bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bonded Repair Optimization of Cracked Aluminum Alloy Plate by Microwave Cured Carbon-Aramid Fiber/Epoxy Sandwich Composite Patch
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Jiacheng , Xi Jiaojiao , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2019

Fiber-reinforced epoxy sandwich composites, which were designed as the bonded repair patches to better recover the mechanical performance of a central cracked aluminum alloy plate, were layered by carbon and aramid fiber layers jointly and cured by microwave method in this study. The static tensile and bending properties of both carbon-aramid fiber/epoxy sandwich composite patches and the cracked aluminum alloy plates after bonded repair were systematically investigated. By comparing the mechanical performance with traditional single carbon-fiber-reinforced composite patches, it can be found that the bending performance of carbon-aramid fiber sandwich composite patches was effectively improved after incorporation of flexible aramid fiber layers into the carbon fiber layers, but the tensile strength of sandwich composite patches was weakened to some extent. Especially, the sandwich patches with 3 fiber layers exhibited better tensile and bending performance in comparison to patches of 5 and 7 fiber layers. The optimized 3-layer carbon-aramid fiber sandwich patch repaired plate recovered 86% and 190% of the tensile and bending performance in comparison to the uncracked ones, respectively, showing a considerable repair majorization effect for the cracked aluminum alloy plate.
The Effect of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level Within the Reference Range on In-Hospital and Short-Term Prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Gürdoğan Muhammet , Altay Servet , Korkmaz Selçuk , Kaya Çağlar , Zeybey Utku , Ebik Mustafa , Demir Melik
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Despite being within the normal reference range, changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. The majority of patients admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are euthyroid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TSH level on the prognosis of in-hospital and follow-up periods of euthyroid ACS patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 629 patients with acute coronary syndrome without thyroid dysfunction were included in the study. TSH levels of patients were 0.3–5.33 uIU/mL. Patients were divided into three TSH tertiles: TSH level between (1) 0.3 uIU/mL and <0.90 uIU/mL (n = 209), (2) 0.90 uIU/mL and <1.60 uIU/mL (n = 210), and (3) 1.60 uIU/mL and 5.33 uIU/mL (n = 210). Demographic, clinical laboratory, and angiographic characteristics were compared between groups in terms of in-hospital and follow-up prognosis. Results: Mean age was 63.42 ± 12.5, and 73.9% were male. There was significant difference between tertiles in terms of TSH level at admission (p < 0.001), the severity of coronary artery disease (p = 0.024), in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001), in-hospital major hemorrhage (p = 0.005), total adverse clinical event (p = 0.03), follow-up mortality (p = 0.022), and total mortality (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the high–normal TSH tertile was found to be cumulative mortality increasing factor (OR = 6.307, 95%; CI: 1.769–22.480; p = 0.005) during the 6-month follow-up period after hospitalization and discharge. Conclusions: High–normal TSH tertile during hospital admission in euthyroid ACS patients is an independent predictor of total mortality during the 6-month follow-up period after hospitalization and discharge.
MAV_4644 Interaction with the Host Cathepsin Z Protects Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis from Rapid Macrophage Killing
Authors: Lewis Matthew S. , Danelishvili Lia , Rose Sasha J. , Bermudez Luiz E.
Published: May 2019

Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) is an opportunistic pathogen that is ubiquitous in the environment and often isolated from faucets and showerheads. MAH mostly infects humans with an underlying disease, such as chronic pulmonary disorder, cystic fibrosis, or individuals that are immunocompromised. In recent years, MAH infections in patients without concurrent disease are increasing in prevalence as well. This pathogen is resistant to many antibiotics due to the impermeability of its envelope and due to the phenotypic resistance established within the host macrophages, making difficult to treat MAH infections. By screening a MAH transposon library for mutants that are susceptible to killing by reactive nitrogen intermediaries, we identified the MAV_4644 (MAV_4644:Tn) gene knockout clone that was also significantly attenuated in growth within the host macrophages. Complementation of the mutant restored the wild-type phenotype. The MAV_4644 gene encodes a dual-function protein with a putative pore-forming function and ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. Protein binding assay suggests that MAV_4644 interacts with the host lysosomal peptidase cathepsin Z (CTSZ), a key regulator of the cell signaling and inflammation. Pathogenic mycobacteria have been shown to suppress the action of many cathepsins to establish their intracellular niche. Our results demonstrate that knocking-down the cathepsin Z in human macrophages rescues the attenuated phenotype of MAV_4644:Tn clone. Although, the purified cathepsin Z by itself does not have any killing effect on MAH, it contributes to bacterial killing in the presence of the nitric oxide (NO). Our data suggest that the cathepsin Z is involved in early macrophage killing of MAH, and the virulence factor MAV_4644 protects the pathogen from this process.
Quality and Authenticity Control of Functional Red Yeast Rice—A Review
Authors: Song Jiawen , Luo Jia , Ma Zubing , Sun Qiang , Wu Chunjie , Li Xiaofang
Published: May 2019

