bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O uso da terapia com ozônio no tratamento de pé diabético: revisão integrativa
Authors: Tanaka Raquel Yurika , Pheula Luciana Yumi Tanaka , Monteiro Daiane da Rosa , Souza Tábata de Cavatá
Published: December 2020

O Diabetes Mellitus é considerado um problema de saúde pública por ser uma doença de elevada morbimortalidade e incapacitante pelas suas complicações. As ulcerações são frequentes nos pés de pessoas com diabetes, sendo a infecção o principal fator envolvido na sequência de eventos que levam muitas vezes a amputação do membro inferior e reinternações. O ozônio é uma alternativa de tratamento adjuvante para lesões de difícil cicatrização como as úlceras ocasionadas pelo diabetes. Objetiva-se avaliar as evidências científicas, na literatura nacional e internacional, sobre o uso da ozonioterapia como tratamento do paciente com pé diabético. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com oito artigos selecionados nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Scielo entre o período de 2010 e 2020. Após a leitura, análise e interpretação dos dados, pode-se verificar que, apesar de haver poucos estudos recentes sobre a terapia com ozônio no tratamento de pé diabético, os artigos elucidam o uso do ozônio como uma modalidade promissora de tratamento, que proporciona redução do tempo de cicatrização e melhora no aspecto das lesões. Contudo, nem todos os estudos apresentam o tempo de aplicação e a via de tratamento. Há a necessidade de novas pesquisas para criar padronizações ou protocolos, a fim de otimizar a qualidade de atendimento aos pacientes com pé diabético.
Особенности транзита власти в ФРГ: уроки прошлого и современность
Authors: Шарапо А. В.
Published: December 2020

В статье рассматриваются особенности предстоящего в 2021 г. транзита власти в ФРГ с учетом места и роли этого государства в современной европейской и мировой политике. Запланированная на следующий год отставка канцлера А. Меркель открывает вопрос о выборе дальнейшего политического курса ФРГ, который решится после появления нового лидера крупнейшей партии Германии – ХДС и достижения соглашения с другими политическими силами. Анализируется исторический опыт транзита власти в ФРГ в ХХ – начале ХХI вв., которая переходила от ХДС к СДПГ и обратно в течение многих десятилетий. Это процесс происходил эффективно и стабильно благодаря наличию авторитетных партийных лидеров, которые были способны возглавить правительство ФРГ. Однако в 2020–2021 гг. транзит власти может осложниться, так как до сих пор открыт вопрос, кто сменит А. Меркель в качестве нового руководителя христианских демократов и будущего канцлера. Исходя из этого, важным представляется сравнение транзита власти в ФРГ во второй половине ХХ века и в нынешнем столетии, результаты которого позволят определить особенности и наиболее важные тенденции, определяющие политическое развитие Германии на современном этапе.
Türkiye’de koruma siyaseti ve yerel topluluklar: Köprülü Kanyon Millî Parkı örneği
Authors: BÜYÜKSARAÇ Güldem Baykal
Published: December 2020

Bu makale, neoliberalleşme sürecinin Türkiye’de alan yönetimine etkilerini ele alarak, koruma ile doğanın özelleştirilmesi ve ticarileştirilmesi arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektedir. Türkiye’de resmî koruma anlayışının, neoliberal dönüşüm kadar yönetsel ve ideolojik süreklilikleri de dikkate alarak, millî parklar rejimini nasıl biçimlendirdiğini tartışmaktadır. Çalışma, Köprülü Kanyon Millî Parkı (KKMP) örneğine odaklanarak, (kısmen dönüşen) koruma anlayışının devlet ve orman köylüleri arasındaki etkileşimi ne şekilde yapılandırdığını anlamayı amaçlıyor. Ayrıca, Köprülü Kanyon sularının piyasalaştırılması sürecinden örnekler vererek, “koruma-kullanma dengesi” gözeten himayeci çevre koruyuculuğunun millî park gibi korunan alanlar açısından sonuçlarını araştırıyor.
Gaya Hidup Komsumtif Masyarakat Pengguna Jasa Koperasi Simpan Pinjam
Authors: Fikri Buana Bima , Azhar Azhar
Published: December 2020

