bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH CITRA MEREK, KUALITAS PRODUK DAN HARGA TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK MEREK EIGER (KAJIAN PADA MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS MERCU BUANA YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Sari Devi Puspita , Nuvriasari Audita
Published: March 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh citra merek, kualitas produk dan harga terhadap keputusan pembelian produk merek Eiger. Teknik pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 100 responden. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dari uji t dapat dijelaskan bahwa citra merek, kualitas produk dan harga secara parsial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian produk merek Eiger, dimana masing-masing variabel independent (citra merek, kualitas produk dan harga) memiliki nilai t sig < 0,05. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dari uji F dapat dijelaskan bahwa citra merek, kualitas produk dan harga secara simultan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian produk merek Eiger, dimana nilai F sig sebesar 0,000 < 0,05. Dari ketiga variabel independent tersebut variabel yang paling dominan berpengaruh terhadap keputusan pembelian produk merek Eiger adalah variabel kualitas produk.Kata Kunci : Citra Merek; Kualitas Produk; Harga; Keputuasan Pembelian
The Effect of Water Fluoride Concentration on DMFT Index in Vardar Population in Macedonia
Authors: Vesna Ambarkova
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the DMFT index of 12-year-old children and the concentration of fluorine in drinking water from the populated areas where children live. Material and method: In the examination, 85children were enrolled, out of 2 central and 2regional primary schools, at which the DMFT index was determined. The children live in 2 different cities and 2 different villages. Four water samples were taken from the examined area to determine the fluorine concentration by using the electrochemical method using the pH/ISE Meter-Thermo-Orion with a special F-electrode (Thermo Orion Ion Plus Fluoride Electrode) at the Institute for public health. Spearmans method was used to determine the correlation between the specified variables. Results: The total number of children in the examined sample was 85, out of which45 were male and 40 were female. The average DMFT index in this group of children was 2.75 with a standard deviation of ±2.56. Maximum concentration of fluorine in drinking water of 0.39ppmF was determined in the village Vinicani, while the minimum (0.17ppmF) in the city Veles and (0.20 ppmF) in the village Melnica. Correlation of the DMFT index in children from the Vardar region and the concentration of fluorine in the drinking water has a negative, indirect correlation, with the value of the coefficient r=-0.393. Conclusion: The correlation between the DMFT index and the concentration of drinking water is a negative, indirect and correlation is highly significant
Destructive of deviation and economic deprivation of innovative development of enterprises of Ukraine: displays and possibilities of leveling
Authors: Tkachenko Irina , Lysytsia Maryna , Sektymenko Viktoria
Published: March 2019

Strategy of successful development of the national economic systems of countries-leaders the last years is closely related to leadership in research-anddevelopments, by appearance of new knowledge, development of hi-tech production and creation of mass innovative products. Development of innovative potential is not only a way of dynamic development and success but also backer-up of safety and sovereignty of country, to her competitiveness in the modern world. The necessity of introduction in Ukraine of європейських standards of life and exit of Ukraine on leading positions in the world defined the aim of Strategy of steady development «Ukraine 2020» approved by Decree of President of Ukraine № 5/2015 from January, 12, 2015 and plans of operating under implementation of Agreement about an association from ЕС, by the obligations of Ukraine in relation to the achievement of national Aims of steady development on a period 2030 to The basic displays of origin of economic deprivation and destructive deviation of innovative development of enterprises, lighted up questions that touch maintenance and ways of improvement of strategic management of enterprises innovative activity in the system of institutional structure of forming of innovative behavior, are certain in the article. Reformation of economy of country must take place in the conditions of maintenance of certain calls and risks, in particular, it is a threat of escalation of the battle operating on east, authenticity of worsening of the external economic state of affairs on world commodity markets, migratory processes, braking, destructive deviation and депривація of investment activity. A human capital, and also knowledge and results of scientific researches, must become basis of the Ukrainian innovative competitiveness.
Domination of the shadow economy as a result of socio-economic reforming of Ukraine
Authors: Redzyuk Evgeny
Published: March 2019

In the article, the author analyzes the shadow economy of Ukraine and the reasons that influenced the high level of shadowing of business processes in the domestic economy; revealed a significant level of regulation of the domestic economy and high tax rates that contribute to the shadowing of economic processes in Ukraine; in addition, it has been proved that in the absence of a long-term socio-economic strategy for the development of the domestic economy, the shadow economy will continue to dominate and restrain systemic growth in our country.
Economic Estimation of Land Resources Potential of Ukraine
Authors: Mosiyuk Stephania , Mosiyuk Igor
Published: March 2019

The article reflects the foundations of the formation of land resource potential. The methodology of land resource evaluation through the differential rent I and II is explored.
Analytical procedures of activity of the enterprises of metallurgical production
Authors: Bunda Olga , Gordiychuk Mariia
Published: March 2019