Red yeast rice (RYR) is made by fermenting the rice with Monascus. It is commonly used in food colorants, dyeing, and wine making in China and its neighboring countries. Nowadays RYR has two forms on the market: common RYR is used for food products, the other form is functional RYR for medicine. However, some researchers reported that commercial lovastatin (structure is consistent with monacolin K) is illegally added to common RYR to meet drug quality standards, so as to imitate functional RYR and sell the imitation at a higher price. Based on current detection methods, it is impossible to accurately distinguish whether functional RYR is adulterated. Therefore, it is especially important to find a way to authenticate functional RYR. In the current review, the advances in history, applications, components (especially monacolins, monacolins detection methods), quality standards, authentication methods and perspectives for the future study of RYR are systematically reviewed.
Preparation and Identification of Antioxidative Peptides from Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) Protein
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Yu Huahua , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Chen Xiaolin , Li Pengcheng
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to isolate and purify antioxidative peptides from Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) protein. Five enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, papain, flavourzyme, and neutrase) were used for protein hydrolysis, and Pacific herring protein hydrolysates (PHPH) were separated by ultrafiltration. The fraction with the molecular weight below 3500 Da exhibited the highest in vitro antioxidant activities and cellular antioxidant activity. The PHPH was isolated and purified by consecutive chromatographic methods including gel filtration chromatography and reverse high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The purified antioxidant peptides were identified as Leu-His-Asp-Glu-Leu-Thr (MW = 726.35 Da) and Lys-Glu-Glu-Lys-Phe-Glu (MW = 808.40 Da), and the IC50 values of cellular antioxidant activity were 1.19 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 1.04 ± 0.06 mg/mL. The results demonstrate that is possible to produce natural antioxidative peptides from Pacific herring protein via enzymatic hydrolysis and purification.
Preparation of Ion-Exchanged TEMPO-Oxidized Celluloses as Flame Retardant Products
Authors: Geng Cunzhen , Zhao Zhihui , Xue Zhixin , Xu Peilong , Xia Yanzhi
Published: May 2019

Cellulose, as one of the most abundant natural biopolymers, has been widely used in textile industry. However, owing to its drawbacks of flammability and ignitability, the large-scale commercial application of neat cellulose is limited. This study investigated some TEMPO-oxidized cellulose (TOC) which was prepared by selective TEMPO-mediated oxidation and ion exchange. The prepared TOC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and solid-state 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal stability and combustion performance of TOC were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis (TG), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The results demonstrated that the thermal stability of TOC was less than that of the pristine material cellulose, but the peak of heat release rate (pHHR) and the total heat release (THR) of all TOC were significantly reduced. Additionally, the LOI values of all TOC products were much higher 25%. In summary, the above results indicated that the modified cellulose with carboxyl groups and metal ions by selective oxidation and ion exchange endows efficient flame retardancy.
Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Inhibitors with Potential Antifungal Activity: A Review
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Liu Guorong , Wang Xin , Meng Guannan , Wang Chengtao , Liu Ya
Published: May 2019

The theory of persisting independent and isolated regarding microorganisms is no longer accepted. To survive and reproduce they have developed several communication platforms within the cells which facilitates them to adapt the surrounding environmental changes. This cell-to-cell communication is termed as quorum sensing; it relies upon the cell density and can stimulate several traits of microbes including biofilm formation, competence, and virulence factors secretion. Initially, this sophisticated mode of communication was discovered in bacteria; later, it was also confirmed in eukaryotes (fungi). As a consequence, many quorum-sensing molecules and inhibitors have been identified and characterized in various fungal species. In this review article, we will primarily focus on fungal quorum-sensing molecules and the production of inhibitors from fungal species with potential applications for combating fungal infections.
Efficacy of Obcordata A from Aspidopterys obcordata on Kidney Stones by Inhibiting NOX4 Expression
Authors: Li Yihang , Ma Guoxu , Lv Yana , Su Jing , Li Guang , Chen Xi
Published: May 2019

