bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wild boar diet and its implications on agriculture and biodiversity in Brazilian forest–grassland ecoregions
Authors: Cervo I. B. , Guadagnin D. L.
Published: February 2020

We aimed to describe the composition of Sus scrofa diet in three Brazilian ecoregions characterized by a mosaic of forests and grasslands: Pampa, Araucaria Forest and Pantanal. We evaluated the possible risks that the species may represent for agriculture and conservation of biodiversity by analyzing the stomach content of 118 boars. We examined dietary patterns in each ecoregion using PCA (principal component analysis) and verified how diet varies according to individual attributes through redundancy analysis. We visualized the composition of macronutrients in a multidimensional space by means of RMT (right–angled mixture triangle). The wild boars presented a diverse diet, influenced by season, time of day, and local availability of resources. Cultivated grains and herbs were the most commonly consumed items, leading to a high carbohydrate intake. Damage to agriculture is potentially high given the large consumption of cultivated grains. Population growth and expansion may be limited by the low availability of protein in the ecoregions.
Captura, acondicionamiento y primer desove de sargo Anisotremus scapularis en la Región Tacna
Authors: Espinoza Ramos Luis Antonio , Chilli Layme Víctor Franco , Pepe Victoriano Renzo Gerardo , Pino Choqueapaza Jorge , Contreras Mamani Zumilda
Published: February 2020

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un sistema de captura para acondicionamiento de reproductores de sargo en el Centro de Acuicultura Morro Sama- Tacna. Asimismo, desarrollar una técnica de alta efectividad, medida en sobrevivencia para la captura de ejemplares de sargo, en la Región Tacna. Además de describir los resultados sobre la captura acondicionamiento y reproducción de sargo Anisotremus scapularis. Para esto, se recolectaron 15 peces silvestres, los cuales al final del período de acondicionamiento alcanzaron el estado de maduración gonadal y desovaron en forma espontánea. Los 15 ejemplares de sargos Anisotremus scapularis fueron capturados con anzuelos en las playas de Llostay (Tacna), en el año 2016. Y fueron acondicionados en un tanque de 4 metros de diámetro con un sistema abierto de agua de mar, alimentados con muy muy Emerita analoga y alimento balanceado de formulación propia. Entre los resultados se encuentra una sobrevivencia de 73.33 % (11 sargos) luego de 7 meses de acondicionamiento. El primer desove fue el 29 de octubre del 2016 a una temperatura de 18 °C.
Análisis de factores de riesgo laboral en odontología
Authors: Hermoza Gutierrez Juan José , Calle Gutierrez Adrián , Ururi Maye Anyelo
Published: February 2020

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de conocer los factores de riesgo más importantes que afectan la salud del profesional durante la práctica odontológica, los cuales son causados por no emplear la correcta ergonomía y bioseguridad en el consultorio dental. En este trabajo, se describen los riesgos químicos, físicos, psicológicos y biológicos, ya que estos conocimientos son importantes para que los estudiantes y profesionales en odontología tomen conciencia de los peligros en salud a los que están expuestos. Asimismo, este trabajo informa sobre medidas preventivas con el fin de disminuir las enfermedades de salud ocupacional. Finalmente, se resalta la necesidad de incentivar una cultura preventiva en bioseguridad y ergonomía enfática desde los primeros hasta los últimos años de la carrera odontológica, llevando un control continuo de tales contenidos. Es de suma importancia mencionar que las instituciones de salud y de formación profesional en salud requieren de un programa de bioseguridad con normas definidas y, también, de un ambiente laboral ordenado, seguro y de calidad.
ÇİN’İN KUŞAK VE YOL PROJESİNİN TÜRKİYE ENERJİ SEKTÖRÜNE YANSIMALARI
Authors: ALGÜL Yahya
Published: February 2020

Çin devlet başkanı Xi Jinping 10 Eylül 2013 tarihli Orta Asya ve Güneydoğu Asya bölgesi ülkeleri ziyareti sırasında gündeme getirdiği Kuşak ve Yol girişimi tüm dünyada ses getirmiştir. Türkiye dünya enerji talebinin büyük kısmını oluşturan Asya ve Avrupa arasında dünya enerji havzalarının merkezindeki transit konumuyla kuşak üzerindeki en önemli ülkelerden biridir. Çin’in Türkiye’de 2005 ve 2018 yılları arasında yapmış olduğu tüm yatırımların %63,1’ini sadece enerji sektörünün oluşturması Kuşak ve Yol projesinin enerji ayağında Çin’in Türkiye’ye olan ihtiyacını göstermektedir. Çalışmamızda kazan kazan ilkesi bağlamında Kuşak ve Yol projesinin Türk enerji sektörü için yaratabileceği fırsatlar üç başlık altında incelenmiştir. Türkiye’nin hızlı büyümesini gelecekte de sürdüreceği varsayımı altında artacak olan enerji ihtiyacının sağlanmasında Kuşak ve Yol projesi vasıtasıyla ulaşılacak yeni enerji kaynakları bu fırsatlardan biridir. Ayrıca proje sayesinde Türkiye’nin enerji arz güvenliği kaynak ülke çeşitlendirmesi artırılarak daha sağlam bir temele oturtulabilecektir. Son olarak hâlihazırda enerjide sadece bir transit ülke konumunda bulunan Türkiye proje sayesinde elde edebileceği enerji kaynakları ve bu kaynakları pazarlayabileceği yeni pazarlar sayesinde küresel bir enerji merkezi olma iddiasını güçlendirebilecektir.
Penentuan Tingkat Kematangan Batubara dengan Metode Reflektansi Vitrinit pada PT Bhumi Rantau Energi Kecamatan Lokpaikat, Kabupaten Tapin, Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan
Authors: Annisa Annisa , Hakim Romla Noor , Nawalludin Devky , Wakila Muhamad Hardin , Heriansyah Andi Fahdli
Published: February 2020

