bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White oat agronomic performance and cultivar reactions to leaf rust and leaf spot
Authors: Neto Sebastião , Zeffa Douglas , Arruda Klever , Riede Carlos
Published: July 2019

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of white oat cultivars available in the Brazilian market, under distinct environments, to identify genotypes resistant to leaf rust and leaf spot. The study evaluated 22 white oat cultivars originated from several Brazilian breedingprograms. Independent experiments were conducted during the winter crop of 2013 in Londrina and Mauá da Serra, Paraná state, being the cultivars tested under two conditions: with and without the application of fungicides. The incidence of leaf rust, leaf spot, grain yield and hectoliter weight were evaluated. The following cultivars showed genetic resistance to leaf rust: URS Charrua, URS Corona, and URS Guará. Cultivar IPR Afrodite stood out for its high yield and hectoliter weight, with values of 4950 kg.ha-1 and 49.6 kg.hL-1, respectively, under fungicides application conditions. Cultivar URS Corona remained stable in the two environments, showing less yield reduction and greater resistance to diseases. Cultivars UFFA Gauderia, UPFAFPS Farroupilha, URS Fapa Slava, FAEM Carlasul, URS 21, and URS Taura showed average grain yield over 4000 kg.ha-1 with the fungicides use.
Acibenzolar-S-methyl against Botrytis mold on table grapes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Youssef Khamis , Roberto Sergio , Colombo Ronan , Canteri Marcelo , Elsalam Kamel
Published: July 2019

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of the resistance inducer Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), against Botrytis mold on table grapes in vitro and in vivo. To assess the effect of ASM on mycelial growth Botrytis cinerea, different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3% w:v) were tested. Treatments were set up in triplicate, in a completely randomized experimental design, and replicated twice. Results were expressed in minimum inhibitory concentrations and effective dose per 50% response of mycelial growth. Healthy table grapes (cvs. Italia and Benitaka) were harvested at full ripe to evaluate the ASM 1% effect against gray mold under artificial conditions. Bunches were split into two groups in order to perform two types of experiments (spray or immersion). For both trials, treated bunches were arranged in carton boxes and stored at 2±1 °C, for one month, followed by one week of shelf-life at 22±2 °C. In order to evaluate the ASM effect against gray mold under field conditions, ASM 1% was sprayed on both cultivars one week before harvest. Grapes treated with iprodione 0.2% with three applications during the season were included as a standard chemical control. Bunches were harvested at full ripe, arranged in carton boxes and submitted to a cold storage process as described previously. Results for the in vitro experiments showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of ASM was achieved by 3% and the ED50 was 0.04%. Under artificial conditions, for both cultivars, the efficacy of ASM was higher when the grapes were immersed than sprayed. A significant difference was observed for ASM as compared with control. Regarding the effect of ASM against gray mold in the field, the incidence of gray mold was recorded for both cultivars. For ‘Italia’ and ‘Benitaka’ grapes, ASM, iprodione and sulfur dioxide pad reduced the incidence of gray mold by 85, 79 and 77%, and by 80.5, 73 and 82%, respectively. As for the physico-chemical berry properties, none of the treatments were significantly different from the control for total soluble solids, titratable acidity and color index. A single ASM treatment applied one week before harvest is effective for controlling gray mold in ‘Italia’ and ‘Benitaka’ table grapes.
Cultura organizacional e innovación en las empresas
Authors: Maya Azucena Maribel , Vallejo Andrea , Ramos Valentina , Borsic Zlata
Published: July 2019

La innovación es una estrategia que promueve el desarrollo empresarial, la cual contribuye a mejorar los niveles de productividad; sin embargo, la efectividad de esta depende del encadenamiento de distintos factores, en función de las capacidades y las características de las organizaciones. INTRODUCCIÓN. Es fundamental analizar la influencia de la cultura organizacional en potenciar o reprimir la innovación empresarial. OBJETIVO. Determinar el tipo de cultura organizacional e innovación predominante, y analizar la correlación entre estos dos factores en las medianas y grandes empresas del Cantón Santo Domingo. MÉTODO. Mediante un estudio cuantitativo y correlacional a una muestra de 57 empresas utilizando técnicas cuantitativas aplicadas a gerentes. RESULTADOS. Las medianas empresas están caracterizadas por una cultura de mercado y las grandes empresas por una cultura jerárquica; el tipo de innovación, tanto en las medianas como en las grandes empresas es incremental, resaltándose la innovación en nuevos métodos organizativos y en procesos de producción. Los resultados de innovación no están relacionados a su cultura. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES. La cultura organizacional no es un factor determinante para innovar, sino que constituye un elemento de soporte al proceso. La innovación responde a la necesidad de las empresas de mantenerse competitivas en el mercado.
Treinta años de análisis económico en el Parlamento español. Retos a futuro
Authors: Gutiérrez del Castillo Carmen
Published: July 2019

Desde estas líneas se ofrece un repaso de la actividad desarrollada durante las tres últimas décadas por la unidad, que en el seno de la Secretaria General del Congreso de los Diputados, tiene asignada la misión de elaborar el análisis independiente en materias económicas y presupuestarias cuyos destinatarios son los miembros de la Cámara y sus órganos. Camino recorrido en paralelo con la vigencia de nuestra Constitución en sus tres cuartas partes, hasta la fecha. Se destaca cómo organismos e instituciones internacionales vinculan la consecución de un funcionamiento eficaz de los parlamentos con el hecho de que estos dispongan de unidades técnicas especializadas como instrumento de análisis independiente, neutral y no partidista.

