bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Anabolic Properties of Plant- versus Animal-Based Protein Sources in Supporting Muscle Mass Maintenance: A Critical Review
Authors: Berrazaga Insaf , Micard Valérie , Gueugneau Marine , Walrand Stéphane
Published: August 2019

Plant-sourced proteins offer environmental and health benefits, and research increasingly includes them in study formulas. However, plant-based proteins have less of an anabolic effect than animal proteins due to their lower digestibility, lower essential amino acid content (especially leucine), and deficiency in other essential amino acids, such as sulfur amino acids or lysine. Thus, plant amino acids are directed toward oxidation rather than used for muscle protein synthesis. In this review, we evaluate the ability of plant- versus animal-based proteins to help maintain skeletal muscle mass in healthy and especially older people and examine different nutritional strategies for improving the anabolic properties of plant-based proteins. Among these strategies, increasing protein intake has led to a positive acute postprandial muscle protein synthesis response and even positive long-term improvement in lean mass. Increasing the quality of protein intake by improving amino acid composition could also compensate for the lower anabolic potential of plant-based proteins. We evaluated and discussed four nutritional strategies for improving the amino acid composition of plant-based proteins: fortifying plant-based proteins with specific essential amino acids, selective breeding, blending several plant protein sources, and blending plant with animal-based protein sources. These nutritional approaches need to be profoundly examined in older individuals in order to optimize protein intake for this population who require a high-quality food protein intake to mitigate age-related muscle loss.
Effects of Olive Oil and Its Minor Components on Cardiovascular Diseases, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Marcelino Gabriela , Hiane Priscila Aiko , Freitas Karine de Cássia , Santana Lidiani Figueiredo , Pott Arnildo , Donadon Juliana Rodrigues , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda
Published: August 2019

Olive oil is one of the main ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, being an important ally in disease prevention. Its nutritional composition is comprised of mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic being the major acid, plus minor components which act as effective antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol. Studies have shown that the consumption of olive oil, as well as its isolated components or in synergism, can be a primary and secondary protective factor against the development of cardiovascular diseases since it reduces the concentrations of low-density lipoproteins and increases the concentration of high-density lipoproteins. Furthermore, it exerts an influence on the inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor, which are pro-inflammatory agents in the body. The components present in olive oil are also associated with the promotion of intestinal health since they stimulate a higher biodiversity of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing their balance. The objective of this review is to present recent data on investigated effects of olive oil and its components on the metabolism, focused on cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and gut biota.
Serum Adipokines, Growth Factors, and Cytokines Are Independently Associated with Stunting in Bangladeshi Children
Authors: Hossain Muttaquina , Nahar Baitun , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Mondal Dinesh , Mahfuz Mustafa , Naila Nurun Nahar , Gazi Md. Amran , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Haque Nur Muhammad Shahedul , Haque Rashidul , Arndt Michael B , Walson Judd L , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: August 2019

Growth in young children is controlled through the release of several hormonal signals, which are affected by diet, infection, and other exposures. Stunting is clearly a growth disorder, yet limited evidence exists documenting the association of different growth biomarkers with child stunting. This study explored the association between different growth biomarkers and stunting in Bangladeshi children. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 50 stunted (length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) < −2 SD) and 50 control (LAZ ≥ −2 SD) children, aged 12–18 months, residing in a Bangladeshi slum. The enrolled stunted children received an intervention package, which included food supplementation for three months, psychosocial stimulation for six months, and routine clinical care on community nutrition center at the study field site. The controls received routine clinical care only. All children were clinically screened over the study period. Length, weight, fasting blood and fecal biomarkers were measured. All biomarkers levels were similar in both groups except for oxyntomodulin at enrolment. Leptin (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 4.0, p < 0.01), leptin–adiponectin ratio (AOR 5.07 × 108, p < 0.01), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (AOR 1.02, p < 0.05), and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (AOR 0.92, p < 0.05) levels were independently associated with stunting at enrolment. Serum leptin, leptin–adiponectin ratio, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels increased significantly (p < 0.001), while IFN-γ levels significantly decreased among stunted children after six months of intervention. Leptin, leptin–adiponectin ratio, IGF-1, and IFN-γ are independently associated with stunting in Bangladeshi children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02839148.
OCTN2-Mediated Acetyl-l-Carnitine Transport in Human Pulmonary Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Salomon Johanna J. , Gausterer Julia C. , Selo Mohammed Ali , Hosoya Ken-ichi , Huwer Hanno , Schneider-Daum Nicole , Lehr Claus-Michael , Ehrhardt Carsten
Published: August 2019

