bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF E-MUSRENBANG IN MUSTIKAJAYA DISTRICT OFFICE IN BEKASI CITY WEST JAVA
Authors: Ningsih Sari , hakim Azis , Nurhasanudin Nurhasanudin
Published: December 2019

A development planning meeting (Musrenbang) is a forum that is carried out to plan a development that is carried out from the lowest to the highest level. E-Murenbang is a system used for Musrenbang activities. The E-Murenbang system is an innovation used by the Bekasi City Government in implementing a plan. Where the results that have been input in the E-Musrenbang application will be integrated with the E-Planning and E-Monev (Monitoring and Evaluation) applications. This research was conducted at the Mustikajaya District Office in Bekasi City. The purpose of this research is to find out the processes and constraints in the application of the E-Musrenbang application at the Mustikajaya District Office. The data analysis uses qualitative analysis by conducting direct interviews with informants as the executor of activities with interviews, field notes, and documentation.

The results showed that the implementation of the Musrenbang and application of the E-Murenbang application in the Mustikajaya District office in Bekasi City had been running well and the application of the E-Musrenbang application had a good impact making it more efficient and effective. Even with the application of this application, the proposals that are submitted can be directly inputted into the system so that there are no more proposals that enter beyond the established mechanism.
Modelling Tax-Consumption Relationship: An Empirical Evidence from Asia
Authors: TAN SHU HUI , ABDULLAH MUHAMMAD ASRAF
Published: December 2019

This study examines the impact of tax on consumption behaviour by focusing on selected countries from Asia. The study adopts panel fixed effect and random estimators to gauge the influence of tax on consumption expenditures. Findings of the study support negative influence of tax on household consumption. The finding is parallel with the absolute income hypothesis that high volume of tax collected from the public results in falling households’ disposable incomes, hence downwardly affecting households’ consumption levels. The study’s finding implies the importance of carefully observing appropriate tax policy that suit the country’s level of development in promoting high rates of economic growth and consumption.
KAJIAN RASIONALITAS RESEP ANTIBIOTIKA CEPHALOSPORIN UNTUK PROFILAKSIS BEDAH DI RUMAH SAKIT DR. H. MARZOEKI MAHDI BOGOR PERIODE DESEMBER 2011 – NOVEMBER 2012
Authors: Elfrieda Nyayu Siti Aminah Lily
Published: December 2019

Pelayanan kefarmasian yang baik akan memberikan dampak positif pada peningkatan mutu pelayanan kesehatan, penurunan biaya kesehatan, dan peningkatan perilaku rasional dari seluruh tenaga kesehatan, pasien, keluarga pasien, dan masyarakat. Pelayanan kefarmasian ini mencakup pelayanan kepada seluruh pasien yang dirawat di rumah sakit maupun pasien yang akan pulang karena pasien-pasien ini memiliki peluang besar terhadap infeksi nosokomial atau hospital acquired infection (HAI). Salah satu penyebab infeksi nosocomial adalah penggunaan antibiotika yang tidak rasional. Kejadian infeksi ini meningkatkan angka kesakitan (morbiditas) dan kematian (mortalitas), lamanya perawatan, dan meningkatkan biaya pengobatan bagi pasien. Hal tersebut dapat diturunkan atau dihilangkan dengan cara mencegah infeksi yang terjadi di rumah sakit. Salah satu cara untuk menurunkan kejadian infeksi khususnya di tempat pembedahan adalah dengan pemberian antibiotika profilaksis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai rasionalitas penggunaan antibiotika cephalosporin untuk profilaksis bedah. Penggunaan antibiotika cephalosporin biasanya dipilih untuk profilaksis infeksi dalam tindakan bedah. Namun, pada kenyataannya beberapa bakteri resisten terhadap aktivitas antibiotika ini karena praktek penggunaannya yang tidak rasional. Penggunaan antibiotika cephalosporin secara rasional diharapkan dapat memberikan dampak positif pada pasien. Penelitian ini adalah deskriptif observasional analitis yang dilakukan secara retrospektif. Data penggunaan antibiotika sefalosporin diambil pada pasien yang sudah pulang pada periode Desember 2011 hingga November 2012. Populasi penelitian ini adalah pasien yang menjalani tindakan bedah di RS Dr. H. Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor yang menerima resep antibiotika cephalosporin. Studi ini menemukan bahwa rasionalitas antibiotik dalam catatan medis pasien yang menjalani tindakan bedah di RS Dr. H. Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar antibiotika cephalosporin digunakan termasuk dalam kategori I yaitu antibiotika digunakan secara rasional oleh dokter. Hanya sebagian kecil yang memenuhi penggunaan antibiotika cephalosporin yang termasuk dalam kategori VI  dikarenakan data tidak lengkap.
UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK BUAH DAN DAUN MENGKUDU (Morinda citrifolia L.) TERHADAP BAKTERI PENYEBAB JERAWAT (Staphylococcus epidermidis)
Authors: Prasetyorini D , Utami Novi Fajar , Sukarya Alfi Syari
Published: December 2019