Los principios constitucionales que inspiran la actuación del Departamento de Análisis Económico y Presupuestario son la eficacia y eficiencia. De la revisión de ciertas experiencias del pasado, con mención singular de algunas de ellas, se esbozará cual pudiera ser el alcance en el futuro del análisis económico y presupuestario en el ámbito parlamentario español, tras examinar algunos ejemplos en parlamentos de nuestro entorno. La búsqueda de sinergias y el aprendizaje mediante la continuidad de la interactuación con unidades “hermanas” y el establecimiento de un marco de colaboración con instituciones nacionales de análisis económico y de la política fiscal cierran este trabajo. Actuaciones que contribuirán a la recuperación de la centralidad por la institución parlamentaria.
Cuarenta años de información parlamentaria
Authors: Serrano Martínez Jesús
Published: July 2019

En este artículo se describe la evolución de la información parlamentaria en el Congreso de los Diputados, desde el seguimiento para la elaboración y desarrollo de la Constitución al periodismo declarativo actual. También se explica cómo se han mejorado las instalaciones para los medios, el nacimiento de la televisión y el desarrollo de la unidad institucional de comunicación a lo largo de estos cuarenta años, del Servicio de Prensa a la Dirección de Comunicación.
Las complejas relaciones entre el proceso penal y el ejercicio de las funciones parlamentarias
Authors: Carrasco López Ignacio
Published: July 2019

La instrucción penal en las causas en las que se investigan hechos delictivos cuya autoría pueda atribuirse a parlamentarios presenta perfiles propios que hacen discurrir al procedimiento por cauces parcialmente distintos de los habituales, exigiéndose a veces la intervención de la propia Cámara Legislativa, y especialidades en el estatuto del investigado que derivan de la prerrogativa de la inmunidad parlamentaria. Por otra parte, la instrucción penal puede verse interferida por la constitución de comisiones parlamentarias de investigación que tengan por objeto los mismos hechos que se investigan en la jurisdicción penal.
Restricciones a la admisión a trámite de los recursos de amparo parlamentarios
Authors: Miranda López Luis Manuel
Published: July 2019

En el recurso de súplica del Ministerio Fiscal sobre inadmisión del recurso de amparo 2098-2017, promovido por un grupo parlamentario y un diputado de la Asamblea de Madrid en proceso parlamentario, el Tribunal Constitucional acuerda desestimarlo en tanto que considera que la inadmisión a trámite del citado recurso de amparo parlamentario es conforme al artículo 50.1 b) LOTC pues no presenta la dimensión de la especial trascendencia constitucional.
Hubungan antara Ketergantungan Nikotin berdasarkan Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND )dengan Gangguan Fungsi Kognitif yang Dinilai dengan MoCA-Ina
Authors: Ratna Nurhidayati Ida , Syafnita Eka
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study to know correlation between nicotine dependencybased on Fragerstom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and cognitive impairment that being assessed by MoCA-Ina. This is a cross sectional study was carried out in YARSI University. Consecutive sampling was used as the sampling method taken form academic community as the population. Data was analyzed using Chi-square. Forty-four subjects were enrolled in this study. All of them were being assessed using (FTND) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian Version (MoCA-Ina). Thirty subjects were found having cognitiveimpairment with p value 0.045, there is a correlation between nicotine dependency based on FTND and cognitive impairment that being assessed by MoCA-Ina; correspond with receptor disinvitation theory. The result of study can be used by physician in counselling and early detection of cognitive impairment because the number of smokers in Indonesia is still high.
EŞİKK ALTI BOŞ DEĞİLDİR: “EŞİK” KAVRAMININ TÜRK DÜŞÜNCESİNE YANSIMALARI
Authors: TÜRKYILMAZ Dilek
Published: July 2019

Bu çalışmada Türk kültüründe önemli bir yere sahip olan eşik kavramı temel ve yan

anlamlarıyla ele alınmış ve Anadolu sahası ve Türk dünyasından örnekler verilerek kelimenin

metaforik anlamları üzerinde durulmuştur. Tasavvufta ve Bektaşîlikte bu kelimeye yüklenen

anlam ve değer konusu üzerinde de durulmuş ve buradaki anlamından hareketle Divân

edebiyatında eşik kelimesiyle ne anlatılmak istendiği kısaca izah edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Eşiğin

Türk mitolojisinde neye karşılık geldiği üzerinde durulmuş, farklı anlamlar ve fonksiyonlar

yüklenen bu kavramın, canlılığını Türkler‟in gündelik hayatına yansıyan inanma ve rütüellerinde

günümüze kadar takip etmenin mümkün olduğu görülmüştür. Anadolu ve diğer Türk

coğrafyalarında hala yaşayan eşik inanışlarından örnekler verilmiş, bu kavram etrafında oluşan

inanç sisteminin bir gereği olarak eşiğin bir an evvel terk edilmesi gereken bir yer olması

gerektiği, iki ayrı atmosferin, iki ayrı iklimin, iki ayrı dünyanın, iki ayrı akımın, iki ayrı havanın, iki

ayrı durumun, iki ayrı sürecin, arasında kalan yer olduğu ve olması gereken şeyin eşiğin sadece

geçiş için kullanılması olduğu sonucuna varılmıĢtır. Bu bağlamda Türk inanç ve düĢünce

sisteminde içinde yer alan iye anlayıĢı doğrultusunda eĢik iyesi ve kapı iyesi kavramları da ele

alınmıştır. İslamî kültürde eşik ile ilgili bu uygulamalar değişmemekle birlikte eşik Hz. Ali‟nin ve