The carnitine transporter OCTN2 is associated with asthma and other inflammatory diseases. The aims of this work were (i) to determine carnitine uptake into freshly isolated human alveolar type I (ATI)-like epithelial cells in primary culture, (ii) to compare the kinetics of carnitine uptake between respiratory epithelial in vitro cell models, and (iii) to establish whether any cell line was a suitable model for studies of carnitine transport at the air-blood barrier. Levels of time-dependent [3H]-acetyl-l-carnitine uptake were similar in ATI-like, NCl-H441, and Calu-3 epithelial cells, whereas uptake into A549 cells was ~5 times higher. Uptake inhibition was more pronounced by OCTN2 modulators, such as l-Carnitine and verapamil, in ATI-like primary epithelial cells compared to NCl-H441 and Calu-3 epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that OCTN2 is involved in the cellular uptake of acetyl-l-carnitine at the alveolar epithelium and that none of the tested cell lines are optimal surrogates for primary cells.
Tunable Composition of Dynamic Non-Viral Vectors over the DNA Polyplex Formation and Nucleic Acid Transfection
Authors: Clima Lilia , Craciun Bogdan Florin , Gavril Gabriela , Pinteala Mariana
Published: August 2019

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalization of non-viral vectors represents a powerful tool through the formation of an overall surface charge shielding ability, which is fundamental for efficient nucleic acid delivery systems. The degree of non-viral vector PEGylation and the molecular weight of utilized PEG is crucial since the excessive use of PEG units may lead to a considerable reduction of the DNA-binding capacity and, subsequently, in a reduction of in vitro transfection efficiency. Herein, we report a detailed study on a series of dynamic combinatorial frameworks (DCFs) containing PEGylated squalene, poly-(ethyleneglycol)-bis(3-aminopropyl) of different lengths, and branched low molecular weight polyethylenimine components, reversibly connected in hyperbranched structures, as efficient dynamic non-viral vectors. The obtained frameworks were capable of forming distinct supramolecular amphiphilic architectures, shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), with sizes and stability depending on the length of PEG units. The interaction of PEGylated DCFs with nucleic acids was investigated by agarose gel retardation assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while their transfection efficiency (using pCS2+MT-Luc DNA as a reporter gene) and cytotoxicity were evaluated in HeLa cells. In addition, the data on the influence of the poly-(ethyleneglycol)-bis(3-aminopropyl) length in composition of designed frameworks over transfection efficiency and tolerance in human cells were analyzed and compared.
Fabrication of Eco-Friendly Solid-State Symmetric Ultracapacitor Device Based on Co-Doped PANI/GO Composite
Authors: Gul Hajera , Shah Anwar-ul-Haq Ali , Bilal Salma
Published: August 2019

An eco-friendly solid-state symmetric ultracapacitor (Uc) device was fabricated using a polyaniline graphene oxide composite co-doped with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) or camphor sulfonic acid (CSA), as electrode material utilizing gold sheets as current collectors. The device showed specific capacitance value of 150 F/g at 1 A/g current density, with a capacitance retention value of 93.33% at higher current density (10 A/g), indicating a high rate capability. An energy density of 15.30 Whkg−1 with a power density of 1716 Wkg−1 was obtained at the current density of 1 A/g. The values of areal capacitance, power density, and energy density, achieved at the current density of 5 mAcm−2, were 97.38 mFcm−2, 9.93 mWhcm−2, and 1.1 Wcm−2, respectively. Additionally, the device showed very low solution and charge transfer resistance (0.885 Ω and 0.475 Ω, respectively). A device was also fabricated utilizing copper as current collector; however, a lower value of specific capacitance (82 F/g) was observed in this case.
Colorless Semi-Alicyclic Copolyimides with High Thermal Stability and Solubility
Authors: Lan Zhongxu , Li Chunyu , Yu Yanlei , Wei Jia
Published: August 2019

A series of colorless copolyimide films with high thermal stability and good solubility are synthesized from (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4,4’-diamine (TFMB) with different 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) to 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-hexafluoropropane (6FDA) dianhydride mole ratios through one-pot solution polycondensation. These copolyimide films exhibit excellent optical transparency (T400 > 90% and λ0 ~305–333 nm) with a thickness of 15 μm and good solubility in most organic solvents. The excellent optical properties are mainly attributed to the low inter- and intra-molecular charge transfer interactions due to the alicyclic structure and the strong electronegative CF3 groups. The glass transition temperature increases from 332 to 352 °C with increasing HPMDA content in the copolymers, while the thermal decomposition temperature is improved with increasing 6FDA content. These results indicate that the copolyimide films can be successfully utilized in the development of novel heat-resistant plastic substrates for the optoelectronic engineering applications.
Christian Education and the Construction of Female Gentility in Modern East Asia
Authors: Hong Jeesoon
Published: August 2019