Obcordata A (OA) is a polyoxypregnane glycoside derived from the Dai medicine Aspidopterys obcordata vines. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of OA on renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to calcium oxalate crystals. We incubated renal tubular cells with 28 μg·cm2 calcium oxalate crystals for 24 h with and without OA, GKT137831, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), and tocopherol. The MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, microscopic examination, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining revealed that calcium oxalate crystals decreased cell viability and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. OA, GKT137831, and tocopherol protected cells and decreased ROS levels. However, OA did not exhibit direct DPPH scavenging ability. In addition, immunoblotting illustrated that OA inhibited the NOX4 (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases 4) expression and downregulated the protein expression in the NOX4/ROS/p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway. The findings suggest that the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of OA can be blocked by the NOX4 agonist PMA. In conclusion, OA could be used as a NOX4 inhibitor to prevent kidney stones.
Effect of Forced Physical Activity on the Severity of Experimental Colitis in Normal Weight and Obese Mice. Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Bilski Jan , Mazur-Bialy Agnieszka , Wojcik Dagmara , Magierowski Marcin , Surmiak Marcin , Kwiecien Slawomir , Magierowska Katarzyna , Hubalewska-Mazgaj Magdalena , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: May 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders represented by two major phenotypic forms, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Cross talk between adipokines and myokines, as well as changes in intestinal microcirculation, was proposed in pathogenesis of these disorders. C57BL/6 male mice were fed ad libitum for 12 weeks a standard (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD). After the adaptation period, two groups of animals fed SD or HFD were subjected to 6 weeks of the forced treadmill exercise and the experimental colitis was induced in both groups of sedentary and exercising mice fed SD and HFD by intra-colonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The disease activity index (DAI), colonic blood flow (CBF), the weight of animals, caloric intake, the mesenteric fad pad, the colonic oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and intestinal expression and protein content of proinflammatory markers were evaluated. Macroscopic and microscopic colitis in sedentary SD mice was accompanied by a significant fall in CBF and exacerbated in those fed a HFD. The contents of MDA, GSH, and SOD activity were significantly increased in both SD and HFD fed mice with treadmill exercise as compared with sedentary mice. In sedentary HFD mice a significant increase in the intestinal oxidative stress parameters and mucosal expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17, IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 protein were observed and these effects were aggravated in mice subjected to forced treadmill exercise. The mucosal expression of mRNA for TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, SOD-1, SOD-2, GPx mRNAs, and the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein expression were upregulated in colonic mucosa of treadmill exercising HFD mice with colitis compared with those without exercise. We conclude that forced treadmill running exacerbates the severity of colonic damage in obese mice due to a fall in colonic microcirculation, an increase in oxidative stress, and the rise in expression and activity of proinflammatory biomarkers.
Marketing of Foods to Children through Food Packaging Is Almost Exclusively Linked to Unhealthy Foods
Authors: Lavriša Živa , Pravst Igor
Published: May 2019

The nutritional composition of foods marketed to children is important, as it can significantly influence children’s preferences. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of child-oriented food products in the food supply and to investigate their nutritional composition. The sample included 8191 prepacked foods in the Slovenian food supply available in the market in 2015. The nutrient profile (World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe nutrient profile model) of the products with child-targeted promotions was compared to the nutrient profile of those without child-targeted promotions. Food categories with the highest proportion of products with child-focused promotions were “Breakfast Cereals” (17%), “Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery” (15%) and “Edible Ices” (13%). Altogether, 93% of all products with child-focused promotions and 73% of products without such promotions were classified as “not permitted”. The proportion of “not permitted” foods was significantly higher in products with child-targeted promotions, compared with products without child-targeted promotions (p < 0.0001), and this trend was observed in a majority of food categories. To protect children from exposure to the marketing of foods with less favourable nutritional compositions, public health strategies should be focused also towards limiting promotions of unhealthy foods to children on product packaging, not only in media.
Childhood Dietary Intake in Italy: The Epidemiological “MY FOOD DIARY” Survey
Authors: Verduci Elvira , Banderali Giuseppe , Montanari Chiara , Berni Canani Roberto , Cimmino Caserta Luigi , Corsello Giovanni , Mosca Fabio , Piazzolla Ruggiero , Rescigno Maria , Terracciano Luigi , Troiano Ersilia , Crosa Marina , Maffeis Claudio , Francavilla Ruggiero
Published: May 2019

Promoting a healthy lifestyle during the first years of life is a key strategy for controlling obesity risk in later life; having good-quality epidemiological data on eating habits of infants and toddlers can improve awareness and possibly the education given by pediatricians to parents and children. With this aim, we performed a survey about the dietary pattern of Italian children in early childhood. We described the intake of energy, macronutrients and fiber, minerals, and vitamins of 443 Italian children (range 6.4–131 months), through a three-day food record filled out by their parents and assessed by family pediatricians. The results were compared with the Italian Dietary Reference Values. The median protein intake, in g/kg per body weight, exceeded the average requirement in all age groups, and in the 12–36 month period, the intake as % of energy was outside the reference range (>15%). The majority of the children consumed quantities of simple carbohydrates (consisting of both natural sugars and free or added sugars, 82.3% of the children in the study) and saturated fats (69% of the children in the study) above the limits of the Italian Dietary Reference Values, with low intake of fiber and polyunsaturated fats. Median mineral intake, in our study, was different depending on age, while vitamin D intake was very low in all age groups. This is one of the few studies reporting on the nutrient intake of Italian children with reference to nutrition recommendations in order to identify the principal nutritional errors. The present results underline the need for healthcare policies starting from the first years of life in order to ameliorate nutrient intake during childhood, possibly impacting long-term health outcomes.
Influence of Lactitol and Psyllium on Bowel Function in Constipated Indian Volunteers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheng Jing , Tennilä Julia , Stenman Lotta , Ibarra Alvin , Kumar Mandhir , Gupta Kamlesh Kumar , Sharma Shyam Sundar , Sen Dhiman , Garg Sandeep , Penurkar Mukund , Kumar Santosh , Ouwehand Arthur C.
Published: May 2019

