bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effect of educational intervention based on protection motivation theory on osteoporosis preventive nutritional behaviors in women of reproductive age referring to Healthcare Centers in Sabzevar, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Maryam , Mehri Ali , Hashemian Masoumeh , Abadi Zahra Seyyed , Mohammadi Shabnam
Published: January 2020

Background: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease, which is greatly reduced by lifestyle modification. The protection motivation theory (PMT) is one of the best theories to understand health behaviors and decisions made by a person to protect him or herself against harmful events and cope with them.

Aims: Therefore, the researchers conducted this study to determine the effect of educational intervention based on PM theory on the osteoporosis preventive nutritional behaviors in women of reproductive age referred to healthcare centers in Sabzevar.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 66 women of the reproductive age of Sabzevar who were selected by stratified sampling. Data were collected through questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were verified and confirmed. The intervention was held within 6 sessions. The evaluation took place three courses. The data analysis was carried out using Stata12 and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: A total of 66 women in the reproductive age of 15-49 participated in the present study. 43% of participants were under 30 years of age. The results showed that the mean score of behavior in the experimental groups changed with time, and there was a significant difference between the two groups at different times (p≤0.0001)

Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed the positive effect of education on model constructs and eventually increasing the frequency of osteoporosis preventive nutritional behaviors in women of reproductive age. Therefore, the results support the efficacy of this model in promoting osteoporosis preventive behaviors.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.254-261
Low level of serum Hemoglobulin concentration associated with neonatal birth weight
Authors: Sultana Masuda , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Doha Maheen
Published: January 2020

Background: Lower level of maternal serum hemoglobin (Hb) concentration may cause adverse pregnancy outcome (LBW, Preterm delivery) have been inconsistent. Many studies have been shown the impact of Hb concentration and protein status on pregnancy outcome in GA<37 weeks of pregnant mother.

Objectives: The study was carried out to measure serum Hb concentration correlated with TP level on birth outcomes in GA <37 weeks of delivery mother.

Method: This observational study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. A total number of 108 subjects were included in this study. They were divided into two groups among them 27 full term delivery mother gestational age (>37 wks) with their respective neonates (control group). The study group consisted of 27 Preterm delivery mothers gestational age (<37 wks) with their respective neonates (study group). Age ranged of both (control & study) pregnant mother were from 20- 40 yrs. The serum Hb and TP level of all participants were estimated by usual lab technique (Autoanalyser) in laboratory of department of Physiology, SSMC to observe the availability of binding protein. Independent samples t test, and Pearson’s correlation were done by as a test of significance. p value <0.05 was considered as significant. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS Programme, Version-15.

Result: Mean serum Hb level were significantly higher (p<0.01) and serum total protein level were significantly lower in gestational age <37 weeks pregnant mother (study) in comparison to gestational age >37 weeks of pregnant mother(control). Again, cord serum TP concentration of neonates were significantly (p<0.001) lower in gestational age <37 weeks of neonates compared with gestational age >37 weeks neonates of their respective mother. On the other hand, mean birth weight (≥2.5kg) and APGUR score both at 1st and 5th minute (≥8) were significantly (p<0.001) lower in neonates of gestational age<37weeks than that of, gestational age>37weeks neonates of their respective mothers.

Conclusions: The present study revealed significantly reduced hemoglobin &lower cord blood protein concentration in neonates and &TP level of their respective mothers whose are gestational age <37 weeks. Abnormal hemoglobin concentrations causes increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes LBW, poor APGUR score; these may be due to poor maternal protein status.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.278-283
Comparison of Bax and Caspase-3 Protein Expression in Liver Cells following UVB Irradiation for 7 days and Treatment of Pimpinella alpina Molk during 7 and 15 days
Authors: Widayati Eni , Nasihun Taufiqurrachman , Savitri Azizah Hikma , Tyagita Nurina
Published: January 2020

Objective: The effect of Pimpinela alpina Molk (PaM) on decrease in Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in liver cells apoptosis have been proven. However, the difference result between 7 and 15 days treatment duration of PaM need to be confirmed. This study aimed to confirm that treatment of PaM during 15 days is more effective decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in liver cells following UVB irradiation.

Methods: In the post test only control group design, 35 Sprague Dawley male rats, 300 gram body weight were divided into two arms, consisting of three groups respectively. First arm comprise Neg-7, PaM7-100, and PaM7-150. Second arm comprise Neg-15, PaM15-100, and PaM15-150. Nor-G was added as normal control neither exposed to UVB nor PaM treatment. In negative group was only radiated to UVB and PaM groups were exposed to UVB and treatment with 100, and 150 mg PaM per oral for 7 and 15 days respectively. At day 8 (first arm) and 16 (second arm), liver organ was taken and Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression assessed by Immunohistochemical staining method.