Pada penelitian ini dilakukan analisis proksimat, analisis nilai kalori dan analisis petrografi batubara. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui parameter dan korelasi antara beberapa hasil analisis proksimat, analisis nilai kalori dan analisis petrografi batubara pada tingkat kematangan (rank) batubara, mengetahui komposisi maseral dari pada tiap sampel batubara dan penentuan tingkat kematangan (rank) batubara dari hasil analisis reflektansi vitrinit.  Metode penelitian ini adalah dengan analisis dari metode analisis proksimat, nilai kalori dengan standar analisis American Standard For Testing Material (ASTM) dan analisis petrografi batubara sesuai dengan Coal Maceral Analysis, The Standart Association of Australian Standart House, 1986. Kegiatan yang dilakukan adalah sampling pada 2 seam yang ada pada lokasi penelitian yaitu seam O dan seam P, dari hasil analisis dapat diketahui bahwa nilai maksimum reflektansi vitrinit berada antara 0.35 % - 0.55 %, dengan nilai maksimum reflektansi vitrinit tersebut dapat ditentukan bahwa tingkat kematangan (rank) batubara berada pada rank Lignit - Sub-bituminous.
Species-specific effects of herbivorous fishes on the establishment of the macroalga Lobophora on coral reefs
Authors: Puk LD , Cernohorsky N , Marshell A , Dwyer J , Wolfe K , Mumby PJ
Published: February 2020

Herbivory is a key ecosystem function that influences ecosystem trajectories. However, interactions between plants and herbivores are species-specific and change throughout the plants’ lifetime. On coral reefs, herbivorous fishes reduce competition between corals and macroalgae through their grazing activity, thereby regulating the ecosystem state. Grazing vulnerability of marine algae generally decreases with increasing algal size. Therefore, the removal of newly settled recruits by herbivorous fish is likely important in preventing macroalgal blooms and reducing competition with corals. We studied the grazing susceptibility of recruits of the brown macroalga Lobophora to multiple fish species through a combination of feeding observations and manipulative in situ and ex situ experiments. Further, we recorded short-term Lobophora growth patterns and adult survival over 9 wk. Lobophora recruits were more susceptible to herbivory than adults, likely owing to their smaller size. However, recruit mortality was driven by only 3 of the studied species: Acanthurus nigrofuscus, Scarus niger and Chlorurus spilurus, whereas other common herbivores did not remove any Lobophora recruits. Our data also suggest variable growth and recruitment among months. These findings point to a possible increase in grazing resistance with age for Lobophora. As such, a decrease in grazing pressure by key fish species controlling Lobophora recruits could permit Lobophora to establish more grazing-tolerant adult populations.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF REMINISCENCE THERAPY ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH PSYCHOEDUCATION THERAPY ON DEPRESSION LEVEL OF ELDERLY IN INDONESIA: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Sutinah Sutinah
Published: February 2020

Background: Depression can occur in elderly, but it is not a part of normal aging. Untreated depression increases rates of completed suicide and mortality. Therefore, an effort to reduce depression level is needed. Reminiscence and psychoeducation therapy are assumed to be effective in reducing the level of depression in elderly.   

Objective: To compare the effects of reminiscence therapy alone and in combination with psychoeducation therapy on depression level in elderly.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experiment with comparison group design. Seventy-two respondents were selected in this study using a simple random sampling, which 36 were assigned in each group. Data were collected in 2018 using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Dependent and Independent t-test were used for data analyses.

Results: The reminiscence therapy alone or in combination with the psychoeducation therapy were effective in reducing depression level in elderly (p<.05). The combination of reminiscence and psychoeducation therapy was much more effective than reminiscence therapy alone (p<.05).