Gaya hidup konsumtif pada bukan lagi hal baru ditengah  kehidupan masyarakat, mulai dari penampilan, pakaian yang bermerek, make up yang mahal, warung makan bergengsi serta kendaraan yang digunakan, sangat diperhatikan mereknya sebagai simbol gaya hidup mereka. Dalam penelitian ini mendesklripsikan gaya hidup konsumtif pada masyarakat di Kota Bima. Penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Dengan 8 orang informan yang ditentukan secara purposive sampling. Tehnik pengumpulan data yakni observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Data yang didapatkan di lapangan di analisis dengan cara reduksi data, display data, dan verifikasi data. Pengujian keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi tehnik pengumpulan data, triangulasi sumber data, dan triangulasi waktu. Adapun teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teori konsumsi Franco Modegliani (1950-1962).Hasil temuan dalam penelitian ini, mengambarkan bahwa pengguna jasa koperasi simpan pinjam memiliki berbagai model gaya hidup konsumtif seperti membeli baju, tas, sepatu, aksesoris, android secara onlinedan tempat yang bertaraf gengsi, warung makan yang menjadi langgananya harus mewah, dengan tujuan untuk mempertahankan status dan penampilannya, padahal uang yang digunakan adalah bukan uang sendiri. Dampak negatif dari perilaku tersebut adalah adanya sifat boros, pelanggang nasabah lebih dari 2 sampai 3 koperasi, selain itu nasabah koperasi menjadi malas bekerja dan berusaha, kemudian untuk membayar cicilan koperas dibayar dengan menjadi nasabah lagi di koperasi yang lainnya malas mencari penghasilan serta adanya kecemburuan sosial serta adanya pengguna yang meminjam lebih dari satu kantor koperasi. Dampak positif dari perilaku tersebut hampir rata-rata tidak ditemukan sama sekali.
EVALUASI PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN DAN PELATIHAN MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI BERBASIS ANDROID DI ARSIP NASIONAL REPUBLIK INDONESIA (ANRI)
Authors: Mulyaningrum Vicihayu Dyah , . Sumardi , Suhardi Eka
Published: December 2020

EVALUATION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS USING ANDROID-BASED APPLICATIONS IN THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIAThis study is intended to find out of how to develop Evaluation Development Program for Archival Education and Training Based on Android System. This research was conducted on the Nation Archive of Republic Indonesia. The research method used in this research was R & D and the instrument of the study was a questionnaire distributed to participants in archival education and training. The results showed that in developing program following the 3-D model. The 3-D model consists of 3 stages: define, design and develop. In the first stage (defining), it was found that the evaluation carried out was still utilizing paper media. It did not support the implementation of e-Government systems. The second step (design) was started from making the design, and continued with validating the product to the  team experts. The third step was development. This last stage was carried out by a small scale of trial which was participated with 47 participants. In the small-scale of trial phase was to detect the shortcomings of the product development and further development products would be fixed and be ready for large-scale trials. The large-scale of trial was attended by 95 participants. The analyzing result of the large scale trial had shown that the development product was valid and ready to be disseminated.
PENINGKATAN KEPUASAN KERJA GURU DENGAN CARA PENGUATAN KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI
Authors: Julaeha Siti , Entang M , . Herfina
Published: December 2020

IMPROVING TEACHER JOB SATISFACTION BY STRENGTHENING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTUREThis study is intended to empirically determining teacher job satisfaction by strengthening transformational leadership and organizational culture of honorary teachers of private vocational schools at Cibungbulang District. The number of research sample was 158 teachers taken using proportional random sampling techniques. The utilizing method was the correlational method. Hypothesis testing was carried out using parametric statistical analysis in the form of simple and multiple linear regression analysis, simple and multiple correlation analysis with significance levels α = 0.01 and α = 0.05. This research resulted in four conclusions. Firstly, there was a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership and teacher job satisfaction where the correlation coefficient ry1 = 0.588, the coefficient of determination Ry12 = 0.3461.  Secondly, there was a positive and significant relationship between organizational culture and teacher job satisfaction where the correlation coefficient ry2 = 0.626, the coefficient of determination Ry22 = 0.3914. Thirdly, there was a positive and significant relationship between both transformational leadership and organizational culture with teacher job satisfaction where the correlation coefficient ry.12 = 0.71 and the coefficient of determination Ry.122 = 0.504. Fourthly, the job satisfaction could be improved by strengthening transformational leadership and organizational culture, both separately or altogether. It can be concluded that teacher job satisfaction can be improved by strengthening transformational leadership and organizational culture.
Complement Inhibition in Severe COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Raghunandan Sharmila , Josephson Cassandra D. , Verkerke Hans , Linam W. Matthew , Ingram Treva C. , Zerra Patricia E. , Arthur Connie M. , Stowell Sean R. , Briones Michael , Chonat Satheesh
Published: December 2020

Most children with COVID-19 have asymptomatic or mild illness. Those who become critically ill suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury (AKI). The rapid deterioration of lung function has been linked to microangiopathic and immune-mediated processes seen in the lungs of adult patients with COVID-19. The role of complement-mediated acute lung injury is supported by animal models of SARS-CoV, evaluation of lung tissue in those who died from COVID-19 and response of COVID-19 ARDS to complement inhibition. We present a summary of a child with COVID-19 disease treated with convalescent plasma and eculizumab and provide a detailed evaluation of the inflammatory pathways.
Análisis de las competencias digitales del profesorado universitarios desde el modelo TPACK (conocimiento tecnológico y pedagógico del contenido)
Authors: Hidalgo Cajo Byron Geovanny , Gisbert Cervera Mercé
Published: December 2020

