bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-shot intense few-cycle pulse interaction with polycrystalline ZnSe
Authors: Chai Yingjie , Yu Xiaoming , Cheng He , Chew Andrew , Chang Zenghu , Bass Michael , Soileau M. J.
Published: May 2020

The interaction of high-intensity few-cycle laser pulses with solids opens a new area of fundamental light-material interaction research. The applied research extends from extreme nonlinearity in solids to the next-generation high laser light damage resistance optical design. In this Letter, 11 fs infrared, carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) stable, two-cycle laser pulses were applied to investigate the process of laser-material interaction on the ZnSe surface. A systematic study of a few-cycle pulse laser-induced damage threshold on ZnSe was performed for a single-pulse regime (1-on-1). Laser damage morphologies were carefully characterized. Our experiment demonstrated the very beginning of laser-induced structures on the ZnSe surface by using the shortest infrared few-cycle laser pulse currently available with a stable CEP.
Plasmonic nanojet: an experimental demonstration
Authors: Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V. , Glinskiy Igor A. , Khabibullin Rustam A. , Malureanu Radu , Lavrinenko Andrei V. , Yakubovsky Dmitry I. , Arsenin Aleksey V. , Volkov Valentyn S. , Ponomarev Dmitry S.
Published: May 2020

We propose and study a microstructure based on a dielectric cuboid
placed on a thin metal film that can act as an efficient plasmonic
lens allowing the focusing of surface plasmons at the subwavelength
scale. Using numerical simulations of surface plasmon polariton (SPP)
field intensity distributions, we observe high-intensity subwavelength
spots and formation of the plasmonic nanojet (PJ) at the
telecommunication wavelength of 1530 nm. The fabricated microstructure
was characterized using amplitude and phase-resolved scattering-type
scanning near-field optical microscopy. We show the first experimental
observation of the PJ effect for the SPP waves. Such a novel, to the
best of our knowledge, and simple platform can provide new pathways
for plasmonics, high-resolution imaging, and biophotonics, as well as
optical data storage.
Departure from the Babinet principle in metasurfaces supported by subwavelength dielectric slabs
Authors: Biasiol Giorgio , Zanotto Simone
Published: May 2020

Symmetry principles and theorems are of crucial importance in optics. Indeed, from one side, they allow obtaining direct insights into phenomena by eliminating unphysical interpretations; from the other side, they guide the designer of photonic components by narrowing down the parameter space of design variables. In this Letter, we illustrate a significant departure from the Babinet spectral complementarity in a very common and technologically relevant situation: that of a patterned conducting screen placed on a subwavelength dielectric slab. The symmetry property predicted by the Babinet theorem is correctly recovered for pairs of geometrically complementary–but less realistic in terms of applications–free-standing patterned screens. Our analysis merges experimental data with fully vectorial electromagnetic modeling and provides an alternative form of the Babinet theorem that highlights a connection with the concept of electromagnetic duality.
Relativistic near-single-cycle optical vortex pulses from noble gas-filled multipass cells
Authors: Cao Huabao , Nagymihaly Roland S. , Kalashnikov Mikhail
Published: May 2020

We propose to obtain relativistic near-single-cycle optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum through the post-compression of Laguerre–Gaussian pulses in gas-filled multipass cells. Our simulations revealed that 30 fs optical vortex pulses centered around 800 nm with a pulse energy of millijoule level can be compressed to near-single-cycle duration with topological charges from 1 to 20 within an argon-filled cell with five passes. The spectral broadening preserves the topological charge of the input beam; the spatio-spectral couplings are also discussed. The energy of the vortex pulses could be scaled up by increasing the dimensions of the cell. The relativistic near-single-cycle vortices are of great interest for the generation of ultrashort helical electron bunches based on hybrid electron acceleration in underdense plasmas and on isolated relativistic extreme ultraviolet optical vortices from high-order harmonic generation in solid foils.
Control of topology of two-dimensional solitons in a laser with saturable absorption by means of a coherent holding radiation
Authors: Fedorov S. V. , Veretenov N. A. , Rosanov N. N.
Published: May 2020

We propose a simple method to control the topology of laser vortex
solitons and their complexes in a wide-aperture laser with saturable
absorption by means of weak coherent holding radiation. The holding
radiation acting on initial “free” vortex solitons induces the
appearance of new peripheral vortices and the splitting of multiple
central vortices, as well as reconfiguration of energy flow topology.
A wide variety of these stable vortex structures makes the scheme
promising for topologically protected information
processing.
Results of Questionnaire Survey among Selected Tourism Enterprises and Their Reflection on Trends in Tourism in the Moravian-Silesian Region
Authors: KAJZAR Patrik , KOSTKOVÁ Miroslava , PELLEŠOVÁ Pavlína
Published: May 2020