Jerawat merupakan penyakit pada permukaan kulit. Terjadi akibat tersumbatnya folikel polisebase, disebabkan oleh infeksi bakteri (Staphylococcus epidermidis). Tanaman yang memiliki potensi sebagai agen antibakteri adalah tanaman mengkudu, yang terbukti memiliki kandungan senyawa antrakuinon, alkaloid dan flavonoid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan karakteristik ekstrak buah dan daun mengkudu serta aktivitas antibakteri terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus epidermidis. Dengan menggunakan metode ekstraksi maserasi etanol 96%. Pengujian Lebar Daerah Hambat (LDH) dengan metode difusi kertas cakram dan Konsentrasi Hambat Minimum (KHM) dengan metode dilusi agar. KHM pada konsentrasi 25%, 30%, 35% dan 40%. LDH dilakukan pada konsentrasi 40%, 50% dan 60%. Hasil ekstrak etanol 96% buah dan daun mengkudu memiliki KHM pada konsentrasi 40% dan LDH buah 3,1 mm pada konsentrasi 50% dan 60%. Ekstrak daun mengkudu memiliki LDH 2,5 mm pada konsentrasi 60%.
Hubungan Penyediaan Air Bersih dan Jamban Keluarga Dengan Kejadian Diare Pada Balita Di Desa Mala Kecamatan Manganitu Tahun 2015
Authors: Katiandagho Dismo , Darwel Darwel
Published: December 2019

Data from the Health Office of the Sangihe Regency up to June 2014, there were 708 diarrhea cases, the most cases were at age> 5 years totaling 430 cases; the highest cases were in the working area of ​​the Manganitu Health Center as many as 115 cases, and the village with the most diarrhea cases was Mala Village as many as 73 cases of diarrhea suffered by toddlers. The research objective is to determine the relationship between the provision of clean water and family latrines with the incidence of diarrhea in Mala Village, Manganitu District. This type of research is an observational analytic study with a cross sectional study design. The sample size in this study was the entire population of 73 toddlers being sampled. The results of bivariate data processing and analysis using the test chi square showed that there was a significant relationship between the provision of clean water facilities and the incidence of diarrhea in infants and there was a significant relationship between the provision of family latrines with the incidence of diarrhea in infants. The conclusion is that there is a significant relationship between the provision of clean water and the provision of family toilets with the occurrence of diarrhea in Mala Village, Manganitu District. Suggestions For people who do not have clean water facilities and family latrines to make or build clean water facilities and family latrines and the need for the role and support of health workers in the prevention of diarrheal diseases transmitted through the environment, officers always make observations and supervision to maintain the spread of disease based environment such as diarrhea.
La Hotelería en Quito: ¿industria competitiva?
Authors: Quintana Lombeida María Dolores
Published: December 2019

Quito como capital del Ecuador es parte de esta investigación a través de un estudio descriptivo con técnicas de observación y revisión bibliográfica en los emprendimientos locales y grandes empresas.Entre los elementos hallados se destaca que desde la década de los ochentas las franquicias y cadenas hoteleras internacionales rompieron el mercado con calidad y un alto desempeño que estimularon los porcentajes de ocupación corporativa. Adicionalmente el Ecuador posee un nuevo Reglamento de Alojamiento Turístico, vigente desde el 2015, donde ya se incorporan las categorías de: haciendas turísticas, lodges con la potencialización de infraestructuras patrimoniales y resorts con todos los servicios de alimentos, bebidas y lúdicos. Entre los resultados hallados se destaca que una de las mayores ventajas competitivas son las tarifas de hospedaje reconocidas como una de las más económicas de América. Además, el aporte que refleja la industria de alojamiento y servicios de comida ocupa el 27.7% de los ingresos por generación de empleo del sector y que la mayor concentración de empleabilidad está en la Zona Especial Turística “La Mariscal”. Finalmente se destaca la limitación en capacidades de inversión en los establecimientos pequeños en tecnología e innovación frente a las grandes franquicias y cadenas.
La dimensión del sector público en el Ecuador y su impacto a través de la política tributaria en la competitividad de las Pymes
Authors: Urdaneta Montiel Armando José , Crespo Garcia Marjorie Katherine , Solano Solano Javier Alejandro , Borgucci Garcia Emmanuel Vitorio
Published: December 2019

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de la configuración del presupuesto de ingresos y gastos en la competitividad y las posibilidades de reinversión de utilidades reinvertidas de las Pymes en Ecuador. Desde el punto de visto teórico, la investigación se sustenta en las teorías de Manzano, Pineda y Ríos (2008), Fernández, Rodríguez y Parejo (2008) y Calva & Alarco (2007). La metodología utilizada es de tipo descriptiva y explicativa de acuerdo Hernández et al. (2014). Los resultados del estudio muestran cómo el crecimiento del sector público en el Ecuador se ha traducido en una mayor necesidad de recursos, obtenidos principalmente por vía tributaria a partir de 2007. Lo anterior se ha traducido en un aumento de la carga fiscal sobre las grandes empresas y las PYMES, por su dependencia en los niveles de productividad y crecimiento económico de las primeras. Este escenario, hace insostenible dicha política fiscal en el mediano plazo, razón por la cual se requeriría de una reforma fiscal y productiva que privilegie: una política de ingresos y gastos públicos contracíclica, reducción a niveles tolerables del déficit fiscal, control severo sobre el endeudamiento y otorgamiento de estímulos fiscales a las empresas especialmente exportadoras.
Recent Advances on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Red Grape Polyphenols: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Magrone Thea , Magrone Manrico , Russo Matteo Antonio , Jirillo Emilio
Published: December 2019