La formación del profesorado universitario en tecnologías digitales (TD) representa un valor importante en el desarrollo de su labor académica, desde esta perspectiva es necesario analizar profundamente las competencias que posee el profesorado mediante la aplicación del modelo TPACK (Tecnological, Pedagogical, Content Knowledge). Para el análisis del modelo se aplicó un instrumento ya elaborado que fue modificado y se comprobó su validez mediante la revisión de expertos en la rama, de la misma manera se realizó el análisis de consistencia interna mediante el alfa de Cronbach obteniendo un valor de 0.733. La muestra analizada fue de 238 docentes, el estudio tiene un enfoque cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal, los principales resultados dan lugar a que las competencias que los docentes poseen están en constante evolución, es así que entre las competencias tecnológicas, pedagógicas y disciplinares de manera independiente logran alcanzar competencias altas en el profesorado, no siendo así las competencias emergentes del TPACK donde se manifiesta una disminución en la integración de las mismas y este efecto posiblemente impacte significativamente en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje, esto no solo permite conocer la situación actual del profesorado en la integración de las TD, sino también brinda una visión muy general de la formación que los estudiantes adquieren mediados por los entornos digitales. Si bien las competencias tecnológicas que el profesorado desarrolle no es la solución en si a todos los problemas de la educación, se deberá también hacer hincapié que estas competencias se enmarquen en sinergia con los conocimientos pedagógicos y de contenidos, con el fin de lograr la calidad educativa.
Metodologías activas, la clave para el cambio de la escuela y su aplicación en épocas de pandemia
Authors: Rocha Espinoza Juan José
Published: December 2020

El presente documento pretende realizar una reflexión sobre la propuesta de las Metodologías Activas del Aprendizaje, basado en el socio-constructivismo. Esta implementación propone un giro en el proceso metodológico de la enseñanza, por ende, el cambio hacia una escuela mucho más amigable, que propone un enfoque formativo hacia la resolución de problemas de la vida cotidiana. Si bien es cierto esta propuesta no es nueva, sin embargo, bajo la situación de confinamiento y la imposición de la educación virtual es crucial su aplicación en los procesos de enseñanza – aprendizaje. En este manuscrito fue necesario realizar una contextualización de la realidad educativa ecuatoriana mediante el tiempo de pandemia y confinamiento en los hogares, pues esta situación demandó cambios estratégicos en el ámbito educativo. Es así, que se pretende proponer acciones de transformación metodológica mientras el proceso educativo siga estandarizado en la virtualidad y a posterior de igual manera, pues al momento del cotejo de la información, se tuvo que priorizar aquellos datos de relevancia que aparecen de manera constante, que van desde el estado de los procesos educativos a nivel escolar estatal hasta la universidad tanto pública como privada. Llegando a concluir que quienes están a cargo de la gestión educativa de los diversos centros educativos privados y públicos opten por propuestas metodológicas más amigables.
Aplicación del U-Learning en la educación superior del Ecuador frente al COVID-19
Authors: Lagos Reinoso Gladys Gioconda , Garcés Suárez Emma Fernanda
Published: December 2020

La tecnología ha cumplido un papel trascendental durante el confinamiento por el COVID-19, permitiendo navegar a través de la disrupción, eliminando fronteras de tiempo y espacio. La presente investigación evalúa la aplicación del U-learning en la educación superior del Ecuador frente al COVID-19, específicamente en la Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, carreras de Medicina Veterinaria e Ingeniería ambiental. Se realizó un estudio del tipo no experimental descriptivo a 140 estudiantes y a 15 docentes. Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado con 12 preguntas y 5 ítems. Los resultados indican que el 89% coincidió que este modelo fomenta el trabajo colaborativo, el 94% consideró que flexibiliza la educación, el 95% permite un aprendizaje personalizado. Se Concluye que l U-learning, tiene un alto nivel de aceptación en la comunidad universitaria, mejora el desempeño individual y colectivo, por lo que es necesario implementar políticas institucionales que permitan su incorporación definitiva en el currículo dentro de la Educación superior del Ecuador.
Characteristics of Phomopsis juglandina (Sacc.) Hohn. Associated with Dieback of Walnut in the Climatic Conditions of Southern Romania
Authors: Mihaescu Cristina , Dunea Daniel , Bășa Adrian Gheorghe , Frasin Loredana Neagu
Published: December 2020

Phomopsis juglandina (Sacc.) Höhn., which is the conidial state of Diaporthe juglandina (Fuckel) Nitschke, and the main pathogen causing the dieback of branches and twigs of walnut was recently detected in many orchards from Romania. The symptomatological, morphological, ultrastructural, and cultural characteristics, as well as the pathogenicity of an isolate of this lignicolous fungus, were described and illustrated. The optimum periods for infection, under the conditions prevailing in Southern Romania, mainly occur in the spring (April) and autumn months (late September-beginning of October). Strong inverse correlations (p < 0.001) were found between potential evapotranspiration and lesion lengths on walnut branches in 2019. The pathogen forms two types of phialospores: alpha and beta; the role of beta phialospores is not well known in pathogenesis. In Vitro, the optimal growth temperature of mycelial hyphae was in the range of 22–26 °C, and the optimal pH is 4.4–7. This pathogen should be monitored continuously due to its potential for damaging infestations of intensive plantations.
Salinity Tolerance of Four Hardy Ferns from the Genus Dryopteris Adans. Grown under Different Light Conditions
Authors: Salachna Piotr , Piechocki Rafał
Published: December 2020