Result: Post Hoc LSD analysis indicated that Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in PaM15-100 and PaM15-150 was significant lower compared to that of Nor-G, PaM7-100, and PaM7-150, p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Ttreatment of PaM with doses 100 and 150 mg for 15 days was better in decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression of liver cells following UVB irradiation.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.296-303
Total Hip Replacement in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient
Authors: Md Shariff Mohd Shaffid , Ngadiron Hanizah , Azizan Nornazirah , Hayati Firdaus , Ariffin Affirul Chairil
Published: January 2020

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) going for surgery have put challenges to the treating surgeon, anaesthetist and physician as the patients can present with various medical complications perioperatively. It can be associated with polyarticular involvement especially avascular necrosis of the head of femur. The patients may present young with severe clinical findings and abnormal radiological features. The surgery in young SLE patients revolves on the longevity of the prosthesis used.We report a case of a 26-year-old lady with SLE going for right total hip replacement for her avascular necrosis of right hip.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.322-325
A case of Gilbert’s syndrome diagnosis during pregnancy
Authors: Teoh Soo Huat , Ng Yoke Lan , Anuar Norlina , Kamaludin Rahmah
Published: January 2020

Gilbert’s syndrome (GS) is a benign condition that presents with recurrent jaundice due to isolated hyperbilirubinemia which predominates by its unconjugated component. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and often missed by attending physician. The uncertainty of diagnosis may cause anxiety among patients especially in pregnant women fearing the condition impacting the outcome of their pregnancies. We present a case of a primigravida woman with recurrent jaundice for the last ten years whohad not been givena definitive diagnosis of her illness despite on regular follow up in tertiary centre. She was anxious about her undiagnosed condition and the possibility of it affecting her pregnancy. Gilbert’s syndrome was diagnosed after evaluating information from the tertiary centre and she was assured regarding the prognosis of her pregnancy. She went into labour at term without complication and her postpartum period was uneventful.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.333-335
Book Review: HUQNA
Authors: Rahman Syed Ziaur
Published: January 2020

Abstract not available

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p 345-347
Agama Dalam Konteks Bernegara Berdasarkan Pancasila
Authors: Citranu Citranu Citranu
Published: January 2020

Religion in the state is made as a foundation the state, the life in state is inseparable from the value of God which is realized in the doctrines of religion. Pancasila as the philosophy of the Indonesian people has an important role in protective the unity and integrity of the nation. The degenerate in the understanding of Pancasila in Indonesia led to the rise of radicalism that could oppose the integrity of the Indonesian Republic, that it was worthy of being understood and the practice of Pancasila was revived. The people must understand the goals and ideas of the state regarding the concept of nationalism and the insight of Indonesian nationality, the practice religion in the state and used the principle of God through religious doctrines in the relations of Pancasila and The Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia of 1945
Analisis Dampak Strategi Komunikasi Non Verbal
Authors: Gantiano Hadianto Ego
Published: January 2020

Non-verbal communication is a process of communication where the message is conveyed not by using words. For example, only by using gestures, body language, facial expressions and eye contact, the use of objects such as clothing, haircuts and so on, symbols and ways of speaking such as intonation, emphasis, sound quality, emotional style and speaking style. Even so, experts in the field of non-verbal communication usually use the definition of "not using words" with katat, and do not equate non-verbal communication with non-verbal communication. For example sign and written languages ​​are not considered non-verbal communication because they use words, while intonation and speaking style are classified as non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is also different from talking classified as non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is also different from subconscious communication, which can be verbal or non verbal communication. In this case the most common is the use of clothing, where people are often judged by the type of clothing they use, although this is considered wrong for stereotypes. For example, people often prefer other people who have interesting ways of dressing. Also in job interviews someone who is dressed attractively is more likely to get a job than those who are not.
Effects of virtual reality training on decreasing the rates of needlestick or sharp injury in new-coming medical and nursing interns in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Szu-Hsien , Huang Chia-Chang , Huang Shiau-Shian , Yang Ying-Ying , Liu Chih-Wei , Shulruf Boaz , Chen Chen-Huan
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Senior nursing and medical interns’ lack of familiarity and confidence with respect to practicing universal precaution for the prevention of occupational needlestick or sharp injuries may harm themselves. Trainees’ self-reported needlestick or sharp injury rate was known to be especially high during the first 2 months of internship in Taiwan. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the effect of newly developed virtual reality (VR) game, which uses Gagne’s learning model to improve universal precaution for needlestick or sharp injury prevention and decrease the rates of needle stick or sharp injuries in new-coming medical and nursing interns in Taiwan.Methods: From 2017 to 2019, the VR system was developed and applied in training of 59 new-coming nursing and 50 medical interns. Occupational needlestick or sharp injury prevention was sought to be achieved through a game of right and wrong choices for safe or unsafe universal precaution behaviors.Results: In comparison with medical interns, a higher proportion of nursing interns had past experiences of deep occupational needlestick or sharp injury. Before VR training, the familiarity and confidence for needlestick or sharp injury prevention were higher among nursing interns than medical interns. Trainees with past experiences of deep needlestick or sharp injury exhibited better performance on the accuracy rate and time needed to complete 20 decisions than those without past experiences in VR practice. All trainees showed an improved performance after VR training. A high proportion of trainees reported that the VR-based training significantly decreased their anxiety about needlestick or sharp injury prevention.Conclusion: This self-developed VR game system using Gagne’s flow improved universal precaution for needlestick or sharp injury prevention and reduced the needlestick or sharp injury rates in the first 2 months of nursing and medical internship.
Investing in higher education marketing
Authors: Koval Elena , Ilyina Ksenia , Fefelova Anatasia
Published: January 2020

