bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Női karriertipusok és jellemzőik
Authors: Koncz Katalin
Published: May 2017

Női karriertipusok és jellemzőik
Tudásháromszög
Authors: Nagy Zoltán
Published: May 2017

Tudásháromszög
Beköszöntő
Authors: Benedek András
Published: May 2017

Beköszöntő
Co-creative problem solving
Authors: Kálmán Anikó
Published: May 2017

There has been an increasing interest during the latest decades ofFinlandregarding the roots and reasons of the success of the country in the fields of Innovation, modernization, well being, social progress, high quality education.  Along these key terms  – together with other countries of the Scandinavian region but with a kind of special leading status,Finlandhas often been quoted in the international economy and policy studies.
Metaphors Matter – The Analysis of Prezi in Search of Visual-Verbal Metaphors
Authors: Szlavi Anna
Published: May 2017

In April 2014, Prezi announced that its “zooming” presentation software reached40 million users worldwide. With 30 million last October, Prezi has a record of 55,000new signups every day in the last months. To explain its skyrocketing popularity, founderspoint to the increasing global need for effective communication, which Prezi fittinglyserves with its versatility, dynamism, and visual design. In short, thinking and communicationwere given space, or rather, a spatial dimension. Prezi offers a blank canvas, a“virtual whiteboard”, for its users to fill it with the ideas they want to share; however,many presenters choose the pre-designed templates as bases of their presentations. Thetemplates not only create a framework for the presentations, like a stage, a soccer pitch,or a road, their perculiarity is that they invoke basic metaphors, like LIFE IS A PLAY,STRATEGIES ARE TACTICS, or LIFE IS A JOURNEY. The fundamental idea behind Prezi,namely, that COMMUNICATION IS STORYTELLING, is already a metaphor. My presentationwill demonstrate, through the analysis of popular templates, that one key reason whyPrezi is increasingly popular is its use of metaphors. Cognitive linguistics and relateddisciplines revealed decades ago that metaphor is a core conceptual phenomena, whichgoverns thinking and communication.
A pedagógus etikai kódexek ismertsége, elfogadottsága, használhatósága – kutatás
Authors: Melegh Béla
Published: May 2017

Ez a kutatás egy szakdolgozat számára, annak függelékeként készült 2015 őszén. Mivel elsősorban a dolgozat számára készült, a kutatás fő szempontjait annak témája adta. A jogszabályi rendelkezések következtében tavaly már látható volt, hogy a Nemzeti Pedagógus Kar Etikai Kódexének megalkotását sokáig nem lehet odázni, a nyilvános tervezet, ugyan elkészült, és mivel augusztus elején megjelent, a kutatás szeptemberben már kérdezhetett róla.Az a feltevésem, hogy a szövegtervezet megjelenése kizökkenti a pedagógus-társadalmat az érdektelenségből, beigazolódott – a rendelkezésre álló idő alatt viszonylag sokan töltötték ki a kérdőívet, amely szakmai szempontok mellett sokszor elsősorban érzelmi reakciókat mért. Az eredmény nem fekete-fehér – az biztos, hogy józan, letisztult, egyöntetű, egységes álláspont, főleg a kódex(ek) mellé állás nem volt mérhető. Legfőbb megállapításként az kiderült, hogy a pedagógusok kétharmad-részt, alapjában (elméletben) nem kódex-ellenesek.* Teachers’ Ethical Codes in today’s Hungary: their being known, accepted, and usable and their effects – A research This research was made as an annex of a thesis, in the autumn of 2015. Since the research was made for the thesis, its main aspects were determined by the topic of the paper. As a result of the legal regulations, last year it was already rather clear that the creation of the Ethical Code of the National Teachers’ Body could no longer be delayed. The public draft was made, and since it was released at the beginning of August, in September the research could examine it. My preconception that the publication of the draft would put the teachers’ society off disinterest was proved – during the time available, relatively many teachers filled in the query that, in addition to professional aspects, primarily measured emotional reactions. The result is not black or white; it is sure that there was no sober, clear and uniform standpoint formed, especially not for the Code(s). As a main finding it has become clear that two thirds of the teachers are basically (theoretically) not against a code.
Az új infokommunikációs eszközök és közösségek várható elterjedése a felsőszintű oktatásban
Authors: Monda Eszter
Published: May 2017