Hardy ferns form a group of attractive garden perennials with an unknown response to abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of three species of ferns of Dryopteris genus (D. affinis, D. atrata and D. filix-mas) and one cultivar (D. filix-mas cv. “Linearis-Polydactylon”) to salinity and light stress. The plants were grown in full sun and shade and watered with 50 and 100 mM dm−3 NaCl solution. All taxa treated with 100 mM NaCl responded with reduced height, leaf greenness index and fresh weight of the above-ground part. In D. affinis and D. atrata salinity caused leaf damage manifested by necrotic spots, which was not observed in the other two taxa. The effect of NaCl depended on light treatments and individual taxon. D. affinis and D. atrata were more tolerant to salinity when growing under shade. Contrary to that, D. filix-mas cv. “Linearis-Polydactylon” seemed to show significantly greater tolerance to this stress under full sun. Salt-treated D. filix-mas cv. “Linearis-Polydactylon” plants accumulated enhanced amounts of K+ in the leaves, which might be associated with the taxon’s tolerance to salinity. Among the investigated genotypes, D. filix-mas cv. “Linearis-Polydactylon” seemed the most and D. affinis and D. atrata the least tolerant to salinity and light stress.
Ranking Species for Veld Restoration in Semi-Arid Regions Using Agronomic, Morphological and Chemical Parameters of Selected Grass Species at Different Developmental Stages under Controlled Environment
Authors: Msiza Ntokozo Happy , Ravhuhali Khuliso Emmanuel , Mokoboki Hilda Kwena , Mavengahama Sydney , Motsei Lebogang Ezra
Published: December 2020

The establishment of complementary native grass species could be an ideal method of dealing with existing problems of veld degradation and inadequate forage quantity and quality of pastures. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of native grasses viz., Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra. Attributes at different growth stages on agronomy, morphology and chemical composition were checked. Panicum maximum had the broader (p < 0.05) leaves across all growth stages when compared to all other grass species. Festuca arundinacea had highest (p < 0.05) number of tillers than C. ciliaris, C. gayana, D. glomerata, D. eriantha, E. curvula, P. maximum and T. triandra at 2–4-months age. Within each species, all grasses had the highest (p < 0.05) number of leaves at maturity. Chloris gayana, D. glomerata and P. maximum had the highest (p < 0.05) biomass yield when compared to F. arundinacea at the elongation stage. Eragrostis curvula had the highest (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) values when compared to all other grasses, except for D. glomerata, F. arundinacea and P. maximum at the elongation stage. Panicum maximum and T. triandra had the least (p < 0.05) acid detergent lignin (ADL) values when compared to all other grasses at both vegetative and the elongation stages. In the ranking, C. ciliaris, C. gayana, D. eriantha, E. curvula, P. maximum and A. pubescens outperformed the rest of the grasses on most parameters. With the low crude protein (CP) content of these grasses, protein supplementation is highly crucial for high performing ruminants, especially those animals that graze grasses as their sole diets.
Optimisation of Weed Control in Organic Processing Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.): Impacts of Cultivar, Seeding Rate, Plant Spacing and Integrated Weed Management Strategy
Authors: De Cauwer Benny , Delanote Lieven , Devos Michaël , De Ryck Sander , Reheul Dirk
Published: December 2020

Weed control in organic spinach for the processing market is challenging because of the low tolerance of weed contamination in the harvested produce and the limited physical weeding options. Optimisation of weed control systems is therefore urgently needed. Three field experiments with autumn spinach were carried out in organic fields to evaluate the impact of cultivar choice, seeding rate (300 and 400 seeds m−2), plant spacing management (10.5-cm-wide single rows and 21-cm-wide single or twin rows) and integrated weed management strategy (combinations of pre-sowing, pre-emergence and post-emergence tactics) on weed biomass and spinach yield and quality. Spinach cultivars with a planophile growth habit and a high growth rate were more weed suppressive than the cultivar with an erectophile growth habit and a slower growth rate. Spinach density was significantly negatively correlated with weed biomass and weed biomass fraction in the harvested produce, but significantly positively correlated with (marketable) spinach biomass and petiole fraction in the harvested produce. Narrow row spacing systems with post-emergence broadcast harrowing had the lowest weed biomass and weed biomass fraction but also the lowest (marketable) spinach biomass as a result of the thinning action of harrowing. Post-emergence harrowing is of key importance for reducing weed biomass in any integrated weed control strategy. Weediness was lowest in systems comprising flaming on false seedbed or in pre-emergence followed by post-emergence harrowing. To mitigate the risk of crop failure, the field should preferably be cropped with quickly growing spinach plants arranged in narrow spaced rows at high plant density and weeded by pre-sowing or pre-emergence flaming followed by post-emergence harrowing.
Effects of Environmental Drivers and Agricultural Management on Soil CO2 and N2O Emissions
Authors: Dencső Márton , Horel Ágota , Bogunovic Igor , Tóth Eszter
Published: December 2020