The article presents the results of the study of the place of analytical procedures in conducting a general analysis of the financial and economic indicators of the enterprises, conducted an analysis of the level of the current state of metallurgical enterprises on the example of the enterprise of this type of economic activity. The algorithm of decision support system in the analysis of enterprise activity was developed to increase the reliability of the indicators of management and financial reporting.
THE POWER RELATION IN ONLINE GAME DOTA 2
Authors: Darmawan Bangkit , Permata Sari Ratna
Published: March 2019

The number of online gaming enthusiasts nowadays makes the emergence of competition between each game online, one of which is an online game DotA 2. DotA 2 game that requires strategy and teamwork to achieve victory makes it interesting to study, especially in the online game DotA 2 also has a point barometer of ability or player’s skill, namely, MMR (Matchmaking Ratio). In this study, researchers used ethnographic methods to virtualized data collection by observation participation.

The results of this study are the communication process is happening in the virtual community online game DOTA 2 through several stages of a communicator encoding to create a message that will be delivered verbally and non-verbally. After the message is sent then, decoding is done by the communicant which will produce an effects and feedback of the communication process with each other every competent player to be dominant communicator who is ultimately determined and agreed upon by the members of the team.

Furthermore, become communicators dominant, a player must have high MMR points that seemed to have a greater ability or skilful. However, it is not entirely a barometer of a communicant. There is a privilege to be a benchmark of trusted players or the communicant to the communicator dominant other than points outside the MMR itself, related to the personal attitude which affect other player, such as have a good communication skills and player’s ability in the match. This lead to a power against the dominant communicator and the power is exactly what is called as the charismatic authority.

 

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Warner, Dorothy E. Dan Mike Raiter. 2005. Social Context in Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs): Ethical Question in Shared Space. International Review of   Information Ehics Volume 4.

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Williams, Dana. Max Weber: Traditional, Legal – Rational, and Charismatic Authority.   Sociological Theory 3850:560. The University of Akron, Ohio. 2003
THE PUNISHMENT OF PERPETRATORS OF CORRUPTION WITH THE APPROACH OF THE LOCAL WISDOM
Authors: Dinanti Dinda , Desi Yayi Tarina Dwi
Published: March 2019

Corruption in Indonesia stick on all aspects or areas of life in society. Corruption not only happens among regions, but also present a centre where the Center is the highest level. The growing crime of corruption in Indonesia, making the community more and do not believe in the law enforcement performance filled with the intervention of interest, the lack of good faith and far from independence and seriousness in dealing with the cases of corruption. With the juridical sociological approach, which includes aspects of norms or rules, guided by rules or regulations that underpin the process of eradicating corruption. Whereas, for his sociological social involved within the context of an alternative model of criminal in Indonesia. Some of the data required from the Corruption Eradication Commission, Indonesia Corruption Watch and State Court criminal acts of Corruption is absolutely required. The data in the form of annual statistical data on Indonesia, as well as alternative models criminal for perpetrators of corruption. The judgment of people who authorities have been set up in Act No. 31 of the year 1999 has been amended by Act No. 20 of 2001 year of the eradication of criminal acts of corruption. However, it still needs to be examined again an alternative model of criminal in Indonesia so that it will not pose a deterrent effect.
FISH CONSERVATION THROUGH TAGAL BY SABAHAN PEOPLE:
Authors: Hossin Aisah
Published: March 2019

Tagal is the local knowledge that been implemented by Sabahan people in Sabah. The conservation can be apply in various way to conserve many thing and it became a one of the community movement strategic to make the world be a better place for our next generation. In Sabah, tagal has been used widely with the first movement is to conserve fish through the river. This movement was accepted and become one of the tourism attraction and give economic benefit to local community. Tagal is term that been using by Dusun community and also be called as bombon in Kadazandusun that share the same meaning which is ‘no’. This paper work will discover the potential of tagal concept as a traditional knowledge and its function to conserve the fish in Kg. Luanti Baru, Ranau Sabah. The data collection are collected through in-depth interview with the local community, observation and literature review.  The data will be analyzed through the thematic analysis. The findings show, the tagal concept really help in fish conservation and can be one of the solution for the resource conservation especially in Sabah.
Tree Compatibility, Incomplete Directed Perfect Phylogeny, and Dynamic Graph Connectivity: An Experimental Study
Authors: Fernández-Baca David , Liu Lei
Published: March 2019