A tanulmány az infokommunikációs eszközök és az emberi közösségek kapcsolatát és kölcsönhatását vizsgálja a felsőszintű oktatás területén. Az információs és kommunikációs technológiák (infokommunikációs technológiák, továbbiakban IKT) alatt a technológiai eszközök és források különböző készletét értjük, amelyek alkalmasak információk kommunikálására, előállítására, terjesztésére, tárolására és menedzselésére. (Blurton, 1999; Monda, 2014b) A felsőszintű oktatás azért került a fókuszba, mert míg az általános és középiskola rendszerint a hagyományos oktatási formánál maradt, addig a felsőoktatásban már globális szinten az IKT lehetőségeit egyre jobban kihasználó szélesebb tanulási illetve tanítási formák valósultak meg. Az IKT oktatásba való beépüléséhez kapcsolódik az eLearning fogalma. „Az eLearning egy innovatív szemlélet az információk elektronikus szállításához az oktatás számára annak érdekében, hogy a tanulók tudását, képességeit és egyéb teljesítményét növeljék.” (Siritongthaworn et al., 2006, 139). Az eLearning lényege, hogy a tananyagok elektronikus formában elérhetők legyenek és ideális esetben a hallgatóknak többféle módjuk legyen a tanulásra mint például videók, e-bookok, fórumok, wikik stb. formájában.” (Monda, 2014a, 30)* The expected spread of new ICT tools and communities in higher education The paper examines the relations and mutual effects of ICT tools and human communities in the field of higher education. By ICT tools, we refer to the various stocks of tools and sources that are capable of communicating, disseminating, storing and managing information. (Blurton, 1999; Monda, 2014b) Higher education is put into the focus because while public education mostly uses the traditional forms of education, higher education has already implemented a wider spectrum of learning and teaching forms at a global scale. The notion of e-learning is connected to the inclusion of ICT into education.  „E-learning is an innovative way of providing information for education electronically in order that the students’ knowledge, capacities and other performances be improved.” (Siritongthaworn et al., 2006, 139). „The core of e-learning is that the learning resources are available electronically, and in optimal cases the students have the possibility to conduct various forms of learning, e.g. using videos, e-books, fora, wikis etc.” (Monda, 2014a, 30)
Reflexiók és gondolatok a tanártovábbképzés pilot programjáról a finnországi Tamperében
Authors: Kovácsné Anikó Siffer
Published: May 2017

Az Életpályamodell TÁMOP záró konferenciáján dr. Molnár György tanár úr invitálására jelentkeztem januárban erre a rendkívül hasznosnak és egyedülállónak ígérkező egyhetes tréningre. Mint frissen végzett angol tanár (Pannon MA) és  szakvizsgázott mentorpedagógus (BME) óriási potenciális lehetőséget láttam ebben a szakmai képzésben, ami teljes mértékben beigazolódott a hét folyamán.
Kutatási eredmények az élethosszig tartó és az élet minden területére kiterjedő tanulásról
Authors: Feketéné Éva Szakos
Published: May 2017

Dr. Kálmán Anikó könyvének ajánlója.
A közfoglalkoztatottak képzése
Authors: Bagó József
Published: May 2017

Absztrakt!
A munka világának online kommunikációs kérdései
Authors: Szűts Zoltán
Published: May 2017

Absztrakt!
Az átalakuló szakképzés és a munkaerőpiac kereslet-kínálati folyamatai Észak-Magyarországon
Authors: Sós Tamás
Published: May 2017

A tanulmány Észak-Magyarországi tapasztalatok alapján kutatja a hazai, államilag irányitott iskolarendszerü szakképzés tervezési folyamatait,tanulási környezet változásainak hatását.Dokumentumok,statisztikák problémafeltáró empirikus vizsgálata alapján, a szakképzéssel szembeni munkáltatói-mennyiségi,minőségi –elvárásokat elemzi.Foglalkozik a hiányszakmákbesorolásával,a szakképzési irányokkal és beiskolázási arányokkal.Ráirányitja a figyelmet,hogya szakmaszerkezeti döntések jelenlegi formája torzitja a keresleti,kinálati viszonyokat.
A pedagógus-továbbképzés megítéléséről
Authors: Nagy Krisztina
Published: May 2017

Az élethosszig tartó tanulás viszonylag új, ám alapvető elvárás a munkavállalóval szemben napjainkban minden szakterületen, különösen igaz ez a pedagógusok esetében. A pedagógusok továbbképzése ellenben nem újdonság, hanem hivatásunk régi, szép hagyománya, melyben nagy elődeink méltó példát mutattak. A hangsúlyok azonban jelentősen eltolódtak, a továbbképzésnek az iskolarendszerhez és a pedagógusokhoz hasonlóan korához, környezetéhez, annak elvárásaihoz kell alkalmazkodnia.Vitathatatlan, hogy gyorsan változó világunkban nem várhatjuk el, hogy az alapképzésben részvevő hallgató megszerezze mindazt a tudást, ami nyugdíjba vonulásáig kiszolgálja. A témában végzett számos vizsgálat mutatja, hogy a pedagógusok ezt tudják, és továbbképzésüket fontosnak tartják. Tanulmányomban arra keresem a választ, hogyan gondolkodnak szakmai fejlődésük módjáról, lehetőségeiről maguk a pedagógusok és a közoktatási vezetők a 21. század elején. Mit és milyen formában kívánnak tanulni? Mely területen képeztetnék tovább kartársaikat? Mit tartanak korszerű tudásnak? Miben látják legfőbb hiányosságaikat? Mennyiben egyezik a beosztott pedagógusok és a vezetők véleménye e tekintetben? Lehet-e céljaikat közös nevezőre hozni, hogy az intézmény érdekei és a kollégák egyéni elképzelései egyaránt megvalósulhassanak? Állhat-e a pedagógus-továbbképzés a szervezetfejlesztés és a pedagógus egyéni életpályája szolgálatában egyidejűleg?
A pedagógus személyiségének hatása és mediátori szerepe a nevelési tanácsadásban – a vezetői attitűd jelentősége
Authors: Kissné Gaál Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2017

Pedagógusként 15 éve, a nevelési tanácsadásban 13 éve dolgozom. A legfontosabb dolog számomra megtalálni a segítés azon formáját, ami az egyén belső szabadságát tiszteletben tartja, a gyermekek számára pedig olyan környezetet teremt, amiben a legegészségesebben tudnak fejlődni. A szüleik számára olyan támaszt ad, amiben megtalálják saját nehézségükre a gyógyírt. A pedagógusoknak olyan útmutatást nyújt, ami jobban segíti az egyedit, az individuumban rejlő tehetséget meglátni a csoporton belül. Jelen írásom, mely sikeresen megvédett szakdolgozatom alapján készült, a pedagógus személyiségének hatását és mediátori szerepét elemzi a nevelési tanácsadásban, rámutatva a vezetői attitűd jelentőségére.
Kritikus pontok az iskolarendszerű szakképzésben
Authors: Velkey Gábor
Published: May 2017