The aim of the article is to research the state and prospects of expanding
investments in the marketing of higher education and adapting to the fluctuations
in the educational services market. The research methodology is based on the
methods of scientific abstraction in determining the components of the market,
comparative analysis of the world experience and domestic sources of the higher
education institutions financing, analysis of the expenditures structure on education
in the state budget of the country, monographic method of the studing the state
and improving of the competitiveness in domestic institutions of higher education,
statistics information. The scientific novelty of the conducted research is that the
state of financing of higher education institutions is scientifically substantiated,
alternative instruments of financing of investments in marketing of educational
services are analyzed, directions of increase in competitiveness of market participants
are outlined. Conclusions.Among other important areas of the European Union’s
investment model are research, innovation and digitization in research marketing
projects, as well as the financing of projects in the fields of skills, education,
training and social innovation. Higher education reform in Ukraine aims to
integrate into the European higher education area and the research area on the
basis of a competitive national higher education system. Expanding the international
activity of domestic higher education institutions is aimed at introducing modern
global trends ofthe investment in higher education marketing.
PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI BERBASIS INTERNET TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN HOME CARE DI INDONESIA
Authors: Kausar Lola Illona Elfani
Published: January 2020

Masalah kesehatan di Indonesia masih cukup banyak, salah satunya adalah penyakit tidak menular yang memerlukan perawatan lama dirumah. Kondisi geografis Indonesia yang terdiri dari kepulauan menjadi hambatan bagi pelayanan keperawatan terhadap kondisi ini dikarenakan permasalahan akses. Teknologi informasi berbasis internet seperti telehealth atau mhealth sangat tepat digunakan untuk memecahkan permasalahan ini. Pemanfaatan telehealth atau mhealth pada tatanan pelayanan keperawatan seperti home care dapat menghilangkan permasalahan jarak antara perawat dan pasien. Pelayanan keperawatan dapat diberikan dalam jarak jauh berupa videoteleconference ataupun pelayanan keperawatan lainnya seperti pendidikan kesehatan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan pemanfaatan teknologi informasi berbasis internet pada layanan home care keperawatan. Metode yang digunakan adalah literature review sesuai dengan topik pembahasan. Teknologi informasi berbasis internet sangat perlu dikembangkan lebih lanjut dalam home care keperawatan dikarenakan sangat membantu dalam proses peningkatan kesehatan pasien. Dukungan dari pemerintah terkait infrastruktur dapat menjadi peluang bagi dunia keperawatan.
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PRAKTIK KEPERAWATAN PROFESIONAL DI RSUD KOTA BAUBAU
Authors: Islamy La Ode Syaiful , Abidin Zainul , Andriani Rinita , Arisanti Henni
Published: January 2020

Latar belakang: Implementasi Model Praktik Keperawatan Profesional (MPKP) di Rumah Sakit bertujuan untuk meningkatkan dan mewujudkan mutu pelayanan keperawatan. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan menguraikan bagaimana implementasi kebijakan MPKP di ruang rawat inap RSUD Kota Baubau.Metode: Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan Studi Kasus.Hasil: Hasil penelitian  menunjukkan dari sisi struktur model praktik keperawatan profesional (MPKP) dari semua tahapan-tahapan model praktik keperawatan profesional (MPKP) yang terlaksana dengan baik hanya pembentukan tim dan Hand Over, sedangkan pre conference, post conference dan ronde keperawatan tidak terlaksana dengan baik. Dari sisi proses implementasi model praktik keperawatan profesional di RSUD Kota Baubau menggunakan metode keperawatan primer modifikasi tim tetapi belum sesuai dengan standar sebab masih terbatasnya sumber daya manusia baik ketua tim maupun anggota yang mempunyai pendidikan Ners yang masih kurang. Dari sisi penerapan nilai-nilai profesional telah dilaksanakan dengan baik seperti  memperlakukan pasien dengan baik, keluarga pasien sebagai mitra dan menghargai otonomi pasienKata kunci : Implementasi kebijakan, Model Praktik Keperawatan Profesional.  Abstract Background: The implementation of the Professional Nursing Practice Model (MPKP) at the Hospital aims: to improve and realize the quality of nursing services. This study aims to describe how the implementation of the MPKP policy in the inpatient ward of Baubau City Hospital. Method: The research design used was qualitative research with a Case Study approach. Result: The results showed that in terms of the structure of the professional nursing practice model (MPKP) of all the stages of the professional nursing practice model (MPKP) that were carried out well only team formation and Hand Over, while the pre-conference, post conference and nursing rounds were not well implemented. In terms of the process of implementing the professional nursing practice model in Baubau City Hospital using the team's primary nursing method but not yet in accordance with the standard because there are still limited human resources both team leaders and members who have less Ners education. In terms of the application of professional values, it has been well implemented such as treating patients well, the patient's family as partners and respecting patient autonomy Keywords: Policy implementation, Professional Nursing Practice Model.
An Agent-Based Empirical Game Theory Approach for Airport Security Patrols
Authors: Janssen Stef , Matias Diogo , Sharpanskykh Alexei
Published: January 2020

