanics are simple compared to other types of drones and their possibilities in flight are greater. For example, they can take-off vertically. Their capabilities have therefore brought progress to many professional activities. Moreover, advances in computing and telecommunications have also broadened the range of activities in which drones may be used. Currently, artificial intelligence and information analysis are the main areas of research in the field of computing. The case study presented in this article employed artificial intelligence techniques in the analysis of information captured by drones. More specifically, the camera installed in the drone took images which were later analyzed using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to identify the objects captured in the images. In this research, a CNN was trained to detect cattle, however the same training process could be followed to develop a CNN for the detection of any other object. This article describes the design of the platform for real-time analysis of information and its performance in the detection of cattle.
Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Broadley Robert W. , Klenk Jochen , Thies Sibylle B. , Kenney Laurence P. J. , Granat Malcolm H.
Published: June 2018

Falls in older adults present a major growing healthcare challenge and reliable detection of falls is crucial to minimise their consequences. The majority of development and testing has used laboratory simulations. As simulations do not cover the wide range of real-world scenarios performance is poor when retested using real-world data. There has been a move from the use of simulated falls towards the use of real-world data. This review aims to assess the current methods for real-world evaluation of fall detection systems, identify their limitations and propose improved robust methods of evaluation. Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria and were assessed with regard to the composition of the datasets, data processing methods and the measures of performance. Real-world tests of fall detection technology are inherently challenging and it is clear the field is in its infancy. Most studies used small datasets and studies differed on how to quantify the ability to avoid false alarms and how to identify non-falls, a concept which is virtually impossible to define and standardise. To increase robustness and make results comparable, larger standardised datasets are needed containing data from a range of participant groups. Measures that depend on the definition and identification of non-falls should be avoided. Sensitivity, precision and F-measure emerged as the most suitable robust measures for evaluating the real-world performance of fall detection systems.
Pathways to Equitable and Sustainable Education through the Inclusion of Roma Students in Learning Mathematics
Authors: Díez-Palomar Javier , Sanmamed Ainhoa Flecha Fernández de , García-Carrión Rocío , Molina-Roldán Silvia
Published: June 2018

Education is a key feature in the development of an agenda for a sustainable world. Education usually is associated with developing a responsible and ethical citizenship, aware of the main challenges for a sustainable development. Mathematics used to play a role as gatekeeper to achieve good educational performance. This article explores six case studies of Roma developing successful learning stories in learning mathematics. We identify five main characteristics in their educational trajectories that may explain Roma students’ success in the school. This article moves forward previous studies characterizing Roma cultural features of mathematics learning, reporting stereotypes towards Roma in school. We conclude that in order to promote educational inclusion, successful stories may inform effective educational programs that, ultimately, may lead towards a sustainable education, including students from the most disadvantaged groups, as in the case of the Roma people.
Strategies, Advances, and Challenges in Breeding Perennial Grain Crops
Authors: Crews Timothy E. , Cattani Douglas J.
Published: June 2018

The development of new perennial crop species is gaining momentum as a promising approach to change the fundamental nature of ecosystem processes in agriculture. The ecological argument for perennial crops grown in polycultures is strong, but until recently, perennial herbaceous grain crops have been absent from agricultural landscape. This is not because perennial herbaceous species do not exist in nature—there are thousands of perennial grasses, legumes, and other broad leaf plants. Rather, for a variety of reasons, early farmers focused on cultivating and domesticating annuals, and the perennial herbs were largely ignored. Today, we have a tremendous opportunity to explore another agricultural path. Building on contemporary knowledge of plant biology and genetics that early farmers lacked, and using a rapidly expanding toolbox that includes sophisticated genomic and analytical approaches, we can develop viable perennial grain crops. These crops can then be used to assemble diverse agroecosystems that regenerate soils and capture other important ecosystem functions.
Protection against Virulent Infectious Bronchitis Virus Challenge Conferred by a Recombinant Baculovirus Co-Expressing S1 and N Proteins
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Zhi-Peng , He Yi-Ning , Fan Wen-Sheng , Dong Zhi-Hua , Zhang Li-Hua , Sun Xin-Kuan , Song Li-Li , Wei Tian-Chao , Mo Mei-Lan , Wei Ping
Published: June 2018