A rendszerváltás utáni második évtized közepétől a különböző nagy állami ellátórendszerek fenntarthatatlansága és az e rendszereket újragondoló átfogó reformok szükségessége egyre szélesebb körben fogalmazódott meg hazánkban. A rendszerváltás során a legfontosabb társadalompolitikai alapkérdésekben megszülettek a szükséges döntések. Ez a kvázi konszenzus azonban nemcsak törékeny volt, hanem ekkorra el is porladt. Egyrészt a társadalom számára nem volt részleteiben ismert, így nem is válhatott elfogadottá, másrészt az utólagos politikai átértelmezések tudatosan verték szét a megegyezés maradványait.
Inter és multidiszciplináris tehetséggondozás
Authors: Bognár György
Published: May 2017

Inter és multidiszciplináris tehetséggondozás
Távoktatás a BME Műszaki Pedagógia Tanszékén
Authors: Kovács Ilma
Published: May 2017

Magyarországon a távoktatás eléggé sajátos utat tett meg a kezdetektől, az 1970-es évek első felétől. Ahogyan más országokban, úgy nálunk sincs általánosan elfogadott definíciója a távoktatásnak. De a gyakorlat létezik! Húsz évvel ezelőtt, amikor az általam leírandó képzést kialakították (1993/94-ben), már nem volt új a távoktatási forma, sőt, alig néhány évvel később már nálunk is próbálkoztak az elektronikus távoktatás bevezetésével is.
Az előzetes tudás elismerési rendszereinek komparatív andragógiai vizsgálata
Authors: Babos Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2017

Az előzetes tudás elismerési rendszereinek komparatív andragógiai vizsgálata
The issues of professional preparation of school headmasters in the Czech Republic
Authors: Trojan Vaclav
Published: May 2017

The issues of professional preparation of school headmasters in the Czech Republic
Towards a Common Development in Teachers' Education in VET
Authors: Jaakkola Pirjo , Benedek Andras
Published: May 2017

Towards a Common Development in Teachers' Education in VET
Learning is an adventure “The Study Skills Handbook”
Authors: Bognarne Szigeti Edit
Published: May 2017

Learning is an adventure “The Study Skills Handbook”
The Predictive Value of Preoperative Serum NTproBNP Levels for the Need for Inotropic Support in the Postoperative Period in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Öztekin Ahmet , Memetoðlu Mehmet Erdem , Kutlu Rasim , Tekin Ali Ihsan , Erbasan Ozan , Arslan Ümit , Erdem Ozan , Akkaya Özgür , Simsek Mustafa , Muratalievic Murataliev Tolkun
Published: May 2017

Background: High preoperative BNP levels can be a marker of higher risk for coronary artery bypass grafting. We investigated the predictive value of serum NT-proBNP levels undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for the need for inotropic support. Methods: In this prospective study, preoperative serum NT-proBNP levels were obtained in 51 patients [80.4% (n=42) were males and 19.6% (n=9) were females] undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. The study patients were divided into three groups depending on NT-proBNP levels as low NT-proBNP (<100 pg/ml, Group-1, 29.4%, n=15) group, moderately high NT-proBNP (NT-proBNP <500 pg/mL and >100 pg/mL, Group-2, 29.4%, n=15) group, and high NT-proBNP (>500 pg/mL, Group-3, 41.2%, n=21) group.Results: At postoperative day 0, the mean adrenalin, dopamine, dobutamine, and noradrenalin consumptions were 0.1±0.7 microgram/kg/min, 0.08±0.56 microgram/kg/min, 2.1±3.01 microgram/ kilogram/min, and 1.35±3.45 microgram/kg/min, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the use of adrenalin (p=0.50, p>0.05), dopamine (p=0.31 p>0.05), dobutamine (p=0.59 p>0.05), and noradrenalin (p=0.24 p>0.05) at postoperative day 0. The doses of inotropic agents used at postoperative days 1 and 2 did not show significant differences between the groups for the three inotropic agents.Conclusion: Preoperative serum NT-proBNP levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting are not associated with the need for inotropic support in the postoperative period.Cardiovasc. j. 2017; 9(2): 90-96
Comparative Analysis of Four Facial Foundation Lotions with Reference to Its Antioxidant Richness and Bio-Safety
Authors: Singh Mukesh , Seth Pallavi , Poddar Shamayita
Published: May 2017