Conclusion: These findings serve as an input for the Government of Indonesia to provide the combination of the reminiscence and psychoeducation therapy in the elderly program. This study provides a new knowledge for geriatric nurses to provide new interventions specifically to reduce depression level among elderly.
THREE NOTICEABLE ISSUES ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS: A QUICK LOOK FROM VIETNAM’S CIRCUMSTANCES
Authors: Thi Thanh Tuyen Le
Published: February 2020

N/A
EFFECT OF USING AN ANDROID-BASED MODULE ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING STUDENTS ABOUT THE PROVISION OF TRANSCULTURAL NURSING
Authors: Sari Apriani Susmita , Hapsari Elsi Dwi , Widyawati Widyawati
Published: February 2020

Background: The essence of transcultural nursing is to guide nursing students in order to be able to provide nursing care based on patients’ needs and their cultural backgrounds. To transfer the knowledge and attitude of the transcultural nursing effectively among generation Z students, an android-based module can be used and it is considered effective.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of using an android-based module on the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students regarding the provision of transcultural nursing.
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experiment with a non-equivalent control group design. Ninety-four students were selected using a purposive sampling, which forty-seven were assigned in an android-based module group and a printed-module group. Data were measured using knowledge and attitude questionnaires about transcultural nursing, and perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use questionnaire for android-based modules. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test with a significance level of < .05.
Results: There was a significant effect of both android and printed based modules on knowledge of transcultural nursing (p <.05), but not for the attitude (p >.05). Based on the Independent t-test, there was no significant difference in students' knowledge and attitude about transcultural nursing between both groups (p >.05). However, the android-based module was considered useful (97.9%) with a mean value of 44, and was easy to use (91.5%) with a median value of 40.
Conclusion: The use of both printed-based module and android-based module is effective to increase the students’ knowledge and attitudes about transcultural nursing.
Changes in Activities of Circulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Patients Suffering From Heart Failure in Relation to Gender, Hypertension and Treatment: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: GIANNAKOS E. , VARDALI E. , BARTEKOVA M. , FOGARASSYOVA M. , BARANCIK M. , RADOSINSKA J.
Published: February 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). Our aim was to determine the activities of circulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with HF in respect of gender, comorbidities and treatment (n=51). We did not reveal any differences in circulating pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 activities between the patients with HF and without it. However, there was a decrease in activity of pro-MMP-2 in treated hypertensive participants versus healthy ones. In contrast, we observed increased pro-MMP-2 activity in hypertensive participants with coexistent HF versus hypertensive participants without HF. In addition, a decrease in pro-MMP-2 activity was shown in women suffering from HF versus men suffering from HF. In conclusion, potential inhibitory effect of antihypertensive treatment on pro-MMP-2 activity was found. Coexistent HF with hypertension probably reduces the inhibitory effect of antihypertensive treatment on pro-MMP-2 activity. Our data also suggest the role of potential cardioprotective factors influencing the activity of pro-MMP-2 in women.
Cardiac Connexin-43 and PKC Signaling in Rats With Altered Thyroid Status Without and With Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake
Authors: SZEIFFOVÁ BAČOVÁ B. , EGAN BEŇOVÁ T. , VICZENCZOVÁ C. , SOUKUP T. , RAUCHOVÁ H. , PAVELKA S. , KNEZL V. , BARANČÍK M. , TRIBULOVÁ N.
Published: February 2020

Thyroid hormones are powerful modulators of heart function and susceptibility to arrhythmias via both genomic and non-genomic actions. We aimed to explore expression of electrical coupling protein connexin-43 (Cx43) in the heart of rats with altered thyroid status and impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) supplementation. Adult male Lewis rats were divided into following six groups: euthyroid controls, hyperthyroid (treated with T3) and hypothyroid (treated with methimazol) with or without six-weeks lasting supplementation with omega-3 (20 mg/100 g/day). Left and right ventricles, septum and atria were used for immunoblotting of Cx43 and protein kinase C (PKC). Total expression of Cx43 and its phosphorylated forms were significantly increased in all heart regions of hypothyroid rats compared to euthyroid controls. In contrast, the total levels of Cx43 and its functional phosphorylated forms were decreased in atria and left ventricle of hyperthyroid rats. In parallel, the expression of PKC epsilon that phosphorylates Cx43, at serine 368, was increased in hypothyroid but decreased in hyperthyroid rat hearts. Omega-3 intake did not significantly affect either Cx43 or PKC epsilon alterations. In conclusion, there is an inverse relationship between expression of cardiac Cx43 and the levels of circulating thyroid hormones. It appears that increased propensity of hyperthyroid while decreased of hypothyroid individuals to malignant arrhythmias may be in part attributed to the changes in myocardial Cx43.
The Role of Environmental Factors in the Formation of Soil Cover Structure of the Zeyamchay Basin
Authors: Mammadova M.
Published: February 2020

The Zayamchay basin is selected by its complex structure, various climatic conditions, rich vegetation and soil–rich rocks. This variation of soil–forming factors has led to the formation of various forms of soil cover structure within the basin. Therefore, the study of land and its space manifestation — the soil cover structure, detail mapping, evaluation and optimization — both scientifically–theoretical and practical. The Zeyamchay basin, which is located on the north–western slope of the Lesser Caucasus, is the object of the research. The Zeyamchay basin is selected by its complex relief structure, various climatic conditions, rich vegetation and soil–rich rocks. The area of the basin is 94200 hectares. The basin covers part of Tovuz, Shamkir and Gadabay districts from the administrative point of view. These kind of soil–forming factors have led to the formation of different forms of soil cover structure within the basin. During the research, empirical information is collected from cartographic, soil research, aerospace, landscape and geomorphological methods and so on was used.
Comparative Characteristics of Floras of the Ganykh-Airichai Valley and Ilisu Nature Reserve (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Saryeva G.
Published: February 2020

