bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Formation of Ag Nanoparticles in Mesoporous TiO2 Films Decorated on Bamboo via Self-Sacrificing Reduction to Synthesize Nanocomposites with Efficient Antifungal Activity
Authors: Li Jingpeng , Su Minglei , Wang Anke , Wu Zaixing , Chen Yuhe , Qin Daochun , Jiang Zehui
Published: November 2019

We developed a novel green approach for the in situ fabrication of Ag NPs in mesoporous TiO2 films via the bamboo self-sacrificing reduction of Ag(NH3)2+ ions, which can inhibit fungal growth on the bamboo surface. Mesoporous anatase TiO2 (MT) films were first synthesized on bamboo via a hydrothermal method. Then, Ag NPs with a 5.3 nm mean diameter were incorporated into the pore channels of optimal MT/bamboo (MTB) samples at room temperature without the addition of reducing agents, such that the Ag NPs were almost entirely embedded into the MT films. Our analysis indicated that the solubilized lignin from bamboo, which is rich in oxygen-containing functional groups, serves as a green reductant for reducing the Ag(NH3)2+ ions to Ag NPs. Antifungal experiments with Trichoderma viride under dark conditions highlighted that the antifungal activity of the Ag/MT/bamboo samples were greater than those of naked bamboo, MTB, and Ag/bamboo, suggesting that these hybrid nanomaterials produce a synergistic antifungal effect that is unrelated to photoactivity. The inhibition of Penicillium citrinum effectively followed a similar trend. This newly developed bamboo protection method may provide a sustainable, eco-friendly, and efficient method for enhancing the antifungal characteristics of traditional bamboo, having the potential to prolong the service life of bamboo materials, particularly under dark conditions.
Multiple Sclerosis: Melatonin, Orexin, and Ceramide Interact with Platelet Activation Coagulation Factors and Gut-Microbiome-Derived Butyrate in the Circadian Dysregulation of Mitochondria in Glia and Immune Cells
Authors: Anderson George , Rodriguez Moses , Reiter Russel J.
Published: November 2019

Recent data highlight the important roles of the gut microbiome, gut permeability, and alterations in mitochondria functioning in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). This article reviews such data, indicating two important aspects of alterations in the gut in the modulation of mitochondria: (1) Gut permeability increases toll-like receptor (TLR) activators, viz circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and exosomal high-mobility group box (HMGB)1. LPS and HMGB1 increase inducible nitric oxide synthase and superoxide, leading to peroxynitrite-driven acidic sphingomyelinase and ceramide. Ceramide is a major driver of MS pathophysiology via its impacts on glia mitochondria functioning; (2) Gut dysbiosis lowers production of the short-chain fatty acid, butyrate. Butyrate is a significant positive regulator of mitochondrial function, as well as suppressing the levels and effects of ceramide. Ceramide acts to suppress the circadian optimizers of mitochondria functioning, viz daytime orexin and night-time melatonin. Orexin, melatonin, and butyrate increase mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation partly via the disinhibition of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, leading to an increase in acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA). Acetyl-CoA is a necessary co-substrate for activation of the mitochondria melatonergic pathway, allowing melatonin to optimize mitochondrial function. Data would indicate that gut-driven alterations in ceramide and mitochondrial function, particularly in glia and immune cells, underpin MS pathophysiology. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activators, such as stress-induced kynurenine and air pollutants, may interact with the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway via AhR-induced cytochrome P450 (CYP)1b1, which backward converts melatonin to N-acetylserotonin (NAS). The loss of mitochnodria melatonin coupled with increased NAS has implications for altered mitochondrial function in many cell types that are relevant to MS pathophysiology. NAS is increased in secondary progressive MS, indicating a role for changes in the mitochondria melatonergic pathway in the progression of MS symptomatology. This provides a framework for the integration of diverse bodies of data on MS pathophysiology, with a number of readily applicable treatment interventions, including the utilization of sodium butyrate.
1D Quantum Simulations of Electron Rescattering with Metallic Nanoblades
Authors: Mann Joshua , Lawler Gerard , Rosenzweig James
Published: November 2019

Electron rescattering has been well studied and simulated for cases with ponderomotive energies of the quasi-free electrons, derived from laser–gas and laser–surface interactions, lower than 50 eV. However, with advents in longer wavelengths and laser field enhancement metallic surfaces, previous simulations no longer suffice to describe more recent strong field and high yield experiments. We present a brief introduction to and some of the theoretical and empirical background of electron rescattering emissions from a metal. We set upon using the Jellium potential with a shielded atomic surface potential to model the metal. We then explore how the electron energy spectra are obtained in the quantum simulation, which is performed using a custom computationally intensive time-dependent Schrödinger equation solver via the Crank–Nicolson method. Finally, we discuss the results of the simulation and examine the effects of the incident laser’s wavelength, peak electric field strength, and field penetration on electron spectra and yields. Future simulations will investigate a more accurate density functional theory metallic model with a system of several non-interacting electrons. Eventually, we will move to a full time-dependent density functional theory approach.
The Latest Insights into Adipokines in Diabetes
Authors: Kim Won Kon , Bae Kwang-Hee , Lee Sang Chul , Oh Kyoung-Jin
Published: November 2019