We study two problems in computational phylogenetics. The first is tree compatibility. The input is a collection P of phylogenetic trees over different partially-overlapping sets of species. The goal is to find a single phylogenetic tree that displays all the evolutionary relationships implied by P . The second problem is incomplete directed perfect phylogeny (IDPP). The input is a data matrix describing a collection of species by a set of characters, where some of the information is missing. The question is whether there exists a way to fill in the missing information so that the resulting matrix can be explained by a phylogenetic tree satisfying certain conditions. We explain the connection between tree compatibility and IDPP and show that a recent tree compatibility algorithm is effectively a generalization of an earlier IDPP algorithm. Both algorithms rely heavily on maintaining the connected components of a graph under a sequence of edge and vertex deletions, for which they use the dynamic connectivity data structure of Holm et al., known as HDT. We present a computational study of algorithms for tree compatibility and IDPP. We show experimentally that substituting HDT by a much simpler data structure—essentially, a single-level version of HDT—improves the performance of both of these algorithm in practice. We give partial empirical and theoretical justifications for this observation.
GSK-3β at the Crossroads in Regulating Protein Synthesis and Lipid Deposition in Zebrafish
Authors: Gu Yaqi , Gao Lili , Han Qiang , Li Ao , Yu Hairui , Liu Dongwu , Pang Qiuxiang
Published: March 2019

In this study, the mechanism by which GSK-3β regulates protein synthesis and lipid deposition was investigated in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The vector of pEGFP-N1-GSK-3β was constructed and injected into the muscle of zebrafish. It was found that the mRNA and protein expression of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) was significantly increased. However, the mRNA and protein expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), and 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) was significantly decreased by the pEGFP-N1-GSK-3β vector in the muscle of zebrafish. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was significantly decreased, but the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) was significantly increased by the pEGFP-N1-GSK-3β vector. The activity of FAS, ACC, ACL, and HMGCR as well as the content of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were significantly increased by the pEGFP-N1-GSK-3β vector in the muscle of zebrafish. The content of free amino acids Arg, Lys, His, Phe, Leu, Ile, Val, and Thr was significantly decreased by the pEGFP-N1-GSK-3β vector. The results indicate that GSK-3β may participate in regulating protein synthesis via TSC2/mTOR signaling and regulating lipid deposition via β-catenin in the muscle of zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Functions of Plexins/Neuropilins and Their Ligands during Hippocampal Development and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Gil Vanessa , del Río José Antonio
Published: March 2019

There is emerging evidence that molecules, receptors, and signaling mechanisms involved in vascular development also play crucial roles during the development of the nervous system. Among others, specific semaphorins and their receptors (neuropilins and plexins) have, in recent years, attracted the attention of researchers due to their pleiotropy of functions. Their functions, mainly associated with control of the cellular cytoskeleton, include control of cell migration, cell morphology, and synapse remodeling. Here, we will focus on their roles in the hippocampal formation that plays a crucial role in memory and learning as it is a prime target during neurodegeneration.
Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Kidney Injury and Repair
Authors: Shu Shaoqun , Wang Ying , Zheng Meiling , Liu Zhiwen , Cai Juan , Tang Chengyuan , Dong Zheng
Published: March 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major kidney disease characterized by an abrupt loss of renal function. Accumulating evidence indicates that incomplete or maladaptive repair after AKI can result in kidney fibrosis and the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypoxia, a condition of insufficient supply of oxygen to cells and tissues, occurs in both acute and chronic kidney diseases under a variety of clinical and experimental conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are the “master” transcription factors responsible for gene expression in hypoxia. Recent researches demonstrate that HIFs play an important role in kidney injury and repair by regulating HIF target genes, including microRNAs. However, there are controversies regarding the pathological roles of HIFs in kidney injury and repair. In this review, we describe the regulation, expression, and functions of HIFs, and their target genes and related functions. We also discuss the involvement of HIFs in AKI and kidney repair, presenting HIFs as effective therapeutic targets.
The Immunogenicity in Mice of HCV Core Delivered as DNA Is Modulated by Its Capacity to Induce Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Stress Response
Authors: Jansons Juris , Sominskaya Irina , Petrakova Natalia , Starodubova Elizaveta S. , Smirnova Olga A. , Alekseeva Ekaterina , Bruvere Ruta , Eliseeva Olesja , Skrastina Dace , Kashuba Elena , Mihailova Marija , Kochetkov Sergey N. , Ivanov Alexander V. , Isaguliants Maria G.
Published: March 2019

HCV core is an attractive HCV vaccine target, however, clinical or preclinical trials of core-based vaccines showed little success. We aimed to delineate what restricts its immunogenicity and improve immunogenic performance in mice. We designed plasmids encoding full-length HCV 1b core and its variants truncated after amino acids (aa) 60, 98, 152, 173, or up to aa 36 using virus-derived or synthetic polynucleotides (core191/60/98/152/173/36_191v or core152s DNA, respectively). We assessed their level of expression, route of degradation, ability to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species/ROS, and to activate the components of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant defense pathway heme oxygenase 1/HO-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase/Nqo-1. All core variants with the intact N-terminus induced production of ROS, and up-regulated expression of HO-1 and Nqo-1. The capacity of core variants to induce ROS and up-regulate HO-1 and Nqo-1 expression predetermined their immunogenicity in DNA-immunized BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. The most immunogenic was core 152s, expressed at a modest level and inducing moderate oxidative stress and oxidative stress response. Thus, immunogenicity of HCV core is shaped by its ability to induce ROS and oxidative stress response. These considerations are important in understanding the mechanisms of viral suppression of cellular immune response and in HCV vaccine design.
Clinicopathological Spectrum of Bilirubin Encephalopathy/Kernicterus
Authors: Das Sumit , van Landeghem Frank K.H.
Published: March 2019

