bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zdieľané hospodárstvo v oblasti dopravy (vybrané otázky)
Authors: Hučková Regína , Rózenfeldová Laura
Published: March 2019

Autori sa v tomto príspevku zameriavajú na posúdenie pôsobenia kolaboratívnych platforiem v konkrétnom odvetví ekonomiky – odvetví dopravy, jednému z najvýznamnejších sektorov kolaboratívnej ekonomiky. Predmetom tohto príspevku je konkrétne preskúmanie relevantnej judikatúry Súdneho dvora v predmetnej oblasti, a to vo vzťahu k charakteru služieb poskytovaných týmito platformami. Závery súčasnej judikatúry vzťahujúcej sa na posúdenie charakteru služieb spoločnosti Uber sú autormi aplikované aj na iné významné platformy pôsobiace v tejto oblasti na území Európskej únie, a to na spoločnosť Taxify a platformu BlaBlaCar. Nadväzne je v príspevku posúdený aj posledný návrh novely zákona č. 56/2012 Z. z. o cestnej doprave, ktorý o. i. zjednodušuje možnosť pôsobenia kolaboratívnych platforiem na území Slovenskej republiky.
Diskursus Hukum Kewarisan ‘An-Tarâdhin: Menjembatani Dialektika Kewarisan Maternalistik dan Paternalistik di Kabupaten Sarolangun, Provinsi Jambi
Authors: Al-Fikri Albert
Published: March 2019

This study attempts to figure out the practice of inheritance of Muslim communities in Serolangun, Jambi, and its contestation with the discourses of maternalism and paternalism. The proponents of maternalism suggest that practice of inheritance is based on the law of tradition, while proponents of paternalism suggest the significance of relationship between inheritence and law of shariah. For the former, the right of having inheritence belongs to heiress, while the later insisted that shariah has ruled the two-equal to-one (2:1) between men and women. The contradiction between both groups indicates the dialectics of an-taradin based inheritence. This idea is derived from ridha (willingness) expressed explicitly or practiced implicitly by Serolangun people in the system of their inheritence. The an-taradhin is third way to integrate the maternalistic and paternalistic based inheritences by accomodating and providing win-to-win solution between the two groups.
Daur Ulang Limbah dalam Pandangan Hukum Islam
Authors: Sa'diyah Halimatus
Published: March 2019

The waste recycling is a process in which the new products are made from used products to provide more benefits for human being and to maintain the sustainable ecosystem. It is based on theological assumption that a waste, whatever bad of it, is a part of nature as inseperable way of God’s creation. This article argues that recycling process is human’s responsibility to serve the earth with reorganizing and reusing every possible useable things into commodities or others. As a part of prodoct which is possible to be purified (mutanajjis in Islamic term), a waste could be utilized to the useful products for human. Islam, for this term, also ruled the essence of human brain to make use God’s creation.
Maqasid Syariah: Kajian Teoritis dan Aplikatif Pada Isu-Isu Kontemporer
Authors: Musolli Musolli
Published: March 2019

Maqasid Syariah merupakan pintu gerbang awal yang harus dilalui agar Islam sebagai agama mampu mengimplementasikan ekspektasinya yaitu agama yang ajarannya selalu relevan untuk zamannya, mampu mengkontekstualisasikan dirinya dalam ruang lingkup yang mengitarinya dan mampu memberikan solusi bagi setiap permasalahan yang timbul dan terjadi di setiap waktu dan kondisi dimana agama itu dianut oleh pemeluknya.
Pluralitas Agama dan Faham Keagamaan: Pelajaran Dari Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid
Authors: Mursyid Mursyid
Published: March 2019

This article attempts to provide a sociological perspective on the religious pluralism and ideology, and its implementation in the leadership system of Nurul Jadid islamic boardingschool at Probolinggo, East Java. Additionally, it also aims to argue the ways cultural power and negotiation are implemented by leaders of pesantren in building plural education for santri. To deeply analyze it, it is important first to describe the common pattern of Muslim in perceiving the diversity of religions and religious ideologies in Islam. One of the ways Nurul Jadid has carried out is to strenghten cultural roots of pesantren and to adapt it with social actions under kiai’s modelling figure, since the kiai and pesantren tradition are two ornaments  contributing on the formation of santri’s behaviors.Keywords: Religious Plurality, Religious Ideologies, Pesantren Nurul Jadid
Religion and Politics in William Steel Dickson DD (1744–1824): Ulster-Scot Irishman and his Modernizing Thought-World
Authors: Hazlett W. Ian P.
Published: March 2019

This essay presents the lineaments and origins of the core thinking of Steel Dickson, a typically controversial representative of the progressive eighteenth-century intelligentsia in the north of Ireland who were Presbyterian ministers and inclined to radicalising reform of politics and religion as well as, more tentatively, to the reformatting of fundamental theology. There will be reference to short studies and general interpretations of Dickson and, more particularly, some analysis of his publications including religio-political addresses and church sermons. Discussed will be the context of his association with the Society of United Irishmen and its evolving revolutionary path, as well as his links to other reform thinkers, politicians and churchmen in Ulster. The study argues that Steel Dickson's varied political involvement flowed consciously from his ethical and religious convictions. Further, that he embodied (with qualification) the impact of the Scottish Enlightenment and ‘Moderate’ Presbyterianism in Ireland – but along with strong appeal to biblical testimony and norms. Finally, it demonstrates with illustrations that the decisive shaping and reconstructing of the contours of Dickson's mind occurred during his studies at Glasgow University in its intellectual heyday.
Moderating Evangelicalism: Revd William Muir of St. Stephen's, Edinburgh
Authors: Jones Andrew Michael
Published: March 2019