Psyllium and lactitol have been reported to increase fecal volume, moisture content and bowel movement frequency (BMF). However, the benefits of their combined use on constipation has not been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week intervention with lactitol and/or psyllium on bowel function in constipated volunteers. Adults (N = 172) who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were randomized to four treatment groups: 10 g lactitol, 3.5 g psyllium, a combination of 10 g lactitol and 3.5 g psyllium, or placebo. The primary endpoint was change in BMF from Day 0 to 28 as compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints were assessed by inventories, including stool consistency, patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, relief of constipation, 24-h food recall, physical activity, product satisfaction and adverse events (AE). BMF increased by 3.0 BMs with lactitol, by 2.9 with psyllium, and by 3.1 with the combination, but was not different from placebo (3.7 BMs). Other clinical endpoints were similar between treatments. No serious AEs were reported. In conclusion, this study showed a similar effect on relief of constipation in all treatment groups. The treatments that were administered to the volunteers were well tolerated.
Transcriptome Analysis of Dual FXR and GPBAR1 Agonism in Rodent Model of NASH Reveals Modulation of Lipid Droplets Formation
Authors: Carino Adriana , Marchianò Silvia , Biagioli Michele , Fiorucci Chiara , Zampella Angela , Monti Maria Chiara , Morretta Elva , Bordoni Martina , Di Giorgio Cristina , Roselli Rosalinda , Ricci Patrizia , Distrutti Eleonora , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: May 2019

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive, chronic, liver disease whose prevalence is growing worldwide. Despite several agents being under development for treating NASH, there are no drugs currently approved. The Farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and the G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1), two bile acid activated receptors, have been investigated for their potential in treating NASH. Here we report that BAR502, a steroidal dual ligand for FXR/GPBAR1, attenuates development of clinical and liver histopathology features of NASH in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) and fructose (F). By RNAseq analysis of liver transcriptome we found that BAR502 restores FXR signaling in the liver of mice feed HFD–F, and negatively regulates a cluster of genes including Srebf1 (Srepb1c) and its target genes—fatty acid synthase (Fasn) and Cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector (CIDE) genes, Cidea and Cidec—involved in lipid droplets formation and triglycerides storage in hepatocytes. Additionally, BAR502 increased the intestinal expression of Fgf15 and Glp1 and energy expenditure by white adipose tissues. Finally, exposure to BAR502 reshaped the intestinal microbiota by increasing the amount of Bacteroidaceae. In conclusion, we have shown that dual FXR/GPBAR1 agonism might have utility in treatment of NASH.
A Pilot Study on Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Kappaphycus Alvarezii: The Role of Native κ-Carrageenan and the Leftover Sans-Carrageenan Fraction
Authors: Chin Yao Xian , Mi Ye , Cao Wan Xiu , Lim Phaik Eem , Xue Chang Hu , Tang Qing Juan
Published: May 2019

Kappaphycus is a commercially important edible red alga widely cultivated for carrageenan production. Here, we aimed to investigate the anti-obesity mechanism of Kappaphycus alvarezii by comparing the effects of whole seaweed (T), extracted native κ-carrageenan (CGN), and the leftover fraction sans-carrageenan (SCGN) supplementations (5%, w/w) on diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. A high-fat diet induced both a raised body fat percentage and serum cholesterol level, increased adipocytes size, abnormal levels of adipocytokines, and promoted gut dysbiosis. Our results showed that, overall, both CGN and SCGN were more effective in reversing obesity and related metabolic syndromes to normal levels than T. Furthermore, these findings suggested that CGN- and SCGN-modulated gut dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet, which may play an influencing role in adiponectin dysregulation. Our data also showed some evidence that CGN and SCGN have distinct effects on selected genes involved in lipid metabolism. In conclusion, both κ-carrageenan and SCGN have novel anti-obesity potential with possible different mechanisms of action.
Tegsedi (Inotersen): An Antisense Oligonucleotide Approved for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Gales Luís
Published: May 2019

Tegsedi (Inotersen) is a chemically modified antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits the hepatic production of transthyretin (TTR). Several single-point mutations in TTR destabilize its structure, leading to the aggregation and accumulation of amyloid deposits in the nervous system, heart, kidneys and eyes. In July 2018, Tegsedi was approved by the European Commission for use in adults with stage one and two polyneuropathies. Later on, in October 2018, the FDA and Health Canada also approved its use for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) in adults in the U.S. and Canada. Tegsedi was developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, the company that holds the global marketing license, together with its subsidiary Akcea Therapeutics.
Pollutant Absorption as a Possible End-Of-Life Solution for Polyphenolic Polymers
Authors: Sepperer Thomas , Neubauer Jonas , Eckardt Jonas , Schnabel Thomas , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tondi Gianluca
Published: May 2019

Tannin- and lignin-furanic foams are natural porous materials that have attracted high interest in the scientific and industrial communities for their high thermal and fire-resistant properties. However, no interesting solutions have been proposed for the management of their end-life as yet. In this study, the phenolic-furanic powders derived from the foams were analyzed for their capacity to remove different pollutants like neutral, cationic, and anionic organic molecules from wastewater. It was observed that the macromolecules produced from initially bigger fractions were more suitable to remove methylene blue and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) while contained absorptions were observed for riboflavin. Acidified tannin powders were also prepared to understand the role of the flavonoid in the absorption mechanism. The latter showed outstanding absorption capacity against all of the tested pollutants, highlighting the key-role of the flavonoid fraction and suggesting the limited contribution of the furanic part. All adsorbents were investigated through FT-IR and solid state 13C-NMR. Finally, the powders were successfully regenerated by simple ethanol washing, showing almost complete absorption recovery.
Polymer Science and Engineering Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Roda Ana , Matias Ana , Paiva Alexandre , Duarte Ana
Published: May 2019