Understanding the roles of natural drivers and anthropogenic activities in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of arable fields is crucial for adopting the most appropriate agricultural management. This study investigated the effect of two tillage treatments of mouldboard ploughing (MP) and no-tillage (NT), and the environmental factors (soil water content and temperature, carbon content and nitrogen forms) on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The research was conducted on chernozem soil under winter wheat cultivation. Besides field monitoring, several laboratory experiments took place to examine the effects of environmental drivers and fertilization management on soil GHG emissions. We observed no significant difference between the CO2 emission of MP and NT during a full year period. Nevertheless, significant differences were found in the sub-periods (more particularly during vegetation and then after harvest). NT had higher CO2 emission than MP in all laboratory experiments (p < 0.001) and in the after harvest period of the field trial, measured on bare soil (p < 0.0001). NT had significantly higher N2O emission both under laboratory (p < 0.0001) and field conditions (p < 0.0081). Different fertilization showed no distinguishable effect on N2O emission in the laboratory. This study confirms that N2O emission of the arable field depended more on soil water content than soil temperature, and vice-versa for CO2 emission.
Mediterranean Olive Orchards under Climate Change: A Review of Future Impacts and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Fraga Helder , Moriondo Marco , Leolini Luisa , Santos João A.
Published: December 2020

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an ancient traditional crop in the Mediterranean Basin. In the Mediterranean region, traditional olive orchards are distinguishable by their prevailing climatic conditions. Olive trees are indeed considered one of the most suitable and best-adapted species to the Mediterranean-type climate. However, new challenges are predicted to arise from climate change, threatening this traditional crop. The Mediterranean Basin is considered a climate change “hotspot,” as future projections hint at considerable warming and drying trends. Changes in olive tree suitability have already been reported over the last few decades. In this context, climate change may become particularly challenging for olive growers. The growing evidence for significant climate change in the upcoming decades urges adaptation measures to be taken. To effectively cope with the projected changes, both short and long-term adaptation strategies must be timely planned by the sector stakeholders and decision-makers to adapt for a warmer and dryer future. The current manuscript is devoted to illustrating the main impacts of climate change on olive tree cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin, by reviewing the most recent studies on this subject. Additionally, an analysis of possible adaptation strategies against the potentially negative impacts of climate change was also performed.
Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils on Oral Microbiota Biofilms: The Toothbrush In Vitro Model
Authors: Aires Andreia , Barreto António Salvador , Semedo-Lemsaddek Teresa
Published: December 2020

The present investigation intended to evaluate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal abilities of clove, oregano and thyme essential oils against oral bacteria in planktonic and biofilm states. Furthermore, aiming to mimic everyday conditions, a toothbrush in vitro model was developed. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration were achieved using the microdilution procedure. To simulate the toothbrush environment, nylon fibers were inoculated with oral bacteria, which, after incubation to allow biofilm development, were submitted to contact with the essential oils under study. Thyme and oregano essential oils revealed promising antimicrobial effects, both in growth inhibition and the destruction of cells in planktonic and biofilm states, while clove essential oil showed a weaker potential. Regarding the toothbrush in vitro model, observation of the nylon fibers under a magnifying glass proved the essential oil anti-biofilm properties. Considering the effects observed using the in vitro toothbrush model, a realistic approximation to oral biofilm establishment in an everyday use object, a putative application of essential oils as toothbrush sanitizers to help prevent the establishment of bacterial biofilm can be verified.
Potential Therapeutic Role of Phytochemicals to Mitigate Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rahman Md. Ataur , Rahman MD. Hasanur , Biswas Partha , Hossain Md. Shahadat , Islam Rokibul , Hannan Md. Abdul , Uddin Md Jamal , Rhim Hyewhon
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function and neuronal damage. Although the precise pathobiology of AD remains elusive, accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the underlying causes of AD. Mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA that encode mitochondrial components may cause mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, the dysfunction of electron transport chain complexes, along with the interactions of mitochondrial pathological proteins are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress (OS) and vice versa. Neuroinflammation is another potential contributory factor that induces mitochondrial dysfunction. Phytochemicals or other natural compounds have the potential to scavenge oxygen free radicals and enhance cellular antioxidant defense systems, thereby protecting against OS-mediated cellular damage. Phytochemicals can also modulate other cellular processes, including autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, pharmacological intervention via neuroprotective phytochemicals can be a potential strategy to combat mitochondrial dysfunction as well as AD. This review focuses on the role of phytochemicals in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD.
Cold Boot Attacks on the Supersingular Isogeny Key Encapsulation (SIKE) Mechanism
Authors: Villanueva-Polanco Ricardo , Angulo-Madrid Eduardo
Published: December 2020

This research paper evaluates the feasibility of cold boot attacks on the Supersingular Isogeny Key Encapsulation (SIKE) mechanism. This key encapsulation mechanism has been included in the list of alternate candidates of the third round of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this scheme is assessed in the cold boot attacks setting. In particular, our evaluation is focused on the reference implementation of this scheme. Furthermore, we present a dedicated key-recovery algorithm for SIKE in this setting and show that the key recovery algorithm works for all the parameter sets recommended for this scheme. Moreover, we compute the success rates of our key recovery algorithm through simulations and show the key recovery algorithm may reconstruct the SIKE secret key for any SIKE parameters for a fixed and small α=0.001 (the probability of a 0 to 1 bit-flipping) and varying values for β (the probability of a 1 to 0 bit-flipping) in the set {0.001,0.01,…,0.1}. Additionally, we show how to integrate a quantum key enumeration algorithm with our key-recovery algorithm to improve its overall performance.
Prediction of Shale Gas Reservoirs Using Fluid Mobility Attribute Driven by Post-Stack Seismic Data: A Case Study from Southern China
Authors: Zeng Jing , Stovas Alexey , Huang Handong , Ren Lixia , Tang Tianlei
Published: December 2020