The Special Issue “Pathogenetic and Therapeutic Significance of Adipokines in Diabetes” focused on adipokines as shared diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Experts discussed the pathological role of adipokines in their studies associated with diabetes. It provided new insights into the role of adipokines in diabetes. In this commentary and review, these studies will be summarized and the novel roles of adipokines will be discussed. This will also confirm the role of adipokines as biomarkers for diagnosis and prediction, and as therapeutic targets of diabetes and its related pathogenic phenomena.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Pathogenic Strain of Ehrlichia minasensis
Authors: Moura de Aguiar Daniel , Pessoa Araújo Junior João , Nakazato Luciano , Bard Emilie , Aguilar-Bultet Lisandra , Vorimore Fabien , Leonidovich Popov Vsevolod , Moleta Colodel Edson , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: November 2019

The genus Ehrlichia is composed of tick-borne obligate intracellular gram-negative alphaproteobacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae. Ehrlichia includes important pathogens affecting canids (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii), rodents (E. muris), and ruminants (E. ruminantium). Ehrlichia minasensis, an Ehrlichia closely related to E. canis, was initially reported in Canada and Brazil. This bacterium has now been reported in Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean island of Corsica, suggesting that E. minasensis has a wide geographical distribution. Previously, E. minasensis was found to cause clinical ehrlichiosis in an experimentally infected calf. The type strain E. minasensis UFMG-EV was successfully isolated from Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and propagated in the tick embryonic cell line of Ixodes scapularis (IDE8). However, the isolation and propagation of E. minasensis strains from cattle has remained elusive. In this study, the E. minasensis strain Cuiabá was isolated from an eight-month-old male calf of Holstein breed that was naturally infected with the bacterium. The calf presented clinical signs and hematological parameters of bovine ehrlichiosis. The in vitro culture of the agent was established in the canine cell line DH82. Ehrlichial morulae were observed using light and electron microscopy within DH82 cells. Total DNA was extracted, and the full genome of the E. minasensis strain Cuiabá was sequenced. A core-genome-based phylogenetic tree of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. confirmed that E. minasensis is a sister taxa of E. canis. A comparison of functional categories among Ehrlichia showed that E. minasensis has significantly less genes in the ‘clustering-based subsystems’ category, which includes functionally coupled genes for which the functional attributes are not well understood. Results strongly suggest that E. minasensis is a novel pathogen infecting cattle. The epidemiology of this Ehrlichia deserves further attention because these bacteria could be an overlooked cause of tick-borne bovine ehrlichiosis, with a wide distribution.
Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Novel 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Inhibitors of DDX3X
Authors: Brai Annalaura , Ronzini Stefania , Riva Valentina , Botta Lorenzo , Zamperini Claudio , Borgini Matteo , Trivisani Claudia Immacolata , Garbelli Anna , Pennisi Carla , Boccuto Adele , Saladini Francesco , Zazzi Maurizio , Maga Giovanni , Botta Maurizio
Published: November 2019

The human ATPase/RNA helicase X-linked DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3X) emerged as a novel therapeutic target in the fight against both infectious diseases and cancer. Herein, a new family of DDX3X inhibitors was designed, synthesized, and tested for its inhibitory action on the ATPase activity of the enzyme. The potential use of the most promising derivatives it has been investigated by evaluating their anti-HIV-1 effects, revealing inhibitory activities in the low micromolar range. A preliminary ADME analysis demonstrated high metabolic stability and good aqueous solubility. The promising biological profile, together with the suitable in vitro pharmacokinetic properties, make these novel compounds a very good starting point for further development.
Investigation of Potential Amorphisation and Co-Amorphisation Behaviour of the Benzene Di-Carboxylic Acids upon Cryo-Milling
Authors: Elfakhri Rehab , Burley Jonathan C.
Published: November 2019

Multi-component formulations offer a way to modulate the physico-chemical properties of drug molecules and thereby enhance their efficacy as medicines compared to using only the raw drug, with mechano-chemical synthesis being an increasingly popular way to create these novel materials in a research setting. However, to date studies have focussed on employing pharmaceutically acceptable components, which has led to the literature featuring chemically diverse pairings of drug and excipient. Here we investigate the outcome of cryo-milling and co-cryo-milling of a series of three simple geometrical isomers of benzene di-carboxylic acid with a view to developing a chemically simple model system to investigate areas including cryo-milling, co-cryo-milling, co-amorphous formulation, etc. All three single-component materials exhibit differing behaviour upon cryo-milling and subsequent storage, as do the two-component mixtures. The surprisingly differing behaviours of these chemically similar species upon cryo-milling and co-cryo-milling suggest that molecular chemistry may not be the dominant influence on the outcome of mechano-chemical syntheses, and that other properties should be explored to develop a predictive model for the outcomes of these types of reactions.
Early Celastrol Administration Prevents Ketamine-Induced Psychotic-Like Behavioral Dysfunctions, Oxidative Stress and IL-10 Reduction in The Cerebellum of Adult Mice
Authors: Schiavone Stefania , Tucci Paolo , Trabace Luigia , Morgese Maria Grazia
Published: November 2019