The market these days is a hub of a variety of commercially available cosmetic products, and foundation makeup to be precise, containing various types of important bioactive compounds both from natural and synthetic sources. The current study explores the usage of foundation lotions among undergraduate female students of an engineering college in West Bengal, India, and its antioxidant potential such as free radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation, and reducing power. Red Blood Corpuscles hemolysis assay was also tested for evaluating it safety measures. Results confirmed the presence of antioxidant-related bioactive components and hence the antioxidant property in each brand tested, albeit in varying degrees. Free radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation, and reducing power were also exhibited by all samples tested. Hemolytic activity was not significantly noted among the foundations, though each exhibited different results. Lotion with the least bioactive components exhibited high hemolytic activity. The findings of this study reveal the secret behind the usefulness of foundation lotions on the basis of antioxidant contents and free radical scavenging activity. The results of this study confirmed that it is very unlikely that all the essential qualities of a good cosmetic product will be present all at once.
Objective Bayesian Entropy Inference for Two-Parameter Logistic Distribution Using Upper Record Values
Authors: Seo Jung , Kim Yongku
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we provide an entropy inference method that is based on an objective Bayesian approach for upper record values having a two-parameter logistic distribution. We derive the entropy that is based on the i-th upper record value and the joint entropy that is based on the upper record values. Moreover, we examine their properties. For objective Bayesian analysis, we obtain objective priors, namely, the Jeffreys and reference priors, for the unknown parameters of the logistic distribution. The priors are based on upper record values. Then, we develop an entropy inference method that is based on these objective priors. In real data analysis, we assess the quality of the proposed models under the objective priors and compare them with the model under the informative prior.
Information Content Based Optimal Radar Waveform Design: LPI’s Purpose
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Fei , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a low probability of interception (LPI) radar waveform design method with a fixed average power constraint based on information theory. The Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) between the intercept signal and background noise is presented as a practical metric to evaluate the performance of the adversary intercept receiver in this paper. Through combining it with the radar performance metric, that is, the mutual information (MI), a multi-objective optimization model of LPI waveform design is developed. It is a trade-off between the performance of radar and enemy intercept receiver. After being transformed into a single-objective optimization problem, it can be solved by using an interior point method and a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method. Simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed LPI radar waveform design method.
Watching the Smoke Rise Up: Thermal Efficiency, Pollutant Emissions and Global Warming Impact of Three Biomass Cookstoves in Ghana
Authors: Obeng George , Mensah Ebenezer , Ashiagbor George , Boahen Owusu , Sweeney Daniel
Published: May 2017

In Ghana, about 73% of households rely on solid fuels for cooking. Over 13,000 annual deaths are attributed to exposure to indoor air pollution from inefficient combustion. In this study, assessment of thermal efficiency, emissions, and total global warming impact of three cookstoves commonly used in Ghana was completed using the International Workshop Agreement (IWA) Water Boiling Test (WBT) protocol. Statistical averages of three replicate tests for each cookstove were computed. Thermal efficiency results were: wood-burning cookstove: 12.2 ± 5.00% (Tier 0); coalpot charcoal stove: 23.3 ± 0.73% (Tier 1–2); and Gyapa charcoal cookstove: 30.00 ± 4.63% (Tier 2–3). The wood-burning cookstove emitted more CO, CO2, and PM2.5 than the coalpot charcoal stove and Gyapa charcoal cookstove. The emission factor (EF) for PM2.5 and the emission rate for the wood-burning cookstove were over four times higher than the coalpot charcoal stove and Gyapa charcoal cookstove. To complete the WBT, the study results showed that, by using the Gyapa charcoal cookstove instead of the wood-burning cookstove, the global warming impact could be potentially reduced by approximately 75% and using the Gyapa charcoal cookstove instead of the coalpot charcoal cookstove by 50%. We conclude that there is the need for awareness, policy, and incentives to enable end-users to switch to, and adopt, Gyapa charcoal cookstoves for increased efficiency and reduced emissions/global warming impact.
Case Study of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for Waste Heat Recovery from an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)
Authors: Lecompte Steven , Oyewunmi Oyeniyi , Markides Christos , Lazova Marija , Kaya Alihan , Van den Broek Martijn , De Paepe Michel
Published: May 2017

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is a mature technology for the conversion of waste heat to electricity. Although many energy intensive industries could benefit significantly from the integration of ORC technology, its current adoption rate is limited. One important reason for this arises from the difficulty of prospective investors and end-users to recognize and, ultimately, realise the potential energy savings from such deployment. In recent years, electric arc furnaces (EAF) have been identified as particularly interesting candidates for the implementation of waste heat recovery projects. Therefore, in this work, the integration of an ORC system into a 100 MWe EAF is investigated. The effect of evaluations based on averaged heat profiles, a steam buffer and optimized ORC architectures is investigated. The results show that it is crucial to take into account the heat profile variations for the typical batch process of an EAF. An optimized subcritical ORC system is found capable of generating a net electrical output of 752 kWe with a steam buffer working at 25 bar. If combined heating is considered, the ORC system can be optimized to generate 521 kWe of electricity, while also delivering 4.52 MW of heat. Finally, an increased power output (by 26% with combined heating, and by 39% without combined heating) can be achieved by using high temperature thermal oil for buffering instead of a steam loop; however, the use of thermal oil in these applications has been until now typically discouraged due to flammability concerns.
Childhood Attachment to Pets: Associations between Pet Attachment, Attitudes to Animals, Compassion, and Humane Behaviour
Authors: Hawkins Roxanne , Williams Joanne ,   Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA)
Published: May 2017