Paleozoic marine shale gas resources in Southern China present broad prospects for exploration and development. However, previous research has mostly focused on the shale in the Sichuan Basin. The research target of this study is expanded to the Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale outside the Sichuan Basin. A prediction scheme of shale gas reservoirs through the frequency-dependent seismic attribute technology is developed to reduce drilling risks of shale gas related to complex geological structure and low exploration level. Extracting frequency-dependent seismic attribute is inseparable from spectral decomposition technology, whereby the matching pursuit algorithm is commonly used. However, frequency interference in MP results in an erroneous time-frequency (TF) spectrum and affects the accuracy of seismic attribute. Firstly, a novel spectral decomposition technology is proposed to minimize the effect of frequency interference by integrating the MP and the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). Synthetic and real data tests indicate that the proposed spectral decomposition technology provides a TF spectrum with higher accuracy and resolution than traditional MP. Then, a seismic fluid mobility attribute, extracted from the post-stack seismic data through the proposed spectral decomposition technology, is applied to characterize the shale reservoirs. The application result indicates that the seismic fluid mobility attribute can describe the spatial distribution of shale gas reservoirs well without well control. Based on the seismic fluid mobility attribute section, we have learned that the shale gas enrich areas are located near the bottom of the Longmaxi Formation. The inverted velocity data are also introduced to further verify the reliability of seismic fluid mobility. Finally, the thickness map of gas-bearing shale reservoirs in the Longmaxi Formation is obtained by combining the seismic fluid mobility attribute with the inverted velocity data, and two favorable exploration areas are suggested by analyzing the thickness, structure, and burial depth. The present work can not only be used to evaluate shale gas resources in the early stage of exploration, but also help to design the landing point and trajectory of directional drilling in the development stage.
The Use of MgO Obtained from Serpentinite in the Synthesis of a Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Matrix for Radioactive Waste Immobilization
Authors: Kulikova Svetlana A. , Vinokurov Sergey E. , Khamizov Ruslan K. , Vlasovskikh Natal’ya S. , Belova Kseniya Y. , Dzhenloda Rustam K. , Konov Magomet A. , Myasoedov Boris F.
Published: December 2020

Magnesium oxide is a necessary binding agent for the synthesis of a magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP) matrix based on MgKPO4 × 6H2O, which is promising for the solidification of radioactive waste (RW) on an industrial scale. The performed research is devoted to finding a cost-effective approach to the synthesis of MPP matrix by using MgO with an optimal ratio of the quality of the binding agent and the cost of its production. A method for obtaining MgO from the widely available natural mineral serpentinite was proposed. The phase composition, particle morphology, and granulometric composition of MgO were studied. It was found that the obtained MgO sample, in addition to the target periclase phase, also contains impurities of brucite and hydromagnesite; however, after calcining at 1300 °C for 3 h, MgO transforms into a monophase state with a periclase structure with an average crystallite size of 62 nm. The aggregate size of the calcined MgO powder in an aqueous medium was about 55 μm (about 30 μm after ultrasonic dispersion), and the specific surface area was 5.4 m2/g. This powder was used to prepare samples of the MPP matrix, the compressive strength of which was about 6 MPa. The high hydrolytic stability of the MPP matrix was shown: the differential leaching rate of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus from the sample on the 91st day of its contact with water does not exceed 1.6 × 10−5, 4.7 × 10−4 и 8.9 × 10−5 g/(cm2·day), respectively. Thus, it was confirmed that the obtained MPP matrix possesses the necessary quality indicators for RW immobilization.
Physical Exercise Goals of the Elderly through the Analysis of Kinetic and Kinematic Variables of Quick Walking—Results of the Koreans Elderly Using a Motion Analysis System
Authors: Roh Chang-Gyun
Published: December 2020

Since the global population is rapidly aging, social interest in the topic is increasing. However, there are not many studies on the elderly who are able to walk on their own, who make up the absolute majority of the total elderly population. Most studies and technological advancements are focused on either the development of assisting devices or on the elderly who use such devices or have a medical history. Therefore, this study analyzed the walks of 31 ordinary individuals of standard physical size and 31 elderly individuals. While there are studies on general gait and walk, there are not many on “maximum walking,” which is associated with a high risk of fall. For this purpose, a motion analysis system and the Ground Reaction Force Plate were used. The results of measuring and analyzing a total of 15 types of kinematic and kinetic variables as targets showed that the elderly experienced a reduced hike in the walking speed by approximately 5% during maximum walking when compared with normal walking. The variables related to balance were measured to be as high as 12%. Considering this, exercise of the elderly should be more focused on reinforcing variables related to balance, and in particular, emphasis should be placed on maintaining balance even when the walking speed increases.
Preliminary Study to Explore the Immune-Enhancement Mechanism of Platycodon grandiflorus Extract through Comparative Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Varun , Cho Yeong-Im , Lee Hae-Jeung
Published: December 2020