Airports are attractive targets for terrorists, as they are designed to accommodate and process large amounts of people, resulting in a high concentration of potential victims. A popular method to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks is through security patrols, but resources are often limited. Game theory is commonly used as a methodology to find optimal patrol routes for security agents such that security risks are minimized. However, game-theoretic models suffer from payoff uncertainty and often rely solely on expert assessment to estimate game payoffs. Experts cannot incorporate all aspects of a terrorist attack in their assessment. For instance, attacker behavior, which contributes to the game payoff rewards, is hard to estimate precisely. To address this shortcoming, we proposed a novel empirical game theory approach in which payoffs are estimated using agent-based modeling. Using this approach, we simulated different attacker and defender strategies in an agent-based model to estimate game-theoretic payoffs, while a security game was used to find optimal security patrols. We performed a case study at a regional airport, and show that the optimal security patrol is non-deterministic and gives special emphasis to high-impact areas, such as the security checkpoint. The found security patrol routes are an improvement over previously found security strategies of the same case study.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Aerospace in 2019
Authors:   Aerospace Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Remedial Application of Urea Eliminates Yield Losses in Wheat Waterlogged during Stem Elongation
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Liang Peng , Guo Desheng , Liu Dejun , Yin Mingxiao , Zhu Min , Li Chunyan , Zhu Xinkai , Guo Wenshan
Published: January 2020

Waterlogging remains a critical constraint to wheat production in areas with high rainfall. Exogenous application of nitrogen (N) can effectively diminish the adverse effects of waterlogging, but varies with specific events. To provide highly efficient remedial strategies, this pot study investigated the effects of urea application following 10 days of waterlogging initialing at the stem elongation stage (Zadoks growth stage, GS33). The remedial measures included foliar spray of urea solution at a single dose (0.108 g urea per pot) at the 0th day after finishing waterlogging (FU1) and twice at the 0th and 7th day (FU2), and soil surface spray of urea solution at single and double doses when soil water content was approximately 80% of field capacity (SU1 and SU2, respectively). Waterlogging significantly reduced grain yield, total N uptake, and N partial factor productivity (by 11%, 18%, and 11%, respectively), but subsequent remedial measures improved these to variable degrees. Reduction in grain yield owing to waterlogging could be effectively alleviated and even eliminated using these remediations. Grain yield and N partial factor productivity were higher under FU2 and SU2 than FU1 and SU1. Among all treatments, plants under SU2 exhibited the highest total N uptake and top-dressing N recovery. Diminished yield losses were attributed to (1) increased kernel number per spike resulting from increased spikelet fertility and kernel number per spikelet and (2) increased photosynthetic production by delaying senescence (improved chlorophyll content and maintained green leaf area) of the top leaves. This study suggests that urea application for a brief period of time following waterlogging during the stem elongation stage has remarkable remedial effects.
Exploring the Topics of Soil Pollution and Agricultural Economics: Highlighting Good Practices
Authors: Martinho Vítor João Pereira Domingues
Published: January 2020

The evolution of the agricultural sector around the world has generated positive and negative externalities at social, economic and environmental levels. These impacts from the modernization of agriculture would not be, themselves, problematic if the global balance were positive, in sustainable development. However, in some cases, the negative externalities overlap the positive outcomes, namely in soil pollution from the application of fertilizers and crop protection products. From this perspective, the main objective of this study is to explore the relationships between the two following topics: soil pollution and agricultural economics. For this a literature survey was performed from the Web of Science platform based on these two topics put together. From the Web of Science, 45 studies were found and were clustered and explored first through the software VOSviewer. The literature explored with this software was clustered into three groups and shows that the studies related with these topics highlight, namely, three aspects: the problem in question, the benefits and the losses. After this network analysis, the several documents were studied deeper through literature review. Agricultural policies, farmers perceptions, stakeholders’ involvement, farms’ multifunctionality, sustainability and adjusted agricultural practices are all questions to be taken into account in the feedback between soil pollution and agricultural economics.
Effect of UV Radiation and Salt Stress on the Accumulation of Economically Relevant Secondary Metabolites in Bell Pepper Plants
Authors: Ellenberger Jan , Siefen Nils , Krefting Priska , Schulze Lutum Jan-Bernd , Pfarr Daniel , Remmel Maja , Schröder Lukas , Röhlen-Schmittgen Simone
Published: January 2020