The article deals with the entrepreneurs providing tourist services especially in tour operators (TO) and travel agencies (TA) in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The topic of trends in tourism is an up-to-date topic not only from the scientific but also in practical terms. On the basis of the survey, the objectives of the research are to identify selected tourism trends in the offer of TO/TA influencing their activities in the tourism market in the Moravian-Silesian Region. One of the main research questions was to explore whether professional behavior and corresponding ratio of price/quality belong to significant factors influencing purchasing a tour from TO/TA offer. The primary data was acquired from the selected tourism subjects, with the focus of the research and was analyzed using SPSS software. According to the survey are significant factors influencing purchasing a tour from TO/TA offer service from the perspective of the TO/TA next to the offer knowledge and ability to provide as much information as possible, belongs to professional behavior and corresponding ratio of price/quality and TO/TA are focused on searching new experiences, sightseeing tourism, senior tourism, active and adventure trips, discovering unique places, youth tourism, etc.
Russian Hotel Chains: Formation and Development Trends
Authors: KULGACHEV Ivan P. , KOSOLAPOV Alexander B. , SAVINKINA Larisa A. , DRACHEVA Elena L. , BABAKHANOVA Irina B.
Published: May 2020

The hotel business in Russia is developing at an accelerated pace. The increase in the number of collective accommodation facilities and their incomes is associated with a stable economic and socio-political situation in the country, with effective state regulation of the tourism sector and the formation of a country's image favorable for tourism and travel. Foreign hotel chains are actively introducing themselves into the hotel services market in Russia. At the same time, Russian hotel chains are being created, intensifying their activities not only in the Russian, but also in the international hospitality industry market.
The Effect of Islamic Attributes and Destination Affective Image on the Reputation of the Halal Tourism Destination of Jakarta
Authors: WIDJAJA Yunni Indrani , KHALIFA Gamal S. A. , ABUELHASSAN Abuelhassan Elshazly
Published: May 2020

Tourism industry recognizes the growing interest in Halal tourism from both the perspectives of practitioners and researchers. Indonesia was chosen as the world's best halal tourism destination this year according to the 2019 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) and outperformed 130 destinations from around the world. Among the 10 most favorite halal tourism destinations, Jakarta has the most unique characteristics compared to the other nine provinces. Related to this background, this study aims to examine the effect of Islamic attributes and destination affective image on the reputation of the halal tourism destination of Jakarta.

The research design outlines the use of quantitative research approaches. The unit of analysis and observation is International Muslim tourists who visited Jakarta. The Central Statistics Bureau (BPS) recorded the number of foreign visitors arriving DKI Jakarta amounted to 2,313,742 people at 2013. Hair et al. (1992) suggest the minimum sample size for SEM analysis is 100 to 200. So based on this opinion, this study will take a sample of 200, in accordance with the terms of use of SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) as analytic tools to test the hypotheses. The study was conducted in the cross-section period of 2019.

The results showed that the Islamic Attributes and Destination Affective Image affect the Destination Reputation. Destination reputation is more dominantly built by destination affective image compared to Islamic attributes. This finding has implications for related stakeholders that the development of destination affective image needs to be prioritized to support Jakarta's destination reputation as one of the halal tourism destinations in Indonesia. It mainly concerns on the aspects of natural and cultural resources, security, night life and entertainment, accessibility, and quality / price ratio.
The Supply Chain Resources in Job Performance on Hospitality and Tourism Sector
Authors: NORMI Siti
Published: May 2020

Using 110 respondent’s hospitality and tourism service employees as the sample in Berastagi hospitality and tourism area in Karo Regency, North Sumatera. Data which is obtained were analyzed by using “analysis of the path”. The result of research is: the impact direct of discipline and significant on job satisfaction, discipline has an the impact direct on job performance, job promotion has an the impact direct on job performance, job satisfaction has an the impact direct on job performance, discipline has an the impact direct on job performance without through job satisfaction, and job promotion not has an the impact direct on job performance through job satisfaction, and job promotion not has an the impact direct on job performance through job satisfaction  for hospitality and tourism service employees in Berastagi hospitality and tourism area in Karo Regency, North Sumatera.
Clothing size recommender on real-time fitting simulation using skeleton tracking and rigging
Authors: Kurniawati Arik , Kusumaningsih Ari , Aliffio Yanuar
Published: May 2020

Virtual fitting room (VFR) is a technology that replaces conventional fitting rooms. The VFR is not only available in shops, malls, and any shopping center but also in online stores, which makes VFR technology more and more developed, primarily to support online garment sales. VFR become a trending research interest since Microsoft has developed a Kinect tracking system. In this paper, we proposed the interactive 3D virtual fitting room using Microsoft's Kinect tracking and the rigging technique from 3D Modeling Blender and to implement the VFR. VFR manages the progress of virtual fitting that forms the three-dimensional simulations and visualization of garments on virtual counterparts of the real prospective buyer (user). Users can view the clothing animation on the various poses that are following the user body movements. The system can evaluate the user’s match, guiding them to choose the suitable size of the clothes using Euclidean distance.
Bacterial community structure analysis of soil treated with Parthenium hysterophorus L. derived green medium
Authors: Kumar Amit , Panwar Abhaya Shikhar , Rana Babita , Joshi Gopal Krishna
Published: May 2020