Platycodon grandiflorus has huge potential medicinal applications in different diseases and immune enhancement (IE). In the past, limited studies have been conducted to decipher the molecular mechanism behind IE of Platycodon grandiflorus extract (PGE) despite the fact that IE can be one of the important factors for application of PGE in different diseases including cancer. In this study, whole transcriptome expression and subsequent analysis in PGE treated/untreated organisms were carried out to explore the molecular mechanism behind IE, and subsequently anticancer effect. Current study has the possibility of interaction of PGE treatment with diet, so further study is required to validate the results. The immunity-related genes were found to be up-regulated in the differential expression analysis, which is in line with the IE potential of PGE and the literature. Similarly, Siglec-15, the immune-suppressor gene that has recently been suggested as the normalization target in cancer, was one of the most down-regulated genes. In a set analysis with immune-suppressor genes, the high number of immune-suppressor genes were found to be down-regulated, which indicated that down-regulation of immune-suppressor genes can be the major mechanism behind the IE in PGE treatment. Identified genes, important in immunity and cancer, are highly recommended for anticancer and IE targets in future studies.
Ghost Imaging by a Proportional Parameter to Filter Bucket Data
Authors: Tao Min , Gong Xiaobin , Guan Jian , Song Junfeng , Song Zhixin , Li Xueyan , Guo Shuxu , Chen Jian , Yu Siyao , Gao Fengli
Published: December 2020

Most ghost imaging reconstruction algorithms require a large measurement time to retrieve the object information clearly. But not all groups of data play a positive role in reconstructing the object image. Abandoning some redundant data can not only enhance the quality of reconstruction images but also speed up the computation process. Here, we propose a method to screen the data using two threshold values set by a proportional parameter during the sampling process. Experimental results show that the reserved data after screening can be used in several reconstruction algorithms, and the reconstruction quality is enhanced or at least remains at the same level. Meanwhile, the computing time costs are greatly reduced, and so is the data storage.
Middle Holocene Coastal Environmental and Climate Change on the Southern Coast of Korea
Authors: Lee Hoil , Lee Jin-Young , Shin Seungwon
Published: December 2020

We obtained a 15 m drill core from Deukryang Bay on the southwest coast of Korea, which is now an area of reclaimed land used for agriculture. We investigated changes in the depositional environment and hydrological climate responses to sea level changes using sedimentary facies, radiocarbon ages, grain-size analysis, total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), and stable carbon isotopes (δ13C). Sediment deposition began at 12,000 cal yr BP and was divided into four stages based on changes from fluvial to intertidal environments related to Holocene marine transgression events. Stage 1 (>10,000 cal yr BP) is represented by fluvial sediments; Stage 2 (10,000–7080 cal yr BP) is represented by the deposition of mud facies in an intertidal zone in response to sea level rise; Stage 3 (7080–3300 cal yr BP) was a period of gradually descending sea level following the Holocene maximum sea level and is characterized by gradual changes in TOC, TS, and C/S ratios compared with the mud facies of Stage 2. Stage 4 (3300 to present) was deposited in a supratidal zone and contains low TS and an abundance of TOC. Based on our TS and C/S ratio results, the south coast of Korea was mainly affected by sea level rise between 7000 and 3000 cal yr BP, during the middle Holocene. At 3000 cal yr BP, sea level began to stabilize or gradually decrease. In addition, changes in δ13C values are clearly observed since ca. 5000 cal yr BP, in particular, large hydrological changes via freshwater input are confirmed in 4000–3000 cal yr BP. We consider these shifts in freshwater input indicators of an increased influence of El Niño and La Niña conditions, related to the weakening of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) and changes in sea surface temperature (SST) of the Western Pacific Ocean during the middle Holocene climatic optimum (between 7800 and 5000 cal yr BP). The cooling periods of SST in East Asia between 8400 and 6600 cal yr BP reported from the west coast of Korea are related closely to changes in vegetation (as evidenced by δ13C) from 7700 cal yrs BP to the present in the southwest coast of Korea. We interpret the freshwater input events at 4000–3000 cal yr BP to be related to changes in SST in response to the weakening of the EASM on the southwest coast of Korea. However, additional research is needed to study the southward migration effect of the westerly jet related to SST and atmospheric circulation controlling terrestrial climate in the middle Holocene.
Predictive Sales and Operations Planning Based on a Statistical Treatment of Demand to Increase Efficiency: A Supply Chain Simulation Case Study
Authors: Gallego-García Sergio , García-García Manuel
Published: December 2020