This article contains the results of a comparative analysis of floras of the Ganykh–Airichai valley and Ilisu nature reserve. The number of taxa forming the modern flora of the valley and the reserve are 959 and 857, respectively. The coefficient of floristic similarity of the two territories for genera is 31.7%, for species 16.6%.
Acute Ablation of Cortical Pericytes Leads to Rapid Neurovascular Uncoupling
Authors: Kisler Kassandra , Nikolakopoulou Angeliki M. , Sweeney Melanie D. , Lazic Divna , Zhao Zhen , Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: February 2020

Pericytes are perivascular mural cells that enwrap brain capillaries and maintain blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Most studies suggest that pericytes regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen delivery to activated brain structures, known as neurovascular coupling. While we have previously shown that congenital loss of pericytes leads over time to aberrant hemodynamic responses, the effects of acute global pericyte loss on neurovascular coupling have not been studied. To address this, we used our recently reported inducible pericyte-specific Cre mouse line crossed to iDTR mice carrying Cre-dependent human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor, which upon DT treatment leads to acute pericyte ablation. As expected, DT led to rapid progressive loss of pericyte coverage of cortical capillaries up to 50% at 3 days post-DT, which correlated with approximately 50% reductions in stimulus-induced CBF responses measured with laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) and/or intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging. Endothelial response to acetylcholine, microvascular density, and neuronal evoked membrane potential responses remained, however, unchanged, as well as arteriolar smooth muscle cell (SMC) coverage and functional responses to adenosine, as we previously reported. Together, these data suggest that neurovascular uncoupling in this model is driven by pericyte loss, but not other vascular deficits or neuronal dysfunction. These results further support the role of pericytes in CBF regulation and may have implications for neurological conditions associated with rapid pericyte loss such as hypoperfusion and stroke, as well as conditions where the exact time course of global regional pericyte loss is less clear, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurogenerative disorders.
Combination of Rapamycin and MK-2206 Induced Cell Death via Autophagy and Necroptosis in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Dong Yudi , Gong Wei , Hua Zhongyan , Chen Bo , Zhao Guifeng , Liu Zhihui , Thiele Carol J. , Li Zhijie
Published: February 2020

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common pediatric malignant extracranial solid tumor. Despite multi-modality therapies, the emergence of drug resistance is an obstacle in the treatment of high-risk NB patients (with MYCN amplification). In our previous study, we found that rapamycin and MK-2206 synergistically induced cell death in MYCN-amplified cell lines but the mechanisms remained unclear. In our present study, either 3-MA or necroatatin-1 blocked the cell death induced by rapamycin and MK-2206, but z-VAD-fmk did not block this cell death. The expressions of autophagy markers (ATG5, ATG7, Beclin-1, LC3 B) and the necroptosis marker RIPK3 increased and another necroptosis marker RIPK1 decreased after the combination treatment of rapamycin and MK-2206, and were accompanied by the morphological characteristics of autophagy and necroptosis. In NB xenograft tumor tissues, the expressions of autophagy and necroptosis markers were consistent with observations in vitro. These data suggested that autophagy and necroptosis contributed to the cell death induced by rapamycin and MK-2206 in NB cells. To understand the role of MYCN in this process, MYCN expression was downregulated in MYCN-amplified cell lines (NGP, BE2) using siRNAs and was upregulated in MYCN non-amplified cell lines (AS, SY5Y) using plasmid. We found the cell death induced by rapamycin and MK-2206 was MYCN-dependent. We also found that the metabolic activity in NB cells was correlated with the expression level of MYCN. This study delineates the role of MYCN in the cell death induced by combination treatment of rapamycin and MK-2206 in MYCN-amplified NB cells.
A Challenging View: Antibiotics Play a Role in the Regulation of the Energetic Metabolism of the Producing Bacteria
Authors: Virolle Marie-Joelle
Published: February 2020

Antibiotics are often considered as weapons conferring a competitive advantage to their producers in their ecological niche. However, since these molecules are produced in specific environmental conditions, notably phosphate limitation that triggers a specific metabolic state, they are likely to play important roles in the physiology of the producing bacteria that have been overlooked. Our recent experimental data as well as careful analysis of the scientific literature led us to propose that, in conditions of moderate to severe phosphate limitation—conditions known to generate energetic stress—antibiotics play crucial roles in the regulation of the energetic metabolism of the producing bacteria. A novel classification of antibiotics into types I, II, and III, based on the nature of the targets of these molecules and on their impact on the cellular physiology, is proposed. Type I antibiotics are known to target cellular membranes, inducing energy spilling and cell lysis of a fraction of the population to provide nutrients, and especially phosphate, to the surviving population. Type II antibiotics inhibit respiration through different strategies, to reduce ATP generation in conditions of low phosphate availability. Lastly, Type III antibiotics that are known to inhibit ATP consuming anabolic processes contribute to ATP saving in conditions of phosphate starvation.
On Aerosol Liquid Water and Sulfate Associations: The Potential for Fine Particulate Matter Biases
Authors: Babila Jonathon E. , Carlton Annmarie G. , Hennigan Christopher J. , Ghate Virendra P.
Published: February 2020