Bilirubin encephalopathy/kernicterus is relatively rare, but continues to occur despite universal newborn screening. What is more interesting is the spectrum of clinical and even neuropathological findings that have been reported in the literature to be associated with bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. In this review, the authors discuss the array of clinicopathological findings reported in the context of bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, as well as the types of diagnostic testing used in patients suspected of having bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. The authors aim to raise the awareness of these features among both pediatric neurologists and neuropathologists.
Political Entrepreneurs and Pork-Barrel Spending
Authors: Klingensmith J. Zachary
Published: March 2019

Pork-barrel spending is the use of federal money for localized projects that yield only a narrow geographic benefit. It is a commonly held belief that politicians use this spending to improve their chances of re-election. One way that an incumbent can increase their chances of re-election is through increased fundraising. Political entrepreneurs see this opportunity and attempt to benefit from these projects in exchange for campaign contributions. This paper investigates whether incumbents are able to use their position to bolster their campaign contributions. I find pork-barrel spending and political contributions to be positively related, but this effect is only present when the incumbent properly times the project. I also find that general federal appropriations do not have the same impact. This supports the claim that pork-barrel spending can be used as a currency in the marketplace for political capital.
The Effect of Special Medical Examination for Night Shift Workers and Follow-Up Management Against Hypertension
Authors: Choi Won Seon , Lee Ji-Won , Lee Jae Yong , Kim Kyeong Yeon , Myong Jun-Pyo , Lee Won-Chul
Published: March 2019

Background: Special health examination is a screening program introduced in 1973 in Korea to examine health problems of workers who are regularly exposed to 177 hazardous substances and physical environments specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Shiftwork was added as a risk factor in 2013. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes of hypertension status after a special medical examination and subsequent follow-up management. Methods: We used the data based on the special medical examination outcomes for night shift workers, performed at seven different health examination centers under the Korea Medical Institute (KMI) between 2014 and 2016. Workers who received special medical examinations for two consecutive years (2014–2015 and 2015–2016) were selected. A final study population of 2070 was evaluated. Results: Compared with the first-year examination, 1503 subjects (72.6%) received hypertension medication or showed improvement in blood pressure in their second-year examination. Older age (≥40s), women, larger workplaces (≥300 full-time workers), long-term workers (≥12 years), improvement in smoking habits, improvements for diabetes or dyslipidemia, normal or reduced BMI, and normal waist circumference were associated with proper management of hypertension. Conclusions: An appropriate follow-up management program should be developed to provide health management for night shift workers that need to focus on the factors identified in this study.
A Community-Based Intervention for Improving Medication Adherence for Elderly Patients with Hypertension in Korea
Authors: Son Kang-Ju , Son Hyo-Rim , Park Bohyeun , Kim Hee-Ja , Kim Chun-Bae
Published: March 2019

The chronic disease management program, a community-based intervention including patient education, recall and remind service, and reduction of out-of-pocket payment, was implemented in 2005 in Korea to improve patients’ adherence for antihypertensive medications. This study aimed to assess the effect of a community-based hypertension intervention intended to enhance patient adherence to prescribed medications. This study applied a non-equivalent control group design using the Korean National Health Insurance Big Data. Hongcheon County has been continuously implementing the intervention program since 2012. This study involved a cohort of patients with hypertension aged >65 and <85 years, among residents who lived in the study area for five years (between 2010 and 2014). The final number of subjects was 2685 in both the intervention and control region. The indirect indicators were analyzed as patients’ adherence and level of continuous treatment using the difference-in-difference regression. The proportion of hypertensive patients who continuously received insurance benefits for >240 days in 2014 was 81.0% in the intervention region and 79.7% in the control region. The number of dispensations per prescription and the dispensation days per hypertensive patient in the intervention region increased by approximately 10.88% and 2.2 days on average by month, respectively, compared to those in the control region. The intervention program encouraged elderly patients with hypertension to receive continuous care. Another research is needed to determine whether further improvement in the continuity of comprehensive care will prevent the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Evaluating the Integrated Methadone and Anti-Retroviral Therapy Strategy in Tanzania Using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Hassan Saria , Cooke Alexis , Saleem Haneefa , Mushi Dorothy , Mbwambo Jessie , Lambdin Barrot H.
Published: March 2019