Of those ministers within the pale of pre-Disruption evangelicalism who remained in the Established Church of Scotland following the cataclysmic events of 18 May 1843, none is more paradigmatic than Revd William Muir. Deeply committed to evangelical preaching, rich parish ministry, philanthropic and evangelistic activism, and the idea of a National Kirk, Muir – along with Norman Macleod and others – played a critical role in piloting the ecclesiastical ship through the rough waters of the mid-to-late 1840s and into the era of recovery in which other establishment evangelicals began to exert influence.
PENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENULIS TEKS EKSPOSISI DAN HASIL BELAJAR BAHASA INDONESIA SISWA KELAS X PN 1 SMKN 1 MATARAM SEMESTER GANJIL TAHUN PELAJARAN 2015/2016 MELALUI PENERAPAN METODE PEMBELAJARAN TEAMS GAMES TOURNAMENT (TGT)
Authors: Puspitorini Rr Sri Anjrah
Published: March 2019

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan: untuk mengetahui peningkatan hasil kemampuan menulis Teks eksposisi dan peningkatan  hasil belajar Bahasa Indonesia  siswa   kelas X PN 1 SMKN 1 Mataram semester ganjil tahun pelajaran 2015/2016 melalui penggunaan metode pembelajaran  TGT. .Penelitian ini dirancang dengan menggunakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Subjek dalam penelitian ini yaitu Siswa  kelas X PN 1 SMK Negeri  1 Mataram,  Sedangkan prosedur penelitian melalui tahapan yaitu Perencanaan, Pelaksanaan Tindakan, Pengamatan, dan refleksi. Hasil penelitian  menunjukkan bahwa  kemempuan siswa menulis Teks eksposisi dan hasil  belajar  Bahasa Indonesia  X PN 1  SMK Negeri  1 Mataram Semester ganjil  tahun  pelajaran  2015/2016, dengan menggunakan metode pembelajaran TGT  dapat ditingkatkan dengan hasil akhir penelitian adalah,rata-rata pada siklus I, 72,5 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 40,5 % dan  74,24  dengan capaian klasikal  42.86  meningkat menjadi rata-rata 89,70   dengan ketuntasan klasikal 88,10%   untuk kemampuan munulis teks eksposisi , dan hasil belajar rata-ra mencapai 79,5   dengan capaian klasikal 83,3   pada siklus II. Capaian kemampuan menulis Teks eksposisidan hasil belajar siswa  tentunya sudah mencapai dan bahkan melampaui KKM  di SMKN 1 Mataram sebesar 75.  Meningkatnya kemampuan  Siswa  dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia  didukung oleh meningkatnya kegiatan guru dalam mempertahankan  dan meningkatkan suasana belajar yang menggunakan  metode pembelajaran TGT hal ini dapat dilihat dari hasil pengamatan kegiatan guru dimana pada siklus I diperoleh skor 3,92, menjadi 4,62 pada siklus II atau berada pada kategori meningkat dan sudah tercapai.
PENINGKATAN MOTIVASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR IPS MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH (PBM) PADA PESERTA DIDIK KELAS IX-F SMP NEGERI 10 MATARAM SEMESTER GANJIL TAHUN PELAJARAN 2018-2019
Authors: Nurwahida Nurwahida
Published: March 2019

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui peningkatan  motivasi  hasil  belajar   keterampilan dan pengetahuan pesert a didik setelah menerapkan  metode pembelajaran Berbasis masalah  pada bidang study IPS pada kelas IX F semester ganjil tahun pelajaran 2018/2019di SMPN 10Mataram. Manfaat penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan keterampilandan  motivasi peserta   didik untuk mengidentifikasi dan menyelesaikan  masalah ,sekaligus dapat meningkakan kerjasama untuk menyelesaikan masalah  dalam pelajaran, IPS di kelas IX F  SMPN 10 Mataram dan bagi guru  diharapkan penelitian ini dapat menambah pengetahuan dan keterampilanseorang guru, dalam menerapkan berbagai model dan pendekatan pembelajaran di kelas, sebagai upaya ilmiah untuk meningkatkan pengembangan keprofesional keberkelanjutan (PKB) b`agi guru – guru IPS. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus , masing-masing siklus kegiatannya adalah ; perencanaan,pelaksanaan, observasi, dan  refleksi. Hasil akhir tindakan pada siklus II menunjukkan bahwa hasil akhir observasi guru rata-rata (86.74), Nilai motivasi belajar rata-rata 77 dengan motivasi klasikal 97,1 dengan nilai keterampilan  78,01 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 100 %,  hasil belajar pengetahuan (77).  Dengan ketuntasan klasikal 97,1 % , Hasil tersebut sudah melampaui indikator keberhasilan yaitu  ( ≥ 71 ) untuk ubservasi guru, )  dan KKM  ( ≥ 75) untuk hasil belajar keterampiln dan pengetahuan. Karena indikator keberhasilan telah tecapai maka peneltian dicukupkan pada siklus II
MENYAMA BRAYA: REFLEKSI MULTIKULTURALISME MEMPERKUAT IDENTITAS NASIONAL
Authors: Brata Ida Bagus
Published: March 2019