Attachment to pets has an important role in children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, mental health, well-being, and quality of life. This study examined associations between childhood attachment to pets and caring and friendship behaviour, compassion, and attitudes towards animals. This study also examined socio-demographic differences, particularly pet ownership and pet type. A self-report survey of over one thousand 7 to 12 year-olds in Scotland, UK, revealed that the majority of children are strongly attached to their pets, but attachment scores differ depending on pet type and child gender. Analysis revealed that attachment to pets is facilitated by compassion and caring and pet-directed friendship behaviours and that attachment to pets significantly predicts positive attitudes towards animals. The findings have implications for the promotion of prosocial and humane behaviour. Encouraging children to participate in pet care behaviour may promote attachment between children and their pet, which in turn may have a range of positive outcomes for both children (such as reduced aggression, better well-being, and quality of life) and pets (such as humane treatment). This study enhances our understanding of childhood pet attachment and has implications for humane education and promoting secure emotional attachments in childhood.
Nocturnal Road Traffic Noise Exposure and Children’s Sleep Duration and Sleep Problems
Authors: Weyde Kjell , Krog Norun , Oftedal Bente , Evandt Jorunn , Magnus Per , Øverland Simon , Clark Charlotte , Stansfeld Stephen , Aasvang Gunn
Published: May 2017

Almost half of the European Union (EU)’s population is exposed to road traffic noise above levels that constitute a health risk. Associations between road traffic noise and impaired sleep in adults have consistently been reported. Less is known about effects of noise on children’s sleep. The aim of this study was to examine the association between nocturnal road traffic noise exposure and children’s parental-reported sleep duration and sleep problems. The present cross-sectional study used data from The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Parental report of children’s sleep duration and sleep problems at age 7 was linked to modelled levels of residential night-time road traffic noise. The study population included 2665 children from Oslo, Norway. No association was found between road traffic noise and sleep duration in the total study population (odds ratio (OR): 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.94, 1.17]), but a statistically significant association was observed in girls (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: [1.04, 1.41]). For sleep problems, the associations were similar (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: [0.85, 2.16]) in girls. The ORs are presented for an increase of 10 dB. The findings suggest there is an association between road traffic noise and sleep for girls, underlining the importance of protecting children against excessive noise levels.
Perception, Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Typhoon: A Cross Sectional Study among Rural Residents in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Wang Wei , Lin Junfen , Zhang Ying , Shang Xiaopeng , Wang Xin , Huang Meilin , Liu Shike , Ma Wei
Published: May 2017

(1) The objective of this study was to assess the risk perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to typhoon among rural residents in Zhejiang province of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among rural residents in Zhejiang province, China. Information was collected from 659 participants using a structured questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multivariable analysis were used to analyze the data. Participants were most concerned about property damage, followed by their health and life. Television, short message service (SMS), relatives and friends were the most common information sources. Most people had not been educated with disaster prevention measures. The complementary log–log (CLL) model showed that understanding typhoon warning signal, preparation time, risk perception of health damage and life threat, and fears of typhoon were independent predictors of adoption of coping behaviors. We found that: 1. Residents’ risk perception of health and life threat caused by typhoon is inadequate; 2. There is a gap between residents’ cognition or knowledge and behavior in rural areas; 3. The government should further make strategies to develop educational activities, in order to eliminate the gap and improve the ability of preparing for typhoon among rural residents.
Studies on Trans-Resveratrol/Carboxymethylated (1,3/1,6)-β-d-Glucan Association for Aerosol Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Francioso Antonio , Cossi Riccardo , Fanelli Sergio , Mastromarino Paola , Mosca Luciana
Published: May 2017

A resveratrol/carboxymethylated glucan (CM-glucan) combination is known to inhibit rhinovirus replication and expression of inflammatory mediators in nasal epithelia. The aim of this study was to develop an aerosol formulation containing an association of the two molecules which could reach the lower respiratory tract. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of a resveratrol/CM-glucan combination was lower than that shown by resveratrol or CM-glucan alone (2.83 versus 3.28 and 2.96 µm, respectively). The resveratrol/CM-glucan association results in the finest and most monodispersed particles in comparison to the two single components. The association also evidenced lower values for all particle size distribution parameters, suggesting that the pharmacological synergy observed in previous studies may be accompanied by a pharmaceutical one. Moreover, we showed that the CM-glucan matrix did not exert an inhibitory effect on resveratrol nebulization, demonstrating the good suitability of these two molecules in association for simultaneous aerosol volatilization.
Study of Hydroquinone Mediated Cytotoxicity and Hypopigmentation Effects from UVB-Irradiated Arbutin and DeoxyArbutin
Authors: Chang Nai-Fang , Chen Yi-Shyan , Lin Ying-Ju , Tai Ting-Hsuan , Chen An-Ni , Huang Chen-Hsuan , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: May 2017

Arbutin (Arb) and deoxyArbutin (dA) are both effective hypopigmentation agents. However, they are glucoside derivatives of hydroquinone (HQ), which may be decayed into HQ under higher energy environments. Therefore, safety and toxicity are very important issues when considering the usage of these compounds. However, no study has verified the properties of Ultra-Violet B (UVB)-irradiated Arb and dA. In this work, we investigated the cytotoxicity and hypopigmentation effects of UVB-irradiated Arb and dA in Detroit 551 human fibroblast cells and B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. The results showed that UVB-irradiated Arb and dA have strong cytotoxicity for the fibroblast cells, especially for dA, the caspase-3 is also activated by the treatment of UVB-irradiated dA in Detroit 551 cells. The results correlated with the produced HQ. In addition, UVB-irradiated Arb and dA suppressed the production of melanin in melanoma cells; this is due to the release of HQ that compensates for the UVB triggered Arb and dA decomposition.
Zampanolide, a Microtubule-Stabilizing Agent, Is Active in Resistant Cancer Cells and Inhibits Cell Migration
Authors: Field Jessica , Northcote Peter , Paterson Ian , Altmann Karl-Heinz , Díaz J. , Miller John
Published: May 2017