The green biomass of horticultural plants contains valuable secondary metabolites (SM), which can potentially be extracted and sold. When exposed to stress, plants accumulate higher amounts of these SMs, making the extraction and commercialization even more attractive. We evaluated the potential for accumulating the flavones cynaroside and graveobioside A in leaves of two bell pepper cultivars (Mavras and Stayer) when exposed to salt stress (100 mM NaCl), UVA/B excitation (UVA 4–5 W/m2; UVB 10–14 W/m2 for 3 h per day), or a combination of both stressors. Plant age during the trials was 32–48 days. HPLC analyses proved the enhanced accumulation of both metabolites under stress conditions. Cynaroside accumulation is effectively triggered by high-UV stress, whereas graveobioside A contents increase under salt stress. Highest contents of secondary metabolites were observed in plants exposed to combined stress. Effects of stress on overall plant performance differed significantly between treatments, with least negative impact on above ground biomass found for high-UV stressed plants. The usage of two non-destructive instruments (Dualex and Multiplex) allowed us to gain insights into the ontogenetical effects at the leaf level and temporal development of SM contents. Indices provided by those devices correlate fairly with amounts detected via HPLC (Cynaroside: r2 = 0.46–0.66; Graveobioside A: r2 = 0.51–0.71). The concentrations of both metabolites tend to decrease at leaf level during the ontogenetical development even under stress conditions. High-UV stress should be considered as a tool for enriching plant leaves with valuable SM. Effects on the performance of plants throughout a complete production cycle should be evaluated in future trials. All data is available online.
Designing a Sustainable Temporary Grassland System by Monitoring Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Mălinas Anamaria , Rotar Ioan , Vidican Roxana , Iuga Vasile , Păcurar Florin , Mălinas Cristian , Moldovan Cristina
Published: January 2020

Assessing the efficiency of nitrogen application is a valuable first step in establishing an optimum N fertilizer management plan. The aim of this study was to elaborate a sustainable N management system for sown grassland installed in temperate regions, through manipulation of nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen response efficiency (NRE) indicators. Research was performed in western Romania. The biological material consists in two forage species of major importance for the forage base worldwide, namely Trifolium pratense L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam., in pure stands and in mixture. Both forage species were sown at two different spacings between rows (12.5 and 25.0 cm) and were fertilized with nitrogen (N) in three doses (N0-control, N50-fertilized with 50 kg N ha−1 and N100-fertilized with 100 kg N ha−1). The studies were made in 2016 and 2017, years very different from each other in matter of rainfalls. The results revealed a different behavior of the three sward types analyzed: while in Trifolium pratense monoculture and in the mixture of the two species studied, less N was removed than was applied; on the other hand Lolium multiflorum monoculture used a high proportion of the N applied, being at the limit to access N from the organic pool or residual N from fertilizer applications to a preceding crop.
Antibacterial Activity of Colloidal Silver against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Vila Domínguez Andrea , Ayerbe Algaba Rafael , Miró Canturri Andrea , Rodríguez Villodres Ángel , Smani Younes
Published: January 2020

Due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, new alternative therapies are needed. Silver was used to treat bacterial infections since antiquity due to its known antimicrobial properties. Here, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of colloidal silver (CS) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. A total of 270 strains (Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 45), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 25), Escherichia coli (n = 79), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 58)], Staphylococcus aureus (n = 34), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 14), and Enterococcus species (n = 15)) were used. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CS was determined for all strains by using microdilution assay, and time–kill curve assays of representative reference and MDR strains of these bacteria were performed. Membrane permeation and bacterial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined in presence of CS. CS MIC90 was 4–8 mg/L for all strains. CS was bactericidal, during 24 h, at 1× and 2× MIC against Gram-negative bacteria, and at 2× MIC against Gram-positive bacteria, and it did not affect their membrane permeabilization. Furthermore, we found that CS significantly increased the ROS production in Gram-negative with respect to Gram-positive bacteria at 24 h of incubation. Altogether, these results suggest that CS could be an effective treatment for infections caused by MDR Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Dendropanax morbifera Protects against Renal Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sachan Richa , Kundu Amit , Dey Prasanta , Son Ji Yeon , Kim Kyeong Seok , Lee Da Eun , Kim Hae Ri , Park Jae Hyeon , Lee Su Hyun , Kim Jung-Hwan , Cao Shugeng , Lee Byung Mu , Kwak Jong Hwan , Kim Hyung Sik
Published: January 2020