This study explores the relationship between Christian education and the construction of female gentility in East Asia around the turn of the twentieth century. Because American missionary schools played an important role in the region, notions of female gentility were greatly influenced by the cultural values of the American middle class and, more specifically, American liberal arts colleges. The notion of the “new gentlewoman” helps to illuminate modern Protestant womanhood’s ambiguous relationship with feminism and nationalism. Recognizing that the Protestant notion of “female gentility” was internally racialized, in this study, I also pay attention to the question of race. While the scope of my research spans East Asia, in this paper, I examine Christian education in China, focusing specifically on Yenching Women’s College. I compare the college’s educational goals and curricula to the pedagogy at the male college of Yenching, the governmental women’s college, and other female colleges in Japan and Korea. In this study, I approach East Asia as a whole for several reasons: first, because a broader view of the region helps put the Chinese case into perspective; second, because the region was often dealt with together in missionary work; and lastly, because national differences cannot be assumed to be more substantial than other differences, such as those based on gender, class, generation, period, and province.
Vegetation and Soil Fire Damage Analysis Based on Species Distribution Modeling Trained with Multispectral Satellite Data
Authors: Quintano Carmen , Fernández-Manso Alfonso , Calvo Leonor , Roberts Dar A.
Published: August 2019

Forest managers demand reliable tools to evaluate post-fire vegetation and soil damage. In this study, we quantify wildfire damage to vegetation and soil based on the analysis of burn severity, using multitemporal and multispectral satellite data and species distribution models, particularly maximum entropy (MaxEnt). We studied a mega-wildfire (9000 ha burned) in North-Western Spain, which occurred from 21 to 27 August 2017. Burn severity was measured in the field using the composite burn index (CBI). Burn severity of vegetation and soil layers (CBIveg and CBIsoil) was also differentiated. MaxEnt provided the relative contribution of each pre-fire and post-fire input variable on low, moderate and high burn severity levels, as well as on all severity levels combined (burned area). In addition, it built continuous suitability surfaces from which the burned surface area and burn severity maps were built. The burned area map achieved a high accuracy level (κ = 0.85), but slightly lower accuracy when differentiating the three burn severity classes (κ = 0.81). When the burn severity map was validated using field CBIveg and CBIsoil values we reached lower κ statistic values (0.76 and 0.63, respectively). This study revealed the effectiveness of the proposed multi-temporal MaxEnt based method to map fire damage accurately in Mediterranean ecosystems, providing key information to forest managers.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Ice Sheet Snowmelt in Antarctica and Greenland Using Microwave Radiometer Data
Authors: Liang Lei , Li Xinwu , Zheng Fei
Published: August 2019

The surface snowmelt on ice sheets in polar areas (ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica) is not only an important sensitive factor of global climate change, but also a key factor that controls the global climate. Spaceborne earth observation provides an efficient means of measuring snowmelt dynamics. Based on an improved ice sheet snowmelt detection algorithm and several new proposed parameters for detecting change, polar ice sheet snowmelt dynamics were monitored and analyzed by using spaceborne microwave radiometer datasets from 1978 to 2014. Our results show that the change in intensity of Greenland and Antarctica snowmelt generally tended to increase and decrease, respectively. Moreover, we show that the de-trended snowmelt change in ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica vary in anti-correlation patterns. Furthermore, analysis in Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and the Southern Annular Mode suggests that the Atlantic Ocean and atmosphere could be a possible link between the snowmelt variability of the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica.
A Spectral Fitting Algorithm to Retrieve the Fluorescence Spectrum from Canopy Radiance
Authors: Cogliati Sergio , Celesti Marco , Cesana Ilaria , Miglietta Franco , Genesio Lorenzo , Julitta Tommaso , Schuettemeyer Dirk , Drusch Matthias , Rascher Uwe , Jurado Pedro , Colombo Roberto
Published: August 2019

Retrieval of Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (F) spectrum is one of the challenging perspectives for further advancing F studies towards a better characterization of vegetation structure and functioning. In this study, a simplified Spectral Fitting retrieval algorithm suitable for retrieving the F spectrum with a limited number of parameters is proposed (two parameters for F). The novel algorithm is developed and tested on a set of radiative transfer simulations obtained by coupling SCOPE and MODTRAN5 codes, considering different chlorophyll content, leaf area index and noise levels to produce a large variability in fluorescence and reflectance spectra. The retrieval accuracy is quantified based on several metrics derived from the F spectrum (i.e., red and far-red peaks, O2 bands and spectrally-integrated values). Further, the algorithm is employed to process experimental field spectroscopy measurements collected over different crops during a long-lasting field campaign. The reliability of the retrieval algorithm on experimental measurements is evaluated by cross-comparison with F values computed by an independent retrieval method (i.e., SFM at O2 bands). For the first time, the evolution of the F spectrum along the entire growing season for a forage crop is analyzed and three diverse F spectra are identified at different growing stages. The results show that red F is larger for young canopy; while red and far-red F have similar intensity in an intermediate stage; finally, far-red F is significantly larger for the rest of the season.
Developing a Time-Based Evaluation Method for Functional Exercises of Emergency Medical Operations
Authors: To Ngoc Thang , Kato Takaaki , Imai Misaki , Taninobu Masao , Kohriyama Kazuaki , Ito Shigehiko
Published: August 2019