In humid locations of the Eastern U.S., sulfate is a surrogate for aerosol liquid water (ALW), a poorly measured particle constituent. Regional and seasonal variation in ALW–sulfate relationships offers a potential explanation to reconcile epidemiology and toxicology studies regarding particulate sulfur and health endpoints. ALW facilitates transfer of polar species from the gas phase to the particle phase and affects particle pH and metal oxidation state. Though abundant and a potential indicator of adverse health endpoints, ALW is largely removed in most particulate matter measurement techniques, including in routine particulate matter (PM2.5) networks that use federal reference method (FRM) monitors, which are used in epidemiology studies. We find that in 2004, a typical year in the available record, ambient ALW mass is removed during sampling and filter equilibration to standard laboratory conditions at most (94%) sites, up to 85% of the ambient water mass. The removal of ALW can induce the evaporation of other semi-volatile compounds present in PM2.5, such as ammonium nitrate and numerous organics. This produces an artifact in the PM mass measurements that is, importantly, not uniform in space or time. This suggests that PM2.5 epidemiology studies that exclude ALW are biased. This work provides a plausible explanation to resolve multi-decade discrepancies regarding ambient sulfate and health impacts in some epidemiological and toxicological studies.
Decadal-to-Multidecadal Variability of Seasonal Land Precipitation in Northern Hemisphere in Observation and CMIP6 Historical Simulations
Authors: Chen Hua , Xu Zhenchen
Published: February 2020

Based on the centennial-scale observations and CMIP6 historical simulations, this paper employs the ensemble empirical mode decomposition to extract the decadal-to-multidecadal variability of land precipitation (DMVLP) in the northern hemisphere. The spatial distributions of the dominant mode from the empirical orthogonal function are different in four seasons. Regions with the same sign of precipitation anomalies are likely to be teleconnected through oceanic forcing. The temporal evolutions of the leading modes are similar in winter and spring, with an amplitude increasing after the late 1970s, probably related to the overlap of oceanic multidecadal signals. In winter and spring, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) play a joint role. They were in phase before late 1970s and out of phase after then, weakening/strengthening the impacts of the North Pacific and North Atlantic on the DMVLP before/after late 1970s. In summer and autumn, AMO alone plays a part and the amplitude of time series does not vary as in winter and spring. The ability of the coupled models from CMIP6 historical simulations is also evaluated. The good-models average largely captures the spatial structure in four seasons and the associated oceanic signals. The poor-models average is hardly or weakly correlated with observation.
Manual Dexterity is not Related to Media Viewing but is Related to Perceptual Bias in School-Age Children
Authors: Nobusako Satoshi , Tsujimoto Taeko , Sakai Ayami , Shuto Takashi , Furukawa Emi , Osumi Michihiro , Nakai Akio , Maeda Takaki , Morioka Shu
Published: February 2020

Although the media can have both negative and positive effects on children’s cognitive and motor functions, its influence on their perceptual bias and manual dexterity is unclear. Thus, we investigated the association between media viewing time, media preference level, perceptual bias, and manual dexterity in 100 school-aged children. Questionnaires completed by children and their parents were used to ascertain media viewing time and preference levels. Perceptual bias and manual dexterity were measured using the visual-tactile temporal order judgment task and Movement Assessment Battery for Children—2nd edition, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between age and media viewing time and between media viewing time and media preference level. There was also a significant negative correlation between visual bias and manual dexterity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that increasing visual bias was a significant predictor of decreasing manual dexterity. Further, children with low manual dexterity showed significant visual bias compared to those with high manual dexterity, when matched for age and gender. The present results demonstrated that, in school-aged children, although viewing media was not associated with perceptual bias and manual dexterity, there was a significant association between perceptual bias and manual dexterity.
Lucid Dreaming and the Feeling of Being Refreshed in the Morning: A Diary Study
Authors: Schredl Michael , Dyck Sophie , Kühnel Anja
Published: February 2020

REM periods with lucid dreaming show increased brain activation, especially in the prefrontal cortex, compared to REM periods without lucid dreaming and, thus, the question of whether lucid dreaming interferes with the recovery function of sleep arises. Cross-sectional studies found a negative relationship between sleep quality and lucid dreaming frequency, but this relationship was explained by nightmare frequency. The present study included 149 participants keeping a dream diary for five weeks though the course of a lucid dream induction study. The results clearly indicate that there is no negative effect of having a lucid dream on the feeling of being refreshed in the morning compared to nights with the recall of a non-lucid dream; on the contrary, the feeling of being refreshed was higher after a night with a lucid dream. Future studies should be carried out to elicit tiredness and sleepiness during the day using objective and subjective measurement methods.
Rapid Growth of KDP Crystals in the [101] Direction
Authors: Qin Mengfei , Xu Xinguang , Yu Guangwei , Wang Bo , Cheng Wenyong
Published: February 2020