The present study encompasses the analysis of bacterial community structure of soil in the presence of Parthenium hysterophorus derived green medium. The 16S microbiome profiling of the soil revealed that it consists of members from 15 bacterial phyla with the most prominent being Proteobacteria. The other predominant phyla were Plantomycetes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes. The maximum proportion of the bacterial community remained unclassified at genus and species level. Among the classified population the maximum number of bacteria belonged to Flavisolibacter followed by Kaistobacter, Bacillus, Optitutus, Balneimonas, Steroidobacter, Rhodoplanes and Gemmata.
To Live in Harmony with Oneself. De-somatisation and Sated Childhood Hunger
Authors: Bzymek Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

The inspiration for this article was a project entitled “Crossing Borders: Activation of Disabled Seniors” carried out in the Daily Nursing Home run by Stowarzyszenie Przyjaciół Strzyży (Strzyża Friends’ Association) in Gdańsk, in the period between 15 June and 15 December 2015. The project focused on eliciting memories about the seniors’ past with the use of a biographical method and a narrative interview. The problems concentrate on the issue of de-somatisation and possibilities and modes of compensation. Referring to the therapeutic role of the biographical method, the author tries to find out if creating narratives supports the acquisition of sense of life and acceptance of the past in the context of traumatic childhood experiences.
In the face of change – reading in a new cultural context
Authors: Stano-Strzałkowska Sylwia
Published: May 2020

The aim of the article is to present modern readership habits and the impact of new technologies developmenton them. Those technologies and social changes can also pose a danger or provide support for the development ofreadership; however, the point is how to skilfully make use of them.Readership plays a significant role in modern societies. It is considered not only a socio-cultural tool giving peopleequal chances in life and facilitating dialogue between different cultures, but also an important economic development factor. Nevertheless, the level of readership keeps successively decreasing in developed countries. Poland is not an exception – on the contrary, the level of readership is decreasing faster than in other developed countries.This article is an outline of opportunities and barriers as well of new technologies affecting readership. The relationsbetween those opportunities or barriers and the level of readership are also discussed. The article includesa range of examples of positive solutions from abroad, suitable for introduction in Poland.
Differential migration-related gene expression and altered cytokine secretion in response to serum starvation in cultured MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Ahmadiankia Naghmeh , Bagheri Mehdi , Fazli Mozhgan
Published: May 2020

Background

Serum starvation is mostly considered as a standard preparatory method in many cellular and molecular experiments. However, recent studies give some evidence that serum starvation is a major event that triggers various cell responses and has therefore great potential to change and interfere with the experimental results. In this study, the behavior of breast cancer cells in serum-starved condition was examined.

Objective

To focus on the role of serum starvation on cell migration and also the possible changes in the expression and secretion of genes and cytokines mostly involved in migration and chemotaxis of breast cancer cells.

Methods

MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured under serum-starved condition. Transwell migration assay was performed to evaluate the effect of serum starvation on cell migration after 24, 48, and 72 h. The transcriptional expression of migration-related genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cytokine secretion was also analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum starvation suppressed cell migration in breast cancer cells. Additionally, the gene expression of markers involved in migration including β-catenin, twist, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1, vimentin, fibronectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor were downregulated. Moreover, cytokines of transforming growth factor, beta 1, matrix metallopeptidase 9, interleukin 8, and nitric oxide were differentially secreted.

Conclusions

Serum deprivation causes significant changes in cancer cell migration and also the expression of migration-related genes and cytokines, special care needs to be taken when this practice is used as preparatory method especially in migration and chemotaxis experiments on cancer cells.
(2E)-2-Benzylidene-4,7-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (MLT-401), a novel arylidene indanone derivative, scavenges free radicals and exhibits antiproliferative activity of Jurkat cells
Authors: Rajagopalan Prasanna , Chandramoorthy Harish C.
Published: May 2020

Background

The arylidene indanone scaffold has contributed many lead molecules in chemotherapeutic anticancer agent research.

Objectives

To determine the oxidant-scavenging activities and antiproliferative activity of (2E)-2-benzylidene-4,7-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (MLT-401), an arylidene indanone derivative.

Methods

Jurkat cells, primary lymphocytes, and Vero cells were treated with MLT-401. Antioxidant properties of MLT-401 were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-based, 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)-based, and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. Inhibition of cell proliferation was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide-based assay. Nuclear status was determined using a DNA fragmentation assay, and cell cycle stage was analyzed by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane enzyme activities were measured using colorimetric methods.