Tulisan ini bertujuan mengkaji konsep Bali Bersaudara: Refleksi Multikulturalisme Memperkuat Identitas Nasional. Metode yang digunakan dalam kajian ini adalah induktif kualitatif dengan pendekatan eksploratif dalam latar yang alamiah. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa Bali tidak dapat distereotipkan dengan agama atau kelompok tertentu yang damai, namun telah berubah penuh dinamika sejalan dengan pluralitas masyarakat Bali. Memahami fenomena multikulturalisme pada masyarakat Bali, tumbuh semangat multikulturalisme oleh orang Bali dan sebaliknya aktualisasi semangat multikulturalisme dari kelompok pendatang, dengan didasari etika “vasudaiva Kuthumbhakam”, bahwa kita “menyama” (bersaudara), semua manusia adalah satu keluarga. Manusia tidak dapat hidup sendiri, mereka tergantung kepada sesamanya, sehingga mereka selalu berusaha memelihara hubungan baik dengan sesamanya. Semua agama mengajarkan umatnya agar menjunjung tinggi kasih sayang, toleransi, dan kedamaian sehingga secara tekstual konflik dapat dihindarkan. Apabila kearifan ini dirawat bersama, maka ciri masyarakat Indonesia yang ramah tamah dan cinta damai akan tetap menjadi identitas nasional.
Mandible in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Alias Aspalilah , Nor Faridah Mohd
Published: March 2019

Forensic anthropology is defined as the field of study, which focused on examination of human bone systematically in order to get the identification of remains in medico-legal case.
Urinary C-Peptide Excretion for Diabetic Treatment in Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD)
Authors: Bando Hiroshi , Ebe Koji , Muneta Tetsuo , Bando Masahiro , Yonei Yoshikazu
Published: March 2019

Background: Arguments have continued about Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) and Calorie Restriction (CR). Authors have reported clinical research of LCD and Morbus (M) value. Subjects and Methods: Subjects enrolled are 84 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 60.9 ± 10.9 years. The protocol were as follows: 1) CR diet on day 1, 2 with 60% carbohydrates, and LCD on day 3-14 with 12% carbohydrates, 2) Daily profile of blood glucose 7 times a day on day 2 (CR) and day 4 (LCD), 3) urinary C-Peptide radioimmunoassay (u-CPR) excretion, 4) M value calculation, 5) investigation of these data with correlation. Results: Subjects were classified into 4 groups according to M value, which were .4–21, 23–66, 29–192, 200–728, respectively. HbA1c value was 6.2, 8.0, 7.8, 9.2 %, respectively. Blood glucose in median from day 2 to day 4 were 123 to 107 mg/dL, 164 to 130 mg/dL, 193 to 156 mg/dL, 277 to 201 mg/dL, respectively. M value in median from day 2 to 4 was 6.3 to 9, 41 to 7, 108 to 16, 367 to 88, respectively. u-CPR was 88 to 58, 53 to 35, 65 to 52, 74 to 64, respectively. There were significant correlations among among glucose, M value and u-CPR. Discussion and Conclusion: Average glucose, M value and u-CPR decreased remarkably on day 4. As average glucose and M value were higher, decrease degree were larger. These results suggested that carbohydrate in meal would influence glucose variability in T2DM. Our data would become basic data for pathophysiological analysis of glucose variability research in the future.
KÜRESEL İKLİM DEĞİŞİKLİĞİNİN İNTERNET HABERLERİNDE ÇERÇEVELENMESİ
Authors: AYKAÇ Bahar
Published: March 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı internette okunan haberlerde
küresel iklim değişikliğine yönelik haberlerin nasıl çerçevelendiğini inceleyip
bunun kamuoyundaki risk algısı ile ilişkisinin nasıl olabileceğini
tartışmaktır. Bu amaçla 20-27 Mart 2018 tarihleri arasında Google News
sitesinde “küresel ısınma “ ve “iklim değişikliği” kodlarıyla aratılan 41 haber
incelenmiştir. MAXQDA 18 programı kullanılarak çerçeve ve içerik analizi
yapılmıştır. Bunun sonucunda haberlerin felaket beklentisi odaklı olduğu ve
daha çok bireysel çözümler ortaya koyduğu gözlenmiştir. Bu da haberlerin
tutarsız algılanmasına yol açıyor olabilir, bu sebepten daha geniş ölçekte ve
kapsamlı bir çerçeve kurulabilir.
Upscaling Evapotranspiration with Parsimonious Models in a North Carolina Vineyard
Authors: Dold Christian , Heitman Joshua , Giese Gill , Howard Adam , Havlin John , Sauer Tom
Published: March 2019