There are an estimated 50,000 people who inject drugs in Tanzania, with an HIV prevalence in this population of 42%. The Integrated Methadone and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (IMAT) strategy was developed to integrate HIV services into an opioid treatment program (OTP) in sub-Saharan Africa and increase anti-retroviral therapy (ART) initiation rates. In this paper, we evaluate the IMAT strategy using an implementation science framework to inform future care integration efforts in the region. IMAT centralized HIV services into an OTP clinic in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: HIV diagnosis, ART initiation, monitoring and follow up. A mixed-methods, concurrent design, was used for evaluation: quantitative programmatic data and semi-structured interviews with providers and clients addressed 4 out of 5 components of the RE-AIM framework: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation. Results showed high reach: 98% of HIV-positive clients received HIV services; effectiveness: 90-day ART initiation rate doubled, from 41% pre-IMAT to 87% post-IMAT (p < 0.001); proportion of HIV-positive eligible clients on ART increased from 71% pre-IMAT to 98% post-IMAT (p < 0.001). There was high adoption and implementation protocol fidelity. Qualitative results informed barriers and facilitators of RE-AIM components. In conclusion, we successfully integrated HIV care into an OTP clinic in sub-Saharan Africa with increased rates of ART initiation. The IMAT strategy represents an effective care integration model to improve HIV care delivery for OTP clients.
Sweet Immunity: Inulin Boosts Resistance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) against Grey Mold (Botrytis cinerea) in an Ethylene-Dependent Manner
Authors: Tarkowski Łukasz Paweł , Van de Poel Bram , Höfte Monica , Van den Ende Wim
Published: March 2019

The concept of “Sweet Immunity” postulates that sugar metabolism and signaling influence plant immune networks. In this study, we tested the potential of commercially available inulin-type fructans to limit disease symptoms caused by Botrytis cinerea in lettuce. Spraying mature lettuce leaves, with inulin-type fructans derived from burdock or chicory was as effective in reducing grey mold disease symptoms caused by Botrytis cinerea as spraying with oligogalacturonides (OGs). OGs are well-known defense elicitors in several plant species. Spraying with inulin and OGs induced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and levels further increased upon pathogen infection. Inulin and OGs were no longer able to limit Botrytis infection when plants were treated with the ethylene signaling inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), indicating that a functional ethylene signaling pathway is needed for the enhanced defense response. Soluble sugars accumulated in leaves primed with OGs, while 1-MCP treatment had an overall negative effect on the sucrose pool. Accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a stress-associated non-proteinogenic amino acid and possible signaling compound, was observed in inulin-treated samples after infection and negatively affected by the 1-MCP treatment. We have demonstrated for the first time that commercially available inulin-type fructans and OGs can improve the defensive capacity of lettuce, an economically important species. We discuss our results in the context of a possible recognition of fructans as Damage or Microbe Associated Molecular Patterns.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Extract: A Promising Fetal Bovine Serum Alternative in Explant Cultures of Human Periosteal Sheets for Regenerative Therapy
Authors: Kawase Tomoyuki , Nagata Masaki , Okuda Kazuhiro , Ushiki Takashi , Fujimoto Yoko , Watanabe Mari , Ito Akira , Nakata Koh
Published: March 2019

In 2004, we developed autologous periosteal sheets for the treatment of periodontal bone defects. This regenerative therapy has successfully regenerated periodontal bone and augmented alveolar ridge for implant placement. However, the necessity for 6-week culture is a limitation. Here, we examined the applicability of a human platelet-rich fibrin extract (PRFext) as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) for the explant culture of periosteal sheets in a novel culture medium (MSC-PCM) originally developed for maintaining mesenchymal stem cells. Small periosteum tissue segments were expanded in MSC-PCM + 2% PRFext for 4 weeks, and the resulting periosteal sheets were compared with those prepared by the conventional method using Medium199 + 10% FBS for their growth rate, cell multilayer formation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and surface antigen expression (CD73, CD90, and CD105). Periosteal sheets grew faster in the novel culture medium than in the conventional medium. However, assessment of cell shape and ALP activity revealed that the periosteal cells growing in the novel medium were relatively immature. These findings suggest that the novel culture medium featuring PRFext offers advantages by shortening the culture period and excluding possible risks associated with xeno-factors without negatively altering the activity of periosteal sheets.
Cryopreservation of Canine Primary Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons and Its Impact upon Susceptibility to Paramyxovirus Infection
Authors: Schwarz Sarah , Spitzbarth Ingo , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Lehmbecker Annika
Published: March 2019