Results

The antioxidant assays gave MLT-401 half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1611 nM (DPPH-based assay), 2115 nM (ABTS-based assay), and 1586 nM (FRAP assay). MLT-401 inhibited proliferation of Jurkat cells with a concentration for 50% of maximal inhibition of cell proliferation (GI50) of 341.5 nM, being 12- and 9-fold less than GI50 concentrations for normal lymphocytes and Vero cells, respectively. MLT-401 caused nuclear fragmentation and DNA laddering as seen by electrophoresis. Jurkat cells showed a time-dependent accumulation of sub G0/G1 cells after MLT-401 treatment. Mitochondrial membrane-bound Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, and Mg2+ ATPase activities were inhibited by MLT-401 in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

MLT-401 possesses significant antiproliferative activity and scavenges free radicals released through mitochondrial membrane damage in a Jurkat cell line model of cancer cells. Further investigation of MLT-401 as a chemotherapeutic anticancer agent and development of other arylidene indanone analogues are warranted. A detailed elucidation of mechanistic pathways is required for further development.
Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus, a plant used in traditional medicine
Authors: Bayala Bagora , Coulibaly Ahmed Y , Djigma Florencia W. , Nagalo Bolni Marius , Baron Silvère , Figueredo Gilles , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc A. , Simpore Jacques
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Natural products commonly used in traditional medicine, such as essential oils (EOs), are attractive sources for the development of molecules with anti-proliferative activities for future treatment of human cancers, e.g., prostate and cervical cancer. In this study, the chemical composition of the EO from Cymbopogon nardus was characterized, as well as its antioxidativeproperties and anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities on LNCaP cells derived from prostate cancer.

Methods

The chemical composition of the EO was determined by GC/FID and GC/MS analyses. The antioxidative properties were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay and ABTS+• radical cation decolorization assay, and the anti-inflammatory capacity was determined by the inhibition of the lipoxygenase activity. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay.

Results

Collectively, our data show that the major constituents of C. nardus EO are citronellal (33.06 %), geraniol (28.40 %), nerol (10.94 %), elemol (5.25 %) and delta-elemene (4.09 %). C. nardus EO shows modest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard galic acid. C. nardus EO exhibits the best antiproliferative activity on the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP with an IC50 of 58.0 ± 7.9 μg/mL, acting through the induction of the cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions

This study has determined that C. nardus EO efficiently triggers cytotoxicity and pens a new field of investigation regarding the putative use of this EO in vivo.
Association of TNF-α-308G/A and IL-18 Polymorphisms with risk of HPV infection among sexually active women in Burkina Faso
Authors: Traore Ina M. A. , Zohoncon Théodora M. , Djigma Florencia W. , Compaore T. Rebeca , Traore Yves , Simpore Jacques
Published: May 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Persistence infection can lead to the development of cervical cancer potentially due to some genetic factors such as polymorphisms in regulatory and coding regions of cytokine genes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between TNF-308 G/A or IL18 polymorphisms and high-risk HPV infection among sexually active women from Burkina Faso. Ninety-one HPV infected and two hundred and nine HPV negative women (the latter used as healthy controls) were screened. TNFA-308 G/A and IL18-607 C/A polymorphisms were detected using the TaqMan allelic discrimination. HPV 52 (21.19%), HPV 39 (11.86%) and HPV 33 (11.02%) were the most common HPV genotypes. The TNFA-308A and IL18-607 C alleles were predominant in all women in the study. None of the TNFA and IL18 alleles were associated with HPV infection. The results suggest that there is no relationship between TNF-308 G/A or IL18-607C/A polymorphisms and HPV infection among women in the study.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of individual helical nano-filament structures from atomic force microscopy topographs
Authors: Lutter Liisa , Serpell Christopher J. , Tuite Mick F. , Serpell Louise C. , Xue Wei-Feng
Published: May 2020

Atomic force microscopy, AFM, is a powerful tool that can produce detailed topographical images of individual nano-structures with a high signal-to-noise ratio without the need for ensemble averaging. However, the application of AFM in structural biology has been hampered by the tip-sample convolution effect, which distorts images of nano-structures, particularly those that are of similar dimensions to the cantilever probe tips used in AFM. Here we show that the tip-sample convolution results in a feature-dependent and non-uniform distribution of image resolution on AFM topographs. We show how this effect can be utilised in structural studies of nano-sized upward convex objects such as spherical or filamentous molecular assemblies deposited on a flat surface, because it causes ‘magnification’ of such objects in AFM topographs. Subsequently, this enhancement effect is harnessed through contact-point based deconvolution of AFM topographs. Here, the application of this approach is demonstrated through the 3D reconstruction of the surface envelope of individual helical amyloid filaments without the need of cross-particle averaging using the contact-deconvoluted AFM topographs. Resolving the structural variations of individual macromolecular assemblies within inherently heterogeneous populations is paramount for mechanistic understanding of many biological phenomena such as amyloid toxicity and prion strains. The approach presented here will also facilitate the use of AFM for high-resolution structural studies and integrative structural biology analysis of single molecular assemblies.
Comparison of kinetic and enzymatic properties of intracellular phosphoserine aminotransferases from alkaliphilic and neutralophilic bacteria
Authors: Koivulehto Marianne , Battchikova Natalia , Korpela Saara , Khalikova Elvira , Zavialov Anton , Korpela Timo
Published: May 2020

