bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Enzymatically Extracted Fucoidans on Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis in Primary Cell Culture Systems Mimicking Bone Tissue Environment
Authors: Ohmes Julia , Xiao Yuejun , Wang Fanlu , Mikkelsen Maria Dalgaard , Nguyen Thuan Thi , Schmidt Harald , Seekamp Andreas , Meyer Anne S. , Fuchs Sabine
Published: September 2020

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, is an essential process for successful bone regeneration. Further, angiogenesis is a key factor for the development of bone-related disorders like osteosarcoma or arthritis. Fucoidans, sulfated polysaccharides from brown algae, have been shown to affect angiogenesis as well as a series of other physiological processes including inflammation or infection. However, the chemical properties of fucoidan which define the biological activity vary tremendously, making a prediction of the bioactivity or the corresponding therapeutic effect difficult. In this study, we compare the effect of four chemically characterized high molecular weight fucoidan extracts from Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens (FE_crude and fractions F1, F2, F3) on angiogenic and osteogenic processes in bone-related primary mono- and co-culture cell systems. By determining the gene expression and protein levels of the regulatory molecules vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), ANG-2 and stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), we show that the extracted fucoidans negatively influence angiogenic and osteogenic processes in both the mono- and co-culture systems. We demonstrate that purer fucoidan extracts with a high fucose and sulfate content show stronger effects on these processes. Immunocytochemistry of the co-culture system revealed that treatment with FE_F3, containing the highest fucose and sulfate content, impaired the formation of angiogenic tube-like structures, indicating the anti-angiogenic properties of the tested fucoidans. This study highlights how chemical properties of fucoidan influence its bioactivity in a bone-related context and discusses how the observed phenotypes can be explained on a molecular level—knowledge that is indispensable for future therapies based on fucoidans.
The Rhodamine Isothiocyanate Analogue as a Quorum Sensing Inhibitor Has the Potential to Control Microbially-Induced Biofouling
Authors: Song Yu , Zhang Shengjie , Zeng Yanhua , Zhu Jianming , Du Xiaopeng , Cai Zhonghua , Zhou Jin
Published: September 2020

Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) have been proven to be an innovative approach to interfering with biofilm formation, since this process is regulated by QS signals. However, most studies have focused on single-species biofilm formation, whereas studies of the effects of signal interference on the development of multispecies biofilm, especially in the natural environment, are still lacking. Here we develop and evaluate the anti-biofilm capability of a new QSI (rhodamine isothiocyanate analogue, RIA) in natural seawater. During the experiment, biofilm characteristics, microbial communities/functions and network interactions were monitored at 36, 80, and 180 h, respectively. The results showed that the biomass and 3D structure of the biofilm were significantly different in the presence of the QSI. The expression of genes involved in extracellular polysaccharide synthesis was also downregulated in the QSI-treated group. Dramatic differences in microbial composition, β-diversity and functions between the RIA-treated group and the control group were also observed, especially in the early stage of biofilm development. Furthermore, co-occurrence model analysis showed that RIA reduced the complexity of the microbial network. This study demonstrates that rhodamine isothiocyanate analogue is an efficient QS inhibitor and has potential applications in controlling biofouling caused by multispecies biofilm, especially in the early stage of biofouling formation.
Fucoidan from Ascophyllum nodosum Suppresses Postprandial Hyperglycemia by Inhibiting Na+/Glucose Cotransporter 1 Activity
Authors: Shan Xindi , Wang Xueliang , Jiang Hao , Cai Chao , Hao Jiejie , Yu Guangli
Published: September 2020

We previously demonstrated that fucoidan with a type II structure inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia by suppressing glucose uptake, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we aimed to assess whether the effect of glucose absorption inhibition was related to the basic structure of fucoidans and preliminarily clarified the underlying mechanism. Fucoidans with type II structure and type I structure were prepared from Ascophyllumnodosum (AnF) or Laminariajaponica (LjF) and Kjellmaniellacrassifolia (KcF), respectively. The effects of various fucoidans on suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia were investigated using in vitro (Caco-2 monolayer model), semi-in vivo (everted gut sac model), and in vivo (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) assays. The results showed that only AnF with a type II structure, but not LjF or KcF with type I structure, could inhibit the glucose transport in the Caco-2 monolayer and everted gut sac models. A similar result was seen in the OGTT of Kunming mice and leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, where only AnF could effectively inhibit glucose transport into the bloodstream. Furthermore, AnF (400 mg/kg/d) treatment decreased the fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin levels, while increasing the serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level in obese leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed the specific binding of AnF to Na+/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), which indicated the effect of AnF on postprandial hyperglycemia could be due to its suppression on SGLT1 activity. Taken together, this study suggests that AnF with a type II structure can be a promising candidate for hyperglycemia treatment.
Accelerating the Finite-Element Method for Reaction-Diffusion Simulations on GPUs with CUDA
Authors: Sellami Hedi , Cazenille Leo , Fujii Teruo , Hagiya Masami , Aubert-Kato Nathanael , Genot Anthony J.
Published: September 2020