Canine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, isolated post mortem from adult dogs, could provide a promising tool to study neuropathogenesis of neurotropic virus infections with a non-rodent host spectrum. However, access to canine DRG is limited due to lack of donor tissue and the cryopreservation of DRG neurons would greatly facilitate experiments. The present study aimed (i) to establish canine DRG neurons as an in vitro model for canine distemper virus (CDV) infection; and (ii) to determine whether DRG neurons are cryopreservable and remain infectable with CDV. Neurons were characterized morphologically and phenotypically by light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and functionally, by studying their neurite outgrowth and infectability with CDV. Cryopreserved canine DRG neurons remained in culture for at least 12 days. Furthermore, both non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved DRG neurons were susceptible to infection with two different strains of CDV, albeit only one of the two strains (CDV R252) provided sufficient absolute numbers of infected neurons. However, cryopreserved DRG neurons showed reduced cell yield, neurite outgrowth, neurite branching, and soma size and reduced susceptibility to CDV infection. In conclusion, canine primary DRG neurons represent a suitable tool for investigations upon the pathogenesis of neuronal CDV infection. Moreover, despite certain limitations, cryopreserved canine DRG neurons generally provide a useful and practicable alternative to address questions regarding virus tropism and neuropathogenesis.
A Fast Optimization Algorithm of FEM/BEM Simulation for Periodic Surface Acoustic Wave Structures
Authors: Li Honglang , Lu Zixiao , Ke Yabing , Tian Yahui , Luo Wei
Published: March 2019

The accurate analysis of periodic surface acoustic wave (SAW) structures by combined finite element method and boundary element method (FEM/BEM) is important for SAW design, especially in the extraction of couple-of-mode (COM) parameters. However, the time cost is very large. With the aim to accelerate the calculation of SAW FEM/BEM analysis, some optimization algorithms for the FEM and BEM calculation have been reported, while the optimization for the solution to the final FEM/BEM equations which is also with a large amount of calculation is hardly reported. In this paper, it was observed that the coefficient matrix of the final FEM/BEM equations for the periodic SAW structures was similar to a Toeplitz matrix. A fast algorithm based on the Trench recursive algorithm for the Toeplitz matrix inversion was proposed to speed up the solution of the final FEM/BEM equations. The result showed that both the time and memory cost of FEM/BEM was reduced furtherly.
Study of a High Order Family: Local Convergence and Dynamics
Authors: Amorós Cristina , Argyros Ioannis K. , González Ruben , Magreñán Á. Alberto , Orcos Lara , Sarría Íñigo
Published: March 2019

The study of the dynamics and the analysis of local convergence of an iterative method, when approximating a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation, is presented in this article. We obtain convergence using a center-Lipschitz condition where the ball radii are greater than previous studies. We investigate the dynamics of the method. To validate the theoretical results obtained, a real-world application related to chemistry is provided.
Investigation of Copper Recovery from a New Copper Ore Deposit (Nussir) in Northern Norway: Dithiophosphates and Xanthate-Dithiophosphate Blend as Collectors
Authors: Dhar Priyanka , Thornhill Maria , Kota Hanumantha Rao
Published: March 2019

The Norwegian mining industry is currently showing increasing interest in the production of metals. Recent research has demonstrated promising results identifying the high potential of the Nussir deposit for the production of copper and other valuable minerals. Mineralogical characterization for Nussir ore samples and their flotation concentrates was performed with optical microscopy and Zeiss automated mineralogy (Mineralogic) where the fine copper sulphide middlings were not completely recovered with a traditional sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) collector. In the current study, dithiophosphate and a mixture of xanthate and dithiophosphate collectors’ interaction on copper and other gangue mineral components of the ore sample were investigated with zeta potential, quantitative adsorption, FTIR studies and Hallimond tube flotation. All the results for single mineral experiments confirmed the feasibility of selective copper sulphide flotation by disecondary butyl dithiophosphate (DBD) as collector. The blend of xanthate and dithiophosphate was chemically adsorbed as individual entities on the surface of the copper minerals via competitive adsorption. A systematic study with DBD and a mixed collector (SIBX and DBD) system was conducted on the coarse grind (−105 µm) of the Nussir ore sample, and the results showed a synergistic interaction between the two reagents. The beneficiated copper concentrate using this mixture of collectors is indeed of improved copper grade and recovery. The highest copper recovery in bench scale flotation was 95.3% with a concentrate grade of 19.4% Cu for DBD collector, whereas mixtures of dithiophosphate and xanthate collectors in the ratio of 3:1 resulted in the highest copper grade (24.7%) and recovery (96.3%).
Flavonoid Mixture Inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis Survival and Infectivity
Authors: Cao Ruoqiong , Teskey Garrett , Islamoglu Hicret , Gutierrez Myra , Salaiz Oscar , Munjal Shalok , Fraix Marcel P. , Sathananthan Airani , Nieman David C. , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: March 2019