Intracellular pyridoxal 5´-phosphate (PLP) -dependent recombinant phosphoserine aminotransferases (PSATs; EC 2.6.1.52) from two alkaliphilicBacillusstrains were overproduced inEscherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and their enzymological characteristics were compared to PSAT from neutralophilicE. coli. Some of the enzymatic characteristics of the PSATs from the alkaliphiles were unique, showing high and sharp pH optimal of the activity related to putative internal pH inside the microbes. The specific activities of all of the studied enzymes were similar (42-44 U/mg) as measured at the pH optima of the enzymes. The spectrophotometric acid-base titration of the PLP chromophore of the enzymes from the alkaliphiles showed that the pH optimum of the activity appeared at the pH wherein the active sites were half-protonated. Detachment of PLP from holoenzymes did not take place even at pH up to 11. The kinetics of the activity loss at acid and alkaline pHs were similar in all three enzymes and followed similar kinetics. The available 3-D structural data is discussed as well as the role of protons at the active site of aminotransferases.
Green Organic Solvent-Free Oxidation of Alkylarenes with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Catalyzed by Water-Soluble Copper Complex
Authors: Ajjou Abdelaziz Nait , Rahman Ateeq
Published: May 2020

Different benzylic compounds were efficiently oxidized to the corresponding ketones with aqueous 70% tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and the catalytic system composed of CuCl2.2H2O and 2,2’-biquinoline-4,4’-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC). The catalytic system CuCl2/BQC/TBHP allows obtaining high yields at room temperature under organic solvent-free conditions. The interest of this system lies in its cost effectiveness and its benign nature towards the environment. Benzylic tertbutylperoxy ethers and benzylic alcohols were observed and suggested as the reaction intermediates. Analysis of organic products by atomic absorption did not show any contamination with copper metal. In terms of efficiency, CuCl2/BQC system is comparable or superior to the most of the catalytic systems described in the literature and which are based on toxic organic solvent.
Studies on the Anti-Gouty Arthritis and Anti-hyperuricemia Properties of Astilbin in Animal Models
Authors: Yan Han , Li Lanzhou , Jiang Xue , Li Shaopeng , Chang Zecheng , Fei Xiaofang , Li Zhiping
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential anti-gouty effect of astilbin (AS) and its possible mechanisms. In mice with hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate (OXO) and yeast extract powder (YEP), AS and febuxostat (FB) reduced the serum uric acid (UA) and xanthine oxidase (XO). Moreover, AS and FB reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and increased the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and catalase present in the serum. In acute gouty arthritis rats induced by intraarticular monosodium urate crystal injection, AS and Colchicine (COL) alleviated the ankle joints swelling, and reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration. AS also reduced the levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in liver. The present study first confirmed the anti-gouty effect of AS in mice with hyperuricemia and rats with acute gouty arthritis, which provides the experimental evidence for further evaluation of AS as a candidate for gout treatment.
Functionalization of Congo red dye as a light harvester on solar cell
Authors: Setyawati Harsasi , Darmokoesoemo Handoko , Murwani Irmina Kris , Permana Ahmadi Jaya , Rochman Faidur
Published: May 2020

The demands of ecofriendly technologies to produce a reliable supply of renewable energy on a large scale remains a challenge. A solar cell based on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) technology is environmentally friendly and holds the promise of a high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. This manuscript describes the development of a light harvester system as a main part of a DSSC. Congo red dye has been functionalized with metals (Fe, Co, Ni), forming a series of complexes that serve as a novel light harvester on the solar cell. Metal-congo red complexes have been characterized by UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The performance of metal complexes in capturing photons from sunlight has been investigated in a solar cell device. The incorporation of metals to congo red successfully improved of the congo red efficiency as follows: Fe(II)-congo red, Co(II)-congo red and Ni(II)-congo red had efficiencies of 8.17%, 6.13% and 2.65%, respectively. This research also discusses the effect of metal ions on the ability of congo red to capture energy from sunlight.
Hydrogen-Free Deoxygenation of Bio-Oil Model Compounds over Sulfur-Free Polymer Supported Catalysts
Authors: Stepacheva Antonina A. , Markova Mariia E. , Lugovoy Yury V. , Chalov Kirill V. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Matveeva Valentina G. , Panfilov Viktor I. , Sulman Esther M.
Published: May 2020

Hydrotreatment of bio-oil oxygen compounds allows the final product to be effectively used as a liquid transportation fuel from biomass. Deoxygenation is considered to be one of the most promising ways for bio-oil upgrading. In the current work, we describe a novel approach for the deoxygenation of bio-oil model compounds (anisole, guaiacol) using supercritical fluids as both the solvent and hydrogen-donors. We estimated the possibility of the use of complex solvent consisting of non-polar n-hexane with low critical points (Tc = 234.5 ºC, Pc = 3.02 MPa) and propanol-2 used as H-donor. The experiments were performed without catalysts and in the presence of noble and transition metals hydrothermally deposited on the polymeric matrix of hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS). The experiments showed that the presence of 20 vol. % of propanol-2 in n-hexane results in the highest (up to 99%) conversion of model compounds. When the process was carried out without a catalyst, phenols were found to be a major product yielding up to 95 %. The use of Pd- and Co-containing catalyst yielded 90 % of aromatic compounds (benzene and toluene) while in the presence of Ru and Ni cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane (up to 98 %) were the main products.
Evaluation of stabiliser material using a waste additive mixture
Authors: Aziz Hussein Yousif , Maula Baydaa Hussain , Abbas Basim Jabbar
Published: May 2020