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the causative agent of infectious bronchitis, which results in considerable economic losses. It is imperative to develop safe and efficient candidate vaccines to control IBV infection. In the current study, recombinant baculoviruses co-expressing the S1 and N proteins and mono-expressing S1 or N proteins of the GX-YL5 strain of IBV were constructed and prepared into subunit vaccines rHBM-S1-N, rHBM-S1 and rHBM-N. The levels of immune protection of these subunit vaccines were evaluated by inoculating specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens at 14 days of age, giving them a booster with the same dose 14 days later and challenging them with a virulent GX-YL5 strain of IBV 14 days post-booster (dpb). The commercial vaccine strain H120 was used as a control. The IBV-specific antibody levels, as well as the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, were detected within 28 days post-vaccination (dpv). The morbidity, mortality and re-isolation of the virus from the tracheas and kidneys of challenged birds were evaluated at five days post-challenge (dpc). The results showed that the IBV-specific antibody levels and the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were higher in the rHBM-S1-N vaccinated birds compared to birds vaccinated with the rHBM-S1 and rHBM-N vaccines. At 5 dpc, the mortality, morbidity and virus re-isolation rate of the birds vaccinated with the rHBM-S1-N vaccine were slightly higher than those vaccinated with the H120 control vaccine but were lower than those vaccinated with the rHBM-S1 and rHBM-N vaccines. The present study demonstrated that the protection of the recombinant baculovirus co-expressing S1 and N proteins was better than that of recombinant baculoviruses mono-expressing the S1 or N protein. Thus, the recombinant baculovirus co-expressing S1 and N proteins could serve as a potential IBV vaccine and this demonstrates that the bivalent subunit vaccine including the S1 and N proteins might be a strategy for the development of an IBV subunit vaccine.
Short-spored Subulicystidium (Trechisporales, Basidiomycota): high morphological diversity and only partly clear species boundaries
Authors: Ordynets Alexander , Scherf David , Pansegrau Felix , Denecke Jonathan , Lysenko Ludmila , Larsson Karl-Henrik , Langer Ewald
Published: June 2018

Diversity of corticioid fungi (resupinate Basidiomycota), especially outside the northern temperate climatic zone, remains poorly explored. Furthermore, most of the known species are delimited by morphological concepts only and, not rarely, these concepts are too broad and need to be tested by molecular tools. For many decades, the delimitation of species in the genus Subulicystidium (Hydnodontaceae, Trechisporales) was a challenge for mycologists. The presence of numerous transitional forms as to basidiospore size and shape hindered species delimitation and almost no data on molecular diversity have been available. In this study, an extensive set of 144 Subulicystidium specimens from Paleo- and Neotropics was examined. Forty-nine sequences of ITS nuclear ribosomal DNA region and 51 sequences of 28S nuclear ribosomal DNA region from fruit bodies of Subulicystidium were obtained and analysed within the barcoding gap framework and with phylogenetic Bayesian and Maximum likelihood approaches. Eleven new species of Subulicystidium are described based on morphology and molecular analyses: Subulicystidiumboidinii, S.fusisporum, S.grandisporum, S.harpagum, S.inornatum, S.oberwinkleri, S.parvisporum, S.rarocrystallinum, S.robustius, S.ryvardenii and S.tedersooi. Morphological and DNA-evidenced borders were revised for the five previously known species: S.naviculatum, S.nikau, S.obtusisporum, S.brachysporum and S.meridense. Species-level variation in basidiospore size and shape was estimated based on systematic measurements of 2840 spores from 67 sequenced specimens. An updated identification key to all known species of Subulicystidium is provided.
Time to cut: population models reveal how to mow invasive common ragweed cost-effectively
Authors: Lommen Suzanne T. E. , Jongejans Eelke , Leitsch-Vitalos Melinda , Tokarska-Guzik Barbara , Zalai Mihály , Müller-Schärer Heinz , Karrer Gerhard
Published: June 2018