Public health service is one of the most important sectors in terms of saving lives. During a disaster, hospitals and medical groups implement extension tasks from their daily activities. Enhancing coordination across organizations contributes to the removal of communication barriers. Functional exercises are simulated trainings for emergency responders that aim to enhance coordination capabilities. The application of time elements in exercise evaluation methods is a significant area of potential research. We develop methods to quantitatively analyze time spent on completing unit tasks in functional exercises. This study focuses on analyzing observed time data in two functional exercises of the Disaster Medical Operation Center in Kitakyushu, which were repeated in October and November 2015. We employed a censored regression method to analyze the time spent on both complete and incomplete unit tasks together. Differences in processing time for 39 tasks, which were repeated in the two exercises, are visually inspected. Benefits of time study in the evaluation of exercises are presented.
The Level of Maturity of Quality Management Systems in Poland—Results of Empirical Research
Authors: Wolniak Radosław
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the problem of measuring the maturity of quality management systems. The main scope of the study is to measure the level of maturity of quality management systems in organizations with an implemented quality management system compliant with the requirements of ISO 9001 in Poland; however, this paper also investigates which factors influence the level of maturity. An analysis of the maturity level of the quality management system in the surveyed organizations showed that the highest level of maturity occurs in those areas and activities that directly result from the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard and direct market pressure, and this level of maturity must be implemented. This can be included in case areas such as customer orientation, process approach, or evidence-based decision-making. However, a lower level of maturity is observed in the case of “soft” aspects of quality management related to leadership and human resource management. The problems are also related to the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this respect, the surveyed organizations show numerous shortcomings which lead to low assessments of their level of maturity, for example, in ensuring openness and ethical behavior in contact with the public. The following hypothesis was formulated for the research objective: H1—control variables, such as the size of the organization (H1a), time of existence of the enterprise (H1b), business profile (H1c), market position (H1d), financial condition (H1e), and ratio of management to the normalization processes (H1f), affect the level of maturity of an enterprise’s quality management system.
Bridging the Gap: Integrated Occupational and Industrial Approach to Understand the Regional Economic Advantage
Authors: Lin Tuo , Stolarick Kevin , Sheng Rong
Published: August 2019

In the debates on regional economic analysis, scholars generally reach the consensus that the industrial frame and the occupational mix are not very accurate substitutes for each other. While industry concentration and mix are widely accepted as significant, the independent consideration of occupation has been shown to be important, especially for creativity-concentrated regions. However, neither the industrial nor the occupational mix is separately sufficient to be solely applied to understand the entire regional situation. This paper develops an integrated occupational and industrial structure (IOIS) at the state and also the national level in order to bridge the gap between separate industrial and occupational analytic results. The case of California is used to demonstrate that the integrated approach is a more effective way than either the single occupational or industrial analysis. The further application of this approach to data for the fifty states provides a general view of joint occupational and industrial development across the nation. This approach further links the occupational approach and the industrial development together by providing a new way to measure and identify the regional comparative difference to be able to implement more fruitful policy-making decisions.
Factors Influencing Residents’ Intention toward Green Retrofitting of Existing Residential Buildings
Authors: He Qing , Zhao Haiyang , Shen Lin , Dong Liuqun , Cheng Ye , Xu Ke
Published: August 2019