The aquatic extract of Dendropanax morbifera (DP) is typically consumed as a beverage in Korea and China and is also used in various traditional medicines. However, the functional role of DP on diabetes-induced renal fibrosis is unclear. Here, the protective effects of DP extract against diabetes-induced renal fibrosis were evaluated. Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in rats to induce diabetes. After 5 days, DP extract (25 mg/kg/day) and metformin (50 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to diabetic rats for 28 days. DP administration protected both body and organ weight loss in STZ-treated diabetic rats. Significant improvements in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and oxidative stress parameters were observed in diabetic rats by DP administration. DP extract markedly protected diabetic-induced histopathological damages in the kidney and pancreas. A significant reduction was observed in microalbumin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), selenium binding protein-1 (SBP1), and pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 (PKM2) levels in the urinary excretion of diabetic rats after the administration of DP extract. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis marker levels were significantly reduced in the kidney of diabetic rats. Our results strongly indicate that DP extract exhibits protective activity against diabetes-induced renal fibrosis through ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, we suggest that DP extract can be used as a preventive agent on the progression of diabetic nephropathy and renal fibrosis.
Coenzyme Q10-Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate Nanoparticles: An Injectable Water-Soluble Formulation
Authors: Banshoya Kengo , Nakamura Tetsuya , Tanaka Tetsuro , Kaneo Yoshiharu
Published: January 2020

Therapeutic applications of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are greatly limited by its lack of solubility in aqueous media. In this study, polyethylene glycol monostearate (stPEG) was used to construct micelles containing CoQ10 as a new formulation. The micellar formulations (stPEG/CoQ10) were prepared using five types of stPEG with 10, 25, 40, 55, and 140 PEG repeat units, respectively. The micellar preparation was simple, consisting of only stPEG and CoQ10. Next, we compared the physical properties and blood circulation of these micelles. The CoQ10 load of this formulation was approximately 15 w/w%. Based on the dynamic light scattering method, the average molecular size of the stPEG/CoQ10 micelles was approximately 15 to 60 nm. The zeta potentials of these micelles were approximately −10 to −25 mV. The micelles using stPEG25, 40, and 55 demonstrated high solubility in water. Furthermore, these micelles had in vitro antioxidant activity. On comparing the blood circulation of micelles using stPEG25, 40, 55, and 140, micelles using stPEG55 had a significantly higher circulation in blood. The stPEG55/CoQ10 micelle demonstrated a protective effect against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. In conclusion, these data indicate that the intravenous administration of the stPEG/CoQ10 micellar aqueous formulation is of great value against oxidant stress.
Research on Dynamic Risk Assessment and Active Defense Strategy of Active Distribution Network under Ice Weather
Authors: Liu Xin-Rui , Wang Hao , Sun Qiu-Ye , Jin Peng
Published: January 2020

With the continuous development of the active distribution network (ADN), the problem of security and stability has become increasingly prominent. From the perspective of improving the defense capability of ADN, a new a multi-angle dynamic risk assessment index system based on the comprehensive vulnerability rate model is proposed in this paper. Risk threshold is used to monitor the status of the distribution network, which determine whether ADN needs to enter the active defense period. The minimum amount of load shedding outside the fault isolation region is regarded as the objective function, considering other constraints such as limited resources, the coordinated active defense strategy (CADS) is formed in this paper. Finally, the accuracy of the comprehensive vulnerability rate and the risk assessment value are verified by example analysis, and the superiority of the CADS is verified by comparing different defense strategies.
Special Issue “Microwave Photonics 2018”
Authors: Gasulla Ivana , Fok Mable P.
Published: January 2020

Bringing together the worlds of radiofrequency and optics engineering, the interdisciplinary field of microwave photonics (MWP) pursues the generation, processing, and distribution of microwave and millimeter-wave signals by photonic means [...]
Study on the Prediction Method of the Ultra-Low-Cycle Fatigue Damage of Steel
Authors: Tian Qin , Liao Yanhua , Xie Xu , Zhuge Hanqing
Published: January 2020

Cyclic void growth model (CVGM) and continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model are suitable for predicting the damage of ultra-low-cycle fatigue (ULCF) theoretically. However, studies on the prediction of ultra-low-cycle fatigue (ULCF) damage is lacking. To determine which method is better, we used the two methods to predict the damage of ULCF. Firstly, uniaxial tensile and large strain cycle tests were performed on the base metal, weld metal and heat-affected zone and the material parameters were calibrated respectively. The uniaxial plastic strain threshold and toughness parameter of weld metal were minimum, and the dispersion was maximum. The finite element models of the base metal and weld specimens were established based on the calibrated parameters, and the ULCF damage was predicted. Compared with the CVGM model, the CDM model can predict the fatigue life and the relationships among the fatigue and fracture lives, the post-fracture path and the number of cycles to initial damage. The parameter calibration is simple. CDM is superior to CVGM in predicting the ULCF damage of steel and its weld joints.
Study on the Shifting Quality of the CVT Tractor under Hydraulic System Failure
Authors: Wang Guangming , Song Yue , Wang Jiabo , Chen Wanqiang , Cao Yunlian , Wang Jinxing
Published: January 2020