Administration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine during brain maturation represents a tool to mimic an early insult to the central nervous system (CNS). The cerebellum is a key player in psychosis pathogenesis, to which oxidative stress also contributes. Here, we investigated the impact of early celastrol administration on behavioral dysfunctions in adult mice that had received ketamine (30 mg/kg i.p.) at postnatal days (PNDs) 7, 9, and 11. Cerebellar levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and NOX2, as well as of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV), were also assessed. Furthermore, celastrol effects on ketamine-induced alterations of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in this brain region were evaluated. Early celastrol administration prevented ketamine-induced discrimination index decrease at adulthood. The same was found for locomotor activity elevations and increased close following and allogrooming, whereas no beneficial effects on sniffing impairment were detected. Ketamine increased 8-OHdG in the cerebellum of adult mice, which was also prevented by early celastrol injection. Cerebellar NOX1 levels were enhanced at adulthood following postnatal ketamine exposure. Celastrol per se induced NOX1 decrease in the cerebellum. This effect was more significant in animals that were early administered with ketamine. NOX2 levels did not change. Ketamine administration did not affect PV amount in the cerebellum. TNF-α levels were enhanced in ketamine-treated animals; however, this was not prevented by early celastrol administration. While no changes were observed for IL-6 and IL-1β levels, ketamine determined a reduction of cerebellar IL-10 expression, which was prevented by early celastrol treatment. Our results suggest that NOX inhibition during brain maturation prevents the development of psychotic-like behavioral dysfunctions, as well as the increased cerebellar oxidative stress and the reduction of IL-10 in the same brain region following ketamine exposure in postnatal life. This opens novel neuroprotective opportunities against early detrimental insults occurring during brain development.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Hydrazide-Hydrazones with the 1-Adamantyl-Carbonyl Moiety
Authors: Pham Van Hien , Phan Thi Phuong Dung , Phan Dinh Chau , Vu Binh Duong
Published: November 2019

Reaction of 1-adamantyl carbohydrazide (1) with various substituted benzaldehydes and acetophenones yielded the corresponding hydrazide-hydrazones with a 1-adamantane carbonyl moiety. The new synthesized compounds were tested for activities against some Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans. Compounds 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5c displayed potential antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans, while compounds 4e and 5e possessed cytotoxicity against tested human cancer cell lines.
Food Taboos and Cultural Beliefs Influence Food Choice and Dietary Preferences among Pregnant Women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Chakona Gamuchirai , Shackleton Charlie
Published: November 2019

A well-nourished and healthy population is a central tenet of sustainable development. In South Africa, cultural beliefs and food taboos followed by some pregnant women influence their food consumption, which impacts the health of mothers and children during pregnancy and immediately afterwards. We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant isiXhosa women from five communities in the Kat River Valley, South Africa. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 224 women and nine focus group discussions with 94 participants. Overall, 37% of the women reported one or more food practices shaped by local cultural taboos or beliefs. The most commonly avoided foods were meat products, fish, potatoes, fruits, beans, eggs, butternut and pumpkin, which are rich in essential micronutrients, protein and carbohydrates. Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy outcome, labour and to avoid an undesirable body form for the baby. Some pregnant women consumed herbal decoctions for strengthening pregnancy, facilitating labour and overall health of both themselves and the foetus. Most learnt of the taboos and practices from their own mother or grandmother, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups. Some pregnant women in the study may be considered nutritionally vulnerable due to the likelihood of decreased intake of nutrient-rich foods resulting from cultural beliefs and food taboos against some nutritious foods. Encouraging such women to adopt a healthy diet with more protein-rich foods, vegetables and fruits would significantly improve maternal nutrition and children’s nutrition. Adhering to culturally appropriate nutrition education may be an important care practice for many pregnant women in the Kat River Valley.
The Value and Potential Integration of Pharmacy Technician National Certification into Processes That Help Assure a Competent Workforce
Authors: Desselle Shane P. , Hohmeier Kenneth C. , McKeirnan Kimberly C.
Published: November 2019