In this review, special emphasis will be placed on red grape polyphenols for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, their capacity to inhibit major pathways responsible for activation of oxidative systems and expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines will be discussed. Furthermore, regulation of immune cells by polyphenols will be illustrated with special reference to the activation of T regulatory cells which support a tolerogenic pathway at intestinal level. Additionally, the effects of red grape polyphenols will be analyzed in obesity, as a low-grade systemic inflammation. Also, possible modifications of inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and clinical course have been studied upon polyphenol administration, either in animal models or in clinical trials. Moreover, the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood–brain barrier has been exploited to investigate their neuroprotective properties. In cancer, polyphenols seem to exert several beneficial effects, even if conflicting data are reported about their influence on T regulatory cells. Finally, the effects of polyphenols have been evaluated in experimental models of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Conclusively, red grape polyphenols are endowed with a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential but some issues, such as polyphenol bioavailability, activity of metabolites, and interaction with microbiota, deserve deeper studies.
Authentication of an Old Violin by Multianalytical Methods
Authors: Sandu Ion , Tanasa Petru Ovidiu , Sandu Irina Crina Anca , Negru Ioan Cristinel , Sandu Andrei Victor , Vasilache Viorica
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Romanian scientist Ştefan Odobleja. The analytical methods used in the study for assessing archaeometric characteristics of some component materials, along with the white degree and glycolysis rate measurements of the label that allowed an extensive evaluation of the violin, were OM, SEM–EDX, and micro-FTIR. The preparation binder (egg white from thin gypsum layers) and the varnish (identification of linseed oil and colophony components, alongside contamination impurities) were assessed in order to evaluate the artefact conservation state, as well as the restoration and counterfeiting interventions. We can conclude that the violin was done by a violin maker from the Stradivari family, and it is a replica of the violins of that period.
Generation of a Porous Scaffold with a Starting Composition in the CaO–SiO2–MgO–P2O5 System in a Simulated Physiological Environment
Authors: Grima Lorena , Díaz-Pérez María , Gil Javier , Sola Daniel , Peña José Ignacio
Published: December 2019

Magnesium-based ceramics are involved in orthopedic applications such as bone scaffolds or implant coatings. They provide structural support to cells for bone ingrowth, but highly porous matrices cannot resist severe mechanical stress during implantation. In this study, the laser floating zone (LFZ) technique is used to prepare a dense crystalline material with composition in the CaO–SiO2–MgO–P2O5 system. This material, under physiological conditions, is able to generate a porous scaffold controlled by the dissolution of the MgO phase, meeting the mechanical advantages of a dense material and the biological features of a porous scaffold. FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-rays spectroscopy), and ICP ((Inductively Coupled Plasma) analysis were carried out in order to characterize the samples before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF).
Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification with Multi-Fidelity Data and Gaussian Processes for Impedance Cardiography of Aortic Dissection
Authors: Ranftl Sascha , Melito Gian Marco , Badeli Vahid , Reinbacher-Köstinger Alice , Ellermann Katrin , von der Linden Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

In 2000, Kennedy and O’Hagan proposed a model for uncertainty quantification that combines data of several levels of sophistication, fidelity, quality, or accuracy, e.g., a coarse and a fine mesh in finite-element simulations. They assumed each level to be describable by a Gaussian process, and used low-fidelity simulations to improve inference on costly high-fidelity simulations. Departing from there, we move away from the common non-Bayesian practice of optimization and marginalize the parameters instead. Thus, we avoid the awkward logical dilemma of having to choose parameters and of neglecting that choice’s uncertainty. We propagate the parameter uncertainties by averaging the predictions and the prediction uncertainties over all the possible parameters. This is done analytically for all but the nonlinear or inseparable kernel function parameters. What is left is a low-dimensional and feasible numerical integral depending on the choice of kernels, thus allowing for a fully Bayesian treatment. By quantifying the uncertainties of the parameters themselves too, we show that “learning” or optimising those parameters has little meaning when data is little and, thus, justify all our mathematical efforts. The recent hype about machine learning has long spilled over to computational engineering but fails to acknowledge that machine learning is a big data problem and that, in computational engineering, we usually face a little data problem. We devise the fully Bayesian uncertainty quantification method in a notation following the tradition of E.T. Jaynes and find that generalization to an arbitrary number of levels of fidelity and parallelisation becomes rather easy. We scrutinize the method with mock data and demonstrate its advantages in its natural application where high-fidelity data is little but low-fidelity data is not. We then apply the method to quantify the uncertainties in finite element simulations of impedance cardiography of aortic dissection. Aortic dissection is a cardiovascular disease that frequently requires immediate surgical treatment and, thus, a fast diagnosis before. While traditional medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, or echocardiography certainly do the job, Impedance cardiography too is a clinical standard tool and promises to allow earlier diagnoses as well as to detect patients that otherwise go under the radar for too long.
Does Geometric Algebra Provide a Loophole to Bell’s Theorem?
Authors: Gill Richard David
Published: December 2019