çocuklarının sembolüne dönüşmüştür. Beşik- Eşik- Keşik sözleriyle ifade edilen hayatın geçiş dönemlerini de birer eşik olarak ele bu çalışma, Arnold Van Gennep, Mircea Eliade, Victor

Turner, gibi ünlü araştırmacıların ele aldıkları ritüel, inisiasyon, erginlenme gibi kavramlarla bu

bakış açısını desteklemeye çalışmıştır.
ÇAĞATAYCA YAZILMIŞ BİR RÜYA TABİRİ ÜZERİNE
Authors: ÖĞER Adem
Published: July 2019

Rüya, insanlık tarihi boyunca kutsal kitaplardan çeşitli dinlere, inanışlardan ritüellere

sosyal yaşamın içinde yer alan önemli bir olgu olmuştur. Özellikle geleceğe ilişkin çıkarımlarda,

rüyanın hayati bir işlev üstlendiği görülmektedir. Türk kültüründe de mitik inanç ve düşünce

sisteminden şamanizme, destanlardan âşık şiirine, devlet yönetiminden sağaltma ocaklarına

kadar sosyal yaşamın ve kurumların önemli unsurlarından birini rüya oluşturur. Türklerin gerek İslamiyet öncesi dönemde gerekse İslamiyet‟in kabulünden sonra günlük yaşamını belirleyecek

kadar önem arz eden rüya, sözlü geleneğin yanı sıra yazılı kültürde de varlığını devam

ettirmiştir. Türk kültüründe günlük yaşamı düzenleme ve belirlemede büyük etkisi olan rüya ve

ona ilişkin yorumlar, yüzyıllar boyunca sözlü gelenekte aktarılmış ve rüyaya ilişkin oluşan

geleneksel tecrübe ve birikimler tarihi dönemler içinde yazılı hale getirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda,

Çağatayca yazılmış eserler içerisinde “rüya tabiri” şeklinde adlandırılan ve rüyanın yorumuna

ilişkin sözlü gelenekten yazıya geçirilen eserler mevcuttur. Bu çalışmaya konu olan rüya tabiri

de H. 1347 (M. 1928-1929) yılında yazılmış ve İsveçli misyoner Gunnar Hermansson tarafından

Doğu Türkistan‟ın Yarkend Şehrinden alınarak 1982 yılında İsveç Lund Üniversitesi

kütüphanesine bağışlanmıştır. Günümüzde aynı kütüphanede “Jarring Prov. 24” numarada

kayıtlıdır. Makalede, söz konusu rüya tabiri içerik ve işlev açısından incelenmiş, metinden

hareketle rüya yorumları ve günlere ilişkin unsurlar değerlendirilmiş, ayrıca çalışmanın sonuna

da transkripsiyonlu metin ve orijinal metin eklenmiştir.
KAFKASYA, RUMELİ VE LÂDİK ÜÇGENİNDE; ÇERKES MUHACİRLERİ
Authors: ÖZCAN Selim
Published: July 2019

Çerkesler, Çarlık Rusya‟nın tarihi emellerine ulaşmak amacıyla takip ettiği siyasetine

karşı verdikleri bağımsızlık mücadelesini kaybetmeleriyle, anayurtları Kafkasya işgaline

uğradı. Hâkimiyet altına girmeyi kabullenmediklerinden, Çarlık rejimi tarafından anayurtlarından

kitlesel zorunlu muhacerete, yani sürgüne tabi tutuldular. Osmanlı sultanını dünyevi lider olarak

tanıdıklarından, Osmanlı Devleti‟nin Anadolu ve Rumeli topraklarına hicret edip iskân ettirilerek,

Osmanlı vatandaşı oldular.

93 Harbinde Osmanlı ordusu saflarında, tekrar Çarlık Rusya‟ya karşı Kafkasya ve

Rumeli cephelerinde mücadele ettiler. Osmanlı Devleti‟nin iki cephede de yenilmesi üzerine

Çerkesler hem anayurtları Kafkasya‟dan hem de sürgün edilerek iskân olundukları, Rumeli

topraklarından ikinci defa sürgün edildiler.

Rumeli‟den muhaceret eden Çerkes muhacirlerinden olan ve iskân ettirilmek üzere

Anadolu‟da, Amasya Lâdik‟e gönderilen Çerkeslerin, Atatürk Kütüphanesi yazmalar kataloğun

da kayıtlı olan ve muhacirlerin künyeleri ile nüfuslarının yazılı olduğu defteri çalışmamızda

açıklayıp, değerlendireceğiz.

Muhacir komisyonu tarafından, 99 hane ve 384 nüfustan oluşan Çerkes muhacir kafilesi

Lâdik‟e tabii köylere ve köylere bağlı olarak oluşturulan mahallelere iskân ettirildiler. Buralarda

kalcı olarak iskân olunan muhacirler hem yöneticiler hem de yerleşik bölge insanı tarafından

içtenlikle kabul gördüler. Böylece iki defa zorunlu olarak sürgüne tabi tutulan Çerkes

muhacirleri, bu süreçlerde yaşadıkları onca sıkıntı ve olumsuzluklardan sonra hayatlarını devam

ettirebilecekleri yeni bir yurda sahip olurken, yerli halk tarafından da sevgi ile karşılandılar. Türk

milletinin bir parçası olarak da milli birlik ve bütünlük içerisinde varlıklarını sürdürdüler. 
ÖĞRETMEN ADAYLARININ İLETİŞİM BECERİLERİ DÜZEYLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: DİLBER Fadime , AKHAN Osman
Published: July 2019