KDP crystals have important applications in inertial confinement fusion. However, during the rapid growth of large-sized KDP crystals, inclusion is prone to occur. The existence of inclusion will lead to the reduction of crystal quality and utilization and even the end of the growth process. The generation of inclusion is related to the interaction between the crystal and the liquid flow. In this paper, we changed the hydrodynamic condition around the crystal by changing the crystal growth direction and achieve the rapid growth of [101] direction KDP crystals without inclusion at a low rotation rate. The utilization of the crystal was improved and the crystal has good optical transmittance, crystalline perfection and laser damage threshold. Meanwhile, atomic force microscopy was used to study the characteristics and changes of the micromorphology on (100) and (101) faces under different levels of supersaturation. The analysis results show that under high supersaturation, the uneven distribution of solutes and insufficient flow rate cause local macrosteps, two-dimensional step platforms and two-dimensional cores to form irregular structures with large slopes, thereby reducing the stability of the interface. This study will help to better understand the effect of the interaction between liquid flow and crystals on the formation of inclusion and guide the growth of KDP crystals.
Wear and Corrosion Behaviour of Supersaturated Surface Layers in the High-Entropy Alloy Systems CrMnFeCoNi and CrFeCoNi
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Löbel Martin , Saborowski Erik , Rymer Lisa-Marie , Lampke Thomas
Published: February 2020

The surface hardening of single-face-centred cubic (fcc)-phase CrMnFeCoNi and the manganese-free CrFeCoNi alloy was conducted using low-temperature nitrocarburisation. The microstructural investigations reveal the successful formation of a homogeneous diffusion layer with a thickness of approximately 16 µm. The interstitial solution of carbon and nitrogen causes an anisotropic lattice expansion. The increase in microhardness is in accordance to the graded concentration profile of the interstitial elements. Wear tests show a significantly enhanced resistance at different loads. The electrochemical tests reveal no deterioration in the corrosion resistance. The absence of precipitates is proven by microstructural investigations. The results prove the applicability of the concept of solution hardening by the formation of supersaturated solutions for the material group of high-entropy alloys. Hence, an increase of entropy with the consideration of lattice interstices provides new development approaches.
Dephasing-Assisted Macrospin Transport
Authors: Iubini Stefano , Borlenghi Simone , Delin Anna , Lepri Stefano , Piazza Francesco
Published: February 2020

Transport phenomena are ubiquitous in physics, and it is generally understood that the environmental disorder and noise deteriorates the transfer of excitations. There are, however, cases in which transport can be enhanced by fluctuations. In the present work, we show, by means of micromagnetics simulations, that transport efficiency in a chain of classical macrospins can be greatly increased by an optimal level of dephasing noise. We also demonstrate the same effect in a simplified model, the dissipative Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger equation, subject to phase noise. Our results point towards the realization of a large class of magnonics and spintronics devices, where disorder and noise can be used to enhance spin-dependent transport efficiency.
On the Determination of Kappa Distribution Functions from Space Plasma Observations
Authors: Nicolaou Georgios , Livadiotis George , Wicks Robert T.
Published: February 2020

The velocities of space plasma particles, often follow kappa distribution functions. The kappa index, which labels and governs these distributions, is an important parameter in understanding the plasma dynamics. Space science missions often carry plasma instruments on board which observe the plasma particles and construct their velocity distribution functions. A proper analysis of the velocity distribution functions derives the plasma bulk parameters, such as the plasma density, speed, temperature, and kappa index. Commonly, the plasma bulk density, velocity, and temperature are determined from the velocity moments of the observed distribution function. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrated the calculation of the kappa index from the speed (kinetic energy) moments of the distribution function. Such a novel calculation could be very useful in future analyses and applications. This study examines the accuracy of the specific method using synthetic plasma proton observations by a typical electrostatic analyzer. We analyze the modeled observations in order to derive the plasma bulk parameters, which we compare with the parameters we used to model the observations in the first place. Through this comparison, we quantify the systematic and statistical errors in the derived moments, and we discuss their possible sources.
Assessing Environmental Control of Sap Flux of Three Tree Species Plantations in Degraded Hilly Lands in South China
Authors: Wang Qian , Lintunen Anna , Zhao Ping , Shen Weijun , Salmon Yann , Chen Xia , Ouyang Lei , Zhu Liwei , Ni Guangyan , Sun Dan , Rao Xinquan , Hölttä Teemu
Published: February 2020