In 2007, and in a series of later papers, Joy Christian claimed to refute Bell’s theorem, presenting an alleged local realistic model of the singlet correlations using techniques from geometric algebra (GA). Several authors published papers refuting his claims, and Christian’s ideas did not gain acceptance. However, he recently succeeded in publishing yet more ambitious and complex versions of his theory in fairly mainstream journals. How could this be? The mathematics and logic of Bell’s theorem is simple and transparent and has been intensely studied and debated for over 50 years. Christian claims to have a mathematical counterexample to a purely mathematical theorem. Each new version of Christian’s model used new devices to circumvent Bell’s theorem or depended on a new way to misunderstand Bell’s work. These devices and misinterpretations are in common use by other Bell critics, so it useful to identify and name them. I hope that this paper can serve as a useful resource to those who need to evaluate new “disproofs of Bell’s theorem”. Christian’s fundamental idea is simple and quite original: he gives a probabilistic interpretation of the fundamental GA equation a · b = ( a b + b a ) / 2 . After that, ambiguous notation and technical complexity allows sign errors to be hidden from sight, and new mathematical errors can be introduced.
Induction Machine Control for a Wide Range of Drive Requirements
Authors: Grčar Bojan , Hofer Anton , Štumberger Gorazd
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a method for induction machine (IM) torque/speed tracking control derived from the 3-D non-holonomic integrator including drift terms is proposed. The proposition builds on a previous result derived in the form of a single loop non-linear state controller providing implicit rotor flux linkage vector tracking. This concept was appropriate only for piecewise constant references and assured minimal norm of the stator current vector during steady-states. The extended proposition introduces a second control loop for the rotor flux linkage vector magnitude that can be either constant, programmed, or optimized to achieve either maximum torque per amp ratio or high dynamic response. It should be emphasized that the same structure of the controller can be used either for torque control or for speed control. Additionally, it turns out that the proposed controller can be easily adapted to meet different objectives posed on the drive system. The introduced control concept assures stability of the closed loop system and significantly improves tracking performance for bounded but arbitrary torque/speed references. Moreover, the singularity problem near zero rotor flux linkage vector length is easily avoided. The presented analyses include nonlinear effects due to magnetic saturation. The overall IM control scheme includes cascaded high-gain current controllers based on measured electrical and mechanical quantities together with a rotor flux linkage vector estimator. Simulation and experimental results illustrate the main characteristics of the proposed control.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Mortality Rates and Trends in Romania between 1994 and 2017
Authors: Ioacara Sorin , Popescu Andreea C. , Tenenbaum Joseph , Dimulescu Doina R. , Popescu Mihaela R. , Sirbu Anca , Fica Simona
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The current study aimed to assess recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality rates and trends in Romania between 1994 and 2017. This dataset is a necessity in the context of the current improvement of emergency protocols, medical addressability, and modernization of hospital infrastructure. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of an anonymized mortality database containing all deaths registered in Romania during 1994–2017. AMI crude mortality rates (CMR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated using the European Standard Population. Poisson regression was used for calculating the annual percentage change (APC) in mortality, subsequently used to make mortality predictions through the year 2030. Results: There were 197,152 AMI deaths in women (39.3% of total AMI), and 304,644 (60.7%) in men. Mortality rates were higher in men as compared with women for the entire time covered by the study. Based on the 1994–2017 ASMR dynamics, predictions for the year 2030 showed an overall AMI ASMR of 70.9 (95% CI 69.9–71.9), with gender analysis showing 46.8 (95% CI 45.8–47.9) in women and 104.1 (95% CI 102.3–105.8) in men. Conclusion: Acute myocardial infarction age-standardized mortality rates decreased significantly in Romania between 1994 and 2017 in close correlation to the implementation of national healthcare programs.
A Large Sample Survey of Tibetan People on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Current Situation of Depression and Risk Factors
Authors: Wang Jiazhou , Zhou Yueyue , Liang Yiming , Liu Zhengkui
Published: December 2019