Forecasting is the basis for planning. Good planning is based on a good prediction of what is going to happen to prepare a company, a department, and their environments for certain future developments and their intermediate states. In this context, resources are allocated to these future states in the most efficient way, given a certain set of resource conditions. Although market volatility demands the high adaptability of companies’ operations, dynamic planning is still not widespread. As a result, the alignment of planning processes with potential scenarios is not given, leading to a lack of solution preparation in the long term, suboptimal decision-making in the medium term, and corrective measures in the short term, with higher costs and a lower service level. Therefore, the aim of this research is to propose a predictive approach that will help managers develop sales and operations planning (S&OP) with higher accuracy and stability. For this purpose, a methodology combining demand scenarios, statistical analysis of the demand, forecasting techniques, random number generation, and system dynamics was developed. The goal of this predictive S&OP is to predict the supply chain system’s behavior to generate plans that prevent potential inefficiencies, thereby avoiding corrective measures. In addition, to assess the methodology, the model is applied in the software Vensim, for an automotive producer´s supply chain, to compare the predictive S&OP model with a classical approach. The results show that the proposed predictive approach can increase a manufacturer’s efficiency by increasing its adaptability through the identification of potential inefficiencies and can also be used to prepare solutions.
The Effects of Antioxidant Supplements on the Inflammatory Gene Expression of Osteoarthritis-Like Chondrocytes
Authors: Su Chen-Ying , Luo Yongxiang , Fang Chi-Hau , Fang Hsu-Wei
Published: December 2020

Osteoarthritis patients often experience pain and inflammation in joints. To understand whether antioxidant supplements could reduce inflammation and could potentially be applied for osteoarthritis treatment, vitamin E and resveratrol were investigated in this study. Hydrogen peroxide was used for inducing inflammation in porcine chondrocytes, and the lumen density was measured for the level of oxygen-derived free radicals. In total, 5, 50, 100, and 200 μM of vitamin E and resveratrol were analyzed for cell viability and the effect of lumen density. In addition, the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-13, and COL2A1 were investigated when treating chondrocytes with 100 μM vitamin E, 5 μM resveratrol, or their combination before or after hydrogen peroxide induction. Inducing chondrocytes with hydrogen peroxide for 30 min increased the level of lumen density sufficiently and stimulated the expression of inflammatory genes. All the concentrations of vitamin E and resveratrol showed good cell viability. Single treatment with either vitamin E or resveratrol reduced inflammatory gene expression, and combined treatment increased the expression of collagen type II. The results suggested that post-treatment with both vitamin E and resveratrol has a better effect on the reduction in inflammation in osteoarthritis-like chondrocytes.
Analytical Pyrolysis and Mass Spectrometry to Characterise Lignin in Archaeological Wood
Authors: Lucejko Jeannette Jacqueline , Tamburini Diego , Modugno Francesca , Ribechini Erika , Colombini Maria Perla
Published: December 2020

This review describes the capability of analytical pyrolysis-based techniques to provide data on lignin composition and on the chemical alteration undergone by lignin in archaeological wooden objects. Applications of Direct Exposure Mass Spectrometry (DE-MS), Evolved Gas Analysis Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS), and single and double-shot Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) in archaeological lignin characterisation are described. With comparison to cellulose and hemicelluloses, lignin is generally less prone to most degradation processes affecting archaeological artefacts in burial environments, especially waterlogged ones, which are the most favourable for wood preservation. Nevertheless, lignin also undergoes significant chemical changes. As wood from waterlogged environments is mainly composed of lignin, knowledge of its chemical structure and degradation pathways is fundamental for choosing preventive conservation conditions and for optimising consolidation methods and materials, which directly interact with the residual lignin. Analytical pyrolysis coupled with mass spectrometry, used in several complementary operational modes, can gather information regarding the chemical modifications and the state of preservation of lignin, especially concerning oxidation and depolymerisation phenomena. Several applications to the analysis of wood from archaeological artefacts affected by different conservation problems are presented to showcase the potential of analytical pyrolysis in various scenarios that can be encountered when investigating archaeological waterlogged wood.
Design of Personalized Devices—The Tradeoff between Individual Value and Personalization Workload
Authors: Kuhl Juliane , Ding Andreas , Ngo Ngoc Tuan , Braschkat Andres , Fiehler Jens , Krause Dieter
Published: December 2020

Personalized medical devices adapted to the anatomy of the individual promise greater treatment success for patients, thus increasing the individual value of the product. In order to cater to individual adaptations, however, medical device companies need to be able to handle a wide range of internal processes and components. These are here referred to collectively as the personalization workload. Consequently, support is required in order to evaluate how best to target product personalization. Since the approaches presented in the literature are not able to sufficiently meet this demand, this paper introduces a new method that can be used to define an appropriate variety level for a product family taking into account standardized, variant, and personalized attributes. The new method enables the identification and evaluation of personalizable attributes within an existing product family. The method is based on established steps and tools from the field of variant-oriented product design, and is applied using a flow diverter—an implant for the treatment of aneurysm diseases—as an example product. The personalization relevance and adaptation workload for the product characteristics that constitute the differentiating product properties were analyzed and compared in order to determine a tradeoff between customer value and personalization workload. This will consequently help companies to employ targeted, deliberate personalization when designing their product families by enabling them to factor variety-induced complexity and customer value into their thinking at an early stage, thus allowing them to critically evaluate a personalization project.