To eliminate problems caused by gypsum soil in Iraq (due to gypsum salt under building foundations and projects), this study evaluates the effect of using the proposed stabiliser additives (vehicle waste oil and asphalt powder) to produce a composite enhancement material as a novel solution by examining the shear strength of the gypseous soil using the direct shear and constant head permeability tests. Three burned-oil weights were used (3%, 5%, and 7% by dry soil weight), which were mixed with a constant quantity of asphalt powder (10% of the sample weight) to investigate the shear strength of the composite material. Several factors were considered in this study, including soaking time and moisture content.

The main findings reveal that composite material could improve the strength of the gypseous soil. The stabiliser reduces water leakage and percolation by forming an impermeable layer with a very fine texture, causing a significant reduction in the permeability coefficient, which improves the gypseous soil and reduces the collapse phenomenon.
Optimisation of stress distribution in a highly loaded radial-axial gas microturbine using FEM
Authors: Zych Paweł , Żywica Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

The article discusses the stress optimisation process of the highly loaded disc of a high-speed radial-axial microturbine. At the design stage, the strength optimisation is vitally important for these types of devices because they must withstand very high temperatures (600∘C in this case) and be capable of operating at high rotational speeds (96,000 rpm in this case). Calculations were made using a three dimensional FE numerical model. The optimisation process is strictly connected with the choice of materials — which in this case are Inconel 738 (nickel-cobalt super alloy) and silicon nitride. Several stress reduction methods were developed, which took into account the mass of the disc, the rotational speed of the rotor and the complex shape of the rear part of the disc. Numerical computations helped to choose the best optimisation method, which decreased maximum reduced von Mises stresses by about 45% (from 1,288 MPa to 705 MPa). The methods proposed in this article are universal and can be implemented in the design process of various high-speed radial-axial microturbines. This article could be of interest to scientists and engineers who deal with highly loaded microturbines, which are increasingly used in many industrial sectors.
Behavior and properties of tin slag polyester polymer concrete confined with FRP composites under compression
Authors: Shakil Usaid Ahmed , Hassan Shukur Bin Abu
Published: May 2020

Polymer concrete (PC) has acquired niche in construction industry due to superior mechanical properties, recyclability and adoption of variety of aggregates. This workpresents compressive behavior and properties of one such novel PC i.e. tin slag/polyester polymer concrete. Comparable siliceous content of tin slag was considered promising to provide better mechanical strength as in natural aggregates. Cylindrical short column specimens were fabricated to be tested under quasi-isostatic loading rate of 1 mm/min. Three different aggregate sizes in gap-graded configuration were tested to assess influence on mechanical properties. In addition, specimens were confined with GFRP and CFRP to determine and compare mechanical behavior with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). Coarsest size (4+2 mm) aggregate offered the highest strength of 37.71 MPa for unconfined sample. This performance of coarsest size persisted in confined condition with compressive strength increment of 69.68 MPa (84.7%) and 98.36 MPa (160.8%) for one and two layers GFRP; 86 MPa (128.05%) and 125.07 MPa (231.66)% for one and two-layer CFRP, respectively. It was concluded that both increment in aggregate size and number of layers improved the compressive strength.
A new approach on lithium-induced neurotoxicity using rat neuronal cortical culture: Involvement of oxidative stress and lysosomal/mitochondrial toxic Cross-Talk
Authors: Yousefsani Bahareh Sadat , Askian Romina , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: May 2020

Lithium (Li) is a widely-used medication for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Li causes different complications. One of the most important adverse effects of Li is neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity is usually irreversible which may lead to very important complications. The symptoms of Li-induced neurotoxicity include tremor, delirium, seizures, coma, and death. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the exact sub-cellular mechanisms of Li-induced neurotoxicity.

For this purpose, we used primary neuronal cortical culture for investigating lithium-induced neurotoxicity. We applied the postnatal rat pups for isolating the cortical neurons. After that, we evaluated neural viability, neural reactive oxygen specious (ROS), lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosomal membrane integrity (LMI), and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione.

Our results demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of Li has mediated through lysosomal membrane leakage associated with ROS formation and reduction of MMP. Furthermore, the incubation of isolated neurons with Li caused rapid GSH depletion (as GSSG efflux) as another marker of cellular oxidative stress.