Background: A depressive state is a negative emotional state characterized by abnormal dejection and unpleasant mood. Long-term depressive symptoms can result in psychological disorders such as depression. However, little is known about the depression status and risk factors of the Tibetan people on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Objective: This study explores the depression status of the Tibetan people to better promote ethnic minorities’ physical and mental health. Participants and Setting: The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 24,141 Tibetan people from Yushu Prefecture; the average age was 34.33 years (SD = 9.18, range = 18–94 years). Materials and Methods: Participants completed questionnaires collecting demographic information and evaluating symptoms of depression. Results: The depression prevalence was higher at high altitudes, and there may be a significant positive correlation between depression rates and altitude. Significant differences were found for each demographic variable. Participants with depressive symptoms (scores ≥8) accounted for 52.3% of the total sample, and participants with depression (scores ≥14) accounted for 28.6%. The binary logistic regression results showed that alcohol drinkers, unmarried participants, participants with high self-assessed socioeconomic status, participants with a high income level, and those with a middle-school education were more likely to be depressed. Conclusions: The results provide the first evidence that the prevalence of depression in Tibetans of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is higher than that in the general Chinese population and that reported in Western studies, a finding that may be related to cultural differences and chronic hypoxia caused by the high altitude. This paper offers insight into the mental health status of people living in plateau areas and provides a basis for formulating pertinent mental health policy.
On the Modulatory Roles of Neuregulins/ErbB Signaling on Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Ledonne Ada , Mercuri Nicola B.
Published: December 2019

Neuregulins (NRGs) are a family of epidermal growth factor-related proteins, acting on tyrosine kinase receptors of the ErbB family. NRGs play an essential role in the development of the nervous system, since they orchestrate vital functions such as cell differentiation, axonal growth, myelination, and synapse formation. They are also crucially involved in the functioning of adult brain, by directly modulating neuronal excitability, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we provide a review of the literature documenting the roles of NRGs/ErbB signaling in the modulation of synaptic plasticity, focusing on evidence reported in the hippocampus and midbrain dopamine (DA) nuclei. The emerging picture shows multifaceted roles of NRGs/ErbB receptors, which critically modulate different forms of synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD, and depotentiation) affecting glutamatergic, GABAergic, and DAergic synapses, by various mechanisms. Further, we discuss the relevance of NRGs/ErbB-dependent synaptic plasticity in the control of brain processes, like learning and memory and the known involvement of NRGs/ErbB signaling in the modulation of synaptic plasticity in brain’s pathological conditions. Current evidence points to a central role of NRGs/ErbB receptors in controlling glutamatergic LTP/LTD and GABAergic LTD at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses, as well as glutamatergic LTD in midbrain DA neurons, thus supporting that NRGs/ErbB signaling is essential for proper brain functions, cognitive processes, and complex behaviors. This suggests that dysregulated NRGs/ErbB-dependent synaptic plasticity might contribute to mechanisms underlying different neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Changes in Proteome and Protein Phosphorylation Reveal the Protective Roles of Exogenous Nitrogen in Alleviating Cadmium Toxicity in Poplar Plants
Authors: Huang Jinliang , Wu Xiaolu , Tian Feifei , Chen Qi , Luo Pengrui , Zhang Fan , Wan Xueqin , Zhong Yu , Liu Qinglin , Lin Tiantian
Published: December 2019

Phytoremediation soil polluted by cadmium has drawn worldwide attention. However, how to improve the efficiency of plant remediation of cadmium contaminated soil remains unknown. Previous studies showed that nitrogen (N) significantly enhances cadmium uptake and accumulation in poplar plants. In order to explore the important role of nitrogen in plants’ responses to cadmium stress, this study investigates the poplar proteome and phosphoproteome difference between Cd stress and Cd + N treatment. In total, 6573 proteins were identified, and 5838 of them were quantified. With a fold-change threshold of > 1.3, and a p-value < 0.05, 375 and 108 proteins were up- and down-regulated by Cd stress when compared to the control, respectively. Compared to the Cd stress group, 42 and 89 proteins were up- and down-regulated by Cd + N treatment, respectively. Moreover, 522 and 127 proteins were up- and down-regulated by Cd + N treatment compared to the CK group. In addition, 1471 phosphosites in 721 proteins were identified. Based on a fold-change threshold of > 1.2, and a p-value < 0.05, the Cd stress up-regulated eight proteins containing eight phosphosites, and down-regulated 58 proteins containing 69 phosphosites, whereas N + Cd treatment up-regulated 86 proteins containing 95 phosphosites, and down-regulated 17 proteins containing 17 phosphosites, when compared to Cd stress alone. N + Cd treatment up-regulated 60 proteins containing 74 phosphosites and down-regulated 37 proteins containing 42 phosphosites, when compared to the control. Several putative responses to stress proteins, as well as transcriptional and translational regulation factors, were up-regulated by the addition of exogenous nitrogen following Cd stress. Especially, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), 14-3-3 protein, peroxidase (POD), zinc finger protein (ZFP), ABC transporter protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (elF) and splicing factor 3 B subunit 1-like (SF3BI) were up-regulated by Cd + N treatment at both the proteome and the phosphoproteome levels. Combing the proteomic data and phosphoproteomics data, the mechanism by which exogenous nitrogen can alleviate cadmium toxicity in poplar plants was explained at the molecular level. The results of this study will establish the solid molecular foundation of the phytoremediation method to improve cadmium-contaminated soil.
Relationship between Alcohol Hangover and Physical Endurance Performance: Walking the Samaria Gorge
Authors: Verster Joris C , Anogeianaki Aikaterini , Kruisselbrink Darren , Alford Chris , Stock Ann-Kathrin
Published: December 2019