Water stress can positively or negatively impact grape yield and yield quality, and there is a need for wine growers to accurately regulate water use. In a four-year study (2010–2013), energy balance fluxes were measured with an eddy-covariance (EC) system in a North Carolina vineyard (Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay), and evapotranspiration (ET) and the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) calculated. A multiple linear regression model was developed to upscale ET using air temperature (Ta), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and Landsat-derived Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Daily ET reached values of up to 7.7 mm day−1, and the annual ET was 752 ± 59 mm, as measured with the EC system. The grapevine CWSI was between 0.53–0.85, which indicated moderate water stress levels. Median vineyard EVI was between 0.22 and 0.72, and the EVI range (max–min) within the vineyard was 0.18. The empirical models explained 75%–84% of the variation in ET, and all parameters had a positive linear relationship to ET. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was 0.52–0.62 mm. This study presents easily applicable approaches to analyzing water dynamics and ET. This may help wine growers to cost-effectively quantify water use in vineyards.
Pregnancy-Associated Alterations of Peripheral Blood Immune Cell Numbers in Domestic Sows Are Modified by Social Rank
Authors: Schalk Christiane , Pfaffinger Birgit , Schmucker Sonja , Weiler Ulrike , Stefanski Volker
Published: March 2019

During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is characterized by a shift from adaptive to innate immune functions. Besides, the immune system can be influenced by social rank. Detailed knowledge of pregnancy-associated immune changes and of the interplay of rank-associated and gestation-induced immunomodulations is still fragmentary in sows. This study investigates both the numbers of various blood leukocyte subpopulations during pregnancy and the influence of social rank position on progressing pregnancy-associated alterations in group-housed sows. Sows were classified as low (LR), middle (MR), or high-ranking (HR). Five blood samples were collected from each of the 35 sows throughout pregnancy to evaluate the distribution of blood lymphocyte subpopulations and plasma cortisol concentrations. The numbers of T, natural killer (NK), and B cells, cytotoxic T cells (CTL), and CD8+ γδ- T cells decreased during the last trimester of pregnancy, while neutrophils and plasma cortisol concentration increased before parturition. Social rank revealed different effects on B cells and monocytes with MR sows showing higher numbers than LR sows. Plasma cortisol concentrations also tended to be higher in MR sows as compared to LR sows. In conclusion, sows show pregnancy-associated alterations in the immune system, which are influenced by social rank, as middle-ranking sows in particular display signs of stress-induced immunomodulations.
Habitat Selection of Wintering Birds in Farm Ponds in Taoyuan, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Chou Jui-Yu , Fang Wei-Ta
Published: March 2019

Farm ponds or irrigation ponds, providing a vital habitat for diverse bird communities, are an environmental feature with characteristics that cross over typical urban and natural conditions. In this study, the species richness and community structure of irrigation ponds were characterized on the local and landscape scales. Within a landscape complex in the Taoyuan Tableland of Taiwan, 45 ponds were surveyed, ranging in areas from 0.2 to 20.47 ha. In total, 94 species and 15,053 individual birds were identified after surveying four times. The association between ponds and birds was determined to establish the effect of pond dimensions on species richness and community composition in the complex by comparing the responses of functional groups to pond configurations. Seven avian functional groups were identified. Compared with landbirds (i.e., families Alcedinidae, Apodidae, Icteridae, and Sturnidae), waterbirds (i.e., families Anatidae, Ardeidae, Charadriidae, Podicipedidae, and Scolopacidae) exhibited a stronger correlation with pond variables. Our study provides substantial evidence that these artificial ponds have influenced wintering waterbirds. The final results of this study may help stakeholders and land managers identify areas not to establish large-scale solar facilities considering waterbird habitats in pond areas.
The Strong Antioxidant Sheep/Goat Whey Protein Protects Against mTOR Overactivation in Rats: A Mode of Action Mimicking Fasting
Authors: Kerasioti Efthalia , Veskoukis Aristidis , Virgiliou Christina , Theodoridis Georgios , Taitzoglou Ioannis , Kouretas Dimitrios
Published: March 2019

Whey protein, a by-product of the cheese industry, can be putatively used as a functional food due to its beneficial health properties. The main objective of the present study was to assess in vivo the effect of a sheep/goat whey protein on the plasma amino acid profile and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a regulator of skeletal myogenesis. A control group was fed with a standard commercial diet while the experimental group received a standard commercial diet plus sheep/goat whey protein for 28 days. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was conducted to determine plasma amino acid levels while the expression of p70-S6 Kinase 1 (p70-S6K1) in liver and quadriceps muscles was quantified and used as a biomarker of mTOR activity. The results obtained showed a decrease in the levels of essential and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the experimental group. Furthermore, p70-S6K1 expression was decreased in the liver of rats consumed whey protein. In conclusion, the reduction of amino acid levels and the concomitant inactivation of mTOR imply that whey could potentially act protectively against disorders induced by mTOR overactivation. Intriguingly, this mode of action mimics fasting, an approach with established advantageous health effects.
MedChain: Efficient Healthcare Data Sharing via Blockchain
Authors: Shen Bingqing , Guo Jingzhi , Yang Yilong
Published: March 2019