The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine pharmacists’ perceptions of the impact of certification on competence in specific job skills, its impact in combination with job experience, and its impact in combination with other types of vocational education/training; (2) to identify elements that could potentially enhance the value, or impact of national certification; and (3) to determine how pharmacists view certification in light of various personnel management and organizational behavior phenomena. A self-administered survey was constructed and delivered in spring of 2019 to a random sample of four U.S. states chosen for their geographic diversity and relatively high proportions of both certified and non-certified pharmacy technicians. Following multiple reminders, a response rate of 19.3% was obtained. The 326 responding pharmacists saw certification being less impactful alone than when combined with other types of education/training and previous job experiences. They saw the need for more skills-related and “soft skills” content on the certification examination and agreed that certification is a factor in hiring decisions and that it should be required for designation for advanced practice status. Taken together, respondents saw the need for pharmacy leaders to integrate certification with other aspects of preparation to make for a more competent and professional workforce support team.
Identification of Superior Alleles for Seedling Stage Salt Tolerance in the USDA Rice Mini-Core Collection
Authors: Rohila Jai S. , Edwards Jeremy D. , Tran Gioi D. , Jackson Aaron K. , McClung Anna M.
Published: November 2019

Salt stress is a major constraint to rice acreage and production worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural genetic variation available in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rice mini-core collection (URMC) for early vigor traits under salt stress and identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seedling-stage salt tolerance via a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Using a hydroponic system, the seedlings of 162 accessions were subjected to electrical conductivity (EC) 6.0 dS m−1 salt stress at the three-to-four leaf stage. After completion of the study, 59.4% of the accessions were identified as sensitive, 23.9% were identified as moderately tolerant, and 16.7% were identified as highly tolerant. Pokkali was the most tolerant variety, while Nerica-6 was the most sensitive. Adapting standard International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) protocols, eight variables associated with salt tolerance were determined. The GWAS of the URMC, using over three million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), identified nine genomic regions associated with salt tolerance that were mapped to five different chromosomes. Of these, none were in the known Saltol QTL region, suggesting different probable genes and mechanisms responsible for salt tolerance in the URMC. The study uncovered genetic loci that explained a large portion of the variation in salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Fourteen highly salt-tolerant accessions, six novel loci, and 16 candidate genes in their vicinity were identified that may be useful in breeding for salt stress tolerance. Identified QTLs can be targeted for fine mapping, candidate gene verification, and marker-assisted breeding in future studies.
Analysis of the Risk Impact of Implementing Digital Innovations for Logistics Management
Authors: Barczak Agnieszka , Dembińska Izabela , Marzantowicz Łukasz
Published: November 2019

The emergence of digital technology is a paradigmatic historical change. As a process of transforming social engineering structures, digitization has had a ubiquitous impact on the organization of structures and business logic, as well as on economic principles and rules. The fertile ground for digital technology applications is logistics management, which manifests itself in the dynamic development of logistics 4.0. Increasingly, it is pointed out that digital technology has some distinct features that have fundamental implications for innovation. The aim of the present study is to determine the impact of the risk of implementing digital technologies for logistics management. The study was conducted using the standardized questionnaire interview method with representatives of the management of enterprises. The attempt was random. The sampling was made up of micro, small, medium, and large enterprises from the production and services sectors, having a logistics unit or a logistics division, located in the “Bisnode Poland” database. In total, 360 full interviews were carried out. For the study, we defined macro-environment, operational, functional, and microenvironment risks. The basic conclusion is that between each type of risk and the type of digital technologies used in the studied entities and their partners in the supply chain, there is a high and very high dependence in the case of three-dimensional printing (3D printing), artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, augmented reality, and self-propelled vehicles.
Hybrid Integrations of Value Stream Mapping, Theory of Constraints and Simulation: Application to Wooden Furniture Industry
Authors: Alzubi Emad , Atieh Anas M. , Abu Shgair Khaleel , Damiani John , Sunna Sima , Madi Abdallah
Published: November 2019

This paper studies manufacturing processes in a wooden furniture manufacturing company. The company suffers from long manufacturing lead times and an unbalanced production line. To identify sources of waste and delay value stream mapping (VSM) and a discrete event simulation model is implemented. VSM is used to visualize and analyze the major processes of the company and provide quantifiable KPIs; the manufacturing lead-time and then Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) settings. A discrete event simulation model is then built to analyze the company on a wider scale and provide the data required to identify bottlenecks. Building on the data gathered from the production lines and the simulation model, two-bottleneck detection methods are used, the utilization method, and the waiting time method. Then based on the comparison of the two methods a third bottleneck detection is utilized; the scenario-based method, to identify the primary and secondary bottlenecks. After the bottlenecks are identified, changes are then evaluated using the simulation model and radar charts were built based on the improved simulation model, which evaluates the effect of changes in the utilization and OEE results. This work managed to neutralize the effect of one of the main bottlenecks and minimize the effect of the other. The manufacturing utilization was increased by 15.8% for the main bottleneck resources followed by 2.4% for the second one. However, it is hard to convince the traditional administration of this small size manufacturing plant to adopt a completely revolutionizing, costly, and risky (at such level) lean manufacturing approach. This paper studies and provides a much lower in cost and verified scheme of enhancement.
Knowledge Mapping of Carbon Footprint Research in a LCA Perspective: A Visual Analysis Using CiteSpace
Authors: Zhong Shihu , Chen Rong , Song Fei , Xu Yanmin
Published: November 2019