Eğitim öğretimin en önemli amaçlarından birisi, içinde bulunduğumuz çağın ihtiyaçlarına

cevap veren becerileri kazanmış bireyler yetiştirmektir. Bu becerilerin hepsi insanın toplum

hayatında başarılı olabilmesi için gerekli donanımı kazandırır. işte bu becerilerden birisi de iletişim

becerisidir. Bireye bu beceriyi kazandıracak en önemli basamak okuldur. Mini bir toplum modeli

olan okullarda birey iletişim becerisini geliştirir. Bu nedenle öğretmenlerimizin öncelikle kendilerinin

iletişim becerisini kazanmış olmaları oldukça önemlidir. Bu doğrultuda araştırmanın amacı,

öğretmen adaylarının iletişim becerileri düzeylerini belirlemek, “İletişim Becerileri Ölçeği” alt

boyutlarına göre ve çeşitli değişkenlere (cinsiyet, bölüm, gano, anne eğitim durumu, baba eğitim

durumu, aile gelir durumu, yaşanılan yer) göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğini incelemektir.

Araştırmada tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Akdeniz Üniversitesi

Eğitim Fakültesinde 2018-2019 öğretim yılında çeĢitli bölümlerde öğrenim gören 312 kadın 136

erkek olmak üzere toplamda 448 öğretmen adayı oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada, öğretmen adaylarının

iletişim becerileri düzeylerini belirlemek (Akkuzu ve Akkaya, 2014) tarafından geliştirilen “İletişim

Becerileri Ölçeği” gerekli izinler alınarak kullanılmıştır. Verilerin çözümlenmesi aşamasında

istatistiksel paket programından yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde;

öğretmen adaylarının iletişim becerileri düzeylerinin ortalamasının yüksek olduğu, bağımsız

değiĢkenlerden olan cinsiyet, bölüm ve baba eğitim durumu ile iletişim becerileri arasında bir

ilişkinin olmadığı görülmüştür. Buna karşılık gano, anne eğitim durumu, aile eğitim durumu,

üniversiteye gelmeden önce yaşanılan yer değişkenleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğunu

söylemek mümkündür. 
HOMO SEMİOTİCUS VE GENEL GÖSTERGEBİLİM SORUNLARI
Authors: POLAT Kıvılcım
Published: July 2019

Yazımızın konusu olan Mehmet Rifat tarafından hazırlanan Homo Semioticus ve Genel Göstergebilim Sorunları adlı kitap, yazarın 1982 yılında yayımlanmış ve büyük ilgi görmüş olan Genel Göstergebilim Sorunları adlı kitabı ile 1996 yılında yayımlanmış Homo Semioticus adlı kitabının birbirinin tamamlayıcısı şeklinde bir araya getirilerek oluşturulmuş şeklidir. 152 sayfalık kitap iki ana bölümden oluşmaktadır. Her bölümün sonunda kavramlar dizini ve özel adlar dizini verilmiştir. Kitabın birinci bölümü 89 madde ile “Homo Semioticus”’a ayrılmaktadır. Bölümün başlıkları sırasıyla şu şekildedir: “Beşinci Baskının Önsözü”, “Homo Semioticus”, “Anlamla Süreci: Homo Semioticus’un Kuramsal Modeli”, “Anlamlama Nesneleri”, “1. Çeviri”, “2. Ansiklopedi: Ansiklopedik Edinim/ Ansiklopedik Söylem”, “3. İstemek/ Bilmek/ Yapabilmek ile İnanmak ve Zorunda Olmak”. Yazar sunuş yazısında Homo Semioticus’un tanımını yaparak açıklayıcı bir zemin hazırlamaktadır. İçinde pek çok insanın varoluş serüvenindeki enbüyük çabayı da barındıran tanım şöyledi
Erratum: Novelli, F., et al. Assimilation of Sentinel-2 Leaf Area Index Data into a Physically-Based Crop Growth Model for Yield Estimation. Agronomy 2019, 9, 255
Authors:   Agronomy Editorial Office
Published: July 2019

The authors wish to correct the following erratum in this paper [...]
A 2.4 GHz-Band 250 W, 60% Feedback-Type GaN-HFET Oscillator Using Imbalanced Coupling Resonator for Use in the Microwave Oven
Authors: Ikeda Hikaru , Itoh Yasushi
Published: July 2019

Circuit design techniques for enhancing an efficiency of the high power feedback-type GaN-HFET (Gallium Nitride Heterojunction Field Effect Transistor) oscillator for use in the microwave oven are shown in this paper, focusing primarily on the harmonic terminations for high efficiency of power amplifiers, the coupling factor to feedback circuits and the insertion phase adjustment of feedback loops. With the use of these circuit design techniques, an output power of 263 W and an efficiency of 61.3% have been successfully achieved at 2.44 GHz.
Assessing Structural Damage after a Severe Wildfire: A Case Study
Authors: Papalou Angeliki , Baros Dimitrios K.
Published: July 2019

Wildfires have always been a threat to forests and areas of high combustible vegetation. When they are not kept under control, they can spread to residential areas, creating severe damage and destruction. This paper examines the effects of the extreme heat conditions that developed during a wildfire on buildings as a function of their construction type. One of the deadliest wildfires in Greece (July 2018) is considered as a case study, and the damage that occurred to buildings during this event is presented. The temperature of the various structural subsystems in extreme heat conditions was estimated using the finite element method. Parameters that influenced the corresponding temperature distribution were identified. Simple guidelines are given to prevent or reduce damage in buildings exposed to wildfires.
Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Treatment Strategies and Survival—Results from the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry
Authors: Jochems Anouk , van der Kooij Monique K. , Fiocco Marta , Schouwenburg Maartje G. , Aarts Maureen J. , van Akkooi Alexander C. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W.P.J. , Blank Christian U. , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus J.M. , Franken Margreet G. , de Groot JanWillem B. , Haanen John B.A.G. , Hospers Geke A.P. , Koornstra Rutger H. , Kruit Wim H.J. , Louwman Marieke , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P.M. , ten Tije Albert J. , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , van Zeijl Michiel C.T. , van der Hoeven Koos J.M. , Kapiteijn Ellen
Published: July 2019