Healthcare information exchange is an important research topic, which can benefit both healthcare providers and patients. In healthcare data sharing, many cloud-based solutions have been proposed, but the trustworthiness of a third-party cloud service is questionable. Recently, blockchain has been introduced in healthcare record sharing, which does not rely on trusting a third party. However, existing approaches only focus on the records collected from medical examination. They are not efficient in sharing data streams continuously generated from sensors and other monitoring devices. Today, IoT devices have been widely deployed and sensors and mobile applications can monitor patients’ body conditions. The collected data are shared to laboratories and institutions for diagnosis and further study. Moreover, existing approaches are too rigid to efficiently support metadata change. In this paper, an efficient data-sharing scheme is proposed, called MedChain, which combines blockchain, digest chain, and structured P2P network techniques to overcome the above efficiency issues in the existing approaches for sharing both types of healthcare data. Based on MedChain, a session-based healthcare data-sharing scheme is devised, which brings flexibility in data sharing. The evaluation results show that MedChain can achieve higher efficiency and satisfy the security requirements in data sharing.
Analysis of the Weights of Service Quality Indicators for Drone Filming and Photography by the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process
Authors: Liu Chun-Chu , Chen Jwu-Jenq
Published: March 2019

The service of drone filming and photography has been getting more and more popular. However, the service provider does not have enough information about service quality indicators and its weights. Analyzing the weights of service quality indicators by the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) combined with Similarity Aggregation Method (SAM) is an important research topic. Therefore, in order to solve this real life problem, based on the SERVQUAL scale, this research analyzes the weights and the rankings from a comprehensive consensus by FANP combined with geometric mean and SAM, and then compares the differences between them. The results reveal that both the comprehensive consensus of experts’ opinions deemed that the most important dimension and indicator are reliability and “Employees are professional and get adequate support to do their jobs well.” The 2nd to 4th indicators from a comprehensive consensus of experts’ opinions are the same but the order is different. They are: “Drone service team’s employees give custom personal attention,” “Drone service team has up-to-date equipment,” and “Drone service team provides service legally, safely, and reliably.” The findings of the research reveal the weights of dimensions and indicators and help us to keep good service quality of filming and photography by drone.
Compensation of Frequency Drift in Frequency-Sweep Polarization-Modulation Ranging System
Authors: Gao Shuyuan , Ji Rongyi , Li Yao , Liu Chun , Shi Junkai , Pan Yingling , Zhou Weihu
Published: March 2019

In frequency-sweep polarization-modulation ranging, distance is determined by the frequency of modulated waves and the corresponding wavelength multiple when emitted and returned waves are in phase. However, measurement of the frequency and the wavelength multiple is affected by thermally induced phase delay of the polarized wave. In this article we systematically discuss the principle of the ranging method and analyze the influences of thermally induced phase delay. New approaches to measurement are proposed to eliminate the impact on frequency and the wavelength multiple. Theoretical analysis and experimental results proved the efficiency and applicability of the methods.
Fermentation Characteristics of Lactobacillus Plantarum and Pediococcus Species Isolated from Sweet Sorghum Silage and Their Application as Silage Inoculants
Authors: Alhaag Hager , Yuan Xianjun , Mala Azizza , Bai Junfeng , Shao Tao
Published: March 2019

This study aims to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus spp isolated from sweet sorghum silage to enhance the fermentation quality of Napier grass and sweet sorghum silage. Based on molecular 16S ribosomal ribonucleic identification the isolated strains were phylogenetically related to Lactobacillus plantarum (HY1), Pediococcus acidilactici (HY2) and Pediococcus claussenii (HY3). Strains HY1, HY2 and HY3 and commercial bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum, Ecosyl; (MTD\1( were ensiled with sweet sorghum and Napier grass and the non-inoculated grasses, have been arranged in a completely randomized experimental design in a 5 (inoculants) × 3 (ensiling periods). In both grasses, the fermentation characteristics chemical composition and microbial population were assessed at 5–30 and 90 days of ensiling. The results showed that the effect of addition inoculants significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the pH, ammonia-N, acetic acid and undesirable microbial population and increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria counting when compared to the control. The effect of ensiling days on silage quality through the increasing lactic acid, acetic acid, ammonia-N, propionic acid and butyric acid whereas decreasing pH and water-soluble carbohydrates and microbial counts. In both sweet sorghum and Napier silage treated with isolated strains showed the best results in silage quality. The HY3 belongs to Pediococcus claussenii was not extensively studied in silage but it has shown good fermentation quality which strongly recommended to apply as probiotic.
Electrostatics of Tau Protein by Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Castro Tarsila , Munteanu Florentina-Daniela , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: March 2019

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that promotes microtubule assembly and stability. This protein is implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. To date, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of tau has not been fully solved, experimentally. Even the most recent information is sometimes controversial in regard to how this protein folds, interacts, and behaves. Predicting the tau structure and its profile sheds light on the knowledge about its properties and biological function, such as the binding to microtubules (MT) and, for instance, the effect on ionic conductivity. Our findings on the tau structure suggest a disordered protein, with discrete portions of well-defined secondary structure, mostly at the microtubule binding region. In addition, the first molecular dynamics simulation of full-length tau along with an MT section was performed, unveiling tau structure when associated with MT and interaction sites. Electrostatics and conductivity were also examined to understand how tau affects the ions in the intracellular fluid environment. Our results bring a new insight into tau and tubulin MT proteins, their characteristics, and the structure–function relationship.
Forestland Concession, Land Rights, and Livelihood Changes of Ethnic Minorities: The Case of the Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Kazi Kamrul , Hyakumura Kimihiko
Published: March 2019