We concluded that Li causes neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, Li-induced neurotoxicity is a result of the generation of ROS and LP, which leads to mitochondrial/lysosomal toxic cross-talk.
Mitigation of environmental noise in urban streets through lightweight transparent screens
Authors: Gagliano Antonio , Nocera Francesco , Cicero Andrea , Marletta Luigi , Evola Gianpiero
Published: May 2020

Noise pollution is one of the main environmental stressors in urban areas. In particular, strong noise pollution can be experienced at nighttime in downtown areas with intense anthropic activities: here, dwellers may suffer from disturbance to their rest, which induces stress and – in turn – adverse effects on health.

Usually, local authorities implement actions to tackle noise pollution, e.g. limiting the time allowed for outdoor events. However, these measures are often inadequate because the noise annoyance comes directly by the shouting of people spending time outdoors till late night.

In this framework, this study proposes a procedure to optimize the shape of customized lightweight transparent noise screens that can be applied to façades in order to reduce noise disturbance in urban canyons. The case study of the “movida” area in the downtown of Marina di Ragusa (Southern Italy) is discussed to test the applicability of the proposed procedure.

The results of this analysis allow defining the shape and the size of the noise screens that minimize the noise annoyance perceived by residents. The proposed mitigation approach can be applied in cities affected by significant noise pollution.
Cenospheres and their application advantages in biomedical engineering - a systematic review
Authors: Nakonieczny Damian S. , Antonowicz Magdalena , Paszenda Zbigniew K.
Published: May 2020

Aluminum-silicate cenospheres are the most valuable residue present in fly ashes after combusting stone coal. Cenospheres are hollow bodies with desirable engineering properties, such as hardness, low bulk density and complete chemical inertness, thanks to which they can be used in biomedical engineering. The following review presents data on obtaining and processing the material, as well as potential biomedical applications.
Risk Factors for Malaria in Pregnant Women
Authors: Sutarto Sutarto , Wardani Dyah Wulan S.R. , Oktarlina Rasmi Zakiah , Aryanti Sri , Indriyani Reni
Published: May 2020

Malaria is a major worldwide contagious disease, including Indonesia, and is an important public health issue. Prevalence of malaria among pregnant women and its risk factors in Pesawaran, Lampung Province are currently unknown. This study was a cross-sectional study using rapid survey method. Data was analyzed with chi square and logistic regression. Malaria prevalence was 47.6 per mile, spread over 5 out of 11 sub-districts. One important information was the discovery of pregnant women with malaria in non-endemic districts. The result of bivariate analysis proved a relationship between knowledge and malaria with p-value 0.007 and Odds Ratio (OR) 10. Maternal behavior had p-value of 0.009, OR 9, while usage of mosquito nets had p-value of 0.01, OR 5. The multivariate analysis model formula found was Y (pregnant woman with malaria) = -7.546 + 2.353 (knowledge) + 2.270 (usage of mosquito net) + 2.250 (house condition), and pregnant woman probability of malaria 33.9%. Prevention efforts should be done through strengthening of integrated maternal class groups into malaria programs in all areas.
Factors Affecting the Use of Contraceptive in Indonesia: Analysis from the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas)
Authors: Idris Haerawati
Published: May 2020

Rapid population growth has become a major concern and attention of many national governments and international community. Most developing countries have acknowledged the role of family planning as an effective way to improve maternal/child health and suppress population growth. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence the use of contraceptives in Indonesia. This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data derived from National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) in 2014. A sample of 286,695 married women was selected for this study. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the effects of socio-economic and demographic variables on contraceptive use. Only 42% of married women in Indonesia used contraceptive method. The most popular contraceptive method was injection (55%). Factors affecting contraceptive use were maternal age of 30-34 year, living in the urban area, family wealth status in the 4th quintile, secondary school, working women, residing in Java/Bali, and the number of living children > 2. Family planning policy information, education, and communication program should consider these determinants of contraceptive use.
The Effectiveness of Circular Hip Massage and Knee Press Massage toward Intensity Change of Labor Pain
Authors: Khoirunnisa' Fania Nurul , Indrianingrum Irawati , Tristanti Ika
Published: May 2020

Pain due to labor contraction will cause discomfort therefore pain management is needed to avoid negative effects on both mothers and fetuses. There are some methods in pain management. Pharmacological method has side effects meanwhile non-pharmacological method is more efficient and has minimal side effects. Massage is a non-pharmacological method which may overcome the pain of delivery (p <0.05). There is an easy method to use and support the delivery assistance for Mother’s Day Care, namely Circular Hip and Knee Press Massage. The aim of this study is to know the effectiveness of Circular Hip Massage and Knee Press Massage on the intensity of labor pain with the experimental quasi design. Thr research subjects were 52 pregnant mothers in March to July 2018 at the Maternity Home (RB) and Practice Midwives (BPM) in the Kudus Regency.. Based on the Wilcoxon test, the Circular Hip and Knee Press Massage methods are effective to overcome the pain of delivery (p <0.05). From Mann-Whitney Test can be concluded that there is a difference in the effectiveness of Circular Hip and Knee Press Massage on the Intensity change of labor Pain. The intensity change of labor Pain with Circular Hip Massage (CHM) is 0.9, median of 1 (SD 0.445). Meanwhile, the intensity change of labor Pain with Knee Press Massage (KPM) is 0.38, median of 0.5 (SD 0.697). The results of the study are expected to be a reference for the development of scientific health knowledge for mothers and children related to labor pain management.
Seroepidemiology of Taeniasis in the Land of Papua
Authors: Sandy Semuel , S Lidwina , O Antonius S , K Hanna S , W Mirna , H Hotma M , K Hana , M Yunita R , A Ivon , Suebu Melda S , M Yustinus , S Iman HS , H Setyo , A Yuli , F Eva , N Evi I , W Irawati , Wahyuni Tri , Tandjung Ratna , P Mardi R , C Vatim D
Published: May 2020