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Up to 50% of UM patients will develop metastases. We present data of 175 metastatic UM patients diagnosed in the Netherlands between July 2012 and March 2018. In our cohort, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) is an important factor associated with poorer survival (Hazard Ratio (HR) 9.0, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.63–14.35), and the presence of liver metastases is negatively associated with survival (HR 2.09, 95%CI 1.07–4.08). We used data from the nation-wide Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry (DMTR) providing a complete overview of the location of metastases at time of stage IV disease. In 154 (88%) patients, the liver was affected, and only 3 patients were reported to have brain metastases. In 63 (36%) patients, mutation analysis was performed, showing a GNA11 mutation in 28.6% and a GNAQ mutation in 49.2% of the analyzed patients. In the absence of standard care of treatment options, metastatic UM patients are often directed to clinical trials. Patients participating in clinical trials are often subject to selection and usually do not represent the entire metastatic UM population. By using our nation-wide cohort, we are able to describe real-life treatment choices made in metastatic UM patients and 1-year survival rates in selected groups of patients.
Refined Multiscale Entropy Using Fuzzy Metrics: Validation and Application to Nociception Assessment
Authors: Valencia José F. , Bolaños Jose D. , Vallverdú Montserrat , Jensen Erik W. , Porta Alberto , Gambús Pedro L.
Published: July 2019

The refined multiscale entropy (RMSE) approach is commonly applied to assess complexity as a function of the time scale. RMSE is normally based on the computation of sample entropy (SampEn) estimating complexity as conditional entropy. However, SampEn is dependent on the length and standard deviation of the data. Recently, fuzzy entropy (FuzEn) has been proposed, including several refinements, as an alternative to counteract these limitations. In this work, FuzEn, translated FuzEn (TFuzEn), translated-reflected FuzEn (TRFuzEn), inherent FuzEn (IFuzEn), and inherent translated FuzEn (ITFuzEn) were exploited as entropy-based measures in the computation of RMSE and their performance was compared to that of SampEn. FuzEn metrics were applied to synthetic time series of different lengths to evaluate the consistency of the different approaches. In addition, electroencephalograms of patients under sedation-analgesia procedure were analyzed based on the patient’s response after the application of painful stimulation, such as nail bed compression or endoscopy tube insertion. Significant differences in FuzEn metrics were observed over simulations and real data as a function of the data length and the pain responses. Findings indicated that FuzEn, when exploited in RMSE applications, showed similar behavior to SampEn in long series, but its consistency was better than that of SampEn in short series both over simulations and real data. Conversely, its variants should be utilized with more caution, especially whether processes exhibit an important deterministic component and/or in nociception prediction at long scales.
Thyristor Arc Eliminator for Protection of Low Voltage Electrical Equipment
Authors: Nowak Karol , Janiszewski Jerzy , Dombek Grzegorz
Published: July 2019

The paper presents the layout of two opposing thyristors working as an Arc Eliminator (AE). The presented solution makes it possible to protect an electrical apparatus against the effects of an arcing fault. An Arc Eliminator is assumed to be a device cooperating with the protected apparatus. Thyristors were used because of their speed of operation and a relatively lower cost compared to other semiconductors with the same current-carrying capacity. The proposed solution, as one of the few currently available, makes it possible to eliminate the fault arc—both at short-circuit currents and current values to which overcurrent protections do not react. A test circuit was designed and made to study the effectiveness of the thyristor arc eliminator. A series of tests was carried out with variable impedance in the arc branch, including the influence of circuit inductance on arc time. It was found that the thyristor arc eliminator effectively protects devices powered from a low voltage power network against the effects of a fault or arc fault. The correctness of system operation for a wide range of impedance changes in the circuit feeding the arc location was demonstrated.
The Symptoms of Illness: Does Israel Suffer from “Dutch Disease”?
Authors: Palatnik Ruslana Rachel , Tavor Tchai , Voldman Liran
Published: July 2019

The natural gas revolution in Israel started about two decades ago. Its numerous social impacts include moving to cleaner energy, improving energy security and the balance of trade, tightening international relations, and increasing tax revenue. However, “Dutch disease” phenomena—where the accelerated export of natural gas leads to the strengthening of the local currency, the subsequent weakening of other exporting industries, and rising unemployment—might suck Israel into the economic slowdown. This study examines whether the strengthening of the New Israeli Shekel (ILS) in recent years is a symptom of “Dutch disease”. It is expected that the large-scale export of natural gas will start in 2021 with the development of the major offshore field “Leviathan”. Notably, ILS has been appreciating for several years already. We employed the event study approach to analyze the fluctuations of the daily ILS/USD real exchange rate in the years 2009–2017, combined with the media announcements related to the gas discoveries published during this period. The results revealed that gas-related news does affect the exchange rate and appreciate ILS. GARCH analysis confirms the results.
Public Awareness and Consumer Acceptance of Smart Meters among Polish Social Media Users
Authors: Chawla Yash , Kowalska-Pyzalska Anna
Published: July 2019