DNA nanotechnology offers a fine control over biochemistry by programming chemical reactions in DNA templates. Coupled to microfluidics, it has enabled DNA-based reaction-diffusion microsystems with advanced spatio-temporal dynamics such as traveling waves. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a standard tool to simulate the physics of such systems where boundary conditions play a crucial role. However, a fine discretization in time and space is required for complex geometries (like sharp corners) and highly nonlinear chemistry. Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) are increasingly used to speed up scientific computing, but their application to accelerate simulations of reaction-diffusion in DNA nanotechnology has been little investigated. Here we study reaction-diffusion equations (a DNA-based predator-prey system) in a tortuous geometry (a maze), which was shown experimentally to generate subtle geometric effects. We solve the partial differential equations on a GPU, demonstrating a speedup of ∼100 over the same resolution on a 20 cores CPU.
Appropriation of the Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label Nutri-Score across the French Population: Evolution of Awareness, Support, and Purchasing Behaviors between 2018 and 2019
Authors: Sarda Barthélemy , Julia Chantal , Serry Anne-Juliette , Ducrot Pauline
Published: September 2020

Since the implementation of the Nutri-Score on a voluntary basis in 2017 in France, very few studies have evaluated how the label was recognized and used by consumers. The goal of this study was to assess the evolution of awareness, support, and perceived impact on purchasing behaviors of the Nutri-Score in France. Between April 2018 and May 2019, a total of 4006 participants were recruited across three successive waves and answered questions regarding awareness of the Nutri-Score, support of the measure, and change of behavior following the implementation of the Nutri-Score via an online survey. Descriptive analyses to assess the evolution over time were performed, as well as logistic regression models to evaluate associations between the different outcomes and individual characteristics. From April 2018 to May 2019, the awareness of the Nutri-Score increased considerably, reaching 81.5% in May 2019. Since April 2018, a steady proportion of participants—9 out of 10—showed strong support toward the measure and a similar proportion, 87.2%, declared being in favor of making the Nutri-Score mandatory. The impact on purchasing behaviors appeared promising given the limited implementation of the label, with 42.9% of the participants reporting they modified their purchasing behaviors thanks to the measure. Multivariate analyses showed that the impact on purchasing behaviors of the Nutri-Score was greater over time, on younger populations and on frequent labeling readers. Our results suggested that the labeling system was well received and used by all socioeconomic groups, including subgroups who are more likely to have a lower-quality diet.
Impact of a Scalable, Multi-Campus “Foodprint” Seminar on College Students’ Dietary Intake and Dietary Carbon Footprint
Authors: Malan Hannah , Amsler Challamel Ghislaine , Silverstein Dara , Hoffs Charlie , Spang Edward , Pace Sara A. , Malagueño Benji Lee Reade , Gardner Christopher D. , Wang May C. , Slusser Wendelin , Jay Jennifer A.
Published: September 2020

Background: Dietary patterns affect both human health and environmental sustainability. Prior research found a ten-unit course on food systems and environmental sustainability shifted dietary intake and reduced dietary carbon footprint among college students. This research evaluated the impact of a similar, more scalable one-unit Foodprint seminar taught at multiple universities. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental pre-post nonequivalent comparison group design (n = 176). As part of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, research was conducted at three university campuses in California over four academic terms. All campuses used the same curriculum, which incorporates academic readings, group discussions, and skills-based exercises to evaluate the environmental footprint of different foods. The comparison group comprised students taking unrelated one-unit courses at the same universities. A questionnaire was administered at the beginning and end of each term. Results: Students who took the Foodprint seminar significantly improved their reported vegetable intake by 4.7 weekly servings relative to the comparison group. They also reported significantly decreasing intake of ruminant meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. As a result of dietary shifts, Foodprint seminar students were estimated to have significantly decreased their dietary carbon footprint by 14%. Conclusions: A scalable, one-unit Foodprint seminar may simultaneously promote environmental sustainability and human health.
Vascular α1A Adrenergic Receptors as a Potential Therapeutic Target for IPAD in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Frost Miles , Keable Abby , Baseley Dan , Sealy Amber , Andreea Zbarcea Diana , Gatherer Maureen , Yuen Ho Ming , Sharp Matt MacGregor , Weller Roy O. , Attems Johannes , Smith Colin , Chiarot Paul R. , Carare Roxana O.
Published: September 2020