Forestland concession has been the dominant governance tool for the acquisition of natural state-owned forest resources in many tropical countries, including Bangladesh. Moreover, the forestland concession process confers the holder a bundle of rights. The Sal forests of Bangladesh are treated as some of the greatest concession forests, as a number of ethnic minorities use these forests for their daily living. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to assess the impacts of Sal forestland concession and land rights on the livelihood development of the ethnic minorities living in the Madhupur Sal Forest (MSF) area of Bangladesh. Using both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, the study found out that about two thirds of the original Sal forestland was grabbed by the state and non-state actors. As a result, the ethnic minority inhabitants have lost their traditional land and free access rights to the Sal forests. The process of losing ethnic minorities’ land and forest access rights has been enhanced by the institutional arrangements of the state, which had also created severe conflicts between the Forest Department and the ethnic communities. The study also revealed that the forestland concession has negatively affected the five livelihood capitals development of the ethnic minorities, consequently, their forest-based livelihood has shifted to non-securing jobs or poor income sources, like daily wage labor and subsistence agriculture. Despite this, the development drivers have emphasized the Sal forests and biodiversity conservation, while the livelihood development of the ethnic minorities has been ignored from every level. Therefore, this study would recommend establishing a legitimate process in order to settle the issue of traditional land and the forest rights of ethnic minorities, which could also attain the conservation and development goals of the Sal forests.
Environmental-Based Speed Recommendation for Future Smart Cars
Authors: Galanis Ioannis , Anagnostopoulos Iraklis , Gurunathan Priyaa , Burkard Dona
Published: March 2019

Modern vehicles are enhanced with increased computation, communication and sensing capabilities, providing a variety of new features that pave the way for the deployment of more sophisticated services. Specifically, smart cars employ hundreds of sensors and electronic systems in order to obtain situational and environmental information. This rapid growth of on-vehicle multi-sensor inputs along with off-vehicle data streams introduce the smart car era. Thus, systematic techniques for combining information provided by on- and off-vehicle car connectivity are of remarkable importance for the availability and robustness of the overall system. This paper presents a new method to employ service oriented agents that cohesively align on- and off-vehicle information in order to estimate the current status of the car. In particular, this work combines, integrates, and evaluates multiple information sources targeting future smart cars. Specifically, the proposed methodology leverages weather-based, on-route, and on-vehicle information. As a use case, the presented work informs the driver about the recommended speed that the car should adapt to, based on the current status of the car. It also validates the proposed speed with real-time vehicular measurements.
A Study on the Historical Materials of the Apollo Pythios Temple in Rhodes and the Evaluation of Potential Restoration Materials
Authors: Apostolopoulou Maria , Keramidas Vasileios , Galanaki Niki , Kalofonou Myrto , Skoula Chariklia , Karoglou Maria , Delegou Ekaterini T. , Mouzakis Charalampos , Bakolas Asterios , Moropoulou Antonia , Pikoula Maria , Kalagri Anna , Farmakidou Eleni , Michailidou Maria
Published: March 2019

The Temple of Apollo Pythios, built in the Hellenistic era (3rd–1st century BC), is located in the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. It was excavated during the Italian occupation and reconstructed by the Italians in the period 1937–8. The method of the “scenographic” restoration was the “mixed structure” technique using a core of reinforced concrete in combination with new biocalcarenite stones and the integration of very few ancient architectural members. Its proximity to the sea and the corresponding salt decay phenomena, aggravated by the erroneous reconstruction methodology and materials, have further deteriorated its state of preservation. Today, the four columns, epistyle and entablature of the Italian interventions demand immediate restoration actions to ensure the monument’s sustainability. This can only be achieved through a combined study of the performance of potential restoration materials and assessment of their compatibility with the historical materials. In the present study, the characteristics of the Temple’s historical porous stones are presented along with the characteristics of five quarry stones, aiming to evaluate which quarry stone is the most appropriate for use in the upcoming restoration. Restoration mortars are designed and evaluated in respect to both the historical materials and the quarry stones, aiming to select the optimum restoration mortar, which can achieve the required level of performance and compatibility and ensure sustainability of the structure as a whole.
An Assessment of Long-Term Physical and Emotional Quality of Life of Persons Injured on 9/11/2001
Authors: Brackbill Robert M. , Alper Howard E. , Frazier Patricia , Gargano Lisa M. , Jacobson Melanie H. , Solomon Adrienne
Published: March 2019

Fifteen years after the disaster, the World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) conducted The Health and Quality of Life Survey (HQoL) assessing physical and mental health status among those who reported sustaining an injury on 11 September 2001 compared with non-injured persons. Summary scores derived from the Short Form-12 served as study outcomes. United States (US) population estimates on the Physical Component Score (PCS-12) and Mental Component Score (MCS-12) were compared with scores from the HQoL and were stratified by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and injury status. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between both injury severity and PTSD and PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores. Level of injury severity and PTSD history significantly predicted poorer physical health (mean PCS-12). There was no significant difference between injury severity level and mental health (mean MCS-12). Controlling for other factors, having PTSD symptoms after 9/11 predicted a nearly 10-point difference in mean MCS-12 compared with never having PTSD. Injury severity and PTSD showed additive effects on physical and mental health status. Injury on 9/11 and a PTSD history were each associated with long-term decrements in physical health status. Injury did not predict long-term decrements in one’s mental health status. Although it is unknown whether physical wounds of the injury healed, our results suggest that traumatic injuries appear to have a lasting negative effect on perceived physical functioning.
LPG Cars in a Car Park Environment—How to Make It Safe
Authors: Brzezińska Dorota
Published: March 2019