Carbon emissions are inevitably linked to lifestyle and consumption behaviours, and the concept of “carbon footprinting” is now well-recognised beyond academia. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the primary tools for assessing carbon footprints. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of literatures focusing on carbon footprint calculated with life cycle assessment. We used CiteSpace software to draw the knowledge map of related research to identify and trace the knowledge base and frontier terminology. It was found that the LCA application in respects of carbon footprint studies was completed mainly for the following aspect: beef production and dairy industry, seafood and fishery, nutrition, urban structure and energy use. The CiteSpace analysis showed the development path of the above aspects, for example, beef production and dairy industry has been a long-term topic in this kind of research, while the topic of nutrition appeared in recent years. There was also a cluster of literature discussing footprint evaluation tools, such as comparing LCA with input–output analysis. The CiteSpace analysis indicated that earlier methodological literature still plays an important role in recent research. Moreover, through the analysis of burst keywords, it was found that agriculture productions (dairy, meat, fish, crop) as well as global climate issues (greenhouse gases emission, global warming potential) have always been the areas of concern, which matches the result of co-citation analysis. Building materials (low-carbon building, natural buildings, sustainable buildings) and soil issues (soil carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon) are the topics of recent concern, which could arouse the attention of follower-up researchers.
A Role-Based Software Architecture to Support Mobile Service Computing in IoT Scenarios
Authors: Finochietto Mariano , Eggly Gabriel M. , Santos Rodrigo , Orozco Javier , Ochoa Sergio F. , Meseguer Roc
Published: November 2019

The interaction among components of an IoT-based system usually requires using low latency or real time for message delivery, depending on the application needs and the quality of the communication links among the components. Moreover, in some cases, this interaction should consider the use of communication links with poor or uncertain Quality of Service (QoS). Research efforts in communication support for IoT scenarios have overlooked the challenge of providing real-time interaction support in unstable links, making these systems use dedicated networks that are expensive and usually limited in terms of physical coverage and robustness. This paper presents an alternative to address such a communication challenge, through the use of a model that allows soft real-time interaction among components of an IoT-based system. The behavior of the proposed model was validated using state machine theory, opening an opportunity to explore a whole new branch of smart distributed solutions and to extend the state-of-the-art and the-state-of-the-practice in this particular IoT study scenario.
A High-Sensitivity Methane Sensor with Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Behavior in an Improved Hexagonal Gold Nanoring Array
Authors: Liu Hai , Chen Cong , Zhang Yanzeng , Bai Bingbing , Tang Shoufeng
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a methane sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of a hexagonal periodic gold nanoring array. The effects of structural parameters on the extinction spectrum and refractive index (RI) sensitivity are analyzed to obtain optimal parameters. In particular, the RI sensitivity can reach 550.08 nm/RIU through improvement of the sensor structure, which is an increase of 17.4% over the original value. After coating a methane-sensitive membrane on the inner and outer surfaces of the gold rings, the methane concentration can be accurately measured with a gas sensitivity of −1.02 nm/%. The proposed method is also applicable to quantitative analyses of components concentration and qualitative analyses of gas composition.
From Values to Behavior: Proposition of an Integrating Model
Authors: Aride Othmane , Pàmies-Pallisé Maria-del-Mar
Published: November 2019

Human values are at the heart of our lives. We all hold a set of values that influence our actions. The protection of the natural environment is no exception to this rule. That is why the study of human values is key to reaching the imperative of sustainability. In this conceptual paper, we aim to (1) integrate the key theories and models explaining the influence of human values on behavior and to (2) identify factors that might have previously been overlooked. Drawing from a range of disciplines, this article proposes an integrated model mapping the influence of human values on behavior. It also puts forward the concept of consequences as an emerging factor that could play an important role in this relationship. Recommendations are to extend the research to an empirical investigation of the model and to develop the definition of the concept of consequences and the role they play in the influence of values on consumer behavior.
A Data-Based Fault-Detection Model for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bae Jangsik , Lee Meonghun , Shin Changsun
Published: November 2019

With the expansion of smart agriculture, wireless sensor networks are being increasingly applied. These networks collect environmental information, such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 rates. However, if a faulty sensor node operates continuously in the network, unnecessary data transmission adversely impacts the network. Accordingly, a data-based fault-detection algorithm was implemented in this study to analyze data of sensor nodes and determine faults, to prevent the corresponding nodes from transmitting data; thus, minimizing damage to the network. A cloud-based “farm as a service” optimized for smart farms was implemented as an example, and resource management of sensors and actuators was provided using the oneM2M common platform. The effectiveness of the proposed fault-detection model was verified on an integrated management platform based on the Internet of Things by collecting and analyzing data. The results confirm that when a faulty sensor node is not separated from the network, unnecessary data transmission of other sensor nodes occurs due to continuous abnormal data transmission; thus, increasing energy consumption and reducing the network lifetime.
Aptamer Profiling of A549 Cells Infected with Low-Pathogenicity and High-Pathogenicity Influenza Viruses
Authors: Coombs Kevin M. , Simon Philippe F. , McLeish Nigel J. , Zahedi-Amiri Ali , Kobasa Darwyn
Published: November 2019