Background: Flavonoids have been shown to exert anti-pathogenic potential, but few studies have investigated their effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infectivity. We hypothesized that a flavonoid mixture would have a favorable influence on cell death and the resolution of Mtb infection in THP-1 macrophages and in granulomas derived from both healthy participants and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: THP-1 macrophages, and in vitro granulomas from healthy participants (N = 8) and individuals with T2DM (N = 5) were infected with Mtb. A mixed flavonoid supplement (MFS) at a concentration of 0.69 mg per ml was added as treatment to Mtb infected THP-1 macrophages and granulomas for 8 to 15 days. RESULTS: MFS treatment significantly reduced the intracellular Mtb survival, increased cell density, aggregation, and granuloma formation, and increased glutathione (GSH) levels. IL-12 and IFN-γ levels tended to be higher and IL-10 lower when Mtb infected THP-1 macrophages and granulomas obtained from healthy subjects were treated with MFS compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: MFS treatment exerted a strong influence against Mtb infectivity in THP-1 macrophages and in granulomas including antimycobacterial effects, GSH enrichment, cytokine regulation, and augmented granuloma formation. Our data support the strategy of increased flavonoid intake for managing tuberculosis.
Synthesis, Photochemical and In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Iodinated Aminosquaraines as Potential Sensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Mandim Filipa , Graça Vânia C. , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Machado Isabel L. F. , Ferreira Luis F. V. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Santos Paulo F.
Published: March 2019

In this work, several benzothiazole-based aminosquaraine dyes, displaying strong absorption within the so-called phototherapeutic window (650–800 nm), were synthesized. The ability, of all the new dyes, to generate singlet oxygen was assessed by determining the correspondent phosphorescence emission and through the comparison with a standard. The quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation were determined and exhibited to be strongly dependent on the nature of the amino substituents introduced in the squaric ring. The photodynamic activity of the synthesized dyes was tested against four human tumor cell lines: breast (MCF-7), lung (NCI-H460), cervical (HeLa) and hepatocellular (HepG2) carcinomas; and a non-tumor porcine liver primary cell culture (PLP2). All the compounds synthesized were found to be able to inhibit tumor cells growth upon irradiation more than in the dark, in most of the cases, very significantly. Considering the photodynamic activity exhibited and the low toxicity displayed for the non-tumor cells, some of the synthetized dyes can be regarded as potential candidates as photosensitizers for PDT.
RETRACTED: The Impact of Aerobic Exercise and Badminton on HDL Cholesterol Levels in Adult Taiwanese
Authors: Nassef Yasser , Lee Kuan-Jung , Nfor Oswald , Tantoh Disline , Chou Ming-Chih , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: March 2019

Elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). An active lifestyle is necessary in order to improve lipid HDL-C, including (but not limited to) physical exercise. Research on the association between badminton, an intermittent exercise, and HDL-C is limited. We investigated the impact of aerobic exercise and badminton on HDL-C levels in Taiwanese adults. The sociodemographic data of 7797 participants comprising 3559 men and 4238 women aged between 30 to 70 years were retrieved from the Taiwan Biobank. The participants were grouped into three exercise categories—no exercise, aerobic exercise, and badminton exercise. The HDL-C levels were compared using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the associations between HDL and exercise. Comparing the other two groups to the no-exercise group, the individuals who were engaged in aerobic and badminton exercise were significantly associated with a higher HDL-C (β =1.3154; p <0.0001 and β = 6.5954; p = 0.0027, respectively). Aerobic exercise and badminton were also associated with higher HDL-C levels among carriers of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) rs328 genotypes. Aerobic exercise and regular badminton were associated with higher levels of HDL-C, with the badminton group being more significant.
Dietary Folate Intake Is Negatively Associated with Excess Body Weight in Brazilian Graduates and Postgraduates (CUME Project)
Authors: Pereira Gabriela A. , Bressan Josefina , Oliveira Fernando Luiz P. , Sant’Ana Helena Maria P. , Pimenta Adriano M. , Lopes Lílian L. , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana M.
Published: March 2019

Folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intake can be important regulators for obesity development. Thus, we investigated the possible association between the intake of these vitamins and the excess body weight or obesity prevalence in the participants of the Cohort of Universities in Minas Gerais (CUME project). This study analyzed cross-sectional data of 2695 graduates and postgraduates from universities in the state of Minas Gerais (801 men, 1894 women, ages 36.2 ± 9.4). The first step consisted of collecting data online, and the second step consisted of blood collecting in the subsample living in the city of Viçosa and its region (Minas Gerais). Excess body weight and obesity prevalence were 38.1% and 10.1%, respectively. Inadequate intake of folate, B6, and B12 were 12, 6.3, and 11.1%, respectively. Beans/lentils and French bread presented the highest contribution to folate intake (23.45% and 10.01%, respectively). Those individuals in the third tertile for folate intake (≥511.12 μg/d) had a lower excess body weight [prevalence ratio (PR): 0.79, confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.8] and obesity prevalence (PR: 0.60, CI: 0.45–0.78). These associations were maintained when the sample was categorized by sex. In addition, serum folate was positively associated with dietary folate (p for trend = 0.032) and negatively associated with serum homocysteine (p for trend = 0.003) in the subsample. Dietary folate intake was negatively associated with excess body weight and obesity in CUME participants, indicating the relevance of this vitamin dietary assessment.
Dielectric Properties of Epoxy Resin Impregnated Nano-SiO2 Modified Insulating Paper
Authors: Chen Qingguo , Yang Hongda , Wang Xinyu , Liu Heqian , Zhou Kai , Ning Xin
Published: March 2019