Drainage of interstitial fluid from the brain occurs via the intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) pathways along the basement membranes of cerebral capillaries and arteries against the direction of blood flow into the brain. The cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) provide the motive force for driving IPAD, and their decrease in function may explain the deposition of amyloid-beta as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. The α-adrenoceptor subtype α1A is abundant in the brain, but its distribution in the cerebral vessels is unclear. We analysed cultured human cerebrovascular SMCs and young, old and CAA human brains for (a) the presence of α1A receptor and (b) the distribution of the α1A receptor within the cerebral vessels. The α1A receptor was present on the wall of cerebrovascular SMCs. No significant changes were observed in the vascular expression of the α1A-adrenergic receptor in young, old and CAA cases. The pattern of vascular staining appeared less punctate and more diffuse with ageing and CAA. Our results show that the α1A-adrenergic receptor is preserved in cerebral vessels with ageing and in CAA and is expressed on cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells, suggesting that vascular adrenergic receptors may hold potential for therapeutic targeting of IPAD.
Fragaria viridis Fruit Metabolites: Variation of LC-MS Profile and Antioxidant Potential during Ripening and Storage
Authors: Olennikov Daniil N. , Vasilieva Aina G. , Chirikova Nadezhda K.
Published: September 2020

Fragaria viridis Weston or creamy strawberry is one of the less-known species of the Fragaria genus (Rosaceae family) with a wide distribution in Eurasia and is still in the shadow of more popular relatives F. ananassa (garden strawberry) or F. vesca (wild strawberry). Importantly, there is a lack of scientific knowledge on F. viridis compounds, their stability in the postharvest period, and bioactivity. In this study, metabolites of F. viridis fruits in three ripening stages were characterized with high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PAD-ESI-tQ-MS). In total, 95 compounds of various groups including carbohydrates, organic acids, phenolics, and triterpenes, were identified for the first time. The quantitative content of the compounds varied differently during the ripening progress; some of them increased (anthocyanins, organic acids, and carbohydrates), while others demonstrated a decrease (ellagitannins, flavonols, etc.). The most abundant secondary metabolites of F. viridis fruits were ellagitannins (5.97–7.54 mg/g of fresh weight), with agrimoniin (1.41–2.63 mg/g) and lambertianin C (1.20–1.86 mg/g) as major components. Antioxidant properties estimated by in vitro assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) showed good antioxidant potential in all ripening stages of F. viridis fruits. The pilot human experiment on the effect of F. viridis fruit consumption on the serum total antioxidant capacity confirmed the effectiveness of this kind of strawberry. Postharvest storage of ripe fruits at 4 °C and 20 °C lead to declining content in the majority of compounds particularly ascorbic acid, ellagitannins, and flavonols, with the most significant loss at room temperature storage. These results suggest that F. viridis fruits are a prospective source of numerous metabolites that have potential health benefits.
Raman Spectroscopy Study of Structurally Uniform Hydrogenated Oligomers of α-Olefins
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey M. , Iablochnikova Maria S. , Sagitova Elena A. , Prokhorov Kirill A. , Nikolaeva Gulnara Yu. , Ustynyuk Leila Yu. , Ivchenko Pavel V. , Vinogradov Alexey A. , Vinogradov Alexander A. , Nifant’ev Ilya E.
Published: September 2020

The expansion of the range of physico-chemical methods in the study of industrially significant α-olefin oligomers and polymers is of particular interest. In our article, we present a comparative Raman study of structurally uniform hydrogenated dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers of 1-hexene and 1-octene, that are attractive as bases for freeze-resistant engine oils and lubricants. We found out that the joint monitoring of the disorder longitudinal acoustic mode (D-LAM) and symmetric C–C stretching modes allows the quantitative characterization of the number and length of alkyl chains (i.e., two structural characteristics), upon which the pour point and viscosity of the hydrocarbons depend, and to distinguish these compounds from both each other and linear alkanes. We demonstrated that the ratio of the contents of CH2 and CH3 groups in these hydrocarbons can be determined by using the intensities of the bands in the spectra, related to the asymmetric stretching vibrations of these groups. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to reveal the relations between the wavenumber and bandshape of the symmetric C–C stretching mode and a conformation arrangement of the 1-hexene and 1-octene dimers. We found that the branched double-chain conformation results in the splitting of the C–C mode into two components with the wavenumbers, which can be used as a measure of the length of branches. This conformation is preferable to the extended-chain conformation for hydrogenated 1-hexene and 1-octene dimers.
Improving Photophysical Properties of White Emitting Ternary Conjugated Polymer Blend Thin Film via Additions of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Bati Sameer , Hj. Jumali Mohammad Hafizuddin , Al-Asbahi Bandar Ali , Ibtehaj Khatatbeh , Yap Chi Chin , Qaid Saif M. H. , Ghaithan Hamid M. , Farooq W. A.
Published: September 2020