Taeniasis merupakan penyakit yang disebabkan infeksi cacing pita spesies T. solium, T. saginata dan T. asiatica. Papua merupakan daerah endemis T. solium. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian untuk mengetahui proporsi serta faktor yang mempengaruhi taeniasis di Provinsi Papua. Desain penelitian potong lintang. Penelitian ini dilakukan bulan Maret- Desember 2016. Jumlah sampel serum 7.874 dimana dilakukan pengambilan sampel darah ujung jari dan juga dilakukan wawancara pada masyarakat. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif dan Chi Square. Teknik pemeriksaan sampel menggunakan capture sandwich immunoassay magnetic micropartikel untuk pemeriksaan antibody taeniasis (rES33) pada sampel serum. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian maka dapat disimpulkan prevalensi taeniasis di Papua 4,6 % dengan variabel yang berkaitan terhadap kejadian taeniasis antara lain: kebiasaan menggunakan alas kaki (p = 0,035), mencuci sayuran menggunakan air sungai (p = 0,001) dan sakit kepala (p = 0,0001).
Risk Factors Relate to Visual Acuity in School Age Students of Public Primary School (SDN) 07 Pondok Labu South Jakarta
Authors: Asiyanto Mila Citrawati , Aprilia Citra Ayu , Hadiwiardjo Yanti Harjono
Published: May 2020

Vision is one of the most important factors in the education process. Abnormalities of visual acuity in school-age children will impact their achievement. Myopia is appointed by WHO as one priority to restrain and prevent world blindness in 2020. Refraction disorder is third rank (0.14%) of blindness cause in Indonesia after cataract (0.78%) and glaucoma (0.20%). Jakarta itself has a 0.5% incidence of refraction disorder. This study was aimed to discover which factors determined the most to declining visual acuity which caused myopia. This was anobservational analytic study with a cross-sectional design from August – October 2017. The samples were all 144 students of fifth and sixth grade at Public Primary School (SDN) 07 Pondok Labu South Jakarta that compiled the criteria. Bivariate analysis results obtained that relation between risk factors with myopia occurrence with p-value of myopia family history 0.048 [OR=2.17(1.07-4.40)], knowledge 0.961 [OR=0.76(0.29-1.99) and, OR=0.90(0.39-2.05)], attitude 0.947 [OR=0.92(0.46-1.83)], behavior 0.149 [OR=0.43(0.18-1.02) and, OR=0.72 (0.32-1.63)], screen time 1.000[OR=0.99(0.51-1.91)], reading position 0.497 [OR=1.40(0.66-2.99)] dan reading distance 0.283 [OR=2.00(0.71-5.58)]. In conclusion, there was a relation between myopia family history with visual acuity and there was no relation between knowledge, attitude, behavior, screen time, reading position, dan reading distance with visual acuity. The main cause of myopia is the long anteroposterior axis of bulbus oculi that inherited from parents to children.
Pollutant Levels Comparison in Tofu Industrial and Domestic Wastewater in Ternate City
Authors: Muliyadi Muliyadi , Safrudin Danti Juniarsi
Published: May 2020

Tofu industry wastewater have become important issues that arise in line with the increasing in  human population and the development progress. Tofu industry is one of the fast growing industries in Indonesia, this causes an increase in the amount of waste of tofu industry in Indonesia, especially in Ternate (Asadiya & Karnaningroem, 2018). The purpose of this study was to determine Comparison of pollutant levels in tofu industrial wastewater and Domestic Wastewater in Ternate City.  The sample of this research was 1 litre of tofu industrial wastewater and 1 litre domestic wastewater. This type of research is analytic descriptive. This research was conducted at Chemistry laboratory at health polytechnic of ternate and university of unkhair. The test results of tofu wastewater showed that the TSS parameters were 416 mg / L, TDS 1,389 mg / L, DO 4 ppm, pH 7 and BOD 62.8 mg / L. Meanwhile, Tests result of domestic wastewater shows that TDS 839 mg / L, TSS 379 mg / L DO 5.4 ppm, pH 10 and BOD 49.6 mg / L. in conclusion, tofu wastewater has worse quality compared to domestic wastewater. It is recommended that the tofu industry can take the initiative in treating the wastewater produced before disposing it into the environment