The green retrofitting of existing residential buildings is an important approach to realise the sustainable development of stock buildings. In addition to the new technologies and materials related to green retrofitting, the intention of residents toward the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings must be understood. However, the factors affecting such intentions are still unclear. Hence, this study refers to the extended theory of planed behaviour and constructs a theoretical model of the intention toward the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings. On the basis of the data from 507 questionnaires collected from eastern and western China, the theoretical model is tested via structural equation modelling (SEM). Multigroup SEM is used to analyse the differences in population characteristics and the intention of residents toward the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings in residential areas. Research results reveal the following: (1) the most important factors affecting residents’ intention toward green retrofitting are policy factors, followed by cognition of green retrofitting, behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control; (2) policy factors not only directly affect residents’ intention toward green retrofitting but also indirectly affect their intention toward existing residential green retrofitting through perceived behavioural control; (3) residents’ cognition of green retrofitting exerts no significant direct impact on their intention toward green retrofitting, but it does indirectly affect their intention toward green retrofitting through behaviour and subjective norms; (4) behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control have direct and significant influences on intention toward green retrofitting; (5) demographic characteristics (gender, age, monthly family income, education level, and occupation) and regional variables (east and west) present significant differences in different influence paths. The conclusion of the study provides a targeted path reference for the promotion of the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings.
Motivation, Anxiety, and Emotional Intelligence Are Associated with the Practice of Contact and Non-Contact Sports: An Explanatory Model
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Manuel , Lara-Sánchez Amador J. , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Chacón-Cuberos Ramón
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Several studies have shown that high anxiety impairs sport performance, making it important to develop strategies which improve the emotional self-regulation of athletes. The present study analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence, motivational climate in sport, and anxiety according to participation in contact or non-contact sports, using multi-group structural equation modeling; (2) Methods: This research was conducted with a sample of 371 semi-professional athletes from Spain. The main variables were emotional intelligence, motivational climate in sport, and anxiety. A multi-group path analysis was developed and demonstrated acceptable fit (χ2 = 418.60; df = 46; p < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.959; Normalized Fit Index (NFI) = 0.955; Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.959; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.063); (3) Results: A negative association was identified between task-oriented climate and ego-oriented climate. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between task-oriented climate and emotional intelligence, which was strongest in individuals participating in non-contact sports. The relationship between ego-oriented climate and emotional intelligence was less evident. Furthermore, both state anxiety and trait anxiety were negatively correlated with emotional intelligence; (4) Conclusions: The key conclusion from the present research is that task-oriented motivational climates positively influence levels of emotional intelligence and anxiety, especially in contact sports. It is important to encourage the development of self-determined motivational climates in order to avoid emotional states which can hinder performance.
Can Hydropower Still Be Considered a Clean Energy Source? Compelling Evidence from a Middle-Sized Hydropower Station in China
Authors: Li Xuerong , Gui Faliang , Li Qingpeng
Published: August 2019

The development of clean energy is of great importance in alleviating both the energy crisis and environmental pollution resulting from rapid global economic growth. Hydroelectric generation is considered climate benign, as it neither requires fossil carbon to produce energy nor emits large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), unlike conventional energy generation techniques such as coal and oil power plants. However, dams and their associated reservoirs are not entirely GHG-neutral and their classification as a clean source of energy requires further investigation. This study evaluated the environmental impact of the Xiajiang hydropower station based on life cycle assessment (LCA) according to the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, focusing specifically on GHG emissions after the submersion of the reservoir. Results reveal that although hydropower is not as clean as we thought, it is still an absolute “low emissions” power type in China. The amount of GHG emissions produced by this station is 3.72 million tons with an emissions coefficient of 32.63 g CO2eq/kWh. This figure is lower than that of thermal power, thus implying that hydropower is still a clean energy resource in China. Our recommendations to further minimize the environmental impacts of this station are the optimization of relevant structural designs, the utilization of new and improved construction materials, and the extension of farmland lifting technology.
Evaluating Sustainable Purchasing Processes in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Morales-Contreras Manuel-Francisco , Bilbao-Calabuig Paloma , Meneses-Falcón Carmen , Labajo-González Victoria
Published: August 2019

Managing sustainability along the supply chain has gained significant relevance in recent years, in both academic and business environments. The aim of this research paper is to describe and evaluate the degree of implementation of sustainable purchasing (SP) in the supply chain of the hotel sector in Spain, as well as to identify the main drivers and barriers to effective implementation. This is done from the double perspective of hotel chains and suppliers (industrial laundries). An exploratory and inductive qualitative methodology has been adopted, consisting of (a) observation; (b) collection, review, and analysis of primary sources; and (c) in-depth interviews with 15 managers of hotel chains and suppliers. This triangulation of data sources provides validity and credibility to the results and reduces any potential bias. Evidence is found to support that SP is at an early stage of implementation in the hotel sector in Spain, with big differences among companies. The results suggest that the main drivers and barriers to effective implementation are final customers, governments, market conditions, management commitment, and conflicts in customer/supplier interests. The authors propose a new classification of companies based on the size, type, and degree of implementation of SP.
Housing Indicators for Sustainable Cities in Middle-Income Countries through the Residential Urban Environment Recognized Using Single-Family Housing Rating Systems
Authors: Saldaña-Márquez Héctor , Gámez-García Diana , Gómez-Soberón José , Arredondo-Rea Susana , Corral-Higuera Ramón , Gómez-Soberón María
Published: August 2019