Alternative and innovative fuel types are being introduced to power cars. These include liquified petroleum gas (LPG) gas and hydrogen energy sources. However, they also introduce new hazards, requiring revised thinking with respect to safety within car parking environments. One of the most significant dangers is accidental gas release from a car’s system, especially in underground car parks. Jet fan systems are widely used for ventilation of such enclosures, but currently their design is most often based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) according to computer simulations that may not be relevant for such new fuels. This paper presents the results of full-scale tests which demonstrate the operational factors of jet fan ventilation systems, and assesses the conditions which can occur in a car park when a small volume of LPG is released. On the basis of measurements undertaken, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software was validated against the air velocity flows and LPG gas dispersion patterns. Finally, the simulations were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of systems in an actual car park, in the case of an accidental LPG car tank release.
Dissipation of Three Fungicides and Their Effects on Anthocyanins and Color of Monastrell Red Wines
Authors: Briz-Cid Noelia , Rial-Otero Raquel , Cámara Miguel A. , Oliva José , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: March 2019

The effect of fungicides on fermentation is of paramount importance to control the quality and safety of wines. In this work, the quality (enological parameters, color, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and fungicide residues) of wines from Monastrell grapes fortified with iprovalicarb, mepanipyrim, and tetraconazole fungicides was evaluated. Along the winemaking process, initial residues of mepanipyrim and tetraconazole were removed in more than 90% while the dissipation of iprovalicarb was around 73%. Significant statistical differences were found in the presence of iprovalicarb and mepanipyrim residues, especially at the highest concentration assayed. For both fungicides, increases in the volatile acidity (between 4 and 8.6 times), the lactic acid content (between 8.6 and 20.5 times), the percentage of polymeric anthocyanins (between 1.3 and 1.7 times), and also a slight increase of the total phenolic index and the total anthocyanin content determined by spectrophotometry were observed. On the contrary, the total monomeric anthocyanins content decreased about 16.3% and 28.6% in the presence of iprovalicarb and mepanipyrim, respectively. These results could be related to a higher development of acetic acid or lactic bacteria in the presence of these fungicides. The color of the final wines was also different in comparison with the control, with a higher yellow component, color intensity, tonality, and hue angle because of pH changes in the medium. Tetraconazole fermentations had a more similar trend to the control wine, probably due to the lower concentration of this fungicide in the grape must at the initial time. No effects on the antioxidant activity was observed for any of the target fungicides. A multivariate statistical analysis was done to view the interrelationships between different variables (color and anthocyanins profile). The obtained model allowed the wines to be separated according to the fungicide treatment applied.
DFT Studies on the Antioxidant Activity of Naringenin and Its Derivatives: Effects of the Substituents at C3
Authors: Zheng Yan-Zhen , Deng Geng , Guo Rui , Chen Da-Fu , Fu Zhong-Min
Published: March 2019

The radical scavenging activity of a flavonoid is largely influenced by its structure. The effects of the substituents at C3 position on the antioxidant activity of naringenin were carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The reaction enthalpies related with the three well-established mechanisms were analyzed. Excellent correlations were found between the reaction enthalpies and Hammett sigma constants. Equations obtained from the linear regression can be helpful in the selection of suitable candidates for the synthesis of novel naringenin derivatives with enhanced antioxidant properties. In the gas and benzene phases, the antioxidant activity of naringenin was enhanced by the electron-donating substituents via weakening the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE). In the water phase, it was strengthened by electron-withdrawing groups—via lowering the proton affinity (PA). The electronic effect of the substituent on the BDE of naringenin is mainly governed by the resonance effect, while that on the ionization potential (IP) and PA of naringenin is mainly controlled by the field/inductive effect.
Mechanisms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Zajączkowska Renata , Kocot-Kępska Magdalena , Leppert Wojciech , Wrzosek Anna , Mika Joanna , Wordliczek Jerzy
Published: March 2019

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most frequent side effects caused by antineoplastic agents, with a prevalence from 19% to over 85%. Clinically, CIPN is a mostly sensory neuropathy that may be accompanied by motor and autonomic changes of varying intensity and duration. Due to its high prevalence among cancer patients, CIPN constitutes a major problem for both cancer patients and survivors as well as for their health care providers, especially because, at the moment, there is no single effective method of preventing CIPN; moreover, the possibilities of treating this syndrome are very limited. There are six main substance groups that cause damage to peripheral sensory, motor and autonomic neurons, which result in the development of CIPN: platinum-based antineoplastic agents, vinca alkaloids, epothilones (ixabepilone), taxanes, proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide). Among them, the most neurotoxic are platinum-based agents, taxanes, ixabepilone and thalidomide; other less neurotoxic but also commonly used drugs are bortezomib and vinca alkaloids. This paper reviews the clinical picture of CIPN and the neurotoxicity mechanisms of the most common antineoplastic agents. A better understanding of the risk factors and underlying mechanisms of CIPN is needed to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Parent-of-Origin Effects in 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 Microdeletion (Burnside-Butler) Syndrome
Authors: Davis Kyle W. , Serrano Moises , Loddo Sara , Robinson Catherine , Alesi Viola , Dallapiccola Bruno , Novelli Antonio , Butler Merlin G.
Published: March 2019