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are important animal and human emerging and re-emerging pathogens that are responsible for yearly seasonal epidemics and sporadic pandemics. IAVs cause a wide range of clinical illnesses, from relatively mild infections by seasonal strains, to acute respiratory distress during infections with highly pathogenic avian IAVs (HPAI). For this study, we infected A549 human lung cells with lab prototype A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) (PR8), a seasonal H1N1 (RV733), the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdm09), or with two avian strains, an H5N1 HPAI strain or an H7N9 strain that has low pathogenicity in birds but high pathogenicity in humans. We used a newly-developed aptamer-based multiplexed technique (SOMAscan®) to examine >1300 human lung cell proteins affected by the different IAV strains, and identified more than 500 significantly dysregulated cellular proteins. Our analyses indicated that the avian strains induced more profound changes in the A549 global proteome compared to all tested low-pathogenicity H1N1 strains. The PR8 strain induced a general activation, primarily by upregulating many immune molecules, the seasonal RV733 and pdm09 strains had minimal effect upon assayed molecules, and the avian strains induced significant downregulation, primarily in antimicrobial response, cardiovascular and post-translational modification systems.
Decision Support System for Optimally Managing Water Resources to Meet Multiple Objectives in the Savannah River Basin
Authors: Roehl Edwin A. , Conrads Paul A.
Published: November 2019

Managers of large river basins face conflicting demands for water resources such as wildlife habitat, water supply, wastewater assimilative capacity, flood control, hydroelectricity, and recreation. The Savannah River Basin, for example, has experienced three major droughts since 2000 that resulted in record low water levels in its reservoirs, impacting dependent economies for years. The Savannah River estuary contains two municipal water intakes and the ecologically sensitive freshwater tidal marshes of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. The Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest in the United States, and modifications to the harbor to expand ship traffic since the 1970s have caused saltwater to migrate upstream, reducing the freshwater marsh’s acreage more than 50 percent. A planned deepening of the harbor includes flow-alteration features to minimize further migration of salinity, whose effectiveness will only be known after all construction is completed.

One of the challenges of large basin management is the optimization of water use through ongoing regional economic development, droughts, and climate change. This paper describes a model of the Savannah River Basin designed to continuously optimize regulated flow to meet prioritized objectives set by resource managers and stakeholders. The model was developed from historical data using machine learning, making it more accurate and adaptable to changing conditions than traditional models. The model is coupled to an optimization routine that computes the daily flow needed to most efficiently meet the water-resource management objectives. The model and optimization routine are packaged in a decision support system that makes it easy for managers and stakeholders to use. Simulation results show that flow can be regulated to substantially reduce salinity intrusions in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, while conserving more water in the reservoirs. A method for using the model to assess the effectiveness of the flow-alteration features after the deepening also is demonstrated.
Drought and Water Shortages: South Carolina’s Response Mechanisms, Vulnerabilities, and Needs
Authors: Altman Ekaterina , Lackstrom Kirsten , Mizzell Hope
Published: November 2019

The South Carolina Drought and Water Shortage Tabletop Exercise took place on September 27, 2017, at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia, SC. The exercise gathered 80 participants, representing federal and state agencies, public water suppliers, county and municipal governments, industry, consulting companies, and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the exercise was to review plans and procedures that govern state-, basin-, and local-level responses to drought and water shortages. Many of South Carolina’s drought response mechanisms were updated by the 2000 Drought Response Act and Regulations, but a systematic effort has not been made to review or assess their effectiveness. Attendees walked through a series of exercise responses to gradually worsening drought scenarios and an activation of the Emergency Operations Plan. The event helped to identify strengths and weak points of the state’s drought response and opportunities to proactively prepare for future droughts. The key needs discussed by participants included updated drought response plans and procedures to ensure a coordinated and timely response to droughts; greater educational opportunities to enhance agencies’ familiarity with the Drought Response Program and their role in drought response and mitigation; more effective communications before, during, and after drought events, across agencies and with the public; and enhanced data and information products that can be used to build common understanding of drought risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities.
South Carolina Groundwater Availability Assessment: 2017 Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement Results
Authors: Walker Thomas , Dickes Lori , Allen Jeffery
Published: November 2019