Both people and things are becoming smarter by the day. Industrial evolution at the peak of the 4.0 phase and indications of 5.0 phase are fascinating. In these circumstances, fulfilling the demand for energy is a challenge faced by countries all over the world. Upgrading the current energy distribution systems with smart grids and smart meters are steps towards facing this challenge, especially for Poland, which is primarily relying on conventional sources of energy. For any innovation or new technology, creating public awareness and consumer acceptance enhances the chance for a fruitful deployment. To achieve this, various communication channels are adopted and social media is found to be one of the most effective tools for it. This study discusses the awareness level and consumer acceptance of social media users in Poland. The source through which they receive information regarding electricity in general and smart meters (SM) in particular and their preferences and willingness about the installation of SM under various conditions are discussed in detail. Findings show that there is low level of public awareness among the respondents which causes them to develop myths, fears and doubts about SM installation in their households. More effort is required from the government as well as from the energy companies in order to increase the public awareness which will result in an increase in consumer acceptance. Based on the results, the article also contains recommendations that can be used by governments as well as energy companies to create a positive feeling about SM to affect consumer behavior.
Investigation on the Frictional Performance of Surface Textured Ring-Deformed Liner Conjunction in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Liu Cheng , Lu Yanjun , Zhang Yongfang , Tang Lujia , Guo Cheng , Müller Norbert
Published: July 2019

In internal combustion engines (ICEs), the frictional performance of ring-liner conjunction (RLC) has drawn special attention because it greatly affects the fuel efficiency of the engines. In recent years, surface texture (i.e., micro dimples or grooves) has emerged as a promising approach to improve the frictional performance of RLC. However, most current studies on surface textured RLC were conducted by assuming that the liner was ideally circular and the lubrication condition was either fully flooded or starved. In this study, to evaluate the frictional characteristics of an RLC with surface texture on the ring, a numerical model of lubrication is presented by considering the liner deformation, as well as the coexistence of the fully flooded and staved lubrication conditions in an engine cycle. On this basis, the frictional properties of a surface textured RLC are analyzed, and the impacts of the liner deformation and temperature on the friction-reducing effect of the surface texture are also evaluated. The results show that the surface texture on the ring can effectively reduce the power dissipation and friction dissipation of an RLC, and the reductions vary with the liner temperature and deformation. Large reductions in the power dissipation and friction dissipation of an RLC are obtained when the liner temperature is low or the liner deformation is small.
Changing the Day-Ahead Gate Closure to Wind Power Integration: A Simulation-Based Study
Authors: Algarvio Hugo , Couto António , Lopes Fernando , Estanqueiro Ana
Published: July 2019

Currently, in most European electricity markets, power bids are based on forecasts performed 12 to 36 hours ahead. Actual wind power forecast systems still lead to large errors, which may strongly impact electricity market outcomes. Accordingly, this article analyzes the impact of the wind power forecast uncertainty and the change of the day-ahead market gate closure on both the market-clearing prices and the outcomes of the balancing market. To this end, it presents a simulation-based study conducted with the help of an agent-based tool, called MATREM. The results support the following conclusion: a change in the gate closure to a time closer to real-time operation is beneficial to market participants and the energy system generally.
Performance Enhancement of a Multiresonant Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Low Frequency Vibrations
Authors: Izadgoshasb Iman , Lim Yee , Vasquez Padilla Ricardo , Sedighi Mohammadreza , Novak Jeremy
Published: July 2019

Harvesting electricity from low frequency vibration sources such as human motions using piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH) is attracting the attention of many researchers in recent years. The energy harvested can potentially power portable electronic devices as well as some medical devices without the need of an external power source. For this purpose, the piezoelectric patch is often mechanically attached to a cantilever beam, such that the resonance frequency is predominantly governed by the cantilever beam. To increase the power generated from vibration sources with varying frequency, a multiresonant PEH (MRPEH) is often used. In this study, an attempt is made to enhance the performance of MRPEH with the use of a cantilever beam of optimised shape, i.e., a cantilever beam with two triangular branches. The performance is further enhanced through optimising the design of the proposed MRPEH to suit the frequency range of the targeted vibration source. A series of parametric studies were first carried out using finite-element analysis to provide in-depth understanding of the effect of each design parameters on the power output at a low frequency vibration. Selected outcomes were then experimentally verified. An optimised design was finally proposed. The results demonstrate that, with the use of a properly designed MRPEH, broadband energy harvesting is achievable and the efficiency of the PEH system can be significantly increased.
A Sustainable Career Perspective of Work Ability: The Importance of Resources across the Lifespan
Authors: Stuer David , De Vos Ans , Van der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M. , Akkermans Jos
Published: July 2019

In this study, we examine employees’ perceptions of their work ability from a sustainable career perspective. Specifically, we investigate the role of a person’s perceived current fit (i.e., autonomy, strengths use and needs-supply fit), and future fit with their job as resources that affect perceived work ability, defined as the extent to which employees feel capable of continuing their current work over a longer time period. In addition, we test whether meaningfulness of one’s work mediates this relationship, and we address the moderating role of age. Our hypotheses were tested using a sample of 5205 employees working in diverse sectors in Belgium. The results of multi-group Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) provide mixed evidence for our hypotheses. While all four resources were significantly and positively related to perceived meaningfulness, only needs-supply fit was positively related to perceived work ability. Strengths use, on the other hand, was also significantly related to perceived work ability, yet in a negative way. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between several types of resources to understand their impact upon perceived work ability. Interestingly, the relationship between future-orientedness of the job and perceived work ability was moderated by age, with the relationship only being significant and positive for middle-aged and senior workers. This suggests an increasingly important role of having a perspective of future fit with one’s job as employees grow older. Contrary to our expectations, meaningfulness did not mediate the relationships between resources and perceived work ability. We discuss these findings and their implications from the perspective of sustainable career development.
Medical Students and Childhood Obesity: Health Disparity and Implication for Education
Authors: Lee Shinduk , Smith Matthew Lee , Kromann Laura , Ory Marcia G.
Published: July 2019