To identify whether parent-of-origin effects (POE) of the 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion are associated with differences in clinical features in individuals inheriting the deletion, we collected 71 individuals reported with phenotypic data and known inheritance from a clinical cohort, a research cohort, the DECIPHER database, and the primary literature. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to test for differences in specific and grouped clinical symptoms based on parental inheritance and proband gender. Analyses controlled for sibling sets and individuals with additional variants of uncertain significance (VOUS). Among all probands, maternal deletions were associated with macrocephaly (p = 0.016) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; p = 0.02), while paternal deletions were associated with congenital heart disease (CHD; p = 0.004). Excluding sibling sets, maternal deletions were associated with epilepsy as well as macrocephaly (p < 0.05), while paternal deletions were associated with CHD and abnormal muscular phenotypes (p < 0.05). Excluding sibling sets and probands with an additional VOUS, maternal deletions were associated with epilepsy (p = 0.019) and paternal deletions associated with muscular phenotypes (p = 0.008). Significant gender-based differences were also observed. Our results supported POEs of this deletion and included macrocephaly, epilepsy and ASD in maternal deletions with CHD and abnormal muscular phenotypes seen in paternal deletions.
AMPA Receptor Auxiliary Proteins of the CKAMP Family
Authors: von Engelhardt Jakob
Published: March 2019

α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors are assembled of four core subunits and several additional interacting proteins. Cystine-knot AMPA receptor-modulating proteins (CKAMPs) constitute a family of four proteins that influence the trafficking, subcellular localization and function of AMPA receptors. The four CKAMP family members CKAMP39/shisa8, CKAMP44/shisa9, CKAMP52/shisa6 and CKAMP59/shisa7 differ in their expression profile and their modulatory influence on AMPA receptor function. In this review, I report about recent findings on the differential roles of CKAMP family members.
Role of Arginase 2 in Systemic Metabolic Activity and Adipose Tissue Fatty Acid Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Atawia Reem T. , Toque Haroldo A. , Meghil Mohamed M. , Benson Tyler W. , Yiew Nicole K. H. , Cutler Christopher W. , Weintraub Neal L. , Caldwell Ruth B. , Caldwell Robert W.
Published: March 2019

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation and metabolic dysregulation are key components of obesity-induced metabolic disease. Upregulated arginase, a ureahydrolase enzyme with two isoforms (A1-cytosolic and A2-mitochondrial), is implicated in pathologies associated with obesity and diabetes. This study examined A2 involvement in obesity-associated metabolic and vascular disorders. WT and globally deleted A2(−/−) or A1(+/−) mice were fed either a high fat/high sucrose (HFHS) diet or normal diet (ND) for 16 weeks. Increases in body and VAT weight of HFHS-fed WT mice were abrogated in A2−/−, but not A1+/−, mice. Additionally, A2−/− HFHS-fed mice exhibited higher energy expenditure, lower blood glucose, and insulin levels compared to WT HFHS mice. VAT and adipocytes from WT HFHS fed mice showed greater A2 expression and adipocyte size and reduced expression of PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, and adiponectin. A2 deletion blunted these effects, increased levels of active AMPK-α, and upregulated genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. A2 deletion prevented HFHS-induced VAT collagen deposition and inflammation, which are involved in adipocyte metabolic dysfunction. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, impaired by HFHS diet, was significantly preserved in A2−/− mice, but more prominently maintained in A1+/− mice. In summary, A2 is critically involved in HFHS-induced VAT inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
The Opposite Effect of c-Jun Transcription Factor on Apolipoprotein E Gene Regulation in Hepatocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Trusca Violeta G. , Fuior Elena V. , Kardassis Dimitris , Simionescu Maya , Gafencu Anca V.
Published: March 2019

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is mainly secreted by hepatocytes and incorporated into most plasma lipoproteins. Macrophages, which accumulate cholesterol and are critical for the development of the atherosclerotic plaque, are also an important, albeit smaller, apoE source. Distal regulatory elements control cell-specific activity of the apoE promoter: multienhancers (ME.1/2) in macrophages and hepatic control regions (HCR-1/2) in hepatocytes. A member of AP-1 cell growth regulator, c-Jun regulates the transcription of various apolipoproteins and proinflammatory molecules implicated in atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the effect of c-Jun on apoE expression in macrophages versus hepatocytes and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein we show that c-Jun had an opposite, cell-specific effect on apoE expression: downregulation in macrophages but upregulation in hepatocytes. Transient transfections using ME.2 deletion mutants and DNA pull-down (DNAP) assays showed that the inhibitory effect of c-Jun on the apoE promoter in macrophages was mediated by a functional c-Jun binding site located at 301/311 on ME.2. In hepatocytes, c-Jun overexpression strongly increased apoE expression, and this effect was due to c-Jun binding at the canonical site located at −94/−84 on the apoE proximal promoter, identified by transient transfections using apoE deletion mutants, DNAP, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Overall, the dual effect of c-Jun on apoE gene expression led to decreased cholesterol efflux in macrophages resident in the atherosclerotic plaque synergized with an increased level of systemic apoE secreted by the liver to exacerbate atherogenesis.