Alcohol hangover is a potentially debilitating state. Several studies have demonstrated that it does not seem to impair strength or short-term endurance, but its effects on continuous exercise performance/long-term endurance have never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess hiking performance of participants who walked the 15.8 km Samaria Gorge in Crete, Greece. Participants completed a survey in the morning before walking the Gorge, and in the afternoon after completion of the walk. Demographics, data on previous evening alcohol consumption, sleep, hangover symptoms, and walking performance were assessed. Data from N = 299 participants with a mean (SD) age of 38.9 (11.0) years were analyzed. N = 223 participants (74.6%) consumed alcohol the evening before walking the Samaria Gorge, and N = 176 (78.9%) of those reported a hangover. They consumed a mean (SD) of 3.0 (1.8) alcoholic drinks (10 g alcohol each) with a corresponding next-morning hangover severity of 4.6 (2.4) on a 0–10 scale. Participants with a hangover reported feeling significantly more exhausted after the walk compared to participants with no hangover. The groups did not significantly differ in duration of the walk, and the number and duration of breaks. Overall hangover severity, assessed either before, during, or after walking the Samaria Gorge was not significantly correlated with any walking outcome. In conclusion, hungover participants experienced significantly more exhaustion when performing physical activity at the same level as non-hungover participants.
The Accuracy of a Marine Satellite Compass under Terrestrial Urban Conditions
Authors: Dąbrowski Paweł S. , Specht Cezary , Felski Andrzej , Koc Władysław , Wilk Andrzej , Czaplewski Krzysztof , Karwowski Krzysztof , Jaskólski Krzysztof , Specht Mariusz , Chrostowski Piotr , Szmagliński Jacek
Published: December 2019

When used at sea, satellite compasses are capable of determining the course of a sailing vessel with high accuracy. It is difficult to verify the accuracy declared by the device manufacturer under such conditions, as it is difficult to define a reliable reference. This study analyses the accuracy of the satellite compass in an urban setting, with the satellite signal being obscured to various extents. It is an important point in the study to refer the measurement results to a reference route, which is the axis of a tramway track, determined by the precise GNSS RTK method. The measurement data were processed in the original software developed by the authors. The results demonstrate a high 2D positioning accuracy with low height determination accuracy. The course determination errors exceed the limit values declared by the manufacturer. However, specific measurement conditions must be taken into account, which differ considerably from the typical applications of a satellite compass.
Water Droplet Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades: Mechanics, Testing, Modeling and Future Perspectives
Authors: Elhadi Ibrahim Mohamed , Medraj Mamoun
Published: December 2019

The problem of erosion due to water droplet impact has been a major concern for several industries for a very long time and it keeps reinventing itself wherever a component rotates or moves at high speed in a hydrometer environment. Recently, and as larger wind turbine blades are used, erosion of the leading edge due to rain droplets impact has become a serious issue. Leading-edge erosion causes a significant loss in aerodynamics efficiency of turbine blades leading to a considerable reduction in annual energy production. This paper reviews the topic of water droplet impact erosion as it emerges in wind turbine blades. A brief background on water droplet erosion and its industrial applications is first presented. Leading-edge erosion of wind turbine is briefly described in terms of materials involved and erosion conditions encountered in the blade. Emphases are then placed on the status quo of understanding the mechanics of water droplet erosion, experimental testing, and erosion prediction models. The main conclusions of this review are as follow. So far, experimental testing efforts have led to establishing a useful but incomplete understanding of the water droplet erosion phenomenon, the effect of different erosion parameters, and a general ranking of materials based on their ability to resist erosion. Techniques for experimentally measuring an objective erosion resistance (or erosion strength) of materials have, however, not yet been developed. In terms of modelling, speculations about the physical processes underlying water droplet erosion and consequently treating the problem from first principles have never reached a state of maturity. Efforts have, therefore, focused on formulating erosion prediction equations depending on a statistical analysis of large erosion tests data and often with a combination of presumed erosion mechanisms such as fatigue. Such prediction models have not reached the stage of generalization. Experimental testing and erosion prediction efforts need to be improved such that a coherent water droplet erosion theory can be established. The need for standardized testing and data representation practices as well as correlations between test data and real in-service erosion also remains urgent.
Efficient Total Synthesis of Lissodendrin B, 2-Aminoimidazole Marine Alkaloids Isolated from Lissodendoryx (Acanthodoryx) fibrosa
Authors: Wei Xianfeng , Hu Xuelong , Yu Rilei , Wan Shengbiao , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2019