The failure of a hydraulic system will affect the shifting quality and driving safety of a CVT tractor. In order to reveal the response of the tractor under different hydraulic system failures without destroying the transmission, the following methods are proposed in this paper: firstly, building the simulation model of CVT; secondly, building a test bench to test and verify the transmission model to ensure that the simulation model can accurately predict the response of CVT under different clutch oil pressures; thirdly, obtaining the fault oil pressure data without starting the engine and taking the data of fault oil pressure as the input variable of the simulation model; finally, obtaining the response of the CVT tractor under different hydraulic system failures by simulation. It is found that the damage of the seal ring inside the rotary joint has little effect on shifting quality; oil way block can lead to greater shift impact; when seal ring damage and oil way block occur together, the clutch cannot reach the minimum working pressure; clutch piston jamming and oil leak can cause power interruption of the tractor. The results show that it is feasible to study the response of CVT in fault mode by simulation.
A Neural Network Fuzzy Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Based on Driving Cycle Recognition
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fu Xiaoling
Published: January 2020

Aiming at the problems inherent in the traditional fuzzy energy management strategy (F-EMS), such as poor adaptive ability and lack of self-learning, a neural network fuzzy energy management strategy (NNF-EMS) for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) based on driving cycle recognition (DCR) is designed. The DCR was realized by the method of neural network sample learning and characteristic parameter analysis, and the recognition results were considered as the reference input of the fuzzy controller with further optimization of the membership function, resulting in improvement in the poor pertinence of F-EMS driving cycles. The research results show that the proposed NNF-EMS can realize the adaptive optimization of fuzzy membership function and fuzzy rules under different driving cycles. Therefore, the proposed NNF-EMS has strong robustness and practicability under different driving cycles.
Plasma Electrolysis Spraying Al2O3 Coating onto Quartz Fiber Fabric for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Stability
Authors: Bu Aiming , Zhang Yongfu , Xiang Yan , Yang Yunjie , Chen Weiwei , Cheng Huanwu , Wang Lu
Published: January 2020

This manuscript reported the synthesis of Al2O3 coating onto quartz fiber fabric by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It was suggested that the formation of a ceramic coating was followed as the nucleation-growth raw, that is, the formation of the coating clusters was dependent on the fast grow-up partially, implying the inhomogeneous energy distribution in the electrolysis plasma. The deposition of the Al2O3 coating increased the tensile strength from 19.2 to 58.1 MPa. The thermal conductivity of the coated quartz fiber was measured to be 1.17 W m−1 K−1, increased by ~45% compared to the bare fiber. The formation mechanism of the Al2O3 coating was preliminarily discussed. The thermally conductive quartz fiber with high thermal stability by plasma electrolysis spray will be widely used in flexible thermal shielding and insulation materials.
An Experimental Strain-Based Study on the Working State of Husk Mortar Wallboards with Openings
Authors: Cai Xuesong , Sun Shijun , Zhou Guangchun
Published: January 2020

Rice husks as common agricultural remnants with low density and good thermal conductivity properties have been used in infill walls in the northern area of China. Accordingly, many tests and numerical simulations were conducted to address a difficult issue, the inaccurate estimation on the lateral load-bearing capacity of different types of husk mortar energy-saving (HMES) wallboards. The difficulty has not been overcome so far, implying that the novel methods are anticipated to achieve the accurate estimation. This paper tests the full-scale HMES wallboards with different openings and obtains the strains at the points distributed on the wallboard sides. The experimental strains are modeled as the approximate strain energy values to produce the characteristic parameter of the HMES wallboard’s stressing state. Furthermore, the inherent working state characteristic points of HMES wallboards are revealed from the evolution of the characteristic parameter called as the normalized approximate strain energy sum, leading to the redefinition of the failure loads for the HMES wallboards. Finally, it investigates the stressing state mode evolution of the HMES wallboard around the failure loads. The achieved results provide the reference to the accurate estimation of the bearing capacity of the HMES wallboards.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Arts in 2019
Authors:   Arts Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months,[...]
Large-Eddy Simulations with an Immersed Boundary Method: Pollutant Dispersion over Urban Terrain
Authors: Auguste Franck , Lac Christine , Masson Valery , Cariolle Daniel
Published: January 2020