An update of the State Water Plan is underway in South Carolina. The purpose of the State Water Plan is to develop a water resources policy for South Carolina. A significant portion of the State Water Plan update is to include stakeholders into the planning process. Clemson University continues to facilitate the stakeholder engagement components of the steps to an updated water plan. This research is pertinent to the Groundwater Availability Assessment phase of the State Water Planning process. Overall, stakeholders were interested in all identified groundwater areas of interest in South Carolina. Additionally, they intended to be involved in the entire stakeholder process for groundwater and became more informed on the Groundwater Availability Assessment. Stakeholders agreed that groundwater modeling provided useful information for users in the state and thought the Groundwater Availability Assessment was important for water resources management. Nuances in stakeholder types and registered or permitted users versus nonregistered or nonpermitted users provide important details beyond general results. Moving forward, there are some more mixed results of the stakeholder engagement meetings that are important for planning and decision-making. The groundwater assessment meeting results had general agreement about the appropriateness of the scope, but had less certainty than other questions. Stakeholders generally identified the need for the allocation of additional resources for the planning process. Additionally, mixed results highlight the differences surrounding perceptions of the need for statewide permitting of groundwater resources. This exploratory research is important to water management in South Carolina because it assesses buy-in from those interested in or affected by water resource recommendations forthcoming at the end of the State Water Plan update.
Visualizing Relative Potential for Aquatic Ecosystem Toxicity Using the EPA Toxics Release Inventory and Life Cycle Assessment Methods
Authors: Langlois Theodore , Carbajales-Dale Michael , Carraway Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

The U.S. EPA Toxic Release Inventory has been available since 1987 as a record of industrial releases of toxic chemicals following the 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Combining this release data with estimates of relative toxicity of these chemicals to aquatic systems increases the value of the database by providing a common basis for comparison. The Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and Other Environmental Impacts is a database of characterization factors to assess environmental impacts. It was used to develop relative ecotoxicity impacts and interpreted using Life Cycle Assessment concepts. The visualization software Tableau was used to generate representations of the preliminary results in this communication. The major potential sources of aquatic toxicity have been identified for South Carolina by industry type and by year over the period 1987–2016. The possibility of toxicity from releases of zinc compounds from power generation and pulp and paper mills far exceeds all other sources. Zinc compounds dominated the potential ecotoxicity over the full time period 1987–2016.
Pengembangan Teknologi Tepat Guna (TTG) Rumput Laut tropika sebagai bahan baku kosmetik
Authors: Hidayat Taufik , Nurjanah Nurjanah , Anwar Effionora , Nurilmala Mala
Published: November 2019

Rumput laut saat ini menjadi komoditas prima yang menjadi nilai ekonomis penting bagi bangsa Indonesia. Nawa Cita Presiden Jokowi yang mengutamakan pentingnya daya saing produk menjadikan rumput laut menjadi komoditas utama untuk dijadikan produk yang mempunyai nilai saing dan dapat dikembangkan oleh pelaku usaha industry menengah ke bawah atau yang sering disebut UMKM. Salah satunya produk kosmetik. peneltian ini bertujuan menentukan desain prototype teknologi tepat guna dan formulasi produk kosmetik (tabir surya).  metode yang digunakan yaitu dengan pengujian standar alat, dan formulasi produk dengan metode trial dan eror. hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa  rumput laut yang cocok digunakan dalam pembuatan krim tabir surya adalah rumput laut merah dan coklat.Hasil aktivitas antioksidan pada rumput laut merah yaitu  120 ppm dan rumput laut coklat 150 ppm. untuk aktivitas antioksidan  bubur rumput laut merah dan coklat masing-masing yaitu 120 ppm dan 125 ppm. krim tabir surya yang dihasilkan bebas dari mikroba sesuai dengan standar SNI.
RANCANG BANGUN KOMPOSTER RUMAH TANGGA KOMUNAL SEBAGAI SOLUSI PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH MANDIRI KELURAHAN PASIRJATI BANDUNG
Authors: Nugraha Noviyanti
Published: November 2019

Sampah organik dapat menimbulkan pencemaran terhadap lingkungan serta sumber penyakit Salah satu upaya pengolahan sampah organik yaitu dengan cara mengolahnya menjadi pupuk kompos. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah merealisasikan pengolahan sampah rumah tangga mandiri sebagai solusi dari permasalah masyarakat kelurahan Pasirjati Bandung melalui perancangan dan pembuatan komposter  sampah rumah tangga komunal. Tipe komposter yang dirancang adalah tipe horizontal dengan pengadukan. Agitator atau pengaduk yang digunakan menggunakan dua jenis agitator yaitu agitator horizontal dan agitator sudut 30o Sistem pengoprasiannya dengan memanfaatkan gaya dari tangan atau dengan menggunakan tenaga dari motor listrik. Dari hasil hasil perancangan diperoleh spesifikasi mesin dengan kapasitas komposter sebesar 40 kg, kapasitas drum 200 liter, transmisi yang digunakan roda gigi dan tranmisi sabuk serta memiliki daya motor sebesar 0,5 HP atau dengan gaya tangan sebesar 14,7 kg untuk menjalankan mesin tersebut
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI GEOGRAFIS KOMODITAS KOMODITAS PERKEBUNAN DAN MASYARAKAT MISKIN DI PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Afrianto Irawan , Heryandi Andri , Atin Sufa
Published: November 2019