Zampanolide, first discovered in a sponge extract in 1996 and later identified as a microtubule-stabilizing agent in 2009, is a covalent binding secondary metabolite with potent, low nanomolar activity in mammalian cells. Zampanolide was not susceptible to single amino acid mutations at the taxoid site of β-tubulin in human ovarian cancer 1A9 cells, despite evidence that it selectively binds to the taxoid site. As expected, it did not synergize with other taxoid site microtubule-stabilizing agents (paclitaxel, ixabepilone, discodermolide), but surprisingly also did not synergize in 1A9 cells with laulimalide/peloruside binding site agents either. Efforts to generate a zampanolide-resistant cell line were unsuccessful. Using a standard wound scratch assay in cell culture, it was an effective inhibitor of migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and fibroblast cells (D551). These properties of covalent binding, the ability to inhibit cell growth in paclitaxel and epothilone resistant cells, and the ability to inhibit cell migration suggest that it would be of interest to investigate zampanolide in preclinical animal models to determine if it is effective in vivo at preventing tumor growth and metastasis.
An Additive Effect of Promoting Thermogenic Gene Expression in Mice Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Cells by Combination of Rosiglitazone and CL316,243
Authors: Li You-Lei , Li Xiao , Jiang Tian-Tuan , Fan Jia-Min , Zheng Xue-Li , Shi Xin-E , Yu Tai-Yong , Chu Gui-Yan , Yang Gong-She
Published: May 2017

It is well-documented that CL316,243 (a β3 agonist) or rosiglitazone (a PPARγ agonist) can induce white adipocyte populations to brown-like adipocytes, thus increasing energy consumption and combating obesity. However, whether there is a combined effect remains unknown. In the present study, stromal vascular cells of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT-SVCs for short) from mice were cultured and induced into browning by CL316,243, rosiglitazone, or both. Results showed that a combination of CL316,243 and rosiglitazone significantly upregulated the expression of the core thermogenic gene Ucp1 as well as genes related with mitochondrial function (Cidea, Cox5b, Cox7a1, Cox8b, and Cycs), compared with the treatment of CL316,243 or rosiglitazone alone. Moreover, co-treatment with rosiglitazone could reverse the downregulation of Adiponectin resulting from CL316,243 stimuli alone. Taken together, a combination of rosiglitazone and CL316,243 can produce an additive effect of promoting thermogenic gene expression and an improvement of insulin sensitivity in mouse iWAT-SVCs.
Cultivar-Specific Changes in Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Pak Choi (Brassica Rapa, Chinensis Group) by Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: Kim Moo , Chiu Yu-Chun , Kim Na , Park Hye , Lee Choong , Juvik John , Ku Kang-Mo
Published: May 2017

Glucosinolates, their hydrolysis products and primary metabolites were analyzed in five pak choi cultivars to determine the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metabolite flux from primary metabolites to glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products. Among detected glucosinolates (total 14 glucosinolates; 9 aliphatic, 4 indole and 1 aromatic glucosinolates), indole glucosinolate concentrations (153–229%) and their hydrolysis products increased with MeJA treatment. Changes in the total isothiocyanates by MeJA were associated with epithiospecifier protein activity estimated as nitrile formation. Goitrin, a goitrogenic compound, significantly decreased by MeJA treatment in all cultivars. Changes in glucosinolates, especially aliphatic, significantly differed among cultivars. Primary metabolites including amino acids, organic acids and sugars also changed with MeJA treatment in a cultivar-specific manner. A decreased sugar level suggests that they might be a carbon source for secondary metabolite biosynthesis in MeJA-treated pak choi. The result of the present study suggests that MeJA can be an effective agent to elevate indole glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products and to reduce a goitrogenic compound in pak choi. The total glucosinolate concentration was the highest in “Chinese cabbage” in the control group (32.5 µmol/g DW), but indole glucosinolates increased the greatest in “Asian” when treated with MeJA.
Carotid Artery Stenting and Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability in Subjects with Chronic Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Szarmach Arkadiusz , Halena Grzegorz , Kaszubowski Mariusz , Piskunowicz Maciej , Studniarek Michal , Lass Piotr , Szurowska Edyta , Winklewski Pawel
Published: May 2017

Failure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical event in the development and progression of diseases such as acute ischemic stroke, chronic ischemia or small vessels disease that affect the central nervous system. It is not known whether BBB breakdown in subjects with chronic carotid artery stenosis can be restrained with postoperative recovery of cerebral perfusion. The aim of the study was to assess the short-term effect of internal carotid artery stenting on basic perfusion parameters and permeability surface area-product (PS) in such a population. Forty subjects (23 males) with stenosis of >70% within a single internal carotid artery and neurological symptoms who underwent a carotid artery stenting procedure were investigated. Differences in the following computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters were compared before and after surgery: global cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and PS. PS acquired by CTP is used to measure the permeability of the BBB to contrast material. In all baseline cases, the CBF and CBV values were low, while MTT and TTP were high on both the ipsi- and contralateral sides compared to reference values. PS was approximately twice the normal value. CBF was higher (+6.14%), while MTT was lower (−9.34%) on the contralateral than on the ipsilateral side. All perfusion parameters improved after stenting on both the ipsilateral (CBF +22.66%; CBV +18.98%; MTT −16.09%, TTP −7.62%) and contralateral (CBF +22.27%, CBV +19.72%, MTT −14.65%, TTP −7.46%) sides. PS decreased by almost half: ipsilateral −48.11%, contralateral −45.19%. The decline in BBB permeability was symmetrical on the ipsi- and contralateral sides to the stenosis. Augmented BBB permeability can be controlled by surgical intervention in humans.
Interaction of Biliverdin Chromophore with Near-Infrared Fluorescent Protein BphP1-FP Engineered from Bacterial Phytochrome
Authors: Stepanenko Olesya , Stepanenko Olga , Kuznetsova Irina , Shcherbakova Daria , Verkhusha Vladislav , Turoverov Konstantin
Published: May 2017