This study aimed at examining the relationship between medical students’ perceptions about health disparity and childhood obesity care. A cross-sectional survey (n = 163) was used to examine medical students’ characteristics and perceptions related to health disparity and childhood obesity. Multiple mixed effects regression models with Tukey’s tests were used to examine participants’ perceived importance of different roles (e.g., parents) and topics to discuss with child patients and their parents. Separate models were used to examine whether health disparity perception was associated with participants’ perceived importance of different roles and topics to discuss with child patients and their parents. Despite acknowledging that low-income families might lack resources to change health behaviors, many medical students still reported patients and parents being primarily responsible for childhood obesity condition. Participants perceived that the most important topic to discuss was patient’s behaviors, followed by access to safe environments and school-based interventions. Participants’ perception about health disparity was significantly associated with their perceived importance of different roles and topics to discuss with parents. The current study implies disconnection in linking health disparity with childhood obesity among medical students and confirms the importance of sensitizing medical students about the socio-environmental determinants of childhood obesity.
Proteomic Techniques to Examine Neuronal Translational Dynamics
Authors: Koren Shon A. , Gillett Drew A. , D’Alton Simon V. , Hamm Matthew J. , Abisambra Jose F.
Published: July 2019

Impairments in translation have been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Assessing the spatiotemporal dynamics of translation in the context of disease is a major challenge. Recent developments in proteomic analyses have enabled the resolution of nascent peptides in a short timescale on the order of minutes. In addition, a quantitative analysis of translation has progressed in vivo, showing remarkable potential for coupling these techniques with cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Here, we review these modern approaches to measure changes in translation and ribosomal function with a specific focus on current applications in the mammalian brain and in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.
R-Loci Arrangement Versus Downy and Powdery Mildew Resistance Level: A Vitis Hybrid Survey
Authors: Zini Elena , Dolzani Chiara , Stefanini Marco , Gratl Verena , Bettinelli Paola , Nicolini Daniela , Betta Giulia , Dorigatti Cinzia , Velasco Riccardo , Letschka Thomas , Vezzulli Silvia
Published: July 2019

For the viticulture of the future, it will be an essential prerequisite to manage grapevine diseases with fewer chemical inputs. The development and the deployment of novel mildew resistant varieties are considered one of the most promising strategies towards a sustainable viticulture. In this regard, a collection of 102 accessions derived from crossing Vitis hybrids with V. vinifera varieties was studied. In addition to the true-to-type analysis, an exhaustive genetic characterization was carried out at the 11 reliable mildew resistance (R) loci available in the literature to date. Our findings highlight the pyramiding of R-loci against downy mildew in 15.7% and against powdery mildew in 39.2% of the total accessions. The genetic analysis was coupled with a three-year evaluation of disease symptoms in an untreated field in order to assess the impact of the R-loci arrangement on the disease resistance degree at leaf and bunch level. Overall, our results strongly suggest that R-loci pyramiding does not necessarily mean to increase the overall disease resistance, but it guarantees the presence of further barriers in case of pathogens overcoming the first. Moreover, our survey allows the discovery of new mildew resistance sources useful for novel QTL identifications towards marker-assisted breeding.
Characterization of the First Bacterial and Thermostable GDP-Mannose 3,5-Epimerase
Authors: Gevaert Ophelia , Van Overtveldt Stevie , Beerens Koen , Desmet Tom
Published: July 2019

GDP-mannose 3,5-epimerase (GM35E) catalyzes the conversion of GDP-mannose towards GDP-l-galactose and GDP-l-gulose. Although this reaction represents one of the few enzymatic routes towards the production of l-sugars and derivatives, it has not yet been exploited for that purpose. One of the reasons is that so far only GM35Es from plants have been characterized, yielding biocatalysts that are relatively unstable and difficult to express heterologously. Through the mining of sequence databases, we succeeded in identifying a promising bacterial homologue. The gene from the thermophilic organism Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum was codon optimized for expression in Escherichia coli, resulting in the production of 40 mg/L of recombinant protein. The enzyme was found to act as a self-sufficient GM35E, performing three chemical reactions in the same active site. Furthermore, the biocatalyst was highly stable at temperatures up to 55 °C, making it well suited for the synthesis of new carbohydrate products with application in the pharma industry.
Simvastatin Efficiently Reduces Levels of Alzheimer’s Amyloid Beta in Yeast
Authors: Dhakal Sudip , Subhan Mishal , Fraser Joshua M. , Gardiner Kenneth , Macreadie Ian
Published: July 2019