Prerequisite for selection of appropriate tree species in afforestation programs is to understand their water use strategy. Acacia mangium Willd., Schima wallichii Choisy, and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook are the three main vegetation restoration pioneer species in southern China, but no comparative research on the water use strategy of these three tree species have been reported. Our objective was to gain a detailed understanding of how photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and soil water content (SWC) at different soil depths control the sap flux density (Js) in the dry and wet seasons. We measured the Js of these three tree species by using the thermal dissipation method in low subtropical China. We found that both S. wallichii and C. lanceolata differed clearly in their stomatal behavior from one season to another, while A. mangium did not. The canopy conductance per sapwood area of S. wallichii and C. lanceolata was very sensitive to VPD in the dry season, but not in the wet season. The Js of A. mangium was negatively correlated to SWC in all soil layers and during both seasons, while the other two species were not sensitive to SWC in the deeper layers and only positively correlated to SWC in dry season. Our results demonstrate that the three species have distinct water use strategies and may therefore respond differently to changing climate.
Physiological Mechanisms of Foliage Recovery after Spring or Fall Crown Scorch in Young Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris Mill.)
Authors: Sayer Mary Anne S. , Tyree Michael C. , Kuehler Eric A. , Jackson John K. , Dillaway Dylan N.
Published: February 2020

We hypothesized that physiological and morphological responses to prescribed fire support the post-scorch foliage recovery and growth of young longleaf pine. Two studies conducted in central Louisiana identified three means of foliage regrowth after fire that included an increase in the gas exchange rate of surviving foliage for 3 to 4 months after fire. Saplings also exhibited crown developmental responses to repeated fire that reduced the risk of future crown scorch. Starch reserves were a source of carbon for post-scorch foliage regrowth when fire was applied in the early growing season. However, the annual dynamics of starch accumulation and mobilization restricted its effectiveness for foliage regrowth when fire was applied late in the growing season. As such, post-scorch foliage regrowth became increasingly dependent on photosynthesis as the growing season progressed. Additionally, the loss of foliage by fire late in the growing season interrupted annual starch dynamics and created a starch void between the time of late growing season fire and mid-summer of the next year. The occurrence of drought during both studies revealed barriers to foliage reestablishment and normal stem growth among large saplings. In study 1, spring water deficit at the time of May fire was associated with high crown scorch and poor foliage and stem growth among large saplings. We attribute this lag in stem growth to three factors: little surviving foliage mass, low fascicle gas exchange rates, and poor post-scorch foliage recovery. In study 2, May fire during a short window of favorable burning conditions in the tenth month of a 20-month drought also reduced stem growth among large saplings but this growth loss was not due to poor post-scorch foliage recovery. Application of this information to prescribed fire guidelines will benefit young longleaf pine responses to fire and advance efforts to restore longleaf pine ecosystems.
RFID RSS Fingerprinting System for Wearable Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Shuaieb Wafa , Oguntala George , AlAbdullah Ali , Obeidat Huthaifa , Asif Rameez , Abd-Alhameed Raed A. , Bin-Melha Mohammed S. , Kara-Zaïtri Chakib
Published: February 2020

Alternative healthcare solutions have been identified as a viable approach to ameliorate the increasing demand for telehealth and prompt healthcare delivery. Moreover, indoor ocalization using different technologies and approaches have greatly contributed to alternative healthcare solutions. In this paper, a cost-effective, radio frequency identification (RFID)-based indoor location system that employs received signal strength (RSS) information of passive RFID tags is presented. The proposed system uses RFID tags placed at different positions on the target body. The mapping of the analysed data against a set of reference position datasets is used to accurately track the vertical and horizontal positioning of a patient within a confined space in real-time. The Euclidean distance model achieves an accuracy of 98% for all sampled activities. However, the accuracy of the activity recognition algorithm performs below the threshold performance for walking and standing, which is due to similarities in the target height, weight and body density for both activities. The obtained results from the proposed system indicate significant potentials to provide reliable health measurement tool for patients at risk.
Rational Engineering of the Substrate Specificity of a Thermostable D-Hydantoinase (Dihydropyrimidinase)
Authors: Aganyants Hovsep , Weigel Pierre , Hovhannisyan Yeranuhi , Lecocq Michèle , Koloyan Haykanush , Hambardzumyan Artur , Hovsepyan Anichka , Hallet Jean-Noël , Sakanyan Vehary
Published: February 2020

D-hydantoinases catalyze an enantioselective opening of 5- and 6-membered cyclic structures and therefore can be used for the production of optically pure precursors for biomedical applications. The thermostable D-hydantoinase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 31783 is a manganese-dependent enzyme and exhibits low activity towards bulky hydantoin derivatives. Homology modeling with a known 3D structure (PDB code: 1K1D) allowed us to identify the amino acids to be mutated at the substrate binding site and in its immediate vicinity to modulate the substrate specificity. Both single and double substituted mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis at appropriate sites located inside and outside of the stereochemistry gate loops (SGL) involved in the substrate binding. Substrate specificity and kinetic constant data demonstrate that the replacement of Phe159 and Trp287 with alanine leads to an increase in the enzyme activity towards D,L-5-benzyl and D,L-5-indolylmethyl hydantoins. The length of the side chain and the hydrophobicity of substrates are essential parameters to consider when designing the substrate binding pocket for bulky hydantoins. Our data highlight that D-hydantoinase is the authentic dihydropyrimidinase involved in the pyrimidine reductive catabolic pathway in moderate thermophiles.
The High-Performance Work System, Employee Voice, and Innovative Behavior: The Moderating Role of Psychological Safety
Authors: Miao Rentao , Lu Lu , Cao Yi , Du Qing
Published: February 2020