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent proteins (FPs) designed from PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim repeats) and GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylate cyclase/FhlA transcriptional activator) domains of bacterial phytochromes covalently bind biliverdin (BV) chromophore via one or two Cys residues. We studied BV interaction with a series of NIR FP variants derived from the recently reported BphP1-FP protein. The latter was engineered from a bacterial phytochrome RpBphP1, and has two reactive Cys residues (Cys15 in the PAS domain and Cys256 in the GAF domain), whereas its mutants contain single Cys residues either in the PAS domain or in the GAF domain, or no Cys residues. We characterized BphP1-FP and its mutants biochemically and spectroscopically in the absence and in the presence of denaturant. We found that all BphP1-FP variants are monomers. We revealed that spectral properties of the BphP1-FP variants containing either Cys15 or Cys256, or both, are determined by the covalently bound BV chromophore only. Consequently, this suggests an involvement of the inter-monomeric allosteric effects in the BV interaction with monomers in dimeric NIR FPs, such as iRFPs. Likely, insertion of the Cys15 residue, in addition to the Cys256 residue, in dimeric NIR FPs influences BV binding by promoting the BV chromophore covalent cross-linking to both PAS and GAF domains.
Imipramine Protects against Bone Loss by Inhibition of Osteoblast-Derived Microvesicles
Authors: Deng Lili , Peng Ying , Jiang Yuhai , Wu Yu , Ding Yuedi , Wang Yaping , Xu Dong , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2017

The maintenance of bone homeostasis is largely dependent upon cellular communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Microvesicles (MVs) represent a novel mechanism for osteoblasts and osteoclasts communication, as has been demonstrated in our previous study. Sphingomyelinases catalyze the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, which leads to increased membrane fluidity and facilitates MV generation. This effect can be inhibited by imipramine, an inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which is also known as a member of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). A recent study has reported that in vitro treatment of imipramine blocked MVs release from glial cells. However, whether imipramine has this effect on osteoblast-derived MVs and whether it is involved in MV generation in vivo is unclear. Here, our investigations found that imipramine slightly reduced the expression of osteoblast differentiation of related genes, but did not impact parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation for these genes and also did not affect receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation; however, imipramine treatment blocked MVs released from osteoblasts and inhibited MV-induced osteoclast formation. In vivo, mice administrated with imipramine were protected from ovariectomy-induced bone loss as evaluated by various bone structural parameters and serum levels of biochemical markers. Our results suggest that inhibiting the production of MVs containing RANKL in vivo is very important for preventing bone loss.
Impaired Platelet Aggregation and Rebalanced Hemostasis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Nielsen Nick , Jespersen Sofie , Gaardbo Julie , Arnbjerg Caroline , Clausen Mette , Kjær Mette , Gerstoft Jan , Ballegaard Vibe , Ostrowski Sisse , Nielsen Susanne
Published: May 2017

Increased risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bleeding has been found in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection, and a re-balanced hemostasis has been proposed. The aim of this study was to investigate functional whole blood coagulation and platelet function in CHC infection. The prospective study included 82 patients with CHC infection (39 with advanced liver fibrosis and 43 with no or mild liver fibrosis) and 39 healthy controls. A total of 33 patients were treated for CHC infection and achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Baseline and post-treatment blood samples were collected. Hemostasis was assessed by both standard coagulation tests and functional whole blood hemostatic assays (thromboelastograhy (TEG), and platelet aggregation (Multiplate). Patients with CHC and advanced fibrosis had impaired platelet aggregation both compared to patients with no or mild fibrosis and to healthy controls. Patients with CHC and advanced fibrosis also had lower antithrombin, platelet count, and coagulation factors II-VII-X compared to healthy controls. In contrast, TEG did not differ between groups. In treated patients achieving SVR, post-treatment platelet count was higher than pre-treatment counts (p = 0.033) and ADPtest, ASPItest, and RISTOhightest all increased post treatment (all p < 0.05). All Multiplate tests values, however, remained below those in the healthy controls. CHC-infected patients displayed evidence of rebalanced hemostasis with only partly hemostatic normalization in patients achieving SVR. The implications of rebalanced hemostasis and especially the impact on risk of CVD and bleeding warrants further studies.
Gallic Acid as an Oxygen Scavenger in Bio-Based Multilayer Packaging Films
Authors: Pant Astrid , Sängerlaub Sven , Müller Kajetan
Published: May 2017