Lissodendrin B is a 2-aminoimidazole alkaloid bearing a (p-hydroxyphenyl) glyoxal moiety that was isolated from the Indonesian sponge Lissodendoryx (Acanthodoryx) fibrosa. We reported the first efficient total synthesis of Lissodendrin B. The precursor 4,5-disubstituted imidazole was obtained through Suzuki coupling and Sonogashira coupling reactions from 4-iodoimidazole. C2-azidation and reduction of the azide then provided the core structures of Lissodendrin B. Subsequent triple-bond oxidation, demethylation, and deacetylation gave the final product. The synthesis approach consists of ten steps with an overall yield of 1.1% under mild reaction conditions, and it can be applied for future analog synthesis and biological studies.
A Method to Study the Distribution Patterns for Metabolites in Xylem and Phloem of Spatholobi Caulis
Authors: Mei Yuqi , Wei Lifang , Chai Chuan , Zou Lisi , Liu Xunhong , Chen Jiali , Tan Mengxia , Wang Chengcheng , Cai Zhichen , Zhang Furong , Yin Shengxin
Published: December 2019

Spatholobi Caulis (SC), the vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of blood stasis syndrome and related diseases. Xylem and phloem are the main structures of SC and the color of xylem in SC is red brown or brown while the phloem with resin secretions is reddish brown to dark brown. They are alternately arranged in a plurality of concentric or eccentric rings. In order to investigate the distribution patterns of metabolites in xylem and phloem of SC, an analytical method based on UFLC–QTRAP–MS/MS was established for simultaneous determination of 22 constituents including four flavanols, nine isoflavones, two flavonols, two dihydroflavones, one flavanonol, one chalcone, one pterocarpan, one anthocyanidin and one phenolic acid in the samples (xylem and phloem) from Laos. Furthermore, according to the contents of 22 constituents, heat map, principal components analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS–DA) and t–test were used to evaluate the samples and discover the differences between xylem and phloem of SC. The results indicated that the measured ingredients in xylem and phloem were significantly different. To be specific, the contents of flavonoids in xylem were higher than that in phloem, while the content of protocatechuic acid showed a contrary tendency. This study will not only reveal the distribution patterns of metabolites in xylem and phloem of SC but also facilitate further study on their quality formation.
Experimental and Computational Approaches for Solubility Measurement of Pyridazinone Derivative in Binary (DMSO + Water) Systems
Authors: Shakeel Faiyaz , Alshehri Sultan , Imran Mohd , Haq Nazrul , Alanazi Abdullah , Anwer Md. Khalid
Published: December 2019

The current research work was performed to evaluate the solubilization behavior, solution thermodynamics, and solvation behavior of poorly soluble pyridazinone derivative i.e., 6-phenyl-pyridazin-3(2H)-one (PPD) in various binary solvent systems of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water using experimental and various computational approaches. The solubility of PPD in various binary solvent system of DMSO and water was investigated within the temperature range T = 298.2 K to 318.2 K at constant air pressure p = 0.1 MPa, by employing an isothermal technique. The generated solubility data of PPD was computationally represented by five different cosolvency models including van’t Hoff, Apelblat, Yalkowsky–Roseman, Jouyban–Acree, and Jouyban–Acree–van’t Hoff models. The performance of each computational model for correlation studies was illustrated using root mean square deviations (RMSD). The overall RMSD value was obtained <2.0% for each computational model. The maximum solubility of PPD in mole fraction was recorded in neat DMSO (4.67 × 10−1 at T = 318.2 K), whereas the lowest one was obtained in neat water (5.82 × 10−6 at T = 298.2 K). The experimental solubility of PPD in mole fraction in neat DMSO was much higher than its ideal solubility, indicating the potential of DMSO for solubility enhancement of PPD. The computed values of activity coefficients showed maximum molecular interaction in PPD-DMSO compared with PPD-water. Thermodynamic evaluation showed an endothermic and entropy-driven dissolution of PPD in all the mixtures of DMSO and water. Additionally, enthalpy–entropy compensation evaluation indicated an enthalpy-driven mechanism as a driven mechanism for the solvation property of PPD.
Micelles Mediated Zone Fluidics Method for Hydrazine Determination in Environmental Samples
Authors: Karakosta Theano D. , Christophoridis Christophoros , Fytianos Konstantinos , Tzanavaras Paraskevas D.
Published: December 2019

An automated flow method for the determination of hydrazine based on the concept of zone-fluidics has been developed. The analyte reacts under flow conditions with p-dimethylamino benzaldehyde (25 mmol L−1) in micellar medium (100 mmol L−1 SDS) to form a stable derivative (460 nm). Micelles mediated catalysis excludes the use of highly acidic environment typical for this kind of reaction. Following careful examination of chemical and instrumental variables, the method allows the determination of hydrazine at the low micromolar level (0.3–10 μmol L−1) in water samples. Real sample analyses (drinking and boiler feed water) resulted in satisfactory results in terms of accuracy with the percent recoveries being in the range of 82–114%.
Variations of Particle Swarm Optimization for Obtaining Classification Rules Applied to Credit Risk in Financial Institutions of Ecuador
Authors: Jimbo Santana Patricia , Lanzarini Laura , Bariviera Aurelio F.
Published: December 2019