This study presents a comparative analysis of the housing indicators used by the single-family housing rating systems (SHRSs), in which the residential urban environment (RUE) influences buildings’ certification scores, emphasizing the relationships of six systems developed by middle-income countries (MICs)—BEST, CASA, GBI, BERDE, Green Homes, and LOTUS—and the two most-recognized rating systems, BREEAM and LEED. The aim is to provide new housing indicators that are capable of bringing the concept of sustainability into the cities of MICs. The results reveal that the percentage of influence that single-family housing (SFH) can achieve in the metric established by each system is relatively low. However, considering all of the identified indicators, this influence could increase to 53.16% of the total score in multi-criteria evaluations. Furthermore, a significant lack of indicators for mandatory criteria evaluations was found, with CASA being the only system that considers their inclusion. This paper identifies 37 indicators for multi-criteria assessments and two for mandatory-criteria assessments, providing new perspectives on several topics. Furthermore, the methodology established to obtain the indicators could be useful for other researchers in the identification of new sustainable indicators.
Analysis of the Tourism Demand for Iberian Ham Routes in Andalusia (Southern Spain): Tourist Profile
Authors: Cava Jiménez José Antonio , Millán Vázquez de la Torre María Genoveva , Hernández Rojas Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Iberian/serrano ham is a food product with a long tradition in the Spanish diet that is increasingly demanded by national and international consumers. Spain has 5 protected designations of origin (PDO) and two protected geographical indications (PGI) that support the quality of this product, which is manufactured only in the Iberian Peninsula. Since 2013, and based on the culinary product of ham, public entities and some businessmen have been trying to promote tourism related to ham, similar to wine-based tourism. In this study, we attempt to understand the profile of a ham tourist in the three existing routes in Andalusia, as well as ham tourism’s potential demand through seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models. The results show that the profile of a ham tourist is similar to that of other typologies such as a tourist of wine or oil, and the demand has slow growth due to the novelty of this new tourism offering. Thus, there is a need to design strategies that allow the development of ham tourism, which will lead to an increase of wealth via employment in the local community.
Real-Time Measurement of Herbicides in the Atmosphere: A Case Study of MCPA and 2,4-D during Field Application
Authors: Murschell Trey , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: August 2019

Atmospheric sources of herbicides enable short- and long-range transport of these compounds to off-target areas but the concentrations and mechanisms are poorly understood due, in part, to the challenge of detecting these compounds in the atmosphere. We present chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry as a sensitive, real-time technique to detect chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides in the atmosphere, using measurements during and after application over a field at Colorado State University as a case study. Gas-phase 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) mixing ratios were greatest during application (up to 20 pptv), consistent with rapid volatilization from spray droplets. In contrast, atmospheric concentrations of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) increased for several hours after the initial application, indicative of a slower source than 2,4-D. The maximum observed gas-phase MCPA was 60 pptv, consistent with a post-application volatilization source to the atmosphere. Exposure to applied pesticides in the gas-phase can thus occur both during and at least several hours after application. Spray droplet volatilization and direct volatilization from surfaces may both contribute pesticides to the atmosphere, enabling pesticide transport to off-target and remote regions.
Fast, Sensitive and Specific Detection of Thailand orthohantavirus and Its Variants Using One-Step Real-Time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay
Authors: Raharinosy Vololoniaina , Heraud Jean-Michel , Rabemananjara Harinirina Aina , Telfer Sandra , Rakoto Danielle Aurore Doll , Filippone Claudia , Reynes Jean-Marc
Published: August 2019

Genetic variants of Thailand orthohantavirus (THAIV) have been recently reported from rodents in South-East Asia and in islands from the South-West part of the Indian Ocean. In order to detect THAIV and its variants, we developed a sensitive and specific real-time RT-PCR targeting the S segment. Our assay was developed in two different RT-PCR systems that gave similar results in terms of sensitivity. Moreover, our results demonstrated a specificity of 100%.
Detection of Bovine Leukemia Virus RNA in Blood Samples of Naturally Infected Dairy Cattle
Authors: Alvarez Irene , Porta Natalia , Trono Karina
Published: August 2019

The viral expression in vivo, in bovine leukemia virus (BLV)-infected cattle, is considered to be restricted to extremely low levels, and the mitosis of infected B lymphocytes is regarded as the main mode of virus persistence within the infected host. In this study, the presence of BLV RNA in whole blood from seven asymptomatic cows naturally infected with BLV during one year, including a complete milking cycle and two delivery time points, was investigated by nested-PCR using the oligonucleotides complementary to the tax and pol gene. BLV RNA was detected in four cows at different time points, especially in high blood proviral load cows and around delivery time. This study describes the detection of free BLV RNA in blood from BLV-infected asymptomatic cows. The results obtained suggest the occurrence of persistent low-level expression of the tax and pol genes that could be a result of viral reactivation, within the asymptomatic period. This finding may be important in the pathogenesis of BLV infection, associated with the delivery period.
The Sun/Moon Illusion in a Medieval Irish Astronomical Tract
Authors: Ross Helen E.
Published: August 2019