The green and versatile character of deep eutectic solvents (DES) has turned them into significant tools in the development of green and sustainable technologies. For this purpose, their use in polymeric applications has been growing and expanding to new areas of development. The present review aims to summarize the progress in the field of DES applied to polymer science and engineering. It comprises fundamentals studies involving DES and polymers, recent applications of DES in polymer synthesis, extraction and modification, and the early developments on the formulation of DES–polymer products. The combination of DES and polymers is highly promising in the development of new and ‘greener’ materials. Still, there is plenty of room for future research in this field.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Structural Surface Model of Heritage Bridges Using UAV-Based Photogrammetric Point Clouds
Authors: Pan Yue , Dong Yiqing , Wang Dalei , Chen Airong , Ye Zhen
Published: May 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) digital technology is essential to the maintenance and monitoring of cultural heritage sites. In the field of bridge engineering, 3D models generated from point clouds of existing bridges is drawing increasing attention. Currently, the widespread use of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provides a practical solution for generating 3D point clouds as well as models, which can drastically reduce the manual effort and cost involved. In this study, we present a semi-automated framework for generating structural surface models of heritage bridges. To be specific, we propose to tackle this challenge via a novel top-down method for segmenting main bridge components, combined with rule-based classification, to produce labeled 3D models from UAV photogrammetric point clouds. The point clouds of the heritage bridge are generated from the captured UAV images through the structure-from-motion workflow. A segmentation method is developed based on the supervoxel structure and global graph optimization, which can effectively separate bridge components based on geometric features. Then, recognition by the use of a classification tree and bridge geometry is utilized to recognize different structural elements from the obtained segments. Finally, surface modeling is conducted to generate surface models of the recognized elements. Experiments using two bridges in China demonstrate the potential of the presented structural model reconstruction method using UAV photogrammetry and point cloud processing in 3D digital documentation of heritage bridges. By using given markers, the reconstruction error of point clouds can be as small as 0.4%. Moreover, the precision and recall of segmentation results using testing date are better than 0.8, and a recognition accuracy better than 0.8 is achieved.
Explorative Study on Mapping Surface Facies of Selected Glaciers from Chandra Basin, Himalaya Using WorldView-2 Data
Authors: Jawak Shridhar D. , Wankhede Sagar F. , Luis Alvarinho J.
Published: May 2019

Mapping of surface glacier facies has been a part of several glaciological applications. The study of glacier facies in the Himalayas has gained momentum in the last decade owing to the implications imposed by these facies on the melt characteristics of the glaciers. Some of the most commonly reported surface facies in the Himalayas are snow, ice, ice mixed debris, and debris. The precision of the techniques used to extract glacier facies is of high importance, as the result of many cryospheric studies and economic reforms rely on it. An assessment of a customized semi-automated protocol against conventional and advanced mapping algorithms for mapping glacier surface facies is presented in this study. Customized spectral index ratios (SIRs) are developed for effective extraction of surface facies using thresholding in an object-based environment. This method was then tested on conventional and advanced classification algorithms for an evaluation of the mapping accuracy for five glaciers located in the Himalayas, using very high-resolution WorldView-2 imagery. The results indicate that the object-based image analysis (OBIA) based semi-automated SIR approach achieved a higher average overall accuracy of 87.33% (κ = 0.85) than the pixel-based image analysis (PBIA) approach. Among the conventional methods, the Maximum Likelihood performed the best, with an overall accuracy of 78.71% (κ = 0.75). The Constrained Energy Minimization, with an overall accuracy of 68.76% (κ = 0.63), was the best performer of the advanced algorithms. The advanced methods greatly underperformed in this study. The proposed SIRs show a promise in the mapping of minor features such as crevasses and in the discrimination between ice-mixed debris and debris. We have efficiently mapped surface glacier facies independently of short-wave infrared bands (SWIR). There is a scope for the transferability of the proposed SIRs and their performance in varying scenarios.
Wi-Alarm: Low-Cost Passive Intrusion Detection Using WiFi
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Dandan , Zhang Shunqing , Wu Yating , Xu Shugong
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we present a WiFi-based intrusion detection system called Wi-Alarm. Motivated by our observations and analysis that raw channel state information (CSI) of WiFi is sensitive enough to monitor human motion, Wi-Alarm omits data preprocessing. The mean and variance of the amplitudes of raw CSI data are used for feature extraction. Then, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is applied to determine detection results. We prototype Wi-Alarm on commercial WiFi devices and evaluate it in a typical indoor scenario. Results show that Wi-Alarm reduces much computational expense without losing accuracy and robustness. Moreover, different influence factors are also discussed in this paper.
Distance-Based Paper Device Combined with Headspace Extraction for Determination of Cyanide
Authors: Khatha Papichaya , Phutthaphongloet Thanyarat , Timpa Phenphitcha , Ninwong Benjawan , Income Kamolwich , Ratnarathorn Nalin , Dungchai Wijitar
Published: May 2019