Knowledge generated using data mining techniques is of great interest for organizations, as it facilitates tactical and strategic decision making, generating a competitive advantage. In the special case of credit granting organizations, it is important to clearly define rejection/approval criteria. In this direction, classification rules are an appropriate tool, provided that the rule set has low cardinality and that the antecedent of the rules has few conditions. This paper analyzes different solutions based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) techniques, which are able to construct a set of classification rules with the aforementioned characteristics using information from the borrower and the macroeconomic environment at the time of granting the loan. In addition, to facilitate the understanding of the model, fuzzy logic is incorporated into the construction of the antecedent. To reduce the search time, the particle swarm is initialized by a competitive neural network. Different variants of PSO are applied to three databases of financial institutions in Ecuador. The first institution specializes in massive credit placement. The second institution specializes in consumer credit and business credit lines. Finally, the third institution is a savings and credit cooperative. According to our results, the incorporation of fuzzy logic generates rule sets with greater precision.
Determining Wheel Forces and Moments on Aircraft Landing Gear with a Dynamometer Sensor
Authors: Pytka Jaroslaw , Budzyński Piotr , Łyszczyk Tomasz , Józwik Jerzy , Michałowska Joanna , Tofil Arkadiusz , Błażejczak Dariusz , Laskowski Jan
Published: December 2019

This paper describes airfield measurement of forces and moments that act on a landing gear wheel. For the measurement, a wheel force sensor was used. The sensor was designed and built based on strain gage technology and was embedded in the left landing gear wheel of a test aircraft. The sensor is capable of measuring simultaneously three perpendicular forces and three moments and sends data to a handheld device wirelessly. For the airfield tests, the sensor was installed on a PZL 104 Wilga 35A multipurpose aircraft. The aircraft was towed at a “marching man” speed and the measurements were performed at three driving modes: Free rolling, braking, and turning. The paper contains results obtained in the field measurements performed on a grassy runway of the Rzeszów Jasionka Aerodrome, Poland. Rolling resistance of aircraft tire, braking friction, as well as aligning moment were analyzed and discussed with respect to surface conditions.
The Effect of Light Intensity, Sensor Height, and Spectral Pre-Processing Methods When Using NIR Spectroscopy to Identify Different Allergen-Containing Powdered Foods
Authors: Rady Ahmed , Fischer Joel , Reeves Stuart , Logan Brian , James Watson Nicholas
Published: December 2019

Food allergens present a significant health risk to the human population, so their presence must be monitored and controlled within food production environments. This is especially important for powdered food, which can contain nearly all known food allergens. Manufacturing is experiencing the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), which is the use of digital technologies, such as sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, to improve the productivity, efficiency, and safety of manufacturing processes. This work studied the potential of small low-cost sensors and machine learning to identify different powdered foods which naturally contain allergens. The research utilised a near-infrared (NIR) sensor and measurements were performed on over 50 different powdered food materials. This work focussed on several measurement and data processing parameters, which must be determined when using these sensors. These included sensor light intensity, height between sensor and food sample, and the most suitable spectra pre-processing method. It was found that the K-nearest neighbour and linear discriminant analysis machine learning methods had the highest classification prediction accuracy for identifying samples containing allergens of all methods studied. The height between the sensor and the sample had a greater effect than the sensor light intensity and the classification models performed much better when the sensor was positioned closer to the sample with the highest light intensity. The spectra pre-processing methods, which had the largest positive impact on the classification prediction accuracy, were the standard normal variate (SNV) and multiplicative scattering correction (MSC) methods. It was found that with the optimal combination of sensor height, light intensity, and spectra pre-processing, a classification prediction accuracy of 100% could be achieved, making the technique suitable for use within production environments.
Oral Immunogenicity in Mice and Sows of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli Outer-Membrane Vesicles Incorporated into Zein-Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Matías Jose , Brotons Ana , Cenoz Santiago , Pérez Isidoro , Abdulkarim Muthanna , Gumbleton Mark , Irache Juan M. , Gamazo Carlos
Published: December 2019

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of illness and death in neonatal and recently weaned pigs. The immune protection of the piglets derives from maternal colostrum, since this species does not receive maternal antibodies through the placenta. In the present study, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) obtained from main ETEC strains involved in piglet infection (F4 and F18 serotypes), encapsulated into zein nanoparticles coated with Gantrez®® AN-mannosamine conjugate, were used to orally immunize mice and pregnant sows. Loaded nanoparticles were homogeneous and spherical in a shape, with a size of 220–280 nm. The diffusion of nanoparticles through porcine intestinal mucus barrier was assessed by a Multiple Particle Tracking technique, showing that these particles were able to diffuse efficiently (1.3% diffusion coefficient), validating their oral use. BALB/c mice were either orally immunized with free OMVs or encapsulated into nanoparticles (100 µg OMVs/mouse). Results indicated that a single dose of loaded nanoparticles was able to elicit higher levels of serum specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgA, as well as intestinal IgA, with respect to the free antigens. In addition, nanoparticles induced an increase in levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ with respect to the administration of free OMVs. Orally immunized pregnant sows with the same formulation elicited colostrum-, serum- (IgG, IgA or IgM) and fecal- (IgA) specific antibodies and, what is most relevant, offspring suckling piglets presented specific IgG in serum. Further studies are needed to determine the infection protective capacity of this new oral subunit vaccine