Oxygen scavengers are used in food packaging to protect oxygen-sensitive food products. A mixture of gallic acid (GA) and sodium carbonate was used as an oxygen scavenger (OSc) in bio-based multilayer packaging films produced in a three-step process: compounding, flat film extrusion, and lamination. We investigated the film surface color as well as oxygen absorption at different relative humidities (RHs) and temperatures, and compared the oxygen absorption of OSc powder, monolayer films, and multilayer films. The films were initially brownish-red in color but changed to greenish-black during oxygen absorption under humid conditions. We observed a maximum absorption capacity of 447 mg O2/g GA at 21 °C and 100% RH. The incorporation of GA into a polymer matrix reduced the rate of oxygen absorption compared to the GA powder because the polymer acted as a barrier to oxygen and water vapor diffusion. As expected, the temperature had a significant effect on the initial absorption rate of the multilayer films; the corresponding activation energy was 75.4 kJ/mol. Higher RH significantly increased the oxygen absorption rate. These results demonstrate for the first time the production and the properties of a bio-based multilayer packaging film with GA as the oxygen scavenger. Potential applications include the packaging of food products with high water activity (aw > 0.86).
A Study of Ziegler–Natta Propylene Polymerization Catalysts by Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Tkachenko Olga , Kucherov Alexey , Kustov Leonid , Virkkunen Ville , Leinonen Timo , Denifl Peter
Published: May 2017

Ziegler–Natta polymerization catalysts were characterized by a complex of surface- and bulk-sensitive methods (DRIFTS, XPS, ESR, and XAS = XANES + EXAFS). A diffuse-reflectance Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (DRIFTS) study showed the presence of strong Lewis acid sites in different concentrations and absence of strong basic sites in the polymerization catalysts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron-spin resonance (ESR), and (X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis revealed the presence of Ti4+, Ti3+, Ti2+, and Ti1+ species in the surface layers and in the bulk of catalysts. The samples under study differ drastically in terms of the number of ESR-visible paramagnetic sites. The EXAFS study shows the presence of a Cl atom as a nearest neighbor of the absorbing Ti atom.
Analysis of the Relationships between Waste Cooking Oil Qualities and Rejuvenated Asphalt Properties
Authors: Zhang Dong , Chen Meizhu , Wu Shaopeng , Liu Jingxiang , Amirkhanian Serji
Published: May 2017

Waste cooking oil (WCO), in many cases, can rejuvenate aged asphalt and restore its properties. However, the influence of WCO qualities on rejuvenation behaviors of aged asphalt has not been investigated in detail. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of WCO viscosity and acid value on the basic, rheological, and chemical properties of a typical rejuvenated asphalt. Penetration, ring and ball (R and B) softening point, and ductility were tested to evaluate the influence of WCO qualities on basic properties of rejuvenated asphalts. Then, the rheological properties of rejuvenated asphalt were characterized based on rotational viscometer (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test results. Further, SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes) fraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were performed to investigate the effects of WCO qualities on asphalt chemical composition. Finally, grey correlation coefficients were calculated and the relationships between WCO qualities and rejuvenated asphalt properties were quantitatively evaluated. The experimental results indicated that WCO qualities influence the rejuvenation behaviors of aged asphalt significantly, and the WCO with higher qualities (low acid value and viscosity, as defined in this research) tends to achieve better rejuvenation effects. Based on the results of grey correlation analyses, the acid value is, relatively, a better indicator than viscosity in predicting the rejuvenation efficiency of WCO. The rejuvenation thresholds of WCO are varied with the categories of properties of rejuvenated asphalts, and WCO with an acid value of 0.4–0.7 mg KOH/g, or a viscosity of 140–540 mm2/s, can meet all of the performance requirements for asphalt rejuvenation used in this research.
Macroporous Calcium Phosphate/Chitosan Composites Prepared via Unidirectional Ice Segregation and Subsequent Freeze-Drying
Authors: Aranaz Inmaculada , Martínez-Campos Enrique , Moreno-Vicente Carolina , Civantos Ana , García-Arguelles Sara , Del Monte Francisco
Published: May 2017

Calcium phosphate chitosan-based composites have gained much interest in recent years for biomedical purposes. In this paper, three-dimensional calcium phosphate chitosan-based composites with different mineral contents were produced using a green method called ice segregation induced self-assembly (ISISA). In this methodology, ice crystals were used as a template to produce porous structures from an aqueous solution of chitosan (CS) and hydroxyapatite (Hap) also containing acetic acid (pH = 4.5). For better characterization of the nature of the inorganic matter entrapped within the resulting composite, we performed either oxygen plasma or calcination processes to remove the organic matter. The nature of the phosphate salts was studied by XRD and NMR studies. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) was identified as the mineral phase in the composites submitted to oxygen plasma, whereas crystalline Hap was obtained after calcination. SEM microscopy revealed the formation of porous structures (porosity around 80–85%) in the original composites, as well as in the inorganic matrices obtained after calcination, with porous channels of up to 50 µm in diameter in the former case and of up to 20 µm in the latter. The biocompatibility of the composites was assessed using two different cell lines: C2C12GFP premyoblastic cells and MC3T3 preosteoblastic cells.
Geometric Optimization of Microfabricated Silicon Electrodes for Corona Discharge-Based Electrohydrodynamic Thrusters
Authors: Drew Daniel , Pister Kristofer
Published: May 2017

Electrohydrodynamic thrust is an emerging propulsion mechanism for flying insect-scale robots. There is a need to both minimize the operating voltage and maximize the output force when designing microfabricated electrodes for use in these robots. In this work, an array of hybrid wire-needle and grid electrode geometries were fabricated and characterized to attempt to minimize both corona discharge onset voltage and thrust loss factor. Statistical analysis of this dataset was performed to screen for factors with significant effects. An optimized emitter electrode decreased onset voltage by 22%. Loss factor was found to vary significantly (as much as 30%) based on collector grid geometric parameters without affecting discharge characteristics. The results from this study can be used to drive further optimization of thrusters, with the final goal of providing a path towards autonomous flying microrobots powered by atmospheric ion engines.