Epoxy resin-impregnated insulation paper (RIP) composites are used as the inner insulation of dry condenser bushing in the ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) power transmission system. To improve the dielectric properties of RIP, nano-SiO2 is added to the insulation paper at concentrations of 0–4wt % before impregnation with pure epoxy resin. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy observations as well as the typical dielectric properties of relative permittivity, DC volume conductivity, DC breakdown strength, and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC), were obtained. The effects of trap parameters on the breakdown field strength and volume conductivity were investigated. The DC breakdown electric field strength of the sample increased as the trap level increased. The maximum DC breakdown strength of nano-SiO2-modified RIP was increased by 10.6% the nano-SiO2 content of 2 wt %. The relative permittivity and DC volume conductivity were first decreased and then increased with increasing nano-SiO2 content. These changes occurred near the interfaces between nano-SiO2 and RIP. The increased DC breakdown strength was mainly attributed to the increased trap level.
Refined Two-Stage Programming-Based Multi-Baseline Phase Unwrapping Approach Using Local Plane Model
Authors: Lan Yang , Yu Hanwen , Xing Mengdao
Published: March 2019

The problem of phase unwrapping (PU) in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (InSAR) is caused by the measured range differences being ambiguous with the wavelength. Therefore, multi-baseline (MB) is a key processing step of MB InSAR. Compared with the traditional single-baseline (SB) PU, MB PU is advantageous in solving steep terrain due to its ability to break through the constraint of the phase continuity assumption. However, the accuracy of most of the existing MB PU methods is still limited to its mathematical foundation, i.e., the Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) is too sensitive to measurement bias. To solve this issue, this paper presents a refined algorithm based on the two-stage programming MB PU approach (TSPA) proposed by H. Yu. The significant advantage of the refined TSPA method (abbreviated as LPM-TSPA) is that it improves the performance of stage 1 of TSPA through assuming terrain height surface in the neighborhood pixels can be approximated by a plane to combine more information of the interferometric phase in the local region to estimate the ambiguity number gradient. The experiment results indicate that the LPM-TSPA method can significantly improve the accuracy of the MB PU solution.
Task Scheduling Based on a Hybrid Heuristic Algorithm for Smart Production Line with Fog Computing
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Di
Published: March 2019

Fog computing provides computation, storage and network services for smart manufacturing. However, in a smart factory, the task requests, terminal devices and fog nodes have very strong heterogeneity, such as the different task characteristics of terminal equipment: fault detection tasks have high real-time demands; production scheduling tasks require a large amount of calculation; inventory management tasks require a vast amount of storage space, and so on. In addition, the fog nodes have different processing abilities, such that strong fog nodes with considerable computing resources can help terminal equipment to complete the complex task processing, such as manufacturing inspection, fault detection, state analysis of devices, and so on. In this setting, a new problem has appeared, that is, determining how to perform task scheduling among the different fog nodes to minimize the delay and energy consumption as well as improve the smart manufacturing performance metrics, such as production efficiency, product quality and equipment utilization rate. Therefore, this paper studies the task scheduling strategy in the fog computing scenario. A task scheduling strategy based on a hybrid heuristic (HH) algorithm is proposed that mainly solves the problem of terminal devices with limited computing resources and high energy consumption and makes the scheme feasible for real-time and efficient processing tasks of terminal devices. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed strategy achieves superior performance compared to other strategies.
Application of UHF Sensors in Power System Equipment for Partial Discharge Detection: A Review
Authors: Chai Hua , Phung B.T. , Mitchell Steve
Published: March 2019

Condition monitoring of an operating apparatus is essential for lifespan assessment and maintenance planning in a power system. Electrical insulation is a critical aspect to be monitored, since it is susceptible to failure under high electrical stress. To avoid unexpected breakdowns, the level of partial discharge (PD) activity should be continuously monitored because PD occurrence can accelerate the aging process of insulation in high voltage equipment and result in catastrophic failure if the associated defects are not treated at an early stage. For on-site PD detection, the ultra-high frequency (UHF) method was employed in the field and showed its effectiveness as a detection technique. The main advantage of the UHF method is its immunity to external electromagnetic interference with a high signal-to-noise ratio, which is necessary for on-site monitoring. Considering the detection process, sensors play a critical role in capturing signals from PD sources and transmitting them onto the measurement system. In this paper, UHF sensors applied in PD detection were comprehensively reviewed. In particular, for power transformers, the effects of the physical structure on UHF signals and practical applications of UHF sensors including PD localization techniques were discussed. The aim of this review was to present state-of-the-art UHF sensors in PD detection and facilitate future improvements in the UHF method.