In this study, we examined the associations of the high-performance work system (HPWS) with employee innovative behavior, and tested a theoretical model in which these associations were mediated by employee voice (promotive and prohibitive voice) and moderated by psychological safety. Matched data were collected from 46 HR (Human Resource) managers and 374 full-time employees from 46 companies in China with multi-source and time-lagged techniques. We found that the HPWS is associated with employee behavior. Both the promotive voice and prohibitive voice partially mediate the relationship between HPWS and employee innovative behavior. Psychological safety moderates the relationship between HPWS and the promotive voice. However, psychological safety does not moderate the relationship between HPWS and the prohibitive voice. Furthermore, psychological safety moderates the mediation effect of the promotive voice between HPWS and employee innovative behavior. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Visitor Engagement, Relationship Quality, and Environmentally Responsible Behavior
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Tang Chengcai , Lv Xingyang , Xing Bo
Published: February 2020

Visitor environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) is helpful for promoting the sustainable development of tourist destinations. Existing studies on visitor ERB tend to either focus on restraining visitors’ environmental misconducts or rely on visitors’ psychological factors. Based on the theory of engagement, this paper constructs a theoretical model to explain visitors’ self-conscious ERB. Visitor engagement with the destination is investigated as an independent variable which leads to the improvement of relationship quality and visitor ERB. Relationship quality is explored to mediate the impact of visitor engagement on ERB. In addition, the moderating role of environmental clue on the tested relationships is also examined. This study adopts partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to investigate a total of 410 valid questionnaires. The results show that (1) visitor engagement with the destination positively affects visitor ERB; (2) relationship quality mediates the impact of visitor engagement on visitor ERB; (3) environmental clue plays a significant moderating role in the effects of engagement and relationship quality on visitor ERB. The study extends theoretical perspectives on visitor ERB and customer engagement, and provides managerially practical value to better understand visitors’ self-conscious ERB.
What Types of Educational Practices Impact School Burnout Levels in Adolescents?
Authors: Meylan Nicolas , Meylan Joël , Rodriguez Mercedes , Bonvin Patrick , Tardif Eric
Published: February 2020

This study explores the relationship between educational practices perceived by high school students and their level of burnout, as defined by emotional exhaustion, cynicism and inadequacy. A total of 287 adolescents (146 girls) aged between 14 and 19 years old (M = 16.08, SD = 1.01) and recruited from a public high school in French-speaking Switzerland completed a questionnaire regarding perceived educational practices and school burnout. Results from path analysis showed that the three dimensions of burnout were negatively associated with certain teacher- and school-related educational practices. More precisely, support for struggling students (ß = −0.24, p < 0.001) as well as teaching time (ß = −0.16, p < 0.05) were predictors of exhaustion (R2 = 0.27). Teachers’ instructional behavior (ß = −0.22, p < 0.01) and teacher motivation (ß = −0.31, p < 0.001) were predictors of cynicism (R2 = 0.20) and application of rules (ß = −0.21, p < 0.01) predicted inadequacy (R2 = 0.09). These educational practices should be of particular interest when it comes to strengthening the protective role of schools and teachers against school burnout in adolescents.
Evolving Role of Social Media in Health Promotion: Updated Responsibilities for Health Education Specialists
Authors: Stellefson Michael , Paige Samantha R. , Chaney Beth H. , Chaney J. Don
Published: February 2020

The use of social media in public health education has been increasing due to its ability to remove physical barriers that traditionally impede access to healthcare support and resources. As health promotion becomes more deeply rooted in Internet-based programming, health education specialists are tasked with becoming more competent in computer-mediated contexts that optimize both online and offline consumer health experiences. Generating a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks to using social media in the field is important, since health education specialists continue to weigh its advantages against potential concerns and barriers to use. Accordingly, this Special Issue aims to explore social media as a translational health promotion tool by bridging principles of health education and health communication that examine (1) the method with which social media users access, negotiate, and create health information that is both actionable and impactful for diverse audiences; (2) strategies for overcoming challenges to using social media in health promotion; and (3) best practices for designing, implementing, and evaluating social media forums in public health. In this commentary, we discuss the updated communication and advocacy roles and responsibilities of health education specialists in the context of social media research and practice.
Healing Spaces: Designing Physical Environments to Optimize Health, Wellbeing, and Performance
Authors: Engineer Altaf , Ida Aletheia , M. Sternberg Esther
Published: February 2020

This Special Issue on Healing Spaces includes eight articles consisting of studies at the interface between design and health. The articles address some of the latest findings using state-of-the-art technologies, important outcomes for human health and wellbeing, and suggest exciting directions for the future of this research field.