Roadsides are an important habitat for invasive common ragweed, Ambrosiaartemisiifolia L., by facilitating seed dispersal. Reducing the size of roadside populations is therefore essential for confining this highly allergenic species. Here, we aim to determine the cost-effectiveness of mowing regimes varying in frequency and timing, by analysing population-level effects and underlying demographic processes. We constructed population models of A.artemisiifolia parameterised by demographic data for four unmanaged reference populations across Europe in two years. We integrated the effects of four experimental mowing regimes along Austrian road sides on plant performance traits of five years and experimental data on seed viability after cutting. All four experimental regimes reduced the projected intrinsic population growth rates (r) compared to the unmanaged controls by reducing plant height and seed viability, thereby counteracting increased size-dependent fecundity. The prevailing 2-cut regime in Austria (cutting during vegetative growth, here in June and just before seed ripening, here in September) performed least well and the reduction in r was mainly due to reduced seed viability after the second cut. The efficacy of the two best experimental regimes (alternative schemes for 2 or 3 cuts) was mainly due to cutting just before female flowering (here in August) by decreasing final adult plant height dramatically and thereby reducing seed numbers. Patterns were consistent across reference populations and years. Whether regimes reduced r below replacement level, however, varied per population, year and the survival rate of the seeds in the soil bank. Our model allowed projecting effects of five theoretical mowing regimes with untested combinations of cuts on r. By plotting r-cost relationships for all regimes, we identified the most cost-effective schemes for each cutting frequency (1–3 cuts). They all included the cut just before female flowering, highlighting the importance of cutting at this moment (here in August). Our work features i) the suitability of a modelling approach for the demography of an annual species with a seed bank, ii) the importance of seed viability in assessing mowing effects, iii) the use of population models in designing cost-effective mowing regimes.
Les processus d’apprentissage collaboratif au sein d’équipes en formation sportive universitaire : étude comparative des effets du débat d’idées et du feedback vidéo
Authors: Kermarrec Gilles , Kerivel Thibault , Bossard Cyril
Published: June 2018

Cet article présente une étude comparative relative à l’apprentissage collaboratif au sein d’une formation en sciences et techniques des activités physiques et sportives à l’université en France. Deux groupes d’étudiants ont participé à un dispositif de formation en sport collectif comprenant un jeu modifié et une modalité particulière de feedback, soit sous forme de débats d’idées, soit sous forme de feedback vidéo. Des données comportementales et des données verbales relatives à l’expérience des participants ont été recueillies. L’évolution des comportements met en évidence un effet dispositif, avec une différence significative en faveur du groupe feedback vidéo. Des analyses qualitatives mettent en évidence, d’une part une variété de processus d’apprentissage collaboratif, en cours d’action et à distance de l’action, intra-subjectifs et intersubjectifs, d’autre part les incidences du type de feedback sur ces processus. Ces résultats sont discutés au regard des avancées de la recherche en pédagogie des sports collectifs, et en questionnant le construit d’apprentissage collaboratif.
Integration of ICTs in Radio Programs (II-RP) for Environmental Awareness for Peasant Farmers of Rural Zambia
Authors: Chisanga Tracy , Mbale Jameson
Published: June 2018

The radio was the most and only reliable media capable of disseminating remedial information for methods of curing and preventing the outbreak of animal and crop diseases. However, this mode of media faced the challenges of majority of peasant farmers not owning radios, and as a result, they did not access such services. In addition, the distance among the peasant farmers hindered people sharing such resources. Nevertheless, the mushrooming owning of mobile phones by the majority of peasant farmers made information sharing possible. It was in view of that that the integration of ICTs on radio programs, in this work abbreviated as II-RP, was envisaged to disseminate remedial information to peasant farmers in remote areas of Zambia. The II-RP, a mobile built system, allowed farmers and agriculture officers to share the awareness information and sensitization of methods of farming.
Importance of Social Media to Create Environmental Awareness in Sustainable Higher Education System
Authors: Madhavi T. Phani
Published: June 2018

This chapter mainly addresses on the importance of social media to achieve the environmental sustainability in higher education system comprised of universities, colleges, and training institutions, which is responsible for skills development, personal development, and knowledge generation. Higher education systems play a critical role to develop the values and attitudes of the individuals and to create environmental awareness about the several issues There are many environmental issues such as global warming, waste management, environmental pollution in a global community. It is a mandatory requirement to create environmental awareness about the effects of environmental hazards. Due to rapid increase in living standards and industrialization, all the individuals as well as organizations should act in environmentally responsible ways and also promote sustainable practices for the protection of the environment.
Influence of Globalization on Mathematics Content, Teaching Methods, and Resource Materials in Colleges of Education in Oyo State
Authors: Olosunde Gbolagade
Published: June 2018