We report for the first time a distance-based paper device based on gold/silver core shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) for a simple, inexpensive, instrument-free, and portable determination of cyanide by the naked eye. Au@Ag NPs immobilized on a paper channel were etched by cyanide ions so that a yellow color band length of Au@Ag NPs is proportional to a decrease in the cyanide concentration. Quantification is achieved by measuring color length, thus eliminating the need to differentiate hues and intensities by the user, and the processing data of each imaging device. Moreover, the paper-based headspace extraction was combined with the distance-based paper device to improve the sensitivity. The enrichment factor was found to be 30-fold and the linearity was found in the range 0.05–1 mg L−1. The naked eye detection limit was 10 μg L−1 where the World Health Organization (WHO) have regulated the maximum level of cyanide in drinking water as 70 μg L−1. Our proposed device also showed no interference from common cations and anions presenting in seawater and waste water including thiocyanate, chloride. Finally, our device has been successfully applied to determine cyanide ions in seawater, drinking water, tap water and wastewater providing satisfactory precision and accuracy.
A Weak Selection Stochastic Gradient Matching Pursuit Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Liquan , Hu Yunfeng , Jia Yanfei
Published: May 2019

In the existing stochastic gradient matching pursuit algorithm, the preliminary atomic set includes atoms that do not fully match the original signal. This weakens the reconstruction capability and increases the computational complexity. To solve these two problems, a new method is proposed. Firstly, a weak selection threshold method is proposed to select the atoms that best match the original signal. If the absolute gradient coefficients were greater than the product of the maximum absolute gradient coefficient and the threshold that was set according to the experiments, then we selected the atoms that corresponded to the absolute gradient coefficients as the preliminary atoms. Secondly, if the scale of the current candidate atomic set was equal to the previous support atomic set, then the loop was exited; otherwise, the loop was continued. Finally, before the transition estimation of the original signal was calculated, we determined whether the number of columns of the candidate atomic set was smaller than the number of rows of the measurement matrix. If this condition was satisfied, then the current candidate atomic set could be regarded as the support atomic set and the loop was continued; otherwise, the loop was exited. The simulation results showed that the proposed method has better reconstruction performance than the stochastic gradient algorithms when the original signals were a one-dimensional sparse signal, a two-dimensional image signal, and a low-rank matrix signal.
On the Reduction of the Biological Danger of Environmental Contamination by Using a “Complete and Reusable Thoracic Drainage System”
Authors: Demetrian Alin Dragos , Costoiu Mihnea Cosmin , Semenescu Augustin , Paraschiv Gigel , Chivu Oana Roxana , Babis Claudiu , Moiceanu Georgiana , Negoita Olivia , Mates Ileana
Published: May 2019

A clean environment is essential for human health and well-being. A significant share of total waste is represented by hospital waste that is produced in increasing quantities by sanitary units, with the appearance of the disposable tools. Taking into account the unfavourable environmental impact, the biological danger that this waste represents, and the restrictive legislation imposed by the European Union, urgent measures are needed to reduce their quantities. In this regard, the paper refers to the design of a completely reusable thoracic drainage system and to the positive implications that this system has on the amount of hospital waste. The research starts with the presentation of the medical system from Romania, continues with the classification of the hospital waste, then highlights the dangers and the risks caused by this and analyzes the impact on the sensitive groups. Furthermore, the paper presents the disposable bicameral and tricameral thoracic drainage device systems used in hospitals and then the advantages of using a completely reusable thoracic drainage system. The paper introduces also a research method based on the “opinion questioning”. The method uses a questionnaire with 23 items, addressed to physicians, because, despite restrictive legislation related to hospital waste management, this is not always respected. Each participant of the study works in a different hospital so that the questioned sample is representative.
The Close Linkage between Nutrition and Environment through Biodiversity and Sustainability: Local Foods, Traditional Recipes, and Sustainable Diets
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra
Published: May 2019

This special issue, “The Close Linkage between Nutrition and Environment through Biodiversity and Sustainability: Local Foods, Traditional Recipes, and Sustainable Diets” is focused on the close correlation between the potential benefits and “functional role” of a food and the territory, including papers on the characterization of local foods and traditional recipes, on the promotion of traditional dietary patterns and sustainable diets.
A Business Model in Spa Tourism Enterprises: Case Study from Poland
Authors: Szromek Adam R. , Naramski Mateusz
Published: May 2019