The Irish Astronomical Tract is a 14th–15th century Gaelic document, based mainly on a Latin translation of the eighth-century Jewish astronomer Messahala. It contains a passage about the sun illusion—the apparent enlargement of celestial bodies when near the horizon compared to higher in the sky. This passage occurs in a chapter concerned with proving that the Earth is a globe rather than flat. Here the author denies that the change in size is caused by a change in the sun’s distance, and instead ascribes it (incorrectly) to magnification by atmospheric vapours, likening it to the bending of light when looking from air to water or through glass spectacles. This section does not occur in the Latin version of Messahala. The Irish author may have based the vapour account on Aristotle, Ptolemy or Cleomedes, or on later authors that relied on them. He seems to have been unaware of alternative perceptual explanations. The refraction explanation persists today in folk science.
Assimilation of Satellite-Based Data for Hydrological Mapping of Precipitation and Direct Runoff Coefficient for the Lake Urmia Basin in Iran
Authors: Akbari Mahdi , Torabi Haghighi Ali , Aghayi Mohammad Mahdi , Javadian Mostafa , Tajrishy Masoud , Kløve Bjørn
Published: August 2019

Water management in arid basins often lacks sufficient hydro-climatological data because, e.g., rain gauges are typically absent at high elevations and inflow to ungauged areas around large closed lakes is difficult to estimate. We sought to improve precipitation and runoff estimation in an arid basin (Lake Urmia, Iran) using methods involving assimilation of satellite-based data. We estimated precipitation using interpolation of rain gauge data by kriging, downscaling the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and cokriging interpolation of in-situ records with Remote Sensing (RS)-based data. Using RS-based data application in estimations gave more precise results, by compensating for lack of data at high elevations. Cokriging interpolation of rain gauges by TRMM and Digitized Elevation Model (DEM) gave 4–9 mm lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) in different years compared with kriging. Downscaling TRMM improved its accuracy by 14 mm. Using the most accurate precipitation result, we modeled annual direct runoff with Kennessey and Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) models. These models use land use, permeability, and slope data. In runoff modeling, Kennessey gave higher accuracy. Calibrating Kennessey reduced the Normalized RMSE (NRMSE) from 1 in the standard model to 0.44. Direct runoff coefficient map by 1 km spatial resolution was generated by calibrated Kennessey. Validation by the closest gauges to the lake gave a NRMSE of 0.41 which approved the accuracy of modeling.
АКТУАЛЬНЕ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ З ПИТАНЬ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПРОКУРАТУРИ ЯК УЧАСНИКА КРИМІНАЛЬНО-ВИКОНАВЧИХ ПРАВОВІДНОСИН
Authors: Бараш Є.
Published: August 2019

Рец. на кн.: Новосад Ю. О. Прокуратура України як учасник кримінально-виконавчої діяльності : монографія. Луцьк : ПП Іванюк В. П., 2019. 455 с
Comparison of ANFIS and ANN modeling for predicting the behavior of a catalytic methane reformer
Authors: Parvizi B. , Khanlarkhani A. , Palizdar Y. , Farshad A.
Published: August 2019

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied in modeling of methane mixed reforming in a packed bed catalytic reactor. These methods were developed by use of data collected from a methane reforming pilot plant using CO2 and steam and in process conditions near to MIDREX reforming plant in sponge Iron production. Different reaction temperatures from 700 to 1100 C with different values of carbon dioxide, steam, hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, were randomly selected and used to generate around 5000 data set of input- output data. Both networks achieve quite satisfying scientific results with acceptable deviations. However, it is hard to say which one is better as they have close output values but ANN marginally outperformed ANFIS in predicting the reaction outputs by varying the inputs. The prediction performances of these models are compared. The accuracies of the two models were evaluated in terms of square correlation coefficient (R2) and mean square error (MSE).
Biotransformation of oleic acid and antimicrobial and anticancer activities of its biotransformatıon extracts
Authors: Özşen Batur Ö. , Atlı Ö. , Kıran İ.
Published: August 2019

Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid found in significant quantities in various edible oils. Scientific studies have shown that oleic acid and its derivatives exhibit a variety of biological activities including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. In the present work, biotransformation of oleic acid was carried out initially using 27 different microbial strains. Extracts obtained from biotransformation with Alternaria alternata (clinical isolate) and Aspergillus terreus var. africanus (clinical isolate) were used in antimicrobial and anticancer activity studies. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated against 9 different pathogenic microorganisms. The results indicated that the microbial extracts were more active than oleic acid itself and showed good inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. In in vitro anticancer activity studies, extract 2 obtained from biotransformation with Alternaria alternata exhibited notable anticancer activity against A549 cell line with an IC50 value of 62.5 μg/ml whereas positive control cisplatin showed an IC50 value of 43.5 μg/ml. The anticancer activity of extract 2 was also found to be selective according to its higher IC50 value (122.7 μg/ml) obtained against the healthy cell line, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, NIH3T3. Due to its anticancer effect, extract 2 is considered to participate in further research.
Momentum Effect in Stock Market: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan Stock
Exchange
Authors: Rasheed Shahid , Saood Umar , Alam Waqar
Published: August 2019