The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the photophysical properties of ternary conjugated polymer (CP) blends of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl) (PFO), poly 9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole (F8BT) and poly(2-methoxy-5(2-ethylhexyl)-1,4 -phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV) thin films was investigated. This ternary blend used a fixed amount of PFO as the donor with MEH-PPV and F8BT in various ratios as the acceptors. The solution-blending method and the spin-coating technique were used to prepare the blends and the thin films, respectively. Through efficient Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), the desired white emission was achieved with PFO/0.3 wt.% F8BT/0.5 wt.% MEH-PPV ternary blend thin film. Additions of nanoparticles up to 10 wt.% dramatically intensified the white emission which then dimmed at higher contents due to agglomerations. The current density–voltage characteristics of the nanocomposite thin films exhibited dependency on the content and distributions of the nanoparticles. Finally, a possible underlying mechanism for the intensification of emission is proposed.
Specific Bamboo Forest Extraction and Long-Term Dynamics as Revealed by Landsat Time Series Stacks and Google Earth Engine
Authors: You Shixue , Zheng Qiming , Lin Yue , Zhu Congmou , Li Chenlu , Deng Jinsong , Wang Ke
Published: September 2020

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of bamboo forests is of critical importance as it characterizes the interaction between forest and agricultural ecosystems and provides essential information for sustainable ecosystem management and decision-making. Thus far, the specific dynamics of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and other bamboo are still unknown. In this study, we used temporal information extracted from Landsat time series stacks with Google Earth Engine (GEE) to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of bamboo forests, including moso bamboo and other bamboo, in Lin’an County, China, from 2000 to 2019. The bamboo forests were mapped in four periods: the early 2000s (2000–2004), the late 2000s (2005–2009), the early 2010s (2010–2014), and the late 2010s (2015–2019). The overall accuracy of these maps ranged from 97% to 99%. We then analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of the bamboo forests at the county and subdistrict/township scales, and probed the bamboo forest gain and loss with respect to the terrain features. Our findings show that bamboo forests increased by 4% from 2000 to 2014, followed by a sharp decrease of 13% in the late 2010s. The decrease was mainly caused by the loss of other bamboo. Approximately 69% of the bamboo forest gain occurred in non-bamboo forest areas, and the rest occupied non-forest areas. Bamboo forest loss was mainly due to conversion into orchard (59%) and forest plantation (22%). Compared to bamboo forest gain, bamboo forest loss was typically observed in areas with lower elevations and steeper slopes. Our study offers spatially explicit and timely insight into bamboo forest changes at the regional scale. The derived maps can be applied to study the drivers, consequences, and future trends of bamboo forest dynamics, which will contribute to sustainable ecosystem management.
Joint Design of the Hardware and the Software of a Radar System with the Mixed Grey Wolf Optimizer: Application to Security Check
Authors: Marot Julien , Migliaccio Claire , Lantéri Jérôme , Lauga Paul , Bourennane Salah , Brochier Laurent
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work is to perform the joint design of a classification system including both a radar sensor and an image processing software. Experimental data were generated with a three-dimensional scanner. The criterion which rules the design is the false recognition rate, which should be as small as possible. The classifier involved is support vector machines, combined with an error correcting code. We apply the proposed method to optimize security check. For this purpose we retain eight relevant parameters which impact the recognition performances. To estimate the best parameters, we adapt our adaptive mixed grey wolf algorithm. This is a computational technique inspired by nature to minimize a criterion. Our adaptive mixed grey wolf algorithmwas found to outperform comparative methods in terms of computational load on simulations and with real-world data.
Using Machine Learning for Estimating Rice Chlorophyll Content from In Situ Hyperspectral Data
Authors: An Gangqiang , Xing Minfeng , He Binbin , Liao Chunhua , Huang Xiaodong , Shang Jiali , Kang Haiqi
Published: September 2020

Chlorophyll is an essential pigment for photosynthesis in crops, and leaf chlorophyll content can be used as an indicator for crop growth status and help guide nitrogen fertilizer applications. Estimating crop chlorophyll content plays an important role in precision agriculture. In this study, a variable, rate of change in reflectance between wavelengths ‘a’ and ‘b’ (RCRWa-b), derived from in situ hyperspectral remote sensing data combined with four advanced machine learning techniques, Gaussian process regression (GPR), random forest regression (RFR), support vector regression (SVR), and gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), were used to estimate the chlorophyll content (measured by a portable soil–plant analysis development meter) of rice. The performances of the four machine learning models were assessed and compared using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The results revealed that four features of RCRWa-b, RCRW551.0–565.6, RCRW739.5–743.5, RCRW684.4–687.1 and RCRW667.9–672.0, were effective in estimating the chlorophyll content of rice, and the RFR model generated the highest prediction accuracy (training set: RMSE = 1.54, MAE =1.23 and R2 = 0.95; validation set: RMSE = 2.64, MAE = 1.99 and R2 = 0.80). The GPR model was found to have the strongest generalization (training set: RMSE = 2.83, MAE = 2.16 and R2 = 0.77; validation set: RMSE = 2.97, MAE = 2.30 and R2 = 0.76). We conclude that RCRWa-b is a useful variable to estimate chlorophyll content of rice, and RFR and GPR are powerful machine learning algorithms for estimating the chlorophyll content of rice.
Radiomics for Gleason Score Detection through Deep Learning
Authors: Brunese Luca , Mercaldo Francesco , Reginelli Alfonso , Santone Antonella
Published: September 2020