This article expands on knowledge about modeling tourism business. The basic scientific problem of the conducted research was the need to modernize the way of doing business in spa tourism enterprises by popularizing the business model and to provide an indication of the elements of the business model that should be grounded in the principles of sustainable spa development. The aim of the article is to present the results of our own research carried out in Polish spa enterprises in 2018. The key scientific issue was to examine the range of use of the business model templates in the management of tourism-treatment activities carried out in spas. Discussing the research results was preceded by a review of the literature on business models and the characteristics of activities carried out by spa tourism enterprises. The conducted research used qualitative methods, especially in-depth interviews, conducted with managers of the largest enterprises of spa tourism in Poland. Quantitative research was also conducted to examine the needs of tourists and patients. Our own scientific research has shown that spa enterprises in Poland very rarely and only within the scope limited to some elements of their activity, use the business model, and are not always aware of the wide range of its applications. As a result of the applications received, a business model dedicated to spa enterprises was developed. The article refers to the overtourism phenomenon in spas and indicates the need to put in business models, which are activities that protect spa areas against excessive pressure on tourism and the exploitation of natural resources.
Comparative Analysis of the Level of Satisfaction with the Services Received at the Business Incubators (Hazleton, PA, USA and Gliwice, Poland)
Authors: Wolniak Radosław , Grebski Michalene Eva , Skotnicka-Zasadzień Bożena
Published: May 2019

This paper consists of a detailed comprehensive analysis of the client company satisfaction of services received at business incubator centers in the United States (USA) and Poland. This paper also includes how clients rated the importance of different services, which were provided to them at two business incubator centers; clients were generally satisfied with the services they received from the business incubators. Some services were not offered at both incubators to the same extent, which created discrepancy in the assessment results. The clients at the CAN-BE business incubator center already received extensive help from volunteers as well as Penn State faculty and students. However, the highest priority is still assigned to further increase those services. The client companies at the TECHNOPARK business incubator center received very limited help from volunteers, faculty, and students, as they assigned a low priority to those resources. The reason for that may be a lack of exposure and lack of understanding of the extremely valuable services provided by an incubation center. The aim of this article is to compare, analyze, and evaluate the operation of the GLIWICE TECHNOPARK and Hazleton, PA, USA incubation centers from a client satisfaction point of view.
Neutrosophic Extended Triplet Group Based on Neutrosophic Quadruple Numbers
Authors: Li Qiaoyan , Ma Yingcang , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhang Juanjuan
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we explore the algebra structure based on neutrosophic quadruple numbers. Moreover, two kinds of degradation algebra systems of neutrosophic quadruple numbers are introduced. In particular, the following results are strictly proved: (1) the set of neutrosophic quadruple numbers with a multiplication operation is a neutrosophic extended triplet group; (2) the neutral element of each neutrosophic quadruple number is unique and there are only sixteen different neutral elements in all of neutrosophic quadruple numbers; (3) the set which has same neutral element is closed with respect to the multiplication operator; (4) the union of the set which has same neutral element is a partition of four-dimensional space.
Enteroviruses: A Gut-Wrenching Game of Entry, Detection, and Evasion
Authors: Wells Alexandra I. , Coyne Carolyn B.
Published: May 2019

Enteroviruses are a major source of human disease, particularly in neonates and young children where infections can range from acute, self-limited febrile illness to meningitis, endocarditis, hepatitis, and acute flaccid myelitis. The enterovirus genus includes poliovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, enterovirus 71, and enterovirus D68. Enteroviruses primarily infect by the fecal–oral route and target the gastrointestinal epithelium early during their life cycles. In addition, spread via the respiratory tract is possible and some enteroviruses such as enterovirus D68 are preferentially spread via this route. Once internalized, enteroviruses are detected by intracellular proteins that recognize common viral features and trigger antiviral innate immune signaling. However, co-evolution of enteroviruses with humans has allowed them to develop strategies to evade detection or disrupt signaling. In this review, we will discuss how enteroviruses infect the gastrointestinal tract, the mechanisms by which cells detect enterovirus infections, and the strategies enteroviruses use to escape this detection.
First Isolation and Phylogenetic Analyses of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Boelke Mathias , Bestehorn Malena , Marchwald Birgit , Kubinski Mareike , Liebig Katrin , Glanz Julien , Schulz Claudia , Dobler Gerhard , Monazahian Masyar , Becker Stefanie C.
Published: May 2019

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne arboviral disease in Europe. Presently, the main endemic regions in Germany are located in the southern half of the country. Although recently, sporadic human TBE cases were reported outside of these known endemic regions. The detection and characterization of invading TBE virus (TBEV) strains will considerably facilitate the surveillance and assessment of this important disease. In 2018, ticks were collected by flagging in several locations of the German federal state of Lower Saxony where TBEV-infections in humans (diagnosed clinical TBE disease or detection of TBEV antibodies) were reported previously. Ticks were pooled according to their developmental stage and tested for TBEV-RNA by RT-qPCR. Five of 730 (0.68%) pools from Ixodes spp. ticks collected in the areas of “Rauher Busch” and “Barsinghausen/Mooshuette” were found positive for TBEV-RNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genomes and E gene sequences revealed a close relationship between the two TBEV isolates, which cluster with a TBEV strain from Poland isolated in 1971. This study provides first data on the phylogeny of TBEV in the German federal state of Lower Saxony, outside of the known TBE endemic areas of Germany. Our results support the hypothesis of an east-west invasion of TBEV strains in Western Europe.
Eltűnt szótagok nyomában
Authors: Haraszti Rajmund
Published: May 2019

Dolgozatomban a Martinet-féle nyelvi gazdaságosság fogalmából kiindulva vizsgáltam norvég és dán igék egy bizonyos csoportját. Célom volt, hogy rámutassak: bár a nyelvi gazdaságosság által mozgatott rövidülési tendenciák minden nyelvben fellelhetők, a rövidülés még két, közeli rokonságban álló nyelv esetében is teljesen különbözőképpen valósulhat meg.