The chapter examined the influence of globalization of mathematics contents, teaching methods, and resource materials in colleges of education in Oyo state. One hundred mathematics students—46 from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education and 54 from Federal College of Education (Special), Oy—were sampled for the study. Descriptive survey type of design was adopted for the study. Three questionnaires were used: influence of globalization on mathematics content questionnaire (IGMCQ, r= 0.87), influence of globalization on mathematics teaching methods (IGMTM r= 0.78), and influence of globalization on mathematics resource materials (IGMRM r= 0.89) scales. Three research hypotheses were tested in this study. The data were analyzed using frequency count, for descriptive statistics. Chi-square statistics was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that there is no significant association between globalization and mathematics contents, teaching methods, and resource materials.
Ethnomathematics and Modern Globalized Currriculum
Authors: Akintunde Omotayo , Akanle Yetunde O. , Ogbebor Efe O.
Published: June 2018

The mathematical knowledge consumed in schools can and does influence culture and communities. There is a close connection between development of culture and idea of mathematics. Cultural thinking, practices, and products are mathematically intertwined. Cultural practices show mathematical thinking and operations and culture are better communicated through them. This goes on to confirm the practical fact that mathematics can be understood in cultural game, analysis of local arts, daily work procedures, and skills. Mathematical idea as a science of logical reasoning is better presented from natural/familiar base of culture of the people or else it will not be understood ultimately. Hence, development and human progress cannot be based on it. Mathematics will be useless to humanity. Thus, students need to develop abilities, such as creativity and a sound set of research habits, as they learn the required mathematics. This study focused on ethnomathematics and modern globalized curriculum.
Ethno-Science and Globalization
Authors: Adejimi Saheed Ayodeji
Published: June 2018

Globalization accelerates at an extreme rate through development of technologies of communication. However, people living in poor countries' access is very difficult because of the energy and financial demands that technology requires. One consequence of globalization for science and science education is it creates even more complex societies and challenges for indigenous communities. However, increasing local achievement in science and science education is advocated by a number of researchers in order to provide opportunities for people globally. This issue of making local knowledge part of the global brings with it the challenges of politics, history, language, economics, and ethics. The effects of globalization have been far-reaching, while the living standards of the world are still highly uneven. This study focused on ethno-science and globalization.
Simultaneous Modelling-to-Generate-Alternatives Procedure Employing the Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Yeomans Julian Scott
Published: June 2018

“Real-world” decision-making applications generally contain multifaceted performance requirements riddled with incongruent performance specifications. This is because decision making typically involves complex problems that are riddled with incompatible performance objectives and contain competing design requirements which are very difficult—if not impossible—to capture and quantify at the time that the supporting decision models are actually constructed. There are invariably unmodelled elements, not apparent during model construction, which can greatly impact the acceptability of the model's solutions. Consequently, it is preferable to generate several distinct alternatives that provide multiple disparate perspectives to the problem. These alternatives should possess near-optimal objective measures with respect to all known objective(s), but be maximally different from each other in terms of their decision variables. This maximally different solution creation approach is referred to as modelling-to-generate-alternatives (MGA). This chapter provides an efficient optimization algorithm that simultaneously generates multiple, maximally different alternatives by employing the metaheuristic firefly algorithm. The efficacy of this mathematical programming approach is demonstrated on a commonly tested engineering optimization benchmark problem.
Debating Digitally-Enabled Service Transformation in Public Sector
Authors: Omar Amizan , Johnson Craig , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: June 2018

Digitally-enabled service transformation (DEST) in the public sector (PS) offers a unique opportunity for public administration (PA) and information systems (IS) disciplines to interlace. Such uniqueness has enabled a deviance in the theoretical selection from the adoption of native PA/IS theories to imported social sciences theories including institutional and structuration. Institutional theory provides a way of viewing and explaining why and how institutions emerge in a certain way within a given context, but it falls under the criticism of structural bias as it avoids explanations situated at individual or same level of analysis. Such a gap is filled with structuration theory adoption, focusing on how institutional structures arise, or are maintained through the interplay process. The fusion of such concepts would potentially enrich the debates on DEST in PS by provoking new insights to keep the “research talking.”