A large-scale epidemiology study on statins previously showed that simvastatin was unique among statins in reducing the incidence of dementia. Since amyloid beta (Aβ42) is the protein that is most associated with Alzheimer’s disease, this study has focused on how simvastatin influences the turnover of native Aβ42 and Aβ42 fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP), in the simplest eukaryotic model organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Previous studies have established that yeast constitutively producing Aβ42 fused to GFP offer a convenient means of analyzing yeast cellular responses to Aβ42. Young cells clear the GFP fusion protein and do not have green fluorescence while the older population of cells retains the fusion protein and exhibits green fluorescence, offering a fast and convenient means of studying factors that affect Aβ42 turnover. In this study the proportion of cells having GFP fused to Aβ after exposure to simvastatin, atorvastatin and lovastatin was analyzed by flow cytometry. Simvastatin effectively reduced levels of the cellular Aβ42 protein in a dose-dependent manner. Simvastatin promoted the greatest reduction as compared to the other two statins. A comparison with fluconazole, which targets that same pathway of ergosterol synthesis, suggests that effects on ergosterol synthesis do not account for the reduced amounts of Aβ42 fused to GFP. The levels of native Aβ42 following treated with simvastatin were also examined using a more laborious approach, quantitative MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Simvastatin efficiently reduced levels of native Aβ42 from the population. This work indicates a novel action of simvastatin in reducing levels of Aβ42 providing new insights into how simvastatin exerts its neuroprotective role. We hypothesize that this reduction may be due to protein clearance.
Two-Dimensional Laser-Align Device for Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Authors: Shiao Eric Chiwei , Kuo Po-Ling
Published: July 2019

Ultrasound-guided injection is a widely used technique, however, it takes substantial amounts of time for novices to master the skill. The most critical issue to improve the accuracy of the injection is to align the needle with the scan plane of the ultrasound beam and orient the needle angle after piercing skin to aim at the targeted tissue. In the present study, we developed a two-dimensional laser align device to assist physicians to accurately position the needle in the scan plane and advance it at an angle correctly pointing to the target. The device is inexpensive, light-weighted, and easy to fabricate and accommodate for any types of ultrasound probe. Statistical analysis revealed that the assistance with our device significantly reduced the successful targeting time and times of retargeting in comparison with the traditional freehand approach or only with in-plane assistance for inexperience subjects. Our results indicate that the device exhibits great potential in effectively reducing the learning time to master the skill and speeding up the procedure for ultrasound-guided injection.
Dietary Patterns in New Zealand Women: Evaluating Differences in Body Composition and Metabolic Biomarkers
Authors: Jayasinghe Shakeela N. , Breier Bernhard H. , McNaughton Sarah A. , Russell Aaron P. , Della Gatta Paul A. , Mason Shaun , Stonehouse Welma , Walsh Daniel C.I. , Kruger Rozanne
Published: July 2019

The combinations of food consumed together (dietary patterns) may have a greater influence on health than nutrients or food groups consumed independently. This study investigated the relationship between dietary patterns, body composition and metabolic biomarkers of premenopausal New Zealand women from three ethnic groups. In total, 408 New Zealand European, Māori and Pacific women aged 16–45 years participated in the Women’s EXPLORE (EXamining Predictors Linking Obesity Related Elements) study. Participants completed a 220-item food frequency questionnaire. Several body composition parameters and metabolic biomarkers were measured. Dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis and dietary pattern scores were categorised into tertiles to assess links with other measured parameters. Women with higher scores for the ‘refined and processed’ pattern were younger, had higher body mass index, total body fat, plasma leptin and plasma insulin (p < 0.001), and lower plasma ghrelin levels (p < 0.05) than women with lower scores. In addition, more Māori (51%) and Pacific (68%) women followed the ‘refined and processed’ pattern, while more New Zealand European women (40%) followed the ‘sweet and savoury snacking’ pattern. These data show that dietary pattern analysis is a useful tool to assess links between diet and metabolic health. It further reveals interesting ethnic group-specific differences in dietary pattern use.
Evolution from Covalent to Self-Assembled PAMAM-Based Dendrimers as Nanovectors for siRNA Delivery in Cancer by Coupled In Silico-Experimental Studies. Part I: Covalent siRNA Nanocarriers
Authors: Marson Domenico , Laurini Erik , Aulic Suzana , Fermeglia Maurizio , Pricl Sabrina
Published: July 2019

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) represent a new approach towards the inhibition of gene expression; as such, they have rapidly emerged as promising therapeutics for a plethora of important human pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders of a genetic etiology. However, the clinical translation of RNA interference (RNAi) requires safe and efficient vectors for siRNA delivery into cells. Dendrimers are attractive nanovectors to serve this purpose, as they present a unique, well-defined architecture and exhibit cooperative and multivalent effects at the nanoscale. This short review presents a brief introduction to RNAi-based therapeutics, the advantages offered by dendrimers as siRNA nanocarriers, and the remarkable results we achieved with bio-inspired, structurally flexible covalent dendrimers. In the companion paper, we next report our recent efforts in designing, characterizing and testing a series of self-assembled amphiphilic dendrimers and their related structural alterations to achieve unprecedented efficient siRNA delivery both in vitro and in vivo.
Strength Development and Durability of Concrete Containing Recycled Roof Tile Aggregate
Authors: Ceesay Alhagie Bakary , Miyazawa Shingo
Published: July 2019

The use of recycled aggregate in new concrete has often been limited due to concerns over their quality and structural performance. This research aims to investigate the physical properties of recycled roof tile aggregate and its suitability for concrete production. Physical properties of recycled roof tile aggregate are compared to normal crushed stone aggregate. Effects of recycled roof tile aggregates on strength and durability of recycled roof tile concrete was compared with normal aggregate concrete using mechanical properties and durability tests. The experimental results showed that high water absorption and low strength of aggregate have a great effect on the workability and strength of the concrete containing recycled roof tile aggregate. Aggregate density, water absorption, crushing value and abrasion value of the recycled roof tile aggregate were found to be lower than crushed stone aggregate and concrete containing recycled roof tile aggregate had low strength and slow strength development. Similar durability performance of recycled roof tile aggregate concrete and normal aggregate concrete was observed except when exposed to freezing and thawing.