Feltételezésem szerint a gazdaságosságra való törekvés különféleképpen mutatkozhat meg egy-egy nyelvben. Így nem elég hagyományos módon a fonetika (annak is többnyire artikulációs részdiszciplínája) felől közelíteni a nyelvekben lejátszódó asszimilációs és rövidülési folyamatokhoz, amely beszédszervi működésekből akar ok-okozati összefüggéseket levonni. Nem szabad persze leértékelni a fonetikai hátteret, de számolnunk kell sajátosan egy-egy nyelvbe kódolt gazdaságossági törekvésekkel is, amelyek miatt a vizsgált igék gyakran kilépnek a fonológia által meghatározott mederből.

A dolgozatban azt vizsgáltam, mely tényezők befolyásolják, s a hagyományos felfogással szemben melyek nem befolyásolják egy-egy ige rövidülését. A norvég igék esetében 19. és kora 20. századi irodalmi műveket, valamint 20. századi Biblia-fordításokat elemeztem, a dán igék vizsgálatakor pedig a dán királynő 2017-es újévi beszédét vettem alapul – célom mindkét esetben az irodalmi, illetve az ünnepélyes nyelvhasználat elemzése volt. A vizsgálat során kiderült, hogy a magas stílus ma már nem akadályozza a rövidülést a két nyelvben. A továbbiakban diakrón eszközökkel dolgoztam: a vizsgált igék mai alakját összevetettem egy korábbi (11-14. századi) nyelvállapot alakjaival, s az ott megfigyelhető szabályosságokból (sőt olykor a szabálytalanságokból) vontam le következtetést.

Az eredmény szerint e két, igen szoros rokonságban álló nyelv esetében is eltérő rövidülési folyamatokkal kell számolni, amelyben a fonológiai háttér – különösen a norvég nyelvben – háttérbe szorul olyan tényezőkkel szemben, mint a gyakori előfordulás vagy az analógia útján létrejött paradigma.
Entwicklung linguistischer Kompetenz auf Sekundarstufe II
Authors: Nagy Viktória
Published: May 2019

Die Kenntnisse der Schüler können im Fremdsprachenunterricht durch eine gleichzeitige Förderung von mehreren Kompetenzen erweitert werden. Zu diesen Kompetenzen zählt auch die linguistische Kompetenz, die im Rahmenlehrplan der Ungarndeutschen Schulen „Wurzeln und Flügel“ in weitere vier Bereiche gegliedert ist. Ein einsatzfähiges Sprachwissen können sich die Schüler nur durch eine komplexe Förderung aneignen.
Den Gegenstand dieser Untersuchung bildet die Passivkonstruktion, welches grammatische Phänomen zur Teilkompetenz der linguistischen Kompetenz, der morphologisch-syntaktischen Kompetenz gehört. Die Untersuchung dieser Konstruktion im schulischen Umfeld verlief in der Audi Hungaria Schule, in Győr. Teilnehmer waren die Schüler des elften Jahrganges im Schuljahr 2016/2017 und deren Deutschlehrer.
Im Mittelpunkt der Untersuchung stand ein Grammatikalitätstest, bei dem die Probanden zwölf Sätze als grammatisch korrekt oder inkorrekt beurteilen sollten. Der Grammatikalitätstest wurde um eine Fragebogenbefragung ergänzt.
Die Ergebnisse vorliegender Studie zeigen, dass die Schüler der Passivkonstruktion im Nationalitätenunterricht im sechsten bis achten Jahrgang begegnen und dass sie bis Ende des zehnten Jahrganges alle Formen gelernt haben bzw. erkennen können sollen. Das Verhältnis der Anzahl der richtigen und falschen Antworten im Test zeigt aber, dass ihr Wissen im elften Jahrgang jedoch noch nicht stabil ist: Die grammatisch inkorrekten Sätze (in einer der Testaufgaben), wirkten auf die Probanden manchmal irreführend, und korrekte Sätze wurden in den Antworten der Probanden wiederum als nicht korrekt eingestuft.
Dieses grammatische Wissen soll bis zum Abitur, einer Leistungsfeststellung des Allgemeinwissens am Ende des zwölften Jahrganges erweitert werden, da die Schüler im elften Jahrgang bezüglich des Passivs erst über ein Grundregelwissen verfügen, weil sie die Formen und Arten von Passivkonstruktionen erst zu 60 Prozent erkennen können. Die Passivkonstruktion im Deutschen weicht vom ungarischen Sprachgebrauch stark ab, aber durch die zweisprachige Lernumgebung, durch die muttersprachlichen und zweisprachigen Lehrer sowie durch das Üben dieser grammatischen Form in verschiedenen simulierten und realen (Lern-)Situationen wird sie im sprachlichen System der Schüler fest verankert.