Prostate cancer is classified into different stages, each stage is related to a different Gleason score. The labeling of a diagnosed prostate cancer is a task usually performed by radiologists. In this paper we propose a deep architecture, based on several convolutional layers, aimed to automatically assign the Gleason score to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) under analysis. We exploit a set of 71 radiomic features belonging to five categories: First Order, Shape, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix, Gray Level Run Length Matrix and Gray Level Size Zone Matrix. The radiomic features are gathered directly from segmented MRIs using two free-available dataset for research purpose obtained from different institutions. The results, obtained in terms of accuracy, are promising: they are ranging between 0.96 and 0.98 for Gleason score prediction.
MODIS Sensor Capability to Burned Area Mapping—Assessment of Performance and Improvements Provided by the Latest Standard Products in Boreal Regions
Authors: Moreno-Ruiz José A. , García-Lázaro José R. , Arbelo Manuel , Cantón-Garbín Manuel
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an accuracy assessment of the main global scale Burned Area (BA) products, derived from daily images of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Fire_CCI 5.1 and MCD64A1 C6, as well as the previous versions of both products (Fire_CCI 4.1 and MCD45A1 C5). The exercise was conducted on the boreal region of Alaska during the period 2000–2017. All the BA polygons registered by the Alaska Fire Service were used as reference data. Both new versions doubled the annual BA estimate compared to the previous versions (66% for Fire_CCI 5.1 versus 35% for v4.1, and 63% for MCD64A1 C6 versus 28% for C5), reducing the omission error (OE) by almost one half (39% versus 67% for Fire_CCI and 48% versus 74% for MCD) and slightly increasing the commission error (CE) (7.5% versus 7% for Fire_CCI and 18% versus 7% for MCD). The Fire_CCI 5.1 product (CE = 7.5%, OE = 39%) presented the best results in terms of positional accuracy with respect to MCD64A1 C6 (CE = 18%, OE = 48%). These results suggest that Fire_CCI 5.1 could be suitable for those users who employ BA standard products in geoinformatics analysis techniques for wildfire management, especially in Boreal regions. The Pareto boundary analysis, performed on an annual basis, showed that there is still a potential theoretical capacity to improve the MODIS sensor-based BA algorithms.
MXenes-Based Bioanalytical Sensors: Design, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Khan Reem , Andreescu Silvana
Published: September 2020

MXenes are recently developed 2D layered nanomaterials that provide unique capabilities for bioanalytical applications. These include high metallic conductivity, large surface area, hydrophilicity, high ion transport properties, low diffusion barrier, biocompatibility, and ease of surface functionalization. MXenes are composed of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides and have a general formula Mn+1Xn, where M is an early transition metal while X is carbon and/or nitrogen. Due to their unique features, MXenes have attracted significant attention in fields such as clean energy production, electronics, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and catalysis. Their composition and layered structure make MXenes attractive for biosensing applications. The high conductivity allows these materials to be used in the design of electrochemical biosensors and the multilayered configuration makes them an efficient immobilization matrix for the retention of activity of the immobilized biomolecules. These properties are applicable to many biosensing systems and applications. This review describes the progress made on the use and application of MXenes in the development of electrochemical and optical biosensors and highlights future needs and opportunities in this field. In particular, opportunities for developing wearable sensors and systems with integrated biomolecule recognition are highlighted.
Development of a Smart Ball to Evaluate Locomotor Performance: Application in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Shieh Wann-Yun , Ju Yan-Ying , Yu Yu-Chun , Pandelaki Steven , Cheng Hsin-Yi Kathy
Published: September 2020