Sistem informasi geografis (SIG) merupakan suatu sistem informasi yang memiliki kemampuan menggabungkan data spasial dan non spasial. Kebutuhan penggabungan data tersebut dikarenakan SIG memiliki kemampuan dalam manipulasi, analisis dan mengartikan data-data spasial menjadi informasi geografis dengan mudah dan cepat. Hal ini ditunjang dengan banyaknya aplikasi-aplikasi yang mendukung dan memudahkan pengembang dalam mendesain dan membangun SIG. Data yang dikolaborasikasn dalam penelitian ini mencakup data komoditas perkebunan dan masyrakat miskin di Jawa Barat. Implementasi SIG digunakan sesuai dengan kebutuhan dari Dinas Perkebunan Provinsi Jawa Barat, yang ingin mengetahui data dan lokasi komoditas perkebunan serta masyarakat miskin disekitarnya, dalam rangka program pengetasan kemiskinan Jawa Barat melalui sub sektor bidang perkebunan. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan SIG ini adalah UCD (User Centered Design) sehingga dapat fokus kepada kebutuhankebutuhan data dan informasi yang diperlukan. Penggunaan pemetaan lokasi dan wilayah dengan google maps API, pemrograman menggunakan bahasa PHP dan untuk basis data menggunakan MySQL. Sistem yang dibangun berbasis web online, guna kemudahan pengolahan data dan pengaksesan oleh masyarakat yang membutuhkan informasi tersebut. Hasil yang dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah SIG telah mampu mengelola data komoditas perkebunan data masyarakat miskin baik berupa data non spasial maupun data spasial. Sistem telah mampu mengklasifikasikan wilayah sesuai dengan komoditas perkebunan yang dimilikinya dan menghitung masyrakat miskin disekitarnya. Sehingga akan diperoleh kemudahan dalam melihat, menganalisis dan mengambil keputusan terhadap kebutuhan informasi yang diperlukan
Short- and medium-term coastal abrasion and accretion rate analysis using GIS in Karawang, West Java
Authors: Fauzie Azis Kemal
Published: November 2019

A GIS-based study using MapInfo software has been performed to examine the short- and medium-term effect of coastal erosion in Karawang, West Java. Assessment of short-term period shows different trends in the consecutive of nine-year data. The balanced trend was found in the first period when abrasion and accretion have the same rate of 12 ha/yr. In second period accretion has dominated by causing emerging land around 27 ha/yr, but erosion only displaced 2 ha/yr of coastal area. In the third period more abrasion process has occurred that made about 15 ha/yr shoreland disappear, but accretion took only 8 ha/yr. Medium-term study using 27-year data confirms more accurate estimation of abrasion and accretion rates. The data suggests that abrasion had affected on area loss more than 15 ha/yr, while accretion gave additional land about double than that. A brief schematic design has been provided in the study as alternative option to minimize the future impacts of coastal erosion by incorporating natural and artificial measures.
РОЛЬ ПІДПРИЄМНИЦЬКОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ В КОНКУРЕНТНІЙ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА
Authors: Богацька Наталія , Миронишин Віктор
Published: November 2019

У статті розкрито актуальність забезпечення конкурентоспроможності підприємства в умовах невизначеності на основі формування і розвитку його економічного потенціалу при ефективній реалізації підприємницького потенціалу підприємства. Виявлена економічна сутність категорії «підприємницький потенціал»; досліджена роль і характер впливу підприємницького потенціалу на формування потужності структурних елементів конкурентного потенціалу і в цілому економічного потенціалу підприємства.
Perbaikan Kesehatan Lingkungan Dengan Pendekatan Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat Di Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ulu Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Kartikasari Enda , Lindawati Lindawati
Published: November 2019

The objectives of the program include: a) Building a public toilet that is representative of the community as an effort to implement the Community-Based Total Sanitation village in Tanjung Pura Village, Pengandonan Kabipaten Sub-District, Ogan Komering Ulu. b) Obtain program recommendations that involve community participation in hygiene behavior and form a community-based total sanitation village in Tanjung Pura Village, Pengandonan Sub-District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. As for behavior changes that occur after assistance, the behavior of treating waste Reduce, Reuse and Recyle garbage has been carried out by the community for 30 percent. Reprocessing (recycling) waste into a useful product 30 percent has been done by the community. the mentoring steps carried out as an effort to improve hiegiene behavior and build a community-based total sanitation village gave quite good results. Changes in behavior that have occurred in the community have begun to become apparent, such as changes in not disposing of garbage and defecating in rivers (STOP BABS in rivers). Changes occur at 50 percent. The community no longer disposes of garbage and defecates in the river and the location on the edge of the river has started to clear from garbage. The availability of public toilets for the community is very helpful in implementing the program. Changes that occur in the community after the provision of this public toilet is quite good. 40 percent of the people in Tanjung Pura Village, OKU Regency, have started using public toilets for BAB activities.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Community Based Total Sanitation