This study aims to examine the momentum effect presence in selected stocks of Pakistan stock market using data from Jan 2007 to Dec 2016. This study constructed the strategies includes docile, equal weighted and full rebalancing techniques. Data was extracted from the PSX – 100 index ranging from 2007 to 2016. STATA coding ASM software was used for calculating momentum portfolios, finally top 25 stocks were considered as a winner stocks and bottom 25 stocks were taken as a loser stocks. In conclusion, the results of the study found a strong momentum effect in Pakistan stock exchange PSX 100- index. As by results it has been observed that a substantial profit can earn by the investors or brokers in constructing a portfolio with a short formation period of three months and hold for 3, 6 and 12 months. There is hardly a study is present on the same topic on Pakistan Stock Exchange as preceding studies were only conducted on individual stock markets before merger of stock markets in Pakistan while this study leads the explanation of momentum phenomenon in new dimension i.e. Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Keywords: Momentum, Portfolio, Winner Stocks, Loser Stocks
Validation of Authentic Leadership Questionnaire in Pakistani Context:
Evidence form Higher Education Institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Akbar Fazal , Ali Zakia , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: August 2019

This study was aimed to investigate the validity of Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. Although, the ALQ has been used worldwide in different organizational fields, however, little is known about its psychometric features in the context of HEIs. This study is therefore an endure to explore its psychometric features in Pakistani context taking evidences form HEIs of KP, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was applied to know about the leaderships style in HEIs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Data were collected from 1437 employees of HEIs through convenient sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approaches. A factor loading of .40 was set as the item selection criteria for retaining in the scale. Using Principle Component Analysis (CFA), the four factor structure was assessed. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through AMOS, the results of this study showed that the four dimensional ALQ is a reliable and valid instrument in HEIs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The construct validity provided evidences concerning applicability of the ALQ in the same context. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the ALQ may be tested in other organizational cultures in Pakistani context to enlarge its scope in other fields of research. Leadership style, associated with working behavior of employees, is considered a significant predictor in the overall organizations' performance.
Keywords: Authentic Learning, Scale Validation, Higher Education
The Resilience of Central Bank Interest Rate on the Association of Financial
Leverage and Firm Performance
Authors: Ahmad Adnan , Bilal Pir , Khan Ihtesham
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the moderating effect of the Central Bank's interest rate on the relationship between financial leverage and firm profitability. The study uses panel data of Pakistani firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period 2009-2016 with fixed effect regression analysis. Firm profitability is used as a dependent variable and is measured by EBIT and ROE while leverage andCentral Bank's Interest Rate (SBIR) are used as Independent variables. Results show that leverage isnegatively associated and statistically significant with firm performance (FP) while SBIR is negativelyrelated but this relation is statistically not significant. This imply that SBIR has no direct effect on firm performance. The important factor is the composite effect of leverage and SBIR on FP, which isnegative and statistically significant. These results imply that the central bank's policy of discountrates has an indirect effect on FP as this policy affects lending decisions of the firm. All these findings are consistent with previous studies. The study adds to the existing literature of banks interest rates and leverage in the sense that when government increases interest rates, it indirectly affects the firm performance as a firm may or may not be able to get credit from these financial institutions. Thus,government and policy makers are to take into account firms' performances and overall capitalmarket while changing he interest rates of the country.
Keywords: Financial leverage; Central bank interest rate; Profitability; Moderating effect
MEMBANGUN KOMUNIKASI IMAN DAN PELAYANAN KARYA MISIONER GEREJA DI TENGAH KELUARGA
Authors: Wilhemus Ola Rongan
Published: August 2019

Modern communication medium allows one to easily share stories, establish contact with family members, to thank and apologize. Aware of the benefits of this communication medium each family member should utilize communications media wisely and more humanely. In the midst of this communication medium advancement of Christ's faithful should regard the family as a school of faith and a special communication experience divine grace. Each family who live karinia Divine love is called to give concrete testimony of the love of it. Every Christian family is a concrete sign of the presence and implementation of the tasks of the Church that lives. When carrying out this missionary task, God is always present in the family to bless, sanctify and strengthen family members. The presence of God is happening in real time when families gather to pray, worship and hear God's word together.