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities display maladaptive behaviors in activities of daily living because of physical abnormalities or neurological disorders. These adolescents typically exhibit poor locomotor performance and low cognitive abilities in moving the body to perform tasks (e.g., throwing an object or catching an object) smoothly, quickly, and gracefully when compared with typically developing adolescents. Measuring movement time and distance alone does not provide a complete picture of the atypical performance. In this study, a smart ball with an inertial sensor embedded inside was proposed to measure the locomotor performance of adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Four ball games were designed for use with this smart ball: two lower limb games (dribbling along a straight line and a zigzag line) and two upper limb games (picking up a ball and throwing-and-catching). The results of 25 adolescents with intellectual disabilities (aged 18.36 ± 2.46 years) were compared with the results of 25 typically developing adolescents (aged 18.36 ± 0.49 years) in the four tests. Adolescents with intellectual disabilities exhibited considerable motor-performance differences from typically developing adolescents in terms of moving speed, hand–eye coordination, and object control in all tests.
The “New Normal” and “Pandemic Populism”: The COVID-19 Crisis and Anti-Hygienic Mobilisation of the Far-Right
Authors: Vieten Ulrike M.
Published: September 2020

The paper is meant as a timely intervention into current debates on the impact of the global pandemic on the rise of global far-right populism and contributes to scholarly thinking about the normalisation of the global far-right. While approaching the tension between national political elites and (far-right) populist narratives of representing “the people”, the paper focuses on the populist effects of the “new normal” in spatial national governance. Though some aspects of public normality of our 21st century urban, cosmopolitan and consumer lifestyle have been disrupted with the pandemic curfew, the underlying gendered, racialised and classed structural inequalities and violence have been kept in place: they are not contested by the so-called “hygienic demonstrations”. A digital pandemic populism during lockdown might have pushed further the mobilisation of the far right, also on the streets.
Marketing Mix Instruments as Factors of Improvement of Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions in Republic of Serbia and Spain
Authors: Brkanlić Sandra , Sánchez-García Javier , Esteve Edgar Breso , Brkić Ivana , Ćirić Maja , Tatarski Jovana , Gardašević Jovana , Petrović Marko
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the impact of marketing mix instruments on the students’ satisfaction in faculties in the Republic of Serbia and Spain, with the aim of determining how significant the effects of each marketing mix tool and their combinations are in relation to satisfaction of students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The detailed literature review is provided in the theoretical part, which contributes to a better understanding of terms like marketing in higher education, marketing mix instruments in higher education and students’ satisfaction. Data were collected from 896 respondents, who are all students at the faculties in Serbia and Spain, and were obtained using the questionnaire purposefully composed for this research. The methods used to highlight any gaps in this marketing mix practice and the relative customer–student satisfaction in HEIs are statistical analyses (descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and t-independent samples tests), leading to the general conclusions regarding the following: by improving marketing mix instruments (service, distribution, human factor, physical evidence, service process) we can, and by improving (price, promotion) we cannot, improve students’ satisfaction in higher education institutions. The general conclusions clearly highlight what needs to be improved in practice in higher education institutions to improve students’ satisfaction, especially students’ loyalty, students’ choices, students’ satisfaction with the quality of the marketing mix instruments at the faculty, students’ satisfaction with expectation which they had upon enrolment and student satisfaction with the public image of the faculty, which is the main goal of these institutions.
Active Power Loss Reduction for Radial Distribution Systems by Placing Capacitors and PV Systems with Geography Location Constraints
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Thanh , Dinh Bach Hoang , Pham Thai Dinh , Nguyen Thang Trung
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a highly effective method of installing both capacitors and PV systems in distribution systems for the purpose of reducing total power loss in branches. Three study cases with the installation of one capacitor, two capacitors and three capacitors were implemented and then the optimal solutions were used to install one more photovoltaic (PV) system. One PV system with 20% active power of all loads and less than active power of all loads was tested for two different conditions: (1) with geography location constraint and (2) without geography location constraint for PV system placement. The results from two systems consisting of 33 and 69 nodes were obtained by using the Stochastic Fractal Search Optimization Algorithm (SFSOA). Simulation results show that this method can determine the appropriate location and size of capacitors to reduce the total power losses more effectively than other existing methods. Furthermore, the paper also demonstrates the real impact of using both capacitors and PV systems to reduce active power loss as well as improve the voltage profile of distribution systems. This paper also finds that if it is possible to place PV systems in all nodes in distribution systems, the benefit from reducing total loss is highly significant and the investment of PV system placement is highly encouraged. As a result, it is recommended that capacitors and PV systems be used in distribution networks, and we claim that two important factors of the installed components consisting of location and size can be determined effectively by using SFSOA.
An Ethnographic Look into Farmer Discussion Groups through the Lens of Social Learning Theory
Authors: Dooley Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Farmer discussion groups (FDGs) are a collaborative mechanism through which farmers can engage and learn from and with their peers. Participants cite numerous benefits from FDGs, e.g., economic, social, etc., but how learning happens in these contexts from an adult cognitive learning theory perspective is not well understood. Thus, Bandura’s social learning theory was used to study seven FDGs in the South West of England. The objective was to determine whether social learning was occurring through the FDGs’ interactions, examined according to three elements: (1) behaviour modelling, (2) role modelling and (3) self-reflexivity. An ethnographic methodology was utilised to gather rich empirical data through participant observation of 42 meetings and 24 semi-structured interviews. The results from 12 months attending FDG meetings demonstrated that behaviour modelling and role modelling were present in all FDGs. Self-reflexivity, however, was not evidenced as being promoted by all groups’ interactions, which (facilitated) critical discourse amongst the FDG participants was found to foster. Thus, evidence of social learning was not found to be occurring as a result of all the FDGs’ interactions. Collaborative learning processes that aim to promote social learning should build participants’ capacity and skills, structure engagement and train facilitators to foster critical discourse that may help promote self-reflexivity from behaviour modelling and role modelling.
The Trends in Research on the Effects of Biochar on Soil
Authors: Yan Taotao , Xue Jianhui , Zhou Zhidong , Wu Yongbo
Published: September 2020