In urban canopies, the variability of pollution may be influenced by the presence of surface heterogeneities like orography and buildings. Using the Meso-NH model enhanced with an immersed boundary method (IBM) to represent accurately the impact of the 3D shape of buildings on the flow, large-eddy simulations are performed over city of Toulouse (France) with the dispersion of a plume following a plant explosion on 21 September 2001. The event is characterized by a large quantity of nitrogen dioxide released in a vertical column after the explosion, quickly dispersed by a moderate wind prevailing in the lower atmospheric layers. Assuming a passive pollutant, the model develops a realistic plume dispersion. A sensitivity analysis of the advection scheme to the spread is presented. The limited population’s exposure to pollution developed by the model appears in good agreement with previous health studies. Beyond this case, IBM is a promising way to represent flow interaction with buildings and orography in atmospheric models for urban applications.
Analysis of Raindrop Shapes and Scattering Calculations: The Outer Rain Bands of Tropical Depression Nate
Authors: Thurai Merhala , Steger Sophie , Teschl Franz , Schönhuber Michael
Published: January 2020

Tropical storm Nate, which was a powerful hurricane prior to landfall along the US Gulf coast, traversed north and weakened considerably to a tropical depression as it moved near an instrumented site in Hunstville, AL. The outer rain bands lasted 18 h (03:00 to 21:00 UTC on 08 October 2017) and a 2D-video disdrometer (2DVD) captured the event which was shallow at times and indicative of pure warm rain processes. The 2DVD measurements are used for 3D reconstruction of drop shapes (including the rotationally asymmetric drops) and the drop-by-drop scattering matrix has been computed using Computer Simulation Technology integral equation solver for drop sizes >2.5 mm. From the scattering matrix elements, the polarimetric radar observables are simulated by integrating over 1 min consecutive segments of the event. These simulated values are compared with dual-polarized C-band radar data located at 15 km range from the 2DVD site to evaluate the contribution of the asymmetric drop shapes, specifically to differential reflectivity. The drop fall velocities and drop horizontal velocities in terms of magnitude and direction, all being derived from each drop image from two orthogonal cameras of the 2DVD, are also considered.
Model of Daytime Oxygen Emissions in the Mesopause Region and Above: A Review and New Results
Authors: Yankovsky Valentine , Vorobeva Ekaterina
Published: January 2020

Atmospheric emissions of atomic and molecular oxygen have been observed since the middle of 19th century. In the last decades, it has been shown that emissions of excited oxygen atom O(1D) and molecular oxygen in electronically–vibrationally excited states O2(b1Σ+g, v) and O2(a1Δg, v) are related by a unified photochemical mechanism in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The current paper consists of two parts: a review of studies related to the development of the model of ozone and molecular oxygen photodissociation in the daytime MLT and new results. In particular, the paper includes a detailed description of formation mechanism for excited oxygen components in the daytime MLT and presents comparison of widely used photochemical models. The paper also demonstrates new results such as new suggestions about possible products for collisional reactions of electronically–vibrationally excited oxygen molecules with atomic oxygen and new estimations of O2(b1Σ+g, v = 0–10) radiative lifetimes which are necessary for solving inverse problems in the lower thermosphere. Moreover, special attention is given to the “Barth’s mechanism” in order to demonstrate that for different sets of fitting coefficients its contribution to O2(b1Σ+g, v) and O2(a1Δg, v) population is neglectable in daytime conditions. In addition to the review and new results, possible applications of the daytime oxygen emissions are presented, e.g., the altitude profiles O(3P), O3 and CO2 can be retrieved by solving inverse photochemical problems when emissions from electronically vibrationally excited states of O2 molecule are used as proxies.
The Tubby Torus as a Quotient Group
Authors: Morris Sidney A.
Published: January 2020

Let E be any metrizable nuclear locally convex space and E ^ the Pontryagin dual group of E. Then the topological group E ^ has the tubby torus (that is, the countably infinite product of copies of the circle group) as a quotient group if and only if E does not have the weak topology. This extends results in the literature related to the Banach–Mazur separable quotient problem.
Experimental and Computational Study of the Implementation of mPCM-Modified Gypsum Boards in a Test Enclosure
Authors: Bravo Juan , Venegas Tomás , Correa Elizabeth , Álamos Alejandro , Sepúlveda Francisco , Vasco Diego , Barreneche Camila
Published: January 2020

The application of phase change materials (PCM) in the thermal envelope of buildings has proven to be an alternative to reduce energy consumption and to improve thermal comfort conditions. The present work evaluates the thermal behavior of gypsum boards modified with a microencapsulated PCM (mPCM) in a cubic test enclosure, considering the climatic conditions of Santiago de Chile in the September–November period of 2017. The design of the test enclosure was performed considering the minimization of parameters that affect the variation of its inner temperature and favoring the heat flow through the gypsum boards. Experimentally, the results reflect the main effects of the implementation of a mPCM, among which the displacement of the maximum heat load and the decrease in the daily oscillation of the internal temperature of the test enclosure (up to 2 °C) stand out. In addition, the mPCM modified gypsum board was thermally characterized to carry out a thermal simulation of the enclosures using EnergyPlus™. The obtained numerical results agree with those obtained experimentally, including the behavior of the transient heat flux through the gypsum boards. Moreover, it was found that considering a null infiltration rate gives place to unrealistic results, suggesting that this parameter should be controlled.