The present study used bibliometric methods to analyze the literature regarding the biochar effects on soil that are included in the Web of Science Core Collection database and quantified the annual number of publications in the field and distribution of publications. Using CiteSpace as a visual analytic software for the literature, the distribution of the subject categories, author collaborations, institution collaborations, international (regional) collaborations, and cocitation and keyword clustering were analyzed. The results showed the basic characteristics of the literature related to the effects of biochar on soil. Furthermore, the main research powers in this field were identified. Then, we recognized the main intellectual base in the domain of biochar effects on soil. Meanwhile, this paper revealed the research hotspots and trends of this field. Furthermore, focuses of future research in this field are discussed. The present study quantitatively and objectively describes the research status and trends of biochar effects on soil from the bibliometric perspective to promote in-depth research in this field and provide reference information for scholars in the relevant fields to refine their research directions, address specific scientific issues, and help scholars to seek/establish relevant collaborations in their fields of interests.
Formation of Clay-Rich Layers at The Slip Surface of Slope Instabilities: The Role of Groundwater
Authors: Castro Julia , Asta Maria P. , Galve Jorge P. , Azañón José Miguel
Published: September 2020

Some landslides around the world that have low-angle failure planes show exceptionally poor mechanical properties. In some cases, an extraordinarily pure clay layer has been detected on the rupture surface. In this work, a complex landslide, the so-called Diezma landslide, is investigated in a low- to moderate-relief region of Southeast Spain. In this landslide, movement was concentrated on several surfaces that developed on a centimeter-thick layer of smectite (montmorillonite-beidellite) clay-rich level. Since these clayey levels have a very low permeability, high plasticity, and low friction angle, they control the stability of the entire slide mass. Specifically, the triggering factor of this landslide seems to be linked to the infiltration of water from a karstic aquifer located in the head area. The circulation of water through old failure planes could have promoted the active hydrolysis of marly soils to produce new smectite clay minerals. Here, by using geophysical, mineralogical, and geochemical modelling methods, we reveal that the formation and dissolution of carbonates, sulfates, and clay minerals in the Diezma landslide could explain the elevated concentrations of highly plastic secondary clays in its slip surface. This study may help in the understanding of landslides that show secondary clay layers coinciding to their low-angle failure planes.
Natural history of uncomplicated urinary tract infection without antibiotics: a systematic review
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Peiris Ruwani , Mar Chris Del , Cleo Gina , Glasziou Paul
Published: September 2020

Background

Although uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is commonly treated with antibiotics, the duration of symptoms without their use is not established; this hampers informed decision making about antibiotic use.

Aim

To determine the natural history of uncomplicated UTI in adults.

Design and setting

Systematic review.

Method

PubMed was searched for articles published until November 2019, along with reference lists of articles identified in the search. Eligible studies were those involving adults with UTIs in either the placebo group of randomised trials or in single-group prognostic studies that did not use antibiotics and measured symptom duration. A modified version of a risk of bias assessment for prognostic studies was used. Outcomes were the percentage of patients who, at any time point, were symptom free, had symptom improvement, or had worsening symptoms (failed to improve). Adverse event data were also extracted.

Results

Three randomised trials (346 placebo group participants) were identified, all of which specified women only in their inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was generally low, but incomplete reporting of some details limited assessment. Over the first 9 days, the percentage of participants who were symptom free or reported improved symptoms was reported as rising to 42%. At 6 weeks, the percentage of such participants was 36%; up to 39% of participants failed to improve by 6 weeks. The rate of adverse effects was low and, in two trials, progression to pyelonephritis was reported in one placebo participant.

Conclusion

Although some uncertainty around the natural history of uncomplicated UTIs remains, some women appear to improve or become symptom free spontaneously, and most improvement occurs in the first 9 days. Other women either failed to improve or became worse over a variable timespan, although the rate of serious complications was low.
Emergency admission risk stratification tools in UK primary care: a cross-sectional survey of availability and use
Authors: Kingston Mark , Griffiths Rhiannon , Hutchings Hayley , Porter Alison , Russell Ian , Snooks Helen
Published: September 2020

Background

Stratifying patient populations by risk of adverse events was believed to support preventive care for those identified, but recent evidence does not support this. Emergency admission risk stratification (EARS) tools have been widely promoted in UK policy and GP contracts.

Aim

To describe availability and use of EARS tools across the UK, and identify factors perceived to influence implementation.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional survey in UK.

Method

Online survey of 235 organisations responsible for UK primary care: 209 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England; 14 health boards in Scotland; seven health boards in Wales; and five local commissioning groups (LCGs) in Northern Ireland. Analysis results are presented using descriptive statistics for closed questions and by theme for open questions.

Results

Responses were analysed from 171 (72.8%) organisations, of which 148 (86.5%) reported that risk tools were available in their areas. Organisations identified 39 different EARS tools in use. Promotion by NHS commissioners, involvement of clinical leaders, and engagement of practice managers were identified as the most important factors in encouraging use of tools by general practices. High staff workloads and information governance were identified as important barriers. Tools were most frequently used to identify individual patients, but also for service planning. Nearly 40% of areas using EARS tools reported introducing or realigning services as a result, but relatively few reported use for service evaluation.

Conclusion

EARS tools are widely available across the UK, although there is variation by region. There remains a need to align policy and practice with research evidence.
Operational failures and how they influence the work of GPs: a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Sinnott Carol , Georgiadis Alexandros , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: September 2020

Background

Operational failures, defined as inadequacies or errors in the information, supplies, or equipment needed for patient care, are known to be highly consequential in hospital environments. Despite their likely relevance for GPs’ experiences of work, they remain under-explored in primary care.

Aim

To identify operational failures in the primary care work environment and to examine how they influence GPs’ work.

Design and setting

Qualitative interview study in the East of England.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs (n = 21). Data analysis was based on the constant comparison method.

Results

GPs reported a large burden of operational failures, many of them related to information transfer with external healthcare providers, practice technology, and organisation of work within practices. Faced with operational failures, GPs undertook ‘compensatory labour’ to fulfil their duties of coordinating and safeguarding patients’ care. Dealing with operational failures imposed significant additional strain in the context of already stretched daily schedules, but this work remained largely invisible. In part, this was because GPs acted to fix problems in the here-and-now rather than referring them to source, and they characteristically did not report operational failures at system level. They also identified challenges in making process improvements at practice level, including medicolegal uncertainties about delegation.

Conclusion

Operational failures in primary care matter for GPs and their experience of work. Compensatory labour is burdensome with an unintended consequence of rendering these failures largely invisible. Recognition of the significance of operational failures should stimulate efforts to make the primary care work environment more attractive.
ANALISIS METODE DAKWAH DALAM FILM AYAT-AYAT CINTA 2
Authors: Wahab Abdul , Nafi'ah Nurul 'Ainin
Published: September 2020

Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2 the movie is a continuation of the previous film, Ayat-Ayat Cinta. This religious genre film is an adaptation of a novel by Habiburrahman El Shirazy with the same title. This research was conducted to examine the Analysis of Da'wah Method conducted by Fahri in Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2 the movie. This study uses a type of qualitative research with Roland Barthes's semiotic analysis method that examines the meaning of denotation, connotation and myth. The data collection technique used is documentation by analyzing scenes and dialogs on film scene footage. From the results of this study, it was found that the method of da'wah in Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2 the movie is the method of bil hikmah, bil mauidzah hasanah, mujadalah and exemplary (demonstration). The dominant method of da'wah is the da'wah method of wisdom and example (demonstration).

Keywords : Method of Da'wah, Movie, Roland Barthes's Semiotic

Film Ayat-ayat Cinta 2 merupakan kelanjutan dari film sebelumnya, Ayat-ayat Cinta. Film yang bergenre religi ini merupakan film adaptasi dari novel karya Habiburrahman El Shirazy dengan judul yang sama. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menelaah tentang Analisis Metode Dakwah yang dilakukan oleh Fahri dalam Film Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan metode analisis semiotik Roland Barthes yang mengkaji makna denotasi, konotasi dan mitos. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu dokumentasi dengan cara menganalisa adegan dan dialog pada cuplikan scene film. Dari hasil penelitian ini, ditemukan bahwa metode dakwah dalam film Ayat-ayat Cinta 2 yaitu metode bil hikmah, bil mauidzah hasanah, mujadalah dan keteladanan (demonstrasion). Adapun metode dakwah yang dominan adalah metode dakwah bil hikmah dan keteladanan (demonstrasion).

Kata Kunci : Metode Dakwah, Film, Semiotik Roland Barthes